The Social Media Kool-Aid Guzzler: For many businesses after taking their first step (sip of the Kool-Aid) in social media they tend to immediately jump all in or start guzzling.  Businesses try to drink the entire pitcher of Kool-Aid in one sitting.  They set up profiles on every possible social media network barely stopping to take a breath and not even considering how they will keep up with all these profiles.  Social media strategy is out the door but they are sure all these profiles will bring them business.  Eventually these businesses decide the Kool-Aid doesn’t taste all that great.  It could be within a few weeks or a few months but all the social media activity stops and these businesses will now tell you “I tried that social media thing and it does not work”.

The Social Media Kool-Aid Big Gulpers:  Have you seen these before?  The 44 oz, 64oz, wait that’s not big enough the 1 gallon jug people carry around with a big straw hanging out?  Picture this jug full of Social Media Kool-Aid.  These Kool-Aid Gulpers are social media super users.  They are similar to the Guzzlers typically not having a social media strategy but don’t seem to quit.  They are constantly drinking, updating too many profiles and are the types of users you always see iPhone or Droid phone in hand.  In the middle of a meeting, party, or conversation these users are trying to update Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.  They may be taking pictures and uploading to Flickr or even shooting video and trying to get it up on YouTube on the spot.

If you are one of these two users how can you possibly be losing business?  You are doing everything right… right?

For the Guzzlers they lose business by spending so much time learning and applying social media as fast as they can and then just let it all go.   A lot of businesses think they need to do social media and think they can do it themselves.  Business owners and executives step away from their primary roles and try to become social media experts.  By doing this their business actually goes down and then a few months later they stop using social media anyway.  All that time and effort goes to waste.

For the Gulpers they don’t realize they are alienating the people around them.  These could be prospects or customers who don’t understand why you have your phone out and in hand.  The perception is you don’t care about the meeting or conversation which creates a feeling of indifference.  This indifference can grow to the point of losing long standing customers or prospects that are ready to buy.

The moral of the social media Kool-Aid story is to be aware of what you can become.  You truly do not want to be a Guzzler or a Gulper in social media.  If you are a business wanting to get started in social media ask for help.  Seek out social media marketing firms within your network and find out how they work.  Create a social media strategy and implement it over time.  Social media works for all types of business but you must have a strategy and plan.

If you want to learn how you can work with Square Martini Media on your social media strategy please visit or contact us page and use the form, email, or call us today.

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So dedicated followers of the Social Media Minute remember these two things:

1. More followers does not mean greater influence. What matters is quality connections and active correspondence.

2. Make sure that you too search for and become a follower of people and things that you are interested in and want to be known for.

I hope you enjoyed the Social Media Minute and I look forward to your thoughts and comments. Please subscribe to the Square Martini Media YouTube channel and if you have a question you would like covered on the Social Media Minute, let us know by giving us your Social Media Minute Question.

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Twitter Names: @GiniDietrich,  @AngieSwartz

Twitter Talk Radio, hosted by Angie Swartz, is recorded live in the WSRadio studios in sunny San Diego! You can listen to the podcast by clicking on the links below and sign up for our RSS feed at the bottom of the page.

Each week on Twitter Talk Radio, we spend an hour broken up into four segments when we cover:

• Guests Offering Great Case Studies and Examples of How People and Businesses are Using Twitter and Social Media for Business
• Useful Tips for Listeners on Twitter for Business
• Twitter and Social Media Happenings in the News

Gini Dietrich on Why Spin Sucks

Host Angie Swartz interviews Gini Dietrich, founder and CEO of Arment Dietrich, Inc. Gini shares the different ways she utilizes social media. Listen in to learn more about her blog at spinsucks and how she quadruples traffic every time she posts a video!

Gini Dietrich and Is Twitter Dead and Over?

Host Angie Swartz talks to Gini Dietrich about making Twitter work for business. Gini answers the looming question, “Is Twitter dead?!” Tune into this segment to hear experiences with winning a twitter contest and her critiques of the process.

Gini Dietrich Asks How to Manage Rapid Client Growth

Host Angie Swartz and Gini Dietrich discuss how to manage a large customer base without resorting to automated responses. How do business owners maintain their personal philosophy without drowning in clients’ needs? Angie gives great advice on how to reach multiple clients at once without losing the personal impact.

Attention! Business Owners: Make Life Simpler with RSS

Host Angie Swartz and Gini Dietrich talk about how to be a great CEO. Gini reveals some of her own success secrets on how to manage content and coach her team. Listen in to learn more about how an RSS reader could simplify your business.

Check out Gini’s video blogs and tell us what you think! Post links of your own blogs to share with us, too!

Subscribe to Twitter Talk Radio:

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While I awkwardly got autographs from the actors that I didn’t know I tried to get in a quick word with Felica, both the creator and main character. She smiled kindly and asked me what I wanted to know. She told me that the show started out as being completely supported by its fans. This is pretty amazing, to have a successful television series or should I say internet series just from its fan’s donations! The show was posted on the WatchTheGuild website and their popular YouTube channel. Fortunately, YouTube was able to help “The Guild” reach its target audience online gamers.

The show itself is about several “gamers” or “guild members” that play on online multi-player war game. Some of its players even go so far as to make a living off the game they play. This does actually mimic real life, as thousands of people sit down to play games like World of Warcraft or Runes of Magic for hours on end and then sell valuable items such as gold or potions to other players for real money. While this is not the typical way people think of business through social media- it is an interesting concept to grapple with. Meanwhile, “The Guild” is a great example of a small business that made it to popularity by social media. “The Guild” was picked up by Sprint who sponsors the show and by Microsoft and XBox who now distribute it. Fecila Day has won “Best Actress” by the Streamy Awards, while “The Guild” won “Best Comedy Web Series” and “Best Ensemble” this last year (2009). Other awards include “the SXSW”, YouTube and Yahoo Web Series Awards in 2008. Felica Day can be learned from as someone who put together the three things she loved, acting, gaming and social media into something successful. I encourage those new to the social media scene to follow Felica Day and “The Guild” on Twitter and YouTube to see how these social networking websites can help you and your business!

One last thing to note about the business of social media is how willing people involved in it are willing to connect and share ideas with others. Felica was happy to speak with me, despite how busy it was at Comic-Con. The show’s website was also willing to share its success story in a way that was helpful and inspiring to other people who want to use social media to help their own businesses succeed. For me as a writer, it really helped show me how much impact it can have to put my work online, to use a blog and to have my own website. It was also further evidence how much having an active Twitter and Facebook account could help boost my popularity by trafficking my fans to my own website, or simply giving them a reason to trust me because they are familiar with my style and attitude. “The Guild” inspired me and I hope that it can for others as well!

Note:  This post was written by Lemon Drop.  She is a Square Martini Intern studying Communications and Literature Writing at the University of California, San Diego.  She graciously assists the Square Martini Team with all things social media.

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Photo illustration courtesy of Flickr.com/Andrei Dimofte and Dana Harris

This continuing trend could very much be a result of celebrity influence. In 2009, musician Dave Carroll used YouTube to post his horrible guitar crisis with United Airlines. Kevin Smith, actor and comedian, tarnished Southwest’s name last February after being bumped from a flight for his body weight. He bashed the airline repeatedly on Twitter for his 1.7 million followers gaining the attention of fans all over the world.

So what does this mean for competing airlines? Or for any company that depends greatly on customer service and feedback?

Brice gives Delta a few pointers in the Bloomberg article, saying “Having that immediate attention from Delta on Twitter is one of the reasons I select them.” He also complained that they don’t have anyone working the Twitter account on weekends, something airlines and service-oriented companies alike should keep in mind.

Essentially, people value responses that are quick, convenient and helpful. If they can tweet or post knowing they will get the same feedback without the traditional waiting time of lines and phone calls, they will. Keep your eyes open for forward-thinking companies incorporating social media into their business relations. It is very likely that the next time you have a qualm or compliment about your bank or favorite department store, you’ll be talking to them via tweet!

What do you think? Would you reschedule a flight via Twitter if you could? What do you think of customer service representatives being available right from your favorite social media site? Tell us some of your experiences with using Twitter, Facebook and other networking tools to get in touch with the companies you’ve used in the past.

Note:  This post was written by Green Apple.  She is a Square Martini Intern studying International Business and English at The University of San Diego.  She graciously assists the Square Martini Team with all things social media.

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The top three questions I hear about Twitter are:

1. “How do I make money with Twitter?”
2. “Who should I follow on Twitter?”; and,
3. “Should I pay a service to grow my Twitter Followers for me?”

The good news is, if you are a business owner and you want to use Twitter as a business tool, you already know the answer to these questions.  You likely just aren’t thinking about the answers in the right context.  Twitter is a networking tool that allows you to connect with people, to form relationships and to get to know people.  Ask yourself who you follow around in real life to do this and you’ll know who you want to follow virtually.

As for question #3, “Should I pay a service to grow my Twitter Followers for me?”  In most cases, my answer is no.  Is there any way an automated service can know your business any better than you can?  You can pay for one, but you’ll likely end up with a bunch of robots and fake accounts following you.

Here’s my list of the Top 12 places to start following people on Twitter.  Starting here will help you created a list tailored to you and your business which should result in quality relationships and conversations.

1. Thought Leaders
2. Industry Leaders
3. Community Leaders
4. Your Competition
5. Suppliers and Vendors
6. Customers
7. Potential Customers
8. Employees
9. Great Tweeters
10. People You Enjoy
11. People You Know, Like & Trust
12. Power Business and Referral Partners

Follow this list and then participate in the conversation.  You’ll start to see other people you want to build your community around so follow them too.  Your network will grow just like your real life network does.

So, how do you make money on Twitter?  By forming relationships, helping others and offering a quality product that customers need at a market driven price.  The fundamental rules of business haven’t changed.

Feedback always welcome here in a comment or on Twitter.

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Watch the latest video of “The Social Media Minute” to learn how to use Twitter for your business:

Here are a few of the take away points from the video:

1. Get a Twitter account
2. Learn from Twitter success stories
3. Read the two books recommended in the video

If you understand how to use Twitter, the process is easy, enjoyable, and highly beneficial for your business.  If you want additional help with learning how to use Twitter for your business you might enjoy our Audio Guide How To Make More Money Using Twitter in Your Business or join us for an upcoming Twitter webinar Using Twitter to Grow Your Business.

Make sure to follow @AngieSwartz and @SquareMartini on Twitter for additional Twitter tips and resources.

I hope you enjoyed the Social Media Minute and I look forward to your thoughts and comments.  Please subscribe to the Square Martini Media YouTube channel and if you have a question you would like covered on the Social Media Minute, let us know by giving us your Social Media Minute Question.

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Watch the latest video of “The Social Media Minute” to get ideas on how to use twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin to promote your next event:

Let’s recap on how to use Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin for your upcoming events:

1)  Use status updates on Facebook and Linkedin leading up to the event. Many of your followers, friends, and connections will  spread the word and promote for you!  New connections will learn more about you and possibly attend the event.

2)  Link the event before it happens with ALL the  people and businesses associated with the event (anyone hosting, being a guest, or sponsoring the event). The more people that are linked in this event, the more traffic and awareness will be directed to it.  We all want more buzz right? (You can link to other people in facebook simply by using the @ symbol. You must be facebook friends with them for this function to work.)

• If Square Martini Media was part of your event, you could include @SquareMartini in your tweets about the event.
• On facebook, you could include our facebook business page in your updates by using @squaremartini. This would link our business page to your update.  You might also write on the Square Martini Media Facebook wall about the event.
• On Linkedin you can add the Square Martini Media founders as attending or presenting at your event.

3)  “Tweet” to or “Invite” all your friends on twitter, Facebook and Linkedin. It helps spread the word and gives people time to plan to be there. The more people that commit to attend your event, the more virale buzz you create.

I hope you enjoyed the Social Media Minute and I look forward to your thoughts and comments.  Please subscribe to the Square Martini Media YouTube channel and if you have a question you would like covered on the Social Media Minute, let us know by giving us your Social Media Minute Question.

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Twitter Names:   @VPG_Printing, @AngieSwartz, @AlanUnderkofler.

Twitter Talk Radio is recorded live in the WSRadio studios in sunny San Diego! You can listen to the podcast by clicking on the links below and sign up for our RSS feed at the bottom of the page.

Each week on Twitter Talk Radio, we spend an hour broken up into four segments and cover:

• Two Guests Offering Great Case Studies and Examples of How People and Businesses are Using Twitter for Business and Social Media
• Useful Tips for Listeners on Twitter for Business
• Twitter and Social Media Happenings in the News

Vertical Printing & Graphics Changes their Business Model with Social Media

Angie Swartz and guest host Alan Underkofler interview Laura Beulke of Vertical Printing & Graphics about how she used social media to refocus her business model when the real estate market slowed. Listen in to learn more about establishing an online presence for your small business.

Vertical Printing & Graphics on Success in Advertising a Small Business Via Twitter

Angie Swartz and guest host Alan Underkofler talk with Laura Beulke about expanding her business via her successful Twitter strategy.  Learn more in this segment about generating customer engagement and turning social media exposure into sales.

Vertical Printing & Graphics Attributes 18% of Sales to Twitter

Angie Swartz and guest host Alan Underkofler talk with Laura Beulke about her experiences with social media sites and her initial reservations about the effectiveness. She shares about her hardships as a small-business owner and how she capitalized on free social networking to re-strategize her marketing campaign.  Laura discusses how 15-18% of her total revenue last year came from Twitter.

Vertical Printing & Graphics on Yelp & Foursquare

Angie Swartz and guest host Alan Underkofler finish up the show by discussing Laura Beulke’s feedback and what she’s learned from experiences with customer review sites like Yelp.com.   They also discuss future plans with sites like Foursquare and what might be in store for the Mayor.

Leave a comment on Laura Beulke’s social media strategies for small businesses and share your own success stories!

Subscribe to Twitter Talk Radio:

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Hayzlett’s  The Mirror Test Offers Advice to Business Owners

Angie Swartz  prepares to interview Jeffrey W. Hayzlett on his career journey, being Kodak’s Chief Marketing Officer and being a best selling author with his new book The Mirror Test.

Jeffrey Hayzlett Gives Insight into The Mirror Test

Jeffrey Hayzlett discusses 12+ Things You Can Do to Make “The Mirror Test” a Best Seller listed on his website.  A must listen and review on how to market your book!    Hayzlett explains how his book will help readers evaluate if their business “is really breathing.”   The book is a how-to guide for business owners seeking ways to maintain a state of growth and sustainability within their companies. He lists his three main motivations for being a successful businessman and how they bring him fulfillment. In addition, he emphasizes the importance of marketing across all platforms including print, social media, and other forms of advertisement in order to effectively reach consumers.

Jeffrey Hayzlett: Using Twitter and Social Media to Sell

Learn how Jeffrey Hayzlett is using Twitter and social media to promote his upcoming book tour and speaking events and how you might duplicate this for your future book. Hayzlett enjoys traveling and public speaking events as they allow him to inspire and reach people eager for knowledge of the business world. They discuss how  most invitations for events come from Twitter. Hayzlett raves about the effectiveness of Twitter’s networking tools and shares which twitter tools he prefers.  He admits that he tends to Tweet for his own reasons, not for public satisfaction. Hayzlett also shares about a recent not so pleasant Twitter encounter.

Jeffrey Hayzlett Explains the 118, the New and Most Effective Elevator Pitch

Angie Swartz and Jeffrey Hayzlett discuss social media for Kodak.  Hayzlett discusses recent changes in the Kodak world including new hires and a new outreach program which have allowed them to reach international markets. Many of the videos on Kodak’s YouTube page features exciting products and changes they have made to become a revolutionary company that extends beyond photography. Hayzlett and Swartz also talk about how tweeting about daily routines benefit one’s presence in the Twitter world. Lastly, he tips off listeners about the 118, the new digital version of the elevator pitch. He explains that 118 seconds is how long people should be able to effectively pitch their business to potential clients and investors.

Twitter Names: @JeffreyHayzlett, @AngieSwartz.

Leave a comment about what you think of Jeff Hayzlett’s book and how your business could benefit from “The Mirror Test”!

Twitter Talk Radio is recorded live in the WSRadio studios in sunny San Diego!

Each week on Twitter Talk Radio, we spend an hour broken up into four segments when we cover:

• Two Guests Offering Great Case Studies and Examples of How People and Businesses are Using Twitter for Business and Social Media
• Useful Tips for Listeners on Twitter for Business
• Twitter and Social Media Happenings in the News

Subscribe to Twitter Talk Radio:

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