The Best Giveaway I Have Seen In A Long Time

Short post today. I had to share this awesome offer you guys!

StomperNet is giving you access to free tutorials, software and training from their huge library. This is an incredible offer you can’t miss. Check out all the details at: http://stomper999.com/

You are essentially taking a test drive of their wonderful program. These guys are wonderful check it out.

Will You Join My Network? Top 3 Reasons Not To Do This

Ok, you’re building your network. You’ve done all the research, or had someone else do it, as to who you should add to your network. You’ve got your list ready. You start sending, ‘Will you join my network?’ to everyone.

join my network

What’s wrong with that Erin? Here are the top 3 reasons not to use the generic invite.

1. If they don’t know you, why should they just accept your invitation? If you are looking to make quality connections you need to tell this person who you are, how you know them and why you want to connect.

2. Give them a link. Add a link to your site or blog so they can check you out if they want. If they have to scour the internet looking for you they are not likely to accept your invitation.

3. Add some content, but not too much. Try not to write a novel. Be sure you let them know who you are in a short and respectful manner. None of us want to spend 5 hours a day on our social networking activities.

Go create an introduction template that you can use to guide yourself when you are seeking a new connection. Be sure you customize the message to each person before hitting send. Let them know you really are looking to connect with them and that you’re not wasting their time.

Happy Networking!

7 Reasons Why I Love Seesmic

After going through many tools to help me keep track of Twitter the hands down winner is Seesmic. All of its features suit my needs to a tee.

Track Twitter – I have several organized groups of people that I want to be sure I stay in contact with. I also I have my @ replys grouped, and my direct messages. Nothing saves me more time then having what I want where I want it when I want it!

Track Facebook – Yep that’s right I have my facebook activity right there as well. I can see what everyone is up to and comment where I need or want to.

Hashtags – The power of hashtags. I love them! I have one for my business that I want to be sure I keep a close eye on. So how do I do that? Well I have a saved search group just from my hashtag allowing me to see how is talking about me. I also use this to follow other hashtags I am interested in, an example would be #socialmedia.

Custom Searches – I use this to help me keep on eye on my clients reputation management (RM). I can see who has @ replied to them as well as their messages to others. Allow me to offer tips and tweaks where necessary.

Shortens My URL – This saves me a lot of time. I don’t have to go to another site to shorten my URL, I just input it in the box and it shortens for me. Easy as that! Then I have lots of room left for what I want to say! The best part is if you have bit.ly account you can add your API key so you can track your links. Tracking is key in social media! If your not tracking you don’t know if it’s working. For how to add your API key visit: http://help.seesmic.com/forums/29255/entries/43073

Helps Me Shorten RT Text - Now this is something that comes in handy when you want to retweet something up its really long. Hit the button and it will shorten you text where possible. Wonderful isn’t it, now you don’t have to rack your head as to how you’re going to make this thing fit into 140 characters.

Here’s a video so you can see how it works:

That’s the short and sweet version of why I love Seesmic.

What do you think about Seesmic?