Playing the part of Internet DJ, here’s a sampling of what I’ve been reading the past few days.
1.) My buddy Greg Bussmann has a very thought-provoking post on his blog The St. Louis Social Media and Tech Report called “Value of Social Media Questioned By Some Entrepreneurs.” The question is clear, and yet one that many Social Media consultants don’t want to answer – “Is Social Media right for every business?” Could the answer possibly be “no?” Heaven forfend! You mean there might be some business sectors that have nothing to benefit from Social Media? Shudder! My ultimate challenge to the students of the class that I should be teaching at Washington University? “Design a Social Media and branding strategy for Acme Funeral Parlor.”
2.) Mark Hayward answers the doubters who say “I have no time for Social Media!” In this post, he lays your week out for you! After this post appeared, this guest post from Jason Koertge offered some additional tips and insight. I personally dig in a little deeper than the timeline he offers, but I am knee-deep in Twitter. I’d be there and on Facebook even if I didn’t have a business. For those with businesses that are still not taking advantage of these free and far-reaching platforms, his blueprint could finally convince you to jump in and devote the necessary time.
3.) Over at Matt Ridings’ “TechGuerilla” blog, there’s an amazing post containing 25 mindblowing social media infographics. Long story short: LOTS to learn here! This one is a must-read.
4.) Brian Solis talks about the need for brands to become media in order to earn relevance. He nails it right at the beginning of the post: “…enthusiasm and support typically derail when examining the resources and the commitment required to rhythmically produce, distribute, and support content.” WOW – it’s the very reason that 90% of blogs die off, and probably why a large percentage of businesses fail. I’ve said this over and over – just keep going. After a few years, your mere persistence will have you sticking out like a sore thumb. (and that’s a good thing).
5.) I just received my 2nd edition of the Four Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss – so far, an excellent read. He certainly is a unique chap. Part of this blog post talks about the incessant push that companies make to grow grow grow. Tim questions this mindset – why must companies always be growing revenue, adding people, more sales, more everything… is this always the best course? Quote of the article: “Have you ever noticed that while small businesses wish they were bigger, big businesses dream about being more agile and flexible? And remember, once you get big, it’s really hard to shrink without firing people, damaging morale, and changing the entire way you do business.” I am paying a great deal of attention to Mr. Ferriss these days.
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