An interesting article on social media influencers discusses what are the forces that drive businesses and decision-making . A team of Economists and Scientific researchers carried out a clinical study on what factors influence people’s behavior in the decision making process. They reached the conclusion that though people understand the vagaries of their nature, they are unable to predict what motivates them to take a decision.
The article further elaborates on what constitutes common sense and how it helps people in making practical day-to-day decisions. It however does not help them in dealing with complex situations. For instance, they can’t design a marketing campaign on plain common sense.
Another interesting point made in the article concerns, what kind of people influence social media and consumer decision. An earlier hypothesis claimed that extraordinary people with great social connections and clout, are the ones who influence mass behavior. The writer of the article however begs to differ. He says what influences people today is not that easy to gauge. What makes ideas go viral and what makes people accept your suggestion, often relates to how receptive your target audience is.
The study offered an interesting conclusion; though social media influencers do impact their network, what really influences a group is-- people who influence, are networking with those who are easily influenced, and are working with them too. In other words, if you want to influence people, you have to nurture your network.
A case study of Twitter users also offered an interesting suggestion. While, well-connected people who have massive fan following, do get retweeted; the maximum retweets were based on the subject, the timing and topic of the tweet.
Are you active on social media? Do you consider yourself as an influencer in your network and what according to you makes people repost your status updates or retweet your tweets?
Ezine
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
How to use Online Business Networking to improve your Business Prospects?
Online networking may not have the reach of traditional media in terms of promoting or advertising your business however it manages to reach customers who are well-educated and are able to make independent decisions. If such customers like your products or services, they will not just promote you but will come back for more. Online business networking also is a great medium to conduct market research and most views you get will be pretty honest.
Here are some methods by which you can do online business networking to market your products or services.
Firstly online business networking is a great means to research your prospective market. When you participate in online business networking communities you not just connect with others but also learn about other people’s views on things and you get to know customer needs and demands.
If your marketing strategy involves that you prove your expertise in your field then social business networking sites are a great medium to execute this. Participate in discussions, answer questions where your expertise is displayed or write blogs with your tips. Appreciate opinions expressed by others and add your views too.
Build your brand image and use the online medium to reinforce it. Every contact online is a chance to build your brand image.
Volunteer for a non-profit organization. People see you in a positive light when you associate with a non-profit cause.
Create word of mouth publicity. If you have launched a new company or product then satisfied customers who promote your product are a much better way to increase sales than any advertising campaign.
People often deal with the online medium like the traditional marketing medium but online business networking does not appreciate any kind of aggressive marketing campaigns. Here if you want to promote your products you should be adding value to your community in the form of participation in social groups, showing expertise in your chosen field by helping people and building communities. So, don’t just use people to promote your products, nurture your network.
Here are some methods by which you can do online business networking to market your products or services.
Firstly online business networking is a great means to research your prospective market. When you participate in online business networking communities you not just connect with others but also learn about other people’s views on things and you get to know customer needs and demands.
If your marketing strategy involves that you prove your expertise in your field then social business networking sites are a great medium to execute this. Participate in discussions, answer questions where your expertise is displayed or write blogs with your tips. Appreciate opinions expressed by others and add your views too.
Build your brand image and use the online medium to reinforce it. Every contact online is a chance to build your brand image.
Volunteer for a non-profit organization. People see you in a positive light when you associate with a non-profit cause.
Create word of mouth publicity. If you have launched a new company or product then satisfied customers who promote your product are a much better way to increase sales than any advertising campaign.
People often deal with the online medium like the traditional marketing medium but online business networking does not appreciate any kind of aggressive marketing campaigns. Here if you want to promote your products you should be adding value to your community in the form of participation in social groups, showing expertise in your chosen field by helping people and building communities. So, don’t just use people to promote your products, nurture your network.
Monday, May 16, 2011
How Twitter can Help you?
Twitter as a social media tool has several advantages. It limits you to 140 characters—as a writer it expects you to be as succinct as possible and gives you access to a wealth of information. An essential requirement of good writing. It also matches the temperament of the modern web surfer who does not want to spend much time reading long messages.
Once you connect to a reasonable number of people you can use it to direct people to your business or service or article. The informal way in which Twitter allows people to connect makes it a perfect tool for promoting your business. There is no compulsion to follow all the people who are following you. It offers you the choice of following those you want to. Which essentially cuts out the process of formal introductions.
The multiple options that Twitter offers to its users has made it the latest media buzz. Today open any periodical or watch a news show and they offer you the option of voting on Twitter.
Why do businesses use Twitter?
Businesses use Twitter for different purposes. Some use it as a marketing tool while others use it for customer service. Even news is disseminated via Twitter. Mid-sized or small businesses are also using Twitter to reach out to their target customers. Twitter may not directly bring readers to your website but it may help in communication. You may learn what is missing in your website. Why is the traffic elsewhere or what is the hottest topic being discussed.
2) Follow influential people in your industry who post information or links to useful resources.
3) Ask for help and offer help to establish your credibility.
4) Post links to your website or blog. Do this occasionally.
5) Keep up with the latest trends in your industry.
6) Network with fellow professionals as well as like-minded people. Offer value to business prospects, to get noticed.
Be a good listener. Careful listening will help you in gauging what people seek and then you can pitch in your information accordingly.
The standard case of Ashton Kutcher landing a role for Two and Half Men, is now known to all. His strong social media presence helped him land that role.
Like all other social media, building a relationship on Twitter helps. Offer them something so that they think you are worth following.
Once you connect to a reasonable number of people you can use it to direct people to your business or service or article. The informal way in which Twitter allows people to connect makes it a perfect tool for promoting your business. There is no compulsion to follow all the people who are following you. It offers you the choice of following those you want to. Which essentially cuts out the process of formal introductions.
The multiple options that Twitter offers to its users has made it the latest media buzz. Today open any periodical or watch a news show and they offer you the option of voting on Twitter.
Who follows Twitter?
With over 60,000 million registered users, Twitter’s potential to reach out to people is limitless. If you are looking for a job or if you are searching for information. Twitter comes to your aid. All the latest news updates come from twitter and even seasoned media professionals gather information from Twitter.
Most people who are Twitter addicts go there either to gather information or to share information. They are usually looking for new ideas, services, offers, and opportunities. Make sure you make your business a part of this exchange. This gives you a chance to grow your business as well as improve it. Why do businesses use Twitter?
Businesses use Twitter for different purposes. Some use it as a marketing tool while others use it for customer service. Even news is disseminated via Twitter. Mid-sized or small businesses are also using Twitter to reach out to their target customers. Twitter may not directly bring readers to your website but it may help in communication. You may learn what is missing in your website. Why is the traffic elsewhere or what is the hottest topic being discussed.
How can you use Twitter to further your business?
1) You can directly promote your business through your tweets.2) Follow influential people in your industry who post information or links to useful resources.
3) Ask for help and offer help to establish your credibility.
4) Post links to your website or blog. Do this occasionally.
5) Keep up with the latest trends in your industry.
6) Network with fellow professionals as well as like-minded people. Offer value to business prospects, to get noticed.
How should you tweet to gain the maximum advantage?
Be knowledgeable about your subject or business. Just sending out links doesn’t engage people. Unless you can explain to people what you are talking about in a simple manner, you are unlikely to strike a chord with them.Be a good listener. Careful listening will help you in gauging what people seek and then you can pitch in your information accordingly.
The standard case of Ashton Kutcher landing a role for Two and Half Men, is now known to all. His strong social media presence helped him land that role.
Like all other social media, building a relationship on Twitter helps. Offer them something so that they think you are worth following.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Clients and Clients
In my line of work I meet all kinds of clients. Some are very professional, they know what exactly they want; they know how much they will pay, and they give you good feedback. And then there are those who know a lot; teach you a few things while you are working with them and they appreciate you when you do good work. Give you feedback when something is wrong and are not averse to paying a bonus if they like the work.
But in this post I want to discuss those wonderful clients, who have no clear idea of what they seek from the writer. They will ask you for samples and then again ask you to write a sample copy. They will haggle over price. Some even offer $1 or $2 for a 500 word article. I wish these wonderful clients would understand that even in third world countries people do not survive on air, water and mud. This kind of money converts into nothing in Rupees.
The third kind of clients are the most interesting. They will ask for your chat id. And then will begin a chat session and start flirting with you. Ask your name, age, and if by-any-chance they have seen your photograph and irrespective of whether you look geeky to all your friends. They will start complimenting your looks. They will send you a few files and have no clear idea of what exactly they want. I once had one such client. I was so thrilled that I had an actual American client. However this person told me little about the work. He had started a new business and I was hoping he would explain it to me; so that I could translate his vision into words. However, he never did that. Instead after a few days I was introduced to his wife on the same business networking site. I do wonder about such professionals and also their family members. Do they think that people are on business networking sites to look for clients of the opposite sex? And the moment they see a client of the opposite sex they are ready to pounce on him/her. Irrespective of the fact that the person is socially and culturally from a totally different background. Lives thousands of miles away and is married and has kids. Finally once I was introduced to the client’s wife, I didn’t get the work. Do all my fellow writers come across such professionals? I request my fellow writers to write in and share their experiences and advise me on how they deal with such people.
But in this post I want to discuss those wonderful clients, who have no clear idea of what they seek from the writer. They will ask you for samples and then again ask you to write a sample copy. They will haggle over price. Some even offer $1 or $2 for a 500 word article. I wish these wonderful clients would understand that even in third world countries people do not survive on air, water and mud. This kind of money converts into nothing in Rupees.
The third kind of clients are the most interesting. They will ask for your chat id. And then will begin a chat session and start flirting with you. Ask your name, age, and if by-any-chance they have seen your photograph and irrespective of whether you look geeky to all your friends. They will start complimenting your looks. They will send you a few files and have no clear idea of what exactly they want. I once had one such client. I was so thrilled that I had an actual American client. However this person told me little about the work. He had started a new business and I was hoping he would explain it to me; so that I could translate his vision into words. However, he never did that. Instead after a few days I was introduced to his wife on the same business networking site. I do wonder about such professionals and also their family members. Do they think that people are on business networking sites to look for clients of the opposite sex? And the moment they see a client of the opposite sex they are ready to pounce on him/her. Irrespective of the fact that the person is socially and culturally from a totally different background. Lives thousands of miles away and is married and has kids. Finally once I was introduced to the client’s wife, I didn’t get the work. Do all my fellow writers come across such professionals? I request my fellow writers to write in and share their experiences and advise me on how they deal with such people.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Do you always play safe?
A recent newsletter in my mailbox inspired this post. In fact I can safely say that I’m very often guilty of this. I try to play safe and say things that please people or if I totally disagree with somebody or something I just keep quiet.
According to the writer of this newsletter, one might as well be dead; because she says whatever stand you take on an issue there will be an equal or double the number of people who will take an opposite stand and three times the number of that, who just don’t care about the issue.
She however makes a very valid point; she says if you don’t want to infuriate anybodyor hurt anybody's sentiments, you can do so only after your death. The dead do not bother anybody.
I think when we continuously play safe we stop our growth as the rough edges that we have in our personality get polished when we are exposed to an alternate point of view. We may agree or disagree, but we learn to explain things better. As a writer if I just sit on the fence, I’m very likely to bore my readers, on the other hand if I take a stand or express a point-of-view, it is quite likely that the reader will think , argue and perhaps give a feedback, which helps me as a writer.
I think as a story-teller if I create a conflict and try and create a resolution or leave it open to the reader to take a stand, I have all the likelihood of engaging my reader and he may like to know what I want to say in my story or what point-of-view I want to express in my story.
With this said, my new year’s resolution is to take a stand on things and not just try and please everybody…
According to the writer of this newsletter, one might as well be dead; because she says whatever stand you take on an issue there will be an equal or double the number of people who will take an opposite stand and three times the number of that, who just don’t care about the issue.
She however makes a very valid point; she says if you don’t want to infuriate anybodyor hurt anybody's sentiments, you can do so only after your death. The dead do not bother anybody.
I think when we continuously play safe we stop our growth as the rough edges that we have in our personality get polished when we are exposed to an alternate point of view. We may agree or disagree, but we learn to explain things better. As a writer if I just sit on the fence, I’m very likely to bore my readers, on the other hand if I take a stand or express a point-of-view, it is quite likely that the reader will think , argue and perhaps give a feedback, which helps me as a writer.
I think as a story-teller if I create a conflict and try and create a resolution or leave it open to the reader to take a stand, I have all the likelihood of engaging my reader and he may like to know what I want to say in my story or what point-of-view I want to express in my story.
With this said, my new year’s resolution is to take a stand on things and not just try and please everybody…
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Change in perspective
It is surprising how a slight change in routine, can loosen you up and completely change your perspective. I experienced this change recently. Some urgent personal work required me to travel to another town and back to Pune and then again I had to travel. I can’t say that I experienced a lot of change in my personal lifestyle, yet it was about moving to a new place, meeting new people and adjusting to new surroundings.
I almost forgot things that worried me earlier. Suddenly I felt lighter and felt that a great burden had been lifted from my shoulders. I think any kind of movement, change of lifestyle or even a new place, helps us in changing our perspective. It helps us in viewing things through new eyes. I’m glad I could observe new things and met a new set of people.
I almost forgot things that worried me earlier. Suddenly I felt lighter and felt that a great burden had been lifted from my shoulders. I think any kind of movement, change of lifestyle or even a new place, helps us in changing our perspective. It helps us in viewing things through new eyes. I’m glad I could observe new things and met a new set of people.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Online Money Making Solutions
The market savvy amongst us make fast moves. When they see a business opportunity they quickly grab it. This is what happened with internet marketing which is a rich source of revenue for some while others are still trying to grasp the mantra behind it. If you are also one of those who want to make money online, there are a plethora of options available to you, but how you deal with them is what matters.
Take Affiliate marketing for instance, there are so many logged onto this band wagon that it is not easy to make money this way unless you have some great and interesting content on your website. If you think of picking up some PLR articles, remember the quality of writing would leave a lot to be desired which will be directly proportional to the quality and quantity of traffic that comes to your website. So how do you manage to get good content for your website? Think of topics that interest people, what these topics are is of course for you to figure out. It’s not always the most common or ‘in topic’ that drives traffic nor is it the obscure or esoteric content that interests people. Try thinking of a topic you are passionate about, people generally feel your passion and if you have something interesting to say, or have in-depth knowledge on the subject they make like to hear you.
Let’s take the instance of gaming which is such a favorite with the younger generation, besides having a list of latest games, perhaps you could have some interesting trivia about games, also try to include some information for those who do not know much about gaming but want to venture into it, for any reason, maybe because their husbands or children love it or they just decided to cultivate a hobby.
Let’s take some time to list ways in which your desire for, ‘I want to make money online could be satisfied’:
1. Affiliate Marketing- This is a popular method, but, how you make money by this method is important. The trick is to drive traffic to your website. How you do it is totally up to you, either by having some interesting content or offer something to the visitor which could be free downloads of software or e-books.
2. Write- You could share your wisdom with the whole world. Whether it is about e-marketing or writing articles on any other topic. This option could fetch you some quick bucks as the need for good writers is growing in leaps and bounds, so you could pick up a few good gigs and start jotting down your thoughts. Some gigs would pay you $50 per article or more. Look for job postings on Craigslist and several other freelancing websites. You could telecommute or work as a complete freelancer at your convenience and watch the dollars flow in.
3. Marketing Guru- If you are a marketing wizard then you could sell your services like giving tips as to how people could market their products better. Make e-books and sell them
4. Data entry work- is another great way of making money online. It is very popular and pays well. You can work at your convenience and choose the number of hours you want to devote to your work.
5. New Schemes-You could even create your own get-rich-quick scheme and market it on the internet.
6. Selling products online- Selling your product over the internet is another way of earning online. You could try using Google ad revenue. This way you make money by selling products plus when people click on other ads then also you make money.
7. Consultancy: You could also become a consultant or a negotiator who hires a team of writers or data entry professionals and takes on bulk assignments, initially you may make small amounts in commissions but later you will be earning good money.
Take Affiliate marketing for instance, there are so many logged onto this band wagon that it is not easy to make money this way unless you have some great and interesting content on your website. If you think of picking up some PLR articles, remember the quality of writing would leave a lot to be desired which will be directly proportional to the quality and quantity of traffic that comes to your website. So how do you manage to get good content for your website? Think of topics that interest people, what these topics are is of course for you to figure out. It’s not always the most common or ‘in topic’ that drives traffic nor is it the obscure or esoteric content that interests people. Try thinking of a topic you are passionate about, people generally feel your passion and if you have something interesting to say, or have in-depth knowledge on the subject they make like to hear you.
Let’s take the instance of gaming which is such a favorite with the younger generation, besides having a list of latest games, perhaps you could have some interesting trivia about games, also try to include some information for those who do not know much about gaming but want to venture into it, for any reason, maybe because their husbands or children love it or they just decided to cultivate a hobby.
Let’s take some time to list ways in which your desire for, ‘I want to make money online could be satisfied’:
1. Affiliate Marketing- This is a popular method, but, how you make money by this method is important. The trick is to drive traffic to your website. How you do it is totally up to you, either by having some interesting content or offer something to the visitor which could be free downloads of software or e-books.
2. Write- You could share your wisdom with the whole world. Whether it is about e-marketing or writing articles on any other topic. This option could fetch you some quick bucks as the need for good writers is growing in leaps and bounds, so you could pick up a few good gigs and start jotting down your thoughts. Some gigs would pay you $50 per article or more. Look for job postings on Craigslist and several other freelancing websites. You could telecommute or work as a complete freelancer at your convenience and watch the dollars flow in.
3. Marketing Guru- If you are a marketing wizard then you could sell your services like giving tips as to how people could market their products better. Make e-books and sell them
4. Data entry work- is another great way of making money online. It is very popular and pays well. You can work at your convenience and choose the number of hours you want to devote to your work.
5. New Schemes-You could even create your own get-rich-quick scheme and market it on the internet.
6. Selling products online- Selling your product over the internet is another way of earning online. You could try using Google ad revenue. This way you make money by selling products plus when people click on other ads then also you make money.
7. Consultancy: You could also become a consultant or a negotiator who hires a team of writers or data entry professionals and takes on bulk assignments, initially you may make small amounts in commissions but later you will be earning good money.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Chance Meetings
We all live our lives by routine. We religiously pursue our day-to-day goals and become so engrossed in our mundane routines that we completely forget our dreams and desires. We forget to enjoy nature or the small little things that once made us happy. We never seem to have time to stand and stare.
In our present life, we so often take refuge in shopping as some kind of a release from our daily stress. Each time I’m at a mall Shania Twain’s song, “Ka Ching,” keeps ringing in my head. We all read articles on breaking away from the daily routine, and going to a spa to relax oneself, so you spend more time in office to earn those extra bucks to pay for the spa.
What happens when in this day-to-day existence you meet somebody who reminds you of happy carefree days. Promises you a bright and happy future and you suddenly feel life would be fun. Gently reminds you of happy things and happy moments. Suddenly the new year has a great ring to it. Life seems worth living and almost perfect.
I think in such a situation one just doesn’t want to get out of that dream like state. While one continues to perform the daily duties as usual, there is a renewed vigor in you and you keep living in the happy past and promise of a happy future. Life suddenly seems worth living. It looks like dreams do come true and happiness is for everyone and you never know when good things will happen to you.
In our present life, we so often take refuge in shopping as some kind of a release from our daily stress. Each time I’m at a mall Shania Twain’s song, “Ka Ching,” keeps ringing in my head. We all read articles on breaking away from the daily routine, and going to a spa to relax oneself, so you spend more time in office to earn those extra bucks to pay for the spa.
What happens when in this day-to-day existence you meet somebody who reminds you of happy carefree days. Promises you a bright and happy future and you suddenly feel life would be fun. Gently reminds you of happy things and happy moments. Suddenly the new year has a great ring to it. Life seems worth living and almost perfect.
I think in such a situation one just doesn’t want to get out of that dream like state. While one continues to perform the daily duties as usual, there is a renewed vigor in you and you keep living in the happy past and promise of a happy future. Life suddenly seems worth living. It looks like dreams do come true and happiness is for everyone and you never know when good things will happen to you.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Some great quotes for all times
I have always valued great quotes as they not just inspire you but, at times when you are completely at your wit’s end, they actually might provide a solution to problems. I found some great quotes on the Secret fan page and some other sources. I thought I would share them with you. Please feel free to share these thoughts or this post wherever you like.
Focus on the positive. Laugh often. Life is a gift.
Faith makes all things possible.Love makes them easy.
Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it. Believing a solution paves the way to solution.
Don’t worry so much about where you are right now… Focus on where you want to be ~ the Goal is to move forward on to bigger and better… Be better than you used to be….
A pessimist sees only the dark side of the clouds, and mopes;
A philosopher sees both sides, and shrugs;
An optimist doesn't see the clouds at all - He's walking on them
make a clear vision of what you are trying to achieve and assure yourself that you are ready to work on the process. Wait for clues and then it is your turn to act. Just believe.
If you can read this? Thank a teacher.
The Law of Attraction is always working - so keep your mind focused on what is really important to you. We all deserve to be happy, loved, healthy & wealthy. Be very grateful for what you have right now and watch your thoughts become things.
When you become aware of your thoughts, you can become aware of what you are claiming to be true for you.I am tired,I am lost,I am sick and tired...Is this really what you want to claim as your reality? Decide what you want to claim as your reality and then start telling yourself that...I am a leader, I am an author,I am wealthy.
Dreams are like stars...you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny.
If we did all the things we were capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves." –Thomas Edison
Finally, one more thought and I shall post some more like this later:
Most people are prepared for failure,what do you do if you achieve success?
How to Find a Writing Job Online
Have you recently quit your job? Are you looking to start work from home? Before you begin you need to decide how much do you expect to earn? You should have some writing samples ready.
Search engine
Do a Google search and look for freelance writing jobs. You could volunteer. Create a profile in a social networking site like Linked in or Facebook. Even Twitter offers lot of writer job links. Just stay active on these sites. Create your blog. This gives you good writing practice and also serves as a writing sample. I would suggest that you start your blog on a niche you have knowledge of and are comfortable writing about.
Last word on this Good Luck!
SEO Writing
A good way of generating writing samples is to take up SEO writing though the pay is very low but you can generate lot of samples as the topics on which SEO writing is done are of a very wide range.Search engine
Do a Google search and look for freelance writing jobs. You could volunteer. Create a profile in a social networking site like Linked in or Facebook. Even Twitter offers lot of writer job links. Just stay active on these sites. Create your blog. This gives you good writing practice and also serves as a writing sample. I would suggest that you start your blog on a niche you have knowledge of and are comfortable writing about.
References
Whatever work you do, ask the client to write a small testimonial for you. Try to get a link to all the ghostwriting assignments you do, or assignments that do not give you a byline.Deadlines
Meeting deadlines is an essential part of freelance writing. Most clients who ask you to write articles for them, want them in a short span of time. While I would suggest you to avoid clients who ask for 5-6 articles in a day, or want you to spin articles for them, if you are hard pressed for money, you could also attempt those. Avoid clients who pay $4-7 per article though. It does nothing for your portfolio or self-esteem either.Persistence
Please remember nobody makes a name or earns a good income overnight, patience and perseverance is the key. Patiently build your portfolio and contacts. After you have built a good client base, you can happily bid that day job goodbye.Last word on this Good Luck!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)