Using Freedom For Reaching the Human Network

If you live in the Boston area, USS Freedom (LCS 1) is in town for a visit. As I have said many times, I encourage anyone who gets a chance to see this ship. You have read the debates regarding what the ship is, I assure you that your opinion will change once you see what the ship is, and isn't. Don't expect many similarities to any frame of reference based on experience or research.

Maggie has a copy of the ships schedule and is already highlighting some of the news. If you go, find Maggie, give her a big wet kiss on her cheek, tell her to remain strong (which is different than head strong btw) as she continues to recover from her cancer.

I emailed the PAO on the USS Freedom (LCS 1) and told him to take good care of her. He would have anyway, but I wanted to make a point. Why is Maggie important? Because she represents the hundreds if not thousands of folks out there curious about the ship, but aren't of the wonk kind like us. My network, including his blog, is wired and online. She has a network online that is similar, but she has a huge real life network on top of that, and her network off line isn't probably not tuned into CHINFO's radio.

The word of mouth network of folks like Maggie hits the larger majority not paying attention, out of the reach of CHINFO and the Navy. They watch Jon Stewart, not videos like this. That network moves information word of mouth very fast, and extends out in large circles. People like Maggie are critical to the Navy in reaching Americans, because she talks to people as a hobby and is good at it, and her interest includes the Navy. That makes Maggie, and everyone else who comes on that ship today and tomorrow for a tour a VIP to CHINFO, and anything short of VIP treatment will hurt a ship that can sell itself OK, and with a little personal attention, can sell itself beyond anything else the Navy has that can pull into an American port.