Ok, so you want to dominate the social media revolution of 2009 as the rock star you are by coming out guns-a-blazin’. Well, hold your horses, cowboy. You have to think of social media as a big party and therefore …

The first thing you must know about social media is that IT IS NOT A VENUE TO PITCH YOUR BUSINESS! If you can understand and apply this without worrying about your whole business going down the crapper, you will be dominate social media.

Why do you say I can’t pitch my business, Travis? Because, when you’re at a party, do you like a stranger coming up to you and selling you products or business ideas? Probably not.

In the same manner, people in social media don’t want your business opportunity … UNTIL you build a relationship with them. When they know and understand that you actually care about them and want to help them succeed, then they will start buying into your product or opportunity (and this will absolutely happen).

Let me give you an example. There are three kind of people in the world, those who like to talk about others, those who talk about themselves and those who let others talk. Who do you generally feel more attracted to in conversation?

If you’re like me, you said the guy or girl who actually listens to you talk rather than babbles your head off. This is the person who will dominate the social media revolution of 2009.

Just think about it for a moment. When someone follows you on Twitter, or friends you on Facebook, would you rather be directed to a blog of theirs that has great resources and advice coming from a guy or girl who actually seems interested in YOU, or, to a capture page that has the next get rich quick scheme attached to it? I choose the former.

If people trust you and follow you because you genuinely care and actually work hard to build a relationship with them, they will begin to wonder just what it is this guy does that makes him so appealing to spend time with. They will also want to know exactly what it is that you do …

If you offer resources, advice, training and even sometimes just an ear, people will begin to ask you questions, it’s just the general law of attraction. People are attracted to leaders, not peddlers.

As a foundation, and in conclusion, to dominate the social media revolution of 2009 you must not, indeed absolutely cannot, pitch your business for internet marketing success! Build relationships with people and they will flock to you … and, you may even like it!

Where have YOU been?

Unless you have lived in a cave the last 4 years, you have probably heard of this. It is a rocking hot social networking site that seems to be almost everywhere today. It is on the news. It is on the radio. It is on the minds of millions of folks a day.

It is called “Facebook” and over 175 million people are active on this site.

Ok- I know that you may be asking,” A LAW about facebook?” Yes, 10 of them for marketing and business success in what you do. I am a marketer and have been for 20 years. I built a training and consulting business that does business in over 20 countries, because of social media and the internet. And there are marketing laws that all marketers and business professionals must follow if they are going to have Success in the marketplace online.

It is the same for Facebook.

Lets cover them briefly:

1) The Law of Visibility on Facebook.

You MUST be visible on facebook of you are going to get your message out. You must spend time on facebook and get to know people. You must put yourself together a “facebook blueprint” and work it. How many hours a week are you going to be seen on FB? How many times are you going to befriend someone this week? How many times are you going to upload photos this week? All of these things put you in the ‘Visibility Zone” on facebook, and on the radar as far as people on facebook. Be SEEN and be THERE on a daily basis.

2) The Law of the Powerful Facebook Profile.

Why would people want to get to know you? One of the first things they check out is your facebook profile. What does it say- but better yet- what does it DO? Does it make people curious and want to get to know you? Does it make them think? Does it make them smile? Does it make them see that you have Value for their life and can help change it?

Powerful facebook profiles are NOT based on what is said in your profile- but what it DOES.

Does it direct them to DO something? Does it tell them you are person they MUST know? Or someone that has a nice picture and a nice profile- with no magnetism? Put yourself OUT THERE and tell the world WHY they need you as a friend, and get them to take action towards YOU.

3) The Law of the Facebook WALL.

You MUST use your Wall to market or message. many folks regard their Wall as a communication utility like email. It is not that. You already have a facebook email. The Wall is for you to BUILD- BRICK BY BRICK- MESSAGE BY MESSAGE- NOTE BY NOTE- VIDEO BY VIDEO- your Brand on Facebook. Every time something happens with you- it goes on your Wall. Don’t stare at the wall- CLIMB THE SUCKER and make your message the PEAK of the page- and keep yourself out there with the Wall. And answer the messages on your Wall. Thank people for sharing with you their visit or message. This will show up on THEIR wall. This will set you apart from most on facebook. The Wall is simply a BILLBOARD of what you are doing and your friends are doing on Facebook. Use it often and wisely.

4) The Law of Your Facebook Network.

You are part of a local facebook network and you have access to that network to befriend them. I live in Birmingham Michigan, and the network i am a part of is the Detroit network. There are 640,926 people in my network that I could potentially MEET LIVE in a local place and get to know them and connect with them. You have local folks as well. Where do you find your network?

Click on “settings” and then click on “network.” You will find it there. This is a GOLD MINE of people in your local area to CONNECT and Construct new trust bridges that may lead to business down the road.

5) The Law of the Facebook Notifications.

This is an overlooked and rarely talked about utility. Notifications are part of your “facebook email system.” Go to “email” at the top of your Facebook profile page, and then click on “notifications.”This is list of who is thinking about you, talking about you, including you in tags, and generally is pointing to you. This is a GOLD MINE of people that have PROVEN they are behind you and willing to make you a part of their Facebook experience. Pay attention to the facebook notifications. Thank them for their thoughts of you on their Wall and let them know you appreciate it. Include them as well on your tags and other activity on facebook. The notifications are GOLD and is a prospecting Vault of Leads. And make sure you stay CONNECTED to them.

6) The Law of Facebook Link Love.

The Link application on Facebook is a HOT commodity. It allows you to post a link that you like and then sends it out on the news feed that is on your home page. It picks up the image that you want on the link page, and allows it to be a LIVE link. Send out other people’s LINK and givem some LOVE. Do NOT just send out your own links. Let others do that. Find interesting links of others and send them out.

WHY? EXPOSURE for you. You will be given credit for the link. People LOVE link love. If you send out a LOT of other people’s links on facebook, they will start sending out YOUR links. Been there done that.

7) The Law of Facebook Groups.

Join groups. Join a LOT of Groups. Start your OWN groups. The join MORE groups. Why? Here are a few reasons: EXPOSURE. CONNECTION to other Group members. AUTHORITY. Start your own and be a Leader. INCREASE YOUR REACH.Groups extend your reach into Facebook. MULTIPLIED PROSPECTS. There are more people in a group — then on a profile page.

Duh. Build a list in your own group and then you can become an admin and email messages to them. Make them messages of VALUE and interest.

The Law of Facebook Events.

Attend events. Attend more Events. And then attend many MORE events. Why? It allows you to leave a message on the events page wall, and create exposure. I attend at least 2 facebook events every week- to learn- and to network. Events can be found on the new Facebook page in the upper right under “Upcoming”-these are the events that are upcoming. There is one unique twist: You have birthdays under the “upcoming” tag- and you can send presents to folks. THIS will get their attention as it shows up on their wall and the news feed as well. Attend as many events as you can. make them worth your while- learn and grow from them. BUT’ always leave a RSVP message about attending or not- with an encouraging message. This will show your professionalism, and caring.

Event UP! This will do you well on facebook. Put the term “events” in the search box, and it will find every event that is going on in your network of friends. It is a GOLD MINE of new possibilties of business. Become a master of events!

9) The Law of Facebook Multimedia- Videos and Photos.

People LOVE photos and videos. They are the most looked at and watched pages on facebook. Make some videos and upload them. Upload some photographs. Not only will the be seen on your wall and the facebook news feed, but also will allow you to “tag” others on these. This means that you can pick out people you have befriended and let them know you are thinking of them. And when you tag someone- it shows up on THEIR wall. Not isn’t THAT cool? It is called EXPOSURE!

10) The Law of the Facebook NEWS FEED.

This is the big kahuna of Exposure on facebook. This gets you out to ALL of your friends and creates a massive exposure vehicle that can keep your brand in front and recognized. You also will be many times on the “featured” part of the new news feed on the right. This gives you HUGE exposure. Whatever you do, like change your status, upload a video, write and publish a note, or just comment on another person’s message on the facebook news feed- it SHOWS UP in the news Feed. Be seen- and be seen often if you are trying to brand yourself on facebook.

Yes, you need to establish relationships, and build community. But if you are going to MARKET on facebook-then you need to at least get a guideline of what and how to do it. The 10 Social Media Laws of Facebook hopefully gave you some idea in your social media marketing. P>

blessings…doug firebaugh

When I first started planning international meetings more than 20 years ago, “going global” was the catchphrase of the day. Companies sought new markets outside of the United States and associations sought new membership. When I started planning meetings abroad, my focus was strictly on logistics: freight forwarding, negotiating in foreign currencies, collaborating with airlines, tax deductibility, choosing activities for attendees to enjoy while they were in the destination, and producing a positive experience that would not be forgotten … all important aspects of international meetings.

I didn’t realize I was overlooking one of the most critical parts of the international meeting experience: protocol. As an international meeting planner, I also needed to assume the role of protocol officer without the title. I quickly learned that it was my job to understand cultural expectations to get the job done. Here are some protocol tips I share from my hard-earned experience:

Communication Styles

Communication is not the same all over the rest of the world as it is in the United States — and I am not referring to obvious language differences. Americans like to “get to the point” and to know definitively what is going to happen at each step of the way. Our communications, both written and verbal, are more hurried. We often use “shorthand English,” thinking the other party will understand our meaning. For example, responding to questions from a Japanese meeting planning team, one U.S. hotel sales executive said, “No problem,” which was interpreted as “No, there is a problem.” The hotel lost the business.

In Asia, the Middle East, and in many part of Europe, communication is more looped. It starts with social chat, may include a mention of the work at hand, and then goes back to social chat. Americans may become frustrated with the time it can take to get consensus on a point, but should not try to hurry the process. Understand that the relationship between the parties is more important than the contract. In negotiations with vendors, “no” doesn’t mean no most of the time; it means maybe. Sometimes, as in Asian countries, “maybe” means no.

Dress

How you dress sets the tone for your business relationships overseas. Fortunately, the conservative navy or grey suit for men and women is proper just about everywhere. It conveys a sense of professionalism. For women, a modest neckline is just as important.

You may not have thought about it, but colors have a strong influence in how you are perceived abroad. While red is a power color in the United States, in parts of Africa it is a color of mourning. In Asia, it is a lucky color, while in Russia and many countries of the former Soviet Union; red still stands for communism and the blood of revolution. In Latin America, the color purple is associated with death. In Asia, white is the color of mourning. Color consideration must be given to gifts as well as dress.

Business Cards

You will need to hand out twice as many business cards overseas as you would expect to hand out during a meeting at home. In almost every office meeting, you will give one to the receptionist as well as to your contact. Always give your business card with your right hand or both hands. The left hand is historically the “dirty” hand, reserved for personal hygiene, so refrain from using it to offer gifts or your business card. Don’t forget to have the other side of your business card translated in the language of the country in which you are doing business if English is not the primary language spoken there.

Eye Contact

Meeting one’s gaze is revered in the United States. We determine if the other person is honest and trustworthy by whether s/he establishes eye contact with us. But don’t hold your gaze too long in Asia. A steady gaze is considered to be aggressive and even hostile. The rule to abide by is if you feel that your eye contact is making someone uncomfortable, look away. In most cultures, intermittent eye contact is acceptable.

Greetings

Greetings can be tricky. Handshaking is firm and relatively short (three seconds) in North American and Northern European business. However a lighter (limp) but lingering handclasp (10-12 seconds) is the norm in Asia. To make a great impression, go along with cultural norms. Observe. What you get should be what you give in return.

Gifts

In the United States, gift giving in business is regulated by Congress. There are limits to the value of gifts you receive from other American organizations. Other countries generally don’t have those limits and gift giving is an important part of business relationships. But there is an art to giving gifts. Knowing when to give, what to give, to whom to give it, and how to wrap it are equally important.

In Asia, at your first meeting with a new client or supplier, exchanging gifts will be the norm. There are mandatory gift-giving holidays around the world. In Japan, gifts are exchanged July 15 or mid-year and at year’s end, on Jan. 1.

Gifts representing your company, industry, or country should be made in your country. Some suggestions of appropriate gifts that work almost anywhere are picture books of your town or country, high-quality writing instruments, Native American artifacts, travel accessories such as candles, air purifiers, compasses (Muslims need to know the direction of Mecca), and zoom binoculars. Any intellectual gift — books, music and handicrafts (art) — will be appreciated.

Some taboos:

[bullet] leather gifts given to Hindus

[bullet] alcohol and any product which includes it as an ingredient given as gift to a Muslim

[bullet] giving knives, which represent severing relationships (so forgo giving that lovely carving set)

[bullet] a gift made in China given to a Japanese client.

Women in Business

In many cultures, women are not as easily accepted in the role of competent business people as the United States. Because of their cultural norms, it takes more time for international business contacts to trust a woman’s knowledge and competency. Be patient and maintain your professionalism. Often women are ignored at business meetings if they are there with male colleagues; historically they have been seen as assistants, not the ones in charge. It often is important for the group to overtly refer to the women and solicit their opinions on matters to keep all parties included in the meeting.

Promptness

Still another concept to grasp in order to successfully conduct business in the international arena is one of time. In all of Northern Europe, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium, there is a high regard for promptness. Being 10 minutes early is appreciated. In the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, and Australia, promptness is appreciated. However, in Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Greece), most of the Mediterranean, and Arabian Gulf Countries, a meeting may be scheduled for 2 p.m. and actually begin between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (except for banquets).

In most of Latin America and Asia, it is even more lax, and appointed times are just estimates. You can’t go wrong by being on time; just bring a book to read or work to occupy you while you wait.

Keep in mind that Americans are almost the only adults on earth who eat dinner at 6 p.m. Assume you will eat later than you are accustomed and keep that in mind when planning group dinners which include local colleagues.

Social media marketing is characterized by engaging social networks like online communities, blogs, wikis and other form of networking sites to reach to their niche customers and creating an interest in them. Twitter, Blogs, LinkedIn, Facebook, Flickr, and UTube are social media marketing tools to create an interest in visiting community.

Social media communities are interactive as well as informative. It is not essential that the Company or website has to keep on writing information about their Company. These sites should be updated regularly for greater interactive ability and hence higher publicity. Once a visitor gets a prompt response from the website owner, then only it is sure to become a permanent member and promote the website through word of mouth.

Social media marketing is a large means of reaching to the customers, simultaneously. Those websites, who have large database of their customers and visitors, can easily interact with them and create interest in their website’s product and services easily.

Social Media Marketing can create a buzz or events that can attract attention from visitors. Buzz ticks and travel through user to user contact.

Multiple online social media venues like Twitter, Facebook are good means of building fans.

It is to be noted that bad sites backfire on social media marketing. Therefore create such sites which are informative in positive manner. Badly designed site will generate negative publicity and devastating effects for that website.

Social media sites are visited almost daily by innumerable visitors. People are registering themselves daily to interact with their friends and make new friends simultaneously.

• This online marketing technique helps to increase website traffic to a website, irrelevant as well as relevant.

• It helps to understand user-behavior.

• Helps detect conversions and keeps record of sales.

• Networking sites provide page-views and exposure from advertisement.

• Creating brand awareness amongst lesser known group and popularizing amongst known customers.

• One of the most important benefits is to create positive brand association and maintaining with full aptitude.

The best part of social media marketing is that it helps in business development and broader customers reach.

When the World Wide Web first made its way into living rooms and business offices across the globe, users were content with simply logging on and surfing the web. It did not matter how long it took for that internet connection to be established. Users would wait a great deal of time just to see a funny video or hear their favorite song play. As time went by and the interest in what the internet had to offer expanded, users became fed up with slow connection times. This brought the development of cable and DSL internet connections in an attempt to speed things up a bit.

For a short time, users were satisfied with these new connection options. After a while though, these too began to fade. Users went on a quest for an internet connection that would come in the blink of an eye. In an ideal world, there would be no long wait times. Only the click of a mouse would be needed and a crystal clear web page image would be displayed before a user could even take a sip of coffee.

Satellite Connection

That time has now arrived with the development of satellite internet connections. This form of internet connection goes one step further than cable or DSL. It operates in much the same way as a television satellite connection does. A computer is connected to the satellite receiver placed on the roof of a residential home or business office. From that point the satellite sends a signal to the desired web page and displays that information on the computer screen in a matter of seconds.

Hughes Net Satellite Internet is making this revolutionary internet connection possible on a daily basis. In many cases there is no extra equipment that must be purchased in order to establish a satellite internet connection. A user simply needs a computer and a satellite dish receiver. The rest of the internet connection is taken care of by a skilled technician. These technicians will come out and install all the necessary equipment and establish the link between the computer and the satellite receiver. Once those components are in place, the user is free to surf the internet.

Benefits

There are numerous benefits to running a satellite internet connection. That is why Hughes Net goes the extra mile to ensure quality customer service occurs on each and every installation. With a quality product installed and functioning correctly, users are relived of the common hassles that can be found with other internet connection types once a technician leaves the home or business.

One of the greatest benefits for this type of internet connection is the ease of use. It is fully compatible with both the Windows and Macintosh operating systems. There is no need for additional software to be downloaded in order to make it functional. Once the technician has installed all the necessary components, the computer operating system recognizes it as the primary internet connection and no additional user input is needed.

Another great benefit is the flexibility that this type of connection offers. Given that the connection is established across satellite receivers, there is no need for a telephone line or cable line connection. That gives users the flexibility to handle phone calls or watch their favorite television program without fear of interrupting their internet connection. It also provides the option for users to not install a home telephone line if they desire. Location of the computer in a home or office is flexible as well. There is no need to design computer space around that phone jack or cable line hook-up.

Service areas are virtually unlimited. Satellite internet connections can go where cable and DSL connections simply can not venture. This expands service areas to include users who may live in rural communities but still desire an internet connection. Connection speeds are quicker than other internet options as well. Users will enjoy faster download times of their favorite videos, music and online games.

Conclusion

With no need to log onto an account each time a connection to the internet is desired, user possibilities are endless. Satellite receiver connections eliminate the need to wait for an available phone line or rearrange a computer workspace around a cable line hookup. Hughes Net is working hard to bring web pages to computer screens faster than ever before.