Posts Tagged social media
The entrepreneur’s tool box: beyond the fun of Pinterest
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on January 5, 2012
Over the holidays I received an invite to the “latest and greatest” of social media, Pinterest. Over New Year’s weekend I discovered just how fun, how addictive .. and how potentially influential the latest edition of social media can be.
In the social media arena, nothing has caught my attention as a way to share my hobbies, tips for entertaining, wishlists, all as a virtual “scrapbook” — and for my clients to share their products, ideas, etc. — quite like Pinterest. Visual, interesting, fascinating — with true engagement, not to mention links to new products, decorating ideas, recipes, fun and .. fun.
Whoever you are and whatever you are selling, promoting or marketing, Pinterest could be for you. The “windows” of invites to join seem to rapidly open and close, but no doubt it will be an open forum for all very soon.
This could be the best social medium for your business, your blog, your book.
Get ready. And, if you are part of Pinterest now .. start “pinning” — and start sharing!
Formula for success: the USGP and Klout, revisited
Posted by LoisMarketing in Formula 1, Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on December 8, 2011
An update and follow-up to the post I wrote on November 21st …
Well, I have good news. And more good news.
First the good news. New — and hopefully permanent — life has been breathed into the planned 2012 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. It was announced yesterday that the organizers and promoters of the first Formula 1 race in the USA in seven years have stroked a very big check to Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and all is right once again at the Circuit of the Americas. “The race is on!” as the circuit’s website now exclaims. After announcements that monies were not available and construction had been stopped, a contract has been signed, fees have been paid .. and now all that remains is for a circuit to be built — with heaven knows how many more hurdles to be jumped before we hear engines next November.
Hope springs eternal in the heart of a Formula 1 fan.
Now the other good news. Klout, once touted as THE measure of influence in social media, continues to fade into the sunset. Its rise and fall have caused many to stop and reassess where they are placing their value in the virtual world. Many are refocusing on the importance of their own organic clout. With a “C”. The real thing. The influence each of us can create, cultivate, manage — and utilize to benefit others — on our own.
I’m watching still. Observing.
I’ll believe the United States Grand Prix is for real when I hear engines revving for the first practice on Friday, November 16th.
But in the meantime I believe there is true power in social media. Powered by the engine of influence and impact each of us has …
… simply by being ourselves and simply by engaging others in real conversation. And real connection.
Formula for success: of Klout and the USGP, of cabbages and kings
Posted by LoisMarketing in Formula 1, Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on November 17, 2011
Those of you who follow me on Twitter are not at all surprised that I’ve lumped these two together. I’m not a fan of Klout but very much a fan of Formula 1. It has been interesting to watch things crumble among them over the last few days: Klout is rapidly losing “clout” and subscribers, and – as things stand now – it doesn’t look like Formula 1 will return to America with a United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, next year.
When you think about it, it makes sense to lump the two together. Both driven by a spotlight on the world’s stage and a hefty payday. Klout positioned itself as the supreme measure of social media influence. Full Throttle Productions and numerous investors promised to stage a Formula 1 race, build a circuit and complex, and bring the racing series back to America in 2012. Wow. Has Klout been dreaming of the ultimate IPO? And what were the promoters in Austin dreaming and scheming?
It all comes down to this. Stand and deliver. Bottom-line results. Nothing else matters. Klout scores and races-that-may-never-be should not encourage – or discourage – us. For those of us with customers and clients, with families and responsibilities, it’s all about standing and delivering everyday. Not worrying about what the world at large thinks about us .. but instead focused on being our best and delivering our best in everything we do.
Long ago I adopted the Serenity Prayer as my credo: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
God, help me make the most of every opportunity you place in my path and in my hands.
We can’t fix it all. And if you are dependent on some strange algorithm to prove your value to and influence of others, you need to look within. Stop looking without. And please stop placing distorted value on things – whether they be Klout scores, blogging or social media, or whatever may be the “latest and greatest”. Go out and be your very best for those who matter most to you. Go out and create the very best products and very best results – for them. And stop being distracted, disillusioned or disappointed by people, things – and “scores” – that do not matter in the end.
P. S. Oh – the “cabbages and kings” reference in the title today? I’m a huge Lewis Carroll fan. He went far beyond writing “Alice in Wonderland”. Go to Google and get to know the guy.
There’s nothing quite like community …
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on October 17, 2011
It goes beyond hometown fall festivals. It definitely goes beyond Hillary Clinton saying “it takes a village”.
There’s just something about community. About communing.
No, not commuting … communing!
In a way we are defined by the communities in which we live. In my case it’s a pretty cool neighborhood with security gates and the customary fall pansies now planted at the front. But that’s not the community I speak of. In this case community is about finding that common interest and common bond. It’s about coming to the aid of each other and about being a good “neighbor” in every sense of the word. It’s about more than hearing — it’s about listening. It’s more than seeing — it’s recalling. Who do you know who could be a good resource? A good introduction? A potential prospect? Or — more than anything — a new friend?
We are all part of communities. Isn’t it time to meet the new neighbors?
The entrepreneur’s tool box: the power of true life
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on June 22, 2011
Storytelling has taken on a new meaning and new level in the worlds of social media and sales. Social media are once again demonstrating how quickly a constant sales-sales-sales pitch quickly grows old, alienates and burns out. Along with truly listening and engaging your prospects and customers, real-world experiences and examples go a long way in creating interest and confidence.
Perhaps this is no more true than in my “new world”, insurance. Sharing customers’, friends’ and family members’ experiences (protecting confidentiality of course) helps to illustrate and elevate the value of reliable and proper coverage in prospects’ minds. Illustrations of how lives are changed in-a-flash in an accident. Serious injury, disability or, sadly, death destroys one family and resulting litigation destroys another. They are facts of the real world.
How can you use true stories and real world examples to bring your product or service alive in the minds of your customers? Weave examples and customer experiences throughout your presentation to spotlight unique and important features. Ask for testimonials. Give your customers a special pat on the back and thank you by sharing their recommendations of your company.
There’s a wonderful world around you. And it’s filled with a world of stories to share!
The entrepreneur’s tool box: what do you know? Scarpasa IS listening!
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on May 9, 2011
Must take a moment and follow up on last week’s post about Scarpasa. And thank them for a very nice note today. They clearly are listening and took note of my questions and concerns. As I shared in the post my questions about their responsiveness in social media did not “cloud” my overall opinion of them. While they may not be “there on-the-spot” in Twitter they certainly have their ear to the ground. And for that they are to be commended.
All of us should take a lesson from this. Just because you are not “live” does not mean you are not very present, very aware … and very committed to customer service. I have already experienced Scarpasa’s great service and efficient delivery as a customer.
Now I promise to cut them some slack in how they are managing their social media presence. * Blushing * I’m reminded of my own advice — that sometimes being too “on” may turn others “off”.
Let’s all be mindful of our ‘on’ dials and those of others. Thanks again, Jessica, and everyone at Scarpasa. I started a new job today in a wonderful business casual world. Promise more orders of comfy flats are to come!
www.scarpasa.com. Gals, save it in your Favorites!
The entrepreneur’s tool box: remember the ’social’ in social media
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on May 6, 2011
Earlier this week it was interesting to watch a case study unfold on Twitter. When I can, I take an early lunch break on Wednesday and take the hour to chat with friends in Twitter’s #BrandChat. Focused on personal branding — and what we can learn from corporate branding — the chat has been a wealth of information and lively debate, not to mention many special and meaningful new connections.
During Wednesday’s chat we were asked to list some of our favorite brands and explain why we are loyal to them. Along with sharing that I am a loyal Honda owner I mentioned the recent good experiences that I have had ordering shoes from Scarpasa. I explained that while I have also ordered from, and have been pleased with, the service and quality of Zappos, I was drawn to Scarpasa because they specialize in lower-heel and flat styles for women. My recommendation of Scarpasa immediately drew the attention of women participating in #BrandChat, with several commenting on their current sale, a style or designer they had spotted, etc. Laughingly, we agreed that we should have a “virtual” girls’ afternoon out and shopping trip.
Who took note of our conversation? Zappos. They were listening. Scarpasa was not. Zappos noted our tweets. Scarpasa has continued to push out automated tweets and Facebook posts. No thank you. No acknowledgement. Not that I am expecting a gift card or discount or anything.
Scarpasa has a great niche “nailed down”. A professional and user-friendly website, good pricing, good selection, quality brands and designer names, efficient delivery. They are missing one thing: If you are going to be in social media, BE in social media.
It’s as easy as checking your email and your voicemail. Check and answer social media posts and replies in the same way. Reply to and resolve online concerns and complaints promptly and honestly. Make it right, whatever it takes. Online and offline.
Also acknowledge the positive — mentions and recommendations. Respond to comments. It doesn’t have to be with a special consideration, gift card or discount. A simple “thank you” will suffice.
I love my latest kitten-heeled pumps. Just what I ordered.
Scarpasa. You are my friend. But … are you listening?
The entrepreneur’s tool box: a gift that keeps on giving
Posted by LoisMarketing in Personal Insights, Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on April 15, 2011
You have a heart for something. If you have a heart, you do. Is it your son’s Little League team? A wish for new programs at your daughter’s school? Is it your church or synagogue? Has your family been touched by cancer? Or perhaps another serious illness or rare disorder? Have a heart for Haiti, Japan and other areas hit by disaster?
As you give money and volunteer your time to the causes you care about, remember to also lend your voice .. or at least your fingers .. too. Volunteer more time and promote fundraisers, share news and commend efforts through social media. As you chat with friends, post family photos or promote your business, don’t forget to promote other things that are close to your heart.
Suddenly “lending a hand” will take on a whole new meaning!
The entrepreneur’s tool box: the power of getting to the point
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on February 9, 2011
There is nothing quite like a Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn status update to help you refine and define your message. Quick, concise, a certain number of characters, grabbing your friends’ and followers’ attention (or not) in an ever-scrolling public stream or home feed.
As you strive to stand out from the “noise” in social media, remember that you can stand out in one-to-one conversations and sales presentations as well. Forget the small talk as a ramp-up to requesting an appointment or starting your sales presentation. Drop the questions about the photos on their desk or plaques on their wall.
“I appreciate your time — as well as mine — so I would like to begin the presentation ….”
As we see with neverending feeds and streams in social media, the world is moving at a lightning speed. How do you make the best impression on a potential client? Not with small talk — but with straight talk. Be warm, polite, genuine — and move to the business at hand. That’s true professionalism. Immediate and lasting mutual respect. And the mark of a true ally and resource in today’s business world.
The entrepreneur’s tool box: is your ‘on’ turning people ‘off’?
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on January 19, 2011
It was interesting to read tweets and Facebook posts over the holidays and immediately after the new year as friends and associates were doing a bit of “winter cleaning” to unfollow and unfriend social media contacts. It seems many want to make social media real and genuine again. I applaud this. We all should.
Through social media I have made new friends, engaged many associates, and won business opportunities and referrals along the way. What’s more, I have been able to connect, introduce and recommend friends and associates. There is an amazing community out there — but there is also the need for balance.
In reviewing various applications used to “filter”, “clear” and “unfollow” I have come to see the uses of social media that are considered turn-offs. How can you remain real, relevant and valuable?
1. Engage. Remember that social media is just that — SOCIAL. Your RSS feed and auto-tweets of the greatest way to add Twitter followers, your magic night cream, or endless links to your blog will not win you followers, much less true friends and re-tweeters. Give it a rest already. Instead, give value. Consider others. Consider what you can do for them.
2. Manage. Consider the time you spend on Twitter and Facebook as well as on Foursquare. iPhone and Android users, followers do not care to know where you are having breakfast or filling the car with gasoline. Your use of Foursquare and related apps should be managed most of all. If you are checking in at WalMart or SafeWay during your “golden hours” on Wednesday afternoon they will suddenly care and start to wonder. Remember that many are watching, reading — and taking note.
Savvy Twitter users, you may preschedule tweets throughout the day. Good — but maybe not-so-good? Some may wonder why you are on Twitter all the time. Scale back and add meaning. Keep your following engaged and informed with a few pre-scheduled tweets but also take time during the week to chat live.
3. Advance. Beyond endless “twercials” about yourself and your company, beyond endless “likes” of your friends’ Facebook statuses and endless chatter on Twitter, make REAL connections. There is a wonderful thing called Skype. Go face-to-face and voice-to-voice with contacts. More than discovering how they can help you, call and chat and discover how you can help them. Meet local contacts for coffee and true conversation. Traveling for business in a distant city? Meet online friends in real life. Don’t depend on “official” TweetUps, MeetUps and other events. Create your own. Take the conversation offline and into real time one-to-one.
The secret to success with social media? Be real when you are in the midst of it and become real outside of it. Take the first steps to connect. Really connect.
Don’t show up too often. But when you show up, show up. THAT is the secret to success in your social media world.
Welcome!
Sales and marketing diva, avid Georgia Bulldog football and Formula 1 fan, a contributing editor for Formula 1 Blog (www.formula1blog.com), writer, artist and gardener.
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