Now that Google has finally enabled pages for businesses and organizations on Google+ there is a virtual stampede to get those pages up. Before you rush off and do that though, there are a few things to consider. We are by no means saying not to put up a page, just be aware of these three restraints before you hit the create button.
An excellent book for those looking to get started in social media, gain a better understanding of it, or understand why it is important. The examples that Kerpen gives are spot on as to the value that lies in the new, but oh so old, form of interaction.
At its base, social media is not much different than all the communication that we have all been doing for years; that the human race and consumers have been doing forever. What is different about it is the immediacy, the permanence, and the reach. Kerpen illustrates this very well with examples of how social media has been used to help companies and causes, or ignored to the peril of those on the wrong end.
As one saying goes about social media, “your customers are already talking about you, don’t you want to be part of that conversation?” Likeable Social Media helps you to understand how to be part of that conversation without being a pushy salesperson or an overpowering know-it-all. You want to be liked. You want to be the person that others gather around at the cocktail party instead of the one they all avoid.
You don’t have to read this book cover to cover, in fact your don’t even have to read the chapters in order. In that way it is a great desk or bedside reference to just pick up from time to time to get a quick bit of inspiration.
If social media bewilders you at all, this book is highly recommended.
So you’re using Facebook, but you’re still not sure about Twitter? A lot of people think that because of their Facebook presence, Twitter would be redundant for them. I think I know why they feel that way. I believe it has a lot to do with Twitter’s status update prompt: “What’s happening?” They see a few folks who use those precious few 140 characters to share the mundane details of daily life and they think, “Wait, don’t I already do that on Facebook?” And they’re right. Except that this isn’t what you should do on Twitter. Twitter has a higher calling, as it were, which is great to be a part of once you understand a few key points. Make no mistake, I don’t THINK you should be on Twitter. I KNOW you should be there.
Much as I love and use it now, I readily admit at first I didn’t “get” Twitter. I don’t think most people do, initially. If you joined Facebook first, then Twitter may seem limited by comparison. Yet, Twitter in my opinion is by far a better medium to get really useful information from reliable sources on just about any topic of interest quickly and efficiently. Its brevity, which novices can find limiting and even frustrating, is its best and most valuable feature. Each tweet is easy to digest, can be easily shared, and the short bursts of info enable you to cover more “ground” quickly. The symbols and shorthand are easy to learn and use once you visit the site a few times. I use it both as communication and research tool. By following those individuals, organizations, and companies who have content of interest to you, you’ll find it an invaluable and virtually unlimited resource platform to use for your personal and professional benefit and that of others. Have a complaint about a company on Twitter? You’ll likely get a response in hours, if not minutes. Want to stay abreast of current events? Often the first place I learn of breaking events is Twitter. Other mediums are slow by comparison. Have insights to share? Tweet it. Looking for a job? Post a link to your resume. The possibilities are endless. Continue Reading »
Research published by analyst firm Access Markets International Partners shows that almost 70 percent of small and medium businesses actively use social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to promote their companies. But simply posting what your CEO had for lunch isn’t going to do much to help move your business forward. Smart companies are tactically using social media tools to increase their exposure to potential customers.
We’ve compiled ten of the most compelling reasons that you should consider using social media tools to promote your business.
Brand Recognition: Using social media allows your company to reach the highest number of potential customers possible. Getting your name out there is incredibly important – studies have suggested that customers need to hear a company’s name at least seven times before they will gain the trust and respect needed to become a customer.
Brand Monitoring: Having a social media presence allows you to better understand what current and potential customers are saying about your product or services. Through active social media monitoring, you have the opportunity to address negative comments and correct false or inaccurate information about your brand.
Be Forward-Thinking: Your target audience is becoming savvier when it comes to the using social media sites in their daily lives. If you want to appear relevant and in-step with the latest advances in technology, your potential customers will want to see you on these sites as well.
The slides for this presentation are online here in a previous post and on SlideShare. This talk was recorded live, hence the difference in quality and volume between Theresa and the people asking questions.
Theresa Wagner of the Charleston County Public Library gave an excellent talk pertaining to Facebook Fan Pages at the monthly networking meeting for small businesses and not-for-profits. Facebook is increasingly growing more important as a both a means of attracting new prospects and keeping in contact with current business contacts, and the creation and use of fan pages is still misunderstood by many. Theresa did an terrific job at removing some of the mysteries surrounding this subject. The slides for her presentation have been posted to SlideShare and are included below. She was also gracious enough to wear a microphone and allow me to record her presentation. That recording will be made available shortly as the next episodes in the podcast series.
Theresa Wagner, ChasLibraryGirl on Twitter, will be doing a free presentation next week on starting a Facebook fan page. She will be talking about the dos & don’ts of FaceBook fanpages on Tuesday, May 12th at the Main Library on Calhoun Street in downtown Charleston, SC. The talk will start at 11:45 am and should run until about 1 pm.
Learn the difference between Facebook pages and groups, find out how to painlessly add blog posts and tweets to your account and get tips on how to manage your organization’s Facebook activities without it taking over your life. Learn how to advertise your small business or nonprofit on this amazingly popular social media site as well. Registration is not required for this event, but if you need more information, please call 805-6930.
Facebook. Where else can you keep up with friends and family, play games, learn which of your favorite restaurants are having specials, have great discussions, and so much more – all in one place? If you’ve been there awhile, you know that as you add friends and “like” business pages, there will be that much more information appearing in your news feed to manage. As these numbers continue to grow, how can you keep up with it all easily and effectively?
I’ve found one particular feature very helpful, and recommend those of you not using it already to try it: Lists. Here’s a how-to, along with ways I use it to my benefit myself and others:
On your Home Page in the left hand column, click ‘Friends’. A list will appear with all your friends’ profiles and your Fan pages.
To the upper right, there is a tab ‘Create List.’
When you click this option, a box opens which enables you to give your list a title, and then add friends and/or fan pages there to each list you create.
I seek to empower people by making technology a vehicle for driving businesses and communities. Just as you drive a car without worrying about how the engine operates, I will take care of your information systems as a data mechanic. This lets you drive the technology, instead of it driving you. I provide social media, web development and PC and Macintosh support services for small businesses and not-for-profits in Charleston and the surrounding South Carolina Lowcountry.
Now that Google has finally enabled pages for businesses and organizations on Google+ there is a virtual stampede to get those pages up. Before you rush off and do that though, there are a few things to consider. We are by no means saying not to put up a page, just be aware of these three restraints before you hit the create button.
So you’re using Facebook, but you’re still not sure about Twitter? A lot of people think that because of their Facebook presence, Twitter would be redundant for them. I think I know why they feel that way. I believe it has a lot to do with Twitter’s status update prompt: “What’s happening?” They see a few folks who use those precious few 140 characters to share the mundane details of daily life and they think, “Wait, don’t I already do that on Facebook?” And they’re right. Except that this isn’t what you should do on Twitter. Twitter has a higher calling, as it were, which is great to be a part of once you understand a few key points. Make no mistake, I don’t THINK you should be on Twitter. I KNOW you should be there.
Theresa Wagner, 
