Archive for November, 2008
Written by Mhairi Petrovic, November 30th, 2008
With the bleak weather and economic outlook we’re all in need of some reasons to be cheerful this month. Thankfully there are many social media reasons to be cheerful. Here are our discoveries of the month (and we have more than usual so enjoy!):
Intranet Connections – a great tool for any company looking to put the benefits of social media to use internally.
Pipl – wondering about your on line profile? Use Pipl yourself and see.
In my constant search for tools that help me Twitter more effectively I found Twhirl, Tweetscan and Brightkit this month although none of them effectively manage Twitters from different times zones or auto replies (if you know of another share it please!).
Want to create a vector – try Vector Magic.
Blippr, Second Brain – new social media sharing sites, one for organizing media (books, music and movies etc) the other for online content.
Gliffy – create flow charts and diagrams.
Written by Mhairi Petrovic, November 28th, 2008
These days the media is a buzz with stories about Twitter, Facebook and other social media tools. But what exactly is social media?
Social media are tools or sites on the Internet where people and companies go to congregate, communicate and collaborate. They include: blogs , podcasts, video sites (BlipTV), social networks (like Facebook, MySpace), micro blogs (like Twitter and Pownce), photo sites (Flickr), bookmarking sites (Stumble Upon, Digg) or any other site where you can ineract and share with others in real time.
I am from Britian so I like to use the real world pub analogy. A pub is a place where people go to get together over a drink with others and to make new friends, to share their exploits, to show their stuff and to talk about whats happening in world around them.
Social media hubs are the same concept but in the virtual world: places online where people go (via their computer or smart phone) to get together with people they know, tell them about what they are doing, show what they can do, meet new people and to share their knowledge.
From a business perspective, social media is a great marketing tool as it gives you access to millions of people across the globe but as with any other tool you use to grow your business, it is important that you know what you are doing, that you understand who you are trying to reach, what your goals are from using these technologies, which technologies to use to ensure maximum impact. In short, you need a strategy. Don’t just run around like a headless chicken trying to maintain a presence in every social media you hear about. Plot your own course. Know why you are using the tool in question and what you want to achieve from doing so.
If you don’t take time to consider your social media strategy in advance and implement it correctly you can end up wasting a lot of time or worse you can seriously damage your marketing efforts.
Written by Mhairi Petrovic, November 27th, 2008
I wrote this article to submit to article sites with the goal of driving traffic, spreading awareness and further establishing Out-Smarts expertise. Its longer than our usual blog posts and contains lots of juicy details on micro blogging for anyone wondering how to best use it for business purposes. Enjoy!
Microblogging is quickly becoming one of the most popular technologies on the Internet with adoption of tools like Twitter growing at an exponential rate.
As the number of people using these technologies grows, the way people take advantage of them is becoming more sophisticated: they are being used more and more as a business tool. This article explains what microblogging is and introduces the most popular microblog sites. It discusses how these are being used from a business and marketing perspective and provides tips on safe and effective use of these forums.
What is a Microblog?
Microblogs are very simple internet technologies that allow users to post short statements or sentences, usually limited to 140 characters on a central site. The post can be made available to anyone or only to a chosen audience. Much like the Facebook status box these services were used initially as a forum to share triviality (like what was for breakfast) with a wide audience but people quickly tired of the banality and now the way microblogs are used is becoming more sophisticated.
Sometimes seen as a factor in the evolution of blogging, micro blogs are, as the name suggests, like mini blogs in that they allow you to post information and streams of consciousness and make these available to the world over the Internet. Unlike a blog, however, a microblog doesn’t have unlimited room for creativity – you are forced to get to the point.
Which Microblog?
By far the largest microblog is Twitter (according to Hitwise in Australia alone the popular microblog grew by over 500% new users in one calendar month this summer). Twitter was founded in 2006 and quickly gained attention by winning a prestigious South by South West Blog award in the spring of 2007. Although the site is growing at a tremendous rate, the user volume is still very small in comparison to social networking behemoths like MySpace. Using a simple clean interface, users can get set up and start Twittering really easily.
Another microblog technology that is growing in popularity is Plurk. Plurk differs from Twitter in that it provides a more visual “timeline” interface showing your “Plurks” and those you are following on a time sheet-style screen. Just launched in May this year, Plurk is a little more complex than Twitter to use but once you get the hang of it, it definitely appeals to those left brained people among us.
The omnipresent Google of course has its own version of a microblog which they obtained in late 2007. Jaiku has since been closed to new users as they beta test the latest version (which seems very visually appealing with a nice map interface). Request a beta invite to try it out.
The other major player in the microblog scene is Pownce. This one is very similar to Twitter in its look and feel but it has more capabilities in terms of being able to share files and events. Also Pownce doesn’t limit you to 140 characters so you can add more detail to your posts.
Newcomers in the field Spoink promote microblogging by phone from wherever you happen to be. Nothing new in that since most of the other offerings allow you to post from your mobile but what is different about Spoink is that it features the ability to podcast from anywhere. This is one to watch.
Microblogging for Business
Now that we know more about microblogs and the tools in this arena, let’s take a look at how companies and individuals are using microblogs to benefit their businesses.
The first thing any company or professional should do is to ask themselves: is a microblog pertinent to my business? are my peers using this service? and, more importantly, are my customers either using or listening (monitoring these forums) to microblogs? The early microblog adopters tended to be the youth market and the tech community but more and more mainstream professionals and companies are becoming active as time goes on. If you decide that your audience is applicable then the benefits of microblogging actively are numerous:
- A microblog presence is a stellar way to establish expertise and build awareness of what you or your company does. Build your brand by regularly posting on your subject area. Remember to add your logo and branding to the design of your microblog page and link to back to your blog if you have one so that your microblog contacts are aware of it and can click to read more. Threadless, the T shirt company that has made social media marketing an art form uses Twitter (@threadless) to update their audience regularly in this way.
- Microblogs are a great way to expand your network and build your contacts. To do so share neat links and always add value for your followers, if you do this effectively you can sit back and watch your contacts expand.
- Microblogs provide a good source for the latest information in your industry – if you’re following the right people, that is. Be cognizant of this as you add friends. Check out posts and look for those that add value, are industry luminaries or are using the forum in innovative ways. Network with peers in your industry to develop your knowledge and to build better partnerships.
- Microblogs are shorter than blogs and more concise so if you only have a few moments you can hone in on the juicies more readily. If you don’t have time to blog but still have something pressing you want to share, microblogs are a great way to do this quickly and effectively.
- Microblog technology can be used to expand the reach of your service and spread word quickly. An example is the police and fire services using Twitter to get the word out in emergency cases. The Los Angeles Fire Department (@LAFD) uses Twitter to spread fire related Tweets to interested parties.
- By linking or announcing new articles or changes to your site from a microblog you can drive more traffic to your site. Twitter is now the 4th largest driver of traffic to the Out-Smarts blog.
- Use microblogs for research by monitoring what’s being said about your product or industry so you can keep ahead of the pack. It’s also an excellent medium to elicit feedback on an issue you need more information on or are in the dark about. Tweetscan is a very simple tool that facilitates listening.
- Some companies are using microblog technology too collaborate on projects with decentralised participants or colleagues in short blasts. The CBC recently did this to great effect on Twitter during the Canadian federal election and were able to incorporate feedback from Twitterers on the ground in many constituencies.
- While direct selling on microblogs is discouraged, many companies use it to bring awareness of the existence/benefits of their products and services to new markets or to provide customer service updates. Whole Foods (@wholefoods), an organic food chain headquartered in Texas does exactly that whilst adding value by Twittering on community events and organic topics too.
Effective Twittering Tips
I have it on good authority that the Twitter microblog site is this year’s web 2.0 tool of choice for net savvy professionals to communicate with and grow their networks. Here are some tips for you to use to tweak your “tweets” and get more out of your Twitter presence:
- Add value – don’t just spout off about boring stuff. Nobody is interested in what color shoes you are wearing (maybe your underwear but definitely not your shoes!).
- Use TinyURL or a similar url abbreviation tool to shorten the length of url links in your Twitter posts so they fit in the 140 character limit.
- Don’t spam or sell.
- Friends and Followers – be selective about who you follow. Before you follow someone, check out their recent Tweets to see if they are of interest to you before you add them (they may not be of interest at all). If someone starts following you, don’t automatically add them and follow – take a look at the number of followers they have compared to their following If someone is following way more people than they have followers then it may be best to avoid them. They could be “Follow Spammers” more interested in gaining exposure than in finding interesting Tweets.
- Don’t let Twitter suck up too much of your time – it can be very distracting. Instead schedule it in to your week and spend a few minutes each day updating and enjoying.
- Limit the number of people you follow to avoid Twitter information overload. If you’re following too many people, you might miss that gem of information.
- Use Twitterfeed to feed your blog to Twitter.
- Monitor the Tweetosphere and make sure you are aware of anyone who mentions you so that it comes to your attention and you can be ready to counter any adverse Twittering. Use Tweetscan to monitor what is being said about you or your company on Twitter.
- Don’t click on a link from anyone you don’t know or trust. Many Twitterers use TinyURL or similar to shorten URLs (I do) but this camouflages the true source so you don’t know what you’re clicking on. These could be disguised links to potentially dangerous sites or viral downloads so be careful.
- Read the Twitter blog for updates and information on malware and spam issues.
- Secure your Twitter name. Get a Twitter profile in your business name before someone else does.
- Use common sense when Twittering and remember that most of these announcements can be seen by anyone and everyone. You don’t really have to announce that you’re away from home.
- If someone you’re following overloads you with spam then use the Twitter block at the right of the side panel to block them and let Twitter know too.
- Call on the community. If something adverse does happen then make your community aware of it. You will be amazed at the support, advice and action of the collective.
Conclusion
If you decide that your business can benefit from microblogging, participation in these sites can really impact your online marketing efforts, drive more traffic to your site and increase brand awareness. Before you start microblogging, take some time to check out the different offerings to find out which is best for you. Once you choose, schedule time to microblog and grow your contacts and always look to add value and tell your community something they don’t know. If you decide to hold off on microblogging for now, keep this on your radar: with its speedy user adoption rate. It’s only a matter of time before, like social networks, these become mainstream.
Follow Out-Smarts on Twitter: @Outsmarts.
Written by Mhairi Petrovic, November 24th, 2008
With the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver coming up on us quickly the media circus is already gathering steam. Recently members of the traditional press came to Vancouver for a World Press briefing by the Olympic Committee. Absent from their midst according to an article in today’s Vancouver Sun were new media and social network journalists – despite the efforts of Raincity Studio’s Dave Olson who published an open letter to the committee on their blog requesting representation.
Its no surprise that the Olympic committee is shirking this question. Many organisations especially large traditional companies (those that vet each and every public communication to ensure it reflects the corporate line) view social media as a quandary and even a threat to their brand. They think that encouraging community participition leads to loosing control of that branding process. But the fact of the matter is that brands are out there in the public forum anyway. Isn’t it better to be part of the conversation to learn adapt and grow because of it than to be on outside throwing out press releases.
Social media journalism is undoubtedly going to be part of the Olympics in Vancouver with an army of bloggers, social network participants and online journalists all giving their perspectives. Rather than stick their head in the sand the Olympic committee should be embracing this new way to entrench its brand with new generations and different communities.
Written by Mhairi Petrovic, November 20th, 2008
Bright and early this morning I presented to the Sales and Marketing Executives International of Vancouver. The subject of the presentation was: Managing your Personal Brand Online.
The Internet and social media in particular open a whole slew of new ways for us to reach more people, in more places, to learn and to share but before you start taking advantage of social media to network and build your brand its important to consider:
- What is your personal brand? – be true to who you are in real life.
- What are your goals? – the networks and tools you use to showcase your brand will vary according to what you are trying to achieve. For example someone who is looking for a new job will use them differently from someone looking to promote their consulting services. Write your goals down so that you can check in from time to time to see how effective you are.
- Highlight the aspects of your personal brand that truly set you aside and differentate you from others in your field.
- See yourself as others see you – if you already have a profile in LinkedIn or Facebook for example make a point of looking at your profile view. This is the view visitors see of your presence. Make changes as needed.
- This is a commitment – you get back what you put in. Be active in the communities you have chosen to focus on, add value and share and you will be amazed at what comes back.
- Schedule time in social networks or in the blogosphere and don’t let them distract you. If you don’t have much time then the tools for you is Twitter!
- Have fun – growing your personal brand online needn’t be overwhelming or overpowering. Approach it with an open mind and do it consistently and you will be amazed at how much buzz you can generate.
Thanks to everyone who braved the cold morning to come out and for the great feedback.
Written by Mhairi Petrovic, November 17th, 2008
Fiona Walsh, CEO of FM Walsh and Associates, joins us for this Out-Smarts Podcast where we discuss the key attributes of successful entrepreneurs, how to grow your business in a recession and how entreprenuers can use social media to their benefit.
[audio:http://www.out-smarts.com/Podcast14.mp3]
Links mentioned:
Sporty Jewels
marketing profs
Entreprenuer.com
Inc
Pink Magazine
Podcast: Download
Written by Mhairi Petrovic, November 14th, 2008
Episode #13 of the Out-Smarts Podcast was posted this week and it was a milestone for us. Our interview with Louise Desmarais was the first one recorded remotely with Louise in Calgary and me in Vancouver. It was another new experience in podcasting.
Our first attempt at recording the podcast using Skype to communicate and Audio Hijack to record failed dismally. Audio Hijack is great technology that allows you to record your Skype calls in MP3 formatt. Its perfect for uploading easily to Garageband to edit and enhance.
Unfortunately the best laid plans don’t always come to bear. Part way into our call, the Skype connection was lost and we had to abort. Not wanting to risk the same happening again, we went to plan b. I would use my podcast doohicky on my iPod and we would record it over speakerphone. The result, a great podcast with better sound quality than some of the in person one’s we’ve done in the past. Take a listen and let us know what you think.
Links:
New Experiences in Podcasting 6
New Experiences in Podcasting 5
New Experiences in Podcasting 4
Podcasting – Dead or Alive
New Experiences in Podcasting 3
New Experiences in Podcasting 2
NewExperiences in Podcasting 1
Written by Mhairi Petrovic, November 13th, 2008
When I chose this book to review for the Mini Book Expo for Bloggers I expected it to be about, what else? – building on line communities.
The book (written by Paul Born President and Co-Founder of Tamarack an institute for community engagement) in actual fact is about building communities in the real world and what became apparent to me when reading it is there are many parallels between building real life communities that make a difference and building them online.
The book starts with a poignant example of a community organisation that was built, against all the odds, amid war torn Belfast and successfully brought the 2 sides in the conflict together because they opened the channels to allow each side to converse.
Born, lists four building blocks to successful community conversations: Conversing, Engaging, Collaborating and Vision. It is interesting to note that these same key pillars are pivotal in building social media communities too.
In the second part of the book, the author focuses on examples of successful community conversations and the techniques used to make them so. He points out that conversation cafes are great to stimulate discussion and can be conducted online. Peer to peer discussions (no not the technical kind but real peers brainstorming and stimulating discussions with other) can get the collective juices flowing (I see this happening on Twitter all the time). And finally, using visual stimulants, movies and photos to encourage conversation works really well.
Whilst not exactly the book I was expecting, I was surprised to find so many valuable ideas and practices that apply to the virtual world and can easily be adapted to stimulate conversation online. Perhaps next time I should read the book synopsis more closely but for now I am glad I didn’t – I would have missed this gem.
Written by Mhairi Petrovic, November 12th, 2008
Its lucky number 13 for the Out-Smarts podcast and this time we are fortunate to be in conversation with Louise Desmarais. Louise is an experienced web writer and founder of Mud Creative. In this podcast she offers some truly valuable insights that must be considered when writing web site text and content.
[audio:http://www.out-smarts.com/Podcast13.mp3]
Podcast: Download
Written by Mhairi Petrovic, November 07th, 2008
1. Write an article that relates to your area of expertise and submit it to ezine and article sites (the ones with the highest Google ranking).
2. Update your site often – a blog is a great way to do this.
3. Add forms to your site – check out Jotform.
4. Get more backlinks – find out which sites link back to your top competitors and submit your site to those with the highest traffic – don’t use a mass submit tool.
5. Podcast – add audio or video content to your site and make sure its listed in the podcast hubs.
6. Have the right content: effectively use keywords and appropriate SEO copy writing (listen to our upcoming podcast to find out more).
7. Get active in social networks – LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter and make sure that those link back to your site.
8. Encourage community – use your blog or podcast to build community and invite others to get involved.
9. Remember that Google may be the most common search engine but there are many others – take these into account when considering SEO.
10. Utilize the hot spots on your site to the best advantage. The top left hand corner is valuable real estate – use it to tell the audience (and the engines) what you do.
