Category Archives: Random

December 30, 2011

My Top 12 of 2011

By Patrick Reyes

As 2011 comes to a close, I thought I’d join the blogger party and share with you my Top 12 posts from 2011.  Below, you’ll find my favorites from each month of this year.  Since I started blogging, this has been a great way to relive some of the memories, moments, thoughts and experiences I’ve had in the last 12 months.  Enjoy!!!!

  1. A Hopeful Change For The Better
  2. Are You Smarter Than A Second Grader
  3. Maybe Glenn Beck Was Right
  4. I’m A Christian And I’m Sorry
  5. Moments
  6. How Are You Leading
  7. This You.  That You.
  8. Throwing Stones First – Ask Questions Later
  9. See You Next Year @TEDxDetroit
  10. Live It.  Teach It.
  11. Look What Happened In 7 Days
  12. Peace On Earth

So there it is.  My Top 12 for 2011.  As I was looking back, it was also great to see the posts from other father’s I asked to guest blog for me in my By Dads, For Dads series.  I loved where this was going and look forward to bringing it back even stronger in 2012.

It’s been a great year and I thank all of you for stopping by.  Happy New Year and blessings to each of you and your families in 2012!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

1 comment | posted in Random

September 23, 2011

I’m a Social Media Guru

By Patrick Reyes

I got caught this morning.  In this social media bubble that I live in, I became the guy most of us in the social media / digital world often criticize.  The guy that gets upset when people complain about the changes on Facebook.  The guy that just says “get off Facebook if you don’t like the changes.”  Yup, that was me yesterday and today.  The thing I need to realize and remember is that I am not in the majority of users of Facebook.  Instead of being quick to criticize the criticism, why is it that I don’t go back to something Steven Covey covered a long time ago?  ”Seek first to understand and then be understood.”

After I understand them, then I need to remember to take what I know and have learned and share with them.  They may not agree but at least I treated them respectfully and didn’t condemn them.  It’s pretty simple.  Yup, I’m a social media guru.  Now someone throw something at me so I don’t do it again.  Happy Friday.

P.S. Thanks Wendy.

3 comments | posted in Random

July 20, 2011

“It’s a dry heat…”

By Patrick Reyes

I’m officially in a dry spell with blogging.  I have things I want to write about but when it gets to actually sitting down and writing it, the words just don’t come.  I thought about what was going on and determined I’ve been focusing on the end goal of getting a blog post up rather than experiencing life around me and letting my experiences drive my content and my words.  The old adage, “it’s the journey, not the destination” holds completely true for me in this sense.

Am I so focused in on just getting the blog up on the site?  Yes!  I know the words will come as I let the experiences happen.  I also think some of the experiences I’m having at work are impacting what’s going on as well but that is for another time.

So to my readers, today’s post is just to let you know what’s been going on.  I’m hoping and praying the words will come soon!

2 comments | posted in Random

March 25, 2011

Where have you been?

By Patrick Reyes

Actually, where have I been?  I’m not really sure.  I think life has taken priority over blogging.  I also think the inspiration for things to write about has run dry as of late.  People have told me times like this might come and to be honest I’m struggling to find any words of inspiration for you today, but I’ll press on because writing is therapeutic for me.

It provides focus which, if I’m being completely honest with myself, has been lacking.  Have you ever felt that way when you are being tugged in so many different directions that you struggle to take that first step?  What direction do you go?  What hat do you put on?  Christian?  Husband?  Father?  Friend?  Work?  Side project?  This has been my struggle and why I’ve put more effort lately in connecting with people in person rather than online.

As I continue to think about the next words to type, I’m suddenly reminded of the talk Perry Noble gave at Catalyst last year when he talked about Elijah and the brook in 1 Kings 17 and 18.  God is preparing me for something.  It doesn’t have to be a big thing.  It can be a small thing.  It can be a small reminder to maintain focus on a single thing…Him.

These are times when it’s good to sit back and evaluate what is working and what needs to be adjusted.  Focus on that.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , | posted in Faith, Random

January 18, 2011

Another Random Thoughts Post

By Patrick Reyes

I’m hoping it’s over.  For the last 48 hours I’ve been sick in bed and running to the bathroom not knowing whether to sit or kneel in front of it.  I was finally able to eat something for dinner so I think I’m on the mend.  While I’ve been in and out of consciousness, 2 things became apparent to me.

First, my wife is a rock star.  I was reminded over these last 2 days that being a stay at home mom is harder than other job known to man or woman…especially a mom of 4 kids ages 7 and under.  Having spent the last 2 days in my bedroom quarantined I could only watch and listen as to how hard she works.  Getting kids ready in the morning, preparing lunches, cleaning the house in preparation for Tuesday Family, and being the family bus driver shuttling kids back and forth from activities.  I was out of breath just witnessing it.  So to Julianne, I say “thank you” for everything you do for this family.  I love you!

Second, I hate it when I don’t work out.  If you’ve connected with me on Twitter, Facebook, or this blog, you know that I completed P90X last year.  That kick started my fitness passion more so than any other program I’ve done.  Looking for another challenge, I recently started Insanity, another product from the folks at Beachbody.  Having to take time off really got to me.  Obviously my body needed to recover but I really was itching to feel better so I could resume the program.  It’s amazing how grumpy I get when I miss a day!  Just ask Julianne and the kids!

Lessons learned?  Value the people that you love. Don’t take them for granted and make sure you tell them how much you appreciate them.  Small words of encouragement and praise can do wonders.  This also applies to business too!  Appreciate the people you work with, work for and/or work for you.  Build them up and serve them.  You’ll be amazed at how well things can work.

Get off the couch. I’m not just talking about working out.  In order to make change, get up and do something.  If you want to change your body, exercise.  If you want to make a difference in the lives of your kids, stay involved.  If you want to make change in a community, DO SOMETHING!  Nothing is going to happen unless you get off the couch and do something.  What you hope is that people will be motivated by you and follow your lead or find their own way to make a difference.

Not bad for 2 days of being sick, huh?

1 comment   |  tags: , , | posted in Change, Family, Random

August 19, 2010

It’s OK To Say “no”

By Patrick Reyes

Lake Michigan Sunset at PJ Hoffmaster State Park

Life gets in the way.  It gets in the way of what’s truly important and we sometimes forget that it’s OK to say “no” to things just so we can get back on track.  Tonight I was going through Google Reader and Twitter and saw  posts from Becky Johns (Take Control of Your Stream) and Nikki Stephan (22 Important Questions to Ask Yourself).  They were about different topics but for me anyway they had the same message…take a step back.

My work (as I’m sure yours) has been ridiculously out of control as of late.  It wasn’t until this past weekend when I took 2 days off to have a long weekend camping that I was able to relax.  It was a wonderful 4 days at PJ Hoffmaster State Park spending time with the people that matter the most to me…my wife and kids.  And as you can see by the picture above, we even took time to watch a beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan.  When I got back to work this week, I began to take inventory of what I do daily and say no to the things that don’t provide value.

Becky’s post really encouraged me to take a look at my social networks.  As I continue to learn from this beautiful creation of “social media”, I need to remind myself that more is not necessarily better.  It has to be quality over quantity.  When the numbers get too big, the chance of authentic and valuable friendships becomes limited.  It reminds me that one of the objectives for me in this space was to ultimately meet people in person through events like Future Midwest, Social Media Club Detroit, or October’s 140 Conference Detroit.  I’ve tried to become more selective in who I connect with especially on Facebook.

Nikki’s post reminded me that saying no to busyness and spending time with my family is so important.  Tonight I put my blackberry down for just 30 minutes and played with my 1.5 year old son.  It was fun seeing him laugh hysterically as I tickled him.  This past weekend I watched my 5 year old son hit balls in a batting cage and went body surfing with my 2 girls in Lake Michigan.  Those are the memories I want to have of the summer and not get so caught up in work that time flies by.

What do you need to say “no” to?  How are you taking control of your life so you can enjoy what matters most?

4 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in Random

June 16, 2010

Have you seen this person?

By Patrick Reyes

I’ve been looking for someone that I haven’t seen lately.  Have you seen this person?

  • Humble
  • Encouraging
  • Affirming
  • Teaching

He’s around but hasn’t surfaced recently and I need to find him.  Confused?  Let me elaborate.

This post is about self reflection and learning.  The 4 things I listed above were inspired by 1 Thessalonians 2 and 3.  I read those chapters yesterday and they really got my attention.  They reminded me of things I used to do more consistently and as of late, I’ve been selective with them.  As I look back on a lot of the things I’ve experienced over the last 18 months, they got me through some tough times…corporate bankruptcy, job uncertainty…just to name 2 big ones.

After I read those passages, I decided I needed to get back to basics.  What am I doing to provide value to others?  Isn’t that the premise of the social web?  Build community.  Educate.  Encourage others.  Don’t great leaders do that?  These are the things that make people feel good and energized and I forgot that is what I enjoy doing.

A good friend gave me an idea that I’m going to try.  He’s a teacher and every day he puts some inspiring quote on his white board for his students to read.  It’s different in a positive way and his students have recognized it.  My hope is to begin each day with something inspiring or encouraging to say and share it with you on Facebook and Twitter.  This is by no means a new idea but it is an effective one.  My goal in all of this goes back to the verses that originally inspired this blog’s title…Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Back to basics, everyone.  Go with what got you here.  Thanks for listening.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in Faith, Random

April 13, 2010

Random Thoughts

By Patrick Reyes

A couple of things…

Over the last week, I’ve seen 2 really great examples of companies that are looking beyond ROI and profits to get their brands out to the public.  They are doing good in their community and allowing people to take a part in it.  Social Causes.  Volunteering.  Putting others needs before yours.  I truly believe that if we all just gave a little bit of ourselves to others, we could make such a huge difference in this world.  When I see companies that recognize this, I get really excited and want to watch how these things impact a community.  Take a look at what Starbucks is doing on Thursday, April 15th and what Chevrolet just kicked off this week.

The Big Picture, A Green Project from Starbucks

Building Diamonds and Dreams from Chevrolet, Major League Baseball and Scotts

If you’re still not convinced because you don’t there are any benefits, then check out this blog post from Tai Goodwin.  She lists 6 ways volunteering can boost your career.  These should at least get your mind thinking about doing some good in the community.

  1. It can fuel your passion
  2. You can practice new skills
  3. Volunteer your way into a potential job
  4. Volunteering is a way to expand your network
  5. Exposure to new ways of doing things
  6. You can use it as a team building experience

Topic 2:

I’ve become a huge Gary Vaynerchuk fan.  He is passionate about customer service.  That’s how he’s made his living.  Companies should think about what he’s saying and if they aren’t doing some of the things he suggests, then do them.  In the video below, he talks about how today is a “what have you done for me lately” world.  It’s not about looking at research months after a promotion.  Tools like Twitter Search or Google Alerts can give you real time information on what people are saying about your brands.  It’s up to those brands to engage in the conversation.  Check it out.

Those are my random thoughts for the day.  I’d love to hear your feedback on volunteering and what Gary Vaynerchuk said in his video.  What do you think?  Let me know in the comments below.

2 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in Random

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 3,483 other followers