The Greater IBM Connection - on the blog side

Make the Connection: Greater IBM and "It's a Wonderful Life"

It’s that time of year again... Over the next two weeks, you can turn on your television at any time of the day or night and likely catch some station showing the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” -- which by the way, is not only one of my favorite films, but is also widely considered to be one of the best films ever made. Now you can even watch it online (for free), courtesy of Google.

Despite it's popularity, some of you outside of the US may not be familiar with "It's a Wonderful Life." So for you and those 3 or 4 people here that have never seen or heard of it, the net takeaway is that everyone you meet can have an impact on your life.  I'm sure everyone would agree with that, but this film really drives the point home in a big way.

In short, the star of the movie, George Bailey (played by the great Jimmy Stewart), falls on hard times. On Christmas Eve, in his greatest moment of despair, he wishes he was never born.  Enter Clarence, George’s guardian angel who grants his wish and erases his existence in an instant.  In a series of flashbacks, we then see all the people whose lives have been touched by George and the difference he has made to the community in which he lives.

OK, so it’s a great movie but what does it have to do with the Greater IBM you ask?

Everything. Because it’s quite remarkable for me to think about all the IBMers who have made some difference in my life – and vice versa – simply by connecting and sharing our thoughts and ideas in some way.

So during this holiday season, try this: Apply the message of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and think for a few moments... 

• What would life be like if you were never an IBM’er? 

• What if you never met all those people you worked with? If you didn’t give or receive that little piece of guidance, work on that project, hire that person, have that one particular meeting? What would have changed in your life – personally and professionally? And how might someone else’s life be different if you were never an IBM’er?

Some of you wouldn’t have met your spouse / significant other! Hmm, I suppose there might be a few that would’ve actually preferred that. J 

But seriously… Once you “get it,” you start to become more aware of the long lasting value of all the personal connections and relationships you made – and can continue to make as part of a Greater IBM.  Interesting thinking, isn’t it?

On that point, I’m very fortunate to live in NY where there is a huge concentration of IBMers so it was truly energizing to attend the Greater IBM event in NYC last month. The place was buzzing with so many smart, interesting, and friendly people. I got the sense that everyone came to be part of something bigger than just another great IBM party. I left that evening wanting to build on the “wonderful” interaction that occurred that evening, knowing lots of folks were making an impact on each other.

So, here’s a question for all you Greater IBM’ers in the NYC, Westchester and Fairfield County areas:

• Would you be interested in a NY/CT Greater IBM group -- leveraging collaborative online tools and having a local calendar of more in-person business and social (pay as you go) gatherings?

Tell me what you think. Post a reply here, or email me directly. If there's enough interest, I'll be happy to propose it to the Greater IBM management team.

Happy Holidays!  Remember, it’s a wonderful life!

Jane Scandurra

IBM'er from 1995 - 2006

P.S. Click here if you’d like a more humorous summary of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It's a 30 second synopsis as told through animated bunnies (I don’t get the bunny thing, but it is cute).

Looking Back; Looking Forward

It was about this time last year that I joined the Greater IBM Connection. My first adventure was going to a holiday party at the  Greater IBM virtual world at Second Life. We were invited to dress-up and show-up!

Much like a real party, there was that burning question, "what do you wear to an IBM holiday party anyway? LOL First I had to create Debbe Dae, my avatar. It was great fun to see her come to life, taller and more graceful than in real life. It was something like 5:30 a.m. when I logged-in for the party, teleporting my way to the celebration. I remember having the sense that  I was "flying off" to some new land --- definitely a "second life experience" from the start.

The party was quite amazing. There were IBMers everywhere. It really gave me an introduction to what's possible for all of us in this virtual domain ... I met new friends from all over the world; even discovered that when Debbe Dae hit the dance floor, she could let her uptight hair down and dance! (I'm sorry I didn't get a picture of it!). The holiday costumes and exhibits were way beyond what I had imagined at the time. As I look back, it was probably the most exciting IBM party I can remember LOL. Here are a two "snapshots" I took at the event to show my disbelieving friends where I'd been. I'm the one in the red and black:

Getting up the courage to dance :-)

On the ice rink with the "Skating Christmas Princess"

It came to me that we've begun to create history here at the Greater IBM Connection and there is much more to do and nearly unlimited possibilities. New events are emerging all the time with many planned for the coming year. We have a new IBM Innovation Center, a Conference Center and even a place to stop for a latte at Second Life. We have new Greater IBM Connections eMagazine and IBMers all over the world from every region are landing here. It's one of those important moments when opportunity arrives and questions you. Greater IBM is here. Thousands and thousands have joined the community and now, what will we do with it in 2008?

Looking back; looking forward questions for YOU...

• Do you have a memorable moment or experience at Greater IBM Connection from this year to share with all of us?
• Have you joined Great IBM yet? We hope you do. Click here to learn more
• What's your vision? If we could really make this Greater IBM Connection the best social networking community in the world, what would make it the best for you?

I look forward to hearing from you---and happy holidays to everyone across the world!

Debbe Kennedy
Contributing Author
Greater IBM Connection
Founder, President & CEO


Global Dialogue Center and Leadership Solutions Companies
IBMer 1970 - 1991 L.A.; Anchorage; Seattle; San Francisco

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