Social Media

News and articles discussing social media and the top social networks today, as they relate to small businesses and organizations.

Google Hangouts Powering the Future of Conferences: #TFT13

Google Hangouts Powering the Future of Conferences: #TFT13

Have you ever been to conference? if not, you're really missing out, and should find one for your industry right away. Conferences provide attendees with access to some of the brightest minds and influencers for that industry, and give you an opportunity to reenergize yourself in ways that you cannot possibly do on your own.

The problem though with many conferences is that speakers are limited to those that have existing connections with the selection committee, and of course the fact that the conferences have to be physically located in a conference center someplace, requiring anyone not within driving distance to make extensive (and expensive) travel arrangements. Read more »

Is Social Media Making Us More Like Psychopaths? [INFOGRAPH]

Is Social Media Making Us More Like Psychopaths? [INFOGRAPH]

When most people think about psychopaths, they envision the likes of Michael Myers from Halloween or Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th films. Starting with Friday the 13th III, Jason started wearing the now iconic hockey goalie mask as he terrorized his victims.

The truth, though, is that psychopaths aren't running around wearing scary masks, announcing their psychosis and deranged behavior. Some might say that they're all around us.

In this... interesting... infograph from whoishostingthis.com, we will explore the darker side of our nature, and how social media may seemingly be reinforcing those psychopathic tendencies, including four key traits.

The New MySpace is Live. Is it Cool?

The New MySpace is Live. Is it Cool?

"I want it to constantly be about who I'm going to be,
what I have to offer the next day and the next day."

Justin Timberlake talking about MySpace

"You don't even know what the thing is yet.
How big it can get, how far it can go."

Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker in The Social Network

In December, 2012, some of us were invited to preview the New MySpace. Justin Timberlake, who had invested in the failing network a year previously, promised a sleek look and a platform where users can not only discover new music, but really connect with artists and each other.

I think it is going to be a success, but I'll let you be the judge. Read more »

Pinterest Brings Pin Searching to Mobile

Pinterest Brings Pin Searching to Mobile

Last week, Pinterest announced that users would be able to search their own pins, a feature that's been requested, oh, since forever. Many Pinterest users have set up boards for themselves for recipes and other things they want to refer back to, but previously, the only way to find that Eggnog recipe I shared with you a while back that you pinned would be to scroll through all of your pins on that board until you found it. Now, Pinterest users can type whatever they want in search, like always, but also add a filter to show only results from your own pins.

Today, that functionality comes to mobile app.

How Your Social Media Obsession Can Become A Career [INFOGRAPH]

How Your Social Media Obsession Can Become A Career [INFOGRAPH]

The folks over at the University of Florida's Online MSM have put together a stunning infograph to help illustrate the growing need for educated social media marketers, and how businesses are able to turn a profit using social media, and therefore pay their new social media marketer!

For instance, the infograph points out that, according to their research, 77% of B2C companies and 43% of B2B companies have acquired customers from Facebook. <tweet this stat> And it mentions that 34% of marketers have generated leads using Twitter.

Can Social Media Help During Disasters?

Can Social Media Help During Disasters?

Over the past 30 years, the United States has endured many natural disasters each year, including earthquakes, wildfires, storms, floods and extreme heat. The impact of these disasters is incredibly high, affecting over 800,000 people each and every year. And during the most severe circumstances, as homes are destroyed and families are separated, traditional lines of communication are typically blocked. Phone lines becomes damaged, electricity delivery is interrupted, and cell phone carriers are overwhelmed. As a result, and more and more people are turning to the Internet, and Social Media specifically, for both news and information during a crisis.

HootSuite versus Buffer for the Heavyweight Championship

HootSuite versus Buffer for the Heavyweight Championship

One question that has come up a lot recently from readers is why I use both HootSuite and Buffer. Isn't one better than the other? I hope you won't be too surprised to learn that there actually are good reasons for using both services, and in fact, I use the paid versions of both! While they may both fall within the category of "Social Media Management Software" I think you'll find that there are stark differences and benefits to each.

Before we get into how I use each service, let's compare and contrast some of the key aspects that may determine for some whether or not the service is useful.

What You Should Know About Reticular Formation in Social Marketing

What You Should Know About Reticular Formation in Social Marketing

I know you're probably saying to yourself, what's reticular formation, and why is it on a social marketing blog? Well, I can understand your confusion. About 6 months ago I stumbled on this word while preparing to research my new e-book, The
"WOW" Factor: Psychological Success in Social Media
.

This is a word that you should definitely be familiar with because it affects the way you do your social marketing!

Going Quiet on Social Media in the wake of tragedy

Going Quiet on Social Media in the wake of tragedy

This is a post I have been holding off on writing for a while. You see, back in April, my daughter's great grandmother passed away. Tai Ma, as she called her in Cantonese, was 85 and had been in failing health for years. My wife and I thought we were blessed when Grandma was able to attend our wedding in 2010. And then a year later, when our daughter Cadence was born, words could not describe the joy that my little girl brought this lady who had worked so hard all her life. First as a farmer in China, and then later as she raised her five children and helped with all eleven of her grandchildren (and great grandchildren!).

7 Ways You Can Effectively Lose Social Media Followers

7 Ways You Can Effectively Lose Social Media Followers

Establishing a social media presence is important for almost any brand nowadays. A recent infographic by MBA Online encourages CEOs to use social media because of some compelling statistics. For instance, data shows that 8 in 10 social media users in the U.S. would rather connect with companies on social media sites rather than on their company websites. The infographic also shows that social media campaigns are more effective in generating quality leads.

Knowing how important social media is would naturally motivate you to keep your audience engaged. However, there are some mistakes you can commit that can make you lose followers on social media. If you want to keep your social media followers, steer clear of these practices:

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