Author Archives: Michelle

Governments Go Social

June 13 2011  |   Michelle  |  Blog  |  Comment

The nation of Iceland has added a new twist to their government process.  As they write their new constitution, they have started using social media to allow the public to weigh in.  Using social media in this way is truly a revolutionary when it comes to giving the common man a say in politics.

Icelanders can tune into to the debates via live broadcasts on YouTube.  They can keep up with the discussion as it is tweeted out.   If the a member of the public wants to add an idea or suggest a change, they can do it on Facebook.  Already several suggestions offered by the general public have been heard by the Icelandic government.  Some of these suggestions have been added to the drafted constitution.

Many times people complain that their governments aren’t truly listening to the people.  Iceland has gone the extra distance to make sure their people are being heard, especially when they are working on such an important project.  The Icelandic government is also trying to keep its processes as transparent as possible.  The goal is that no citizen will have to wonder what decisions are being made and why.

This is an interesting case study when it comes to using social media for governmental purposes.  It seems that the citizens have jumped on the bandwagon, eager to contribute their ideas and input.  Although it would be more difficult for other countries with larger populations, this same concept could be used.  In the United States it would probably be more feasible at the local or state levels but would still give citizens a voice and enhance transparency of the system.

Source: Mashable

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Rewarding Your Twitter Followers

June 8 2011  |   Michelle  |  Blog  |  Comment

Why shouldn’t your Twitter followers get something in return for following you?   If there is one thing my short experience in business school taught me, it was “what’s in it for me?”  People will only do something if they get something out of it.  It’s human nature.  Therefore, it is important to reward your loyal Twitter followers.

Here are a few ideas for how to reward your followers:

Freebies!

Everyone loves a freebie!  Offer your followers exclusive freebies by tweeting out secret words or phrases.  All your followers have to do is show up and give the word or phrase to receive their free gift.  You can set limitations on how many free items you are giving away, but don’t be too stingy.  Turning people away can try their loyalty and the goal is to keep your followers.

Contests

Some companies have seen success by running contests via Twitter.  Winners can receive free products, discounts or other rewards.  This also encourages engagement with your Twitter community and gets people excited about your business or product.

Recognition

If you are tweeting engaging content, it is most likely that your followers will share it with their friends.  Make sure you are acknowledging these people who took the time to share your message with their network.  Give them a special shout out and a thank you for their attention.

Teach!

Have a fun tip or trick that your followers might find interesting?  Share it on Twitter!  People love facts and trivia and what better way to keep people interested than sharing it.

Getting to Know You

Twitter allows users get to know their favorite companies and organizations personally.  Take advantage of this and treat your followers to glimpses behind-the-scenes.  Helping your fans get to know you will make them feel as if they are an appreciated part of your inner circle.

Source: Mashable

 

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Should Your Business Have An App?

June 1 2011  |   Michelle  |  Blog  |  Comment

In a time where there is an app for almost everything, should you business take the plunge and get an app?  This infographic might help you decide:

Mashable

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Using Facebook for B2B

May 25 2011  |   Michelle  |  Blog  |  Comment

In many ways social media can be more useful than any other marketing tool for B2B companies.  It gets the business out there netwroking with other businesses and opening up opportunities for new leads, referrals or business prospects.  The customers are there, but how do you get someone visiting your Facebook page to take the next step and like your page?

Five simple steps:

1) Welcome Visitors to Your Page

It may seem simple, but the first step in making Facebook connections work is establishing the connection itself.  Make a specialized Facebook landing page that gives a brief overview of what your do and encourages the user to “Like” the page to find out more.  This will allow you the opportunity for further interaction with the user.

2) Engage, Engage, Engage!

If you never interact with your audience on Facebook, don’t expect them to interact back.  Facebook connects you to your interested parties, now use that connection!  Post interesting content while not spamming advertisements, ask questions and respond to others.  All this activity will encourage your audience to engage with you and establish relationships.

3) Integrate Social Content

Content on your Facebook page doesn’t have to be text.  In fact it shouldn’t be.  Incorporate information from other social media sites as well like SlideShare, Flickr and YouTube.  Adding content from these sites will make your page more visually appealing and encourage more interaction as well.

4) “Like” Other Pages

Now that you have encouraged other businesses to “Like” your Facebook page, return the favor!  Expand your network further by actively seeking out other new businesses and prospects and “Like” their pages as well.  The more connections your make and the more relationships you foster, the more benefit you will see down the road.

5) Custom Facebook Content

The information you are sharing on your Facebook page should be unique to the page.  Some general content like basic company information can be included from a website, but the day-to-day postings should be original.  Include information specific to your Facebook community.

 

Inspiration: HubSpot Blog

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Slides Can be FUN!

May 19 2011  |   Michelle  |  Blog  |  Comment

The phrase “Powerpoint presentation time,” seems to have a hypnotic effect sometimes.  It dredges up memories of never-ending lectures and dull business meetings full of bullet points.  For those of you reading this and nodding your head (either in agreement or memory-induced drowsiness), I have some good news.  Slides can be fun!

Several brands are pioneering the use of SlideShare to increase brand awareness.  The presentations they are creating are short, informative and oftentimes humorous.  Ethos3 is a company that specializes in presentations and they prove this with their well-designed promotional slideshow.


Who is Ethos3?

Ethos3 certainly demonstrates that they know how to use presentations to not only get their message across but also promote their brand.  The message of the presentation is delivered through the clever use of graphics on slides.

Presentations are Ethos3′s specialty but they are by no means the only brand promoting through SlideShare. Other examples of brands using presentations are:

The Palms Hotel and Spa – Miami Beach Spa
View more presentations from palmshotel

Selling the Dogfood: Startup Marketing Before & After Product/Market Fit

 

The nice thing about slides when compared to videos is that the user can move through the content at their own pace.  They are still visually appealing and yet they allow the content to breathe.  With a little creativity, your organization could be making a splash with a slide presentation too!

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