7 Things You Can Share on Your Social Sites BESIDES Your Products

Many businesses jump on the social bandwagon without considering the community they are there to serve. They are excited to tell the world the fabulous products and services they offer. The books and webinars people can purchase. It’s all about “ME!”

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Me Me Me

Social platforms like Facebook and Twitter are not like a company website or brochure. If all people see and hear is “BUY MY CRAP,” or “SIGN UP FOR MY BRILLIANT WEBINAR,” they grow tired quickly and go away. People are OPTING-IN to receive your content, but what content will keep them coming back and sharing it with their friends? Content that is helpful and interesting….to THEM not just to YOU! Here are 7 ideas that can get you started:

Books that you find interesting and helpful- If you share what you are learning from books and then ask others to share what they are reading, you just might strike up some great conversations.
Interesting photos you find or take – Be sure they are appropriate and somehow tie back to your topic or area of expertise. People using your products; People at events you attend; your team in action serving others. Fun photos that can tie into something you are posting.
Products that you have found helpful- When I find great apps or gadgets, I figure if I love them, so will others in my community. What products and services are complimentary to yours that your community members may find useful?
Relevant news stories that you can comment on from your company’s perspective- How does your business solve similar problems or provide solutions that are different to those in the story?
Behind the scenes tips- Everyone wants to peek behind the curtain and see how you operate. A hotel can share housekeeping tips. A restaurant can share recipes or table setting information. Let people come a little closer and see something that only fans of your business can see.
Service projects you and your team are involved with- let others know the organizations you support and why. Who knows, they might want to jump in with you and serve side-by-side.
Customer generated content- This can be tricky as you may want to post a disclaimer that content must be appropriate and that spamming the community will get the post removed. Some have designated a specific day of the week as FAN SHARING DAY. Ask fans to share their favorite blog or photo or something else that ties into your business and yet encourages the community to share what is on their mind!

What are some other ideas you have seen done well on Facebook Pages? I’d love to hear your creative ideas. AND if you have some tech tips to share, we LOVE to have them on our Gettin’ Geeky Page over on Facebook!

Gina Schreck

Gina is a speaker, author and the host of SchreckTeck (airs each Tues at 8am PT) and Gettin’ Geeky. She and her team at SynapseConnecting love helping organizations create engagement strategies to connect with their communities. If we can be of any help–we are just a TWEET away! Or you can always call us at 303-978-0887

Gina Schreck
President & Chief Hooligan at Synapse 3Di

@GinaSchreck

February 1, 2011 | Filed Under Brand Management, Facebook, Facebook PAGES, Marketing, Social Marketing, Social Media | 7 Comments

Why Oprah Can Sell Anything and 5 Things You Can Learn From Her for Successful Social Media

Oprah’s network, OWN, launched yesterday (1-1-11) with high expectations. After all, anything Oprah touches turns to gold. Best selling books are made when she mentions them. Makeup and shoes fly off shelves if she shows them in her “Favorite things.” I think people would buy vats of lard if Oprah said eating it would be good for us. She can sell anything.

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Oprah- The Queen of Social

How does she do it, and more importantly, what can we learn from her and apply to our social marketing strategy?

Oprah is a CONVERSATIONALIST. The Oprah show is all about conversations with her guests and the audience. Are you having conversations on your social sites or are you just throwing out cold facts and pieces of your content hoping people will buy more from you? Invite people to sit on your virtual couch for conversations about THEM. Even though her show is named after her and every issue of her magazine features a picture of ….her, she does make her shows all about her guests.
Oprah LISTENS. There are many shows out today that are almost humorous, because of the way the host asks questions and then, without listening, either throws out another question or worse, interrupts the guest with a counter-point. In the social media arena, listening and responding to what is being said, is more important than flapping your lips all the time, assuming everyone will find your every word fascinating (although I’m sure you are!). If you are not interested in listening to those in your community, why should they be interested in what you have to say?
Oprah is LIKABLE. This one is a little harder to put your finger on, except to say when you listen and show interest in others, they will like you more. Being likable in social media circles first starts with being in the right circles. Obviously not everyone LIKES Oprah (I’m sure there are one or two out there), but those who are her target demographic (99.7% of the world) find her very likable. Find “your peeps” and then be yourself (unless you are a jerk…then perhaps be someone else until you learn how to be likable). Being likable has to do with being comfortable being yourself, all while you are making others feel important. Mary Kay Ash (of Mary Kay Cosmetics) once said that she pictures a sign above everyone’s head as she talks to them that reads, “Make me feel important.” This is a great philosophy to live by.
Oprah doesn’t SELL. I know this one is hard for any marketer to swallow, but if people know you and like you they will more likely buy from you without you really having to sell. After all, people hate to be SOLD, but they LOVE TO BUY! Does Oprah get kick-backs or free “stuff” for pimping them on her show? Most likely. But all she has to do is talk about the product or service and the world rushes out to try it. In social media, if you are providing interesting conversation, helpful tips and loads of value, when you do mention your product or service, people will rush out to try it. Well, they are more likely to rush out and try it. And the good news is, if they like it, they come back to the community and tell others…more sales without selling!
Oprah is VULNERABLE. Let’s admit it, anyone who can work in the public and have photos of themselves bulging out of bathing suits, showing up in the grocery store without make up, and having horrors of your childhood atrocities discussed in detail, is VULNERABLE! Now I am not saying you have to allow this type of publicness, but if you only allow people to see the perfect side of you, they cannot relate. When you try to appear perfect, people want to see you fail–I know, we are a sick people! Share your struggles and how you overcome them. Share your failures and what you are doing to improve. Oprah’s weight has been a public joke for years, and yet “her peeps” identify with her struggle and they love her more for sharing it! There are many people who enter the social media scene but want to keep every aspect of their life private. They might do better by finding a career path that does not require social interaction.

So whether your goal for 2011 includes building your business by 20% using social media or building an Oprah-sized empire, these tips will get you on your way. I’d love to hear what other qualities you feel make Oprah and her empire so successful…especially if we can all use the tips to be more successful this year! Happy New Year and as always if we can help you connect to your community (or help you not be a jerk) just hollar!

Gina and her team at SynapseConnecting help organizations use today’s technology tools to build their business and manage their brand. Follow Gina on Twitter, connect on Facebook, or jump into our GEEKY community on our Facebook Page.

Gina Schreck

Gina Schreck
President & Chief Hooligan at Synapse 3Di

@GinaSchreck

January 2, 2011 | Filed Under Brand Management, Facebook, Facebook PAGES, Gettin Geeky, Marketing, Social Media | 6 Comments

36 1/2 Ideas for QR Codes and MicroSoft Tags in YOUR Business

QR Code

According to Wikipedia: A QR Code is a matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code), readable by QR scanners, mobile phones with a camera, and smartphones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data.

Common in Japan, where it was created by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave in 1994, the QR code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. QR is the acronym for Quick Response, as the creator intended the code to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.[1]

I like to think of QR Codes as Hyperlinks on our physical world! They are no longer just black and white and Microsoft Tag has come along and added a few more features that make the little codes even more flexible.

I have been seeing more of the colorful Microsoft tags on the backs of cereal boxes and around town. These require a separate scanner app from Microsoft (free download on any smart phone-look for Microsoft Tag Reader) and can be customized into pictures that are very cool.

Microsoft Tag can provide data on how often and where the tag was scanned. You are also able to change the data source without having to change the tag.

Here are a few scanner apps that people have voted as their favorites for QR Codes (be sure and share yours in the comments):

Android Platform: BarCode Scanner (I use this and find it to be the fastest); QuickMark for Android (Both FREE); Google Goggles works for QR codes as well (FREE)

iPhone: Optiscan for iPhone (known as fastest for iPhone -$1.99); NeoReader (Free); QR Reader (Free); Google Goggles work for scanning as well.

Blackberry: ScanLife Barcode Reader (Free); QR Code Scanner Pro (vibrates when code connects AND Free); NeoReader (Free)

QR Code Made From Lego (by LarryStraining)

Here are my favorite QR Code Generators:

ZXing: I like this one because you can embed content (memo), a URL, Contact info, and even a calendar event!

Kaywa: Like above you can choose to embed a URL, text content or contact information, but UNLIKE ZXing, you have to choose one.

TIPS: The more information you put into your QR code, the more complex it will be. The geometric pattern will be denser, and could be more difficult to accurately scan and interpret. Shorten your URL using a tool like bit.ly to add some analytic features and see how many people are going to the site you sent them to.

36 1/2 Creative Uses for QR Codes or MS Tags:

QR codes for business, unique uses for QR codes, Gina Schreck, Technology expert, social learning, mobile

Sweet Code

1. QR Code on food products to take you to nutritional information.

2. QR Code on produce to tell you where the product was grown.

3. QR Code on items that need assembling taking you to a website with detailed instructions and a video!

4. QR Code inside a book taking you to a website where updates are available.

5. QR Code at zoo or museum to bring up videos or additional information on subject.

6. QR Code at conferences for handouts, exhibitor information and more.

7. QR Code on T-shirt taking prospective clients to your website, Twitter page or a video link for a fun surprise.

8. QR Code on business cards instead of cramming more info on there!

9. QR Code on health club door taking you to a site with great healthy recipes or trainer tips

10. QR Code on paper products with quick and easy recipes for families obviously on the go!

11. QR Code on sticker for laptops, phones, & other important gadgets that get left behind with your contact info.

12. QR Code on a rubber stamp for envelopes, stationary or even your forehead taking people to special promo pages on your site.

13. QR Code at the end of an article taking people to a bonus video.

14. QR Codes providing clues for a treasure hunt.

15. QR Codes around a school yard taking students to learning content (while they play! SNEAKY)

16. QR Code on art piece taking you to artists portfolio.

17. QR Code at the end of a video on YouTube taking viewers to more fun content.

18. QR Code on wedding invitations or favors taking guests to online photos of the couple.

19. QR Code hidden in product or on raffle tickets – most go to fun content site and one goes to YOU’VE WON page!

20. QR Code on a bus stop bench with links going to car dealers website or eco-friendly sites.

21. QR Code on a grave site to take you to a page telling about the deceased.

22. QR Code on clothing tags taking you to designer websites or sites to provide styling tips.

23. QR Codes around an organization that take you to videos revealing the history or story of a company.

24. QR Code hidden in posters or marketing material that takes you to a special discount code.

25. QR Code on fingernail art taking you to a Facebook page or a nail salon website.

26. QR Code on dog tag taking you to a video sharing dog’s contact info or dog’s Facebook page )

27. QR Codes on plant stakes to provide growing tips, plant origins, and coupons to fertilizers or gardening supplies.

28. QR Code on belt buckle taking you to your contact info or website.

29. QR Code on cupcakes or cake taking people to a special page with photos or videos featuring the guest of honor.

30. QR Code on car windows at dealer lot to allow shoppers to see video of car features when dealer is closed, or if they want to browse on their own.

31. QR Codes on menus taking people to a video of chef explaining the unique ingredients used.

32. QR Codes on mailers that are sent out to take prospective customers to a video of you telling them why they should work with you.

33. QR Codes at the end of proposals that take people to a video of you addressing the potential client by name and giving the benefits of working with you.

34. QR Codes at the end of each book chapter with bonus audio or video content.

35. QR Code on business cards taking people to a white paper or free product to download.

36. QR Code on accountant’s business cards taking people to forms they need.

36 1/2. QR Code tattooed on your child…If lost, please return to… OK maybe not!

Now that I have your brain engaged here, what other ideas can you add? What are creative places and uses you have seen?

Gina Schreck

Gina Schreck
President & Chief Hooligan at Synapse 3Di

@GinaSchreck

November 8, 2010 | Filed Under Education, EVENTS, Future, Marketing, Mobile Technology, Social Learning, Social Media, Technology | 6 Comments

So You Say You’re an Expert…What Does Your Community Say?

A friend, Rick Butts, sent me this video clip and asked me to comment on it from a brand or reputation management standpoint, and the timing could not have been better. The day before I had spent over an hour on the phone with a new client who had spent the last year working with two other “EXPERTS” who made a total mess of her social media accounts. (Telling her she needed a separate personal Facebook account to just use for creating her business profile. She ended up with three accounts, two business pages and a feeling of dread when she heard the word FACEBOOK!)

What I love about this clip is that we can “work so hard” for a specific title or brand but if our community doesn’t perceive us as fitting of that title, they will not give it to us! So many right now are touting the title of expert in this or that, but ONLY when that expert provides enough value and proves their expertise, will the community call them an expert!

Indeed, we can use online tools like Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook to spread our message and create a brand for ourselves and our businesses, but if you are not truly providing value and EXPERTise, your community will see the snake oil seeping out of your pockets.

Thanks for letting me rant! What’s your opinion? I’d love to know.

@GinaSchreck

Gina Schreck

Gina Schreck
President & Chief Hooligan at Synapse 3Di

@GinaSchreck

October 28, 2010 | Filed Under Brand Management, Marketing, Social Media | Leave a Comment

Sexy Social Media Secrets

You asked for it! I get requests all the time for a class or series that provide REAL answers to using Social Media strategically and practically. I am so excited to finally find the right experts to partner with to bring you the information you need.

Are you tired of hearing everyone say you need to use social media to help you build your business and manage your brand, but no one has shared these actual actionable strategies? You need strategies to avoid the social activities from consuming your time and more importantly, to convert your social contacts into paying customers and raving fans?

You’ve read that you must have a Facebook page, a Twitter account, be on LinkedIn, and – oh yeah – create a blog. You’ve done all that, but you don’t know if any of your efforts are working and all you see is your time flying out the window. It’s time to learn the Sexy Social Media Secrets to apply to your social activities and drive these “Friends,” “Followers,” “Connections,” and “Tribe Members” to your products and services.

This FOUR-PART SERIES will give you the tools and tips you need to start making all of the activity WORK FOR YOU! These are the secrets most people spend years trying to figure out. You are ready to fast track and be let in on the Sexy Social Media Secrets to connect, engage, and CONVERT!

This fully online event runs from October 26 through November 16. The GREAT news is that you can jump in at any time since we are recording each session for you to access over and over. We have spread the sessions out for easy implementation (and recorded for playback later) to fit your busy schedule.

Three of the top social media experts have come together to share their Sexy Social Media Secrets with you. In each session you will learn secrets to begin implementing immediately… practical and tactical! This isn’t about theory…it’s about RESULTS!

Who shouldn’t sign up for this program: Sexy Social Media Secrets is not about connecting you to thousands of other spammers just to boost your numbers on these social sites. Numbers might soothe the ego, but rarely result in sales. There are plenty of spammers and scammers in social networking who say they are experts but when you look at who they are connected with, 90% of them are what I call naked spammers! If that is the audience you are going after this is NOT the program for you.

Who SHOULD sign up NOW: If you are looking for authentic connections with people you can build relationships with, engage in conversations and offer products and services to, THIS IS THE PROGRAM FOR YOU! These 4 POWER-PACKED sessions are RESULTS-FOCUSED, ACTION-ORIENTED and PROVEN!

Here’s a glimpse of a few of the Sexy Social Media Secrets you will get when you sign up today:

Create an engagement and content strategy before you begin.
Create engaging pages that showcase your business as well as your personality.
Implement LinkedIn secrets to be found first in your niche
Use the perfect blend of personal and professional content to engage without sickening, inform without boring.
Host LIVE events on your social sites that create buzz and DOLLARS!!
Critical steps to successful blogging
The secret to finding hundreds of targeted buyers on Twitter (and it has nothing to do with directories)

Your SEXY SECRETS Speakers:

Gina Schreck

Gina Schreck doesn’t just talk about social media; she lives and breathes it. Recognized as an industry leader in the world of social technology tools, she brings a practical approach to building and engaging your community…that WORKS! She is the host of the popular web show Gettin’ Geeky where she shares practical tips and fun apps to help you build your business and manage your brand. Her success in this field has not come from connecting with thousands of naked spammers. Her success has come from the strategic application of the techniques she will teach you. These secrets get her business…PAID BUSINESS!

Viveka von Rosen

Viveka von Rosen is the LinkedIn Expert! Author of Linked Into Business, she is a successful entrepreneur, nationally renowned LinkedIn trainer and expert, and respected social media speaker. As an early adopter of social media, she learned through her own experience how to create powerful social presences and engaging networks that get you found and get you business! Host of the weekly #LinkedInChat on Twitter, and co-moderator of LinkedStrategies, the largest LinkedIn strategy group on LinkedIn, she is constantly learning, sharing and transferring social media skills and strategies to her tribe. Learn the latest Sexy tricks to “Make social media work for you.”

Trey Pennington

Trey Pennington uses technology, marketing, and stories to connect businesses with the people they seek to serve. Trained in marketing and education (MBA, MS in Education), Trey understands the value of story. He helps companies discover and develop their core story.

Trey leverages social media to connect with audiences around the world. HubSpot ranks his Facebook profile as one of the most influential in the world. They also routinely rank his Twitter profile in the top 0.01% of all profiles ranked.