It’s a shame when one can’t be as effective as one would like to be.

I was giving a presentation today for one of committees of the American Chambers of Commerce, looking at ustream & using it for business.

Unfortunately my MacBook pro suffered a stroke as I began – no video output to the projector. Whilst I did get it going eventually the lost time cost me dearly – I was far less effective that I’d wanted to be, failing to cover the material that was most relevant for the audience.

Well, hey, these things happen, and I’m sure they’ll be a positive outcome – such as my learning to never be dependent on a single computer.

Speaking alongside social media experts helped bring a little more clarity to who I am/ what my speciality is in this whole social media marketing market.

What I do (and enjoy doing) is getting my hands dirty. I love being a part of a social media event – planning a practical strategy and then carrying it out with my team on the day itself.

Pulling together the people with the necessary skills, gathering the required technology and figuring out how it will all work together.

I’m also good under pressure – when everything falls apart (not exactly uncommon when it comes to live streamed broadcasts!). I must admit I saw today’s event as just one of those situations – we’re live, we’re under pressure – we have to make this work!

What I am *not* is a so-called ‘social media ‘expert’, ready to theorise on the future of the industry.

Happily, following today’s event I secured more work, which now means I have enough for the foreseeable future (although could fit more in should the need arise).

Also, I left the event being happy with who I am and my attitude towards life. There was a time when I would have agonised over today’s events, felt embarrassed etc.

But as it was I just saw it as an experience, and one I’m glad to have gone through.

Anyway, better get on and eat some sushi.