I’d like to share the transcript of my speech and the slide deck that I created for the Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 in Cebu back in March 15, 2013. Thank you to the organizers and sponsors for bringing me in Cebu. I’ll also be sharing my journey in Cebu in the next few days. So, hang on, subscribe to the free newsletter (no spam) or through my social media accounts for updates. Thanks in advance! So without any further delay…
Good day, Social Media Influencers! How are you doing so far? Good! Great!
Let me open my speech with a quote from an American author in the area of new thought movement and the earliest producers of modern genre of personal-literature, Napoleon Hill.
Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.
Intro about the Org and Blogging in CDO
Cagayan de Oro Bloggers, Inc. or fondly called the CDO Bloggers is a S.E.C. registered non-profit organization composed of Bloggers and Social Media Practitioners from CDO and Northern Mindanao. Our aim is to promote the city of Cagayan de Oro and the island of Mindanao as a peaceful and thriving place in this part of the world thru social media.
Tracing the Roots
Looking back 5 years ago, the CDO Bloggers was composed of writing aficionados who met once a month to cover any news-worthy or even those not-so-news-worthy events around CDO, after which, the group would fondly end up in a local karaoke bar. It all started with a visionary, a woman who became a successful pastry chef who, at one point dedicated her time by creating one of the most dynamic groups in CDO, Ms. Chiq Montes.
Why I Joined the Group? W.I.I.F.M.
As young as 12 years old I was already fascinated with the online world, creating my own website through tripod.com. It was still very rough at the edges, but as I recall, it was one of the best works I have created in my life. Until one day, I saw this group on TV and they were interviewed about they do. I remember Ms. Chiq talking about the internet, writing, and travelling combined into one. For me it struck a nerve signaling an adrenalin rush to my brain and I said to myself, “I want to be a part of it”. Although it took me three years to sign up to be an official member, I was religiously gawking them like a hawk following their every move that continued to pique my interest.
I remember them blogging about a food chain with poor customer service, and with that, it somehow affected me in a way that I too would no longer eat in that specific restaurant. I realized; this is revolutionary!
Now that I am an official member, my eyes are opened to countless opportunities; opportunities that will open the doors to a greater purpose, which is to uplift and promote advocacies for a better environment.
Let me share 3 Cs in growing the blogging community:
1. Communication
Definition: a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior, a system (as of telephones) for transmitting or exchanging information
a verbal or written message
The very essence of blogging is communication, and sometimes over communication. The human species is designed to be with one another, take care of one another, and live with one another. That in itself is impossible with the absence of communication. A relationship between a mother and daughter is anchored through a good communication. A boss and employee’s relationship is also anchored through communication. Not to mention a nation’s success, and even a nation’s downfall.
Communication breeds clear directions with the right motivation in reaching a desired goal. It is a catalyst for inspiration which leads people to live their passion inculcating great outcomes. No matter how one defines communication, let me share with you this fact I have learned from my own life journey. Communication is the key to human connection. At the end of the day, we just want to connect.
I once remembered a managers saying… “You are considered dumb if you don’t use the resources in front of you.”
The group fully utilized what’s free and available in the internet. The group also utilized the internet in different meaningful ways.
Conflicting views
This is a hard part, when we meet, there’s an overwhelming basket of idea that would result to conflicts. We all wanna say something, but in the end we make decisions for the good of everyone.
2. Commitment
Commitment is the basis of trust. Keeping the trust among the group means keeping the faith and holding on to the vision that has been marked with the fellowship of bloggers. Commitment means the willingness to accomplish tasks without complaints; it means going the extra mile and believing in agreement to conquer uncertainties as we go along the way.
Adversity makes men, and prosperity makes monsters. – Victor Hugo, French Poet
3. Camaraderie
The bloggers take pride in the spirit of friendly, good fellowship. It is the facet where we the bloggers should get our strength from.
How we dealt adversities? Whenever we are hit by any of these adversities, we treat it as an opportunity, the opportunity to grow and learn from it.
Criticism – Once you post your views online as a group, expect there will be people who would go their way, acknowledge, listen, assess before answering the comments.
Listen. Everyone is entitled of his or her opinion and look a solution that you think would create a win-win impact “Stick with what works for you.”
It all boils down to advocacy, the love to info blast, the love for your city.
How did it grow from a plain small community to The CDO Bloggers you see, you hear and you interact today?
It is because of the undying ideas that pours in. The passion to blast. The hunger or enthusiasm to grow and mature.If I may add, the fire burning in each of our hearts.
What are their contributions to Cagayan de Oro?
January 2009 – 3$ dollar campaign CDO flashflood, Sendong – Fund Raising, Pablo – Info Blast via Infographics, Kagay-an Festival – One of the Official Media, Tourism – Showcasing the best of CDO’s best. It’s now a more connected and informed city.
The CDO Bloggers remain strong because of its core value that I have seen. Where will it go?
CDO Bloggers – Ignite your Passion. Engage with a Mission.
Photo Credit: Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 FB Page
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