On Monday July 25, 2011 between 7:00pm and 8:00pm ET there’s going to be a Tweet Chat about the SMBInfluencer Awards.

What are the SMBInlfuencer Awards?

The small business space has become increasingly crowded and overwhelming.  Even if you troll around the small business internet space, it’s unbelievably easy to be confused about who is an expert in what and which companies provide what service.

This is why co-founders Anita Campbell, publisher of the award winning Small Business Trends and Ramon Ray from SmallBizTechnology.com put their heads together and came up with a way to recognize the companies, leaders, gurus and media organizations that help and influence small business every day.

This project started in June with nominations pouring in from all over the internet.  And the voting period started about a week or so ago.  To get some more background and see the field of SMBInfluencers, visit the SMBInfluencer site and browse around.  Feel free to vote for the people who have influenced you and helped you in your business.  You can vote daily and you can vote for more than one person.  So head over there and give it a try.

Join the #SMBInlfuencer Tweet Chat (Use Hashtag #BBSMBchat)

If you’ve never been in a tweet chat, you will find this an engaging and thrilling experience.  A tweet chat is a live conversation about a specific topic that is going on in Twitter.

You can participate in this Twitter chat by joining us on Twitter — search on the hashtag #BBSMBChat and weigh in withyour tips, insights and ideas. Or follow the action at the Tweetchat room: http://tweetchat.com/room/BBSMBchat

For all the details about the Tweet Chat and the SMBInlfuencer awards – Read the press release for SMBInfluencer Awards and Tweet Chat (#BBSMBchat)

One of my DIYMarketer tips is to send a handwritten note.  That’s a great idea, but it can get overwhelming if you want to be consistent and treat every customer as if they were the only one you have — pretty special.

In response to that tip, I got a wonderful story from Melanie Ellsworth.  Melanie is a photographer in Texas who discovered a wonderful, affordable way to reach out and touch her customers – with a personalized card.  But wait!  This isn’t a chore – it’s automated, it’s easy.  Read her story and try it yourself.

One day I received a phone call from a client saying, “Hi!  I am not sure if you remember me, but you took my picture six months ago.”  The words just stung me. I assured her I did remember her and proceeded to book another session.  After I got off the phone, the words rang in my ears. Why would a client wonder if I knew them?  That’s when I realized that I had a problem connecting with my clients.  After all, I was in business to make money and get referrals.  I wanted to be “top of mind” with my clients.  I certainly didn’t want them to wonder if I knew them.   I started looking for a way to connect to my clients, get more referrals, and increase sales.

Another professional photographer gave me a suggestion. She used a tool to help her connect to her clients and get referrals.  It was an online real greeting card service that allowed her to personally thank her clients.  This service allowed her to add pictures on the cards and type them in her handwriting.  The online company stamped and mailed the cards for her, all for about a dollar per card. She explained how sending cards helped her business.  She got more referrals and was able to personally touch her clients with a quick and easy cost effective tool.  She let her clients know she cared about them and her business boomed.

I knew this service was exactly what I needed.  I started sending out cards and received lots of positive feedback.  Everyone loved getting the cards! When I got a referral, I sent a “thanks for the referral” card and added a $5 starbucks giftcard.  I got three more referrals from that client alone.  Wow, the power of saying thank you and caring about my clients made a big difference in my business!  Not surprisingly, I became very busy.  I raised my prices to cut down the demand on my time.  Sending cards worked, just as I had hoped it would.

Needless to say, I am passionate about this unique card service! I know it helps a business get referrals and increase sales.  I tell others about it, and help them reap the rewards of more referrals and increased sales.

I would love for you to take the time and thank a client you recently worked with.  Send them a card for free to try out this amazing service!  I wish you the best of success in your business with more referrals and clients than you need.

To send a free card, go to

www.sendoutcards.com/sendthanks

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need some cool card ideas.

About the Author: Melanie Ellsworth, Owner, Melell Photography.  She’s also a customer of and distributor for Send Out Cards.

This week’s book review on Small Business Trends is on “Creating Competitive Advantage” by Jaynie L. Smith.   You can see a summary of the book review as a feature video as well.  It’s one thing to read the book, get the principles and think that it’s a great idea, it’s quite another to sit yourself down and start comping up with a real competitive advantage that you can use to actually increase your sales.

I’ve got the book and will be pulling concepts from it while we go through this, but I would encourage you to get a copy for yourself – it’s stellar.  Rather than simply creating a list of what to do, we’re going to start actually doing it over a series of posts and let’s see what we come up with!

Getting Your Brain Around Competitive Advantage

A competitive advantage has three pre-requisites – otherwise it doesn’t count.

1. Must be objective.  This means that it’s a statement of fact; 3 locations, open 24 hours, etc.  If you think about it, it’s kind of like a “feature” of your business.
2. Must be quantitative. Specify how much, how many of anything you’ve got as a feature.  In the example above we made some specifics here are a few more: each service representative has at least 20 hours of training (specify what kind), your pizza delivered in 30 minutes or less or it’s free.
3. Not claimed by any other competitor.  This is where it gets tricky,  your competitive advantage could truly be something that no one else is doing OR it can be something that they are not claiming – or focusing on.  This gives you a lot of creativity.
4. No cliche. Stay away from empty phrases like “your solution provider.”

Start With a List

To get your brain bubbling take a moment and list as many “factual features” of your business.  Aim for a list of 49!

Here are a few areas to get you started:

• How would you respond to your customer when they ask “Why should I buy from you?”
• What’s most important to your customer when they are buying what you are selling?
• What features of your business give the customer what’s most important to them?
• In what ways does your business deliver what’s most important to your customer?

This is just a short list of thought starters – spend about 45 minutes on this exercise.

Stuck-Buster Ideas

Are you stuck on this?  That’s totally normal… here are a few brain-busters to get you started again.

• Draw a picture (stick figures are great) of your customer at the moment when their mind should be triggered to contact you.  What’s happening, where are they?  In what ways can you be “present” to remind them that there is a solution?
• Go outside for 10 minutes with a notebook.  Walk around and note the first thing you see.  Now make a list of all the ways that this item reminds you of the reason your customer chooses you.

Try this and let me know how you’re doing.

How did you discover or uncover your competitive advantage?

Why do we only talk about trends at the end of one year and the beginning of the next?  At the rate of market and technology changes we’re living through, we should at least reflect on what’s trending somewhere in the middle of the year – when we can actually make some judgements on what trends were right and what trends were wrong.  Perhaps some trends were called before their time?

Either way – October planning sessions are just around the corner and I thought it might be fun to start collecting some marketing trend information that you can come back to at the end of the year as you pull your marketing plans together.

Today, we’ll be chatting about trends and their impact on our business(es).  Think about what trends you see and what might be some creative ways of preparing for them.

• What trends have “come true” in your opinion?
• Which trends have fallen flat?
• What do you see as the big political trends in the next 12 months?
• What technological trends do you see?
• What social trends should we be paying attention to?
• What industry trends will impact our business?

If you can’t join the chat today- leave your comment!

In today’s tweet chat we’re talking about word-of-mouth marketing.  It’s fantastic when the stars align and word-of-mouth comes naturally, but you don’t have to wait for that magical chemistry to get word of mouth to work for you.

Here are some common questions around word-of-mouth marketing and how DIYMarketers work it to their advantage:

• What’s the difference between word-of-mouth and referrals?

nrohrbach: Q1: I see WOM as name dropping in casual conversation, where referrals are direct “go here” conversations

JadeYG: In my understanding you got the referrals from the people who is backing you up with word-of-mouth #DIYMKT

burkonsconsult: Referrals – someone gives you a person to contact for potential business; wom – someone tells another person about you. #DIYMKT

JadeYG: Agreed RT @DIYMKTchat So WOM is the story and the excitement, but referrals is where they are closer to action

mariaduron: Q1: WOM can B positive or negative, double-edged sword. Referrals are always positive testimony w/ur rep on the line #DIYMKT

burkonsconsult: Referral – call to action by someone to contact someone else about something they need or to get information about some topic. #DIYMKT

• In what ways do you use word of mouth marketing?

helpitcrashed: RT @helpitcrashed: WOM also includes reviews online in my book like insiderpages.com / yelp.com #diymkt

nrohrbach: Q3: WOM starts with your Brand. Build your company on solid customer service in addition to great product, the WOM will follow. #diymkt

burkonsconsult: @DIYMKTchat is right abt focus on your goals. You can control where you send it, but you cannot control where it goes afterwards. #DIYMKT

KayHunter: @nrohrbach Not only does WOM follow, but it also may define customers U didn’t know or target. #diymkt

mariaduron: Q3: Visibility,credibility+connect-ability.R u visible 2 ur niche + those who hang out w/ur niche? How do ppl sample ur credibility? #DIYMKT

burkonsconsult: @KayHunter Exactly my point. You can only control the origination, not the viral (hopefully) effect. #DIYMKT

• What works best for word of mouth?

burkonsconsult: U can ask ur clients to give ur name to ppl they meet in future who need your services/products. Uncontrollable, but great gift! #DIYMKT

helpitcrashed: @burkonsconsult If your service/product is great that should be a natural reaction…..will tell friends about you…great…etc. #diymkt

• How have you creatively used social media to build word of mouth?

KayHunter: Q4: I use video “thank U 4 following”s rather than automated 1s to get people’s attention. Have had results much gr8r than expected. #diymkt

DIYMKTchat: Q4: Cool slides on how to use social media to build buzz and WOM #DIYMKT http://bit.ly/19Ri4A

KayHunter: @JadeYG “United Breaks Guitars” had over 3M hits in about 10 days. #diymkt

• How are you measuring word-of-mouth campaigns?

helpitcrashed: @DIYMKTchat ref WOM/websites WOM & ROI,with incentives like discounts you track new clients having them mention source for discount #diymkt

burkonsconsult: Q3: You can only control a portion of your WOM campaign. It’s like PR – send the word out there & hope it gets picked up. #DIYMKT

• The Secret to Great Word of Mouth!

ScottBradley: @DIYMKTchat Secret is…BE REAL to those you communicate with + help people feel they are part of something bigger than themselves #diymkt

nrohrbach: Q5: The secret to WOM, be genuine in all biz efforts, put out a great product and put out fires with tact and compassion. #diymkt

helpitcrashed: AGREED!!! Q5: The secret to WOM, be genuine in all biz efforts, put out a great product and put out fires with tact and compassion. #diymkt

mariaduron: Q5: My secret is knowing my niche (the group of ppl I like 2 work w/that give me the most pleasure + profit) + the my WOM system #DIYMKT

I’ve been having so many “social media” conversations over the last year.  It seems that a lot of small business owners are looking for ways to make this a part of their strategy, but they’re just not sure how.

In this particular conversation, we were talking about working a structured referral strategy.  What I mean by structured is that you are actively “working” referral relationships and NOT to makeing them this wonderful surprise!  Referrals are a result of your customers and contacts selling for you.

So, in this conversation when I sat down and literally drew parallels between the referral process he taught me and how I applied it to social media — my friend’s eyes literally lit up!

In today’s tweet chat we’re going to be talking about how much networking and referral building has changed — and how much it hasn’t changed at all.

• What’s the difference between referral building and networking?  Is there one?

helpitcrashed: Hi folks! #diymkt To me networking is you building contacts, referral is clients networking for you based on experience of your service

lizisaacslwc: Yes, Ivana…networking is about bldg relationships, bldg trust and may eventually lead to a referral and/or sale.

_djh: @DIYMKTchat Q1 Yes, but also referals can be rhe result of networking #DIYMKT

lizisaacslwc: Correct, as noted not the same thing. I do a lot of networking online, groups, WOMM etc and not all always leads to a referral #DIYMKT

• How much of your business depends on referrals?

helpitcrashed: @DIYMKTchat Probably 90% #diymkt

lizisaacslwc: @DIYMKTchat Q2: 90-100% #DIYMKT

helpitcrashed: @lizisaacslwc Other marketing/Google searches #diymkt

lizisaacslwc: @DIYMKTchat Agree, today the cost of such prgms R very cost prohibitive in today’s mrkt. E’ though now is a gr8 time to run a biz. #DIYMKT

• Are you running a referral system? Why or why not?

helpitcrashed: @DIYMKTchat Not sure this fits Q3 I use InsiderPages.com for reviews, discount ppl who find me there, sometimes incentivise client feedback

• What tools are you using to manage your network and referrals?

DIYMKTchat: The key is to have and DO a consistent process that involves sharing expertise and connecting with others #DIYMKT

lizisaacslwc: @DIYMKTchat Q3: One such referral tool is BlitzTime #DIYMKT

lizisaacslwc: Nth wrong w/Chamber and assn events, with BlitzTime U don’t have to worry about travel, parking, food/event and other costs. #DIYMKT

DIYMKTchat: #DIYMKT Then I have this client that uses salesforce.com to manage referrers the way we manage customers – it’s very effective

DIYMKTchat: I also like BatchBook as a tool, but I haven’t been using it as much as I could http://bit.ly/HZxnC #DIYMKT

• In what ways are you using social media as part of your referral system?

helpitcrashed: @DIYMKTchat Using FB, Twitter, LinkedIn has not done much for me #diymkt

lizisaacslwc: @helpitcrashed preBT Twitter and WOMM referrals were my main methods. Being hit and miss at times. #DIYMKT

lizisaacslwc: BlitzTime offers a variety of networking events providing useful info or tips while speed networking w/ 5-9+individs in intervals. #DIYMKT

lizisaacslwc: It has given me the oppty to being drawn to those who can fill in the missing gaps and vice-versa #DIYMKT

• What’s your secret for building referrals?

lizisaacslwc: @helpitcrashed VG, it’s impt 2 have goals & objectives 2 accomp.those things effectively and 2B a prt of one’s mktg plan/strategies. #DIYMKT

lizisaacslwc: @DIYMKTchat absolutely correct, the HOW is the most impt ? to ask #DIYMKT

lizisaacslwc: @DIYMKTchat Impt 2b active in communities. My biz blog I have a list which I am still adding to that I generally use a batch reg. #DIYMKT

lizisaacslwc: W/my blogroll–the remainder are used for presence etc. with using them as time permits. #DIYMKT

• What is the one thing that we should all be doing to build our base of referrers (people who refer)?

helpitcrashed: @DIYMKTchat I noticed starting up and watching others start-the SAME mistakes-branding hence Biz-in-box! built wth n/wing with other #diymkt

lizisaacslwc: @DIYMKTchat Q5a: consistency–overall branding, mktg mats etc. #DIYMKT

lizisaacslwc: @DIYMKTchat yes, that’s why adding webinars, teleconferences i.e. BlitzTime and others to the mix is impt. #DIYMKT

helpitcrashed: @DIYMKTchat To build base of referrers offer outstanding service and a unique product, referrals are a natural result of that #diymkt

helpitcrashed: @DIYMKTchat More social side, http://insiderpages.com for me as a service gives me the best results AND Google ranking V Powerful! #diymkt

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I’ve been working with some clients recently on trade show and event marketing strategies.  I have to admit that it’s been a while since I’ve ordered pens and mouse-pads for shows – but I have to think that there HAS to be something better out there than the traditional pens and sticky notes!  Don’t YOU?

Today we’re chatting about how promotional items can build your brand and we’re trying to collect your tips and ideas on how you’ve successfully used a wide variety of promo items.

Our guest guru today is @Bruce Felber, Felber and Felber Marketing.  While they do all kinds of traditional marketing stuff – my FAVORITE way to think of these guys is 3-D marketing!  That means they are brilliant at direct marketing and using 3-dimensional items (promo items) to get their prospects to choose YOU.

Q1.  What’s the difference between a promo item and a premium?

ScottBradley: @DIYMKTchat When I think of schwag I think about the stuff you pick up on the tables at career fairs #DIYMKT

BruceFelber: #diymkt Promotional items given away w/no strings attached. Premiums require either a purchase or or some form of buy in.

BruceFelber: #diymkt Price of the item is NOT the determining factor.

ScottBradley: @DIYMKTchat When I think of a promo item I think about an “add on” to a specific purchase #DIYMKT

mabynshingleton: Promo items are giveaways to promote a cause, service or business. They are always at trade shows. #diymkt

mabynshingleton: Stuff We All Get (S.W.A.G.) … #diymkt

Q2. What’s your favorite kind of promo item to use and why?

ScottBradley: @DIYMKTchat Pens are always fun, or the squishy stress balls! #DIYMKT

BruceFelber: #diymkt A good video to explain why promotional items work. http://tinyurl.com/lpjg2u

mabynshingleton: @DIYMKTchat Q2. favorite kind of promo item = useful items…and here it all depends on budget. #DIYMKT

burkonsconsult: Q2 – Cloth carry bags w/logos – esp in today’s green world. #DIYMKT

helpitcrashed: @DIYMKTchat I always go with pens or magnetic business cards that I leave for clients I visit/meet #DIYMKT

BruceFelber: #diymkt So many items today that are green, But be aware of ‘green washing’ and do it right.

Q3.  What’s your process of figuring out what kind of item you’re going to choose?

BruceFelber: #diymkt See this recent blog entry, Cost effective at many budgets. http://tinyurl.com/kr6dln

BruceFelber: #diymkt Using promotions as part of your direct mail campaign will yield higher results. Permanent advertising works when you can’t.

helpitcrashed: @DIYMKTchat Budget is key for me as I have none, leaving pens in restaurants and bank lobbies always works for local exposure#DIYMKT

BruceFelber: #diymkt look at the message you need to get out there; look at how many people you need to reach; then the budget to reach that audience.

BruceFelber: #diymkt Make sure you always have some “call to action” on any piece unless an award or impact campaign.

BruceFelber: #diymkt Here is an example of promotional items as part of a PR campaign. http://tinyurl.com/mdrssr

Q4. Is it better to pick products that are “permanent” or products that disappear (food)

burkonsconsult: For me, the need is generally in the future, so I need products that are permanent or used often. When the need arises, there I am. #DIYMKT

mabynshingleton: I think you have to decide what your objectives are. For the St. Patrick’s Day parade here, we throw green logoed cups to the crowd. #DIYMKT

BruceFelber: #diymkt Food items are very effective if the message and delivery method is on target. Consider the carrier of the food item.

BruceFelber: #diymkt Ebroidered and screened apparel is 40% of all promotional items today. See http://tinyurl.com/nkufdc

BruceFelber: #diymkt Try this liink on wearing apparel http://tinyurl.com/dj8dwz

BruceFelber: #diymkt Consider family and business reunions, open houses and special events. Wearing apparel can be used to brand an event.

Q5. What’s the benefit of using a promo consultant or firm?

burkonsconsult: Q5 – not having to do it yourself and letting a professional do it. #DIYMKT

Q6. Share a promo item success.  Why did it rock?

BruceFelber: #diymkt I once used apples with an imprint (yes food safe ink) for a Johnny Appleseed promotion.

DIYMKTchat: @BruceFelber I’ve seen people with different colored shirts at family reunions to designate which “child” or which generation – fun #DIYMKT

BruceFelber: #diymkt another effect use is to put kits or packages together for special events, meetings etc. Education use is highly effective.

BruceFelber: #diymkt This was a very successful campaign using promotional items to open the door. http://tinyurl.com/npddgn

BruceFelber: #diymkt Consider the Co-op campaigsn where several companies share the cost and outcome. See http://tinyurl.com/nret5f

Q7. What’s the one thing we all should do when thinking about promo items?

helpitcrashed: @DIYMKTchat remember that Call to Action!! #DIYMKT

BruceFelber: #diymkt Don’t give up on trade show marketing. Still great way to reach many. http://tinyurl.com/ar9s5j

BruceFelber: #diymkt q7 – consider the recipient and expected outcome. Are we branding, informing, promoting an event, thanking a client or employee?

BruceFelber: RT @helpitcrashed: @DIYMKTchat remember that Call to Action!! #DIYMKT Yes number one. Message, contact info etc.

BruceFelber: #diymkt One more link. http://tinyurl.com/mx3bsh

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About fifteen years ago Meg Wheatley came out with a book called “Leadership and the New Science.” In it, she likened the upcoming trend in organizational structure to the shapes studied in quantum physics.  When you looked at them up close, they looked chaotic and without structure.  But when computer models worked out the algorithms these beautiful organic shapes appeared.  They not only had structure, but they had a rhythm and motion to them.

While I was in graduate school, we spent a lot of time talking about this organic structure.  We talked about how companies in the future will be organized.  We came up with this hub and spoke system that looked like a chemical strucutre.  Where people would be experts in and of themselves and then connect as needed with other experts in order to achieve a successful result on a project.  We decided that there wouldn’t be a need for “full time” employeees, that organizations could run lean and successful on the power of current expertise which was pulled from all directions.

Technology has made that possible.  Today we really are a “Free Agent Nation” and our organizations run like movie studios.  Projects get a green light and casting directors go out searching for the perfect team that will make it all happen.

But how do you organize this chaos to make it look like those beautiful shapes and figures drawn by the computer?

Today we’re reviewing some of the tools our DIYMarketers are using to collaborate, share and manage projects and schedules.  Some are free and others are paid-for services.  But all are reasonably priced depending on what you want to do.

Here are our questions for the conversation we’re having :

Q1. Are you currently working collaboratively online?

bradfordshimp: In some ways, online collaboration gives more access, more back and forth – don’t have to call meetings, interrupt work, etc. #diymkt

Q2.If you could only use one tool which would it be and why?

bradfordshimp: Other than my toothbrush, the one do-it-all tool would have to be Gmail. Email, chat, video, and who knows what else! #diymkt

scoblitz: @DIYMKTchat Q2: Impossible to answer, tools are complimentary and are selected by what they can contribute. One alone can’t do all. #diymkt

pmohara: #diymkt Q2 but I would also say Firefox (we like to rig it with extensions that connect different web apps nicely) and uhm, the Internet.

Q3. How are you managing those communications?

scoblitz: @DIYMKTchat I think situation determines best solution. We have standard apps we use but open for variation if needed.

Q4. What tools have you used to manage your projects and collaborations?

samuraivt: I’ve been looking at tokbox, tinychat, and dimdim. Anyone use these for collaboration? #DIYMKT

Q5. What is the one thing you’re looking for when you choose a tool?

robert_brady: Q5. Web-based so I can use it anywhere. Inexpensive and easy to use (synonymous with simple & clean). #DIYMKT

scoblitz: @DIYMKTchat I look at what it will contribute compared to $ / time to implement #diymkt

pmohara: @scoblitz Agreed! & answers #5- we only use tools w/open API (the socket that will let other apps feed/extract data for themselves) #diymkt

Q6. What is it that people forget that they shouldn’t

pmohara: #diymkt Q6 the thing we see people forgetting is data ownership. When you are sharing data across apps and teams – whose data is it?

Q7.  What’s your secret to success in managing virtual teams and projects?

robert_brady: @DIYMarketers Communicate expectations clearly at the start with metrics included. #DIYMKT

scoblitz: @DIYMKTchat Q7: The software is there to help people manage the process, it doesn’t replace them. #diymkt

scoblitz: @DIYMKTchat Q7: The software is there to help people manage the process, it doesn’t replace them. #diymkt

scoblitz: @DIYMKTchat Q7: Particularly with Projects. Having a PM app doesn’t negate the need for a Project Manager. #diymkt

pmohara: @DIYMKTchat Secret to success- definitely communications. Virtual collaboration is a new dynamic for most, so pay attention to people.

TSFsmallbus: @DIYMKTchat The secret to success is communication. Let everyone know your needs/expectations and how to meet them. #diymkt

ifull: @DIYMarketers Good people (to manage)….. closely followed by ‘active’ online CRM, what’s yours?

Do you have customers that are virtually impossible to reach?  CEOs, doctors, lawyers — anyone who hides behind a virtual steel curtain of gatekeepers?

Well – have I got a marketing tool for YOU — MOBILE MARKETING!  Mobile — as in cell phones, PDA’s, iPhones, Blackberry’s — yeah those.

You’ve probably heard of mobile marketing, but just haven’t had the time to think it through and figure out how to make this tool work for you?  This is your chance!

Our DIYMKT tweet chat this week features Heidi Culbertson, one of the leading experts and trend setters on mobile marketing technology and applications to marketing strategies.  I met Heidi at a conference a few weeks ago and she literally blew my world wide open when she showed me how I could reach those impossible customers – and not because I’m badgering them – but because they asked for it.  They opt in asking for what you have to offer via their most private door — their cell phone.

I’ve had this question in my mind for quite a while; What is the relationship between social media and PR?  I’ve always felt unskilled at PR, yet social media excites me.  And as I looked at which kinds of people were picking up on social media and how firms were using it – I noticed that it seemed to fall into the “PR” category.  But I’m not a PR expert.  So I decided to take my curiosity to Twitter and to a couple PR and media relations professionals Chrissanne Sternal of @SternalMrktg and Scott Bradley.  @ScottBradley is the social media master behind the @TPEntrepreneur (Toilet Paper Entrepreneur) Brand of books, seminars and cult following.

Here is a summary of our discussions:

Q1. What’s the relationship between social media and PR?

SternalMrktg: @DIYMarketers Social Media is a great way to supplement your PR and can do great things to build ur brand #DIYMKT

t_s_f: SM and PR work hand in hand. Use the tool that works best for your firm and clients.

bradfordshimp: Q1 – Social media is a great place to connect with and get to know news people. #diymkt

ScottBradley: The relationships between social media and PR is that one supports the other #DIYMKT

SternalMrktg: Q1: Social media removes the traditional media filter in PR. With SM u can speak directly to ur audience. #DIYMKT

jamesdadd: #DIYMKT Social media creates communities, PR targets communities.

dslatter: Q1 social media adds the opportunity for dialog to a PR camapaign #diymkt

SternalMrktg: @DIYMarketers I believe Social Med is about building relationships, for PR, for Mrktg & w customers #DIYMKT

SternalMrktg: Q1: With Social you can get your message directly thru without the press controlling the message. #DIYMKT

wordpost: SM allows PR to extend the reach of a message and personal relationships in a way that wasn’t possible before #DIYMKT

t_s_f: Both SM and PR are about building and maintaining relationships. They just do it in different ways. Both are very effective. #diymkt

mcolacurcio: Q1: SM allows you 2 communicate directly w/ communities. PR engages the experts to add that third-party voice. #diymkt

Q2. What are your tips for integrating social media and PR?

SternalMrktg: @DIYMarketers Social Media enables virtually everyone to become their own PR person by connecting w media on facebook & twitter #DIYMKT

jamesdadd: #DIYMKT hardest part of PR to an SM community is your messaging mix, too much PR and they will turn off, just enough and they will adopt you

ScottBradley: If you want to integrate social media and PR…figure out your backend marketing funnel FIRST before anything else #DIYMKT

SternalMrktg: Q2: Approach your press releases like u do ur blogs/Web sites. Make sure SEO is a big part of press releases. #DIYMKT

dslatter: Q2 keep ‘media speak’ for PR, just be authentic when using SM #diymkt

SternalMrktg: Q2: Be very mindful of the keywords and anchor tags you use in your social media press releases. #DIYMKT

bradfordshimp: Q2 – Social media helps push PR to new and unique places – as in you don’t know where it will be picked up and by whom. #diymkt

SternalMrktg: Q2: Integrate by connecting with media ppl on Twitter & engage in convo w them so you can build a relationship #DIYMKT

SternalMrktg: @bradfordshimp So true, instead of just traditional media picking it up, now bloggers & others can pick up ur story #DIYMKT

SternalMrktg: Q2: Don’t just blatantly pitch media on Twitter, but DO engage w them. Ur chance to pitch will make itself available #DIYMKT

ScottBradley: Leverage web 2.0 technology for traffic to places on the web…not making direct sales (Biggest mistake people make with SM) #DIYMKT

jamesdadd: #DIYMKT You have to get adopted by the community, foster relationships, friends and give something back don’t just push a message

ScottBradley: Once you know where you are pushing traffic…then figure out what you want people to do next….Opt-In to a list/join RSS feed etc. #DIYMKT

dslatter: Q2 use SM to engage people at each major touchpoint between u and your customers/target will enhance PR activities #diymkt

SusieSharp: Be known for being source of useful info… ppl want VALUE from communication, time 2 imp for nonsense tweets #DIYMKT

mcolacurcio: Q2: Have a focused message in both forms of outreach (SM & PR) otherwise you may muddle your identity. #DIYMKT

Q3. What are the biggest social media mistakes that hurt your reputation?

SternalMrktg: Q3: If you use social media the wrong way, it can hurt your reputation. Don’t just use SM to sell to people. #DIYMKT

ScottBradley: The biggest mistake that most people make with social media is trying to “Marry Customers” On the first exposure #DIYMKT

SternalMrktg: Q3: Use traditional rules, too. Make sure ur cognizant of not saying anything that will offend certain publics. #DIYMKT

jamesdadd: @DIYMKT Mistakes, appear as an automated messager, little or no interaction, and not giving back

wordpost: Q3: social media spam is the easiest and fastest way to kill your image.

Q4. How do you bring an offline community online?

dslatter: Q4 show the offline community that SM is relevent- its about content AND conversation #diymkt

bradfordshimp: @DIYMarketers Q4 – You can bring offline communities online, but you need to plan on some real training time. #diymkt

Q5. What’s your favorite tool for managing your communities? Is there one or do you use many?

SternalMrktg: Q4: Make it easy for them to understand. Facebook is a great entry for many since they already use it on personal level. #DIYMKT

ScottBradley: @DIYMarketers I love tweetdeck, hootsuite, e-mail, facebook, twitter, linked in #DIYMKT

SternalMrktg: Q5: I use so many and I’m always trying new ones. Tweetdeck & Hootsuite r great for managing twitter efforts #DIYMKT

SternalMrktg: Q5: After building a relationship on twitter, I like adding new ppl as LinkedIn connection. Easier 2 keep track of their profile #DIYMKT

SternalMrktg: @DIYMarketers I use TweetLater’s tweet alerts. Enter keywords that r relevant to ur biz and get alerts via email daily or hourly #DIYMKT

ScottBradley: @DIYMarketers I think another one is tweetbeep or tweetlater that you could use for alerts #DIYMKT

Q6. Where can we go to learn about using social media as a PR tool?

SternalMrktg: Q6: I like this blog post by @prsarahevans talking bout PR and social media http://tinyurl.com/6gohcz (expand) (some grt tips) #DIYMKT

dslatter: @DIYMarketers Q6 learn it all right here! #diymkt

ScottBradley: @DIYMarketers I recorded an 80min teleseminar about using social media effectively http://www.budurl.com/smtele #DIYMKT

SternalMrktg: @dslatter Great point, join many chats on Twitter to see what new trends are happening. #DIYMKT

SternalMrktg: Q6: Also follow @skydiver to get tips on stories media working on via his Help A Reporter Out service (HARO) #DIYMKT

wordpost: Q6: here is a great collection of 23 social media case studies http://bit.ly/RrcEx (expand) #DIYMKT

SternalMrktg: Q6: You never know where a PR opportunity is going to come from. Getting Twtter keyword alerts can help. #DIYMKT

Q7. If you could only do 2 PR tactics what would they be?

SternalMrktg: Q7: #1 I would definitely do a SEO-enhanced press release to drive traffic to your blog/Web site. #DIYMKT

ScottBradley: @DIYMarketers Facebook group + Youtube Videos #DIYMKT

SternalMrktg: Q7: Tactic #2 PR tactic would b to learn how to pitch ur company in 140 characters for when u CAN pitch on twitter. #DIYMKT

SternalMrktg: @DIYMarketers I’ve switched to Hootsuite for scheduling future tweets, a little easier/quicker to set up #DIYMKT

Q8. What should each of us to RIGHT NOW to improve our PR with social media tools?

SternalMrktg: @ScottBradley I also follow my clients keywords to join in the convo and see what people think about their brand #DIYMKT

ScottBradley: @DIYMarketers Find a way to build a community of people around specific interests for your NICHE…then build that relationship ASAP #DIYMKT

SternalMrktg: Q8; I aggree w @ScottBradley Build a community, of reporters, bloggers & target customers for ur industry #DIYMKT

dslatter: Q8 use PR to create a reason to have a dialog/interaction with you, forget about selling to them
#diymkt

ScottBradley: @DIYMarketers Feel free to listen to my 80 min teleseminar helping you with SM Marketing http://www.budurl.com/smtele #DIYMKT

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