Taylor Made Solutions, Inc.
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Menu Menu

Tag Archive for: Facebook

GOODBYE, FACEBOOK. HELLO, FACEBOOK.

July 3, 2014/0 Comments/in Human Interest, Marketing, Social Media/by Peter Hicks

What do you picture when you think of Facebook? The first thing that comes to mind? Birthday greetings, vacation photos, or proud parents celebrating their kids? Grumpy cats or goofy dogs or motivational posters brimming with typos? I am sure most of us have logged on to Facebook at times, scanned our newsfeed and thought, “What the heck am I doing?”Heatherannemaclean.wordpress.com, taylormade solutions canada, marketing, social media

I’m still not sure what tipped me over the edge. One too many memes, maybe. But that day, at that moment, I thought I would try it: I would leave FB. There was just too much clutter and not enough substance. So I disabled my account. What happened next surprised me.

First, I will admit that it was a knee jerk reaction and hardly thought out, but it made sense at the time. I also don’t mind saying it was a failed experiment. Much like giving up potato chips or coffee, it’s next to impossible. And yes, I’m back on the bandwagon. But over the first couple of days of being “off,” I was receiving texts and emails from people asking if I was okay. As if being “off Facebook” meant I was somehow suffering or experiencing some form of personal distress.

I assured them all that I was fine. No need for an intervention. These were my closest friends, after all, and we had ways to communicate besides status updates. Business as usual. But it wasn’t long before I noticed a difference. 

Like many of my generation, I don’t subscribe to or read the local paper; I get all my news online on lunch breaks or in between household duties. But how much of the Huffington Post or CBC is about my hometown? About my province? Precious little. So suddenly the lunch room, water cooler, or get togethers became me repeatedly saying, “Oh, really? I hadn’t heard that.” About concerts, shows, restaurants, local current events. I felt like the last to know on almost every subject, especially from what is happening in the city. Sure, there are plenty of places to find said information if you really wanted to look, but it was becoming obvious that I hadn’t just disconnected from the “What would your Pirate name be?” posts; I’d unplugged from my community.

And that’s what Facebook has become in a lot of ways. For better or worse, however you want to view it, whatever your opinion is, social media is a town square. A means of connection and communication. Sometimes across a country or over continents. A way to be informed about the people you care about, and topics you care about. We can bemoan over sharing or narcissism, but really, who hasn’t run into a friend on the street and said, “Hey, I saw your pictures. Looks like you had a great trip.” Or “I can’t believe how big your kids are.” In reflection, it’s a foot in the door for a conversation, a dialogue that starts at seeing your friends’ joys or perhaps seeing their hardship, their grief. In a lot of ways, people are more connected than if we wait for chance encounters at the city market.

Lastly, I am also in a band, Sleepy Driver. And you can laugh at how ill-conceived or ill-timed my leap from Facebook was—we were just about to release a new album—I underestimated what it meant to be off Facebook, not using it to promote, market, or interact with fans and friends. Much like I didn’t hear of fellow musicians’ shows, people were less aware of our upcoming release. FB is local paper; it’s a form of advertising; it’s a major means of connection with our audience, local and otherwise. It’s hard to ignore its power.  

So, I’m back on. And happy for it. To learn, to see, to share, to connect. No, it doesn’t replace face-to-face, voice-to-voice “real” relationships, but it sure plays a part. I guess at the heart of it, like with any social media: know what you want it for. Tailor it to that. It takes some time to set filters, to sieve out the games and memes (unless that’s what you want—no judgment ;), but FB has the tools to do so. And ultimately I found that Facebook gives more than it takes.

I’m glad to be back.

About:  Peter Hicks is a project manager, father, and musician from Fredericton, NB. www.facebook.com/sleepydriver 

https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png 0 0 Peter Hicks https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png Peter Hicks2014-07-03 10:37:282014-07-03 10:37:28GOODBYE, FACEBOOK. HELLO, FACEBOOK.

4 Easy Marketing Tips for Nonprofits

June 23, 2014/0 Comments/in Marketing/by Heather-Anne MacLean

If you have ever worked for or with nonprofits, you know that resources are tight! They have some of the best people working for them and they wear many hats. With that in mind, marketing is often something that is a nice to have, but not always at the forefront of activities. Resources, while talented may not also have the necessary training or knowledge in marketing. No need to worry however, here are 4easy marketing tips for nonprofits:

4 easy marketing tips for nonprofits, taylormadecanada.com, heatherannemaclean.wordpress.com

Image courtesy of eventespresso.com

1.  Consistency in Branding

This might seem an obvious one for marketers.  For people staffing a nonprofit this might not be top of mind.

Why it is important:

Having a consistent message, imagery and overall brand is important to position your nonprofit in the minds of not only employees, but also sponsors, donors, and members. If you don’t have a consistent message or brand offering you will confuse your stakeholders. Have you ever gone looking for a website or social media site for a particular organization and wonder when you get there if you somehow selected the wrong one? If you have experienced this and you were on the right page, this is an example of brand confusion. You believe the brand is one thing, but their marketing channels don’t portray that same thought.

2.  Know Your Audience

While the big brands might have lots of different tools at their disposal, nonprofits should really focus on a few tools and doing them well.

Why is it important:

Knowing your audience will guide you in determining which tools to leverage. For example, Facebook is still a good tool for nonprofits. Unlike for profit business, Facebook can still reach vast audiences. However, if your stakeholders aren’t using Facebook, using this tool is wasted effort. Asking your stakeholders what they use for communications tool and/or what influences them is a very simple and effective way to understand exactly what where to focus your efforts.

3. Focus on Quality Versus Quantity

Your organization has taken the plunge and want to do a blog for example. You have read that frequency is important for your blog to be successful. While that is true, you also need to be realistic. What can you realistically achieve with your blog. Is it 5 posts a week or 15? Producing 15 great blog posts is doable, but even brands with many resources don’t tend to put out that much content. If you can successfully produce 5 great blog posts in one week that help your achieve your overall objectives, then that is what counts.

Why it is important:

Too many organizations look at blogs and content as a box that they need to check off.  If you really dissect what you want a blog to accomplish, it is about results.  Things like increased brand recognition, more members and more donations.  These are the things that are important.  So, remember to develop your content and content calendar with the end-results in mind. Pushing out content that is not quality will have the opposite effect.

4.  Partner

One of the areas that I see most underused is the prospect of partnering. Looking for and finding partners, either other nonprofits or for profits, can be a great way to position your organization as forward thinking and resourceful.

Why it is important:

Often times, particularly in recessionary times, getting funds or monies from people and other organizations can be difficult. By partnering you might get funding that you would not otherwise have gotten. You might have to split it, but again remember it is monies that you might not have gotten.  Also through partnering you might be able to support each other and provide services to each other that can reduce your costs.  The sky is really the limit.
These are just four easy tips. What would you add?

If you like this post, feel free to follow me in Twitter @MacLeanHeather and sign-up for our newsletter. [contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Website’ type=’url’/][contact-field label=’Sign me up!’ type=’radio’ required=’1′ options=’Yes’/][/contact-form]

 (Note:  our newsletter is monthly and in accordance with the Canadian Anti-spam law, you can easily unsubscribe at any time)

 

 

https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png 0 0 Heather-Anne MacLean https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png Heather-Anne MacLean2014-06-23 13:29:452014-06-23 13:29:454 Easy Marketing Tips for Nonprofits

6 Tips to Protect Your Personal Data, Including Your Digital Exhaust

May 6, 2014/0 Comments/in Human Interest, Marketing, Social Media/by Heather-Anne MacLean

How much thought do you give to your personal information that you share on line?  With identity theft on the rise along with scammers of all sorts looking for ways to find our personal data weaknesses, we should be thinking about this a lot more than we do. We need to always be thinking about our personal data, including our digital exhaust.

6 Tips to Protect Your Personal Data, Including Your Digital Exhaust, heatherannemaclean.wordpress.com

Image courtesy of drbonnie360.com

There are many types of personal information that we leave behind, and it would seem that we do so willingly.  Sometimes we give up a significant amount of information just to get something for free.  Sometimes we put the information out there willingly not realizing what we are doing.  For example, I once had a coworker who not only put his birthday on LinkedIn, but he put his wedding anniversary and his home mailing address.  This is a lot of personal information given up completely voluntarily and is known as Digital Exhaust.  Digital exhaust is the information that we willing give out and leave behind when on line and downloading information, doing online purchases, playing games, adding details to our online profiles, etc.

At best, these little tidbits about our personal life tell people we know more about us.  Worse case scenario,  we have left behind so much information that we have basically given a full profile of who we are, where we live, what we do and what we like to do.  This is digital exhaust and many of us don’t even know that it exists.  In fact, there are many less than ethical people out there who will work to aggregate our digital exhaust and use it against us.  So, let’s get to the list:

1. Is Free Really Free?

Think about the offers that excite and intrigue you. Often times they offer something in return for you signing up for “something”.  But, like my mother always says, there’s no such thing as a free lunch.  By filling out a form and/or downloading information, you are often asked for some personal details. In and of itself, this is not a bad thing.  Most reputable companies do this and they respect your data.  But, if you are asked for more than your title, telephone #, email, company name and information like this, think twice.  Ask yourself why they would need your birthdate for example?

2. You Want My Credit Card Why?

Ever get offered a free trial for something only to have them ask for your credit card info?  This is a personal preference, but anyone that  offers me something as a trial at no cost is NOT getting my credit card information.  If I choose to continue using the product/service, then and only then will I give that information.  Technology today is a wonderful thing and if they offer something for free for a month, they can easily cut me off at that point if I don’t pay.

3.  Birthdays, Anniversaries and Marital Status

Sure it is nice to get a Happy Birthday from someone, but why do you need to put this on your LinkedIn profile?  How many places is that “really” relevant.  At least on Facebook you can hide it.  For profiles like LinkedIn, and I love LinkedIn so don’t get me wrong, but you are already  willingly giving your workplace, the names of your schools, publications you have been in and much more.  Why in the world would you also give this additional information and make it public.

4.  Accepting Connection Requests

Certainly people want to build out their LinkedIn connections, but there is something to be said about quantity over quality.  Again, this is a case where you need to devise your own strategy to determine who you will connect with and who you won’t.  I recently wrote about LinkedIn becoming the next tool for spammers. I noticed that I was receiving a significant amount of connection requests from people that had no reason to connect with me.  With one google search, I realized my instincts were correct.  These requests were coming from people who were not being forthright with who they are.  I didn’t accept.  I have since learned that their accounts have been disabled. Good job LinkedIn!

5.  Public Profiles and Privacy Settings

Most social networks offer some level of privacy.  Always check and know your settings.  For example, to limit the exposure of my detailed information being used, my Public Profile for LinkedIn does not tell the entire story.  I chose what details would be public.  It is a great feature!

6.  Apps

You know the saying:  “there’s an app for that” and there probably is.  I would caution people on Facebook for example when playing games and using various apps.  While not all are like this, there are apps that require you to give up access to all your personal information, your connections, email and contact information, etc.  While you might choose to give up “your” personal information, your friends will appreciate you more if you don’t introduce them to risks!

These are just a few ways to help keep you safe while online.  In this case you are in the drivers’ seat and you can ultimately decide what you do and don’t release.  Anything that you would add to this list that I haven’t?

Want to learn even more?  Sign up for our newsletter at TaylorMade Solutions (insert “newsletter” into inquiry box)

 

https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png 0 0 Heather-Anne MacLean https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png Heather-Anne MacLean2014-05-06 11:46:412014-05-06 11:46:416 Tips to Protect Your Personal Data, Including Your Digital Exhaust

25 Stats, Numbers & Tidbits for Digital Marketers

May 1, 2014/0 Comments/in Marketing/by Heather-Anne MacLean

Marketers and researchers love numbers, data and insights.  So here are a 25 numbers, stats and tidbits of interest for Digital Marketers.

25 Stats, Numbers & Tidbits for Digital Marketers

Image courtesy of www.tagxedo.com

Facebook: (source)

  • More than a Billion Users
  • 55% of daily users are using mobile
  • 59% of ad revenue is from ads on mobile devices
  • 65% of interaction with content is still done on desktops

Email

  • There are more than 3.9 billion email addresses worldwide.  That number is expected to grow to 4.9 within three years (source)
  • According to one survey 84% of people shop online regularly and  27% are willing or very willing to receive promotional email (source)
  • 77% of the online shoppers who’ve signed up to receive promotional emails reported that they are more likely to purchase items online or in store if emails feature products based on their shopping habits and preferences (same source as previous line)

Youtube (source)

  • If you want to drive engagement, Youtube is your channel.  Research has shown that Youtube drives the most engaging traffic with most time spent on site, the most pages/visit (2.99) and the lowest bounce rate at 43.19%

Selfies (source)

  • Think you are cool doing selfies?  Think again.  Just under 50% of Americans under the age of 34 think selfies are uncool and 77% of people over 35 think that posting selfies is uncool.

Social Media and the Fortune 500 (source )

  • The good news is that the use of social media by Fortune 500 companies grew to 88% this year.
  • LinkedIn remains platform of choice.
  • Facebook saw a resurgence increasing back to 84% use.
  • Twitter use grew by 7% and is seen to have the most potential for sales growth.
  • Sadly monitoring a brand’s name, products and brand however has lost traction – with such incidents as US Air inappropriate tweet, it will be interesting to see if this will change throughout the year.
  • 75% of executives said they used original or reposted content for their social media channels.
  • According to the report, 59% of companies monitor its brands, products or company name in the social media space, down from 70% in 2010.  A lack of monitoring, suggests the report, could have consequences for companies given the potential for viral communications social media presents.

TV (source)

  • At the end of 2013, 77% of Americans own at least one HDTV and 46% have multiple HDTV.

M-Commerce (source)

  • sales are expected to hit Sales To Hit $57.8 Billion In 2014.

Mobile (source)

  • Did you know that 65% people say free information remains the most important attribute when selecting an information source to search for a local business.
  • Free content was followed by being able to trust a source at 59%.
  • Getting timely information came in third at 58%.
  • And relevant content came in fourth at 54%.
  • And strangely enough providing the correct amount of information came in next at 44%.
  • The ability to get more detailed information was the sixth most important at 41%.
  • And finally offering advertising free came in last at 41%.

Want to learn even more?  Sign up for our newsletter at TaylorMade Solutions (insert “newsletter” into inquiry box)

https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png 0 0 Heather-Anne MacLean https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png Heather-Anne MacLean2014-05-01 08:50:012014-05-01 08:50:0125 Stats, Numbers & Tidbits for Digital Marketers

Google+ Going…Going…Gone?

April 28, 2014/0 Comments/in Social Media/by Heather-Anne MacLean

Late last week many Marketers were reminded that their profession is certainly not a science.  There is no one set of procedures or formula for us to follow. After all, we are dealing with human emotions and influencing behaviour.  While we know this, and with practice we become more skilled in our art over time, things still happen to that make us go “hmmm”.  With the announcement that Vic Gundotra, the father of Google+ was leaving the company, the chatter started on whether Google+ is going…going…gone?Google+..going..going..gone?

With all of the changes that Facebook has been making to its algorithm as of late, many Marketers were starting to re-evaluate how they could make better use of Google+. After all, the organic reach that for-profit organizations had enjoyed for years has been continually disappearing on Facebook.  In fact, Facebook wants us to advertise in order to reach our audience.  Even if fans, prospects or customers have “Liked” your page, there is no longer a guarantee that any of these people will actually see your special offers, updates, etc. without advertising.

So, based on all of this, Marketers were starting to look at Google+ through a whole new lens.  Depending on which study you follow or buy into, Google+ has a very respectable user base.  For example eBiz lists Google+ with having 120,000,000 unique monthly visitors.  That is nothing to scoff at. And, the numbers were actually growing.

Now, however we are left thinking and rethinking what to tell our clients and how to progress. It is uncertain whether or not Google+ will survive without Vic.  We will have to wait, watch and evaluate.  The story is not yet over.  I am sure that I will be writing about this very issue again.  Please stay tuned.

Want to learn even more?  Sign up for our newsletter at TaylorMade Solutions (insert “newsletter” into inquiry box)

https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png 0 0 Heather-Anne MacLean https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png Heather-Anne MacLean2014-04-28 10:50:072014-04-28 10:50:07Google+ Going…Going…Gone?

3 Quick & Easy Tips to Freshen Your Social Media Profiles for Spring

March 24, 2014/0 Comments/in Influence, Marketing, Social Media/by Heather-Anne MacLean

Think Spring cleaning is just for your home?  Think again.  Our social media profiles, whether personal or for our brands can also use a freshening.  Here are 3 tips to freshen up your social media profiles:

Updating Your Social Media Profiles - Image of TaylorMade Solutions

Updating Your Social Media Profiles – Image of TaylorMade Solutions

1.  Update Your Avatars (Profile Pics)

This should be the most obvious on the list.  When was the last time that you updated your social media profiles pics?  If you still are using the “egg” for your profile pic on Twitter, it is time to crack that habit and lay the groundwork for a professional pic that enables people to recognize you.

The same goes for outdated pics across all channels.  If you are using a picture for LinkedIn from your first day on the job and that was five years ago, it’s time to update!  If people can’t recognize you by your avatar, then your impacting your personal brand.

For corporate brands, has your logo changed?  Are you using an image that is now outdated?  Shake it up and update asap!

2.  Update Your Bio

Like your photo, a lot can change over a year or a few years.  It’s time to wipe the cobwebs off of your outdated profile.  Hobbies changed?  New job?  New blog?  Remember to add the appropriate keywords for what you now do.

The same goes for corporate “About” pages, etc.  While your core business may not have changed, business terms and keywords do change.  Make sure that  you are putting your best foot forward by freshening up your corporate information and reflecting current business strategies and tactics.

3.  Create or Eliminate

Equally important for personal and corporate brands, if you are not listening and engaging with your audience in the right channels, then find out what channels you need to be a part of and carefully determine if it makes sense for you to be in that space as well. If you find that your audience (customers, prospects and competitors) are all in that space and you are not, then you are likely loosing out.

The same goes for channels that no longer work for your audience.  If you have found that you are spending  time and money in a channel that is getting zero engagement due to the fact that your audience is longer present, it’s time to re-evaluate.  If it is no longer working, exercise judgement and eliminate this time waster.  Focus on channels that net results:  leads, conversions and sales.

Looking for some additional tips for setting up your profiles in order to meet best practices?  Check out these resource for LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+ and Facebook.

Want to learn more?  Sign up for our newsletter at TaylorMade Solutions (insert “newsletter” into inquiry box)

https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png 0 0 Heather-Anne MacLean https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png Heather-Anne MacLean2014-03-24 08:58:482014-03-24 08:58:483 Quick & Easy Tips to Freshen Your Social Media Profiles for Spring

3 Tips to Fix Your #Failed Mobile Marketing

December 22, 2013/0 Comments/in Communications, Customer Service, Influence, Management, Marketing/by Heather-Anne MacLean

According to a 2013 Pew Internet study, 56% of Americans own a smart phone and 35% own a tablet.  Research from Canalys earlier this year predicted that tablet sales would increase by 59% this year.  In fact in Q3 of 2013, over a quarter of a billion units shipped worldwide.  So getting your mobile strategy right has never been more important for sales.  The C-suite no longer accepts applying outdated tactics that net poor results. (Please Click to Tweet)  So, here are 3 easy tips to fix your mobile marketing and sales now:

Image courtesy of businesstocommunity.com

Image courtesy of businesstocommunity.com

 1.  Understand that Most Mobile Device Use is Not Really Mobile

That’s right, the biggest mistake that marketers are making is NOT understanding how people are using their devices.  A joint study released by AOL and BBDO revealed that 68% consumer mobile phone use occurred at home.  Yes, they are using their devices at home!

Marketers need to have a two-pronged approach to reach the ‘at home market’ and the ‘on-the-go market.’  They have different needs.   There is an added level of complexity when understanding the use of tablets versus smart phones.  Marketers who succeed in mobile will be those who establish different strategies and tactics for each.

2.  Mobile Phone Use Does Not Equal Tablet Use

According to Pew, the demographics for those using tablets most include:

  • Those living in households earning at least $75,000 per year (56%), compared with lower income brackets
  • Adults ages 35-44 (49%), compared with younger and older adults
  • College graduates (49%), compared with adults with lower levels of education

In order to effectively reach tablet and smart phone users requires different approaches, particularly when it comes to advertising.  It is not a one size fits all approach.

3.  Advertising on Mobile?  Know Thy Device!

If you are still using the old “push” model of broadcasting messages in your  advertising, you are likely failing.

Marketers need to focus on micro-targeted “pull” campaigns that effectively result in the customer accepting messages. In addition to pull, Marketers need to forget banner ads.  While somewhat annoying to computer users, they are even less welcome on mobile.  They just aren’t scalable to mobile and therefore completely ineffective.

Finally it is important to know that those succeeding in the mobile market and netting sales have built relationships with customers.  Through these relationships, they have learned customer  preferences, including real-time location information.  They offer deals that result in real sales.  Starbucks for example leveraged mobile by offering a $5 credit to those who joined My Starbucks Rewards program.  This resulted in more than 500,000 downloads of the mobile app in its two-week trial period.

Take-Away Lessons:  

  1. Don’t push information.  Pull Information through offering something up to your customer or prospect.  What are the chances that someone who redeemed that $5 spent more than the credit allotted to him or her?  Probably pretty good.
  2. Understand how customers are using different devices and use appropriate tactics.
  3. Don’t annoy prospects and customers with annoying banner ads on mobile.  Be creative and delight your customers with real offerings to PULL them into your store or location.

If people thought that social media changed everything, mobile is like living inside a snow globe that someone continually shakes.  What changes are you making to your mobile strategy to accommodate for this different world?

https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png 0 0 Heather-Anne MacLean https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png Heather-Anne MacLean2013-12-22 10:49:022013-12-22 10:49:023 Tips to Fix Your #Failed Mobile Marketing

You Are Rude, Don’t Blame Your Job

December 16, 2013/2 Comments/in Communications, Human Interest, Human Resources, Influence, Management/by Heather-Anne MacLean

In this always-on fast-paced world we are all super connected to our technology.  We want to be on top of the latest email, tweet or Facbook post.  We want to appear cool and suave by responding quickly with some witty retort.  We want to feel important. But have you ever wondered how you really appear to others?  Have you ever thought that you might come off as selfish and self-important?  You should!  Are you innately rude?  You just might be.

Before going any further I have a confession to make: I “was” one of those people who had her phone physically connected to her body.  I even slept with the darn thing.  Every buzz or vibration was checked quicker than a cowboy could pull his six-shooter from his holster.  I prided myself in how quickly I got back to people regardless of the day of the week or the time of day.  When meeting with people I sometimes was only half there.  I was focused on that darn phone. I didn’t stop “being on” even when dinning with family or being invited to dinner parties.  Christmas get togethers also didn’t get my full attention.  I was “always” on.

Image

Image compliments of www.zazzle.com

Then one day it struck me that I was being really rude.  I mean really rude.  I wasn’t raised that way and I like to think that normally my manners are pretty good.  It is actually important to me.  So, how do I justify this behaviour?  Well, I take full responsibility and admit to liking the feeling of “feeling important.”  Really though, I wasn’t important.  Instead, I taught people that it was o.k. to infringe on my personal time and that I was at their beck and call 24/7.  I taught people that it was acceptable to take advantage of me.  This wasn’t fair to my family, my friends or even to me.

I wish my epiphany had resulted in my own self-awareness, but I can’t claim that.  Two things happened in one day that hit me like a hammer.  Two separate meetings taught me important lessons.

The first meeting was with a Vice-President that I reported to at the time.  When meeting with him you couldn’t help but feel like the center of attention.  After all, he stopped what he was doing.  He physically got up from his desk and sat at the meeting table with you in his office.  I am sure that he did this intentionally.  First and foremost he was moving away from any distractions on his desk.  Secondly he was moving away from the telephone on his desk.  His attention was 100% focused on you, the person he was meeting with, not anything else.  Even when his mobile rang, he ignored it.  The first time it happened I said it was ok for him to answer.  His response:  “No, it is not.  I am meeting with you.  You scheduled this time to meet with me and I agreed.  This is your time.  If there is a crisis or an emergency, someone will come to get me.”  I always left his meetings feeling respected and full of purpose.  Sure, we didn’t always agree on everything, but nonetheless I felt respected.

The second meeting was with another member of the executive team.  In this case we were meeting about an important strategic issue that needed a timely solution.  During the meeting the executive member answered no less than four calls, made three unrelated calls, accepted non emergency interruptions from colleagues and checked Facebook – which he said he “had to do.” Rather than feel respected I was frustrated when I left the meeting.  We had accomplished nothing.  He asked me to come back a couple of hours later.  I had to reschedule my afternoon to accommodate.  When I returned the next time, it was pretty much the same scenario.  Another hour passed and we accomplished nothing again.  I was asked to return later yet again.  It was the same thing.  In the end it took six hours of meetings to accomplish what could have been accomplished in 45 minutes.  It was not only a colossal waste of time, but it was indicative of how that individual thought of people.  It became very clear, very quickly that this was his M.O.  He did this to everyone.  

Screen Shot 2013-12-16 at 3.20.56 PM

Image compliments of business-technology.co.uk

So this was my epiphany.  I experienced what it is like to be treated respectfully.  I experienced what is like to be treated without respect.  One person valued both me and my time.  One person did not.

The real question however is whether or not you are respecting your colleagues, family and friends?  What about yourself?

https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png 0 0 Heather-Anne MacLean https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png Heather-Anne MacLean2013-12-16 15:36:442013-12-16 15:36:44You Are Rude, Don’t Blame Your Job

5 Ways Small Business Can Leverage Social Media for Real-time Market Research

November 5, 2013/1 Comment/in Influence, Management, Marketing/by Heather-Anne MacLean

As a small business owner and a professional Marketing and Communications Practitioner, I know the value of market research.  When I worked for large organizations, we often hired agencies to provide specialized research services. However, we smaller business owners just don’t have the luxury of the big budgets that the larger organizations enjoy.   We also don’t have a lot of spare time.  So, I wanted to share 5 really easy ways that small business can leverage social media for real-time market research:

Image

1.  Maximize your membership in existing groups like Facebook, Linkedin and blogs to gain valuable insight into what topics are hot. By being an active listener you can find emerging themes.  You can learn quickly what, if any, conversations taking place about your brand.

For example, if you own a restaurant you can learn about trends that are happening in food preferences.  If your customers and/or target market are discussing local organic foods as being important, you could start promoting the local fare that you have on your menu.  Alternatively, there might be an event – perhaps a beer festival – that you would want to promote and create a menu pairing for the various types of beer being featured at the festival.

2.  Use Twitter Lists to organize key stakeholders, customers and Influencers.  Using lists saves time when you want to focus on specific information and/or people.

For example, if there is a specific vertical that you want to penetrate, make a list and add the people you see Tweeting on the topic. You can then easily learn who is in that space.

3. Conduct Facebook surveys to reach out to your followers and ask them specific questions — keep the same questions so that you have consistent data. One of the benefits of doing this type of research versus a focus group is that neither the facilitator nor any other members of the focus group will unintentionally influence the participants. You can have your survey be anonymous or with a customer name attached to it.

For example, if you are uncertain about carrying a new product, you can ask your community.  You can develop a simple questionnaire that you can send to all your followers/subscribers or those who have “Liked” your Brand Page.  By reaching out to your customers you are demonstrating that their opinion matters.  You are getting a first-hand account of what they think about the product.

For more information on how to set up your survey, visit Facebook’s survey page.

4. Use Pinterest to determine what photos are being pinned from your website.  This can be an invaluable tool. Learn what is popular and by default, what is not.  Learn what is resonating with your customers through your visuals.

It is quite easy to do: simply go to your browser and type:  http://pinterest.com/source/YOURWEBSITEHERE.com/.

5. Use Twitter Hashtags to search and track relevant conversations.  You can use hashtags to monitor conversations about competitors, different product lines, events and more.  You can use existing hashtags or set up your own.  They are simple to use.

For example, if you are hosting a user-group and you want to know what the buzz is both leading up to and during the event, you could create a hashtag specific to your event.  Once you do this, be sure to share it with your organizers, sponsors, delegates, etc.  It could be as simple as #CustomerSpeak2014.  By simply searching your event hashtag, you can monitor all the chatter.  If you notice a problem emerging, you can be proactive and take action.  You can then share the solution using the hashtag, letting your delegates know that you were listening.  You can also use the hashtag to monitor post-event conversations and use that intelligence for lessons-learned.

These are just five examples of how you can use social media for real-time market research.  What are some other channels that you use and what have been your results?

https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png 0 0 Heather-Anne MacLean https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png Heather-Anne MacLean2013-11-05 15:07:542013-11-05 15:07:545 Ways Small Business Can Leverage Social Media for Real-time Market Research

5 Reasons “Share If You Agree” Posts Drive Me Crazy

October 16, 2013/0 Comments/in Communications, Influence, Management, Marketing, Social Media/by Heather-Anne MacLean

You know these Facebook posts.  The ones that profess love for your family, or that your son or daughter is the most wonderful in the land, or you will be friends for eternity and if you agree you should share (or Like)!  Just this morning I have 15 in my Facebook feed.  Seriously 15!  And, on top of that they were one right after the other.

Share if you agree

So why do they drive me crazy?  Here’s 5 reasons why:

5.  Can you say SCAM?

First and foremost I have to say that sharing a post, or liking a post, is not going to make you rich, have your luck change over night, or make someone fall in love with you.  Of course I am referring to the posts that claim if you share (or Like) it, something miraculous will happen within a set period of time.

4.  Exploitation

People who set these up such posts are often praying on someone’s insecurities or fears.  Think about the posts that show sick children or accidents.  Think about the ones that say “share if you hate [insert disease], ignore if you don’t.  Really?  By ignoring said post I like a disease?

3.  Pollution

Yes, I am calling if Facebook pollution.  It is polluting my Facebook newsfeed and taking away from the things that I want to see.  Real updates from people that I care about.

2.  Social Proof or Herd Instinct

A formal and proven psychological phenomenon, as discussed in depth by Dr. Robert Cialdini, demonstrates that people are influenced by their friends and also the number of people (the herd)  who are involved in an act.  So, if you see that 100,000+ people, some of which are your friends, have shared a Facebook post you feel that you must do it as well.  You want to be a part of the herd.

1.  You Are Making Someone Else Money and You Don’t Realize It!

This is the number one reason for me.  People are playing on all the reasons stated above to make money off of people who don’t realize it.

When someone creates these posts they have a very deliberate motive:  to make money. I am not talking about the companies who create Facebook Contests in order to get you to share or like their page in exchange for the opportunity to win something.  This is legitimate and the business is being up front with you.

Stupid Share

I am talking about the people who want to do this without being up front.  What they are doing is working with Facebook’s algorithm .  By getting more likes, shares and comments it is improving someone’s ranking in the algorithm (some used to call this the EdgeRank) and therefore this means that the better the ranking the more it will show up in other people’s newsfeed.  So, what does this have to do with the price of tea in China?  Everything.  Once the original page hits a certain threshold, the owner can sell the page to another party.  Because it is so popular, it has a better price tag.  The new owner can then update some information and have a ready made community to spam, I mean share information with.  Yup, that is what it is all about.  Dollars.

So, if you agree with this post “Like” and “Share”.  If you don’t, just ignore.

https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png 0 0 Heather-Anne MacLean https://www.taylormadecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/logo-no-dots-720x177.png Heather-Anne MacLean2013-10-16 09:37:222013-10-16 09:37:225 Reasons “Share If You Agree” Posts Drive Me Crazy

Recent Posts

  • Facebook and Facial Recognition? A Bad Combination!
  • Six Things to Do When Your Bank Has Been Hacked
  • Hundreds of Thousands of Good Paying Jobs! Are you in?
  • Book Review: The President is Missing
  • Data Privacy, Breaches and the Impact on Your Bottom Line

Recent Comments

  • Six Tips for Consumers to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Cybercrime - CyberNB on Six Tips for Consumers to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Cybercrime
  • Intel’s Security Flaw Puts Spotlight on Security by Design - CyberNB on Intel’s Security Flaw Puts Spotlight on Security by Design
  • Heather-Anne MacLean on Why I Will Never Wish You Happy Birthday Again on Social Media
  • Pat Helmers on Why I Will Never Wish You Happy Birthday Again on Social Media
  • How to Spot a Bad Social Media Practitioner | Heather-Anne MacLean on 3 Social Media Mistakes You are Making & How to Fix Them Immediately

Archives

  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • August 2018
  • June 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • November 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • July 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • January 2016
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • January 2015
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • August 2012
  • May 2012
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010

Categories

  • Book Review
  • Communications
  • Content Marketing
  • Customer Service
  • Cyber Security
  • Cybercrime
  • Cybersecurity
  • Human Interest
  • Human Resources
  • Influence
  • James Paterson
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Privacy
  • Sales
  • Small business
  • Social Media
  • Stakhanova
  • Trust
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org
© Taylor Made Solutions, Inc.
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
Scroll to top