When people read YOUR bio are they asking these same questions..?

Hello, missed opportunity!

Your bio is a 1st-class chance to attract targeted followers so don’t waste it.

We want to know what you do, who you help, what you’re passionate about. (We all want to connect and work with other people who share our interests and values).

And, leaving your social media bios incomplete isn’t going to represent you to others in the best light.

Let us know what we can expect if we follow you. What do you post? How will we benefit?

Build trust – show some personality, be original, be you!

Make it happen…

The first test is to read your own bio and ask yourself, ‘Would I want to follow me?’

Or ask someone else to look at it for you.

Here are some questions you’ll want to address in your bio:

• What is your area of expertise?
• Why do you do it?
• Who do you help, who are your clients?
• Where are you based? (Especially useful if you’re location based)
• What non-business things make you happy?
• What can’t you live without?
• What do you post about?
• What do you do in your free time?

You don’t need to use ALL of these questions – answering 2-3 is plenty.

From your answers you want to create a 160 character bio that grabs attention, succinctly explains what you do and what makes you tick in an interesting way.

To get the length just right, use your word count or paste it into the tweet box in Twitter. (You’ll know when you’ve reached the character limit because the counter will show -20).

Don’t…

Use text speak, jargon or buzzwords only your peers understand.

Over cram your bio with too much info – we want a snapshot, not your entire life story.

Leave it blank!

Ninja tip!

Use your bio to direct people somewhere they can find out more about you, like a portfolio or article, a free guide or event.

For Twitter bios, including a live link here is powerful because your bio description shows up when someone clicks on your @name, in Twitter search, and other directories outside of Twitter.

How did you get on?

Post your bio in the comments below and I’ll give you my honest feedback. Go!

Last month I didn’t write a Bright Sparks list – I shared this secret instead. Considering the huge impact it had on my business and life I figured it was a suitable alternative.

So, what’s on my Bright Sparks list this month? 3 servings of inspiration, reality checks and tools for smooth running business processes. YUM. Dig in…

1. Hello, sexy new plaything!

Having a steady flow of great blog articles to share with my peeps on Twitter and Facebook, plus keeping up with the latest goss in my field is a cornerstone of my online content plan.

Without it I’d be lost, invisible and boring.

Over the years I’ve carefully cultivated a personal library of amazing resources using Google Reader. Inside is a secret stash of my favourite websites and blogs that I pour over weekly, and I share the best finds with my social media gang on Twitter and Facebook.

Google Reader saves me HOURS each week. Yes it’s ugly but it’s supremely functional and quickly became one of my essential marketing tools.

Then Google decided to shut it down and I was heartbroken. *sniff*

Enter Feedly – my sexy new plaything! Google Reader beautified – great features, easy to use, and (at the time of writing this) free – so jump in quick before they change their mind!

Plus, there’s the smartphone apps and social media integrations (tweet your articles while inside Feedly), and if you’re like me and a Google Reader user, you can switch your account over painlessly in seconds. Seriously LOVE.

Grab your account here and have a play: Feedly

2. Whose celebration is this anyway?

If you were lucky enough to browse my Feedly, (you can but you’d have to pay me) you would see Chris Brogan’s blog feed filed neatly in ‘Shareables’.

(By the way, his Sunday morning email updates – just like his blogs – are inspired and full of wisdom – well worth taking the time to ponder over your morning cuppa).

One day in April when I was feeling less than great I read his post ‘Do You Invest In Yourself?’. At the time I was exhausted and spent – I’d over extended myself: working too late, worrying too much. And, as I read I realised that I was in that place because I hadn’t put my own mask on first…

When you fly, the safety briefing points out that we must secure our own masks first. What they mean is simple: you can’t really help anyone else unless you get yourself squared away so that you won’t pass out in the middle of trying to be helpful. Covey would call this “sharpening the saw.” And sometimes we get this. Other times, we think of ourselves as selfish. But is an investment in ourselves really selfish?

It prompted me to examine where I can ‘trim expenses’ – the stuff I do that has no value (hours watching The Real Housewives of New York City, anyone?), and to be more mindful of where I spend my time and energy by not getting caught up in other people’s rituals. That leaves more time for me to gorge on developing my growth – the precious things that will serve me, and those around me. Yum.

Inspired by Chris Brogan’s commitment list in his post, I immediately scribbled down mine on the back of a discarded Prinstagram calendar image. Here goes…

• Bed by 11.00pm
• Green juice daily
• Run at least 3 x a week
• Read or study every day
• Digital detox 1 x a week
• Daily gratitudes
• Ask for help when I need it, not after the shit’s happened

Read Chris’ post here and come back to tell me what’s on your list.

3. Be grateful and change your life

You probably know that practicing gratitude has been scientifically proven to improve alertness, optimism, energy and all sorts of other good stuff. (If not you should try it. Stick it out for 3 weeks solid and I defy you not to feel different).

Guess what? I use an app that makes this daily practice digitally fun + easy (naturally!). Download the free Gratitude 365 app from the App Store and take a few minutes each day to list what you’re grateful for. It will make small shifts in your mindset that have a big impact. Amazing…

Oh, and you can take an accompanying snap, download your gratitudes and even share them on your social networks to spread the feel good factor. Just watch the TMI…

Download the Gratitude365app

What about you?

What are you loving that’s making an impact in your business right now? Please share your resources in the comments below…I’d love to check them out!

ME TOO!

Initially, this can feel like a line has been crossed.

I get loads of questions about how to deal with this – especially asking how to block competitors (or anyone weird and unsavoury) from following on Twitter.

It’s understandable. When we put SO much effort into our businesses we don’t want anyone swooping in and taking our ideas and secrets.

Of course, you CAN block people from following you on Twitter, but wouldn’t that time and energy be better spent concentrating forward on forging relationships with people you DO wanna know?

I think so.

(If you really want to block someone – click on the ‘man’ icon next to their name on their profile or from your Followers list and click on the option to block that user)

So, instead, you could take this interest from rivals as a compliment. If they’re finding your content useful that must mean it’s great stuff, right?

It’s a very useful yard stick to indicate that you’re on the right track.

I’m always looking for ways to improve my own knowledge and skills – often this comes from ‘competitor’ blogs and newsletters. I bet you do too, so is there really room for getting upset when it happens to you?

I also get a healthy number of social media marketers and trainers signing up to Dig.it.all, and that’s fine with me. Why?

Because there’s always an opportunity for collaboration.

I’ve found that working alongside someone in the same field provides a fun learning experience and great business for us both. We all have different strengths and ideas to bring to the table, plus collaborating is an amazing way to get seen by more people interested in my stuff.

It’s sharing sound, reliable knowledge.

When you’re confident in the work you do and brilliance you share – you want to reach and help as many people as possible, and if that means it being shared through others who can add their own experiences too, it’s ALL good.

When this happens to you

• Don’t get angry, be happy!
• Check them out right back – you might learn something
• Be aware – it’s one thing being an inspiration to another, but plagiarism is NOT cool. Don’t let this happen to you
• Give yourself a gold star – you’re on the right track!

When someone shares your tweet with others it’s a wonderful thing and not to be taken for granted.

By sharing, they are helping you spread your message, exposing you to a completely new bunch of people (and probably brightening your day).

Through this act they are endorsing you and raising your profile. How nice is that?

So it stands to reason the smart (and polite) thing to do is to thank them.

Just like you would ‘in real life’.

Except, it doesn’t have to be limited to a ‘Thanks for sharing my tweet’ or ‘Thanks for the Retweet’ - you could show appreciation and recognise them in an other way.

Here are some ideas

• Reciprocrate by tweeting something of theirs that your peeps will also appreciate
• Brighten their day back by adding a quote to your reply, like this:

• Check out their profile for a tweet you can respond to (and strike up a conversation)
• Follow them (and tell them that you’ve done so)

• Add them to a Twitter list so you can keep in touch (and tell them that you’ve done so)

• Post a comment on one of their blogs (bonus point: tweet their blog post afterwards)
• Visit their Facebook page, and if you like it, Like it (and leave a comment)

All of these suggestions add value – not just to the person you’re thanking but potentially to others too.

One more thing to note…

I’m not suggesting your do this every time. Heck, I send my fair amount of ‘thanks for the share!’ tweets but by going a little bit further can mean the start of something meaningful. Aaaaah!

I didn’t realise it at the time but when I clicked on the ‘Join Now’ button and entered my credit card details, I wasn’t signing up for just another 8 week training course. But I took the risk of committing my money, time and energy into an unknown because something had to change in my business.

I simply couldn’t continue doing what I was doing and expect different results.

When those 8 weeks were over, I knew that my leap of faith was well worth the risk: it had an instant impact on my confidence, business approach and my bottom line.

I had already been in business for myself for almost 3 years.

And for a year of that I had held on to a dream of what I wanted to achieve next:

To launch my first online training course so that I could >>>

• make a difference to others, and reach as many as I could by practicing what I preach – using online marketing and social media to create leads and generate sales
• show other small product and service based businesses that creating a buzz online isn’t a complicated, time-sucking drag, but is fun AND works when you have a plan
• move away from the feast/famine cycle of trading money for hours, wake up to sales in my bank account after a good night’s sleep, and be location independent

I thought I knew enough to get me there – all I needed was a prod in the right direction – but those 8 weeks showed me how little I really knew about successfully launching an online product!

No doubt. Putting yourself out there is scary shit.

I’d experienced it when I published my first blog post, sent my first email update to my teeny list, presented my first webinar, and a whole bunch of other ‘firsts’ along my business evolution. But launching my first online course was a WHOLE different bag.

I wouldn’t admit it then but I was brimming over with the F-word:

Fear of failing
Fear of being judged
Fear of not knowing what to do
Fear of screwing it all up
Fear of biting off more than I could chew

And I was stuck. For a whole YEAR.

Then I found Fearless Launching…

Fearless Launching is “a hybrid part digital program – part live ongoing mastermind membership designed to give you a complete understanding of launching anything online and step by step advice, tips, and templates so that you actually do take your idea and ship it.”

A treasure trove of the best actionable advice, tools, systems, templates, insights and a-MAZING support (seriously, you’ll need it and the Fearless Launching community has it in spades!)

It wasn’t just the accountability and cheerleading support I thought that I needed that I got from Fearless Launching. NOPE! I learned the intricate details of what launching really is, what you absolutely must do, and what you can leave to improve upon the next time.

All wrapped up in a bow with expert knowledge from one of the best launch coaches around (Anne has pulled off hugely successful 6 & 7 figure launches, working away in the background). Oh yea, and she’s a self confessed launch nerd.

With this resource in my back pocket I was able to finally realise my dream, and exceed my expectations right out of the gate.

It meant that…

• Not only did I launch my first online training, Twitter Brilliance, but it SOLD OUT within a few weeks
• By the end of my first launch I doubled the size of my email list
• I finally changed my business model to one that could scale
• It put me on the path to creating a business I love and am excited about everyday
• I’m helping many others achieve great things in their businesses and lives through my training courses from every corner of the globe
• I became a launch addict! Successfully pulling off 5 launches within a year
• And, due to the success of my first launch, during the summer of 2012 I was able to take a whole month off to enjoy the London Olympics (sweet!)

With results like this there’s NO WAY I’m keeping it hidden away in my back pocket because someone, maybe you, wants to realise their dreams too.

Are you ready to take your next move?

If you’ve been harbouring a dream to grow your business and package up your knowledge to serve others, Anne Samoilov and Fearless Launching can help you get there. Be prepared to work your buns off and face your fears but on the other side is your investment back, and the business you dream of.

Fearless Launching is currently open for enrollment for a limited time. Find out all about it here:

Fearless Launching

And, If you want help deciding whether it’s the right next move for you, don’t hesitate. Get in touch for a straight up, no B.S. answer from me.

(This is an affiliate link but if you’ve read this far you’ll know that I think Fearless Launching is worth every single penny, and I wouldn’t be recommending it otherwise!)

An @reply (this is when the message starts with another Tweeter’s user name) is automatically seen by you, the recipient and anyone who is following you both. It doesn’t go into the newsfeed of ALL of your followers:

Generally, if you want to tweet someone a message that is only relevant to them and won’t be of value to anyone else, the @reply is your best option.

An @mention (this is when the message includes the name of another Tweeter within the message) is seen by both of you and will be seen in the newsfeed of your followers:

If you want more people to see your message, you’ll want to use the @mention.

Adding just one word to the beginning of your tweet can make all the difference so next time you tweet, think consciously about how you want that message received.

Remember, both @mentions and @replies are visible to everyone just not automatically (they show up on your Home page) so if you want your message to be completely private, send a Direct Message!

I know… It sounds DULL but do you know what’s even MORE dull than systems and keeping organised?

Having to do the same things over and over or trawling through stuff to find that thing you’re looking for.

GROAN.

That’s why I like to keep things organised!

In my quest to find the best social media tips (so that I can pass them on to you), I’ve been experimenting with Interest Lists on Facebook. And BOY, do I love them. Here’s why…

• it filters out updates that are most important to you so you don’t have to trawl through other stuff to find the good stuff
• we can pro-actively take control of what we see in our own newsfeeds
• you can add personal profiles and business pages to lists which means you can easily categorise your connections in a way that serves you

That could be:

• Clients or prospects
• Key industry folk, news channels or blogs
• Stuff that inspires you
• Competitors
• Networking groups or masterminding buddies

Plus, your lists can be private (only you see them – perfect for playing ‘detective’) or public (others can see and subscribe to your list).

Since I started using Interest Lists, I see more of what I want which means I’m more likely to engage by liking and commenting – keeping my profile visible and establishing connections. Plus, I’m finding better stuff to share on my business page which means higher engagement there too. Win!

Make It Happen!

• Go to the home page of your personal profile on Facebook right now
• Look for the ‘Interests’ link in the left hand column (it might be hidden underneath the ‘More’ link)
• Select ‘Add interests’ then ‘+ Create List’ in top right
• Start selecting the people and pages you want to add to your list (the fun bit)
• Name your list and select your privacy setting – there are 3 to choose from
• Your new list will sit under the ‘Interests’ heading

Bonus tip: hover over the list name and click on the pen icon and add your new list to your favourites so it’s really easy to find next time.

Basically, it’s the easiest way to promote your stuff on Twitter, by letting others spread the word for you. They don’t need to think about or write anything – just click on a link and your message is shared by them on Twitter quickly and easily.

The tool is Click To Tweet,and here’s what it does in a nutshell…

You write your tweet promoting your free event, opt in or latest product. You then generate a live link that directs back to your tweet and you share this link with your people (so that they can tweet it).

Anyone who clicks on this Click To Tweet link is directed to their Twitter status box where your auto-generated Twitter message is ready and waiting.

All they need to do is tweet it!

It’s amazing. Not convinced? Here are some cool ways to use it:

• Add it to your blog posts so readers can tweet a profound quote you’ve written and share your post
• Create a list of click to tweets promoting your next product or service offering and share with your inner circle so they can easily spread the word
• Add to your email updates for your readers to spread your good stuff

See one in action…

Click on the image below to see a Click to Tweet in action

“I’m learning how to use ClicktoTweet to promote my cool stuff. Thanks @AbsoluteAlicia! http://bit.ly/XUgc2l”

Make it happen!

• Decide where you want to put your tweet. Good things to remember:

Include a link within your tweet where people can find out more info about whatever you’re promoting
Include your @name in the tweet so you know who’s used it (makes it easier for you to thank them and track it)

• Go to Click to tweet
• Create your message
• Generate the click to tweet link
• Add the generated URL wherever you want to share it

Save even MORE time on your social media marketing using Hootsuite’s secret feature

It’s the social media management tool I can’t live without.

And today I want to focus on the feature that had me fall in love with it in the first place.

It’s scheduling!

A total game changer when it comes to using Twitter

You can schedule your tweets to go out at pre-specified times during the day (or days, weeks and months in advance) allowing you to get on with your day sans distraction.

It means you won’t be distracted trying to maintain visibility or sucked into the Twitter vortex (y’know, when you go in there to send a tweet and end up reading 5 blog posts about knitted Dr Spock ears and baby Batman costumes? Yes, I really have been there!)

It also means you can reach more people (because people jump in and out of Twitter and different times so by spreading your tweets out you’ll hook up with different people).

Scheduling pre-written tweets is especially handy when you’re promoting something, running a campaign or event, or for your regular list building activities.

The times that need constant or focused promotion (it’s these repeatable tasks that you find yourself doing on a regular basis or SHOULD be doing that are ideal for automating), for example…

Say you’re exhibiting at a fair or conference in 2 months time. As part of your preparation you can create a bunch of tweets in advance that you can use to promote before, during and after the event itself.

Leaving you to get on with the other important parts of your event planning and freeing up your time for spontaneous tweeting and connecting, confident that you’re still on message.

Ninja Power Tool

The pro version of Hootsuite (you pay a monthly fee for less than the price of a weekly extra dirty soya chai tea latte at Starbucks) includes the bulk upload function. OMFG, this is worth the fee alone! You can create a spreadsheet of ready made tweets and upload 50 pre written tweets in one go. Magic!

Make It Happen!

Here’s the low down on scheduling single tweets using Hootsuite…

First, if you haven’t already got a Hootsuite account, sign up!

• Go to the ‘compose message’ box in the top left, click inside
• Compose your tweet – it could be anything, even a ReTweet
• Before you send, look for the calendar icon in the bottom right of the message window, click
• The window will expand and a calendar will display – choose the date and time that you want to send your tweet
• When done select ‘schedule’ in the bottom right

You’re done!

If you want to edit or delete your message you can do so from the ‘publisher’ window accessed on the far left of your dashboard. This is where you can upload in bulk too!

———————————

Do You Want To Be Brilliant On Twitter?

My Twitter Brilliance training programme is where I share honest, achievable and must-know methods for boosting your business using Twitter. No BS. Find Out More!

It’s something my friend Brigitte Lyons calls ‘a smile file’.

I’m not sure if she coined the term herself but I think it’s a great name and as I heard her use it first I’m crediting her with it.

A smile file is a resource where you keep all the feedback and unsolicited testimonials you receive. It can be stored in whatever form works best for you, the key is that it’s easy to access and maintain.

I label mine and stash them away in email folders. Each Facebook thread is a live link so you can store these away too (just click on the comment’s time stamp and save the url), plus I use Twitter Favourites to save nice tweets.

I then have them added to a simple spreadsheet.

By capturing and reviewing your smile file, it will help you determine what is or isn’t working in your business, how well marketing campaigns have worked (if an increase in comments coincides with a promotion, for instance) and what your clients really want from you.

I’m sure you know that the best way to find out what your clients want is to listen to them. A well maintained smile file will help you do that.

Bonus features include a store for testimonials to use as social proof and a warm, fuzzy place to visit to remind you how far you’ve come.

Make It Happen!

• Where’s the best place to set up your own smile file? An email folder; paper file; file on your desktop, Evernote or other app? Choose your container
• Set up your smile file – remember to make it really easy to access
• Start collecting those smiles!
• Schedule a ‘smile file review’ in your diary in a month – 3 months time

Do You Want To Be Brilliant On Twitter?

My Twitter Brilliance training programme is where I share honest, achievable and must-know methods for boosting your business using Twitter. No BS. Find Out More!

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