Below are 5 areas to help you measure your Social Media success and consider making changes for 2011:

Honest Benchmark – It starts with an honest review of where you are at in Social Media.  I am assuming if you are reading this post you are one of the many businesses which implemented Social Media this year.  If I was meeting with you in person I would ask if you followed through with your Social Media strategy and goals this year.  So many businesses jump into Social Media with great plans and a minimal strategy only to decide to abandon Social Media because they realize it takes more than just setting up a few profiles.  Even some of our clients at Square Martini Media after creating a detailed Social Media strategy discovered in the process that Social Media is a big of a commitment and had to reconsider moving forward.  Social Media takes someone within a company or a firm like ours actual hours, time, and money to make successful.

Review Analytics – Use Google Analytics or something similar to review your site traffic for the year.  If you are using Social Media as a marketing tool to bring traffic to your hub (website or blog) you should clearly see what areas within Social Media are working and which one are not.  This is a great way to discover opportunities while having some reality checks at the same time.  What worked and what can be improved on?  Are there areas within Social Media that you are spending a lot of time yet not getting the desired results?    Make the decision to change or abandoned what is not working and focus your resources on new strategies or expanding what is working.

Blogging and Facebook Business Pages – Are you creating new content?  Did you commit to a certain amount of posts this year and did you follow through?  Have you adjusted your posting calendar for both your blog and Facebook business page this year and have your reviewed the results?  Are there certain topics, themes, or discussions that seem to be more successful than others?  For many businesses their blog can be the majority of the traffic for their site.  Take some time and discover the posts that are still driving traffic to your website and how you might expand on them for 2011.

Social Media Profiles – When is the last time you updated your Linkedin Profile?  And speaking of profiles have you seen your Facebook profile lately?  Many business owners set up a profile and never look back.  Business goals and messages change, make sure your message is congruent with both your personal and business brands.  Block out time to review and make needed adjustments to your main Social Media profiles.

Show me the money! – Let’s talk about sales!  If you are using Social Media to create sales make sure to review your sales and see where they are coming from.  Is the time, effort, and money you are spending on Social Media bringing new sales to your business?  I have to make it clear that I am assuming you are tracking your sales.  Not kind of tracking or broadly tracking, but really making sure that you and every employee is making every possible effort to identify where each and every sale is coming from.  I have talked to many business owners this year who swear they are tracking their sales.  Typically when I dig deeper and ask more questions about their sales they realize they are not tracking as well as they thought.  This is one of the biggest mistakes made in business today.  You must have great sales tracking to know if Social Media or any marketing strategy is working.  If you cannot clearly identify sales from Social Media it is time to adjust your tracking methods.

This is just a starting point for your Social Media marketing review and I would welcome any additional suggestions via comments below.  Make a commitment right now to not close 2010 without insuring your Social Media success for 2011!

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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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One of the most important benefits in creating social media profiles for your personal brand or business is the ability to control what potential clients learn about you when searching online.  The reality is with very little effort you can control the top 5 to 10 Google or Yahoo search results for your personal brand or business.

Here are the top 5 social media profiles you should consider keeping up to date:

1. LinkedIn - Known as the business social network yet many have no idea how to use LinkedIn to generate business.  The most common mistake I see with LinkedIn profiles is they are not complete or up to date.  Many times your LinkedIn profile is the number one search result for your name.
2. Twitter - A confusing social media tool for many but rest assured it’s really quite simple.  You can learn more about using Twitter for business from out past posts.  Twitter is the number two Bing search result for my name.
3. Facebook - Almost everyone has a Facebook profile!  But you must know that your Facebook profile is an extension of your personal brand and business.  What is shared and said on Facebook does not just stay on Facebook and many people are using Facebook as a reference tool.  My personal Facebook profile is the third result for my name on a Yahoo! search.
4. Plaxo - An online address book that is widely used by business professionals and also has a social network component called Plaxo Pulse.  My public Plaxo profile is the sixth listing in a Google Search.
5. Google Profile – Creating a Google Profile will allow you to control how you will appear in Google.  Your Google Profile will typically be the last result on the first page of Google.

You can create profiles on many more social networking sites but at a minimum take the time to create these five and keep them up to date with your current business and contact information.  Taking the time to do this will insure people will find you or your business when they are ready to buy!

And remember, I didn’t say you have to be actively participating on each of these networks to be found on search engines.  Of course, you’ll always get back what you put into each one.  But to ensure you’re solidly anchoring your personal brand, taking the minimal step of setting up a profile is an investment worth making.

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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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In case you were unaware, iPhones and Droids have access to all the social media sites that a computer would have, but it has the convenience of size. Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, YouTube, and even your email are all at the tip of your fingers- literally!

Angie Swartz, the proud owner of a Droid, explains how it helps business through social media in this week’s Social Media Minute.

Here’s a quick review of Angie’s points:

1. iPhones and Droids make it easy to fit social media into your busy day because your phone is with you all the time.
2. These smart phones help you keep up with important customers when you’re not at the office.
3. They help you keep up with competitors when you’re not doing work for your own company.

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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Everybody else is doing it, right?  All types of companies are turning to Social Media.  Large fortune 100 companies, big local companies, all the way down to your favorite coffee shop down the street.  Is everyone just jumping on the band wagon or is this social media stuff really working?

Is it because you do not want to be left behind?  The companies that are building their social media presence now, creating great content online, and attracting an online following, are the ones that will continue to grow at a rapid pace.  Those companies starting now will be far ahead of anyone jumping into the social media pool a year from now.

Maybe there are other reasons?  Maybe its because you see your competitors using social media.  Maybe you are interested in social media because it is all the rage…  Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and blogging are the current buzz words and you want to be a part of that buzz.

The reason why you see big brands using Facebook instead of their website is they want to create a presence where their customers are spending their time.   Everyone is doing it because social media works.  The companies with a strategy are attracting new business using social media as you are reading this.

The reasons why your business should get started with social media are endless.  The most important thing is to get started and figure out how social media can work for you and your business.  Take the time to listen to what is being said on Facebook and Twitter about your business, brand, or industry.  Research the web and read blogs that mention your business name.  Find out what your customers are saying about you and your brand online.  Use Facebook, Twitter, and blogs learn before you jump in!  And most importantly… get started now!

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Twitter Names: @MitchWagner, @JJainschigg, @Kim_aka_Rissa, @AngieSwartz.

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 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

Mitch Wagner, Blogger and Social Media Strategist

Angie Swartz interviews Mitch Wagner, technology writer and blogger. Mitch describes his exciting career journey from small town newspaper journalist to Information Week Executive Editor to freelance technology writer. He describes why his true passion has always been in the storytelling.   We discuss his early adopter involvement with Second Life including live virtual interviews inside the platform with many authors, business icons, and even Biz Stone, the founder of Twitter! Wagner gives insight to the media platform’s tools and disadvantages. Mitch is currently the author of the Computer World Tool Talk blog and the Copper Robot podcast.  He is Copper Robot in Second Life.

Mitch Wagner on Virtual World Second Life’s Role in Social Media

Angie Swartz and Mitch Wagner discuss the virtual world of Second Life, what it is, how people use it and why it’s important for business and social media.  Mitch describes how to use an avatar as your online presence. Mitch also discusses three things that Second Life does for business that no other site can offer.  They also cover Chat Roulette and how why so many people are so interested in virtual worlds and online meeting opportunities.   Mitch discusses his views on the recent 30% layoffs at Second Life and predicts that it may be an indicator of the end of the Second Life.

The Second Life Economy-$567Million in 2009?? OMG!!

Angie Swartz and Mitch Wagner welcome  immersive world vendor, World2Worlds to the show.  John Jainschigg  & Kim Smith discuss how their offering of virtual events and advertising in Second Life and make money in a virtual platform.  We discuss the importance of community and participating in Second Life if you want to advertise as a business and the similarity to all other social media platforms.  We discuss the large size of Second Life’s virtual economy of $567million in 2009.   Mitch asks them hard questions about recent layoffs and the future of the site. Jainschigg and Smith answer with optimism and exciting future plans for the social media medium.

Mitch Wagner:  Are Blogging and Journalism Really Different?

Angie Swartz and Mitch Wagner discuss how journalism has changed permanently.  Mitch shares his experience of being laid off  and the opportunities this offered for personal and professional growth. Angie and Mitch discuss the differences between blogging and traditional writing, the opportunities for writers in social media and why writers shouldn’t ignore social media as job options.

Leave a comment about Mitch Wagner’s views on blogging being the new form of journalism and share your own thoughts!

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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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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