I love meeting new people. I do my best to grow existing relationships. Even though I deleted Facebook (and Twitter and Instagram) from my phone in October, 2014 and in the past 4 months, I’ve barely logged in to Facebook, I try hard to maintain a connection with the online world.

Old friends, new acquaintances, family, people I meet on the Caltrain. No matter who it is, I still answer the following question over and over and over: What do you do?

As a professional, working adult, that is the question I get asked most often when I meet someone for the first time.

It makes sense. At least in the United States, our work, our job, what we do, where we spend 40+ hours per week, can — well — define who we are. Right or wrong, it is what it is.

I usually answer the “what do you do?” question with a simple, direct, “I’m a marketer.” The next logical question: “Where do you work?”

The answer is easy: Zignal Labs!

But the meatier question, “Cool, what does Zignal Labs do?” can get … complicated.

Zignal Labs is a realtime, cross media story-tracking platform. Zignal Labs does media monitoring. Zignal Labs makes big data small and actionable. Zignal Labs allows you to cut through the noise.

I’ve said – and wrote – all of the above. However, when it comes down to it: Zignal Labs helps you stay ahead.

Our platform allows you to see the story unfold in realtime – not days or hours or even minutes later. Realtime. As its happening.

Want to know what is being said about your industry or competition or company or brand or product or service — as it’s happening? That’s what Zignal Labs does.

And, as it turns out, You don’t need to be a data scientist to dissect big data.

We were fortunate to have Joe Garofoli of the San Francisco Chronicle write a great article about us earlier this week titled, Yes, Trump is loud, but S.F. startup finds message doesn’t resonate.

The write up focused on how we are covering – and uncovering – key insights and actionable takeaways from the 2016 presidential race.

But Zignal Labs does a heck of a lot more than track politics.

Before I explain that last statement, let me be clear about one thing: We “do” politics and we do it quite well. We have a rich history in the political spectrum. Our co-founder, CEO Josh Ginsberg, has an extensive background in politics. We have many clients who are in politics.

But that is not all we do. Politics is not the only industry we help to stay ahead.

Zignal Labs helps companies manage crisis. Zignal Labs helps organizations understand their company, their brand, their product, and/or their service. Zignal Labs helps corporations uncover what’s happening in their industry including the competitive landscape.

While Joe Garofoli’s article certainly has a political “spin” (no pun intended) to it, if you replace the word “supporters” with “customers” and “candidate” with “brand,” the following quote really describes what we do best:

“What’s appealing about Zignal Labs is the way its tools help campaigners comb through media to find out who supporters are, where they live and where a good — or bad — story is originating. The firm can ferret out a supportive blogger in western Iowa or find online conversations about a Florida candidate happening in Spanish, the kind that are usually below the radar.”

Same idea with this quote from Garofoli:

“The kind of cross-platform, geotagged information that Zignal Labs assimilates is data-mining gold to campaigns — and represents the next generation of how political operatives can translate our every online keystroke into hints about whom we might cast a ballot for.”

Read the entire San Francisco Chronicle article here.

We recently produced a few videos that I think (biased, sure!) do a really nice job describing who we are and what we do. Check them out below:

Can’t see the video? Try watching it on YouTube.

Can’t see the video? Try watching it on YouTube.

What do you say when people as you what you do? Please share below.

Photo Credit: debord

The post What Do You Do? appeared first on Social Butterfly Guy.

As it turns out, Toni’s husband (Loren) messaged me on Facebook and suggested I chat with his wife – a person he felt was very passionate.

Loren was right! Toni and I hit it off immediately. She had me at bone broth.

Toni’s passion: Helping People Heal their Gut (aka “Gut Health”)

In case you missed any of the previous episodes, you can catch them here by visiting the Living Your Passion landing page.

Are you ready to learn more about Toni and her passion for GUT HEALTH?

During this episode …

• We talked about the percentage of people (99.9%!) who consume content yet never tell you – the creator of said content. Crazy!
• Toni shared how she uncovered her passion – through a personal struggle with her own health problems, specifically a life-long battle with acne.
• Toni talked about how after drinking homemade bone broth for two straight weeks … her acne was gone. Literally gone. Cleared up entirely. As Toni said, this was amazing, especially “after 20 years of drama and who knows how much money” trying to cure her acne. Wow!
• Toni shared more about BONE BROTH … and mirepoix!
• Toni talked about how she “discovered” bone broth.
• Toni discussed how she hopes – some day – to turn her passion into a business.
• We talked – briefly – about stress and wellness.

More About Toni Sicola

According to Twitter: Exploring wellness as a creative process, learning what works and doesn’t work for mind, body and spirit — food, nutrition, cooking, gardening, adventure. Learn more about Toni on her About Me page.

Links Discussed In This Episode

• CultivatedWellbeing.com – blog
• Twitter
• Toni’s entire “Gut Health” blog post series:
  • Why Gut Health Matters: A Series on You
  • Why Gut Health Matters: Your Gate Keeper
  • Why Gut Health Matters: Your Mood
  • Why Gut Health Matters: Your Weight
  • Why Gut Health Matters: Your Skin
  • Why Gut Health Matters: Your Stress

Enjoyed this episode? Please consider subscribing (if you haven’t already). Also, what would be really awesome? If you could rate and review the show … and use those fancy social sharing icons below to tell the world!

Alternatively, you can subscribe to the RSS feed or subscribe via email (scroll to the bottom).

Finally, if you know someone who bleeds passion (or maybe it’s you), please email me at djwaldow at gmail dot com. Oh, and if you have a connection to LeBron James and/or Coach Jim Harbaugh (two guys who bleed passion), please let me know. #DeadSerious

The post Toni Sicola on Gut Health appeared first on Social Butterfly Guy.

He heard the episode I had published with John Lee Dumas on Inspiring Millions and asked to be on the show. Once Matt shared his story with me, it was a no-brainer. Matt is full of passion(s)!

Matt’s passions: helping families diversify, helping schools raise money, and inspiring children to read

In case you missed any of the previous episodes, you can catch them here by visiting the Living Your Passion landing page.

Are you ready to learn more about Matt’s … passions?

During this episode …

• Matt shared what he learned years ago, “If you help other people, you’ll be taken care of.”
• Matt talked about how he continues to grow and diversify his various businesses.
• We talked a bit about the comic book industry – from back in the day and now today!
• Matt shared how being an Air Force Pilot made him realize that there was more to life then focusing just on himself!

More About Matt Miller

According to Matt’s LinkedIn summary … “I’m a former Air Force pilot and advertising executive, turned serial entrepreneur. My business expertise is in developing hassle-free fundraising programs for schools and secondary income streams for busy professionals.” Learn more about Matt on LinkedIn.

Links Discussed In This Episode

• School Spirit Vending and School News Guru raise hassle-free funds for schools across the country
• Comic book company Sticker Swarm Media

Enjoyed this episode? Please consider subscribing (if you haven’t already). Also, what would be really awesome? If you could rate and review the show … and use those fancy social sharing icons below to tell the world!

Alternatively, you can subscribe to the RSS feed or subscribe via email (scroll to the bottom).

Finally, if you know someone who bleeds passion (or maybe it’s you), please email me at djwaldow at gmail dot com. Oh, and if you have a connection to LeBron James and/or Coach Jim Harbaugh (two guys who bleed passion), please let me know. #DeadSerious

The post Matt Miller on Helping Families Diversify, Helping Schools Raise Money, and Inspring Children to Read appeared first on Social Butterfly Guy.

If you have not yet heard of University of Michigan freshman basketball player, Austin Hatch (pictured above hugging Coach Beilien), now is the time to get to know him.

Be sure to bring out your kleenex when you watch a clip of SC Featured – Miraculous: The Austin Hatch Story and/or read this recent ESPN article.

Long story short, Austin has survived not one, but two, airplane crashes — crashes that claimed the lives of five family members – including his mother and father.

Both the video and the article details Austin’s unbelievable story of survival and perseverance. Both are worth the watch and read, respectively.

The ESPN article focused more on the relationship between Austin and his father Stephen. You see, Stephen was always teaching his children about life. About how to be unique or “uncommon” as he said. As a father, the lessons Stephen taught Austin and his siblings have really stuck with me. They’ve caused me to pause, to reflect, to think about what kind of father I am to my two smart, beautiful children.

However, one part of the ESPN article that really stood one was Stephen Austin’s definition of success:

“When you are loved by family and friends, admired by your peers, using your talents constructively, and consistently contributing to improving civilization.”

Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow.

That’s it, right? That is the definition of success.

N0t fortune. Not fame. But … what Stephen Hatch said.

As announced last week, I’m officially back on the job market. In the months leading up to that blog post, I’ve been thinking … reflecting. I’ve been trying to put into words my definition of success. Again, it’s not money. It’s not popularity.

Success is when you are loved by family and friends.
Success is when you are admired by your peers.
Success is when you use your talents constructively.
Success is when you are consistently contributing to improving civilization.

Thanks Stephen Hatch.

How would you define success? Please share in the comments below.

The post My New Definition of Success appeared first on Social Butterfly Guy.

I’m (officially) back on the job market.

***UPDATE***: As of Tuesday, March 3, 2015, I’m the new Director of Marketing at Zignal Labs. Pumped.

If you are looking for a relentlessly curious, killer communicator, wickedly creative, super-passionate, (humble – ha!) guy to help take your company to the next level, look no further. I’m that guy.

Actually, if you are serious about hiring me or know someone who may be, I’ve created this “HIRE DJ” landing page – complete with a fun video – that highlights what I’m looking to do next and a bit about my qualifications.

Why Now?

There are a ton of aspects of working for yourself that I love – flexible work schedule, work from home/coffee shop, I can read a few chapters in a good book in the middle of the day. I can catch the 4PM start of the Michigan basketball game. I can drop off and pick up my kiddos from school every day. I can have a homemade, special dinner ready at 5:30 for my family.

On the flip side, there are many challenges of working from home, working for yourself. The biggest one – at least for me – is the lack of human interaction. If you know me at all, you know I am passionate about people. Connecting with other people. Learning from other people. Being around other people. People. People. People. When working for yourself, it’s really hard to have that same interaction with people. Instead, it’s an occasional text or instant message. It’s having “conversations” on Facebook or Twitter. It’s talking to the person next to you at Philz Coffee — even if they don’t really want to talk to you. Ha!

Being back at a company means I can scratch my itch – my need – for proximity to other human beings. But it’s really more than just human to human contact. I really miss being part of something bigger. I miss being part of a team. I miss the water cooler conversations and the sense of accomplishment when working on a big project. I miss the high-fives and the fist-bumps when exceeding goals. I miss the team lunches and the after (during?) work beers.

What I’ve Been Doing (and Learning) The Past 8 Months

If you’ve been following along at home, you know I  quit my job in June of 2014. Since then, I have been busy. Very very busy. I don’t do “bored” very well. A few highlights below:

• Went on a personal journey to rediscover my passion.
• Launched and published nearly 50 episodes of Living Your Passion podcast.
• Launched a weekly email – The Waldow Weekly WhazzupDATE (sign up!).
• Started a new business as a career transition coach, aka COACH DJ.
• Made some changes about how I was spending my time – and focus.
• Started a new project, From Podcast to Book.

However, most importantly over the past 8 months, I’ve learned a lot about myself – both personally and professionally.

In no particular order …

I’ve learned that launching a new business is tough.
I’ve learned to be less concerned about how other people view me.
I’ve learned that it’s perfectly okay to live your passion … on the side.
I’ve learned that family is really really really important to me.
I’ve learned that I need to be surrounded by other human beings.
I’ve learned that it’s important for me to feel like I’m making a difference in this world.
I’ve learned that I’m creative and curious and not afraid to try something new.
I’ve learned to persevere through the ups and downs.
I’ve learned that everything sucks some of the time.
I’ve learned the power of a strong network.
I’ve learned the importance of being curious and going all in for something you believe in.
I’ve learned life is full of twists and turns.
I’ve learned there is no such thing as “one way” or “the right” way to navigate through one’s career.
I’ve learned how looking up (from your device) and being more present allows you to see more of the world around you.

In my near 40 years (39 on Feb 23!) on this planet, I’ve never stopped learning.

I have absolutely zero regrets in my life. In a very non-religious, yet slightly spiritual way, I believe strongly that everything happens for a reason.

I was meant to quit my job in June … to rediscover my passion … to launch a new podcast … to start a career transition coaching business … to decide it was time to get back into the corporate world.

Every step on the path of life has taught me something. Every. Single. Step.

What’s Next?

As with many times in my life, the answer to the “what’s next” question is this: I’m not 100% sure. If I could predict the future, I’d be a zillionaire! Ha. However, I do know one thing:

If all goes as planned, I’ll be working at a kick ass company in the next month or so. In fact, I’ve dedicated an entire page – complete with a fun video – to my future employer. I’ll once again be leveraging my curiosity, my creativity, my love for content creation, my craving for making a positive impact in this crazy world of ours.

What About Career Transition Coaching?

COACH DJ, my career transition coaching business is on “temporary hold.” It’s not over. It’s not dead. It’s just … idle.

Speaking of learning, one huge lesson learned from starting a career transition coaching business is this: There are a ton – A TON – of people in the world who are not happy in their current jobs. There are so many people who are not engaged, not motivated, at work. However, I also learned there is a big difference from not loving what you doing and making the jump – committing – to make a change. So many people are afraid of change. And that’s okay. I get it. As someone who has changed jobs and careers and the like over the past ~20 years, I’m still not totally comfortable with change.

As one of my former CEOs used to include in his email signature, ONWARD!

—

Oh. One more thing … Reminder: If you are serious about hiring me or know someone who may be, I’ve created this “HIRE DJ” landing page – complete with a fun video – that highlights what I’m looking to do next and a bit about my qualifications.

The post Back On The (Job) Market appeared first on Social Butterfly Guy.

Tim is my go-to guy when it comes to finding the best restaurant in any city. Literally any city. From my recollection, he is 7/7 on recommending kick ass restaurants.

Tim and I first met – first had a beer, that is – in Chicago several years ago. The rest, as they say, is history.

Tim’s passion: Getting uncomfortable

In case you missed any of the previous episodes, you can catch them here by visiting the Living Your Passion landing page.

Are you ready to learn more about Tim’s passion for getting uncomfortable?

During this episode …

• Tim shared that “beer seals the deal” when it comes to relationships. I could not agree more, considering I met my wife at a bar. Ha!
• I asked Tim what his passion was, and he … well … got into it. We boiled his passion down to “getting uncomfortable.”
• We were joined by my son, Cal. #HomeSick. Like his dad, he likes to hear his own voice.
• We talked about parenting, of course, and taking your children everywhere.
• Tim encouraged folks to get out … explore … get uncomfortable.
• Tim talked about his family experience with The Sunday Drive. VERY VERY cool.
• We talked about “keeping up with the Joneses” from both a personal and business sense.
• Tim shared how he is personally getting uncomfortable.
• Tim gave some suggestions on how to mix things up, how to get uncomfortable.

More About THE Tim Hayden

According to Twitter, Tim is the … co-Author of The Mobile Commerce Revolution (QUE, 2014). Empowering progress in the age of mobility, Husband, Dad, Son & Friend to more humans than robots. Follow [the] Tim on Twitter.

Links Discussed In This Episode

• My podcast chat with Tim’s friend and former co-worker, Cierra Savatgy-King
• THE Tim Hayden on Twitter
• My Insanity blog post
• Tim’s business, TTH Strategy

Enjoyed this episode? Please consider subscribing (if you haven’t already). Also, what would be really awesome? If you could rate and review the show … and use those fancy social sharing icons below to tell the world!

Alternatively, you can subscribe to the RSS feed or subscribe via email (scroll to the bottom).

Finally, if you know someone who bleeds passion (or maybe it’s you), please email me at djwaldow at gmail dot com. Oh, and if you have a connection to LeBron James and/or Coach Jim Harbaugh (two guys who bleed passion), please let me know. #DeadSerious

The post Tim Hayden on Getting Uncomfortable appeared first on Social Butterfly Guy.

As it turns out, Casie and I connected first through #Bufferchat (read the summary here).

Casie is passionate, funny, witty, and has an interesting story to tell!

Casie’s passion: Living Out Loud

In case you missed any of the previous episodes, you can catch them here by visiting the Living Your Passion landing page.

Are you ready to learn more about Casie’s passion for living out loud?

During this episode …

• We talked about how we first met (online, through a Twitter chat, of course).
• Casie dove into how a major (negative) life event – the sudden passing of her sister – led her to her passion … living out loud.
• Casie shared that it took her nearly 5 years to get back on track after her sister’s death.
• We talked a bit about depression – something I think way more people suffer from then we truly know about.
• Casie talked about how she tries to find “one small win” throughout the day to keep her going. LOVE LOVE LOVE this!
• Casie described how her passion – Living Out Loud – looked in the beginning and how it evolved over the years.
• Casie shared some of the items on her bucket list (i.e., cage diving with Great White Sharks in South Africa) – things that are totally scary to her – that she will be doing soon!
• We discussed how Casie could turn her passion for living out loud into a career (spoiler alert: she’s still trying to figure this one out)!
• Casie provided some advice on how one could go about finding their passion.

More About Casie [kay-cee; KC]

According to Twitter, Casie is all about … Storytelling through Social | Jersey Born | Florida Livin’ | Theme Park Roamin’ | Yanks Fan | #StBaldricks Photographer & Team Captain | #StepUp | #LiveOutLoud.” Follow Casie on Twitter.

Links Discussed In This Episode

• Casie on Twitter
• The most awesome “finger warm up” video for a Twitter chat (#Bufferchat) EVER
• Finding your common thread

Enjoyed this episode? Please consider subscribing (if you haven’t already). Also, what would be really awesome? If you could rate and review the show … and use those fancy social sharing icons below to tell the world!

Alternatively, you can subscribe to the RSS feed or subscribe via email (scroll to the bottom).

Finally, if you know someone who bleeds passion (or maybe it’s you), please email me at djwaldow at gmail dot com. Oh, and if you have a connection to LeBron James and/or Coach Jim Harbaugh (two guys who bleed passion), please let me know. #DeadSerious

The post Casie Shimansky on Living Out Loud appeared first on Social Butterfly Guy.

Greg posted an amazing video to the group of an awesomely-bearded gentlemen named Matt White (who turned out to be a Living Your Passion guest – listen/read here).

Greg is a story teller … a story SHARER, if you will. His medium: Film.

And quite logically, Greg’s passion: Connecting People Through Killer Stories

In case you missed any of the previous episodes, you can catch them here by visiting the Living Your Passion landing page.

Are you ready to learn more about Greg’s passion for connecting people through killer stories?

During this episode …

• We talked about several of the past Living Your Passion guests having a common thread (or theme) of people … and why this was the case.
• Greg shared some details about the new documentary he’s working on: The Millennial Dream.
• Greg talked about how his documentary is exploring why millennials are more interested in making a positive impact versus just making a high salary.
• We explored why people are not happy at work.
• We talked about … what if … everyone was happy.
• Greg tried to slip in that he lived on a boat in the Caribbean for four years! I did NOT see that coming. Right?
• Greg talked about all of the cool (film) projects he’s working on – living his passion!
• I basically told Greg that I’d LOVE to be on a project he’s working on. Ha!

More About Greg

According to Twitter, Greg is a “television producer from Canada that produces a very strange and wonderful set of adventures.” Follow Greg on Twitter.

Links Discussed In This Episode

• Greg’s company, Hemmings House
• Greg on Twitter
• Hemmings House on Twitter
• Greg’s podcast, The Boiling Point (here is the episode I was a guest on!)

Enjoyed this episode? Please consider subscribing (if you haven’t already). Also, what would be really awesome? If you could rate and review the show … and use those fancy social sharing icons below to tell the world!

Alternatively, you can subscribe to the RSS feed or subscribe via email (scroll to the bottom).

Finally, if you know someone who bleeds passion (or maybe it’s you), please email me at djwaldow at gmail dot com. Oh, and if you have a connection to LeBron James and/or Coach Jim Harbaugh (two guys who bleed passion), please let me know. #DeadSerious

The post Greg Hemmings on Connecting People Through Killer Stories appeared first on Social Butterfly Guy.

I launched a new project today.

Thanks to a [very] strong nudge from my buddy Jason Zook, I’m going to take the next 30 days to turn my podcast – Living Your Passion – into a book. A real book. One that I can sell on Amazon and Barnes & Noble and other places where books are sold.

Why not, right?

To keep me on track, force me to be accountable, and to … well … journal the process, I’ve created a new website called (you guessed it), From Podcast to Book. As you’ll read on that page (go there now!), I’m going to detail the 30-day process through a daily video blog (vlog!). Each day, I’ll share what I’m working on … what I’m struggling with … what’s working / not working … and more!

You’ll get an inside glimpse into how I’m turning my podcast into a book – in 30 days (or less)!

If all goes well … I will:

• Make a billion dollars selling the book.
• Take my “lessons learned” from the process of turning my podcast into a book and launch a new business (that makes a billion dollars).

If either of those happened, I’d be thrilled. But in this case, I’m taking my own advice: High hopes and low expectations. I hope both of the above happen, but I will not be disappointed if they don’t.

Again, my goal of this project is simple (and very attainable): Go from concept to book in 30 days (or less).

I’d love it if you’d join me for the ride. Head on over to From Podcast to Book now to learn more (and subscribe)!

Oh, and if you can use those social sharing buttons below to share this blog post with your friends, family, network, community, and complete strangers … I’d be eternally grateful.

The post Living Your Passion: The Book appeared first on Social Butterfly Guy.

We had just met each other in person in Tampa, Florida after Jason Keath’s kick ass event, Social Fresh (check out Jason’s new podcast, Social Toolkit).

A lot has changed since then. We both are parents. I’ve had a few jobs. And Katy is now really, truly living her passion.

Katy’s passion: Active Living.

In case you missed any of the previous episodes, you can catch them here by visiting the Living Your Passion landing page.

Are you ready to learn more about Katy’s passion for active living?

During this episode …

• We talked about how we met over 5 years ago at Social Fresh Tampa … and all the lasting connections we made at that event. NETWORKING!
• We chatted about poop, boobs, diapers, and babies (of course).
• Katy shared how she was someone who lived actively for most of her life — but also got into bad habits (eating more, exercising less, etc).
• Katy talked about the “turning point” in her life (her “ah-ha” moment), 7 years ago, when she realized she needed to (once again) live a more active life.
• Katy shared her 2nd “ah-ha” moment … when she realized it was less about weight and more about health and fitness – building strength, getting more flexible, etc.
• We connected passion to fitness. Love it!
• I sang (rapped?) a bit. You may want to fast-forward that part. Ha.
• Katy advised people to “open their mind” … try new things … put yourself out there!
• We talked about P90X (Katy has done it 3 times – crazy).
• We did 10 pushups (with good form, of course) – at the end of the show!

More About Katy

Emmy-nominated producer @GROWINGBOLDER | blogger @HuffPost | #Fitfluential | #ZeroLimits | wife @nighthops | mama @BugChild | AFAA-certified | PiYo Strength. Follow Katy on Twitter.

Links Discussed In This Episode

• Katy on Twitter
• KatyWidrick.com
• You can also find Katy @KWidrick … just about everywhere!

Enjoyed this episode? Please consider subscribing (if you haven’t already). Also, what would be really awesome? If you could rate and review the show … and use those fancy social sharing icons below to tell the world!

Alternatively, you can subscribe to the RSS feed or subscribe via email (scroll to the bottom).

Finally, if you know someone who bleeds passion (or maybe it’s you), please email me at djwaldow at gmail dot com. Oh, and if you have a connection to LeBron James and/or Coach Jim Harbaugh (two guys who bleed passion), please let me know. #DeadSerious

The post Katy Widrick on Active Living appeared first on Social Butterfly Guy.