While the world really doesn't need another poorly designed infographic, this one actually contains some pretty good content about making the most out of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. It's part of a white paper developed by the Awareness Networks.
Content, content, content - the 3 Keys to Maximizing Your Online Presence. But if you're not used to writing for your audience, much less doing it online, the result is often endless prose, lack of direction, and the dreaded "online brochure".
This article from Mashable.com is probably one of the best, simplest primers on how small businesses can use social media. Every sentence rings true for me, and I've heard myself saying most of them to most of my clients. Businesses often feel like they "need" to do something with social media, but rarely appreciate the appropriate tone to take and how much work it can actually be to have a consistent social media presence. But as you build your tribe, social media will be one of the most important modes of communication and interaction, so it's worth the time and effort to hone this skill.
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Legend tells of a legendary warrior whose kung fu skills were the stuff of legend. He traveled the land in search of worthy foes. (Cue prospective worthy foes)..."I see you like to chew. Maybe you should chew...on my fist!" The warrior said nothing, for his mouth was full. Then he swallowed. And then he spoke...
"Enough talk, let's fight!"
So begins the classic opening sequence from Dreamworks' Kung Fu Panda. This short exchange reveals a lot about human cynicism and its implications for marketing and communication. Namely, people don't buy the hype. No matter how legendary you claim your skills are, people don't want to talk, they want to fight.
No doubt you've heard the phrase "You can't polish a turd" -- meaning no matter how good you try to make something look, people can still tell it's crap. Well apparently it's not true!
In a sad moment for integrity in communication, last night's episode of Mythbusters revealed that a Japanese art form called hikaru dorodango - which involves polishing of balls of dirt to a Pledge-like sheen - also works on animal droppings. With enough time, effort, water and gentle, consistent rubbing, you can make a pile of dung shine like the top of the Chrysler building!
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