I seem to be having the same conversation over and over with a variety of people lately. Each time it is a bit different, but there are a couple of definite themes that keep popping up no matter if I'm talking to a CEO in his office, a friend over lunch or via skype with a connection half way across the world.

1. There are way to many people out there talking more then doing.
2. People seem to only be interested in talking to people in their comfort zone where people already understand them. (aka The Fishbowl)
3. Lots of individuals are "selling" themselves as companies and making promises that I'm worried they can't keep.
4. For all the talk of conversation out the in the open, there is a LOT more happening on the back channels then most people realize.

I'm sharing this mainly to sort of open that last point. To put it out there and see what people think.

Have you had conversations around these topics? I'm sure it can't be only happening in Boston and NYC.

The business world has never been a fan of people who do nothing but talk. We've all hired that consultant that got us excited about the next great thing, but then when it came time to put it into action there was nothing there. In today's economic storm it is more crucial then ever to deliver results. No one wants to pay for talk. They want to pay for results.

As I watch people preach about social media, I'm not seeing many people stretch beyond the already converted. I'm eager to speak in front of rooms of people who have no clue who I am or what it is that I'm bringing to the table and teaching them about. That is the teacher in me. The shaman way of thinking. I want to talk to the people who don't have a clue about the space I play in and enjoy every day. But, I keep seeing people out there over and over saying the same thing to the same people. I just don't get it.

I'm riding along the Acela and that gives my brain time to unwind and unleash. This isn't a rant, a negative nanny bitch session or anything like that. It is an observation. One that I wanted to share. Something I'm very curious what other think.

But, what do you think? Are you having similar conversations? Yes, I get the irony in asking you to talk about something here. *grin*