Do you know the Difference?

The Video below: How to set up a Group in Facebook

Much of this was based on information directly from Facebook regarding the differences… Now do you need a page or a group? Do you need a custom landing page?  If you are still not sure contact me and we can discuss it.  Karen@KarenTHEConnector.com

Karen Fox – better known as Karen THE Connector -  is a social media coach, strategist and speaker. Karen works with companies and individuals to take the fear and frustration out of creating their online reputation with social media. She rescues those who are lost on LinkedIn, frustrated with Facebook or afraid of being Twit on Twitter.  Karen THE Connector

2011 may or may NOT have been what you would have liked it to be..

Good news you have the opportunity to start fresh again now in 2012.  The video is my Wish for you… The links below are my gifts to you…

HUGE SPECIALS through Jan 10th 5:00 CST

Have you ever been Frustrated with Facebook, Lost on LinkedIn or Feeling like a Twit on Twitter?  The calm to your frustration is in the link below.

             Self Study CourseFacebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Blogging,Posting Calendar, Free Tools, and Video

Click here for the Special pricing 

Coaching packages at unbelievable prices and the price goes back up on Jan 10th

Click here for the Special pricing

Karen Fox – better known as Karen THE Connector -  is a social media coach, strategist and speaker. Karen works with companies and individuals to take the fear and frustration out of creating their online reputation with social media. She rescues those who are lost on LinkedIn, frustrated with Facebook or afraid of being Twit on Twitter.  Karen THE Connector

Marketing Your Business using Facebook or Google Plus – Short Overview                                   

Do you use both of these marketing Giants?

We could start off by saying that using social networks like Facebook or Google+ will definitely grab the attention of countless marketers and businesses out there. It does not matter whether you are online or offline as a business, you need to learn how to use the new face of these marketing giants.  These are no longer the future of business but business NOW.  A MUST have!

We will give an indication on how to make use of the marketing power that lies within these two Giants.

Facebook Marketing Potential

By just putting in a little effort for 10 days or more, you can boost your interactions on Facebook by as much as 30 percent. You will quickly learn how to attract customers who will spend real money as a result of your social marketing efforts or help you create your ROI (Return on Influence).

One quick way is to watch and learn. Spend time for one day exploring other pages on Facebook. Do some searching and find complementary businesses as well as competitors on Facebook, that you can learn from. Enter keywords in your industry to find pages that may be in your niche.

Make some notes on what is working for the businesses you are examining. What they are posting? What is getting the most interaction? Is it pictures, links, videos, questions (Hint: copy what is working). Look at things like – How many people are posting on the page? How many respond to a post? Do this over a seven day period. You will quickly start to see what make others successful. Copy their success. 

Marketing with Google Plus

Google+ launched their business pages early November. In an article for the New York Times – Bradley Horowitz (Vice President Product Division Google Plus) said that brands have taken notice of the huge marketing potential and will certainly build their marketing plans around it. Now is the time to get on the Google Plus bus. The social networking platform of Google Plus is set to explode in the very near future. This is especially true as far as marketing are concerned.  I predict this will become the larger of the two Giants.

Google Plus is a completely new market and will prove to be the key weapon the search engine giant will use to achieve its goal. The question remains if this new network, with its improves feature set, will get to beat Facebook? Only time will tell. Meantime we encourage you to set up your business page with them. This way you will be able to make full use of the power within Google Plus.

Few shortcuts on Google+                                                                                                         Space = Scroll down stream       Shift Space = Scroll up stream         J= Single post down scroll       K= Single post up scroll       Q= Jump to Chat  Return = start comment

______________________________________________________________

Karen Fox – better known as Karen THE Connector -  is a social media coach, strategist and speaker. Karen works with companies and individuals to take the fear and frustration out of creating their online reputation with social media. She rescues those who are lost on LinkedIn, frustrated with Facebook or afraid of being Twit on Twitter.  Karen THE Connector

The Power of Social Media Platforms Like Facebook or Google Plus

With its more that 800 million users, Facebook has become the Social Marketing Powerhouse not only today but in the future as well. While everyone understands the potential that Facebook has for some small to medium size businesses, many still find it challenging in understanding how to maximize its full potential, that will help them drive their revenues through the roof.

Google Plus on the other hand is still new on the market. It launched in June 2011, and is simply known as Google+. In just a few months though, this social media giant already has a following of more than 40 million users. In effect, they are two thirds away from overtaking Linked In, who has around 135 million members. Despite this, Google Plus still have a long way to go in catching up with Facebook. Social Media is therefore huge.

Twitter is also huge and works very effective in its marketing strategy that is the face of the future. It has done away with the old way of marketing. Instead using “Push Marketing Out” techniques, it is using “Pull People in” to their business techniques. Twitter is one of the most powerful platforms for any business. With regular tweets, you will have your followers constantly updated on any new developments going on in your business.

Just remember no matter what platform you use…It is called “Social” media so you are “Social” and building relationships online just like you do off line…

Feel free to share with us in the comments what social platforms you prefer..

Karen Fox – better known as Karen THE Connector -  is a social media coach, strategist and speaker. Karen works with companies and individuals to take the fear and frustration out of creating their online reputation with social media. She rescues those who are lost on LinkedIn, frustrated with Facebook or afraid of being Twit on Twitter.  Karen THE Connector

Even in Social Media businesses are learning the importance to using the word PLEASE.  As you will find in this GREAT article by Media Bistro regarding the advantage to using the word PLEASE to get more clicks on Twitter.  Interesting.. were we not taught this as children growing up when we wanted someone to do something for us we said PLEASE!  Looks to me like full circle.

There is so much more in this article, these were just the two catagories they shared with that caught my attention regarding posting.  If this is the case for Twitter, It would stand to reason it would be on Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+… as well.

Karen Fox – better known as Karen THE Connector -  is a social media coach, strategist and speaker. Karen works with companies and individuals to take the fear and frustration out of creating their online reputation with social media. She rescues those who are lost on LinkedIn, frustrated with Facebook or afraid of being Twit on Twitter.  Karen THE Connector

Having the Right Tools makes ALL the difference…

Just as in this video by Samantha Naes CN Video you will see he has the RIGHT tools do you?

These are some of my favorite tools:

Google Keywords:  Helps determine keywords  which is  the first place you begin before you ever start an advertising campaign which includes Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogging and YouTube.  I drill down quite a bit more for my clients in a programs called Market Samuri but this does a really great job as a  Free Service.

Hootsuite:  Allows scheduling to your social media sites so you don’t have to be at the computer posting at that specific time.  It is already scheduled.  I highly suggest building out a posting calendar and then putting all the information into hootsuite.  Free Service – upgrades available

Google Alerts:  Allows you to monitor certain words or phrases.  You will always want to have an alert for your name, your company name, your keywords and possibly your mentors or your competition.  Free Service

Bit.ly: URL shortener so when you are trying to post into 140 or 160 characters you don’t use all your chartacters just on the URL.  It also allows you to use their analytics as well.  Free Service

Hostgator: This is a hosting company that allows you the perfect place for extremely reasonable hosting and they give GREAT customer service.

Aweber:  This is the perfect choice for sending emails, building newsletters and adding info to your blog.. Known for great open rates and low bounce rates.

Video Credit to: Samantha C. Naes (The Video Lady) CN Video Production / CN Video Resumes    ( Office: (314) 497-5204    Cell: (314) 625-4731

Karen Fox – better known as Karen THE Connector -  is a social media coach, strategist and speaker. Karen works with companies and individuals to take the fear and frustration out of creating their online reputation with social media. She rescues those who are lost on LinkedIn, frustrated with Facebook or afraid of being Twit on Twitter.  Karen THE Connector

Is this what everyone thinks about your business?  Are they wondering?  If they have not heard from you in a long while this could be their assumption, especially with the attitude of the economy.

If a potential client stopped by your website would it say your business is alive and well or would it say we are hanging on by a thread.. Is everything outdated?

If a potential client stopped by your Business page on Facebook would they see an active page with lots of great content?   Remember you have to deliver what you promised when they agreed to “LIKE” you.

My Business page says if you “like” Karen THE Connector then you will receive information, changes, tips and tools on Social Media.  If you come to my sight and I have none of that would you assume I don’t follow through with anything on my business?  Sure you would. It is ok to add some personal thoughts and things you enjoy just so they see a REAL personality just remember they “Liked” you for some specific reason or promise.

What about Twitter:  Does yours show 10 tweets and they were 10 months ago?  Potential clients would say your Business is Closed..

What about LinkedIn:  When looking at your posts.. when did you post last or when were your recommendations from.. 2 years ago.  This might make them think you have been doing something else and your business is closed.

What about your Blog:  Was you last Blog post a year ago?   Yes, that business is closed!

Consistency is the KEY… You want to be the ONLY business they think of when they need your product or service..

Ex:  We just had the spring break on our garage door and the ONLY company that came to my mind was F2Garage Door Solutions and I didn’t consider going to Google or asking around for someone or even price comparison.  They had already influenced me enough that they were the ONLY company that came to mind..

I highly suggest building a posting calendar.. This is what I do for my clients and it takes the stress off of being inconsistent.  It allows you to have fun and post when you want to after you have everything scheduled.    My scheduler of choice is Hootsuite.

This is a GREAT article with an Editorial Calendar… Talks about how to repurpose content.

posting calendar fill in excel  by Karen THE Connector…

Wishing you much success and BIG sign that says OPEN for BUSINESS…

Feel free to leave a comment below on how you schedule your social media or what is working for you..

Karen THE Connector

Facebook was there for me when no one else could be!

Today even with ALL the MAJOR changes in the last couple of weeks Facebook  has been my closest  friend.  You see I was out of town at “Inspiring Speakers” when the phone call came that my Father In Law was in emergency surgery and they didn’t expect him to make it. He was having a 5 bypass.  Being in San Francisco and not having access to the computer did not stop me from using my blackberry and getting the word out on Facebook.  We needed a MIRACLE…  Thanks to all those connected to me on Facebook the prayers began all over the  WORLD in a matter of minutes..  My blackberry kept buzzing all day as the posts of encouragement and prayers were being added to my post.  There is no way I could have even made the calls to all the people it touched.

We did in fact get that miracle.. I was able to continue on my journey at this event because of my facebook family and their prayers and communication.  Returned home had two fabulous days with my FIL, he was talking, sharing, asking me for a kiss on his cheek (will always be one of my fondest memories) and starting to eat by mouth.. Wow were we excited… Thanks to the prayers from my FB connections we rec’d the miracle we had all asked for and was enjoying sharing this good news.. God was SO good!

Friday morning we rec’d a call that he had went into a coma and it wouldn’t be long. Yes you guessed it back to my friend Facebook.  While surrounded by his children, grandchildren, family and friends singing hymns he entered Heaven’s Gates around 7:20 that evening… So peaceful if the nurse hadn’t told us he was gone we wouldn’t have known.  No it wasn’t the miracle we wanted but it was the miracle he lived for.   Still God was SO good!

Once AGAIN my friend Facebook spread the word and the encouragement and sympathy continued to pour in.  Because of Facebook we posted the funeral arrangements and shared the information with the world at one time…

Thanks to my friend Facebook those words of encouragement and sympathy are still pouring in to not only us but to everyone in the family that has joined the Facebook Family..

As a Social Media Coach I believe every company needs at least a presence on Facebook.  Yes there is a fabulous opportunity for marketing your business but this time I saw the human side to Facebook at work… The Personal Touch my friend Facebook can give.

If Facebook has been your friend or you have a great experience because of Facebook.. PLEASE share it with us, we would love to hear your story!

Karen Fox  (Karen THE Connector) karentheconnector.com

Land that I Love

As we share in the 10th anniversary of the Twin Towers in New York coming down due to terrorist we must take a moment to honor those who gave their lives to save others and the impact it has had on so many lives.  You know 10 years ago we only had instant social media of radio and TV.  How different could it have been if we would have had the social media platforms we do today like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn?

A gentleman this morning said “I was coming down the stairs to live and he (the fireman) was going up to die”

This world lost so many important people that day 10 years ago.  Those people were mother, fathers, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, sons, daughters and friends.  They were VERY important to many.  Not only does my heart go out to those that lost family members but also to those who survived.. The why me.   When you think of how many people were affected that day it is overwhelming.

One sister said ” America really is there to catch you when you fall”

To think the aftermath of that awful horrific day is long gone is an understatement.

A 10 year old said ” sometimes he dreams he is trying to bring his dad back but when he wakes up he is not there”

Another 10 year old spoke of the other girls that were babies and now they are 10 as her BBFWAD.  Best Friends Forever Without A Dad….

They were sharing today about people that ran out of their homes handing out PBJ and water because that was all they COULD do…  Those are my heroes as well.

Seeing boats of all kinds headed to haul people off the island they said was a sight.  Tug Boats, Party boats. Barges and any available boat chipped in to help.

One of the boat captains was sharing how he watched 4 businessmen lift an older woman and her seeing eye dog and pass her over the crowd to help her get to safety.   He also said it was so tough seeing people hanging on the edge of the wall begging him to pick them up when he couldn’t.

Former Mayor Guliani did a beautiful job sharing his thoughts from Ecclesiastics 3:1

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal;a time to break down, and a time to build up;A time to weep, and a time to laugh;a time to mourn, and a time to dance;A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak: A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

What makes me proud of the Land I Love you ask…. The fact that no matter the race, culture or economic status when America is in need we call come together to help.  As that sister said “America is there to catch us when we fall”

God bless ALL the unsung heroes that had a part in 9-11-01 and the 10 years since!

Karen Fox  (Karen THE Connector)  www.karentheconnector.com

How to create a BRAND FAN….

Social Media has given everyone in business the opportunity to encourage Brand Advocates (Brand Fans).

One brand that comes to my mind is MAC vs PC… I still use a PC yet all my friends tell me if I would ever give MAC a chance, I would never go back..  At a NAMS conference recently that was the item they continually bantered back and forth on the fact EVERYONE knew a MAC was better.  MAC vs PC owners…  Thus being said MAC owners are BRAND FANS.

Another that comes to mind is Harley Davidson…  Who wants to ride a BMW or Goldwing when you can have a Harley.  Talk about BRAND Fan’s if you see someone riding a Harley you will probably see a jacket that mentions that as well as other items. They want you to know what they believe in.  Ask a Harley rider, there isn’t anything in the world like riding a Harley.

One thing you must remember is you can’t MAKE someone become a BRAND FAN, you have to earn it.

Every company that has a good service or product has Brand Fans.  How do you know if you have Brand Fans?  When the topic comes up of your service or products are you the first one that comes up and are recommended?  This is the how you know if you have been honored as a BRAND Fan.

1)      Build a relationship  of listening to your clients/customers

2)      Stand behind your service or product

3)      Continually find new ways and information to best serve your clients/customers

Social Media platforms  such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube has made it so much easier to create a Brand Fan.  Social Media platforms also creates such a viral affect it can lose a Brand Fan quickly.

• Watch your reputation closely
• Respond to ANY comments about your company.  Positive or Negative  (I highly suggest setting up Google Alerts to monitor you brand)

Thus this is the main reason for using Social Media Marketing to create your ROI (Return on Influence) so you are seen often enough it helps build your Brand Fans.  Remember you want to be known as the ONLY one who does what you do or offers what you do.  Not one of ..the ONLY one.

Remember the old saying is so true! Out of sight out of mind.

Never underestimate the power of one on one… Social Networking OFFline is just as important as Online to build a BRAND Fan.   Just remember to keep things very consistent ONLINE and OFFLINE.  They should never have to wonder if it is the same company.  They should immediately know from the business card, to the website, to any other materials that they are at the right place first glance.

Go build some BRAND Fans and  let them as my friend Russ says “let them be sneezers’ in other words let them go Sneeze (Share) your information and Brand with everyone.

 Hopefully I can count you as one of my BRAND FANS.   If we are not connected on Facebook Please “LIKE” our page to receive great information when it comes to Social Media and Social Media Marketing.