SocialMedia4Builders

It's time to take a bit of a break

2012-08-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy summer to say the least. We've been building a new home for our daughter and son in law and writing for various other sources plus my two blogs. So for the time being I've decided that I will take a temporary break from writing here. I also picked up a new writing piece for a great company and given there are only so many hours in the day, I have to make a choice.

As soon as things get a bit more settled I'll get back to writing here and I hope you will still stop by and take a look at www.thebuildingblox.com in the meantime.

Thank you all and see you back here soon.

Todd

Social media Marketing

2012-08-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

The game has changed so if you aren't aware you should be.

5 Social media strategies

2012-08-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Source: info.awarenessnetworks.com via Lukas on Pinterest

Return on relationship

2012-08-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

Free will start to change

2012-08-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

I'm seeing a change in the internet winds where the free model of everything is moving slowly into the paid model and it has to.
We all love to see something for free that hasn't changed since time began. The Internet was based on the freemium model that let information services just flow. You could go to almost any website you can find almost any bit of information you could do almost anything on the Internet and it didn't cost you. But let's face it if you're in business how could you possibly stay in business if you don't make money.
So what I started to see is that companies that were based on the freemium model are now charging slight fees for their services. The people and companies that used to give away free advice, free services and were happy to do that just for the exposure are now changing their minds. They now realize that they have to make money and in order to do so they need to charge for that. So why is this changing.? The changes occurred simply because people who are in business need to make money. That hasn't changed.

So my prediction of what will happen is that we will start to see more and more websites and services that will start charging minimal fees for their services. As this becomes the more accepted norm the fees of course will rise but people won't tend to notice because it's been a gradual transition from the free model to the paid model.

This in my opinion has to happen. How can you run a business, how can you pay for your websites or any of the other things that you need to stay in business without charging for fees and making money. Let me know what you think and if you're seeing changes too.

Build Community- you'll sell products

2012-08-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

If you look around you'll see that the world has changed. Almost every aspect is now different. So as it alway happens, change has to occur. It will be fought by the old guard and the one's that move forward will be the successors.

When I look around I see people wanting more and more to be connected to communities with other like minded people. These communities are formed with common beliefs and values that they hold to be true. They no longer look at products as just items to be bought and used. These purchases are thought out as the next generation doesn't just needlessly buy things for the sake of buying something. It has to have a use for them and they want to be part of something. They want to feel they are part of something that they relate to. This is a strong emotion and lets face it, buying any item has always had an emotional value. Now that has grown even more. It has to be useful, needed and they want to be part of the group that also shares their thinking. It's not that hard to understand is it? As the world expands so rapidly people, being social creatures at heart, want to feel a connection to others and that has moved into the business realm too. We live in a fast paced world.

This is an aspect of social media that will continue to grow and evolve. Companies will need to create communities of like minded thinkers and as they do they will sell their products. This, of course, assumes they have good products to sell and can build their communities wisely and honestly. It's more about creating a culture around your business and products.

Create a culture and community around your business and it will grow. You will sell products. You will retain and grow your customer base.

However this doesn't happen overnight and in fact takes a great deal of time and expense to do but if the longevity of your business is a thought for you, I would advise you to start thinking in these terms.

Building bonds, communities and more

2012-08-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

One of the things that social media is very good at is building bonds and relationships. Now in order to do that you have to be the real you or people will see-through you or that fake someone you're trying to pretend to be. This week are going to take a look at why the whole atmosphere of marketing, selling, building communities is changing.

We are now living in a different time just as other periods have changed so marketing now has to change. Building bonds and relationships and or communities is really not new in any sense but what is new is the global scope that it now takes on. In years past you may have had local or even regional bonds with others within your field but now due to the internet and social media platforms, that has expanded greatly. Now these communities and relationships can be across borders and oceans. The common factor now is a universal desire to connect with people of a like minded thinking. For example designers of all fields can communicate, share and discuss ideas that would not have been possible just a few years ago. This also has the effect of growing as others see the group and would like to be part of it. Take a look at what started as some kitchen and bath people chatting on Twitter and is now a weekly chat- #kbtribechat. Naturally they discuss things relating to kitchen and bath and are focused with a great group of knowledgable professionals from all over. There are so many communities that have formed and they are all based on a common theme for each group. Brands need to see that, in these communities, there are people that are potentially valuable assets to their companies. This isn't a random grouping but people with a common bond and as such brands should step up and be part of these. They are a community.

Now why are these "communities" whether it be on Twitter, Facebook or just based around an individual company- think Apple, yes they have build a community and if you don't think so I'd say you are grossly mistaken, so important.? Well I'm going to let you think on that but this week we going to look at changes that I see happening and why selling to the next generation won't work as it has in the past. You won't "sell" them but you can create a community and with that you will have "sold" them. Of course there are many underlying conditions on your part that have to be met.

Selling products is dying

2012-08-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

The day of placing an ad or pitching your product are dying to a large degree. Oh it still happens but it will fade as a new generation moves into their buying power years.
Thing is they don't buy for the sake of buying. They are less materialistic in some senses, less trusting, and more savvy about what they want and why. They need and want to have a connection with what they buy and from whom. Random purchases just won't do it. Who knows, my guess is that at some point in the future malls will disappear from lack of sales. I'm serious. They may come to see the items but not buy.

So what's changing?

What's changing is attitudes and thinking of what the purchase means to them. Apple has done a unbelievable job on this front. I'd bet if you went up to almost anyone on the street and said- "Apple" they would probably say- the computer company. They have created themselves and a community of people that have the same or seemingly same values and ideas. What about Patagonia? I know young people that will buy a down sweater for $200 from them versus from a cheaper less known company just because its them and when questioned will respond- I like them and what they stand for. They like the community and culture that has been nurtured and built by Patagonia.

This is where things are going and of that I have no doubt. Care to agree or disagree?

What does community mean to you? Video

2012-08-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

This week we'll be looking at community and some thinking of why you need to be part of one.

Is your social media campaign on track?

2012-08-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

Blog then Tweet, Tweet than Blog

2012-08-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

This has been a chicken and the egg topic for many. Do I blog then start tweeting or the other way around.
For me it was a giant experiment. I had no one that said to do this then do that. It was a total let's see how this works and truth be told is still a bit like that. It's a constant experiment to see what works and when. The problem of course with experiments is that they sometimes don't work at all but the key is to learn from it no matter what happens.

My feeling is to start slowly on both fronts. Twitter isn't hard but can be intimidating at first. So set up your account, get on, search for people that have similar interests and follow them. They all won't follow you back but watch, listen and learn from what goes on. Jump in to an interesting conversation (politely of course) once in a while and once you start making connections, it will grow. Friendships in the virtual world are like those in the real world- they take time and can't be forced.
Now that you're starting out in the twitter, start writing your blog. Set up a schedule but don't go crazy when you start. You can post daily but if you haven't gained an audience it really doesn't mean much. I'd say start with twice a week and stick to those days- every week. Start letting others know about your blog but don't be spammy. Remember social media is about real interactions with real people.
Now as your audience grows and you gain more confidence, you may want to increase the amount of posting you do because of course the more daily posts you offer, the better chances that others will see you and your ranking in search engines will rise.

My advice is to do both but slowly as you start. Social media and social business is constantly changing so you need to learn as you go and find what works best for you. So no matter whether you blog then tweet or tweet then blog, take your time, enjoy the friendships and learn along the way.

Jonathan Harris- Rethinking Social Networking

2012-08-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

I saw this recently and found it to be interesting on many levels. It made me think about it even later.
What do you think?

10 Social media myths

2012-07-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

Social media is not easy. It takes a great deal of time to accomplish.

Here's some things to think about and get out of your head if you are thinking of using social media for your business.

1. Social media is easy once you know the rules. Nonsense - it's so new and constantly changing

2. Using social media is free. Again nonsense. Air is free. Using social media for the best outcomes takes time and time relates to a cost incurred.

3. Social media isn't for business use. Then how is it I read recently that blogs and social media sites hit 80% of US internet users?

4. Pinterest is just a fad. I think they said this about the internet, Facebook, Twitter....

5. Facebook is the only social platform that you need to use. Really? My thinking is use all and whatever platforms you need to in order to reach your audience. That's sort of like saying we only advertise in the Thursday paper.

6. There is no ROI in Social media. So what's the value of word of mouth, customer service, customer and brand engagement..... As the field grows so do the ways that it can be tracked.
http://www.slideshare.net/Radian6/roi-of-social-media-feb

7. I have a Facebook page and people like it a lot. That's all I need to do right? I'm not sure I can even go through this one here. It's so much more than that.

8. Kids can do social media. Covered this one too. How many kids have a sense of what makes your business work? Well probably very few is my estimate.

9. Our customers don't use Twitter so we don't have to either. Is this a known fact or are you assuming that because you don't, they don't? Be real. They could be there saying all types of things and if you aren't, well, who knows what you're missing.

10. Real customers don't use social media. Oh this is good since a little over 80% of adults use some social media site(s). But then again if you were my competition I would be in total agreement. You are so right! It's a waste of time. Maybe you could give the kid down the block a bit of spending money and he could do it for you. Just have him throw up a Facebook page and see what it does. No, no don't waste any of your time on Twitter or his either, no one there matters. I heard that was just for a bunch of avid ADHD people that talk in short broken sentences. Anyway I have to run. He'll probably do a great job and I'm sure you'll see some results.

Make your business tweet

2012-07-30T06:15:00.000-04:00

Influencers vs brand advocates

2012-07-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Pinterest vs Facebook

2012-07-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

I seriously doubt it.

2012-07-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

I recently read this article and almost fell over with laughter. Yet maybe this is the mindset of people who don't understand social media fall for. They don't get it so they look to 25 year olds or younger to make sense of it. I seriously doubt it.

According to the article

"In social media circles, this article by Cathryn Sloane has reached a level of infamy in just four short days. In her piece, entitled “Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25,” Ms. Sloane argues that companies looking to hire Social Media Managers should look to her generation, arguing that they’re naturally better at it because they grew up with it."

http://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2012/07/24/can-only-millennials-manage-your-social-media/

I would really urge you to read this article because it's almost a joke to me. How on earth should/could 25 year olds run a company's social media program> Seriously what am I missing?

Is it because they have been using social media such as Facebook since they were teenagers? So they are the only ones that know how to be social?

Maybe its the 25 years of business experience plus their social media savyness that should put them at the top of the pack. Oops sorry. That can't be right they have only been ALIVE for 25 years.

So seriously how would someone that has been alive for only 25 years or less, who probably has very little to no business experience be a valuable asset in helping to manage and direct your companies social goals?

Please someone, anyone, tell me or am I totally missing the point of social media and business?

Global social media-top 5 findings

2012-07-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

Social media- shopping decisions

2012-07-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

This week we'll be looking at some infographics to help highlight some key social media points

Social media marketing with Avinash Kaushik

2012-07-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

ROI

2012-07-19T06:31:00.000-04:00

http://initi8marketing.co.uk/how-to-determine-facebook-and-twitter-roi-infographic/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+co%2FQTIq+%28Initi8+Marketing%29

It's not free

2012-07-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

Recently I've heard using social media is free for anyone to use and therefore doesn't have any cost.
Yes that's true and it is nonsense!

Social media programs are free but that's where the truth of the statement ends.

Next you have to set the various platforms up, add passwords, write a blog, participate on your platforms and be part of it all. Now if it's not you personally, then someone has to do it. It's not happening by magic. This takes time and time is money.

Now the person that is handling your social media program must have some skills and the time allocated to them to take care of posts, writing and communications. So you have someone that is super bored and very good that does this for free? I doubt it.

Using social media for the best outcomes takes time and is a long term approach to market in a new way.

Someone or maybe many need to have the finances for computers, programs, internet services and the available time to do all that is needed for your business to be successful. Oh and they need to be paid too. That's, of course, if you have someone do the work. If you do it all then you probably won't pay yourself but then again you probably aren't out working in your business either. It's hard to be in two places at once so again there seems to be a dollar amount that we could attach to this too.

Tell me a way that using social media for the best outcome is free. Please, I'd really love to know.

Virtual meets real life #bostontweetup12

2012-07-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

On Sunday 7/15/2012 Andie Day and I hosted a tweetup in Boston and it was a great success and not just according to us. Everyone had a great time and even though for most of us, we had only met in the virtual world, meeting in real life was like meeting old friends.

What we thought would be an hour and a half turned into four and a half hours with people not wanting to leave. So what brings a group of talented smart people together that have never even met?

Social media.

That was the connection that was started in the virtual on line world and when we got together it was just expanded.

All together 21 people attended. Some could only stay for a bit and others for longer. An event like this creates a stronger relationship that was started and nurtured on line. We've all chatted, talked about family, business and personal things and so it was just a continuation of that. It was like meeting strangers but friends that have a common interest in each other, social media and design.

That is a powerful thing to consider so if you think that social media has little worth you should consider this small gathering and what was and will be discussed in the future by them. It made an impression that will be spread around.

I'd like to also thank Strega on the Waterfront for the fantastic food and atmosphere as well as such wonderful service and if you happen to be in Boston- I highly recommend stopping here!

http://www.stregawaterfront.com/

In addition to the venue, a big thanks to Giovanni DeCunto for being there and having some great conversations and sharing his insights and experiences as well as Suzanne King. I think we'll be seeing more of them soon. http://www.giovannidecunto.com/

Also to everyone that came- thank you for your friendship, wisdom, conversation and more. See you soon. Yes that's a big hint!

Jenna Andrianopolis

Jen Barker @JenBarkerDesign

Andrew Clinkman- @Aclinkman http://andyclinkman.com/

Michelle Cortizo- @Cortizointeriors http://wwwcortizodecor.blogspot.com/

Andie Day- @AndieDay http://www.andieday.com/

Giovanni DeCunto - @GiovanniDeCunto http://www.giovannidecunto.com/

Leslie Seaton Fine- @lesliefineint http://lesliefineinteriors.com/blog/

Barbara Elza Hirsch- @elzabdesign http://www.elzabdesign.com/

Suzanne M. King- publicist representing Giovanni DeCunto

Lindsay Hill @LindsayHillDes http://www.lindsayhilldesign.com/

Jocelyn Hutt @JoceH http://www.drsandassociates.com/

Jonathan Legate @jonathanlegate http://www.jonathanlegate.com/

Linda Merril - @surroundings http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Home-Interior_Design-Massachusetts-Boston-South_Shore-Cape_Cod.html

Russ Mezikofsky @Russ_Mezikofsky http://www.russmezikofskyphotography.com/

Joe Quartarone - @joequartarone

Alexis Robertson @imageskincareMA

Tiffany Rock @MsTiffanyRock

Ariel Shoemaker @mosaicsbyariel http://rufusmagufismosaics.com/

Todd Vendituoli- @TALV58 http://www.thebuildingblox.com/

http://www.socialmedia4builders.com/

Sidney Vendituoli

Diana Vertus @ExquisiteDecor http://www.exquisitedesignconcepts.com/

Creating a social media policy- video

2012-07-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

Google Plus

2012-07-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

What I saw was a possibility that Google was going to do something special. Something that would really bring over lots of great conversations, information and social uses that hadn't even been explored yet. It had the potential, It's Google right? And even though Google Wave was a disaster, I had high hopes as they would have learned from their mistakes. Yet that doesn't seem to be the case. They keep trying and I keep using it but it doesn't have the same feel. I still post to Google+ as do others but the interactions and connections that I get from Twitter and Facebook are of much more value. For me it's become a place to post with limited value.

So why do I continue using it? Well it's Google. They're big into search results and I know that the SEO value is there and part of the goal is to be found on line in search results. Isn't that true for everyone. Why have a website or blog if you don't want to be found?
I admit I'm USING it and not for the reasons of connections and interactions, I get those on a far better level on different platforms as I mentioned above.

Heck I was just there and Guy Kawaski, he's got like a ton of followers, (2,437,393 HAVE HIM IN CIRCLES) Actual number, had 15 comments on something he put up and 61 likes. Really?

I think it's become a virtual wasteland or then again it could be just my warped thinking. I'm still playing with it and seeing what the potential and possibilities can be but....

What's your thinking on Google+?

PS. I'm a huge user of Google products in almost every aspect.