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From Twitter to Blog – #FollowFriday Vol. 2

Recently I wrote about why I was moving my #followfriday recommendations from Twitter to this blog. So, without further ado, here are my recommendations for this week.

I hope you check them out – they’re all worth getting to know.

Community. John Haydon (@johnhaydon). John is a massive influence on me. From his sterling non-profit work to his social media smarts, and his incredibly friendly demeanour, he’s the true spirit of community. He also plays a mean guitar. One of my “must meet in 2009” people.
Ladies of Twitter. Gina LaGuardia (@GinaLaGuardia). Did you know Gina has Mafia connections? Granted, it’s the Twitter Mafia, but still… Gina is an editing genius – so much so that she’s known as the Content Pimp. Got typo issues? Speak to Gina! She’s also funny as heck, as her exchanges with people on Twitter testify.
Gentlemen of Twitter. David Holliday (@_djh). David is one of these guys that everyone should know. He has a hand in many pots – photography, marketing, social media and it’s all mixed up with dry UK wit. His Twitter feed is a mix of laughs, questions and information. Which makes David great for Twitter parties.
Non-Profits. Mark Lovett (@GlobalPatriot). Mark is incredibly inspiring, both on and off Twitter. I’ve spoken to him many a time and always come away revitalized. He’s a Californian on a mission to end poverty and hunger, and offer sustainable solutions to many charitable problems. Basically, the guy’s a saint.
Marketing. Maria Reyes McDavis (@websuccessdiva). For anyone that relates Internet marketing to spam emails and pyramid schemes, let me introduce you to Maria. Brilliant online and offline marketer, Maria is a bundle of great information and tips that will help anyone looking for marketing advice and business success. Oh, and she’s a really nice person too.
Public Relations. Dave Fleet (@davefleet). Another Brit in the list yet deservedly so. Dave is to PR what Industrial Light & Magic are to George Lucas – inseparable. A genuine expert in both traditional and social media-led public relations, Dave also has one of the must-read PR blogs around. He’s also probably one of the fittest Twitter users I know. The swine.
Social Media. Scott Henderson (@scottyhendo). Incredibly knowledgeable due to his wide-reaching travels, Scott approaches social media from not what it can do, but what it can achieve (and there is a difference). He’s a connector in the truest sense and will help you see social media uses that will surprise you. Underrated star.
The “Everyone Should Know” WildCard Entry. Patrick Badstibner (@PBadstibner). Pat is one of life’s good people. He hardly has a harsh word to say; he obviously loves his family; he never fails to offer help wherever he can (both online and offline); and he has a great wit to boot. If you’re looking for a gentle giant on Twitter, Pat is your man.

Cheers guys, for being who you are every day of the week.

From Twitter to Blog – #FollowFriday Vol. 1

Last week, I wrote about why I was moving my #FollowFriday recommendations from Twitter to my blog.

I suggested why it should be more than just a name and a link on Twitter. So, here are my recommendations for this week. I hope you check them out – they’re more than worth getting to know.

Community. Calvin Lee (@mayhemstudios). I once wrote a post about why the word “community” is a combination of “communication” and “unity”. If that is the case, then Calvin is the perfect example of community. He shares a wealth of information, and it’s always more about others than it is him. One of Twitter’s leading lights and one of the nicest offline as well.
Ladies of Twitter. Jen Wright (@MissIve). I know, I know – Jen would probably be the first to tell me she’s no lady. But that’s by the by. If you’re looking for someone that’s clever, witty, sarcastic, hard-working, energetic and full of ideas, Jen’s your girl. She has more irons in the fire than anyone I know – and that’s saying something. Fun with a capital F.
Gentlemen of Twitter. Scott Stratten (@unmarketing). There are many categories Scott could fall into, but this one really fits him well. He’s one of the most prolific and helpful Twitterers I know, with a heart of gold and the chops to back it up. I’ll never forget what he did for 12for12k and if I only had one beer left to share, it’d be with Scott. That’s how cool he is.
Non-Profits. Stacey Monk (@StaceyMonk). What can I say about Stacey? She founded Tweetsgiving and led the way for non-profit ways to use Twitter. She runs Epic Change – an immense idea if ever there was one. In fact, such an immense idea she walked away from corporate business to start it. A true visionary and someone I can only hope to emulate.
Marketing. Kneale Mann (@knealemann). Did you know Kneale played a key part in the early days of the EdgeFest event? Or that he’s launched two radio stations and co-produced the CASBY Music Awards? And now he runs various marketing boot camps? I’ve met Kneale and speak with him regularly. You want a top-notch marketer? Speak to Kneale, today.
Public Relations. Rachel Kay (@rachelakay). One of the hardest working PR people I know, Rachel is to PR what Irn Bru is to Scottish people. She lives and breathes it. She’s an amazing networker offline. She is so cool at what she does that Vogue and Oprah are just another normal day for Rachel. Connect, learn, enjoy – she might even invite you to Club Rachel.
Social Media. Marc Meyer (@Marc_Meyer). If you’ve ever participated in one of Marc’s #socialmedia chats on Twitter, you’ll know he doesn’t take prisoners when it comes to saying the same old stuff. Great mind, leader in taking social media away from the norm, and he’s also a dab hand at taking interesting photographs.
The “Everyone Should Know” Wildcard Entry. Roger Hjulstrom (@booksbelow). As his username might suggest, Roger loves books. Reading them, selling them, maybe even hoarding them. He also runs a site that helps celebrities “keep it real on Twitter”. Roger gets the wildcard entry for making me stop and ask, “Say what?” regularly. Which is a good thing.

Cheers, guys, for being who you are every day of the week.

Is #Journchat Losing Its Fizz?

Back in November last year, #Journchat was launched by PR maven Sarah Evans.

Its aim was simple – use Twitter to bring journalists, PR professionals and bloggers together on Twitter in a weekly chat format.

Since then, #Journchat has gone from strength to strength and brought in special guests from CNN as well as regularly topped the Twitter trends every Monday night.

Lately, however, it seems to have lost its way and some of its sparkle. That’s not to say that #Journchat doesn’t offer any value – it does, and an incredible amount at that. And it’s done a great job of bringing together industries that otherwise tend to just criticize each other.

But maybe #Journchat is a victim of its own success?

Too Much, Too Little?

The way that #Journchat works is simple, yet it can also be frustrating. Because it uses Twitter as the chat medium, each question and answer needs to be within the 140 character limit of Twitter.

This is good for keeping answers short and punchy, but it’s also frustrating when an answer needs so much more and you have to go to multiple messages. By the time a longer answer is out, often it’s the next question. So in that respect, Twitter as a format isn’t ideal.

Bigger Isn’t Always Better

#Journchat runs for three hours officially, every Monday night from 7.00pm until 10.00pm CST. The length normally means that around eight questions are asked, with about 20 minutes allocated to each topic. Then there’s a wrap up and pitch session to close the discussion. You can continue to discuss topics but it’s not part of the moderated session.

Is three hours too long, though? Are there too many topics being discussed that it’s easy to become lost?

Some people can be on Q6. while others can still be chatting about Q3. This then leads to potential confusion throughout the #Journchat stream as three or four topics are being discussed at once. Which can then lead to missed questions and answers.

Invisible People

One thing that #Journchat is immensely successful at is encouraging probing questions and discussions on topics that are often avoided.

The introduction of special guests has also helped get an insider look at larger corporations like CNN, with questions being asked about inner workings and how the various forms of media are co-existing.

Yet too often, important questions based on a previous answer are being missed. Guest speakers are (obviously) being inundated with questions that they may have already answered, therefore missing the really juicy ones that everyone wants to hear a view on. Which is a shame.

Where Next for #Journchat?

As I said at the beginning, I’m a huge fan of #Journchat and what Sarah Evans is both currently achieving, and also trying to achieve. I just think the current format is stifling and maybe taking away some of its sparkle.

Perhaps the very format that made it successful is now holding #Journchat back? 140 characters on Twitter is great for little info bursts but for an in-depth discussion panel it obviously has limitations.

How about swapping to something like the new WordPress template P2? It’s similar to the Twitter stream but with two key differences – no character limit and threaded replies. This makes it far more effective to keep up with conversations.

Additionally, how about changing the format a little? It’s great that so many people want to be involved in #Journchat but perhaps it’s time to scale it back?

Have a registration where 100 people across the three mediums – journalism, blogging and PR – are the “live chatters” each week, with questions being provided by everyone else. You keep mixing up the 100 people so everyone that registers is involved in the debate at some point, and there’s less on-screen confusion.

Or, go to UStream TV and have a live feed from there with special guest, and have a similar approach to the debate. Questions can be asked in the chat room and the most relevant or topical can be asked.

These are just some ideas. I’m sure there are countless others.

I love #Journchat. I love the reason for its inception and I support what Sarah’s trying to do 100%. I just feel there could be a more effective way of hosting it.

Then again, maybe it is perfectly fine as it is. After all, it’s been going strong for more than six months now, so that must say something.

How about you? Do you participate in #Journchat? What’s your take – is it good as is or does it need freshened up a little? I’d love to hear your suggestions.

photo credit: Cayusa

Because #FollowFriday Isn’t Just for Twitter

A few months ago, #FollowFriday was introduced to Twitter. It was a great concept – recommend people you’re connected with to others. It led to new discoveries, new friends, and quickly made #FollowFriday a Twitter mainstay.

Lately, though, #FollowFriday seems to have just become an endless amount of names and no more. While the idea of recommending people to others is still worthy, personally I feel it would be more so if there was a reason for your recommendations.

Some people are doing this, which is great. Others are just listing the names and then the #FollowFriday hashtag, which is still okay.

Personally, though,? I prefer the former. If you’re recommending a #FollowFriday on Twitter it should be more meaningful than just a name. It should be about why that person inspires you, and why they would inspire others too.

It should be more than just a name and a link on Twitter – it should be about that person and why they’re great every day of the week. So here’s my deal.

Every week, I will post my recommendations. I will recommend seven people in seven categories, one for every day of the week. I’ll write a little bit about them and why they inspire me. And why they might inspire you.

It’s not saying that #FollowFriday has lost its way. It’s simply saying it could really light up the way that little bit more. I hope you enjoy the first seven.

Community – Richard Marti (@ramartijr). Anyone that reads this blog regularly will know one of my key mantras is community spirit, and Richard personifies all of that and more to me. He inspires me when I’m down with his endless enthusiasm and he has a genuine love for everyone around him. Simply put, he’s awesome.
Ladies of Twitter – Henie Reisinger (@HennArtOnline). Sometimes I think Henie is Richard’s twin. She never seems down; she’s infectiously optimistic; she is an amazingly creative person; and she wears sunglasses like they should be. One of the coolest ladies on Twitter.
Gentlemen of Twitter – Aronado Sanchez Placencia (@Aronado). What can I say about Aronado? If I need to laugh until my ribs hurt, he’s my man. If I need someone to joust with, he’s my man. If I need someone to make my cap look good, he’s my man. He’s also an incredibly nice guy to boot. Everyone should know Aronado.
Non-Profits – Nicole D’Alonzo (@nikisnotes). Here is a girl that has really got it going on. Podcaster. Journalist. Entrepreneur. Socially conscious. Change agent. Founder of Socolite.com to combine social media for good with businesses and bring society together. And she’s still just the tender age of 27. Nicole is a bona-fide star.
Marketing – Frank Reed (@FrankReed). Frank is an understated gem on Twitter. He’s unassuming; he’s inquisitive; he’s helpful; and he’s knowledgeable. He’s also one damn fine marketer – something that is apparent via his own blog and his spots on Andy Beal’s Marketing Pilgrim website. I learn a lot from Frank every day.
Public Relations – David Mullen (@dmullen). There is an insane amount of talented PR people on Twitter that this list could probably go on forever. One that stands out for me though is David Mullen. Sharp; insightful; questioning; never afraid to put the boot in on the industry he obviously loves. You like being made to think? David is your guy.
Social Media – Chris Brogan (@chrisbrogan). Predictable choice? Nothing new there choice? Perhaps. But as far as social media goes, Chris is up there among a very few who walk the talk and share the words with everyone else. The guy is social media and should be a no-brainer for anyone remotely interested in the medium.
The “Everyone Should Know” Wildcard Entry. Christina Kingston (@CTK1). Although Christina is the first “wild card” entry, she is anything but. One of the funniest and most vocal people I’ve met on Twitter. She’s never afraid to speak her mind and usually has some witty retort for most things.

So there you go – my first #FollowFriday who I’d want to know both on and off Twitter. I hope you check them out and get to know them – you won’t be disappointed.

Cheers, guys, for being who you are every day of the week.

photo credit: ashley rose,

Better Twitter (and ROI) with Topify, Seesmic Desktop and bit.ly

People talk about Twitter and ROI (return on investment) and how there’s no real definable way to measure success or use the tools to your best advantage. At least, not unless you put a whole load of time into it.

While that can be true depending on your needs, there are also plenty of ways to use Twitter more effectively as well as offer measurable ROI. Here are three of the tools I use – hopefully they’re as useful to you as they are to me.

Topify

The way Topify works is pretty simple – it takes over your email account from Twitter. It doesn’t hack into your existing email to do so. Instead, you set up your account at Topify and they provide you with a personal email address.

You then go into your Twitter account settings and replace your normal email address with the Topify one.

Once you’ve amended your settings, Topify starts to send you the same alerts from Twitter that you used to get, but to the power of ten. Now, you get to see the user’s bio, their followers/following ratio, when they joined Twitter, their five most recent updates, their website – basically everything you’d see on their Twitter homepage.

Topify then gives you the option of following that user by simply replying to the Topify email. No message needed – just hit reply. You can also send direct messages by replying with your message, or block unwanted users by forwarding that user to Topify.

By giving you all the options via one single email that it could take you several minutes to check out via Twitter itself, you can see why Topify is gaining popularity with Twitter users.

Seesmic Desktop

Up until now, the reigning champion of third-party applications to help run your Twitter account has been Tweetdeck.

Its use of columns, groups and account management has been hugely popular. Now, its time as undisputed champ might be near an end, thanks to Seesmic Desktop.

From the same guys that gave us Twhirl, Seesmic Desktop is more than just a possible alternative to Tweetdeck – it’s better (to me, anyhoo). Here’s why:

Cleaner layout with fresh neutral colours as opposed to the dark Tweetdeck (although Tweetdeck’s colour options can be changed in the settings)
Multiple accounts, ideal for users who want separate personal and business accounts
Excellent Facebook integration
Better API usage – Tweetdeck limits how many updates you can have per hour, Seesmic seems to avoid this (so far)
Less memory suck on your system compared to Tweetdeck
Easier navigation between columns and searches
Remembers your preferences for URL shortening services and image uploaders

There are numerous other little tweaks – suffice to say, as an alternative to Tweetdeck, Seesmic Desktop comes up trumps. And then some. I love it.

bit.ly

Since Twitter only allows 140 characters per message, you need to optimize your space and make sure you’re not wasting any real estate.

To help with this, there have been a host of URL shorteners that allow you to share a website link without having to post the complete URL. My favourite is bit.ly.

While you can use bit.ly straight from the box, the really good stuff happens when you sign up for an account. Once you’re logged in, you can tweet your link and message straight to Twitter.

You can then track how many times your link was clicked, who by, what’s being said about your link and more. There are also a host of additional tools, including support for Firefox, Gmail, email, Facebook, mobile use and much more.

A really cool feature is bit.ly’s support for Google Documents – you can create a Google Spreadsheet template and convert your links into an Excel report. Of all the URL shortening systems, bit.ly is definitely my favourite.

So these are three great tools – but where does the ROI come into play? There are a few ways:

Better time management, allowing you to interact with more people, more effectively, building the relationships that could lead to customers/clients
Keep tracks on the searches that matter most to you, your brand and your customers/clients
See who’s discussing your links, helping you target warm leads for promotional or sales campaigns

Of course, you don’t need to worry about ROI if it doesn’t affect you.

But, if you’re trying to convince your boss (or client) why they should get on Twitter from a business point of view, and need to convince them it’s not a waste of time and does offer ROI, you could do a lot worse than the three examples here.

How about you? What are you using to better manage your time on Twitter and how are you measuring success?

Update Friday May 22 – Topify have very kindly released 100 beta invites to readers of this blog. You can get your invitation to try Topify by clicking .

photo credit: arikfr
photo credit: adamjackson1984
photo credit: Christopher Blizzard