Worth of Mouth

February 19, 2009

We’ve all heard of “Word of Mouth” marketing, but have you stopped to consider the worth in your words? Today I realized the phrase “Worth of Mouth”, which I presume was a Freudian translation. Twitter is utilized as a part of our web presence solutions and being out there in the world of social media on a daily basis, I see many who are providing social networking tips, specifically for Twitter as of late. Although the service has been around since 2006, there is a continuous stream of people from all over the world who are joining the network. Twitter prompts users with the question, “What are you doing?” and “Answers must be under 140 characters in length and can be sent via mobile texting, instant message, or the web.” This is an opportunity to use “word of mouth” marketing in a whole new way via technology.

But in a time where information can be obtained in a matter of seconds, if not instantly, it’s important to think about the value in your updates. Is your update something that your connections would be interested in or can relate to? Is it helpful in some way?

It’s also important to remember that people use Twitter for many different reasons – whether it’s to stay connected with friends, family, media, making business connections or spreading the word about a product, service, event or worthy organization. Not everyone is there for the same reason, and that holds true in the Social Networking world as well.  If you have a product or service and all you ever do is link to that product or service in your updates, you might find that you’ll be ignored by many. I find that if you’re using Social Networking tools for business, it is critical to balance your updates with a nice mix of personal greetings and communications as well as informational and promotional updates. Your followers will appreciate the fact that your brand is friendly, approachable, and personable.

My personal Twitter tip is this:  If you are new to Twitter, and you own a business, you must have a Public profile.  Private profiles are an option on the service, but are best used for those who only wish to communicate with those they know personally.  If you want to get the word out about your business, you have to participate on the Public stream.  Always take time to preview your new follower’s profiles and make sure they are legitimate – this includes previewing their photo, bio and tweet history.  If something doesn’t look right to you, you have the power to block them.  Be courteous of legitimate followers and follow them back.  Note that they will not be able to send a “DM” (direct message) to you unless you are following them in return, and you might find that this simple reciprocation could be a great help to you someday. Be sure to recognize your connections, what their interests are and why you’re connected. Try to provide them with valuable updates, share interesting thoughts and enjoy the fact that you’re connected to one another – nurturing those connections, just as you would any friend, in the best way you can.
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Lisa Duhamel, Owner
VirtuallyReady.com

Are You On Facebook®?

February 11, 2009

If you’re a business owner and your business is not on Facebook® yet, don’t miss out on a great opportunity to connect with others and promote your business at the same time.  Creating a Facebook Page is a great way to compliment your website and bring social interaction and online promotion to your business.

Many people choose to use a Facebook® Profile to create a personal web presence, which is used simply used to connect with relatives & old friends and to make new friends if you choose to do so.  As of the date of this article, there is a maximum friend amount of 5k.

Others choose to use a Facebook® Page to extend their professional web presence and promote their business, organization, music, book, product, service, etc. – with a Facebook Page, there is no limit to the amount of “fans” you have and there is also the option to incorporate a Facebook® advertising campaign, but it’s not imperative to do so.  There is added flexibility with pages where you can create discussions, polls and events to communicate with your fans, and your fans are provided the opportunity to interact together on your page.  You do not need a personal profile to create a Facebook Page.

Facebook is free to join, however there are right, wrong, and most recommended ways to participate that exist, so if you choose to create a Facebook Profile and/or Page, you are encouraged to review the Facebook® guidelines about the proper use of a Personal Profile and proper ways to promote your Public Page.  Also, be sure to review their Terms of Service prior to deciding to launch your social presence.

Be a fan of Virtually Ready on Facebook®

If you’d like your business or organization to have a web presence on Facebook®, but simply don’t have the time, Virtually Ready is proud to offer affordable professional Facebook® assistance as part of our specialized services and complete web presence solutions.  Please feel free to contact us for more information about getting your business page set up today.

Virtually Ready – Professional Web Presence Solutions for Business
“Extend Your Reach”

• Visit Virtually Ready’s website: www.virtuallyready.com
• Join Virtually Ready on Facebook: www.facebook.com/virtuallyready
• Follow Virtually Ready on Twitter: www.twitter.com/virtuallyready

Client Spotlight: Impact Baseball Academy

February 4, 2009

A professional provider of year-round professional baseball instruction for Tampa area youth, high school and college level baseball players, teams, leagues and coaches, Impact Baseball Academy is geared up and ready to prepare Tampa area baseball players for the upcoming Spring Season!

Lessons are provided by instructors with extensive professional playing, scouting and coaching experience.

If you or someone you know is serious about training to improve technically, physically and mentally, you need to be involved with the most unique, effective developmental approach in baseball. Students receive top-notch baseball instruction that will boost player confidence, improve skills, and ultimately MAKE AN IMPACT on the playing field.

Impact Baseball Academy offers one complimentary 1/2 hour lesson for new individual player students and one complimentary 1.5 hour lesson for teams that are new to Impact Baseball Academy’s clientele.

* Special Stimulus Prices are also available on Private Individual Lessons. *

To learn more about Impact Baseball Academy, please visit:

Website: www.impactbaseballacademy.com
Squidoo: www.squidoo.com/impactbaseballacademy
Facebook: www.companies.to/impactbaseballacademy

Lisa Duhamel, Owner
Virtually Ready