Thursday, July 7, 2011

Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization and Honoring your Soul's Intent

Though my blogs are so often about nurturing, self help, and self discovery, it has come to mind so often, especially in the past few months, regarding social media marketing, social networking and search engine optimization.  Without getting too philosophical or stretching the limits too much, aren't we still talking about communicating effectively and persuasively?  And, more importantly, isn't that what so many of us are striving for, frustrated by and working on, namely, communicating with others, and being heard?  Further, though our lives are not about being accepted and being a part of the bigger scheme of things, don't we also look to find a place that is comfortable for us, where we have people who understand us, and where we can serve our life's purpose, our soul's intent on this planet, so we can be happy, find our bliss?
Now we have jumped from the internet to the soul.  A bit scary, perhaps, but not so weird, after all.  To take it even a bit further, does anyone remember that song by Joan Osborne, "What if God Was One of Us"?  "...just a stranger on a bus trying to make his way home"...  I always loved this, as we often see the divine by looking into the eyes (or dreams or conversation) of another person.  Does the same hold true when we post, blog, text, chat?
Look for it, and be it.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Time to Reflect

Seems that the theme of many of my (infrequent) blogs lately have been rest and reflection.  I find myself with little time to do this, though it is so important for mind, heart, body and spirit.  Working in higher education and also separately in an independent therapeutic practice, I'm often working, but joyful for the varied and fascinating challenges, and the many wonderful people who I have the opportunity to meet and to work with.

In my education related position, working at a small, private college, we have faced many challenges.  The US Department of Education has put many regulations upon our sector of education has caused us to take time away from students, as well as away from our normal responsibilities and duties, and go in to "show me" mode.  Without going into great detail, we meet and exceed challenges, and continue to thrive while helping students to succeed.

My biggest challenge, apart from the one mentioned above, has been to develop and create an online division at The College of Westchester.  I am happy to report that as of June 29 we are fully operational.  Phase one of this project, creating the division, has taken two years to complete.  From inception, through to the present date, we have developed and received approval (from the New York State Education Department and Middle States Commission on Higher Education) to offer two programs fully online including our Associate Degree in Business Administration - Management/Marketing and our Bachelor (BBA) in Business Administration.  Phase two includes attracting and enrolling qualified students to participate in the first classes this September, and growing the college.  We already have some interest among alumni. 

Aside from raising two wonderful daughters and receiving my Masters in Social Work, this has been my greatest challenge and accomplishment.  I'm not going to take credit for it all myself, though.  It has taken so many people so much time and effort, and vision from our president and board, that I'm just the lucky one who has had the job to push through the process and steer the boat this time around.  It has been and continues to be great fun, and I truly am grateful for the opportunity.