I’ve just read what I’d hope was a simple and informative article about measuring the cost of Social Media.  Instead, I’m so incensed by it’s contents that here I am at 10.30 p.m. penning this Blog posting instead of getting to sleep!

Why? 

Well, the article was basically a list of keywords strung together.  There were so many that I completey forgot what the whole article was about!  Look – I understand that almost an entirely new language has sprung up around Social Media.  We talk about ROI, Engagement, Benchmarking, Platforms, blah blah blah.  You’d need a degree in IT to understand half of it. 

But my point is that not everyone who has dipped their toe in Social Media understands all the terminology.  And I actually think that there are a lot more of you out there than would admit it… wouldn’t you agree?  Because I think that many people think that a lot of the termonology  is frankly Bull shit.

I published a book last year (gratifyingly free of buzz words and jargon). Before my publishers would allow the book to go to print I had my work scrutinised to the enth degree first.  Having gone through that particular baptism of fire, I  understand most of the rules for writing articles.  But I confess I’m still learning.  I understand that it’s not necessarily all about me – but I need to be able to write in such a way that gets my message across.

According to The Plain English Society, if you spend more than an hour a day writing, you are to an extent a professional writier.  And if you like writing like I do it’s vital that you get it right.

I’m on a mission lately to help Small Businesses join the Social Media revolution – but a huge proportion of the businesses I speak to really struggle with it, and one of the reasons why is precisely because they don’t understand the lingo!  Much of the language has its roots in the IT and Consulting profession (which invented ‘Blue Sky Thinking’ by the way).  It’s OK if you actually work in the IT  industry and understand the jargon and buzz words, but  for some business men and women it’s  a real turn off.  All it does is create a yawning chasm between the gurus out there and the people who they are keen to educate.

For instance, a friend of mine used to play ’Buzz Word Bingo’ in a previous life in the corporate world. But she admitted that she can’t play that now because she doesn’t understand any Social Media terminology. So  she feels alienated and her enthusiasm for it is almost non-existent.  I think they have a new term for that these days - it’s called ’lack of engagement’.

But let me say here and now that we’re being encouraged to litter our articles with key words and phrases in order to be picked up by Google – but honestly the article I read the other day contained so many of them it competely detracted from their message.  They made no attempt whatsoever to tell a story and grab my attention.  It was frankly, annoying.

So, for those of you who are out there educating us hard working business owners, some of whom have  just arrived at the Social Media Station and are looking for a friendly guide to translate and introduce them to this new territory (without scaring them off) – 3 words of advice. Keep It Simple. It works for me, it works for my clients and possibly 99% of the business community.

It’s tough enough running a business without the added challenge of deciphering something that should be openly accessible to all.

But that’s enough of my rantings…do you agree or am i being overly harsh here?  Do you think I’ve gone off the deep end?  Or would you also like Plain English to play a part in Social (New) Media? 

Should the IT Mavens and Manderines (i.e. bloody clever bastards) come out of their ivory towers, and instead of the rest of us having to pretend that we know what they are on about – why don’t they just tell us what we all want to know, in a straightforward simple way?  Then we’d all be on a level playing field and irradicate the ridiculous elitist attitude which frankly, winds me up! 

Rant over. Peace and Love everyone!  But to prove my point I’m creating 20 Free Videos that explain Social Media in a really simple way. If you want someone to explain it to you in a language that you understand – then I believe you will find this an enjoyable experience where you will actually take away something useful to use, immediately.

They are out very soon, so to get advance notification of these when they are published click here and register. 

Warmest regards

Wendy

Image Courtesy of Google Images (c)

What marketing strategies REALLY work for small businesses, and what are their feelings about another alternative strategy – Social Media?

Well, it really depends which side of the fence your on doesn’t it?

Meaning that if you’re a small business which is still using traditional methods, i.e. direct sales, telesales, yellow pages, and networking, you could assume that Social Media or using the internet is indeed ‘The Dark Side’.  Phrases such as “trivial” “unethical” “glib” “superficial”"trashy” “just for kids” “unsecure” “childish nonsense” are commenly thrown at it. 

However, if you’ve actually bothered to find out what Social Media REALLY is – i.e. one of the most powerful mass influence strategies ever devised – you may well conclude that those on the ‘Dark Side’ are those businesses who’re still waiting for it to catch on and watching what everyone else is doing as they honestly believe is a passing trend.  Unfortunately ‘everyone else’ are the very individuals who’ve grasped what Social Media is very quickly and are running with it (i.e. using Facebook, Twitter and Linked In) and benefitting from it nicely already thank you.

Is the Dark Side a realm of traditional tried and tested, reliable methods, but which paradoxically for a Small Business are actually expensive, complex and for the inexperienced a complete waste of money?  Things like sending out flyers, writing sales letters (which require endless follow up with more letters and more phone calls) and costly telesales?  Is it something that they would ‘like to have’ – possibly need but can’t actually afford?

Whereas enter Social Media another ‘reality’ where for the uninitiated you’re only going to be wasting your entire day having meaningless conversations with total strangers whose only agenda is to sell someting to you, or waste your time on trivial nonsense?

But wait?

Surely a comparison is in order here – some statistics would help wouldn’t they?  Well no actually, because there are many business owners who’ve already seen these stats and are still saying “well…but why do I want to meet a million people online?  I prefer meeting people in person.”  OK what are you counterparts and competitors doing?  Is Social Media working for them?  Are they in fact galloping away and tripling their revenue? Is there any proof that absolutely convincingly concludes this question once and for all?  Does Social Media actually work?

The anwer lies really in what outcome you’re looking for.   If you want more customers, even some peoople when presented with the overwhelming body of evidence the ‘Habeous Corpus’ – still refuse to accept it.  There are some businesses that have exploded online, but despite this not everyone wants to adopt the methods or even the values associated with these business.  But my argument is – do you want to be successful or not, e.g. earn shed loads of money so that you can do more good in the world?

Is it human nature to wait until the tide comes in before acting?  Are there always going to be individuals who will wait on the beach denying the enevitable, while others (the early adopters) eagerly get their surf boards out to welcome in the tide of change? 

Social Media isn’t necessarily about going over to the Dark Side.  It’s actually tapping into the very thing that prevents many business owners from embracing it entirely – preferring to watch and wait and see ‘what everyone else is doing’.  The paradox is that they are prepared to be influenced by a large proportion of the population before they make their choice. 

But why wait to be influenced when you could begin to be one of those businesses influencing large groups of people using Social Media, therefore being seen and heard.  Get it?

What’s your opinion?  Share it here.

Have you pushed yourself so hard on the road to succcess that you are on the point of burning out? Have you experienced a health scare, but your lifestyle and way of doing things is so second nature, that you have no idea how you are going to change…?

Are you like Dan ‘Scarecrow’ Burnside who found himself at the Doctors one morning when he’d been given a wake up call?

He sat facing the locum at the Doctor’s Surgery. His usual GP was absent today, but the man sitting before him looked strangely familiar, in fact he was probably the happiest and jolliest Doctor he’d ever met in his life. He read the nameplate on the desk which read ‘Dr. M. Unchkin’. He was so short Dan could barely see him over the desk, as the Doctor read out the roll-call of stress related ailments that Dan was suffering with – IBS, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and he had recently added eczema and a stomach ulcer to the list.

Dan was constantly hyped-up and ‘wired’. Paradoxically however, he was very successful and actually thrived on stress until very recently. Because success came at a price. The trouble was there were only 24 hours in a day and he was constantly running around like a headless chicken. Dan worked extremely hard but he regularly missed meals, rarely took any time off and frequently over committed himself.

This was beginning to affect his health, his behaviour and his relationships. In fact, he had started to realise that if he didn’t stop and take stock, he would burn out altogether and his marriage would be in ruins. Dan was literally coming apart at the seams. His chaotic lifestyle was reflected in his out of control blond hair and appearance, even though he only wore the most expensive suits and bought ludicrously expensive shoes.

The Doctor continued, “Now, Mr Burnside, I’ve looked at your notes for the past six years and it’s becoming increasingly evident that it’s a lifestyle thing. You need to get a grip on your stress levels, because I’m not going to prescribe any more drugs. To be honest with you, they wouldn’t do you any favours anyway. “ “Oh,” thought Dan. “So what are you going to do for me instead?” he asked.  

• Dan had to admit that he struggled with his time management.

• He found it hard to delegate, ask for help and say no to anyone’s demands.

• He enjoyed taking on the whole world with one hand tied behind his back, and still be home in time for tea!

His success was reflected in the car, the bank account and the big house. However, he knew that he must learn to use his head to work out a new strategy otherwise he could lose everything, there wasn’t enough time to stop and think these days!

Find out what happens to Dan and what he did to change his lifestyle and improve his health in my new book “Discover Yourself On the Yellow Brick Road – 7 Core Principles of Career Success” click here to find out more…

“I have read so many self-help, motivational and coaching books during my career and it takes a lot these days for me to put my hands in my pocket and add to my book collection, but ‘Discover Yourself on the Yellow Brick’ road is brilliant. “  Gail Smirthwaite     – Golf Mind Guru

“In the busy world we live in where the ‘to do’ list is always way too ambitious this book really gives you a moment to take stock and really think. It asks questions that you may squirm at answering but it does genuinely give you a fresh insight into what makes you tick.

“For someone who rarely reads books like this it was like a stroll by the sea on a beautiful day – deeply satisfying, inspiring and invigorating.”

Gail Clark  - The Marketing Specialist 

It was a prestigious event organised by the then PLA (Port Of London Authority), and as the evening wore on, it became clear that one club definitely had the edge over the competition and were on their way to glory – except that the fans of the opposing side had other ideas…

But the result would all come down to the last bout.

Despite most of the competitors hailing from very rough areas of London, I sat there awe struck – not just because they were all amazing physical specimens but because there was something else about them that really fascinated me. Their demeanour displayed such pride and confidence in themselves. They carried themselves like gods!

Both sides had hefty support in numbers, and as the final bout got underway the supporters became more vocal. It was when one side, sensing that their man might not take home the prize, that things turned ugly. Supporters from the losing camp completely lost their cool and rather than be sportsmanlike and adhere to the Marquess of Queensberry Rules, they took matters into their own hands. One threw a punch. Another got up and threw a chair. Then it was a table. With terrifying speed the whole place was in uproar and deteriorated into a mass brawl.

My boyfriend and I were pinned up against the side wall, but with the help of another spectator, he managed to deposit me onto the windowsill and out of harms way. So I stood and watched a whirlwind of bottles, fists and chairs flying around for 5 minutes. A frightening vortex of menace, blood and broken glass – until order was restored and the contest was awarded to the other side (who were going to win anyway, no surprises there).

It also takes your power away, and turns you into a victim rather than a victor and clouds your decision making. When the ‘red mist’ decends – it’s game over. But you can still stand head and shoulders over the competition even when you lose – because it’s how you handle the bad times as well as the good that counts. Because bad times are actually the training ground which provides the learning opportunities (masquerading as challenges) that prepare you for greatness!

Poor results are an opportunity to pause, reflect and examine where you might need to change your approach:-

• Disasters can be turned to your advantage if you look closely enough; to become incredible stories to share and inspire others.
  
• Disappointments could even opportunities to divert you onto a more profitable path
  
• Look for the positives in everything
  
• Conduct yourself like the winner everywhere you go even when things look bleak
  
• Be prepared to change directions, sometimes at short notice
  
• Gather a crowd of supporters around you who are with you through thick and think – not just when things are going well
  
• Give away praise and recognition to others even when there’s nothing in it for you

Need further inspiration? Download my free e-book “Ultrapreneurs Unplugged – What They Don’t Tell You About Building A Successful Micro Business” containing 96 pages of inspirational insights from entrepreneurs, interviews with successful entrepreneurs plus some useful tools and tips for the small business owner and entrepreneur.

Warmest regards

A mystery Careers Adviser has made another random appearance on the London to Norwich train from Liverpool Street Station.  The woman characterised by her striking red shoes and cheery nature, gave a copy of a ‘magic’ book to one of the commuters. 

Tom Tindall-Heart – Reinsurance Executive who works in London boarded the train home from Platform 18 at Liverpool St Station, after a night out with a few friends.  “I was a little worse for wear after a few drinks and I sat next to a very striking looking girl wearing the most amazing shoes!  I got talking to her about my job and how much I hated it, and ended up more or less telling her my life story.  She was so nice.  My heart just isn’t in my job any more.  I’ve been meaning to sort something out but just coulnd’t see the wood for the trees.  I’ve in a bit of a rut to be honest. 

I don’t quite know where she blew in from but she hopped off the train at Chelmsford – but not before she handed me a copy of a book “Discover Yourself On the Yellow Brick Road” and told me to read it straight away.  I took her advice and it’s definitely galvanised me into action!”

Other reports have come in describing similar brief encounters with the Mystery Careers Adviser.  One such person received help after her boss began to bully her at work.

Louisa Lyons – Graduate Accountant was on the London Underground talking to her sister about her bullying boss.  Louisa explains…”Yes my sister knows The Mystery Careers Adviser who told her about this book.  I was fed up with my boss pouring cold water over my ideas, and had frankly had enough of it.  My boss  ’The Witch’ has been ruining my life, so my sister suggested I get hold of a copy of this book.   My confidence was at an all time low, but I didn’t feel brave enough to stand up to her.  Yes, I know you can’t just wave a magic wand and hope it will all go away, but since ”Discover” I’ve had a bit of a breakthrough.    The Mystery Careers Adviser carries a little black dog around with her in a basket and is a real people person apparently”

Another sighting we’ve received came from Dan “Scarecrow” Burnside who lives somewhere in the South East.  He heard about her through his Doctor.

Dan – Successful Entrepreneur, visited his GP suffering with chronic stress.  “The penny dropped when my Doctor said I had to come off all the pills he’d prescribed to me.  All he did was hand me a copy of a book - which had mysteriously found it’s way into his hands.  I can only think that the Mystery Careers Adviser had something to do with it.  It was hard to admit that I have been the engineer of my own downfall.  Being so stressed, I just wasn’t thinking straight.  And  frankly it had knocked the stuffing out of me. But after reading the book and putting into action some of the strategies, I’m back on track and on fire!”

So, be on the look out for the Mystery Careers Adviser.  She’s in her twenties, attractive with dark hair and wears red sparkly shoes.  We don’t know what her name is.  She’s been known to engage in random acts of kindness by giving away a book which contains all her secrets.  We think there’s a bigger organisation behind her.

Further information on the ‘magic’ book can be found here…

In this week’s Podcast Suzanne Bolwell-Davies from Flexible Hr Ltd and I are discussing  the real meaning of “The Jewel In the Nile“.    If  a coach ( i.e. a ‘Diamond polisher’) could walk into your life with the skill and the wisdom to guide you in the right direction, would that become a priceless opportunity?

I have put together a list of 50 reasons why coaching can help individuals who are finding their career too stressful, who have aspirations to aim higher but haven’t so far taken action, or who would love to discover just what they are destined to become.  As the character played by Danny Di Vito Discovered in this film, sometimes what you’re looking for isn’t necessarily the end of the story …

 Click Here To Listen (12.42 mins)

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My New book is now ranked higher up the Amazon Career Bestseller list than Alan Sugar’s Biography! I never EVER thought that would happen to me. Must remember the date Monday 8th June!!