Simon S. Tam's Blog, page 8
January 26, 2018
Don’t Base Outreach Strategy on Algorithms
A few minutes ago, I just received a phone call that began with “Hi, this is an important phone call” – CLICK. That’s all I needed to hear. If something was truly important, they should have used a real person instead of an automated system. And they should not have used a generic greeting that just sounded like spam. Just because they said it was important didn’t mean it meant anything at all to me.
For the past two weeks, speculation about Facebook’s new algorithm has been concerning folks...
January 25, 2018
Go Big or Go Home
Go big or go home is a popular adage that exhorts you to go all in, to experience something to its fullest. Like other catch phrases, it’s easier said than done.
In one sense, it might dissuade people from trying at all – “Don’t bother unless you put your entire self into it.”
In another, it calls for accountability.
If you’re trying to launch a blog or podcast, if you’re trying to learn Twitter or Snapchat but only give it a half-hearted effort, failure is inevitable. If you’re trying to add...
January 24, 2018
Upcoming Events and Appearances
I’m excited to announce some of the newest events where I’ll be sharing stories. I hope you’ll be able to attend one in your area. For more information about any of these appearances, please feel free to contact me. If you’re interested in having me speak at your event or organization, please fill out the form here.
Upcoming events and appearances:
February 6, 2018 – Portland, OR: Airbnb HQ
February 16, 2018 – Washington, DC: Katsucon
March 1, 2018 – Nashville, TN: Nashville Bar Association D...
January 23, 2018
My Morning Routine Begins with Gratitude
For the last couple of years, articles on the morning routines of CEOs and world-class performers have been an obsession for writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs. Tim Ferris wrote an entire book (Tools of Titans, see my recommended list here) that explored the concept.
I too, became caught up in the spirit of productivity and tried creating a series of rituals to kick start my day, rather than simply responding to emails and messages. While I still incorporate some exercise and wake up earlie...
January 22, 2018
The Direct Approach
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If you’re active on Linkedin, chances are that you receive generic pitches in your feed or messages on a regular basis.
Today, I received one that said “We work with a lot of Principals in your industry,” which clearly meant that he didn’t bother to see what my industry was, A few days ago, I received one that said “I saw your profile and your business looks interesting so U thought I would reach out.” Since I have 7 different projects, I responded with “Which business?” and got no response....
January 17, 2018
Written in a Tub, One Year Ago
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I’m sitting in a bath tub. The band is out exploring DC and grabbing dinner while I’m I’m trying to get rested up because tomorrow is the big day at the Supreme Court.
Since landing here, I’ve received a over 21,000 messages and phone calls. It’s been back to back interviews, performances, and appearances…in other words, time being “on,” with little time to recharge (I’m an introvert, I need that quiet!). Most of the time, it’s answering the same questions that I’ve been answering for 10 yea...
December 21, 2017
Dissent is Patriotic
Most people aren’t aware that the Star Spangled Banner was written by an outspoken white supremacist and slave owner (Francis Scot Key), nor that the melody was from a British fraternity song.
The reality is that the symbols of our history is mired with hate and bloodshed – from Confederate flags to the names of certain landmarks.
Symbols, like language, can change meaning over time but it requires intention and awareness (unless the original fades into obscurity before being revived, like th...
December 1, 2017
The Day of the Supreme Court Decision
June 19, 2017
It’s Monday morning.
After working fifteen-hour days everyday for a month straight, I’m bleary with exhaustion. It is one of the few remaining days that the Supreme Court could possibly publish their decision on my case. Fifty-fifty chance it happens this morning.
I stumble to the restroom and catch a glimpse of the notifications light on my phone furiously blinking like a lighthouse through my foggy state of mind. I grab it.
753 notifications.
Oregon Public Broadcasting’s twe...
August 11, 2017
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop
A few weeks ago, I put my notice in at work with no set plans, no confirmed next step. I just knew that it was no longer my place. That night, I received affirmation by way of fortune cookie:
Some thoughts:
I realize how many of us end up in a trap.
We have been taught to accept the status quo. Everyday, we receive thousands of signals telling us to not challenge things. It is uncomfortable to do so. It might even be dangerous. We’re so used to the box that we’re kept in, we actually believe...
July 18, 2017
Yes, Read the Comments Section
My newest TED talk was delivered in May 2017 in Bend, Oregon. While the eyebrow-raising title (“Yes, Read the Comments Section”) might make some feel uncomfortable because of their personal experiences, I believe it is important to wade into the waters of the unknown in order to make connections with those of different beliefs. At the end of the day, I reiterate that apathy is not compatible withe love.
Side note: This was delivered at the end of a tour that had 60 scheduled appearances (spea...
