Why Do You Use Social Sites?

Question for the day: Why do you use Facebook, Twitter and other Social sites?

A simple question I posted Wednesday on Facebook and Twitter. I had no motive at all other than I am a curious person by nature. I wanted to see two things.

First, how many people actually pay any attention to any of my posts
Second, I also wanted to learn a little more about my online (and yes some RL) friends.



Here is what some of my Tweeps and Facebook Peeps had to say


cubuffsgirl2009 (Twitter) replied by saying, " I use twitter, et al. to keep in touch with family and friends mostly. It's cheaper than normal means if you think about it." and went on to say in another Tweet "Also want to mention the great people I've found on all sites. It's been great to meet everyone!"

nursebevw (Twitter) replied by saying, "Social media is my link 2 the outside world since I have illnesses that keep me at home. I'm a people person & need that contact." (Follow her blogs here and here and follow her other Twitter here too)

Marco Breinholt (Facebook) replied by saying, "cuz it's part of my biz =)" (You can also find Marco on Twitter here)

Amanda Moore (Facebook) answered my question by saying, "I think actual social interactions have been replaced by these new social mediums. Its so rare that people call other people (or God for bid visit each other) to catch up and socialize. Now it is so much easier and faster to blast it out in cyberspace and text message each other.Its sad because we are not really networking socially anymore. Is sad when you learn about your friends divorce or wedding via FB. But I have to give in because if I wasnt participating in social networking then I would rarely keep in touch with my friends :( sad but true."


Kendrick Wong (Facebook) replied by saying, "Because you are on all of them. And I compelled to follow you everywhere."

There's always gotta be a silly one in the bunch heehee. Kendrick and I actually met in the Social/Virtual world Second Life. I love everything about meeting people both near and far.

Laurie Lutrell and I go way back to our High School days and honestly if it wasn't for sites like Facebook and Classmates.com we probably wouldn't be connecting. Here is Laurie's response via Facebook, "It's how I keep in touch with friends in Florida and Texas and family that's not so close."

sunilthacker: (via nursebevw) I use Twitter, FB and other sites to interact with interesting ppl just like you :)

KimPossible40 happens to live a town or two over from me. I don't know who found who first on Twitter, but this is what she had to say to my question, " To connect w/like-minded ppl and to gain knowledge of small business owners and I'm NOT here to follow celebs. No thanks."


BigCityNights (Twitter) responded by Direct Message; "To optimize/ publicize the fact that most restaurants have huge community involvement though most of their guests are never aware of it"

NOW......
It's only fair that I answer my own question, so here is why I Tweet, connect on Facebook and join so many other sites.

First off I think I am addicted to Soacial networking and Social Media LOL, but seriously it is a great way to reconnect with people that I haven't seen or talked to in years. I have found family and friends that I haven't seen or heard from in ages. I also love using these sites to meet new people from not only all over the world, but in my own neighborhood too. It is a great way to make new friends. Who couldn't use just one more friend in their life?
Another really cool thing about these sites is that they don't go away and you find out about people even after they have passed away. My Dad passed away almost two years ago and I still have him listed as my friend on Pogo, I have came across is MySpace pageand other sites that tell me more of who he was and what he loved. Think of your Twitter/Facebook/MySpace as a guide to who you are/were, your online legacy.


I want to thank all of the wonderful peeps that commented or @replied me with a response. Sadly enough I did realize that many people on Facebook and Twitter don't pay attention to other peoples posts/tweets. I started paying more attention to people that I follow on Twitter. I began responding with @replies to people that I don't connect with regularly and realized that even with an @reply many people are having a one sided relationship on Twitter.


What do I mean by a one sided relationship?
It means that a person chooses to only post information, links and news stories and does not retweet or @reply anyone. They seem unphased by anyone or anything and are only concerned with following thousands to get thousands of followers in return.


FYI
Twitter isn't a contest and Facebook isn't a race to see who can have the most followers and friends. I say we get back to socializing and leave the spam and cold shoulders behind.


We all have our reasons why we choose to become a part of an online community. What's yours?

How Are You Viewed Online?

If you are like 99% of teens and adults today you have created a presence on at least one Social Community available Online today. Whether you are playing poker on Pogo, Twittering on Twitter or connecting on one or more of the thousands of sites available today, you are indeed building an Online reputation.

Do you create profiles using your real name?

If you do in fact use your real name, location and post images and/or blogs about your real life, you may want to be a little cautious. There are so many things that can and have gone wrong with people and social networking sites. Do you make the same mistakes?

Do you use constant foul language when posting to your sites or commenting on other sites?
If your answer is yes...... you are not alone. Many people do and don't realize just how much this could be hurting them.

This implies that you are not educated enough to use real words and honestly just makes you look like an idiot

Do you post pictures that you may regret in a year?
This one is especially for those in High School and College. The pictures you find funny today may not be funny to your prospective employer in a few years.

While sharing pictures is fun, sharing the wrong pictures can be horribly embarrassing.

Do you easily make more enemies than friends online?
Are you so opinionated that you can't possibly find a good enough reason to consider the opinions and statements of others?

This says that you will never be a team player nor could you ever be a leader. People will not want you working for them nor will they want to work for you.
Do you SPAM your followers/friends with crap?
Mobster requests on MySpace, quiz requests on Facebook, I found a way to get 400 followers in a day on Twitter.... BLAH BLAH BLAH! All SPAM and people generally do not like it. I bet even the spammers hate it.

This can say many things. It could simply just mean that your account was hijacked and you need to reset your password OR it could mean that you are always bored therefor boring, annoying, impatient, lacking of a personality and so much more.

How's your grammar?
Do you spell words correctly? Do you use them in the right way? Are you a typonese type where only you really understand what it is you are saying? Please please please use spell check if that's the only thing you end up doing.

This says that you are uneducated, you rush through things and don't care enough to spell check anything. Most of all this says that I don't want you to let anyone know you work at my company.

Do you take your bad day frustrations out on the Internet?
Do you openly complain when you are having a bad day? I mean, we all do, but do you take it too far?

Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Running late to work? Kids made a huge mess at breakfast? It's OK, it happens to the best of us and it IS OK to let people know that Fluffy had an accident or Jimmy colored on the wall again. It is NOT OK to use what caused you to have a bad day as an excuse to be rude or mean in posts or comments. If it's that bad of a day, stay away from the Internet. You'll thank yourself later.

Complaining about your job.
The worst thing you can EVER DO. For example:


Why would you do this and no I wont hire you. Why would I want you bad mouthing my company because you are having a bad day? Can you say cheap shot?


Anyways, the point of this post is to show you that there are real and serious dangers in posting too much information on the web.

The first thing you need to remember is that even of you do delete something, it isn't necessarily erased from the web. Keep that in mind when posting pictures and well anything.

Next, you may not be actively looking for a new job or thinking about what could happen if you did need to look for something new, but complaining about your job will not be very pleasing to a new employer. Companies are starting to check you out on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and well they basically will Google your name.

Also, no matter if you have kids or not always ask yourself if you want your children or parents to see what you are about to post. Disastrous things can happen.

So.... You have a picture of a friend passed out at a party with liquor all around him or her. Do you post it on your MySpace page for everyone to see? I'm sure you will, but remember what could happen if you do. You could piss someone off or get someone in trouble. Would you want someone to do that to you?

The moral of this post is to think before you react Online. You could very well live to regret it. Instead use these platforms to your advantage. Use them to find old friends, make new friends, tastefully advertise your business, find lost family members and so many other things. The Internet is a wonderful tool when it is used properly.


One last warning, please be careful on the Internet. There are many crazy, sick and deeply disturbed people Online. Be careful with how much information you give out.

MLB 2009 All-Star Festivities

This year is the year that I have been waiting for ever since I moved to St. Louis. Ahhh.... To be in the worlds greatest baseball town when the most amazing players in baseball get together to determine which league gets home field advantage in the World Series. The only problem is that I am no longer in St. Louis :-(. I moved a little over a year ago to Tampa, FL and baseball is not a main topic here. Fans are not passionate about the Rays (Can't see why not lol).

So here is the list of festivities that I have only been able to see on TV.

All-Star Summer Schedule of Events

FRIDAY, JULY 10TH

9:00 am - 7:00 pm - All-Star FanFest at America's Center

SATURDAY, JULY 11TH

9:00 am - 8:00 pm - All-Star FanFest at America's Center

8:00 pm - All-Star Charity Concert featuring Sheryl Crow, presented by Pepsi at the Gateway Arch

SUNDAY, JULY 12TH

7:30 am - All-Star 5K Fun Run, presented by Nike & Sports Authority

8:00 am - All-Star Charity Fun Run, presented by Nike & Sports Authority

9:00 am - 8:00 pm - All-Star FanFest at America's Center

1:00 pm - XM All-Star Futures Game (Gates open at 11:00 am)

4:30 pm (approx) - Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game

MONDAY, JULY 13TH

9:00 am - 8 pm - All-Star FanFest at America's Center

7:00 pm - Gatorade Workout Day featuring State Farm Home-Run Derby
(Gates open at 4:00 pm)

TUESDAY, JULY 14TH

9:00 am - 6:00 pm - All-Star FanFest at America's Center

2:00 pm - All-Star Game Red Carpet Show, presented by Chevy

7:00 pm - 80th All-St ar Game (Gates open at 3:15 pm)

The Celebrity Softball Game was amazing.

Major League legends included: Ozzie Smith, Bruce Sutter, Davis Winfield, Rollie Fingers, Goose Gossage, Ernie Banks, Lee Smith, Vince Coleman, Whitey Herzog, Tommy John and Fred

Lynn.

The celebrities that were scheduled to appear: Ashanti, Chingy, James Senton, Carlos Diaz, Jenna Fischer, Ginuwine, Mike Golic, Mike Greensberg, Jon Hamm, Shawn Johnson, Bob Knight, Brian Littrell, Nelly, Andy Richter, Billy Bob Thornton, Carl Edwards, Kristen Butler, Megan Gibson, Samantha Findlay, Trena Peel and Annie Wersching.

It was an awesome game and in the end the final score was 10-8 NL

Prince Fielder has been crowned the Homerun Derby Champion, but I was a little upset that it wasn't the Cardinals own #5 Albert Pujols.

I am so excited for the game tonight.
Join me on Twitter while the game is being played.

Win Kobe Burgers

What do you have to lose??? All you have to do is click on the image above and leave a comment about what you would do with your 10 lbs of beef. Simple and free! Let me know if you entered and especially if you win.


Good Luck!!!

RIP Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson will undoubtedly be known as the "King of Pop" for hundreds and hundreds of years to come. He was known for the moonwalk, sequined white glove, amazing vocals and so much more. I grew up in a time where we knew exactly what the moonwalk was and wearing one glove always brought on a funny joke about being Michael Jackson and usually ended in a kick and scream.

Unfortunately I also grew up during the times of Michael being accused of horrible things. I didn't get to see Michael at his highest point in his career. I didn't get to experience first hand Michaels' debut of "Thriller" and I didn't care about MJ performing at the Superbowl. I was only 12 at that time. So I was so excited to hear that he was coming back with his UK tour. It was bound to be a comeback that people would talk about for ages and unfortunately that comeback was destined to never happen.

In the past week or so I have learned a lot more about this amazing man. Everything from the Jackson 5 days to his last night practicing before his unfortunate death. He may have had some issues, but don't we all? He lived in the spotlight and nothing was ever secretive when he was a child. In fact he was denied having a real childhood. I bet you too would be a bit screwed up if you had to go through what he did.

I realized a lot about people after the news of his death. I realized that people are quick to judge (*cough* Perez Hilton *cough*) and that politicians should NOT be on tv making false accusations about a man that had just passed away. Would he want his children to read and watch things about him like that?? I doubt it AND lets all remember that Michael was not convicted and he still had custody of his own children. If he was guilty of anything those kids would have been taken away.

Anyways........
So I watched the memorial yesterday and not only was it touching and emotional, it proves that the world loved Michael as much as he loved the world. He had a send off fit for a King and one that was well deserved. I was very happy to hear his daughter speak. I hope she set some people straight with her loving words about her Father. (shame on Perez Hilton again for his snotty remarks, remember the word KARMA buddy).


Not only was Michael a Pop icon, but he was a father, brother, son, friend, idol, role model, husband (a couple of times LOL) and most of all a man with a heart and feelings. If he was watching he would see how much he was loved. Heck, I never knew Michael Jackson personally and I honestly never owned one of his albums, but I knew his songs and now through his death I feel like I know him more as a person.

May he finally be at peace.



R.I.P. Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009)

What Does Your Business Card REALLY say?

So this past week I had the task of coming up with some business card designs for the company. Some for the Sales Associates that will be working with us and some for the executives in the company. I got to thinking about just how much of a marketing and branding tool a business card really is. What does your business card say about you? Does it say that you are still sitting in the 90's when it comes to how you want to promote your business? Are you unique or are you still using the same plain business cards as everyone else? Take a look at the examples below and you decide for yourself which concept catches your eye.




I personally chose to step outside of the box. I mean, I deal with an online career site so I thought I should go with that theme and this is my final product.
This might not be your ideal business card, but for me it is unique, innovative and eye catching.
Remember to use your business card as a way to better brand yourself through your business.

Marketing Through Social Media

How often do you try to plug your job/company/service/product on networking sites? What techniques do you use to plug your company? Spam? Annoyance? Subtleness?

How often do you see other people plugging sales and products on sites like MySpace, Facebook and even Twitter? How often do you get frustrated by these tactics that other people are using?

I see it all the time and yes I myself even Tweet for the company I work with, but in all honesty where or what does all of this get us? How long does it take to build up a perfect balance of meaningful friendships and business relationships online? For me it has taken about 6 months to get nearly 2,000 followers on Twitter, a radio interview, a radio shout out and blogged about in a local Tampa Bay blog. Not too bad, huh? I admit that it could and should be better. I mean we have a solid service/product to offer everyone. Everyday we are moving forward so what's the holdup online?
Then I ask myself, "Why haven't I gotten my interview with Ellen or Oprah yet"? I'll tell you why. Because NO ONE knows who Kim Randall is. I am not a famous model, I have never been in a band, I am not a famous singer.

Who am I then? Well I am a 28 year old Marketing and Sales Exec that is trying to move a company forward in a dog eat dog digital world. I have sent emails to many well know sources with no response. I have tried to call agents to pitch what this company is doing. Not many answer. It isn't because I don't have a compelling story. It is more likely to be that in the signature there isn't McHammer's name and phone number.

So why are all of these famous people Twittering, blogging and Vlogging that marketing through social media is so easy? I'll tell you why. It's because THEY ARE ALREADY FAMOUS!. They already have a name for themselves. They could claim to reinvent gum and people would interview them all day and night. What about all of the quality people out there that have amazing products? Do they get their 5 minutes of fame on CNN.com? Not normally, but sometimes it does happen.

Why am I posting this? Am I really that bitter towards celebrities trying to talk and preach about social media marketing? Not at all, in fact I applaud them for their success. Most of them came into their fame well before MySpace was invented or Twitter was even thought of. Most of them were not born into the status that they have now. They did work hard to get where they are. The reason I am posting this is to talk about how challenging it really can be to market and pitch your company in todays digital world without the celeb status. I would love to say that if you Tweet, everyone will follow. It isn't all true. You should however stay true to yourself and your company.

Remember to:

☞Provide everyone with rich content.

☞Let us see and know YOU and your product. It is ok to plug your company, but be yourself too.

☞People want to connect with real people and not just a sales advertisement.

☞Also stop the spamming about where you are going to be this Saturday like many of the friends I have on MySpace too. Eventually people stop paying attention. In this case LESS IS MORE! If you post something once a week or hell even once a day people are more apt to pay attention. Quit the 20 times in 5 minutes of posting the same thing. I WILL NOT PAY ANY ATTENTION!

☞Make sure you acknowledge your online peeps. What do I mean by this?? Well FOLLOW PEOPLE BACK on Twitter, reply to emails and messages on other platforms. Maybe someone wants to tell you that they enjoyed a blog post you wrote. It takes less than a minute to say a simple THANK YOU.

☞If you want people to pay attention to you, pay attention to them. The only way to truly build a meaningful business relationship is to pay attention to what and who is interested in you and your company.

☞Be sneaky, creative and smart. Don't do everything that your competitors are doing. Do something different. Offer a better service. Market in a different way. Be unique!!!

☞Are you targeting the right people? Let's say you are marketing a website that allows children in the age range of 3 to 10 to connect, play games and learn about computers. Would you market this to college students? Probably not. Your key demographic would be parents. Stick to and with the people that need your product the most.

✩BRAND YOURSELF and YOUR COMPANY! Your name is your own personal brand. People are not looking for commercials and magazine advertisements anymore. It's your time to shine as a person which will in return bring awareness to your company✩

*In no way do I claim to be an expert in Social Media Marketing, Networking and Marketing. I am just like the rest of you trying to make a name for myself and my employers company.*

Never doubt your company or yourself. Stick with it and be consistent in everything you do. If you have passion for what you are trying to achieve, it will be noticed.