Reaching Gen Y

Here’s a thoughtful, engaging conversation about how to reach Gen Y – what they value, how they relate to the messenger AND the message. Takes about 20 minutes, and the interview begins around the 3:20 mark. The stats alone make it worth your while, although there’s much more here.

Thanks For Twitter Habit Info!

Thanks to all the folks using Twitter who responded here – and at my Facebook account- sharing your Twitter habits. Seems that the folks who follow me Tweet multiple times a day, way more than the “once-in-a-lifetime-average-tweet” cited in the post I cited.

And, as already noted in the twitterverse, congrats to contest winners @jmsierra and @wmarkwhitlock! You’ll enjoy your @jeffcaylor “Okay” album and thumbdrive!

Media Messaging: 10 Ways To Think Outside The Box

Do you think much about ways you can push your message outside of the usual distribution channels?  For instance, if you are in the radio business, have you given consideration to ways to utilize print, web and even television to gain listenership? If you are all about publishing, have you thought about ways to harness other channels, including free downloads, in order to increase readership?

Far too often, we get into ruts, boxes, whatever you want to call ‘em. We think in singular terms about what we do and how we measure effectiveness. These days, that kind of thinking will probably lead to unemployment! That’s why I liked the summary in this article about ways to distribute your content and extend your brand.

Maybe you have something you’d add to this list? Regardless, good prompting to consider “out of the box” thinking for those who have a message!

Does Facebook Help Or Hurt?

I’ll admit to being somewhat fascinated by the social media craze. I am not afraid to jump into the water and try new things out, and I’ve become rather conversant about blogging, Facebook, texting and Twitter. I think I’m pretty balanced when it comes to these technological tools, not addicted to them, nor ignorant of their power.

In all things moderation? I try. And yet the line is fine, and at times I wonder if these new ways to communicate are helping – or hurting – relationships. I especially think about this when I see my teens wanting to spend hours online…fortunately, they want to have “face time” with their friends even more.

Here’s one perspective about social media and relationships. It is worth reading, in which the writer suggests that Facebook, among other things, is ruining friendships. And here’s a more positive view, that social media creates community, something for both parents and business people to consider. Finally, a quick read for those who are overwhelmed by all this quick communication.

Facebook At Work?

According to a recent study, reported in MediaPost, use of Facebook by workers is causing a measurable loss of productivity. For instance,

• Those who access Facebook at work do so for an average of 15 minutes each day
• 87% of those who access Facebook at work couldn’t define a clear business reason for using it

So, how about you? Here’s what I’d like to know:

1. Do you access Facebook, Twitter or other social media at work?
2. If so, do you visit these sites for work-related reasons?
3. What’s the average amount of time you are on social sites per day while at work?

Leave a comment — I’ll be in contact with one respondent, randomly chosen, to receive a free book.

Messaging: Using Twitter Well

Couple of things jumped out at me today regarding Twitter (and this relates to other social media tools, like Facebook). These are timely reminders that we’ve got to think through and use well our interactions in every setting, including the 140-character limitations of Twitter.

Here’s an article about a Best Buy exec – and how he could have better handled a Twitter exchange with a customer. Oops. Negative branding – without even trying. Now folks around the world are seeing this dialogue. Wouldn’t it have been better to address the complaint directly, instead of justifying and explaining?

This piece suggests that with social media, specifically Twitter, you are “always on.” A reminder on using the platform responsibly, keeping the brand always in mind. What to do if you accidentally post something that casts a negative light on your brand? Good tips here.

Remember, you are always communicating. And as political advisor and language expert Frank Luntz suggests, it isn’t what you say, it is what people HEAR that constitutes your messaging.

Someone is always happy to share your thoughts and words with others. An innocuous comment can get pinged around the social networks with blazing speed, and your brand will get praised – or dissed – by thousands.

So, what are you telling people about your company and brand?

Twitter Fuels Iran’s Opposition

It seems  Twitter – and other social media – are being used very effectively by those who are opposing the current regime in Iran.  Calls for an election recount, stories of militia brutality, and pleas for help from the West are being disseminated far and wide – despite governmental crackdowns on the flow of information from that beleaguered country.

Here’s a Los Angeles Times piece, and another by new media guru Hugh Hewitt. A story on CNET about the ways Iranians are getting around potential restrictions on their use of Twitter. Read an article about the way Twitter is having to beef up its service to accommodate the flood of information from within Iran. And here’s one of several Iran-related Twitter collections.

And to think that a year ago most people, including myself, were unfamiliar with Twitter. Wonder where it’ll go next?

Music Sharing, Downloading and Money

John C. Dvorak has some insights about the RIAA and the continued downward spiral of CD sales. Read it here.

Using Social Media Well

How to measure the effectiveness of social media? In a word, customers who “spray.” So says Gary Vaynerchuk of Wine Library TV. He’s a bit passionate about the matter.

Parents on Facebook

Here’s a site every parent with a teen or college student should check out. The Facebook phenomena is something you can and should be knowledgable about, these tips are a good starting point.

BTW, I’m on Facebook to keep up with a couple of my own children. I’ve enjoyed meeting some of their friends, and seeing some of the photos and updates they post!