Legitimising Social Media for Business

Last month, Jen Bishop, the former editor of Dynamic Business magazine, Australia's largest subscription magazine for small business sent a tweet on Twitter asking people who they would most like to see featured in their November issue. She contacted me shortly afterwards and we met for a coffee meeting interview.

This month, I'm not only featured in an article in the magazine, I also made the front cover.

Aside from being humbled by the honour, profile and exposure, in my mind it's also resulted in three great outcomes for social media and business:

1. Social Media is for business. This is the first time a player in the social media space has appeared on the front cover of a mainstream business magazine in Australia. This highlights that social media has arrived as a legitimate business platform for business owners and managers to consider and leverage.

2. Social Media Experts vs. Practioners. To represent social media for business, the magazine didn't pick a self-proclaimed social media "expert or guru" i.e. some who claim to know social media yet rarely tweet or last accessed their Linkedin account eighteen months ago. The fact is that Dynamic Business chose a social media practitioner - someone who regularly uses social media personally and commercially to collaborate, participate and connect with people and communities, in a disciplined manner.

3. Traditional and Social Media can co-exist. Much has been said about the potential demise of print and broadcast media with the rise of "new" media. With forward thinking editors like Jen Bishop leading the way, there is a place for both mediums if leveraged 'inline' with media consumption behaviour and preferences. I'm pleased to be working with Jen to use this magazine issue as an experiment on print and social media coexistence as she details in her recent blog post.

Kudos to Jen and her team for having the vision to realise that social media is relevant, practical and good - for business.

What do you think? Would appreciate any thoughts and comments on this post.

Posted via email from iggypintado's posterous

How to order Kindle version of Connection Generation book

Can't be easier than this - once you have a Kindle from Amazon!

Posted via web from iggypintado's posterous

INVITATION: Social Networking A-List Gather in Sydney, Wednesday 28th October

If you're considering attending a networking event this year, you'd want to be at one where some of the most connected people in Australia are, right? I'm speaking at an event being hosted by a-list entrepreneurs in Sydney on Wednesday, 28th October called "NO EXCUSES NETWORKING" and I'll be joined by some of Australia's social networking 'A-List' including:

• Stan Relihan, Australia's most connected person on business online network Linkedin, with over 23,000 connections.
• @iconic88, Australia's most inspiring and prolific Twitterer, who is #13 on the All Time List of most quoted (re-tweeted) twitterers in the world.
• @vipvirtualsols, an engaging Twitter Celeb who regularly tops the TwitterGrader power charts in Sydney.    

.... and a host of others like foodie Rebecca Varidel (@frombecca), collaborator Kate Carruthers (@kcarruthers) and personal marketer Luke Harvey-Palmer (lukefrombuzzle). There'll also be a special guest performance! 

With a cover charge of $40 per person plus BRING A FRIEND FOR FREE ($20 each) and some of the proceeds going to the RSPCA, this event is not to be missed. All you need to do is register: 

http://www.alistentrepreneurs.com.au/upcomingevent.html or call 1300 760 460 to book your tickets.

Also, you can follow the event on Twitter using hashtag #noxnet. I really hope to see you there for some practical and effective networking!

Posted via email from iggypintado's posterous

Introducing the RealTweeple Project

I've always been fascinated by the people you meet on Twitter. Even more fascinating is when you connect with them in REAL LIFE via coffee meetings or "tweet-ups".

The idea came to me that through the power of portable video (FlipCam) and YouTube, I'd be able to share these "RealTweeple" profiles with my followers on my blogs and online networks.

I'll be posting more RealTweeple in the coming weeks. 

>

Posted via web from iggypintado's posterous

The Ultimate Connector (a little blurry but you get the message)

via twitpic.com

Photo credit: Brian Walker from the Retail Doctor.

Posted via web from iggypintado's posterous

Meeting @Iconic88: Twitter's Clark Kent

I'd been intrigued for some time by the musings of someone I follow on Twitter. This person predominantly tweets positive and inspiring messages. A sample of these tweets encourages "Random Acts of Kindness" (#RAOK), promotes concepts such as "unconditional love" and includes the most thought-provoking qoutes from Plato, Gandhi and the Dalai Lama, to name a few.

On Twitter, he identifies himself as @iconic88 and is currently visually represented with an avatar of a hand holding up a single ice cream cone. He chooses to stay anonymous - like Superman's Clark Kent. His Twitter presence does not reveal his identity yet creates a positive tone and sense of hope in a world that needs it badly.

I met @iconic88 at a business networking function a few weeks ago and had the privilege of "connecting" with him over a cup of coffee recently.

During our discussion, he related his personal experiences in locations around the world where he saw the best and the worst of the human condition and behaviour. While most would be despondent about these desperate situations, his conclusion - and attitude - is that much can be resolved with hope, positivity, gratitude and love, in communities - starting with individuals.

In a world that revels in negative criticism and judgment of others, I look forward to a daily dose of inspiring tweets by the "super" man that is @iconic88. I suggest you do too.

What do you think of @iconic88? Please leave a comment.

Posted via web from iggypintado's posterous

The Real Deal in Social Media Marketing - David Meerman Scott

With many people calling themselves social media guru's or internet marketing experts these days, it's a true delight and privilege to meet someone who's the "real deal". A guy who has bestselling books entitled "The New Rules of Marketing and PR" and "World Wide Rave", has earned the respect and reputation he enjoys.

Through the kindness of friends Jennifer Frahm and Trevor Young, I spent a few minutes at a Sydney cafe this morning with one of the world's smartest traditional and digital marketing minds, David Meerman Scott. We talked about his next series of books due out next month and discussed his thoughts about how individuals and businesses should "try" something/anything on social media to experience this phenomenal business opportunity - and not die wondering what could have been.

David is the kind of guy who has a wealth of insights. While presenting at the Social Media Club in Sydney on Monday, he had the audience in the palm of his hands as he related case study after story after proof point, of the power of social media to get the right kind of attention. During our chat this morning, we also discussed the unreal possibilities of mobile technology and how GPS-based applications could revive proximity marketing and take it to levels beyond our imaginations.

If you're a business or consumer marketer who needs to understand the immense power of online marketing, David is a "must experience" and not to be missed. His final Australian appearance is on this Friday, 4th September at the Social Media Masterclass in Melbourne. If you register now on http://socialmediamasterclass.eventbrite.com, there's a special 48-hour offer of A$545 (normally $897) by using DISCOUNT CODE: CGEN . You must register and pay before Thursday evening as seating is limited - and selling fast.

I guarantee you'll experience the REAL DEAL.

Posted via web from iggypintado's posterous

Connection Generation hits the book stores!

It's always been a dream of mine to write my book, Connection Generation. When I finally wrote and released it, I called it my "baby" as it arrived nine months after I'd started the project. It was fantastic to see the result of my work when I held a copy of my book for the first time. It was even better to see it listed on Amazon.com shortly after.

Last week, the book hit Australian book stores for the first time. I signed a few copies at Dymock's Wynyard store in Sydney and was so excited, I tweeted about it. Then yesterday, I saw it wedged between two other management book at my local book store in North Ryde. It was such a thrill, I thought I'd share. Thanks to all who have supported me throughout the launch.

Can you do me a favour? Can you ask if YOUR LOCAL BOOK STORE if they stock copies of my book? Would appreciate the effort and any feedback you;d like to share. 

Cheers as always...

 

 

Posted via web from iggypintado's posterous

Connections to create Opportunities

I've been thinking a lot about people who I dub "super" connectors who spend a lot of their time connecting to people, information, experiences and ideas. Why do they really invest all that time? What's it all for and what's to gain? 

I've come to the conclusion that connections open the door to opportunities, be they social or commercial. I've met so many great people and learnt so much through Twitter, found business with people on Linkedin and reconnected with old colleagues and school mates on Facebook.

Without wanting to be so connected, I honestly don't think I would have had these opportunities presented to me in this life.

I believe now more than ever, that "every connection is a potential social or business opportunity." 

What do you think? What's been your experience?

 

P.S. - More on being connected in my book, Connection Generation

 

 

 

Posted via web from iggypintado's posterous

Connection Generation Book Review by Danny Brown

T

his posting is from guest blogger and friend, Danny Brown. Danny and I met through Twitter and although he is a Scot who lives in Canada and I'm an Australian of Spanish heritage, we both 'connected' on a concept he founded called the 12for12k Challenge, a unique charity project using social media to change the lives of millions in 2009. 

Danny was kind enough to review my book, Connection Generation. As he admits openly, although we are friends, " ..this hasn’t affected this review. If it blew I would have said so – or just not reviewed it." Here's the review reproduced with Danny's approval:

Connection Generation by Iggy Pintado is one of these books that comes along and makes you say, “You know, I knew that but I didn’t know that.” It’s crammed full of informational goodness, ideas and theories that you might have been thinking about subconsciously, but didn’t really think about until reading Iggy’s book.

While Connection Generation may sound as if it’s aimed at a specific age group, in reality it goes far deeper. As Iggy himself says, “It’s not for the younger generation or the tech savvy. If you have a computer or phone, you’re already connected.”

So what is Connection Generation and why should you read it? Simple – it promotes the idea that we’re all connected; we just need to know how.

If you’ve read Malcom Gladwell’s The Tipping Point, it could be said that Connection Generation is the unofficial sequel to that tome. Where Gladwell talks about Connectors, Mavens and Salesmen, Iggy offers up different types of Connectors – Basic, Passive, Selective, Active and Super.

These refer to how connected each person is. This could be locally, hyper-locally, online, via business networks, phone lists and more. Iggy uses personal stories about his friends and family, as well as wider stories about strangers and people in the news, to show how each different Connector is a part of each other.

You may be a Basic Connector, with just a phone and email (maybe not even email). You may be a Selective Connector, with just a few chosen friends on Facebook and business connections on LinkedIn. You could be a Super Connector, with presences on multiple networks, hundreds of email addresses and phone numbers.

It doesn’t matter; what does matter is that every one has a part to play in how we all interact, both online and offline. These connections help us move forward in our personal and business lives, and ensure that we’re always just a heartbeat away from a cast of millions to help us when in need.

What I enjoyed about Iggy’s book is that it’s written from a completely human angle. He doesn’t separate techy nerds (like me) from everyday users (like my grandmother). He strips away the fear that some people may have about this strange new world we’re now part of, and transforms it into examples you can relate to.

For instance, that phone call you had with your granddaughter? She just tweeted it to her 300 friends on Twitter. One of her friends liked it so much, she just blogged about how cute your grandmother sounds and is now sharing that with 10,000 blog subscribers.

You may not be a Super Connector, but as Connection Generation shows, you don’t have to be. Every single one of us is connected, from the tech savvy to the Luddite to the in-between. And if we’re all connected, it becomes easier to help. And if we all help each other, maybe there’s just a chance the world might be a better place.

Check out Connection Generation today – I think you’ll enjoy it.

Disclaimer – Iggy Pintado is a personal friend but this hasn’t affected this review. If it blew I would have said so – or just not reviewed it.

You can read more from Danny at his social media, PR and marketing blog, or connect with him  on Twitter.

Being Different on Twitter - Sam Mutimer

With millions of people on Twitter and lots of people tweeting at the same time, it's a challenge to get heard above all the tweet traffic. So how do you be - and "behave" - different on Twitter to get noticed? 

 One person who does it really well is Sam Mutimer (@sammutimer). I met Sam via Twitter and was quickly enticed to her tweets by what I've dubbed "Mutimerisms". 

Her tweets reflect her genuineness and gregarious personality to the extent that they're 'out there' enough to keep you engaged yet compelling enough to keep you following. 

Despite being English, most of the phrases she uses don't appear in any formal English grammar book I know of. But after a while of following her, you quickly get mesmerised by a combination of bewilderment and curiosity as you work through the logic of her language and her messages. In the end, you stay tuned and connected because - she's different - and that's her appeal. 

 Here are my Top 10 "Mutimerisms":

1. Mellers - people from Melbourne, Australia
2. Juicy - excellent. 
3. Woohhharr! - excited.
4. Rippa - great. 
5. Defo - a definite.
6. Pukka deluxe - better than excellent.
7. Crank it up - go to another level.
8. Its gonna go off - it'll be great.
9. Gonna Chip Now - have to go now.
10. Later Skaters - see you afterwards.

Connected Voices for Chris O'Brien RIP

Despite reading connection stories on a daily basis
as part of my work, this must-tell story epitomises
the power of connection, technology, expression
and the human spirit.
 
On Friday morning, 5th June, I awoke to the news
that reknowned cancer surgeon Chris O'Brien lost
his battle with his own cancer at the age of 57. He
was a much respected and admired humanitarian
who gave his patients the second chance at life
that he didn't have. Saddened by the news,I felt
the need to express my thoughts and feelings via
a condolence message to his family and friends.
At that point in time, no sites had been set-up
on the internet as far as I could see so I turned
to Facebook.

Upon searching the groups pages, I found a
tribute page had been set-up by 16 year-old
Rhys O'Shea from Camden a few days before
Chris's death as a way for his generation and
all others, to remember Chris by posting their
thoughts and feelings after joining the group.
There were 20 members and 11 posts when
I joined on Thursday. Within two days, the
group grew to 300 members and 120 posts.
I contacted Rhys (who I'd never met) to see
whether he needed some help with managing
the group. He was overwhelmed by the response
and asked me to help him administer the group.

By Monday, 8th June, it had almost 3,000 members
and 300 condolence messages. As per the writing
of this blogpost on Wednesday, 10th June around
midday - the day before Chris's State Funeral -
the group has 6,350 members and 570 posts
commemorating Chris and his great work.

There are now other Facebook groups and a formal
internet site where people can leave condolence
messages. I think it's amazing that people will flock en
masse to an online place where they can express
themselves so freely about someone and something
that they really care about.

And all it took to connect all their voices was a
16 year-old who thought to build a simple Facebook
page for a hero.
   
Prof. Chris O'Brien's Group page is:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=89444658150&ref=mf

What's Your Plan B Worth?

Over the last few months, I've been speaking to friends and former colleagues working for large, medium and small companies about their concern over recent job losses and redundancies due to the global financial crisis. These folks seem to fall under three categories:

1. Those who have been made redundant and didn't see it coming.

2. Those who are in limbo at the moment waiting to be told whether they still have a job or whether they'll be asked to leave and;

3. Those who have been told their jobs are safe (for now) but aren't sure whether that's a good thing for them as it means taking on more workload from colleagues who were made redundant with limited opportunities for a promotion, let alone a pay rise in the foreseeable future.

The one common  and consistent observation is that MOST of the people I've spoken to did or do not have a contingency plan for the current situation they find themselves in. I've always maintained that it's important to have a "Plan B" to prepare yourself for unforeseen circumstances, whether it's one you've been warned about or those that just hit you in the face.

If you find yourself - or someone you know - in one of these three categories and don't have a 'Plan B' for your situation, the JobCAMP09 event on the 14th and 15th May at Luna Park in Sydney may be just what the General ordered. The event is a two-day workshop to get you thinking, participating, connecting, planning and hopefully, working on YOUR plan. The organisers have determined that if you value it, you'll pay for it so at registration, YOU PAY WHAT YOU THINK IT'S WORTH.

More details at www.jobcamp.com.au. I'll be there if you want to connect.

Making a Difference to Poverty in the Philippines

Last year, my parents and my son attended a family reunion in a small island called Negros in the Visayan region of the Philippines. While the experience was a celebration of family, it was also a first hand view of the need to find ways to aid and support people in a third world country.

They encountered a group of poverty-stricken blind children, some of whom were orphans, who are being supervised by one of my aunts. This group needs constant care, education and love - all of which requires some form of financial support. 

Last Christmas, my parents extended family of eight brothers and sisters and twenty-one nieces and nephews decided to replace the annual Kris Kringle arrangements to make a collective cash donation to this worthy cause.

I relate this personal story not to boast about our generosity but to highlight the need for initiatives - no matter how small in nature - to the plight of those less fortunate than ourselves.

One such initiative is being led by Jasmin Tragas, who until the end of June 2009, is raising funds for an Opportunity International Filipino Trust Bank to assist a group of entrepreneurial poor in the Philippines. If you feel compelled to do so, donations can be made on http://wonderwebby.chipin.com. A special mention must also go to Incentive House, who is also making a sizable contribution.

Converting Connections into Business - Jen Harwood

This week, I'd like to introduce a "guest" blog from Jen Harwood, Business Champion. Recently, Jen wrote a piece about the importance of connections for business, which she kindly agreed to post here:

By Jen Harwood, Business Champion

How do you convert casual conversations with total strangers into new business? This article will look at the five types of people you will meet at networking events and suggest how to connect, build credibility and convert conversations into business. 

They are: Leads – people who are in your target market. They fit your ideal customer profile and in conversation you will immediately connect them with your product or service. To convert the conversation you could say, “I think I can help you with that. Would you like to talk further now or make a time for us to meet?” If they want more conversation, have it and ask for their business card. If not, try to make an appointment on the spot. The desired outcome of meeting leads at networking events is to build credibility and then convert business opportunities. 

Contacts – people who you already know, although they may not remember what you offer. You can build credibility by sharing results from other clients and demonstrating your expertise in your field As you know them, your interest and questioning will be more relaxed. With contacts you can launch straight into a conversion conversation. For example… “ So Dave, when are you going to let me re-finance your home?” 

Referrers – people who want to recommend you to their network. These people build their own credibility by recommending you. They tend to watch you, to see if you are consistent with your words, actions and results. Once they approve you and your product/service they ask for your card and then distribute your details to their network. A referrer is a valuable asset and your goal is to have many. Keep them up to date with the results of the introductions they make. Let them know you are serving their network and thank them often. 

Promoters – people who appreciate you and what you offer. Sometimes these people are called raving FANS. They are your unpaid marketing and PR team. When you meet a promoter, you’ll know. They get excited about what you do/offer and then will talk you up and generally create a positive impression of you. The key is to make sure the message they give out is correct. You must speak clearly and confidently as they will take your message and broadcast it to everyone. Also remember promoters like to promote. Share your results with them (with permission from your clients) as they are likely to promote your results as well. 

Extras – it’s hard to remember this group of people as the first four sound so good for creating business. They are often not recognised by you as you are focusing on your STARS - leads, contacts, referrers and promoters. The Extras… wives standing next to their husband (or vice versa), a young person hanging about, a grandmother waiting for her daughter to finish a conversation, a smart 10 year-old who asks too many questions, a shy person or even a person who is inappropriately dressed. These people are often the KEY to your success. The Extras watch and listen to everything. They are the people who influence and reinforce. Look for, speak to and connect with them. Know that they will listen for the best interest of the STAR and if they are satisfied and choose to trust you, they will playback to the STAR your key points later highlighting your benefits. 

 After an event, follow up with all the people you collected a business card from. You can call, email or link with them online through tools such as www.linkedIn.com. The follow up is most important as most people forget what they heard. So when they are back at work, the problem they have still needs to be addressed and when you make contact, they will be open and respond. One last thing, if you forgot to follow up a few people after an event, don’t worry. The length of time is not an issue if you call or email them and say… “I met you at xxx event some time ago and I’ve been meaning to contact you. I’m contacting you now to ask you xxx or invite you out for a coffee to talk about xxx. Would you be interested?” In my experience most people are fine with this approach. 

 All you have to do is remember to make the connection, build your credibility, meet with them and then convert ideas and opportunities into business. If you stick to that order, you will have great success.

Jen Harwood is Australia's Business Champion, International Business Speaker and Author. Jen speaks at conferences and events motivating business owners and their teams on how to network, increase sales & profit and working together effectively. Check out how Jen can make your next conference ROCK for your audiences.

Connection Stories - Andrew Cantwell

Welcome back to all in 2009 and to the first connection thought for the year.

A few weeks ago, Garry (an old school friend) and I were putting together the invitation list for the 30th Anniversary School Reunion this year. As we looked through the names of our school mates, Garry wondered if I knew where "Andrew C" (surname withheld) was these days. 

Both Garry and I had lost touch with him when we left school in 1979 and despite regularly 'googling' his name over the years, no results came up. While we were talking - and on a whim - I decided to search for him on Facebook. Of the 25 search results for his name, there was one with this photo that looked like our man. 

A quick message from me to him to confirm that he was the right guy and we were connected. He told me that he had joined Facebook a few months ago for no particular reason and was now residing on a beach in a small coastal town in Queensland - and one of the fastest growing regions in Australia. 

 I realised that it took me three online minutes to connect to someone I hadn't heard from in 30 years. I was so impressed that I told the story to a few people and to my surprise, it happens quite frequently to a lot of people. So I thought that.... If you have a connection story or experience you'd like to share, please leave a comment below (I moderate the comments before publishing them) or send me an email. I'll formally publish the best stories in future posts.