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…and thus starts my point.

by admin on July 12, 2011 in iPadofLove, LOLs, Relationships, Social Media, The Internet with No comments

Last night, I was working late on a client’s social media campaign. Yes, I am single, but have never gotten all that serious about dating… and most of my experiences with dating sites has been… well… kind of shit. It started as a tongue-in-cheek comment about giving away an iPad to try and hustle up dates… and… *voila*. An idea.

Why not apply the same simple guerilla marketing principles to myself as a “product”, and see if I can prove that you can bypass traditional means of marketing/communication with a small time investment and a good idea. And thus far, it is proving right. Because all I invested, so far, is an hour on a blog post. Yes, it will cost me 2 iPads in the future (if this succeeds)… but… I see it as a small price to pay to a) make my point and b) maybe even meet someone.

Traditional means were failing. I don’t go out to clubs and pubs. Networking events are, by and large, filled with the same dull faces. I was attracting the wrong “customers”… I was investing my valuable time with strategies that weren’t converting. In business, you would look for creative alternatives. So why not do it for me too? I also needed to rebuild my blog audience, so it seemed to be a win-win experiment.

At the time of writing, I have had 500 Pageviews on that single post since posting it at lunchtime. I have had it retweeted by key influencers not only in Perth, but over East as well, and have had a massive spike in traffic.

And I don’t even have as many followers as I did 4 months ago… I deleted my 2000-follower account and started again from scratch. And yet… here we are.

One idea. One hour. One blog post. And I already have media attention, because I know who to approach.

Get people talking about it. The rest takes care of itself. Put simply:

  1. It’s not about how many followers you have.
  2. Creativity rules. Take risks.
  3. Have a thick skin.
  4. Don’t conform.
  5. HAVE FUN WITH IT.

I have under 400 followers on Twitter these days. I used to have a more popular account, but I decided to start again a few months ago. But, I know who to approach. I know who’s retweets will generate traffic. I know how to get media interest. These things are just good old-fashioned networking and marketing skills.

It also doesn’t really matter if you are ‘popular’ or not. In fact, being hated will often work wonders for a marketing campaign… because people are still talking about it. Yeah, I have my fair share of critics, and have (deliberately) made some enemies along the way… but there will always be those who are threatened by these strategies, because they are trying to profit from bad advice. They don’t take risks, they just do the safe stuff. And… good for them, I guess… and all I will say is… aw bless.

But in reality, all it takes is one person, one hour, and the right idea and it will work. Don’t listen to those that are selling you tickets to the middle of the road… because middle of the road means ordinary. And ordinary, in an era where we are saturated with messaging, white noise.

Will this work? Who knows. I would like to think it will! But the point is not so much that I need a man (I really don’t lol), but more the point that it is the fun ideas that make my job worth doing. I hope to keep you up to date with the progress and results… stats don’t lie. And if I get that “conversion”, well, looks like I have to go buy 2 iPads, doesn’t it. :)

 

Introduce me to my soulmate, win an iPad.

by admin on July 12, 2011 in Featured, iPadofLove, LOLs, Relationships, Social Media, The Internet with No comments

6 months ago, I ventured into online dating. Signed up for RSVP & the cesspool of sleaze, Oasis Active. Met some cool people that have ended up as friends (always the way), but for the most part am finding the whole thing ineffective.

A few months ago, a friend of mine had the idea to market himself via Facebook ads, which intrigued me… but a tongue-in-cheek comment on Twitter last night has led to me having a stellar idea.

I work with social media. I market online. Why use a dating site? Why not do something that drives real leads to me, that I control? And also pimp my own services as well? Seems win-win.

And, thus… my “find me a soulmate” competition was born.

Simple premise.

Tweet or share this article on Facebook.

The person who introduces me to “the one”, will get an iPad, or $500 cash (Added: $AUD).

The people who retweet/share on Facebook will go into the draw to win an iPad.

Clarification: Yes. If you introduce yourself and ask me out and I marry you… you get an iPad.

About Me


Age: 32.
Location: Perth, Western Australia.
Relationship status: Separated, divorce final in a month.
Height: 5’7″
Appearance: chubby but ok looking. “Hot” to some but I don’t believe it.
Education: lots, ongoing and crazy smart.
Geekiness: I can fix your computer, love my iPhone but not much of a gamer.
Music: My life. I play guitar & love recording.
Books: Love reading, but don’t get much time. Love Ben Elton and Nick Hornby. And Twilight can suck my arse.
Exercise: As much as possible, but not as much as I should!
Health: Lupus (managed).
Interests: Music, Neuroscience/Medicine (studying Biomed), design, funky things, pretty things, people watching.
Children: I have 3 children on weekends.
Politics: Left wing cynic, generally jaded.
Alcohol: I like a glass of wine or 2. No alcoholics please.
Smoking: sometimes, but rarely.
MBTI: INFP.
Astrology: Aries, Pisces rising. Venus in Pisces. I am a goat/sheep in Chinese Astrology.
Religion: “Culturally Roman Catholic”, but not religious. Philosophical.
Love Language: 6 – Words of Affirmation; 7 – Quality Time; 7 – Receiving Gifts; 3 – Acts of Service; 7 – Physical Touch;
Family: Estranged from most, including parents. Mother’s extended family still in my life. Love my sister.
What I am attracted to: over 5’10″. Not a bogan. Educated but not pretentious. Funny & relaxed, but ambitious. Professionals desirable. I like Meditteraneans and “exotic” men. err…?

Some background blog posts:

The Woo of Tealou

I Don’t Even Like Cosmopolitans

Added 17/7

It has been noted by a commenter on Gizmodo that I should also acknowledge the Android. Sure, why not. As to whether I’d date an Android fan, well…

In defence of Facebook lists (is Google+ really that great?)

by admin on July 11, 2011 in Social Media, the googletubes, The Internet with No comments

I wouldn’t be me without being a little contrary, would I?

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of being one of the select few (million) people who were invited (read: had a friend who used the invite workaround) to Google’s new-fangled social media network, Google+.

I had a play. And have continued to play with it for the last few weeks. And, despite being initially impressed, joining the chorus of “DEATH TO FACEBOOK! AND TWITTER!”, I dunno. I am now a little bit “meh”.

Sure, the circles interface is pretty. And the Hangout feature is really, really impressive. And, the integration with my Google and Youtube accounts… handy. But, I am still using Facebook. And am no longer in that anti-Facebook chorus… and you know why?

Facebook has evolved. And, besides some UI improvements and the really excellent Hangout feature, Google+ does little that Facebook doesn’t already do. Most people just aren’t aware of it.

Now, I am not merely dissing Google+ for the fun of it. After all, I am an avid user of social media and am thrilled to see the innovations and “game changers” go at it… because ultimately it is better for all users to have them competing.

But… you know…

Meh.

As I say to all of my clients, social media is not about gadgets, or technology, or tools. It is about reaching people on their terms, and applying traditional communication & marketing techniques in a new space. They are just tools. And getting your average person to switch their whole communication over to a new platform… well… that’s tricky.

I hear you say “ohhhh but what about MySpace, huh? Facebook killed that when people were saying it wouldn’t!”

There’s a reason for that. MySpace sucked balls. Facebook added something new: minimalism and hyper-connectivity like never seen before. And Facebook evolved over time into what it is today. They removed graffiti walls (oh how I miss drawing penises on my friends walls), refined the UI gradually, added applications, and now has a unified inbox that I actually love, and use every day.

Facebook has had some pretty severe problems with regards to default user settings and privacy, but… I don’t think anyone can underestimate that Google has a fight on its hands if it is going to get the 750 million (!) or so people to move over.

On “Circles” (and why it is not all that innovative really)

One feature that got everyone in a tizzy was “Circles”. The ability to add people to circles and follow people, filter feeds etc based on groups. Well, you may not be aware, but Facebook already does this. Facebook lists are very powerful, and I have been using them for some time. You can opt to share status updates with networks, friends of friends, and “Everyone”. You can filter your chat to only appear online to certain groups.

Let me show you.

Facebook has the ability to create lists, so you can control who sees what, who has access to you on chat, who can message you, add you, stalk you, see photos… in fact, the granular Facebook settings are tremendously powerful.

See? Go into your Friends list and you can create a list. You can put people into said lists, and then control the features. For example, I set it so that clients cannot contact me after hours on Facebook chat. Similarly, so that family cannot contact me during work hours. And… other settings depending on what sort of chat mood I am in.

I also have a default setting that allows any underaged or… more… wowsery people on my friend lists, not see my statuses by default. Which is good for the ol’ drunk Facebooking! But also has powerful utility. You may notice that I have lists that are for different “voices”. Professional me, Candid me, Anything goes me, a list for those that truly “get” what I am about (for the weirder bits!), family… it’s all there and easy to control.

Like I have said a hundred times… switching tools will not necessarily “fix” your problems if you aren’t using the tools correctly. Whether Google+ gains ground beyond the geek crowd remains to be seen, but we shouldn’t overestimate the innovation that has occurred either.

Facebook already supplies these sorts of features. These are just tools. And there are already mumblings about concerns about Google+ privacy… whether you do have true control over your content (for example having your statuses shared), and a plethora of other teething problems that Facebook are slowly ironing out over time.

I will continue to use both, but whether Google+ is truly innovative, or just another Google attempt at showing geeks shiny things, remains to be seen.

 

MBTI and Twitter

by admin on July 26, 2010 in The Internet with No comments

I have a theory that introverts use Twitter, particularly those that use Twitter as personal reflection or “overshare”. A conversation started last night with my followers, and with our small sample size I am already seeing a fascinating trend.

I am also seeing similarities with the way two unrelated people with a similar MBTI will communicate on social media.

So if you could be so kind as to take a few minutes to answer, I am interested to see the results and will publish them when I think I have enough of a meaningful sample size.

You either need to know your Myers-Briggs Personality type (e.g ESTJ or INFP) or you can take a quick test here.

[SURVEYS 1]

Social Media Experts: let me sell you some snake oil on top of that, eh?

by admin on July 20, 2010 in The Internet with No comments

I want to talk about something that has been bothering me for a while, and that is so-called “Social Media Experts”.

It’s getting worse, people.

Legitimate web businesses, and real internet consultants, are up against one of the biggest scams there is: self-proclaimed “Social Media Experts” who blind people with technobabble in order to sell what is basically a free service combined with common sense. It started with Black Hat SEO (till Google penalised them), continues with the re-badging of Open Source software, and extends into the opportunistic field of self-proclaimed “Social Media Expertise”.

There is a sub-class of salesman, who were too immoral for Used Car sales, who attended the Internet Summit Spamway Conference and think they can offer consultancy services for the low low price of $97. It’s a crock.

I am writing this because I have had enough of good people being conned. I am hearing more and more of companies shelling out thousands of dollars to these “experts”, or going to their free “social media seminars” (which is code for “let me sell you internet timeshare”), and getting poor advice that is nowhere near strategic and absolutely does not justify the money spent.

I get it. You’re busy. You don’t have time for social media. I understand that there are a lot of people who really have a hard time grasping technology, and mean well, and you think that it is something you can pay someone to do. It’s not that simple. And anyone who says it is trying to steal from you.

Social Media is SOCIAL. You would not crash a party with quotes from Gandhi, interspersed with vapid self promotion – would you? I would hope not. Would you send an actor to play you at a gathering? I would hope not. Would you turn your back and walk away if someone came up to you and asked you a question? Well, that’s just rude. And would you just say nothing, and hand out a printout of your latest Press Release? That’s rude, right? And yet this is the shit that these people are telling you to do.

I am going to let you in on a secret: you are being taken advantage of.

Noone follows these people. Noone respects these people. And these people most certainly don’t have a community around them.

You know who does?

REAL PEOPLE. People who turn up to the party, have a drink, have a chat and just make friends. THAT IS SOCIAL MEDIA.

1. Everyone is a social media expert.

Every single person is already an expert in social media if you can talk to people and make friends. The online reflects the offline, and if you just be yourself, you will succeed on the internet. Sure, you may not have the 30,000 followers that the salesmen have guaranteed (read: bought) you. You might only have 1000. But 1000 quality followers is better than 50,000 crap ones. And if you are authentic, and be yourself, you’ll get 1000 quality followers in no time.

Every single person already has the tools to use social media. Twitter, Facebook, Google, Blogger, WordPress, HTML, Javascript, they’re all just words for the technologies you use to communicate the way you always have. It’s no mystery and it’s unethical to pretend it is.

2. It’s not rocket surgery.

If you are paying a consultant to advise you on social media, if they are only giving you advice on tools, then run in the opposite direction. Because if they are focused on tools, they don’t get it. 95% of the good advice on social media doesn’t actually involve which tool to use, or how to do it. If your consultant is not spending 95% of their time talking about concepts rather than tools, they are a lemon.

To really get social media takes a paradigm shift. A good consultant will help you to understand what is happening and how to adapt to it. If they are using a lot of jargon about the tools, your expert is crap. Because frankly, if you cannot figure out how to type what’s happening in 140 characters or less, you don’t need an adviser, you need a miracle of neuroscience.

It’s obvious.

3. If you are paying someone to set up your Facebook and Twitter, you don’t belong there.

As I have said, Social Media is social. I cannot emphasise this enough. If you are not prepared to be yourself, or to let your employees be themselves, then seriously, do us all a favour and get off. You annoy us. We aren’t interested in your Press Release, or your PR messaging, or your carefully crafted spin. Keep it on your website with your RSS & Email subscription forms readily visible. We know how to find you.

On social media networks, we want to engage with three dimensional people.

Every single social media success has a personality. And furthermore, they allow their employees to be themselves. If you are selling me your crap without talking to me first, don’t even bother. Because I buy from my friends.

If I have one wish, it is that people will become more savvy and learn to spot people that are trying to dupe them. They are easy to spot. They use Twitter poorly themselves. They will post Retweets, quotes, articles, but not engage or reply much. They may appear to have 10,000+ followers, but the quality of their followers is poor (and generally their fellow conmen). They focus on the tools rather than the philosophical concepts. They will tell others how to tweet more “professionally” or with an inauthentic, robotic voice. And they will ask for money in exchange for setting up a Twitter account… possibly for a figure with a 7 at the end of it (don’t you know, it’s Spamway psychology!).

If you’re going to jump into social media, do it with an open mind and an open heart. The rest will take care of itself.

In defence of knob gags.

by admin on July 18, 2010 in LOLs, The Internet with No comments

This morning, I woke up to a fun meme on Twitter. The #changelovetoknobsongs hashtag. For those that are unfamiliar with how these things take off, it generally means everyone gets on board, tries to have some fun with it, and after a little while, we all move on and everything goes back to normal. 95% of the posts are crap, but there is a portion that will have you laughing so hard, it is worth it.

When Julia Gillard ousted Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister, #spill was born. #ausvotes2010 has emerged as the hashtag for the Australian Federal Election. It helps people to connect, live, during an event on Twitter. The commentary is a mixed bag. Most of it is crap. But, there are a few gems in amongst it that really highlight the value of Twitter. Not only as commentary, but as a source of comedy. @kevinruddexpm seized that moment during the spill, providing us with lowbrow, but instantaneous humour during the leadership change.

And you know what? I love every minute of it.

Why am I comparing #changelovetoknobsongs to #spill? Well, why not? Both of those were sourced from the very same group of people. Both had roughly the same ratio of comedy to crap. And you know what? Yeah, it’s dick jokes. But that’s not even the point.

There were a few people who got on their high horses about the lameness of the meme. (@jasonjordan @lonefemaletog I am sorry if you think I am singling you guys out here  - much luvs)… but the commentary revolved around it being an “embarrassment” for Twitter. That it is not something you would want to showcase as an example of the power of Twitter. That the jokes were lazy or that “professionals” (still confused about what that even means) would not appreciate the joke.

But the point of Twitter is that it is not the quality of the content, or volume, or even the sophistication of the jokes that matter. It’s that everyone can find an audience, and for a brief moment we can all suspend our grown-upness and be idiots and run with it in the hope of making others laugh. It comes from the ground up. Or, the gutter up, in many cases. But that is precisely why Twitter is so powerful.

Twitter is powerful because people don’t need to censor themselves. Smart people, “professional” people, academics, Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants, IT people, political people, retail assistants, 10, 12, 31, 45, 62… can all play on a level playing field and just be dumb and puerile for a little while. Because we are all 3-dimensional. I am a mother of 3 kids, own a business and have a high IQ. I also (surprisingly) know big words, have table manners and wear clothes from David Jones. I am going to be a Doctor and you know what? I find farts funny. And the day I stop finding farts funny is the day I become everything I hate.

I feel qualified to speak on this because I attract business because of who I am and how I say it on Twitter. I speak in an authentic voice and I make no apologies for doing so. I am friends with the most amazing group of diverse people, many of them “professionals”, and they love me for me. That’s how it should be. Airs and graces and pretence is an outmoded and dying concept. I am thankful to Twitter for allowing me to have my real voice out there.

Formality and hierarchy are slowly being eroded, and of course those who either don’t get that, or those who hold power because of it, will resist it. But ultimately, lowbrow or not, these are the things that are changing society for the better. Where a woman can swear and people *respect* what she’s doing. Where a Doctor or a Lawyer can be a *person* rather than a robot. Where a knob joke or a vagina joke has equal airtime to political commentary. It is eclectic, it is not always high quality, but there are gems if you are open to it. And that is why I will always defend it.

I don’t think I have laughed so much as after joining Twitter. It truly is crowdsourced comedy. And yes, like all crowdsourcing you’ll get amateur crap you have to sort through, but every so often, there is this glimmer of genius, or turn of phrase that makes you realise that it’s truly revolutionary. Not many get it or see it the way I do, I understand that, but you know, seriously, lighten the fuck up.

Poo. Bum and Wee. Burp. Fart.

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