We all know that the glorious days of going to our local record store and browsing through the endless aisles of ear candy, are pretty much done or nearly extinct.  Seems like if you want to get close to that experience these days, you have to pick up some mouthwash at Target and browse onto the other side of the mega store through the 4 aisles of what Target calls their “music department”.  Definitely not as exciting as it used to be!  But wait, there are other options. You can hop in your car or take a plane and travel to far distant lands called Hollywood, Berkeley or San Francisco and visit the last of the true infamous independent record stores world famous “Amoeba Records”.  Well back to reality. Going to Amoeba isn’t an option for 99% of all music fans, so we’ll just leave that out. Instead, most people are left with something else that isn’t too bad… the Internet!

Finding music on the internet isn’t new news at all. However, I wonder if the internet was truly the end of the music industry as we’ve all known it or the birth of something new?  On top of that we have to really ask ourselves, “Isn’t it simply the way that we’re evolving in society”? Seems like we may be getting a bit lazier these days and the idea of going out and picking up the latest new release isn’t on the agenda. Instead, it’s much more convenient to order something with the click of a button and PRESTO!!! You got it!

Now, whether or not you paid for it is another issue. I’ve been on both ends of that boat; as a musician and as a fan. I understand the struggle it is to make music, release it and hope that it will actually sell, giving you a chance to possibly make some money from it.  I also understand what it’s like to be broke. It seems easy to have something for free when it’s so accessible, even though stealing is stealing regardless of the situation. So no, I don’t like taking music for free. If you can’t pay for it, then don’t steal it.

Now back to the extinguisher. Social Media has filled a huge connectivity gap between fans, record labels, industry people and anyone else involved.  For over a decade we’ve limited ourselves to comments, ratings, and message boards in order to bring our communities together.  Before Social Media, emotional context was best expressed with techniques such as using ALL CAPS or typed emotions. However, in the absence of face-to-face contact, these techniques are inadequate as tools of true human expression. Today’s internet with Social Media provides tools to musicians, fans, industry folks and your everyday web surfer, keeping the industry alive, exciting and vibrant. In other words-bringing back that face-to-face connection. The invention of MySpace, Facebook and Twitter has linked the virtual expression to the masses. While blogs gave users a platform to express themselves, it was (and still is) at its core a one-way medium. The true power of a social network is its ability to rapidly connect ideas by linking friends, fans and colleagues, dynamically in real-time.

Rock and Roll and the internet go hand in hand.  Artists these days have exclusive goodies only available on the internet, endless communication, information, multiple social media networks and a nice little online store called iTunes.  Fans love to keep in touch and have the sense that they’re close to the artists they admire so much. Same goes for the Artist who likes the feedback and contact with their fans.  Labels and promoters also have the ability to benefit from these Social Media tools, bringing them back into their familiar territory with the strength needed. These are amazing tools that in my opinion only help the music industry perform their goals in a more efficient way. Independent bands can truly stay independent and actually be heard/ discovered. While bigger labels can promote their products as well and still stay connected with what their consumers want.  In the end we’re all happy campers. Not only can you apply Social Media to music but you can apply this to all products and services. Think about this one…  What would The Beatles become in their early cavern days with Social media and the internet???

• Improperly set expectations
• Poor communication.

Here’s what everybody involved can do in order to accelerate the impending catastrophe.

Step 1: Don’t Plan

The great thing about not creating a budget is you don’t have to worry about your project going over budget (score one for the good guys). Moreover, no budget means no business analysis = less work for you. Who really cares if the new software costs $100 or $100,000 the clients are going to love the new software that prints greeting cards on both sides of a PDF.

Business analysis will force you carefully construct use cases, a requirements document as well as a technical specification in order to determine scope, schedule and budget, all of which will help you ascertain if there is any value in your software proposition.

Use cases require communication between the client, business development unit and software development team. This is an invaluable part of the process which will help everyone involved determine if in fact there is a business case and/or a consumer need for the proposed solution.

A requirements document will help bridge the gap between the assumptions you have made (I’m sure the developer will know that everyone on the email list should be contacted when you create a new evite) and the understanding that the developer gleams from reading your document (why would you want to email everyone on the contact list when you create a new evite?).

Finally the technical specification is where the software developer can take your requirements document and create a drilled down estimation of how long each and every component will take to develop. This is typically followed by a signoff process where the business team and the development team sit down together to determine if both are on the same page.

If you’ve followed my recipe for disaster, at this point you have no idea how much it’s going to cost, if the users want it, and when it’s going to be done. You should be well on your way to:

Step 2: Change Requirements Often

One of the most difficult projects to complete is one that changes regularly. “Oh can the software do this too?”  Nothing will extend your project faster than adding requirements on the fly. Imagine constructing a car based on the premise that it will have three wheels. As you near completion the head designer let’s you know that he wants a fourth wheel.

Typically changing requirements are a result of poor planning (see Step 1). Managing what may seem like a simple change can often lead to massive unforeseen architectural changes to the fundamental software design. But since you don’t have a scope, schedule or budget, massive architectural software changes shouldn’t bother you too much.

Step 3: Let the Developer Manage the Project

Nobody understands your needs, the needs of your customers, and the needs of your company better than you.  So, after you’ve jotted down the details of the software package you need urgently (in bullet point of course) just turn over the difficult task of balancing cost, time and quality, to the developer. After all, he’s the L-Directed thinker isn’t he?

Step 4: Eschew Policy and Procedure

Let the development team create code right on the production server, work without the safety net of a software repository, and definitely don’t worry about small iterative release cycles.

Breaking down your project into short iterative release cycles will force you to review the software project at two or three week intervals (intrinsic project management). You will catch errors in assumptions early and often. Additionally you will catch software bugs early and often.

Further, your project will be broken down into logical units of work that can be developed in a reasonable amount of time. Your development team will string together a series of small victories that will build confidence and demonstrate progress.

Step 5: Cut off all Communication

If something goes wrong with the project, I’ll get an email, right?

Step 6: Let the Customer Test

The best way to test something is by having it battle hardened. Let’s just put it up and see what happens!

Software development is a discipline like any other engineering process. In order to achieve success both sides of your company must work together to plan the project carefully (set expectations and manage change), set up policy and procedures (provide a framework for proper development), and communicate throughout the process. Invest the time in your project up front and you will reap the rewards of a successful software development project that is delivered on time and on budget.

By the way my song of the week is the Fake Blood Remix of Miike Snow’s Animal. Enjoy.

Four years later, .com email addresses being accepted on Facebook, the evolution of Twitter, the purchase of my iPod Touch, and this little widget called “share” on almost all websites, has changed the way I use and view social media. In addition to these changes, I switched the industry in which I worked and am now managing an ecommerce site. My use of the outlets has evolved from keeping in touch with old pals, to keeping in touch with industry information and as I call it “continuing industry education credits”. It is like taking a 10 minute class each morning on what is new in my industry. Who doesn’t want to know what is affecting the industry in which they work? Why would I wait for my industry magazines to come in the mail, when the same writers are blogging once a week? Every morning I log on to my NetVibes account, view my Twitter account, Facebook page, read through any new blog posts, and respond to any questions or comments.

The evolution of my perception of social media started with two people, Derek (Authority Domains Director of Social Media) and Barbara Walters. Yes, the 79 year co-host of The View and famed interviewer, Barbara Walters. Derek hammered home the notion of gaining invaluable industry knowledge by being an active social media user and the generation leads from having a social media presence. Occasionally, when I feel the need to listen to five women talk over each other for an hour, I watch The View. Over the past two months, Elizabeth Hasselback, Sherri Shephard, and Joy Behar have been talking about Twittering. They have finally persuaded Barbara Walters to start Tweeting. Whoopi just starting flying on airplanes, so they have a ways to go with her. If a 79 year old career woman is Tweeting, I am definitely behind the curve.

Three weeks ago I started simple daily Tweets, a Facebook Fanpage for the ecommerce stores, located a few interesting bloggers in my industry, and setup my NetVibes page. The total setup time was not more than 30 minutes. I was nervous, and thought ‘what do I have to say to the world and what can I really learn from these outlets?’ My answer after three weeks, there is a lot I have to say and so much more out there that I can learn and grow from. Beyond keeping connected in my industry, I am learning more about my customers and how to involve them with our Fanpage and following the companies whom we purchase from. I have already had people contact me with new products for the site, in addition to finding out about fantastic promotion ideas.

My girlfriend’s like to poke fun at the fact that I tweet and keep up a fanpage. They consider it to be ‘an over load of information’. They ask me “Why do I want to know what Ashton Kutcher ate for breakfast?” My response is, “don’t follow silly people.” If you connect with quality people and the right businesses – you will see the real power of social media.

A former social media skeptic –

Janel

I am the co-owner of Authority Domains, Inc. an internet marketing company that specializes in link building, SEO, PPC Management, and Social Media Consulting. In the past we’ve struggled to maintain a successful business with the usual ups and downs and growths and declines. Here are a few tips that I have learned from the “experts” that I believe may have helped us grow into the success we are today.

1. Have a business plan – Yes, we hear this all the time: “Have a business plan” What is it really, because we started this company without one, and we still survive. Sure we had it in our minds as to what we planned on doing, but it was never really defined in writing till almost a year after Authority Domains started as we were forced into the situation when we changed from a partnership to a Corporate structure.The idea of a business plan really does work, but not to the extent that everyone else tells you. It’s really a great way of brain dumping all the aspects of the business by thinking deeply about your income, growth, spending, advertisement, etc… Hand scratch it on a piece of paper, it’s really a way figuring out problems within your structure before they become a problem. What are you selling, to whom, how much is it going to cost us, how many employees….all this planning comes down to the dollar. What is it going to cost, and will I be able to make money from it?

Our first fail at not having a business plan: “Authority Domains” originated from the idea that we were going to buy and sell domain names that were established. To this day, we haven’t even sold one such product. Had we pursued that avenue, we’d be in a different place. I’m happy with what we have achieved, but having a solid business plan would have been beneficial to ground us from the start.

2. Be adaptable -As with our first failure to buy and sell any domains, we still wanted to pursue a path that was within our extensive knowledge of the internet. We knew internet marketing, and we knew it well. However, we didn’t want to be just a link provider. We scoffed at the idea for months at selling links to clients, yet it did start to bring us income to the business that was required for us to grow into what we are now.

I believe our ability to change and adhere to trends has given us the growth. The internet is ever changing, and still in its infant stage. Without our ability to change would have stifled our growth potential.

3. Plan for a Hurricane – What happens when you have one bad month and begin to lose all the profits you’ve been making. Now multiply that by 36. Most business planning consultants say that you need to plan for a 3 year struggle. In simple terms, you’ll need enough money to support your company for the next 3 years. Is this necessary? Yes! The owners of the company are considered ‘employees’ and if your business is financially struggling, then guess who doesn’t get paid. Just think back to the days of going to college, eating top ramen noodles, and cafeteria food while living in a room filled with three other people. Starting a business is almost a repeat. We officially started Authority Domains early March 2006. Our first payment to ourselves was not until November of the same year, which I promptly spent most of it just celebrating our first take home income.

4. Get help! – We knew how to get people on the first page of Google, drive targeted traffic to their site, and make them happy; however, we didn’t know anything about managing our employees, organizing the work structure, paying taxes. Listen to your accountants, banker, Management consultants and build a relationship with them. After all, that’s why you pay them.

If your really having troubles setting up your small business, consider contacting Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to help you with an effecting plan. They provide management assistance to owners with companies earning less than $50 million annual revenue, and it’s all free. After all it helped us.

Owen Andrew
Accounting & Production
Authority Domains Inc.
Cell Phone: (714) 350-9575
Fax: (661) 309-9822
Owen@authoritydomains.com

Let’s face it, whether you love them or hate them, url shorteners are here to stay. However, all url shorteners are not created equal. The shortening service you choose to use can have a big impact on your site’s link building and rankings.

The problem with some of the services out there is that they don’t provide a clean 301 redirect to your content. 301 redirects tell search engines to permanently redirect to your content. Instead they provide a 302 redirect which tells search engines that this a temporary situation which causes a lot of issues with most search engines.

Even if you just use short urls on twitter which nofollows the links you post anyway, you still need to pick a url shortener that 301 redirects because once you post a link on twitter it can end up anywhere.

If your shortened url gets republished all over the web (and isn’t that the point) wouldn’t it be nice to get the credit?

Bellow are 4 sites you should never use because they do not provide a clean 301 redirect:

• twurl.nl – 303 redirect
• hex.io – 302 redirect
• eweri.com – 302 redirect
• fon.gs – 302 redirect

If you look around you will surely find more examples. (Please post any examples you find in the comment section) Also watch out for services that use a bar or frames to display ads etc. Besides being tacky they usually are not providing a clean redirect.

Good Examples: Each of these services provides a clean 301 redirect

• tinyurl.com
• bit.ly
• ff.im
• is.gd

In summary, make certain when you do use a url shortening service that you only use one that 301 redirects. When in doubt simply enter a shortened url in a header checker like http://www.seoconsultants.com/tools/headers.asp

Follow this simple advice and when your Twitter post hits the big time your content actually get the credit it deserves.

What is the value proposition of a link baiting adventure?

1) Diversifies a website’s link profile, which in turn helps to boost the site’s rankings.
2) You will gain links from authority, news, government and educational sites when executed correctly
3) You will need far fewer links in order to rank for ultra-competitive phrases

What exactly is Link Baiting?

Linkbaiting is an essential tool in improving a site’s search engine rankings and consists of various techniques which aim to attract links from various relevant websites on the internet. There are various methods to linkbaiting effectively, one of which is embedded tool links. Try it…

Quiz brought to you by
Tripbase – Vacation Ideas

Cool huh? If your organization would like to harness the value of link baiting, please feel free to email us at aj@authoritydomains.com with questions and we will be happy to work with you to create an adventure that will even put a smile on Google’s face.

Off topic post are fine in moderation, however getting 15 post a day from someone along the lines of ” I just went to Sonic and they were out of Cherry limeades…what the heck!” adds nothing of value for you.

Here is how you can keep that to a minimum by only following people who add content of value and minimize the “Hey there are no raisins in my Raisin Bran” post.

Step 1:

If you don’t have it already. Download PowerTwitter for Firefox. Its free and only takes seconds to install.

Step 2:

Once installed go to your twitter homepage. You will notice some great functions have been added to your Twitter page. Click on your followers list then visit any follower you have.

Step 3:

Once on your follower’s Twitter homepage you will see a search box. Use the check box to only search their updates and input your own version of the following advanced search query.
“Link building” OR “Social media ” OR SEO OR PPC OR Adwords OR ROI OR Analytics OR Ecommerce
*Adjust this search query to match the things that interest you.

PowerTwitter Search Box – Make sure to use checkbox

Now You Are Setup To Follow Or Not In 5 Seconds

Anytime you get a new follower or think of following someone, simply visit their page. PowerTwitter will remember your advanced search query in the recent searches dropdown . Select it and you can tell in a few seconds if this person produces content that you will value.

I see profiles all the time with great looking BIOs but with horrible content. This simple step will save you wasted time following then finding out the person produces little to no content of value.

1. Paid Search 101 Rap

2. You Oughta Know Internet Marketing – Alanis Morrisette Parody

3. Why Network Marketing? OMG I THINK this guy is for real lol.

4. The AIMS SEO Song = Epic Failure

5. SEO Gangsta Rap

6. Google Owns It

7. Blog Song – This guy is too funny

8.Gotta Digg

9. The Twitter Song – You’re No One if You’re Not on Twitter

10. Another Twitter Song…I only whish I was in the audience to witness this hot mess.

11. Facebook Song – Oh Facebook!

12. Network Marketing Rap on South Beach – Who takes advice from a guy rapping in a park?

13. The Superpoke Facebook Song

14. The Webmaster’s PageRank Song

15. Twitter Wonderland…to be a fly on the wall

These terms all describe certain aspects of a new type of interaction online: one that’s almost purely social.

I would say that new media is a term that applies to tools and channels used in social media marekting or for social media purposes.

These tools include things like podcasts, videos, wikis, applications like Twitter and FriendFeed and much more.

Social marketing applies to the process of using marketing methods to promote across new media social channels and is concerned with a more holistic approach to marketing.

Citizen journalism falls under the heading of social media because it uses media in an open, social way that wasn’t previously possible. Today, anyone can create a newsblog and major papers are even creating citizen journalist sections for online editions of their papers.

Each of the terms above does have a specific meaning – its all part of our human tendency to try and categorize everything.

Ultimately,  all those buzz words floating around really come down to one thing: the web is evolving on a social level and everyone is trying to come up with a way to describe it.