These days the amount of literature and words that I read on the internet is beyond me. I like to think of all the blogs I read, as my everyday dosage of inspiration. Being in marketing, constantly deciphering the news of the business world is a basic for us to take on -and doing so helps us jive out our inspiration and triggers our inner thought-seeking selves.
So where does one get inspiration from? Having the cyber world as the epicentre for communication of all kinds has people expressing themselves through literature and text of all types. Online forums, communities and blogs have all created an intimate connection with someone out there. One blogger’s words are another’s source of inspiration!
Within the experiences, comments and stories that everyday people out there share, we find an indescribable connection with the online world, and that is where the real inspiration for creative and strategic thinkers lies. Being able to exchange thoughts and give in your two cents about a stimulating topic brings a whole new meaning to the word collaboration.
One organizational forum that has done a magnificent job at emerging is TED, otherwise acronym-ed as Technology, Entertainment, Design. Indicated in its tag line “ideas worth spreading,” this website holds a series of virtual video presentations performed by prolific speakers (authors, directors, CEOs, worldly icons etc).
I currently finished reading the book “Eat, Pray, Love” and I just so happened to find the author Elizabeth Gilbert online doing a TED presentation.
Watching her speak brought the idea of relate-ability to whole a new level. As I had already established that “writer to reader” connection with her, I began to relate to her in more ways upon watching her on TED. Visually seeing her present and remembering all the takeaways from the book really helped solidify her not only as a writer, but a genuine person whose writing I connected with. She was personable throughout her presentation, which left me inspired and wanting to learn more about her.
Gilbert’s book kept me gripped all throughout and her presentation absorbed me in even more. Similarly in marketing, adding that personal, real and authentic touch to our ideas and processes will leave consumers actually wanting to learn more about a brand or a product, in turn strengthening the “marketer to consumer” connection.
Now I know it’s easy to see digital media footage on anyone these days, but the “TED talks” are definitely worth watching. So I encourage you to spend some time on TED.com and see what’s out there to discover. In an age where online media and the “blogosphere” are turning a high point, organizations like TED are valuable and insightful for us business folk.
-Nikita
