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xo,
Mary
mary@marypetto.com
http://www.marypetto.com
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Social Networking on Vacation in 3 Easy Steps
We all need a break once in a while, but your social media strategy really ought to be contuing even if you’re on the other side of the world, feet in the sand, drink in your hand. But if the rest of the social media world goes on without you, how do you not skip a beat? Well with a little planning and some free ninja-trick application shopping, you’re good to go!
Step 1: APPLICATION SHOPPING: If you’re not in on this secret, you’re just going to love me! Did you know there are web-based social media management applications that allow you to not only permanently search and monitor your industry within social media platforms and post from there, but that also allow you to schedule your posts, tweets, status updates, etc. for a future date and time? There are some that are free and others with fantastic analytics capabilities that you’ll appreciate for sure with a price tag attached. My two favorites are HootSuite (free) and Objective Marketer (fee-based). Once you find one you like, sign up and play!
Step 2: POST PLANNING: While of course your posting strategy is always mapped out in advance (isn’t it?), a few days before your bags are packed, plan out the types of tweets and updates you would post if you weren’t going away. Consider what is happening at your company, in the industry, or promotions you have going on. Here are some examples for a local business owner vacationing July 3 – July 10:
Facebook:
Day one- 1 fun store happening post
Day two- 1 holiday message/office hours
Day three- 1 promo reminder
1 funny staff member quote
Day four- 1 how-to link
1 industry bite
Day five- 1 promo reminder, etc. etc.
Twitter:
Day one- 2 local happenings posts
4 following re-tweets
Day two- 3 holiday info re-tweets
Day three- 1 promo reminder
2 industry content links
4 re-tweets, etc., etc.
Step 3: SETUP, SEARCH, and SCHEDULE:
Log in to your chosen social media management app for your vacation posting. Start typing up your originally-authored posts and schedule accordingly throughout the vacation week. Remember not to neglect any of the networks you are active on, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, Ping, etc. You can even automate your WordPress blog posts and Foursquare updates with HootSuite.
Most apps have a search box for industry content posts and retweets. Simply search on a phrase and all recent posts with that phrase will show in a column (that you can—and should—make it a permanent search column if it’s relative to your business). Select content you want to share and schedule it! Select tweets to re-tweet and then schedule each one!
While this strategy is fantastic for keeping your business in the loop and staying in the newsfeeds of your followers, it’s a good idea to take a peek at your notifications halfway through your trip or ASAP when you return to make sure you don’t let any un-responded-to engagement opportunities slip past you.
Bon voyage!
Step 1: APPLICATION SHOPPING: If you’re not in on this secret, you’re just going to love me! Did you know there are web-based social media management applications that allow you to not only permanently search and monitor your industry within social media platforms and post from there, but that also allow you to schedule your posts, tweets, status updates, etc. for a future date and time? There are some that are free and others with fantastic analytics capabilities that you’ll appreciate for sure with a price tag attached. My two favorites are HootSuite (free) and Objective Marketer (fee-based). Once you find one you like, sign up and play!
Step 2: POST PLANNING: While of course your posting strategy is always mapped out in advance (isn’t it?), a few days before your bags are packed, plan out the types of tweets and updates you would post if you weren’t going away. Consider what is happening at your company, in the industry, or promotions you have going on. Here are some examples for a local business owner vacationing July 3 – July 10:
Facebook:
Day one- 1 fun store happening post
Day two- 1 holiday message/office hours
Day three- 1 promo reminder
1 funny staff member quote
Day four- 1 how-to link
1 industry bite
Day five- 1 promo reminder, etc. etc.
Twitter:
Day one- 2 local happenings posts
4 following re-tweets
Day two- 3 holiday info re-tweets
Day three- 1 promo reminder
2 industry content links
4 re-tweets, etc., etc.
Step 3: SETUP, SEARCH, and SCHEDULE:
Log in to your chosen social media management app for your vacation posting. Start typing up your originally-authored posts and schedule accordingly throughout the vacation week. Remember not to neglect any of the networks you are active on, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, Ping, etc. You can even automate your WordPress blog posts and Foursquare updates with HootSuite.
Most apps have a search box for industry content posts and retweets. Simply search on a phrase and all recent posts with that phrase will show in a column (that you can—and should—make it a permanent search column if it’s relative to your business). Select content you want to share and schedule it! Select tweets to re-tweet and then schedule each one!
While this strategy is fantastic for keeping your business in the loop and staying in the newsfeeds of your followers, it’s a good idea to take a peek at your notifications halfway through your trip or ASAP when you return to make sure you don’t let any un-responded-to engagement opportunities slip past you.
Bon voyage!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
5 Steps to Business Building with LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn has been around a long time, in social media years, but has only recently come in on most business’s radar as a tool for networking. Even so, I too often hear “yeah, I’m on LinkedIn, but no one contacts me. It’s just sitting there.” This is music to my ears, of course (ka-ching!), but I would be remiss if I didn’t share how easy it is to leverage the tools presented to you each time you log in. Here are five steps to developing business using my favorite feature, LinkedIn Groups.
Step 1: Find Groups. There are literally thousands of groups to choose from on LinkedIn. Be they industry based, comprised of your target market, or related to your favorite pastime, enter your keywords in the search box using the Groups filter and start investigating.
Step 2: Join Groups. Well, yes, it’s just the click of a button (and with some groups a waiting period for approval), but be sure to join groups that have a lot of members, think 1,000 or more. Also look at recent discussions to determine whether the group is active.
Step 3: Listen. Keep your group notifications settings at weekly or more frequently if you can handle it. When new discussions are posted, you’ll be notified by email. See what people are talking about and how they’re talking. Who’s talking? Are they people you’d like to reach out to?
Step 4: Engage. Find opportunities to add your two cents to group discussions. This is an opportunity to show off your expertise (humbly, of course), and it gets your name out there. Each time you comment, a link to your profile is available for others to click, so be sure to have that completed to 100%.
Step 5: Connect. Once you have a group in common with a potential connection, the connection process is much smoother. First, because LinkedIn gives you a check-off box for groups you have in common when you fill out the connections request form, and, second, because it gives you a starting point for conversation. Note: Always make your message to the potential connection personal and phrase your request in the form of a question.
Feel free to contact me for assistance or with further questions. My door is always open!
Step 1: Find Groups. There are literally thousands of groups to choose from on LinkedIn. Be they industry based, comprised of your target market, or related to your favorite pastime, enter your keywords in the search box using the Groups filter and start investigating.
Step 2: Join Groups. Well, yes, it’s just the click of a button (and with some groups a waiting period for approval), but be sure to join groups that have a lot of members, think 1,000 or more. Also look at recent discussions to determine whether the group is active.
Step 3: Listen. Keep your group notifications settings at weekly or more frequently if you can handle it. When new discussions are posted, you’ll be notified by email. See what people are talking about and how they’re talking. Who’s talking? Are they people you’d like to reach out to?
Step 4: Engage. Find opportunities to add your two cents to group discussions. This is an opportunity to show off your expertise (humbly, of course), and it gets your name out there. Each time you comment, a link to your profile is available for others to click, so be sure to have that completed to 100%.
Step 5: Connect. Once you have a group in common with a potential connection, the connection process is much smoother. First, because LinkedIn gives you a check-off box for groups you have in common when you fill out the connections request form, and, second, because it gives you a starting point for conversation. Note: Always make your message to the potential connection personal and phrase your request in the form of a question.
Feel free to contact me for assistance or with further questions. My door is always open!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Size Doesn't Matter.
I'm talking about Twitter, silly! Businesses jumping on the Twitter info stream, particularly in the beginning, often believe that without a significant number of "followers" they can't make a significant impact. As this platform matures, it is becoming apparent that other factors--such as who your followers are, your posts, and how you build relationships on Twitter--are what really matter as far as your business is concerned.
I present to you an article by Catharine Smith, via The Huffington Post, that proves, scientifically, that the size of your following doesn't really matter:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/07/twitter-followers-number_n_567746.html
I present to you an article by Catharine Smith, via The Huffington Post, that proves, scientifically, that the size of your following doesn't really matter:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/07/twitter-followers-number_n_567746.html
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
I Like You, But I’m Not a Fan.
If you’ve got a Facebook fan page for your business, you’ve probably noticed that rather than clicking on “Become a Fan,” your page visitors are now clicking on a button that simply says “Like.” Facebook has done this as part of a much bigger empire-growth scheme that allows them to eventually take over the planet, but within our own smaller agenda of social media engagement, they may have just rocked our world.
It’s good, but it could be bad.
So, from an optimistic standpoint, there is something much less psychologically committal about saying you like something than saying you’re a fan. Apparently, Facebook has already proved this with their market analysis. So that’s good, right? More people seeing our news feed, more people to potentially engage with. My hunch, however, is that many Facebook users aren’t taking it seriously. I can’t tell you how many of my own personal friends are now “becoming fans” of the silliest, most useless, controversial, and downright raw pages. Do they know this is coming up in my news feed? My conclusion is that for the past two years, the action of clicking on “Like” has simply been our way to acknowledge a tongue-n-cheek status update without commenting on it, a way of pointing out that we’ve looked at a picture that was posted, or appreciate someone’s political satire post from a news source. So whereas we business owners and marketers know that this button is just a replacement of the word “Fan,” users overall just don’t recognize the difference.
So it’s bad?
Well, it feels bad. It feels like, at least when it comes to the viral newsfeed phenomenon, Facebook has diluted the power of the fan page and the overall willingness of our fans to ultimately engage with us. My hope is that Facebook users will catch on to the various meanings of the word “Like” throughout the network and adjust back to being more particular about the business pages they want to follow.
Let’s wait and see.
With every change comes opportunity (see last blog post), so let’s work with this. Facebook has given us an opportunity to coin a new term to replace “Become a Fan” in our marketing. I loved this, because it is so actionable! How can we use "Like" in an action statement that doesn’t seem needy? Let’s hear it!
It’s good, but it could be bad.
So, from an optimistic standpoint, there is something much less psychologically committal about saying you like something than saying you’re a fan. Apparently, Facebook has already proved this with their market analysis. So that’s good, right? More people seeing our news feed, more people to potentially engage with. My hunch, however, is that many Facebook users aren’t taking it seriously. I can’t tell you how many of my own personal friends are now “becoming fans” of the silliest, most useless, controversial, and downright raw pages. Do they know this is coming up in my news feed? My conclusion is that for the past two years, the action of clicking on “Like” has simply been our way to acknowledge a tongue-n-cheek status update without commenting on it, a way of pointing out that we’ve looked at a picture that was posted, or appreciate someone’s political satire post from a news source. So whereas we business owners and marketers know that this button is just a replacement of the word “Fan,” users overall just don’t recognize the difference.
So it’s bad?
Well, it feels bad. It feels like, at least when it comes to the viral newsfeed phenomenon, Facebook has diluted the power of the fan page and the overall willingness of our fans to ultimately engage with us. My hope is that Facebook users will catch on to the various meanings of the word “Like” throughout the network and adjust back to being more particular about the business pages they want to follow.
Let’s wait and see.
With every change comes opportunity (see last blog post), so let’s work with this. Facebook has given us an opportunity to coin a new term to replace “Become a Fan” in our marketing. I loved this, because it is so actionable! How can we use "Like" in an action statement that doesn’t seem needy? Let’s hear it!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
I’m Gonna Go Changin'. Sorry, Billy.
For weeks now, Billy Joel’s, “Don’t Go Changin,” has been playing in my head. It sure is irksome, but it’s a constant reminder of the theme of change that has come up repeatedly in my day-to-day meetups.
It is a romantic notion, as Billy meant it to be, but when it applies to business, we better think twice about not changing to please the object of our affection: the customer.
Many businesses still don’t grasp the concept of change, sticking with the “if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it” philosophy. I’ve met with several prospects who thrive on the printed word, an isolated web page, or door-to-door sales, and cannot see why they need to get in on the social media conversation. Without thinking forward to their future customers, who are doing most of their decision making on line within social platforms, they are destined for extinction.
The concept of change has come up with friends and associates as well. Some have become agents of change to seek new career opportunities, build a client base, or even to improve their social life. How? By embracing the social networks that have been introduced to us and harnessing all that they have to offer.
Yes, many fear the unknown: The very public status update. The transparency of our “behind the scenes.” The new culture of telling it (and hearing it) like it is. But changing your mindset means appreciating rather than fearing the new normal--and being liberated by it. It means that your local business is playing on the same field as a national chain. That your customers are bonding with your brand because they like engaging with the new open you. And that, if you’re really good at it, your brand personality is contagious and you go viral.
Your core business doesn’t have to change, nor your guiding principles. Just be open to the new ways business is getting done and how your customers are choosing which brands to be loyal to. You’ve heard it before, but it doesn’t get old, so I’ll close out with it—The company that doesn’t change, dies.
It is a romantic notion, as Billy meant it to be, but when it applies to business, we better think twice about not changing to please the object of our affection: the customer.
Many businesses still don’t grasp the concept of change, sticking with the “if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it” philosophy. I’ve met with several prospects who thrive on the printed word, an isolated web page, or door-to-door sales, and cannot see why they need to get in on the social media conversation. Without thinking forward to their future customers, who are doing most of their decision making on line within social platforms, they are destined for extinction.
The concept of change has come up with friends and associates as well. Some have become agents of change to seek new career opportunities, build a client base, or even to improve their social life. How? By embracing the social networks that have been introduced to us and harnessing all that they have to offer.
Yes, many fear the unknown: The very public status update. The transparency of our “behind the scenes.” The new culture of telling it (and hearing it) like it is. But changing your mindset means appreciating rather than fearing the new normal--and being liberated by it. It means that your local business is playing on the same field as a national chain. That your customers are bonding with your brand because they like engaging with the new open you. And that, if you’re really good at it, your brand personality is contagious and you go viral.
Your core business doesn’t have to change, nor your guiding principles. Just be open to the new ways business is getting done and how your customers are choosing which brands to be loyal to. You’ve heard it before, but it doesn’t get old, so I’ll close out with it—The company that doesn’t change, dies.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Five Cool Things to Do with Your Facebook Fan Page
Taking your company’s Facebook page to the next level doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here are five easy ways to take your business from simply having social media presence to being a relevant and savvy brand.
1. Auto-feed your blog. With Facebook’s NetworkedBlogs app, every time you add a new post to your blog, it lands on your fans’ newsfeeds. (Bonus: you can also add a “blog” tab to your page once you connect with NetworkedBlogs.)
2. Create Custom Tabs. It takes a little finagling or a friend that speaks html, or fbml, but with compelling labels on unique tab content you’ll be the coolest biz on the block! Consider different tabs for different product lines, target markets, locations, etc.
3. Record video right to your page. This is some serious immediate gratification when you want to communicate directly with your fans, and in seconds! Click on the + at the end of your tabs and drop down to “video.” Record right away with your webcam or upload something cool from your files. Don't forget to post about it!
4. Run a contest or sweepstakes. There are apps available that create these classic promotional tools and then publish them to your fan page. This is a fun way to get your page viral. Check out www.wildfireapp.com. It isn’t free, but you can pull it off for as low as $5 a month.
5. Create a Fan Badge. Visitors to your website or blog don’t have to leave to become Facebook fans with this cool widget. To get one: click “edit page” from your fan page and look for a link to create a Fan Badge. In three steps you’ll magically have a “Become a Fan” shortcut on your web site.
1. Auto-feed your blog. With Facebook’s NetworkedBlogs app, every time you add a new post to your blog, it lands on your fans’ newsfeeds. (Bonus: you can also add a “blog” tab to your page once you connect with NetworkedBlogs.)
2. Create Custom Tabs. It takes a little finagling or a friend that speaks html, or fbml, but with compelling labels on unique tab content you’ll be the coolest biz on the block! Consider different tabs for different product lines, target markets, locations, etc.
3. Record video right to your page. This is some serious immediate gratification when you want to communicate directly with your fans, and in seconds! Click on the + at the end of your tabs and drop down to “video.” Record right away with your webcam or upload something cool from your files. Don't forget to post about it!
4. Run a contest or sweepstakes. There are apps available that create these classic promotional tools and then publish them to your fan page. This is a fun way to get your page viral. Check out www.wildfireapp.com. It isn’t free, but you can pull it off for as low as $5 a month.
5. Create a Fan Badge. Visitors to your website or blog don’t have to leave to become Facebook fans with this cool widget. To get one: click “edit page” from your fan page and look for a link to create a Fan Badge. In three steps you’ll magically have a “Become a Fan” shortcut on your web site.
Monday, March 15, 2010
At 60 Seconds More Than Half your Audience is Gone
This is a fantastic article about the attention span of your audience. It points to the use of video, but as you read, also think about how heavy the content is on your home page, print ads, banners, and sales presentations.
From the Treepodia blog—
One of the interesting facts regarding the evolution of human cognition is that, as a society, our attention span is dwindling.
Attention spans have shrunk by over 50% in the past decade
According to a Lloyds research tracing the causes of home accidents, attention spans have shrunk from 12 minutes in 1998 , to around 5 minutes in 2008. The Lloyds research states that when asked respondents blamed ’stress’ (18 percent) and ‘decision overload’ (17 per cent) as the main reasons for poor short-term memory and flagging attention spans.
Product Videos – How long is too long?
The relevance to online videos, of course, is that attention spans matter particularly in terms of determining the length of your product videos. You want to make these videos long enough to deliver all of your pertinent facts, yet short enough to maintain viewers’ interest until the end. The question is, what’s that magical length?
There are two basic stats you might consider when determining your norm:
1. The length of an average commercial
2. The length of an average online video
How have commercials evolved?
In terms of average commercial length, Wikipedia delivered an adept and, in light of the aforementioned dwindiling of attention spans, predictable answer:
“In the 1950s and 1960s, the average advertisement’s length was one minute. As the years passed, the average length shrank to 30 seconds (and often 10 seconds, depending on the television station’s purchase of ad time)… However, today a majority of advertisements run in 15-second increments (often known as “hooks”).”
In other words, with the progression of time, commercial length has been reduced to about 15 seconds, with a maximum of 30. Sounds (and views) about right.
What’s the length of the average Online Video?
In terms of online video length, the average length is according to ComScore a whopping 3.5 minutes. This figure may be surprising until one realizes that ComScore’s number factors in ALL online videos, including full length television episodes on Hulu, etc.
Less is More – Keep your videos as short as possible
In general, as the saying goes (and for good reason), we say, keep ‘em short and sweet – more along the lines of traditional commercial lengths at most. While video may grab shoppers’ attention, it will likely only hold it for a short time. And remember, not everyone who presses play, will watch your video all the way through.
How Much of a Typical Video Online Is Actually Watched?
At 60 seconds more than half your audience is gone
As the above graph based on a TubeMogul study shows, at the 30 second mark you’ve already lost a third of your audience and after a minute you’ve lost more than half, so try and get all your information in as soon as you can, in the shortest amount of time necessary.
Beyond that, as with all elements of video, you will need to continually do testing to determine if length, is influencing your results (and to what effect), and adjust accordingly.
Read more: http://blog.treepodia.com/2010/03/at-60-seconds-more-than-half-your-audience-is-gone/#ixzz0iFvgDoPq
From the Treepodia blog—
One of the interesting facts regarding the evolution of human cognition is that, as a society, our attention span is dwindling.
Attention spans have shrunk by over 50% in the past decade
According to a Lloyds research tracing the causes of home accidents, attention spans have shrunk from 12 minutes in 1998 , to around 5 minutes in 2008. The Lloyds research states that when asked respondents blamed ’stress’ (18 percent) and ‘decision overload’ (17 per cent) as the main reasons for poor short-term memory and flagging attention spans.
Product Videos – How long is too long?
The relevance to online videos, of course, is that attention spans matter particularly in terms of determining the length of your product videos. You want to make these videos long enough to deliver all of your pertinent facts, yet short enough to maintain viewers’ interest until the end. The question is, what’s that magical length?
There are two basic stats you might consider when determining your norm:
1. The length of an average commercial
2. The length of an average online video
How have commercials evolved?
In terms of average commercial length, Wikipedia delivered an adept and, in light of the aforementioned dwindiling of attention spans, predictable answer:
“In the 1950s and 1960s, the average advertisement’s length was one minute. As the years passed, the average length shrank to 30 seconds (and often 10 seconds, depending on the television station’s purchase of ad time)… However, today a majority of advertisements run in 15-second increments (often known as “hooks”).”
In other words, with the progression of time, commercial length has been reduced to about 15 seconds, with a maximum of 30. Sounds (and views) about right.
What’s the length of the average Online Video?
In terms of online video length, the average length is according to ComScore a whopping 3.5 minutes. This figure may be surprising until one realizes that ComScore’s number factors in ALL online videos, including full length television episodes on Hulu, etc.
Less is More – Keep your videos as short as possible
In general, as the saying goes (and for good reason), we say, keep ‘em short and sweet – more along the lines of traditional commercial lengths at most. While video may grab shoppers’ attention, it will likely only hold it for a short time. And remember, not everyone who presses play, will watch your video all the way through.
How Much of a Typical Video Online Is Actually Watched?
At 60 seconds more than half your audience is gone
As the above graph based on a TubeMogul study shows, at the 30 second mark you’ve already lost a third of your audience and after a minute you’ve lost more than half, so try and get all your information in as soon as you can, in the shortest amount of time necessary.
Beyond that, as with all elements of video, you will need to continually do testing to determine if length, is influencing your results (and to what effect), and adjust accordingly.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Eliminate Twitter Overwhelm (or Why I Heart TweetDeck)
Since the release of my last article about why you should get your business rolling on Twitter, I’ve received many questions about how to climb out of the info-pile dump and keep on top of the feeds.
My answer: TweetDeck. If you want to make sure you can find all the topics, people, and feeds you’re looking for in real time, get TweetDeck in front of you. There are mobile versions for your phone, but it is best viewed on your PC, at least until you understand what you are looking at and have it customized for your needs. Here’s why you need it:
You’re the Captain. It may be hard to believe, but with TweetDeck you’re in charge of what you see on Twitter. The system is based on columns. Each time you open TweetDeck, you’ll be presented with column after column of tweets categorized by what you’ve chosen to see. Everything from standard Twitter info, such as replies and direct messages, to categories pre-compiled by TweetDeck to topic searches or groups of people that you have pre-determined. You’re the captain, and this is your helm!
No Flipping. If you get frustrated by the surf that is twitter.com (you know, an intriguing retweet compels you to click on the user, which compels you to click on a link, which compels you to go back to twitter for a search, and you forgot to DM someone but now you have to flip back to find them), you’ll be relieved to know that with TweetDeck’s column view you don’t lose where you are, you just get more places to go! With the magic search icon, a new search appears as yet another column now permanently set up for your viewing pleasure until you remove it.
Magic Mouse Action. Okay, so it’s not the mouse, but it’s the options you have with each avatar that feels like magic. When you hover, you’re presented with the usual options to retweet or direct message, but you also have bunches of other options for dealing with the tweet itself and/or that user, including translating, viewing a complete profile (in a temporary column), and even emailing the tweet! If you discover a new user to follow and want to add him to a particular category you’ve columned, just click!
SuperPost Power. I don’t know about you, but I have a really hard time with the 140 character limit, especially when a url is involved. TweetDeck can do wonderful things while you’re keying: alert you when referencing a username that doesn’t exist, automatically “tiny” urls, shrink your tweet, translate it, attach photos and video, and remind you of recent hashtags you’ve used.
Add Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn. That’s right, once you’ve become addicted and don’t want to be separated from your TweetDeck columns ever again, you’ll be pleased that you can add columns for your Facebook, LinkedIn and MySpace management, too!
Ahh, necessity really IS the mother of invention. TweetDeck is such a blessing for the Twitter superhighway that Twitter itself has finally caught on and launched a new “lists” feature and some hover-type tools. To begin, just go to www.tweetdeck.com. Oh! And don’t worry about TweetDeck portability, because when you load the mobile version it will populate with all of your columns. Did I mention you can minimize TweetDeck but have it chime when a new post comes into one of your columns? (I only recommend you use chime if you rely on real-time tweet scanning for your business; this could be too much of a good thing).
My answer: TweetDeck. If you want to make sure you can find all the topics, people, and feeds you’re looking for in real time, get TweetDeck in front of you. There are mobile versions for your phone, but it is best viewed on your PC, at least until you understand what you are looking at and have it customized for your needs. Here’s why you need it:
You’re the Captain. It may be hard to believe, but with TweetDeck you’re in charge of what you see on Twitter. The system is based on columns. Each time you open TweetDeck, you’ll be presented with column after column of tweets categorized by what you’ve chosen to see. Everything from standard Twitter info, such as replies and direct messages, to categories pre-compiled by TweetDeck to topic searches or groups of people that you have pre-determined. You’re the captain, and this is your helm!
No Flipping. If you get frustrated by the surf that is twitter.com (you know, an intriguing retweet compels you to click on the user, which compels you to click on a link, which compels you to go back to twitter for a search, and you forgot to DM someone but now you have to flip back to find them), you’ll be relieved to know that with TweetDeck’s column view you don’t lose where you are, you just get more places to go! With the magic search icon, a new search appears as yet another column now permanently set up for your viewing pleasure until you remove it.
Magic Mouse Action. Okay, so it’s not the mouse, but it’s the options you have with each avatar that feels like magic. When you hover, you’re presented with the usual options to retweet or direct message, but you also have bunches of other options for dealing with the tweet itself and/or that user, including translating, viewing a complete profile (in a temporary column), and even emailing the tweet! If you discover a new user to follow and want to add him to a particular category you’ve columned, just click!
SuperPost Power. I don’t know about you, but I have a really hard time with the 140 character limit, especially when a url is involved. TweetDeck can do wonderful things while you’re keying: alert you when referencing a username that doesn’t exist, automatically “tiny” urls, shrink your tweet, translate it, attach photos and video, and remind you of recent hashtags you’ve used.
Add Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn. That’s right, once you’ve become addicted and don’t want to be separated from your TweetDeck columns ever again, you’ll be pleased that you can add columns for your Facebook, LinkedIn and MySpace management, too!
Ahh, necessity really IS the mother of invention. TweetDeck is such a blessing for the Twitter superhighway that Twitter itself has finally caught on and launched a new “lists” feature and some hover-type tools. To begin, just go to www.tweetdeck.com. Oh! And don’t worry about TweetDeck portability, because when you load the mobile version it will populate with all of your columns. Did I mention you can minimize TweetDeck but have it chime when a new post comes into one of your columns? (I only recommend you use chime if you rely on real-time tweet scanning for your business; this could be too much of a good thing).
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
To Tweet or Not to Tweet: Top Five Reasons Your Business Needs Twitter
Many businesses are carrying the new tagline “Follow us on Twitter” in their marketing messages. While you may be hesitant to jump on the bandwagon, or feel overwhelmed by the seemingly alien language of the posts or “tweets,” chances are pretty great that you should be there, too. Check out the following arguments for getting in on the conversation.
1. Twitter is today’s information superhighway for your industry.
If you’re impressed by the magic of “Googling” any topic, person, or headline to instantly get answers, you’ll be blown away by Twitter’s real-time linkup to what’s happening in your industry, often directly from key sources. Stay in the loop and one step ahead for your customers.
2. You can keep an eye on your competition.
Do you know what your competitors are talking about? Do you know what they’re offering their customers today? Where are they getting their information, and who’s listening to them? With a click of the “Follow” button, you’ll have the answers.
3. When you ask your customers to follow you on Twitter, you’re inviting them to cultivate their relationship with you.
Unlike traditional marketing and advertising, social networking is a two-way conversation, and this will generate customer loyalty much more quickly than your other communications efforts.
4. Twitter is word-of-mouth promotion x 100.
Word-of-mouth about your brand is priceless, and with Twitter the phenomenon can ignite like wildfire. When you have valuable information to share, whether about the industry at large or about an exclusive opportunity for your followers, word will spread fast with re-tweets.
5. If your business isn’t on Twitter, you’ll soon be scrambling to prove you’re here.
Just like having a web site, any company worth its salt will soon have a hard time finding its audience without social networking presence. And unlike other popular sites, Twitter is fast becoming your customers’ go-to venue for their information. Let’s hope you’re there to give it to them--your competitors certainly will be!
1. Twitter is today’s information superhighway for your industry.
If you’re impressed by the magic of “Googling” any topic, person, or headline to instantly get answers, you’ll be blown away by Twitter’s real-time linkup to what’s happening in your industry, often directly from key sources. Stay in the loop and one step ahead for your customers.
2. You can keep an eye on your competition.
Do you know what your competitors are talking about? Do you know what they’re offering their customers today? Where are they getting their information, and who’s listening to them? With a click of the “Follow” button, you’ll have the answers.
3. When you ask your customers to follow you on Twitter, you’re inviting them to cultivate their relationship with you.
Unlike traditional marketing and advertising, social networking is a two-way conversation, and this will generate customer loyalty much more quickly than your other communications efforts.
4. Twitter is word-of-mouth promotion x 100.
Word-of-mouth about your brand is priceless, and with Twitter the phenomenon can ignite like wildfire. When you have valuable information to share, whether about the industry at large or about an exclusive opportunity for your followers, word will spread fast with re-tweets.
5. If your business isn’t on Twitter, you’ll soon be scrambling to prove you’re here.
Just like having a web site, any company worth its salt will soon have a hard time finding its audience without social networking presence. And unlike other popular sites, Twitter is fast becoming your customers’ go-to venue for their information. Let’s hope you’re there to give it to them--your competitors certainly will be!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Can Social Networking Improve your Life?
If you can’t fathom jumping into the online world of social media for your business, start with your personal life.
You have probably heard that any business committed to long-trem growth has added social media to their marketing plan matrix. You’ve also probably heard your friends, colleagues, competitors, and, of course, your kids bragging about how social networking has solidified deals, increased business or kick-started a creative campaign. But, alas, this Internet thing is not for you, right?
If it’s hard to imagine why you need to jump into this alternative universe if your business is already running smoothly, consider starting with the light version of social networking by setting up a personal account on Facebook. Joining the world of Facebook can be a real turning point in your relationships, family management, social life, and self-improvement, the likes of which could never have happened before. Here are just a few examples of the life-changing purposes a personal Facebook account can serve:
Long-Lost Friend Database
Whatever became of the friend you played Battleship with who moved to another state in fourth grade? Type in his name and voila! It is very likely he will appear on the search results list, the magical effect of critical mass attraction to this online universe. Not sure if it’s him? One of Facebook’s handiest features is that you can send private messages to users, even if you haven’t officially connected through a “friend request” yet. Chances are it will be him, and you may be surprised that not only can you pick up right where you left off, as is the nature of “running into people,” but you will probably discover you have several unlikely friends in common! The automatic posting of who you and any person whose profile you are viewing have in common is yet another super-cool Facebook feature, and a great conversation starter to boot!
Playing Field Leveler
In social networking culture, every participant is treated equally. If you’ve felt too intimidated to talk to someone, you’ll be pleased to discover that everyone is approachable in this virtual world. This is for two reasons: 1, they are on social networking sites such as Facebook to network, the purpose of which would be defeated if they snubbed people, and, 2, you are now more confident because you have the luxury of putting your thoughts together before expressing them with the keyboard. Your newfound confidence is sure to bring you new friendships and other opportunities you otherwise would have let pass by.
Mutual Admiration Society
Another fun aspect of social networking is that people want to tell you they are happy for you, you’ve done a good job, and that they love the outfit you were wearing in the recently posted picture from your boss’s retirement party. It’s a funny thing; Facebook users genuinely enjoy the opportunity to say something nice and supportive. It’s their way of saying hello each time they log in. (By the way, when your birthday comes around, you’ll feel like a kid again when you discover 50 happy-birthday messages waiting for you--no more forgotten birthdays for you!)
Crisis Support Network
While it’s nice to have so many people say nice things to you, it’s that much more wonderful when they are there for you when things aren’t so great. In the real world, when we experience a tragedy or heartbreak, it can be awkward to pick up the phone and announce it one friend at a time. However, when you update your status with information about what’s going on in your life that‘s hurting, comments and offers of support are posted in droves. What may otherwise have been an isolating time for you has become an illustration of the true sympathies and empathies your friends and acquaintance are willing to give to you.
Socially Acceptable Bragging Arena
Did your kid get a B on his math test after three grueling months of tutoring? Shout it from the rooftops! Did your basketball team slaughter your rivals on the court last weekend? What about you? Were you just honored for your volunteer efforts at a major fundraiser? Go ahead! Post it on your Facebook status. Again, what may seem awkward in the world outside is just another sunny day in online conversation. Not only should you be proud, you’ll get the applause you crave and deserve.
Travel and Activity Forum
Getting practical is definitely something to rely on in an online conversation. If you’re looking for advice or recommendations for travel, a hotel, a good podiatrist, or a kid’s pirate-themed birthday party, don’t spend weeks asking around. Post the question on your profile! People are happy to give their opinion, and in an online forum you are wasting no time gathering varied information. You’ll also find you accumulate quite a treasure trove of info just by being in on conversations, browsing photos, and checking out event postings.
A-List Event Invites
No one likes to feel as if they’ve been left off the guest list. Those days are a thing of the past with Facebook and other online networks. You’ll feel like a VIP when you are receiving invitations to all kinds of events via postings. Not only will you be remembered for the surprise 45th birthday of your spouse’s co-worker, you’ll be invited to high-level benefits, restaurant openings, exclusive sales, book signings, and spontaneous excuses to just get out. Events that have been posted online also provide a little thrill when you are finally meeting some online friends in real life for the first time.
It won’t take long for you to appreciate that Facebook is a party that you can join whenever you log in. And the longer you stay, the more connections you will make and the more sense of community you will feel. Just be warned: once you’ve had a taste of what social networks have to offer, you won’t be able to disconnect. But don’t worry, that’s a good thing! Your next step is to introduce your business to the online conversation.
You have probably heard that any business committed to long-trem growth has added social media to their marketing plan matrix. You’ve also probably heard your friends, colleagues, competitors, and, of course, your kids bragging about how social networking has solidified deals, increased business or kick-started a creative campaign. But, alas, this Internet thing is not for you, right?
If it’s hard to imagine why you need to jump into this alternative universe if your business is already running smoothly, consider starting with the light version of social networking by setting up a personal account on Facebook. Joining the world of Facebook can be a real turning point in your relationships, family management, social life, and self-improvement, the likes of which could never have happened before. Here are just a few examples of the life-changing purposes a personal Facebook account can serve:
Long-Lost Friend Database
Whatever became of the friend you played Battleship with who moved to another state in fourth grade? Type in his name and voila! It is very likely he will appear on the search results list, the magical effect of critical mass attraction to this online universe. Not sure if it’s him? One of Facebook’s handiest features is that you can send private messages to users, even if you haven’t officially connected through a “friend request” yet. Chances are it will be him, and you may be surprised that not only can you pick up right where you left off, as is the nature of “running into people,” but you will probably discover you have several unlikely friends in common! The automatic posting of who you and any person whose profile you are viewing have in common is yet another super-cool Facebook feature, and a great conversation starter to boot!
Playing Field Leveler
In social networking culture, every participant is treated equally. If you’ve felt too intimidated to talk to someone, you’ll be pleased to discover that everyone is approachable in this virtual world. This is for two reasons: 1, they are on social networking sites such as Facebook to network, the purpose of which would be defeated if they snubbed people, and, 2, you are now more confident because you have the luxury of putting your thoughts together before expressing them with the keyboard. Your newfound confidence is sure to bring you new friendships and other opportunities you otherwise would have let pass by.
Mutual Admiration Society
Another fun aspect of social networking is that people want to tell you they are happy for you, you’ve done a good job, and that they love the outfit you were wearing in the recently posted picture from your boss’s retirement party. It’s a funny thing; Facebook users genuinely enjoy the opportunity to say something nice and supportive. It’s their way of saying hello each time they log in. (By the way, when your birthday comes around, you’ll feel like a kid again when you discover 50 happy-birthday messages waiting for you--no more forgotten birthdays for you!)
Crisis Support Network
While it’s nice to have so many people say nice things to you, it’s that much more wonderful when they are there for you when things aren’t so great. In the real world, when we experience a tragedy or heartbreak, it can be awkward to pick up the phone and announce it one friend at a time. However, when you update your status with information about what’s going on in your life that‘s hurting, comments and offers of support are posted in droves. What may otherwise have been an isolating time for you has become an illustration of the true sympathies and empathies your friends and acquaintance are willing to give to you.
Socially Acceptable Bragging Arena
Did your kid get a B on his math test after three grueling months of tutoring? Shout it from the rooftops! Did your basketball team slaughter your rivals on the court last weekend? What about you? Were you just honored for your volunteer efforts at a major fundraiser? Go ahead! Post it on your Facebook status. Again, what may seem awkward in the world outside is just another sunny day in online conversation. Not only should you be proud, you’ll get the applause you crave and deserve.
Travel and Activity Forum
Getting practical is definitely something to rely on in an online conversation. If you’re looking for advice or recommendations for travel, a hotel, a good podiatrist, or a kid’s pirate-themed birthday party, don’t spend weeks asking around. Post the question on your profile! People are happy to give their opinion, and in an online forum you are wasting no time gathering varied information. You’ll also find you accumulate quite a treasure trove of info just by being in on conversations, browsing photos, and checking out event postings.
A-List Event Invites
No one likes to feel as if they’ve been left off the guest list. Those days are a thing of the past with Facebook and other online networks. You’ll feel like a VIP when you are receiving invitations to all kinds of events via postings. Not only will you be remembered for the surprise 45th birthday of your spouse’s co-worker, you’ll be invited to high-level benefits, restaurant openings, exclusive sales, book signings, and spontaneous excuses to just get out. Events that have been posted online also provide a little thrill when you are finally meeting some online friends in real life for the first time.
It won’t take long for you to appreciate that Facebook is a party that you can join whenever you log in. And the longer you stay, the more connections you will make and the more sense of community you will feel. Just be warned: once you’ve had a taste of what social networks have to offer, you won’t be able to disconnect. But don’t worry, that’s a good thing! Your next step is to introduce your business to the online conversation.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Five Ways to Maximize Social Networking Effectiveness in Half the Time
The question I am most often asked regarding social networking and ways to leverage social media to market a business is "How can I possibly add this to my already overscheduled daily task list?" Of course, this question comes from those who currently use social media for their personal use and have experienced the time-vacuum phenomenon that often accompanies it. I'm not denying it's easy to get swept out with the tide; however, with a little bit of will power and the following tips, you're sure to improve your social networking productivity for your business and see results:
1. Compartmentalize.
Set aside just a few minutes each day to log in and catch up with your SN (social networking), using a timer if you have to. As an alternative, set aside a larger portion of time on a less-frequent basis. Watch the clock, and get out and move on to your real-world tasks when time is up!
2. Keep it filed, not pouring in.
Set SN settings so that notifications do NOT come in to your email inbox. Getting these in real time is not productive and it's distracting; you'll see them at the designated log-in time. If there is certain SN info you want to see in real time, such as LinkedIn correspondence, consider using your email system's push feature, which allows you to set up and name folders in your inbox and, based on where the emails come from, sends the messages directly to those folders, where you can see them waiting. This keeps you organized, too. If your webmail doesn't offer this feature, consider a desktop program like MS Outlook that can handle it.
3. Complete your profiles.
Make your profile pages on each networking site as complete as possible. By doing so, visitors to your page can have many of their basic questions answered and you'll have less back-and-forth to tend to. Also try to keep as much profile info as public as you're comfortable with.
4. Be Decisive.
Respond to connection requests, event invites, and business inquiries during the allotted time on the clock. Be sure to transfer commitments to your calendar immediately.
5. Pick up the phone.
When you come upon important correspondence on your social networks during your allotted time, set up an appointment to speak on the phone (and of course transfer that appointment to your calendar immediately). Whether for business or personal relationships, using your actual voice is the most effective way to connect meaningfully and efficiently.
1. Compartmentalize.
Set aside just a few minutes each day to log in and catch up with your SN (social networking), using a timer if you have to. As an alternative, set aside a larger portion of time on a less-frequent basis. Watch the clock, and get out and move on to your real-world tasks when time is up!
2. Keep it filed, not pouring in.
Set SN settings so that notifications do NOT come in to your email inbox. Getting these in real time is not productive and it's distracting; you'll see them at the designated log-in time. If there is certain SN info you want to see in real time, such as LinkedIn correspondence, consider using your email system's push feature, which allows you to set up and name folders in your inbox and, based on where the emails come from, sends the messages directly to those folders, where you can see them waiting. This keeps you organized, too. If your webmail doesn't offer this feature, consider a desktop program like MS Outlook that can handle it.
3. Complete your profiles.
Make your profile pages on each networking site as complete as possible. By doing so, visitors to your page can have many of their basic questions answered and you'll have less back-and-forth to tend to. Also try to keep as much profile info as public as you're comfortable with.
4. Be Decisive.
Respond to connection requests, event invites, and business inquiries during the allotted time on the clock. Be sure to transfer commitments to your calendar immediately.
5. Pick up the phone.
When you come upon important correspondence on your social networks during your allotted time, set up an appointment to speak on the phone (and of course transfer that appointment to your calendar immediately). Whether for business or personal relationships, using your actual voice is the most effective way to connect meaningfully and efficiently.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Welcome to the SMAC Blog!
I am absolutely thrilled to be launching this blog! Over the past couple of years, I have gleaned so much benefit from social networking and social media that I have not only added it to my portfolio of business marketing disciplines, I have made it a way of life. There is so much to share that I am gushing with excitement and on the edge of my seat as the smoke comes flying off the keyboard!
Who is this BLOG for exactly?
Well, on the one hand, it is definitely for my business marketing clients (current and future), and of course my fellow business owners and managers seeking fresh ideas and tips about social media.
But on the other hand, this blog is also for my friends, and their friends, and the population at large. What social networking has to offer is for each of us, whether or not we own a business, run an organization, or manage a ginormous marketing department.
What does social media have to offer me?
That’s the best part! Tell me what interests you. Tell me what you’d like to change about the world. Tell me about your passions or goals, and I’ll show you how social media and social networking can enhance that aspect of your life.
That’s a tall order!
It sounds like one, sure. But that’s what this blog is about, and why I’m so pumped! Join me on the SMAC blog as I break down this exciting new world of opportunity for your business or for your interests just by subscribing. Think of me when you have questions about how to leverage the awesome tools that are out there--as close as your keyboard. Drop me a line if you want to delve deeper. And by all means, “follow” me, “friend” me, and “become a fan”! I look forward to learning more about you.
Yours truly,
Mary
Who is this BLOG for exactly?
Well, on the one hand, it is definitely for my business marketing clients (current and future), and of course my fellow business owners and managers seeking fresh ideas and tips about social media.
But on the other hand, this blog is also for my friends, and their friends, and the population at large. What social networking has to offer is for each of us, whether or not we own a business, run an organization, or manage a ginormous marketing department.
What does social media have to offer me?
That’s the best part! Tell me what interests you. Tell me what you’d like to change about the world. Tell me about your passions or goals, and I’ll show you how social media and social networking can enhance that aspect of your life.
That’s a tall order!
It sounds like one, sure. But that’s what this blog is about, and why I’m so pumped! Join me on the SMAC blog as I break down this exciting new world of opportunity for your business or for your interests just by subscribing. Think of me when you have questions about how to leverage the awesome tools that are out there--as close as your keyboard. Drop me a line if you want to delve deeper. And by all means, “follow” me, “friend” me, and “become a fan”! I look forward to learning more about you.
Yours truly,
Mary
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