"Know where to find the information and how to use it - that's the secret of success." - Albert Einstein

This Special Social Media Edition of Thought of the Day is brought to you by Jonathan Smith:

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to realize one of the goals that I set for myself after watching “The Secret.”Dan Mulhern, The First Gentleman of Michigan, invited me to the Governor’s Residence to help him map out the social media and marketing strategy for his book, “Everyday Leadership.”




I originally met Dan through the Leadership Detroit program. He was the facilitator for my classes. I took advantage of an opportunity to speak with Dan about the power of social media and the possibilities for its use in Governor Granholm’s reelection campaign in September 2006. I met with him again in early October 2006 on the election issue for about two hours at Barnes and Noble at Telegraph and Maple, while his State Police escort waited in the car. I could not believe that the First Gentleman was spending this much time with me during the height of the election season. Governor Granholm did not end up implementing a comprehensive social media strategy during her re-election campaign because the timing was too late, but Dan was hooked on the power of the medium.

For some reason, I decided that I wanted to someday get invited to the Governor’s residence, so I added it to my list of goals for 2007. I really hoped that I would be invited for a state dinner... maybe someday.

I was pretty shocked when I got a call from Oralya, Dan’s Scheduler, to see if I could come up on Friday to meet with Dan to help him out with his book. I did not really know what to say, “OOOO.K.” She had to make sure that I was on the list of approved guests and tell the State Police that I was coming. The house was very, very, nice, but you would not know it was the Governor’s Residence but for the fact that there is a security gate at the driveway and a State Trooper greets you at your car.

So what does all this mean for you, me and Clear!Blue.

• It furthers Bill Abele’s Michigan Inititiative – I was able to tell Dan about our involvement with One D, which should grow to more conversation about how Clear!Blue can help improve the state of our state.


• It increases awareness of Clear!Blue's Social Media efforts – I went to Dan not only as a consultant, but as an ambassador of Clear!Blue, and a spokesman for the Clear!Blue way of developing social media strategy.


• It's proof that no matter how far out your goals may be, you can probably will them into reality!

Have a great Friday and weekend!

Jonathan Smith