It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
Social Networking Taking Too Much Time?
Are you spending lots of time social networking, but starting to wonder whether it’s worth the time you’re investing? Do you have lots of friends, but don’t seem to be getting closer to where you want to be going? We’re going to explore other ways to share what you’re up to.
Tonight it’s about creative networking:
- how to get the most out of Twitter conversation
- how an eBook might help build your reputation
- the idea of ezines and manifestoes
- guest posts and writing projects
- other ways to get your ideas out there
ahem . . .
And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)
Oh, and bring example links to share.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
image: sxc.hu
Related article
What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?
Hello! How are you doing?
I don’t seem to be getting ‘to where I want to be going’! What do I do?
HI Liz!
Hi Trisha!
Where is it that you want to be going? 🙂
Hi glenda!
I’m with you on finding time to learn a new language. 🙂
Hey all!
I am taking Caroline Middlebrook’s Stumble Rush course to finally learn how to use that tool properly. I was doing it all wrong. That could have real potential.
Hey Mr. Jordan!
How good to see you!
I want more readers and subscribers!
I also want to learn a new language and haven’t had time for that either. I think I’d like to try that rosetta stone software, but it is pretty expensive.
So what’s the best way to make use of or get the most out of Twitter conversation? I’d say the best way is to use it for real conversation vs just dropping the hellos and goodbyes on folks.
Trisha,
I’m with you on all those fronts. I so need a partner.
Awesome Liz. Todd had a preview a few weeks ago.
I signed up for the free version of Stumble Rush but haven’t had time to read it yet.
So, I guess what I really want is more time. Anyone know how to get more time?
Trisha,
Have you thought about doing a guest post for someone like me?
<—- I so need to check out other ebooks and see if I’ve really got anything to contribute that’s unique.
Glenda,
What’s the most important thing you’ve picked up so far?
Trisha, I think it comes down to priorities. What’s most important to you?
Glenda,
Howdy there my Canadian friend.
yes, I have thought a lot about doing guest posts – and you are on my list of people I was going to ask. I need to get my house in order so to speak first I think.
Todd,
You’re moving so fast on the questions. I can’t keep up! What’s your goal?
Todd – I think you are right about twitter. And did you know that KMOV has a twitter account now?
Guest posts sounds like a wonderful idea. Wow Trisha, another place you and I are alike. I’m a serious slacker lately.
Trisha,
Do you have a strong old blog post that you can submit to an ezine site or two?
Howdy, all!
Todd, I know you have a plan! Glad to see you excited about converting it to action. 🙂
I came over here via Tojosan’s Twitter link! Hi all!
Trisha, I’m following Fox2 on Twitter. I’ll have to check out KMOV.
Liz, you’ve hit the nail on the head. My goals are all over the place.
Why not dream big? I’d love to spend my time just writing about social aspects of the internet, and consulting in that area.
Liz, I’ve picked up much and I’ve only on Lesson Six. Most important -probably stumbling everyday and being cautious what you thumb up, don’t thumb up your own or the same few too often – that does more harm than good.
Hey Glenda, what’s this about you being in the Chicago Sun Times? I couldn’t find it.
Glenda – the problem with priorities is sorting out the long term vs short term goals and what I have to do and what I need to do.
Hi Becky!
Great to see you this fine evening!
Hi Karen!
Great to have you here too!
Glenda,
Stumbling stuff is a good practice. I need to get back in the habit. There is so much good stuff to share, and a lot of it by folks I know already.
Todd,
I’ve come to the conclusion the smartest short term strategy is focus. It helps people see who we are. Then, once they do, we can expand from there. 🙂
Hey Liz,
Hey All,
I just want to know if I ask a simple question on Twitter or Plurk, I get one maybe two responses, but if Some Un-named man from Australia asks the same exact question he gets 500 responses?
Todd – what do you need or want a partner for?
(I’m not keeping up too well tonight!)
I don’t know of any ezine sites that I could send something into.
Hi Joe!
We never feel good when we compare ourselves to other people. You know that’s so. 🙂
Joe, howdy!
Trisha, I really need someone to bug me, like a coach, and help me drill on things. Like for learning Spanish or some other new skill.
What’s sadly missing is the ability for me to effectively use social networking and social media tools to learn a language. It’s still more cost and time effective (however expensive) to go with a proven product, i.e. Rosetta.
TRisha, do you know about SMART goals?
Todd,
Write up that guest post and get it to me. 🙂
Joe,
About the question stuff. I ask questions and feel happy to get half a dozen responses. Not sure why that is versus someone more big name.
One guess though is that folks hope to get noticed by someone like a Chris Brogan, and some of his star power will rub off.
Liz,
Thanks! I’ll open a window so I won’t forget.
Glenda, Can I have a quick dance before the other guys grab you up?
Joe – yes, I noticed that if ‘Some Un-named man from Australia’ tweets or posts anything, everyone listens and responds. Kind of like E.F. Hutton. (if anyone else here is old enough to know that reference)
Joe, dear, you just have to build up your audience until you hit 500 responders. 🙂
I wholeheartedly recommend guest posting on Liz’s site.
Becky,
Did that series do good things for your blog and your visibility?
Karen,
Boy howdy! Good to see you here again.
Joe,
Am I following you on Twitter? And if I am, don’t be afraid to ask me directly if you don’t see me chiming in. I love when folks pester me on Twitter with questions and such.
Keys to getting responses when you ask questions:
1. follow up with the people who do respond. Start conversations.
2. Persist. Keep asking. Ask again later. Rephrase the question.
3. Share your results, and talk about it.
sure Todd! Tho I’m not sure “before the other guys grab you up” sounds great. My poor rep 😉
Todd – I figured if I ever learned enough from something like Rosetta stone I could find web sites with forums or something so I could find people to practice with.
Becky,
Good evening.
The conversation is really going now.
Yes, Glenda I do know about SMART goals and even posted about that a while back. But it seems like I set a goal, but can’t reach it.
#46
Becky,
That’s a great blog post . . . 🙂
Karen, I tried posting the Sun Times link, but WordPress spat out the comment. I’ll email it – was just a repost, thanks to BlogBurst.
Trisha, welcome to my life. I have a pile of goals sitting in the corner of my office. Uncompleted, of course.
Liz, it did boost my visibility, especially because it was a series, and built on two popular blogs finally linking back to me. It wasn’t a huge traffic builder. More of a recognition builder.
Here’s how I got good guest posting opportunities: I announced on Twitter that I was willing to do some guest articles. Then followed up, and actually wrote some articles that fit together.
I don’t know why I don’t knuckle down and get Rosetta. I’ve no problem spending money on a skilled plumber or electrician.
I’m Todd, and I’m afraid. I’m afraid of failure. That fear has probably kept me more from fun and success than any one person outside myself.
Glenda!
“Just a repost” ??? You’re in a major newspaper. Cool!
Howdy Liz! Howdy y’all!
A tip o’ the hat to everybody tonight!
Glenda, you’re famous if you make the Sun Times. 🙂
Hey, Robert! My favorite twenty-gallon hat guy!
Hi Robert!
Welcome to a Tuesday night without Morrie. 🙂
Gotta zip, have a meeting with a parent tonight. Have fun all!!!
Night, Karen!
Gratz Glenda! Woot. How awesome to get in the Times.
Hi Robert.
Becky, Thanks for the bit about how guest blogging helped move you along. And how to get the opportunity.
Liz, The house is a rockin!
Trisha, perhaps your goals aren’t meaningful enough or are too big??
Howdy, Karen! Liz, I guess I missed that one. Um, who’s Morris? (Is he Basil’s stand-in?)
Trisha,
Gotta set more incremental goals and make sure you keep them. It builds confidence to do that and people sense the new confidence in you. Starts a whole process going. 🙂
G’night Karen.
Todd – you can’t be more afraid than I am of things
Becky – has guest posting gotten you more subscribers? Links?
Todd,
I think you’re in a perfect situation to do what you aspire to. The big thing is to DO something, even something small. That way you get results and try something more.
See ya, Karen! Howdy, Todd!
BlogBurst – I starting using it a while back but I am a little concerned about duplicate content.
Thanks Trisha.
You know what helps? Stepping through that to do something like putting a blog page or post together and getting some hits
But it’s like a long journey. It’s not that every step is easy or difficult, it’s that we keep taking them.
Thanks everyone. I didn’t realize getting in the Chicago Sun-Times was a big deal deal, tho I did print it out to stick in my portfolio!
goals – one I set was to get more subscribers. maybe that was a bad goal to set. Tina Su set that as a goal though and had no problem with it. But – I guess we shouldn’t compare ourselves?
So Todd,
Are you taking your own advice . . . regarding your big dream? 🙂
Glenda – did they include a link to your blog? I hope they did.
Trisha, i’m not sure but this might be the first post to get picked up via BlogBurst so duplicate content may not be a problem. No worse than splogs!
Trisha,
Do you know the quote from “The Little Prince”
A goal without a plan is a wish.
Did you have a plan on how to increase subscriptions?
Shall we make a plan now?
Liz,
Honestly I’ve been struggling. I’ve decided I’m better at taking steps than promising too take them. Ha.
I need to spend more time around folks that help me see that dream and remind me of it. On the flip side, I enjoy supporting others in their dream pursuits.
I’ve given up the goal of more subscribers. It’s too vague. Likewise more hits. Had 85 hits today on the blog, but most of them were for a post I wrote on Pathwords, a word game on Facebook. Go figure.
@Glenda – I’m thinking most of the posts they reprint are buried kind of deep in those sites so that SE’s will find our copy first. And congratulations!
Todd and Trisha,
The way to get more subscribers is to ask them and to give them a reason to subscribe.
Guest posting did get me some incoming links (6 when I stopped counting). I tracked 20 incoming readers to my blog. My subscribers probably went up by about 10-20, around 725 at that time. Those numbers aren’t earth-shattering. But I don’t think that was the point.
DON’T expect instant world changes from guest posting. View it as a layering process. You’ve added a new layer to the world’s awareness of you.
Becky,
That sounds like a LOT of commitment from a single guest post. Very cool!
OK, gotta run! Farm duty calls. Will try to drop back in later.
Todd, major respect to you for your openness!
Speaking of subscribers…only about 40. It goes up and down. 🙁
Speaking of Duplicate content. has anyone besides me and Liz been scraped by “Did You Rob Bill Gates”?
It seems to happen for EVERY post these days/
I did have a plan – sort of. Maybe I need a better one. I made sure the subscribe button was big and at the top of the page. I added the option of email subscribing. I need a page to explain what subscribing is still. I’ve been trying to write better.
yeah, open mic cross network. Woot.
Becky, catch you later, and thanks again for sharing intimately about your experience.
Bye Becky!
Hope to see you later!
So Todd and Trisha,
Do you have a “sign up for my feed” notice on your blog for first time visitors or at the bottom of every post?
By the by, I made Alltop.com finally.
I’m on the http://utterati.alltop.com/ page.
How about adding your blog url and “Sign up for my feed” to your email signature?
I should have thought of this before. See if this works http://tinyurl.com/64m3fw
I was thinking about adding something at the end of posts asking people to subscribe.
What’s a good reason to give people to subscribe?
Congratulations, Todd!
On the utterati!!
I haven’t added a subscribe thing to my emails yet either.
Liz,
Great idea. That’s why I like having you along for the ride. Seems obvious but apparently I’m not doing it. DOH.
And it’s an easy change to make…
Sign up for the ones that you like and make sure your blog url is there . . . http://www.searchenginepeople.com/blog/22-dofollow-social-media-sites-offering-profile-links.html
Are both of you on Twitterfeed.com ?
That’s how everyone gets every blog post automatically on Twitter.
Go sign up right now. 🙂
I didn’t know any SM sites had do follow on them
Trisha, some bloggers bribe readers with a free ebook if they subscribe.
But really, what does more subscribers get you? If you put the whole post in your feed, they don’t need to visit your blog to read your post. Others unsub if you don’t include the whole post. What to do?
Trisha,
I’m just font of trival knowledge. It comes in handy at times like this. 🙂
I didn’t know about that Liz – I’ll try that!
Liz, does your blog not like my links any more? ;(
I thought about bribing but I don’t know what I’d bribe with. Plus, what’s really the point if they aren’t actually reading?
I include the full posts in the feed, because that’s how I like to read them.
Glenda,
I disagree. Subscribers often read what you’re doing and tell others about it.
And now with FriendFeed they can comment too.
If you’re all not on FriendFeed.com sign up now. Follow me so that I know you’re there and I can follow you.
You’ll be in my stream then and everyone who follows my feed will know when you post something.
Write great headlines and they’ll check you out. 🙂
… and I’m back. Liz, I signed up for Twitterfeed, but must have blooped it up or something. I doesn’t work for me. Was it something I said? 🙁
Just did up the Twitterfeed.com.
More subscribers is about more conversation and spread of ideas. I’d rather have subscribers I think than more visitors. BUt both I wouldn’t turn away. 🙂
I got it out, Glenda!
I don’t know why sometimes it does the false positive thing on a random comment, even when there’s tiny link in it.
I have a FriendFeed account, but haven’t been by there too much lately
my feed has full posts. that’s too how I like them in feeds I get.
I’m on Friendfeed.
I really enjoy that both as a reader of feeds and for the social aspects.
Really widening my circle from there, and a good headline will get the hits.
I had a few posts where most hits were from Friendfeed.
Facebook has to be the worst to try to get hits from.
Great article, Glenda!
Wow!
thanks for that correction, Liz!
I’ve been leery to sign up for FriendFeed. Scared to get sucked into yet another vortex.
And great headlines is where I suck!
Now if I could get my friends/family/etc to check out the blog once in a while…
I haven’t quite figured out the Twitterfeed instructions yet, I may have to do that tomorrow.
Oh Todd,
You’ll never get family to read . . . 🙂
I haven’t been able to get friends or family to read mine either!
Trisha,
The easiest way to get the right feed url is to go to your blog and click the organize button, then take it from the browser address line. 🙂
Liz,
That’s why I’m recruiting my online family. Ha. Folks that at least understand me, even if we don’t always dig each other.
Hey y’all, I’m sorry to say I gotta go – thought I’d have more time tonight, but there it is.
Have a great evening, Liz, Todd, Glenda, Becky, Trisha and Joe. See ya in the funny pages! 😀
Liz,
I usually forget to stop by and say hello but tonight I remembered. Hello!
jeff
Todd,
I can’t even get family to read hauckes.com the Family Blog!
Good night, Robert!
Hiya! Jeff!
Jeff are you on Twitter and FriendFeed?
But what’s an ‘OpenID’?
I just got 2 comments on my gardening blog though!
Robert, good to meet you and hook up on twitter.
Hiya Jeff.
I’m tojosan on Twitter, Friendfeed, Utterz, gmail, etc. Find me and hook up!
Found this Chris Brogan post on his strategy for tweeting posts http://tinyurl.com/5cvmlf which I’m trying out. Today I didn’t need to request a stumble. Joanna Young did it before I asked.
Good-bye Robert!
I’ve been trying entrecard out too
For creative networking, has anybody suggested running naked through wedding receptions yet? (If so, let me know how that worked for you.)
Oh, and “hi” everybody!!
ugh, the blog spat out my comment again. Liz, would you mind fishing it out please?
Hi Tim!
That naked thing is so 5 minutes ago. . . . 🙂
It’s all very much a time thing though. I need to seriously consider setting aside time to write and do just that. And use twitter, etc. at other times.
But just keeping up with writing (which I’m slow at) and replying to comments and emails and then doing the social media stuff – its all over whelming.
Howdy Tim and you missed my running naked through the rain days. we won’t talk about how long ago.
Tell me more about entrecard and why I should be using it.
Trisha,
Do you have a blogger login, a yahoo email login, a wordpress login. Those are all open IDs that you can use at TwitterFeed as your ID. The OpenID is to prove that you’re you.
Hi Mr T. Streaking at a football game would have more viewers. Depends on your niche tho.
And that’s not including the ‘administrative’ type of stuff. I still need to upgrade my WP add some plugins, etc.
Glenda,
it’s about quality of the folks watching. 😉
oh, yeah, I have wordpress one, i never use it though, I’ll have to look it up
Well, you know, Miss Glenda, it’s not football season yet. Weddings appear to abound during the summer (our 14th anniversary is tomorrow), so one must make do with what one has.
But at least I’m not the only one whose mind wanders to exhibitionism to achieve a goal.
Most definitely, Todd!
And, btw, don’t worry about family not reading – they won’t get it anyway.
Trisha,
Not sure whether entrecard has an openID
I think it might be time to take a break. The last hour and half has been info impact to the brain and lots of smiles. I’ll leave the window open though and maybe check back in a bit.
Hey MR T, I’m not above doing what it takes! Who has their domain on their car???
So – what are my action items from tonight?
1)Add please subscribe message to bottom of emails and end of posts.
2)Add page explaining subscribing.
3) guest posting
4)Twitterfeed.com
5) SM sites with do follow
Did I miss anything?
Liz, thanks for saving 130.
I need to take a short break – have to help husband with something in garden.
Sure Trisha,
Add a link to your feed at the end of each post that says, “Like this post? Subscribe to my feed.”
Domain on the car… hmmmm, that has potential.
Hi Glenda,
I can’t get the link in #130 to work. Can you check it?
Are you crazy?!?! Too much time? In less than 24 hours I found an expert to help me land a client and handle a consulting gig that I am barely qualified for, but can handle with the right advice.
“I don’t have friends like that.” B.S.
I do!
BTW, connect with me on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensmith6294
Hi Stephen!
Did you read the comment on the IBM post from the IBMer? He’s the Chief of Communications Strategy. Go look. 🙂
Ok, I got Gorilla Glue on my fingers, being bitten by bugs I didn’t even know existed and am typing only by the feel of the keyboard in the dark.
Now, what?
I did. Very cool. He is in my next target market!
BTW,Stephen,
The new site looks spectacular!!
The new site is getting better and better every day. By 1 August, it will be THE BOMB!
Okay, fine! See if I care if you take over the blogosphere! 🙂
[big grin]
>>Trisha: Get the Tiny URL plugin too. I gained over 40 subs since I installed it.
I installed it yesterday.
Liz, comment with correct url was eaten again. Think I’ll stop including links!
Stephen, why do you think the tinyurl plug-in gains subscribers?
#133 Tim Johnson: Run naked thru one of the WRs that I am managing, and I WILL take you down.
Those brides really do not appreciate that sort of thing!
Hello everyone- just back in after a little shopping for neice and nephew- looks like I missed a good discussion
I have friend feed and a Room in FF too
Liz I have ? about Plurk
Hi Suzie!
Great to see you. Whatcha thinking about PLURK?
[why tinyURL] Dunno, but I added that and WWSGD and subs are up! Plus I got a couple of retweets from Liz and FreshFocus.info…
wwsgd?
saw Paul chaney’s tweet the other day about Twit and Plurk- so got sidetracked and went over there- plurk that is and found I had signed up and really find it a bit confusing saw you had plurk link on you blog
how do you use it?
wwsgd = What Would Seth Godin Do?
It’s the name of a plug-in
per #165, Don’t sweat it, little Stevie… it was purely a hypothetical answer to Liz’s question of the night.
Although I’d take on a bride any day before I’d deal with her MOTHER. (Mothers of the bride can dwarf the “bridezilla factor” exponentially.)
Here’s the description and it’s probably the reason Stephen is getting more subscribers. http://www.richardkmiller.com/blog/wordpress-plugin-what-would-seth-godin-do
ahhhh, I’ve seen those “are you new here” messages and wondered about them.
I’ve also seen “take a guided tour”. The same plugin? Worth it?
I’ve been considering the guided tour, but wasn’t sure how to implement it.
Hi Glenda!
I know you can customize the message to fit your site. Don’t if that’s where the guided tour comes from or not. 🙂
I’m back!
I’ve heard of that plugin – I wonder if it will bug people who don’t accept cookies though. But I guess that wouldn’t be too many people.
So what does the Tiny URL plugin do?
I’d do the sign on the car thing, but I don’t drive enough for it to help.
I’ll add it to my ever growing action plan.
Ok, who took my social media poll today?
http://workingathomeinternet.com/WP/2008/07/21/which-social-media-service-do-you-like/
This IS about social media, right? 😉
hmm, I Use aweber for my feed. Wonder if those two things play nicely together.
Here’s how to do it. 🙂
http://www.knifegunpen.com/the-four-hundred-hour-workweek/
I voted Joe
me2, Joe.
@ Joe,
Popular poll garryconn.com did one earlier this week I looked at the list and thought I use twitter, I don’t get plurk, facebook put’s me into overwhelm, Linkedin i know I should up date and use more, after all I live with the Linked in blogger then there is other? Think Twitter, have just polled forr you
Thank you Trisha. 🙂
I think that it’s the synergy of the two, because I am getting much more traffic from twitter now.
>>Suzie LinkedIn is the bomb!
I like twitter the best. LinkedIn is a pain to use I think.
Liz, you need a favicon
And Glenda and Suzie.
And anyone else who took the poll. 😛
So here’s my updated action plan for getting more subscribers:
1)Add please subscribe message to bottom of emails and end of posts.
2)Add page explaining subscribing.
3) guest posting
4)Twitterfeed.com
5) SM site with do follow
6) WWSGD
7)? Tiny URL plugin ? I still have to find out what this is.
And twitter is out in the lead.:)
Do you know about TWELLOW http://www.twellow.com/search.php?q=suzie+cheel
Re: that poll, I believe that people that think Twitter is better than LinkedIn are not using LinkedIn properly. See http://hdbizblog.com/blog/2008/05/30/power-tips-for-using-linked-in-to-boost-your-brand/
I do find LinkedIn cumbersome, but I’m getting into using it. 🙂
Stephen, would you recommend learning Linkedln properly once I master StumbleUpon?
@ Stephen so I can forget Linkedin
@ Liz this is wonderful
http://www.knifegunpen.com/the-four-hundred-hour-workweek/
now how to make it stand out like that with the RSS button
I’ve heard of TWELLOW – but I don’t get it.
brain is overwhelmed
Hi everyone,
I’m actually here well before 9:45 pm!
Hey Texas Sunshine!
>>Suzie: Please do not give up on LinkedIn, the power of those connections is worth the time you invest.
>>Trisha: the TinyURL plugin makes the yellow box at the end of this post http://hdbizblog.com/blog/2008/07/19/group-writing-project/
>>Glenda: Bryan Kress and I are working on an e-learning course for LinkedIn. Stay tuned. But look at my profile http://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensmith6294, and Phil Gerbyshak’s – http://www.linkedin.com/in/philgerb
Phil is the MAN!
I’m feeling all networky today – I was discussing a possible conference speaking engagement and the organizer wanted to know what blog syndication tools and networking tools I used.
When I finished the list, I couldn’t believe how long it was. I had to go lie prone for awhile. 🙂
Stephen, thanks for that link, I bookmarked it. The LinkedIn section of our Web 2.0 Tools workshop is more popular than I’d expected.
Trish, all you need to to for twellow is go in and choose categories and then you tweets show there they have a nice follow me on twitter badge
25 words
Being social is not about the service
It’s about the friendships we share
When we get together
Others’ll mess with us only if they dare.
Burma Shave
Nite Liz
Nite All
Oh, Sheila,
How cool are you?!!
Isn’t it funny how we don’t realize what we know until we start answering a question . . . then we look back and go “Whoa! Did I say that much?!!!”
Hi Sheila, you need to get with Bryan and me, we are creating a LinkedIn GoTo that is going to ROCK!
Oh fine! Everyone gets invited to work with you Stephen, but me. (whine)
OK, I’m back. I see you all have been very, very busy while I was out.
I have a guided tour, but it’s really just a post I wrote and put links to in the sidebar, and at the foot of every post.
“New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.” Goes on every single post.
Stephen,
I should do that, I’m starting to get into LI.
What’s funny, though, is that I took my own advice to my workshops and cranked out some LI recommendations this past weekend, mostly for people in media (the Tribune and everything tanking made me feel bad for journos, many of whom might have to job-hunt soon.)
NONE of them have approved their recommendations from me, so that they’ll show in their profiles.
The recs don’t suck, either. WTF?
@ Stephen so I need to update linked in?
Suzie – thanks. I didn’t fully understand it, my brain is kind of gone tonight. I actually took notes tonight! I have a lot to follow up on now!
Yo, Becky!
Becky taught me how to (occasionally) ask (very nicely) for a Stumble, using the toolbar. I hadn’t a clue.
Today, I had a guest article go up on Brazen Careerist, about the all-female video gaming team the Frag Dolls, and Comic-Con starts tomorrow in San Diego, so I’m bumping the article a bit, including using Becky’s Stumble methodology.
Yay, Becky!
Becky,
This week you’re bumping, not pushing!! I like that! 🙂
>>Sheila – the MSM fears bloggers. Screw them. Got to http://helpareporter.com/ for the ones that ‘get’ Social Media. (Ask Dan Rather about messing with experts that know more than you.)
>>Suzie – what is your LI link? Post it here and get a bunch of new contacts. In all sorts of fields of expertise. (Again, ask Dan Rather about not getting the REAL experts on your side)
Sheila,
I remember when that article was just a glimmer in your eye! 🙂
Sheila, now Glenda can tell you whether that’s right or wrong. She’s taking a course in Stumbling!
And I also gave some LinkedIn recommendations to not-as-techie people, and had them languish. The longest sat about 5 months I think before she logged back in and approved it. So you will be top of mind when they need you. 🙂
I also got some good results early from reaching out to my less-than-techie folks in my real-world network. Folks I had worked with or connected with in the economic development network. Here are two things I did that worked:
1. Sent emails to about 20 people I knew well enough to say, “Hey, you might be able to use the info I share here.”
2. Asked 2 or 3 people to do a guest article, even though they had no idea about blogs, etc. Then they automatically promoted it to their network when I gave them a link to their article.
I got this tweet yesterday an feed back- the mind boggles as I can’t remember what the ? was
@suziecheel Looking at feedback tools? Take a look at #UserVoice – in use by @Tweetdeck @AlertThingy @Favthumbs @99designs & @userscripts
I feel so unwanted. 🙁
No one said good night to me ;'(
Liz, Sheila is bumping her story. I’m…. just pushy, I guess. But now I try to remind myself that I’m pushing people’s swings, just like you said.
that was from marcus Nelson of http://uservoice.com/
Good night, Joe,
Sleepy swell.
stop frowning. 🙂
Joe, I was gone when you left! But now we’re both back!
Nightie night Joe.
I feel so much better now. 🙂
It doesn’t take much to make me happy.
(And I thought the 25 words kinda fit in with Liz’s post)
Nite Liz,
Nite All
Liz, I offered to collab on a post earlier today, and you declined! I believe it had to do with Vision & Strategy vs Voting & Consensus.
Stephen,
I do get Peter’s HARO email announcements (3X a day is getting old, though) and even mailed him an NHRA sticker when he asked for stickers for his Mac.
Can’t just say “screw ’em” regarding these journos – they are very good at their profession. One is actually a tech blogger/columnist, so not sure what the deal is with his rec; he’s plugged in and should’ve seen it.
Oh, well, there’s at least one of them that I feel comfortable sending an email to in about a week and saying, “Hey, wake up!”
I’ve had several non-bloggers do guest posts for me, and they did fine, including….drum roll….my own Mom.
Stephen,
Darn! You got me!!
Sorry about keeping your comments locked up there I was chasing the Akisment monster. 🙂
Sheila, I’d post the link to Caroline’s course but Liz’s blog will merely eat it. Go to stumblerush dot com and start with the ten free lessons. I’m learning tons.
Sheila, I love that! My mom is an admin at my blog. 🙂 I have to blogging great-grandmothers as co-authors.
Glenda,
Post the link. I’ll watch for it.
Yay Sheila, thanks for connecting!
holding my breath – here it goes http://www.stumblerush.com/
Time for me to go to bed! I might check by here tomorrow and see if anyone gave out more useful tips!
I’ve got a whole list of things to keep me busy from tonight!
Good night everyone! and thanks Liz and everyone for the advice!
Liz, guess that one needs rescuing too.
Stephen my linked in is
http://linkedin.com/in/suziecheel
Thnaks
Good night, Trisha!
Thanks for coming!
Good night, Trish!
I feel like I ought to go back and compile a few of the things I put in here. Seems like some of it was worth while. Maybe fodder for Outstanding in My Field. I’m thinking of putting all my bloggy stuff there.
Have you noticed how when the conversation is really good, there are no Klondike bars?
The key to success at Linked In is using the Q&A. Look at questions and answer the ones you are qualified for.
Ditch FaceBook, it is only a time sink with no real value. Unless you are a college kid and just getting started in SM.
@ Glenda, that is great, I have been meaning to start- have an hour dedicated today- Caroline is a great person
Glenda, pass me a Klondike!!
Klondikes for everyone!
; ) Which flavour, Becky?
Something chocolatey! I need sustenance after thinking about all this networking stuff.
Do the Heath flavor — They’re the best!
Liz, you haven’t talked about ezines and manifestos yet. Let’s hear your insight!
Suzie, I’m impressed with her course, so far – may even sign up for her affiliate. Need to write my StumbleUpon post tonight.
Glenda — Thanks for the link!
Stephen — Happy to connect, not sure why I didn’t before. Agree about the Q&A; I do that as well. My next LI enhancement step is to request recommendations for myself, and do more Q&A.
Becky — Sounds like good bloggy stuff to me!
I think that ezines and manifestos offer opportunities to stretch out into places where nonblogging readers can be found. 🙂
One other great networking tip that improves readership is Google Reader Shared Items. I’ve been pretty impressed with seeing my articles passed around by other people!
Liz, when you say turn old blog posts into zine articles, do you mean on places like Associated Content?
How does that work, Becky?
If you have a Gmail account, start a read account. Each story should have a Share icon at the end. Click the icon, and it is shared with all your other GReader friends in your Gmail address book.
Thanks Becky. Perhaps is that part of the process after publishing a great post?
Re-comment for everyone: action plan for getting more subscribers:
1)Add “please subscribe” message to bottom of emails and end of posts.
2)Add page explaining RSS – see http://www.whatisrss.com/.
3) guest posting – all over the place, especially in areas at the edge of your experience
4) Add a landing page, and point to it – see http://hdbizblog.com/blog/2007/09/25/welcome-and-a-brief-introduction/
5) Add a do follow Plug-in – http://www.semiologic.com/software/wp-tweaks/dofollow/
6) What Would Seth Godin Do plugin – http://www.richardkmiller.com/blog/wordpress-plugin-what-would-seth-godin-do
7) TinyLink plugin – http://brajeshwar.com/2007/tiny-link-wordpress-plugin/
Yeah, to submit to everything from Blog Critics to Find.com
ezinearticles.com/
http://www.articles3000.com
There’s also docstoc.com
Darrell is making supper, so I’d better go. Thanks Liz for the space to hang with friends.
G’night everyone.
Goodnight, Glenda!
I have a question about LinkedIN groups. What’s the best way to use them on LinkedIn?
Good night, Glenda!
Good question, Liz. I just created an alumni group and still trying to figure out how to make it show up.
Liz,
Good question – I’ve joined a grunch of LI Groups because they seemed useful, but then haven’t done anything with the contacts within them.
I don’t have an LI Pro account, so should use a couple of my freebie Introductions within the Groups, I guess.
Sheila,
That’s the only usefulness I’ve really seen.
LI Groups are good for intros, and for getting your Questions answered. I get some good post info from them, see – http://homeofficewarrior.com/2008/06/04/top-tips-for-working-at-home/
Sheila – what usefulness have you received from the Pro level?
Liz – I find the Question and Answer section to be the most useful tool within LinkedIn. I’ve made some awesome connections answering other people’s questions, and it helps drive traffic to my site.
Gotta run; a quick post to write before bed.
Nice thread, Liz, and thanks as always for your encouragement.
Hi Tim!
I see the value of the Q&A, but I have trouble with the time it takes to invest in them. 🙂
For those using LinkedIn, I find the LinkedIn Answers to be the most valuable way to start up a conversation. You can often feel out whether someone would be a good contact for you, get a sense of their personality from the way they respond. I’ve added many to my own network in this way.
I wrote up a few of my better contributions to this thread, and put it on my personal blog, Out Standing in My Field. http://bjmccray.blogspot.com/2008/07/creative-networking.html
And that’s some creative networking right there! 🙂
Hi! Better late than never, right? Time is my main problem. I have some great Facebook Groups that I’ve joined that I need to participate in. I never think of LinkedIn for group activity b/c it doesn’t seem set up for posting and getting a discussion going. They should take a page from Liz here!
Hi Mary-Lynn,
Time has gotten away from us all again. I don’t play at Facebook and i don’t seem to have time for Linked In either.
Tonight, I think we’re about wound out now!
just off to have a late lunch, see you in 2 weeks, will be away next week
I find both Facebook and LinkedIn equally engaging, slightly different energies of course.
The best way to get people to start answering on LinkedIn is to invite people that come to mind in your network to answer. As more and more people contribute, conversation tends to spark more and more aspects from both those invited and random folks out on the LI network.
Facebook, for me, is a bit more frivilous. Lately I feel more and more like a social media surrealist. My performance art side coming out I guess.
Good night everyone!
I agree. Great info here to review! Catch you next time!
What we need is an analysis of what social sites match up to our interests. Does MySpace relate to career management? Nope. What does? How do I get that focus for my niche out of social sites?
No one has answers yet, but we’re spinning a lot of time trying to figure it out.
(Thought I’d get the last comment in — this was a great topic…)
Enjoy life…Scot
Liz
What an amazing amount of information in this discussion. I have a list of MORE things to do now. At least I did take the time tonight to sign up for FriendFeed, and added your name.
My thanks to you and everyone who participated!
Hi to all of you!
Glad to see that you’re taking advantage of the great information everyone brought here. 🙂
For me the ebook works best and twitter is great if you have a blog and auto ping for post updates.