This ran in the March issue of Franchise Times, which is why the bent is toward that audience. But I think you’ll get some value from the interview I did with Joel Libava, aka The Franchise King.
Are you getting tired already of experts and everyone telling you to get on the social networks without a real tie to your marketing strategy or business results?
Me, too.
There are lots of PR firms adding social media tools to their toolbox, and they should be. But they’re still doing PR, not just social media. And I think that’s important to consider. If an “expert” comes to you who only does social media, watch your back. These are the people who are taking advantage of a trend and trying to capitalize on it with franchisors who don’t fully understand how it all works. Continue Reading »
I think Arik Hanson, Lisa Gerber, and I are the only people not in Austin this weekend for SXSW. Arik is turning off Foursquare updates, Lisa is turning off Facebook, and I’m turning off Twitter.
OK. Not really. Let’s be real. I’d die without Twitter, and I’m pretty sure my friends would die without their social networks. Even if we sit here and get more and more envious.
I remember being a little bit jealous last year, but it didn’t really bother me because I was traveling SO MUCH. For some reason, it’s bothering me more this year. It’s not like, you know, we have a new business launching in seven weeks.
But our jealousy is nothing compared to what we all learned when we turned on the news this morning. Our hearts and minds go out to those in Japan, Hawaii, and along the West Coast.
His main blog, DIY Blogger Net, is full of non-echo chamber advice and opinion, tips and tools, and videos on developing your digital footprint, creating content, and “dominating” your space. Continue Reading »
It’s Facebook question of the week time (clap, clap, clap)!
Ken Colburn asks, “What are the pros and cons of the new Facebook Comments plugin that just launched?”
For those of you who don’t know, last week (last week? two weeks ago?) Facebook launched a service that allows you to post your blog comments to your stream. From the development blog:
Comments Box is a social plugin that enables user commenting on your site so they are easily shared with friends or with people who like your Page. If a user leaves the “Post to Facebook” box checked when she posts a comment, a story appears on her friends’ News Feed and links back to your site.
Friends and people who like the Page can then respond to the discussion by liking or replying directly in the News Feed or on your site. Threads stay synced across regardless of where the comment was made.
My answer to Ken on this topic is in the video below (if you can’t see it in your RSS feed, click here and it’ll magically appear). Continue Reading »
Grammar Pet Peeves was a big hit last month and I couldn’t help but notice that a LOT of us were having fun.
I honestly hesitated writing this because I felt like I might be preaching to the choir. A lot of us get it. We understand social media, we’re certified geeks, and we are here to learn at an even deeper level. But every day, I come across something on the fabulous Internet that makes me cringe, or want to reply in all caps, “YOU’RE DOING IT ALL WRONG.”
I still get the comment, all the time – Social media is a waste of time. I have far better things to do. Or, I just don’t understand how it can help my business.
Without further ado, I bring to you our list of top 10 social media pet peeves. This was not intended to be a rant, rather an attempt to eradicate douchebaggery from the social networks. If you’re doing this, you’re doing it ALL WRONG. And yes, you will continue to wonder why social media is not working for you. Continue Reading »
Although she meant it for Facebook question of the week, Abbie Fink asked us about Quora and I thought I’d answer it today AND do a video question of the week, from another Facebook friend, tomorrow.
She asked, “Quora: Do or do not. Why or why not? Figured I’d rather ask you than ask Quora.”
Stephanie True Moss, is chief creative officer at True Moss Communications, Inc., a creative design group that offers Web Design | WordPress | Mobile | Print | SEO | Graphic Design | Social Media | QR Code Consulting.
Smart phones are everywhere and so are QR Codes! By now you have seen and may have scanned your share of QR Codes. If you haven’t they can be fun and lead to videos, pictures, mobile information and more that is unveiled with a simple scan.
Every day there are more and more QR codes for things such as:
Marketing and information;
Customer service and further client engagement; and
Clients and customers choosing to engage with brands, products, restaurants, and companies.
Some smaller brands and companies have adopted QR codes fairly quickly and are having fun doing it. Larger brands and companies have until recently experimented with QR codes as an add-on to current campaigns, slipping them in the corner or at the bottom of printed materials. One major retailer has created a campaign with a QR code as it’s centerpiece and through their marketing efforts, they are educating more consumers about QR codes.
You know that feeling when you’re watching a really bad sitcom or movie where the plot is driven entirely by a stupid miscommunication that could easily be resolved if someone would just say what’s on their mind? And you’re sitting there going, c’mon!! tell him you really do love him, NOW.
And then your companion says, but then there wouldn’t be a movie?
(and you’re thinking, yes, and then I wouldn’t be sitting here wasting my time but that’s not the point)
You know what I’m talking about, right?
This is how I felt when I took a look at Skweal, it provides customers a way to reach business owners and managers regarding a negative experience without publicizing the issue in your twitterfeed of thousands of people. It gives owners and managers a way to “keep negative feedback offline.” Continue Reading »
I don’t know where you live, but March came in like a lamb in Chicago. Which is scary to me because, when the rest of the country has spring at the end of March, we’ll be in some sort of deep freeze which will keep me from being outside on my bike!
Don’t you keep me from my bike, Mother Nature! You already kept me from skiing in February!
Think she’s listening?
My Facebook status today is: The good news is Charlie Sheen was not on The Today Show today. The bad news? Latoya Jackson was.
I think all the crazies are out this week! And he who will only be named once in this entire blog post hits #5 on Gin and Topics today. Continue Reading »
I was thinking about how I met Jayme Soulati. I think it was first on Mark Schaefer’sblog and then later on Mack Collier’s #BlogChat. It’s funny when you meet someone in your industry, who has the same friends as you, but you’ve never actually met. Jayme and I changed that pretty quickly…and you should too!
She began her career in Chicago (why did you leave?!) and now works and lives in Ohio. A funny tidbit about her? She was president of the Publicity Club of Chicago in the 90s. Having been president of the Chicago chapter of PRSA, I know how difficult that job is (so she deserves huge congrats!). Continue Reading »
Facebook
Linkedin
RSS Feed
Twitter
YouTube
This ran in the March issue of Franchise Times, which is why the bent is toward that audience. But I think you’ll get some value from the interview I did with Joel Libava, aka The Franchise King.
One of my very favorite bloggers is 
Although she meant it for 
I was thinking about how I met 
