Soci@lByte

From the desk of Melissa Hourigan

During a recent CSIA (Colorado Software and Internet Association) annual DEMOgala event, I had the opportunity to work with the team at Pixorial to capture video interviews of attendees and presenters. The event focused on innovation and highlighted some of the technologies that were recently introduced to the market. I could geek out all day on the amazing technologies that I saw and the people I met, however one of my most memorable discussions was with Dave Moyer. Seeing Dave speak on a number of occasions and knowing the effect he has on his audiences, I was eager to hear his story directly. What makes Dave special, outside of his dynamic personality and clear understanding for technology, is that he got started in the podcasting scene at the young age of 13. Now 16, Dave is the president of Bitwire Media, a company that produces a series of video and audio podcast shows with plans to grow to nine shows by the end of this year.

(Dave Moyer gives us a glimpse into the history of his business)

Dave is the poster child for the younger generation who has embraced social media and has been successful either through viral videos (he has some good ones on YouTube) or in Dave’s case, built a business using Internet technology. I am amazed by the younger generation’s fearless attitude, ability to take risks and acceptance of change. This generation doesn’t shy away from new technology, they embrace it head on and fight to be the first in line. Is this because they were born into the digital age? Or is it because their thirst for information happens at a faster pace than us old timers?

One thing is for sure, the younger generation tend to use social media in a more experimental fashion. This doesn’t come as naturally to marketers who for years have relied on metrics and a “known” result at the end of a project. We carry doubt and wait for something to become proven or tested. We tend to think of the distribution of content in a top-down fashion driven by authority or decision-makers, but perhaps, we are missing out on a huge opportunity.

Okay, removing myself from the “we” section, I want to be 16 again. I tend to think that great ideas happen when you take a chance without knowing what the outcome will be and maybe it happens in an instant or with little planning. One thing is for certain, we can learn a lot from professionals like Dave because in the social media world, experience and tenure don’t always win.

Now excuse me, I need to catch up on Dave’s Wordcast show and get some WordPress tips – I will admit it publicly here, I don’t get it. Go ahead, point your fingers and laugh.