Do You Fully Understand Social Media?

According to Wikipedia Social Media is defined as:

Social media is media designed to be disseminated through social interaction, created using highly accessible and scalable publishing techniques. Social media supports the human need for social interaction with technology, transforming broadcast media monologues (one to many) into social media dialogues (many to many). It supports the democratization of knowledge and information, transforming people from content consumers into content producers. Businesses also refer to social media as user-generated content (UGC) or consumer-generated media (CGM).

Social media can be said to have 3 components;^{[citation needed]}

1. Concept (art, information, or meme).
2. Media (physical, electronic, or verbal).
3. Social interface (intimate direct, community engagement, social viral, electronic broadcast or syndication, or other physical media such as print).

Common forms of social media; • Concepts, slogans, and statements with a high memory retention quotient, that excite others to repeat. • Grass-Roots direct action information dissemination such as public speaking, installations, performance, and demonstrations. • Electronic media with 'sharing', syndication, or search algorithm technologies (includes internet and mobile devices). • Print media, designed to be re-distributed.

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Too many people Online today think that because they use Twitter and have a Facebook account and a MySpace profile that they are Social Media experts. The sad truth is that they are not.

Knowing HOW to use these sites is the first step to truly finding the full advantage in the world of social media.

Also, there are more sites than just these to create a positive presence on AND always remember that social media campaigns do not show immediate results. YOU as the client/business owner/supposed social media expert need to be committed to your campaign before starting one.

Are you committed?

If I can help you in any way, please contact me at Kim1980berly@gmail.com

My First Networking Event

So last night my eyes were opened to the world of face to face business networking. Kim Carlisi ( @KimPossible40 on Twitter and Miss Go Getter serving the Tampa area with her amazing concierge services) and I went to the Business Networking Life End of Summer Networking Bash at Ocean Prime in Tampa. The event was business casual and very down to earth friendly. The event was put on by Joe Malinowski founder of Business Networking Life. The cost was $10 with $5 of the $10 going towards Wheels For Success. I would say roughly 70 people made it out and packed one side of the restaurant talking about what it is that we are skilled at and what we do day in and day out. Basically explaining to people what makes us unique, special and what our goals are for our business endeavors.

Being that we were the two Kims I think we made a lasting impression right away. So with a beer in our hands we began talking with people. The first man to approach us was David Doerges, Founder and CEO of Free Networking International. We discussed what it is that we do and then he told us about him. By the end of our conversation things were looking up for me and Kim as well. He is a nice guy with a lot going on in the area. You really need to check out the site HERE (again) and subscribe to the newsletters.

From there many people approached us including; Jeramy Colvin from Send Out Cards. Now this is a business that I wish I had thought of. If you are notorious (like me) for forgetting important days like birthdays, anniversaries etc.. then you NEED to check out this site. Also this is very good in the corporate world to show employees, clients and potential clients that you do care and keeping things on a professional level with a hint of personal mixed in. Who doesn't love getting a card in the mail?
Next on the list is Brian Wallace of WorldVentures. If you think that your workplace morale needs a boost or you need to increase productivity while reducing burnout and turnover rates, this is your man to speak with. Check the site out here.
Also there was Linda Conley, Associate Publisher for the Tampa Bay Woman Newspaper, and she was such a sweet woman (not to mention had the cutest ring). This newspaper can be found all throughout Tampa Bay and its surrounding communities at places like Panera etc... If you get a chance to pick one up and read one, you will not be disappointed.
Lorrie Zelaznik, Business Development Manager at Business Support Partners Inc. , looked like a veteran to these networking events. Working the room, moving in and out of conversations and then right into ours. I was intrigued by her company and what they do. You can see what they are all about here.
Another interesting fellow I met was Sean Thau, Corporate Consultant and Trainer at Partners Prosperity Consulting.
That takes me to the final person we met that night, Mr. Leon J Donovan. Let me tell you, this man knew both Kim and I from Twitter and addressed us as our Twitter names. I definitely found that to be amazing in itself. Now Leon and I talked about all sorts of geeky stuff, social media, Second Life and Twitter of course and that's when I realized that I had a lot in common with him. He is a wine consultant for Time for Wine and right away the ideas began flowing i my head, almost like wine into an empty glass (hehe had to go there). SO I suggest you check Leon out here and that you make it out to the next networking mixer because if I didn't find it to be a waste of my time, neither will you.

Could You Use This?

Many small businesses just starting out focus only on their geographical location and forget about utilizing sites online to bring awareness to their new endeavors. My name is Kim Randall and I want to do just that. I want to help new businesses understand, take advantage of and profit from the use of Online marketing.
Many companies are doing this, but they don't see results. Most of that is because they aren't engaging properly or they are spamming (basically shoving the information down peoples throats). You want to know the people you are targeting because by forming a bond you are also building trust.

Currently I am working with Miss Go Getter (Owner and CEO Kim Carlisi) to help her make the most out of her Online presence and although she is not a web based service, her potential clients are Online.




Some interesting information:

*Roughly 73% of Americans use the Internet daily
*As of 2008, 60% of Americans on the Internet used social networking sites.
*About 50% update their Online presence and interact with other Internet users.



MY GOAL IS TO PROVIDE SOCIAL MEDIA AND MARKETING CAMPAIGNS FOR SERIOUS COMPANIES THAT ARE JUST STARTING OUT.


PLEASE CONTACT ME AT (Kim Randall) 1.813.516.4808 or email me at Kim1980berly@gmail.com FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Wanna Win A Pass To IZEAFest???

Ben Sparks is giving having an amazing contest and YOU could win the Ultimate IZEAFest Prize Pack Contest !!!


WIN THE ULTIMATE PRIZE PACK!



The Ultimate IZEAFest 2009 Prize Pack includes:

An IZEAFest 2009 pass for the entire event including the Kickoff Party at Busch Gardens Tampa on Thursday October 1, 2009 & Blogger Takeover day at SeaWorld on Sunday October 4, 2009.

**This pass also gets you into the nightly parties at Howl At The Moon and Icebar, the swag and the speaker sessions. **

Did I forget to mention IZEAHunt you get to participate in that too. This pass alone is one highly sought after prize!

But that is not all!!!

The Ultimate IZEAFest 2009 Prize Pack ALSO includes:

* An XShot from XShotpix.com.
* A Polaroid Pogo and ZINK Paper
* A Swag bag from MarketLeverage
* A BenSpark.com Swag pack from BenSpark.com
* A Flip Mino HD from MarketLeverage TV
* A Case of BluFrog Wildly Healthy Energy Drink from Martha Decker.
* An Asus Eee PC 1000HA from MarketLeverage
* And there might be more prizes added as we get closer to the contest end date!

There will be TWO Runner Up packs

The Runner Up IZEAFest 2009 Prize Packs includes:

An IZEAFest 2009 pass for the entire event including the Kickoff Party at Busch Gardens Tampa on Thursday October 1, 2009 & Blogger Takeover day at SeaWorld on Sunday October 4, 2009.

**This pass also gets you into the nightly parties at Howl At The Moon and Icebar, the swag and the speaker sessions.**

Did I forget to mention IZEAHunt you get to participate in that too.

This pass alone is one highly sought after prize!

Also included in the Runner Up Packs:

* An XShot from XShotpix.com.
* Some BenSpark.com Swag

More prizes will be announced throughout the contest.

Please visit the landing page to learn more about the contest. Ultimate IZEAFest Prize Pack Contest

Getting Ready To Go Back To School With Sears

Sears has recently launched its CampusReady application on Facebook. Check it out here at CampusReady

Sites To Take Advantage Of For Any Social Media Campaign

When it comes to Social Media it seems as if the rules change day to day and week to week. What should you say and not say, where should you spend most of your time, what is the best site and blah blah blah....

Here is my list of sites that I am pretty certain any company can benefit from if used properly.

FlickR.com - Yes the photo/image sharing site. Everyone has images, advertisements, snapshots and more. Why not share them on here. Create a following and post away (There is a limit on free photo posting after you reach that limit you can choose to pay a minimal fee OR simply delete older images)

MySpace - Yes you need a MySPace profile and you need to invest some time into building up a following. This is a great way to reach a large number of people all at once. Having a contest? Let your MySPace Peeps know here. (Make sure you keep your MySpace page un-cluttered, too much bling and animated designs will turn people off to checking out your profie and PLEASE do not spam your friends)

Facebook - If you aren't already on board you better get going. Create a personal profile, company profile and even a fan page. (Make sure you keep the app spam to a minimum so you keep your friend and fan base growing)

Twitter - Everyone that has the time to dedicate to "live" Tweeting should totally create an account. If you feel you wont have the time, feel the easiest thing to do is schedule Tweets or would rather spam and not connect, this is NOT the site for you!

YouTube - Do you have a commercial you are running on TV?? If so post it to YouTube too. Have any funny videos....office fun.....etc.... Get it on there, just make sure you link to your website.

LinkedIn - This is your professional profile/online resume and a wonderful place to make new connections. Use it wisely.

There are many more sites that I am a part of and you could become a part of too and that is simply up to you. Here they are:

Multiply

Bebo

CaribPOP

YaperPOP

NING

Friendster

FriendFeed

Hi-5

Plaxo

Xanga

Vox

Soda Head

Let me know if you know of any sites I have left off of this list.

Remember this:

1) These sites can be used to update fans and followers on your company/business status.

2) Use these sites to post a copy of press releases (remember to link back)

3) When creating a presence on any site try to keep up with them!

4)Spam will get you nowhere.

5) Provide solid content and build relationships with people.

6) Remember behind every profile is a person so treat each profile as you as a person would like to be treated.

7) Keep in mind that for each site you link back to your company website means that there is just one more opportunity for new people to know who you are and what your company is all about.

Where Is The Customer Service?

Have you noticed that more and more companies are keeping their contact phone numbers secret and instead insisting that you contact them via email? If you haven't you might want to take a look at it. See for yourself how hard it is to contact someone. I guess this works better because they can hire 2 or 3 people to read/lose emails instead of actually having to take care of the situation at hand. I personally love the internet and all of the possibilities it has, but lets try to keep the customer service.

Here is a great example of the customer service problem:

Best Buy has had MY computer for a month. I have called them and they have nothing to tell me. My computer is supposedly sitting at Geek Squad City?!? Where is this? I have no clue.

Me: Can you call them and find out what is going on?

Corporate Rep: Sorry, they don't have a call center, but I can send them an email

Me: An email?? Seriously? That's what my local store has been doing.

Corporate Rep: Sorry that's the only way to find out. Should take 1-3 days to get an answer, but for your troubles we'll send you a $30.00 guft card.

Isn't that sweet?! A $30.00 gift card doesn't make up for me being tech challenged for a month. This is my work computer, but what do they really care?

How do you handle customer service in your business? Do you try to smooth out problems with gift cards or do you actually go straight to the source?

Best Buy has officially lost me as a customer when it comes to fixing my computer or referring anyone else to them.

Don't let this be your company. Customer service is still something that we need to be old fashion about. Show customers that you indeed do care!

How To Brand Yourself As A DJ In Second Life

If you are trying to make it in Second Life as a DJ, I have some helpful hints and tips to get you going or keep you moving.


Hint #1: Make sure you have the proper equipment and have tested it all before you begin to consider branding yourself as a Second Life DJ
See Nexeus Fatale's post on what is needed to begin DJing in Second Life here

Hint #2: Yes you do need a logo and a textured ad if you want to be taken seriously
As I always stress, DO NOT COPY A LOGO OR IMAGES OFF OF THE WEB!

Hint #3: Do you have an in-world prim business card?
If not, consider doing this. Of course it is going to need to be bigger than a normal business card so that prospective club/venue owners can read the information written on the card. Simple take the same concept of a real world business card and work the magic of Second Life into it. You can stuff the card full of promotional goodies such as: T-shirt/tank tops with your DJ logo on it, maybe you can have someone create something truly unique like a set of headphones that when worn becomes a dance machine. There are so many possibilities out there, just be creative.
Also make sure on your business card you include your DJ logo/name, email address and then add a notecard that gives your rates and any dates that you may already be booked up.

Hint #4: Target event planners, wedding venues and club owners
Maybe you need to prove you are worth the chance by DJing for free here and there. remember you too need to build up a presence and name within Second Life.

Hint #5: Run a classified ad in your profile
Make sure you use these keywords (and any others you can think of)
club, music, DJ, DJing, party, hire, DJ for hire, venue, entertainment, dance, (your name) .........

Hint #6: Create a Google Calendar and share it with the world.
Don't just create it, use it!! Post where you will be on certain dates. This helps when people are trying to book you.

Hint #7: Do create a group in Second Life
This will be your fan base. Many venues want to hire DJs that can bring i good traffic and new faces.

Hint #8: Do you have a play list?
Create a blog and make a play list of all of the music you have and take suggestions from people as to what they would like you to have available. This will help potential clients know what music you are capable of playing.

Hint #9: See if you can get downloads of popular songs by Second Life musicians
There are so many of them out there, all you have to do is get out there and network it!

Hint #10: Make sure you talk less and play more!

Hint #11: Take advantage of the power of social networking. It's free and only takes time and dedication to make it work for you.

Hint #12: Advertise in Second Life magazines if you can afford to do so.

Hint #13: Team up with a club to host a premiere party every once in a while.

Hint #14: Even though you are a DJ you can still have contests and promotional events.
*Scavenger hunt
*photo contest
*Biggest fan contest
*Best venue
etc...


Lastly.... Have lots of fun doing it! If you enjoy what you do, people will notice and the vibe will be all the more positive!

I am Sadie Pippita in Second Life and no I am not a DJ, I just know a thing or two about the virtual world of Second Life.

Look me up if you have any questions!