Social Networking: What’s HOT and What’s NOT

by Martha on May 15, 2012

PinExt Social Networking: Whats HOT and Whats NOT

Everybody’s jumping on the social networking bandwagon and it’s thriving like crazy!  However, I’m still seeing some people trying to make sense of it all but not quite succeeding.

Let’s take a look at what’s HOT and what’s NOT!

  • HOT: Being patient, and understanding your social media plan takes time.
  • NOT: Thinking social media networking is a quick and easy fix.  It’s not!
  • HOT: Blogging.  Blogs are hot, hot, HOT!  Use your blog as your “hub” or the congregating place for your audience.  Don’t forget, the comments section of your blog is really the happenin’ place!  It’s where the “social” part starts.
  • NOT: Trying to use your Facebook  page as your “hub.”  This is becoming more common and it’s really risky! With the FB changes happening daily, who wants to depend on an outside force for their main platform?  Bring your audience to your playground! (hint: that would be your own site!)
  • HOT: Making regular updates across all social media platforms.  Reach out daily. AND, engage.  You know what that means, interact  with others on the platforms!
  • NOT: Thinking social media marketing is somehow passive.  If you are automating to the hilt, I have to ask, “How is that working for ya?”  It doesn’t.  Period.
  • HOT: Promoting and referring others.  It’s all about the giving!
  • NOT: Forgetting that it’s always about them and not you.  If you are always talking about you, pretty soon you won’t have anyone to talk to!
  • HOT: Building relationships.  The hotness in my book!
  • NOT: It’s really not a numbers game or a popularity contest.  A bazillion Twitter followers or Facebook fans means nothing if they aren’t engaging with you and converting into customers.

Social networking can be fast and furious and a lot of fun.  I just want you to keep it HOT too!

Peace,

-Martha

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The Truth About Live Events

by Martha on May 8, 2012

PinExt The Truth About Live Events

event ticket The Truth About Live EventsDo you want to know the truth about live events?  It doesn’t matter if they are seminars, conferences, training events, or a Hollywood red carpet affair!

The real truth, the real heart  of what makes live events stand out for people who attend are all the other people they meet. Read that again.

Yes, say what you will about all other aspects of a live event, the networking is really where the rubber meets the road.  The old saying holds true:  “It’s never what you know, but who you know!”

Connections, connections, connections!

Live events are one of the last remaining places where you can be in a room filled with like-minded people with common goals.  Live events are places to gain knowledge, of course.  Places where leaders in certain niches come together and teach a little of their own expertise.

And all of that is great!

However, the relationships formed at live events are far-reaching.  Tell me, where else can you rub elbows with famous authors, world-renowned teachers, multi-millionaires, and the cream of the crop in your industry?  For a couple of days?

It’s all about the networking, baby!

I can honestly say that people I’ve met through live events have become some of my greatest allies and friends.  They have helped propel my biz by giving me honest feedback, partnering on projects, promoting my products, and encouraging me along the way.  Of course, you DO have to be open to the possibilities a network can bring!

I have found that entrepreneurs understand the power of  the live events.  The power of in-person networking.

Don’t get me wrong.

Meeting people online has become as much a part of life as breathing, BUT there is truly a difference when people meet in person.  It’s just different.

I can read every single book Dr. Joe Vitale writes, follow him on Twitter, and like his Facebook page, but meeting him at a live event and having a one-on-one conversation (that happened!), is just a whole new level!

The point is, you can admire the work of the experts, but wouldn’t you say having a conversation with them over lunch would be much more compelling?

That’s what I’m talking about!

I still attend several live events a year.  It’s made all the difference in the growth of my business.  If you’ve never been, you owe it to yourself and your biz to give it a go.

This year, I’m co-hosting my first live event.  It’s June 8-9 in Dallas, TX.  We’re going to be teaching entrepreneurs how to have the life they desire by “Making It Online Now.”

If you’ve never been to a live event, this would be a great place for you to start.  If you are live event seasoned pro, you already know the value!

Do yourself a favor.  Get to a live event this year!

Peace,

-Martha

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Twitter, American Idol, and YOU!

by Martha on May 4, 2012

PinExt Twitter, American Idol, and YOU!

Have you noticed how Twitter has fast become the darling of the TV networks? I’m not just talking about American Idol, where the Twitter handles of the contestants are now listed under their name billings, but news networks are now reading Twitter comments on the air as a way of including their viewers in the interaction.

Twitter has gone mainstream!

Take that as good news for your online endeavors!  With more and more people interested in being part of the conversation, you have more opportunities to connect with your audience and become the American Idol in your niche!

That’s powerful!

Here’s a few reasons you should be chomping at the bit to use Twitter:

  • Cultivating a raving network.  Can you ever have a big enough network?  Not in my opinion and for networking, there’s no place like Twitter!  The larger my network, the larger the audience for my services.  Simply put, big networks usually convert into big net worths.
  • Access to SuperStars in your niche. It’s never been easier to start or join a conversation with people you admire and look up to.  Go for it!  Start talking with folks you want to emulate.
  • Tweet chats. Where else can you find like-minded people, become part of a community, and share information on a regular basis?  My favorites:  #smmanners, #blogchat, and #toolschat.  I like those because they talk about social media, blogging, and tech tools, in that order.  I learn, mingle, and share. Try it, if you haven’t.
  • Hashtags. Use them to find your tribe!  Looking for people who have similar interests?  Search with a hashtag (#), and you’ll find the folks tweeting about your topic.  Connect with them and grow your sphere!  Still not quite sure of how to use?  Read more here:  Hashtags
  • #FollowFriday or #FF. While this is loved by many and shunned by more than a few, it does have a benefit.  Basically, it’s a day to recommend people you follow to others.  Use it wisely because it can turn into your biggest Twitter mistake if you’re not careful!
  • Promotions. Who doesn’t want to promote their latest blog post, product, interview, or live gig?  Twitter is the perfect venue for that!  And, don’t be shy!  Ask your followers to Re-tweet that link for you.  They are usually more than happy to! (word of caution:  Every tweet can’t be promotional or you’ll end up with no friends)
  • Online Visibility. If you are on Twitter several minutes throughout the day, every day, people will start to notice you.  In the game of online marketing, isn’t that the goal?  Enough said.
  • Swift info. Want to learn about a new product in your niche?  Or who else is attending the next live event?  Ask that question on Twitter and you’ll usually get a fast response.  There’s really no better method for spontaneous, “in the moment” answers! Think American Idol here. Watching, tweeting, conversing, and connecting very quickly!

Yes, Twitter is here to stay and growing like crazy. If you are looking for a way to network without a lot of time guzzling, this could be your best shot.  OK, it can be addicting (and maybe a little too much fun!), but come on, so can anything else.  If you tend to be a chatterbox, limit your time. (I do!) Just remember to stay focused while you’re tweeting!

Gentle caution . . .

Tweet smart.  Tweeting the wrong or inappropriate thing can bring about a horrible result (Have You Had This Twitter Shock Yet?).  I’ve been on Twitter since early 2008 and have come to the conclusion it’s best to abide by a simple set of rules.  No foul language.  No talking about others.  No dirty laundry. Just follow the golden rule and you’ll be safe!

Are you a regular Twitter user?  What do you like best about it?  Or least?

Peace,

-Martha

p.s. Don’t have Twitter in your marketing mix? You might like this program!

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Easy Online Marketing Strategies You Can Use Right NOW!

by Martha on April 30, 2012

PinExt Easy Online Marketing Strategies You Can Use Right NOW!

What does having an online marketing strategy mean to you?

Marketing is simply the techniques used to promote your products and services. While I subscribe to the relationship marketing way of doing business, you DO have to get your name out there to start and grow the relationships!

Here’s my own tried-and-true list of easy-to-implement ways that I personally use to get my message out:

  • Social Media – you knew that would be number one! If you’re not on the social media platforms, go now and sign up for Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  All are free and will give you the most bang for the buck if you use them right! (if you need help, contact me!)
  • Make a social media splash - This simply means do something daily.  If you want to be seen and heard, you have to make your presence known!  How to do that?  Update those statuses DAILY. Get people in the habit of seeing you on the social sites and interacting with you.  Be interested in them! It takes a minimal amount of time and is so worth it!
  • Video – OK, most people DO like to watch.  This is a dynamic avenue for folks to see, hear, and somewhat get to “know” you.  Jump in and let your personality shine! Hey, if I can do it, you can too!  (Best Tweet Tips Video)
  • Facebook Page – This is very different from your personal profile page.  Use it to give helpful tips, engage with your audience, promote your products AND drive traffic back to your main site.  Use the header as a billboard. It’s the first sight they see.  Let it give information in a quick, precise way. My own example is: Martha’s FB Page
  • Ezine Articles – Sometimes overlooked, submitting articles is an excellent marketing strategy.  It’s a fabulous way to let people know you are the expert.  Plus, using the resource box at the end of articles is yet another way to bring people back to your site. While Ezine Articles is my favorite, you’ll find numerous article directories out there!
  • Blog commenting – I first learned of this technique from the book Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk. While I was a skeptic at first, it has proved to be invaluable in my business.  Not only is it a great way to interact with other bloggers, it’s another way for you to show you can give added value and knowledge to others. This one gets an A+ in my book!
  • Talk back! – I’m talking about all comments left on your own blog.  Also, this goes for e-mails that are in the form of questions, and any comments left for you on the social media sites.  Once the conversation starts, you are half-way home to helping someone move into your funnel.  Make sure people know you are accessible.
  • Freebies – Some think this is an over-used method, but I say it still works.  After all, it’s pretty hard to resist free! In creating your own freebie, don’t be afraid you’ll give away the secret sauce.  In my experience, the more I give away, the more I get back in the form of customers and clients.  Generosity is always seen as a good thing! (one of my own freebies: How To Be An Expert Blogger)
  • Squidoo – If you haven’t used this site for marketing purposes, you are missing out!  From “how-to” information to recommended products, this site rocks!  Need an example?  Here’s one featuring yours truly!  Martha’s Squidoo
  • Online groups – Both LinkedIn and Facebook are leading the way in this area.  Find groups in your niche and chances are, you’ll find people who need what you’re offering! The key here is to contribute quality information and genuinely be helpful.  And, don’t forget, you can start your own group where you are THE expert!
  • Be recognizable – Make people remember you.  Don’t make them guess. Use the same picture and logo everywhere on the net.  If you haven’t done so yet, go to Gravatar.com and upload a picture of yourself so when you leave comments on other blogs, your picture will be there.

Developing an online marketing plan can sometimes be challenging. After all, there are so many places to put your message.  Pick and choose, figure out the ones that work best for your goals, and get out there and play!

Peace,

-Martha

p.s.  Don’t forget. . . if you are looking for a way to get your biz Rockin’ and Rollin’ in the online success  department, join me June 8-9 in Dallas for Making It Online Now! Early bird registration going on NOW!

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How To Step Out, Step Up, and Not Get Stepped ON!

by Martha on April 24, 2012

PinExt How To Step Out, Step Up, and Not Get Stepped ON!

StairToSuccess 300x300 How To Step Out, Step Up, and Not Get Stepped ON!When is the last time you stepped out?  You know what I mean.  Left your comfort zone.  For worlds unknown.

You know what’s out there?  Your dreams.  We’ve all got one (or two or three!) and some are pretty big, right?

Stepping out . . . .

That’s the part where you take the dream out of your head, where it is safe and sound (and not achieved), and put it “out there.”  Start taking action.  Start moving toward it.

Are you already stumped?

Excuses coming at you right now?  That’s because stepping out can be scary. Intimidating.  And down-right uncomfortable.  Of course, we don’t want that! 

But think about it.

Think about a time when you pushed through the discomfort.  What was on the other side?  A reward?  Satisfaction?  Maybe even a better life?

It’s funny how we tick.  How my obstacle will be different from yours.  And might even seem silly.

For example . . .

When I was trying to get all the intricacies of my first published book worked out, the book cover stood in my way.  That’s right.  The book was written, edited, and finished on the page and the cover was standing in my way.  I spent needless amounts of time obsessing about that cover, trying to get it “perfect.”  While I was doing that?  I wasn’t selling any books because there was no book on the market!

The real obstacle . . .

It wasn’t the cover, it was my own desire for perfection.  What I’ve discovered is most people are simply stopped because of something just like that.  They could step out but don’t because they want their work to be the show-stopper. Or they want the timing to be better.  Or the financial situation to be healthier. Or the body to be perfect.  Are you beginning to see. . . you just have to do it.  Step out!

The stepping UP part.

I hate to say this but it simply means (in a word) grow up!  Step up and become the expert, or leader, or advisor.  The only thing standing in your way is your own thinking.  Don’t listen to the naysayers.  You know the truth.  Step up and become that person you were meant to be.  Step up and fill the role created in the stepping out part!  In other words:  Own it!

And of course, the not-getting-stepped-on part!

The world has it’s own way of bringing you down.  But only if you let it.  You see, once you state  your dream, step out and take action, move forward toward the goal, and get in your own corner of the ring, you are there!  Your belief in yourself will take care of everything else.

Just say, “Get outta my way.  I’m coming through!”

Peace,

-Martha

p.s.  My latest step out is here:  Making It Online Now  Join me for the latest adventure!

 

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