Ted Williams: Social Media’s Cinderella Story
In recent days, the awesome power of Social Media has proven once again that it can change lives in miraculous ways. Ted Williams, a charming and faithful homeless man living through the ravages of drugs and alcohol on the streets of Cleveland, has become Social Media’s Cinderella story. In a matter of 48 hours from the time a passerby shot the video that found its way to YouTube, a grateful and humble Williams has received numerous offers of employment, a new home, a trip to New York City as a guest of the Today Show, and a second chance in life spurred by his lifelong faith in God.
Take a few moments to watch the report from the Today show below, and stop to reflect on the power of one man’s faith and Social Media.
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"Give me faith, freedom, resources, and a little time ... and I will make things happen that matter." Michael R.H. Stewart is a respected Internet executive with broad experience in all aspects of online business, with an emphasis given to social networking development, and company management. He has over 65,000 engaged Twitter followers (http://twitter.com/jerichotech). He enjoys 20 years of direct experience with corporate, entrepreneurial, governmental and non-profit clients, having advised them on all aspects of their online initiatives. Prior to his Internet career, he served as a Senior Vice President of AIG Marketing, doing business in 135 foreign countries as well as the United States. Stewart is an experienced public speaker and communicator, with worldwide experience; an expert on corporate branding; an accomplished writer (his new book, Trajectory, is being published in January, 2012), a creative thinker and problem solver.
While very much a feel good story, this illustrates one of the pitfalls of digital media. We all seem to skim the surface and jump on the social bandwagon of one thought without really digging deeper to get the complete picture or story. I'll be the first to admit, Williams deserves a second chance at life--no one should have to live homeless--and the world would be a much better place if we all became a little more compassionate towards one another. However, what seems to be glossed over with the Williams' is his fairly incriminating rap sheet: theft, robbery, escape, forgery and drug possession. People magazine reports the Brooklyn native has at least six mug shots: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20455781,00.html
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LikeWhile very much a feel good story, this illustrates one of the pitfalls of digital media. We all seem to skim the surface and jump on the social bandwagon of one thought without really digging deeper to get the complete picture or story.
I'll be the first to admit, Williams deserves a second chance at life--no one should have to live homeless--and the world would be a much better place if we all became a little more compassionate towards one another.
However, what seems to be glossed over with the Williams' is his fairly incriminating rap sheet: theft, robbery, escape, forgery and drug possession. People magazine reports the Brooklyn native has at least six mug shots: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20455781,00.html
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeWhile very much a feel good story, this illustrates one of the pitfalls of digital media. We all seem to skim the surface and jump on the social bandwagon of one thought without really digging deeper to get the complete picture or story.
I'll be the first to admit, Williams deserves a second chance at life--no one should have to live homeless--and the world would be a much better place if we all became a little more compassionate towards one another.
However, what seems to be glossed over with the Williams' is his fairly incriminating rap sheet: theft, robbery, escape, forgery and drug possession. People magazine reports the Brooklyn native has at least six mug shots: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20455781,00.html
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
Like