Aug 14, 2010
Great Leaders are also Managers
Great leaders are also managers. Contrary to many statements and beliefs this article goes on to argue that great leaders often do NOT consider the management duties/responsibilities as below their level. In fact they actively participate. This is what makes them great leaders- as they know the intricacies of the businesses they are in and are able to relay the right and doable strategy and vision to their teams. http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2010/08/true_leaders_are_also_managers.html
Jul 21, 2010
A Prettier Way to Browse the Social Web
Interesting post on NYT about Flipboard, which developed an app to organize pics and article from FB, and Twitter.http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/21/a-prettier-way-to-browse-the-social-web/?th&emc=th
Yahoo and Microsoft Alliance
Much as been speculated about the Yahoo and Microsoft integration and much more has been written about it. Finally, the much awaited details of this alliance are now clear and out for the public. I have provided few posts on my blog on this already- HERE and HERE. While this may not appeal to a general user, unless Bing screws up on the technology front and fails to serve well to the searchers, it does have an impact on marketer, agencies, search professionals and whoever is in the search marketing industry.
But here is a top level overview.
Bottom line:
1) Yahoo's results will be powered by Microsoft's/ Bing's search technology. Therefore, slowly all search results (currently it is 25% in the US) on Yahoo will be a result of Bing;s search algorithm.
2) Searches on Bing will continue to be powered by Bing;s own platform.
3) YES! Your SEO results will be impacted and will be powered by Bing. So SEO guys start working on improving your Bing ranking (though things may change soon).
4) For the advertisers there will changes on the campaign management front. These would range from match type changes (from Yahoo's Standard and Advanced to Bing's Exact, Phrase and Broad) to targeting to KW negatives or exclusions to canonicalization. So watch for these changes and be prepared to work with new the standards.
5) Your minimum bid changes from $0.01 to $0.05.
6) You will be able to advertise on Yahoo and Big with only one account.
Thanks. Any questions drop me a line.
But here is a top level overview.
Bottom line:
1) Yahoo's results will be powered by Microsoft's/ Bing's search technology. Therefore, slowly all search results (currently it is 25% in the US) on Yahoo will be a result of Bing;s search algorithm.
2) Searches on Bing will continue to be powered by Bing;s own platform.
3) YES! Your SEO results will be impacted and will be powered by Bing. So SEO guys start working on improving your Bing ranking (though things may change soon).
4) For the advertisers there will changes on the campaign management front. These would range from match type changes (from Yahoo's Standard and Advanced to Bing's Exact, Phrase and Broad) to targeting to KW negatives or exclusions to canonicalization. So watch for these changes and be prepared to work with new the standards.
5) Your minimum bid changes from $0.01 to $0.05.
6) You will be able to advertise on Yahoo and Big with only one account.
Thanks. Any questions drop me a line.
Yahoo-Microsoft Partnership "Magic": It is here !!
This has long been overdue, but Yahoo is nonetheless starting to integrate both organic and paid search listings from Microsoft for up to 25 percent of Yahoo Search traffic in the U.S. This means that these search listings is now coming from Microsoft Ad networks. Some U.S. users would have started seeing this integrated Microsoft search ads on Yahoo Search if they were selected by Yahoo.
The Yahoo Search Blog explains this integration via a post which mentioned that:
However, the overall page should look the same as the Yahoo! Search you’re used to – with rich content and unique tools and features from Yahoo!. If you happen to fall into our tests, you might also notice some differences in how we’re displaying select search results due to a variety of product configurations we are testing.
An example was given showing a screenshot of the actual test wherein a boxed area in the normal Yahoo SERP is displaying a paid ad coming from Microsoft. The search results page still carry the overall Yahoo layout and theme, the only difference is the addition of the search ad box. This also means that the search algorithm is still carried out by Yahoo Search.
Yahoo is also planning to integrate both Microsoft’s mobile organic and paid search listings
Full integration for organic search listings in U.S. and Canada is expected starting August/September while the timeline for paid search listing will happen by October.
Original article published HERE
The Yahoo Search Blog explains this integration via a post which mentioned that:
However, the overall page should look the same as the Yahoo! Search you’re used to – with rich content and unique tools and features from Yahoo!. If you happen to fall into our tests, you might also notice some differences in how we’re displaying select search results due to a variety of product configurations we are testing.
An example was given showing a screenshot of the actual test wherein a boxed area in the normal Yahoo SERP is displaying a paid ad coming from Microsoft. The search results page still carry the overall Yahoo layout and theme, the only difference is the addition of the search ad box. This also means that the search algorithm is still carried out by Yahoo Search.
Yahoo is also planning to integrate both Microsoft’s mobile organic and paid search listings
Full integration for organic search listings in U.S. and Canada is expected starting August/September while the timeline for paid search listing will happen by October.
Original article published HERE
MicroHoo: What to expect when you are managing your campaigns
Very informative article about features that will be transitioned and relinquished during the Microsoft-Yahoo integration. So, what does this Microhoo mean to your campaigns? Read about it HERE.
Jul 19, 2010
Jul 16, 2010
Social Media Jobs: The New "Buzz"
More Social Media jobs out there than people.
Brands are using monitoring tools such as Radian6 to identify what people are saying about their brand.
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Metrics used to evaluate success in corporate social media might include: number of Tweets; number of re-Tweets (a Twitter message that's resent by a follower); instances of "customer recovery," in which an irate civilian is successfully mollified; an increase in the number of Facebook fans or Twitter followers; and the number of photos of your product that have been posted online. "We look for opportunities to take our fans and give them more reasons to share their fandom and express their love for the brand," says Rick Wion, the director of social media for McDonald's (MCD). Wion says he is currently crafting a measurement scale that would compare his metrics to the company's traditional media efforts.
Because most of the tools of the profession are free, the new class of social media managers can find themselves stuck with meager operational budgets. One solution is to team up with flush neighbors in the marketing department to create campaigns aimed at converting relevant social media "influencers" (anyone with a bunch of followers anywhere online) into "brand ambassadors" through the strategic deployment of free stuff.
Earlier this summer, for instance, Princess Cruises hosted roughly a dozen Twitter-loving travel hobbyists on an 11-day "cruisetour" through Alaska. It's hard to put a value on the results; Rick Griffin, owner of a site called The Midlife Road Trip Show, tweeted to his 20,000-plus followers: "My 'boat ride' was incredible!! Had the time of my life and I gained about 12 pounds :)."
Similarly, Ford Motor (F) last year handed over advance models of the Ford Fiesta to a hundred social-media-savvy "agents." In a press release, Ford described the agents as "witty, irreverent, and adventurous" enthusiasts who were "socially outgoing, and more than happy to share their opinions" with fellow "Millennials, the next-generation consumer group born between 1979 and 1995." Recently the company announced that if it can get 30,000 people to "like" the Explorer on Facebook, it will give away a 2011 model.
Get More Here
OR just click on the link below:
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_30/b4188064364442.htm
Brands are using monitoring tools such as Radian6 to identify what people are saying about their brand.
'
'
'
'
Metrics used to evaluate success in corporate social media might include: number of Tweets; number of re-Tweets (a Twitter message that's resent by a follower); instances of "customer recovery," in which an irate civilian is successfully mollified; an increase in the number of Facebook fans or Twitter followers; and the number of photos of your product that have been posted online. "We look for opportunities to take our fans and give them more reasons to share their fandom and express their love for the brand," says Rick Wion, the director of social media for McDonald's (MCD). Wion says he is currently crafting a measurement scale that would compare his metrics to the company's traditional media efforts.
Because most of the tools of the profession are free, the new class of social media managers can find themselves stuck with meager operational budgets. One solution is to team up with flush neighbors in the marketing department to create campaigns aimed at converting relevant social media "influencers" (anyone with a bunch of followers anywhere online) into "brand ambassadors" through the strategic deployment of free stuff.
Earlier this summer, for instance, Princess Cruises hosted roughly a dozen Twitter-loving travel hobbyists on an 11-day "cruisetour" through Alaska. It's hard to put a value on the results; Rick Griffin, owner of a site called The Midlife Road Trip Show, tweeted to his 20,000-plus followers: "My 'boat ride' was incredible!! Had the time of my life and I gained about 12 pounds :)."
Similarly, Ford Motor (F) last year handed over advance models of the Ford Fiesta to a hundred social-media-savvy "agents." In a press release, Ford described the agents as "witty, irreverent, and adventurous" enthusiasts who were "socially outgoing, and more than happy to share their opinions" with fellow "Millennials, the next-generation consumer group born between 1979 and 1995." Recently the company announced that if it can get 30,000 people to "like" the Explorer on Facebook, it will give away a 2011 model.
Get More Here
OR just click on the link below:
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_30/b4188064364442.htm
Jul 15, 2010
Top 25 Social Media Sites
CLICK HERE for Top Social MEdia Sites
http://www.prelovac.com/vladimir/top-list-of-social-media-sites
http://www.prelovac.com/vladimir/top-list-of-social-media-sites
Top 10 PPC Tools
A great list of PPC tools can be found here
(http://www.searchenginejournal.com/the-top-10-free-ppc-tools/22652/)
(http://www.searchenginejournal.com/the-top-10-free-ppc-tools/22652/)
Jul 14, 2010
Nano bags gold prize at 2010 Edison Awards
A true innovation. A one who drives one regiularly, my parents own a Nano, I can vouch for this "Nano Wonder".
Nano won the 2010 Edison Award, which is recognised as America's innovation award. The Edison Awards symbolise the persistence and excellence personified by Thomas Alva Edison, a Tata Motors statement said.
The companies are judged on marketplace innovation, marketplace success, technological innovation, market structure innovation, societal impact and design innovation, it said.
http://autos.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3920804
Nano won the 2010 Edison Award, which is recognised as America's innovation award. The Edison Awards symbolise the persistence and excellence personified by Thomas Alva Edison, a Tata Motors statement said.
The companies are judged on marketplace innovation, marketplace success, technological innovation, market structure innovation, societal impact and design innovation, it said.
http://autos.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3920804
Jul 7, 2010
Facebook better than Twitter. WHY?
A good article about how Facebook is better than Twitter.
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/3-reasons-facebook-trumps-twitter-for-business/
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/3-reasons-facebook-trumps-twitter-for-business/
Jul 3, 2010
Discover Your Leadership Blind Spots
Click HERE to read the original Businessweek article
Blind spots are not flaws; nor are they malicious. They are automatic behaviors. The real culprits are not the blind spots themselves. The problem is when they are unidentified and mismanaged.
In good times blind spots are annoying and frustrating; in tough times they can be lethal.
No one is immune to blind spots, of course. But leaders are particularly vulnerable.
Click HERE for the article.
Blind spots are not flaws; nor are they malicious. They are automatic behaviors. The real culprits are not the blind spots themselves. The problem is when they are unidentified and mismanaged.
In good times blind spots are annoying and frustrating; in tough times they can be lethal.
No one is immune to blind spots, of course. But leaders are particularly vulnerable.
Click HERE for the article.
Getting Executive Charisma
http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/apr2010/ca20100429_606003.htm
You look confident and comfortable in your own skin, which causes people to want to listen to what you have to say and offer.
Use aware actions:
• Deal with others as human being to human being, not role to role.
• Use good-natured humoring to break down barriers erected by titles, power, and position.
• Slow down your talk, walk, and movement to relax yourself and calm those around you.
• Shut up and listen. Focus on what others are saying, instead of thinking about what you're going to say next. Be a good listener even if you don't like what you hear.
• Ask questions as your main communication tool. You avoid being a know-it-all, and you let others be in the spotlight.
• Reach out and touch both literally and physically. Instead of a handshake, try a hand sandwich.
You look confident and comfortable in your own skin, which causes people to want to listen to what you have to say and offer.
Use aware actions:
• Deal with others as human being to human being, not role to role.
• Use good-natured humoring to break down barriers erected by titles, power, and position.
• Slow down your talk, walk, and movement to relax yourself and calm those around you.
• Shut up and listen. Focus on what others are saying, instead of thinking about what you're going to say next. Be a good listener even if you don't like what you hear.
• Ask questions as your main communication tool. You avoid being a know-it-all, and you let others be in the spotlight.
• Reach out and touch both literally and physically. Instead of a handshake, try a hand sandwich.
Building a Positive Workeforce
Great article about how to create a positive workforce:
"As leaders, we spend a lot of time hiring and retaining talent, reviewing metrics, examining competitors, setting strategy, and ensuring execution. These tasks are essential to success. But what's even more crucial is the attitude we bring to them. Negative mindsets limit possibilities from the very start. Positivity opens up a world of options and opportunities."
http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/jun2010/ca2010068_804146.htm
"For those of us who believe we're too set in our ways to change our attitudes, there's some good news. As consultant David Rock wrote in the journal Strategy + Business, recent neuroscience research has found that "the human brain is highly plastic. Neural connections can be reformed, new behaviors can be learned, and even the most entrenched behaviors can be modified at any age." This is consistent with our own research and practical experience at the Center for Creative Leadership, where we've found that leaders are in fact made, rather than born, and that they can keep improving throughout their entire careers, provided they're willing to make the effort.
So it's very possible for people to change and become more effective professionals in the process. But, as leaders, how do we encourage them to do it? We should, of course, start with ourselves. Based on her research, Fredrickson recommends we try to experience positive emotions in a 3-to-1 ratio with negative ones. That's the tipping point, she says, at which our overall ability to see new possibilities and overcome challenges starts to grow exponentially. Her research shows that only 20 percent of Americans actually achieve that ratio on a regular basis. (You can take her quick test to see if you're one of them.)"
Four ways of building a positive workforce:
1) Express appreciation.
2) Encourage fitness.
3) Focus on teams.
4) Give skepticism its due.
"As leaders, we spend a lot of time hiring and retaining talent, reviewing metrics, examining competitors, setting strategy, and ensuring execution. These tasks are essential to success. But what's even more crucial is the attitude we bring to them. Negative mindsets limit possibilities from the very start. Positivity opens up a world of options and opportunities."
http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/jun2010/ca2010068_804146.htm
"For those of us who believe we're too set in our ways to change our attitudes, there's some good news. As consultant David Rock wrote in the journal Strategy + Business, recent neuroscience research has found that "the human brain is highly plastic. Neural connections can be reformed, new behaviors can be learned, and even the most entrenched behaviors can be modified at any age." This is consistent with our own research and practical experience at the Center for Creative Leadership, where we've found that leaders are in fact made, rather than born, and that they can keep improving throughout their entire careers, provided they're willing to make the effort.
So it's very possible for people to change and become more effective professionals in the process. But, as leaders, how do we encourage them to do it? We should, of course, start with ourselves. Based on her research, Fredrickson recommends we try to experience positive emotions in a 3-to-1 ratio with negative ones. That's the tipping point, she says, at which our overall ability to see new possibilities and overcome challenges starts to grow exponentially. Her research shows that only 20 percent of Americans actually achieve that ratio on a regular basis. (You can take her quick test to see if you're one of them.)"
Four ways of building a positive workforce:
1) Express appreciation.
2) Encourage fitness.
3) Focus on teams.
4) Give skepticism its due.
Skepticism is a crucial counterpoint to positivity, and it's not the same thing as negativity, which destroys rather than nurtures
Jul 1, 2010
Jun 7, 2010
Cross-Media Case Study: God, Family, Football, and Facebook
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=127544
Mobile Social Graph: From MocoSpace
Mocospace release The Mobile Social Graph.
Not much of the data comes as a surprise. Click here to download.
Here are the top level trends: (courtesy: http://www.adotas.com/2010/06/mobile-social-android-growth-iphone-lust/)
* Android traffic increased by almost 40% in Q1.
* Traditional feature phone usage dropped by 22% in Q1.
* Mobile users log in 1.85 times as often as PC users.
* iPhone and Android sessions are 28% longer than feature phone sessions.
* iPhone and Android users over-index 72% on purchasing virtual currency.
* Courtesy: http://www.jnjmobile.com/report/
Not much of the data comes as a surprise. Click here to download.
Here are the top level trends: (courtesy: http://www.adotas.com/2010/06/mobile-social-android-growth-iphone-lust/)
* Android traffic increased by almost 40% in Q1.
* Traditional feature phone usage dropped by 22% in Q1.
* Mobile users log in 1.85 times as often as PC users.
* iPhone and Android sessions are 28% longer than feature phone sessions.
* iPhone and Android users over-index 72% on purchasing virtual currency.
* Courtesy: http://www.jnjmobile.com/report/
Jun 4, 2010
What a Leader Should Do, Along with Many other Things...
What a leader should BE doing:
1) say the truth and
2) know when to STOP talking about the problem and actually fix it
Read this to find out what a leader should NOT do
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/04/us/04image.html?th&emc=th
1) say the truth and
2) know when to STOP talking about the problem and actually fix it
Read this to find out what a leader should NOT do
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/04/us/04image.html?th&emc=th
May 3, 2010
Bad Habits...
We are not meant to be sitting for the amount of time we do!!
This is a great article on how our habits could be killing us.
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_19/b4177071221162.htm
This is a great article on how our habits could be killing us.
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_19/b4177071221162.htm
Apr 26, 2010
A New Wave in Local Search: Search Engines Going for Local Businesses (Mom And Pop Stores)
Major engines going after a HUGE mom and pop stores that do not even have a website. A new wave of local listings...
Google Places launched for local businesses is accessible for just $25 a month.
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=126654
Google Places launched for local businesses is accessible for just $25 a month.
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=126654
Twitter users expected to continually grow
Research analyst firm eMarketer estimates the number of U.S. adult Twitter users will reach 36 million in 2012, up from 18 million in 2009. As a percentage of people who use the Internet, Twitter users will account for 18.8% in 2012, up from 10.5% in 2009.This forecast assumes that Twitter will deliver on its mission to shift its focus from audience building to revenue generation in 2010.
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=126764
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=126764
Apr 17, 2010
Management Guru C.K. Prahalad Passed Away
One of the great minds of our times and a management guru C.K. Prahalad passed away on April 16th, 2010.
It is a sad day indeed and a great loos for the management and management research community.
It is a sad day indeed and a great loos for the management and management research community.
Apr 15, 2010
Ezinearticles Expert Author
My article on "Water and Conflict - What Can You Do to Decrease Conflict?" was published on EzineArticles.com. To read click here:
Apr 14, 2010
Search Engine Marketing Sees Growth
Search Engine Marketing (PPC/search/search marketing) is back and growing fast! Who knew that 2009 will be such terrible drag of a year for marketers and for the online ad business specifically. But we were there and survived.
2010 is looking even better for the online world. Just look at the buzz around the social media.... Twitter just launched a new new ad platform (http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052702303695604575182233558434518-lMyQjAxMTAwMDEwMzExNDMyWj.html.
Everyone is talking about Facebook and how to use it: not just for big brands but also for smaller firms. So why should the search market be left behind. And of course it is not. Search market is picking up speed and showing signs of revival from 2009- http://www.adotas.com/2010/04/search-rekindles-the-flame/
Per "Efficient Frontier reports search engine marketing jumped 20% year over year in the first quarter of 2010". Retail and Travel segments contributed to the biggest spike. Enjoy the readings.
2010 is looking even better for the online world. Just look at the buzz around the social media.... Twitter just launched a new new ad platform (http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052702303695604575182233558434518-lMyQjAxMTAwMDEwMzExNDMyWj.html.
Everyone is talking about Facebook and how to use it: not just for big brands but also for smaller firms. So why should the search market be left behind. And of course it is not. Search market is picking up speed and showing signs of revival from 2009- http://www.adotas.com/2010/04/search-rekindles-the-flame/
Per "Efficient Frontier reports search engine marketing jumped 20% year over year in the first quarter of 2010". Retail and Travel segments contributed to the biggest spike. Enjoy the readings.
Apr 13, 2010
Social Media Tips for Small Businesses
Social Media is the new buzz word. While there are stories of big brands leveraging the power of the social channel to their benefit, there are often questions on how smaller guys can use this channel to increase revenue. Peter Wylie discussed 5 ways in which small businesses can use social media in this article: http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/5-small-business-tips-for-social-media-success/
These 5 ways include:
1) Writing about more than just your business. Perter wants you to write about relevant content that is related to your business. The example he uses is that or a DC area Realtor who along with promoting the core realty business offers general advice on the DC area.
2) It is important to offer value to consumers who come to your site. If the content is not appealing and relevant to the user landing on your social site they will have little incentive to stay and read what you are offering.
3) Peter mentions consistency, i.e. posting frequently about interested and related content for your users.
4) It is important to have diversity in content. Think about it, who would want to read the same stuff over and over...
5) Be sure to monitor your competitors and learn. Be sure that you observe their actions and outcome closely. You will be surprised that competitors always teach you a lot and who knows you could possibly get a brand new idea of your own from their tactics.
These 5 ways include:
1) Writing about more than just your business. Perter wants you to write about relevant content that is related to your business. The example he uses is that or a DC area Realtor who along with promoting the core realty business offers general advice on the DC area.
2) It is important to offer value to consumers who come to your site. If the content is not appealing and relevant to the user landing on your social site they will have little incentive to stay and read what you are offering.
3) Peter mentions consistency, i.e. posting frequently about interested and related content for your users.
4) It is important to have diversity in content. Think about it, who would want to read the same stuff over and over...
5) Be sure to monitor your competitors and learn. Be sure that you observe their actions and outcome closely. You will be surprised that competitors always teach you a lot and who knows you could possibly get a brand new idea of your own from their tactics.
Apr 12, 2010
Social Media: How Have Firms used Facebook?
Social media is the newest coolest emerging media. With number of users almost equal to the population of the United States, Facebook seems to be one of the most favored destinations for many brands. For marketers it seems to promise the starts and the moon and $$.
When it comes to the buzz around Facebook strategy there are definitely ad agencies that have specialized in providing topnotch ideas and there are companies that have definitely identified how to leverage this new channel. These companies promote their brand, acquire “fans” and get people talking about the site, products and services and above all consume them.
Many firms have created their Facebook business page. Some just wait for fans to linkup, others create the page and actively seek out fans by posting about their products and services and then there are others that do something out of the ordinary that they stand out and have a huge fan following.
Examples of sophisticated social media strategies on Facebook range from H&M’s to Pepsi’s Refresheverything to E&Y.
H&M created a fan page (http://www.facebook.com/hm) that boasts over 1.8million fans. The company uses this page to very actively engage with its fans. It promotes the latest collection on this page, answers questions about store openings and interacts with customers when they have a question on style or a clothing line. H&M representatives actively participate in the discussions. The page also has a section called “Your H&M” which offers multiple links such as Style Guide and Fashion Studio that link back to a very interactive website which gives users the required information.
Pepsi created a page called refresheverything (http://www.facebook.com/refresheverything) for social causes. The company is offering grants to ideas in such categories as health, education and Art and Culture. The Facebook page gives users the option to vote for their choice of social cause and the one with most votes gets grants. It also offers users the option to write about other social causes that may not be covered in the competition. With over 600,000 fans this is a page dedicated to improving lives.
While many firms are still struggling to identify how to leverage the social media, there are firms that have indeed identified a way to connect with fans and not only increase their business returns, but also contribute back to the society at large.
And there is more. A recent BusinessWeek’s BX published the article on 5 companies that very successfully launched a socialmedia strategy that resulted in not just a large number of fans but also in increase in sales.
http://bx.businessweek.com/facebook/view?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.businessbrief.com%2Fhow-5-companies-use-facebook-to-boost-business%2F
But, the success of these brands also begs the question, are these firms successful in their Facebok strategy because they already are recognized brands or it is their unique idea and approach on Facebook that got people joining and contributing.
Regardless, firms that have been successful at gaining fans have a huge database of loyalists who can be tapped any day for help and ideas, a concept that utilizes the fundamental essence of social media – ‘being social and sharing ideas and thoughts’.
When it comes to the buzz around Facebook strategy there are definitely ad agencies that have specialized in providing topnotch ideas and there are companies that have definitely identified how to leverage this new channel. These companies promote their brand, acquire “fans” and get people talking about the site, products and services and above all consume them.
Many firms have created their Facebook business page. Some just wait for fans to linkup, others create the page and actively seek out fans by posting about their products and services and then there are others that do something out of the ordinary that they stand out and have a huge fan following.
Examples of sophisticated social media strategies on Facebook range from H&M’s to Pepsi’s Refresheverything to E&Y.
H&M created a fan page (http://www.facebook.com/hm) that boasts over 1.8million fans. The company uses this page to very actively engage with its fans. It promotes the latest collection on this page, answers questions about store openings and interacts with customers when they have a question on style or a clothing line. H&M representatives actively participate in the discussions. The page also has a section called “Your H&M” which offers multiple links such as Style Guide and Fashion Studio that link back to a very interactive website which gives users the required information.
Pepsi created a page called refresheverything (http://www.facebook.com/refresheverything) for social causes. The company is offering grants to ideas in such categories as health, education and Art and Culture. The Facebook page gives users the option to vote for their choice of social cause and the one with most votes gets grants. It also offers users the option to write about other social causes that may not be covered in the competition. With over 600,000 fans this is a page dedicated to improving lives.
While many firms are still struggling to identify how to leverage the social media, there are firms that have indeed identified a way to connect with fans and not only increase their business returns, but also contribute back to the society at large.
And there is more. A recent BusinessWeek’s BX published the article on 5 companies that very successfully launched a socialmedia strategy that resulted in not just a large number of fans but also in increase in sales.
http://bx.businessweek.com/facebook/view?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.businessbrief.com%2Fhow-5-companies-use-facebook-to-boost-business%2F
But, the success of these brands also begs the question, are these firms successful in their Facebok strategy because they already are recognized brands or it is their unique idea and approach on Facebook that got people joining and contributing.
Regardless, firms that have been successful at gaining fans have a huge database of loyalists who can be tapped any day for help and ideas, a concept that utilizes the fundamental essence of social media – ‘being social and sharing ideas and thoughts’.
Water and Conflict : What you can do to decrease conflict
Water, the very foundation of life on earth, and now as we know on other planets as well, is a fast depleting commodity. But still not many today can understand its importance and do not have the foresight to see what its depletion can mean to our generation and for our future generations.
There is no doubt that water, as important a resource as it is, is not necessarily used or cherished properly by most of the developed and developing world. In the developed world, and based on my own personal experiences, I know that water is taken for granted. Starting from how much water is used to brush ones teeth to long hot showers people take, there is plenty of water wasted.
History is riddled with proof that when ever there is water shortage there is conflict. Why? That is because water is indeed the foundation of every life form on our planet. Without it there is no life.
Here is a great time line that illustrates the disputes over water from around the world.
http://www.worldwater.org/conflict/timeline/
I am starting to do my part. I have started by turning the tap knobs that control the water force in my bathrooms to a minimum. This way I control the speed with which water is dispensed from my taps. And I have no complaints, in fact it reminds every day the little contribution I made to the world.
You should try doing the same. Just remember that water is a fast depleting commodity and that you CAN save it for the future generations. In doing so you WILL directly decrease conflict around the world.
There is no doubt that water, as important a resource as it is, is not necessarily used or cherished properly by most of the developed and developing world. In the developed world, and based on my own personal experiences, I know that water is taken for granted. Starting from how much water is used to brush ones teeth to long hot showers people take, there is plenty of water wasted.
History is riddled with proof that when ever there is water shortage there is conflict. Why? That is because water is indeed the foundation of every life form on our planet. Without it there is no life.
Here is a great time line that illustrates the disputes over water from around the world.
http://www.worldwater.org/conflict/timeline/
I am starting to do my part. I have started by turning the tap knobs that control the water force in my bathrooms to a minimum. This way I control the speed with which water is dispensed from my taps. And I have no complaints, in fact it reminds every day the little contribution I made to the world.
You should try doing the same. Just remember that water is a fast depleting commodity and that you CAN save it for the future generations. In doing so you WILL directly decrease conflict around the world.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Lessons for a Lifetime
I was always fascinated by the advertising world. It all started when I was a kid, 10 years old, watching the first color TV my father bought in early 80s. I always wondered what it would be like to be able design an ad that intrigued people. Wondered what would make people stop and make them watch what I created. I was puzzled as to how I could gain their appreciation for my ideas and thinking and above all make them consume the message I had in mind. Of course back then there weren’t as many channels as we have now. I remember 1 channel, DD. Now I have too many options and I still watch may be 3 channels at most.
It is almost by accident that I got into the advertising business. Growing up I was supposed to be an engineer. So I did get my bachelors and masters in engineering. As I grew older and wiser I decided to pursue my true passion of people, ads, ideas and thought leadership. And sure enough on one hot summer day in early 2000, sitting in my MBA school computer lab, I decided to apply for a position in marketing with a start-up Search Marketing company. At that time I had little idea what Search Marketing was about and searching for it did not yield many results back then for me to learn either.
Soon enough I get a e-mail and a call to attend the interview. I was interviewed by the CEO in the company's NYC office. I drove down there and of course got a fat ticket (which I paid by the way- just to set the record straight). But, on the brighter side, I guess he saw the potential and passion in me and kicked me off to his operations office in LI, NY. A week later I met the President in the LI office, who after speaking with me decided to give me a full time opportunity in the Search Engine Marketing department. Needless to say, I accepted. And the rest as they say is history.
I consider myself fortunate to have entered the ad space, specifically online ad space, as early as I did in its nascent stage. My life in this field has been anything but boring and static. I have had a very exciting professional career, not to mention social gatherings that took me to the swankiest places in NYC, Florida, Chicago, SanFrancisco, Dallas and to many more cities and now countries. Places where only the elite would dare step in and I could not afford on my own.
The successes have been immense, so have been the downfalls. But with each step came learnings. Learnings, that shaped me to become a better person. I learnt from people on how to approach business, how to be strategic, creative and think to grow your business and that of your clients’ and above all how to be with people and work with fellow ad professionals. And just when I thought I have learnt a lot, I did more- most importantly from ‘a few’ people on what NOT to do. I almost see learning 'what not to do' as more critical than learning what to do.
The field of online advertising, yes, as you can tell I have diversified myself tremendously from the early days of search advertising, has given me the opportunity to lead teams of great professionals who helped me become a good manager and a good leader. Here I have touched various facets of online advertising from search to display to affiliate to social media. I have also had the opportunity to diversify in terms of my companies and clients, ranging from B2B to B2C with verticals touching pretty much all industries from hotel and travel, to finance to technology/telecom to dating.
Today, through an experienced but a constantly learning mind, I see new emerging media taking over the world. Everyone is talking about it, everyone is looking to sound cool with buzz words like social media, socialCRM and socialcommerce.
I am glad to be, once again at the cutting edge of this new wave in the online advertising field where I get to test and prove and do all sorts of cool things. Once again learning from the good, the bad the ugly and diversifying myself towards the good.
It is almost by accident that I got into the advertising business. Growing up I was supposed to be an engineer. So I did get my bachelors and masters in engineering. As I grew older and wiser I decided to pursue my true passion of people, ads, ideas and thought leadership. And sure enough on one hot summer day in early 2000, sitting in my MBA school computer lab, I decided to apply for a position in marketing with a start-up Search Marketing company. At that time I had little idea what Search Marketing was about and searching for it did not yield many results back then for me to learn either.
Soon enough I get a e-mail and a call to attend the interview. I was interviewed by the CEO in the company's NYC office. I drove down there and of course got a fat ticket (which I paid by the way- just to set the record straight). But, on the brighter side, I guess he saw the potential and passion in me and kicked me off to his operations office in LI, NY. A week later I met the President in the LI office, who after speaking with me decided to give me a full time opportunity in the Search Engine Marketing department. Needless to say, I accepted. And the rest as they say is history.
I consider myself fortunate to have entered the ad space, specifically online ad space, as early as I did in its nascent stage. My life in this field has been anything but boring and static. I have had a very exciting professional career, not to mention social gatherings that took me to the swankiest places in NYC, Florida, Chicago, SanFrancisco, Dallas and to many more cities and now countries. Places where only the elite would dare step in and I could not afford on my own.
The successes have been immense, so have been the downfalls. But with each step came learnings. Learnings, that shaped me to become a better person. I learnt from people on how to approach business, how to be strategic, creative and think to grow your business and that of your clients’ and above all how to be with people and work with fellow ad professionals. And just when I thought I have learnt a lot, I did more- most importantly from ‘a few’ people on what NOT to do. I almost see learning 'what not to do' as more critical than learning what to do.
The field of online advertising, yes, as you can tell I have diversified myself tremendously from the early days of search advertising, has given me the opportunity to lead teams of great professionals who helped me become a good manager and a good leader. Here I have touched various facets of online advertising from search to display to affiliate to social media. I have also had the opportunity to diversify in terms of my companies and clients, ranging from B2B to B2C with verticals touching pretty much all industries from hotel and travel, to finance to technology/telecom to dating.
Today, through an experienced but a constantly learning mind, I see new emerging media taking over the world. Everyone is talking about it, everyone is looking to sound cool with buzz words like social media, socialCRM and socialcommerce.
I am glad to be, once again at the cutting edge of this new wave in the online advertising field where I get to test and prove and do all sorts of cool things. Once again learning from the good, the bad the ugly and diversifying myself towards the good.
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