Susarla.com

I know you think you understand what you thought I said but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.

– Alan Greenspan

I am very blessed to have an adventurous career so far. This could not have happened with out my wife’s support. She stood by my side and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. 2013 has been a heck of an year for us. We laughed, we cried, moved (again!!), we both became an year older and our relationship has entered its teens.

On this last day of the year 2013, i am sitting in my office reflecting on the year that just passed. Thinking of things i can do different, better, learn from my mistakes this thought comes up in my head that sums it up all.  I want to be less “I know” and be more”I understand”. When you say “I know” you have convinced yourself that there is nothing more to it but when you say “I understand” it is deep. Understanding is a deeper cognition where you are connecting the dots vs knowing is a gesture of shallow knowledge where you glanced over made some quick assumptions. The quote from Einstein sums this up very well

Any fool can know. The point is to understand.

– Albert Einstein

So there my friends thats my goal for 2014. Wishing you all a very happy new year. Lets make this world just a little better one day at a time.

PEACE!!

First off a big round of applause to the course facilitators, guest speaker, support team and all who are involved in this initiative. The focus these efforts bring to startup community in edtech is much needed. I ardently agree with Wiley’s comments about grant money, it is great as long as you have it. Once the funding dries out the effort stops. I had my share of working on grant projects and there is so much work that hasn’t seen the world outside the walls of the universities. It disturbs me to see my tax dollars going to waste, dont get me wrong research is great, papers are wonderful but i think the money invested can get you more.

That was my motivation behind joining edstartup to force me to think hard and (may be) collaborate with like minded people that i am looking forward meeting through this course.

What is #IMChat?

#IMChat is an online chat on Twitter that happens every week on Tuesday’s at 2PM ET. The topics are around interactive and digital marketing. Anyone can join in the chat there are few ground rules but most importantly use your common sense. Dont say things that might hurt you or your business. Also find some chat tips that i have learned from other chat sessions. This weeks chat is on Forrester’s CORE methodology.

Rules of Engagement

1. You first tweet should include #IMChat, your name, title, and company you work for.
2. Subsequent tweets must start with the question number you are responding to and the #IMChat hashtag. For example, “@ssusarla Q3 #IMChat Email marketing rocks!”
3. Be yourself
4. Do not push your product during the conversation.
5. Take personal responsibility on sharing. Use common sense and don’t say things that might hurt your business.
6. Be nice to your fellow comrades.

How to #IMChat?

Now that you know about IMChat the easiest way to join the conversation is goto http://tweetchat.com/room/imchat and enter your twitter ID and password. This will take you to a page where everyone will be tweeting about marketing.  All of your posts will end with the letters #imchat so other people not in the room can follow along.
If you’re a more advanced user, you can also use tools like TweetChat, TweetGrid, or TweetDeck to filter for all posts mark #imchat.

You can also do a twitter search for #imchat to filter all posts with that hashtag, just remember when you respond please add the hash #imchat in your tweets.

What can you expect? Fast-paced conversation, 140 characters or less at a time. Every 20 minutes or so a moderator will throw into the mix a new question. You’re not required to answer the question, but it’s a terrific way to get a variety of perspectives to keep the conversation moving.

Chat Tips

Here are a few tips I’ve discovered while participating in Tweet chats:

1. Don’t try to read every single msg., especially if it gets fast. Consider what you catch serendipity.
2. Everything you write during the chat will go to all your twitter followers unless you DM someone.
3. If ur tweets go to FB, disable app before chat or begin with @ respond & it won’t forward to FB.
4. Stay on topic as best you can. Tho not vital you answer all Q, sticking w/ topic keeps chat focused.
5. When writing, complete thoughts help followers outside chat learn from you.