Buzz, Video, Trends, and Personal Branding

Wow, very diverse conversations on Ask a Marketing Expert on Friday. Some questions never got an answer, due to the many questions asked. If you haven’t been, please participate in Ask a Marketing Expert to help those out there trying to learn more and improve their businesses.

Here’s the archive of the entire conversation.

Social Media Marketing Experts

Brandon Na
If I don’t make it, can I ask “who are the best Social Media experts” out there that I can truly respect? Lots of people claim to know…but who would knock my socks off? I need 3 or so of them to refer when clients need to complement their high rankings we get them with a Social Media campaign.

Gregory Stringer Hi Brandon – going out on a limb and say that while there are many qualified professionals, the field is yet too young for “experts” (according to human resource pro’s: 1-3 yrs. – entry level, 4-6 yrs. – experienced, > 7 yrs.- expert; SMM has been effective since 2007)

http://bit.ly/f7kscc

Lorene Joynson Hi Brandon – I would say it is Steve Wiideman..

Steve Wiideman Awe, thanks Lorene. I agree with Angela, she has an actually agency in place to handle SMM provisioning and is beyond rock star status!

Next Big Thing in Social Media?

Gregory Stringer
Lotsa current buzz, re: video & blogging, as the next wave of marketing efforts in the Social Media channel. What trends do you see on the horizon?

Jon Koehmstedt ‎”Social Commerce” this looks like the upcoming trend to me. Check up Social Commerce trends at http://www.thesnickle.com/?p=100 Quote from Mark Zuckerberg: “If I had to guess, social commerce is the next area to really blow up”

Angela Hausman content curation seems to be hot.

Google Adwords

Angela Hausman

I have some students competing in the Google Online Marketing Challenge (basically adwords) and need advice from my SEO experts. I’m teaching them keyword research (which is like the blind leading the blind). Next week I have to show them how to tweak their keywords to maximize conversion. Any tips, suggestions, insights ????

Brandon Na the first post here: http://keywordsrealestate.com/ should have KW Research 101…hopefully it will help. Looking less likely that I’ll be there in the a.m. with you all. Good luck.

Personal Branding

Jon Koehmstedt

Who else out there is interested in Personal Branding and what resources do you use to stay on top of the game?

www.personalbrandingblog.com

www.personalbrandingblog.com

The Personal Branding Blog offers branding and career advice from Dan Schawbel and his team of experts.

Angela Hausman Whether intentionally or not, we’re all building a personal brand through every word, action, and the things we surround ourselves with. Your mother was right when she warned you about your appearance, about being respectful and polite, and made you write those thank you notes. And, as with everything else in life, the best way to build a personal brand that is valuable is to build up the other people in your social graph.

Steve Wiideman I always see 12pm – 3pm on my FB. Did I miss everything again? Jon, I’ve been building my personal brand for awhile, but it’s hard to market yourself and your clients simultaneously. What’s your insight on resources (including labor/experts) to help improve personal branding?

I did like all the groups and associations he gave attribution to. I’m reasonably happy with my own profile page (full version especially): http://www.linkedin.co/in/seoexpert

Monetoring Via Environmental Scan

Brendan Francis
In chapter 3 we learned about environmental scans and how companies use them for forecasting purposes. What is a trend that many business are monitoring now in their environmental scans?

Jon Koehmstedt

A couple Trends that I’m sure businesses are doing extensive research and environmental scans are “hybrid cars” and “Gluten free”. I just watched the NCAA Championship and every car commercial was for a hybrid, studies show that’s what people want. Also have you noticed all the products in grocery stores with the label “gluten free.” I saw a wholewheat cereal that said it was gluten free…? that makes no sense but apparently that’s what people want to see. Read about other trends here http://current-trends-now.com

Shipping

Brendan Francis
Dr. Hausman can you elaborate on shipping as it pertains to businesses. Does the company shipping the product always have the advantage in dictating the cost and avoiding paying for the shipment. Does the company awaiting the shipment ever not have to pay for the shipment. From my understanding the company shipping the product always has the cost advantage.

Roz Christina Moore

When I was a retailer and purchased items from manufacturers, I often looked forward to manufacturer specials at certain times of year where I could receive free freight on my order. The free freight was often contingent on meeting a minimum order requirement; so the manufacturer did make sure that even when they absorbed the freight cost, it usually covered a larger dollar volume of product. I would also say that it is always worth asking for special terms, including special shipping terms. You may not necessarily receive discounted shipping fees, but if you don’t ask, then you definitely won’t receive them. Just my 2 cents.

Attend Ask a Marketing Expert

Ask a Marketing Expert takes place every Friday from 12 -3 (EST) in the EVENTS tab of MarketingThatWorks.TV on Facebook. It’s a great way to get answers that will help improve your business or build your authority as an expert. Anyone can pop in to ask questions or answer those posted.

its FUN … its FREE … its FRIDAY

If you appreciate my blog, you might consider treating me to my favorite Starbucks treat in return today! ;-)