Free Webinar on Social Media by Mario Armstrong and AT&T

Check out tech guru Mario Armstrong's new on-demand and FREE webinar on Social Media Training for Small Businesses offered by AT&T.  He shares his insights and knowledge on how to use Social Media to promote your organization for improved sales and service.










Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

Tips from SmallBizGoMobile.com

Mario Armstrong has launched a new website for small business advice called www.SmallBizGoMobile.com and has also done his first webisode on social media advice for businesses.  Take a few moments to watch it on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcqC8J7rt0M - it's an excellent five minute investment.


Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

LinkedIn: The Social Media Account You Need

If you could only choose one social networking site, which should it be?  Not an easy question because not everyone has the same priorities; however, one that should be on your "must have" list is a LinkedIn account.  LinkedIn is not a very pretty or fancy website:  there are no games, contests, or meaningless groups about toothpaste preferences to join.  The purpose of LinkedIn is a simple one:  professional networking.

LinkedIn provides a way to connect with your professional contacts and reconnect with those from the past - colleagues, classmates, and associates; give and request recommendations; list your current business activities; share your resume; and join groups and associations.  Networking and relationship building open doors for new business ventures, professional development opportunities, employment, business to business connectivity, and other professional resources.  Providing an environment for sharing information and marketing both one's self and one's business, LinkedIn is the business person's Facebook.  Groups can share information regarding their organizations with members. Colleagues and coworkers can share upcoming event information, career news, and have professional chats and online discussions.

The more active and engaged a participant is in the use of LinkedIn, the more beneficial the site.  Active members can promote their skill sets, look for freelancing and job opportunities, develop new clientele, and ask for introductions to others to create new networking opportunities.

As with anything, the more information you share and more you are willing to put in, the more you will receive.  By giving recommendations, you are more likely to get recommendations or feel more comfortable asking for them.  Additionally, by offering to introduce your connections with each other, you are creating the opportunity for others to want to introduce you, and you are increasing your value by being a resource to others.

Like any other commodity, you are a valuable resource, and LinkedIn is perfect place to show that worth!




Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

All Facebook's Article: Facebook Becomes Largest Display Advertiser

Facebook Becomes Largest Display Advertiser:  One more reason your company should be on Facebook.
All Facebook's article by Nick O'Neill.


Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

Verizon and the Kin: Poor Marketing Promotes Dangerous Behavior

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Dear Verizon and Microsoft,

I would like to say that I have taken the time to appreciate your newest device, the Kin; however, I have been so troubled by your inappropriate marketing of the product that I can say the uniqueness of the phone itself is no longer of any interest to me.

Originally there was the controversy over the "sexting" commercial which appeared to be Verizon and Microsoft's promotion and encouragement of youth taking sexually explicit pictures and sending them via MMS or email.  It appears the negative publicity you received was enough to discourage you from running the commercial further because it was pulled.  I cannot dictate what consenting adults do with their telephones:  they have to reap their own consequences.  However encouraging youth to do it is utterly irresponsible.

Now, Verizon and Microsoft, you've done it again.  During primetime television last night, a commercial for the Verizon Kin ran which blatantly encouraged dangerous and ill-thought through activity.  The commercial speaks of a young woman "friending" someone she doesn't know on Facebook.  Facebook, themselves, have stated this is a dangerous and potentially troubling activity.  Yet this commercial seems to not only make the statement that it's fun to connect with people you don't know through Facebook, but then you can set up a place, date and time to meet up.

In the commercial, two young girls go to the home of this "Facebook friend" only to find out he's 20 years older than his picture indicates.  In the commercial, the girls have a good laugh about it and send out a text to all their friends letting them know he's a faker.  In real life this scenario could have resulted in a much different ending:  ask Ashleigh Hall, oh, you can't because she died this way.

This is simply poor marketing.  Having seen plenty of Microsoft and Verizon commercials in the past which have been funny, entertaining, and engaging, I would assume there has been a change in marketing direction that was not clearly thought through.  If adults want to make poor decisions about how to handle their personal safety, let them do it on their own without your encouragement.  Whoever the intended audience for this commercial is - it targets young people, and it sends a disturbing message.  In a world where children get abducted after meeting people online, where a college student gets abducted off a couch in a home and gets raped and killed, and where cyber bullying takes place and at times results in death, what favor is Verizon and Microsoft doing by advertising their product this way?  And whoever their ad agency is isn't doing them any favors either.

Until we, as consumers, stand up against such inappropriate marketing, it will continue.  However, if we choose to speak up with both our mouths and our dollars - which is our right as much as it is theirs to air this ad - they will be forced to chance their strategy.  You can choose to say nothing but remember, if it weren't an issue, there wouldn't be related topics already in the news talking about how deadly this behavior can be.

Hey, Verizon - "Can you hear me now?"







Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

TweetDeck - Organized and Online

"Say hello to my little friend" - ok maybe not.  Maybe it's more like "He rocks in the treehouse all day long, hoppin' and a boppin' and a singing his song."  Welcome to Tweet Deck:  available for both your computer and for your iPhone.  I have spent a greater part of the day working on mastering its incredible resource, only to be brutally rebuffed because of its vast abilities and sweeping content.  And it tweets, and chirps, and sings because it is truly busy.  I am by no means a master, but I am functional.

TweetDeck allows you to manage multiple Twitter accounts, as well as others like LinkedIn, and Facebook from one system, and gives a sweeping view of what is going on with your Twitter world showing "All Friends", "Mentions", "Direct Messages", and "Recommendations" all in one screen.  The set up makes management of Twitter much more user friendly instead of the standard screen flipping required from the Twitter website.  Additionally the pop ups in the corner of your screen alert you to the activity going on with those you follow.  The ability to toggle between Twitter and other social media sites, allows you to stay current with all your online marketing and networking accounts.

However, the TweetDeck Directory - available through their website - may be the most valuable component they offer.  The Directory has both a search feature and a list of topics which you can run through and look for lists which are appropriate for your interests.  Either join the list you find or use those lists to identify individuals you would like to follow who have the same interests.  You can also see list stats including how many accounts someone is following, how many followers they have, their average number of tweets per day, and description tags.

I have now moved to the TweetDeck Application on my desktop to monitor my Twitter feed in the office.  As with all products, I remain skeptical until I have had adequate time to test it, but as of yet, I have not found a flaw that makes this anything less than a useful organizing tool worth recommending.

Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

Here We Go Loopt De Loopt

www.loopt.com

"Here we go loop de loop, here we go loop de lie.  Here we go loop de loop.  All on a Saturday night."

So it's Saturday, you say.  Ok, it's really Thursday, but by now you are already thinking about Saturday. Many of you are getting ready to make plans for the weekend, and you really are already thinking about Saturday night.  And as you do, you should think about going Loopt'ing as you make your plans.  Businesses - my question to you is:  are you also Loopt'ing?

Loopt is yet another location-based social networking program that, like other programs we have studied previously, connects you with your friends to tell them where you are and your opinion on the business you are visiting.  The biggest difference - and most valuable feature - is the Loopt "Pulse".  The Pulse allows the user to search not only for places near him or her and see a quick view of what Loopt users think of the business, but more importantly, it allows the user to access a list of events in the community:  baseball games, plays, concerts, specials, etc.  

So like Foursquare and Gowalla, I can share my location with my friends, post pictures, and share my opinions.  From that standpoint, it's not much different.  Instead of a game; however, it functions more as  a networking tool.  The Pulse feature is what truly makes it stand out.  If I am looking for something to do, not only does it give me locations in my area, but the events feature gives local business the ability to market to me by giving me options as to what I can do tonight:  handy for the end-user and a great marketing opportunity for businesses.  For example, in the "Pulse" section under "Events" was listed a baseball game, its start time, and location.  By clicking on it, I was able to obtain additional information such as a route to the stadium, the stadium's website and phone number, and I was given the ability to check in to the event and share the event with my friends. Other events such as the local bar having a live music event this evening offered savings at the event by checking in via Loopt and then showing the checkin to the hostess.

Networking, event notification, and savings for the customer, easy marketing for a venue - that's about perfect no matter which way you look at it.





Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

Is Social Media Necessary?

www.searchenginejournal.com

Today I received the question, "It's (Social Media) necessary, isn't it? It's a must?"


My short response was, "The key is the word 'Media'.  It should be viewed as something for the public.  It is a must.  It's how the world is going to get reached for either Jesus or porn.  It can be used for the greater good or the greater destruction.  It's a medium for great connectivity or great isolation.  I choose to use it to be a better marketer.  Better friend.  Better family member.  I use it to reach people I would not, did not, and could not connect with before both professionally and personally.  It can be a time suck or a time releaser.  It's all about the mindset, intention, and purpose."


I have seen postings from multiple friends on tools like Facebook that he/she needs to take a break from the application because it is taking up too much time, distracts him/her, causes isolation, etc. In that case, I would certainly encourage the user to walk away and prioritize appropriately.  Anything that takes away from your true purpose or your true enjoyment is a negative.  In my opinion relationships and purpose are the main priorities for most in life.  If something is taking away from positive relationships and a sense of purpose, cut it off and move on.  


Could the use of social media be restructured in the lives of these individuals to play a better role?  In my opinion, yes.  But possibly he/she would need to step away from social media to rethink it and determine how to use it more effectively.  Social media can be used to share, educate, motivate, encourage, join, and develop.  If I have a skill or a talent, if I have knowledge, I can use social media to connect with others and share with them.  I can learn from them.  I can develop and enhance relationships with family, friends, coworkers, customers, and the community.  My company can learn about its clientele, tell them about new products, get feedback, promote new opportunities, etc.


Case in point.  I have discussed, in previous blogs, because it's been a current topic in the news, about NFL players and social media. Santonio Holmes, an NFL player, posts on Twitter.  He posts that fans don't sign his paychecks so they shouldn't have an opinion about his behavior.  He posts that a fan should kill himself because of a posted opinion.  He posts that he's going to go smoke weed.  Then this player, who was a Superbowl MVP only 14 months ago, gets traded to another team for a fifth round draft pick (for those of you not into football - that's an insult), and it's all over sports news that a four game suspension is going to be handed down shortly regarding drug use (how'd they get word of that, I wonder).  Why is this happening to him?  Why is he under scrutiny?  Because he failed to think about the fact that what he was doing on Twitter was marketing, and he did it badly.  

On the other hand is a player named Chad Ochocinco.  He tweets daily.  He tweets about the products he's endorsing.  Tweets about his career.  Tweets about the weather.  Tweets about movies.  Tweets about his training, his team, and how much he likes his fans and his coworkers.  Tweets about businesses he likes and frequents.  And what happens?  He makes more money through sponsor deals and sales.  He creates fan loyalty.  He creates team loyalty.  Difference?  Someone taught him about marketing.  Someone told him that you never know who's paying attention.  Someone taught him that he could use Facebook, Twitter, Skype... social media to benefit him if he used it correctly.

Do you and I have that kind of access to as many people?  Probably not, but the fact remains we never know who's paying attention, where it could lead, or what it might lead to.  How will we use it?  For good?  For bad?  For noteworthy or for wasting time?  It all depends on perspective.  

How will you use social media?  It has a direct result on not only how you feel about it, but how others feel about you.

Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

So Why Foursquare and Gowalla?

The question was posed to me this week, "Why do you use Foursquare and Gowalla? Is there a benefit?"  


Answering honestly, I replied, "I originally thought it would be a friend/social networking tool."  The concept of seeing where my friends are, what they are up to, what they think of various places, etc. is another way to connect and share interests.  

comedyshirts.co.uk

After giving it additional thought, I realized, "However, I use both Foursquare and Gowalla more for the tips and feedback.  I have more of a relationship with a couple of businesses now because they were interested in knowing whom was taking the time to participate."  Businesses are using these applications to learn about their customer base:  why do people go there initially, and what keeps them coming back.  And then some go the step farther to use the apps to learn more about their customers as people and to reward them for their loyalty.  


If the old business philosophy of "it takes three new clients to compensate for the cost of losing one current customer", then establishing and maintaining brand loyalty is not only a benefit to the organization and the customer both - it is a necessary symbiotic pairing.  The customer needs to feel appreciated, and, especially in today's economy, the organization needs the customer to return again and again.


So the benefit is networking and knowledge. I participate as a consumer because it identifies me as a loyalist and gives insight to my true likes without having to wear a badge or t-shirt advertising my favorite places, and my hang-outs don't have to hope against hope that I'll fill out a comment card on my way out the door.


Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

You May Want to Keep Your Twitter Clothes On

Being a typical girl, I loved my Barbie® dolls.  I was always of the opinion, however, that they needed to be dressed to the nines at all times because I never knew who might see them:  Prince Charming, Ken®, G.I. Joe®, Mickey Mouse®, etc.  How horrifying it would be for them to be tossed into the toy box naked and run into someone that way!  Their clothes, their shoes, their hair always needed to be perfect so they would be ready to put their best face to the world.

Now I realize some of you are naked Barbie® people.  Naked Barbie® kids are the ones that got the doll out of the box, immediately removed their clothes, and then the dolls laid all over the house showing off all their glory.   They truly let it all hang out.

Our Twitter® accounts are the same way.  There is the theory that since you never know who might be reading your posting that you should be on your best behavior.  What if the viewer is a prospective employer, your current employer, a writer, an organization?  Are your postings helping or hindering your reputation?  Is the Barbie's® hair done and clothes looking sharp?  There is also the theory - Twitter® is a place to express one's true opinion to the masses for anyone who cares to read it:  essentially the naked Barbie® theory.  Here it is, look at me.  Don't get me wrong, I've done that, too.  The question is what kind of reputation do you want to create for yourself?   Since you don't always know your audience, how do you feel about the President reading what you've written?

So who is your Twitter® account for?  Is it for you?  Is it your outlet regardless of the consequences?  Then be free and show your plastic buff to the world!  If your micro blogs are for your audience, you may want to keep your Twitter® clothes on.




Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

Barbie® is a product of Mattel, Inc.

Social Media and the Pea

You've heard the story of the Princess and the Pea. The stranger, claiming to be a princess, shows up on the doorsteps of the palace all drenched and looking pathetic. They decide to test her royalty by placing blankets and mattresses upon more blankets and mattresses all on top of a pea. The stranger comes down to the royal family the next day to express she had a horrible night of sleep. All rejoice because her royal heritage is proven by her inability to sleep as the pea was enough to keep her up at night.

Social Media should be no different. Knowing that someone is out there and has not heard your message, learned of your product, or been introduced to your group should be keeping you up at night. Your means of getting the information out there is Social Media. All the soft, fluffy, warm-fuzzies should not convince you that you are doing enough if you are not effectively using Social Media to promote yourself or your organization.

It keeps me up at night. It is my pea under the mattress. So commences this blog. Join me as we look at Social Media, reach those we missed, keep in touch with those we have connected with, and learn how truly impacting word of mouth - or in this case, word of Internet - is in our lives and how we can best use it. So we can all sleep better at night.   

(Painting:  The Princess and the Pea.  Artist Sharon Furner)