Changing Shoes
I started with TalkShoe about a year and a half ago now after hearing about it though various sources and falling in love with the idea and the platform. After a marathon weekend spending every waking moment playing with the service and teaching it to others I was offered my spot as the only full-time support representative. I was thrilled. Six months in, and with a better understanding of our users, I moved to my community development role and have been active with our users on a daily basis ever since.
The whole TalkShoe experience (The platform, product, staff and users) has been incredible and there hasn’t been a day where I haven’t loved being a part of the team - or the community - that makes TalkShoe work. But like every good pair of shoes, sometimes a change is needed: So I’ve decided to leave TalkShoe at the end of the month.
The More Things Change
While my time at TalkShoe is coming to a close, it doesn’t change my connections to the people I’ve met along the way. I’ll still be on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn and will still be reading the blogs and listening to podcasts. It doesn’t affect some conference plans, either. I’ll still be attending (and helping) with those, too. And hey, maybe I’ll actually start writing in the blog more.
The team at TalkShoe has invited me to remain dedicated to the community and I intend to do just that. So while I won’t be as active in the community or interacting with the staff as much as usual, it also means I’m not going to be abandoning the Ning or the Facebook stuff quite yet. My email address will still work and I’ll still be answering questions, too.
Looking Forward
I’ve always looked toward the future with a fearful anticipation - nervous of change, but excited to try something new. It’s with this attitude that this exit is being made and my next steps are being planned. I’m looking, right now, at stepping toward the consulting and public speaking worlds - helping business and individuals get a handle on what this whole new media thing is. That said, I’m always open to the opportunity to work with a new team on something exciting.
The time I had at TalkShoe has been amazing and I’ve made some incredible connections as a result. It’s been an absolute honour to work with a team as diverse and intelligent as they are. The whole team knows I hope for nothing but great success for all of them. They deserve it.
That’s it for now - until next time.
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I cannot say enough how much Tommy has met to TalkShoe and how he had become the face (or should I say voice) of the company for a ton of members. His willingness to help out anyone or just be a friend created bonds that will last long beyond web 2.0. I wish him nothing but the best moving forward and hope to cross paths again soon as we move on to our next adventures.
Aaron Brauser
I wish you all the best Tommy. You work so hard in the community to make things happen!
TalkShoe is, indeed, a very good service. Having both live and podcast shows is the missing link that podcasters need. If the interface was simpler to understand and if we could integrate a live player to wordpress, TalkShoe could “be a rocket”!
Thanks for your always excellent insights into new media and growing a great online community. I’m sure you will be successful in your future endeavors.
Hey Tommy, it was fun working with you. Keep in touch.
Man Tommy, big move, eh?
You’ve been a great community developer for Talkshoe. I don’t know if I’ve ever met someone so passionate about their work, and so sure of the platform they’re talking about. I’m sure you’ll find something you’re equally passionate about to get into next. Best of luck. Can’t wait to see more stuff from you in the future.
Hey TalkShoe Tommy!
I’ll never forget the week-end you’re referencing; we should ask Bob to pull the stats to see who was online longer; you, me, or cloburn
Great to have had the opportunity to work with you. Best of luck with your next new media adventure!
Hey Tommy,
I wish you all the best, and I can’t thank you enough with the help you have provided me with Since December 2007 to the help that has been provided to me as I made my way on the TalkShoe Team. So, Thanks Tommy! - Hope to see you around the community still, but I wish you all the best.
Again, Thanks Tommy!
Josh Budde
I’ve no doubt you’ll be onto bigger and better things in the not too distant future, Tommy. I know what a mixed blessing leaving a job behind can be - I’m currently ‘between’ jobs, and although the uncertainty can be stressful, you do have time to write for the old blog and collect your thoughts.
You have done great job at TalkShoe and I’m curious to see where I find you next.
Tommy,
I know first hand that you’ll bring your uniquely powerful combination of energy, enthusiasm, knowledge and skill to whatever challenges you choose to take on next. All the best with everything on your horizon.
Thanks for everything, you were (and still are, whether you like it or not… you’ve got “residual effect”) a great asset to TalkShoe and I enjoyed working with you and bulls***ting with you as well.
Best of luck buddy. Funny how many of us and picking up and moving on these days. I know anything you get up to will be ass kicking (insert Talk “shoe” joke here).
I’m also leaving Emma at the end of the month. Drop by here and say howdy: http://blog.davemadethat.com/2008/05/17/why-im-leaving-emma/
Cheers buddy.
I hope to see you again soon.
Cheers,
Dave
I wish you all the best, man.
I saw this post the first time you tweeted it, but didn’t make it here to comment. So, I appreciate the re-tweet!
It’s pretty clear you were a valuable member of the Talk Shoe team and even though you’ll still be there for everyone, I’m sure you’ll be dearly missed.
Congrats on moving on. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Brave move, best of luck and all that, I hope that what ever you end up doing you have fun!
See you at PAB!
Say it ain’t so! Can’t wait to hear what plans you’ve got for the future at our next LNMG meet up. Looking forward to more frequent updates on your blog, and perhaps now you’ll be more available to write for Kingstonist.
I know you’ll be missed by the staff and uses of TalkShoe. I’m looking forward to reading your blog and wish you well in your public speaking adventure. I have a speaking engagement this week.It’s my second time to address this group and I’m excited. I wish you were here to help me out. Wish you best.
Hi Tommy! I just arrived in Kingston and am studying at Queen’s. Mitch Joel recommended we get in touch! Would absolutely love to connect with you.