ItsAllGeek2Me 
Is Social Media Good or Evil?
As a social media strategist, I have always thought as social media as predominantly good, with some negative aspects, but I think the events of the last few days have shown that is not necessarily true.
As shocking as the events on January 6, 2021, I am equally dismayed by the role of social media. Not just that it was used to mobilize a deadly group of Americans into storming the Capitol, but also that individuals believed lies they saw on social media. Half-truths and out and out lies that seem credible.
I recently saw a piece on 60 minutes about Section 230. It states that social media companies can’t be blamed for anything that appears on their site. So basically they have no responsibility for anything that is posted which means lies and incorrect information can be posted without repercussions. Individuals have taken advantage of this loophole to post false and inflammatory information.
But here’s the tough part, how do you know what is true and what isn’t? It’s becoming harder and harder to determine truth from fiction and it is breaking down the fabric of America. We used to call it propaganda, but it has moved well beyond that. Social media is not just spreading ideological lies, but lies about individuals. Lies that in the past, everyone would dismiss as absurd, but now seem plausible. It’s very scary.
But as my grandmother used to say, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.” Social media has also enhanced our lives. It has allowed us to stay in touch with far away family and friends. We can share celebrations, trials and losses. And for marketing, there is no better way to get out your message, whether it be new menu items at a restaurant or fundraising for a community organization.
So my goal for 2021 is education. I want to educate businesses how to use social media more effectively and I want to teach consumers how to better determine truth from fiction on all social media sites. I want to encourage grandma to venture into TikTok and teach Gen Z how to manage their social media marketing.
They may seem like lofty goals, but if you’re going to set a goal, shouldn’t it be worth achieving?
Two weeks into 2021, I was ready to pack it up and sleep until 2022, but my daughter said, “Mom, 2021 is a transition year, Did you really think that everything was just going to change overnight on January 1, 2021?”
When did she get to be so smart? So take some dramamine because 2021 will be a roller coaster, but we’l get through it stronger and smarter and ready to face 2022.
Come along for the ride.
Share this:
How to Successfully Work from Home?
Posted on March 19, 2020 Leave a Comment
While some people think working from home is a dream, the reality may be more of a nightmare. As millions of Americans are thrown into telework, they may be having difficulty adjusting to their new reality.
It’s easy to get distracted by that pile of laundry in the corner or your dog begging for a walk. Even at noon, you may find yourself unshowered and pajama-clad. Your professionalism and productivity left at the office.
To be successful at telework, it’s important to create a routine, just as if you were going to the office. Here are a few strategies to keep in mind.
- Create a workspace in your home. Even if you live alone, it important to have a space where you are “at work.” Have a desk or makeshift desk created out of a table and chair. Put everything you need in that space so you don’t have to go searching for essential items throughout the day.
- If you have family members at home, remind them that you are a work, even if they can see you. You’re not available for routine household chores or a lengthy conversation.
- Take breaks from work. Keep up. Clear your head, but set a timer. It’s easy to get caught up binge-watching Nexflix.
- Keep to a schedule. Go to your workspace, take breaks, have lunch and remember to leave at the end of the day.
- Even if you are working from home, it does not mean that you are available 24-7 unless you are in a critical role at work. Turn off your computer and give yourself some down time.
- It’s important to set goals for your day as to what you want to accomplish.
By following these guidelines, you may find that working from home may be your most effective time ever. It’s also a great time to review your professional social media profile. For more information about managing your social media presence, check out my blog at itsallgeek2me.blog.
Share this:
Seniors and Social Media: It’s Never Too Late to Learn
Posted on March 2, 2020 Leave a Comment
Women over 50 is the fastest growing demographic on social media. Even with all its problems, social media is a great way for all ages to connect, and now it’s easier than ever.
I have been lucky enough to teach a social media class at a senior living community for the past month. Their enthusiasm is infectious.
I have taught this class before. The first time I taught it, I thought I was explaining from the beginning, but I needed to back up a few steps and start over. It’s not that people over 65 can’t do social media, it’s just that they need more instruction.
Social media for people over 65, heck even over 50, is like a foreign country. If you landed some place and didn’t know the language, no one would expect you to start speaking fluently. You would start with the basics.
For seniors, the basics may be a little more basic than it is to someone born into it.
But the benefits of social media for seniors is connection. So many of our people over 65 live in isolation. There is a huge problem with loneliness and lack of connection. Social media can help seniors connect with families, friends, even friends from long ago and like- minded people.
Of course, with any new tool, there are rules for using social media safely. Seniors and all people on social media need to be taught what to look for regarding scams, fake news and privacy. However, once they have the basic instruction, social media can open up a whole new world of connections.
For me, I love being a part of helping people get on Facebook or Instagram to see pictures of their grand kids or to connect with a childhood friend. For all the negative social media has brought into our lives, it has also brought joy.
If you are interested in creating a class for seniors or would just like a little more information about this topic, drop me a line at kparis@itsallgeek2me.org.
Share this:
How can you set your business apart during the holidays?
Posted on December 3, 2019 Leave a Comment
Ready, set go! Friday began the foot race leading to Christmas Day. Businesses vie for customers’s dollars in order to turn their bottom line from red to black.
Although consumers are ready to spend, they are also inundated with marketing: commercials, postcard, catalogs, social media posts and ads, emails, texts, phone calls. It’s overwhelming to the consumer and to a business owner with shallow pockets, it may seems as though their is no way to compete.
So what can a small business do?
1. Reach out to your best customers. The people who already know your business and love your products will want to share them with their friends. Or maybe they will ask friends and family to purchase gifts or gift cards for services from your store. Reach out to them with direct, targeted marketing just for them. Let them know what special products you have available and invite the. To any special events you may have.
2. Use emotion to tell your story. What pictures will people react to? Make sure that your visuals will not easily be ignored in the visual clutter that is the holiday season. There’s a reason Xfinity is using ET commercials this time of year.
3. Make them laugh, if appropriate. People are stressed trying to produce the perfect holiday or purchase the perfect gift. Everyone needs a good chuckle. This is a great time for businesses to infuse some G-rated fun into advertising. Sarcasm may not translate so be very careful. Still, a little chuckle may bring customers into your store or to your online site.
What’s most important this holiday season is to make your customers feel the spirit of the season. Stay positive and smiling no matter how challenging your day. Keeping the spirit in your heat may be just what you need to put dollars in your pockets.
If you need more marketing advice, contact me at kparis@itsallgeek2me.org.
Share this:
Do you have a social media policy for your company?
Posted on November 4, 2019 Leave a Comment
Every day the headlines are full of companies damaged by something their employees posted on social media. It may have been something they put on the company page, but sometimes it’s on their personal page.
For example, one company had customer service representatives posting about conversations they had during the day. They talked about the stupidity of people calling in with enough information to identify who that person might be. This information was on their personal page, but the employee identified themselves as working for that organization. Because there was no social media policy in place, the employee given a verbal warning, but no real action could be taken.
Every company, no matter the size, should have a policy in place with expectations related to social media posting.
Are political postings allowed? One business owner told me he would never impose restrictions on employees with regard to political postings. Other companies may ask their employees to refrain from defamatory comments about famous individuals or politicians.
Some companies want to restrict information about what is happening in the company and what happens in meetings. Other companies encourage their employees to share information.
It’s important to include policies with regard to clients and their policies. For example, an intern posted a picture of a celebrity receiving treatment at a hospital. The intern was at the hospital as an outside contractor and was not aware the photo was a privacy violation.
Start the conversation. Set up expectations. Work to ensure that if your company goes viral, it’s for a positive reason.
If you need assistance writing a policy, contact me: kparis@itsallgeek2me.org.
Share this:
The Importance of Marketing Offline
Posted on October 7, 2019 Leave a Comment
For Mother’s Day ,my daughter bought me hiking poles. I was going on a walking tour of Italy and have been known to have issues with balance so I asked my daughter to get me the poles.
Last week, this note came in the mail to her. Since she lives in Australia, I opened it and found this note. It was a follow up six months later from the company that sold her the poles. If it had been an email, I would have deleted it. But instead, I opened it, read it and am now sharing it with you. It’s not hand written, but it appears to be at first glance.
In addition, there was a card asking for a review if I liked the product and used it. The poles saved by life as I trekked down a mountain in the rain, so yes I liked them
As a Social Media Marketing Specialist, I help businesses get noticed online. But what you do offline is just as important. What could you do to connect with your customers on a personal level? Send a note. Remember their birthday, if you know when it is.
Everyone wants to feel special and important. Making customers feel this way will create customer loyalty and trust and help with your bottom line. But what’s more important is how people feel about your company and you can’t buy a good reputation.
This week, take steps to reach out to customers on the personal level, especially your best customers. Let them know they are important through a note, call or personal email. It can make a difference.
If you need help with your online or offline marketing, email me at kparis@itsallgeek2me.org and don’t forget to follow me on social media at @itsallgeek2me.
Share this:
Why does Instagram Make Marketing So Difficult?
Posted on September 23, 2019 Leave a Comment
Yes, I put it out there. Marketers whisper about it in our Facebook groups, but really I’m putting it out in the world. Instagram makes life difficult for businesses.
Problems with Instagram
1. It’s so damn mobile-friendly, you can’t access it on your lap top.
I had a huge fight with my IT department about this issue. Instagram posts and interactions are only accessible on mobile devices. I tried to explain this to IT and they said yes I could access it on a lap top and did not need to be issued a phone. That is not true. To post or interact you need a mobile device.
2. There is no scheduling mechanism built into Instagram.
With a Facebook business page, you can schedule posts right in Facebook. With Instagram, you must post to Instagram or your story immediately. That means all posting is done in the moment, which doesn’t work for most marketers. Instagram has implemented Creator, but it is glitchy and not imbedded in the platform.
3. It’s Difficult to Share Posts
On Facebook, you can easily share another post if it is marked public. On Instagram you have to get a 3rd party app in order to share your posts. It’s challenging.
3. There is a bug that is that is now identifying users as breaking Instagram policy and threatening to shut down Your page if you use a third party app.
Really! Just really! I found out about that through Hootsuite, not Instagram after they threaten to shut down two of my accounts.
So Why Use It?
1. Instagram is beautiful.
I am constantly amazed by the images that I see on Instagram and how creative companies are and that’s why…
2. People are using it.
Everyday more and more people are finding Instagram. They also spend a lot of time on Instagram especially if you include stories and videos. You have to go where your customers are.
3. Reaches the under 35 demographic.
Although Instagram is growing with an older demographic, it is the place to be if you are looking for a younger demographic. Millennials having money. They are growing up and want to spend money.
Solutions
So what to companies do?
Be aware of the issues you may face when using Instagram. Get someone who knows what they are doing to set you up on Instagram and then be selective in your images. Think about what that audience would like and cater to them. STRONG VISUALS. HASHTAGS. STORIES.
Realize when your marketer tells you Instagram takes more time than other platforms, believe them. If you need additional help, email me at kparis@itsallgeek2me.org.
Share this:
Is Organic Reach on Facebook No Longer an Option?
Posted on August 26, 2019 Leave a Comment
As a social media strategist, I often hear that organic reach is dead. That if you do not advertise or boost a post on Facebook that you will never reach anyone, not even your most loyal fans.
I would agree with that statement to a certain extent; however, there are exceptions. I am fortunate enough to work with one of those exceptions, Narcissus Salon, and would like to share why they have great organic numbers on Facebook and what you can do to increase your reach.
A Partnership
One of the reasons that Narcissus Salon is so successful on Facebook is that as their social media strategist I work with them as a partner. They are business owners who take social media seriously. We work together on campaigns and exchange ideas. We don’t always agree, but we talk about the best way to move forward and keep in close communication.
Super fans
They have Superfans. In Pat Flynn’s new book, Superfans, he talks about creating a community of people who help promote your business. Narcissus has Superfans in the community and on their staff. These are people who comment, like and share Narcissus content just because they love the owners and the business.
How did Narcissus get Superfans? One way has been to constantly offer a premium product. They have trained stylist who know their craft. Their salon is a comfortable, positive atmosphere with friendly staff who know their customers. But that’s not enough.
People to People
Kathy and Kristen, the owners, have always made a point of being part of the community. They support nonprofits, participate in the Chamber and donate to Silent Auctions.
In addition, they have an amazing story of two young women with a vision to grow their passion for salon services into a business. I have actually known Kristen since she was 19. Anyone who has known them over the years is not surprised by their success.
Lessons Learned
Some people think social media is about likes, comments and follows. But like every other part of life, it’s about relationships. Their customers are important to them. Often they have liked or commented on a customer’s post before I get a chance to comment. They understand that taking care of people and making them feel special is truly the key to a successful business.
Recently, they were so busy, they missed an important moment in one of their customer’s lives. They were so upset with themselves. Because to them, every customer is family.
True success on social media starts offline with caring about your customer.
For more information about helping you become more successful on social media, email me at kparis@itsallgeek2me.org or message me on Facebook @itsallgeek2me.
Share this:
Leveraging LinkedIn
Posted on August 5, 2019 Leave a Comment
When was the last time you checked your LinkedIn profile. Take a few minutes a review your profile. Better yet. Start by Googling yourself. Come on, we all do it.
I bet that your LinkedIn profile is one of the top hits when you Google you. Which means, yes, people are looking at your profile, and so should you. Here are the critical points you want to review.
Profile Picture
Try looking at your profile picture with a critical eye. Could someone actually identify you from your picture? Is the picture so old that you’ve donated the suit you are wearing to Goodwill? Or is it a selfie you snapped just so you would have something, but had always planned to replace it? Either way, change it today or make an appointment to have a professional photo taken. Yes, today.
Cover Photo
Most people don’t even have a cover photo so having one sets you apart. Use the same one that you are using on your Facebook business page. Don’t have a Facebook business page or don’t have a Cover photo? That’s for another time. Just know that you should have one. You can easily create a LinkedIn cover photo at Canva.com. This is a free tool that is very easy to use and is available as a mobile app.
Job History
Is your LinkedIn profile still showing your last job or have you not filled out your job history at all? Don’t just input the information. Make sure to put in some of your duties, responsibilities and of course, accomplishments. This may take some time, but it is important to review. I also think it’s important to annotate the new name of a company if it has changed since you have been there. Remember people are reading it to find out more about you. They may have never heard of a company you worked for, but may be familiar with the company’s new name. If you haven’t updated this change, it makes you look out of touch.
Education and the Rest
Make sure all your education is included in this section. You never know when an alumni may be looking to reach out. It is also important to include any certifications, awards or accomplishments you have received. This profile is where people can find out about your skills set so don’t be shy.
Take 15 minutes today to look at your LinkedIn profile. If you need assistance getting your profile updated, email me at kparis@itsallgeek2me.org or Direct Message me on Facebook or LinkedIn.
