This past weekend I attended the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI) night golf tournament. My friend Allison, volunteers for the CCVI and when I heard the words “golf” and “benefit” — I was sold.

What was unique about this golf tournament, was the back 9 was played in the dark. Yes, you read that right — in the DARK. It was AWESOME! They setup glow sticks down the fairway and on the flag pins and you hit with “light-up” golf balls.

I video blogged the experience, watch it below. It was hard capturing the “night footage”, but the video gives you a pretty good idea of what it was like.

Last night I attended for the third time startFEST, an “after work” social gathering geared towards putting together startup companies and members from the investment community. Their promotional flyer describes the event as:

“A social gathering with an aim to create relationships among growth-oriented entrepreneurs, innovative companies, and members from the investment community. StartPATH is a virtual incubator and social network helping entrepreneurs transform concepts into successful companies.”

In my opinion it’s a great event in which other fellow entrepreneurs can see up-and-coming businesses. I love coming to these events to be around people who are “carving their own path” and doing it their way. Having the drive, ambition, and emotional capacity to start your own company isn’t something everyone can do. Everyone is unique with their stories of being motivated and trying to make it all happen.

Check out quick video blog I put together (below). I just started experimenting with YouTube and it’s new annotation feature — which makes commenting over my video pretty cool!

I enjoy watching the video interviews Robert Scoble does for FastCompany.TV — why? It’s not so much for him, but for the REAL people in the industry he gets to discuss their website, product or just about the industry. What I really enjoy hearing and seeing is the “how” other people communicate at different companies. I take mental notes of what they do effectively and what can I adopt in my own style of communication. Communication is everything no matter what industry you are in — but having a “polish” to your presentation always is important.

I wanted to point out after watching an interview Scoble did with the lead product manager at Facebook, Mark Slee, what the rationale behind the new Facebook and it’s new user interface.

You can watch the 20-minute interview like I did… or just read the next couple of paragraphs for my “short and sweet” version.

When the News Feed was orginally launched — it’s objective was to share activity of your friends and what they were doing on Facebook. While it took a while for mass adoption, eventually people realized it truly was a valuable industry changing feature that not only saved time by bringing forward updates of all your friends — but it also help engage users to contribute more so their content would appear in their friends’ News Feeds. It was a brilliant move.

So what’s new in the new Facebook?

Feeds.

The focus of the entire redesign is on feeds. As you can see in my highly technical drawing below (spent a grand total of 4 minutes on it) the main difference is that feeds have now been pulled as the main focus for users profiles. While the old site had a “mini-feed” section, it also contained static areas like “personal information” and “favorite music” which never changed. On the new Facebook the feed is the ONLY item on the initial profile page. Furthermore, feeds are sortable on the homepage by filters; News Feed, Status Updates, Photos, Posted Items and Live Feed.

What does this mean? If users want their profiles to be populated with content — they MUST interact on Facebook. They must post photos, video, write on people’s walls, comment, etc.

If you think about it — this is a big shift. No longer does maintaining the list of your favorite movies and music artists suffice. Creating content is the new focus. Sharing is the new focus. The new Facebook makes sharing easy to do and rewards users with prominence if they do it. Much like the initial launch of News Feed, I think it will take time for mass adoption — but I do believe it’s big step in the user interface that rewards it’s users with value in investing time on the site.

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So check out the logo for the benefit party I’m planning (below). How awesome is this!?!

I posted earlier this month about the benefit party I’m planning — which is help a local organization her in Kansas City, Operation Breakthrough.

I’m really proud of the fact the friends I’m working with are doing everything they can to make this party the best it can be. We’ve already secured the venue which is Tower Tavern — and we have a local “hip-hop” band that will be performing too!

It’s just amazing how much everyone is willing to help out. I can’t tell you how great of a feeling to watch this all come together.
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If you think all these people “poking around” on the Internet who blog, post and share — that their efforts are just a big waste of time, consider the following excerpt in recent issue of Wired magazine:

“The Hollywood gossip site PerezHilton.com averages 198 million page views a month. Ads on his homepage fetch up to $54,000 a day, and his overhead is minimal — his only employee is his sister Barby, who fields emails and corrects typos.” He first created the website using the free blog application, Blogger.”

Need some inspiration?  Read the blog post I wrote that is intended to motivate you about life. Make the most of those 24-hours you have each and every day!

For the past 77 years, a great tradition happens here in Kansas City — the Plaza Art Fair. The Plaza Art Fair is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 5 art festivals. It’s three-day event which features 230 artists from 36 states. The celebration of the arts extends 9-blocks into the streets of the Plaza.

It’s just a great outdoor event here in KC.

This year I went during the day to grab a late lunch and meet some friends. I noticed so many people love bringing their dogs to the Art Fair. In fact, this year I got more of a kick out of seeing some of the exotic dogs than the art!

One thing still holds true, if I ever want to own some of this cool art featured at these shows — I’m going to need a lot of money.

Meet my friend and co-worker Ferris — and his cell phone. He has your standard traditional flip-phone. However, what isn’t so traditional is it’s missing the screen. COMPLETELY. While the “flip” part has broken off, the phone somehow still works. Watch how Ferris still manages to use his cell phone, even though it’s half-way broken… and has no screen or earpiece. Hil-arious.

I totally called this! No really — want proof? Prior to this SNL sketch, during the Republican National Convention, when Palin gave her first speech, I Twittered the following message:

So in a unexpected turn of events last week, an opportunity to move downtown here in Kansas City has presented itself. And I’m totally going for it. I’M SO STOKED! Downtown KC is exploding with growth and seems like a great place to be, especially given my own personal situation <– (what the heck does that mean Ramsey?)

The process of moving makes one go through a thought process that we’re not faced with on a day-to-day basis. However it’s extremely significant considering the decision making you’re faced with. Having to pick up and move to a location makes one reevaluate what’s important to you. It even made me personally think through bigger life questions such as; what living environment do I need to be happy?

I realized my life can literally be moved in exactly 5 boxes.

Now, I determined this could be looked at in one of two ways:

A.) Cool. I’m not tied down to many material possessions I feel need to be “moved” with me.
-or-
B.) Holy jeez, my life fits into only 5 boxes! Really? …is that a bad thing?

I’ve come to the conclusion I’m happy with the fact that I’ve got a simplistic set of “things” I must have. It’s actually refreshing. However, I will disclose the majority of those 5 boxes my life fits into… is mainly comprised of electronics and computers (which isn’t a surprise)

Downtown Kansas City, October 1st — here I come!
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**UPDATE**
There was a piece I remember watching on 60 Minutes by Andy Rooney that is semi-sorta-related to my post. In the video (below) he discusses how people carry around “more stuff” than ever before.  It’s completely a Seinfeld-like observation — but nevertheless very true.

For those of you that know me well — you know that I enjoy running for fun. As crazy as that is to say, it’s one of those few things that helps me “decompress”. Running outside is a preferred (as long as the weather is above 30 degrees). I can’t stand running on treadmills, they make me feel like I’m a “lab rat’ in some sort of experiment. Fighting the elements is much more fulfilling and enjoyable than running “in place”.

If I’m running I HAVE to have music. Call me a “product of modern technology” or someone with A.D.D., but I look forward to rockin’ a new set of songs for my runs. I try to mix some old stuff with some new — and always keep it random.

I thought I’d share my most recent playlist (below). You can click on any of the songs to listen to them. If you haven’t heard of these artists, you should check ‘em out.

1.) “Numba 1″ - Kardinal Offishall
2.) “Mayday!!!” - Flobots
3.) “One More Time / Aerodynamic (live)” - Daft Punk
4.) “Remember the Name” - Fort Minor
5.) “Mr Brightside” - The Killers
6.) “Ocean Avenue” - Yellowcard
7.) “Bawitadaba” - Kid Rock
8.) “Break Stuff” - Limp Bizkit
9.) “Crying For The Queen” - Little Jackie
10.) “Squeeze Me” - Kraak And Smaak
11.) “Play Your Part (Part 1)” - Girl Talk
12.) “Got Money” - Lil Wayne

What do YOU listen to when you work out? I’d be curious to see what you listen to when you workout?

This weekend I DJ’ed two weddings. During one of the weddings, a bridesmaid totally called me out about accusing me of being an “apple fanboy”. I was shocked. I’m not at all “married” to either OS. In my opinion, the tasks you are looking to accomplish determines “go PC” or “go Apple”.

It’s funny to think how defensive I was when I was “accused” of only liking Apple — but it did make me realize I’m completely agnostic and objective about what I choose. With technology, there’s so many choices — it’s dumb to have any brand loyalty to any company.

If you haven’t heard or seen the commercials already — Microsoft has allocated $300 million on a new marketing/ad campaign using Jerry Seinfeld. So what are they trying to do? While they may not admit it, I think they’re desperately trying to make Microsoft look “cool”.

Sadly, unless my humor neurons are completely tangled and jammed — I just don’t think any these commercials are funny.  More importantly, I’m not sure how this is repositioning the brand Microsoft brand. Who the heck is running this Mickey Mouse Show?

This post is to acknowledge the anniversary of this day, and to take a moment to remember those who were lost. May they rest in peace.

I was listening to the NPR 9/11 reports this morning on the drive in to work — it was hard not to get choked up. I find it eerie to check my calendar, receive emails or even look at blog time/date stamps. Not to mention I have a friend who is flying today…

I haven’t been this excited in a while. What about you ask? Today I met to finalize a partnership with Operation Breakthrough, an organization to help children in poverty, right here in Kansas City. They help over 600 children everyday of families that live below the federal poverty guidelines.

Now, if you re-rewind back to 2005, myself and a couple roommates wanted a reason to throw a party — naturally Christmas came to mind as one of our favorite holidays. Approximately 60-70 people attended our first party. Last year we had well over 100+. Every year since 2005 has been a great success. After cleaning up last year, it was unanimously in agreement that we need to turn all of our hard work in to good for others, and raise money to benefit a charity. This year I decided to aim to break new ground and build a foundation for the continual planning of this great party.

**The vision for “The Ugly Sweater Christmas Party” is to become the biggest and best yearly holiday fund raiser in Kansas City.**

That being said, we’ve got a long way to go in becoming the “largest”, but I’ve formed a steering committee of about 10 people who I consider good friends, I trust, that can make this event a success. We want to focus on planning the best party we can this year that is fun and helps a great organization, Operation Breakthrough.

I should note, we decided on Operation Breakthrough because we wanted an organization that wasn’t already highly established and we wanted to keep it local. We could of easily picked Toys 4 Tots, but they already have several large companies helping to their cause. Our benefit is homegrown and requires us to build exposure about our event.  Why not build exposure for a organization that is up-and-coming as well? We think it’s a win-win situation.  Take this into consideration; 49% of Operation Breakthrough’s funds come from private contributions.  In order to survive, they need OUR help. Anything we can do to help contribute to that 49% is considered success.

So, stay tuned — we’re currently working to secure a venue for the party (we’re thinking Levee, John’s Upper Deck, Tower Tavern or Harlings) and a logo and website are coming soon!
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Jonah Hill is hilarious in this sketch (below). And It’s amazing to think the “Britney Effect” still exists even after all her shenanigans.

…for the record, I only watch the MTV for their award shows (it’s almost unbearable to watch their programming). While they fall flat on their face in regards to sitcoms and programming, their award shows always manage to showcase innovative design aesthetics and graphics. It’s actually really refreshing. I consider watching the VMAs and Video Awards Research & Development

What is personal branding? Why focus on it? Why even care about it?

Here is my definition of the phrase: Personal Branding is about building and managing the associations/images the public has in regards to yourself about a specific field(s) or topic(s).

If you Google the phrase “personal branding” and read the Wiki entry — personally I find the explanation falls short. There’s an entirely more expansive side to the topic.

Right around the launch of the Facebook Newsfeed feature, I believe a big social shift occurred. It’s been easily forgotten by most, but it truly made all the difference in regards to the masses and how we “think”.

Our views on what should be shared, what shouldn’t be shared, and with whom we share our lives are what have changed the most. We’ve grown more accustomed to sharing our lives with more people as the technology has allowed it.

Furthermore, the advent of social media technologies have made it easier to share our lives, our experiences, our thoughts, our beliefs, and our personalities in the digital realm (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube)

The act of sharing and sharing often is an fundamental building block of Personal Branding.

It’s essential. I’ll use myself as an example; I frequently publish several types of content with substance about my personal life, opinions and convictions regarding the technology industry. Because of this, people I’ve interacted with online and offline form mental associations about me, therein by building a personal brand.

When anyone asks me about Personal Branding and gets tripped up and confused — it’s almost better to take a step back and and think about it outside from the “digital world”. You’re already accustomed to it, you may just not know it. Take for instance my friend Chris. He is a singer in his own band. Chris is always providing music recommendations when we’re out for happy hour (and he’s a light weight too). You’ll always find Chris reading up on music magazines and books. Since Chris has shared and communicated consistently his passion and has an educated opinion regarding music — any time I’ve got a music question, I go to him. Furthermore, when Chris makes a critique regarding anything about music, I find it more credible than my idiot of a friend Jeremy.

One important golden branding rule to follow; Brand consistency facilitates recognition. So in addition to sharing and sharing often — if it’s consistent in the delivery of the quality, tone and presentation, this helps greatly.

Having a Personal Branding strategy paired with an understanding of how to use the medium (the internet), can provide you with an unstoppable advantage in your swiss-army-knife of communication channels that exist.

“Self-promotion is no longer solely the domain of egotists and professional aspirants. Anyone can be a personal branding machine.” (Wired Magazine)

In the professional world, you can begin to establish yourself as a “thought leader” or “expert” through a blog, Twitter, YouTube, etc. How? If you’re posting content that is timely, relevant, and has value to the topic of interest or field you’re employed — chances are other people will see you know what your talking about. Furthermore, if you use common phrases and keywords within your blog posts, your digital footprint indexed on Google maybe easily found.  Think about it — you’re probably guilty of typing complete sentences to search; “how do I tie a tie?”, “how to start a blog”, “how do you crank dat?”.

Additionally, if the tangible benefits Personal Branding aren’t appealing, consider this; The act of cognitively having to consistently develop, manage, and produce WILL help you become a better person. You’ll know more about yourself and your industry.

Bottom line; Personal Branding is important. In this day and age when “googling” people’s names to do research is a common practice (and it’s freakin’ verb), it’s reason enough to take note that lightly managing your Personal Brand online at the very least is important.

You get to tell the story, before someone else tells the story for you.
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**UPDATE**
Chris Brogan has a free eBook compiled regarding Personal Branding.  It’s called “Personal Branding for the Business Professional“.

**UPDATE 2**
Check out a great personal branding video (embedded below) by a Gary Vaynerchuk — it’s a presentation from Web 2.0 Expo in NYC. Awesome 15-minutes that you’ll thank yourself for watching.

Check it out — the Kansas City Star ran an article that features an interview with me! I really had no idea this was going to be a feature in the Star… too cool!

Read the full article here.

The past few weeks I’ve really enjoyed the advantages of being “plugged in” online — specifically with regards to how it’s influencing my opinion on the political race for president. Throughout Facebook, MySpace and Twitter my social network of friends are loudly voicing their opinions. Did I mention LOUDLY? It’s exciting to watch to the speeches on TV while being plugged into Twitter and Facebook on my cell phone. I’m getting real-time feedback as it happens. It makes me laugh, think twice about specific topics and sometimes — it even makes me angry.

Since my friends are constantly posting to Facebook and Twitter I’ve been able to “paint a picture” if you will, of each of the different opinions my individual friends have. Because of that anonymity of the Internet, friends who usually don’t talk politics have a domain in which they can are freely expressing their thought. Furthermore, not all of my friends have I met personally face-to-face. It’s exciting to learn “that much more” about the thoughts of those friends whom my interaction has only been conducted online.

On a more philosophical note, I truly believe this election in general is extremely refreshing! You can’t deny that the Millennial generation has more choices in life than any other generation than ever before. Think about it — there are more options than ever; music, books, food, technology and schools — and I truly believe this paradigm has influenced politics. What I mean by that is, since there are more choices available in life, several of my friends are also finding themselves in a bipartisan position about politics. It’s interesting to see this shift happen, and now people are comfortable with freely voting for who they truly believe can this great country the best. Furthermore, its arguably socially acceptable to jump party lines.

Regardless of where you stand, it’s going to be an exciting race — one of which I’m truly enjoying learning, educating and watching it all unfold.
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Here’s a video blog I shot of what it was like at the free Pat Green concert last week in Kansas City (Power and Light Live! Block):

This past weekend I went to Lawrence, Kansas to attend the first football game of the season for my alma matter, the University of Kansas. I’ve been getting TONS of email from college buddies counting down the days till the first game.  After our win last year at the Orange Bowl — Jayhawk fans have been anxious to see how good our team is this year!

When we were driving in the car to the game, I was discussing how there are three undeniable adrenaline pumping moments of excitement everyone experiences when attending a Kansas football game.

1.)  There’s a feeling of excitement which forces you to smile when you pull into the town of Lawrence. The glimpse of the historic landmarks and buildings bring a sense of “home” and “comfort” of a place that holds some of the dearest memories from years past. It’s enough to make you wiggle in your car seat anxious to walk around the city. It’s also not uncommon to immediately roll your windows down to “soak it all in” and enjoy it.

2.)  The second greatest adrenaline pumping moment begins after you’ve parked and begin your journey of walking to “the hill”.  Upon walking into the tailgating areas and crowds of people around the stadium, you’re hit with a combination of emotions that is made up of both pride and pure excitement. This is something easily seen in the faces of all the students, fans, alumni — not to mention the abundance of glorious paraphernalia endorsing “KU” and “Rock Chalk Jayhawk”!

3.)  Finally, the last great moment is when you walk in to Memorial Stadium and you see the inside of the stadium.  While KU is not traditionally viewed as a football school, our stadium is gorgeous!  Looking around at the “sea of blue” in the stands is one great feeling!

When I was at the game, I snapped some photos (below) and video blogged some footage (below). I wish I had taken more — but frankly I was having too much fun!