Friday, January 23, 2009

Using Social Media for Business

Just like the internet changed how we do things in the past decade, social media websites are the wave of now and the future.

It started heavy with MySpace…but has now exploded with Facebook, Twitter and Seesmic. Not only can you connect with friends and family, share pictures and video, but know businesses and groups can do target advertising to the masses on Facebook.

Sometimes I consider myself to be one step behind when it comes to the latest and greatest things (I just bought my first Blackberry this past week), but I am doing everything I can now to be near the forefront of the latest in social media.

It’s not about being cool and hip (which I already am…lol) but it’s about being ahead of the game when it comes to marketing things I do. I work in a medium that is constantly trying to re-invent itself when it comes to marketing, so anything new and exciting peaks my interest. Think about it…10 years ago who would have thought that Online news sites would overtake print media…or that Ipods would be running rampant?

I encourage all of you, no matter what business you are in, how old you are, or what you are involved in…don’t miss the bus when it comes to social media, as far as promoting something you are doing. Event, business, a blog, website…it doesn’t matter…Social media is the way to go.

I will have a video blog available on this over the weekend

Monday, January 19, 2009

Who is the "expert" to ask.....


Episode 7- Who is the "Expert" we turn to when times get tough in our lives?

Friday, January 16, 2009

One simple thing to ask of you


JonKurozawaTV Episode 6...encouraging you to do one simple thing today
Recorded at Benedictine University in Lisle Illinois.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

How do I get into sports broadcasting??



Jon Kurozawa TV Episode 5...hitting the email bag for a question!!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

What is the role of the father today?

Just after recording the latest video blog, I got into a conversation with one of my co-workers. He is a grandfather (in his early 50's) and he asked me "What is the role of the grandfather in today's world" This question got me to thinking more specifically about what role the father plays in today's society.

Things have changed dramatically since I was a kid in the 70's and 80's (let me note that I was raised in a single parent home by my mother, my dad and I really did not have much of a relationship).

I take a look at things today and wonder just how involved...really truly involved...fathers are in their kids lives today. Full disclosure, I know that I have many shortcomings when it comes to being a father. Whether it's because of work and my side jobs, distractions elsewhere or me being too self-embodied at times...I am not being the father that I know I can and should be.

Take a look around at teenage boys today...overall the level of respect is gone. No longer do we have the days of sons fearing the wrath of their fathers when they get home from work. You have kids trying to be badder than dad was, or worse (in the case in some less fortunate neighborhoods) kids emulating their father's bad deeds.

It's up to this generation of fathers (and grandfathers) to step up and start making an impact, otherwise the next generations of fathers will continue to spiral downwards. I know a handful of fathers that are doing a great job with their families, handling work, family time and everything else that comes with family life in 2009.

Americans are all too quick to point the blame elsewhere, whether it's TV and movies to music, the schools and the government...but honestly it comes down to what happens at home. God created men to be the leaders in the home, not just in the sense of being the dominant male figure, but also the spiritual leader. How we act is how our sons will act. How we portray ourselves to our daughters...that is the man they will marry.

I have someone in my life that I dearly want to say "Is this what you want your son to grow up to be" or "are you the type of man you want your daughters to marry?"

But first I have to take a step back and ask myself those same questions? The way I am today...is this how I want Noah to be when he is an adult? The man I am now...is this the man I want Mia, Isabela or Alayna marrying?

It all starts at home...with you...the MAN! It's never too late to become a better man, better husband, better father. Take stock in your life as it is today and decide "is this how I want my kids/grandkids to remember me?"

Honestly at this point...today...my answer is no!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Goals, Part 2

Goals for 2009

As I have stated in the previous video blog, I am pushing myself this year to accomplish a number of things; to better myself, my family and hopefully in a small way the world.
I am not going to bore you with the full list, but some of the things that I hope all of you keep me accountable for this year.
1. Daily Bible Reading (One Year Bible...started this in 2007, got though 10 months)
2. Spend more quality time with my wife and kids
3. Read at least two new books a month (one spiritual growth, one personal growth)
4. Start weekly "Breakfast with Kids" (one of my kids each Friday, one on one time)
5. Try at least one NEW activity per month (will list a separate "bucket" list)
6. Volunteer/serve at least once per month (with the family)
7. Participate in at least 2 Bible/men's studies this year
8. Complete two educational/improvement classes
9. Golf at least 12 different courses this season

10. Re-Evaluate my "extra curricular" activities (side jobs, etc)

Not that amazing of a list...but I am working on that "Bucket" list. That will be the things that I want to at least try once this year. If anyone has any reasonable suggestions, please feel free to comment (they have to be legal in all 50 states, not likely to result in injury and will not cost too much)