Introducing the Twitter Business Center
A little late… but you always save the best for later…. right? 
Twitter is paying attention to what its social media users want. Like fellow social media sites Twitter is working on a new business feature. This feature is to be called “Twitter Business Center,” and will gradually make its way to the public. So far only a couple accounts have access to the feature while Twitter refines and polishes it. The business feature will allow businesses to customize its profile, verify it with a badge, select extra preferences, and add extra contributors so that other people can tweet from one account.
A cool feature is the verification badge. As soon as set up it is verified and the verification badge will show up on the profile (in the past Twitter was selective in allowing accounts to be verified). Another interesting feature will allow businesses to direct message between followers and non followers. For instance, I can DM a company about bad customer service and they can respond without having to follow me back first. It will also be beneficial to have more contributors allowed on the site to keep the profile up-to-date and less overwhelming.
This feature is still in the works with many questions surrounding its cost, tools and debut. For now, to all you lucky businesses that are it testing out, make the best of it!
More posts about the Twitter Business Center:
The Next Web > Twitter Gets Serious, Adds Twitter Business Center
Mashable > Twitter to Launch Business Center
Small Biz Trend > Get Ready Here Comes Twitter’s Business Center
Why Social Media ISN’T a Waste of Time
After an extensive career in IT systems development, Robby Slaughter discovered that to become more effective and efficient at work, we need to empower individuals with authority and responsibility. He founded Slaughter Development in 2003 to focus exclusively on assessing workflow challenges and creating stakeholder satisfaction in businesses throughout Indianapolis. For more information, visit www.slaughterdevelopment.com.
Although many of the people reading this blog might think that social media is one of the most important inventions in modern history, there are millions of others who dismiss social media as a “waste of time.” Why the disparity?
As a productivity expert, I’m often called upon to make pronouncements about what is and is not an efficient use of time. So let me make this claim: social media is not a waste of time, because it’s a mechanism by which we engage in social behavior.
That’s really what sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn are all about. It’s the reason we blog, Stumble Upon and comment. We’re being social. As John Donne famously noted: “No man is an island.” We’re all connected to each other and depend upon each other, and social media is yet another way to express that connection.
So why do people dismiss Facebook? Why do they scoff at Twitter? Why won’t people join sites like Smaller Indiana? I believe the reason is dangerous misconception: many people think of social media as a video game.
That’s not to disparage the multi-billion dollar business of gaming, or to say that gaming doesn’t have its own complex social structures or myriad benefits. Rather, people think of gaming as merely entertaining pastime, conducted in the quiet of our own homes by the glow of a screen. If you reduce the entirety of social media to a form of electronic solitaire, it’s pretty easy to rationalize this world to a “waste of time.” If we think of social media without thinking about society, it’s just an interesting distraction.
This way of conceptualizing social media is outright destructive. It causes employers to ban social networking websites at the office, because of the thought that they necessarily prevent work. By this logic, however, we should also ban idle conversation at the water cooler and prohibit people from receiving a personal phone call. If we really don’t want people to use social media, we are asking them to not be social.
Perhaps it is more fundamental, however, to note that so many of our critical roles in our business and personal lives rely upon social dynamics. Sales and marketing comes from building rapport; research and development arises from teams that foster creativity and embrace both failure and success. Routine tasks are done with more enthusiasm when we have someone to share them with. Friendships and families are built not on procedures but on socialization. We need each other not just to grow, but to survive.
The belief that social media is a waste of time is based on a misconception of social media. Although these are services made possible through cool technology, they are powered by our fundamental propensity to connect. We need to work together. Social media merely makes doing so easier and faster than ever before.
Is Twitter Just a Big Popularity Contest?
When looking at your Twitter account how many of your followers/following do you really know? Sure, we follow people because they follow us and vice a versa…but why? What makes people choose to follow you? If you look at many “popular” (not celebrities) users do you notice any trends? Maybe they have great content, interesting jobs or informative blogs….but how often do you honestly take the time to read the tweets of the people your following. It seems as though people look at numbers rather then content. When deciding whether or not to follow someone do you look at how many followers they have or what they are tweeting?
I’m guilty of following people based on numbers. If they have so many followers then they must be important…right?
This question came to mind when thinking about high school and how being popular is so important. Is Twitter the modern day popularity contest? In high school, your looking for your niche and a group of friends (followers) who fit in with that niche. Twitter embodies this same ideal. You set up your account and then hope to find some relevancy. Some users are more “popular” than you so in your efforts to be like them you become a follower…
Once again let’s take this back to your high school days….were you a follower or a leader? Don’t worry about fitting into someone else’s niche. Instead define/redefine your own. Gain friends (followers) the old fashioned way by being nice and being your own person.
What do you think?
Should we have a Twitter prom among our followers to determine who the King and Queen are? (Just kidding) My point is that Twitter isn’t high school. So don’t take it personal when you lose followers. Don’t take it personal when people won’t follow you back. Maybe your content isn’t relevant to them. You want to have followers who share your interests and who will actually read what your posting. Don’t just be a number among many be someone to follow. Likewise, follow the people who matter to you. We all should be more content driven rather then defining relevancy through the amount of “friends” someone has.
Capturing Engagement and Donations from the Next Generation
I am proud to announce a seminar and webinar being held in Indianapolis and online on June 28th. Derrick Feldmann and I will be focusing on the millennial generation and how to capture their attention (and money).
How many donors-under the age of 35-does your organization have? If you answered not very many, then you’re just like most other organizations. In fact, what many organizations are finding out is that the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship practices that have been successful for many of the past generations are not producing the same results with younger generations.
This session will focus on how to attract, steward and engage millennial donors in the work of the organization. Based on Achieve research and case studies of other organizations, participants will gain a greater understanding of how to engage millennial donors and keep them involved in the work of the organization.
Participants will benefit from the following objectives of the session:
- Understand the characteristics of millennial donors
- Learn how to build a campaign to attract millennial donors
- Learn how to engage millennial donors
- Understand the core concepts of creating a connection
Agenda
- 7:30-8 Breakfast
- 8-8:05 Introductions
- 8:05-9:05 Kyle Mobile and Social Media for Millennial Donors
- 9:05-9:15 Break
- 9:15-10:15 Derrick on Millennial Donors
- 10:15-10:30 Q&A with Kyle and Derrick
Speakers
Derrick Feldmann
As CEO of Achieve, Derrick provides overall strategic direction for the work of the firm, clients, and partners. He is a regular contributor to nonprofit trade publications and speaker on fundraising, nonprofit management, and strategy for organizations. Prior to founding Achieve, Derrick was responsible for all major development programs at The LEAGUE and Learning to Give organization. His responsibilities beyond fundraising included program expansion, external partnerships, and sponsorship programs where he led efforts to expand the program offerings in 4 new markets, negotiated in-kind TV campaigns at a value of more than $1 million, and increased fundraising by 200%. Derrick is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University and holds a Master’s Degree in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy. Derrick currently serves on the Association of Fundraising Professionals International Youth Philanthropy Task Force and the Indiana Achievement Awards Advisory Board.
Kyle Lacy
As CEO of Brandswag, a social media training and consulting firm, Kyle Lacy has quickly built a reputation for excellent design and his in-depth understanding of the application of social media for business. Recognized both locally and globally for his knowledge of social media he is routinely invited to share his expertise, and his blog is consistently ranked among the best worldwide. Kyle writes a regular blog at KyleLacy.com and is a regular contributor to Smaller Indiana. His blog has been featured on WallStreetJournal.com and ABCNews.com. He just finished his first book, Twitter Marketing for Dummies from Wiley Publishing. Recently, Kyle was named by Indianapolis Business Journal as one of the Forty-under-40 business people in Indianapolis for 2010.
Are Traditional Coupons Dead?
Consumers are getting more and more technologically savvy. Threatening the practice of getting and using coupons in the traditional way. According DMNEWS Newspaper subscriptions have declined by 9% in the past year, which means that consumers must be getting their coupons through other sources. We are not only getting our news from other sources, but are we, as consumers taking advantage of online coupons and deals?
The obvious answer is yes, of course. All traditional channels for information are in question. Marketers understand that consumers are doing a majority of their shopping online. Therefore, marketing efforts are pointing toward online users.
This got me questioning the value of print media in today’s world. If we as culture no longer go to traditional sources for coupons, news, weather etc then what is the future for those traditional forms? Newspaper subscription has gone down, which is ultimately a sign of a shifting trend.
So, are the use traditional coupons near extinction? Let’s say that for now, no. Eventually, I’d say yes. As the the Baby Boomer generation moves along with the Millennial generation in going online the traditional sources are going by the wayside. Coupon cutting and clipping are relevant in an uncertain economy but it’s much better done online. Many companies are also delivering coupons straight to the consumers phones via e-mail, text, social media and other smart phone applications. Like every change big or small the shift from print to digital won’t be a quick process. Who knows, maybe we’ll all miss lazy Sunday afternoons with a pair of scissors and a newspaper and resist another modern change.
8 Ways to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
If you haven’t created a LinkedIn profile then you should get on it. There are 50 million users on LinkedIn who may looking for what you are doing or have the answers to your questions. LinkedIn is a free, powerful social media site that can connect you to many people and open doors for many opportunities. Like every social media site time management is key but to fully optimize your experience here are some useful tips.
Lewis Howes (co-author of “LinkedWorking”) has some great insight on how to optimize your profile on LinkedIn. We’ve all heard of SEO? If not, SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, which allows for a greater presence on the internent to increase traffic to your website. In order to ensure that your profile is in the top ranking when being searched on LinkedIn do the following:
1. Define what/who you are in one or two keywords (e.x. business coach)
2. Take that keyword(s) and place them strategically in 5 places on your profile:Headline, Current and Past Work Experiences, Summary and Specialties
3. Within minutes (of doing this) you can SEO your profile. Seriously, try it!
Other ways to ensure greater success on LinkedIn is through groups, conversations and connections. LinkedIn provides opportunities for all of these thing to happen as long as you know how to add the most value to your profile.
1. Create groups. Groups equal contacts which create a frenzy of networking opportunities.
2. Ask questions.
3. Focus on one aspect. If have found your LinkedIn niche then focus on that and do it well. For instance, if you are good at connecting with the members of a group (you created) then interact with them, send messages, start discussions, ask questions etc…
4. Be consistent. Follow through with what you have set out to do. Whether that’s making connections or creating a group.
5. Add Value. Link up your blog, twitter, website whatever gives insight into who are you as a professional.
LinkedIn is easy to use so the more you give the more you will receive. It always feels better to give anyway.
Get started… Get going… Get searched… Do whatever…
Just do it the best way possible.
Benjamin Franklin: Social Media Mogul
Benjamin Franklin and Twitter may not appear to have much – if anything – in common, but history tells a different story.
In fact, the impact that social media sites like Twitter have had on how we communicate is a near reflection of the massive shift in colonial communications that occurred under then Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin.
Franklin, a renowned inventor, brilliant thinker and respected statesman, instituted changes to the postal system that created a revolutionary shift in communications. Franklin instituted night travel for postal riders – Night Riders – cutting delivery time in half. More importantly, however, this new delivery method pulled the distant regions of the colonies together. He created a communications network that was one of the best in the world – one that the British didn’t know existed.
The Boston Massacre was a pivotal point leading up to the Revolutionary war. The British thought that they would be able to contain the story, but before word reached England, most of America had already heard the news.
Clip from the History Channel series America: The Story of Us
Flash forward to today.
Let’s change the context a little. Imagine for a moment that England is a corporation, that the Night Riders are Twitter or Facebook, that the Boston Massacre is a poor customer experience.
It’s not much of a stretch because many companies – even though they are aware social media exist – don’t understand the power of the social media. So, when a customer has a problem or bad experience, news of that event is instantly broadcast to the masses. The story cannot be contained, it can only be responded to. And, if it is ignored or not handled well (sorry, Nestle), that company may well find itself in the middle of a revolution. And, we all know who came out on top the first time around.
The speed of distribution and consumption of information via social media has revolutionized how we communicate and trampled geographical and social borders – much like Benjamin Franklin’s Night Riders did in the 1700s. Having a voice is no longer in question. The question becomes, “How will you use it?”
Today’s guest post is written by Brian Shelton. Brian currently manages global ecommerce operations for Gilchrist & Soames, a leading purveyor of luxury amenities for some of the most prestigious hotels, resorts and bed & breakfasts in the world. He has over a decade of experience, which includes an extensive background in marketing, public relations, e-commerce management, product development, technology, and web development. He is a social media advocate, visionary and eternal optimist. Brian holds a Master of Science degree in New Media supported by a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, both from Indiana University. He lives on the west side of Indianapolis with his wife, Rachel, and two daugthers. Contact Brian directly atbdshelton@gilchristsoames.com.
Leaping Headfirst into Social Media
I recently read a post Going Overboard With Social Media by Brad Ruggles. Throughout the blog I kept trying to form my own opinion on whether or not I agreed or disagree. Instead I found that reluctantly fall in between with no strong yes or no. I can’t say that people or businesses should always use social media but I can’t say they shouldn’t ever either.
headfirst
I do agree that you should look before you leap, don’t merely assume it’s right for you because “everyone” else is doing it. Yes, our culture is obsessed with social media. Our culture loves surrounding itself with new technologies, instant gratifications, easy communication, and fast money. All of these attributes social media boasts upon. My greatest concern for businesses is that people try and do too much at one time. If social media is the way you want to go then have a plan and tread lightly. You don’t wake up one day and run the Boston marathon without training. Same concept applies here. Come up with a strategy, plan your time accordingly and don’t expect instant results (you wouldn’t expect to run 26 miles after a day of training). Social media is evolving and introducing new features all the time. Take it in slowly and choose what will work best for you.
The only major disagreement I had with the post was the advice of not doing it at all. Now, I do think that people just jumping in without any knowledge about social media are just confusing themselves. However, everyone should look into how social media can be utilized. Sometimes you have to try before you just opt-out. Especially, with the phenomenon that social media has become. It may be best to try it first then decide to put your efforts elsewhere. Not doing it at all always leaves the curious “what if” but do realize that’s really not for everyone.
And remember that the best thing you could do with social media is to integrate it in your overall marketing strategy.
Your Industry is Holding You Back
Chris Theisen is the director of digital communications for Hare Chevrolet the “Oldest Transportation Company in America” Chris believes in the power of engaging current and future customers via new digital media, and uses it on a daily basis. When not attached to some sort of technology device he enjoys golf, tennis, bowling and coaching youth sports. Chris, his wife Liz and their sons Michael and Jonathon live in Noblesville. He can be reached by email at ctheisen@hareauto.com
If you are a business would you rather go to Lowe’s or Sherwin-Williams to buy paint?
Lowe’s has a good selection to choose from, seems to have a knowledgeable staff and has other things you may need to pickup. They may even give you a discount if you do enough business with them.
Sherwin-Williams specializes in selling paint. They know paint. They eat, sleep and breath paint (the last ones not such a good idea by the way)
While Lowe’s isnt a bad choice (they get alot of my paycheck) I would argue Sherwin-Williams is a better option. If the price is close to the same why not go with someone who specializes in your need? You can take this example and adapt it to many different areas of your business.
The auto industry is noted for being WAY behind the technology curve. I have noticed this first hand ever since I started working in digital communications at Hare Chevrolet. With the buzz around social media, new media and internet marketing spreading like wildfire everyday the auto industry has taken notice. Car dealership principals who have a hard time sending email are now being told they have to be on Facebook and Twitter and and and.
The management at most car dealerships are smarter and more business savvy than they are given credit for, but not when it comes to new media. They listen to every consultant that posts an article on an industry think tank blog, speaks the language of the car dealer or attends the national conferences. They take their word as bible and regurgitate it to anyone that will listen and think they are in tune to this social media thing. Its amazing the amount of bad advice and tons of money being spent on new media inside an industry that doesnt understand the medium.
There are template websites that dont provide options for on page SEO best practices or flexibility. Consultants touting numerous micro-sites as the ticket to a link building strategy, only to have those sites not get indexed because of lack of content. Social media strategies that your 6th grader could tell you arent the best way to engage your customers.f
You may be saying “well thats because its the auto industry, WE know better” While you may have a good grasp on any one of the digital marketing strategies that need to be employed in this day and age I’d be willing to bet your company falls back into industry specific traps. If you use a website provider because they “tailor” their product to fit your industry, stop now. If you use a website provider because your competitor does, stop now. Find someone who specializes in website development. If you are selling products via your site then find an e-commerce specialist, not someone in your industry who offers “e-commerce optimization” of your site. They may have read a post or attending a conference on the topic but they dont practice it as their main way of bringing in income.
The website example is just one of many you can make. Plug in social media instead of website and you get the idea. Find someone who practices it and makes their living doing it, not someone who attending a conference or read a blog about it. Plug in whatever area of your business (not just digital marketing) you would like and if you use an industry specific vendor you are probably being short sighted and too narrow in your vendor options.
The same goes for your online presence and your education in this ever changing world. Dont listen, read and follow only people in your industry. Branch out. Take what a restaurant is doing and adapt it to your carpet cleaning business. Take what a car dealership is doing and adapt it to your wholesale document imaging company.
Another reason to look outside of your industry. Many times specialists and leaders in your area of need are located right in your own backyard. Hare Chevrolet is located in the Indianapolis suburb of Noblesville. A good portion of you reading this either already know the great talent located in and around Indy or you will be hearing from them soon. Hare is starting to align ourselves with local vendors such as Compendium Blogware and have been in contact with industry leaders Slingshot SEO and ExactTarget, both based in Indy. Why wouldnt we use a firm in our backyard who is an international leader in their area of expertise? Most times your local vendors are in the same price point, or cheaper, as your current vendors regardless of where you live or your business is headquartered.
The other added benefit to branching outside of your industry and dealing locally? Your local vendors will, or should, promote you through their posting of their own work throughout their networks. Guess who is in their networks? You guessed right, your customers. Think your customers follow, have heard of or interact with that consultant or industry specific web firm on the coast? Doubt it.
Is Avataritis Killing Your Brand?
Leigh Caraccioli considers herself a hybrid, a social-write-tographer spending most of her time doing brand, portrait and wedding photography for her company fleur de leigh photography as well as social media consulting. She is passionate that her lifestyle photojournalism tells an authentic story for her clients and their brand. Leigh also blogs regularly, helps companies geo-target social networks and speaks on social media. Website: http://atfleurdeleigh.com/ Main blog: http://blog.atfleurdeleigh.com/.
Let’s face it. The first brand message you offer up in social media comes from that little square icon that represents you in cyberspace, your avatar. Whether you know it or not, everyone who sees your image forms an impression of you and/or your personal brand instantly. What do your brand images say about you? Are you one of the millions afflicted with…Avataritis? Take this yes or no test to find out:
Do you have half of your ex-girlfriend’s arm around your neck in your cropped down image? Was your image snapped on a smart phone by your overserved BFF at last week’s big kegger? Does you photo scream 1995? You use the boilerplate Twitter birdy or Facebook silhouette. Is there a greyish, orangeish, yellowish swishy backdrop and a contrived smile on your face? Is it just your eyeball? Do you looked even a little bit wasted? Is your image actually not you but instead an image of your fluffy dog, porche carrera or new born babe? Are you masquerading as a celebrity or Homer Simpson?
If you answered yes to any of the above you’re not alone. Say it with me… “Oh Crap!! I have Avataritis!” Prognosis: your social media picture is crap. Worry not. There is a remedy.
Know your brand.
Take a critical minute to define your personal brand. This exercise it very important and is the first step to curing Avataritis if you have it. Many people find that their personal and professional selves have morphed into one, myself included, so only one brand is represented. You may represent your professional self differently and therefore may need to make two lists. Describe yourself in three words. You avatar should say those three words about you. If it doesn’t, scrap it and start anew with your three personal brand words in mind. While the majority of these avatars work and are impactful, can you see a few examples of the afflicted?
Be clear
. When creating your new avatar, opt for simple. Crisp, close-ups, black and white or vibrant color work very well. Don’t worry if the top of your head is cropped off. (Bonus: maybe this is a way to fix a poofy hair day or thinning top.) There are no points awarded for being within the bulls-eye in the small square. Don’t be afraid to crop in closely. I prepare client’s avatars to 250 px by 250. Many avatars include company logos bolstering company reach and brand cohesion. Others are graced with causes the person promotes like 12 for 12K, a charity near and dear to my heart. Be careful not to overdo your logos/causes/political stances on your logo. Create a blog if you have that much to say.
Quick change. Don’t be afraid to change it up every now and then. New avatars can generate some much needed buzz if your social media experience feels a little stale.
Heck, @armano has a revolving door of cool avatars which represents his highly relevant brand well.
Hire a photographer
Your message is worth it really. Brand Photography is growing but it’s still not a common term. Unlike portraits, brand images carry an intentional message about the subject that helps you understand it more clearly. A thousand words are not needed, but an immediate good impression is critical. I help individuals and businesses properly represent their brand in images clearly and succinctly knowing that with the speed of social networking their avatar has to grab someone tightly less than 10 seconds.
Savvy people are investing in professional photography for social media brand impact. So now that you know how to recognize Avataritis, don’t let it kill your brand. Remember that when choosing to follow or friend you, your audience has a fleeting few seconds to size you up.
Make yourself clear, brand aligned and marketable and do the same for your avatar photo.
