The Danger of Social Networks

Filed under: Business, Personal, Technology

All of us have now heard of social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc. The number of social networks out there continues to grow and with it, so do the number of users. I regularly get contacted by recruiters via my LinkedIn profile, so I know that keeping the network updated works. However, there are pros and cons that come with using social networks.

First, social networks are not only viewed by your friends. They can potentially viewed by your family, colleagues, and future employers. You may think “what’s the big deal”, but what you post now can potentially be harmful in the future.
If you have even the slightest hesitation about posting a picture or a statement which you don’t want someone else to see, don’t do post it.

Second, social networks can be addictive. While networks are a great way to keep up to date with other contacts, it should not be the ONLY form of communication. It is simple to spend hours at a time glued to your computer, chatting with friends and updating the networks. I know a couple of people like this (you know who you are). To get past this additiction, set a timer on your computer. There are many freeware software clocks out there. When the time runs out, log out and do something else.

Finally, be aware of when and where you update your network. Some people I have spoken to update their profiles everywhere, including at the office. Remember, management is probably also using the same social networks you are and they can see when you update. In certain environments, this is frowned upon.

While social networks offer great benefits for keeping people connected together, think before you post!

Finally Graduating!

Filed under: Personal

After two long years in an MBA program, countless hours of travelling and some life changing events, I am finally graduating with my Penn State MBA degree!  With all of the snow and wintery mix, I am glad that my wife has arrived safely.  It has been a grueling and very intensive two year program and I want to send out my appreciation to all of you that have given me advice and encouragement to charge forward and fulfill my ambitions.

Fundraising for Houston Buddy Walk supporting Down syndrome awareness

Filed under: Personal, World Events

On December 6th 2008, I will be joining my wife and other supporters in the 8th Annual Houston Buddy Walk supporting children and adults with Down syndrome.  Down syndrome is one of the most serious and frequently reported birth defects among live-born infants due to an untreatable genetic disorder.  Medical facilities and researchers worldwide are leading the efforts to understand the causes behind Down syndrome occurs and how to prevent it.

Here are some facts about Down Syndrome:

• Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition with an incidence of 1 in every 733 births.
• There are currently over 400,000 individuals living with Down syndrome in the United States
• There are approximately 5000 babies born with Down syndrome each year in the United States.
• Down syndrome is one of the leading clinical causes of cognitive delay in the world – it is not related to race, nationality, religion or socio-economic status.
• Recent advances in our understanding of Down syndrome have resulted in dramatic improvements in the life span and the potential of those who are affected.
• With appropriate support, individuals with Down syndrome can lead fulfilling lives and be contributing members of society
• October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

The National Down Syndrome Society is non-profit organization with a single goal of building a brighter future for children and adults with Down syndrome.  The funds raised from this walk will be used to ensure that support can be provided to families and individuals affected.  The support groups sponsored by this society and other associations are essential to learning about and seeing how others are living with the condition.  For any of you that have seen or know someone affected by Down syndrome, you will understand that even performing daily chores is not the easiest for them.

My participating team has set a goal of raising $2000 for this non-profit organization.  If you would like to support us, learn more about Down Syndrome or want to find other ways to help, please visit to the links below.

Make a Donation
Register to Participate in the 8th Annual Houston Buddy Walk
Medical Information on Down Syndrome

If you know of anyone else who would like to donate or participate, please direct them to this site.  Thank you for your time and together we can help those in our communities who really need our support.