I have been looking for a blog app that works for my iPad. Looks like Blogsy Works. Sure makes it easy to blog on the run. If it holds up I’ll be adding it to my training package.

It has been over eight months now since Google launched it’s social network… Google Plus.  I am glad I was amongst the few who were invited in to be part of the first wave of people to use the platform.   I can say without a doubt..I have seen it all and Google is onto something with Google Plus.

A lot of what I saw at the beginning of G+ reminded me of the other pre-launch review groups I was in. I was in the beta review for Twitter, I was allowed into Facebook before it was open to the public.  So, Yes..I have seen it all..over and over and over. 

For the past half year I have averaged 10 hours a day seven days a week on the G+ platform.  Maybe saying I have seen it all is an understatement.

WHY?

The question I am asked most by those who do not use G+, or don’t like it, is…WHY?  Yes, that is a big question if you look at all the ways it can be used.

Why do you waste your time? 

Why are you not on Facebook with the rest of the Real World? 

Why are you bothering using G+ when the masses have not accepted it as a social network?

Does it get old to hear these questions asked over and over?  Yes! However, validating the answers I give to the questions keeps me digging in to testing the Google Plus platform to make sure I am  NOT wasting my time and lessening my professional image.  So far, all the testing substantiates my investment in my time spent.

Fullfilling Interactions

I am just blown away with how much more supportive the G+ community is and how fast I was able to organically grow my community.  I will also add, I have not played any games to accumulate the community.

I am unlike many others who feel they need to validate their existence as the most popular person on the face of the planet by gathering up anything and anyone to be in their community.  Matter of fact, I have flushed my Circles on G+ three times now to get to the number of real people I have in my circles today.

I have tested several times on several platforms to see if in fact having a trillion people in my circles produced anything of value and it did not.

Testing

Just like the tests I have done on Facebook and Twitter, having a large number of people in my following (at one point over 10k) required me to spend a large amount of time adjusting the platform settings to keep the knuckleheads of the world out of my streams.  This is also the same results many of the businesses report finding.

Since the end of last year I have built, what I am finding to be, a very robust G+ community of Real People who know the benefits of social networking and have come to G+ to get away from the relentless pounding of irrelevant posts.  The lack of interaction with anyone in those other social spaces has also been brought up as why many people give up on other communities.

At first I was startled with the high volume of  interaction amongst the users of G+.  It was strange to be able to post a question in a social space and actually get an answer.  That rarely happened on Facebook or Twitter any of the test I preformed.

It also is refreshing to hear from people contacting me on G+ who actually are interested in discussing doing business. It also was exciting to know they found me through their Google Search.

Paralleling Results

Of course my review of G+ went along with parallel testing of the other social spaces.  I would post the exact content in G+, Facebook and Twitter both under my name and several test accounts I created (yes, I am not the only one who uses trumped up accounts to do testing of content. Why do you think FB and Twitter have so many users?) to make sure the responses were not made out of people personally knowing me.

The results clearly showed the interaction, quality of remarks and responses weighed heavily in G+ favor on all accounts.

I have used all of the social spaces in many different ways.  Over the years I have had thousands of Friends on Facebook, even more Followers on Twitter.  I played the Social Butterfly, the Linkster, the Quoter, the Video maven, the Blogging machine and many other characters.  I use this same method of testing in my offline efforts as well to see how people react to different personalities.

Social World

As you see, I have actually spent the time to find out what works and what does not.  Yes, that is a lot of time socializing, but it has paid off.  The world of social networking is finally stepping out of the fog of lackluster internet marketing and into becoming what it was intended to be..Social.

I understand many other people feel they are getting positive results using other less social methods of social media.  Many marketers don’t care about the social space or people in it, they just want the people in them to buy.  Many more businesses and individual still want to hang on to the thought that if they have tens of thousands of users connected to their account they will get at least one sale.  To all that I can only wonder how much more productive everyone would be if they were just more sociable to fewer person, places and things.

I also understand many businesses and business people don’t have or want to spend the time I spend online to get the results I get.  I hear them loud and clear and is why while I am in the process between projects and writing another book I took the time to test what works in hopes what I find will prove to businesses and business people they need to be more social.  They need to find the time it takes to adjust to the change in the way business is being done today.

More Social World

The world of social networking is full of different people with different attitudes and who have different missions in life.  Many people feel more secure when they think tens of thousands of people are listening to them.  The tests are showing it takes a lot of energy to maintain a large volume of friends, followers or users.  Wouldn’t it be easier to know everyone in your reach and know they care about what you say or offer?

Google has been sitting back for sometime now looking at how the ‘Bookers’ and ‘Tweeters’ are going after making a lot of noise just to be seen.  I like how Google has walked softly into the social space carrying a big stick and without a multimillion dollar trumped-up extravaganza launch at SXSW snuck in an opened a social space that is as solid as they come.

So my question back to those who still feel wearing rose colored glasses while wailing away their time on Facebook and Twitter is going to stop those sites from bleeding to death is….would I spend this much time and effort to test out G+ if there was not something productive with this platform?  I think you know the answer to that.

Let me know how I can help.

If you have been following me on Twitter and Facebook you know I use the term ‘Linkster’ frequently.  Since I get so many people emailing me asking what I mean when I refer to someone as a ‘Linkster’ I thought I would provide a brief definition I could refer to when I am asked this question.

Linkster: A person who:

1. plays Golf
2. posts in the social spaces (Twitter, Facebook..etc) online Links to blogs or articles posted by someone else and has no communication to those who respond to their posts nor cares to respond to any response or comment made to their any of their posts.

Obviously, I am referring to the second definition when I use the term in the context of how someone is socializing online.  Most of the time a Linkster will use programs and third party applications to automate their posts so they have little association with the social spaces they populate. There are a few Linksters who will manually post links and then leave the site without responding to anyone who is reaching out to them to get to know them better.

The individual Linkster usually are mimicking the larger businesses who are the major Linksters of the social spaces.  Their thinking usually is..if the big dogs are just posting links on Twitter maybe I should be doing that as well.

Linksters prefer their method of social networking to not be exposed and when confronted will explain they do not have the time to use traditional methods of social media and post ONLY Links to develop a higher Page Ranking.  Since this method of social (or unsocial) networking is looked down upon by the other residences of the social space the Linksters generally get blocked or deleted from people’s contact list since the majority of people using the social spaces are there to build meaningful relationships with the other members.

As Google and the other search engines move to clean up their feeds so more people will depend on their recommendation as being valid resources the Linksters method of social media will eventually be devalued, if not banned.  Unfortunately, many of the people who use the Linkster method of social media are part of a business or firm who has invested an absorbitant amount of funds in this type of marketing plan making changing to a more effective method of social media not an option.

Currently, the only way to get a Linkster to recognize the wrong doings of their method of broadcasting to their community is to confront them directly or to delete their profile from a contact list. Sometimes, seeing the number of followers diminishing will catch their attention or seeing their analytic programs showing their view rates dropping like lead balloons will get their attention.  Getting them to stop or change is the challenge since they have reams of unverifiable data they again paid dearly for that backs their reasoning for posting only links.  The only effective method of getting Linksters to move to more effective methods of social media have been those actions taken to reduce their revenue generated or bottomline.

Happy hunting for Linksters and hope this helps explain what I am talking about.

Let me know how I can help.

Over the past couple of years the subject of Privacy has really heated up.  At issue is what online social platforms gain from the information someone provides in their spaces.  The question is..What’s the big deal? 

The online social networks are pretty clear on what their intentions are, why is it a HUGE shock to so many people they are selling or using the information you provide them on their sites…key word here is "Their Site".

What some people do to be online, but attempt to keep basic information from being posted, is:

• No post a photo of themselves, but post a picture or cartoon character.
• Post nothing in their personal/professional profiles
• Post no status or anything in their personal stream
• Sign up using obvious Fake Names or pseudo names

No Hiding on the Internet

In reality, withholding a photo, an location is a total waste of effort.  Most of the platforms can glean from the posts and the servers the posts are being posted from most of the information the person, place or thing is trying to hide.  So, why are so many people still attempting to insult the rest of the members’ of the social spaces intelligence by not providing the basics..Real Name, Real Picture and Real Story?

Is what I have provided in my profile…my photo, my bio, my location, my sex…really me?  Do I need to answer that question?  I think what you will find in all my social spaces is pretty much the same.  Am I telling you everything about me…simple answer..NO! Nor should you.

Solutions:

Again, why are so many people surprised or up in arms about their privacy online?  There is a simple attitude people should maintain or adapt when they enter the social networks.  Only post what you want the public to know and see.  Simple as that. 

Of course, there are many people under the impression that the Freedom of being able to say anything or conduct any type of business online in the Social Networks is a Right so their private info they want to broadcast to everyone, including their likes and dislikes in shopping patterns, is not public information.  Really?!?  You are going to post your grandma’s birthday on Facebook but you don’t want anyone to know it..Really?? How is that going to happen?  You probably able to secure your privacy online better by staying to your own domain, but when you enter the social spaces all bets are off…its their ball game.

Again, there are the people who REALLY have something to hide. People (or at least they want us to think they are people) who are more than likely the people who are whining about online privacy policy.  Many are doing business illegally, or have a product that is nothing but a scam.  Naturally, they don’t want who they really are to be know.  And of course, these are the people who are making social networking online a living Hell. 

The question now becomes, why do social networks allow these type of people, places and things in their site?  Answer: It’s all a number game to most sites…I say most because the site that starts to put controls on their member’s entrance into their social space will be the Next Social Network of choice..Really!!!  (Google Plus..are you listening?)

So, for those who are out there with the blank avatars, Fake names and no profile info.  It could be your days are numbered.  The social networks..all of them..will get the basic info they need from you..like it or not.  So why fight what you can’t control. 

Join the trillions who learned the game that is being played and just post the basics info needed to be social.  Then start reaping the Real Benefits of social/business networking online.  It’s just that easy.

Let me know how I can help.

Recently, I attended PodCamp here in Dallas.  A great event showcasing the advantages of podcasting.  During the day I was interviewed by Mason Pelt of Clever Name Studio.  Following is Mason’s show.

Pocasting is just one way of getting a message out to people through the internet.  Videocasting is the next step up and is the most effective way to get a message broadcasted since it can offer multiple levels of information all at once.  If you are just blogging, podcasting should be your next step to take to establish a greater presence online.  After podcasting, videocasting or Vlogging, is a natural step to attracting more people to hear your message.

Attend the PodCamp near you….it is a great experience.

Let me know how I can help.

With all the changes being made in the social spaces over the past couple of years it really can be hard to keep up.  Unfortunately, many business people are not keeping up and are lagging behind in keeping up on how their Social Media campaigns change when the social spaces change.

There are three huge changes in social networking over the past year which, according to what I see going on in the social spaces, many business people are not aware of.  Here is a quick Update:

1.  Twitter is dying

There is no need in beating a deadhorse..sorry for the pun.  Much has been reported by many on why Twitter is Dead.

Since it’s launch the popularity of Twitter has been a mystery.  Conceptually Twitter would appear to a business as a place they could get their message out to a large number of people who are trapped at their computer or on their cellphones.  In reality, the appeal of pitching a product in less than 140 characters to billions is what killed Twitter.

The millions of businesses and thoughtless self promoters who hammered the Twitter feed with SPAM shutdown the interest of most consumers or business executives who just do not have time…or think more of themselves..to spend wading through dribble and Tweets of people checking into on Foursquare to announce they are entering a restroom. 

As a result the majority…vast majority…of people who view Twitter are not seeing any value to using Twitter to keep in touch with their contacts. 

Over the past year, the realities of Twitter have been seen by millions of business people..as well as people interested in how they spend their time online…as a place for time-bandits to reside.  This is resulting in Twitter being a place to Not Be! 

Of course, most of the large businesses and traditional mainstream icons of the business world who waited too long to enter Twitter are now making lame attempts to justify their existence on Twitter with tons of unverifiable stats produced showing their success on Twitter.

As it is true, there are some advantages to being on Twitter, the small list of reasons for using Twitter really does not justify the time when there are more productive social spaces.

2. Facebook Has Jumped the Shark

Yes, the stable icon of social networking that set the pace for many online social networks, and is part of the lives of many who grew up with Facebook, has started its descent into mediocrity.  As social-social network goes, Facebook is King…as far as a platform for quality-social networking Facebook is slipping to number two or three as effective use of time. 

There are many people still under the impression that business networking in a purely social network is the ultimate in social media for their business. However, today, promoting your business on Facebook is like trying to sell something to your brother-n-law…it just is not that productive.

As is the case in most endeavors that have been around too long, they start trying to find new ways to make something old look new and exciting..Jumping the Shark as it is called. 

Facebook remains the best place to communicate effectively with personal friends and family, but for businesses it is like giving a powerpoint presentation at the Thanksgiving Dinner table.  Business networking and social networking come apart in Facebook which is pushing many business people to pack their bags and go searching for better places.

3. Google Finally Takes Control

The biggest change in social networking, business networking and Social Media was made with Google Plus (G+) was launch.  Finally, the information giant introduced to the world a platform that effectively will change socializing. 

Even though most of what Google is planning to offer is behind tightly drawn currents, what they have shown thus far is very impressive..on a number of levels.  It is very obvious, they are focusing on developing a platform that can be shared both as a business marketing tool and a pure social network.

The phrase ‘Game Changer’ is over used in describing the power G+ will have over how we deliver our message, both professionally and socially.  Right now, Google is allowing people to build their foundation and get use to the tools they are introducing.  Those who ‘Get it’ have moved their primary operations to G+ and operating on a pure social level while waiting on the business portion of G+ to launch…a smart move more people need to make.

Google’s approach to spoon feeding the Internet with small portions of what they have developed is another sign of Google’s intelligence and understanding of Human Nature.  Their control on keeping their platform real by filtering out the scammers and people not taking themselves serious  will be the magnet that draws more real people to come online.  This will only strengthen Google’s position as the place to go to get real information.

The real value of Google Plus is in the searchablity of information.  Knowing that what is posted on G+ works towards building a professional and social image of the person who posts the information is what makes being on the Internet worthwhile. 

Gone are the days of posting a Tweet and wonder if anyone see it..of taking weeks to build a Facebook Page only to get 5000 Likes from people wanting only for you to see them and care nothing about seeing you.

The social space has really changed and it troubles me to see people I know floundering on Facebook and Twitter while the changes being made in today’s social networking has move way pass that environment.  The excuse.."Why should I change?  All my friends are on Facebook or Twitter!"… will become less valid quickly.  I really hate seeing hardworking people wasting their content and time in spaces losing ground.

Hopefully, more will see the value of the changes in social media and change with them.  Let me know how I can help.