“If a tweet enters the Twittersphere and nobody’s there, does it make a sound?”

Recently released research from Pew should send a wake-up call to all marketers who have been–or may find themselves becoming–overly enamored of the “power” of social media.

Don’t get me wrong. I think social media has its place among any marketer’s arsenal of *potential* communication tools. But, I also think that too many marketers are far too eager to jump on the social media bandwagon without appropriate consideration to whether or not a significant percentage of their audience is out there. “If a tweet enters the Twittersphere and nobody’s there, does it make a sound?” Sadly, no. Continue reading ““If a tweet enters the Twittersphere and nobody’s there, does it make a sound?””

Measuring Social Media (and some webinar best practices!)

I sign up for webinars frequently (I’m an easy mark for those “free webinar” offers – they’re making a bundle on me!) Often I don’t actually *attend* the webinar I signed up for (which webinar providers will tell you is common among free registrants…), but I do often save and view later so I can “speed through” at my leisure *or* listen while I’m doing something else.

Today, though, I actually signed on to listen to a webinar and paid attention to *most* of it and found much of the info very, very helpful. One image in particular that Continue reading “Measuring Social Media (and some webinar best practices!)”

Do You Really Need a Web Site?

Back in October, 2009, I proposed an article on “Do You Really Need a Web Site” to some editors I work with, but the idea didn’t really seem to have traction. Today, though, it’s a topic I hear people talking about more and more, with Continue reading “Do You Really Need a Web Site?”

Could Facebook Business Pages Make Sense for You? (This is a trick question!)

I recently responded to a reporter’s request for perspectives on Facebook’s new feature that allows people to have business pages as well as personal pages and whether it will make a difference in the way small businesses use Facebook to market to customers and prospects.

These types of questions are always interesting to me because they seem to prompt a somewhat Continue reading “Could Facebook Business Pages Make Sense for You? (This is a trick question!)”

Twitter Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts For Your Twitter Behavior

The big difference between making a mis-step in the social media environment and in the old-world communication environment is reach. Tweet the “wrong thing” online and literally millions of people may see it. Worse yet, by the time you “take it back” it could already be too late. While there may be a remedy soon – twitter insurance – companies may pay up to Continue reading “Twitter Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts For Your Twitter Behavior”

Tweeting for Results

I’m working with a client to build awareness of her new online ratings app and she was interested in tips on how to engage followers in conversations. As I shared the following suggestions with her, I thought this might make for a good blog post (always interesting in multi-purposing!), so thought I’d share here as well. Continue reading “Tweeting for Results”

Majority of Worldwide CEOs Not Active Online

A recent study by Weber Shandwick found that 64 percent of CEOs from the world’s largest comanies are not engaging online with external stakeholders. Most telling is that less than 10 percent Continue reading “Majority of Worldwide CEOs Not Active Online”

Social Media Myths and Misconceptions. My Advice: Think Logically!

A friend and business colleague recently asked me to share my thoughts on the perspectives of the authors of a new book on Facebook marketing.

I’m always flattered to be asked my opinion (aren’t we all!?!) and always glad for a legitimate opportunity to ponder something. So here are my thoughts-I’d be interested in hearing yours: Continue reading “Social Media Myths and Misconceptions. My Advice: Think Logically!”

Social Media and Marketing Synonymous? I Don’t Think So!

“Social media and marketing have become synonymous over the years.” – Brian Solis

I recently read this comment on the blog of a very prominent social media guru, and it made me cringe. Continue reading “Social Media and Marketing Synonymous? I Don’t Think So!”

Only Eight Percent of Those Online Using Twitter?

Despite all the hype and attention in the media, only eight percent of Internet users are Twitter users according to a recent study by Pew Research. That means 92 percent of those online are *not* using Twitter. Wow! I suppose I shouldn’t be entirely surprised. While I have some “online business colleagues” who are active on Twitter, most of my traditional business colleagues and the vast majority of students in my university classes Continue reading “Only Eight Percent of Those Online Using Twitter?”