The a2z Group

The 5 Most Interesting Things About Google’s ReMail Acquisition

admin — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:46:50 +0000

Email startup ReMail announced this afternoon that it's been acquired by Google and there's a pretty interesting story behind this cool technology that could inspire future developments in Gmail.

The news was announced by ReMail CEO Gabor Cselle on his blog today (we learned about it first via CenterNetworks). Gabor was a former Gmail intern and was YCombinator funded. There are even more interesting elements to this story than that, though.

via The 5 Most Interesting Things About Google’s ReMail Acquisition.

18 Essential Tools for Every Word-of-Mouth Marketer

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:37:37 +0000

Clay McDaniel is the principal and co-founder of social media marketing agency, Spring Creek Group. Find him via @springcreekgrp on Twitter.

By now, most consumer marketers know they could be using Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and other social media platforms to boost brand recognition, engage customers, and drive sales.

via 18 Essential Tools for Every Word-of-Mouth Marketer.

Inc.com’s Social Media Guide for Small Business: How to Advertise on Facebook

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:35:47 +0000

These days, it seems everyone and his mother has a Facebook page. In the U.S., about 100 million unique visitors flock to the social network every month. Many business owners are among them, using Facebook profiles to promote their companies and create customer communities.

via Inc.com’s Social Media Guide for Small Business: How to Advertise on Facebook.

Facebook Privacy, Security Fears Grow with Social Network Risks – Security from eWeek

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:34:50 +0000

According to Sophos, 60 percent of businesses consider Facebook the riskiest social networking site, underscoring a new level of wariness for social networks at a time when a researcher from Kaspersky Lab says compromised accounts for Twitter and other sites can go for big bucks in the cyber-underworld.

via Facebook Privacy, Security Fears Grow with Social Network Risks – Security from eWeek.

In the iPad, Apple Is Betting on Its Own Microchip – NYTimes.com

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:33:56 +0000

Sure, the screen is nice. But the iPad’s most important component, at least for Apple’s future, may be the A4, the fingernail-size chip at the tablet’s heart.

With the A4, Apple has taken another step toward challenging the norms of the mobile device industry. Device makers typically buy their primary chips from specialized microprocessor companies. But for the iPad, Apple chose to design its own — creating unique bonds between the chip and Apple’s software.

via In the iPad, Apple Is Betting on Its Own Microchip – NYTimes.com.

Is Social Media Causing Companies to Rethink Their Business Model? · CFO Strategist – WSJ.com: US Business

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:27:13 +0000

I have the distinct pleasure of exchanging ideas with one of today’s most thought provoking strategists and futurists – Terrence (TJ) Kelly. Recently we talked about the possible impact social media could have on the “Sales Rep” model. Below is a guest post from TJ that begins to explore an issue which many executives may soon have to address

via Is Social Media Causing Companies to Rethink Their Business Model? · CFO Strategist – WSJ.com: US Business.

Apple’s Secret? It Tells Us What We Should Love – The Conversation – Harvard Business Review

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:26:00 +0000

At the beginning of Steve Jobs's presentation of the iPad, a slide showed an image of God delivering its commandments, paired by a quote from The Wall Street Journal: “Last time there was this much excitement about a tablet, it had some commandments written on it.” Although a touch arrogant, this quote powerfully captures the essence of the event.

via Apple’s Secret? It Tells Us What We Should Love – The Conversation – Harvard Business Review.

Is Real-Time Search Good for Businesses? | Social Media Examiner

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:24:57 +0000

Real-time search is bringing social media to search engines. And that means a whole new dynamic for businesses using the social web.

With Twitter and Facebook updates appearing in Google search results, many businesses are trying to figure if this is good or bad—and what to do next. Ziff Davis featured this blog post a while back. It got me thinking about the implications of the real-time web and how businesses can navigate through these rough waters.

via Is Real-Time Search Good for Businesses? | Social Media Examiner.

SmartBlog On Social Media » Real-time search: 4 questions that deserve answers

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:23:32 +0000

Last week’s post on Google’s introduction of “real-time” search sparked quite a bit of discussion. SmartBrief on Social Media readers had a number of questions, concerns and fears about what this shift in the search landscape might mean to marketers. For answers, I turned to George Bounacos, COO of Silver Beacon Marketing and a SEM practitioner who has been involved in monetizing online efforts since 1986. Here is an edited transcript of that conversation:

via SmartBlog On Social Media » Real-time search: 4 questions that deserve answers.

‘Friendsourcing’: Search Gone Social – Advertising Age – DigitalNext

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:22:48 +0000

If “Wisdom of Crowds” has been the dish of the last decade, Google has been its greatest chef. After all, who else could serve up a culinary delight of perfectly algorithmic search results? It's mathematically ideal: the entire internet is cached, indexed, scored and “interrogated” to find who says which sites are most relevant for a given search term.

via ‘Friendsourcing’: Search Gone Social – Advertising Age – DigitalNext.

MediaPost Publications When Twitter Becomes The Clearing House For Business Data

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:21:48 +0000

f you were on vacation, similar to me, during the end of December you might have missed Twitter's big announcement. The company acquired Mixer Labs, the creator of GeoAPI, which provides developers with the ability to query data. That data can come from about 16 million businesses and thousands of points of interest. The technology also offers developers a layer on which to handle complex geographical queries and location-based services.

via MediaPost Publications When Twitter Becomes The Clearing House For Business Data 01/08/2010.

Technology Review: How Google Ranks Tweets

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:20:41 +0000

To deliver useful search returns from the so-called real-time Web–such as seconds-old Twitter “tweets” reporting traffic jams–Google has adapted its page-ranking technology and developed new algorithmic tricks and filters to keep returns relevant, according to a leading Google engineer.

via Technology Review: How Google Ranks Tweets.

Real-Time Search: 5 Alternatives to Google, Bing

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:19:54 +0000

When search engine giants Microsoft Bing and Google (GOOG) announced their moves into the real-time search arena late last year, they joined a number of small startups racing to position themselves ahead of their competitors. Unlike traditional search engines, real-time search sites index updates from social communities such as Twitter, Delicious, Flickr and

via Real-Time Search: 5 Alternatives to Google, Bing – CIO.com – Business Technology Leadership.

No layoffs – ever!

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:16:26 +0000

A perennial Best Company, it's not surprising that this business analytics software company, which has shockingly low turnover of 2%, has never had a layoff because of an economic downturn (although it has had reorganizations that resulted in employees leaving or being reassigned).

via No layoffs – ever! – SAS (1) – FORTUNE.

10 Ways to Delegate | Sterling Performance

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:15:36 +0000

Some managers think they delegate well when they delegate all the routine rubbish and, of course, all the blame. This pleases the manager more than the team. Effective delegation is the way to better performance for the boss and the team, but it requires courage, discipline and self-awareness.

via 10 Ways to Delegate | Sterling Performance | BNET.

Apple and Microsoft May Join Forces to Fight Google’s Android Army

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:36:42 +0000

Microsoft was the only major player in the smartphone market to lose market share in a recent three-month analysis which concluded in October. Windows 7 Mobile is delayed and some are claiming that we might not see it until 2011.

via Report: Apple and Microsoft May Join Forces to Fight Google’s Android Army – InsideTech.com.

Researchers Cracked 3G GSM Encryption in Under 2 Hours – InsideTech.com

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:35:13 +0000

For those in the know about the current state of cell phone security, it’s a mess. With current 64-bit encryptions on GSM (used by about 3.5 billion people worldwide), publicly cracked after 21 years of secrecy, wire-tapping is now no longer the realm of the government alone. Security researchers have demonstrated that malicious users and corporate spies alike can tap 64-bit GSM and decrypt it using equipment that can cost under $1,000

via Researchers Cracked 3G GSM Encryption in Under 2 Hours – InsideTech.com.

The Internet Isn’t Just for Computers Anymore

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:17:45 +0000

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this year, thousands of companies demoed countless devices. Some of them brought 3D into your living room, while others miniaturized the computing experience to the tablet format.

via The Internet Isn’t Just for Computers Anymore : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum.

Top 3 SEO Tips To Dominate Search Engine Rankings – Twitterer Social Network

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:12:00 +0000

Since 1998 I've spent the first several months of each year looking for the very best search engine optimization (SEO) tips of the previous year's end. This year I've come across the best SEO tips yet.

via Top 3 SEO Tips To Dominate Search Engine Rankings – Twitterer Social Network.

10 Email Marketing Strategies to Dramatically Increase Your Sales – Twitterer Social Network

admin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:02:51 +0000

Consider this: About 99% of your website visitors will leave without buying anything from you on their first visit. But by creating a great opt-in offer you can at least get their contact details — and then use email marketing to follow up, build relationships, and turn them into paying customers.

via 10 Email Marketing Strategies to Dramatically Increase Your Sales – Twitterer Social Network.

Snagit Screen Capture Now Available on Mac

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:38:25 +0000

Snagit, which is the best screen capture software for Windows, is now available for Mac as well. You can head over to techsmith/snagitmac to download the first Mac version of Snagit for free.

via Snagit Screen Capture Now Available on Mac.

Publish FeedBurner Feeds to Twitter using Google Short URLs

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:37:44 +0000

TwitterFeed, in case you haven’t seen it before, is an interesting service that can automatically publish your RSS feed(s) into your Twitter account. This helps because the moment you write something new on your blog, a “tweet” is posted on your behalf informing all your Twitter followers about the new content.

via Publish FeedBurner Feeds to Twitter using Google Short URLs.

Social Media Predictions For 2010

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:16:55 +0000

With the first decade of the new century and new millennium coming to a close, its time to look forward at some of the prognostications that several of today’s visionaries have divined from their social media crystal balls

via Social Media Predictions For 2010.

2010 predictions: Follow the hardware

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:16:14 +0000

It’s easy to scoff at business predictions for the coming year. But the best social media prognosticators (like Shiv Signh in his SmartBrief on Social Media interview) have a leg up on their counterparts in other industries, since they can look to hardware to light the way.

via SmartBlog On Social Media » 2010 predictions: Follow the hardware.

A brief history of social network enterprise collaboration tools | VentureBeat

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:14:42 +0000

Social networking has become an integral part of office life. These commercial tools – Facebook, Twitter, etc. – are being used by more than half of employees, according to one study. But some companies have taken a reactive stance against these tools due to privacy or transparency concerns, and the number of companies selling tools specifically for enterprise continues to increase.

via A brief history of social network enterprise collaboration tools | VentureBeat.

Tibco: A Twitter-Like Service That’s About Subjects More Than People – ReadWriteEnterprise

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:11:39 +0000

Tibco is coming out with a Twitter-like service that has an emphasis on subjects more than on following people.

In Tibco’s view, the enterprise is not just about the people anymore, but the subject and contextual information that relates to a person’s job. The value is in decoupling the subject matter from the person so the right information can be found quickly and easily.

via Tibco: A Twitter-Like Service That’s About Subjects More Than People – ReadWriteEnterprise .

Microsoft labs tests a Wikipedia of average Joes | Beyond Binary – CNET News

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:10:36 +0000

Think of Microsoft’s latest labs effort as the software maker’s attempt to give everyone their own Wikipedia entry.

Dubbed EntityCube and now live to try out, the research project pulls together biographical information on anyone found on the Web.

via Microsoft labs tests a Wikipedia of average Joes | Beyond Binary – CNET News.

How Events Can Use Social Media

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:09:57 +0000

’m presenting to the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) conference today. These people all put on conferences for a living, a multi-billion dollar industry (note: I also put on conferences), and work with an events solutions company.

via How Events Can Use Social Media.

Five Tips for Promoting Your SMB with Twitter and Facebook

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:50:15 +0000

Many companies have Twitter accounts that spit out periodic updates on new products or services, and a few even have a Facebook page. But there’s a big difference between having a social networking account that puts out spam to a followers/friends list that consists of employees and the owners’ immediate family, to being part of an actual online community.

via Five Tips for Promoting Your SMB with Twitter and Facebook : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum.

How to Use Social Media to Retain Customers

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:48:45 +0000

There are many times or reasons that a small business will receive an influx of new customers — such as around the holidays for retail stores, during a new product or service launch, or after a local advertising campaign. While new customers are great, returning customers are even better. Social media offers a number of opportunities to turn your new and existing customers into repeat customers and fans.

via How to Use Social Media to Retain Customers : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum.

IPhone Apps Won’t Get You Lots of Buzz

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:47:53 +0000

For all the love that marketers show iPhone apps, these micro-utilities and tools actually generate surprisingly little buzz in return.

via Mobile Marketing: IPhone Apps Won’t Get You Lots of Buzz – Advertising Age – Digital.

Never too early: Making the most of Google Sidewiki

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:42:21 +0000

Heard of Google Sidewiki? It’s a Google toolbar that enables anyone to comment on any Web page for the world to see. Yes, any Web page. Including yours.

via SmartBlog On Social Media » Never too early: Making the most of Google Sidewiki.

How Critical is Linked In?

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:41:37 +0000

That was one of the many great questions asked during one of my recent Netshare Ask-a-Coach calls. My response … so critical that it is part of every package I sell and we spend at least one coaching session around how to leverage the power of that Web 2.0 technology. While you are launching a proactive effort, Linked In is an ongoing, powerful, portable, 24/7 strategy.

via The CFO Coach: How Critical is Linked In?.

The Cowardly Manager’s Guide to Dealing with Poor Performers

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:39:57 +0000

Dealing with a poor performer has to be one of the hardest responsibilities of a leader. Great leaders confront performance issues head on. They provide feedback, coaching, counseling, and if all else fails, real leaders fire underperformers. It’s all part of earning your scars as a leader.

via Great Leadership: The Cowardly Manager’s Guide to Dealing with Poor Performers.

Retailers: Embrace Web 3.0

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:39:05 +0000

In one of my first Forbes columns, I outlined my definition of Web 3.0. My formula is this: Web 3.0 results from combining content, commerce, community and context, with personalization and vertical search. Or, to put in a handy phrase: Web 3.0 = (4C + P + VS).

via Retailers: Embrace Web 3.0 – Forbes.com.

John Mackey’s Whole Foods Vision to Reshape Capitalism | Fast Company

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:38:19 +0000

John Mackey, the Libertarian CEO of Whole Foods, says not to worry: Capitalism and the invisible hand will cure the world’s ills. But isn’t it a little late to start believing in magic?

via John Mackey’s Whole Foods Vision to Reshape Capitalism | Fast Company.

The Soul of an Entrepreneur

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:37:32 +0000

I have had the good fortune to be close to many successful entrepreneurs. And so I have a perspective as to what separates those who make it big from those who don’t. Yes, the quality of the idea is critical, of course, as is the access to capital. And certainly being at the right place at the right time is the ultimate good fortune.

via Jim Randel: The Soul of an Entrepreneur.

From Problems to Profits

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:35:43 +0000

Jennifer Herskowitz spent years scouring aisles and studying labels at Whole Foods and stores like it, wishing there was a shop that stocked well-organized, clearly labeled allergy-free products for her kids, who have serious food allergies.

via From Problems to Profits – Starting a Specialty Food Retail Store – Entrepreneur.com .

Innovation Weblog – Trends, resources, viewpoints from Chuck Frey at InnovationTools

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:27:19 +0000

The road to growth is paved with good innovations. And for many companies in this post-recession economy, new business models will provide the fuel.

According to my firm’s recent survey of 65 senior executives of global companies, the large majority of firms – fully 80 percent – are looking for innovation to drive growth. But they’re not necessarily looking for the next great product or product feature.

via Innovation Weblog – Trends, resources, viewpoints from Chuck Frey at InnovationTools.

Does buying an existing franchise qualify for an SBA loan? – Franchises – Ask Entrepreneur

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:25:47 +0000

I want to buy a franchise from an existing owner. Can I use an SBA loan to finance the sale and to finance working capital?

via Does buying an existing franchise qualify for an SBA loan? – Franchises – Ask Entrepreneur.

The Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Franchisings—Entrepreneur.com

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:24:46 +0000

About 15 years ago, an entrepreneur came to me proudly displaying the franchise legal documents that he had prepared, and asked me to critique them. While I’m not an attorney, I said I would be happy to weigh in on the business issues that these documents contained.

via The Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Franchising—Franchise Programs—Entrepreneur.com .

Franchise Trends

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:07:32 +0000

Want a peek into the future of franchising? We’ve compiled a list of 10 franchise categories that are poised for growth in 2010. Some, like fitness and senior care, have been going strong for years and show no signs of slowing. Others, like gourmet burgers and party services, are relatively new to the franchising scene and just starting to show their potential. All of them are worth keeping an eye on in the year ahead.

via Franchise Trends – Entrepreneur.com .

When the Little Guy Goes Big

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:06:04 +0000

Like a lot of small-business owners today, Nathan Smith was nervous. For 18 years, he’d built Sure Signs, his Idaho Falls, Idaho, sign shop, and he was sick of running hard for 60 hours a week. Instead of putting his energy into building new business–critical in this economy–he was drained by being the only person who could solve day-to-day problems. And one worry loomed over all the rest:

via When the Little Guy Goes Big – Entrepreneur.com .

How to Design for Delight

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:03:16 +0000

I recently spoke with Scott Cook, the co-founder and now Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Intuit, Inc. Intuit provides individuals, small companies, and accounting professionals with financial management software solutions like Quicken, Quickbooks, Lacerte, and Turbotax. We focused our discussion on the evolution of Intuit’s unique design philosophy.

via How to Design for Delight : The World :: American Express OPEN Forum.

11 Sources of Free or Low-Cost Training

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:02:27 +0000

Being competitive often means being informed and knowledgeable about what’s new: products, technologies, business practices, legislation, industry happenings, competitive threats, and more. But getting and staying educated on the latest of everything can be expensive: industry certification programs and professional conferences can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

via 11 Sources of Free or Low-Cost Training : Money :: American Express OPEN Forum.

Search By Sight With Google Goggles

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:01:28 +0000

Today, at their Search Event in Mountain View, Google demoed a brand new product set to launch in Google Labs: Google Goggles. Humorous name aside, the product looks to be a huge leap forward in the field of visual search — by which I mean, you point a camera at something and Google figures out what it is.

via Search By Sight With Google Goggles .

Citysearch and Twitter Team Up to Offer Business Tools – Bits Blog – NYTimes.com

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:49:20 +0000

A new partnership between Citysearch and Twitter offers some clues about what Twitter’s long-awaited paid accounts for businesses might look like.

via Citysearch and Twitter Team Up to Offer Business Tools – Bits Blog – NYTimes.com.

To Hell With Personal Branding

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:08:12 +0000

Hey, Personal Branding, I have something to tell you:

I don’t care.

I just don’t care anymore. You have prevented me from having fun for the last time.

I bought my URL domain and secured a couple of social media profiles. Your job is done, I’m moving on now.

Because really, all that you’ve ever really taught us is stuff we already knew. Did we really need someone telling us how to be authentic or respectful?

via To Hell With Personal Branding | Brazen Careerist.

The Natural Laws of Parties for Leaders

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:07:18 +0000

It’s holiday party time. And, if you are a boss, you need to pay attention to the natural laws of parties and leadership.

via Three Star Leadership Blog: The Natural Laws of Parties for Leaders .

Giving a High Performer Productive Feedback – Management Essentials – HarvardBusiness.org

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:06:42 +0000

Giving feedback, particularly constructive feedback, is often a stressful task. As counterintuitive as it may seem, giving feedback to a top performer can be even tougher. Top performers may not have obvious development needs and in identifying those needs, you can sometimes feel like you’re being nitpicky or over-demanding. In addition, top performers may not be used to hearing constructive feedback and may rankle at the slightest hint that they’re not perfect.

via Giving a High Performer Productive Feedback – Management Essentials – HarvardBusiness.org.

Starbucks Uses Social Media to Build Engagement

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:06:14 +0000

More and more of the trendsetting companies are using social media initiatives to build their brand, listen to conversations, gather feedback from consumers, answer questions, and launch new products and promotions. Increasingly these companies are making the direct link between social media and customer engagement, but how are they using these same tools to drive employee engagement, or are they?

via Starbucks Uses Social Media to Build Engagement.

When authenticity isn’t a choice

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:43:40 +0000

At SmartBrief on Social Media, we’ve featured many articles about the importance of authenticity on social networks — and a lot of them make it sound like it’s a daunting task, as if we needed to work really hard to truly be ourselves online. But new research suggests that authenticity is something people achieve naturally. In other words, you actually have to try not to be authentic.

via SmartBlog On Social Media » When authenticity isn’t a choice.

Is Your Facebook Personality Genuine? – Well Blog – NYTimes.com

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:42:30 +0000

Anyone who has ever spent time on a dating Web site like Match.com knows that the online profile often doesn’t match the person in real life.

via Is Your Facebook Personality Genuine? – Well Blog – NYTimes.com.

A Painful Social Media Foray for Seattle Journalists

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:36:48 +0000

It was a lesson learned under horrible circumstances, but a lesson nonetheless. When four police officers were shot and killed in a coffee shop in Washington this week, local media mobilized to follow law enforcement as the suspect was tracked down. It wasn’t the first time social networking was used to supplement media coverage, but this time it made breakthroughs in substantial and useful ways.

via Technology News: Social Networking: A Painful Social Media Foray for Seattle Journalists.

Twitter Alternatives That Are All Business

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:35:29 +0000

When Twitter launched in 2006, few people could have predicted how microblogging would change online communication. Today, microblogging, or short-form text updates posted to the Web, has exploded in popularity. As a result, a number of microblogging applications for the enterprise—Twitter alternatives that do just a bit more—have surfaced.

via Twitter Alternatives That Are All Business – CIO.com – Business Technology Leadership.

The business of social networking

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:34:20 +0000

Social media isn’t just for socializing anymore.

A growing number of smaller companies are beginning to see the business value of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn that let users post information and communicate with others. Users also can meet new people through their contacts, giving them access to a broader audience.

via The business of social networking | detnews.com | The Detroit News.

10 Web trends to watch in 2010 – CNN.com

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:33:33 +0000

While Web innovation is unpredictable, some clear trends are becoming apparent. Expect the following 10 themes to define the Web next year:

via 10 Web trends to watch in 2010 – CNN.com.

How social networks may improve the holiday spend – Social Marketing – BizReport

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:32:41 +0000

It is no secret that social networks are very quickly changing how consumers interact with both online content and other online consumers. Friendships are being made or rekindled and families are finding new ways to stay in touch.

via How social networks may improve the holiday spend – Social Marketing – BizReport.

Friendster gets a face-lift, looks for love? | Webware – CNET

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:32:05 +0000

Onetime social-networking pioneer Friendster unveiled a new design on Thursday, and it’s focusing on the demographic that has kept it afloat for the past few years: the Asian youth market. And according to Reuters, Friendster may also be sold to a buyer in Asia by the end of the month for at least $100 million.

via Friendster gets a face-lift, looks for love? | Webware – CNET.

Using Social Media in a Loyalty Campaign

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:40:50 +0000

Using social media in a loyalty campaign is a great way to interact with your loyal customers and build exclusive value for them. The goal of this kind of campaign is to reward your current customers, frequent buyers or to entice customers away from competitors because they get more from you. This can take the form of a discount card, some kind of point system, to keeping a list of your best customers and having an event in their honor.

via Using Social Media in a Loyalty Campaign | Shuaism.

Things to Never Say to Older, Younger Coworkers – SalesHQ

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:34:48 +0000

With the downturn in the US economy, workplaces are becoming more and more diverse age-wise. Older workers are working alongside younger workers as people at every stage in their career are getting laid off.

via Things to Never Say to Older, Younger Coworkers – SalesHQ.

21 Ways to Bring in the Business

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:34:13 +0000

Despite your desperate hopes and prayers, business isn’t just going to wander into your business. You need to get out there and hustle, and we’ve got the tips to help you do it.

via 21 Ways to Bring in the Business – SalesHQ.

Body Language Can Make or Break an Interview – SalesHQ

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:33:01 +0000

The first and last three minutes of an interview are the most important to a person’s chances of getting a job, according to new study.

Julia Goodman, founder of communications coaching company Personal Presentation, studied more than 1,000 taped interviews in her research.

via Body Language Can Make or Break an Interview – SalesHQ.

Be a Contract Sales Professional

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:32:21 +0000

The prospect of ditching your 9-to-5 sales job to become a contract sales professional (CSP) is both exciting and downright scary. You may be confident about your sales ability but feel tentative about trading in the security of your W-2 status for the uncertainty that comes with a 1099.

via Be a Contract Sales Professional – SalesHQ.

The Waiting Game

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:26:28 +0000

In wrapping up my Search Insider contributions this year, I would like to address the development of 2009 that will likely have the greatest impact on the search marketing landscape for the next decade: the pending search deal between Microsoft and Yahoo.

via MediaPost Publications The Waiting Game 12/04/2009.

Need a job in IT? The cloud needs you | Cloud Computing – InfoWorld

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:22:57 +0000

t’s always interesting to me to see the job growth in emerging spaces, such as cloud computing. Typically, the hype is huge around a concept (such as SOA, client/server, or distributed objects) about 8 to 12 months before there is notable job growth. This is often due to companies not understanding the value of the new technology, as well as to the lag in allocating budget and creating job reqs.

via Need a job in IT? The cloud needs you | Cloud Computing – InfoWorld.

Lending Shortfall Will Slow Job Creation – 12/3/2009 8:25:00 AM – Chain Leader

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:20:33 +0000

PRESS RELEASE: WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2009 – A $3.4 billion shortfall in lending to franchise businesses in 2010 will result in 134,000 jobs not created and $13.9 billion in economic output lost, according to new data released today by the International Franchise Association.

via IFA: Lending Shortfall Will Slow Job Creation – 12/3/2009 8:25:00 AM – Chain Leader.

How to Setup Google DNS on your Windows Computer or Wireless Router – Videos

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:17:39 +0000

Like OpenDNS, Google today launched their own public DNS service that they say will make your web-surfing experience “faster, safer and more reliable.”

via How to Setup Google DNS on your Windows Computer or Wireless Router – Videos.

CMO Advice: What to look for when choosing a Social Media or Digital agency?

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:16:30 +0000

I had a chance before the holiday to interview Romi Mahajan, President of KKM Group, an Advisory company focused solely on Strategy and Marketing to get his advice on what CMO’s should be looking for in an Agency. Here is his take …

via Social Media Today | CMO Advice: What to look for when choosing a Social Media or Digital agency? .

20 Questions To Start a Social Media Discussion

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:15:47 +0000

Let’s make something clear: you can be the person that starts asking the questions and initiating the conversations that move social media forward. You. Sitting right there. Yes, you.

via Social Media Today | 20 Questions To Start a Social Media Discussion .

Top 50 brands on Facebook

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:14:59 +0000

The Big Money ranks the 50 brands that are currently making the best use of Facebook. The ranking is based on factors like number of fans, page growth, frequency of updates, creativity and fan engagement. Coca-Cola is ranked as the brand that makes best use of the social network thanks to its “organic fan-centric page without a corporate feel”. Here are the top 10:

via Social Media Today | Top 50 brands on Facebook .

Study shows women dominate on social networks

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:14:10 +0000

Over the past two years there’s been a raft of research showing that women are increasingly more active than men in social media…for example last year there was the Rapleaf study showing that women tended to have more social network friends than men.

via Social Media Today | Study shows women dominate on social networks .

Twitter’s Intelligent; Welcome to Web 3.0

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:13:16 +0000

I wrote a post a few days ago, Is Twitter a Complex Adaptive System?, that proposed the idea that Twitter may be evolving into an entity of sorts, a collective intelligence. I’ve come across some new posts that are amplifying that meme, and I just want to keep the thoughtstream going.

via Social Media Today | Twitter’s Intelligent; Welcome to Web 3.0 .

5 Things I Would Tell a Social Media Professor

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:12:38 +0000

Last week I asked the question, “Should Social Media be a College Course” and received quite a number of mixed comments. In the end, I’ve realized that there is an absolute need for at least an interactive marketing course at the college level for marketing majors. New graduates need the tools to succeed online and they deserve to have learned at least the fundamentals.

via Social Media Today | 5 Things I Would Tell a Social Media Professor .

9 Tips for Maxing Twitter Advertising During NFL Prime Time

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:11:26 +0000

Brian Solis reminded us that the NFL has effectively banned Twitter use by anybody at a stadium on Game Day. But that doesn’t keep big companies, small businesses and guerrilla marketers who use Twitter as part of their social advertising and marketing strategies from Tweeting to the larger audience of Tweeple watching games at home or at sports bars.

via Social Media Today | 9 Tips for Maxing Twitter Advertising During NFL Prime Time .

Five Social Media Predictions for 2010

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:10:12 +0000

Augmented Reality (AR) is the ability to place computer-generated information, such as text and labels, on top of live real world data, such as video from a smart phone. Most AR applications in 2009 were quaint curiosities designed to demonstrate the AR concept. It took a lot of hacking and ingenuity to make these a reality since most consumer platforms lagged (but not by much) in features (think video finally coming to the iPhone) required for AR.

via Social Media Today | Five Social Media Predictions for 2010 .

How to Choose a Smartphone for Your Small Business : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:08:26 +0000

Just as the Internet has evolved over the past decade, cell phones have become much more than devices for making and receiving phone calls. Today, smartphones can do everything from email, to sync with our desktops, to turn-by-turn driving directions.

via How to Choose a Smartphone for Your Small Business : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum.

10 Ways to Make WordPress More Useful : Marketing :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:07:31 +0000

The WordPress blogging platform is one of the most popular software choices for adding this powerful content tool. Its wide adoption is aided greatly by the fact that its open source architecture means that outside developers can create add-ons to extend the basic functionality.

via 10 Ways to Make WordPress More Useful : Marketing :: American Express OPEN Forum.

Protect Your Cash or Lose Your Business : Money :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:31:50 +0000

It seems like every week there’s another story about a small business owner who’s been ripped off by someone they trusted with their hard earned cash. Just last week, my plumber said he was probably going to file for bankruptcy because his trusted office manager took off with $60k of the company’s funds.

via Protect Your Cash or Lose Your Business : Money :: American Express OPEN Forum.

Connecting with Experience: 3 Business Owners Share Their Insights : Marketing :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:31:20 +0000

In my past articles on business resiliency during the recession, many of the entrepreneurs I talked to had been running their businesses for years. But recently I thought, what about entrepreneurs who have new companies or are new to their industries?

via Connecting with Experience: 3 Business Owners Share Their Insights : Marketing :: American Express OPEN Forum.

The Importance of Contract Workers : Innovation :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:30:31 +0000

Much of the attention paid to contract workers has tended to focus on their use by large companies. However, in recent years, small business owners have dramatically increased their use of contract workers.

via The Importance of Contract Workers : Innovation :: American Express OPEN Forum.

CareerBuilder Social Basics

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:25:28 +0000

Social media is a global phenomenon, and it’s changing the way people do business. This Webinar discusses why companies need to consider social media, plus the 10 best practices for incorporating it into their employment brands.

via CareerBuilder Social Basics.

Practically Speaking – Ringing In the Holiday But Sharing the Office Party Bill – NYTimes.com

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:22:18 +0000

A FEW months ago, this holiday season looked to be another bleak one for the caterers and event planners who orchestrate big corporate parties.

via Practically Speaking – Ringing In the Holiday But Sharing the Office Party Bill – NYTimes.com.

Weathering the Recession – Tips For Keeping Employees Happy and Productive

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:18:49 +0000

The current economic downturn has had a negative effect on businesses and employees alike. During these hard times, management instinctively focuses on finding ways to cut costs quickly and significantly to bring companies back to a profitable level. And that usually means layoffs. Unfortunately, though, companies often neglect the employees who remain behind and little time and attention is paid to employee satisfaction and retention

via Weathering the Recession – Tips For Keeping Employees Happy and Productive .

Working for an “Impossible Boss:” Is the Only Option to Suffer in Silence Until You Can Escape?

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:18:08 +0000

I was just reading a compelling and heavily research based by psychologist Robert Hogan called Personality and the Fate of Organizations.

via Bob Sutton: Working for an “Impossible Boss:” Is the Only Option to Suffer in Silence Until You Can Escape? .

How Web 2.0 is changing the way we work Andrew McAfee – McKinsey Quarterly – Business Technology – Strategy

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:17:16 +0000

In recent years, using technology to change the way people work has often meant painful disruption, as CIOs rolled enterprise software programs through the ranks of reluctant staffers. Today, employees are more likely to bring in new technologies on their own—and to do so enthusiastically—through their Web browser, whether it’s starting a blog, setting up a wiki to share knowledge, or collaborating on documents hosted online

via How Web 2.0 is changing the way we work Andrew McAfee – McKinsey Quarterly – Business Technology – Strategy .

The Happiness Project: Eight Tips to Know If You’re Being Boring.

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:16:15 +0000

Every Wednesday is Tip Day.

This Wednesday: Eight tips for knowing if you’re boring someone.

‘Tis the season of merry-making, which means you’re probably more likely than usual to find yourself making polite and perhaps awkward chit-chat. One of the challenges of the holidays!

via The Happiness Project: Eight Tips to Know If You’re Being Boring..

Yahoo! deepens Facebook connection

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:10:57 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO — Yahoo! said Wednesday that it is weaving Facebook connections into its popular online services such as email and news.

The move deepens a bond established when Yahoo! home pages began presenting updates from people’s friends at the world’s most popular online social-networking service.

via AFP: Yahoo! deepens Facebook connection.

The Anti-Social-Network Social Network – Bits Blog – NYTimes.com

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:09:55 +0000

Facebook and LinkedIn are great for connecting with friends and business associates you already know. But what if you want to expand your social circle and meet new people?

via The Anti-Social-Network Social Network – Bits Blog – NYTimes.com.

How to help your speakers talk about your event

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:09:07 +0000

With our Word of Mouth Supergenius event now a couple weeks away, I thought I’d share a few ideas on how to get your speakers talking about your next conference based on what we’ve learned from this event.

Your event speakers are a great group of talkers because they’re usually well-connected and already have ties to the crowd of attendees you’re trying to attract. Yet, it’s also a challenge because they’re busy and are regularly being pitched to promote something.

via SmartBlog On Social Media » Andy’s Answers: How to help your speakers talk about your event.

Leadership – What’s Love Got To Do With It? Ask John Wooden | TerryStarbucker.com

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:05:16 +0000

John Wooden is a basketball coaching legend – in his 27 years at UCLA, his teams had a winning percentage of 81%, and they won a unfathomable 10 NCAA titles.

He was also a lifetime student of leadership and personal development, creating what he called the “Pyramid of Success“.

via Leadership – What’s Love Got To Do With It? Ask John Wooden | TerryStarbucker.com.

Learn the five secrets of innovation – CNN.com

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:04:32 +0000

London, England (CNN) — Coming up with brilliant, game-changing ideas is what makes the likes of Apple’s Steve Jobs so successful, and now researchers say they have identified the five secrets to being a great innovator

via Learn the five secrets of innovation – CNN.com.

Ten Great Ecommerce Ideas for December 2009 | Practical eCommerce

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:04:03 +0000

Shop First, Ask For Registration Later

“Allow shoppers to check out before asking them to register with your website. The information learned at check out, such as name, address and email, can be used to create customer accounts. Eliminating this extra step in the online shopping process gets you one step closer to a completed order.”

Jeffrey Cohen

CIO/CTO

PM Digital

via Ten Great Ecommerce Ideas for December 2009 | Practical eCommerce.

The Costs Of Virtual Sprawl – Forbes.com

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:02:00 +0000

As companies have adopted virtualization, it has become easier and easier to create virtual servers. What used to take weeks can be done in minutes. But now the bill is coming due and companies are dealing with virtual server sprawl. JargonSpy talked recently with Jay Litkey, president and chief executive of Embotics, a company that creates software products for managing virtualized data centers.

via The Costs Of Virtual Sprawl – Forbes.com.

Should You Hold “Office Hours”? – Bill Taylor – HarvardBusiness.org

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:01:11 +0000

I have a rule that whenever I see three twists on the same idea, I need to look into that idea — on the theory that three of anything can mark a trend. Lately, my rule of three convinced me to check out the rise of “office hours” in business and finance. And it looks like a pretty sound idea

via Should You Hold “Office Hours”? – Bill Taylor – HarvardBusiness.org.

4 Easy Low Budget Ideas to Market Your Small Business : Innovation :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:11:01 +0000

Marketing your small business doesn’t have to be expensive or a long drawn out process. In fact, it’s never been easier to build your image or your customer base on little or no money. The most you’ll have to invest on this list is about 30 minutes of your time and some bold and creative thinking.

via 4 Easy Low Budget Ideas to Market Your Small Business : Innovation :: American Express OPEN Forum.

Six Social Media Trends for 2010 – Conversation Starter – HarvardBusiness.org

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:08:10 +0000

2009 we saw exponential growth of social media. According to Nielsen Online, Twitter alone grew 1,382% year-over-year in February, registering a total of just more than 7 million unique visitors in the US for the month.

via Six Social Media Trends for 2010 – Conversation Starter – HarvardBusiness.org.

Social Media: What’s Next? : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:06:45 +0000

The rise of social media over the past few years has left several companies and platforms in a position to dictate the way in which we’ll use technology in the future. Between Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube, there are hundreds of millions of users across what has become known as “the social web.”

via Social Media: What’s Next? : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum.

Proper Credit Policies & Procedures Can Help Minimize Your Cash Flow Risk : Money :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:58:25 +0000

Along with slowing sales, many small businesses are encountering difficulty collecting on money that is owed to their business. A recent Intuit Payroll Survey of over 1000 small businesses indicated about 50% are having this problem. Is your business one of them?

via Proper Credit Policies & Procedures Can Help Minimize Your Cash Flow Risk : Money :: American Express OPEN Forum.

6 Desktop Apps for Better Organization & Focus : Managing :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:57:50 +0000

Given our focus on organization and productivity here at Behance, we recently decided to pool our knowledge to create a shortlist of the latest and greatest desktop (and iPhone) apps that have revolutionized our workflow. Here’s what we came up with:

via 6 Desktop Apps for Better Organization & Focus : Managing :: American Express OPEN Forum.

Social networking meets ambient intelligence (w/ Video)

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:56:20 +0000

(PhysOrg.com) — Sharing small snippets of information about your daily life is a key feature of the online social networking revolution. Soon status updates and other social information could be generated automatically.

via Social networking meets ambient intelligence (w/ Video).

Lines Blur Between Voice and Social Networking – Unified Communications Blog – InformationWeek

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:40:14 +0000

The walls between voice services and social networking and collaboration are starting to fall as vendors blend unified communications with wikis, blogs and Twitter.

At VoiceCon 2009, Siemens Communications is launching a demo of a forthcoming integration between OpenScape, its UC platform, and Twitter, the insanely popular micro-blogging network.

via Lines Blur Between Voice and Social Networking – Unified Communications Blog – InformationWeek.

The long and winding road to MSN’s reinvention as a social hub | All about Microsoft | ZDNet.com

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:38:44 +0000

Back in 2007, former Senior Vice President of Microsoft’s Online Services Group Steve Berkowitz said Microsoft’s goal was to integrate more social-networking tools and pre-programmed content into the MSN home page. On November 4, Microsoft made public a preview of a new MSN home page that integrates Facebook and Twitter. (And Windows Live, too, the Softies note, usually as an afterthought.)

via The long and winding road to MSN’s reinvention as a social hub | All about Microsoft | ZDNet.com .

Technology not causing social isolation: Pew study

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:37:58 +0000

WASHINGTON — Contrary to popular belief, technology is not leading to social isolation and Americans who use the Internet and mobile phones have larger and more diverse social networks, according to a new study.

“All the evidence points in one direction,” said Keith Hampton, lead author of the report by the Pew Internet and American Life Project released Wednesday. “People’s social worlds are enhanced by new communication technol

via AFP: Technology not causing social isolation: Pew study.

You Don’t Have To Blog To Rise Up | Rehaul by Lance Haun

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:34:49 +0000

I know this is a crazy post.

I know my blog has certainly helped me rise up. Other’s blogs have helped them rise up. I am going to an unconference that is going to focus on HR people who are interested in blogging. Someone may ask me if they should start a blog.

via You Don’t Have To Blog To Rise Up | Rehaul by Lance Haun.

How to be a star employee on social media

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:34:19 +0000

When it comes time for hiring managers, managers within your company, or business partners to find out about you and your work, social media is the first place people go. Famously, we Google the name and the fun begins. Much has been made of the boss firing the employee after the employee disses the boss on Facebook along with many other examples. That won’t be repeated here; Cubicle Warriors don’t do dumb things like that.

via How to be a star employee on social media.

Live from the Kennedy onRec Expo: 5 tips for a better career site

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:33:28 +0000

The SmartBrief team is in Chicago this week at the Kennedy onRec Expo. One of the most compelling sessions of the morning focused on best practices in developing corporate career sites.

via SmartBlog on Workforce » Blog Archive » Live from the Kennedy onRec Expo: 5 tips for a better career site.

Why Twitter Lists Matter – Improvisations – MIT Sloan Management Review

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:31:04 +0000

Last week Twitter debuted a new feature that lets you group your followers, Twitter calls it Lists. To learn Twitter List basics, Josh Catone’s Mashable post HOW TO: Use Twitter Lists is a good place to start.

via Why Twitter Lists Matter – Improvisations – MIT Sloan Management Review.

20 of the Best Resources to Get Your Startup Off the Ground

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:26:38 +0000

Let’s face it: as an entrepreneur, the odds are stacked against you. Most businesses fail after the first few years, and even if you do manage to survive, that doesn’t mean your business will redefine an industry, become profitable, or change the world. Getting off on the right foot is essential to navigating a startup from its infancy to profitability.

via 20 of the Best Resources to Get Your Startup Off the Ground.

19 Blogs You Should Bookmark Right Now

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:26:00 +0000

There are millions of blogs out there. And most of them aren’t worth your time. So we scoured the Web and came up with a list of the smartest bloggers, who just might help you run a better business

via 19 Blogs You Should Bookmark Right Now.

Make an Online Capital Connection – Startup Financing – Entrepreneur.com

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:25:22 +0000

Eager and enthusiastic entrepreneur with a dynamite concept seeks like-minded investor to provide funding for a mutually rewarding long-term working relationship.

via Make an Online Capital Connection – Startup Financing – Entrepreneur.com .

10 Leadership Battles – And How To Win Every One of Them : TerryStarbucker.com

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:24:19 +0000

n our quest to become great leaders we take on a constant stream of internal battles. Each and every day we choose our sides and try to do the right things, with the objective of achieving something great.

via 10 Leadership Battles – And How To Win Every One of Them : TerryStarbucker.com.

Grow Big, But Stay Small – The Etsy Rule : Innovation :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:22:13 +0000

We travel to Brooklyn with our host Lindsay Campbell to meet the online artisan marketplace phenomenon Etsy, and VP of Community Matt Stinchomb, who tells us about how the company keeps its community-focused, startup mentality even as it moves to become a global high-powered business.

via Small Business Rules: Grow Big, But Stay Small – The Etsy Rule : Innovation :: American Express OPEN Forum.

Why High Profit Margins Don’t Prove Smart Pricing – Conversation Starter – HarvardBusiness.org

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:21:17 +0000

I advise companies on their pricing strategies, and I’m surprised how often I hear the same flawed piece of conventional wisdom. Many executives and Wall Street analysts continue to think that a high profit margin signifies good pricing. It’s hard not to see that big differential between revenue and costs as a signal that you’ve got pricing nailed.

via Why High Profit Margins Don’t Prove Smart Pricing – Conversation Starter – HarvardBusiness.org.

10 Aspects of Executive Presence | The Corner Office | BNET

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:20:23 +0000

The first time I was considered for a CEO position I actually got the job, which surprised the heck out of me. When I asked the executive recruiter why I was chosen over what I thought were more experienced candidates, one of the things he said was that I had “CEO presence.”

via 10 Aspects of Executive Presence | The Corner Office | BNET .

5 Important Web Video Lessons for Small Business Owners : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:52:50 +0000

There are 25 billion videos watched each month in the US alone. That’s billion, with a “B.” So it should be no surprise that web video offers an important opportunity for small businesses to connect with a wider audience

via 5 Important Web Video Lessons for Small Business Owners : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum.

Desperate Times Do Not Call for Desperate Measures : Money :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:51:38 +0000

New Business in the Downturn: Desperate Times Do Not Call for Desperate Measures

Julia Rogers (Recession Wire)

Oct 20, 2009 -

As a small business owner, you will probably lose some business during the downturn, despite your best efforts, as client companies cut their budgets, shift strategy, or, sometimes, go away altogether

via New Business in the Downturn: Desperate Times Do Not Call for Desperate Measures : Money :: American Express OPEN Forum.

What I Learned From the Food Channel About Developing a Niche : Innovation :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:48:54 +0000

What I Learned From the Food Channel About Developing a Niche

Anita Campbell (Small Business Trends)

Oct 20, 2009 -

The Food Network is masterful at defining the “niche.” If you do not watch the Food Channel on cable TV, you might be tempted to think, ‘Cooking is cooking – how boring to have cooking shows 24/7. Every show must be the same.’

Ah, but you’d be wrong.

via What I Learned From the Food Channel About Developing a Niche : Innovation :: American Express OPEN Forum.

Courageous Decision Making – Quit Being a Wimp and Lead

admin — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:47:32 +0000

Waaah. The economy. Waaaaah. Boo hoo. Woe is me.

Stop. Right now. Stop.

Tough times like these demand leadership. I’m sick of hearing how organizations are “hunkering down” until the storm passes. Guess what people? It won’t start to pass until leaders like you make decisions that take us toward a solution.

via thoughtLEADERS, LLC Blog: Courageous Decision Making – Quit Being a Wimp and Lead.

How to Avoid Social Media Phishing Scams : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:50:59 +0000

You’re likely familiar with e-mail phishing scams. Typically, these involve an email that looks to come from a name you know – like Microsoft, PayPal, or your bank – and then direct you to a website where you’re asked to “verify your account” or perform some other task that requires your username and password.

via How to Avoid Social Media Phishing Scams : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum.

How to Deliver Bad News to a Group – Conversation Starter – HarvardBusiness.org

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:48:29 +0000

Managers get lots of training on how to fire an individual employee but usually are left on their own when they have to deliver bad news to a group.

No matter how skillfully you announce bad news, it’s likely to cause anxiety, result in at least a temporary drop in productivity, and prompt some of your valued employees to look for work elsewhere.

via How to Deliver Bad News to a Group – Conversation Starter – HarvardBusiness.org.

7 Tips to Score VC Cash – Entrepreneur.com

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:41:20 +0000

In the past year, the venture capital funding pipeline has gone from a gusher to more of a trickle. In the first half of 2009, just over 1,200 venture investment deals were made nationwide, involving about $6.8 billion, according to the quarterly PricewaterhouseCoopers/National Venture Capital Association MoneyTree report. That’s compared to more than 2,000 deals in the first half of 2008, worth $15.2 billion.

via 7 Tips to Score VC Cash – Entrepreneur.com .

10 Tips for Winning the Respect of Your Followers – Francie Dalton

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:38:26 +0000

Today, Friday, Oct. 16 is National Boss’s Day. Here are 10 ways to increase your effectiveness as a leader and win the love and respect of your followers:

via Guest Insights: 10 Tips for Winning the Respect of Your Followers – Francie Dalton.

Can Apple Spoil Microsoft’s Day? – BusinessWeek

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:32:58 +0000

The entire personal computer industry is gearing up for Microsoft’s (MSFT) Oct. 22 release of Windows 7, by most accounts the best version of its operating system in years. Yet Apple (AAPL), Microsoft’s nearest competitor, is quietly planning to capitalize on the launch, too. “It presents a very good opportunity for us,” says Philip W. Schiller, Apple’s senior vice-president for marketing.

via Can Apple Spoil Microsoft’s Day? – BusinessWeek.

The Secret Sauce: Leveraging Social Media for Business : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:31:27 +0000

Social media remains a smart and cost effective way for many businesses to reach out to customers. They’re a great source for open customer communication and marketing. But how can you effectively build trust among customers and at the same time speak to their interest? Good question.

via The Secret Sauce: Leveraging Social Media for Business : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum.

Top 5 Things to Remember When Doing a Social Media Campaign : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:30:41 +0000

At Ars Technica we’ve done a number of social media campaigns in the past, and we’ve learned quite a bit about what it takes to make these efforts successful. All such campaigns are run on our forums, where they provide advertisers with a high level of engagement and they give forum users a chance to interact directly with brands to provide feedback, ask questions, and gain greater insight into more than just the specifics of a product.

via Top 5 Things to Remember When Doing a Social Media Campaign : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum.

Being the Entrepreneur of Your Own Career – NYTimes.com

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:29:23 +0000

EMPLOYMENT experts have some advice for the many Americans either looking for work or fearing they soon will be: Consider yourself an entrepreneur — of your own working life.

via Entrepreneurial Edge – Being the Entrepreneur of Your Own Career – NYTimes.com.

Real-Life Lessons in Using Google AdWords – NYTimes.com

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:28:24 +0000

It used to be that business owners often struggled to afford advertising for their products or services. Google AdWords has changed that by offering an inexpensive way to spread the word. But if you don’t do some careful planning, you can easily find yourself spending thousands of dollars with little to show for it.

via Small-Business Guide – Real-Life Lessons in Using Google AdWords – NYTimes.com.

Exercise Your Self-Control Muscle – Forbes.com

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:27:14 +0000

It has been a long morning. You started with an invigorating run at 5:30 and had a breakfast meeting at 7. Since then you’ve wrestled with your leadership team, sparred with analysts and delivered a tough message to your chief marketing officer. You’ve felt sharp and in control. But by your 11:30 review with a struggling product team, you’re beginning to feel tired, fuzzy and prickly–not to mention hungry.

via Exercise Your Self-Control Muscle – Forbes.com.

Tightrope: Don’t let corporate, entrepreneurial careers merge – USATODAY.com

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:26:13 +0000

t’s often said that the answer is in the question. Let’s take a look at a few things, starting with the most important. What is your company’s policy on solicitation? Many companies do not allow soliciting in any way. If you are unable to locate the company’s policy on this subject, the next move is to discuss it with your supervisor. I’ll bet that somewhere your employer has addressed this issue, especially since it is not unusual for employees to have businesses on the side.

via Tightrope: Don’t let corporate, entrepreneurial careers merge – USATODAY.com.

Checklist for Trademark and Copyright Issues on Your Website

admin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:55:37 +0000

The following is a checklist of issues and questions for protecting your online presence for your business, from the standpoint of trademarks and copyrights. We will be updating this as our tweetchat event (#smbchat) progresses.

via Checklist for Trademark and Copyright Issues on Your Website | Small Business Trends.

Better Contact Management For Gmail

admin — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:21:02 +0000

Gmail made a tweak last night that brings better contact management to the service. When you click the “To:” or “CC:” links in front of each address field, a box pops up with your contact list. (See example at right). It is a simple change, but it saves you from having to go to another page to find a contact.

via Better Contact Management For Gmail .

Snow Leopard warning: Your apps may crash – Apple 2.0 – Fortune Brainstorm Tech

admin — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:09:16 +0000

Two days before the scheduled launch of Mac OS X Snow Leopard — the latest update of Apple’s (AAPL) flagship operating system — developers are scrambling to make sure their applications will still work with the new version.

via Snow Leopard warning: Your apps may crash – Apple 2.0 – Fortune Brainstorm Tech .

Short And Tweet: TweetMeme Introduces An URL Shortener Of Its Own

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:26:37 +0000

As if we needed yet another URL shortening service, TweetMeme is today debuting ReTwt.me in an effort to make that particular saturated field even more so. And it’s not like it does anything special in comparison with the plethora of similar services out there.

via Short And Tweet: TweetMeme Introduces An URL Shortener Of Its Own .

Essential Plugins For Your Wordpress Blog

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:04:03 +0000

One of the reason so many bloggers flock to Wordpress has to do with the number of great plugins available to help them customize the experience for their readers. There are plugins to help make your blog more spiderable to the search engines, plugins that foster community building, those that make media integration and breeze and lots more

via Essential Plugins For Your Wordpress Blog | Small Business Trends.

What is Web 3.0? Semantic Web & other Web 3.0 Concepts Explained in Plain English

admin — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:59:37 +0000

Web 1.0 – That Geocities & Hotmail era was all about read-only content and static HTML websites. People preferred navigating the web through link directories of Yahoo! and dmo

via What is Web 3.0? Semantic Web & other Web 3.0 Concepts Explained in Plain English.

TwitVid Launches First Twitter Video Application For The BlackBerry

admin — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:03:19 +0000

TwitVid, the easy way to share videos straight to Twitter, released the first video Twitter application on the Blackberry App World for free. [App World URL] TwitVid will easily allow users to upload video from their mobule phones to TwitVid, just like in the iPhone application.

via TwitVid Launches First Twitter Video Application For The BlackBerry .

MySpace Disables Auto-Play Of Profile Songs To Get Streaming Costs Under Control

admin — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:02:45 +0000

MySpace Music, which launched a little less than a year ago, is the one bright spot of growth in an otherwise flatlining MySpace.

But all that popularity comes at a price – billions of free streaming songs are costing MySpace up to $10 million a month in streaming fees, says a source, and the joint venture may lose $20 million or more this year.

via MySpace Disables Auto-Play Of Profile Songs To Get Streaming Costs Under Control .

The Future of Social Media

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:22:49 +0000

FriendFeed CEO Paul Buchheit Discusses Facebook Acquisition (video)

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:16:55 +0000

FriendFeed CEO Paul Buchheit Discusses Facebook Acquisition (video) .

Facebook 3.0 May Be The Most Useful App On The iPhone Yet

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:15:24 +0000

When Facebook launched the 2.0 version of its iPhone app in September of last year, it was a huge upgrade from its original app that launched with the App Store last July.

via Facebook 3.0 May Be The Most Useful App On The iPhone Yet .

Tips for Building a Community on Your Site | Small Business Trends

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:47:28 +0000

ocial media has shown us all how important it is to build an engaged community on your site. Having an active community behind you can increase sales, build your brand, and serve as your very own volunteer promotional army to help get your word out

via Tips for Building a Community on Your Site | Small Business Trends.

Social-Media Marketing for Restaurants: 10 Tips – 6/5/2009 11:03:00 AM – Restaurants and Institutions

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:59:16 +0000

Participation in social media demands more active planning than simply signing up for an account and then posting the details of today’s lunch specials or next month’s wine dinner. As with any branding initiative, it’s best to start with a thorough understanding of the strategy’s opportunities and potential pitfalls. To that end, R&I rounded up a team of experts to offer operators the following user’s guide to social media.

via Social-Media Marketing for Restaurants: 10 Tips – 6/5/2009 11:03:00 AM – Restaurants and Institutions.

Review of Twitterville, by author Shel Israel

admin — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 03:32:08 +0000

Twitterville is a book with a collection of anecdotes and stories about businesses using the social media site Twitter.

One of the best things about this book is how the author, Shel Israel, captures the people and companies that make Twitter such an addicting phenomenon.

via Review of Twitterville, by author Shel Israel | Small Business Trends.

5 Tips For Getting More from Facebook

admin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:34:13 +0000

In continuing with my series of quick social media tips (check out 5 tips for LinkedIn) I’m covering some tips for business use of Facebook here. I’ve actually written about some of these tips in great detail before, but this can act as a quick primer for folks who like their info snack sized like this.

via 5 Tips For Getting More from Facebook .

The War on Social Media

admin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:33:24 +0000

For those of us old enough to remember the unfinished American “power to the people” cultural revolution of the late 1960s, there are signs that history is about to repeat itself. The drums have been sounding for months now but they are getting louder and closer.

via The War on Social Media .

Social Network Quality vs. Quantity: What’s More Important?

admin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:32:35 +0000

When I peruse the different Twitter followers and followees I often get Twitter envy when I stumble across some users with a large follower base. Now of course I’m not referring to the Ashton Kutchers of the world, but the common users with marketing or community backgrounds, specifically mid range users with 10k plus followers.

via Social Network Quality vs. Quantity: What’s More Important? .

How to Get Your Post on the Front Page of Social Media Today

admin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:31:54 +0000

Ok, so it’s not quite as awesome as being on the cover of Rolling Stone in the era of Dr. Hook, but we get a nice flow of traffic here these days and several bloggers who have added their posts to our content stream have inquired about our process for choosing which posts to use and feature. So, here goes.

via How to Get Your Post on the Front Page of Social Media Today .

How many Twitter friends click on your links? As little as 1%

admin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:30:32 +0000

No matter how much we boast that we have 200 / 2000 / 20,000 etc Twitter followers, how many are realistically tuning into what we say? We might be relegated to the second or third columns on Tweetdeck, we might have a lot of followers that are spambots, and most might not even be on when we tweet.

via How many Twitter friends click on your links? As little as 1% .

Twitter Is Revamping Retweets, Launches A Retweet API

admin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:23:48 +0000

n its developer Google Group, Twitter has just made the announcement that it is releasing an early preview of a brand new API: The retweeting API. And that’s not all, Twitter is in the process of completely revamping its retweet functionality.

via Twitter Is Revamping Retweets, Launches A Retweet API .

Facebook buys social media start-up FriendFeed

admin — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:35:43 +0000

No price disclosed for FriendFeed purchase

* FriendFeed to operate as is for time being

* Facebook more interested in talent than product -analyst

(Adds comments from FriendFeed founder, analyst, background)

via Facebook buys social media start-up FriendFeed.

Marketing Tips | Small Business Trends

admin — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:01:16 +0000

In May of 2009 we asked you, our loyal readers, to give us your best Twitter tips.

Over the course of several weeks, we accepted your tips via email, Twitter and in comments to the original post. We asked readers to simply answer one of the following 6 questions:

via Marketing Tips | Small Business Trends.

New Community Rules by Tamar Weinberg

admin — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:00:05 +0000

If you read just one book this season about the hot-hot-hot topic of social media, make sure it’s Tamar Weinberg’s “The New Community Rules: Marketing on the Social Web.”

via Review: New Community Rules by Tamar Weinberg | Small Business Trends.

YouTube 101 for Small Businesses

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:12:26 +0000

YouTube is the number two most trafficked website on the Web for a reason… and that is that it’s fun and useful, and as you will find out, not just for kids and non business people. But the first thing you have to figure out as a small business person is the possibilities that YouTube can give to you.

via YouTube 101 for Small Businesses | Small Business Trends.

How To Set Up A Google Store In Minutes

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:11:40 +0000

Last week, Google released yet another gadget that may win them friends with small business owners. It’s called the Google Checkout store gadget and it essentially allows you to use Google Checkout and Google Docs to to easily create your own online store in a matter of minutes. What makes the gadget especially interesting is that because it’s tied to a Google Docs spreadsheet, small business owners can keep product inventory without having to use another third-party program like Quickbooks.

via How To Set Up A Google Store In Minutes | Small Business Trends.

Getting The Most Out Of YouTube

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:11:00 +0000

If you haven’t heard, the news regarding online video is good. Our friend Matt McGee informed us yesterday about the Pew Research Center report that found the number of adults watching online video has doubled since 2006. What does that mean? It means that now 2 out of every 3 adults online are spending time watching video. Those are some pretty convincing numbers.

via Getting The Most Out Of YouTube | Small Business Trends.

Declutter Your Website | Small Business Trends

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:10:20 +0000

Whether the goal is a lead, a product sale, a coupon download or a newsletter sign up, each page of your website should fulfill that purpose.

Focusing on the Purpose of Your Website

If you don’t know the primary goal of your website or you have a variety of goals, objectives and ideals for your website than you may be suffering from what I like to call, “MPNS” or “Multi-Purpose No Success” syndrome.

via Declutter Your Website | Small Business Trends.

Creating a Custom Favicon

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:09:47 +0000

I’m going to admit something kind of geeky. I really like favicons. They’re fun. They’re a great branding tool. And they’re something simple that small business owners can do to spice up their sites and even increase usability for users.

If you don’t know what a favicon is, let me offer some assistance:

via Creating a Custom Favicon | Small Business Trends.

Review of Smartsheet Online Project Collaboration | Small Business Trends

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:09:12 +0000

With all the noise from email, texts, voicemail, in-person meetings, and other distractions, it is far from easy to get work done with technology.

Web-based applications promise to make it easier and more affordable for small business owners to get things done. Smartsheet may have cracked the code on how to get more done with its online project collaboration service.

via Review of Smartsheet Online Project Collaboration | Small Business Trends.

Mobile Franchise Opportunities | Small Business Trends

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:08:24 +0000

When I first started in the consulting and brokering part of franchising, I was struck by the sheer number of different concepts available to prospective franchise owners. It seemed that there was a franchise for everything.

via Mobile Franchise Opportunities | Small Business Trends.

Using Ning To Create A World For Your SMB | Small Business Trends

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:07:47 +0000

Not content to live in the social networks of others, some small business owners have taken to platforms like Ning to create their very own social communities. Why would someone want to create their own social network when there are plenty of sites like Twitter, Facebook and MySpace available to jump on

via Using Ning To Create A World For Your SMB | Small Business Trends.

Avoid that Online Reputation Management Nightmare | Small Business Trends

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:07:14 +0000

By now you’ve probably heard the story. On May 12, a woman by the name of Amanda Bonnent tweeted negative remarks about Chicago property management company Horizon Realty LLC.

via Avoid that Online Reputation Management Nightmare | Small Business Trends.

Network Solutions Supports Small Biz Merchants After Unauthorized Code Incident | Small Business Trends

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:06:52 +0000

Imagine this situation: you own a small business with an ecommerce website. One day you wake up to learn from your hosting company that the server your ecommerce site is hosted on, had a problem.

via Network Solutions Supports Small Biz Merchants After Unauthorized Code Incident | Small Business Trends.

Review of Divas Doing Business | Small Business Trends

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:06:02 +0000

Sometimes it’s not about the book. It’s about the person writing the book. And it’s about the person reading the book. I’ll let you think about that for a moment while I go about the business of sharing my experience of “Divas Doing Business” by Monique Hayward.

via Review of Divas Doing Business | Small Business Trends.

GOT A TRAVEL GRIPE? TWITTER TO THE RESCUE Got a travel gripe? Twitter to the rescue – July 26, 2009 Sunday – HOTELS

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:21:14 +0000

If you’re not protesting an election or promoting a product, Twitter, the microblogging site that has been getting so much attention these days, can be easy to dismiss.

via GOT A TRAVEL GRIPE? TWITTER TO THE RESCUE Got a travel gripe? Twitter to the rescue – July 26, 2009 Sunday – HOTELS.

Free Online Marketing Course | How to Position Yourself as the Obvious Expert

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:07:09 +0000

7 Quick and Simple Tips to Stand Out and Sizzle as a Sought After, Recognized Expert

Get instant access now! Find out how to:

-Get tons of FREE PR

-Dramatically increase your visibility

-Stand out as an expert

-Monetize your expertise

-Add sizzle to your visibility (aka

Sizzibility™ ) and set yourself apart from the rest

Plus you’ll get ongoing tips and information to make your business stand out and get noticed by putting your expertise in the spotlight!

via Free Online Marketing Course | How to Position Yourself as the Obvious Expert.

Social Marketing Method: How To Use Facebook and Twitter To Strategically Market and Grow Your Business by Social Media Consultant, Mari Smith.

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:06:33 +0000

“Here’s How to Get Started on Facebook and Twitter, Apply A Proven Social Marketing Strategy, and Generate Significant Profits. Guaranteed!”

via Social Marketing Method: How To Use Facebook and Twitter To Strategically Market and Grow Your Business by Social Media Consultant, Mari Smith..

Are You Committing These 4 Common Site Errors? | Small Business Trends

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:50:39 +0000

Small businesses owners are savvy. They know that in order to grow their business they need to be on the Web. And that means creating a Web site to establish a home base where customers can go to find them, interact with them and even make purchases online. Small business or not, the Web has given everyone the power to establish themselves and become a “brand” online

via Are You Committing These 4 Common Site Errors? | Small Business Trends.

Facebook for Local Stores & Restaurants

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:56:39 +0000

Facebook for Local Stores & Restaurants: Our next Free Webinar this Wednesday!

Today at 11:37am

Hope you can join us (if applicable) for this Wednesday’s Webinar on Facebook for local stores and restaurants.

Also, 16 archived Webinars, 10 archived Newsletters, and lots of news items are now available @theKbuzz website! http://tr.im/resources

via Facebook | Your Updates.

Video: Website pays users for “how to” articles | NBC13.com

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:18:11 +0000

What if you could make money telling people how to do the things you’re really good at? That’s the idea behind a popular Web site that a Dallas mom says she’s cashing in on.

Candace Crockett is a regular contributor on the Web site eHow.com. The stay-at-home mom discovered the Web site when she was researching ways to make money from home.

via Video: Website pays users for “how to” articles | NBC13.com.

Yahoo Looking To Sell Off Yahoo Small Business | Small Business Trends

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:10:01 +0000

Yahoo is going through a lot of changes under the new leadership of CEO Carol Bartz. Yesterday alone they launched a new version of the highly trafficked Yahoo home page and let it be known that they’re looking to sell off two of their big “non core assets” – job portal HotJobs and Yahoo Small Business, which helps SMB owners get their sites online.

via Yahoo Looking To Sell Off Yahoo Small Business | Small Business Trends.

How One YouTube Sensation Spurs Entrepreneurs to Create Follow-On Videos | Small Business Trends

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:01:22 +0000

Not long ago I wrote about the YouTube video sensation called “United Breaks Guitars.” It’s a creative customer complaint in the form of a music video by a professional musician against United Airlines. (See “YouTube: Where Customers Get the Last Word.”)

The interesting side note about this video is how it has set the stage for entrepreneurs pursuing business opportunities.

via How One YouTube Sensation Spurs Entrepreneurs to Create Follow-On Videos | Small Business Trends.

New Keys to Small Business Success | Small Business Trends

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:00:52 +0000

If owning a business is like leading a blues band, then right now many business owners feel like 1950’s bluesmen watching Pat Boone re-record their hits and turning them into gold records.

Business owners are struggling to define and retain their:

via New Keys to Small Business Success | Small Business Trends.

VOSS STRATEGIC CONSULTING CO. – Home

admin — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:46:26 +0000

Strategic Business ConsultingConsulting Services for Business, Sales, Motivation, Training, Start-ups and Social Media.

via VOSS STRATEGIC CONSULTING CO. – Home.

Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts Catches the Potential of Social Networks

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:36:50 +0000

Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas and Dreams Resorts & Spas launched online marketing campaign comprised of a series of contests offered for online users on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, blogs and forums.

via Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts Catches the Potential of Social Networks.

When it comes to Social Networks, What’s In, What’s Out and What’s Next?

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:35:59 +0000

Social networking isn’t just for teenagers anymore. Increasingly, clubs and resorts are getting into the act.

Phoenix’s Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, for instance, has a LinkedIn group, a Facebook page, and a Twitter feed. It also puts out updates and behind-the-scenes looks at events and offerings, via podcasts on iTunes and “vodcasts” on YouTube.

via When it comes to Social Networks, What’s In, What’s Out and What’s Next?.

Best Practices on Facebook

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:26:46 +0000

Womma Word of mouth marketing 3 days ago

WOMMA WOW Wednesday Webinar

Title: Best Practices on Facebook…

Presenter: Dave & Carrie Kerpen from the Kbuzz.

When: May 20, 2009

via Best Practices on Facebook.

Captains of the Good Ship Patna

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:26:17 +0000

Will we allow ourselves to be pushed into the role of Captain of our good ship SS Patna? Will we be convinced that our own SS Patna, our community or business or economy or country, is too creaky to survive the coming storm the mainstream media paints as ever darker, ever darker, oh the horror?

via OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN | Captains of the Good Ship Patna.

Wringing More Cash from Your Small Business

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:25:44 +0000

Sometime it pays to leave no stone unturned when you are trying to find ways to preserve cash – especially with the stiff challenges facing so many small and mid-sized businesses in the current downturn.

Robert Chalfin, Wharton lecturer, offers the following tips you may not have considered:

via OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN | Wringing More Cash from Your Small Business .

Curiosity, Imagination And Failure: The New Big Three

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:25:04 +0000

n with the new; out with the old.

There’s a new Big Three driving our economy now. They are Curiosity, Imagination and Failure.

The demise of the former Big Three (Chrysler, Ford and GM) was as inevitable as the fall of empires and the rise of the sun. Mature corporations in mature markets seek to maximize profits by standardizing products with unremarkable features to maxim

via OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN | Curiosity, Imagination And Failure: The New Big Three.

OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN | The Uneven Recession Affects Industries Differently

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:23:02 +0000

During recessions we hear about all the bad news: spiking unemployment; business closures; bankruptcies. To be sure, the news is bad — for some, very bad.

Yet, the picture is not uniformly bad for all industries. Some are doing worse than others. And some are doing better. You could say the picture is mixed.

via OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN | The Uneven Recession Affects Industries Differently.

Build Awareness For Your Biz In Your Community | Small Business Trends

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:29:18 +0000

As a small business owner, you have something going for you that larger businesses don’t. You already know who your main audience is. You know because if you’re running a brick and mortar, your main audience are very often the folks located 10, 20, maybe 30 miles from your storefront. Your challenge is to make sure you get on their radar.

via Build Awareness For Your Biz In Your Community | Small Business Trends.

8 Ways To Find Relevant Followers On Twitter | Small Business Trends

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:28:49 +0000

Twitter’s strength comes in its ability to connect you with other people and to start real conversations. It’s helped small business owners market to current customers, to engage new ones, and to create partnerships with new friends.

via 8 Ways To Find Relevant Followers On Twitter | Small Business Trends.

Sales: It’s About Them, Not You | Small Business Trends

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:28:22 +0000

So you have a product or service that you think is the greatest thing yet. You believe that people should really want it. And they will as long as you do a good job of explaining why. You think that sales is persuading and convincing.

via Sales: It’s About Them, Not You | Small Business Trends.

How to Become the Center of Everyone’s Attention | Small Business Trends

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:27:56 +0000

It’s easy to watch someone else get all the glory. All you have to do is stand and listen. But if you’re an entrepreneur who craves media attention, you may ask yourself, “Why isn’t that me in front of the camera?”

via How to Become the Center of Everyone’s Attention | Small Business Trends.

Take the Time to Manage Customer Reviews | Small Business Trends

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:27:31 +0000

Not so long ago, Yelp received quite a bit of attention when they began allowing business owners to respond to reviews left on the site. It was something SMB owners and others had been salivating for

via Take the Time to Manage Customer Reviews | Small Business Trends.

Top 100 Small Business Blogs Per BlogRank | Small Business Trends

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:27:04 +0000

BlogRank is a new ranking system for blogs. You really should check it out.

BlogRank dynamically ranks blogs in a wide variety of categories. Here is a small sample of the categories:

via Top 100 Small Business Blogs Per BlogRank | Small Business Trends.

Marketing Your Expertise: Review of ExpertClick | Small Business Trends

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:26:31 +0000

Credibility. Authority. Every business owner knows the value of being perceived as an expert, the go-to source when people think about your product or service. But, getting found as the expert in today’s market, with all of the market noise, is the challenge. ExpertClick helps you overcome this challenge by placing you in front of journalists for media interviews.

via Marketing Your Expertise: Review of ExpertClick | Small Business Trends.

Why SMB owners should care about SEO | Small Business Trends

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:26:08 +0000

Your customers are looking for you. Can they find you?

When potential customers have a problem and need somewhere to go, they search for it. They head to their favorite search engine, type what they want and are presented with a list of results Google promises can help them.

via Why SMB owners should care about SEO | Small Business Trends.

Increasing Your Exposure With Guest Blogging | Small Business Trends

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:25:36 +0000

Blogs are powerful. As a small business owner, you can use blogs to build exposure for your business, to attract new customers and to establish yourself an expert in your niche. And you don’t even have to have your own blog in order to do that.

via Increasing Your Exposure With Guest Blogging | Small Business Trends.

YouTube: Where Customers Get The Last Word | Small Business Trends

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:07:17 +0000

Professional musician Dave Carroll spent months trying to get compensation from United Airlines to fix his $3,500 Taylor guitar after it was damaged by baggage handlers at O’Hare Airport. After getting the final “no” from United, he composed a 4-minute video called “United Breaks Guitars.”

via YouTube: Where Customers Get The Last Word | Small Business Trends.

inSocialMedia.com

admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:53:30 +0000

22 Social Media Tips Under 140 Characters

Posted by Shane Gibson on July 5, 2009 at 3:20pm

My Independence Day Manifesto: Devil Inside, Devil Inside, Every Single One of Us the Devil Inside by John McElhenney

Posted by John McElhenney on July 5, 2009 at 12:30am — 7 Comments

Fighting Social Media Fatigue

Posted by Michael C. Dougherty on July 1, 2009 at 9:50am — 1 Comment

via inSocialMedia.com.

Guest Pulse – Inside Social Media Marketing – Social Media 101

admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:06:44 +0000

Social Media is a wonderful communication channel through which you can maximize your sales and marketing efforts. Similar to an newspaper ad or store-front sign, it can attract more guests through message and placement. The difference is that social media is much more targeted and personal – enabling you to turn guests into advocates through word of mouth !

via Guest Pulse – Inside Social Media Marketing – Social Media 101.

7 Reasons Why Companies Need A Social Web Presence | Blog of Mr. Tweet

admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:18:40 +0000

This is a guest posting by Nathan Egan. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of the Freesource Agency, LLC. Prior to starting Freesource Agency, Nathan worked at LinkedIn and has wonderful insight into the world of social media networking. Follow Nathan on Twitter: @nathanegan.

via 7 Reasons Why Companies Need A Social Web Presence | Blog of Mr. Tweet.

5 Things Small Businesses Can Learn From Big Business Social Media Campaigns

admin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:37:45 +0000

via OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN | 5 Things Small Businesses Can Learn From Big Business Social Media Campaigns.

Curiosity, Imagination And Failure: The New Big Three

admin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:36:22 +0000

There’s a new Big Three driving our economy now. They are Curiosity, Imagination and Failure.

The demise of the former Big Three (Chrysler, Ford and GM) was as inevitable as the fall of empires and the rise of the sun

via OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN | Curiosity, Imagination And Failure: The New Big Three.

Shoutout: 5 Reasons Facebook Rules | buzzmarketing daily

admin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:47:20 +0000

We are a social media and word of mouth marketing firm and blog – so we can and do write about lots of topics. But we find ourselves writing a lot about Facebook. Heck, we pretty much all adore Facebook here @theKbuzz. Here are 5 reasons we think Facebook’s buzzworthy enough to write about as much as we do:

via Shoutout: 5 Reasons Facebook Rules | buzzmarketing daily.

Self Promotion | A4R’s Points of Sale

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:37:05 +0000

A lot of restaurant/pub owners forget one major consideration when ordering custom printed products… if you put your name on it, make sure it has a usage outside your establishment. Prior to the non-smoking movement, the number 1 outside advertising medium was matchbooks & box matches. In every successful restaurant you would find imprinted matchbooks & box matches advertising and promoting their establishment.

via Self Promotion | A4R’s Points of Sale .

The Five Elements of Green Design | A4R’s Points of Sale

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:35:42 +0000

Successful sustainable construction begins with a design that addresses each of the following five central elements of green building design.

Sustainable Site Design

Water Conservation and Quality

Energy and Environment

Indoor Environmental Quality

Conservation of Materials and Resources

via The Five Elements of Green Design | A4R’s Points of Sale .

Just the FAQs: How I Tweet

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:43:27 +0000

During the July 4th weekend I posted a FAQ to my blog that explained how I tweet. I did it on a whim really because I was at my son’s hockey tournament with lots of time. To my surprise, hundreds of people retweeted it. For this reason, I’m posting it here too because so many people told me how useful it was. Had I known this initially, I would have posted it here and not on my blog.

via OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN | Just the FAQs: How I Tweet.

OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN | Indicators, Leading and Lagging

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:41:41 +0000

After months of job losses ranging from half a million to 700,00 per month, the economy only lost 350,000 in May. The recession is over!

After the pace of job losses slowed in May, economists’ hopes were dashed when the Labor Department announced last week that the economy shed almost another half a million jobs in June. The recession will eat us alive!

via OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN | Indicators, Leading and Lagging.

Getting Maximum Value from Your Local Small Business Association

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:40:38 +0000

There’s a small business association in my local town. For the first few years I was in business, I largely ignored it. After all, most of my business effort focused on reaching people outside of my community. What did I really have in common with these people?

via OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN | Getting Maximum Value from Your Local Small Business Association.

5 Things Small Businesses Can Learn From Big Business Social Media Campaigns

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:38:55 +0000

You don’t need to look far to find big brands using social media. From Coke to Rubbermaid to Chick-fil-A, corporate America is jumping onto sites like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to communicate and interact with customers. In doing so, they’ve exposed both good and bad strategies for implementing social media, teaching us all lessons that are applicable to multi-national corporations and one-man shops alike. Here are a few key takeaways from recent experiments in social media.

via OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN | 5 Things Small Businesses Can Learn From Big Business Social Media Campaigns.

Local chefs use Twitter to give customers their fill of information – Kansas City Star

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:28:52 +0000

“My daughter, Alexandra, came upon Twitter when she was following the Jonas Brothers,” the longtime Kansas City chef and owner of Jasper’s restaurant said. “Then she said, ‘Dad, there’s some national chefs like Emeril who are Twittering. I’ll set you up an account.’ I started Twittering the same day. Within three minutes I started getting e-mails from people saying, ‘I’m following you on Twitter.’ Within three days I had 103 followe

via Local chefs use Twitter to give customers their fill of information – Kansas City Star.

Restaurant Marketing: Outside Looking In – 7/1/2009 – Chain Leader

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:57:19 +0000

When folks with Bluetooth-enabled telephones stroll New York’s Coney Island boardwalk, they have the option of getting more than just a hands-free phone call. Signage in parades, at concerts and on the T-shirts of roaming staffers entice people with promotional offers if they agree to receive an ad on the portable device in their hands.

via Restaurant Marketing: Outside Looking In – 7/1/2009 – Chain Leader.

The Cheesecake Factory Begins Facebook Sweepstakes – 7/7/2009 11:15:00 AM – Chain Leader

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:55:37 +0000

PRESS RELEASE: CALABASAS HILLS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For more than 30 years, The Cheesecake Factory has been a place for friends to gather and share special moments. With the launch of its official page on Facebook(r),

via The Cheesecake Factory Begins Facebook Sweepstakes – 7/7/2009 11:15:00 AM – Chain Leader.

Ramp Up Marketing in a Downturn – Entrepreneur.com

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:53:45 +0000

Meeting payroll and covering overhead are the first orders of business when times are tough. But too many entrepreneurs and small businesses look to their marketing budgets as a way to cut costs–a big no-no when clients and customers may be that much harder to come by.

via Ramp Up Marketing in a Downturn – Entrepreneur.com .

You Can’t Beat Habit – Entrepreneur.com

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:53:09 +0000

Let’s face it: Your regular customers are on autopilot. When a purchase is repeated enough times, it becomes habit. However, market shifts can disrupt even the most powerful habits, and the current financial meltdown is the single biggest market disruption we’ve ever lived through

via You Can’t Beat Habit – Entrepreneur.com .

10 Rules for Quick and Easy PR – Public Relations Strategy – Entrepreneur.com

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:52:33 +0000

For startup companies with small budgets, gaining an advantage for your new business or a new product through advertising is both a challenging and risky venture. Once the initial budget is gone, there are seldom second chances.

via 10 Rules for Quick and Easy PR – Public Relations Strategy – Entrepreneur.com .

The Perfect Formula to Build Your Brand – Entrepreneur.com

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:51:58 +0000

Product: It’s not enough to build a product and assume it will be the base of your brand. Just ask Apple about Apple TV, Microsoft about Zune or the New Coke about its prestigious debut. Unless your tag line is “But hey, it’s free,” don’t plan on having a product sell itself–or your company. First, consider what makes the product truly unique.

via The Perfect Formula to Build Your Brand – Entrepreneur.com .

How can small businesses successfully use Twitter? – Sales & Marketing – Ask Entrepreneur

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:51:16 +0000

How can small businesses successfully use Twitter?

I’m interesting in using Twitter for my business in a creative and successful way, but I’m not sure how to go about it.

via How can small businesses successfully use Twitter? – Sales & Marketing – Ask Entrepreneur.

Twitter/Facebook gave me 1000% boost

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:27:19 +0000

Twitter/Facebook gave me 1000% boost

by Dvir Reznik on 07/04/2009 21:49 0 comments , 1787 views

Tags: twitter strategy

Relax, not me personally, my blog got that boost.

With June (and 2Q) wrapping up last week, it’s an excellent time to gather some statistics around my blog, and I decided to make a comparison to the previous period, and maybe identify some trends. The period I looked at is 1H08 vs. 1H09.

via Twitter/Facebook gave me 1000% boost .

Is Your Company Thinking that Social Media is a Job?

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:26:42 +0000

I’m asking because technically, it really isn’t.

Let’s take a step back and think about the strong word in the term social media. We’ve had all kind of media for ages – print, then the novelty of radio, then video that supposedly killed the radio stars (they also said that sound in movies would never take off, oh my), then the Web.

via Is Your Company Thinking that Social Media is a Job? .

3+ Ways to Measure the Impact of Social Media on Search

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:26:07 +0000

3+ Ways to Measure the Impact of Social Media on Search

by Ian Orekondy on 07/04/2009 05:05 3 comments , 1902 views

Categories: Search

Tags: hashtags

(How to Measure the Impact of Social Content (blog posts, Tweets, etc.) on Search Within Social Media and Social Networking Sites)

In this post, we’ll focus on how to measure the impact of Twitter, which reached about 22 million people in May.

via 3+ Ways to Measure the Impact of Social Media on Search .

Over a third of Facebook users now 35+, use by seniors at record levels

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:24:48 +0000

From Inside Facebook come the following charts looking at the latest demographics for the social network. The over 35s in the US now account for 36% of all users with over 45s making up 17%. Meanwhile usage levels by the over 55s has reached “all time highs”, in particular women 55+, who now number 2.5 million users.

via Over a third of Facebook users now 35+, use by seniors at record levels .

The “Must-Have” Tool Kit of Social Media Citizen

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:24:17 +0000

Before starting the new cycle of posts discussing the startups’ which may affect the lives of Social Media Citizens, I decided to share this “Must-have” list of social media tools which have already found their place in our daily routines.

via The “Must-Have” Tool Kit of Social Media Citizen .

Social Media and Word of Mouth Marketing

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:44:03 +0000

Looking for downloads of our previous webinars? Make sure you’re already a fan of the page, then click here for instant access!

Twitter for Small Business: How to Build Your Business of 1, 100 or 1,000 Employees Using Twitter

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009. 3:30pm – 4:30pm EST.

via Facebook | theKbuzz | Social Media and Word of Mouth Marketing.

Event Production

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:43:38 +0000

Whether your program is formal or casual, high-voltage or low-key, a2z works hand-in-hand with you to choose just the right venue, eye-catching decor and mouthwatering cuisine to create a one-of-a-kind event that will have your guests talking long after the party’s over.

Venue Selection: Thorough evaluation of the destination city’s venues to select the one that best fits the size, style and tone of your special event.

Culinary Services: From custom menus to appealing presentations, all food and beverage services are designed to capture the unique flavor of your event.

Entertainment: Unmatched access to top local and national entertainers, plus expert handling of all related booking, transportation and hospitality services.

Theme & Decor Development: Creation of your theme, bought to life with floral, linens, lighting and unique finishing touches.

meeting logistics:

From designing floor plans and room setups to managing on-site personnel, a2z’s experienced planners and consultants can be relied upon to flawlessly orchestrate every aspect of your meeting and ensure everything runs like clockwork, from start to finish.

registration services

Convenient and secure registration via phone and fax, mail and e-mail, plus timely confirmation and on-site staff.

audiovisual/Support support

The full spectrum of audiovisual services, from state-of-the-art equipment to creative support and production services.

business center

Complete “virtual office” capabilities set up at the meeting site, providing internet, courier and other business services.

exhibits & display management

Expert assistance with exhibit floor layout, trade show booth coordination and more.

Seminars

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:36:05 +0000

a2z will be offering in the year a variety of seminars and lectures for the singles on a variety of topics or just a good ole fashioned cooking class.

Planned Seminars:

Cooking to Connect: How to identify the type of person you are dating and what to cook and have around for them.

Dress to Impress: How to dress to date for your body type.

Online Dating 101: How to date in the 21st Century via the world wide web. This seminar will show you how to read between the lines, how to write a successful online personal, etc….

Are you ready to settle down?: During the seminar we will walk you through the steps to see if you are ready to settle down?, what you are looking for in a mate?, are you to stuck in your ways to settle down?, etc…..

Cloud-Based Social Content Mgmt Bridges Gap For SMB | Small Business Trends Radio | Small Business Advice

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:52:08 +0000

Traditional knowledge management solutions are built based on a top-down process to control who views and shares content; social solutions grow from the bottom-up. Experts emerge based on their contributions, content is shared openly, and people group themselves based on ideas and passions.

via Cloud-Based Social Content Mgmt Bridges Gap For SMB | Small Business Trends Radio | Small Business Advice.

5 Reasons YouTube Should Be A Part of Your Social Marketing Strategy | Small Business Trends

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:51:01 +0000

With all the press and buzz about Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks, one site not commonly known as a social networking site has emerged as just that. With recent social features (and new ones coming with regularity) YouTube is quickly positioning itself as the respected social site for small business. Read on and discover 5 reasons why it should be a part of your small business social marketing strategy.

via 5 Reasons YouTube Should Be A Part of Your Social Marketing Strategy | Small Business Trends.