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Mistake #8: “Buy My Stuff! Buy My Stuff!” – Top 10 Social Media Mistakes

This is probably the biggest mistakes, and it takes many forms – but the bottom line is if you’re treating social media like just another sales platform, you’re doing it wrong. Social media is not meant to be used as just another means of a way to advertise your stuff. It’s about building relationships and getting to know people on a more personal level. It’s about conversation and engaging with others. A good question to ask is: am I speaking to my connections or with them? You want to be talking with them not at them.

So exactly where does promotion come in then? More than likely you have services or products you want to sell. That’s great and people want to hear about them…but only in small doses and only when it makes sense for them. People will block you or stop following you if your feed is nothing but a sales pitch over and over and over.  Think about how you would feel if, for example, your TV got stuck on a commercial and it just kept playing. You wouldn’t be too thrilled and would probably click the TV off. That’s exactly how your followers will feel if all you do is promote over and over.

As mentioned in mistake seven, don’t just post status updates linking to your stuff. Be sure to share other helpful relevant information too. If you found a really cool person on Twitter, let your followers know. If you found a great business page on Facebook, let your fans know. Just finished reading an excellent informative article – share it. You want your content to be as diversified as possible without getting off topic. And by sharing other people’s stuff you’ll probably find that they’re more than likely to share your stuff too.

To sum it up, you can become a person that people want to do business with via social media channels without promoting over and over and over. Here are some suggestions on how to make people want to do business with you:

  • Promote others not just your stuff.
  • Have conversations - start conversations (ask questions).
  • Be silly (have fun).
  • Be authentic.
  • Share valuable information.
  • Don’t automate your messages – be there ‘in person’ to interact with others.
  • Be human – this goes along with not automating your messages. People want to talk to YOU not a ‘robot’ (aka pre-scheduled status update).

The bottom line when it comes to social media is that people are looking to socialize and build relationships with others that share common interests with them. They don’t want to be marketed to, at least not on a regular basis but instead in very small doses.

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The Transition

Everyday I feel myself transitioning to pastor mode. I have consulted and advised pastors for numerous years.

I will say this experience is so different. It is different from the executive roles I have held and even running my own business.

What is different:
I can't quite put my hand on it. I am starting to feel the pain of people I meet. Small things about people are revealed to me. I see identifiers on certain people. It is like that movie where there is glow around certain people but not others that identifies them as a member. (probably not explaining that well)

My prayer life is different. I am finding myself in mire and deeper prayer times. I spend more time in intercession - even for people I don't know.

Finally, I am having to make decisions that go against my business sense. For someone that is as analytical as I am - this can be very disconcerting. But there is a freeing feeling when you just do what God tells you.

My pastor friends say this is just a part of the transition. I guess my calling is being made sure. How do you handle transition. And if you are a pastor share your experience with that first year of transition.

J. Richard Byrd

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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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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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I am Excited and Scared

I was sitting in West Palm Beach last week and it was announced that Shiloh Family Worship Center along with Pastor AJ Wright will be backing and partnering with The Experience Church Charlotte.

I am excited, honored, and slightly fearful.

Excited?

      This is the first public announcement of our new church launch. The first church to publicly put there name on the line for The Experience.


Honored?

Well, That Shiloh and Pastor Wright has serious swagger, and that they chose us. Still WOW.

Why fearful?

See this post.

J Richard Byrd