thanks compai!

The fabulous ladies of Compai have a new book that just released called Refashioned Bags and I was lucky enough to win a copy! I can't wait to get copy in the mail. If you're unfamiliar with Compai, please check out their blog and website here.

mavens, connectors and salesmen

I just finished listening to Malcolm Gladwell's 2002 book entitled The Tipping Point. It was a very thought provoking read about the catalysts that cause epidemics.

When I say epidemics, I don't mean the kind dramatized in movies like Outbreak, or the most current hysteria surrounding swine flu. This books concentrates on the elements that cause a viral spread of ideas or trends, and what contributes to them. For example, he begins the book talking about the circumstances that cause the formerly "skateboard fan only" brand Airwalk to become an international top sneaker brand in the 90s. With so many other options, what made millions of teens who had never stepped on a skateboard gravitate toward this brand? Gladwell does a great job of breaking it down.

One of the most interesting parts of the book to me was his categorization of the people that cause epidemics, either directly or indirectly. He broke up these people into three groups, Mavens, Connectors and Salesmen.

You know that one friend of yours who knows everybody? That's your Connector friend: a person who truly loves people and enjoys connecting them even more. Chances are, if you sat down and figured out how you met all of your friends, most of them would connect back to this person.

And then I'm sure you know another person who is the expert on something. Whether it be where to go to have a good time on the weekend, the best place to find cute shoes, or even the best products to use on your hair, they know it. That's your Maven friend: a person motivated by knowing everything they can about their subject or area of choice.

And then there are Salesman. These are the people who use the connections of the Connector friends and the knowledge of the Mavens to convince others of the validity of something/anything. Whereas a Maven doesn't necessarily seek to share her expertise, a Salesman not only shares, he influences. A Salesmen has the gift of persuasion that Connectors and Mavens lack.

So what does this all have to do with me? Or you? While reading the book, I tried to place myself within one of these categories and I don't think I truly fit in any. I can say for certain who is the the Connector and Maven in my life, but not sure who the Salesman is. What about you?

I did realize, however, that I do have a bit of Maven tendencies, and that was the part of me that started this blog. When I look at my posts from last year, I realize that I was doing my best to share art, music, inspiration and just parts of my life simply for the sake of sharing. Although I do still want to do that, for whatever reason, my motivation has been zapped lately!

It's a new month, I have a new computer and I'm a month into my new job. I think it's time to find some new motivation and bring out the inner Maven in me. 47 people subscribed to this blog for a reason, so I'll do better to give you a reason to come back to SBP!

Look for more post from me, starting tomorrow!

a year ago today...

...I was here! And I have to admit, I miss it! These parts of Italy were so beautiful, and on this rainy day in Atlanta, I'm wishing I was there!

Happy Hump Day.

Niki

weekend excursions

This weekend Armon and I made the 9 hour drive to Jacksonville, NC to visit his family. On the way we stopped through Raleigh to see some of my friends and family and it was so great to see them!

Downtown Raleigh

We hit up our favorite thrift store, Father and Son and Armon had some fun in the bargain basement.

Then we had lunch at The Raleigh Times with Laura and Marnita, my girls from Meredith!

I love that place.

And later on we had dinner with my mom, cousins and best friend but we didn't take any pictures. It was a long but good weekend!

a perfect mix

via melody e$hani

a message from corinne

This came into my inbox today and I almost peed my pants!

So glad to see one of my favorites is back.

p.s. love her hair!!

making moves!

Hey Everybody!!! I am very happy to report that my move to Atlanta has been very productive. First of all, I've found an excellent mentor in Nicole Ingram, an Interior Designer with her own company, Stacy Nicole Interior Design and Furnishings. I'm looking forward to building a wealth of knowledge and experience while interning with her!

Also, after months of searching, hoping, waiting, disappointments and let downs, I finally found a full time job!! I will be joining the management team at a J.Crew location here in Atlanta. This is a great opportunity and I'm so glad to be working for such a great company and my new team seems great!

Lastly, I'll be in Raleigh this Friday and would love to have lunch with some friends!! Email or call me if you're free and we will set something up!

xoXO

Niki