Connected on a Snow Day

If you grew up in an area of the world where there was winter, you were privy to a certain rite of passage. The word would begin to spread. Could it be true? Was school closed tomorrow? Would it be a day to play and be free?

This week, most of eastern North America is getting slammed with the worst storm in years and the social web is filled with comments about the crush of snow.

As we grow up, the concept of a snow day changes rapidly. The prospect of a day off, is replaced by an earlier alarm, slow commute or packed transit options as the collective grump slowly makes its way to work. School may be cancelled but work remains open and we're expected to make it in.

But with close to two billion of us online doing work, connecting through social channels, conducted webinars and conversing via email, how many are really stuck in bad weather? We have laptops and mobile devices, Internet access and video conferencing which all help us stay connected, do business and meet deadlines no matter the forecast.

While others commiserate about the weather, how can you move your business forward on a snow day?

knealemann | How can I help?

image credit: realsociology

We Are Cry Babies

First things first, today is the national election in Canada. If you are a proud Canadian - like me - get out and vote!

Well, it hit me over the weekend while I was watching some of the live stream from the Microsoft Social Computing Symposium (thanks @chrispirillo!) that we are simply a bunch of sniveling whiny cry babies. This is not about Microsoft - the event is fantastic! This is about me and you.

I was up this morning working on the newspaper/online column because my editor hasn't seen anything new from me for a while and the world will end if I don't get this done. I am working on an article about luxury and what it means to each of us. Feel free to email with what luxury means to you.

Then it hit me. Could I have eaten more food this weekend? Could I possibly stop thinking about the super car I'd buy or vacations I'd take with more money?

Enough with the what’s next and who is saying what and what software do you use when hooked to your cell phone via download link and the blah blah blah.

We are spoiled rotten.

Yes the markets are volatile. Yes we have too much credit card and mortgage debt. And yes we are greedy.

If you are reading this, I will make the assumption that you are not in Baghdad or Congo where real problems occur. Because if you were, you may be more concerned about whether you will eat today or whether your family is safe. Frivolous things like clothes and shelter may not be taken for granted. And it’s doubtful you would waste any consciousness on the fact that RIM took so long announce the Storm.

So as I work on work today, I will smile because what I do for a living is absolutely ridiculous. And while I check in with the live feed from the Microsoft SCS, perhaps I’ll complain a little less about this excellent chair I’m sitting in whilst sipping my flavored coffee and learning from people all over the world from the comfort of my office. Boo Hoo.

km