Ideation

Its a bit like being at a beach and having ‘Experts’ with surf boards in the sand tell you exactly how to do it. While clutching their ownbrand boards advice like “Just Dive In”, “Its Worth It”, “Make a Real Change“, “Develop your creativity” and “Be part of this experience” ooze from their sentences like great cold readers. All of this can be yours for the [Price Tag Attached] or more recently – its an easy five point instructional process that allows you to start to join us and get involved.

I agree that there is alot to learn as these disruptive technologies come to the masses, I take the fail fast approach. The thing is that this conversation is ongoing, open to change direction and importantly it is already happening to those that are out there getting dunked! There are digital leaders that go out there and can stay up on their wave really well. They are the ones chasing the wave, they love to catch and ride the wave. THEY are creating the experience themselves, they encourage people by giving. They provide insights as spectators cheer/clap from the safety of the sand. The best way for you to become a creator is to go out there and make mistakes/fail. That’s if you want to be proactive? Watch the Wrist, then watch his face, then watch every ones reaction –  is this what we all seek?

Watch. Distract. Uploop. Unlatch. Engage

To me, these ‘experts’ in the social media sand ARE the barrier to progression (proudly clutching their branded boards dot com) I will charge you [Price Tag] to learn more, here are some of the ways that you too can learn! The magical part is involving you in the experience, and you are paying for that. MAGICAL right?

From experience, the best way to learn to ride waves is to jump right in, although it appears people don’t want to figure it out themselves. Whether good or bad, it seems that they prefer to sit back and have people give them advice and charge for this privilege. #takemymoney #firstworldproblems

BIG Trends or Pedagogy ?

One of the biggest trends for 2014 is the creation of ALOT of content on the biggest trends for 2014. As we see the waves and convergence of new media, influence and disruptive technology  – the likes of Brian Solis has his board firmly attached to his ankle. Hes out riding the crashing waves and is giving great insights into New Media trends and how to best ride the next wave. Shouldn’t we be out there trying to crash into rocks, disrupt and failing ourselves? Instead of learning from the sand?

Is this just innovative Pedagogy ? Highlighting some of the innovations that are already in currency, with influence, and applying them to ideas that have not yet been applied to new sectors/markets. Isn’t the suggestion of a trend, from someone that holds power & authority going to have a profound influence on making the trend amplify in this increasingly agile digital world?

Guy Kawaski has effectively got a team of surfers wearing his brand and teaching people how to surf for free. But ultimately where does he make money? He has actually invested in the company Buffer. So as far as new technologies, he has studied and influenced the effects of emerging technology on his businesses, his marketing, and the culture he has created. Hes making money from engaging with audiences – on topics that are important to them. Digital leaders do not shout about how great you are, but instead engage with your target market, so that they go out and tell the world how great you are.

Shut Your Damn Mouth

Surfing may not be one of his favorite past times, but he is globally recognized as one of the most prominent thought leaders and published authors in new media. Clients are paying for perpetual updates on new forms of teaching, learning and assessment for an interactive world. There is a huge digital audit going on, and Consultants give advice on where we are, where we should be and what will be important in 2014 … LETS BE CLEAR! They are simply a Middle Man. Shouldn’t you invest in breaking new ground yourself ? Paying someone else to explain the internet is just plain lazy in my eyes.

Go find out for yourself! If you can create a great story/message and be engaging (NO STRATEGIC HYPE) then your audience will follow. So go make it happen, Cut the Crap & #ShutYourDamnMouth in a good way. Just take a look at how Beyoncé went to this beach, did her thing and got on it. Break New Ground.

#wideeyes … Beyoncé – Drunk in Love http://t.co/zvRjEDlrsU … #sorrywhat ?

— Kay Mack Gee (@kaymackgee) December 18, 2013

The best thing you can do is to go out there and do, learn –  iterate – roll with it –  be open to change. Digital Influencers of today, are staying up on their board because they have learned how to be agile. Guy Kawasaki‘s twitter stream is controlled by a team of curators, that repeat the tweet every 6 hours, from an app/software called Buffer. Actually think about how these “Consultants” are engaging with their audiences.

Related articles

• Interesting Chart Outlining the Differences between Pedagogy, Andragogy, and Heutagogy (teacherlingo.com)
• A Different Perspective: How Outside Experts Grow Brands (redbricksmedia.com)
• Pedagogy of Innovation (lanseen2000.wordpress.com)
• How to be innovative? Get out of your office! (hiscox.co.uk)