indie music lover. interactive marketing junkie. suspended from Twitter once. good guy. dad. husband.
// August 15th, 2009 // No Comments » // Technology
The stats presented in this video are amazing and will blow your mind. The medium in which we socialize and connect continues to evolve at record speed.
I think most won’t doubt the growth and/or use but seeing these stats remind us that the times are (have) changing.
Supporting stats found here.
// July 4th, 2009 // 9 Comments » // Technology
The answer currently is… no.
Let me be the first to say that I’m a fan of Twitter. Twitter has revolutionized the way we communicate and connect with others. It’s an amazing tool. However, I discovered a pretty big snag last week with Twitter, one that made me look silly for depending on a free communication tool.
Let me also say that I’m not bashing Twitter, I’m simply offering some constructive criticism to help Twitter become that dependable and even “critical” application. Enough build up… Here are the details.
On Wed, June 23rd I wrapped up my day with a simple Tweet about the day being long or something along those lines. The next morning I grabbed my phone to see what was happening in Twitter world. Uh, oh. It wouldn’t take my password. I panicked and immediately thought my account had been hacked. Crap. I tried to get a password reset and that process worked but when I saw my actual account on Twitter.com it said the account had been suspended. Not only did I think my account had been hacked but it had been hacked and someone used it to spam the Twitterati. Great I’m suspended. Hasn’t happened since high school.
No worries. I would email Twitter support and get this taken care of immediately. After all, I’ve been using Twitter over a year, have a pretty healthy group of friends (followers sounds so cultish!) and was very vocal against spam and all the crappy auto direct messaging that has been going on. Easy fix, so I thought.
I went to the help desk and submitted a request. I was given this <a href=”http://twitter.zendesk.com/forums/26257/entries/15790″ target=”_blank”>link</a> and continued to read that my account could be held for 30 days for “research”. 30 days? Not me, I use Twitter to communicate with clients and to stay on top of the happenings in my area of work! I NEED Twitter. This is where the problem comes in. I needed Twitter. I had just successfully landed a new client and was a Twitter evangelist only for them to see that I was actually a suspended evangelist. Talk about looking silly.
Here’s where the kicker comes in. I have never been told exactly why my account was suspended. I was sent an automated response saying it could be one of many things. After reading the list I’ve determined that my account was suspended because my personal blog site had been hacked. My blog. Not Twitter, my blog. After connecting some dots I’m pretty sure that when my blog was hacked the hacker put a piece of code on my site that linked to malware/spyware. Twitter saw this link in my bio and thought I was distributing the malware/spyware. Technically they were right, but I had no clue this was going on. Thankfully it was brought to my attention and cleared up quickly. Google had put notice on my site that is was a malware site, however I contacted and updated them and was taken off that list in less than 24 hours.
While I’m happy that Twitter is watching out for this sort of thing and keeping us all clear from the crap that floats the internet, that is NOT why I think they are not dependable. My problem was the communication and the customer service. This is what I had to figure out on my own.
Again, I’m glad that Twitter is taking the time to protect us from the crap that is floating the web on some sites. I believe there is a better way to handle these issues and the contact from customer support. Some simple ideas to help Twitter out:
These aren’t the answers to all of Twitter’s customer support problems but this is a start for some one who depends on and uses Twitter daily. And just for the record my account was offline for 7 days not 30.
As Twitter moves into being a critical app for business I hope they will take the time to realize that most users are legit and want to be a part of their community.
// June 27th, 2009 // 6 Comments » // Technology, life
Yeah, day three of no response from Twitter. Anyone care to help me? Let Twitter know I’m a legit and contributing friend and follower? I don’t spam, I don’t even DM 99% of you guys, right!?
Oh, Twitter. I’m going to help you re-write your suspension guidelines and more importantly your appeal and re-instatement guidelines.
Frustration.
// June 25th, 2009 // Comments Off // Technology
My twitter account has been suspended because of illegal use. I have no idea what the illegal use is and I can’t find out for possibly 30 Days. What?
You guys know that I’m an avid Twitter user. You know that I am very much against spam and really hate the auto DM wars that continue. I use Twitter daily for communication with my clients, friends, family and people with similar interests. I have grown dependent on it which I now know is not a smart move especially for businesses.
Twitter, I have a suggestion. Investigate the people you think are abusing the system and then contact them or give them a suggestion/warning regarding the usage. If that’s too hard then how about have a way for users to verify and update their account in the event it was an accident or a hacking.
Twitter, don’t make us wait 30 days! You have created a great tool that many of us do business with and communicate critically with! There has to be a way to weed out the legitimate users from the others…
I love Twitter but I have to believe there are some ways to improve this issue. We’ve come so far Twitter and to just let me fade away hurts.
// June 4th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Technology, life
Yes, I’m moving back to Nashville. What? No, I’m not kidding. Yes, this is the fourth time I’ve lived there. The family is packing up on July 1st and heading back. We are excited and anxious at the same time. In 2007 I decided to venture into the corporate world and get a “real” job. Yes, I had a real job before then but I was hoping for a life change. Well, I got it. A big life change. After two years I’ve realized that I like being my own boss & I like to wearing shorts and flip flops all day.
I was self employed for 13 years before taking a sweet gig at Daniel Island. I’m very thankful for Daniel Island and am excited that I was able to be a part of a great (and laid back) team. I know that if I had taken any other “corporate” job I would have been done a long time ago! 
What’s next? Well, I have two focuses. I’ve had Tone Box Digital for a few years and it has been steadily growing and building a base of artists. Tone Box will continue and will actually get a bit more focus now. The BIG news is the launching of Inked Digital. Inked Digital has been in the back of my mind for quite some time and now it’s time to bring it to the world… well, let’s just say the Southeast & West coast for now. Inked Digital is an interactive collaboration of many different talents from designers, developers, writers, PR pros, web gurus and in general some of the smartest people you’ll meet.
Inked Digital will have a home-base in Nashville but will also be VERY active in the Charleston, SC area since I will be here for a week or so every month. I will continue to manage and handle the interactive world for Daniel Island and quite a few others in Charleston.
Charleston, you’ve been awesome and I’m glad that I’m going to continue to be around every month… I’m saying that out loud so you people don’t forget me!
// April 23rd, 2009 // No Comments » // Technology
Yeah, I said it. Myspace is dumping it’s current management team, as they should. Who are they looking to replace DeWolfe and crew? Well, other social network jumpers and players. That is dead wrong. Myspace needs the next/new idea to revive the service, a mind outside of just social networks- they need a mind who understand teenagers, music and most importantly the 20-40 crowd.
While many of you know my open criticism for Myspace, I believe it’s a viable space and can recover. They still have a ton of users (teens still think it’s waaaay cooler than Facebook) and it’s still an indie music playground (if you can handle the layout). So I’m just giving Mr. Murdoch permission to shout at me.
Myspace + Me = BFF
// April 14th, 2009 // No Comments » // Technology
While preparing to talk about managing social media at the Charleston Chamber of Commerce Area Business Council tomorrow morning I was thinking how to best present the tools and practices that I use to cover all social media. My mind shut down. There are so many different ways to use social media and manage it. For me, managing social media is all about organization, which I suck at. However, with the tools given to us these days even I can stay focused without A.D.D. medicine.
To start, my basic philosophy for social media; You have to get in the conversation. It’s a must. People are talking about you and/or your company whether you like it or not. You can choose to get in the conversation and say “thanks” or even give your perspective on an issue that customers or clients may disagree with you on. You have to be listening to know who may be talking about you, your company, your products & your brands.
The point of my talk is to address managing social media and interactive marketing. Most of you have chosen to engage the social media world and now need to know how to handle and manage all the different types of outlets… blogs (personal, corporate), social networks (facebook, linkedin), micro-blogs (twitter, friendfeed), social bookmarking (digg, delicious), media sharing (youtube, flickr), social reviews (trip advisory, yelp) , User Generated (Wikipedia).
First you need to decide what’s the purpose? To engage customers? To build your brand? To protect your brand? Generate new leads? Have a presence since your competitor does? All of those? There’s no way I can write one blog post to hit all the different ways to disseminate your information or campaigns in just a few short minutes so I’m going to touch on managing your presence.
How to listen, how to join the conversation.
Create a dashboard
Google has made this a simple setup with iGoogle. You can add “widgets” to give you a quick overview of what is happening in your online world. You can setup up widgets that interact with Twitter, Google Analytics, Google Alerts, Email, Facebook, Digg, LinkedIn & all the major news outlets. This is a quick and simple glance to your online world.
Flock, the social media browser is a little more comprehensive and by default is a web browser. However, with some time and understanding Flock can act as a fully functioning, deep and detailed dashboard. Another post coming soon for how I use Flock as my dashboard.
Twitter search has drastically changed the face of the common search engine. Twitter has pulled off what Google has yet to do, real time/live search. Twitter search gives you the ability to monitor your product, brand , company & competition all in real time.
Using a desktop app is the most effective way to utilize all the power in Twitter. Tweet Deck allows you to update, read, search and group all your followers/friends without ever visiting a website. Powerful tool and easy to use- an app like Tweet Deck will change the way you view Twitter.
Pages for your business allow you to control your brand, build brand awareness, engage fans to promote for you, test new ideas/products with proven customers/clients & keep your client/fans up to date.
Fans of business pages are your evangelists! Most fans are likely customers/clients and they believe in your brand enough to share with their “friends”. Find ways to engage your evangelists so they keep on sharing your product or brand.
Anyone who is a member of Facebook can create a fan page- another reason to jump in the conversation! Do you want someone else running your page on Facebook? Sure, sometimes it’s great but there is a difference in a fan of your brand and actually managing your brand.
I have a two part challenge to help you get in the conversation.
First search twitter for your brand, company or product–> Search here in real time.
Secondly setup a Google Alert for your product, brand or company. You can have this delivered to your email daily or subscribe via RSS.–> Setup alerts here.
What did you find? Positive results? Negative results? No matter what you find, you have an opportunity to enter the conversation to say thanks or to address a concern or issue. It’s up to you now!
// April 13th, 2009 // No Comments » // Technology
I’m speaking this week for the Charleston Chamber of Commerce’s business breakfast. The topic? Managing Social Media. I have some great tools and ways to manage social media but you know me, I love to learn new and better ways. So this week I’m asking, how do you manage your social media or interactive marketing initiatives? How do you make your social media listen and obey you? Does it listen to you? Are you keeping up with it effectively?
Fill me in below and check back later this week for my wrap up of the talk and learn about the tools that I use to manage my social media and online marketing.
// April 9th, 2009 // No Comments » // Technology
I had a great time sharing some basic overview information this morning at the Charleston Regional Business Journal’s Power Breakfast. Thanks to Andy and the crew for including me. Just some notes for those of you who may be looking for a recap of my “blah, blah, blah..” time.
The biggest point I wanted to get across was to get in the conversation. Getting in the conversation is free. Tools like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and blogging platforms are free. You can monitor what people are saying about you and your company! Below are the four points that were included in the booklet this morning… my big point of “Get In The Conversation” has connections to all four points. If you aren’t sure how to start or get rolling PLEASE do not hesitate to contact me, I’d love to help!
Social Media, Interactive Marketing and Flow
Word Of Mouth: “I can sell your product better than you.” Word of mouth marketing is what I also call trust marketing. Word Of Mouth marketing is also known as “Viral Marketing”. We spread the word about products we love, buy and use. I talk about social media, blogging and WordPress (blogging platform) a lot. Because I do this, people trust what I have to say about those topics. We all pay attention to the people we trust or who have an authority in a specific area or service.
The Obligatory Website: Most businesses have a website because, well, every other business does. If you have a piece of the World Wide Web real estate, why not use it to it’s maximum potential! Don’t let your site sit static with no reason for people to visit except to get your phone number. Your website is your biggest ticket to finding new customers as well as new sales avenues. You have an opportunity to tell your story and become the leader/authority in your arena. Websites can and will often be the center-piece to your online initiatives.
Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Management: SEO & SEM activities ensure that #2 (your obligatory website) gets traffic… more importantly qualified traffic. There are two ways to go about this: Natural and Paid.
–Natural (or Organic): The most cost effective method is to acquire high placement naturally. This involves your website, how it’s laid out, what page titles you use, what content you have, how often the content changes and the number and quality of incoming links to your site. Natural placement takes some time, but can be supplemented by paid placement as you grow. Example: the company I maintain all the SEO/SEM for had 10-15 keywords on the front page of Google in April 2008. Since then, with a site redesign and a focus put on the SEO, we have been able to acquire over 250 terms on the first page of Google with a value of over $7,000/month. That value is based on how much it would cost us to “pay” for this type of placement or the value of the “click”. Over 25% of new leads on the site are now coming from the internet and most are coming from search engines.
–Paid: Google and Yahoo! offer the opportunity to “pay for placement”. You can have your ad appear based on specific keyword or phrases that a user may type in. It’s important to remember, this can be very costly depending on your desired terms or keywords (more popular search terms cost more money). You must research which terms and keywords work for you. You are paying each time a user “clicks” on your term or keyword. This gives you the ability to place value on a “click”.
Blogging/Transparency/Social Media: Whether you like it or not, people are talking about you or your company. It can be positive or negative but if you aren’t “listening” in the social media arena then you can’t defend yourself or, better yet, say “thanks” to those who are praising you. There are many mediums online that people are using to talk. Here are some that are important to monitor and get involved in.:
Twitter (Examples include Comcast, Guitar Center)
Social Media (Facebook, LinkedIn)
Blogs (Thomas Nelson’s Michael Hyatt, Chris Brogan)
Forums/Discussion groups (citydata.com)
// April 7th, 2009 // No Comments » // Technology, life
So, it started a few weeks back when I got to spend the morning with some elementary kids telling them about interactive media and marketing. Of course, the kind of computer I had and if it played cool games was way more important to a fifth grader. It seems I’ve graduated and will be on a panel this week for the CRBJ’s Power Breakfast series and then presenting to the Charleston Chamber’s Area Business Council the following week. I’m looking forward to both of these and sharing thoughts from interactive marketing and social media. If you know me, then you know, that I want you to know all about social media and how it can enhance your life and business.
I’ll be the first to admit I’m a little bit nervous. I’m not from the typical business/corporate world that most of these attendees will be used to. I’ve only worked in an office and for someone else (directly) for a year and a half. However, I’ve been doing “it” my way for many years which has paid off and has lead to some great opportunities including being featured on Wired.com in their small business program.
Outside of the box thinking has always been a part of who I am. How can we do things better? How can we manage interactive/social media better? How can we do it more affordable? These question came up many times because I had ideas and projects that I didn’t have funding to pursue. I had to figure it out on my own and have since been able to refine my thoughts and processes that have led to consulting, teaching and leading others in a new way of thinking.
Here’s my question to you… if you were/are wanting to learn more about social media what are you most wanting to understand? What outlets or practices are you unsure about? Are there any specific question you’d want addressed if you came to sit in on a social media “talk”?
Posting tweet...
