Showing posts with label socialmedia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label socialmedia. Show all posts

Who is the influence?



It doesn't matter whether you are an individual, an identity (music), or brand, you can carefully craft your audience based on who resonates the most with you.

Something I discovered lately:  the masters of algorithms like GOOGLE, TWITTER, LINKED IN are identifying content creators as the next big influence wave.

Maybe I had that hunch 10 years ago.  I recognized how important it was to establish an identity that could be synonymous with brand.  There was no question who was behind the brand.  It would develop a following because of integrity and authenticity.

I wrote early on, that I was putting a lot of my apples on the GOOGLE cart.  It seemed logical that the super power of information > GOOGLE SEARCH > was going to lead the pack.

If you compare that to TESLA and ELON MUSK, then we're missing the point.

The strongest voice, the most authentic voice, and the voice that resonates with the majority of people online are going to be the most powerful disruptions.

These entities are corporations with investors and shareholders that demand a return on their investment.  Fast.  No hassle.

I've watched both Facebook and Twitter evolve as they tried to drift away from a social network to becoming a viable tech stock.

The secret to longevity is going to be who lasts.

What has happened with these two startups with imposter's syndrome is they forgot the main course.

In launching any new venture, you have to be able to answer, unequivocally, succinctly, resolutely 



Who is your customer?
The ship can sail once you've anchored that

Most companies mistakenly steer the ship towards shareholders and miss the wind for their sails.

Okay, then let me ask:



Who did you have in mind when you created it?

We should all be well-versed on Steve Jobs' and Bill Gates philosophies, however, the main opportunity they uncovered was looking at who their customers were and what was available to them, and make something better, easier.

My point is that Twitter and Facebook did exactly that:  

Forgot who the customers is



The idea that resonated to allow either to grow was the adopters, users, and spreaders of word-of-mouth (still the most effective way of spreading good ... or bad news).  Social Media just trumped it up on steroids and removed barriers by beliefs, geographic location, race, culture, love interests.

As a consumer and marketing intern, it is not surprising to see the numbers.

They tell the story.

Once Facebook and Twitter tried to become corporations, they fell down the rabbit hole because they forgot who got them there to begin with.

One just has to watch not even 5 minutes of Facebook's Zuckenberg interviews in the US, and you just can't help but get the sense of a really lucky genius idea run by someone still in High School.  Someone who ignores advice or heeds wisdom from others.


The baby shoes is starting something.

The first steps is becoming an economical climate or environment with a loyal following who have trust that they have your best interests at heart.

FACEBOOK abuse of trust is a story of "how to get away with privacy infiltration".

I'm still there:  it is still one of the best homes to my loyal tribe.  I haven't cut off my nose to spite my face by deleting myself there.  I did remove the side, personal one as I wanted to focus the energy on only a few areas.

TWITTER abuse of power is a story where they are now trying to dictate who and who cannot be on their platform.  What is acceptable in their terms are not necessarily good for its users.  PURGING, SUSPENDING accounts would be an example.



ONCE users start to lose the glimmer then the answer to who the customer is becomes realized:  the users, members, audience and clicks determine the outcomes now.  What is becoming more suspect is the usual technology trick of try me, test me, but if you want this or that THAT IS better it will cost you.

That's a failed business plan
The one where shareholder price or value is where they determine the executive board's ROI return on investment of the CEO and whether they stand behind mostly him (less than 10% of executives on Fortune 500 are women).







Habit, ritual or superstition: what belongs in a sales attitude?



The following question was answered on Quora, that I considered worthy of posting on a sales-oriented blog:




Hi Harsh - thanks for your invitation to answer this question.
Firstly, I can say that I may have cracked my knuckles once or twice, but not enough to consider it a habit, never mind a superstition.
I can’t say that I have any, really. BUT what I can share with you is that there are certainly some effective habits or rituals I undertake before attending a client’s to confirm a renewal or new project or a new client signing or commitment to move the business relationship forward. [ That reminds me of a closing statement I learned to ask to check for satisfaction, willingness to move forward: “have I addressed all of your questions, or is there anything else that would prevent us from moving forward by signing this document today? ]
I would say there are a few quick tips I can share:
  • Be prepared: know who you are seeing, do your research by understanding what they sell, what they offer, who they offer it to, who they compete against and who they buy from and why. Write a list of a few good question on the notepad you will be taking along to the meeting (don’t be tempted to take notes on a device, mobile, tablet, or laptop: people are accustomed to seeing others take notes; more find it rude when you appear distracted simply by thumbing or clicking on keys to write the notes).
  • Record of the meeting would hopefully have already been entered in your Outlook or Calendar with reminder set days hence to prepare, look up any information gaps;
  • To form good habits with data (aka information and customer intelligence), record the pending meeting on this client’s file BEFORE or immediately after scheduling the call. That would be a CRM system - or customer relationship bible. Including any valid notes, including any proposals linked to the CRM client file, record any emails leading up to the event. The intention here is to grow your sales … right?
  • Have the right attitude: be convinced yourself some identifiable flags that hinted that this customer may have a timely need for your product or service. Based on your familiarity with the client (aka monitoring and following your top 10 and its brand on as many avenues as possible: whether social media, traditional media or trade publications, online and printed forms the least favorable choice.
  • I power through my power point presentation and have a proposal or contract prepared to take with me when I go in: customers or prospects are impressed by your preparation. They imagine: if he/she puts this much effort into winning my business, I would imagine even a half -attempt to keeping it, would still be better than I currently have or this problem or issue that needs solving.
  • React swiftly to inquiries. As both a sales professional and a buyer, I can recall so many times being the first to respond in a polished, professional manner does put you in the place of the one to beat.
  • Do what you promise. Most people who buy don’t trust sales people. Change their perception on that (to the delight of all other sales types I’m sure) and show them that you don’t offer anything without the firm possibility that you can deliver (without compromising your team’s ability to produce/back up those commitments). You will lead in sales in the ability for others to trust you. They will begin to ask you questions on what seems to be unrelated issues that can evolve into unknown opportunities.
  • Call ahead to leave a message to state that you are on your way and will be there within 30 minutes (because you know from where you are to where they are, parking and reception calling to say that you’re here, and they will note that you are on time, no more than 10 minutes early). Review your notes and have an idea of what you are going to say, show and ask during the meeting. Decide a few symptoms you may want to look for that indicates a willingness to move forward even if there is no commitment or signature.
  • Don’t waste your time chasing the impossible. Don’t give up too early either. Least of all, don’t give up too easily. You can’t know that the person you were meeting with has been plagued with the very issue your product or service will solve. If you have good investigative skills, you may know about it more than they do because you have been following them (their company … please not them personally, they may think you are stalking then … unless it is mutually agreed to i.e. exchange Facebook).
  • Be hesitant with trying to be a buddy too soon: a golf game invitation when they have strict purchasing policies which disallows golf games, or may just charity tournaments. In fact, taking them as a guest to a charity golf tournament IS the best way to get a customer or prospect on the golf links. Be respectful of anyone else who may attend that does not golf. Don’t leap to invite them as a friend on Facebook, it is more appropriate to do so on Linked In so that you can do more recognizance on the individual’s background, community involvements, for rapport building conversations. Again, if you reach out to them and connect on LINKED IN, don’t try to sell them anything in those small messages. If you do, you can expect to be delegated to annoying.
  • When I know I’ve done most of what I’ve just listed and I’m on my way to my meeting, I will often put in a rock classic song or channel on my car radio so that I get that boost and charge from the energy absorbed, ready to bring it on because you know you did your homework and you prepared.

Be true to yourself



To pave the way 
whether it be sales or social media, the most credible authenticity finds warmth in an environment of nurture, nature and self-reflection.



Speak from the heart
is what I was often told, or reinforced continuously and consistently for the 10 years I was a devotee of Toastmasters' International.  The organization founded by the original Dale Carnegie, the master storyteller and wisdom dispenser.  



Whenever planned properly
wrote appropriately and prepared diligently, I could do a speech worthy of any TED TALKS program.  

I practiced and applied
what I was learning while pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.  Yes, I got cold feet more than a few times at a competition, unless I was the Area Governor, tasked with chairing and hosting the event surrounded by gifted orators.



I watched some take a leap
into the land of circuit speaking::... more commonly a target by the online influence set ::... as a keynote spokesperson at a global event.

A goal earned on my own steam
where I don't capitalize on anyone to build my reputation [ aka Guy Kawasaki for working "for" Steve Jobs ~ NOTE:  "with" was backspaced and deleted.



Developing a cynicism
that comes with age.  The right that you earn to be convincing, worthy of another's attention.   Of the high-end business traveler sect.  Which is a essentially a potpourri of information, credible education, and knowledge expounding in abundance.

Credibility is your's to grasp and gain
because if you are true to yourself, your likewise magnet to attract the like minded, developing your own tribe, of whom you warmly and safely belong.

Nobody likes impostors
from any historical reference in mind.  Held in contempt with the most devious and devil, shown as a weakness.



Where humility and humanity reign
in harmony with creating a universe of security, safety, love and peace.  When you are true to yourself, you can float into the essence of what makes you breath.


I really love this image:  
[ on a quest to discover the artist ] ::....





Your VIBE attracts your TRIBE in sales and social media




“Class is an aura of confidence that is being sure without being cocky. Class has nothing to do with money. Class never runs scared. It is self-discipline and self-knowledge. It's the sure-footedness that comes with having proved you can meet life. ” 
~ Ann Landers


However it may seem strange that I rarely have comments on my blogs, I am often invited to answer questions on QUORA (link below). 

 Sometimes I think about my answer, while other times I just let my mind go free and respond instinctively to what comes immediately to mind as in this case when I was invited to answer this question. 

Ironically, as well.  I spend the least time on InstaGRAM than anywhere else and yet it is the topic I seem to have grabbed the attention of some who value my opinion.  Thank you.  Happy to help.  Here goes:





Why do my Instagram followers keep dropping?

Hmmm, very curious question. My first immediate reaction was a question: “what could this person be posting if they are seeing their followers drop?” Without question, social media can sometimes seem fickle when it is really not. This question bodes a suggestion to examine what you are posting …. if you are only sharing your last meal, and you didn’t cook it or it’s half eaten, unappetizing-looking or just plain “gross”. Other considerations may be that others may find that you have constant posts that are self-serving or promotional :: aka “spam”. People tend to gravitate towards sincerity, ingenuity, originality, beauty and inspiration. That is only my opinion. However, I do believe strongly that your following is a reflection of what you are sending out.


Don’t despair. Being fickle can also mean you can reinvent yourself easily. I would advise you to decide what you want to be known for or identified with and setting out to do just that. Or, if you have a specific interest that is not career, family, friends or social oriented, this is a great way of gravitating towards that interest, sharing it, finding sources or resources on that topic and then share it … you can check for #hashtag popularity or observe what seemingly popular people are posting. If that seems to capture your interest, it could be good advice to follow them and observe them from a distance and see if you can pick up any great habits or even share that person’s content as a means to cast your own web to gather people who share the same vibe.

Caution: what may seem funny at 2 o’clock in the morning with your work buddies or friends may be more embarrassing at 2 o’clock the next afternoon. At your desk, avoiding eye contact with colleagues or worse if its a boss. Your online presence becomes your reputation. What doesn’t matter at 20, can be a nightmare at 40. So act your age if you must, but at least apply manners and a mom rule: if you can’t do it in front of your mother, or you risk being scolded by her, then it isn’t going to be appropriate for a wide, global audience. AND just because your mom likes the better parts of you, her opinion may be skewed …. be wary that others will like your stickmen as much as she does.

Be optimistic. There is a lot of great quotes, beautiful images, fantastic photography that are in style any time, any season. Be classy, be polite, be bold.


Create content on social media that sticks



The power of creative visuals

Most of us learn by reading blogs like this or observing a great example by someone else and then adopting the idea.





Google Plus (G+)

In my opinion, Google Plus (G+) displays images the best.  I was fortunate to be one of the initial adopters of G+.  What I like about G+ also is that the stream is not crowded unless you are following bazillions of people.



Guy Kawasaki

Guy is the first person I first initially noticed always had a strong visual to compliment his posts to emphasize his posts on G+ and whom I adopted this idea from his lead.

I've written about it, and walk the walk all the time by including strong visuals.  I do like powerful photo images and keep a folder on my PC desktop to host some of my favorites.




Art
Creates strong visuals also and artists can always use the boost when you credit them for their creation.

When I'm in a certain mood, I will pull them out, look for a quote from a Google search that I feel compliments the image.  Then I have it for posting on Twitter, Facebook or Google Plus mostly.

You can do a Google Search on anything.  I will do the search and then pop into the images tab across the top of the page (not just the answers Google has supplied) to see what goodies I will find.  It's not always foolproof and sometimes I have to hunt a little harder.



Google search result for "Best of Pinterest Images"


PINTEREST
Is like my file cabinet that I want to keep to reference later on.  You can sort things by topic or categorize however you are inspired.  When you pin anything, it is displayed on Pinterest's main page, so it can filter across the screen of unknown Pinners who can like or rePIN it themselves.  It can attract new followers.


FIND ME ON PINTEREST

QUORA
Asked me this question to answer:  "How do you create content on social media that gets noticed?" and this was my answer, unedited, fresh from the source:

  1. Include powerful images. Visual creativity can be another talent that is rewarded by using images in posts.
  2. I like to find images around the web and use them for my blogs. Along the way, when I find an image that appeals to me, I will adopt it, add either my own quote or one that resonates with the message I’m trying to convey.
  • HOW TO ADD TEXT TO IMAGES: I’m not an elaborate user, have had to experiment a fair bit, and apply trial and error to get it right. I use MicroSoft PAINT. Lately, I’ve experimented with adding borders to include my quote so as to avoid ruining the image or if I don’t want to have text running across it.
  • PEOPLE LOVE QUOTES: I can be inspired to create a quote while I’m blogging and extend it to share across social media.
  • IDENTIFY yourself on your creations so that if your quote/image is shared, your name is carried.
  • IMAGE SOURCE: I try to include the photographer or artist to give them credit and recognition as often as possible.
By invitation

What I have found to be cool is that after creating these quotes with art or photos for a while, you may find yourself invited to groups to add or share content.  That is a nice reward for being prepared to do trial and error. This can increase awareness tenfold because the likelihood is that others who share the same interest, are likely to LIKE or SHARE your stuff.  If you customize it, then it should stand out.


Gratitude

Using your manners and going out of your way to thank people, attracts notice.  As with KARMA, you attract what you send out.  Never underestimate the powerful attraction of being polite.


How to use Paint to add text:






I will show you how I create the right atmosphere to 
share a quote.  Here are a few tips when using Paint:

  






You can get a pretty close match to your text 

color by using the dropper 









Just add text:


1) Select TEXT icon























2) Create Text Box

3)  Select color (click on dropper icon {the color you selected before for the border should still be saved} then choose the font, text size, boldness, you want.








and VOILA!




Give it a try
Certainly, there are apps and software out there to help you create your unique masterpiece like CANVA, etc.  However, since I started using PAINT, after trial and error, I've become more adept at using it.  I may not be a graphic designer, but I know what I like when I see it.  PAINT allows me to fiddle around and be creative.











Experiment
Sometimes, I admit, I don't always find what I am looking for, so I just create it.  I use my mouse as my drawing tool, whether to create or enhance an image.   Obviously, I need more practice.




I certainly have fun fooling around on PAINT.

20K and 200K and GROWING




This is where it all started.

On this blog:  optioneerJM.  Now my memory is murky after spending a good four months longer at Linked In.  This was in 2010 of March.  That's one thing I like most of the social media platforms I use:  to have some sort of reference to the date you initially joined.

Back then, sounding so ancient of times, there weren't many analytics out there.  Except for Google, who knew they had uncovered a secret power by gathering the information for each user into data that could be divisible by quadrants or eighths.  I instinctively went with Google.  Thinking, if they are (this was 2010, I know, eons ago) the key central place that people turn to right off, without hesitation people look to Google and use Google as much as they do their email server.  

I think I started this blog in 2011.  Just thinking off the cuff.  I was a dedicated Linked In user.  Just gobbling up information and storing it away.  As a natural communicator, story teller (some say that is long winded, tell that to so many of the others that can process information so quickly and then exude it in a calm, poised, professional manner.  Yes, I'm very fortunate.

So, there I am.  The keener of keeners.  When or if WIKIpedia has the word keener, they must surely have me as an example.  i.e.  Jeannette is such a keener about ..... trying something new, gathering information while sifting out the garbage, when she's onto something she in the gung in gungho (I'm cringing a little because I'm afraid it is some swear word in a different language).



I'm on Linked In with fascination.  WOW, you just see people you know from your career filter across your path or you stumble upon them yourself.  I so DID become an evangelist of Linked In.  Even if I worked longer hours (could be up to 16) I could come home, be challenged, think more curiously, learn new information by logging on there.

Tres coolio when I was able to reconnect with the Exec VP and marketing manager and my main ad agent in Toronto.  To my horror, he told me that he'd been screwed out of (for emphasis) most of the amounts owed him for his ad sales.  I know.  Terrible.  Especially since I hired him.  Again, you have to be trust worthy in order to give off the vibe you are trustworthy.  

Exchanging updates with former colleagues became the order of the day.  Then Recommendations, Endorsements, then reading only premiere influencer blogs back in the day.

While at the same time, you could join groups, around topics you felt comfortable around.  For me, it was digital printing and sales.  There was only one digital printing group 6 years ago, but oodles of sales groups with different names.

As a self-described knowledge junkie, I started to read a lot of the questions in those few groups.  Right, climate change was the third.  See how little has changed?    The part of the questions that was brilliant was you could read others answers.  Some just knew were blowhards, while some were quite quite smart.  I would reach out and connect with those that were talented, many entrepreneurs launching new business ventures, was a natural curiosity to satisfy.

Gregarious by nature, I jumped in to the fray by answering questions based on my own experience.  I would have to say, sales by far with a hang out for Digital Printing who are really smart people.  They were back then what app developers or mobility are to us now, smart phones.  Look up!!  (Someone should invent a headband that prevents you from bowing your head to read your smartphone to look importantly scanning before you run into a mailbox or a street post).

This week, so a week after the Notification, Quora notified me that I was the MOST VIEWED BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WRITER .... can you believe that?  Aint that amazing?  Well, pat yourself on your own back.  If you are here, reading this, you had some part in it in some way.  

If you want to try something as you get older, ref. MEANDERINGSabout.blogspot.ca (see sidebar) you may read up on it first instead of just going and doing it or buying the gear first.  Anyone in their 40s and beyond, will take more time to buy something by reading up about it, looking for reviews.  

Well, I seem to have really enjoyed writing.  The little nudges like hitting over 200,000 page views in 6 years.  That's one of the disadvantages of not owning your own website and history of analytics.  I can see what the most popular posts or trending posts are.  That has been a cool development.  Don't get me started on my annoyance that they goofed up majorly on the sidebar layouts ... that has been down a good month and I've even went to their resources, looked for help, and still notta.  

After folks in LinkedIN SALES group kept asking me:  Do you have a Blog?  I was kinda guffawed, honoured, humbled.  Then got on it.  Not fearful of what lay ahead, not overly confident with technology, but a KEANER to the core.  To this day, two of my most read blogs were created in the first few.   So here we are.

Together from 0 to 20,000
are my Twitter followers.  Thank you.  And props to Twitter for helping cast out a very wide net to filter out garbage and only fall upon refined, intelligent, humour writers, artists, cartoonist, imagineers.  

So, if you really want my advice on how to sell or use social media, it falls upon similar statistics in all sorts of real life examples, except the top 10% are the best with the 90% being the masses.  Typically, the 80/20 rule is a principle used by default:  in my case it is 90% of my followers are just that while the 10% are actively engaged.  We exchange information, and have developed a virtual friendship, lending each other support and assistance.  Strengthening the 90/10 bond.

While the numbers over 200K amaze me, I come up with a few more questions.  How did others get over 20 million page views?  I guess I'm on track for more experiments, more self serving investigation of facts, with written observances that I write on optioneerJM.

Sometimes we can be so data focus that we can lose sight of what is important.  I noticed that there was a lot of traction when I wrote about social media so I detoured and muddied the waters by writing blogs on social media.  

Linked In has other uses.  As a blogger, a specific post can inspire me to comment, and then want to comment some more, resulting in a blog post on the very same topic.  Possibly others use Linked In conversations gained by posts to inspire a dedicated blog.  Every once in a while, you may even find a more popular writer, take the morsel of an idea and expand on it with their own perspective.  It can mean a larger conversation because of that person's notoriety and reach numbers.  Most times, they won't acknowledge where they got the idea to write from.

Integrity
is important to me.  Without those around me to inspire me to write more and who's trust I value.  It's important to me to acknowledge where I got the idea to write, if it is a Linked In post and by whom.  Or expanded upon a comment from an article I read.  That is the right thing to do.  The biggies could claim that they're too busy or not acknowledge where they got the idea on their post from.

Nugget
An idea begins with a nugget of an idea that bursts forth.  Or, one just decides that they have something more to say.  That's fine.  That's a personal decision whether you share some of the glory.  To me, it reinforces the fact that I am surrounded by a great number of talented people who inspire me and encourage me to stretch myself to reach new heights.

Quora
If you like to test your acumen on any number of topics, this is where you may want to consider signing up for.  You can be narrow in scope or wide in interests.  Quora, too, has evolved over the past 6 years to provide more value to its subscribers.  You can post blogs there.  There aren't any rules that it can't be blogged elsewhere.  What is magnificent is that you can carve a niche on a specific topic that interests you.

Engagement
The value of any social media platform is determined by the engagement you encounter.  For example, if someone likes your answers, you may find that they follow you.  That means, any time you post an answer, it can fall into the radar of your followers.

Rewards
Quora rewards your answers by allowing others to UPVOTE your answer.  This symbol of solidarity is now common elsewhere:  think REDDIT.  You could go on and on and comment or answer a multitude of questions.  However, others will shift over to you based on your answers taking it further by following you on Quora, and then reaching out to connect on the other networks.  That's where I term engagement.

Engagement
On social media can mean that what you've written or posted has peaked the interest of someone else, they may be compelled to UPVOTE you, but the charm is when they want to follow you or even better get to know you better by seeing what you are saying elsewhere like Facebook or Twitter.

Expertise
Is an irritant for a lot of people.  So many cloud the word with self-proclaimed 'expert' on any number of topics.  Expert is something others call your or use to describe you.  It isn't something anyone should take on themselves.  

Credibility
can be reinforced when your name crops up on lists.  What you will discover often is that it is a CLUB or circle of people who constantly recognize each other, share each other's content.  That's great.  It can help build your credibility online because others determine what topics they like to hear from you on.  Any assignment of "expertise" is best referenced to i.e. KLOUT gives credence by cleverly using its algorithm to show what topics people tend to click on from your posts.    After a while, they will give recognition to you after a reasonable amount of time.  I miss their invitations to answer questions which you can leverage to show your knowledge.  Instead, they evolved into sharing content.

Invitation to Answer Questions
Thankfully Quota  has enhanced this area.  I was tickled pink when asked a specific question on sales.  What snowballed is that people liked the answers and invited you to answer a specific question.

Evolution
Every social media platform is a service to its members.  There is a lot of competition out there for grabbing audience share.  They've had to stop the razzle dazzle of technological antics and redirect to finding ways to bring value to its subscribers.  In other words, return again and again.

Revenue
The most challenging part about social media platforms is generating cash.  Now they have to be accountable for bringing in money to cover their costs.  As they mushroom in size, it means adding more talented people.  They have to solve the problem of how not only do they entice the most talented, but also how to retain them, avoiding any exodus to a competitor.

Shareholders
are a finicky bunch.  What is popular today may be last week's news tomorrow.  The challenge, in my opinion, to social media sites is creating revenue streams.  By default they resort to inserting adver- tising, that are annoying and distracting to their end users.  Have you ever left using a site because you were irritated enough that these distractions inhibited any momentum you had by stopping everything to show you an ad.

Advertisements
are becoming more and more invasive.  Along with giving others control of your interests by where or how you click, they are now pushing ads in your face midstream.  

Value proposition
To decrease the disruption of advertisements which is usually needed to create cash, social media networks are challenged to increase value to its audience.

Level playing field
Back in the day of magazine advertising sales, I was taught the basics of analytics.  Forcing organizations to provide the burden of proof that they have the audience they say they have.

Treasure for others
The burden of proof to satisfy or really justify why you charge this much for that thing.  Very few organizations arrive on the scene being able to charge high end prices.  What magically seems to appear on the scene, takes years to evolve.

Justification
Back in media, you have to prove how many viewers you have, then be able to provide finite detail based on the time of day, the geographical location, the topic interest.  Then it becomes more complicated.

Audience size
is the basic starting point for any offering online.  The burden of proof to substantiate and back up your claims is more lenient.  However, as more services emerge to solve this dilemma, creating opportunity.   

KLOUT
was the subject of a lot of debate five years ago when it went through adjusting people's numbers, usually be at least 25 points.  Looking back now, it is reasonable to think that it was based on discovering that they had to distinguish the top echelon that was becoming crowded.  Lots of people became disgruntled when their number decline, which is normal in a results driven world.  Likely, they noticed that it was the biggest brands and Lady Gaga crowding the top spots.  Hardly fair, if you were Joe Everybody.  How could you differentiate yourself from others who called themselves an expert in a field?  

Because I said so
was not an answer we ever liked when it came from a parent or authority.  Our logic rebelled at such a blank statement.  The same has become of anyone wanting to claim superiority in anything.  Only Steve Jobs is recognized for getting away with that.  Even Mark Zuckenberg cannot get away with that statement.  

Proof
The burden of proof is bestowed upon anyone claiming any one thing.  The days of believing everything that is posted are gone.  People have become skeptical on the reliability of what they read online.  They want to know why a brand can claim they have the best taste, the biggest network, the answer to a major problem.  Case in point with the US Elections.  Trump has to keep demonstrating that he's not a scoundrel while Clinton has to show why you should trust her.

Cool things
are emerging now as the burden of proof more relevant.  Twitter went public and shareholders bought in to the value of their traffic and audience.

Return on investment
ROI is return on investment.  Social media, readership, viewers all want to feel justify in investing their money or time on a specific item.  

Value
is the name of the game.  In sales, in sophisticated environments, you have to be able to justify that in exchange for this dollar (or dollars), I can expect a reasonable return on the investment.  Twitter is the subject of debate:  was the cost justified by value?  The onus is on brands to provide value added services or knowledge in order for consumers or sophisticated buyers need backup to reinforce their decision.

Innovation
seems to be what drives value.  Google is a favorite example of mine.  They constantly evolve, are never static and stretch themselves to innovate while using the information at their disposal.

Data
the race is on.  We hear about cloud, data, all the time.  The average audience member doesn't understand what the fuss is all about and most don't care.  I've predicted that the race for data is a fierce and competitive one.  Organizations have to prove that they have reliable data and the burden to show that it is authentic has become more important.  People will not waste their time nor their dollars on falsehoods.  Audiences, whether by clicks or purchase, are wiser.  They try to dodge the tricks and pitfalls of falling prey to being a number that represents their opinions.

Brand Ambassadors
surface.  The easy ones are celebrities like Katy Perry endorsing beauty products.  She is paid a fee not only for being in ads, but also for her tweets to promote the product.  Not fair to the average Joe or Josephine.  

Influencer
has become an identity that many claim.  However, like KLOUT, if you're not Katy Perry, you need proof.  There are services and software and APPS that are driven to solve this problem: to distinguish the average person from a celebrity who is paid based on their image or talent?    

Actions
drive proof.  You can implode on the scene when you make a statement or observation that resonates with a large audience.  The actions they take are:


  • They follow you (whether it be on Twitter or Facebook)
  • They subscribe to your blog
  • They add your website to their favorites in acknowledgement that you are a source of information that others trust.
  • They click on what you share.  They like it and the very few are compelled to comment.
Followers
can be a decoy.  You'd think that shear numbers would satisfy proof.  That is not always so.  That is because others have claimed the opportunity to sell followers to boost your numbers and increase your followers.  That can be misleading because someone who has a large following, does not necessarily mean that they are influential.  

Interactions
with people are a strong indication that you've at least gained others' curiosity.  Making false or objectionable comments or tweets can rile people up.  That can certainly increase interaction and create viral conversations, camaraderie with others who agree with your stand.  

Controversy
sells or creates more interaction or instigates more clicks.  Compare Peirs Morgan with Donald Trump and it should demonstrate that although taking a stand on a sensitive topic can increase clicks or comments, it shows that it can also be detrimental to your career and reputation.  The Donald fuels controversy for more views, draws people and media to look to see what crazy thing he is Tweeting.  Discussion unfold on the credibility.  Piers Morgan used his position on CNN to create a platform to increase Twitter followers based on the very controversial "gun control" debate.  Sure, he was able to provide proof and even substantiate his statements with examples.

EGO
can also be destructive.  Using Morgan as an example, he cared too much about how many Twitter followers he had.  That was his measurement stick.

Popularity
in a topic whether controversial or inspirational is the divisible factor.  Morgan started to believe his own hype and influence as his Twitter audience grew.  He misunderstood the power CNN gave him.  

Power
is wielded the same way online as in real life.  Power goes to those that others believe more willingly and then like a lost sheep.  Morgan misread his numbers to signify power.  He soon found out that his stand gave him a wide berth to an audience.  What he failed to recognize was that it was the path to his demise.

Don't believe your own press
is a caution to be applied.  Take each bright light or positive sign to inspire and motivate you to continue to thrive in the spotlight, which is more lasting if it is full of optimism or positive messaging or authority.

Authority
is a fine line between expertise.  Only others can distinguish you by being an authority on something.  Where you are, what you say, is reinforced by the power you wield that inspires people to click or share.

Finish Line
There is no finish line or ending on social media.  You have to continually reinforce your knowledge, justify that reward.

Lists
are great.  I love lists.  I click on links from lists because I am driven by curiosity.  Only things like "Black's Worst Dressed" lists or People's "Most Beautiful People" have been around for years.  Not everyone agrees with the selection, sometimes it creates controversy and rebuff.  Yet by their longevity they are awarded recognition on being an authority.  Others like to create lists that include their fanbase or connections to increase clicks.

Click bait
Is a term I only became familiar with only recently. How wise that someone figured out a way to decry those who are adept at posting or sharing something that generates clicks.  When it fails on authenticity or creates doubt, it fails quickly.  Smart people intuitively recognize click bait when they see it.  

Skeptics
surface everywhere these days on social media.  Intelligent people are not fooled by others easily.  I'm trusting by nature.  Yet I don't believe everything anyone says, I like back up.  I hate seeing lists whereby the listee is a means to attract more viewers, creates an false sense of expertise that they don't possess.

Scratch my back
and I'll scratch your's is a reasonable exchange.  If you help others and support what you believe are worthwhile, you can acknowledge others' accomplishments.  Like real life, if you do it expecting something in return, then social media can be disappointing.

There are no rules
except the rules established today or in the moment.  That is the cool part of social media.  You can see what is going on by looking at what is trending.

Paid versus organic
In the quest to create revenue streams, companies will pay to place themselves on your radar.  Conveniently placed based on your clicks or views.  That's fair.  It is the world you create.  Companies need results fast.

Justification
of how money is spent is important.  Patience is not a thing that someone or some company needs to have when their very survival depends on audience size.

Twitter
is continuously evolving to justify the value they bring those who will pay to be placed on TRENDING topics.  Skeptics or realists can distinguish paid for click from organic clicks.

Organic
is how I've gone.  Learning as I go along, attracting talent to interact with, click on their information because I've decided they are authentic and have a certain amount of expertise.  For example, I was tickled pink when the weatherman from our local CTV television followed me, even exchanging messages on Twitter (he's who taught me the term click bait).  Except, I don't go to David Spense for what is going on in Calgary, my home city.  I will seek him out if I'm looking for the weather forecast, not wanting to wait or be bothered to wait for the news to see what he has to say.

On target
Like I don't go to a weather expert about what is going on with Calgary, I go to look for it from someone I've decided seems to have their finger on the pulse.

Viral versus organic
One is fast, the other slow.  Lots try to play with it.  Trying to create something viral is a goal for a brand or ad agency, using sophisticated means and endless resources.  The average person does not have a bottomless money pit (neither do Brands, they just have a better way to justify the ROI for the use of that investment).  The average person has to grow organically.  

Tricks
abound.  Without the drive to increase an audience or generate sales revenue streams, with the support of shear numbers, cause others to try tricks to attract clicks or increase audience size.  They are usually short sighted and short term.  The intelligence of people is disregarded and can have averse impact when it is uncovered.

Why be on Twitter?
Was a question I was invited to answer on Quora.  As Quora evolves to become more authentic and provide value, they initially allowed members to invite others to answer questions.  

One entity's junk can be another's treasure
Quora scooped up a thing that Klout had a while back:  asking those they recognized as having expertise on a topic to answer questions.  Quora has improved its information to zero in on authenticity and credibility.  Now they do the inviting to ANSWER questions that their members ask, to boost the return to their value added service.  Just because Klout decided to shelf this area, Quora had the ideal environment to use it.

Live streaming
Twitter is on the news today because of the buzz surrounding the streaming of live NFL games.  Skeptics would respond that YouTube has been providing that for forever.  Media outlets have created specialized APPS:  think the Rio Olympic coverage.  They wanted to create and capture viewers interested in watching the Olympics.  

Convenience
is a readiness to provide people with the information they may be looking for before they even realize they will be looking for it.  Those are the clever ones.

Destination
Organizations that can be credited with and recognized as a destination source for information is what distinguishes the greats from the good enoughs.  There are many examples out there of brain childs that fell to the wayside while others scooped up those morsels, adopted it as their own, and expanded and IMPROVED what the forefathers missed.  

Specialization
becomes distinct whether you want to be a central source for information that allows you to provide information for free, credibility reinforced by facts and objective in the presentation of information.

Fact checking
was only something I experienced with magazines.  They employ people to review an article and source the quotes, cross-referenceable by facts.  

Authenticity
is not something you can trust or develop over night.  It grows organically or is fast tracked depending on your resources.  Sometimes it needs BETA testers and other times leverage influencers authority to speed it up.  Authenticity begets the authentic.  Trust and specialization develops.  Think MASHABLE.  They are the evolution of information and news and being a source for what is cool, unique, entertaining, informative.  

Quora asked me to answer
a question a user asked:  why should you be on Twitter?  I'm sure that a lot of people and brands ask this very question.  Quora hasn't recognized me as a voice on social media, but they did ask me anyhow.  Probably buried somewhere was some analytics that test the authenticity of the voice or the person they ask having some sort of authority based on what people click on or whom.  This was my answer:

Q: Why do people get interested in Twitter?
A:  Imagine casting a net and catching followers who mirror your interests or provide knowledge on Twitter. It compliments any personal or corporate branding by providing messaging, quotes, images that allow one to gain audience from others you would not ordinarily attract.

Here are some more questions
I've been asked on Quora.  I have the sense that I am being asked more and more for my opinion of a variety of answers to questions.  Certainly, from my answers, upvotes, clicks  is showing Quora more areas for me to answer that may encourage others to view the questions and answers, encourage asking more questions, increase the value to their members.

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Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallAvid social media evangelist, blogger, 20K Followers on Twitter, 72 KLOUT
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallAvid social media evangelist, blogger, 20K Followers on Twitter, 72 KLOUT
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallI like to promote Canada, support Canadian and am proud to be Canadian
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam

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Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallAvid social media evangelist, blogger, 20K Followers on Twitter, 72 KLOUT
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallAvid social media evangelist, blogger, 20K Followers on Twitter, 72 KLOUT
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallI like to promote Canada, support Canadian and am proud to be Canadian
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam
Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette MarshallGoogle Analytics Certification Exam