jones huyett Partners

My Life Without Facebook:
Week 2

In case you missed it – I gave up Facebook for Lent.

This week was even more difficult than last. Last week my Facebook fast was top-of-mind to all my friends and family – this week the newness has worn off. People keep talking to me about things I would normally know about – expecting me to have a clue. But when I stop them and ask them to fill me in, I get the resounding “oh, that’s right, you’re not on Facebook.” And then there’s The Face.

“The Face” is the eye–squinting, wrinkled-forehead, pressed-lips look that you get when people feel sorry for you. I’m fairly certain I’ve used this look many times. Usually to communicate a feeling with others – typically when something has happened and I’m trying to show empathy to someone. Is that what my friends are doing to me? Feeling sorry for me? (NOTE: I’m exaggerating with that last line for effect – just go with it.)

But seriously, this past week proves one point I had hoped to make with this experiment – that you can’t communicate with your audience if you’re not using the communication tools your audience is using. If I could had been on Facebook this week, you’d know that I became of fan of my bank’s new Fan Page – CoreFirst Bank & Trust. Instead I have to wait until April to do so! And I would have known that Jayhawk Café, a new café in downtown Topeka’s Jayhawk Tower, had their grand opening. But I missed it because I didn’t know about it – I heard about it later that evening on the 10:00 news. Regardless, I’m managing. Not as effectively, or efficiently, as normal, but I’m making it through with a little help from my friends, family, co-workers and local media. Thanks everyone!

Here are a few other things you would have known if I could have been on Facebook this week:

•  WHAT!?!? There’s a Twilight “Scene It!” board game. How do I NOT have this?
•  Headed to the Heartland Visioning meeting! Can’t wait to hear all about their wonderful plans to revitalize Downtown Topeka.
•  Why are some stoplights in Lincoln horizontal and some vertical … did they just decide to buck consistency or does this madness have a real purpose?
•  Stupid friends – why aren’t you ALL on Twitter?! Okay you’re not stupid but my life would be easier if you were!

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Filed by Brie at 12:05 pm under Example, General Marketing, Social Media, Topeka, Trends, Twitter, jhP Family, online marketing
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Post written by Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield, originally posted on Latina-ish Blog.

Hispanic marketing statistics can be found just about anywhere. But when you find what looks like quality data, always look deeper. The numbers you’re considering may look like what you’re after, but you need to ask yourself – do they meet my specific needs?

As you realize, the Hispanic community is not monolithic. It is a huge composite of many different groups. Hispanic survey data is heavily influenced by factors such as rate of acculturation, age group, country of origin and citizenship. Knowing how these differences impact on population data will improve your odds of successfully guiding your clients’ Hispanic marketing efforts.

If, for example, the survey group has too diverse a country-of-origin mix, or the age range was too wide or too narrow, the statistics may offer you little practical value. Learn how the data was collected – and from whom – to ensure that the statistics will truly be useful to meet your and your clients’ marketing objectives.

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Filed by the Partners at 10:13 am under Trends
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My Life Without Facebook:
Week 1

In case you missed it – I gave up Facebook for Lent.

It’s become painfully obvious to me that I’m going to have to start using the phone more often … even more so now that I’ve officially worn out the letters i, e, t, o and h on my cell phone, making texting a little difficult to say the least. It will be interesting to see how painfully awkward my friends and I are in phone conversations. My generation had just started talking on the phone when Yahoo Messenger became popular … and we quickly stopped talking and started typing. I’ve had the Internet since I was in 4^th or 5^th grade so you can understand why it may be hard for me to communicate outside of email, texting, social media, instant messaging or in person. The sad truth is that I’m not even sure I have some of my best friends’ phone numbers! (P.S. if you’re one of those people please drop me an email at bengelken@jhpadv.com – I miss you, friends!).

I’m still habitually typing facebook.com into the URL and have actually ended up at the sign in page several times. I did finally set up a folder in my gmail account. It’s called “Facebook – Lent” and I’m putting ALL notifications I get in that file to check on April 4. So no – I’m not cheating and reading my notifications to get around being on Facebook.

The hardest night so far was the night of the K-State v. Nebraska Men’s basketball game. I didn’t know what to do with myself. It didn’t feel like enough just to rant to my Dad (who was watching the game with me). And my Twitter followers for the most part don’t care about K-State sports or follow me for my ranting. I thought about Google Buzz, but well, let’s be honest – no one’s on Google Buzz yet and why should they be when they can do everything on Facebook right now? So for now all my perfectly crafted, witty banter will go unacknowledged.

Here’s a little of what you would have seen this week if I could have logged in:
• Copywriting without Facebook breaks or Diet Coke do not make for a happy Brie

• Basketball 101 – Dribbling the ball – Learn how to!!

• Go nominate Topeka to be a test community for Google’s Fiber Network! Just imagine – Internet speeds that are nearly 100 times faster than what we currently have – and faster than anywhere else in the whole WORLD! ThinkBigTopeka.com

• DANG my job for holding me accountable (with no facebook updates) – this is one of the only times I’ve EVER been able to say that!

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Filed by Brie at 12:23 pm under Social Media, Topeka, Trends, Twitter, jhP Family
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When I was in college, a night out with friends always included a craze of phone calls. “Where are we going? When will you be there?” A few years later, this same communication continues, but the methods are more sophisticated. Instead of phone calls, we use mass-texts to figure out the details. Now, gathering your group has a new method with the emerging network, Foursquare.

What it is:
Foursquare is a location-based social network that allows users to “check in” from anywhere. Using an application on my cell phone, all my Foursquare friends can see where I am. “I’m at jhP (3200 SW Huntoon, Huntoon & Lakeside, Topeka) – writing a blog post about Foursquare.”

While Foursquare may seem invasive or even creepy to some, you should understand that like Facebook, this is a trusted network. You only add people you actually know. That allows this tool to be a powerful way to generate business and good buzz through word-of-mouth, as well as bring all your networks to a central location. So if it makes you nervous for the world to know where you are, here’s a word to the wise: Don’t add anyone you don’t know.

How it works:
Foursquare’s main purpose is to promote personal location. If I’m out on Saturday night and want friends to join me I simply “check in” from my mobile web browser: “I’m at Bosco’s (435 S Kansas Avenue, 4th & Kansas, Topeka).” I’m also encouraged to share tips about places I visit, so others can benefit from my experiences. So I might add, “Check out their amazing Apple-tini and Burger Sliders.”

Aside from promoting personal location, Foursquare encourages “competition.” I earn points for checking in. These check-ins can be used to unlock fun badges like “Crunked” for 4+ stops in one night or “School Night” for checking in after 3 a.m. Also, visiting one location more than anyone else will award you a key to the city! Okay, you don’t get a key to the city, but you will become “Mayor” of that location until someone dethrones you.

For Businesses:
Using Foursquare as a promotional tool offers businesses great marketing potential. Businesses across the country are offering loyalty specials for people who check in via Foursquare. Your Foursquare brand advocates could earn points they can redeem for free ice cream or get a special discount as “Mayor” of your location.

Foursquare is also developing reporting tools that will help businesses know who is visiting, how often, where they came from and where they go after they leave. This is shaping up to be a great new form of word-of-mouth marketing. Better yet, it’s completely customer driven – which helps build a loyal customer base plus dedicated brand advocates.

For Individuals:
As a user of this new social network you’re not only telling your friends where you are, you’re challenging them to be there too, and sometimes to join in an activity. “I’m at Big Dog Motorcycles (1520 East Douglas, Wichita) – I bet you won’t look as hot on a 2010 Wolf as I do! Check it out!”

But consider:
Checking in at the same location frequently could make you seem to endorse a business. If you become Mayor of a restaurant, your friends would naturally assume you recommend it. Since that might not be true, think about where you’re visiting before you check in to Foursquare. Do you want to be seen as a brand advocate for the place?

Now that you know a little more about Foursquare what are your initial thoughts? How can this affect your network of friends or your business? As I write, I’m at jhP  (3200 SW Huntoon, Huntoon & Lakeside, Topeka). I challenge you to learn more about Foursquare and see if it’s for you!

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Filed by the Partners at 11:41 am under Social Media, Trends, online marketing
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The Blizzard of ’09 has drifted away the aftermath of our holiday binges – but that won’t stop anyone from dusting off those treadmills, reading the latest seven-step book to end bad habits and setting some pretty lofty goals for 2010. The jhP partners are no different! We’re prepared to make 2010 even more successful than 2009! Check out our resolutions to see how and let us know what you resolve to achieve in 2010. Have a happy New Year everyone!

My resolution for 2010 is to enter my time sheets directly into the computer instead of writing them on sticky notes. : ) – Alissa Sheley

The upcoming year will be my first year at jhP – and as a college graduate – so I resolve to fill it with as much education as possible. I plan to learn something new from each person at jhP. By the end of the year, I hope to teach something to someone, too. – Angie Marquart

I Resolve to get stains out the first time, every time. – Brian Wells

Every year I have high hopes of following through with a New Year’s Resolution and every year I do GREAT … that is until I wake up and see the giant plate of cookies in the kitchen. This year I vow to make NO New Year’s resolutions – I’ll just stick with the old ones: to give 200+% to everything I do and to be the best person I can be. – Brie Engelken

In 2010 I plan on getting my personal chaos in order. This includes trimming my beard more often, eating less junk food, following the speed limit, going to sleep on time, doing 50 sit-ups every night before bed, organizing my garage, cleaning my clothes more often, learning how to iron my clothes, and getting my time sheets in on time. – Dan Billen

I resolve to work even harder to maximize the position of the client brands we represent. I will better underscore the unique benefits of those brands and raise their position in the market even higher. – Jake Huyett

My goal for 2010 is to try to help everyone I can to be more of what they want to be and help them enjoy as much personal and team success as possible. I also want to show that the ability to say “yes” and help goals happen is infinitely more useful than the power to say “no” and make it stick. – Kurt Eskilson

I resolve to work hard, be more imaginative/creative, listen more, laugh more and learn something new. I may also change my resolution weekly. – Leslie Palace

I resolve to expand my network even further and build relationships so that others can experience the power of partnership with jhP! I look forward to getting to know you! –
Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield

My goal for 2010 is to work hard for our clients, giving them more earned media than they expect and growing their return on investment. – Tracy Stratton

I plan to procrastinate less, spend more quality time with family and friends and attack every project and goal as though it is the most exciting thing I have on my plate. – Linda Bull

I plan to work harder to mentor and help others be their best. – Gary Jones

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Filed by the Partners at 10:49 am under Trends
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Your company is forced to terminate someone’s employment, with good reason, and now the ex-employee is blasting your company on Twitter, Facebook and other popular social networks. Everything you’ve read about Social Media says you should be transparent and engage your audience – so how should you respond?

When dealing with social media, your responses should always be on a case-by-case basis. But in this case, let’s assume the rant is simply that – a rant – and it doesn’t raise legitimate, business-damaging issues. In that event, you DON’T respond.

Here are three reasons why, in THIS case, you should ignore disgruntled ex-employees on Social Networks.

1)     People know a rant when they read one

When an upset employee rants on a social media website they are usually just blowing off steam – and their audience sees that. The individual is just trying to generate sympathy or brew anger and, in most cases, readers know better than to take them too seriously.

2)     It’s a Human Resources issue

Companies are often legally restricted regarding what they can say in situations that involve HR issues. For this reason alone it’s usually best just to leave it be. Don’t put your company and yourself at risk of crossing a legal line.

3)     It’s a lose/lose situation

Nothing you say or do will make up for the loss of that person’s job so it’s best just to let it run its course. By engaging in a conversation you are just prolonging that individual’s fury and drawing more attention to that person and your situation.

When dealing with personalized attacks with no merit and no business-damaging substance, please consider that saying nothing is better than saying the wrong something.

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Filed by Brie at 2:55 pm under Public Relations, Social Media, Trends, Twitter
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Last week an Australian company, USocial, launched a new offering to the social media world. For $177.30 you can purchase a 1,000-member group of “targeted” Fans for your company’s Facebook Fan Page, up to 10,000 fans. However, by “targeted” USocial merely means that these fans reside in the country you do business in and/or are affiliated with your industry or interest group.

Suffice it to say, USocial missed the mark. The entire purpose of social media is to create and strengthen relationships. How can a bond exist between an organization and 1,000 Fans who have simply been “purchased”? It’s even questionable whether the Fans are actual people or automated accounts that would be worthless to your business. You can’t buy relationships – at least not the useful kind.

From there, the facts behind USocial get even fuzzier. Although USocial argues that your bulk purchase of Fans will be targeted, their ability to target is extremely limited. If your brand’s audience is a specific demographic in Northeast Kansas, obtaining 1,000 Fans from across the United States is nearly useless. Futhermore, USocial claims it’s common knowledge that each Fan will generate at least $1 in monthly profits. However, they offer no evidence to support this unlikely statement.

And for anyone who might still be considering USocial, consider the stance of Twitter and Digg. When USocial set up similar business offerings on these networks, both sites moved to ban USocial. Despite those demands to cease and desist, USocial continues to run its business.

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Filed by the Partners at 1:42 pm under Social Media, Trends
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One of these up-and-coming sites might become the “next big thing”.

Remain effective in the social media arena by keeping up with current fads and trends that appeal to your audience. Here are five promising social media networks we’re keeping an eye on for future impact.

1.  Scribd is a document-sharing site where users share documents, presentations and PDFs. Scribd recently revamped its site to make it more social-media friendly. The changes include a news feed, the ability to follow other users, an interactive profile page and a “scribble box” where users can update their subscribers in real time.
Average American visits per month: 6 million.  

2. Bebo is a social network similar to MySpace, but with a cleaner layout. It offers many of the same capabilities as Facebook, but has a generally younger audience. Around 40 percent of the users are 13-17 years old, and 18-34 year olds represent 31 percent. It’s useful to note that African Americans make up 43 percent of users, while Caucasians represent 44 percent.
Average American visits per month: 5 million.

3. Tumblr is a blogging site where users can post text, photos, music and videos from their browser, phone, desktop, or email. The site wants users to demonstrate their personality by allowing customization of colors and blog themes using HTML.
Average American visits per month: 2 million.

4. Plurk is a microblogging site comparable to Twitter, but it allows people to post emoticons and comment on one another’s posts. The posts are laid out on an hourly timeline that scrolls from right to left. Plurk also uses “karma” to build user loyalty. The more you use the site, the more options you earn for emoticons, layouts, etc.
Average American visits per month: 10,000

5. Jaiku is also a microblogging site. Like Plurk, users can comment on other posts, but on Jaiku, users can also post icons. The layout is similar to Twitter, but with more vibrant color schemes. Google took over development of the site in January 2009. Currently, the percentages of users 18-34, 35-49, and 50+ are extremely close, ranging from 24 to 27 percent each. Sixty-two percent of the users do not have children, and 75 percent are Caucasian.
Average American visits per month: 6,000

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Filed by the Partners at 9:48 am under Social Media, Trends
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You’ve probably seen, and may belong to, several Facebook Groups, and are a Fan of many Pages. But you might wonder which one is right for your company – a Group or a Fan Page? We recommend a Fan Page because it provides many benefits that your company will miss with a Group. Here are jhP’s top five reasons why Facebook Fan Pages are “where it’s at!”

1. Public Record – Anyone can view a Facebook Fan Page whether they have a Facebook account or not, and Fan Pages are indexed on search engines so they’re easily found. This allows people to  access your company’s Fan Page just like any other website.
2. Personalized URL – After your Fan Page has accumulated more than 100 Fans, you can register for a personalized URL, for example, www.facebook.com/jhpadv. This clean, easy-to-remember URL looks great printed on marketing collateral compared to http://www.facebook.com/ads/manage/#/pages/Topeka-KS/business-name-here/104116816064?ref=search
3. Viral Advantage – If you post an update to your Wall, or add new videos/photos, they also post on the Walls of each of your Page’s Fans. This easily  keeps Fans up to date, encouraging them to interact with the site. Plus, each interaction then goes out on the Walls of all their Friends. This effortlessly increases the number of people exposed to your company’s Page.
4. Insights – Facebook collects statistics for activity on Fan Pages so you can see what videos, photos and updates people like best and how they’ve interacted with them. The insights also reveal basic demographics like age, gender and location.
5. Applications – You can add various applications like quizzes, polls and RSS feeds to your company’s Fan Page to enhance its offerings, giving your Fans even more reason to enjoy visiting your Page regularly. There are thousands of applications available. And since the Facebook coding language was released to third-party coders, you can have a programmer create a custom application, uniquely branded for your company.

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Filed by Alissa at 4:36 pm under Social Media, Trends, online marketing
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Late last week, Facebook launched the Fan Box widget (see ours to the right) to help users more efficiently connect their Fan Pages to their other Web entities. The Fan Box promotes their Page and can help grow membership by being easily embedded on any Web site. The widget consists of a few Fan icons (shown at random), a button to allow people to become a Fan and an optional stream displaying Wall Posts from the Fan Page.

Why is this important? Simply, it’s going to help better leverage your social media presence on the Internet by allowing people to easily connect with you on multiple channels. It’s like a free ad promoting your Fan Page. Post it on your blog or Web site so your visitors know they can also connect with you on Facebook.

The more places you are connected to your audience, the greater opportunity you have to stay top-of-mind. The Fan Box is just one more way to help your fans connect those dots.

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Filed by Alissa at 2:00 pm under Social Media, Trends
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