So, G+ … Google+ … the new craze. In just a matter of weeks, by invitation only, it has reached over 17 million users. It is the new social network that is supposed to dominate social networks.
If I had to compare it to current social networking websites, I would say it is similar to Facebook, Twitter, TUMBLR & LinkedIn. It seems to resemble different features and purposes of each.
Now, what’s with all the “Buzz”? It is something new. People are curious, especially when it comes from an Internet giant such as Google and with a lot of hype. By invitation only, it creates more of a curiosity. I wonder; From those 17 million + users, how many of them signed up, checked it out and left? How many do you think will stick around and use it faithfully? I’m guessing, when all is said and done, a large portion of them. People that are tired of the direction other social networks are heading. People that are always on the “cutting edge”. People that are looking for another outlet to share their stuff for maximum exposure. Ultimately, I see it being used by “techies”, “geeks”, casual users and business people.
Keep in mind though, Google+ is not going to take over the world and I highly doubt it will single-handedly send any of the current social networks packing. Google has tried something similar before with Google Buzz. Different idea, but similar in many ways. I think it might have been an experimental alpha version of G+ … Buzz, however, flopped. Do I think Google+ is going to flop? No. But I don’t think it can or will live up to the hype. I could be wrong, this is just my humble opinion. Now let’s hear yours! Comment and conversate! I love feedback! 
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Posted in Business Internet Social Media Social Networking by .
Alright! You are using Social Media to promote yourself or your business right? That’s great! Kudos to you for adapting to a new medium and keeping current.
Now let’s talk about how to do it right.
I have heard social media networking described once in a webinar as a “cocktail party”. I have to say, I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Think of your social network as a cocktail party. Appropriate behavior and etiquette for cocktail party networking should apply to your social and professional networking. Afterall, it IS the world’s largest cocktail party.
Have you ever seen someone run up to a group of people having a discussion, jump right in the middle of the group and scream ” I have a great [insert product or service name here]” and then run away?! Neither have I.
Keep this in mind when you are online and networking. Don’t be that person at the aforementioned cocktail party. Keep it social. Engage in the conversation. If you wouldn’t do it offline, please don’t do it online.
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Posted in Business Internet Social Media Social Networking by .
Well if you ask me, I say both. Both has their advantages to getting your business out there, as long as their done right.
How do I do it right? Well, first and foremost, I am not an “expert” when it comes to Social Media. I don’t have an online marketing degree or an MBA. I have, however, had a lot of experience in the subject. I have used it personally and professionally for almost 5 years now. My ideas and practices have been both commended and copied on a large scale. That being said, there is no exact science to Social Media. What is “in” today, might stay in the day and tomorrow will bring something new. Everybody has their own opinion and system and what works for them. This is what has worked for me.
A friend profile. Put your Social Media Manager, Community Manager, Customer Relations Manager or all of the above here. Have them create a separate profile from their personal profile. Use their name and put the business name as the alternate name. They must use this regularly but professionally. No complaining, no cursing, no ranting, no raving. Act in the same professional manner as you would or should in your store.
Use this profile to network. Other people in the industry, friends, family (just remind them this is the professional profile, so no “tagged” pictures of drunken nights or things of that nature). co-workers, affiliates, customers, & potential customers in the area of your business.
You are now “humanizing” your business. You are putting a face and a name in front of all of these people. You are giving them someone to identify with. These profiles can be used to create personal relationships with your customers and potential customers. You will be able to wish them and their family Happy Birthday. You will be able to congratulate them on their child’s graduation or sports team win. You will be able to find out there likes and dislikes. How great would it be when John Client or Suzie Customer walks in the door and you recognize them by face and know their name. How much more of a WOW factor would it be if you knew some of their likes or dislikes and can strike a conversation based on that? A favorite sports team, an important recent event in their life, etc …
Just please, please remember, while it is ok to have “fun”, keep it professional & positive! You have now become the online face of the business!
The business page will be the “Fan” page or “Like” page. Here is where you will interact with fans. These are customers, potential customers, employees and affiliates that chose to follow your business directly. These people did so, so that they may stay up to date with your business, receive special discounts and coupons, receive relevant information and more. Here is where the business becomes a business again. While you can add to the “humanizing” of the business, people are here for the aforementioned reasons. Conversation and engagement are key to put your business name out there, because keeping them there is important!
A Facebook Business page has many benefits. Unlimited amount of fans, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Statistics and Analytics (Facebook Insights) and more!
This is what I would recommend being the best practices for businesses regarding this topic. Now you may feel differently, you may agree. You may have felt differently and now have changed your mind. You may have not even had an opinion or any idea on what to do. I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback in the comments!
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Posted in Business Internet SEO Social Media Social Networking by .
Ever wonder how much of your iPhone battery is actually left, but have trouble determining by the bar in the battery display? Good news, you can turn on your battery percentage display with a few quick steps in under a minute.
Click “Read More” to see step by step with pictures.
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Posted in Lifestyle Technology by .
Jun 11
12
How To Take an iPhone Screen Shot
Apple iPhone quick tip: to take a “screen shot” or picture of your visible screen, press the power button and home button simultaneously. You will see the screen flash and if your phone is not on “vibrate” you will hear the camera shutter sound. Picture will be automatically stored to your Photos in Camera Roll.
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Posted in Lifestyle Technology by .
Jun 11
11
iPhone Questions? Ask Here!
Hey iPhone users!!! I personally know quite a few people who just recently made the Apple iPhone switch. Congratulations and welcome to the “bright side”! Lol. What tips do you want to know about or questions do you have about your iPhone? Ask me here and I will compile a blog posting with tips and tricks for you to get the most out of your iPhone! I am looking forward to your questions!
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Posted in Internet Lifestyle Technology by .
Jun 11
10
Splish Splash Duck
This duck was taking a bath in the lake at the park (Nomahegan Park in Cranford, NJ) … splishing and splashing in the water. With my new AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR Zoom Lens on my Nikon D3100 DSLR camera, I took some pictures of the duck. Using a high shutter speed, I was able to catch some water as it splashed off the duck and around him. This is one of my favorite shots from the day’s shoot. I would love to hear what you think of it. Comment and share as you wish!
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Posted in Lifestyle Photography by .
May 11
24
One Person’s Journey
A busy city like NYC and here’s one person on the corner trying to hail a cab. All by herself. No matter how big or populated the city is, you’re still just one person on your journey …
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Posted in Lifestyle Photography by .
With all these online review sites popping up all over the place, many businesses and companies are so afraid of the negative reviews. I want to tell you to embrace the negativity. The negative reviews are, believe it or not, a good thing.
Prior to these online review sites, people would often complain and/or give negative reviews through word-of-mouth to their friends and family. It was nearly impossible to track. Once a customer was lost, the majority of the time the company had no idea.
Now, the negative reviews and lost customers are out there and are right in front of you. If you manage your online reputation properly, you will see them in real-time and will know when it happens. You now have more of a chance to reach out to them, correct the situation and hopefully bring them back as customers.
Negative reviews happen for many reasons. Bad experience, customer felt unappreciated, the employee was having a bad day, the customer was having a bad day, the manager didn’t resolve a problem properly, etc … Whatever it is, most of the time, if handled properly, reaching out to a customer that has left a negative review, and/or resolving the problem with a viable solution and maybe some kind of reward for bringing the matter to your attention or for their inconvenience will change their mind.
Popularity: 100% [?]
Posted in Business Customer Service Internet Lifestyle SEO Social Media Social Networking by .
May 11
9
A Cure for “the Mondays”?
While there is no cure for the “Mondays”, there are some things you can do to help them along.
Lay off the snooze button. Give yourself a few extra minutes in the morning to do something you enjoy. Read the newspaper, have an extra cup of coffee, check your e-mail or Facebook. Whatever it is, just make it something you enjoy.
While getting dressed, wear your most comfortable work attire you have, or a favorite work acceptable outfit. Feeling comfortable or your favorite outfit should help raise your spirits.
Lunchtime: do something fun. Order out your favorite lunch entree. Go for a walk. Eat outside (if applicable). Meet a friend, lover or spouse for lunch.
Hopefully, a combination of these things will help lift your spirits on the worst day of the week for most.
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Get a 10% discount when you contact Jaros Designs for more information through this blog!
About Jay Schroeck
Jason Schroeck is the Owner of Jaros Designs. Jay is a graphic & web designer who enjoys offering affordable design solutions to businesses. He also enjoys photography and helping out in the community. Jay is married with two sons and also coaches his sons' soccer and football teams.
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