Can Google+ break through our social media fatigue?
November 10, 2011
This week, Google+ launched its business pages which will compete with Facebook business pages as a way for organisations to manage online communities, to market and to interact with clients.
But is Google+ just one social network too many for us to manage and care about?
Last week, Chris Brogan, author of about-to-be-released book GOOGLE+ for Business: How Google’s Social Network Changes Everything was our guest on BOOKED for Lunch, the Australian Businesswomen’s Networks’ interview series with best-selling business book authors.
During the webinar (for which over 700 people registered), Chris pointed out many reasons why business people absolutely MUST start to use Google+, not the least of which is because Google indexes all public posts (your posts on the other social networks are not), giving you a lot of power behind your posts and the chance to integrate with other Google products.
Plus, Google+ has some fun features (Hangouts where you can video chat in small groups) and a better way to manage your contacts (Circles) than Facebook.
We jumped on the moment Pages launched and grabbed our page. We suggest you do the same. We use our Facebook Page extensively for business and I’m sure we will continue to — BUT that’s no reason for us not to also explore how to best use Google+ for business. (I bet you’re not lamenting that you now have a smart phone and not an old brick of a phone – technology and tools change and evolve and it’s important to keep evolving with them for your business to stay up to date.)
As Chris explained: “Google+ is more ‘open’ than Facebook, more deep than Twitter and more rounded than LinkedIn.”
And the fact that Google+ is tied to the number 1 and number 2 search engines in the world (Google and YouTube respectively) makes it a tool unlike the others.
So, there’s no time for fatigue. Register and grab your page today.
To help you make sense of it we suggest two things:
- Watch the webinar on the Australian Businesswomen’s Network website (duration 1 hour).
- Read this list of Google Pages how to guides compiled by Guy Kawasaki’s Alltop.
Here’s some comments from people who attended the live webinar:
– “I found Chris’s responses insightful and thoroughly convincing.”
– “Great ideas, which I’ll be implementing.”
– ”I enjoyed the targeted information that came out though the interview (which was conducted in real language rather than ‘business speak’”
– ”Practical tips and reconfirmation of the importance of social media.”
About Chris Brogan
President, Human Business Works
Chris Brogan consults and speaks professionally with Fortune 100 and 500 companies. He is a New York Times bestselling co-author of Trust Agents, and a featured monthly columnist at Entrepreneur Magazine. Chris’s blog is in the Top 5 of the Advertising Age Power150. He has over 11 years experience in online community, social media, and related technologies.
About Google+ for Business (the Book)
In Google+ for Business, Chris Brogan guides you through using Google+ for promotion, customer service, community building, referrals, collaboration and a whole lot more. You won’t just master innovative new tools like Circles and Hangouts; You’ll use them to generate more customers and more cash!
OUT SOON: Order your copy today.
Steve Jobs, leadership, passion and other details
August 26, 2011
Yesterday’s news of Apple’s Steve Jobs stepping down as CEO of Apple has rocked the business and technology world, and frankly – my world too. Though not entirely unexpected, as he’s been unwell much of the year, the timing of the news was surprising and – as I’m sure you’ve seen, the news is all about him today.
I want to share with you a short reflection and two stories that have come out in the last 24 hours — not from news media speculating what Apple shares will do but two stories from others who’ve chosen to share their feelings about Jobs’s resignation.
I’ve been a Mac user for 20 years this year. And, while I love technology I’m really not a real geek. The only reason I am so technical is that Apple products are so easy to use. I love is that I can do my work, my play, connect, relate, share my passions on the devices that Apple has created, under the leadership of one Steve Jobs.
Steve Jobs - iPhone 2007 Launch
I had the great pleasure of being at the iPhone launch in San Francisco in 2007 and seeing first hand one of Jobs’ compelling, perfectly-timed and passionate presentations. (Yes, really – there was a day that we were without our iPhones. These ARE better days).
His immaculate presentation skills and sense of drama aside – I remember that day a lot because we (well, the guys in our group) had lined up like groupies from 4.00am in the cold morning, amongst thousands of others who were there for the chance to get a first-come, first-served seat at this annual keynote presentation which saw Mac addicts come together. So, at 6.30am my girlfriend and I joined the guys and we waited another few hours before the keynote started.
What surprised me was that – here I was, a mature businesswoman, lining up as though I was back in my teens waiting for a Prince Concert to start. It was however, a memorable day that I still cherish as a really great experience.
I want to share with you two stories from yesterday. Both touched me, in different ways.
1. This short piece by Seth Godin about Jobs
I’m sorry to see him to step down. I’m worried about his health. I’m thankful for the many gifts he has given me.
Suzi
Valerie Khoo finds resources for her Aussie business at SXSW
March 29, 2011
By Suzi Dafnis
Valerie Khoo of the Sydney Writers’ Centre attended South by South West (SXSW) to look at what ideas she can share with her customers and also implement in her own business.
In this video she shares:
- some of the valuable resources she found in the SXSW trade show
- why content creation has to go beyond trying to get search engines to find you
- and how Gary Vaynerchuk’s The Thank You Economy presentation echoed one of the main themes of the conference, that of being more authentically generous and without an agenda.
MORE FROM VALERIE KHOO
Valerie was interviewed for the In Her Shoes business series. In this interview we discuss
• Why good writing is an essential part of doing business
• How social media writing differs from other writing
• What small business needs to be doing right now to be successful
Here’s a link to the video. Watch now for some great writing tips, and more.
Visit the Sydney Writers’ Centre
Best wishes,
Suzi
Six Characteristics of Success-oriented Small Business Owners
July 14, 2010
By Susan Wareham McGrath
Are you highly motivated, caring and curious? If so, you are part of a special breed of success-oriented small business owners, according to Mark D Wolf, director of the New York based Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute.
And if you effectively balance your personal and business goals, take advantage of others’ expertise and continually seek to learn the best practices exhibited by peer companies, you are even more likely to achieve business success.
The Guardian Institute surveyed owners of over 1,100 small business owners in its recent study “The Guardian Life Index.” It identified six dimensions of owners who projected revenue increases and business expansion, even as the recession peaked in the US.
According to the study, success-oriented small business owners are:
- Collaborative – they are able to build strong personal relationships, delegate effectively and are committed to creating opportunities for others.
- Self-fulfilled – they place a high value on the personal fulfillment and gratification that they gain from their business.
- Future-focused – they plan for both the short and long-term future and are focused on cash flow.
- Curious – they are open to learning how others run their business and actively seek best practice insights regarding management, business innovation, prospecting and employee attraction, motivation and retention.
- Tech-savvy – technology is a key point of leverage for success-oriented small business owners. They intensively value their company’s website and are significantly more likely to rely on technology for business effectiveness and efficiency.
- Action oriented – success-oriented small business owners are more proactive in taking initiative to build their business. They are more committed than others to taking their business to the next level, differentiating themselves from their competitors and having an exit strategy. They also see adversity as a means to help them move forward.
According to Patricia Green, PhD, the special academic advisor to the Guardian Institute, successful SME owners are lifelong learners, and the most valuable point of the six dimensions is that they can all be learned.
More information about the characteristics of successful small business owners is available from the Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute.
MORE GREAT POSTS BY SUSAN MCGRATH:
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Susan Wareham McGrath, Susan Wareham Immigration ServicesSusan Wareham McGrath is a skilled and experienced Australian visa and immigration consultant; jobsearch strategist and career management consultant; professional writer, blogger and social commentator. She holds a degree in psychology, an advanced diploma in human resource management, a post graduate qualification in public policy development, a national training accreditation and registration as an Australian migration agent with the Migration Agents Registration Authority. Susan is a strong advocate for the personal and professional advancement of women, and after serving as an Advisory Board Member of the Australian Businesswomen’s Network since 2007 is now the ABN’s National Special Projects Manager.
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Networking ‘across the pond’ provides more opportunities for Aussie women
August 14, 2009
Yesterday I met with the new President of the New York City chapter – National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). NAWBO is a national US organisation for (as the name implies) women business owners.
Pat Ahaesy - NAWBO | Suzi Dafnis
Having lived and worked in the US I know that doing business in Australia is very similar to doing business in the US. The challenges we face as businesswomen, are similar.
For those of us growing a business the main issues remain:
- How do I market my business and improve my sales?
- How do I become a better leader?
- How do I make a profit?
- Where can I go to be with like-minded women?
- What does it take to have work/life balance?
- How to do I navigate legislation that makes doing business hard?
NAWBO, like the Australian Businesswomen’s Network, provides training, networking and access to role models.
So, over a coffee at the well-known Dean and DeLuca cafe at the Rockefeller Centre, Pat Ahersy and I discussed how we can work together to improve services, education and networking opportunities for our members.
And, we talked about how powerful it would be for ABN members to connect with NAWBO members and to cross-network and do business across the Pacific Ocean.
As part of the Australian Businesswomen’s Network’s commitment initiative to be at the forefront of access to development opportunities for businesswomen we will continue to develop links and find ways to help our community connect with the right people, across the globe.
Stay tuned for developments.
Aussie women support the development of business owners in developing countries.
August 4, 2009
During Women’s Business Week (held in March to coincide with International Women’s Day) the Australian Businesswomen’s Network raised funds to support entrepreneurs in developing countries. Members contributed donations through a silent auction and a series of business webinars. Here are the women who we are currently supporting through these donations.
I share their stories here to demonstrate the parallel between business owners in all countries. Our circumstances may differ (immensely) but our spirit and our goals are often similar. Education, inspiration and networking and connections are the common elements to our success regardless of our location.
Chea Yarn Nheb | Kiva.org
Chea Yarn Nheb, 57, is a widowed woman who runs a business on her own as a food (green papaya and some other types of vegetable mixed together) and soy-milk seller living in the Battambong province; she typically makes US$6 every day and is aided by her daughter who works in a garment factory with an income of US$3 per day.
Nheb wants to operate another business for her family members to generate more income to cover her family’s expenses and to save more income to repair her house. That is why she has approached CREDIT with a request for a loan. Nheb is asking for a loan of US$1,000 to purchase clothes, a purchase that she sees as a good opportunity to resell them at a fairly profitable price to increase her income.
Sra. Leticia | Kiva.org
Sra. Leticia is married to Sr. José Ramón, who is a pensioner. They have a grocery store called “Abarrotes Leticia” (Leticia’s Groceries), which has been in operation for one year. They are a close family. Their daughter Yesenia works in an office as a data entry operator. Sra. Leticia’s income goes toward the family expenses.
Her loan will be used to buy merchandise for her family business, which will increase her earnings.
Dona Rosario Tzoc | Kiva.org
Doña Rosario Tzoc is 28 years old and lives with her husband and children. She is a merchant who sells traditional clothing. She and her husband work in the same shop with their two employees. For the past 8 years, they have been operating their business from home in Paraje Xolcaja in the Poxlajuj sector of Totonicapán District, Guatemala.
Now that customer demand has increased, they are not in a financial position to increase their capital. For this reason, they have approached Asociación ASDIR to request a loan. They intend to buy raw materials needed to increase their sales. Doña Rosario hopes that her family will get ahead and have better living conditions.
Mrs. Maria de la Luz | Kiva.org
Mrs. Maria de la Luz lives with her husband, Mr. Adrian Villrreal, who is on pension. Mrs. Maria has her own business called “Abarrotes Imax”, which she established a year ago. This business is turning a profit, and she already has her own regular customers. The family is seeking a loan for investment in the purchase of additional merchandise in order to continue meeting the needs of their customers.
Keme Diaw | Kiva.org
Kémé Diaw, age 39, is married and has 6 children to support. She sells refreshments, and also sheets and curtains at home. Her income enables her to pay electricity bills and to increase her working capital, in order to better provide for her family.
You can make a donation at kiva.org.
The Australian Businesswomen’s Network community initiatives have raised over $40,000 in donations to support women around the world.
Global Summit of Women Review – Join us next year in Beijing
June 3, 2009
Last year I attended the Global Summit of Women in Vietnam. This year’s conference was in Chile just a couple of weeks ago. The Australian Businesswomen’s Network has been a partner of the summit for many years and today we received this lovely message from the president of the program – a woman who has, for 19 years, committed herself to helping women gather around the world to network, learn and be inspired. Next year’s conference is in China and we plan to take a group of women along to represent Australia. More news as soon as we have details. We’d love you to join us.
I would like to extend my appreciation for Australian Businesswomen’s Network’s participation as an International Partner to the 2009 Global Summit of Women held in Chile this May. We are proud to count you among the 84 partners from 50 countries who supported the Global Summit of Women this year. Your partnership with the Summit contributed greatly to the diversity of our Summit ‘family’.
There was a great deal of excitement at this year´s Summit, partly as a result of coming together in such large numbers during a most difficult time globally. We are receiving very positive comments from government ministers, corporate executives and entrepreneurs alike for an exciting, dynamic global forum, which featured some of the best and the brightest women from different parts of the world. Your support plays a critical role, because in addition to sending delegates to the Summit, our partner organizations share important lessons from the Summit following the event itself.
In fact, we have been busy since we returned from Chile adding material to our website. I invite you – and your members – to see for yourself what the 2009 Global Summit of Women was all about by visiting our updated website, www.globewomen.org, (click on Global Summit of Women).
Even after 19 years, I remain enthused and awed by the talent and expertise exhibited by the women who participate at the Summit. Organizations like yours which carve a path for others to follow make this a worthwhile, albeit difficult to organize, forum as it rotates yearly continent to continent. Thank you very much for giving us your support. Best wishes and I hope that you can make your way to Beijing next year for the Summit’s 20th anniversary.
Sincerely,
Irene Natividad
Summit President
Global Summit of Women 2009
A report from the 2009 Global Summit of Women
May 15, 2009
The 19th Global Summit for Women opened today in Santiago, Chile with 28 Ministers – including the first woman Minister (for education) from Saudi Arabia!! We are indeed making progress.
Lead Specialist of the World Bank Group Gender Action Plan, Amanda Ellis sent me this report today. [Amanda and I and a few Australian Businesswomen's Network members attended last year's summit in Vietnam.]
Amanda Ellis | World Bank Group Gender Action Plan
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet formally opened the Summit to a standing ovation from a crowd of around 650, which is pretty good going given the current global financial and economic crisis. President Bachelet recapped some of the positive changes that have been enacted since she was elected Chile’s first woman President. These included:
• significant increase (tripling) in childcare facilities
• pension reform in favor of women
• new code for labor practices taking into account women’s family responsibilities
As Summit President, Irene Natividad, underscored when presenting a leadership award to President Bachelet, she has never forgotten she is a woman as well as a presidebt, and has fought hard to level the playing field for women. I presented an update to Ministers on the World Bank Group’s Gender Action Plan for women’s economic empowerment and gave a sneak preview of the Women’s Economic Opportunities Index we have been working on with the Economist Intelligence Unit. The Index compares over 100 countries on which provides the best business environment for women to be economically active. There are 6 sub categories, each of which have several components
• Labour policy
• Labour practice
• Credit, property and tax
• Education and training
• Social customs and attitudes (these first five are all specifically relating to women)
• General business environmentNo prizes for guessing where the US and Australia currently rank on paid maternity leave! Tomorrow the business sessions kick off starting with moderated networking breakfasts.
Amanda Ellis, Lead Specialist World Bank Group Gender Action Plan
Thanks Amanda for keeping us updated on this inspiring event. We look forward to hearing more and to the release of the Women’s Economic Opportunities Index.
You can hear Amanda’s presentation on Social Entrepreneurship from the Australian Businesswomen’s Network’s Women’s Business Week webinar held in March. (Give the recording a few mins to get going…)
Business Culture Lessons from Zappos billion dollar experience
March 28, 2009
On of the highlights for me from South by South West’s Interactive festival this year was the keynote from Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, a $1 billion dollar online business that sells shoes (and quite a few other things).
According to Tony Hsieh, backbone of the Zappos success story is its commitment to customer service and to its culture and building a powerful context within which. This culture defines your decisions, those you recruit to fulfil the company vision and (in Zappos case) your customer relationships.
At the end of his presentations (some highlights below) he offered to send the audience (yes, all thousands of us) a copy of Zappo’s culture manual.
Being ever-conscious of not wanting to waste his money (the company turns over billions did I say?), I decided that since
- I was in Australia and
- both my partner PJ and I were attending
that we’d just put our names down to receive one copy.
I wondered whether they’d actually mail it to Sydney.
It arrived yesterday and here’s a couple of things.
- It’s a whopper It’s over 500 pages of insider information (including warts and all stories from employees) and covers Training, Merchandising, Business Development etc. – an insight into the culture and values of this powerful organisation. What inspires them to hand out this to thousands of people? Pretty amazing in my eyes.
- It’s compelling reading It’s sitting on our dining table so that we can enjoy bite-size pieces of it over the coming weeksI am a big believer in culture and ritual and identifying what it is that is true and important for you to have in your workplace. As a business owner I am challenged to define the culture and ensure we stay congruent to it. About Zappos Culture In his talk which you can watch if you go here, Tony talked about Culture being your “committable core values” and asked:
Are you willing to hire and fire according to these values?
Here are those that I managed to jot down:
10 Rules of Culture from Zappos
- Deliver Wow through service
- Embrace and drive change
- Create fun and a little weirdness
- Be adventurous, creative and open-minded
- Pursue growth and learning
- Build open and honest relationships with communication
- Build a positive team and family spirit
- Do more with less
- Be passionate and determined
- Be humble Watch the video for a better look at the Zappos organisation.
Oh, and here’s a really bad mug-shot of the two of us.
I’d seen Tony the week previously on TV when he was guest on Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice show and on TV he came across quite shy and humble.
In real-life he also excuded a humble air which surprised me and which I found interesting, cause people do success so very differently, don’t they?
Mentoring – Golden Globe’s big winner
January 13, 2009
Despite not getting to the movies as often as I’d like, I enjoy the awards nights that seem to crowd around the first part of the year.
Last night’s Golden Globe Awards main honoree was Steven Spielberg, whose presentation was articulate and real and contained the wisdom and clarity that you’d expect from some so accomplished in his field.
The part of his acceptance speech that I resonated with most was his endorsement of mentoring.
He related the words that his mentor said to him:
“I will always be there for you in success. But I will also be there for you in hard times.”
and spoke of who in the industry had mentored whom mentioning names like movie greats including Martin Scorcese and Ron Howard.
So, if mentoring can be a key part of an industry that could be said to be highly competitive, then there is certainly room for mentoring within all areas of learning and development.
Mentors have played (and will continue to play) a key part in my business and personal development and I am fully committed to supporting women in (especially small) business to work with a mentor to grow, advance, enhance, plan their business.
