As I come out of the Social Media Closet and talk with some of the more well-known folks who are Social and Community Strategists, I often get asked the question, “why haven’t I heard about you before” or “I never knew you were doing that”.

So… I figured it was my time to let you know what I actually do – Social & Community Strategy for major brands in the states and abroad. What does this actually mean, really? So many claim to be experts (I do not) however, in my most recent conversations with some of the top people in the business of Social, it is apparent to me that I am surrounding myself with some great people (and very happy about it).

To give you a glance into what a day looks like for me (not that you really care) I thought it would be helpful to see some of the players I speak with about the business of Social. Lets start with Corvida Raven, a young Social Media Maven, who I reached out to just to connect and see if I could write a blog post for her (5000+) readers at SheGeeks.net. Watch out world, because when Corvida gets her career in high speed, she is going to really make waves. She and I had a conversation about the overall uses of Social for Business and the struggles this fluid medium finds itself for marketers. We also discussed the ways in which we may work together (can’t wait).

The next call was with Bill Boorman, a British Recruiting Consulting Powerhouse, of 27 years who uses Social to get HR and Recruiting on rails. We met through Twitter as Bill and I have been following each other since the early numbers on Twitter. Bill is a well spoken, bright and well liked individual, with a upcoming show in London that one of our own here in Roanoke is attending.

As the morning progressed, it was calls with the Webby Award winning CEO at Maverick Digital, Todd Tilley on a Community for a client on Social Strategy. Talk about a call, this one is short but robust and packed with ideas on engagement, brand monitoring, analytics and crm. Maverick is one of those hidden jewels, mostly known to the spirits world as the thought leader in the space, and the work they create is something to behold.

Next up (and it’s only 10am) is a call with Jason Falls, ranked #8 on AdAge’s Top Blogger List, and a great guy to boot discussing some of the ways that a Community could be built out and possible strategies. If you haven’t seen Jason’s blog (stop what you are doing now and go see it) it’s a must read for opinions and straight answers on issues facing Social.

Ok… time to work on Social Strategies to pay the bills.

The early afternoon brought me to a call that I have been looking forward to all week, Simon Mainwaring, of Mainwaring Creative. I met Simon through Bo Eason, former Houston Oilers Star (and a client) and one smart guy, no scratch that-really smart guy. This guy not only looks like a movie star, he has been one. Law Degree. Former Nike Creative. Is there anything he hasn’t done-Yes, but he is working on that one as well… We discussed Simon’s accomplishments (that took some time), which made me understand that I have so much more to learn. What he can do in a short period of time for any major brand is unbelievable. He shared some of the recent work he did – which was nothing short of genius in Communities and Social Media.

More work to pay the bills-cranking away in between calls.

The previous conversation led me to a need to talk with JD Rucker, one of the top guys. We discussed many ways in which we can get a few gazillion views of a video for a client, for which this one was not an easy one to go viral. We also talked about SEO and some of the ingenious ways we tie together discussions, search and insights to come up with a very powerful way for clients to get more bang for their buck.

Back to work, oops another call (Stop the Billing clock)

Next up was an old friend and colleague, Bob Soljacich, to discuss CRM strategies and Short Code Marketing for a project we plan to work on soon. So many great ideas come from a man who has been responsible for the best Loyalty Marketing Programs in the business (Harrah’s, Saks, Valvoline). It’s never short of great dialogue either, as we both operate so clearly in a both brain role.

Finishing off the day with expectations of another call, this time from my beautiful bride of 15 years – (favorite call of the day)

So, I hope this helps those who have asked or may be wondering or even care, what it is that a guy who has been a Direct Marketer for 19 years turned Social Media guy (4 years ago) does during any given day. Chris Brogan just released a video of a day in the life that I saw on his Facebook Page, which inspired me to write this note.

It’s 11:20pm while I write this note – just another typical day here.

Tell me about some of the special people in Social you have talked to recently…

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Overview:

I felt it necessary to show some love to a Tool that I use on a daily basis, that has asked very little of me, as far as compensation goes. This tool can speed through your push marketing efforts in not time, not to mention the reach you get by using it (and your boss will love you for it too).

Shareaholic for Firefox, is probably the only add-on for Social Push Marketing that you may ever need. This thing is like a Tonka truck for Social Media (sorry ladies-boy reference). Once you setup your sites that you would like the ability to push to, its a snap to get your message out to the masses quickly. Lets take a look at what it is first though and the possible reach you can have using the tool.

How To:

Go to Firefox>Tools>Add-Ons and search in the “Get Add Ons” button to access and download the tool. Then, setup all of your Social Sites that you use, LinkedIn, Bit.ly, Twitter, and so on for easy access right from the icon in your browser. When you are at a website that you want to share, just click the little icon in Firefox to access and push any url to any Social site you wish-it truly is tht simple.

Reach and the Power of Push Marketing:

Now for the reach part… think about this for a moment, you write a blog post (yes I will be using it shortly after I finish this one), and you want to let your audience, friends, followers know of the masterpiece you just completed. With a few clicks from Shareaholic, you can send it to bit.ly to shorten the url for reduced character counts, push that right from bit.ly to Twitter for followers to see (15,240 Followers of mine will see it-let’s keep count here).

Next, you want to send it to some connections on Linkedin to let them know how proud you are of the piece you just finished, again using Shareaholic, its really easy. Here you have a few choices to make on the LinkedIn portion-for me I have 10,000 connections in 1st degree, so it would be impossible for me to sit there and type in 50 at time names for me to send it to, but if you have a smaller network this should be a snap. So I choose to push to my Groups, of which I have 49 (Invited to over 1,200 at one point), and I carefully choose which Groups would find this relevant and useful. By selecting the Group, and putting in a short comment, each group member will see this as a notification on their Home Page, then when they visit the Group under the “News” section again. Take note that many do not use this feature, which gives you a leg up (at least until the others read this). Numbers here for me across my Groups are well over 800,000 members in total across 49 Groups. Se if you sent it to every relevant Group you have that’s at least 800,000 people seeing your message (add that one to 15,240).

NOTE: Make sure you add a “Comment” in the box, which let’s a Discussion be started and goes on front page of Linkedin

I won’t bore you with the other add-ons, search it out and you will see how you can power up your push marketing quickly and efficiently, by having this little baby in your toolbar.

Measurement and Costs to You:

So, within 5 minutes or so of you writing your masterpiece post or article, you can share this with (in my case) almost a million eyeballs-FREE. Are you kidding?

Let me know some of the other ways you have found Firefox Add-ons useful, as well as other “Sharing” tools. I love this stuff. Video below from Steve Anderson, “Renegade Aussie” on how he uses Shareaholic with the ProBlogger site as an example.

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Meet our very special guest, Charlene Li as we TweetUp, August 6, 2009 at 9:30 am Eastern with Charlene Li, co-author of the Groundswell.

WebEx

Charlene Li will be answering some great questions and taking questions from the group.

We will be using #rke #askcharlene as hashtags to follow the conversation.

Here are the questions Charlene Li will answer during the TweetUp.

1. What are the 3 top questions you get from companies looking to add Social as part of their Marketing Strategy?

2. What are you seeing the barriers of companies to embrace Social in companies from a Security perspective?

3. Would you say that these new vehicles have added complexity to our Marketing efforts or does the benefits outweigh the complexity?

4. What trends do you see growth in Social coming from? Application development, Strategies to leverage Social or participation from audiences?

5. How would you recommend a company finding their audience within Social?

This is going to be a big event with many participants, hope you can join.

Courtesy of ChiefIngredient.com

You have to see how Video is done and done right. This is Viral. This is the Future. This is Marketing.

My very good friend, Steve Rankel CEO of Product180.com (awesome – click if you need a “Killer Value Proposition” you won’t be dissapointed) called today to further our strategy on a our next Webinar (details to come) and mentioned this video to me. Thanks Steve.

I am never disappointed at the Word of Mouth affects that our new medium provides us – this folks is how things work. Marketers take note. Social isn’t about the Platforms you use, it’s about knowing 3 things…

1. Know your audience

2. Know where they live

3. Know what to say when you do reach them (See Steve for help here)

Never mind the platforms, never mind your critical mass but do mind the audience and what you say to them in the conversations you have.

So here is the video (oh and to the folks at BooneOakley), I am coming to see you in Charlotte as soon as you call me. Contact Me

So this is the personal side of me. The one many of you (I am connected to over 20,000 people across the world in business) don’t ever see from me, however, I felt so compelled to write this story, more for my close friends on my personal FaceBook Page (no business connections – I have my Fan Page for that) to see how they have affected my life over these many years in some form or fashion and to practice what I preach to so many, which is showing who the real you is.

I hope that my friends on FaceBook, with whom I have recently connected with again, will read, think back, and comment below with some of their fondest memories, good and bad (if there were any) as I have been so fortunate to have had these friends play a role in my life. I realize that I have excluded many who have touched my life, however, I will write a sequel to this post to include others as well – so stay tuned. The stories below are just a few of the people with whom I have a FaceBook connection, as there are many close friends with whom I have yet to find and connect with.

Here goes…(last names withheld to protect the guilty)

The Early Years (In no particular order)

Todd T. I grew up with Todd T. and his brother Troy T. on the same street. I spent quite a bit of time at their house, dinner table and den. Their Father, Papa T. taught me how to play Baseball, pitching and catching with his own style of tricks and tips. Their mother, Mama T. made us Iced Tea all the time and the best rolls you have ever had. So many great memories, riding our bikes all the way down the street, which seemed forever, onto a ramp, no helmets back then often crashing on landing. Scrapes and bruises were tended to by Moma T with love and care. Church was also on the agenda, every Sunday with great meals following. There was Football, Baseball and Basketball year round, with Pinball machines one year. Papa T. watched Boxing on Saturday nights – man I remember his passion about the event as his head magically moved as punches were thrown, like he was in the ring. Todd, Troy, Papa T., and Mama T. – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Jeff D. Don’t know where to start with this one, as there are so many memories. Football in the street (back when you could do this), basketball on the driveway (Jack D. lowered the rim for us when we weren’t quite tall enough to make a basket), Jeff choking on a Now-a-Later and me doing the hymelick maneuver (which got it out-unreal). Journey songs still bring back memories of Cassette Players. He took me on early as a tutor in math, and later became a Teacher – fits you well Jeff. Remember the “Swing” which we setup, over the “Ditch” behind a neighbor’s house where we crafted a rope onto a tree limb, and were able to swing ourselves at neck breaking speeds only to land at the other side of the tree – awesome fun. Jeff – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Bobby B. was a dual friend, meaning he knew my brother and I and hung around both my brother and I. So many wonderful memories, Indian motorcycles, Baseball, Basketball, Football, year round. Remember hamburgers, fries in the oven from Emma Jean (Bobby’s mom), who had so many close friends, too many to even mention as she touched the lives of all the kids at the ball fields, taking part in raising, mentoring and showing us all much love. Big Bobby (Bobby’s Dad) was stern but fair as he watched over us with a keen eye but a helping hand. Many, many meals at the table, pool time at the Moose Lodge and plenty of Hot Dogs at the ball field. I was fortunate to spend time with Bobby recently in my brothers wedding (finally married at 41) and shared old stories that was a catalyst for writing this piece. Bobby – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Jimbo C. Two words that should wreck your memory with bliss – Scirrocco’s and Apples. Playing tag at night with flashlights. Plenty of sleep overs – cant even count how many. We cleaned your car so many times I thought the paint would have come off, but it looked good when we went cruising. So many one on one conversations, over Big Gulp cups full of (blank here) sitting in a corn field with nothing but time. Double dates, jamming tunes and discussions that altered our perceptions forever with our theories of world dominance-someday. Throwing apples at cars and having our hearts beating so fast when we heard the tires screech hoping that we wouldn’t get caught (and our parents beating the crap out of us). James (formerly known as Jimbo) – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Teenage Years (again, in no particular order)

Wesley W. ( and his little sister Larriaune) Van Halen, walking around the neighborhoods, Bowling Alley on Friday and Saturday nights and other fond memories that I cant mention here. Plenty of mischief during the teenage years, but man we had some fun. City Park was a popular hangout, in the car (seemed kinda smoky-but maybe that was just me) laughing our tails off telling stories and watching people pass by in their cars, shined up to impress. My friend, I am glad to see the clouds have cleared and beautiful light has shined down on you as you have been on my mind over the years hoping that your time would come. Wesley – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Mike A. From the day I walked into school, in the 3rd grade (PCS), you and I became close friends and maintained that friendship until I left (PCS) in the 8th grade as the burden of expense was too great for a blue collar family. Dodge ball, Kick ball and a Cherry Tree in the lower school yard, where many conversation started and seemed to go on forever. Fortunate enough that 8th grade for us meant high school status, we joined the Chess Club ( were we really that smart?) and met many of our classmates older siblings. You married a close friend from my next school I attended, (MHS) and became a stand up Police Officer, now retired. Mike – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

High School Years (in no particular order)

Lisa C. Many classes together, arguing and boyfriend stories in my ear – I loved it. I believe we even took a Home Economics class together (Must be partly why I cook most of the meals) listening to my Sony Walkman “Eye of the Tiger” and you telling me it was too loud. Many double dates with friends and many parties attended. Walks between class bells meant catching up on all the gossip. Lisa – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Older Years (in no particular order)

Bobby W. For the first time in 20+ years, through FaceBook and friends, we were able to chat online and remember back to when we were riding around, just cruising, but Bobby seemed to want to get to whatever it was we needed to get to. Through the tunnel we would go – rolling. Many parties and new friends he introduced me to, usually the more popular groups, as he was one of the most popular guys I knew at the time. Plenty of brew and many laughs brought us together. I look forward to chatting, talking and one day meeting my old friend again. Bobby thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Lori J. Friend, Roommate, Candle Lighter in my wedding. Lori is as sweet as they make ‘em. Do anything in the world for you and was the group’s big ear for all of our problems and concerns. A strange roommate from Milwaukee, sand in my carpet, sitting on the roof of the apartment, beer fights, fire trucks, Hilton Head trip in my ’72 Peugeot with the top out and me as the only guy in the middle of 6 girls dancing to NIN at the clubs. Odd stickers on your face nights, couch conversations, very quirky at times given the mix of the group. Days at the beach. I think of you often and on occasion get the chance to talk to you on the phone. I always knew she would make a great Mom, and Wife. Lori, thanks for every minute we shared and for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Lori B. (same group as Lori J.) Italian. So many fun times were had. Remember “Bigger, Better Deals”, which happened when my brother wouldn’t show up for our apartment dance parties. Smart. Funny. Fun. Different side of the tracks Lori and I grew up in but she welcomed me for years into her tight knit group. So many memories that will forever be with me. Lori – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Debora D. (same group as Lori J.) Artist. Eccentric. Humorous. Loves music (which is why we danced all the time). Rarely were there quiet times when we were all together and points of view flew everywhere, sometimes we disagreed on certain subjects but you usually came around to my way of thinking (not). We always saw eye to eye when it came to the group’s overall fun though and rarely did we not have a great time. Debora – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

Kenny F. Standing at 6′-6″ or so, he and I looked like David and Goliath when we were out. .25 cent beer night at Worrells, every Sunday just waiting for the beers to kick in to get up the courage to dance. Duck Inn. Crashing on the apartment floor. We preferred one on one conversations and enjoyed each others company just as we were. Wendy’s late night drive thru. Kenny was with me the night my future wife asked me to dance and stood tall in my wedding. We had some great times. We recently saw each other again at my brothers wedding and it seemed like old times. I don’t believe I ever thanked you for telling me “I can’t believe you turned her down (my now wife) when she asked you to dance” Kenny – thanks for so many great memories – I will never forget.

So…1936 words that only covers a small portion of the impact, influence and love from a group of people I have been fortunate enough to call and be called a friend. This may serve as part 1 of a series depending on where life takes me, but more importantly, I hope that the memories I have shared spark some good feelings within the people I wrote about.

I look forward to reading your comments as many have different versions of the story I may recall, however different, they all make me realize “How FaceBook changed my life”.

As I write, speak and guide others on how Social Media, Social Networking and Social Commerce all play a part of reality in our lives, its still about building relationships. Always will be. This is a 2 way conversation, some from before and some not yet known, but one thing is for sure, conversations are happening and relationships are being built – are you listening?

Just a quick poll via Twitter – I am curious as I have my own opinion.

Poll results are live…select 1-5 Stars under only one, Coffee or Atmosphere or Iced Drinks,  1 being not-so-much and 5 being you love it

Starbucks Coffee: [starrater tpl=10]

Starbucks Atmosphere: [starrater tpl=10]

Starbucks Iced Drinks: [starrater tpl=10]

I will Tweet Results after a few days.

If you hit the “Accept” button on LinkedIn – Stop immediately.

OK…too much drama so far? Sorry, but I have seen a recent trend to quickly hit the “Accept” Invitation button with little or no research after you accepted the invitation. If you were given the chance to talk to a number of the 7,700 1st degree invitations I have accepted, you would understand how I have built a brand on LinkedIn.

I look at every Invitation, given segment rules (see “Hidden Revenue” post – Dean Link) and if there is a match, I then research their Profile, determine who their connections are, their position within the company and how we may benefit by getting in touch with each other by sending a message that is  highly personalized, relevant and timely, requesting a brief conversation via phone to uncover the possibilities we share.

Given human personality traits to respond in kind when asked a like question, most respond positively to the request and the process can begin. One caution, be sure you can “Connect The Dots” and determine a specific fit between you, the invitee and the opportunity for both parties to benefit from the next conversation. Do not attempt to send a “canned” message and expect to build a positive, long-term brand for you or your employer with this type of activity – it will not work.

Tips:

- Review every Invitation

- Look at each Profile that match your Client Trait Profile

- Write a warm, relevant message to the person that invited you

- Remember to follow through

Looking for comments and suggestions

This is not for the weak of  hearts, however, you can cut through maddening amounts of time by using LinkedIn’s Advanced Search tool and some “Code Guy” type techniques.

Let’s look at how this works and then the operators that can help drive very interesting searches in far less time.

Tough? Let’s look at how we can make this simple:

If you would like to do a complex search (for instance, finding vice presidents or directors of divisions) you can combine terms like this: VP OR (director AND division). This will find people who have VP in their profiles, or have director AND division in their profiles.

Example: school:Harvard company:LinkedIn title:(founder OR ceo)

Now let’s look at a more complex search which can dial in on exactly who you may need to find:

Example: school:Oxford company:LinkedIn fname:reid lname:hoffman

As you will see, time and relevance will prove useful in understanding how to search for opportunity with complex operators, even for people with limited knowledge of advanced search techniques. Try it out to reduce your speed-to-revenue while spending quality time cutting down on time spent looking through pages of search results verses a few pages of highly qualitative results.

Looking forward to your comments or questions.