I don’t usually blog about my professional self, but blogging at 8:30 pm on December 31, 2009 will do that do you. Inspired by Joe Waters’s post about his 2010 professional goals, I decided to take a moment and fill you in on where I’m heading in the next year. If imitation is the highest form of flattery, I thank Joe for a great idea.

Blog Ideas

I began this blog on December 15, 2008 with a post about the basic principles of Community Organizing, and their application to social media. Over the past year, I’ve published 80 blog posts, and I’m pleased to say that I have readers and subscribers now, too! I thank you, and hope to continue to provide you with engaging, relevant, and stimulating content throughout 2010.

My goal for this blog was always for it to be a meeting place, and a conversation starter around the convergence of social media, nonprofits, and technology.  I have a background in nonprofit management, business consulting, and community organizing – a combination which means that I like to think out of the box. My favorite posts to write have been those “out of the box” ideas such as Front Yard and Back Yard Conversations, Where is the Open Source Conversation, Why Uncensored Blogging is the Future of Corporate Communications, and The Nonprofit Idea Portal: Your Website.  I’ve also loved the guest blogging and interviews – they freshen the blog and expand my world. I’ll be on the lookout for more guest posts and interviews that delve into how organizations are using social media. In 2010, I’m committing to blogging twice a week – it keeps me on the lookout and keeps the content fresh. Twice weekly means one short and one long blog post. I’m wordy and like to delve into the meat of an idea – it’s the “girl who dreamed of being a Ph.D.” in me. I know readers also like short and to the point.

Time for Research

I’ve increasingly realized that I just don’t have the time that I need to play with the newest tools and platforms. If I’m to be a social media resource and strategist, I have to intimately know the tools that I’m recommending for a client.  In 2010, I’m committing to spending a half-day a week trying out new social media resources. What I’d really love is a group of folks who would like to do this with me. This would be the modern learning circle. We could each try out new tools and platforms, or the latest iteration of an old platform, and exchange notes. If you are committed to social media for nonprofit organizations and want to join my learning circle, do let me know! The more the merrier!

Mixing in the New

In 2009, I spent a my online time divided between blogging, Twitter, Linkedin and some time on Facebook. In 2010, I’ll add another. I’d like to spend time on a geo-based platform, but I haven’t found one geared to my town (Jerusalem). I really want to play Foursquare, in particular. While these platforms still are debating the potential of coming to my town, I’ll be looking to try out a few other things. What type of platform do you suggest? I’m leaning towards getting involved in wikis or podcasting – these are great tools for clients and I want to be as familiar with them as possible.

And a few professional goals

Lastly, a few professional goals:

I’d like to speak more at conferences. I love presenting, so please keep me in mind for any upcoming conferences or speaking events. Would you like to collaborate on a presentation with me? I love collaboration.

I’ll be adding a page on this website about my professional services.

I’d like to work with more international clients. I’m based in Israel, and Europe is just a short trip from here.

I’d like to meet more of you. I’m committed to attending SXSW Interactive (Austin) in March 2010, and NTC (Atlanta) in April 2010. I’d like to attend one other conference in the fall of 2010. Why? Because I thrive when listening and learning from others. I also want to form stronger ties with people that I’ve only corresponded with online. And I love to learn. If you’ll be at any of these conferences, do let me know. I’d love to meet!