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How to Refresh Your Social Networks in 5 Days – Day One

Any time of the year is a good time to look through and check over your social networks. For me, the beginning of the year is a logical time to rebrand and freshen up my social networks. What I'm looking for, is to see whether my profile picture, my bio, and or any of the information are correct. Is the branding message correct or have there been technological advances that require me to make changes in my strategy.

Your social networks, much like mine, have probably changed over the course of the year, and therefore need some refreshing. So I take this time to make sure, that all of my branding throughout my social networks are in line.

In this series, I will discuss and share with you the strategy that I use not just for myself, but for all of my clients.

Day One

Assessments

My first step every year and rebranding my social networks, is to first assess the networks. This requires going through and making sure that the network is a part of my customer demographics.

  1. Are my prime demographic still using this network? Has there been a major change in the networks technology? Has there been a major shift in how the network is being used by my demographic?
  2. Does the social network have the approved profile picture? Does this network have the approved bio or description? Is the profile fully completed? Is all the contact information correct? Are there any extras that can be added to this network that will make it better?
  3. This one is not a question but, more of a process. I change all of the passwords to all the social networks during this process as well.

Bonus: Is there a good quality call to action?

These are just some of the things that you should ask yourself when rebranding your social networks. Depending on which network you have, there may be other questions that you need to ask. But this is the process I start with whom ever I am in the rebranding process for my social networks.

I've also included, my social network rebranding worksheet, please feel free to download it . Just click the share button below -

[sociallocker] socialrebrandingassessment [/sociallocker]

As always if there are any additions that I missed, please feel free to add them in the comments below.

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Friday Musings

jrichardbyrditunes

Just downloaded the MAC App store onto my desktop. WOW - this thing is the real deal. I downloaded the iMovie 11 for 14.99. A saving of about 40 dollars. I am now testing out the MarsEdit Blogging app. Let me know how it goes.

I am so excited to be planting this new church - everyday it gets better and better. It is really starting to gel what God wants to see happen. I am meeting new people everyday. And more importantly learning to be more transparent and bolder. Bold not in a confrontational way - but bold to say- I am (with God's Help) planting a church and I would like to introduce you to my Jesus.

Most people wouldn't even believe I am an introvert. Yes the outgoing boisterous person that many believe me to be. I am at heart an introverted person. But I am learning. What are you learning to do differently to be successful.

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Mistake #7: Poor Usage of Social Media Channels – Top 10 Social Media Mistakes

Is there really a correct way to use social media channels? Yes and no. It’s going to depend on what you’re using them for. If you’re a teen just using Facebook for the sake of using it then no, there’s not really a proper way to use it. But for business owners who need to maximize their social media efforts, the answer is absolutely yes.

You can’t think of social media as just another way to advertise your products/services. While you can advertise it shouldn’t be all about that (we’ll get to that in mistake #8). Each and every social media platform is unique and should be used for different things. Keep in mind that there will be different rules for all the social media sites as well. For example Twitter only allows you 140 characters to post an update so the etiquette there will be different than Facebook where you have a lot more space. Another difference between these two sites is that you can get away with posting more frequently throughout the day on Twitter than you can on Facebook.

Aside from the different rules and etiquette for each site, there are some other basic ‘rules’ you should follow, like:

  • Don’t be boring – while there isn’t a rule about how to be interesting, think outside the box and find interesting ways you can get your message across.
  • Don’t be offensive – this is pretty much a no brainer but is worth mentioning. Keep that old saying about treating people the way you want to be treated in your head. Just because we’re talking about social media and not being in person with people, it doesn’t mean manners go out the window. You still need to be respectful. Don’t post offensive content – steer clear of sexual, religious and political postings.
  • Don’t be too negative – one of the great things about social media is that you get to ‘let your hair down’ and ‘let loose’ a little. But be careful. If you’re having a crummy day, go ahead and share. But if every day is crummy you shouldn’t continually keep posting about it. People will get sick of too much negativity and unfollow you.
  • Don’t only push your product – one of the quickest ways to use social media incorrectly is by doing nothing but advertising and pushing your product or services. First and foremost you’re there to build relationships not sell! Keep in mind that when you do promote that you shouldn’t just be linking to your stuff. Share other useful resources. Point out other social media profiles that may be useful to your followers.
  • Never badmouth your clients or competitors – you never know who is watching, and the Internet is forever. Rant to your husband or your best friend or your dog – not on Facebook.

So what can you say on social media? Above all else, it’s a conversation. Sure, there might be millions of people involved, but it’s still nothing more than chatting among friends. Treat social media like the “social” space it is, and you’ll be fine.

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“Am I a Habit or Do You Really Love Me?”

Good Times
Courtesy of http://goodtimes.wikia.com/wiki/Good_Times_Wiki

This morning as I got ready for my day – I turned to the old 70’s show “Good Times”. This show, while dated, always seems to have a moral that is still needed in today’s society. In this episode, the mother, Florida, has become so overwhelmed by the cares of life. The cooking, cleaning, taking care of the kids, even having breakfast prepared for her husband, James, when he wakes up. All of this before she even goes to her own job. Making her feel inadequate and frankly taken advantage of.

As the show progresses we find Florida having lunch with her boss who wines and dines her and treats her, as Florida puts it, like a Lady. Well, as with any great show the ultimate happens. James finds out that this other man has been treating his woman to lunch and flowers and so forth. Boy was he angry, how dare someone try to “cozy up” to his wife. But as Florida quickly explains, there is nothing going on between the two, but she does like the way he makes her feel.

“Like a Woman” -Like she matters.

Florida asks this important question,

“When was the last time you made me feel Like a Woman.”

James replies like most typical men

“Just the other night”.

“No not like that – I mean make me feel like you cared.” replied Florida. ” I want to know, “

“Am I a Habit or Do You Really Love Me?”

For lots of us the ritual of going to church, praying, reading the Bible, etc. has become a habit. Our obedience to these ordinances are robotic and impersonal at best. Have you been going through the motions without any thought to the relationship you are building with God. I had a conversation with a good friend of mine, and we discussed the mercy of God, and how we are not even worthy of that mercy. A understanding not shared by many. In fact, when posted on Twitter he received a few posts asking why do you not feel worthy of mercy?

It is not a self depreciating comment, but more of an understanding that God’s mercy is not a right. It is not something we merit. More importantly when we get to a point that we think that God’s mercy is just something we are supposed to get regardless. We have made God a Habit and are now taken advantage of the relationship. At any time, we forget the blessings and mercy of God are because he love us and not that we are that great. We are acting out of Habit not Love.
God is Asking You -

Am I a Habit or Do You Really Love Me?
J. Richard Byrd

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Mistake #9: Failing to Brand Your Social Media Channels – Top 10 Social Media Mistakes

Even if you think you don’t have a brand, you do. And since Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest (and whatever other social media profiles you have) are simply mini networks that make up your overall Internet presence, it’s important that they all be instantly recognizable as being yours.

The last thing you want to do is confuse people by having different profile pictures, images and messages on all your different social media platforms. Just as consistency is key when it comes to blogging, posting on social media, podcasting, etc it’s just as important when it comes to your brand.

You want to build your brand all across your network including the social media networks you’re utilizing. If possible, you should always use the same name/handle on each and every site. Similarly, you should also try to use the same image on every site. You can do this by setting up a profile and selecting one main image (that you’ll use as your profile image) on Gravatar.

If your brand has a tagline involved, make sure you’re carrying that over to all the social media sites as well. Basically, when it comes to using your brand on all social media channels it comes down to whatever your main website brand is you want that exact same thing on each and every micro network site (social media platforms) you’re using.

Another reason it’s important to use your brand on all sites is because it’s a way to build expertise and recognition. People will get used to seeing the same logo, profile picture, tagline, and message on all networks. This will not only help them begin to recognize you and your business but it will also help you become the go to (the expert) in your niche.

A social media platform that sometimes gets overlooked is YouTube. A lot of people shy away from it because they’re nervous to put themselves on video. Keep in mind that video doesn’t necessarily require you to film yourself. There are lots of great ways to do video without actually putting your face on camera. YouTube is another great platform to get your message across and just one more opportunity for you to get your brand out there. Video is extremely popular and on YouTube alone there are hundreds of millions of users. And not only is YouTube another way to brand yourself across all networks, it’s just one more opportunity for you to gain expert status.

These are just a few of the reasons why you should be using your brand on all social media sites but the main and most important reason is because you don’t want to confuse people by different messages, images, etc across the platforms.

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Exciting Update from the Experience

What can I say, it has been an incredible couple of months. Thank you so much for the prayers and support. Here are some of the recent developments:
1. The Launch team is taking shape. We have been able to bring aboard a CPA for our finances and she is busily putting together the 501 (c) 3 paperwork, finalizing the budget, and putting together financial accountability procedures. We also have an excellent outreach person on board and she has been fine tuning our outreach campaign, as well as, general administrative help.
2.  We held our first vision meeting as a part of my 40th Birthday celebration on April 9, 2011. What a wonderful experience. There were about 50-75 people in attendance and the vision was well received. Thank you to Northwest School of the Arts for providing a lot of the talent for the evening. If this is what our regular church service is going to be - I can't wait.
3. We have changed the video on the website. If you haven't seen it go take a look our good friend Bishop Frazier filmed it for us on location in the great city of Houston. Thanks Bishop.
4.  We are completing the new website and it should be fully operational in a few days.
5. We are finalizing the Facebook Page for the the eXperience. Go "like" the page, and tell your friends we need 100 people in order to ge the name - facebook.com/theexperienceclt
6.  We will be holding our next Service on May 7, 2011 - we have the group KING (http://www. 4kingmusic.com/) in attendance and I will be preaching from the series called UNSTOPPABLE.
As you can see we have been busy and again thank you for your prayers. Please take a moment if you will, and donate on our website. As you know excellence is expensive. We strive to be excellent in what we do.
Please keep in prayer:
1. Our budget - as a new church - expenses can easily outweigh revenue.
2. About becoming a financial partner.
3. Pray that many souls will come to Christ on May 7, 2011.
4. Pray for my family.
5. Pray that our venue space becomes available.
That is it for our update. We will be sending emails more often now that we are up and running. So Stay Tuned.
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GoodBye Time Warner Cable ( Why I Shut off My Cable)

Yes I did it. I finally turned off the cable in our house. Why you asked? Well it was a myriad of reasons. And I will list them.

  1. The family really doesn't watch that much TV- it usually watches us;
  2. I felt the need to study and read more (miss that reading);
  3. We have Netflix.com subscription (takes care of movies and some series )
  4. We have  Hulu.com and Youtube.com;
  5. This will force me write more without distractions;
  6. Youngest son grades have been slipping. (See above - less distractions);
  7. The cable bill was topping $200.00 a month- Money can be invested elsewhere for better return;
  8. Hoping it will promote more family time;
  9. Hoping it will promote more family conversation; and
  10. WE JUST NEED A CHANGE.

I think we as a people have created too many "got to have" necessities. I have been for the last few years simplifying my life. Getting rid of some of the constant distractions. This will give us a time to be creative with out talking heads and people yelling at us all the time.  Well, we will see how this experiment goes. I will keep you posted.  What have you cut out of life in the last year or so?  Tell us what and why.

J. Richard Byrd

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Why I Use a Content Creation Calendar

As the owner of a small business, with a small team of employees, I am often interrupted from my pre-planned schedule. Having a content creation schedule allows me to stay on track even when my daily schedule goes off track.

For example this morning, I went into my office with all intentions of completing my work load. Well, as luck would have it, I receive a phone call, pertaining to a family emergency. While an emergency, it did not require I leave immediately to take care of it. But it was an emergency enough that it threw off my game plan.

If you are like me, I am sometimes so programmed in my head for what I am going to do and complete in a given time. When I am thrown off that game plan, I find myself just floating in the wind. Well this is what happened on today. My mind was so consumed with the information I had received, that I just sat there looking at a blank screen wondering what I was supposed to do.

This is where the content calendar plays its biggest part. With one glance at the calendar I could see that today I am supposed to create 5 blogs on 5 subjects. That was enough to get the ball rolling and get my day back on track. Not only did it get me back to writing, but the writing eased my mind. That truly saved my day.

Are You Using a Content Creation Calendar and if so please share.

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What Do I Want to be Known For When I Die?

Recently I invited a group of teens and young adults to sit and ask me questions. Any question about anything. And boy did they throw it at me. This is a video from that series.

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[youtube id="ik7xm38Vs9U"]

Quotable from this video: "If they can write in my obituary that I was a good dad, then I have lived a good life" - @realsource

This is Richard filmed unscripted - straight from the heart - in a single take, without a prompter or notes.

J. Richard Byrd is a father, husband, church launcher, serial entrepreneur, musician, and marketing consultant. He is the author of several books most recently Next Steps. His goal is to make you Think Bigger -- Be Bigger so that you Can Do Bigger Things.

Meet Richard at http://www.JRichardByrd.com