I didn’t want to play a race or gender card but I did want to keep it personal to my community. Alright I’ll stop writing and let you watch the video. Please, please, pretty please share this if you find it funny, compelling or can relate to it in any way.  Leave comments and spread the word! I’m aiming for at least 1 million views and since most people reading this are extremely tech savvy and influential in the space, we should have no problem achieving this goal!

And now for the feature presentation: SHIT SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERTS SAY! (You know, the people who can run your Facebook and Twitter account)

Big thank you to @jennyjenjen for filming and editing the video, @robotfaith @iPodschun @ChrisKirkman for being a part of creating the video and @LoMagna for her ideas on writing the script.

After responding to a few comments and sending out a few emails, within a few hours it was all set! I had my videographer, co-stars for my video and a time and place to film! Talk about making things happen quickly! Throughout all the planning, my good friend @LoMagna who knows me too well (She and I went to high school together and traveled to Hong Kong!) sent me a chat message as soon as she saw my post:

Yep @LoMagna was 100% spot on, even with the title of the video! Hence, why I had to bleep it out in our chat since it’s a secret! As stated in my chat to her, I’m so excited about this video. If you’re a part of my community on Twitter, Facebook or any other Social Network I know you’ll love it too and want to share it with all your friends! I’m doing this entire project just for fun, but I would love to see the power of viral videos work its magic so I’m aiming for at least 1 million views on this video!

Check out my List of 12s for 2012s. It’s # 8 “I’m not a regular YouTuber but I’m currently working on an awesome Social Media related video that will be published soon. My goal is to get at least 1 million views on this video. I know that sounds extreme, especially since my current YouTube videos  have views only in the hundreds. I’ve got a good feeling about this video and in 2012 I’m going to get 1 million views on my social media related YouTube video.“

So now that you’re all wondering what the heck is this video that I keep hyping up?! Any guesses? Surely someone other than @LoMagna can guess what my video is going to be about!

Special thanks to @jennyjenjen, @ipodschun, @robotfaith and @chriskirkman for all being a part of my Secret Social Media Video Project! I seriously can’t wait to show you all what I’ve been working on! We’re doing final edits on the video and it should be up in the next day or so! In the meantime feel free to Subscribe to my YouTube Channel so you can be one of the first to be notified when the video is posted! STAY TUNED!

]]> http://www.marketingmelodie.com/index.php/2012/01/announcing-my-secret-social-media-video-project/feed/ 0 http://www.marketingmelodie.com/index.php/2012/01/ringing-in-the-new-year-with-list-of-12s-for-2012/ http://www.marketingmelodie.com/index.php/2012/01/ringing-in-the-new-year-with-list-of-12s-for-2012/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:40:11 +0000 Marketing Melodie http://www.marketingmelodie.com/?p=5153 Happy New Year! 2011 was amazing! And I’m excited for what 2012 has in store. For my first post of 2012 I’m sticking with the “new year” theme!

I love making lists. To-do lists are the most common for me. I make these daily to stay on task with both my personal and professional life. In fact I’ve even added things to my to-do list after I already accomplished them, just so I can check it off. C’mon I know I’m not the only one who’s done this before! Fess up if you have!

Instead of resolutions, I shared with my network that 2012 means making “Lists of 12s”!

I’m working on lists of 12 new restaurants to try, 12 new places to go, 12 marketing goals for my business and first list I made is of course related to tech and social media: 12 tech/web/social media related things I’d like to accomplish in 2012! 

1. Pinterest- We all know about my food porn addiction. I recently joined Pinterest and wow, it’s any food porn addict’s DREAM! I have 2 boards related to food. My Sweet Tooth is filled with gorgeous, mouth-watering sweets. Rather than just look at these images and drool, in 2012 I’m going to actually make at least 2 desserts I’ve pinned on Pinterest. (Give me food and I’ll cook but please note I have virtually zero experience when it comes to baking sweets so this is something new for me!)

Wishing everyone the best of the best in 2012! Thank you to everyone who reads my posts. I’ve really appreciate the comments, tweets, Facebook Likes, Subscribes and emails! It makes me happy to hear from you so please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time!

HIT IT ALLISON!

Since I just finished my life as a college student at SDSU, it’s got me thinking about my next step in life: a career. As I enter in the professional market and have started looking for job opportunities, I have realized the importance of optimizing your Social Media profiles. Listed below are ways Social Media has helped me and can help you in your professional job search:

Consistently Branding yourself on Social Media Profiles:
It’s very important to brand yourself on your Social Media sites and make sure you are consistent within each one. This makes it easier for potential employers to search for you on the web. One way to brand yourself as a professional is to claim your own Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn URL’s.

Connecting with Professionals:
I have found it very useful to follow and connect with professionals in the marketing and social media industry on Twitter and LinkedIn. Through connecting with these professionals I am not only expanding my professional network, but I am also learning more about the careers and industries that I am interested in. You never know who you will connect with who may have a job opportunity suited for you. I’ve also noticed different job postings by professionals I’ve connected with.

Tailor Social Networks:
It’s so important to tailor your Social Networking sites towards the position or career you are interested in. For example, for someone interested in Marketing, it’s important to tweet about up-to-date marketing strategies or blog about topics relating to Marketing. This shows potential employers that you are truly passionate about the position or career you are pursuing. It’s also important to edit your Social Networking sites to make sure nothing too personal is being displayed. It probably wouldn’t be the best idea to post pictures of you doing a keg stand at some party on your Facebook page. Since Social Networking sites are often employer’s first impressions of you, you want to post or tweet about topics that are appropriate.

These are just a few tips that have helped in my job search so far! Thanks to a prior blog post from Melodie on 10 Ways to Land Your Next Job Through Social Media, I also learned other ways to  utilize Social Media to find my next job. If anybody has some more great tips that would help me in a job seeking, feel free to follow me on Twitter, I would greatly appreciate it and look forward to hearing from you!

Celebrating my birthday in 2010

This past year has been filled with challenges, change and obstacles in both my personal and professional life but it’s also been filled with joy, fun, success and gratitude. I’m very grateful to everyone who’s been here to support me through difficult times, inspire me to be a better person and motivate me to continued success. Since it’s my birthday I’d like to share some fun facts related to my birthday!

13 is my Lucky Number- Since I’m born on the 13th, 13 has always been and always will be my lucky number. 13 has proven time and time again to be a lucky number for me! I only play Scratchers once and year when I attend the Del Mar Fair in the summer. Check out my only winning Scratcher for the year, notice the Winning Number? Also notice how I won with that number, not once but twice on a single scratcher! Winning with the number 13 happens to me quite often and this is just one example.

Friends who share my lucky birthday, December 13!

•  My College Buddy Gary from UCSB is my birthday twin and every year since college we wish each other a happy birthday. Since graduating, we don’t get to see each other but we still give each other a Facebook birthday wish which has become a ritual! He pointed out that we only talk on this day!

• I also have a Birthday Twin on Twitter. A big happy birthday shout out goes to the lovely @mayaBY. We met at a @sdbloggers event last year where I selected her as my Secret Santa to discover she was also my Birthday Twin!

Famous people who share my lucky birthday, December 13!

• Mary Todd Lincoln, First Lady of the United States
• Dick Van Dyke, American actor and comedian
• Tom DeLonge, American guitarist (blink-182, Angels & Airwaves)
• Amy Lee, American singer/songwriter (Evanescence)
• Taylor Swift, American singer

Social Media Fun on my Birthday- Thanks to Social Media, I feel even more birthday love on this day! The birthday wishes are already flooding my Facebook wall and tweet stream. I’m so grateful for everyone who takes the time to wish me a Happy Birthday. I even got a few birthday wishes from some local celebrities!

Birthday Wish from Weather Girl @NBCJodie

Birthday Wish from Sports Illustrated @SI_JimTrotter!

Here’s to celebrating the day you came into the world and here’s to a happy, healthy and prosperous year! Oh and since it’s my birthday, what better day than today to have you join my social media community!

• Subscribe to Marketing Melodie here
• Follow me on Twitter here
• Join me on Facebook here

I leave you with a quote from the very wise Abraham Lincoln

“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

HIT IT ALLISON!

Last week I had a great experience volunteering at Marketing Melodie’s Digital Media Now seminar- Personal Branding on Social Media. I gained valuable knowledge about branding myself on Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. I learned how important it is to brand yourself consistently within all your Social Networks so your information is cohesive.  I also learned the fundamental purposes of Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter. Linkedin is used to post your business experience and to connect with colleagues and employers. Facebook is the most personal of the 3 networks where you generally know everyone on your friends list and post personal photos and posts. Twitter is useful for connecting with individuals who you share common interests with and for tweeting and reading up to date information. The event was also a great way to interact and connect with the other attendees.

@stef_funny and @AllisonSchummer Volunteering at Digital Media Now

I was looking forward to the networking portion of the event to connect with others and build my social network. I met Jeff Klubeck (@GetAKlu) at the event and we had a great conversation about higher education and the importance of having a college degree. Later to find out, we both majored in Communication at SDSU and began reminiscing about our favorite teachers and courses. This is just one example, of how powerful networking is: You never know how connected you really are to people until you start sharing. Everyone at the event was very interesting and actively participated which contributed to its success. I look forward to the next Digital Media Now seminar where I can gain further knowledge on Social Media and connect with more people!

Marketing Melodie presenting at Digital Media Now- Personal Branding on Social Media

Thanks for sharing Allison! If you’re reading this and you also want to learn the ins and outs of Social Media, I’m still seeking Marketing Interns, apply today! If you’re reading this and you know someone who can benefit from working with me, please spread the word. Stay tuned for more posts from Allison on things she’s learned and experienced from working in marketing. You can follow Allison  on Twitter  to learn more about her marketing adventures! 

HIT IT ALLISON!

After working with Melodie for several weeks now, I have learned a lot about Social Media and all the benefits it has to offer. Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin are great Social Media websites that have allowed me to brand myself, network, and learn effective communication skills. Here are a few things I have found valuable from these three Social Media sites:

Twitter has taught me how important networking is. If it weren’t for Twitter, I would have never known about Melodie’s request for an intern. Through networking on Twitter, I was introduced to Marketing Melodie and the rest is history. Twitter has also made me a better communicator; it encourages me to become more concise, expand my vocabulary, and improve my writing skills to write a tweet within 140 characters or less.

Although I’ve been a Facebook member for about 5 years now, I’m still learning about what the site has to offer. Until recently, I was unaware that you could personalize your Facebook URL.  This important because it’s another way to brand yourself on Social Media. Through Facebook, I’ve learned the importance of branding yourself by being consistent within your Social Media sites.

LinkedIn is a great site to appeal to future employers or potential people in your professional network. Through Linkedin, I find it valuable to be able to post my work and educational experience for people to seek out. Again it is important to present yourself as a professional on Linkedin while staying consistent with your brand.

Through Social Media sites, I am provided with up to date knowledge on the latest trends and have been able to build strong relationships, only expanding my social and professional network. I can’t wait to learn and blog more about Social Media!

Thanks for sharing Allison! If you’re reading this and you also want to learn the ins and outs of Social Media, I’m still seeking Marketing Interns, apply today! If you’re reading this and you know someone who can benefit from working with me, please spread the word. Stay tuned for more posts from Allison on things she’s learned and experienced from working in marketing. You can follow Allison  on Twitter  to learn more about her marketing adventures! 

“How much do you pay for Facebook? It’s a FREE tool so rather than complain be grateful. EMBRACE the change, they know what they’re doing” 

The purpose of my post was to merely put in perspective how we often forget to express our gratitude for resources provided to us free of any monetary costs. When we do express our feelings, it’s usually when we’re dissatisfied.

I honestly wasn’t thinking about much more than pointing out a reason to be grateful for all the opportunities Facebook has created for us. Because I wasn’t thinking beyond my simple post, I’m so grateful and appreciative for  my community. Even though I teach people about marketing and social media, I learn so much every day from all of your social commentary and interactions. It’s because of my community; people who read my updates and most of all people who engage in conversation with me that I’m able to acquire so much knowledge and perspective on all the digital changes  constantly being made. I received many passionate and heated replies to this post in particular. Here goes….

What’s everyone’s relationship with Google+? I jumped into it immediately but slowly went back to my regular Facebook and Twitter routine. I started posting less and less frequently. It was however quite the day for Social Media because Google+ made their network open to the public on the same day Facebook launched all their changes. The big blue arrow on my Google home page definitely reminded me to post a quick update on there.

I received a few replies on Google+ and was happy to see that everyone who commented on my post was quite positive! From being online yesterday and talking to all of  you I definitely learned so much! If you’ve read all the social commentary/replies to my posts I trust you’ll also learn a lot from all the different viewpoints. Here are some highlights of great points and things I learned.

1. Even though Facebook is a completely free service, meaning they require no monetary investment; many people feel that their personal information and data is more valuable and do feel that Facebook is receiving a lot in return for providing this “free” service.
2.  While Google+ has been put on the back burner for a while, it seems that the Facebook changes are now driving more people to check out Google+ and embrace this new network.
3. Social Networks are all communication tools that we don’t “own”. But we do have the freedom to customize our use of each one in ways that benefit us most.
4. Facebook Privacy concerns. Any improvement on this? Nope!
5. Google+ Innovations- Screen Share, multiple video chat which integrates with your phone and SEARCH!

I appreciate each and everyone person who takes the time to reply to me and teach me something new. I take your comments and apply them to my own insights which allows me to have an even broader perspective when I teach others. And now I leave you with this inspiring quote:

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude” ~Maya Angelou 

 ”

My inspiration for creating Digital Media Dinners came from meeting many business owners and professionals who tell me they’re on Social Media but are challenged in executing it effectively. I’m here as a resource for those eager to succeed and grow their businesses in the digital space. My goal for each event is to have attendees walk away with tactical and practical tips they can implement immediately into their marketing strategy. I also want to provide an opportunity for networking and growing business connections.

Packed room of guests at Digital Media Dinners 2

At the first Digital Media Dinners- Facebook and Twitter for Business attendees learned specific tips on how to optimize their accounts. At the second Digital Media Dinners- Social Media Branding attendees learned how to take action to ensure  a positive brand reputation and attract qualified customers and clients. The third event focuses on building a social media community. Attendees will learn how to strategically interact with customers and prospects to ultimately grow an audience of loyal brand evangelists.

YOU WILL GAIN:

• Hands-on, tactical tips to implement and incorporate immediately
• Knowledge on how to effectively engage in conversations on Social Media
• Tips on how to encourage interaction with your community and turn your audience into true advocates for your brand

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

• Business Owners and Leaders
• Marketing and PR Executives
• CMOs, Marketing Managers and Directors
• Product and Brand Managers
• Anyone interested in learning how Social Media will help grow your business

EVENT FORMAT:
Melodie Tao, founder of Marketing Melodie,(www.marketingmelodie.com) will give an educational presentation on How to Build Your Social Media Community followed by a panel discussion with successful industry leaders. The panelists will provide insight on how their business or organization is excelling in community building through Social Media. The event will conclude with audience Q&A.

6:30- 7:15pm: Networking, Buffet Style Dinner sponsored by Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill
7:15- 7:45pm: Presentation by Melodie
7:45- 8:30pm: Panel Discussion, Audience Q & A

Early Bird Registration $59 per person (Until July 7th), Regular price $69 per person and $79 at the door

Networking and lining up for Dinner at Digital Media Dinners 2

DINNER: Registration includes dinner sponsored by Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill and will consist of their Beach Mex Buffet with Grilled Chicken and Steak, rice, “no-fried” pinto beans, jack and cheddar cheese, lettuce, fresh guacamole, three signature salsas, soft tortillas and tortilla chips. Veggie Burritos available by request.

PANELISTS:

• Jim Trotter- Senior Writer, Sports Illustrated
• Megan Pogoda- Community Manager, Google (Google Places)
• Jeff Monday- Development Executive, Apple Inc.
• Read more about the panelists here

EVENT PARTNERS: Silk Road Productions

PRO TIP: Join Marketing Melodie on Facebook and receive a $10 off promo code!

I look forward to seeing everyone for the next Digital Media Dinners on Thursday July 14^th at 6:30pm. Please feel free to share any feed back you have from previous events or let me know what you’d like to see at our upcoming event.

Thanks to everyone who wished me a HAPPY BIRTHDAY on Facebook today! Now it’s time to say APRIL FOOL’S! is NOT my birthday

To make my April Fool’s Joke a bit more productive, I’ll share how I crafted a joke that virtually no one called me out on while I simultaneously teach you about Facebook Privacy Settings. Most aren’t aware of these settings but understanding them empowers you to maintain your privacy while being able to share and connect with your friends and family or in my case, pull off April Fool’s Jokes.

FACEBOOK LISTS- I highly recommend making these! Grouping friends into lists allows you to view specific status updates that are organized rather than relying on Facebook’s random algorithm to show you posts that may not be relevant. You can also add Facebook business pages to your lists. Creating lists is simple. Click on the “Friends” Tab on the left hand side, then “Create List”. Once you’ve named the list start adding people.

Viewing status updates from specific lists is also simple. Under your “News Feed” tab, click on “Most Recent” and you’ll see your lists in the drop down menu.

Facebook Lists allows you to block certain groups of people from specific info you’re posting such photos, personal information etc. I created a Group of close friends and family who I knew wouldn’t believe me about my Birthday Joke and made sure to block them from my Birthday listing.

WALL SETTINGS

I knew my Wall would be a challenge in executing my April Fool’s Joke. Even though I blocked certain people from viewing my Birthday and Photos in Facebook I knew these same people would be suspicious if they noticed everyone commenting “Happy Birthday” on my Wall so I made sure to also block these list from viewing Wall Posts left my others.

PHOTOS

I utilized Facebook photos in 2 ways to validate my birthday joke:

• You can choose who you allow to view each separate Facebook album! I changed my settings so any photo album with previous birthday images (all taken in December), weren’t visible. Keep this in mind if you post party photos and don’t want them to be visible to co-workers. To do this click on the individual album. Scroll to the very bottom left and click on “Edit Album Info”.  Next to “Privacy” scroll down to “Custom” and type in specific people or lists you wish to block from a particular album.

• I posted a fake photo (Thanks Google Images) of flowers I didn’t really receive.  One commenter even enhanced my joke with his own little April Fool’s  joke about getting me the non existent flowers. This photo was visible to everyone, even close friends who I blocked from my wall and since I didn’t label the photo as “Birthday Flowers” I had several comments from people who believed I actually received them.

FACEBOOK IS WRITTEN IN INK

Be careful what you post on Facebook. Even if you delete a message or comment, people get email notifications of your initial post so your words are easily tracked.

I was caught Red Handed by a Facebook friend. Who sent me a message “I was going to wish you happy birthday when I remembered that I wished you happy birthday in December. Then I found this on my Facebook wall” and includes the screen shot pictured below”. My post on his Wall wishing him a Happy Birthday from a fellow Sagittarius was a giveaway.

HAPPY APRIL FOOL’S DAY ON SOCIAL MEDIA

To sum it up, Social Media has significantly amplified the fun we’re able to have on April Fool’s Day.  The jokes spread faster as they’re shared by the masses!

So how did you enjoy my April Fool’s Day joke? Did you like it better than the one I pulled off last year when I had A Very Happy April Fool’s Day Thanks to Social Media? Please share any jokes you’ve seen or played and even though I fooled most of you I trust you’ll accept my Facebook Privacy Lessons as a condolence.