Before You Give Up on LinkedIn Groups…

I have to admit, as a social media consultant and technology speaker, I have accounts on most of the sites, but I have used LinkedIn the least. I know, many of you LinkedIn lovers are going to have a field day on the comment section! As a business owner I have always thought of LinkedIn as today’s rolodex or having a brochure for your business online. Pretty static, except for the groups. Now I know for job seekers and those employed, it is a great tool to connect with recruiters and hiring organizations, but for most businesses you really have to get involved in, or better yet, CREATE YOUR OWN, group in your specific industry where you can share your expertise and learn from others.

LinkedIn Groups

I hear from people all the time complaining that the groups are spammy and there is no real value in them. First you must find the right group, and second, see if the group has any “ground rules” or policies about members not selling or spamming others. Third if there are no such rules and you can’t find a great group that shares info without spamming the members, CREATE ONE!

I have found a few key pieces of information that will help your group be found once you have it created:

Add keywords in the description of your group to increase your search rankings on LinkedIn’s search.
Add keywords in the title of the group to be found on Google.
Add your blog RSS feed to the group so new posts are shared with group members.
Send a weekly message that adds value for group members.
Be the host/hostess. Connect people in the group by making introductions to those who could potentially do business with one another.

If you are a speaker, trainer, or educator interested in joining a virtual community of peers and having fabulous programming that will help you build your speaking, training or coaching business check out our new LinkedIn Group or join our community page on Facebook and of course join us “in-world” on our SecondLife campus.

February 22, 2010 | Filed Under LinkedIn | Leave a Comment

Do You Have a Face That Stops Traffic?

When you see a picture of this structure, most will know exactly where it is.

Sydney's Opera House

Sydney’s Opera House is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Whether you like opera or not, when you see the building, you stop and marvel at the design and beauty. You wouldn’t click on this picture if you wanted information on Chinese cooking or if you were interested in connecting with train collectors. The photo gives you enough information to draw you in or cause you to move on. In the world of social media and social networking, your online persona is made up of your name (or nickname), your avatar (or picture) and then the content that you provide. You may not be recognizable to many in the beginning, but it doesn’t take long to create that online persona.

When I see certain pictures on Facebook or Twitter, I pay more attention to the information than when I see others. There are some that I see and skip right over knowing it is not information that I want or need. (I know, I should just disconnect or “unfriend” them, but that is for another post)

When developing your online persona, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, is the photo that you choose to use. Selecting a great headshot or photo that really represents YOU is important. In my latest book, Gettin’ Geeky with Twitter, I spend an entire chapter talking about using a great headshot and standing out. I have some below that I feature in the book and I will explain why they stand out in my opinion. But do this simple test. Scan your list of friends on Facebook or look down the stream of Twitter followers, which pictures jump out and capture your attention? Which one’s get lost in the stream? Are there some that stop traffic and cause you to dive into the information?

A great headshot is close up, it shows personality and it becomes YOU to all of US. I used to think that everyone should use a REAL photo of themselves and not their dog or a picture of their book cover, but I have found enough exceptions to this rule to now say, “it depends.” Who are you online? Do you provide information from a dog’s point of view? Then a dog-face works for you. Do you use an animated character because this is how you see yourself? Cool. As long as it is not a picture of someone else–like those who post a photo of a celebrity as if that were them, or there have been cases where someone posts a picture of someone more attractive because they don’t want the world to see who they really are. This is different than posting a cartoon image or caricature.

I feel that this becomes a form of deception. Too many people create fake accounts with someone else’s face, name or both so they can write nasty comments or lead people into false relationships. I guess this is done in face-to-face relationships as well, but it is wrong in either case (in my humble opinion!) I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this. Depending on why you are online and engaging in social networking, it is usually important to build authentic relationships even when they are shot-term acquaintances. A friendly or engaging avatar/photo is very helpful.

Here are some of my favorite Twitter profile pics–and the reasons I think they stop traffic:

Chris Voss or @ChrisVoss

Viveka von Rosen or @LinkedInExpert

Both Chris and Viveka have great close up shots of their smiling faces. I get the feeling that they are friendly and helpful. After reading the content they provide on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, I know that when I see their face pop up it is worth stopping to read their post. Chris is a social media guru and has a great podcast on iTunes “The Chris Voss Show” (go figure) and Viveka is the Queen of LinkedIn. If I have a question about LinkedIn, I would think of her immediately.

Melissa Taylor or @MelissaWrites

Clark Quinn or @Quinnovator

Melissa is a great freelance education writer and I know she provides helpful articles and information for other writers. When I see her face, I stop to read her posts.

Clark is known as @Quinnovator in Twitter Town and he is an e-learning genius. His picture shows his quiet and friendly demure (or so we think) and his content is always great.

Poinky (few people know him as Jonas) @Poinky

Here is a great example of someone who has created a persona that has taken on a life of its own. (PLUS as a SHREK I just love green people!) This picture certainly stands out and everywhere you see Poinky, he is green with spiky hair. Even in virtual worlds like Second Life or Reaction Grid, his avatar is as recognizable as his Twitter pic. Is he hiding behind this caricature? We may never know, but “Poinky” is a virtual worlds guru and when you see his cute green face, you know to pay attention!

Lil Pecan or @LilPecan

Lil Pecan is one of my favorite Twitter Critters. First she is hilarious, she makes delicious chocolates (they sound delicious by her descriptions), she has a great blog and she is always in character. The only irreverent social media guinea pig that sings scat that I know of. Lil Pecan is a great example of someone who connects with people through her character and it just works!

You be your own judge. What calls to you? In our overly crowded information highway, you need to be sure you have a face that stops traffic and then you’d better have some good content for them to read while they’re there! Let us know who stops traffic for you.

Shameless plug: If you’d like more help on building a successful Twitter nest and managing your relationships get your copy of GETTIN’ GEEKY with TWITTER: Build Your Business and Manage Your Brand with Today’s Hottest Social Media Tool or give me a holler…let’s chat! Gina (at) Synapse3Di.com

February 10, 2010 | Filed Under Facebook, LinkedIn, Social Media, Technology, Twitter | 3 Comments

Social Media: Your Customers Have Changed…Have You?

Sales and marketing used to be the most important skills within a company. Employees were given scripts to follow and we spent lots of money on beautiful brochures and postcards. Today the skills needed to succeed in business are listening and conversing. Do you listen to your customers and employees? Better yet, do you even allow them to speak?

Social Media is any form of communicating that allows your customers and employees to add their two cents. When a customer posts a comment on your blog, that is social media. When someone comments on your Facebook fanpage post, that is social media. People have something to say, and smart marketers are creating places for them to say it!

If you need help creating your social media and marketing strategy or just want some help in tweaking your strategy for more effective results, CONTACT US. We’re here to help you connect!

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE ARTICLE ON LEAVING GOOGLE TRACKS – LINKHERE

October 27, 2009 | Filed Under Facebook, LinkedIn, Social Media, Twitter | Leave a Comment