March 25, 2010 30 Comments

Talking to Governor Markell in Delaware

I was fortunate enough to visit Delaware on a recent Trust Summit trip, thanks to Lee Mikles and The Archer Group. Then, Whitney Hoffman connected me into people like Ken Grant and others, who thought it’d be good to meet Delaware’s Governor Jack Markell for a chit-chat about where things are going and what they’re into. It was shot by Chris Stout, who’s quite the artsy camera person, as you can tell.

Here’s the video:

Delaware Social Media Initiative from Delaware Film Company on Vimeo.

Can’t see it? click here.

I’ve spent time with Texas Governor Rick Perry, as well (thanks to Tim Hayden), and what I’ve found is that state governors get the value of social media, and they understand how it opens up a lot of opportunities for the people to reconnect and help develop the state together, instead of in the old format of “governor speaks, you agree or disagree, you complain and don’t feel heard, repeat). The new way? People listen.

Quick side note: some of my favorite learning about how the US government is using social media comes from posts by Craig Newmark (of craigslist fame). He’s doing some great stuff, and reporting some wonderful new initiatives. Me? I’m just a tourist in the Gov2.0 movement. But I’m interested, and you might be, as well. There are many more people talking about it if you read these searches on Twitter.

Where will it go next? What’s your take? Non-US folks: what’s the story where YOU are?

ChrisBrogan.com runs on the Genesis Framework

Genesis Theme Framework

The Genesis Framework empowers you to quickly and easily build incredible websites with WordPress. Whether you're a novice or advanced developer, Genesis provides you with the secure and search-engine-optimized foundation that takes WordPress to places you never thought it could go.

With automatic theme updates and world-class support included, Genesis is the smart choice for your WordPress website or blog.

Become a StudioPress Affiliate

  • http://jasonkeath.com jakrose

    Nice interview Chris.

    Governments, especially states, are always looking to efficiency. I think social media can be a great tool to help then on that path. Social media has slowly been gardnering the power of the people to increase what government can do, how big it can think, and how far it can drill down into the populous for information and participation. Just think of where it will go when we actually know what we are doing?

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    This is neat, I love that I never would of guessed SM even comes up on a state politicians meter… but I'd be wrong because they obviously are changing their minds :) good interview!

  • philsimonsystems

    Props to the governor for, at first, being open to SM and then getting it. He seems pretty progressive and forward-thinking.

    One minor complaint: the music made the governor a bit hard to hear.

  • http://delsocial.blogspot.com/ Ken Grant

    Chris, Thanks again for coming to Delaware! The insights you shared with us throughout the day have inspired several discussions – more importantly, those discussions are turning in to action! Keep doing what you're doing – we'll keep you updated on progress here in the First State!

  • whitneyhoffman

    Thanks Chris, for taking the time to do this while in Delaware. It meant a lot to a lot of people, including me, and it helps get everyone on the same page about what we can accomplish together as we flatten the hierarchies a bit, even in the entrenched hierarchy of government. I feel lucky that we have someone like Jack Markell as Governor in Delaware, who understands that government can do a better job when its more responsive, rather than isolated and slow.
    Thanks for giving us some of your most precious resource, time.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=546076976 Felicia Pullam

    Hi Chris,
    Thanks again for visiting Delaware! We really enjoyed meeting you, and the feedback from the discussion has been very exciting.
    Governor Markell also posted on his meeting with you and the top three reasons that he's engaging in social media. Here's the link: http://governor.blogs.delaware.gov/2010/03/24/s…

  • http://www.wehelpyourock.com/ Mike Walsh

    It's great to see this transparency Chris. When I was with Leverage, the Governor implemented an open method of communication for the Kansas Dept of Transportation, that can be seen here http://ktoc.net/. I include it as a great way for government to learn from their constituent, understand what the people want and to become more efficient at getting things done. Governor Sebelius is now the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
    Tim O'Reilly is also heavily involved in the Gov2.0 initiated, along with Craig.
    Great interview.

  • http://justkickinit.ca jacstar

    I study politics so was interested in this. But the constant music put me off after a minute and I stopped watching.

  • nancyschwartz

    Great conversation, Chris.

    Although we're not in touch one-to-one today, Jack and I were on the same freshman hall. He struck me, even way back then, as smart, imaginative and not following anyone else's rules.

    I'm thrilled others have recognized these qualities, and you're sharing them out!

  • nancyschwartz

    Great conversation, Chris.

    Although we're not in touch one-to-one today, Jack and I were on the same freshman hall. He struck me, even way back then, as smart, imaginative and not following anyone else's rules.

    I'm thrilled others have recognized these qualities, and you're sharing them out!

  • Jenni Fleck Jones

    Chris- I really enjoyed your presentation with the Archer Group and enjoyed staying after for your discussion with our Gov. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your insights with Delaware!

  • http://www.superiorpromos.com/ Promotional Products

    Chris,

    How exciting!!! Great interview and thank you for sharing this with us. I hope you realize how cool it is that you take time to share your skills and knowledge with us. Keep it up.

  • http://lahs99.com/ rososusilo

    could talk to a governor is a rare occurrence. You are a lucky man

  • http://blog.andrewweir.co.uk/ Andy Weir

    Hey Chris,

    Just catching up on what you've been saying and love this piece.

    Interestingly, I was out with my daughter this morning and ended up speaking with the candidate for our Parliamentary Candidate for the impending election (I live in Scotland).

    She's 50-something (I think!) and we got into speaking about authenticity. I tried making the point that I want to get to know anyone who wants my vote – but a newsletter or typical media piece won't let me do that.

    She was hesitant to try social media (citing lack of skill, resources – time – or risk of failure). I said, give it 20 mins a day to start, get some help from people who are into this stuff and see what happens. You'll suddenly engage with a whole new audience.

    Here's hoping something happens.

    I was torn though. Do I offer to help, even though I might not agree with her politics, just to prove it works!?

  • annawoods04

    Not necessarily every state government are equal in their work types. Some are genuinely just engrossed in the upcoming of the state, upliftment of the citizens and their development. I really liked to know this they are actually following their duties with respect to their positions.

    Texas breast reduction

  • http://www.r4-ds-carta.it/ jemestom

    Governor Markell addressed the AWEA’s Offhsore Wind Workshop a few weeks back, highlighting his plans to make Delaware a hub of offshore wind energy expertise and manufacturing. We’ve been enthusiastic about this previously, and we’re still enthusiastic. Starting with the U of D really evolving as a major research center for applied alternate energy strategies, to the Bluewater Wind effort, to work to manufacture components here there is great groundwork to grow a real next generation piece of the economy right here.

    m3 zero

  • shelhorowitz

    Hi, Chris, the content is really good here. Too bad it's so hard to decipher under the pulsing music. My suggestion would be to let the music play during the no-talk intro shots and again the last few seconds, but in between, it's interfering with the content.

    I have found that many successful politicians are smart and savvy, but are greatly restricted by the pressures of office. I think if Obama had kept up his very active social media presence after inauguration, he would have a much more resilient base of support right now.

    @Andy Weir – if you disagree with her politics, I certainly wouldn't volunteer to train her in social media. Maybe if you were getting paid and you weren't too uncomfortable with her positions.

    –Shel Horowitz, primary author (with Jay Conrad Levinson) of Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green: Winning Strategies to Improve Your Profits and Your Planet

  • http://www.eyewear-rayban.com ray ban wayfarer

    The project is very interesting

  • http://www.paulsmiths-outlet.com paul smith shoes

    Paul Smith shoes,Paul Smith bag,Paul Smith shirts,the latest Paul Smith clothing and accessories from UK.

    Paul Smith,the leading British brand. Although it was established in 1976 from menswear,nowdays,it is very popular in UK, and famous as its multi-stripe and plain design.

    If you want to have a distinctive wardrobe, don't miss Paul Smith.

  • http://www.digdig-birkenstock.com birkenstock

    I agree the User controls are ugly and inconsistent. Size of font is unreasonable.

  • http://sunglasses.shoemkt.com sunglasses

    A dress is like a barbed fence. It protects the premises without restricting

    the view.
    Louis Vuitton Sunglasses
    welcome to our store:
    http://sunglasses.shoemkt.com/louis-vuitton-sunglasses-c-1120.html

  • Nicecoachhandbags

    welcome to choose coach products from our web site . here we offer cheap coach handbags . and we have many new coach handbags in our stock . like coach 14305 black , you only pay 187$ you can get free shipping coach 14305 brown .we do clearance coach handbags.

  • army surplus

    life is a chain of moments of enjoyment;not only about survival
    pouch belt
    Memory card
    徵信社

  • http://www.yuregininsesi.com/ yuregininsesi

    Hi, Chris, the content is really good here. Too bad it's so hard to decipher under the pulsing music. My suggestion would be to let the music play during the no-talk intro shots and again the last few seconds, but in between, it's interfering with the content

  • ugg boots
  • Newuggboots

    Retro Air Jordan, also simply as Air Jordan are a brand of Cheap Jordans and athletic apparel produced by Nike Jordan Shoes originally designed for and endorsed by professional NBA basketball player Michael Jordans. The Air Retro Jordan line is now sold by the Air Retro Jordan Brand subsidiary of Nike Retro Jordan shoes.

    Since its first release in 1985, there have been new designs of the New Jordans released each year, even after Michael New Jordans Shoes retired from the NBA. The Air Jordan I Brand also produces a line of Team Air Jordan V shoes, separate from the signature line of Air Jordan X.

    Nike New air max is a line of Nike USA first released by Cheap Nike Shoes, Inc. in 1987. Since Cheap Nike air max shoes its introduction, Dunk High Pro SB has frequently introduced new and updated models in the same nike air 360 product line.The nike air 95 shoe uses a large air cushioning unit at the heel which is visible from the side of the midsole in most models. Different types of Max 90 shoes cushioning include “Nike air max TN” which does not have the “holes” in the cushioning unit and is of high pressure, “Tube Nike air max LTD” which is visible in several small circles on the midsole of the Nike air max 87, “Total Nike air max 180” which is basically just another word for full Nike air max 2003 cushioning, “Tuned air max 2010,” which is a system of individual pods supposedly “tuned” to different areas of the foot.

    Cheap UGG Boots (sometimes called uggs) are unisex sheepskin UGGS sale boots, made of twin-faced sheepskin 2010 New UGGS with fleece on the inside and UGG Shop with a tanned outer surface. 2010 UGGS New boots often have a synthetic sole, although this USA UGG is not universal. Uggs UK Heights range from around the ankle to above the knee, UGG Boots UK Classic Cardy they are available in a range of different UGG Classic Tall colours as both slip-on and lace-up varieties, and UGG Classic Short are produced by a number of manufacturers. The Ugg Boots insulative properties of sheepskin UGG Classic Mini gives thermostatic properties to the UGG Nightfall boots: the thick fleecy fibers on the inner part of the UGG Outlet Ultra Tall boots allow air to circulate and keep the feet at body temperature. This means that UGG Ultra Short boots can be worn UGGS Shoes Sundance II without socks even in relatively cold weather.

  • http://www.usaugg-shops.com UGG

    ancient flame totem
    it stops the mouth not to say suddenly. three monster fox in front of it, have stood slowly, the hand extends to the bosom, put out nightfall uggs discount ugg boots both sides to have the red silk guangzhou's magic weapon, was precisely the unreliable fire warning. in this hot flame steamings in the lava burrow, the unreliable fire warning is also short black ugg illuminated faintly blushes, but center it that ancient flame totem, ugg usa as if also will at this moment burn ultra short ugg general, several want to spurt thinly. three monster fox,

    open in the ugg uk small ordinary way of seeing things that gentle white clothing female, at this moment is staring in hand's unreliable fire warning, several, some drop of teardrops, have not dropped quietly suddenly in the unreliable fire warning, a moment later, changes to makes the white smoke, curls raises. the book arrives at here, what is really the tear falls the front piece, mourns in one's heart, if dies, compares the author to write about here also unavoidably to stop the pen not to be good, does not endure to continue, that falls quietly waterdrop, but also withers and falls between your mine heart

  • http://www.gucciwebbag.com/gucci-gucci-by-gucci-medium-hobo-211926-ft0wg-9774-p-140.html gucci medium hobo

    I like how the U.S. government about using social media

  • http://www.gucciwebbag.com/gucci-gucci-by-gucci-medium-hobo-211926-ft0wg-9774-p-140.html gucci medium hobo

    I like how the U.S. government about using social media

  • http://mydailyfashiondeals.com Find Fashion Deals

    It’s good to see how focus on social media is developing recently. Interesting post!

GetSocial