No matter the channel, your word rules.

While this blog  is meant to share specific tools about social media and Web 2.0, my attention is diverted for a moment to the “crisis” facing AIG and it’s executives over the federal stimulus funds being used for bonus pay.

As someone who isn’t so sure that the stimulus money was a good idea in the first place, I’ll go on the record to say I’m with the millions of Americans who don’t want to see the money misused.  Bonus pay may fit that category, but truly the facts of that matter are for Congress to investigate and debate.  I’m pretty busy just trying to make sure I’m earning my own honest pay right now.

However, having said that, last night I ran into Nick Ashooh who came into town to give a speech to the Columbus Metropolitan Club.  Nick and I served on the CMC board a few years ago together while he was the VP of Communications at AEP.  He is a mensch - a smart one too.  A seriously hard working and really likable person.

I had seen through a CMC email alert that he was scheduled to speak today at the weekly luncheon. I was curious if he would really show up, since in 2006 he was appointed Senior VP of Communications for AIG.   And there he was, walking into the restaurant where I was dining.   I got my answer.

Since he was alone (or waiting for someone), I went over to catch up for a bit.  He was honest and quick to reflect that his boss was testifying in Congress today and things were a bit crazy but, “I couldn’t let them down” and cancel my speech.

So in this saturated news, hyped social media, twitterholic society we live in,  it’s nice to see someone dead in the middle of “the lead story” remembering his roots and what’s important.  Being impeccable with your word (my favorite of the Four Agreements).   I really hope his company can follow his example.

(His speech to the Metro Club will be archived here in a few weeks.)