On my walk this morning, I was listening to Daniel H. Steinberg’s Distributing the Future, and he was talking with Avi Bryant about a programming framework called Seaside for Smalltalk. He mentioned that Ruby on Rails often gets all the buzz these days (and for some good reasons), but that Avi had something really cool here.
This is all techno to you so far, but you know I’m heading somewhere, right?
Frameworks
Michael Sampson gave me this idea last night while I was moaning about something or other. (I’m paraphrasing and as a storyteller, I often make things up, so correct me, Michael). He said that all the great things I do, and all the interesting little side projects are neat to observe, but that it’s not really worth a lot in the long run if people can only observe me, and watch me do all these weird things. It’s only worth something if I can come up with a framework, be able to teach the framework, and get repeatable results to others.
Oddly enough, this is the same premise as franchising. It’s great that you can make a pizza place. If you can make fourteen, you’re talking. So, think of framework as a way to organize thoughts and ideas around something, like a project plan for a never ending project.
The 7 Habits is a Framework. GTD is a Framework. Just like software, that means that people can use the framework towards lots of various goals, but that a certain “skeleton” of things should be in place to guide the processes. Make them repeatable, and help you format your focus and thoughts.
I’m working on it
I case I needed more projects, I think I’ve got one. Just like I had to realize that Grasshopper New Media was the big idea burning inside me that I had to get out, and that the idea required more than just me to execute, I now realize that I’ve got to do something to capture all this crazy energy in such a way that YOU can do something, or learn something, or use the same premises to view what you’re doing.
From the few responses I’ve already received in response to my survey of the other day (and please, take a moment and send me your thoughts in email. I’ve had less than 5% response), I think that what keeps most of you coming back to the site is that you like seeing me take an idea, execute against it, and give you ideas on how to do it, too.
If I grow that out a little, what I should be doing is showing you how to use the entire process. If I mix that in with what I’ve learned about networking (online and offline), what I’m learning from hacking life on a regular basis, and what I’ve learned about communicating and writing, I think I’ve got a lot of information that would prove useful to you in your lives.
Just like the premise behind my podcast of the other day, Equipping the Explorer, I think a framework extracted from all these things I’m doing, captured, and then shared out, would be of some value to you, my friends and readers.
Your Input
As always, blogs are a conversation. Everything I do is a conversation. I’d like your feedback. I’m building the structure of the book, and writing out what I *think* my basic good ideas cover. For instance, I know that I’m good at thinking differently, and throwing out an idea that’s a bit sideways from typical thinking, and I’m good at executing fairly quickly against an idea to see how it works out. I also know that I’m not-so-good at operations on a day to day level. I can help people build operations, but if I’m the guy carrying them out? Not so much.
What have you seen me do repeatably that deserves space in the book? What skill or trait of mine do you wish I could share with you? My good looks? (cough cough).
I’d love your thoughts.
Best Team Ever
When I sent out a post and said, “I think I’m going to launch a new media company. Does anyone want to help?” I got *tons* of responses. You ran right up and said, “I’ll jump in!” I’m so amazed and humbled by this. Thanks to everyone who stepped forward and volunteered. I’ve got a fistful of you already put to work, and others of you in mind for things that come along.
If you’re looking to get in on something, ping me back if I haven’t bugged you lately. I’ve been juggling a lot of balls, and not keeping good notes, so I might’ve missed getting back to you. It’s not a slight. It’s me being mental. I’d love to hear from you.
And see what I call you? A team. Not my readers, not the audience. You’re on the team here at [chrisbrogan.com]
Thanks!