Blog

24 May

Posted at 23:12h in Uncategorized by
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I felt I had to write this today in lieu of all of the hoopla surrounding Facebook’s IPO, the not so cool exclusion of information, blah blah blah.  I was speaking with an acquaintance this morning and he said he told his family they should buy Facebook stock right now while the shares were low (not low enough for me by the way), so that they could reminisce years from now saying “Ahh, remember when Facebook was great?” In spite of all that’s going on, Facebook is still the best social media platform to communicate with customers (and friends).  I think everyone needs a reminder of why Facebook is still such a powerful tool (as part of an overall marketing strategy).  People forget that Facebook + Engagement doesn’t always equal SALE.  Do companies create Super Fans that purchase from them? They absolutely do.  But for the majority of companies, Facebook is an extension of their overall strategy (as it should be).  Facebook is a necessarily evil (and I use that term lightly).  When a business has a website that speaks to who they are, they usually have business cards that present a similar message.  

11 May

Posted at 23:05h in Uncategorized by
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I know one of the rules about blogging, especially if you’re a business, is to keep the information you blog about consistent.  Well, I’m breaking the rules for once (okay, maybe I've broken them a few times).  I hope you continue to be a loyal follower to The Social Calling in spite of this.   It just seemed appropriate to write a Mother’s Day Blog and give a shout out to all of the women who juggle so much in their lives and make it look so effortless. I was thinking about some of the women I’ve come across in the last few weeks whom I really admire.  I think there is an unspoken expectation in society that regardless of whether a woman is working, she is still expected to be a domestic goddess.  What’s surprising is that most of us accomplish this feat and do it with grace.  I’m not necessarily including myself in this mix (at least not the “grace” part).

27 Apr

Posted at 03:19h in Uncategorized by
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Hi Everyone.  This Tutorial covers the very basics of how to set up a Facebook Ad.  I think Facebook advertising can be very powerful because Facebook has been able to capture  specific data on each person when they set up their personal profiles.  This is free demographic data for businesses who really want to focus in on a specific audience.  To be able to choose the age range of the people to whom your targeting, the specific language they speak, where they live and what their precise interests are, is a gift. I really believe Facebook advertising should be part of any social media marketing plan.  Even if you have an existing client base, Facebook is a great way to increase your brand awareness.  And just because you advertise in Facebook doesn’t mean you’re directing people to your Facebook page.  You can absolutely set up your ads so that when people click on them, they go to a specific landing page on your website as well.  It just depends on what your goal is. 

15 Apr

Posted at 22:15h in Uncategorized by
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Hi Everyone.  I have finally done Facebook Tutorial #2 and I apologize for the delay.  The next several tutorials will be produced faster, I promise.

 In this Tutorial I cover the importance of the “About” section in Facebook.  With the new timeline changes, people are overlooking this area and it’s a valuable piece of information for your visitors to see.  This is where you not only describe your products and/or services but also provide your website url.  So many people are not including that in their “About” section and it’s a missed opportunity for visitors to take a look at your website.  You want information about your business front and center for everyone to see.  Visitors shouldn’t have to click on your “About” section to get this information.  If it takes them one more step, there’s a greater chance that they’ll leave your Facebook Page.  That being said, when you’re editing your “About” section, think about what is the most important information you want the public to see.  Maybe your website isn’t the hub of your business and you would rather include a description, phone number and address.  You have very limited space so think about what you want there.  Take a look at my Facebook page as an example.

22 Mar

Posted at 14:15h in Uncategorized by
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I attended a FABULOUS Networking luncheon yesterday sponsored by Our Common Thread , where I am a proud member.  We were not only inspired by our guest speaker, Arleen Scavone, the owner of Sweet Arleen's (yes, the Cupcake Wars winner) but also by the amazing group of women who attended this event. As I was schmoozing with everyone and explaining that I’m a Facebook Consultant, I realized that I kept using the term “engagement” and people were giving me blank stares.   It’s my fault for forgetting that it’s a commonly used term for ultimate wedded bliss (or a really smokin engagement ring),  but alas it really has two meanings. When I say “engage” I mean getting people involved, starting a conversation, having a 2-way dialogue. So let’s talk a bit about “Engagement” on Facebook.  I really think there’s this mystery surrounding Facebook, specifically for Business Pages.  I get asked the following all the time: 1) How do I get people to “like” my Page and 2) How do you know what to post?  Here are a few tips to hopefully shed some light.

07 Mar

Posted at 05:45h in Uncategorized by
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Jay Baer, owner of Convince and Convert, just wrote an article titled “14 Ways New Facebook Betrays Small Business.”  While I cannot argue with Jay’s points, what I’d like to do is provide viable solutions for small businesses so they can embrace these changes and ultimately see how Facebook Marketing can be even more effective than before. To prevent this blog from being as long as War and Peace, I’m going to address the 14 changes incrementally.  So stay tuned for more. Cover Image – Challenge (Jay’s comment) “Sure it’s visceral to have a 850-pixel signature image dominate your Facebook page. But for small businesses that lack existing photography and/or personnel with the creativity and time to get something created for the Facebook Cover, it’s a burden not an advance.”

22 Feb

Posted at 19:43h in Uncategorized by
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I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m writing a blog about Sweet Cow Ice Cream.  Now, first of all, no one should ever question someone writing about ice cream….ever.  But I found out about Sweet Cow Ice Cream because my wonderful, brilliant sister who lives in Colorado frequents Sweet Cow at least once a week.  What makes this establishment so different is not only are their ingredients made fresh daily but their menu board is so darn creative that I wanted to give a shout out to this solepreneur. "Each day at sweet cow, we expand on the normal parameters of milk, cream, and sugar to make our ice cream recipe book one of the finest. We serve top shelf ice cream using natural flavorings and fresh, premium ingredients. It's some yummy stuff." And from what I hear, “yummy” is an understatement.  Drew Honness is the owner of Sweet Cow and his menu board ranges in flavors from Lucky Charms to “The Big Lebowski”  And if you’re wondering what flavor that is, just remember what Jeff Bridges' character “The Dude” drank every second of the day.  If you can’t figure it out, call me, and I’ll tell you.  That flavor alone has motivated me to book my trip to Colorado (to visit my sister of course) and visit this great establishment.