Why blogging is like entering a parallel universe

Old life meets new life

When you change your life, it is strange when the old life intersects the new. Last week I returned to give a speech for a trade organization of which I had been a member for over 20 years. This time I was no longer a member and I wasn’t professionally interested in what they had to say because I don’t do that anymore. I was there with a message about Social Media and how it could help them. I don’t expect to pick up a consulting gig because this group will have a hard sell with their managements. I had two purposes. First as a missionary with a message to pay attention to Social Media before they fall behind. Second, and most important was to establish my credentials as an expert on Social Media.

The old life friends don’t get it

What was interesting was the conversations with old colleagues. “How is retirement?” they asked. I truly didn’t know what to answer because, in my mind, I didn’t retire. I am working harder and with more focus on my own behalf than I ever worked for an employer, even in the best of times. Then they continued: “What are you doing?” I could picture them imagining me puttering around the yard and doing house maintenance. I wanted to scream. “I’m building a business on the internet.” but, of course I didn’t. “Blogging,” I told them. They smiled indulgently.

My audience was dazed and confused.

The presentation was interesting. I thought that some of them might be using Social Media. Only my latest employer used them at all. They were surprised to learn that other businesses were beginning to use Social Media for customer service and fast communications. I showed them examples and urged them to stake out a claim on Facebook and Twitter. .

My first social media gig

After my presentation, I had to go to another appointment so I wasn’t able to continue any conversions or gauge how my encouragement for them to use Social Media in their businesses was settling with them. They have my Twitter and Facebook names, my blog and email. They even have my phone numbers. They can read the report. Somehow I don’t expect to get any Tweets. But at least now I am a speaker on Social Media.

I am lost between two realities

These days I feel like I exist in a parallel universe. I see a different world and hear different music from everyone around me. The more I learn about my parallel universe, the more comfortable I become. I know my way around. I have friends. Slowly I am developing a mission. On the other hand I feel more lost and confused in the world I came from. I don’t know what to say to people there or how to explain my other life. From their world, what I am doing is trivial and without substance. I can see it in the indulgent smiles. Nothing I can say will change their perspective. In my parallel universe it all makes sense.

In the real world I came from it doesn’t.