Yearly Archives: 2011

How to follow the #Egypt events on Twitter

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teenage_boys_switchboard_1877History is playing out live online but how can we cut through the noise and find high quality, accurate, and relevant tweets. NPR posted an excellent “Primer on Following Egyptian Protests on Twitter” by @acarvin. Their list of suggested users is very useful but here are some additional tips for listening better and finding quality information for any event.

Sidebar: I encourage the media organizations to actually begin to create these listening lists for public use. @YahooNews does this at times and it’s an incredible resource. If NPR turned this into a Twitter List then they could add people to without having to update the blog post. Just something to consider.

Update: Kudos to @NYtimes for doing exactly this – their Egypt list is @nytimes/egypt

4 Tips to Listen Better

  1. Twitter Lists: Using the NPR suggestions I’ve created @tsudo/Egypt. The benefit of having a list is you can quickly view the latest tweets from a variety of sources. I use lists for News and Twitter info but in a real-time event they are crucial to improving your signal-to-noise ration.
  2. Relevance Insights: Use @Topsy Search for #Egypt or #Jan25 (to combine them use #Egypt OR #Jan25) – Hashtags are excellent but due to the high traffic of tweets it can difficult to see what is important. Topsy Search shows updates by relevance bringing the more important tweets to the top. They also offer filters for time-lines and date ranges.
  3. Find Photos: Topsy Image Search for Egypt – Tweeters use a variety of pic sharing sites so an aggregated image stream is essential. Hover over the image to see the text of the original tweet.
  4. Find Experts: Topsy Experts – @Topsy uses community interation to help identify the more important voices so you can quickly find people worth listening to. You can see the number of mentions and bio of the user. It’s interesting to note that at least 2 of the suggested experts are on the NPR list.

(Hint: @Topsy it would be a killer feature to allow users to turn the experts into a twitter list).

topsy

Takeaways

The world is watching the #Egypt & #Jan25 hashtag stream but the activity can overwelm the news. Use twitter lists and the amazing Topsy Search Engine to dig in deeper to real-time news.

What tips would you add? Questions? Leave it in the comments.

The First Rule of Social Media Marketing

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What if I required you to share this post before you read it?

It’s ludicrous to ask you to spread my work before I’ve proven that I deserve your attention. It’s a tactic that bets your selfish desire for a shiny object will trump the value you place on your social network.

It’s time to reverse this trend.

What a Bad Bet looks like

I received this email today from Yobongo.

Subject Line: Get Priority Acces to our Private Beta

Howdy,

We have super exciting news to share — we’re starting our private beta today! We’ve been tight lipped about Yobongo, but we are ready to start sharing what we’ve been working on. Be one of the few to experience Yobongo ahead of our public launch.

Space in the beta is limited, but you can get priority access when you share your personal link (below) with friends. The more friends you invite the quicker you’ll get access!

Get Priority Access:
Post to Twitter, share on Facebook, or share your link via email or IM.

Post to Twitter

Share on Facebook

http://yobongo.com/i/tuomff

Thanks,
The Yobongo Team

*Note the typo in the subject line is theirs not mine.

The Attention Economy

Yobongo made the wager I valued access more than your attention.

They assumed I’d willingly share a service with my friends that I haven’t even tried. If asking my community to click some link in the hopes of being one of the chosen few with “priority access” is the price of admission then I’m not buying.

This is an attention economy – When you choose to follow me on Twitter or Facebook you have given me permission to enter your busy world and the moment I take your attention for granted or leverage it to get “priority access” then I’ve broken that trust.

If I share a link inviting you to a service by-gosh it better offer you an invite or I’ve wasted attention capital. Worse, I’ve wasted your time.

I’ve shared hundreds of apps through tweets, posts, and podcasts so there is little doubt if I found Yobongo useful or interesting I’d tell you about it. To further prove that point, and to spite Yobongo’s efforts to capitalize on the pre-SXSW buzz, feel free to ignore them and check out Beluga or Kik.

UPDATE: Yobongo’s founder was kind enough to respond in the comments. I want to be clear that Yobongo does not attempt to mislead you into an “auto-tweet” or share. I greatly respect any startup founder that takes time to respond. Thanks Caleb. That being said my point still stands

The problem is much bigger than Yobongo, here are just a few common examples:

  • Download my free CD, just like/share it first
  • Download my guide to blogging success just “like” me
  • RT this for your chance for a free iPad

All of these make one crucial error…

The Lesson

Be Amazing. First.

Spend the time delivering what you promised and people will naturally share with their friends. There is no harm in giving people the opportunity to share your content, in fact, you should – but requiring it prior to delivery is a sleazy gimmick.

Social Media Marketing is first about creating real fans and then enabling them to share your work.

  • Want people to share your new free CD? Record amazing tracks.
  • Want people to share your free ebook? Make it unique and useful (Better yet spend time blogging and giving away your knowledge first)
  • Want people to talk about your app? Use groundbreaking tech & a slick design

But whatever you do – don’t ask me to share before YOU deliver.

Value the attention of your community. Value the voice of authentic fans.

-photo by Kelsey Shearer

Real-time Conversation lessons from the White House

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This Tuesday, President Obama will deliver “The State of the Union” address to an international TV audience but the Administration’s strategy will encourage and extend the conversation far beyond the televised speech.

Social Media has forever changed the communal viewing experience. From sports to politics, the way we watch and discuss these happenings are no longer restricted to chatting the next day at the office or waiting for the newspaper summaries – we have these discussions as they are happening.

The White House is smartly organizing and extending this real-time conversation and their approach is a model lesson to any business or event looking to provide a voice or context to an event.

Get out in front

It’s critical to have your plan and information in front of the public days before the actual event. Without solid preparation and a “conversation hub” you’ll be playing catch up and your message will be lost in the noise.

The @WhiteHouse launched their State of the Union Page a few days before the event that clearly outlines the crucial elements of any real-time conversation structure

  • Participation – Clearly explain how people can get involved and provide multiple ways in to the conversation
  • Expectations – Let everyone know “We are Here” and here’s what we are going to do

No matter the size or complexity of your event or the conversation you are seeking to encourage set these ground rules are crucial for success.

Extend the Conversation

I’m reminded me of the presentation maxim,

“Tell them what you are going to say, Say It, then tell them what you said.”

The White House isn’t joining the online conversation just because it’s going to happen (People will be talking about the State of the Union regardless) but to reinforce the message you’ll be hearing from the President during the speech. Look at the line up

  • White House Panel Discussion Immediately Following the State of the Union
  • The following day the White House Press Secretary, @PressSec, will take questions from Twitter
  • Thu Jan 27 President Obama will take questions via a live youtube interview
  • Then on Thu White House Policy Experts will host an online discussion on the issues

It’s brilliant.

From the moment the speech ends the White House puts a 48 hour plan in motion to invite discussion, answer questions, and help reiterate the policies and initiatives the President will likely lay out during the address.

It all revolves around making a clear case and getting the public on board.

Details, Details, Details

The strategy is clear but its all the little things that will lead to effective communication. Obviously, there has been plenty of planning prior to the launch of the initiative and it reflects in their attention to detail.

  • The SoTU site is beautiful and the top fold imagery and info is simply perfect. It inspires awe yet makes you feel as if you are being invited to the podium. Whoever designed that deserves an attaboy/girl
  • Defined the hashtags for each conversation (#SOTU for the actual address)
  • Defined the accounts and people in advance
  • Multiple inroads, People can join via Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, iPhone app, or online form
  • A repeated call to get plugged in to the White House presence on Facebook, Twitter, and email list.
  • One more detail – look at the beauty of this short URL http://wh.gov/sotu

Key Lessons for your Organization

Your organization doesn’t have the pulpit of the American Presidency or likely the digital presence team but the lessons are universal

  • Tell people how to converse and connect days before the event – If you’re working on a conference these details should be in registration and orientation packets from day one to drive the conversation even prior to the event.
  • Define the expectations through clear communication of who, what, where, when, & how
  • Convert the Conversation – For long term strategies the overall goal should not just to be effective during the event but getting people plugged into to your social pages, email lists, and iPhone app so you can continue to engage, respond, and inform.

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Do you see those 2 words at the bottom of this image? (found on the WhiteHouse Facebook Page). Watch * Engage – That pretty much sums it up.

In the end it boils down to – “Tell them what you are going say, Say it, then tell them what they said… and invite them to join the conversation”

Notes from the Field

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fieldnotes_smallA jumble of what I found useful and interesting of late…

If you only read one post about social marketing this week make it this one,

“The Significance Manifesto”, by @umairh

Educate, elevate, and enlighten. I’m bored that most boardrooms see me as a "consumer," not a person. Business as usual shouts relentlessly at me to buy, buy, buy–to run faster and faster on a treadmill of hyper-consumption. But most–if not all–of it fails to make me healthier, wealthier, happier–or even slightly more interesting

Learn to master Twitter’s Advanced Search in 3 minutes –

HOW TO: Use Twitter’s Advanced Search by Mashable

Productivity

As someone that lives and dies by email I strongly endorse these 10 tips from @the99percent

Email Etiquette for the Super-Busy – Learn it, love it, live it; I’ll love you for it.

If you’re into productivity you should check out a couple recent posts of my own,

Hashtags

I’m not the only hashtag evangelist – @RobinSloan has published 2 great posts about hashtags on the Twitter Media blog.

And in case you missed it I shared tips on effective hashtag usage using the Sugar Bowl as a case study.

Football, Hashtags, & Conversation Conversion

Link Dump

2 WordPress performance plugins I’m digging W3 Total Cache and Smush It

And finally, my friend @chad_gardner took a picture of his dog and it earned a spot on the local news’ snow coverage –

rnpuz

4 Ways to Make your Business Card Mobile

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In a world of smartphones and social networks the way we connect with people we meet is radically changing and your business information needs to be ready to adapt.

I’m on record of not being a fan of traditional business cards so I’m always looking for ways to share contact information without the paper card. Yes, I still have traditional business cards and will use them as long as they are expected but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have other tools at your disposal.

Why?

  • Don’t get lost in the shuffle – Networking events might result in 10-20 business cards and who knows if your info will actually make it into their address book.
  • Stand Out – Some of these tools have a cool factor attached and it can make a great impression.
  • Interactive – You can’t click a business card. You can add QR codes and you should but they still aren’t widely recognized.

Take advantage of these free tech tools to create an instant connection and leave someone with an impressed with this nifty method of sharing your info.

Here’s 4 ways to make it happen Continue reading →

Get Things Done Twitter Style

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stopwatchI mentioned the other day that I can now update my tasklist, expense reports, and notepad all through Twitter DMs and many of you were instantly intrigued. Twitter DMs and text make things so easy and quick and by using the right application they become a serious productivity hack.

Here’s how I do it.

*Note: To use the texting features I mention below you’ll need to setup your mobile phone to use Twitter via SMS.

Add a task via Twitter

toodledo_avatarToodledo has been my task-list manager of choice for almost a year. (For more about Toodledo see my productivity system.) Toodledo’s functionality and flexibility are unmatched and it integrates with a variety of services, like Twitter. Here’s what you need to get to add tasks via DMs:

  1. You’ll need a free Toodledo account
  2. Enable Toodledo Twitter integration.

Once you’re setup you can create a task by texting

“d toodledo Call John #tomorrow” to 40404

It creates a task with a due date for the next day. Toodledo offers lots of options to add extra info to the DM, just review the “How to use Twitter with Toodledo”

Add a note via Twitter

evernote_avatarEvernote is my ultimate notebook and a key element of my streamlined work flow. Evernote has applications for PC, Mac & smart phones but I still find myself adding quick notes via Twitter.

2 great reasons to enable Twitter and Evernote

  • Super fast way to fire off a quick note or idea
  • See a tweet or link you want to research further? Quote it and send to @myEN

To get started

  1. Setup a free Evernote account
  2. Follow @myEN – They will follow you back and send you a link via DM to authorize your accounts

To send an update you can send a tweet and include @myEN or sent a DM to myEN. Quick & Easy.

Add an Expense item via Twitter

xpn_avatarI’ve recently started using Xpenser, to track business expenses. It’s lightweight but fits my needs perfectly. You can add expenses through email, IM, and Twitter DMs.

  1. Setup a Free Xpenser account
  2. Enable Twitter integration in Xpenser by clicking Account and adding your Twitter ID

Just text “d xpn lunch 32.46 with John” to 40404 and it will add the expense to your account. You can add a receipt photo and more details later through their website but by adding it via DM it’s one less thing to remember.

Bonus Tip: Want to add a quick calendar appoint via DM? Check out Twittercal.com (@gcal). [Update: A commenter pointed out that twittercal is broken.] I haven’t used this service personally but worth checking out.

Takeaways

Twitter has become the ultimate SMS/texting service. Once you get comfortable with Twitter texting it’s a great way to stay in touch with friends and with the right services to keep your life organized and updated.

Enjoy!

The Impact and Opportunity of GeoSocial on Real Estate

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What impact are location based social networks going to have on the real estate business? As a  home buyer, seller, or Realtor what should you understand about this location information around you? Is there an opportunity here?

Listen as Jessica Hickok, @sugarcube, and I discuss the intersection of GeoSocial and Real Estate.

Don’t miss the great tips at the end of how your Real Estate business can use these platforms to build your reputation, become more visible, and be seen as the “go to” people for a particular area.

Thanks to Jessica for sharing her insights. To connect with her follow @sugarcube, visit her personal website JessicaHickok.com, and check out Dizmang Associates at GetPaul.com (Check out how she’s using WordPress to list properties).

Podcast Links:

Subscribe to the Know the Network Podcast in iTunes

The tweet that started this conversation

Showing houses in an upscale neighborhood… Check out all the cool 4sq places these buyers could have! #sarcasm http://twitpic.com/3nbg0bless than a minute ago via EchofonJessica Hickok
SugarCube

-image courtesy of Bohman

Football, Hashtags, & Conversation Conversions

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I’m probably the only Razorback fan in the nation that’s looking at the online conversation surrounding the Sugar Bowl through the lens of social strategy but it’s a live example of what NOT to do.

Allstate-Sugar-Bowl-logoTo give some context, College Football stirs a religious fervor in this part of the country and every Saturday come game time you can expect the state twitter stream to explode with Arkansas Razorback football. Today, the Arkansas Razorbacks are playing Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl and it might as well be a state holiday.

Branding vs. Visibility

I give credit to @SugarBowlNola for a what they’ve done right. They started replying to people in the last 24 hours and they are sharing decent mobile pictures of the activities (even if they are using loathsome plixi, but I digress).

Their mistake however is costly, and one your organization needs to learn from, they faced a branding versus visibility question and chose poorly.

Namely #AllstateSugarBowl vs. #SugarBowl

All their tweets are using the longer branded hashtag and everyone else in the world is using #SugarBowl. I’m sure some Allstate marketing Exec. thought this was a great way to enforce the Allstate Brand but in doing so they’ve punted on about 90% of the conversation.

According to Topsy:

I’d wager that by game time this evening #SugarBowl will outpace it 1000:1.

Which conversation would you rather be a part of?

Lesson Takeaways

Hashtags are a powerful way to encourage conversation, find opportunities to be helpful, and increase your brand’s awareness but here are the guideline to avoid making the same mistake:

  • Shorter is Better – Tweets are 140 characters in length. Real estate is precious so keep the hashtag as short as possible.
  • Intuitive – Most people don’t go searching for the correct hashtag they just assume and throw up a #. If you can define and publicize the hashtag in advance of the event then do but with a very public event go to where the conversation is happening.
  • Goals, Goals, Goals – What is the purpose of @SugarBowlNola? I assume to encourage participation and visibility of the Sugar Bowl and Allstate. Is that better accomplished through using a hashtag that no one else is using or being helpful in the conversation that is blowing up? Easy choice.

When your organization decides to join the conversation on Twitter make sure you are joining the right conversation.

-PS: GO HOGS! #WPS arkansas-razorback-logo