One of my favorite movies growing up was Grumpy Old Men. Not only were Jack Lemon and Walter Matthau hilarious together, but for some reason the movie really resonated with me. Most likely, the movie resonarted because Jack's and Walter's characters were so much like my grandfather it was scary. That was what I grew up with --- a grandfather who, like most in his generation, was a little prickly. I didn't mind it. In fact, I thought it was hilarious most times.
Fast-forward 18 years (dear God that feels awful to say) to the explosion of social media and the development of online personas. Whether you believe in personal brands or not (I tend to believe they exist and not in an insidious way like some do), the way we act online does help shape how our respective communities view our personalities. It's natural human behavior to see someone talk, and then form your own opinion of that person and their thoughts. I know that sounds very judgmental, but I don't mean it to be that way. Humans see things, and then form their opinions.
Anyway, the reason I'm writing this in the first place is to clarify something about my own online persona -- I'm not a grumpy person. TRUST ME. The people who follow me, subscribe to me or have friended me on Facebook see one, very narrow view of who I am. Sure, I might appear to be a little prickly at times but if you view that as me being grumpy I'd say you are wrong. What you are viewing as grumpy is actually passion for topics that are important to me.
Call me a sap, or come here and make fun of me if you want, but I have a sincere passion for this business. I made the transition about 8 years ago out of the political world and into professional communications because it sounded interesting and challenging. Professional communications is the reason I'm able to pay for my car, my apartment, my bills, give to charities, help out my family when necessary and, oh yeah, go out to nice restaurants when I feel like it. It's also the reason I was able to break into the social media world in 2007 and continue evolving my career. It led me to Austin, Texas, and Chicago, Illinois for two amazing jobs. It has allowed me to work with, and mentor some incredibly talented people. And, saving the best for last, it has allowed me to meet some INCREDIBLE people that I truly do care for... I owe this business a huge debt of gratitude for making that happen, and I can't be thankful enough.
If I get grumpy it's because I see people not treating the business with the same level of respect that I do. Or, even worse, treating people in the business with a level of disrespect that's bordering on rude. Take a step back and look in the mirror... Are you trashing this business unfairly? Don't get me wrong, constructive criticism is certainly warranted (we need more of it, quite frankly), but what I can't stand are those who trash a business that's helped them (largely) get where they are.
When you see me getting grumpy, that's why. It isn't because I'm an angry person. Ask those closest to me and they'll tell you I'm really about the nicest guy you could ever meet. So the next time you notice my more prickly side coming out, take a step back before you call me out for being grumpy. Is it that I'm truly having a bad day, or is it because people are treating the business with disrespect? It could be that I'm grumpy because I do have bad days like anyone else, but it's MUCH more likely to be the latter causing my hair (such that it is) to stand on end.
One last thing before I close... Whether you're judging me, or someone else, assume you don't know the person. Of the more than 6,000 (no, I'm not pounding my chest) people who follow me on Twitter, a good 99% of them don't know me well at all. You should assume that's the case with the other people you interact with online because there's always more than meets the eye (thanks, GI Joe).
So with that I'll jump off the soapbox for the time being. Just remember, I'm closer to the passionate teddy bear than I am the prickly grizzly. Thanks, as always, for listening.
