Kiwi Scrum

September 2008, Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

Back issues of this newsletter are available from the Kiwi Scrum page

The September LinkedIn hint:

LinkedIn has offered "Discussions" for LinkedIn Groups. This promises to valuable if we use the facility wisely. "Discussions" begin with topics worthy of the time and effort. We are better off as a group with fewer posts the have something to say. I will delete business advertisements. The Kiwi Scrum Discussion is here.

If you log on to Kiwi Scrum at linkedIn, you can now see on the right who the new members are in the last 7 days. You can easily send a LinkedIn message to anyone you know. 388 members today.

Open Networkers - If you are an open networker I can list you on this page.

The Useful Common:

I've been watching the slow train wreck of the American economy progressively happening for four years. But I had no way of knowing that it would reach the point of impact this last week. The repercussions will also flow forward for several years. The root of this problem lies in the concept of "American exceptionalism" and 50 years of pretending that "special rules" apply only in America.

Engage with other people and Groups:

The opportunity to engage with new people in close ongoing collaboration isn't often recognised. Kiwi Scrum member Michael Sampson, is about to publish a book called "Seamless Teamwork: How to Use Microsoft SharePoint to Work Effectively with Others, Enhance Team Collaboration, and Drive Business." I strongly recommend Michael Sampson for his expertise in collaboration using Internet tools.

Once again I ask you have you been active in any online groups this month? It takes time, and repeated contact online to build up the confidence that makes online collaboration possible. When people link to me on LinkedIn I offer this URL: The Future is Collaborative: By Gerry McGovern. It is worth another read.

Volunteer to HELP

On Ryze last week a member was contemplating leaving his job and starting a business. The question was "Where do I find the courage to JUMP?"

There were several excellent replies, but the short one that caught my eye was this. "When you JUMP you cease getting paid every week and you begin paying your business. That might continue for many months. Understand what your resources and commitments are. Be prepared to live in a frugal way while working very hard. If that's not attractive to you, don't JUMP. "

Introducing Yourself?

We are all TIME short. I do want to know who you are but I want to know who you are in context.

So when you join a group, please don't write something like this: Subject: Introduction. "Hello, my name is John and I'm new here."

A much better approach. Read what's been going on. Select a topic already under discussion. Write like this: Subject: Existing Topic. "Hello, this is my first post here. I'm keen to be a future participant and to learn what I can. I agree with Xxxxx that "Existing Topic" is ..... "

Regards
John