The Tipping Point Hits Home

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell brought into focus a new catch phrase.  A tipping point is the levels at which momentum for change becomes unstoppable.

We see tipping points in our everyday lives.  Facebook is a great example.  One year ago, the majority of rural America pooh-poohed Facebook. “That will never catch on.”  Today, it’s become the great new replacement for the party line.  We find out in minutes when someone has done something – instead of waiting days for the local paper to come out.

I have found my own personal tipping point.  Last Sunday in church I realized I was there because I wanted to be there.  Not only that, I’ve become the financial secretary, work on the audit committee and happily give my $5 contribution to every funeral and wedding that comes along.  My fellow church members live in my community, we are friends.

I’ve also found my career tipping point.  Gladwell points out that there are three types of people who make up the 20% of people doing 80% of work. They are the connectors – those who put the right people with the right people.  They are the mavens – people we rely on to connect us with new information.  And finally the salesmen, the persuaders.  At some recent point, I’ve come to see that I can easily fit into anyone of those categories.

This is why social media is so powerful to me.  I have access to new and exciting information all the time.  I get to share that information.  Finally – I’m putting the people who need this knowledge together with those who have it.  Years of being the go-to gal, the one who knew who to call – is finally paying off.  I began involvement in social media I think young in life.  Talking to people, sharing information, filing information away — being a connector.  Now, the tools are catching up to me.  Facebook, twitter, blogging, LinkedIn — all designed to assist us in our day to day businesses.

Have you considered what your tipping point may be?

(If you are a small business, let me connect you to the people using social media in their businesses.  Visit www.smallbizsocialmediasummit.com)