You Can't Learn to Swim Without Getting Your Head Wet

The internet – especially social media – can be a den of cruelty. 

We are regularly reminded how it can stoke hatred and division. 

But it can also connect people and be a source of joy. I was reminded of that this past week by a package I got in the mail. 

I recently wrote a LinkedIn post about my 98-year-old father’s homespun wisdom. I included some sayings, such as:

“You can’t learn to swim without getting your head wet.” 

“If you play with the bull, you get the horns.”

The post inspired a woman in Austin, Milena Milano. She enjoyed it so much she decided to embroider them. She sent me a DM asking for my address. 

I was surprised and delighted by the offer and floored when the package arrived. 

I thanked her and we jumped on Zoom to share thoughts about life and work. It reminded me of the best part of social media: connecting with people. 

She shared that she loves creating things for other people and the more she creates the more it helps her professional work and mental state because it triggers positive thoughts. She creates art, jewelry and food.

Milena and her husband may be in New York this fall and if calendars align,  we will get coffee. Alternatively, we may get together next year when I plan to be in Austin for South by Southwest. 

I framed the two pieces of art on canvas and gave them to my dad, who immediately thought of where they could hang. He was so proud. 

My father isn’t on social media. He retired before the creation of the World Wide Web and I don’t think he’s ever used a smart phone. 

Still, he’s aware of the criticisms of social media. 

Today, Milena reminded him it can also be a source of kindness. 

Kickstart your holiday campaigns

CTV should be central to any growth marketer’s Q4 strategy. And with Roku Ads Manager, launching high-performing holiday campaigns is simple and effective.

With our intuitive interface, you can set up A/B tests to dial in the most effective messages and offers, then drive direct on-screen purchases via the remote with shoppable Action Ads that integrate with your Shopify store for a seamless checkout experience.

Don’t wait to get started. Streaming on Roku picks up sharply in early October. By launching your campaign now, you can capture early shopping demand and be top of mind as the seasonal spirit kicks in.

Get a $500 ad credit when you spend your first $500 today with code: ROKUADS500. Terms apply.

Holiday performance starts now.

BRIEF OBSERVATIONS

LIFE SAVING: There is a Life Saving station in my parents’ town that was originally constructed in 1902 to house surfmen, volunteers, and equipment for rescuing victims of shipwrecks off the local coast. It later became part of the U.S. Coast Guard.

PHILOSPHERS: This is your reminder that even philosophers don’t always get along. In this case, a legendary takedown of Hegel by Schopenhauer.

THE GREENING OF NEW YORK: There is a street in Manhattan that is populated by flower and plant stores, with the greenery spilling over on to the street.

BROWNIES: Mom made be some brownies this weekend. Here is her recipe. Add some vanilla ice cream on top. You can thank me later.

FAVORITE BOOK: My favorite book when I was a kid was called The Strike Out. The central lesson was that you don’t get hits in baseball – or life – with a lucky bat or a lucky hat. Only hard work. This probably captures my life philosophy better than anything.

Please reach out if you have any thoughts about today’s newsletter. I enjoy hearing from readers. Send me a message if you want to talk or meet up if you are in NYC.

I would love it if you could share this newsletter with a friend.

Also, if you have a moment, take the poll below.