Strategic Social Networking - Archive

Be Wary Of Social Media ‘Expert’ Advice

February 23rd, 2010 | Posted by Jessica Bratcher in networking | News | Twitter - (0 Comments)

Using Twitter to promote your business or reach out to potential clients? Then tread carefully, says Glenn Latham of GISuser.com. In a recent article, “Social Media Tip – 5 Things that Social Media “experts” shouldn’t do,” he notes five “tips” of action (or lack thereof) that some of the so-called social media experts probably shouldn’t be doing. Diversity is the main theme here, meaning: 1) tweet about a variety of topics, 2) don’t re-tweet the same celebrities or power-users every week, 3) use those “@mentions” to respond to a multitude of questions and answers that people tweet and re-tweet your way. However, this doesn’t mean you should start responding and tweeting indiscriminately, trying to cover everything and everyone. Use Twitter and accompanying social media sites to interact with people on a casual yet informative level while still maintaining a standard of professionalism.

Sam Hartman, Feb. 23, 2010

Note: This post was not sponsored.

Everyone’s a Critic of Social Media

February 15th, 2010 | Posted by Jessica Bratcher in how to | networking | News - (0 Comments)

In The Orange County Register recently, they proposed 7 fixes for social media’s faults. In response to the most common beratings that social media receives, the list is short but thorough in pointing out some potential resolutions.

One interesting suggestion was to change the name of your contacts from “friends” to something else. I believe that was already done in LinkedIn, they are called connections. I believe the author was referring specifically to Facebook, but the point is a valid one. The number one suggested fix was to shift the focus away from quantity and look more at quality. The number of friends you have is irrelevant if you never participate and interact in networking or conversations. This seems like a no-brainer, but it is poignant.

Social media only works when you are social.

Melody K. Smith, Feb. 15, 2010

Note: Post not sponsored.

TripAdvisor Uses Social Media to Expose Ugly, Dirty Truth

February 12th, 2010 | Posted by Jessica Bratcher in branding | networking | News - (0 Comments)

It used to be that travelers had to resort to guidebooks or Fodor’s Guides to find good hotels, but now reviews and ratings and easy access to sites like TripAdvisor, Orbitz, and Expedia make all the information about a hotel, from price to service, quickly available to tech-savvy travelers. TripAdvisor, one of the first review sites to use customer-generated feedback, has taken things a step further with its “2010 Dirtiest Hotels” feature, generated using reviews and a “proprietary algorithm” says a new InventorSpot article.

As the article says, “transparency is now king,” and a few quick reviews can destroy a hotel’s chance at getting new guests. Today, the social link between an upset customer and a prospective guest is a short one. While some hotels in the UK have decried the list, the site is a good reminder for all companies: don’t underestimate the power of social media.

Sam Hartman, Feb. 12, 2010

Note: Post not sponsored.

Google’s Social Search Can Personalize Your Job Search

February 11th, 2010 | Posted by Jessica Bratcher in Buzz | Features | jobs | networking - (0 Comments)

Almost a year after releasing the Beta version of Social Search, the folks at Google are working hard at adding new features to this unique application. In this recent blog post, they highlight some of the features. See post at

One of those new features is “social” being added to the Google Images search. To me, the benefit of this is having the search parameters look at my friends and contacts sites, including Flickr and Picasa, for images that meet my request. I might have seen a great photo of a Chinese Tea House but not remember whose site I was on at the time. This way it looks at my friends and contacts sites and presents the results marked appropriately. Very useful and convenient yes, but how does it help on a professional/career level?

If you are in the process of job hunting, it could be very beneficial to use Social Search to scout around for some opportunities. If your search parameters return some hits on your social circle, the ease of getting your foot in the door of a potential employer has just improved dramatically. It might be that you have a “virtual” blogger friend who either works for or has connections with a small company looking for someone with your expertise. With this application, networking has not only grown beyond the golf course but has positioned itself at your fingertips.

What if you are searching for sales leads? This social feature has the potential to increase your customer base and provide new connections. If in doing a Social Search, you discover a friend you attend church with has mentioned on his blog how his job has been changed to include purchasing responsibilities for their production processes. This includes products you carry in your sales line. The first and hardest step of any sales transaction is already done – you have a relationship.

Using the application is as simple as establishing your Google Profile. There you can link to all your social media sites, list prior employments and experiences that built your skill set, and provide the level of personal information you are comfortable with, no more no less. It is important to note that the more information provided, the more powerful and productive the search. Once your profile has been established, your social circle will begin to fill out and continue to evolve as connections are made.

Currently, they are leaving the beta label on the product as they feel the potential for additional features is very high. They plan to continually enhance the product with all kinds of bells and whistles. However, the recent additions to the features are rolling out as we speak. Once your profile is complete, access to the features is automatic. So, go forth and search!

Melody K. Smith, Feb. 11, 2010

Note: Post was not sponsored.

Your Job Network Might be Bigger than you Think

February 11th, 2010 | Posted by Jessica Bratcher in networking | News - (0 Comments)

According to a Searchenginewatch.com article, using social networking to find a job just got a little simpler. The story reports that professional networking site Simplyhired.com integrated its Who Do I Know program with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn in an effort to help employment seekers spread their net even wider. According to the company’s CEO, this will show job hunters, “that their network of connections is more powerful than they believe.” When performing a job search, it showcases all the hiring managers and recruiters hidden within your network who may be useful in the job hunt. In addition, users will also be able to pass along employment opportunities to other job seekers in their network. This innovative way to bind job hunters and social networking together might just be the advantage you need in this ultra-competitive market.

Patrick Roland, Feb. 11, 2010

Note: Post was not sponsored.

Marketing and PR Principles Still Apply to Social Media

February 10th, 2010 | Posted by Jessica Bratcher in how to | marketing | networking | News - (0 Comments)

While it seems the publicity game is changing rapidly with the popularity of Facebook, Twitter and the like, marketers and public relations practitioners are encouraged to hold onto their core values. This article showcases four things to keep in mind as you dive into social media, ranging from the importance of research and transparency, to ethical responsibilities and even the importance of video. One interesting thing, however, is that these are strong principles for everyone utilizing social media. Whether you are a marketing exec or a job hunter utilizing social networking, these are perfect insights for looking good online.

Patrick Roland, Feb. 10, 2010

Note: Post not sponsored.

Don’t be Shy about Unemployment

February 9th, 2010 | Posted by Jessica Bratcher in networking | News | prospecting - (0 Comments)

Don’t keep your unemployment woes to yourself, a recent Portfolio.com article encourages readers. While it may seem like human nature to hide the recent loss of a job from friends and family, “that would be a mistake for an out-of-work job seeker,” the article claims. Instead, tell everyone you know, mention it on social networking sites, and always be on the lookout for an opportunity to share your story. As unemployment rates hover around the 10% mark, competition for jobs is incredibly fierce. While nobody should stop applying to job ads, starting a grass-roots campaign to get people talking about you and your skills may be a fantastic weapon. You never know when a friend of a friend of a friend has a great opportunity waiting, so don’t be shy. This is a chance to spread the word about your talents, embrace it.

Patrick Roland, Feb. 9, 2010

Note: Post not sponsored.

The Who’s Who in Social Bookmarking: Using It To Produce Leads

February 2nd, 2010 | Posted by admin in networking | News - (0 Comments)

Knowing the rules and tools in social bookmarking can prove beneficial with “Top 50 Social Bookmarking sites for Sharing, Organizing, Searching, and Managing Bookmarks of web resources,” posted at http://www.gadgetcage.com/2009/12/top-50-social-bookmarking-sites-for.html. These “road signs,” if you will, guide the readers to the content they want and hopefully eliminate what they don’t. Though most readers don’t utilize the entire list – the majority manage five to 10 different drivers of information. Knowing what other readers are bookmarking can be a very valuable sales tool for you. Posting and pushing content that will land in their RSS reader and ultimately drive them to your site is much easier when you know what interests your potential customer. It is this insight into your customers’ minds and buying patterns that can result in leads that ultimately pay off. It is almost like having a crystal ball. I suggest you scan the list of sites, pick the ones that meet your needs. Handling Facebook and Twitter can be a big job.

Melody K. Smith, Feb. 2, 2010

Note: Post was not sponsored.