Social Networking »

A new social marketing initiative that I am putting together is really beginning to take shape. I am getting very excited about how it is coming together. In fact, while I’ve been putting it together I’ve been getting even more ideas from everywhere. But, that is another story. (Yes, pun intended.)

As a means to continue talking about this whole Story of Social Media Marketing I thought I would talk about another important aspect of it. It’s called being captivating.

Is Your Social Media Networking Captivating?

Or, the question should probably be, “Are you captivating in your social networking?”

Since you are the one that is doing the networking, you should be captivating. If your message is not something that people want to hear, or will stay around to hear, the message is not captivating.

This is something that many storytellers already know. Some of my favorite authors – Tom Clancy, Stephen King, James Clavell, and Eric Van Lustbader – all have the ability to captivate their readers and pull them into the story that they are weaving. There is an element to the story that they are telling that makes you not only want to keep reading it, but also want to run out and grab their newest book. All of these authors have a series of books that build upon the last. The same characters, progressing storyline, and new problems, excitement, solutions, and action abound to instill a desire.

For example, who doesn’t love John Patrick Ryan. The incredible character that Tom Clancy dreamed up that male over 20 wants to be. Then there is the captivating story of the Noble House and the story of families in Hong Kong all trying to grasp business supremacy in the books by James Clavell.

A Social Networking Story Example

In the world of social networking you have people like Chris Brogan, Darren Rowse, Scott Stratten, Timothy Carter, and Doug Firebaugh are also incredibly captivating story tellers. Only they do it with the power of a blog, social networking, and their message.

Being captivating means that you have a message that people want to hear, and one they will continue to want to hear.

Do you have that kind of message?

Take a good look at your social media marketing message. I mean a good long look. Is it captivating? Is it something that people want to hear? Are they continuing to listen to your message?

Yes or no?

If not, then what can you do about it?

I’m going to help you in two ways.

First, you can wait until the second installment of this post. (Subscribe to the RSS so you don’t miss it). I will give you a few ways to help make your message a little more captivating.

Second, you can wait until January when I release Story. It is going to be a very comprehensive incentive – not just a product – that will define story and give you the tools necessary to create your own.

Videos »

Everyone who isn’t lucky enough to get an invitation to Google Wave is wondering just what this thing is. Unfortunately I am one of those people. So, just what is this Google Wave that has been called the greatest thing on the Internet?

What Is Google Wave?

Did that help?

Applications, Facebook, How-To, Videos »

In the previous post there was a video that showed you how to create a Facebook Fan page from start to finish. If you take the time to watch that video and build your fan page, you will see a huge difference in your overall return on social networking.

However, it is one thing to know how to build a fan page. It is an entirely different subject all together to know how to use your Facebook Fan Page. Guess what? There is a video for that too. Don’t you just love the Internet?

How To Use Facebook Fan Pages To Build Your Brand

If you have taken the time to create your own fan page, go ahead and list them in the comments section. I’d love to check them out and become a fan!

Applications, Facebook, How-To, Videos »

Facebook is the most widely used social networking site on the Internet. For good reason. Facebook provides more bang for the buck. Of course, it is free, but you know what I mean.

One of the best ways to use Facebook in your social marketing is to create a Facebook fan page. A fan page is much like a regular profile, but allows people to be your “fan” so they can get updates on your business and what you are doing. It provides a way to differentiate between your personal Facebook profile and your brand Fan Page.

This brings about a whole new set of great business building concepts. However, you need to build it first. Here is a great video on how to build your Facebook Fan Page quickly and easily.

How To Create Facebook Fan Page

Social Networking, Videos »

It doesn’t matter if you have a corner cafe, a worldwide super brand, or are just an individual looking to build a small home business, social networking is the future of marketing. However, it is here now.

Here is a short clip from a seminar that discusses three important social networking rules.

Social Networking Rules For Business