tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095908688677309942024-03-05T13:34:57.518-08:00Social TweetleDarleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-60447072461464535942011-01-18T08:18:00.000-08:002011-01-18T09:52:33.729-08:00Customer Service sometimes means going to the beach!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLEXFKQ4xqc5CrSrJbW6Gw0A5TBm5bsjJTvEQth7n0hAN0Ym9za_RvD_OTon_5jrN-EhpnNVds2XLVHHS6ittv7HHUlqcTKwJ0NYHzUMzvYyEBSO-VErPnFb9LZsd7QocNtJqXwCuKkpm/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLEXFKQ4xqc5CrSrJbW6Gw0A5TBm5bsjJTvEQth7n0hAN0Ym9za_RvD_OTon_5jrN-EhpnNVds2XLVHHS6ittv7HHUlqcTKwJ0NYHzUMzvYyEBSO-VErPnFb9LZsd7QocNtJqXwCuKkpm/s400/beach.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Leadership posts recently have the theme of starting with your employees for best service, productivity and <i><b>Customer Service</b></i> - which is the place to start as a Leader.<br />
But, there are 2 more places to start first.<br />
<br />
<i><b>A couple of posts that I bookmarked as reference:</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.customerthink.com/blog/investing_in_customer_service_starts_with_employees">Investing in Customer Service Starts with Employees</a><br />
<a href="http://companiesmanagement.com/top-ten-tips-for-project-managers/">Top Ten Tips for Project Managers</a> <br />
<br />
<ol><li><b>Yourself</b> - provide yourself with the BEST Customer Service first!</li>
<li><b>Your family & loved ones</b> - all the success in the world means nothing without your loved ones.</li>
</ol><br />
<b>The Story behind ....</b><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh80_CTT3oqnuS1P7p8UeKla0arRnremZ_8wcCTxmKynwj8kGwH5u_odcZXN1QbmChRjkV1egT0atVC8Aw8L8UdTMYSHStzmHTekKIBOr3qylbO73IUvY8N7p40pIS1md2JtbVKCg38g9O/s1600/icystare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh80_CTT3oqnuS1P7p8UeKla0arRnremZ_8wcCTxmKynwj8kGwH5u_odcZXN1QbmChRjkV1egT0atVC8Aw8L8UdTMYSHStzmHTekKIBOr3qylbO73IUvY8N7p40pIS1md2JtbVKCg38g9O/s200/icystare.jpg" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>What the frick are you doing? </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have always been an obsessed employee, wanting to do the best job, and when taking on a role that provided direct contact with customers - I put the customers first. The customers came ahead of my family, my loved ones, my friends. It was not uncommon for me to interrupt a family dinner or outing with texting, tweeting, cell phone call etc. Even when I received icy stares from my children, husband and friends.<br />
<br />
Yes - very similar to famous Clint Eastwood's icy stare! What the frick are you doing? - sort of stare. I was however oblivious (well mostly) - as after all, didn't I need to do my job? The job pays me money. The money is for my family and loved ones. Therefore it is ok to ignore my family - or at least put the <i><b>Customer </b></i>first. Right?<br />
<br />
NO! It is not always right. There are times that there are emergencies or that you are 'on call' - BUT, usually work hours can be set. See <a href="http://www.twitter.com/chrisbrogan">@chrisbrogan</a> and several of his posts reiterate family time and balance -<a href="http://www.chrisbrogan.com/time-and-your-family/">Time and Your Family</a> is just one I have bookmarked.<br />
<br />
This came crashing down on me - or more maybe hit me between the eyes, when announcement came that work was going to stop. Company that I worked for was being sold, and we would all in time be without jobs. It happened on an early summer day last year, with the weather being unusually warmer than usual. I grabbed my keys and left the building.<br />
<br />
<b>First Stop ..</b><br />
I stopped and picked up daughter M, who happened to have the day off and we drove to daughter E and picked her and the grandkiddies up. We drove to the nearby beach!! We took the day off, you could say.<br />
<br />
I texted and emailed the office - "At the Beach -Emergencies ONLY!'" A short time later I received a call on my Blackberry. After noting it was a colleague from office - I picked up, "I am at the beach, is this an emergency?" and there was a pause, and "I hear seagulls. You really are at the beach! Wow!" and I answered, "We sure are and it is a beautiful day. Is there something I can help you with?". But his response, "It can wait - you have a great day with your daughters and grandkids!" - click.<br />
After putting the phone on silent mode and in my purse, I stood up and took my granddaughter by the hand. We played in the water and built a sandcastle - with my daughters smiling from the shore.<br />
<br />
<i><b>This became a standard</b></i> - in fact I instituted <i><b>Wednesday is Grandma Day</b></i> - for the remainder of time that I worked. It was time for me to <b>Give</b> to my family and also to myself. This time allowed me to reconnect with my children and get to know them again, as well as <i><b>'just be grandma for a day'</b></i> - very invigorating and comes with lots of hugs! <br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>So take a walk on the beach </b><br />
<b> </b>- or whatever you need to provide above and beyond<br />
<i><b>Customer Self-Service</b></i>, and remember to start with your loved ones - they are <b>NUMBER 1</b>.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Your family will love you more!</b><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68Euc86NM6FwJKaBkUOmBVgoduBx0sx4ZrqzXjWLRoODV2mxMzjdKctn7zjtJddKniwPuvBp-UIULQXjL0iSb5Xg0z0evEHVSqILNE88FqbojTFqX0PslqZ23X4f-KqVCo1q9b_n0-bGY/s1600/katelynn_tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68Euc86NM6FwJKaBkUOmBVgoduBx0sx4ZrqzXjWLRoODV2mxMzjdKctn7zjtJddKniwPuvBp-UIULQXjL0iSb5Xg0z0evEHVSqILNE88FqbojTFqX0PslqZ23X4f-KqVCo1q9b_n0-bGY/s1600/katelynn_tea.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tea Grandma?</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Tweetback<br />
@darleenw<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbUkUYEChVt-tjkp9xIVXKj9z0hDxz6EzMuCTxET3kb4J8RBaPfS-lcnds1_PgjKCfzDYrMgQjQPdsii-G2civZ_Z5MdQo5uLEZ0XuzeB9tqmIQb5h8ieFnJ69Gctbagu74N43UAaN9kA/s1600/darleen11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbUkUYEChVt-tjkp9xIVXKj9z0hDxz6EzMuCTxET3kb4J8RBaPfS-lcnds1_PgjKCfzDYrMgQjQPdsii-G2civZ_Z5MdQo5uLEZ0XuzeB9tqmIQb5h8ieFnJ69Gctbagu74N43UAaN9kA/s1600/darleen11.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-62653908858217049792010-11-23T11:24:00.000-08:002010-11-23T12:32:48.617-08:00Not everyone wants to be your FRIEND<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YN0002EpdvnyJ6ZlGtb7qx43qHpO_IIYVIGZOIUTpV2YJL-2zRdPr6X9iLEbL2SadUF4ENn7Z3CPkmI-S_h-I5I3J4laSUFAsH8ZMRqRr1WOLBqmfktwfjMRm4pR-1bCZS05KktYsqnw/s1600/google_wont_translate_leave_me_alone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YN0002EpdvnyJ6ZlGtb7qx43qHpO_IIYVIGZOIUTpV2YJL-2zRdPr6X9iLEbL2SadUF4ENn7Z3CPkmI-S_h-I5I3J4laSUFAsH8ZMRqRr1WOLBqmfktwfjMRm4pR-1bCZS05KktYsqnw/s400/google_wont_translate_leave_me_alone.jpg" width="318" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I just returned from a breakfast meeting for Social Media Breakfast Waterloo Region - #SMBWR that can be found at <a href="http://twitter.com/smbwr">http://twitter.com/smbwr</a> and <a href="http://www.socialmediabreakfast.com/category/smb-waterloo-region/">http://www.socialmediabreakfast.com/category/smb-waterloo-region/</a>. A discussion lead to the difficulties of the culture in Waterloo Region and getting people involved in communities or even just knowing our own neighbours. This led to some healthy and worthwhile advice as to how to get to know your neighbours. I agreed with many, but remained silent as I pondered this, and the phenomenon that we are expected to develop relationships with all companies, businesses, influential people within our cities, neighbours, etc, etc, etc.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Everyone wants to be MY Friend</b></span><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">My phone company wants me to LIKE them on Facebook - why, just give me service at a reasonable rate, and provide an easy way to connect to you if I require your service, or to research new services.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I am in need I will review - otherwise I do not want to read your posts or tweets. There are some businesses, companies, or bloggers that I do want to develop relationships with, or at least know on a daily basis what is new - those I may subscribe to LIKE and even follow on Twitter. I often UNLIKE Fan Pages, as find too many posts are tiresome or the information is only clutter. This does NOT mean I don't LIKE you, it is just not a priority to me and we all have a threshold to how much involvement we want to cross our path.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Please Leave Me Alone</b></span><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Example - a friend of mine recently moved to a new city and was looking forward to meeting new people and discovering activities within the community. She made the acquaintance of a few neighbours, and setup a playdate for the children and got some tips about services in the area and activities. All swell! Then, the one person she met was calling her 3 times a day, and every time she exited her house, her new-found 'friend' was right there. This was TOO MUCH. My friend took to sneaking out of her house, and screening her phone calls. She felt like a prisoner in her own home.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<b style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">Limits</span></b><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is a limit to how much community we can all take - some appreciate more, some need more private time and others prefer the solace of family. We should respect this, and not suspect that there is something wrong with either them or us.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Make it easy for me to LIKE you</b></span><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lastly, I would like to point out to businesses involved with creative ways of engaging - that if it causes me work to take advantage of your offer, then I may throw it away.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Example - I received an email that I could get an additional $5 off any <a href="http://www.wagjag.com/">WagJag</a> deal</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">- BUT there is a hitch. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1> I must be subscriber to the newspaper. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> - Okay, I am a subscriber or I would not have received the email.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">2> I must go to link provided and signup to WagJag.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> - hmm maybe later</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">3> And when ready for one of deals offered use a special promo code in this email</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> - okay so need to keep this promo code somewhere, save email or something.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Too difficult! And so far I have not found anything on WagJag I really need or want .... so save in case maybe...<br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: black;">How could this be done better?</b> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well I am not sure of the point? I believe it is an advertising campaign that provides services and businesses within the community to promote themselves. The idea is that if something is offered for 50% off, that I might try it, and this gives the business a chance to show what they have, can do and to get to know more people in the community. All good for both sides right?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, if it is easy to do. If too much work then it may not work for all. Is there an easier way than the signup? Do I have to be a Friend on Facebook to get the deal? Do I have to LIKE your Fan Page?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>What if I just show up? </i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
Why Should I LIKE You?</b></span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This reminds me also of an experience I had on the weekend. I was at the <a href="http://www.lcbo.com/entry.html">LCBO</a> store and picked up the current <a href="http://www.lcbo.com/fooddrink/index.shtml">Food & Drink magazine</a> (which is amazing!!). Once I had gone through it initially to review the recipes, I was exploring the rest of the magazine and realized many advertisements had the Facebook connection graphic or - Connect to our Facebook Page. Now why I wondered do I want to connect to all these companies on Facebook? Such as a furniture store or paint store? If I require your services I will do research at that time, but what am I to do with you on my Facebook in the meantime?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>To be clear, I am not being snarky or nasty - this is just plain overload that is happening. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>In our group of friends and family this is what is happening:</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The younger generation in the 20 - 30 year old bracket just ignore. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The 30 - 40 year olds take advantage of the bargains and deals mostly as they are being more conscious due to having young families.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Those of us older often feel a responsibility to support all - which we end up being overloaded. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">My husband has recently disconnected all Facebook Friends except for immediate family - therefore has maybe 6 Friends. He uses no Blackberry Apps, as after novelty found many annoying, so if not a business efficiency app, then it is gone. LinkedIn, he has no time for other than minimal connection. Twitter & Blogs - he leaves that up to me :) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>TOO Much Information!</b></span><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I recently read that if we cannot use the information immediately - that we are throwing it away, as our brains cannot process it all. Also if we bookmark or save for later, the list becomes so horrendously long that we just add to it - thus deciding to not save and simply throw away if cannot use at this time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">For this reason, I am attempting to keep this post short. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black;">For further information (If your time permits)</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">- scientific presentation regarding the Human Brain and Social</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Professor Robin Dunbar explores if there is a limit to the number of friends we can keep track</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Number has been determined to be maximum number is 150 <br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><object height="306" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/X5TkzhmVVVg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/X5TkzhmVVVg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="color: black;">What do you think? Are we overloaded? Do we want to be everyone's Friend? </span><br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">Or do we want to be left alone? </span></b></i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Leave a Comment or Tweetback</b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">@darleenw</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HBiP75IPsZoqDXKcw6H5QxEngTpUxvkGjVCZRAsEIhOjZhKylJAYeWQ-BOBvfUd9N06ci52NhJ60D6BoAR6DmNXrx6L0r_3yEnrIlaRBPYOPcT3e1romOTf9W5x2xgaMRhB1WE6n1qzd/s1600/darleen11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HBiP75IPsZoqDXKcw6H5QxEngTpUxvkGjVCZRAsEIhOjZhKylJAYeWQ-BOBvfUd9N06ci52NhJ60D6BoAR6DmNXrx6L0r_3yEnrIlaRBPYOPcT3e1romOTf9W5x2xgaMRhB1WE6n1qzd/s1600/darleen11.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-83927899049102972242010-10-27T19:17:00.000-07:002010-10-27T21:27:21.905-07:00All Hold Hands and Sing Kumbaya Customer Service<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeD9uxSrQAuIj6Z-Xtp6JCX45SA9uGvXyg0yG7dD8X2qGBwwHrnIO9-HsM9IhkvnMlTw_tiNxm_uvrfJsWuNOBSQQtiUMnizZxnfP82h60UwXU-Tj1JiRDT6mvG4fcppSyepRg6RGdQT6_/s400/Fairly_Oddparents__Group_Hug_by_Ultrasponge.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="391" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Group Hug</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeD9uxSrQAuIj6Z-Xtp6JCX45SA9uGvXyg0yG7dD8X2qGBwwHrnIO9-HsM9IhkvnMlTw_tiNxm_uvrfJsWuNOBSQQtiUMnizZxnfP82h60UwXU-Tj1JiRDT6mvG4fcppSyepRg6RGdQT6_/s1600/Fairly_Oddparents__Group_Hug_by_Ultrasponge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #660000;">Poor Customer Service</b> - or what the customer perceives as unsatisfactory, often creates an irate customer. With access to online ranting across <a href="http://www.twitter.com/">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.socialsmack.com/">Social Smack</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.reddit.com/">Reddit</a>, <a href="http://www.groubal.com/">Groubal</a>, etc etc - a disgruntled customer's dissatisfaction can easily go viral. Some even write songs about on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a>. <i>I am not that talented. I can only grit my teeth and tremble.</i></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="193" width="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5YGc4zOqozo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5YGc4zOqozo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="300" height="193"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>United Breaks Guitars song</b></span> </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>HOW COULD I SING MY SONG TO GET ATTENTION?</b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I put some thought into how I had handled my recent situation, with my cell phone provider and change in policy now disallowing a hardware upgrade. Could it be that I, <b style="color: black;">Goddess of Customer Service and Engagement</b>, in theland of happiness - was a <b style="color: black;">BAD CUSTOMER</b>?<br />
How could this be?</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I received a Tweet from @RHBDaveHowlett - Real Human Being:</b></span></div></div><blockquote style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b> #expedia take note RT @darleenw: “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.! Bill Gates</b></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div></blockquote><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.rhbnation.com/">RHB - Real Human Being at RHBNation,</a></b> philosophy is a language of likeability that allows us to break through self-imposed barriers and achieve personal and business success. Dave teaches how to get into "third-gear" rather than "first-gear or second-gear" with our attitudes and actions. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Be the Amazing Gal or Good Guy.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I recently attended a lecture by Dave - <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3NaIP2xNK0&feature=player_embedded">Breaking Down Silos</a></b> - and the main take away was "I didn't do it for the wave". Do the right thing, in "third-gear" - not to get the wave but to be a better person. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">hmmm ...</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4hSMT8ArLT8TdoQEa3_7fCNwMKdwljFx1Rr_Av-DZXBKDkPkhBa1Wif7bJwxk060DGmkH_xCm2S6DHqXe4a-cW3y4NBHkDC_4oLrvRL2ZI4qh08l1SkyrmES_bGm4E4JxpAdcMIvAj6-/s1600/angry.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4hSMT8ArLT8TdoQEa3_7fCNwMKdwljFx1Rr_Av-DZXBKDkPkhBa1Wif7bJwxk060DGmkH_xCm2S6DHqXe4a-cW3y4NBHkDC_4oLrvRL2ZI4qh08l1SkyrmES_bGm4E4JxpAdcMIvAj6-/s1600/angry.png" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I had to admit that I contributed to the recent Customer Service call going bad, and ending in frustration. I had been the <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">IRATE CUSTOMER</span></b></i>!</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: small;">I had NOT been the <b style="color: black;">Goddess-Customer</b> and did not act in "third-gear". <i>Whoa Nelly</i>.</span><br />
<div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>NEXT STEPS</b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I had a discussion with the Twitter Agent, and my recent blog post stating my displeasure of not being heard by Customer Service was amended to include accurately that in the end I had been heard. I did note that I was pleased with fact my displeasure of the policy change had been passed on to management. I felt validated and that the Twitter Agent was using situation to learn.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The one thing missing was the follow-up call from a manager.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Note: I had been promised by the Telephone Agent that I would receive call-back within 2 - 4 hours.</b></i></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>It was now well past.</b></i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>IS THIS THE END?</b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I thought on fact that maybe I was expecting a wave? NO! I was the waver. I had not yet been let in to be able to provide a wave. I still deserved a discussion with the manager. BUT, I decided I would wait until end of week </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">- 2 more days.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>MANAGER CALLED!</b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, she called. It was almost 48 hours after promised call-back - <b style="color: black;">BUT she did call!</b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now this was my chance to get things right. I adopted my <b style="color: black;">Goddess-Custome</b><b>r</b> role and expressed my displeasure for the policy change, AND addressed the fact that not only was I the customer blindsided, but so was all of the Customer Service team. I then asked if there was anything she could possibly do to bypass this change, since it was changed on the eve of our contract being eligible for a hardware upgrade. She allowed! We got the upgrade along with order placed for new Blackberry to be shipped ASAP. I thanked her for her time and solution.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>We held hands and sang Kumbaya. Group Hug!</b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">CLOSURE</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">To complete my acting in <b style="color: black;">'third-gear'</b> and <b style="color: black;">Goddess-Customer</b>, I reconnected with the Twitter Agent. I informed him that I had received call-back from Manager and all was resolved satisfactorily.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I thanked him.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Kumbaya. Hug. Hug.</b></span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">MORALE OF THE STORY:</span></b></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>It is NOT ONLY the responsibility of Customer Service people to do the right thing. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>It is the responsibility of all to do the right thing - be a better person. </b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Be the Goddess, Amazing Gal or Good Guy! </b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Be a Good Customer.</b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: black;"> Create Collaboratively - Amazing Customer Experience.</b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2Qg6o4_yhzcQe0EPgmIsnJ1UEXfm4vdKq8d6nhFY_jA22sRUAMR2B6Mc6LU7-hYPBadDuwrH5MrQAG7dS7q3-qwpivo-WamYOfuHRBs9Uq5yQYRzYDq2X_s1qwRgwYH-9SsHiU8lJA34/s1600/ape_wave.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2Qg6o4_yhzcQe0EPgmIsnJ1UEXfm4vdKq8d6nhFY_jA22sRUAMR2B6Mc6LU7-hYPBadDuwrH5MrQAG7dS7q3-qwpivo-WamYOfuHRBs9Uq5yQYRzYDq2X_s1qwRgwYH-9SsHiU8lJA34/s200/ape_wave.gif" width="166" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Oh and here is my WAVE!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmdG83wFXDS7p39PuxWwLVf9D-PB_W9BMMQodJ0d2P_nY6QY_xOxY16JrannPSyLwgD5gQcJAXaZ-WATCDmHePHUjHrt4pq2ntUzBhsSDjjQFliwP9yzj7yDFUYDZyULZ7AurwlTSyP5I/s1600/ape_wave.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tweetback</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/darleenw">@darleenw</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2VPtdXQ6LruYgybx6558vy-OjD2eg0jU9FyT9M0ujeplAJ4dFpc9gGughhQW5z8lM9qi3A_1uXDhxHJ2XZAkqazZBaB96KuRC13lfg_p0yiMx2ULOFGz8i6PVHzU71shWsWFlK6XXAj7/s1600/darleen11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2VPtdXQ6LruYgybx6558vy-OjD2eg0jU9FyT9M0ujeplAJ4dFpc9gGughhQW5z8lM9qi3A_1uXDhxHJ2XZAkqazZBaB96KuRC13lfg_p0yiMx2ULOFGz8i6PVHzU71shWsWFlK6XXAj7/s1600/darleen11.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-21635546788161445672010-10-26T13:21:00.000-07:002010-10-26T14:10:06.644-07:00Social Media Amplifies Customer Service - Can you hear me now?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LZwibF_Ppj6AlZy7NGUeZ3JONjjp7jR2nllemNYlqJlB7l13ZmDPhzMVrStOz0lulVEmaUDmMHjskayyAogLrTG_cjbHXRTT7izXtRE4r2fGO55IBPon6EEZ54YHgWIB5aMNrBUN9Ge1/s1600/customer-service-cartoon-thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LZwibF_Ppj6AlZy7NGUeZ3JONjjp7jR2nllemNYlqJlB7l13ZmDPhzMVrStOz0lulVEmaUDmMHjskayyAogLrTG_cjbHXRTT7izXtRE4r2fGO55IBPon6EEZ54YHgWIB5aMNrBUN9Ge1/s320/customer-service-cartoon-thumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Customer Service has </span><i style="color: #660000;">embraced</i><span style="color: #660000;"> Social Media</span></b> - Twitter and Facebook in particular are being used and majority of companies have a presence within these applications. This allows customers to connect to company representatives immediately. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wonderful - you would think, correct? </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We will get immediate responses for our queries and complaints.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We will be heard.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Company leaders will listen and respond to our needs </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">- maybe even give us half of what we want.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Maybe </span></b>- Customer Service will improve, due to connection and amplification - we think. And that thought process seems to be valid. As companies must truly care and want to be connected to 'us', the customer. This is progress. If we have a complaint we can Twitter our displeasure for ALL to view, and with ReTweets it will go around the world. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Companies will have to listen. Right?</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">The Truth</span></b> is that this is correct some of the time. There are several examples of how amplification of a problem and displeasure with a company or product has indeed resulted in an amazing response.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.dooce.com/">@dooce </a> (Heather Armstrong) -- And the Washing Machine debacle - <a href="http://dooce.com/2009/08/28/containing-capital-letter-or-two">Maytag Saga</a> and how she used her klout to get results. And reaction by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=209590868867730994&postID=2163554678816144567">This Fish Needs A Bicycle </a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The other side of the same coin, however is that <b><span style="color: #660000;">BAD Customer Service is amplified</span></b>.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The analogy being like a bad toothache. <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">It just gets worse!</span></b></i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH5y8-h_ML5CIi33zx1Zw_Im4h5-IlQG3GZcUSxD2TNkiNvs0Ifnt-Qage5zw8cR6Up37iqsL3TDpvgUAYvg7sHz1AhF3hs9P4ALGqI1-xjChSKCKUUZEUEz2GAyu9vh6OIPSArRCCHqL/s1600/amplify.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH5y8-h_ML5CIi33zx1Zw_Im4h5-IlQG3GZcUSxD2TNkiNvs0Ifnt-Qage5zw8cR6Up37iqsL3TDpvgUAYvg7sHz1AhF3hs9P4ALGqI1-xjChSKCKUUZEUEz2GAyu9vh6OIPSArRCCHqL/s320/amplify.jpg" width="238" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">If a company does NOT get good Customer Service before Social Media, we cannot expect or assume that they suddenly see the light, with Social Media. Adding Twitter to their 'Contact Us' will most likely only AMPLIFY BAD Customer Service. We will be told not only by the telephone agent, but also by the Twitter agent - 'We don't really care about you, the customer'. In these instances there is one major ingredient missing.<br />
Engaging with the customer.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/engage">Definition of Engage</a>: </span></div><div class="ds-list" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>1. </b> To involve oneself or become occupied; participate: </span><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">engage in conversation</span></b></i>.</span></div><div class="ds-list" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;"> How does one exactly go about doing this? First step is to Listen to the Customer.</span></div><div class="ds-list"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;">There are a variety of training available for how to have quality conversations, but the #1 aspect to get right is to LISTEN - <b><span style="color: #660000;">Can you hear me now? Methodology.</span></b> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;">The next step is to actually do something with this information. Not necessarily give in to this customer or all irate customers, but use the information to make your service better. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;">How can you prevent customers upsets?<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;">From the <a href="http://communities.rightnow.com/posts/ad38ab1f52">2010 RightNow Customer Experience Impact Report </a></span></div><blockquote style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">82% of consumers have stopped doing business witha company as a result of a negative experience</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">55% became a customer of a company because of their reputation for great customer service</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">55% would pay 10% or more for a good customer experience</span></li>
</ul></blockquote><div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="illustration">WHAT DOES THE CUSTOMER WANT?</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;">In a recent debate with my cell phone provider, I became frustrated. NOT, because they did not give me what I want. BUT - because they did not hear me and offer to pass this information up to the TOP of the organization. <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">After requesting with Twitter agent it was passed on.</span></i></b></span><br />
<span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;">As a customer, I want to be validated and HEARD.<br />
I want to feel that I am important to you the company.<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;">I am the voice of the customer.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;"> I am not happy with a recent policy change.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;"> The management that made this change should be aware and with this information -</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;"> and ... TRY to find creative methods of resolving and providing the customers needs.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;"> At least improve communication with customers.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="illustration">EXAMPLE: </span></b></span></div><blockquote style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;">A cell phone hardware upgrade policy has recently changed to not being without penalty from 24 months to 30 months. However customers want this hardware upgrade policy or HUP, to be LESS than 24 months ( with a 3 year contract). Due to fact that technology and hardware are changing so rapidly, why do I want to be stuck with old technology for 30 months? I don't. We don't. We can understand that there are cost issues by our provider - BUT, and this is where the ENGAGING comes into play.</span></blockquote><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>UPDATE - My views have been passed on to Management. I am adding this to accurately report that I was heard and it was passed on. I am hoping this will result in some further response.</b></i></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>So far I have not had response from the Management. </b></i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Telephone conversation prior to my Twitter convo, provided me with a 2 - 4 hr time frame for return call from a Manager would be coming - that is now 24 hours ago.</span></b></i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
I am happy with fact it has been reported. A response from a Manager would make it a WOW.</span></i></b></span></div><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;"> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Be creative in finding solutions for your customer. AND cost effective for us all. </span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Let us know that you HEAR US!</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;"><b>Do you hear your Customers? How do you respond? </b></span></div><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;"><b>tweetback</b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span class="illustration" style="font-size: small;"><b>@darleenw</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWy8ZY0oya-Pfg2ltnQv3frOPz8Fkpgz8RjT4QnqZSpqYQWbkgGkdQfMy2Wd0Agxbkt2gqiKOg5LaQ_w9HGwzpglXvvV5THO9xWnJaYOzUv0F27QfP49QOu-BVsGfu9HWlSlxI0ONhQoRP/s1600/darleen11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWy8ZY0oya-Pfg2ltnQv3frOPz8Fkpgz8RjT4QnqZSpqYQWbkgGkdQfMy2Wd0Agxbkt2gqiKOg5LaQ_w9HGwzpglXvvV5THO9xWnJaYOzUv0F27QfP49QOu-BVsGfu9HWlSlxI0ONhQoRP/s1600/darleen11.jpg" /></a></div><span class="illustration"><b><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></b></span></div>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-62197893188319133122010-10-21T22:54:00.000-07:002010-10-22T00:49:32.746-07:00I don’t want a new job, but a career as Goddess-Matriarch of Customer Engagement<div style="color: #660000;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7B_a3zS70jYf3vkeJa4lI3bWRGW53J_Wb1tGJgKYGu1DUZjCUliS_tr99vnV4_dOa6SMrTqlbMW1jKrfRwiDmdSwxOhCvPq9-MztYKWfH8MyY0Zew02_bYXxyQR9BR05aYbPw5Tc85Y6/s400/DSC00160.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftRCuubMiuGUJrVPvqOzcZofFo4R07eMWU6TpUB8QxIIEiKzId-gzJplkC_S0dc2FnzBroi3jc_uYn6zMO2cQWZPE6PLMlWlI8B3aD3ZLHuRndkgpu6RNSiByd9ucOcTIk6h_wyTKFnTW/s1600/DSC00160.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>*Connect* Engage* Trust* Loyalty*</b></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am currently searching for employment. It has to do with requiring a source of funds to maintain my quality of living - eating, heat, roof over head, electricity and other basics. Like my colleague and younger friend @KRCraft at <a href="http://thoughtelf.wordpress.com/2010/10/page/4/">Thoughelf's Blog</a>, I don't want a 'job'.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I want a career as Goddess-Matriarch of Customer Engagement. </b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This role fits well with @KRCraft's <i style="color: #660000;"> ‘Demi-Goddess Enterprise Solution Evangelist’</i></span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">- and slightly more creative than our male counterparts role of 'God'. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seriously, the title <b style="color: black;">'Goddess Martiarch of Customer Engagement'</b> demonstrates my true passion for Customer Service, and the fact that I have amassed wisdom and respect within the field. This is not ego, but simply right of passage combined with achievements. I hire a team of evangelists to represent and support the culture of a customer-centric environment.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: black;">A Goddess-Matriarch</b> is engaged with staff within the enterprise as well as the customer. Within her playground she wears multiple hats to ensure 'Customer Excellence' is delivered.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The many facets of Goddess-Matriarch of Customer Engagement:</b></span></div><ul style="font-family: inherit;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: black;">Collaboration</b> over-seer is utmost important role, as all need to be on same page and empowered.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Ensuring vision is expressed and has <i>'buy-in'</i> of all staff to meet corporate strategic objectives.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: black;">Relationship Managemen</b><b>t</b> from top to bottom internally, as well as external vendors, partners, customers and all stakeholders.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">As the Matriarch having now advanced from full-time direct contact with the customer, she mentors staff not with an iron hand, but by engaging.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Superior <b style="color: black;">Listening</b> skills have been developed to enable all to be heard and to be on top of status.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: black;">Communication</b> skills are continually honed and practiced to deliver clear <b style="color: black;">Leadership</b>.<b><br />
</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: black;">Leads</b> rather than manages teams and colleagues by example and sincerely caring.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: black;">Trusts</b> those hired, like Demi-Goddess Evangelists, and other 'Uber' Professional Services team players - Application Specialists, Operations & Customer Support.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Continual evaluation, development and training of staff encased within a collaborative method.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">CEO of FUN</span></b>, is dual role required to promote having fun while doing the best for customer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Maintains links to 'cutting-edge' technology advances with pathways to connect with customer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Keeps one step ahead of technology advances, industry standards, and legal/government statute changes and requirements. </span></li>
<li> <span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">Social Media Advocate</span> </span></b>ensuring staff embrace, utilize and actively involved internally and externally, and collaborates with team regarding analytics & reporting in order to continually make improvements, reporting right metrics for several different audiences.<br />
** Has hired <b style="color: black;">Best-in-class staff</b> that can work magic to mine data **</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Due to experience at all levels of businesses from startup to enterprise, within a variety of different industries, the Goddess-Matriarch engages easily with everyone from facilities staff, senior executive, board members and actively engages on Twitter, Facebook & Community Forums.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">Liaison</span> </span></b>between technical and non technical internally and externally, able to cross over and interpret and communicate with all sides.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"> Clear understanding of Project Management, ITIL and other frameworks required depending on industry and requirements.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: black;">Mentors</b> and partners with staff and other internal departments to prevent silo creation, and same 'voice' across all channels that 'touch' customers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: black;">Loyalty</b> created between staff, internal and external partners as all are customers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: black;">Spearheads Creative Brainstorming</b> of providing <b style="color: black;">Customer Excellence</b></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
- providing the <b><span style="color: #660000;">WOW</span></b>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: black;">Surprises</b> - from home-made muffins, Wacky Wednesdays to Name this Tune customer contest.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Passion, Passion and more Passion</b> for Customer Service above and beyond experiences.</span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It goes without saying that of course I have eyes and ears everywhere - or so it seems. Not due to micro -managing, but truly being connected. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">Best recommendation level achieved:</span> Amazing</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am not looking for a job, but a career within a company that my passion for Customer Service is embraced and encouraged. Let's get engaged!</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Checkout my details on LinkedIn and recommendations - <a href="http://ca.linkedin.com/in/darleen">http://ca.linkedin.com/in/darleen</a></span><br />
<br />
</div>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-14851345276258511632010-10-11T21:04:00.000-07:002010-10-11T21:52:00.001-07:00Be the Extra Mile<i style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Do YOU wash your customers windows?</span></b></i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRdpMtwst1P_tWlt-Ai2K4vwEhwpPT6o4Hs37jgPMFGJ20ONTI-VwcXllJR9203QuiK09aXN-mS96oVZXCz7cBDfaUqBSARGa-8DykObp_hPviFn1kMYx8C3tv0YSDfwQRH7xog_D2VC-/s640/window_cleaning_teamwork.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">credit: http://orionserviceinc.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="color: #660000;"><b> </b></i></span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">In recent post by <b style="color: #660000;">Kelly Craft - </b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="color: #660000;"><b style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://thoughtelf.wordpress.com/2010/10/09/when-was-the-last-time-you-checked-your-customers-oil-and-washed-their-windows/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ThoughtelfsBlog+%28Thoughtelf%27s+Blog%29">Thoughtelf's Blog </a></b>, <span style="color: black;"> </span></i>asks if we clean our customers windows and top up their oil, in order to provide exceptional customer service<b> - led me to a hmm moment. </b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hmm - as thoughts of if and how I have received, and provided myself.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Myself the Customer</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a customer, I still go to a Full Service Station, when gassing up my car. I pay an additional 0.1 cents per litre to obtain Full Service. This entitles me to getting my windows washed, and oil checked as minimum. But, I get much more, and go for the addons - conversation and genuine caring. The attendant asks questions about how the car has been running, and mileage, and just general weather type conversation. He is excited to see me, and also does a check of lights and tire visual check. It is well worth the additional 0.1 cents per litre. I go out of my way to get my gas at this station, when this attendant is working. In fact, I coordinate getting my gas (as much as possible) around his hours, even if I still have a half tank of gas. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Myself the Customer Service Manager/Advocate</b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have always attempted to provide my customers with <b><i><span style="color: #660000;"> 'exceptional customer service'</span></i></b> and<i style="color: #660000;"><b> 'go the extra mile'.</b></i> I believe, I have managed to do this, the majority of time, and mentored staff to provide.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I would like to provide service like <a href="http://canada.zappos.com/">Zappos</a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <b><span style="color: #783f04;">PROACTIVE</span></b>.<b> <span style="color: #660000;">Expedite orders without extra cost.</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Provide Exceptional Service Rather Than fix Complaints</b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>T</b>here are various ways that we can be 'proactive', and look ahead for the customer. You can do many proactive actions, without having a complete enterprise culture change</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">- take action, and others will follow.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Some of my extras:</span></b></span></div><ol style="font-family: inherit;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Verify Customer configuration and recommend changes for improvement without request.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Sent email notification regarding upcoming system updates on horizon & what means.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">If CRM shows no recent activity from customer - send out email to check-in.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Added customers to IM, Twitter and FB and engaged after 9-5<br />
- when customers are online.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">As Customer Service Manager - provided customers with my cell number. Never abused.</span></li>
</ol><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> <span style="color: #660000;">What are your extras? How do you go the extra mile?</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Can you BE the Extra Mile for your company? </span></b></span></div><b><br />
</b>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-7574299179677271652010-10-04T22:13:00.000-07:002010-10-04T22:23:08.742-07:00Social Media In Real Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaydpIKhsL6h0xv4-GvS3TI4sDfgvb0sUPgDABkXjZrI0NZiKHhOg53SMwxtUA_PCQb8yLODBWOHxkS3BQ27qgNeAV9mPN6yoWHZ-mKTGQZuThNgJN7zLan3iljWOerhwuiXn5zddtJ6o/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaydpIKhsL6h0xv4-GvS3TI4sDfgvb0sUPgDABkXjZrI0NZiKHhOg53SMwxtUA_PCQb8yLODBWOHxkS3BQ27qgNeAV9mPN6yoWHZ-mKTGQZuThNgJN7zLan3iljWOerhwuiXn5zddtJ6o/s400/Picture+3.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><i><b>Continuation of The Social Media Experiment</b></i></span><br />
<br />
It has been a long while since I updated my Social Media Experiment, due to being overcome with the whole Twitter experience. Twitter is easy and it is complex, all at the same time. That is best left for another day, to explain and demonstrate fully.<br />
<br />
My first experience with <a href="http://www.twitter.com/">Twitter </a>was close to others trials, and tests, and <b style="color: #660000;">I did it wrong</b><span style="color: #660000;">.</span><br />
I should have had a plan maybe, or a test account to play around with.<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><i>The damage is now done</i>.</div><br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b>What did I do? Is it repairable?</b></div>I randomly followed and attracted followers according to the <i>'flavor of the day'</i> method. Which is to say, whatever my fancy of the moment was - the current municipal elections, food, cooking sites and tweets, dieting, health tweets, social media gurus, social media marketing, customer service, graphics, comedians, celebrities, companies such as Pepsi, Police Reports, Art Gallery, City Hall, Air Canada, and more.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b>Why is this wrong?</b></div>If I was not wishing to promote myself for either business or job prospecting - nothing.<br />
However, if I want to get to the point of being a Social Media Manager, then maybe, just maybe - I should have kept within the <i>'niche'</i> I hoped to focus.<br />
And if hoping to highlight myself in order to get a job offer<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><i>- maybe I should have (again) - focused.</i></div><br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b>Can it be corrected?</b></div>Yes, basically I can continue on forward and focus on the tweets in the topic and voice that I want to represent OR I can create an entire new separate account. Many people have several Twitter IDs/ Accounts. Such as you might want one that you limit to tweets for family, or business. Our personal and business lives tend to be blurred any longer with ourselves being splashed across the Internet, and in most cases should always be presenting ourselves in appropriate manner if we have integrity, and are over the age of 25.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b>REMEMBER:</b></div>Twitter is public.<br />
Even though some tweets can be Private Direct Messages.<br />
Other Tweets are shared between your followers.<br />
Therefore, it may not be the best forum to have a rant or drag down fight with your loved ones.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b>What's Next? How Can Twitter and Other Social Media be useful IN REAL LIFE</b></div><br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b>EXAMPLES</b></div><b><span style="color: #660000;">Customer Complaints</span> </b>- send complaint to store, or company that has not lived up to service.<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b>RESULTS: </b></div>So far I have not been impressed with any customer service responses on twitter or Facebook pages, with exception of Mazda & City of Kitchener. Others have been slow to respond or have not responded at all. I am continuing on with this exercise in order to gather a larger selection.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b>Get a Job </b>- <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twitter.com">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook</a> and internet searches.</div><b><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">RESULTS:</span><br style="color: #660000;" /> </b><br />
<i style="color: #660000;"><b>LinkedIn</b></i><span style="color: #660000;"> </span>- Upon updating my profile, I immediately received email queries and activity within the network I created. I also spent considerable time updating my list and ensuring that I was connected to as many people as possible. I clarified and rewrote my profile several times. Joining Groups also increased activity and queries. Then a larger spike in activity noticed when I began leaving comments within discussions on Groups and updated my Status - news feed then updated and kept me in front of my network.<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Twitter</span> - </b></i>I have changed focus to be within Customer Service and Social Media Management, as well as connecting with others in these fields.<br />
<br />
<i style="color: #660000;"><b>Facebook</b></i><span style="color: #660000;"> </span>- I still use for a mixture of personal and business related, as well as Fan Pages. I have done some changes to privacy settings and verified that I do not have anything too wild or crazy. But for the most part, I am just me - You get what you see. Certainly, employers can find out much more details on a candidate than ever before. Again we have very little privacy, unless we never go online.<br />
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<div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;"><b>Follow Me in My Job Search</b></div>So please do follow me now, as I focus on Customer Service, Social Media Management and Customer Relationship Management. There is much to cover under these topics. Along the way I hope that using the Social Media tools, as well as standard networking methods, will provide an opportunity in the workforce - and an <i>employment offer!</i><br />
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<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: purple;">Next Post : </b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: purple;">I don't want a new job, I want a new career as ______ ?? </b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> <i>- To Be Continued ....</i></b></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">...darleen </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2O5LNC0PuMYGxx3Rn2sTGMmvqLTu1ePsKc9gjEpkoaLv8D0g-4KbUMMD2Ysj9dxQL40sALbukyfQWdvMncMJBd9_DkMlciMEAf5Gov1QerJYUmsQbzgJu-F54uNsTwmdoSk5zn6lIDMqQ/s1600/darleen11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2O5LNC0PuMYGxx3Rn2sTGMmvqLTu1ePsKc9gjEpkoaLv8D0g-4KbUMMD2Ysj9dxQL40sALbukyfQWdvMncMJBd9_DkMlciMEAf5Gov1QerJYUmsQbzgJu-F54uNsTwmdoSk5zn6lIDMqQ/s1600/darleen11.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="http://thoughtelf.wordpress.com/2010/10/01/i-dont-want-a-new-job-i-want-a-new-career-as-a-demi-goddess-solution-evangelist/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to I don’t want a new job, I want a new career as a Demi-Goddess Solution Evangelist"><br />
</a></h3>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-89096321749447636202010-09-22T23:35:00.000-07:002010-09-22T23:49:17.381-07:00Steve Martin Cured My Twitter Addiction<div style="color: #660000;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyCpuq8y-QpZ6XfGIqfjSHgsJj5DEoKZxRhe9whdA85zQSzYrHTMtU3Dxy3osPtwdDfSbdN-l9KUCxrSiU8j5SfJ87Yiu141b8Agikp0_RGO_06_CD0c3rYBjNen8574rWMVwZvi6nUkj/s1600/overworked-information-overload-color-picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyCpuq8y-QpZ6XfGIqfjSHgsJj5DEoKZxRhe9whdA85zQSzYrHTMtU3Dxy3osPtwdDfSbdN-l9KUCxrSiU8j5SfJ87Yiu141b8Agikp0_RGO_06_CD0c3rYBjNen8574rWMVwZvi6nUkj/s320/overworked-information-overload-color-picture.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Social Media 30 Day Experiment </span></b></i></div><br />
I started this blog regarding Social Media and doing a 30 Day Experiment to uncover the uses of this thing called Social Media. Started on August 3, 2010.<br />
I have gone over my 30 days now, and coming up to almost 60 days.<br />
Why have I not blogged and updated regularly?<br />
Because - <b style="color: #660000;">I HAVE NO TIME TO BLOG</b>. Twitter, Facebook, DIGG. FourSquare, LinkedIN, YouTube, and following all the web links in each, responding to each post <b style="color: #660000;">HAS OVERTAKEN MY LIFE!</b><br />
<br />
This experiment was to uncover the how and why of Social Media for the 'average person'.<br />
Not for Social Media Marketers or for Business - but why does Joe or Mary Everyday person want to get involved with Social Media? What do they follow when they do? Does it enhance their life?<br />
<br />
I was already using several Social Media applications - Facebook, LinkedIN and Blogging. I had tried Twitter previously, but found it of little value at that time, and left it. I decided to give Twitter another try, and really learn how to use it, as well as associated applications, as well as use Facebook for other activities than just family connections and viewing photo of high school friends. My plan was to find the good in all this Social Media hype, and be able to promote to family and friends.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Twitter is Evil</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #660000;"><b>Yes, I said it - Twitter is Evil. </b></div>I began by finding people to follow by using the search tool within Twitter. I searched for personal interests and Social Media.<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;"><b>I have many interests:</b></div>Social Media<br />
Cooking<br />
Motorcycles<br />
Cars<br />
Kitchener - local city<br />
Waterloo Region Election<br />
Fibromyalgia<br />
Weight Loss<br />
Children - Mommy Blogs led me to their Twitter feeds<br />
Writing<br />
Book Reviews <br />
<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b>This led me to follow other people that and find other topics:</b></div>QR Codes<br />
Cloud Computing<br />
Web 2.0<br />
Semantic Web<br />
Work from Home<br />
Happiness<br />
<br />
I read hundreds and possibly thousands of tweets, posts, and websites with up to the minute information, joined tweetchats, tweetups, twitups, SM Meetups, LIKED business Facebook Fan Pages, commented and became completely engrossed in Social Media. Books were purchased from every Social Media Marketer and Expert - downloaded and hard-copies delivered to my door, so I could absorb as much as possible, as quickly as possible.<br />
<br />
I even had to stop my life to connect to online tweetchat regarding breaking news on - #NEWTWITTER.<br />
I was as excited as .. I am not sure, but it was exciting!<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b>I slept little.</b></div>I gathered followers - 500 on Twitter - and following 600 and their connections.<br />
Facebook Fan Pages began to overtake my News Feed. <br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b>I slept less.</b></div><br />
I became both addicted and overloaded! Or as one person tweeted:<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b>The information is giving me a raging brainer!</b></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>AND THEN CAME STEVE MARTIN TO TWITTER:</b></i></span></div><a href="http://twitter.com/SteveMartinToGo">@SteveMartinToGo</a> started on Sept 10, 2010<br />
From the beginning his tweets were humourous, and he has been one of my favorite comedians since the 1970s - yes I am that old and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Martin">Steve Martin</a> is 10 years older - at least!<br />
<br />
<br />
I began noticing his tweets, and then started reviewing at the end of each day <br />
- as getting the entire story was more amusing.<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b>I laughed!! </b></div><div style="color: #660000;"><b>Out Loud!!</b></div><br />
Sample Steve Martin Tweets - minus tweets by the monkeys he hired, and other silliness. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyO3VCyHAMT97rA7S8qvkijQA5qlO-7DZfCLyMPfce48-hccI1r7QbMB6x_MD_WdC4ym7wSiybsZ2jUCN4g-RJ-kxlqlXjetTkKWEzVPQPoG2hLJYOZJDvzkXLYJjhn2GDElvlcUE-lBW/s1600/SteveMartin_followed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyO3VCyHAMT97rA7S8qvkijQA5qlO-7DZfCLyMPfce48-hccI1r7QbMB6x_MD_WdC4ym7wSiybsZ2jUCN4g-RJ-kxlqlXjetTkKWEzVPQPoG2hLJYOZJDvzkXLYJjhn2GDElvlcUE-lBW/s320/SteveMartin_followed.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXvwPnxhO-GQrvOhcXvnVM1kl5Lg_TkvjmsbF1zPfmJVKIl-ANKgovY0qv2WUT53h4wYZ6l5MaVsaZZQ75rXbCe_ZzuvN_COsebbMXDTM-UvT4XwkJtS7xIs4rPzkbwCJ7QFZN_AduMBl/s1600/SteveMartinScreenPlay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXvwPnxhO-GQrvOhcXvnVM1kl5Lg_TkvjmsbF1zPfmJVKIl-ANKgovY0qv2WUT53h4wYZ6l5MaVsaZZQ75rXbCe_ZzuvN_COsebbMXDTM-UvT4XwkJtS7xIs4rPzkbwCJ7QFZN_AduMBl/s320/SteveMartinScreenPlay.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNm-eSuMq34XRM_BgPAUR9SlfIkWnPYeWGcjB07ZpXT0arLNFdL8_TejATaiNaHV4MjuvKekx6iPZBFoJ4wvw0WUVrgYb10rThM2c-YFwNKwgTcfDlf_gXF_1aRkfW25gJ3iWrPSmoGqUk/s1600/SteveMartinTwitterDuties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNm-eSuMq34XRM_BgPAUR9SlfIkWnPYeWGcjB07ZpXT0arLNFdL8_TejATaiNaHV4MjuvKekx6iPZBFoJ4wvw0WUVrgYb10rThM2c-YFwNKwgTcfDlf_gXF_1aRkfW25gJ3iWrPSmoGqUk/s320/SteveMartinTwitterDuties.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtf-bGLUxGxil_8a0w5p7491Ckag2NkeEXW4QPGKUn8QXGM8SaX0aWj5uqtGffFwoCEeGPd8RkWTReN3Sq1KQwbBTVA-xoFwIdiMytexcOBpUBp5B8kMsoXrYykv2jGc_TJWlbOWIFUH5D/s1600/SteveMartinJudicious.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtf-bGLUxGxil_8a0w5p7491Ckag2NkeEXW4QPGKUn8QXGM8SaX0aWj5uqtGffFwoCEeGPd8RkWTReN3Sq1KQwbBTVA-xoFwIdiMytexcOBpUBp5B8kMsoXrYykv2jGc_TJWlbOWIFUH5D/s320/SteveMartinJudicious.jpg" /></a></div><br />
He is poking fun at Twitter and how we can become addicted - obsessing over how many followers, how our book deal is rated, and information itself. I am not sure he has any interactions with any of his followers, or just as running Twitter background comedy routine.<br />
This background noise - I began to notice.<br />
I started paying attention more to his tweets than others with Social Media best practices and other ground breaking technology news.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b>I laughed.</b></div><div style="color: #660000;"><b>I slept.</b></div>I began to clean up my lists, and followers and who following, and Facebook and email choked with notifications and links and and...<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">REASSESSMENT</span></b></i></div>Yes there is good to be found in Social Media,<br />
BUT - to those that are like me and information hogs - <b>BEWARE!</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>Tomorrow - I will be back with Pros & Cons of Social Media and how to remain in control.</b></i><br />
<i><b>There are definitely benefits. </b></i><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b>More to come, but back to Steve Martin:</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJyDVPSnGcX9uy9o7ZPS5xESapHM1DcFAAZh7pXVmp35vHCG_dWHWsrA_9rwtCJ9ruNtN9Uz76MbfF_7Mj90Cyaj6c7NyRy-TsjdyV0hGL1CqSs-RRnTNosjRqqGVSVWzZ5_ZYkt_Wvvz/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJyDVPSnGcX9uy9o7ZPS5xESapHM1DcFAAZh7pXVmp35vHCG_dWHWsrA_9rwtCJ9ruNtN9Uz76MbfF_7Mj90Cyaj6c7NyRy-TsjdyV0hGL1CqSs-RRnTNosjRqqGVSVWzZ5_ZYkt_Wvvz/s640/Picture+1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><b> Laugh. Sleep.</b></div><br />
Tweetback<br />
@darleenw<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaT3mb1wbTEjowxjpe3nMA1DjZxxoOuZ-w-3n7Fbz0YEYsmp1E0i2GKwa2cgjxvgsBzEEK-ZD8XVgsS1H_mPFPhTwToQZXKfCrO5TnahrygM3f0-nZ7CjrM3y8EhO5JPps_zGoSgzZleAm/s1600/darleen11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaT3mb1wbTEjowxjpe3nMA1DjZxxoOuZ-w-3n7Fbz0YEYsmp1E0i2GKwa2cgjxvgsBzEEK-ZD8XVgsS1H_mPFPhTwToQZXKfCrO5TnahrygM3f0-nZ7CjrM3y8EhO5JPps_zGoSgzZleAm/s320/darleen11.jpg" /></a></div>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-14604864107222974892010-09-08T22:33:00.000-07:002010-09-09T08:39:37.754-07:005 Reasons Twitter like pregnancy.<div style="color: #660000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRP58nyZvOv2J1VBVH4aLkASZDBOvtUYXUv39l5QvvgUpVdS-5Kh6oGLx_ajwkAtEelM6BV_NUqSzNH5GY-NWAOjdxje48OAbxSaiIi7bVn8AoajyNjnCb7BaGjyqZBoW00hU0uGmS7kGj/s1600/preg_twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRP58nyZvOv2J1VBVH4aLkASZDBOvtUYXUv39l5QvvgUpVdS-5Kh6oGLx_ajwkAtEelM6BV_NUqSzNH5GY-NWAOjdxje48OAbxSaiIi7bVn8AoajyNjnCb7BaGjyqZBoW00hU0uGmS7kGj/s320/preg_twitter.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Social Media Experiment, Twitter and Pregnancy </b></span></i></div><div style="color: #660000;"></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>New Blog name - Social Tweetle </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- due to fact I had chosen a trademarked title originally</span><br />
<br />
<b>The 30 Day Social Media Experiment</b> has reached the 30 days. Next is for me to report on my findings thus far. Please be patient, as my head is full of 'stuff' to organize into coherent thoughts and words. I shall be refining, and continuing to analyze the effectiveness and - who the heck should be using, and which Social Media tools and apps are for the different uses.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><br />
I was thinking of how joining Twitter effected me, and found myself comparing joining and becoming accustomed to Twitter as very similar to going through pregnancy. Let me explain '<i>reasons that joining Twitter</i><i> is like pregnancy'</i>. Just to verify my expertise - I have been pregnant twice in my life (that I am aware of) - so feel qualified to explain this analogy. <br />
<br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">5 Reasons Joining Twitter is Like Pregnancy:</span></b></i><br />
<ol><li><b style="color: purple;">Choosing a name is nerve wracking.</b><br />
<span style="color: black;">What shall I select? Should I use my real name? Should I have 2 names/ 2 accounts. What is the perceived message when I use my real name compared to a name such as @sexygranny? This is very similar to the many hours, days, weeks and months agonizing over selecting the baby's name. And equally the same as when verbalized the wonderful name of Abigail Aloysius (a deligtful sounding alliteration I thought) - to the spouse, and was subjected to being informed that pregnancy hormones had surely kidnapped my brain. Of course in the case of Twitter, it was allowing friends and T-Pals to voice opinion.</span><i style="color: purple;"><b><br />
<br />
In the end:</b></i><span style="color: purple;"></span><span style="color: black;">I have gone with @darleenw and so far is attached to all my blogs on differing topics. Advantage to Twitter name - I can change it at anytime! As far as Pregnancy - somehow we did name 3 daughters with each 2 names, although I usually forget their names and call them all 'Hey You'.</span><b style="color: purple;"> <br />
</b></li>
<li><b style="color: purple;">I am voraciously trying to learn everything as fast as possible.</b><br />
<span style="color: black;">When newly pregnant (about 3 hours after conception), I was buying books, asking every woman I came in contact with (that had given birth or might have even thought about giving birth) all the details. Details, about pregnancy, about giving birth, about being a mother and what university to enroll the most amazing child ever born. With Twitter, I have been following everyone with Social Media expert status, and those with lots to say on topics that interest me (all but gay grey apes), following every tweet until eyes bulging and bleary. Also reading as much data online, and purchasing books about Twitter until totally thinking of nothing else each moment of the day.</span><b style="color: purple;"><i><br />
Best Advice:</i></b><br />
Y<span style="color: black;">ou cannot possibly read all that there is online or printed re Twitter. </span><br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">For Pregnancy - relax millions have done this before you, without studying.</span><b style="color: purple;"> <br />
</b></li>
<li><b style="color: purple;">Sleepless due to being concerned with might happen.</b><br />
<span style="color: black;">When pregnant I lost sleep due to imagining the worst possible scenarios, and every movement and twinge. With Twitter, I lost sleep due to first thinking I had to follow every tweet and respond ASAP, or I would fail and be excommunicated - or worse yet, lose followers. Gasp. What-if thoughts plagued me in both situations.</span><i><b style="color: purple;"><br />
In the end:</b></i><br />
<span style="color: black;">Realized I could not possibly keep up with all tweets and is not expected.</span><br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">Pregnancy - well for most part (except when those said hormones clicked in) I relaxed due to realizing millions of women had done this before with great success.</span><b style="color: purple;"> <br />
</b></li>
<li><b style="color: purple;">Afraid no one will appreciate me.</b><br />
<span style="color: black;">What if my child hated me, and my husband turned on me due to now being a mother , and lost all my friends since I now had a baby and they were still single and childless - I was not appreciated for being me? What if I was ignored? Same as joining Twitter and concerned that no one would follow me, and would not like what I had to say if they did - and thus quickly unfollowing.</span><i><b style="color: purple;"><br />
Best Advice:</b></i><br />
<span style="color: black;">It is not about the numbers of followers, but engaging with those you connect.</span><br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">Pregnancy - Of course your child at some time will hate you, but it is too late to worry about that now. Do your best - and enjoy yourself.</span><b style="color: purple;"> <br />
</b></li>
<li><b style="color: purple;">Concerned that I really don't know what I am doing.</b><br />
<span style="color: black;">Oh my, yes with pregnancy I was sure I had made a grave mistake to think I could be a mother. I could barely get myself out of bed in the morning, how could I go with little sleep with a baby? What did I know about parenting? What if I wrecked this perfect human being? With Twitter, I struggled with fact I don't yet have a niche, or specialty, or I am not a Social Media certified expert. Who do I think I am?</span><b style="color: purple;"><i><br />
In the end:</i></b><br />
<span style="color: black;">No one really knows what they are doing! </span></li>
</ol><div style="color: black;"></div><b style="color: purple;">For Twitter and all things in Life <br />
- just do it, have fun, love what you are doing, do your best! <br />
<br />
Show Up! <br />
</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b style="color: purple;"> </b><br />
<div style="color: purple;"><b>Tweetback</b></div>@darleenw<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
...darleen<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bAmhlM8pmgpmQiFo4eYPRPDZrrMzAv3eF9hyGHGQQ9xXJoRMlFgrBJtRn5ZhwrzZYlpIIOvbWW52qCC9JspOmdJopnisJHpEZXpb4M7mdc84195Hzy41FUOzCm0uSrCFlhhcOscNybw5/s1600/darleen11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bAmhlM8pmgpmQiFo4eYPRPDZrrMzAv3eF9hyGHGQQ9xXJoRMlFgrBJtRn5ZhwrzZYlpIIOvbWW52qCC9JspOmdJopnisJHpEZXpb4M7mdc84195Hzy41FUOzCm0uSrCFlhhcOscNybw5/s320/darleen11.jpg" /></a></div></div>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-83484453522567676662010-08-19T23:11:00.000-07:002010-08-20T00:00:56.314-07:00Back to the future and beyond!<b style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Social Media 30 Day Experiment Week #3</span></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO_y6sVBnSuhJCc0tuP8jqLoXxqpdKDsp1MXEKpB4Ktv-oomIY1IMRzUOIF1jJhkcZsjo6WmPt2hyphenhyphenRBdKrx9L-Df596KF4cOopwbZKHIllVNMMPhyKhjhNUxEGBuorj_clTapbdWqfsqK/s1600/backtofuture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO_y6sVBnSuhJCc0tuP8jqLoXxqpdKDsp1MXEKpB4Ktv-oomIY1IMRzUOIF1jJhkcZsjo6WmPt2hyphenhyphenRBdKrx9L-Df596KF4cOopwbZKHIllVNMMPhyKhjhNUxEGBuorj_clTapbdWqfsqK/s640/backtofuture.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The year 2010 and even scarier than could be imagined?</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Advances have been made since 1985, and we are now all connected in 2010.<br />
<a href="http://www.twistimage.com/blog/">Mitch Joel</a> makes reference to '<i>Back to the Future</i>', in his book - <a href="http://www.twistimage.com/book/">Six Pixels of Separation</a>. He references to 15 years ago, how different online was, with modems and dialup speeds and the WWW just beginning - and if we could ' go back to the future', knowing what we know now about Google, and fact that <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"you would have focused a lot more of your time and energy on the online space if you had known then what you know now." </span></b></i><br />
<br />
This statement struck me, since I have been involved with the internet for at least 16 years. I also provided Tech Support for a local Internet Service Provider, evolving from the Bulletin Boards and providing Internet Access to the masses. It was exciting and new. In beginning there was only text. The day that images were parsed in our browsers was cause for shouting. It did take about 15 minutes to fully paint in some of these images - but it was worth it!! Did we ever think it would develop or get as big as it has? Yes. But ..<br />
<br />
I expected everyone to be connected. And did expect it to grow with faster and easier ways to connect, and more information to be available at our finger tips. The wireless world yes - But.. I could not have imagined the impact of wireless and mobile.<br />
<br />
I was, and still am <b style="color: #20124d;"><i>'always online'</i></b> and focused to the online world - but spent most of my time promoting getting connected. <i>Back to the Future</i>, I definitely would use to my advantage and invent Google or at least would have bought those RIM shares in 1996.<br />
<br />
I promoted and encouraged businesses to 'get on the internet', by registering a domain name and creating a website. Getting noticed by the search engines, and market your business with your www.companyname.com attached. People could then search for your website, bookmark the website, and voila you would be ahead of others.<br />
<div style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><b style="color: #20124d;">Social Media?</b> Yes we had that - email, chat programs - Pow Wow was one I used first, newsgroups, forums, mailing lists and Internet Relay Chats - IRC.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
IRC - a form of real-time Internet text messaging (chat) or synchronous conferencing <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiZUgJA2ePbkid0Ha6Lb1PSGgtmSQ5XiqrsnWELrTMjzOw994b-po6f87Dir8c0Oouv1d3_qRF39hJxXrKUtERwAtW04iC3qJ1NMjt3yhBNOOJMoTjlecXe0veueLpDipWtTJ22Yo3rn-/s1600/Rhapsody-IRC_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiZUgJA2ePbkid0Ha6Lb1PSGgtmSQ5XiqrsnWELrTMjzOw994b-po6f87Dir8c0Oouv1d3_qRF39hJxXrKUtERwAtW04iC3qJ1NMjt3yhBNOOJMoTjlecXe0veueLpDipWtTJ22Yo3rn-/s400/Rhapsody-IRC_2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
IRC is still used and has a web interface as well as text based separate application:<br />
<a href="http://www.mibbit.com/">mibbit </a>- and is rather interesting, as has Twitter Tab as well as IRC channels Tabs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>However, the top IRC client from 1995, is still being updated and in use.<span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.mirc.com/index.html">mIRC</a><br />
<b style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Latest News</span></b></span><b style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> - mIRC 7.1 has been released! <span class="date">(July 30<sup>th</sup> 2010)</span></span></b><br />
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<div style="font-family: inherit;"></div>There was a reason that not everyone did get connected or if they did, only did email - back then. Slow computers, slow modems and bandwidth issues. Also applications were not exactly easy for the non-programmer, non-developer, non-geek. <br />
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There were no advertisements. I recall when MSN Messenger began with ads, and thought the end of a wonderful era was over.<br />
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<b style="color: #20124d;">In the beginning </b>- my beginning on the internet, it was about obtaining information and connecting to others. I recall being thrilled to be able to connect with people in Africa and Australia, that I would never have connected with, if it were not for the internet.<br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Has it changed?</span> <span style="color: #20124d;">Yes and No.</span></b><br />
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The way we are using the internet is changing, due to fact that we now have connected almost everyone. Applications have changed, and technology advances allow high speed and reliable connections. The fact that anyone can easily create a Blog, without learning HTML or CSS etc, has involved millions of more people to have their voice heard on the internet. Wireless and Mobile advances are making us <i>'always connected'</i>. We can no longer function without the internet - or we are cutoff from society. It is our primary method of communication and connecting.<br />
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<b style="color: #20124d;">Biggest chance to myself </b>- there are a whole lot more people! I cannot keep up, and have been informed that we are not expected to read all. New tools to learn.<br />
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<div style="color: #20124d;"><b>Average Use</b></div>The 'average Joe' is using email, Facebook, watches You Tube videos, Skypes friends and relatives across the globe, Twitters, books dinner online, sends text messages, uploads photos from cell phone, downloads music and books directly to devices, and promotes self through LinkedIN. <i style="color: #20124d;"><b>And that is before breakfast!!</b></i><br />
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If businesses want our business, they must be online, and connected through all the many different avenues and applications - and get our attention. There is more to all this, as people do not want to be blasted with advertising - but receive useful information, and have the ability to connect when desired to the company. Instant connection and feedback is now possible and expected.<br />
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<div style="color: #20124d;"><b>Marketing formats preferred by the customer?</b></div>As I read reading Six Pixels of Separation, and wade through the many other books regarding Social Media, I am still sorting it all out. Are viral videos the way to make sales? Do people really pay any attention to Facebook Fan Pages? Who and Why are people using Twitter? What information does the 'regular person' want from businesses? Does the customer want to be in control of information/ marketing feeds? <br />
What is the choice of communication - email, Facebook, Twitter - other?<br />
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My mother, who is 76 this month - says put everything on Facebook. I myself, am not so sure about that - and will delve more into usability going forward. <br />
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But, before we get to that - I was just twittered and need to go grab my<b style="color: #20124d;"> <a href="http://blog.stunmedia.com/centernetworks/groupon-teaches-you-why-coupons-are-better-than-checkins-for-deals/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+stunmedia%2FUdmG+%28Social+Media+Marketing%29">Groupon </a>Coupon!!</b><br />
- I don't what it is either. I will let you know.<br />
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...darleen<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCa6mFB_9fkve3pzYWCslLoyUvHE6sBrdiWDnHkyE41srQY-10knXif0gN0Y3Gz8tcHUfoCn61of79vLpAhuZ40ZrsM8RmCyOt11CNx4LhOxAG6eJmr5i4WYP-Uabu5I9cuEEn3_Le607/s1600/darleen11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCa6mFB_9fkve3pzYWCslLoyUvHE6sBrdiWDnHkyE41srQY-10knXif0gN0Y3Gz8tcHUfoCn61of79vLpAhuZ40ZrsM8RmCyOt11CNx4LhOxAG6eJmr5i4WYP-Uabu5I9cuEEn3_Le607/s320/darleen11.jpg" /></a></div>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-89707621551642682242010-08-09T20:44:00.000-07:002010-08-09T21:02:52.415-07:00Social Media 30 Day Experiment Day 7 - Twitter to the Rescue!<div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Sewer Backup and Social Media - how do these go together?</b></i></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6Yrmm3lKiEey_LZUZtKTJkv7wIJDOIMWWCMKDxXYice3MxPZ-2Ip3P3Egu7-pvxjFa7C-zm_gKDmVKq2ynEpmyu8524fpbHs_dK4MFK9gQ4mnCAh6dTHpoPzN9l7GWitk6kTk4xe4TYA/s1600/twitter_birds_icons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6Yrmm3lKiEey_LZUZtKTJkv7wIJDOIMWWCMKDxXYice3MxPZ-2Ip3P3Egu7-pvxjFa7C-zm_gKDmVKq2ynEpmyu8524fpbHs_dK4MFK9gQ4mnCAh6dTHpoPzN9l7GWitk6kTk4xe4TYA/s320/twitter_birds_icons.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEw5_qXuhdWWMyOLuyKxfOb8aygjFlM_rDtoDCOUwIBqanWMav1CptiZOwM0Ixq81GrZbTpTqj1hmrj6ZTej_K5n-llC_BFsqcHCfeAE1gv3yYHIZReY4RrFFgv5P2IQtTpHOGQ2tPX9NJ/s1600/Picture+26.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEw5_qXuhdWWMyOLuyKxfOb8aygjFlM_rDtoDCOUwIBqanWMav1CptiZOwM0Ixq81GrZbTpTqj1hmrj6ZTej_K5n-llC_BFsqcHCfeAE1gv3yYHIZReY4RrFFgv5P2IQtTpHOGQ2tPX9NJ/s320/Picture+26.png" /></a></div></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is just a quick post this evening, due to I am feeling under the weather </span></span></span></b></div><div style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">- more in depth discussion to continue as soon as possible.</span></span></span></b></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">The Story:</span></b></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Social Media Background </i></b></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I have been experimenting with adding people to follow through Twitter, Facebook and looking at all options of connecting last week, some of these were local politicians, and city personnel, and others that are responsible for our city. Just wondering if they were able to be connected with, and how they might be using Social Media. I had found some on Twitter, and others not - such as the Mayor of Kitchener. The councillors however appeared to be on Twitter, and publish email addresses, and other contact information. </span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">The Emergency</span></b></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">My daughter - M, who lives in a townhouse unit in Kitchener, at my house very distraught. Once again there had been a flood as she called it - <b><i>"and it smells like sh*t!"</i></b>. Which of course it would, due to be actually the sewer backing up in the townhouse complex, due to a plug somewhere. This was the 3rd time in a week, that had happened. Previously it had been dealt with twice, with the city involved to assist with the plumbing and sewer pipes being cleaned. The carpets had been shampooed. And then it happened again. Cats were trapped as they hid in crawl spaces in basement, and of course howled.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Other tenants were standing on the street. Where oh where was the landlord, property manager, and maintenance people?? </span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">My daughter informed me that no one could get an answer at any of the emergency contact numbers they had been supplied. The landlord seemed to be MIA. <br />
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</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">I called another number for her and did get someone that claimed it was being dealt with. I requested that he please have someone report the details to the tenants - who were outside and justifiably very upset. I was not confident he would, but was also told to try and track the landlord down again.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">Twitter to the Rescue</span></b></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">As time progressed, and my daughter was able to locate the landlord, but he said he could not get any assistance from maintenance or city crew. <i><b>It was time to use Twitter</b></i> and connect to the councillor for this area of the city. I located and tweeted:</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tweet - Assistance required please. And added details and address of complex.</span></span> </span></b></i></div><i><b> Result - he responded almost immediately with phone number to call him at, so he could assist.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>Wow I was impressed! And sorta smug with relatives standing by - told you so.</b></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Outcome</b></span><br />
My daughter and her co-tenants in the meantime had been able to connect with the required personnel and all was being taken care of with additional attention to the plumbing and sewer system.<br />
<i><b>I was able to update the councillor via email and twitter, and thank him for his response and availabilityl</b></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Morale of the Story</b></span><br />
<i><b><br />
</b> Yes Social Media can be useful to the 'average person' - anyone with a toilet in this case would benefit or living close to the plumbing and sewer system attached. With having local politicians and others able to be found via Twitter, email address ( was a bit harder to find ), Facebook - we can immediately connect to these people outside of business hours.</i><br />
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<i><b>Addendum</b></i><br />
<i><b>S</b>ince I am the only person in my immediate and extended family that is using Twitter, I am being asked - ' hey twitter for me' - person or business that they are trying to gain assistance from quickly - and without staying in a queue on phone, or getting voicemail etc. </i><br />
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<i>Or information about the what is happening in the city, such as the <b>Kitchener Blues Festival</b> - they rely on my connection via Twitter, Facebook, blogs and other connections online.</i><br />
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<i>Or when they want to know if <b><a href="http://www.herrles.com/">Herrles Country Market</a> </b>is still open, and what varieties of corn they are selling this week ... </i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><b>Get Darleen to Twitter! </b></i><br />
<i><b>It's a start..</b></i><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Tweetback</b><i><b></b></i><br />
<i><b>@darleenw</b></i><br />
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</b></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQUV2Z-HlWvIozot-Qx5_d8ooVdQaIFYBnUOlMkWAbp8SNksxvAt9R15-1T0wx_xVNXLN8JwuySRcGVtPawJqdKFvBPqLCoIWIZGJM-sJrV-AqdgkXmScsGaFug5vYW_r7CSHjTurodj0/s1600/darleen11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQUV2Z-HlWvIozot-Qx5_d8ooVdQaIFYBnUOlMkWAbp8SNksxvAt9R15-1T0wx_xVNXLN8JwuySRcGVtPawJqdKFvBPqLCoIWIZGJM-sJrV-AqdgkXmScsGaFug5vYW_r7CSHjTurodj0/s320/darleen11.jpg" /></a></div><i><b><br />
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</b></i>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-1685656097158911232010-08-04T22:19:00.000-07:002010-08-04T22:26:25.759-07:00Social Media Experiment Day 2 - Twitter Newbie.<div style="color: #660000;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QzGDkjjhEVoRRGaDzwGo1F11FlIAN1mDkWQTVtyYyHNHK4Ot9pZGZRrgqAh2mjFkTbHgTJ94RT-nc6kuDdlNl34CuVlz2MmycVo7I5PquycaEjPbvSA4lL5KratdLVFHKxkLU433LO1I/s1600/twitter-bird-in-real-life1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QzGDkjjhEVoRRGaDzwGo1F11FlIAN1mDkWQTVtyYyHNHK4Ot9pZGZRrgqAh2mjFkTbHgTJ94RT-nc6kuDdlNl34CuVlz2MmycVo7I5PquycaEjPbvSA4lL5KratdLVFHKxkLU433LO1I/s400/twitter-bird-in-real-life1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">This thing called Twitter and gathering followers</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ok, so what is this thing called Twitter? Seems easy enough, I tweet others receive, I follow, others follow me -<i> happy family</i>. </span></span></span><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">But, how do I get these followers, that will then Retweet my wonderful Tweets, to the Twitterland, and thereby I will become known within the Twitter community, and beyond?</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: black;">Twitter Applications</span></b></i></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <i><b>desktop</b></i></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">I tested Twitter's use and applications to begin with.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Installed <a href="http://www.tweetdeck.com/">Tweetdeck</a> on MAC, so is running in background with 'tweet' notification, when tweets received. Works nicely, and can integrate with Facebook and other apps, such as LinkedIN, Foursquare, MySpace and Buz<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">z. I don't like using for Facebook actually, although can connect via Facebook if I desire, and also view multiple Twitter accounts.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Twitter is easy to use for basic use, and there is <a href="http://support.twitter.com/">Twitter Support </a>, which does have some useful advice.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">There are many Twitter help sites, blogs and Youtube videos that will help you get started, and also for advanced users wanting to learn more about Marketing and heavy duty Tweeting.<br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><i><b>blackberry</b></i></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I also use Twitter on my Blackberry Bold 9700, and this is where the real fun begins. I upgraded to Twitter for Blackberry, and find it highly superior to other Twitter applications available. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Sites I have used:</span></span></span></span></b></div><div style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://www.balkhis.com/twitter/25-reasons-why-someone-should-join-twitter/">25 Reasons Why Someone Should Join Twitter</a></div><a href="http://twitoaster.com/">Twitoaster</a><br />
<a href="http://blog.sysomos.com/2010/07/21/things-not-to-do-on-twitter/">Things Not to do on Twitter</a><br />
<a href="http://mashable.com/2010/07/25/improve-twitter-experience/?utm_source=TweetMeme&utm_medium=widget&utm_campaign=retweetbutton">Top 20 Sites to Improve Your Twitter Experience</a><br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.grandmamaryshow.com/twitter-tutorials">The Grandma Mary Show</a> - Twitter Tutorials</span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://twitteranalyzer.com/">Twitter Analyzer </a></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.toprankblog.com/2010/02/twitter-management-tools/">Twitter Management Tools You Can't Live Without</a></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://mashable.com/">Mashable</a> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Getting Connected to Tweeps</span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">I confess that to begin with I just started adding people to Follow, from blogs I follow, and sites I came across with a twitter link. I ended up with about 40 followers, many spam. I admit to be lost then as to who and how to add more followers, so that could have worthwhile communications - other than just receiving promotions, blog updates and links to great information, but not necessarily what I was looking for, in my network of Followers.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div>Next approach, was to search for others in my geographical area, which I did by using the hashtags #kitchener, #KW, #Waterloo - and I did find several people in my area, that I Followed, and most became a Follower of mine. This increased my numbers of Followers, but did not really meet too many like-minded individuals. Although met some people, that have enlightened me very much.<br />
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I proceeded to do searches for my areas of interest - Blogging, Cooking, Social Media, Canada, Female Bloggers, Happiness, Empty Nesters, and then thought about Fibromyalgia, since I am a long-time sufferer - and this caused an explosion of Tweeps and Twitters. I have started some real hones conversations, with help from and to many of this group. <br />
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I also started promoting my blogs on Twitter, as well as just Facebook friends. This increased my followers again.<br />
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BUT - the how to attract followers on Twitter, was best discovered myself, when I began treating Twitter for what it is - a social networking application. What do we do socially in the 'real world', when we want to meet new people and gather friends? We mingle.<br />
Again, as stated in my previous post Social Networking = Interacting online.<br />
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<b>This is what I have learned so far, in how to attract Followers:</b><br />
1) You need to communicate to others to gather followers - on blogs, twitter, fb etc<br />
2) Join contests that promote each others blogs and leave twitter name and email address - twitter hops<br />
3) Find like-minded people and Reply or Retweet their tweets<br />
4) Offer assistance (free) and encourage others with their quests and pursuits<br />
5) Promote others and make sure that when their followers click on your name, they find your twitter account, FB, email and blog/website url<br />
6) Communicate daily on twitter and FB, or blog - does not need to be every day but consistent<br />
7) Be there - BB helps to always be online and respod quickly to others, communicate and always be available<br />
<i><b>Summary </b></i><br />
<i><b>- create a presence, curiosity, openness, and caring positive attitude, which others can trust.</b></i><br />
Truly care about others, and your Twitter Following and Followers.<br />
I have gained over 200 Followers<br />
- still to be determined if are correct Followers and correspond with Following group. <br />
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<i><b>Mingle</b></i> - work the crowd, getting to know who is there, and letting others get to know you.<br />
Not much different than a party you attend, where you don't know anyone.<br />
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<i><b>Practical Uses for the 'average person', non business and non blogger?</b></i><br />
Coming tomorrow along with Facebook and other Social Media apps discussion.<br />
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But - yes you may definitely find Twitter useful, and connect to others in the world - that you would have never connected with, if not for Twitter.<br />
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<i><b>Is it a necessity?</b></i> Most likely not. It can be useful for special events, support help and community events. So .. it depends, on who you are and what information you are interested in obtaining and people you wish to connect. University students may find uses more so than seniors - but it is an individual preference. <br />
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For promoting one self for blogging, I have so far found it very useful and enlightening.<br />
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I will further discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Twitter as we go forward.<br />
I am twittered out tonight.<br />
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<b>What are your findings with Twitter for the 'average person' ?</b><br />
<b>How do you use Twitter?</b><br />
<b>Is it a necessity?</b><br />
<br />
Tweetback<br />
@darleenw<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s_jP98PvcDd8qBgzku9cWLzDK_G4OhMYaT62qfMsMr7cBqqRDO4k3b3f7wPMY1qsjOntv6oj5qumBqpygDFfhjtax-m6NXOHPhKtjGnmys86kwgZrTnwo8ewn-9stGeE85RyhSGzAc3K/s1600/twitter-bird-thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s_jP98PvcDd8qBgzku9cWLzDK_G4OhMYaT62qfMsMr7cBqqRDO4k3b3f7wPMY1qsjOntv6oj5qumBqpygDFfhjtax-m6NXOHPhKtjGnmys86kwgZrTnwo8ewn-9stGeE85RyhSGzAc3K/s200/twitter-bird-thumb.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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...darleen<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8KI21_oHbR8Fx_xRTLRDU7RbKwnkdKL2Lq4beBNSvliGy698UwdzSXuetOvcAHk4ng0sZsJi57Cs3g9YVDAWzToGe9g7mTjbRFjdv6ms_nZPscQgGiGbx7Nnv_ajvDyD9Ixv51hXdnGj/s1600/darleen11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8KI21_oHbR8Fx_xRTLRDU7RbKwnkdKL2Lq4beBNSvliGy698UwdzSXuetOvcAHk4ng0sZsJi57Cs3g9YVDAWzToGe9g7mTjbRFjdv6ms_nZPscQgGiGbx7Nnv_ajvDyD9Ixv51hXdnGj/s320/darleen11.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-38501884336779416212010-08-03T19:42:00.000-07:002010-08-03T20:50:33.911-07:00Social Media 30 Day Experiment - Day 1<div style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Evaluation of Social Media begins</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXofvWe_-ImDGuU7Sz-kMrXIJf1wmIjyYYIPr1A0MvybvAxuCPvxFz5jEQNsY9p2HOxzK_TxLZIvHn-neCRpuFGq-p80GC8OcjVLeFcm6mpmpEpwRTbIs9t7xKVu226xE2mtXaGhLnDdAz/s1600/social+media+starfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXofvWe_-ImDGuU7Sz-kMrXIJf1wmIjyYYIPr1A0MvybvAxuCPvxFz5jEQNsY9p2HOxzK_TxLZIvHn-neCRpuFGq-p80GC8OcjVLeFcm6mpmpEpwRTbIs9t7xKVu226xE2mtXaGhLnDdAz/s320/social+media+starfish.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">How?</span></b></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black;">To begin with I will evaluate Social Media applications and tools, as they apply to the <b>'ordinary person</b>' - defined as someone who is not promoting or marketing a business in any way, that does not blog, and is any age. There may be a difference to how Social Media is accepted or not accepted by different age groups. </div><div style="color: black;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Second - I will review from a business point of view</b> as pertains to blogging, small business and how other businesses may or may not use Social Media. This may be more difficult for me, but I will utilize the many businesses that are using Social Media, and many Social Media gurus providing insight, and give my own spin on the facts. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I discuss Facebook, Twitter, blogging and YouTube to begin with tomorrow</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> - from my personal experiences.</span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><b>How am I qualified? </b></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">Well, other than the fact that I am very curious and have had many people within my own family and social network question me - not much to begin with. I hope to delve into this topic and be able to provide an overview of what it all means, and if it is true that we should all jump on the Social Media wagon. Or are we being hoodwinked to follow? Can we opt out?</span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">I do have extensive background within the IT and Internet world, through work experiences over the past 15 - 20 years. Therefore, I know my way around to find information and how to use the software applications being used for performing Social Media.</span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="color: black;">Social Media Applications</span></b></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">There are about 297 social media applications - most can be broken down into a few categories.</span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">The main common thread to define social media applications, is those that allow for social interaction, through web bases publishing.</span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Not just Facebook &Twitter</b></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">You may be surprised by this list, as most people when they hear the term "Social Media" - think about Facebook and Twitter, and feel that business has no right within their family and friends sharing photos. You may more surprised to find that you use many of these others, possibly without realizing. You are providing your feedback, or contributing to causes - interaction = social and online.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I will take a look at how the 'average person', is using the internet - within my far reaching social real life network of people, and also review other feedback being reported. I think most people will be surprised that they are already using Social Media - even if they refuse to Like companies Fan pages, and do not use Twitter.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="color: black;">From Wikipedia</span></b></div><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media</a></span></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><blockquote><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></div><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Communication">Communication</span></h3><ul><li><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog" title="Blog">Blogs</a></b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blogger_%28service%29" title="Blogger (service)">Blogger</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ExpressionEngine" title="ExpressionEngine">ExpressionEngine</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LiveJournal" title="LiveJournal">LiveJournal</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Diary" title="Open Diary">Open Diary</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TypePad" title="TypePad">TypePad</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vox_%28blogging_platform%29" title="Vox (blogging platform)">Vox</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WordPress" title="WordPress">WordPress</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xanga" title="Xanga">Xanga</a></li>
<li><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microblogging" title="Microblogging">Microblogging</a> / Presence applications</b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FMyLife" title="FMyLife">FMyLife</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foursquare_%28social_networking%29" title="Foursquare (social networking)">Foursquare</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaiku" title="Jaiku">Jaiku</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plurk" title="Plurk">Plurk</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posterous" title="Posterous">Posterous</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumblr" title="Tumblr">Tumblr</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitter" title="Twitter">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qaiku" title="Qaiku">Qaiku</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yammer" title="Yammer">Yammer</a></li>
<li><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_network_service" title="Social network service">Social networking</a></b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyworld" title="Cyworld">Cyworld</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook" title="Facebook">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MySpace" title="MySpace">MySpace</a></li>
<li><b>Events</b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eventful" title="Eventful">Eventful</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meetup.com" title="Meetup.com">Meetup.com</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upcoming" title="Upcoming">Upcoming</a></li>
<li><b>Information Aggregators</b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netvibes" title="Netvibes">Netvibes</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twine_%28website%29" title="Twine (website)">Twine (website)</a></li>
<li><b>Online Advocacy and Fundraising</b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causes_%28company%29" title="Causes (company)">Causes</a></li>
</ul><h3><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Collaboration">Collaboration</span></h3><ul><li><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki" title="Wiki">Wikis</a></b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBworks" title="PBworks">PBworks</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wetpaint" title="Wetpaint">Wetpaint</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikia" title="Wikia">Wikia</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia" title="Wikimedia">Wikimedia</a></li>
<li><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_bookmarking" title="Social bookmarking">Social bookmarking</a></b> (or social tagging):<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-7"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media#cite_note-7"></a></sup> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CiteULike" title="CiteULike">CiteULike</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delicious_%28website%29" title="Delicious (website)">Delicious</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Reader" title="Google Reader">Google Reader</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StumbleUpon" title="StumbleUpon">StumbleUpon</a></li>
<li><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_news" title="Social news">Social news</a></b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digg" title="Digg">Digg</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixx" title="Mixx">Mixx</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NowPublic" title="NowPublic">NowPublic</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reddit" title="Reddit">Reddit</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newsvine" title="Newsvine">Newsvine</a></li>
</ul><h3><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Multimedia">Multimedia</span></h3><ul><li><b>Photography and art sharing</b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeviantArt" title="DeviantArt">deviantArt</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flickr" title="Flickr">Flickr</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photobucket" title="Photobucket">Photobucket</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picasa" title="Picasa">Picasa</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SmugMug" title="SmugMug">SmugMug</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zooomr" title="Zooomr">Zooomr</a></li>
<li><b>Video sharing</b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sevenload" title="Sevenload">sevenload</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viddler" title="Viddler">Viddler</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vimeo" title="Vimeo">Vimeo</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube" title="YouTube">YouTube</a></li>
<li><b>Livecasting</b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin.tv" title="Justin.tv">Justin.tv</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livestream" title="Livestream">Livestream</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenCU" title="OpenCU">OpenCU</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype" title="Skype">Skype</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stickam" title="Stickam">Stickam</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ustream" title="Ustream">Ustream</a></li>
<li><b>Music and audio sharing</b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CcMixter" title="CcMixter">ccMixter</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last.fm" title="Last.fm">Last.fm</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MySpace_Music" title="MySpace Music">MySpace Music</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ReverbNation.com" title="ReverbNation.com">ReverbNation.com</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ShareTheMusic" title="ShareTheMusic">ShareTheMusic</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hype_Machine" title="The Hype Machine">The Hype Machine</a></li>
<li><b>Presentation sharing</b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scribd" title="Scribd">scribd</a></li>
</ul><h3><span class="editsection"></span> <span class="mw-headline" id="Reviews_and_opinions">Reviews and opinions</span></h3><ul><li><b>Product reviews</b>: <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epinions.com" title="Epinions.com">epinions.com</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MouthShut.com" title="MouthShut.com">MouthShut.com</a></li>
<li><b>Business reviews</b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customer_Lobby" title="Customer Lobby">Customer Lobby</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yelp,_Inc." title="Yelp, Inc.">Yelp, Inc.</a></li>
<li><b>Community Q&A</b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Askville" title="Askville">Askville</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WikiAnswers" title="WikiAnswers">WikiAnswers</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahoo%21_Answers" title="Yahoo! Answers">Yahoo! Answers</a></li>
</ul><h3><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Entertainment">Entertainment</span></h3><ul><li><b>Media and entertainment platforms</b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisco_Eos" title="Cisco Eos">Cisco Eos</a></li>
<li><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_world" title="Virtual world">Virtual worlds</a></b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_Worlds" title="Active Worlds">Active Worlds</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forterra_Systems" title="Forterra Systems">Forterra Systems</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Life" title="Second Life">Second Life</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sims_Online" title="The Sims Online">The Sims Online</a></li>
<li><b>Game sharing</b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kongregate" title="Kongregate">Kongregate</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniclip" title="Miniclip">Miniclip</a></li>
</ul><h3><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Brand_monitoring">Brand monitoring</span></h3><ul><li><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media_measurement" title="Social media measurement">Social media measurement</a></b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attensity" title="Attensity">Attensity</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statsit" title="Statsit">Statsit</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sysomos" title="Sysomos">Sysomos</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocus" title="Vocus">Vocus </a></li>
</ul></blockquote><br />
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<b><span style="color: black;">One way to start looking at this for the 'average person' - ask a simple question:</span></b><br />
<span style="color: black;">If you had to go without internet or cell phone access for 1 year, or possibly even 1 week, how would you be affected? Would it just be for personal interaction and fact finding - or is there more you would miss?</span><b><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<h2><span class="editsection"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are we a connected society?<br />
How do we use this connectivity as a consumer and business to improve our interactions? </span></span></span></span></h2><h2><span class="editsection"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Take a look at this post regarding an interaction with Sears</span></span></span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://newmediachatter.com/uncategorized/sears-a-mix-of-new-and-old-customer-service">http://newmediachatter.com/uncategorized/sears-a-mix-of-new-and-old-customer-service</a></span></h2><h2><span class="editsection"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">-- Interesting interactions.</span></span></span></span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="editsection"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="editsection"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tweetback!!</span></span></span></span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="editsection"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">@darleenw </span></span></span></span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1uNH1cpOfWwYgnhlkZh2W7uFTgoEF5VKlmBgfGteQTD7NbvW4UPKWF4e4-SiLlAnh2ZJfYRwcOnP149MBB6ITxuhRkZDrKduPBiAJzZbt3pB7FQ6x_DadzJI9bHpG4s0RhfgYE9YyPMq/s1600/darleen11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1uNH1cpOfWwYgnhlkZh2W7uFTgoEF5VKlmBgfGteQTD7NbvW4UPKWF4e4-SiLlAnh2ZJfYRwcOnP149MBB6ITxuhRkZDrKduPBiAJzZbt3pB7FQ6x_DadzJI9bHpG4s0RhfgYE9YyPMq/s320/darleen11.jpg" /></a></div><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="editsection"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></h2><h2><span class="editsection"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></h2><h2><br />
</h2><div style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-1890373427144238192010-07-27T22:00:00.000-07:002010-07-27T22:04:56.862-07:00The 30 Day Social Media Experiment - starts August 3rd<div style="color: #660000;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">I WILL BE ON VACATION FOR A FEW DAYS...</span></b></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXSc5KzYQ1vJMg2RAjhdE19mQ3amweYAu2qxzK9Afs8JPLAWsnnD27-4wyhUR8tyQyZkv_tREVQXhc4XSdz1I37xYMZbd3QFQc_IJJybCnDweu5oG7z1rehGUFbdWv98h28PQAMd9_KFb/s1600/Mybike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXSc5KzYQ1vJMg2RAjhdE19mQ3amweYAu2qxzK9Afs8JPLAWsnnD27-4wyhUR8tyQyZkv_tREVQXhc4XSdz1I37xYMZbd3QFQc_IJJybCnDweu5oG7z1rehGUFbdWv98h28PQAMd9_KFb/s320/Mybike.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>LIPSTICK RIDER ... TRIP TO MEAFORD, ONTARIO & AREA...</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZR9da328Qiuwrr2vU-DrEWo-h6wlHLzNHl0pMNVVu6mTyESiOx-NIrddfpQDgL24EpyIuKuEu-zopoqv8zQwj3fwLIgzrNjB-6CaKfy8Mc_lgwstKqEdjSWVq-6qrhToIsPw2VBz22is/s1600/Picture+23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZR9da328Qiuwrr2vU-DrEWo-h6wlHLzNHl0pMNVVu6mTyESiOx-NIrddfpQDgL24EpyIuKuEu-zopoqv8zQwj3fwLIgzrNjB-6CaKfy8Mc_lgwstKqEdjSWVq-6qrhToIsPw2VBz22is/s320/Picture+23.png" /></a></div><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>SOCIAL TWEEP</b> will return with start of<br />
<br />
<b>The 30 Day Socail Media Experiment as of August 3rd.</b><br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
Tweetback..<br />
@darleenw <br />
...darleen<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihj6PBO7A02dGZgnvT4GBu2L9ogAsFs7ffPWg64MBLqpLmt8vHVAXzFOyU4FfQVl_8Wi7KeVkpMRjb5py7w9US8-ICeucAP1hwu3HRIpKvxjminlkGQ5w-NxYC2AM3IIWEsMdPEui2BSoP/s1600/darleen11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihj6PBO7A02dGZgnvT4GBu2L9ogAsFs7ffPWg64MBLqpLmt8vHVAXzFOyU4FfQVl_8Wi7KeVkpMRjb5py7w9US8-ICeucAP1hwu3HRIpKvxjminlkGQ5w-NxYC2AM3IIWEsMdPEui2BSoP/s320/darleen11.jpg" /></a></div>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-85135734608731774712010-07-25T22:44:00.000-07:002010-07-25T23:20:09.106-07:00Doing the Twitter Mingle<div style="color: #660000;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mingling in Twitter</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OpWru1jKeQupcwQEpc_fSMJE6F-IgTgtcv8K4RlSNXwKLf59X_xnF9VB1du4YvicFqD9lW2shOxwe8Q7Fwu_kZUMbZDHzueqrvLvYl18xq7EKUNzAcOQiTfbwzTrr0eb23pRHARKOS_9/s1600/happybirds.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OpWru1jKeQupcwQEpc_fSMJE6F-IgTgtcv8K4RlSNXwKLf59X_xnF9VB1du4YvicFqD9lW2shOxwe8Q7Fwu_kZUMbZDHzueqrvLvYl18xq7EKUNzAcOQiTfbwzTrr0eb23pRHARKOS_9/s320/happybirds.png" /></a></div><br />
I have managed to increase my number of followers and following numbers, by basically mingling on Twitter. It is not unlike going to a party, where you do not know anyone. In order to enjoy yourself, and get anything out of the party - you need to mingle and chat with others. Like the party, you may not always create lasting relationships, as on Twitter - <i>Unfollow</i>.<br />
<br />
I have been adding followers and increasing who I am following, while attempting to increase tweeps as those that either I can be value to, they are of interest to my pursuits, or we share commonalities. Example is of rather than haphazardly adding followers and following names, I have become selective with first searching for those in my geographical area<br />
- #Kitchener #KW #Waterloo #Cambridge #Ontario #WaterlooRegion.<br />
<br />
This has been a very positive experience, and I have connected with several people that I feel I can form relationships. It has been delightful to connect with a local Fresh Food Market - and as result was able to be amongst the first customers to purchase this seasons sweet corn, due to being informed immediately when became available. I also was able to connect with people experiencing Fibromyalgia, which I as well have - and surprisingly, discovered sites and people, that Google and other searching did not reveal.<br />
<br />
I will be putting together my observations and experiences from the past week, in more detail and approach that I am using, as well as references using to ensure not missing anything.<br />
There are many resources with Tips and How to Use - Twitter and other Social Media.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>THIS WEEK:</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I will be announcing - The</b> <b>30 day Social Media Experiment. </b></span><br />
<i><b><br />
</b></i><br />
<i><b>Reason for Experiment:</b></i><br />
The 'ordinary people' or 'average non-business related' people, have been requesting as to exactly what is all this Social Media stuff is, and is there any benefit or real use to them to get more involved than with Facebook? After all email, texting, websurfing and Facebook are difficult enough to keep up with.<br />
<br />
<ol><li>DO I REALLY NEED TWITTER? </li>
<li>OUT OF 297 SOCIAL MEDIA APPS DO I NEED ANY? </li>
<li>WHAT DOES SOCIAL MEDIA DO FOR ME?</li>
<li>IS IT JUST YET ANOTHER METHOD FOR COMPANIES TO BLAST ME WITH MARKETING?</li>
<li>WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS TO OPT OUT?</li>
</ol>THIS IS NOT ABOUT BUSINESSES AND SOCIAL MEDIA<br />
- but why should someone that is not selling anything need Twitter or other Social Media Apps?<br />
<br />
<b><i>Such as cousin Cyd</i>.</b> She has a personal blog, and Facebook account she uses for connecting with mostly family. She has nothing to sell. She does not wants ads or connections on Facebook by anyone or any company that is selling something. This is virtual junk mail. Why and who should she Twitter with, and why use DIGG, or Tumblr, StumbleUpon, etc. It sounds like more wasted time and effort.<br />
... Could be .. So let's look deeper. <br />
<br />
I will investigate and I will obtain feedback from other - 'regular people' of their impressions and use of Social Media.<br />
<br />
And investigation to cover business and Social Media, and what value they may provide to their customers. Do their customers want to be communicated to in this format? <br />
<br />
How do we make sense of all this?<br />
<br />
<br />
Tweetback<br />
@darleenwDarleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-23265955823418011262010-07-23T21:47:00.000-07:002010-07-23T23:01:23.489-07:00"I AM NOT A BRAND! I AM A HUMAN BEING!"<table class="cquote" style="background-color: transparent; border-collapse: collapse; border-style: none; margin: auto; width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="color: #b2b7f2; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 35px; font-weight: bold; padding: 10px; text-align: left;" valign="top" width="20">“</td> <td style="padding: 4px 10px;" valign="top"><b>I AM NOT AN ELEPHANT! I AM NOT AN ANIMAL! I AM A HUMAN BEING! I...AM...A MAN!</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0NkNweSRwMBvM28Bib9KMSJtnbrdA2Wpn2azS54HyMEUF0R3zqVMYao0Ug5WZRmlllDYTzmhdYKHYyEeh04fGTECi4lMQ-uan2HZdjrCoLN1Tvc6IYvLQ3ThVRqZycFpmhHUFqqy-VJc/s1600/Joseph_Carey_Merrick.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0NkNweSRwMBvM28Bib9KMSJtnbrdA2Wpn2azS54HyMEUF0R3zqVMYao0Ug5WZRmlllDYTzmhdYKHYyEeh04fGTECi4lMQ-uan2HZdjrCoLN1Tvc6IYvLQ3ThVRqZycFpmhHUFqqy-VJc/s320/Joseph_Carey_Merrick.png" /></a></div></td> <td style="color: #b2b7f2; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 36px; font-weight: bold; padding: 10px; text-align: right;" valign="bottom" width="20">”</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anyone over the age of 20 years old, will most likely recognize this quote as being from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elephant_Man_%28film%29">The Elephant Man</a> movie. I use this to demonstrate BRAND.<br />
<br />
<b>BRAND YOURSELF. CREATE YOUR BRAND. PERSONAL BRAND.</b><br />
These are all phrases and brands themselves within the Social Media network, I have encountered since blogging and connecting with other bloggers.<br />
<br />
<b>What is Personal Brand? Where do I get it?</b><br />
The easiest to understand that I have found - so far - is from <a href="http://personalbrandingwiki.pbworks.com/">The Personal Brand Wiki</a> by <a href="http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Dan Schawbel.</b></span></a><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b><i style="color: #660000;">"Personal branding describes the process by which individuals and entrepreneurs differentiate themselves and stand out from a crowd</i></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;">Process - </i><i style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;">Personal branding describes the process by which individuals and entrepreneurs differentiate themselves and stand out from a crowd"</i></span><i style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></i><br />
<br />
<b>AND</b><br />
<div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Personal Branding consists of three elements: </span></div><ul style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Value Proposition: What do you stand for? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Differentiation: What makes you stand out? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Marketability: What makes you compelling?"</span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> His example of Donald Trump is understandable, as we all associate Donald Trump with how to get rich. He and others have been successful due to promoting their personal brands.</span></div><b><br />
</b><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"I AM NOT A BRAND! I AM A HUMAN BEING!"</b></span></div>Are we required to choose one area of expertise and promote that to the world?<br />
But... I am multifaceted. I have several areas of interest and many different topics of expertise.<br />
I AM A WOMAN! - that is a <i>huge </i>Brand.<br />
<br />
<b>Do I need to pick one?</b><br />
<br />
<b style="color: red;">please continue reading ....</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">PICK ONE?</span><br />
There are others that do not stick with one topic online, and promote different topics of interest.<br />
One usually becomes favored or the KNOWN BRAND associated. I have found bloggers with ' Cooking' being the main area of expertise, with published cookbooks and appearances on television, that also have blog sites promoting their photography or other hobbies and topics dear to their hearts.<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">Or the topics are related, such as <a href="http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Dan Schawbel</b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></a><span style="font-size: small;">all under the Branding Category. </span></div><h3><span style="font-size: small;">Dan Schawbel’s Specialties: (from his LinkedIN profile)</span></h3><div class="skills">Personal Branding, Personal Branding Online, Social Media, Presentations, Graphic Design, Business Writing, Creation and Development of Marketing Material, Marketing Research, Business Plans, eMarketing, Six Sigma, Entrepreneurship, Relationship Networking </div><div class="skills"><br />
</div><div class="skills">All things he is good at professionally speaking. Possibly, he is a good cook as well. Maybe he loves collecting cuff links. We may never know, as this is not part of his <b>BRAND</b>. When we hear the name <b>Dan Schawbel</b>, we immediately associate with <i><b>Personal Branding. </b></i></div><div class="skills"><br />
</div><div class="skills"><i><b>After all - Dan Schawbel </b></i>is<i><b> </b></i>recognized as a “personal branding guru” by The New York Times, is the Managing Partner of Millennial Branding, LLC, and the leading authority on personal branding.</div><div class="skills"><br />
</div><div class="skills"><b>AND ... he shows us or as his blog states navigates to personal success with how to achieve our own Personal Brand.</b></div><div class="skills"><br />
</div><div class="skills"><b>Dilemma - How to determine TOP talents and strengths that want to be known for?</b></div><div class="skills"><b> </b>There are of course many blogs, websites, books, course, seminars and coaches that are only too eager to show me the way. </div><div class="skills"><br />
</div><div class="skills">I have studied many and many of those are compiled in this Book, plus more good stuff.<br />
<b> </b></div><div class="skills"></div><div class="skills"></div><div class="skills"></div><div class="skills"><b></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_328045174"><b>The </b></a><b><a href="http://www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com/home/index.php">Toilet Paper Entrepreneur </a></b></span><a href="http://www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com/home/index.php">by <b>Mike Michalowicz</b></a><a href="http://www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com/home/index.php"><img src="http://www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com/assets/images/subheading_home.gif" /> </a><a href="http://www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com/author/"><img src="http://www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com/assets/images/mikehome.jpg" style="border-width: 0px;" /></a><b><br />
</b><br />
<div class="skills"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="skills"><b> </b></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>One point shouts at me -</b></span><br />
<div style="color: #660000;"><i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=209590868867730994&postID=2326595582341801126" name="focus"></a></i><br />
<h2><i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=209590868867730994&postID=2326595582341801126" name="focus">Focus</a></i></h2><i></i> </div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"</i></span></b><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The more customers you have and the more you do for them, the more you make. Right? Wrong. Without focusing on a specific product, service or method, you will dilute your ability to be a leader. Your path will be one of mediocrity. In this section you will learn the importance of absolute focus, and how to execute it in your business."</i></span></b></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur Blog has an entry </b></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"> </b><i>-</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>55 Ways How To Find Your Hidden Talent</b></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>My favourite is -</i></b></span></div><h2><b>12. Try Everything!<br />
</b></h2><b>How To Find Your Talent:</b> Try everything! Whatever your hidden talent is will shine through as you’ll be mediocre (or completely suck) at everything else. The trick is to quickly realize what you’re not good at.<br />
<b>Thanks To:</b> Mike Ogilvie of <a href="http://www.ignitespeednetworking.com/">Ignite Speed Networking</a><br />
<br />
This I can do . And I am doing as I dabble in Cooking, Social Media, Book Reviews, Technical Support, Networking, Self Help, Happiness, Positive Psychology, Feminism, Growing Older & Motorcycles.<br />
<br />
Oh ... and what am I known for? <b><i>I find answers & always online.</i></b> If I don't know the answer, I will find someone that does. How does that equate to making money? At the moment I am not sure.<br />
<br />
What is your Personal Brand? Do you believe that we need to focus on ONE topic, so as not to dilute our efforts?<br />
<br />
Tweetback!<br />
<br />
@darleenw<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ767hXT2DazeAR2Q-uKKb1tDLK7vfbsIhj4jDf4EyJ2y0_iE0Q9t-RkTxJmEXYVDgobBxG9IWQkHIeLk_rey_LQWiAy59ffp8AIWzVBTQ1J0tinCLPTjzv9HhMHlXMSdgwXiTC1w4c3Jf/s1600/darleen11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ767hXT2DazeAR2Q-uKKb1tDLK7vfbsIhj4jDf4EyJ2y0_iE0Q9t-RkTxJmEXYVDgobBxG9IWQkHIeLk_rey_LQWiAy59ffp8AIWzVBTQ1J0tinCLPTjzv9HhMHlXMSdgwXiTC1w4c3Jf/s320/darleen11.jpg" /></a></div>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209590868867730994.post-40897449589639200522010-07-20T00:00:00.000-07:002010-07-20T00:21:45.089-07:00Social Media Discoveries<b><span style="font-size: large;">Social Media ... what is it, and why should we care?</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Definition of Social Media has not yet achieved a clear, concise and easily understandable agreed on statement.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Here is the current definition on Wikipedia:</span></b> <br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Social media</b> describes the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online" title="Online"><span style="font-family: arial;">online</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> technologies and practices that people use to share opinions, insights, experiences, and perspectives.Social media can take many different forms, including text, images, audio, and video. These sites typically use technologies such as </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blogs" title="Blogs"><span style="font-family: arial;">blogs</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Message_boards" title="Message boards"><span style="font-family: arial;">message boards</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcasts" title="Podcasts"><span style="font-family: arial;">podcasts</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki" title="Wiki"><span style="font-family: arial;">wikis</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;">, and </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlog" title="Vlog"><span style="font-family: arial;">vlogs</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> to allow users to interact. A few prominent examples of social media applications are </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia" title="Wikipedia"><span style="font-family: arial;">Wikipedia</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> (reference), </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MySpace" title="MySpace"><span style="font-family: arial;">MySpace</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> (social networking), </span><a class="external text" href="http://www.gather.com/" rel="nofollow" title="http://www.gather.com"><span style="font-family: arial;">Gather.com</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> (social networking),</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube" title="YouTube"><span style="font-family: arial;">YouTube</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> (video sharing), </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Life" title="Second Life"><span style="font-family: arial;">Second Life</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> (virtual reality), </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digg" title="Digg"><span style="font-family: arial;">Digg</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> (news sharing), </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flickr" title="Flickr"><span style="font-family: arial;">Flickr</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> (photo sharing) and </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniclip" title="Miniclip"><span style="font-family: arial;">Miniclip</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> (game sharing).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And an improved definition that is discussed on several sites -</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Social Media</b> is the democratization of content and the understanding of the role people play in the process of not only reading and disseminating information, but also how they share and create content for others to participate. It is the shift from a broadcast mechanism to a many-to-many model, rooted in a conversational format between authors and people.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">OR as on Ari Writer challenges<a href="http://ariwriter.com/"></a></span></span><br />
<h1 class="entry-title"><a href="http://ariwriter.com/how-do-you-define-social-media-in-140-characters-or-less/"><span style="font-size: small;">How Do *You* Define Social Media in 140 Characters or Less?</span></a></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrU5jfCFEe9uZ1oomeNQu-Ak1nucSwT0qaxxaoSIYMVvPKlJWuwPi4FZoWHgdmm617W1pUFOA9CeGRUAsnJuRGu__ijxE9sSUtjEWpC-TYek65eE5L6CgoucIQmR93KIWHFgJiaiCkH9Pu/s1600/93136022_25afa7e458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrU5jfCFEe9uZ1oomeNQu-Ak1nucSwT0qaxxaoSIYMVvPKlJWuwPi4FZoWHgdmm617W1pUFOA9CeGRUAsnJuRGu__ijxE9sSUtjEWpC-TYek65eE5L6CgoucIQmR93KIWHFgJiaiCkH9Pu/s320/93136022_25afa7e458.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> I have not yet found the best definition that is acceptable to myself or easy for me to communicate to others. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My understanding </b>- it is a collaborative communication that is many-to-many.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span id="intelliTXT" name="intelliTxt"><b>Social Media Marketing</b> explanation by </span><a href="http://twitter.com/kitson/status/8038508229">Josh Weinberger<span id="intelliTXT" name="intelliTxt"><b> </b></span></a><br />
<span id="intelliTXT" name="intelliTxt"><b>"The Purpose of a Business is to SERVE a Customer…who creates customers”</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="intelliTXT" name="intelliTxt"><b>Why do we care?</b></span></span><br />
<span id="intelliTXT" name="intelliTxt"><b> With new advances in technology communication tools are here to stay.</b></span><br />
<span id="intelliTXT" name="intelliTxt"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span id="intelliTXT" name="intelliTxt"><b>I have just read that studies indicate that 72 % and others are stating 85% of people prefer to be communicated via social media by businesses. Is this true? And how to we manage the tremendous overload of communication?</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Myself I am 55 years old </b>and have been involved with the internet since 1991, and an avid software and internet junkie. I immediately bought the first Blackberry on the market and have the Bold 9700 now, and it is an extension of my arm. I long for an iPad, work on both MAC and Windows platforms. It is natural for me to 'jump' onto the lasted fad and hype.<br />
<br />
<b>My parents are 75</b>, and also avid users of the internet. They live on Facebook, as it allows them to keep up with family, view pictures, and feel involved. My mother recently stated she wished her mailing lists were available via Facebook, as would be so much easier.<br />
<br />
<b>My children are in their 20s</b> and use Facebook, Skype, and view YouTube. They are not using Twitter or posting YouTube videos and are into using for social interaction, ignoring marketing and even shutoff ads.<br />
<br />
I have many friends in my <b>age bracket 50</b>+ and above that do not use any form of Social Media at this time. They have cell phones, and many refuse to even text, let alone twitter. <br />
<br />
<b>I am a blogger </b>- this blog is now my 5th blog. Currently I am unemployed, and therefore will require to reinvent myself. In transition phase within the technical internet field, it is important to be able to demonstrate understanding of the 'latest and greatest technological opportunities and leading edge applications'. Collaboration tools and methods are important and finding their way into interview questions and discussions. What are the best ways to collaborate internally and externally for businesses?<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Myself - I question as to how to build a blogosphere following</b> <b>that also can provide a source of income.</b> Others have done it. There are many thousands of ads for courses being sold - 'how to make money blogging'. It takes talent, diligence, persistence as well as luck to achieve - I believe.<a href="http://www.dooce.com/">@dooce</a> - Heather Armstrong has done so, as well as some others. Most have been blogging since at least 2002. Blogging is not a job that involves only a few hours a day, and then we can escape to the Caribbean - yes we can eventually have guest bloggers and such - but the blog must be maintained. It is hard work. Many go on to write books as well, do cooking shows, and become celebrities on tv. But yes it all depends what you want to get out of it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My POINT with this first post for Social Tweep</b></span><br />
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I will be discussing my own experiences and if positive or negative.<br />
- using Social Media, starting with Twitter, Facebook and Blogging.<br />
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<span id="intelliTXT" name="intelliTxt"> </span><br />
<span id="intelliTXT" name="intelliTxt">In the past month I have concentrated on growing my 'tribe', by adding followers to my blog and Twitter. So far I have 106 followers on Twitter that I then link to Facebook - and increase from 40 in June, since joining in November 2009. I will explain how I have grown my list of followers, and if it is just numbers or valid connections with other humans and businesses.</span><br />
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<span id="intelliTXT" name="intelliTxt"><i>I have just discovered I can only link one website/blog to a twitter account - unless I just have not found a way yet. I will have to sort that out - as I certainly do not want 5 twitter accounts.</i></span><br />
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<span id="intelliTXT" name="intelliTxt"><b>Let's get started!</b></span><br />
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<span id="intelliTXT" name="intelliTxt"><b>...darleen</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-CGOWE4nfJrdHl7taI-DUDF-uPOq_wO26Lp4JJMxMGXj2fvR9JLSnz3N2QkQUHxs12cOU3FlcCuBGnojuphQQWa1Ue_s0-EeDyF_bKACZSwNW0Z6MfSy_aKNDHNtGjGjezyDaolprvgq/s1600/darleen11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-CGOWE4nfJrdHl7taI-DUDF-uPOq_wO26Lp4JJMxMGXj2fvR9JLSnz3N2QkQUHxs12cOU3FlcCuBGnojuphQQWa1Ue_s0-EeDyF_bKACZSwNW0Z6MfSy_aKNDHNtGjGjezyDaolprvgq/s320/darleen11.jpg" /></a></div><span id="intelliTXT" name="intelliTxt"><b> </b></span>Darleen Witmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881549944359559727noreply@blogger.com0