Lake County Linchpins meet at the Featherbed B&B in Nice. Pictured, from left to right, are Rowland Mosser, Carol Cole-Lewis, Teddie Pierce, Bert Hutt, Ted Herrera, Maria Giovanni and Peggy Barthel. Not pictured: Tony Barthel. Courtesy photo.

NICE – A group of eight Lake County residents met at the Featherbed Bed and Breakfast on June 14 to take part in the Worldwide-Meet-The-Tribe-of-Linchpins Day.

Meetups were held in as many as 500 cities worldwide, to establish conversation around the thoughts and concepts raised in the book, "Linchpin: Are You Indispensable" by best-selling author and Social Media guru Seth Godin.

In the synopsis of the book, linchpins are described as “the essential building blocks of great organizations. Like the small piece of hardware that keeps a wheel from falling off its axle, they may not be famous but they're indispensable. And in today's world, they get the best jobs and the most freedom. Have you ever found a shortcut that others missed? Seen a new way to resolve a conflict? Made a connection with someone others couldn't reach? Even once? Then you have what it takes to become indispensable, by overcoming the resistance that holds people back.”

The Lake County participants discussed their individual backgrounds, then used their collective talents to explore solutions towards improving the image and economics of the county.

The group, now dubbed the “Lake County Linchpins,” agreed in the power of social media to change the world, and looked at possible approaches of using technology and the Internet to bring more visitors and prosperity into Lake County.

“We've got so much to offer,” says Tony Barthel, proprietor of the Featherbed B&B and meeting participant. “Our air is the cleanest in the state; the wildlife and natural beauty are amazing. It's time to stop keeping the secret that is Lake County to ourselves and tell the world what a fine place it is to visit, live, work and play here.”

The next meeting of the Lake County Linchpins is 6 p.m. July 12 at the Featherbed B&B, where the discussion started at the June 14 meeting will continue.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and a small donation to cover dinner is appreciated.

It's not necessary to have read the book ahead of time to attend, though it would be helpful.

Various written and audio formats are available from Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Linchpin-Are-Indispensable-Seth-Godin/dp/1591843162/permissionmarket) and Barnes and Noble (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Linchpin/Seth-Godin/e/9781591843160).

You may also order locally from Watershed Books (707-263-5887) or Catfish Books (707-263-4454‎) in Lakeport.