As I sit here, back home in Cleveland for the holidays, I reflect on what’s been a very interesting year for me - actually, the most interesting than any in the past. I’ve learned a lot about myself, on personal and professional levels, as I’ve gone through a lot of changes this year with family, friends, and my career - with most recently, my lay off. But even with all the highs and lows, I’ve enjoyed every second of it and wouldn’t change it a bit.
From his Plurk, I noticed several users wanting to see some data. Being the statistical geek that I am, I tallied up every single qualified vote (yes, I really did) so we can better gauge the social activities of Darren’s audience:
125 Responses (as of 6/8/08 4:20pm EST)
321 Total Votes (note: not all responses included a top 3, or any for that matter)
48 Social Media Sites Voted Upon
Time taken to count the 321 votes in 125 responses - A little over an hour
Now, for what you’ve all been waiting for; the top 3 social media sites voted on by the ProBlogger community:
The top 3 voted sites are Twitter, StumbleUpon and Facebook. From the comments that I read, the ProBlogger audience seems to put an emphasis on communication and networking uses for Twitter, staying connected with friends and family through Facebook and the amount of traffic being sent from StumbleUpon. The last point is interesting and could in fact have relevance to ProBlogger’s audience, showing that the value of website traffic is key when choosing which social media site to frequent.
The rage (and I mean RAGE) of the week has been the new microblogging site to hit town, Plurk. It’s a fun, ajax-filled, timelined conversational network that gives users the feeling of freedom with what they talk about and share with their friends; did I mention that they have weird creatures as their logo?
Some have deemed it a Twitter killer, while others feel it’s just too over the top. I’ve been actively utilizing it this past week and have admittedly become addicted. Addicted, yes. A convert, not just quite yet. I won’t get too in-depth with the inner workings of the site as ReadWriteWeb has posted a great review of the service, but I do have some thoughts on how Plurk could create a system overload for some.
Real-Time Updates
Plurk gives real-time updates on your profile page that shows new ‘plurks’ or responses from your friends list. A cool feature as you’re kept up-to-date on the conversations going on but has become overwhelming. This aspect of Plurk has almost forced me into rehab. It creates a constant urge to check, update, view all, mark all as read, etc.; it’s seriously like a drug. The feature makes using the site very time consuming. Although, it’s all contingent upon the number of friends that you have and how often they’re plurking (yes, I giggled when I first said it too), but it vastly shows the difference between Twitter and Plurk. Twitter can give you constant updates through Twhirl or other apps as well, but there was never a sense of urgency to check updates every single minute. Plurk creates this need to continually update all responses and plurks, which becomes very chaotic to those with larger networks. I’m by no means captain popular but even with over 80 friends, the time needed to truly stay up-to-date with my network’s conversations becomes too much.
If you’re not aware about Common Craft’s ‘In Plain English’ show, head over there right now! They’ve created an informational series that simply explains the many mediums of the web through fun and creative videos.
They’ve just released a new video, Social Media in Plain English:
Through the use of a simple story, their newest show explains how Social Media works through communities and the user-generated content each unique network provides. Reiterates that the voice of the people is what makes a community or product special, it’s just a matter of finding your niche; or ice cream shop.
While I was washing my car this morning, I got a little free time to reflect on my past week before a hectic and fun weekend begins as my family is coming into town later today. There were several moments during this week that have stuck with me, though.
First, to give everyone a better understanding of myself; I enjoy helping people. That simple four word statement reflects my being and outlook on life; to treat everyone that I come across with respect and care. I’m no Mother Teresa but I do believe in Karma and how you treat others will, sooner or later, have an impact on your own life.
Moment 1: I was on Twitter Tuesday morning (shocker huh). An online friend of mine that I’ve gotten to know more in the past few weeks, Reem Abeidoh, had published a great interview, that morning, with a Yelp reviewer who was threatened by a restaurant owner. For whatever reason, her blog had been marked as ’spam’ on Digg for quite awhile, subsequently no one was able to submit her story and give it the recognition that it deserved. She told me that she’d tried to contact Digg numerous times, but to no avail. I’ve spoken with Digg support in the past (with quick response, might I add) and wanted to help her out and try to get her blog unbanned. Lo and behold, with numerous emails later, we were able to get it unblocked and her post actually made it to the front page. Win-win.
Moment 1.1: Now, cut to the end of my day - I was driving home and had to get my glasses fixed because I apparently love to sleep with them on and then proceed to roll over them. I stopped by a local repair shop, ASAP Eyeglass Repair, to get it fixed while I wait. It took all but 15 minutes and I was ready to pay the guy until he stopped me and said ‘Ah, don’t worry about it!’ and handed me my glasses. Albeit a fairly cheap repair, I was caught off guard and asked him a couple times if he was sure. Nonetheless, he let me go on about my day, which left me with a smile on my face.
Moment 2: Again, I was on Twitter and began conversing with my Austin Twit buddy @LaniAR. (If you follow her, be forewarned, she is known to keep you entertained) Being in the real estate industry, she tweeted about a gorgeous home that was up for sale in the Austin area. Now, as some of you may know, I am actively looking to relocate and mentioned to her (in half-seriousness) that I’d take the house if I were in Austin. This little blurb and my explanation to her about my career plans, led her to communicate and get me in touch with local SM professionals on Twitter. I was super appreciative of her help, more than she knows. I haven’t landed a new job or anything like that, but her willingness in helping me grow my Austin network blew me away.
What’s this even have to do with social media? It doesn’t…directly. It deals with everyday life, personally and professionally. Don’t get it twisted though, this isn’t a self-help post lol - it’s merely an observation of my past week and how connecting with and helping those around me has seemingly impacted the happenings in my life.
Conversation isn’t just a way of social media, but a way of life. Conversing and actually listening to those around you, while taking action, goes a long way. Not to mention, it further builds your personal and professional relationships.
Do something good for someone this weekend, no strings attached. See how it feels!
Surround yourself with those who you’ll benefit from.
What’s this mean to me? It means creating an environment that surrounds me with people who are conducive to my focus in life, personally and professionally.
Personally, I’m a very optimistic person that tries to stay away from the negativity in life, so surrounding myself with like minded people creates a positive group of friends around me.
Professionally, it focuses more on what your industry or niche is. Twitter is the perfect example as social media marketers are looking to follow similar focused people. We *typically* want to create a stream of information that we can learn & grow from and vice versa to those who follow us. That is the benefit that comes from Twitter but really any business relationship. It’s what makes industry events so fun; the networking and sharing of ideas (and a few drinks) with industry leaders.
Don’t forget though, this is a two-way street. This needs a mention but most people in any form of a relationship eventually realize if a person is using them solely for their own benefit.
What’s this quote mean to you? I’m sure there are different perspectives so feel free to share!
Last night, I was lucky enough to attend The Kanye West Glow In The Dark Tour. The show, which also featured the great sounds of Lupe Fiasco, N.E.R.D. and Rihanna, was simply spectacular. Keep in mind, we were at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater, so only part of the area/set is covered from the elements. The elements, last night, were in full effect as we had 30mph winds and sporadic thunderstorms. Nonetheless, the artists did their thing as the skies eventually came to calm later in the night.
So, you’re asking yourself, what do concerts have to do with the digital age? Well, it’s a semi-rant dealing with the fact that this venue (along with most, I’m sure) do not allow you to bring in digital cameras. I’ve felt strongly against this the past couple of concerts I’ve been to and as I’ve become fully engulfed in the digital marketing world. As technologies continue to evolve (multi-megapixel camera phones, iphone, etc), these venues/artists who don’t want to us to share our memories with our online communities will have a harder and harder time stopping it.
Now I know this may sound kind of petty (no it didn’t ruin my time at the concert) but it just goes to show you the resistance some people have to the evolving world of digital media. It deals with more than just our industry, it affects all industries. It’s their understanding of the digital age and knowing how the evolution affects their respective industry. Take advantage of the opportunities. Realize the benefits. How much more revenue would a venue take in if they were to sell cameras next to a beer or pizza stand? Either we continue to force the issue and find the means to digitally experience these concerts or accept it and take advantage of the change. The choice is theirs.
As I was leaving work today and heading home on a rainy Tuesday evening, anxious for the moment I could get back on Twitter (yes, addicted), I thought to write up more than just how twitter changed me, but how I utilize social networks on a daily basis.
Throughout the day, I remain up-to-date with news, conversations and happenings going on in the social media world through various networks. There are many mediums out there but about a handful that I actively peruse on a daily basis:
Digg is one of the largest user-generated aggregation sites out. I head over here to see what the word is from various categories, from technology to world news. It’s a ‘one stop shop’ where I’m able to absorb an immense amount of information, aggregated in one place. Digg profile.
Sphinn is another aggregation site (like Digg) that I frequent. The difference, though, lies within the niche that they’re targeting, Online Marketing. All of their submissions are directed towards the internet marketing industry with categories relating to search engine marketing, social media, and search engine optimization. As a social media marketer, I’m able to stay current on new blog posts and news articles relevant to my everyday functions. Sphinn profile.
Twitter, as you may have already read, is one of the more influential and frequently used social networks in my arsenal. The industry professionals I’ve become acquainted with and the conversations I’ve had do not match any other social networking experience of mine on the internet. It does, however, take effort to find, follow and communicate with people that fit your niche. But once you’ve become acclimated with the system and build your network, you’ll soon realize the true importance and benefit of conversation. Twitter profile.
Facebook is one of the ‘old school’ (if you can call it that) social sites I’ve been on since my college days back in 2002. I’ve used it mainly to keep in touch with friends from across the U.S. As Facebook has evolved past college-only use and into professional networks, I’ve now been able to connect with colleagues from work as well as other business professionals. I’m sometimes reluctant to add colleagues because it’s changed my personal free-flowing network of friends, into a professional clique that I have to keep tabs of. This is the case for most of us as we now have to be aware and monitor our web presence as it is easily accessible to anyone on the internet. Nonetheless, Facebook has helped increase my network, personally and professionally. It’s organized, it’s clean, and it’s easy to use; exactly what I look for in a site, design and functionality wise. Facebook profile.
LinkedIN is the social network for those career oriented folks. Well, let me just point out that I haven’t necessarily found a job through them. I’m not sure of the percentage of people that really do, but I’d be curious to find out. What I have been able to utilize this social medium for though, is staying in touch with co-workers as well as professional contacts I’ve become acquainted with throughout my professional career.LinkedIN profile.
Pownce - now I love the functionality of this site, as it’s very fluid and allows linking to videos, files and events; however, I admittedly haven’t utilized it to its full potential. Well, let me rephrase, I haven’t really found a solid use for it other than cross-posting my Tweets through the use of Twhirl and further building my online presence. Give me your feedback on Pownce and what you personally utilize it for. Maybe you can shine some light on it for me! Pownce profile.
So there you have it, you now know where to find/friend/follow/contact/stalk me online. If you haven’t noticed, I’m very open to making new friends and contacts so feel free to add me and I’ll do the same!
Facebook just released a small but useful feature that shows a list of friends that you may have connections with, rightfully titled ‘People You May Know.’
The new section resides towards the bottom of the right-hand column of your Facebook home page. Clicking ’see all’ takes you to the list of possible friends you may want to befriend. The list of friends are based upon the number of common friends you have with the person.
This new feature is helpful for those users who don’t have these friends in their contact lists, weren’t aware that they were online, or just lost touch with. Either way, Facebook is providing a cool feature to help us better connect with people we may know by using our current friends as a middleman without even bugging them.
I recently posted about LinkedIN’s new site redesign and looks like they’re continuing their roll-out of new features. The popular social networking site for job seekers is expanding it’s horizons and allowing companies to have profile pages. The new site feature went live this morning and has about 160,000 companies taking part in the beta version.
Company profiles, such as Facebook, have their data pulled from Capital IQ (a partner with BusinessWeek), which reveals company location, industry, company size, and several other categories. A section at the bottom right of the page gives information on common job titles, top schools, medium age & tenure, and gender. This data now gives job seekers some power in their career search by publicly (not to mention readily available) displaying company statistics that play a part in their search for the right company and job.
The heart of the profile page shows the number of connections that the company has to LinkedIN users, new hires (shows job seekers how active a company is in hiring), and recent promotions, which shows the frequency (or lack thereof) of growth within the company.
