Dustin Plett

Eight years ago company X was started by a serial entrepreneur. Company X was started as a result of this entrepreneur unable to find a support service for another of his startups - company Y.

Fast forward two years. A major Canadian network television station is launching a new channel and also requires the very specialized services of company X. Company X begins work with said station.

Fast forward one year later. One of the biggest consumer brands in the world launches a campaign that will change the advertising industry forever. For this campaign they will require the services of company X. The serial entrepreneur sees the future of business and shuts down all other companies and focuses his efforts on company X.

Fast forward four years. Social Media has been a buzzword now for a couple years. “Web 2.0” is already sounding dated. Company X has now grown to be the world leader in its industry. Company X is now working in the biggest online communities and working with many of the world’s biggest brands and agencies from around the globe. All the while proving a business model as revolutionary as the assembly line - this might be an exaggeration, trying to keep this entertaining.

Fast forward one more year. Until now company X has grown entirely by WOM. Marketing and ad budgets have been non-existent. Company X revenues continue to exceed all expectations. Company X is or has now been involved in 100’s of high profile social media strategies and campaigns.

Fast forward to seven months ago. Company X makes a conscious effort to be where its clients are - or could be - and move its business development manager to Toronto from company X HQ in Western Canada. Business is exploding south of the border and overseas and company X wants to focus on owning its “backyard”.

Fast forward to two months ago. Company X hires senior level management to support the growing Toronto market. Company X is now working alongside the most successful and influential agencies in Toronto and partnering with Canada’s most recognized brands.

Fast forward to 20 minutes ago. Company X business development manager wrote this blog and published it on his blog wondering why he hasn’t read this story somewhere else yet…

This video will always make me smile.

I visited Mombasa after my friends and I went our separate ways in Moshi, Tanzania. They went South to Zanzibar and I went East, across the border to Kenya and over to the coast and the Indian Ocean.

This video was shot first thing in the morning on Bamburi Beach. I went for a quick dip, had a breakfast of fresh mango and other fruit, a few cups of fantastic Kenyan coffee, and then headed back into the city for the rest of the morning.

I was at peace on this beach this morning more than I’ve been anywhere else in a long time. Hard to believe this was less than a week ago.

A couple days after getting back to Moshi from our trek on Kilimanjaro we left for a two day safari. 

We visited Ngorongoro Crater, a beautiful and inspiring place four hours West of Moshi. The Serengeti is just past this mountain range and time did not allow us to visit - the bright side to this is I have a great reason to go back.

Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a 100 square mile area that’s contained within the natural enclosure of the extinct volcanoes 2,000 foot walls a few thousand feet above see level.

A couple things surprised me about the safari. The first was how many other tourists were there. During the trek we ran into a handful of other trekkers but during our time in Moshi we felt we had success in getting down to the real Africa. We got away from the tourist hot-spots and even enjoyed an evening on the town, something every Lonely Planet and travel companion book in the world will advise you not to do. Being thrust into a situation obviously designed for tourists was a little unsettling and at times annoying for no other reason then I prefer the Africa I saw when Africa wasn’t looking, if you know what I mean.

 The other big surprise was the animals. I know, this should not have surprised me. I honestly wasn’t expecting it was going to be that easy to see these animals in the wild. I saw pretty much all the African animals I’ve known were there since I was a child - except for a rhino. And I admit, I was jaded by National Geographic. When I saw a cheetah and it wasn’t killing a gazelle, or even running in slow motion, I thought, “what a rip off!” Not really, that’s a joke. But I certainly do have a lot of respect for the photographers and camera men and women who get those shots. That’s a kind of patience I have yet to know.

The last couple clips of this short video are from the picnic area. What happens here is something our guides say they’ve never seen - and one of our guides has been doing this for over 10 years. This was an unbelievable, and a little scary, opportunity to get close to these amazing animals. Luckily, no one was in the women’s washroom at the time. 

Some animals I did see that didn’t make the cut are giraffes, hippopotamus, pink flamingos, elands, wild bores (pumba in Swahili), hyenas, buffalo, and more gazelles then I could ever count.

Enjoy!

By popular demand… The Kilimanjaro Song. Here is The Kilimanjaro Song in its entirety. 

This song is sometimes sung by porters and guides upon returning from the mountain. It was a surprise to me and a really touching moment. I had seen videos of this song on YouTube and was taken back by the enthusiasm and appreciation these men showed.

I think tourist climbing the mountain often don’t take the time to get to know these men and view them as part of the trek and not as people and in doing so miss an incredible opportunity to better understand the Tanzanian people.

Getting to know our team made the trip very special. We went from five buddies climbing the mountain to 26 buddies climbing the mountain over the course of those 8 days.

We mad a great effort to include our guides, Emmanuel - in the white hat, and Frank - in the yellow jacket, in our trek and I think it shows in the enthusiasm of this song.

To get accurate numbers on how much porters and guides make is hard. We asked, but between what their bosses want them to say and their pride it is hard to figure out exactly what they are working for. I heard a rumour that some of these porters are working only for tips, a scary proposition when you consider in many countries it’s not common to tip. From what I could determine most porters were working for between $5 and $10 USD a day. 

These porters generally don’t own hardly any of their own gear and generally rely on a co-op of sorts that has equipment such as jackets, sleeping bags and boots to borrow for the climb. 

Upon leaving we left our own stuff behind in an effort to make these men’s lives easier. We left a sleeping bag, two winter jackets, and a couple Thermarest sleeping mats to the guides who placed these items in the co-op for the porters to have access to. 

During this song you meet the four guys I went climbing with. First Thomas, my brother in law. Then Satjeet, Steve, Clayton and finally me.

Enjoy.

I got home yesterday evening, October 4, and soon realized I would have to produce pictures and video asap. I threw together these clips this morning very quickly to give you a a taste of the trek. In the days to come I will spend some more time working on this and put together a little more comprehensive and better edited video.

I apologize in advance for some of the audio. It was windy and my Flip camera does not like that at all. The point where I’m sitting talking to the camera in my brown jacket I had just reached Stella Point, that is the crater’s edge. From there it’s a short 45 minute walk to the summit, at this point the hardest part is behind me.

I didn’t realize when filming this how slow I was talking sometimes. As you will see in this video my energy levels rise and fall. 

The song at the end is one of the greatest things of ever heard. This was our two guides and our porters signing to our success at the end of the trek. I will post the song in its entirety soon as well. 

Pictures of the trek, and photos of ICUC at the summit are still on the way and should be up soon. 

What does ICUC see at NAA’s mediaXchange?

April 13th, 2010 (8:32am) Dustin Plett

As people passed the ICUC Moderation Services booth at mediaXchange yesterday afternoon I found myself imagining what a similar trade show would have looked like in the past. When traffic slowed I let my mind wander…

It was easy to imagine groups of men and woman standing in front of the latest printing press technologies and endless aisles of paper and ink suppliers. I imagined pens, pencils and pads of paper. I imagined typewriters and eventually micro-cassette recorders and finally digital recorders and computers and word processors. I imagined what this would have looked like only five years ago when the thought of putting content online for free seemed risque and ridiculous and no one except a few kids from Harvard College had ever heard of Facebook.

When I would snap back to reality I would see the people I had imagined, only a few years older, but instead of excitement there was a general sense of unease and trepidation. This is not the same universe that surrounded the print media world only a few years ago and everyone in attendance is keenly aware of this.

I watched as many people who have been in the journalism field for many years walked up and down aisles with blank looks as they passed booth after booth of tech solutions to help monetize everything from new content, to outsourced content, to re-purposed content. And software solutions that promised to add value to publications by supplying endless amounts on data on readership location, readership engagement and reader sentiments.

I felt sorry for the old guard who had made this the proud medium it is today and who now seemed to be on the outside looking in. And truth be told that time they remember, that simpler time, is something I envy a little.

However, that feeling of longing for a simpler time is always replaced by the excitement of what is happening before my eyes. News is reaching more people and becoming more accessible than ever before – that’s exciting. And I can appreciate when you take the tangibles out of an industry that hinged on a deliverable that was always held in two hands it does seem bizarre. But it doesn’t have to be scary.

For the new journalists and the men and woman entering this industry in a variety of capacities there is enthusiasm about being on the cusp of something new and grand. There is excitement in being a part of something – or a time – that will be looked back on as a revolutionary time for the industry.

ICUC Moderation Services is enjoying this ride and we love being a part of giving every single reader a voice. We invite all those attending this year’s mediaxchange event to join us in welcoming in this new era of truly social media. ICUC Moderation Services is a small piece of the puzzle but we can’t help but to think professional reader comment moderation is – and will continue to be – an integral part of any successful newspaper’s online property.

If you want to talk social media and find out how effective moderation can enhance your online properties consistency, value, and bottom line come find me at the ICUC Moderation Services booth on the trade show floor.

This is a short video showing everything I own (except the truck).This is 99 per cent of what’s going to make the trip to Toronto with me. In a way this is nice because it will make the move a lot easier but it another way it makes me wonder - have I made the best investments?

You might be asking yourself, but what of a dresser - the truth is I don’t have one. The one in the video is borrowed. And the bed, it was cut in half to get it into where it is now and is so uncomfortable it’s still questionable whether or not it will make the trek.

But I’m curious to know what you think. I think the total value of all my “stuff”, not counting my truck, is around $2,500 - what do you think. Is this wishful thinking? Not that possessions matter but if I had to list assets at this moment it would be a very short list.

Sorry for the radio silence the last few days. Life after surgery was a little rougher than I expected. But now with the day of departure finalized and the countdown on expect the traffic to be quiet busy. I have secured a road trip companion for the drive out to Toronto and have been in contact with a few different landlords and other plans such as what to pack and what to leave are taking shape. Expect updates and expect news! I’m excited and I hope I can somehow infuse you with some of that excitement.

Have a great night, I’ll be in touch soon!!

Before I go… I just got a text from a friend here in Winnipeg. It reads, “I’m going have to find 3 new friends to make for you once you leave.” I text back, “why 3?” He responds, “A serious man, a really funny man, and a dude willing to drive for 20 hours straight. I’m screwed.” That just made my day!

Anyone who’s following my journey to Toronto on dustin2TO.com must have noticed it’s now March 1 and I’m still not in Toronto. I wrote about setbacks a few weeks back that would delay my leaving for a few weeks and today those setbacks were dealt with.

I needed some surgery to remove a couple lumps in my chest, not the most glamourous think to talk about but something my doctor felt needed to be dealt with before I left. I had surgery this morning at around 11am here in Winnipeg and it was a great success. I feel really good now, but that might have something to do with the T3s. The doctor removed about 1lb of material - sexy stuff?

To say I’m relieved would be an understatement. They will of course send off the tissue just to make sure it’s nothing worse but I know in my heart that it’s nothing anything more than I reminder to take better care of myself.

With this now out of the way I can say for certain I will be in Toronto in the next few weeks. I have two follow up appointments in the next two weeks and then I’m gone. I will begin packing as soon as I regain use of my arms for lifting. Until then let’s find a place to live. I’m serious Toronto, if you know of an apartment within walking distance of Liberty Village let me know - if I move in the free burger offer still stands.

And to everyone who sent me notes of support over the last 24 hours I appreciate. The excitement for Toronto has really been renewed by having this surgery put behind me. I’m smiling from ear to ear. Have a great night.

This video is of downtown Vancouver. It includes the Olympic cauldron, the Olympic rings and party central - Granville and Robson.

The mood was incredible, the atmosphere was happy, the random outbursts of the singing of O’Canada was inspiring. It was truly an incredible experience.

The time on the street where the crowd is the biggest near the end of the video is immediately after Canada’s victory over Russia in Olympic hockey.

This is a quick montage of the events so far on the way to Vancouver. This trip has become more than just a way to see my sister before I leave for Toronto, it’s become a last hurrah of sorts.

Jason and Will, the two guys on this trip are both friends of mine from college in Winnipeg. But now, the same thing that brought us together has lead to us going our separate ways. Because of my education through the program we were in together I got a job with ICUC Moderation Services and this has given me the opportunity to move and experience Toronto

We are having a great time so far and I imagine the good times will continue in the days to come. Follow the adventure even closer by following me on twitter @dustinplett.

I said the other day I wanted to visit as much of my family as possible before I move to Toronto and this is me making good on that statement - I’m driving out to Vancouver to visit my sister.

I wanted to introduce you to the people who I will be traveling with on my trip to Vancouver, my two friends Jason and Will. Will who wanted to visit the Olympics and Jason who has never been on a road trip, and wanted to experience it, are joining me for this leg. I will post a video to give you a better look (with more light) at these guys tomorrow as we drive across the prairies but this should give you a good Idea of the atmosphere of the trip thus far.

If you happen to be reading this and are in Vancouver drop me a note, let me know what’s happening aside from the obvious.

A quick run down of the now “for sures” about my move to Toronto:

• I will rent a place
• I will try hard to live close to where I work and a little further from downtown than I would have originally liked (the new ICUC Moderation Services office is on Mowat in Liberty Village and I would love to be able to walk to work)
• I will drive out to Toronto with my truck, roughly 2,400km. I wont sell it until I’m settled - think of it as a safety blanket
• I will be living in Toronto by April 1 - don’t be fooled, this is no joke!
• I will try to see as many friends and as much of my family as possible before I leave - I have a sister in Vancouver, that might be tricky
• I will leave on Friday, March 26 at the latest - I’m not sure if I will drive state side or take the Canadian route over the lakes. Suggestions?
• I will arrive in Toronto on Sunday or Monday, March 28 or 29
• I will likely travel alone but let me know if you’re down for a road trip
• I will immediately begin to look for a place to move into by April 1 - is this too little time, let me know your thoughts?
• I will visit my brother in Ottawa on the days between finding a place and moving in
• I will move in April 1, maybe second if the place has to be cleaned or something else
• First day in the new office will be Monday, April 5 at the latest. Hooray!!

Am I missing anything? Do not hesitate to let me know if you see glaring flaws in my plan. Also, does anyone know of places renting near Mowat for a reasonable price? Let me know if you have any leads, if you find me a place I will take you out for the best cheeseburger money can buy!

Yesterday I helped my boss and president of ICUC Moderation Services move some electronic equipment into his new house. I hung out there for a few hours and watched as he and his wife positioned and put away items as they arrived - plates, couches, etc.

Today as I was riding the hill at Asissippi I was day dreaming about how my move would be different. I have always been fairly mobile and because of this I haven’t gathered a great amount of possessions. I have the usual things, backpack, bed, computer, TV - but beyond that not a whole lot. Then it struck me - there are a lot of things I need before I move!

The things I need are mostly associated with what I do in the kitchen. I don’t have any cookware, I don’t have cutlery, I don’t have dishes. This has all of a sudden made me a little nervous. When I get home from the weekend I will be making a list of things I have and don’t have and do some research into what is more efficient - buying here in Winnipeg or waiting until I get to Toronto.

If anyone has the items I listed for the kitchen that they were just going to throw out anyway let me know! Also, if you know of something I will need but I don’t know it yet feel free to let me know.

I’m at a crossroads in my own mind. I feel as though I have only two options when it comes to moving to Toronto and I am having a very hard time deciding what to do.

In my mind I’ve divided all possibilities into two categories, the right/responsible way or the my/fun way. The right/responsible way would see me sell my truck, get a mortgage, buy a condo, and make sure everything was prearranged and organized for my arrival in Toronto. I would live in a nice place with nice neighbors and nice furniture. The other way, the my/fun way would see me work the next few weeks, finish what I have to do in Winnipeg, load up my truck and drive out to Toronto. I would maybe leave on a Friday morning so I would get there on Saturday, find a cheap apartment to rent, find someplace to store the truck and get to work.

Some might say the second scenario sounds scary but to me it sounds far less scary than the first. After two years in Toronto I would have less equity with the second plan but I would have more money in my pocket. But on the first plan I would appear more mature - I guess?

I’m looking for some help here, please don’t hesitate to offer me your suggestions or encouragement one way or the other.