I'm Not Having Kids

Is Twitter the New Face of Diplomacy?

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:48:41 -0500

This was written by me and originally posted on September 1, 2010 by Social Media for Political Campaigns at http://socialmediaforpoliticalcampaigns.com/?p=299

The world was shocked when it was released that North Korea joined Twitter. In a land where censorship is nothing out of the ordinary, joining a social network like Twitter seemed like an unlikely move. The official Twitter account, @uriminzok has a surprising 10,000 followers but it doesn’t follow a single other account. With quick help from Google Translate, the Twitter feed can be roughly translated to English but this provides little help in understanding many of the tweets. Why join a social network if one does not intend to be social?

Despite a lack of interaction via Twitter, US State Department Spokesman Phillip J. Crowley has made numerous attempts to create a dialog between the US and North Korea with pointed tweets and hashtags of #Korea. He has even gone so far as to specifically reference the country’s censorship on public communication saying, “The North Korean government has joined Twitter, but is it prepared to allow its citizens to be connected as well?” Crowley is referencing a known penchant for the North Korean government for censoring media. It is believed that despite the government’s involvement in social media, the people of the country are actually unable to view such content. This paradoxical situation seems quite unfair to most of the world.

Twitter is not the only social media outlet North Korea is engaging in. They are also found on Facebook and YouTube. Is this a new form of diplomacy or just a new way to fight back at accusations? North Korea has yet to respond directly to any tweets or posts, yet they continue to tweet and post their own content which includes making accusations and harsh comments towards both South Korea and the United States. Social media could be just a way to progress their political agenda instead of communicate with the outside world. Until a response is given however, why not continue trying to reach out using social media as the new form of diplomacy?

Why the Rush? Maybe More People Should See Runaway Bride...

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:52:33 -0500

So I know this might sound bitter, but it really isn’t. I do not want to be married at the tender age of 22. Within the past two weeks…three people I know have gotten engaged. Within the past six months, seven people I know have gotten engaged. Two people I know are getting married this weekend. In the past six months there have been four weddings on my RSVP list. The average age of these nuptial is about 22. I realize that women used to be married off and mommies by the age of 16 back in the day, but isn’t that why we had the women’s rights movement? I don’t understand why so many fail to realize that our lives have just begun after graduating college. There is so much to look forward to. There is still so much growing to be done. Forever is forever so it will wait for the right time. I’m sure being married young is right for some, but those are rare. Why can’t they get settled in their careers, find stability, and grow into adulthood together without a white dress, big rock, and a marriage license? Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about getting a big rock to wear on my finger but not any time soon. I’d prefer to wait until it’s right and not end up signing my name on a bill of divorce. But for those who have more faith than I, best of luck young ones! I hope your marriage stays sparkley far longer than your wedding ring.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. ~Lao-tzu"

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:03:30 -0500

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
~Lao-tzu”

Promotional Contests and Social Media: A Precarious Relationship

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:11:59 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on August 27, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/1456

Social media is all about connecting users, right? Businesses were quick to realize that social mediaprovides a marketing platform that will connect their brands with their audiences. Soon companies had their own Facebooks, YouTube channels, and Twitter accounts. Now brands were able to interact with consumers at the most convenient touch-point. With the evolution of the social media business plan, companies began to use their new social media presence as part of promotional campaigns. Tweets were seen reminding users to sign up for giveaways. Facebook pages featured posts with links to promotional websites. YouTube channels boasted television ads about contests. All of this seems run-of-the-mill ordinary…at least at first. A recent clothing company has gone beyond the familiar territory when it comes to incorporating social media into their marketing.

As I opened their mail catalog to scope out the newest fashion, I saw an advertisement for a promotional contest. With great prizes such as a spa weekend, a shopping spree, or gift cards, I was quickly intrigued and enticed to enter. All I had to do was go to the website. Unbeknown to me, going to the website meant first signing in to my personal Facebook account. Why? So that they could bombard me with questions wanting me to allow them access to my page. By allow access, they meant give them permission to see my information, post things on my wall, and track pages I went to. All I wanted was a day at the spa and they wanted my entire Facebook life? This is not the first time I have seen such a blatant invasion of privacy in the name of data sourcing or marketing. I know companies want to better serve their consumers, but wouldn’t a survey be sufficient? Maybe I just think myFacebook is private, but it seems that having a brand post on my personal wall is a little extreme. I’d much more prefer to fan the company’s page where I could post on their wall. The relationship between promotional marketing and social media lies on a very thin line. If a company oversteps this boundary, they can make their audience feel alienated and invaded. It can turn a positive interaction into a nightmare that will drive consumers away. Social media has been proven to be an effective marketing tool but if used without proper respect, it can be the antithesis of good marketing.

Geocaching: From Virtual to Reality

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:11:27 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on August 26, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/1439

Social media started with connecting users through virtual networks. Now social media connects users via location. Location based apps have been on the rise lately, both in popularity as well as number of apps on the market. This latest fad in recording your location by “checking in” has taken a new turn: geocaching. With geocaching.com, there is a unique twist allows users with GPS devices to input geographical coordinates and find treasures called geocaches. Instead of sharing locations with their friends, users can use locations to find geocaches with treasures left by other adventurers. These geocaches all feature logbooks where you can sign in as well as trinkets or items. They are cleverly hidden and thrill seekers must find their coordinates first and then hunt for the secret geocache.

After you log in on geocaching.com, users can input their zip code and see nearby geocaches. What starts as an online community ends as a real connection community. You can take or leave a new treasure for someone else to find, checking in at the same coordinates you were at. Its sort of like buying a used book. You open it up and think about how someone else at one point was doing exactly the same thing, looking at exactly the same thing. Through geocaching, someone can tangibly feel a virtual community, at least for a brief second.

5 Facebook Apps to Help Your Business

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:10:47 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on August 16, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/1359

Facebook emerged as a social media platform that connects people. Quickly, we began to see how powerfulsocial media can be and businesses rapidly developed social media marketing plans. Now, Facebookserves more than just people. It serves businesses by providing them with an interactive platform where they can engage the audience in communication and information. With that being said, here are fiveFacebook applications that will help your business communicate and interact with your audience more effectively.

1. RSS Feed: Social RSS

Social RSS is a useful application for Facebook pages because it will automatically pull content from RSS feeds and post it directly on your fan page. According to Facebook, it is the most popular RSS reader application offered by Facebook. This is great if your company has a blog or something similar so that users can have access to the blog while on the Facebook page. It also eliminates the hassle of having to manually republish content to the Facebook page after it is posted to your company’s website or blog.

2. Poll: Poll Application

Social media is all about interacting with your audience. Facebook’s poll app not only gets youraudience engaged, it also provides you with direct feedback from consumers. If managed effectively, polls can provide unique insight into your readers allowing you to learn more about them and their needs. Facebook’s Poll App easily lets you post a question, set answer options, and then publish to wall or news feed if desired.

3. Video Content: YouTube for Pages

YouTube for Pages is an application that allows users to link their YouTube channel with their fan page. Any time new videos are posted, they are automatically pulled to the fan page for users to view. Not only is this more convenient for your audience, it also increases the likelihood that they will watch the videos. It also features archived thumbnails of older videos and also allows users to denote their favorite videos.YouTube for Pages is a developer based app using involver. All you need is to create a free account and set it all up!

4. Promotional Marketing: Promotions Application

Everyone loves free stuff or great prizes. The Promotions application easily allows companies to create a promotional Facebook campaign for giveaways and contests. Promotions are a wonderful way to engage the audience and create interaction between the brand and the consumer. The application is set up for special deals, coupons, giveaways, and contests. It is also a developer app produced by Wildfire.

5. Advanced Customization: Static FBML

For those especially tech savvy businesses, the Static FBML app will allow you to personalize your page by creating a box or tab that is blank. You then fill it with whatever content you want using HTML or FBML (Facebook Markup Language). Static FBML gives users the ability to completely design their own box instead of using the generic look Facebook has. In a world of uniformity, Static FBML gives you a chance to break out of the mold and set yourself apart from other fan pages.

Ever Wonder What a Friend Bought or Where They Bought It From?

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:10:03 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on August 13, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/1340

A friend of mine attended a social media seminar while interning at the FBI this summer. Well, being the FBI, naturally this included security concerns especially since social media’s penchant for location check-in’s and linking multiple accounts with sensitive data can lead to trouble. With everything I’ve seen withsocial media, one site had slipped through. Blippy.com is a content sharing site that allows users to share with friends everything they are buying, or at least some of what they are buying. By linking credit cards or e-commerce receipts to Blippy, users can share their latest bargain, restaurant experience, or other new purchase.

The philosophy behind Blippy is that whenever anyone goes shopping or buys something new, they are immediately asked, “What did you get?” or “Where did you get it?” Blippy makes answering these questions automatic. Blippy’s website ensures they maintain the highest security to protect user information and has strict guidelines on account activity. Despite their assurances, I am not sure that I will be joining Blippy anytime soon; however, for the social media fanatics out there or Blippy’s 3,577 Twitter followers, this is probably right up thier alley.

The Social Media Wave Brings a Wave of Free Goods

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:08:51 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on August 12, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/1329

By now, it seems that pretty much every person and brand imaginable is somewhere in social media. They have their own Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, YouTube channels, or blogs. They are continuously expanding their web of connections and building their virtual network. The power to share content is endless. Although this can be overwhelming, it does bring a nice perk with it. Long ago, brands and companies realize the best way to get people excited about a product is to let them actually use it. Thanks tosocial media, promotional products have achieved an even higher status since getting product samples is so convenient. The rise of freebie websites is exponentially growing, but here are just a few:

1. Hey It’s Free

Heyitsfree.net is a great website for those looking for more humor in their lives. Each freebie posted is usually accompanied by a clever quip that is good for a chuckle. The website quickly breaks down deals into different categories for users looking for specific products. They also have a large variety in the coupons and deals they provide. I’ve seen everything from health cereal to diapers with everything in between. You can also follow them on Twitter (@heyitsfree). Conveniently, Twitter is also now allowing people to follow users without actually having an account via text message. So now these freebie deals could be sent right to your phone! More importantly, there is also a Hey It’s Free Facebook page. Here, users give details of they products they got, how long it took to get them, if they liked them, etc. They can also interact with other deal-seekers if they are having problems getting codes to work or if other issues arise.

2. Money Saving Mom

Moneysavingmom.com is a great website for mothers out there. Moms are always looking out for great bargains, especially for their families. The website features a variety of deals, including Walmart bargain updates! They also have a pet section so even the four-legged family member can get in on the freebie action. Money Saving Mom is also found on Facebook. Here, moms can share tips, recipes, and other deals for all to see on the Facebook wall. Money Saving Mom is also available for Twitter (@moneysavingmom) which provides a quick list of deals and their appropriate links making it easy to look for bargains on the go. Moms always know best!

3. Dealspl.us

Dealspl.us is another discount website with a more organized and professional feel. Larger brands such as Home Depot or Samsung are featured with discount coupons. This website includes food, clothing, electronics, and even movie tickets and vacuums! This would be a great site if your looking for housewares or gifts or anything. Instead of the familiar “Like” button, Dealspl.us features a “Plus” button. Users can rate the deal and give it a thumbs up or down if the deal worked for them. This website definitely offers the most variety for discount coupons. Their Facebook page is also worth checking out to read user reviews. Find them on Twitter (@dealsplus) for up-to-date discounts.

The beauty of sharing all of these free deals and coupons via social media is that it leaves room for interaction with other bargain hunters. Often, people will stumble across deals of their own and share them on these sites. I found a great deal for free music through a people.com offer and iTunes, only because someone was nice enough to post it on a Facebook page. The downside to all of this is being jealous when you read about users getting giveaways and freebies that are not eligible in your state of residence.

These are just a few of the numerous ones out there. Also check out: fatwallet.com, slickdeals.net, orfreestuffrocks.com (city specific deals)

3 Factors of Success with Social Media and the Web

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:07:58 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on August 11, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/1303

By now, the end of Google Wave probably is not that surprising. In fact, many may not even know what Google Wave is, er…was. Google Wave was Google’s attempt at a social network. Originally, users had to be invited by other users so the adoption rate of the product was slightly more invasive. Not having free access to the network however was not the biggest problem facing Google Wave. Seeing Google Wave say “Good-bye” reminded me of three important elements to being successful in maintaining a social mediapresence on the web.

1. Easy Access-Users must be able to find it

Google Wave’s limited access for users to join the network proved to be a significant deterrent for people. Users need to be able to do a basic web search to find the network and have it show up on the screen after a click of a button. Remember, if you want readers to see your Twitter, blog, etc. they have to be able to find it first. The most convenient way is to provide links to your social media websites directly on your website.

2. Easy to Use- If it’s too complicated, no one will take the time to use it.

Perhaps the biggest complaint of Google Wave was that no one understood how to use it. Thinking back to the days when Facebook showed up on the scene, it was so easy to type in your email and instantly, you had a profile. It was even less complicated to add a photo, information, and find friends. There were buttons to guide you for everything. Google Wave’s complex network that combined instant messaging, e-mail, and content sharing, the organization or disorganization of it all was overwhelming. Realistically, todays users are most concerned with convenience. They do not have time to do a tutorial on how to connect with others or share a video. The easier, the better.

3. Easy to Enjoy-Relevant and useful content make it an enjoyable site for users

The last success factor is the easiest. The content you provide on your website must be useful for the audience. The goal is to keep your readers coming back. They need to find your content engaging and relevant for them. Over posting, tweeting, or blogging can alienate the audience. The same effect can happen if all of the content is redundant or boring. Users should enjoy perusing your sites so that they want to come back and even better, tell their friends and colleagues to visit your site.

AT&T App Brings TV to the Smartphone: Are We About to Cross the Line?

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:07:06 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on August 10, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/1283

AT&T’s cable and internet bundle, called U-Verse, has now released an application for smartphones that will allow users to download shows to their phones. The app is for U-Verse subscribers and works through Wi-Fi networks with the iPhone and the new Blackberry Torch.U-Verse already allows users to set DVR recording times through their mobile phones, but now they are expanding their service offerings. Chief marketing officer for AT&T Mobility said of the new service, “This lets us be the first one to marry what we think is the best TV product in the industry with the best smartphone in the industry.” The shows users download to their phones will not be the live airings but they will be available shortly after. This is just another way smartphones are being completely integrated into our everyday lives. Is there a limit on this boundary? Are our smartphones taking over completely? With the rise in dependency on technology, we have already reached a point where we feel lost without our mobile device. Now that television is joining in, consumers’ biggest time consumers can now be found entirely in one device.

Combining social media, email, the Internet, music, a camera, and now television creates an all-mighty mobile device that can serve as a barrier for relationships. Looking around any public social setting, how many people can be seen with their smartphone in their hands? Lots. How many can be seen standing within the same group of people? Several. It’s different when three or four people are crowding around one phone watching a YouTube video than when three or four people are standing around not talking to each other because they are tweeting, posting, blogging, or now, watching their favorite tv show. Consumers are connecting to others through social media, but with the inundation of media into our smartphones, are we also alienating more personal, face-to-face connections?

Are we about to cross a threshold where technology will be so consuming that we will ignore personal relationships in favor of digital connections?

New Report Indicates Our Time Spent Online is Used Mostly for Social Media

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:06:14 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on August 4, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/1242

A USA Today article citing new Nielsen research indicates that we spend about a quarter of our online time engaging with social media sites, networks, or blogs. According to Nielsen, that translates to roughly six hours a month. Nielsen even found that despite the dramatic increase in social media use online, email communication is the primary function when it comes to internet usage on mobile smartphones. None of this seems really surprising when we consider how much social media has grown in society and how the advances in technology bring the internet right to our fingertips. It is just too easy to pull upFacebook or Twitter in an extra tab on the internet browser. It is just too tempting to use the apps to check the latest posts of friends on a smartphone. User driven content on YouTube spreads at a seemingly exponential rate thanks to “like”s and “digg”s and every other button that is clicked to recommend content to followers. Social media has truly become addicting. How do we stop this? Many corporate offices have had their IT department block web access to social media sites but how do we get this in our personal lives? I know I have wasted many hours perusing Facebook and I check my Twitter probably twelve times a day. They only thing I can do is keep reminding myself that social media will be waiting for me after I’ve completed my work.

How do you separate work and social media while keeping productivity up?

Old Spice Seeing the Power of Social Media

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:05:19 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on July 30, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/1226

When Old Spice signed Isaiah Mustafa as their new Old Spice spokesman and put together a creatively humorous advertisement, they probably didn’t realize they would be starting down a path of viral success due to social media. The “Smell like a man, man” campaign debuted in February with its television ads. Soon after, they were posted on YouTube and attracted a high number of viewers. From then on, social media worked its magic. Users began communicating with Mustafa via blogs and Twitter and to respond, Mustafa began responding with YouTube vignettes. Even more interesting, some of the vignettes were personalized and referred to specific Twitter followers of “the old spice guy.” One video even consisted of a marriage proposalof behalf of a follower. Whether it was a reference to themselves or not, the consumer response to these funny videos was impressive.

Within a short period of time, it was clear that Old Spice’s use of social media paid off. The reach of the campaign had expanded that of traditional media. The campaign was actively increasing the brand’s market position while also dramatically influencing sales. Thanks to Mustafa’s comedy, sales of Old Spice’s products featured in the commercial have doubled. This impressive return on investment makes the campaign well worth its cost. Old Spice is a perfect example of how a great campaign can be made greater through proper use of social media. All it takes is a great leading character, a terrific viral video, and a message that resonates with consumers.

MTV to Join the Social Gaming Industry

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:03:35 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on July 21, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/951

In a recent press release, television network MTV revealed that they have acquired a social game development company in hopes of starting a new social game presence for the network. MTV, which also owns children’s network Nickelodeon, will be launching several social games based on shows and characters from popular shows on the respective networks. Not only is social gaming expected to become a $2 billion dollar industry (AdWeek), but it also is a popular way for advertisers to have branded interactions with consumers. MTV is not the first network to jump on the bandwagon. Earlier this year,ESPN reported they had a social game line of their own expected to launch this fall. Study after study is revealing that consumers love the web and the Internet, a fact that social games use to their advantage. Brands and companies will soon have to prioritize online and social games as a consumer touch-point if they want to maintain their reach. Many companies will soon move away from Facebook applications and engage in their own independent social games.

Ben and Jerry's New Augmented Reality

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:02:41 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on July 19, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/954

Popular ice cream chain Ben and Jerry’s has taken it’s iPhone app, Scoop of Happiness to the next level. The updated app now includes an augmented reality feature that is activated when users hold a pint of select ice cream flavors up to their iPhone. When doing so, graphic images of cocoa farmers, skyscrapers, and flying chickens appear on the screen. The special flavors that activate this feature are New York Super Fudge Crunch, Cherry Garcia, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Milk and Cookies. The app also is linked up to social media networks allowing users to share content with their friends. The app even has a built in fortune telling cow that will predict what flavor of ice cream the user is craving. Ben and Jerry’s spared no expense in producing an ultra-creative and interactive experience via their iPhone app. Augmented reality is gaining popularity in advertising today. For those unfamiliar with it, augmented reality refers to technology in which computer-generated content enhances what consumers see in reality (learn more at howstuffworks.com) While augmented reality has been seen mostly in internet campaigns, Ben and Jerry’s is breaking the mold by bringing it to the smartphone screen.

5 Ways Social Media Makes Life Easier

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:02:06 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on July 14, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/972

1. Relationship Building

Social media platforms provide users with a quick and easy way to stay connected to those already in their network. We can easily write a quick wall post on an old college roommate’s Facebook or send a tweet at our followers on Twitter sharing our thoughts. We can easily feel connected to people we may not see every day, all by typing a few quick words on our smartphones. Simple as that. Even better, social mediaplatforms allow us to easily add new connections to our network and build new relationships, both personally and professionally. Every day we meet new people at work or in social settings. Social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitterallow us to develop those relationships by learning about others and sharing information. For example, if you meet someone whose company provides a service that would help your small business, you can quickly find them on LinkedIn orFacebook and begin building a relationship. LinkedIn will show you their resume and experience allowing you to gauge their expertise in the field. A Facebook page would allow you to see responses or feedback that other customers have used. All of this information is available without even having to leave your own home or office.

2. An Information Resource

Social media platforms create a network for news updates that is customizable to each users preferences.Twitter allows users to follow their preferred news networks and receive up-to-date alerts for breaking news. We can follow our favorite musicians or celebrities to learn about their tour dates or interviews. Social sites like YouTube provide a platform for us to see the newest trailers or music videos. LinkedIn and other professional networks provide useful information when learning about a potential business partner’s experiences or projects all at your fingertips. Social media gives users the chance to filter the news they are getting without being bombarded by seemingly irrelevant information. Users can focus in on the pertinent information they need.

3. Consumer Trend Insight

Consumer trends are a huge driving force in almost everything. Without consumers, businesses would ultimately serve no purpose. It is important to know what the trends are and what consumers want. Socialmedia makes this knowledge much more attainable. Twitter trends show what the buzz is about. YouTube records how many hits videos are getting to show viral success. Digg and Delicious are useful benchmarking websites to see feedback on blogs and articles. Social media not only brings users together but it also provides insight into what users are talking about.

4. Brand Building

Now more than ever, consumers want to feel a part of a brand just as much as they feel that a brand is a part of them. They want to interact with their favorite brands and engage with them. Smart businesses recognize that this relationship is crucial to developing and maintaining customer loyalty and satisfaction. Social media provides the interactive consumer-touch point needed for this to happen. It gives brands a seemingly tangible personality to which consumers can relate. Social media allows brands and companies to update their followers on new business endeavors, promotional campaigns, or company news. It gives consumers a place to go to feel connected to a brand.

5. Business Opportunities

Social media provides one of the strongest networking opportunities businesses can use today. Word-of-mouth is key to the reputation of a business and now that WOM is digital and within seconds accessible to large masses of people, it is more important than ever. This powerful WOM allows social media platforms to serve as an extremely unique generator of new leads and business opportunities. Social media networks create a digital web of potential clients, employers, etc. All it takes is one person to see a post in someone else’s network and then re-post it to their own network. This process continues and soon, you’ve opened yourself up to new opportunities that would not have existed before. Anything from a new job opportunity to a great restaurant review has the power to reach beyond any single network. Social media literally turns the phrase “who you know” into “who your friends know.”

How does social media make your life easier?

Cold Stone's New Take on Facebook Gifts

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:01:06 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on July 13, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/945

Popular ice cream chain, Cold Stone Creamery is gearing up this week for its newest social media campaign via Facebook’s gift application. Facebook’s popular virtual gift application allows users to send gifts to their friends in the social network. Cold Stone is taking this one step further. As Adweek reports, fans can nowsend tangible gifts in the form of redemption codes so the recipients can go get ice cream. With a goal of increasing profitability and in-store traffic, Cold Stone is one of many companies taking advantage of the booming virtual gift market. Companies are excited to interact with their consumers but also consumers are the ones willing to pay to interact with their favorite brands. For Cold Stone, users can send gifts ranging from $5-$7 with five different options. Depending on the success rate, more options will be available. Cold Stone already has a large Facebook following so everything appears to be in order for a successful campaign.

New Ridley Scott/YouTube Project Uses Social Media to Bring People Together

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:00:08 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on July 7, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/928

Director Ridley Scott has teamed up with YouTube to create the “Life in a Day” project that asks users to film one day in their life, specifically July 24, 2010 and upload their footage to the YouTube channel called life in the day. After all the footage has been uploaded, Scott will then review it and compile it into a film for the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. People from all walks of life will be able to submit footage from their daily lives and have the chance to be “a part of history” as the project’s introductory video so cleverly calls it.

This project accurately exemplifies what social media is all about: connecting with others. The footage that makes the final cut into the film will tie together the everyday lives of complete strangers who all share a common bond of social media. This film has the opportunity to reveal a number of insights as we will hopefully be able to identify commonalities in the everyday lives of people who have never met each other. Once again, we can see how social media brings people together.

Social Media Can and Will be Held Against You

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:59:21 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on July 1, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/904

As our society becomes more and more consumed by social media, it is increasingly more imperative to think before you tweet, post, or update. There are numerous accounts out there about what social media can do to your career. Yes it helps younetworking and stay up-to-date with the industry, but we more frequently hear tales of employees blowing off a little steam via social media because they did not consider the consequences beforehand. Most often, that one little tweet results in severe consequences and even job loss or a simple Facebook status about a co-worker gets back to them and results in a hostile work environment. All of this could have been avoided but people continuously fail to consider one unique aspect of social media: it isn’t really private.

The idea of social media plays on one key element: social. We seem to think of our Twitteraccounts and Facebooks to be our own little domain where we are completely free. By nature, a network eliminates this safe-perspective because a network means someone knows someone who knows someone, etc. Eventually, your angry comment will reach the subject…including ex-spouses.New trends are now being seen that include social media being a source of evidence in the legal realm, particularly in divorce cases. Mashable’s latest post, “Facebook Becoming a Prime Source for Divorce Case Evidence” sheds light on this growing trend. Thanks to our over-sharing society, what we do in our private lives is not so private. This becomes useful for lawyers that are trying to prove a point by establishing behavior patterns or trying to discredit an individual. Thanks to timestamps, social media not reveals what we are doing but also when we are doing it. All because we allow it to do so. This just adds another number on the list of why users should be conscious of how they are using social media and how it can impact their lives in the long run. Simply “thinking before tweeting” can prevent unintentional damage both to yourself and others.

Let's Celebrate Social Media Day!

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:58:20 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on June 30, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/908

Today, June 30th, has officially been dubbed Social Media Day as a way of paying tribute to how social media has revolutionized the way that we communicate with each other. Today is the day we recognize how much social media has impacted our lives and reflect on how we as individuals use social media every day. In celebration of today, social media users can interact with each other either online via social media of course, or in person at one of the many gatherings going on across the U.S. as well as in other countries abroad. Mashable.com is a great resource to find local events occuring in your area. Users can also watch live streams of Social Media Day celebrations or engage in celebratory events via Twitter or Facebook. Flickr is also participating and is requesting those at events to upload their photos to the website.

Social Media Provides Real Time Brand Management

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:57:28 -0500

This blog was written by me and originally posted on June 29, 2010 by Social Media Solutions http://socialmediasolutionsllc.com/archives/894

Recently, Ann Taylor’s LOFT brand updated new additions to its collection via its Facebook page (from Mashable). These items were photographed on models and then posted to its online click-and-buy Facebook catalog. This seems like business as usual, right? TheFacebook fans did not think so. Immediately, consumers began to express their opinions via social media. In particular, they were unhappy about a specific pair of pants. They posted their responses on the Facebook page, saying a common consumer complaint of “Of course those pants look good in the photo. They are on a model. What about real people?” Ann Taylor heard their cries and responded quickly. Within 48 hours, the pants were re-photographed on staff members, everyday women, and re-uploaded to theFacebook page. Now that is one way to ensure customer satisfaction. Although many consumers were still not happy with the pants themselves, they were deeply grateful that the company had actually listened to the customers. At the end of the day, the customer is always right, right?

This type of action is key to customer loyalty. Consumers like to feel that a brand is a part of them, but when they feel like they are a part of the brand, the results can be fantastic. Companies should use social media as a consumer-touch-point of interaction but they should go even further and use it as their way to answer consumer questions and respond to their complaints. They can use social media to develop real relationships with their customers. Isn’t that the bottom line, making your customers happy?