Engaging the Conversation

I've been in Internet marketing (and marketing in general) for many years, online pretty much back to the very beginning in the mid to late 1990's, but have resisted doing a blog.  All the typical reasons:  not enough time, not sure what it gets me, etc.  In the meantime, however, I have been actively engaged in the conversations, listening initially, responding and now becoming more proactive.  I've been using Linkedin since it first started and engage in 34 group discussions.  I respond and post where I think appropriate and have enjoyed the variety and scope of the kind of conversations going on there.  I have also looked at and used Linkedin Answers, as well as many other industry newsletters, again commenting where I have something to add to the conversation and forwarding content I think of interest. 

I have found all of this interesting, informative and thought provoking.  One of the challenges I have and continue to have though is how to manage my time, how to engage and converse in the most meaningful manner and how to share my thoughts, ideas and observations and visions of great marketing in the best way that provides growth and development for me and for any others I engage with.

So my question to all my colleagues out there is:  What are the most powerful communications and learning tools for you in your career?

I will plan on using my blog to consolidate some of the best of the best that I see out there as well as delve more deeply into what I believe makes them visionary and of value.  The great value of this new form of content and communication is that it makes it very easy for all of us to share.  I am humbled to be a part of such a diverse and knowledgable group of connections, regardless where they are:  Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, eNewsletters, Blogs and more.  Thanks to all those who share and engage and make us all that much smarter!