Social Media

How Does Your Customer Service Feel?

December 20, 2011 By Carra Riley Leave a Comment

How Does Your Customer Service Feel?

It has been said: "people remember how you make them feel and not what you say."

No matter what sales or service industry you are in, lessons can be learned from the way Lexus treats it's clients. Leading by example the Stevinson Lexus group of Frederick, Colorado is setting the bar in customer satisfaction.

The opening of the new store in Frederick made me sit up and take notice of how important every single detail is creating the feeling that lasts and generates raving fans!

Making a long story short, our car ownership evolved from the Mercedes family to Lincolns, to the Lexus group over 32 years in real estate and small business consulting. The Lexus story begins with a friend of mine from my life guard days in Thornton, Colorado when I was 16 years old. My friend sold cars for Lexus and kept me on his contact list. His service went as far as ordering our latest SUV over the phone in Colorado and having it delivered to Lake Havasu City, Arizona at the Home Depot parking lot. He took care of every detail including the call for us to meet the driver to take delivery of our new car.

We now live in Williams, Arizona so the closest Lexus dealership is Las Vegas or Phoenix both are about a 3 hour drive from our home. It never bothers us to go to Vegas to have our car serviced as we can meet friends and have fun at the same time. What is consistent about the Lexus dealerships all over the country is the way the team treats the consumer. We can always make an appointment and have a loaner car to be able to do what we need to do while in the big city.

This past October we were in Colorado and I called my friend at Lexus to make a service appointment at the new store in Frederick. Again, as a Lexus owner I am never concerned about the quality of the service as I know it is going to be top quality no matter where I am. Our original sales friend made a move but my new best friend in the service end, Andy Anderson, took over and got us all set up with the loaner car and an orientation of the new store.

The new store in Frederick is amazing. There is a new Mac in the waiting room for customers to use sitting around the big screen or enjoying a roaring fireplace which makes you feel like you are in a 5 star resort. One of the very favorite unique branding tools I found at Stevinson Lexus in their west store was the waterfall faucets in the magnificent bathrooms. The labeled towels and mouthwash are icing on the cake in a Lexus restroom. Many stores have nail boutiques, hair booths and shoe shine stands for the consumer waiting for their car. The coffee bar with fresh pastry, fruit and juice again, make you feel appreciated as a customer.

I created a simple foursquare check in talking about the new store after getting the tour. Within 15 minutes of leaving the store we received a call from our service consultant, Andy Anderson, letting us know that the post on foursquare had been noticed by Lexus corporate and they appreciated our "shout out." Now, think about how I felt as a customer receiving a call about my post on twitter and facebook about the great new store in Frederick, Colorado. I felt like a valued client who meant something to the Lexus organization and I feel like supporting the Lexus team in every way possible.

Do you think we have a mutual admiration society? I think so and am looking forward to going to Stevinson Lexus of Frederick tomorrow for the 5,000 mile service again.

Let's discuss how social media fits into every business today. It' fun and it works!

I can't say enough good things about Lexus and the team at Stevinson in Frederick, Colorado. I hope you will think about a Lexus, go into a showroom, talk to the professionals and create your own team of supporters.

More great Lexus news. As I posted this to twitter and checked out the @Lexus tweets I see they are giving $5.00 for each tweet with #LexusBigRedBow or sharing on facebook to Toys for Tots so check it out and share the #LexusLove

Thank you Lexus, for showing us the way to exceptional customer service and how to create raving fans.

Call 1.866.350.7026 for details
or Click Here

NOW THROUGH JANUARY 3

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Andy Anderson, Carra Riley, foursquare, Frederick Colorado, Lexus, Social Media

Connecting The Mobile Marketing Dots!

October 30, 2011 By Carra Riley Leave a Comment

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Mobile Marketing is a place you need to be and something you need to know about!

If you have not "connected those dots" you need to meet Susan Rice-Lincoln on Thursday, November 3, 2011 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on the Cosmic Cow Pie Blogtalkradio show. Call into the show on (347) 994-1903 or join is in the chat room. The more you learn about mobile marketing and where today's eyeballs are the better off you will be in adjusting as the Cosmic Shift Happens™.

Susan Rice-Lincoln is a Mobile and Social Media Marketing Expert and author of "Mastering Web. 2.0." Currently living in France and connecting all over the world

Individuals, small businesses and non profit organizations will want to listen to this life changing information. Susan will be sharing secrets to fund raising using mobile donations. She will go in detail on M-commerce, mobile websites and show how a little work can make a big difference to increase the bottom line.

Learn about "talking book marks" and how authors can take advantage of QR Codes in getting their message out.

"Did you know that there are now more citizens in the United States with a smartphone than people with a university degree? In 2012, there will be more people with a smartphone than any other kind of mobile phone."

Susan says…" well over half of all social media is now happening over the mobile phone and that the power of mobile to touch people is almost limitless."

In a recent tweet Susan posted: More likely than not, the emails you write today will be read on a mobile phone, not on a PC. For more go to this blog post .

6 elements you need to be sure are included in your mobile marketing program if you want success:

40% of US smartphone owners compare prices on their mobile device when they are shopping inside a store (HubSpot). So, the moral is, if your site isn’t optimized for mobile use, you could definitely be missing out on sales. On your mobile site, make sure you put in some ‘mobile magic’ (i.e. the information consumers are most interested in) such as your hours, location and directions.
Email. Long gone is the world when emails were only read on a PC. Now a big percentage of emails are being read on mobile phones. This means that you need to keep the subject line short and make sure that you make your message, brand name, offer and call to action as brief and to the point as possible. Equally, the design of your email should be simple and not too dense. Don’t forget to include a link to your website (preferably mobile!) or Facebook page.
Invite the visitors to your establishment to get on your mobile list so they can get special coupons. You might even want to put a sign at your cash register inviting them to do so. Give them a little extra incentive with a savings coupon or special offer.
Social media is a perfect fit with mobile; almost 50% of social media is consumed on mobile. Encourage your customers to join you on Twitter or Facebook
Location-based services like Foursquare also work really well with mobile. Encourage your customers to ‘check in’ to your business by offering a special offer.
Customer reviews are a great way to build your reputation on both location-based services and social media. Invite people to share their experiences with you whenever possible.

Meet Susan Rice-Lincoln, Thursday, November 3, 2011 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on the Cosmic Cow Pie Blogtalkradio show. Call into the show on (347) 994-1903 or join is in the chat room.

Connect with Susan Rice-Lincoln around the world!

website

twitter @Masterthenewnet

facebook

Tune in to hear Susan Rice-Lincon discuss going mobile to help attract more clients, money and success.

Filed Under: Blogtalkradio, Mobile Marketing, Mobile Marketing, Social Media Tagged With: Carra Riley, Cosmic Cow Pie, Mobile Marketing, Social Media, Susan Rice-Lincoln

QR Codes: Are You On The Ship? Part 2 of 3

October 17, 2011 By Carra Riley 3 Comments

Part 2 of 3 in a series. QR Codes: Are You On The Ship?

Part 1 of 3 in a series.

First you may be thinking, I have seen those QR Codes and second, why should I care?

QR stands for Quick Response. With the advent of Smartphones there is an exciting phenomena spreading across the world where hyperlinks QR (Quick Response) codes are being used on billboards, business cards, flyer's, t-shirts, store fronts, magazines, merchandise signs in stores and more to give the consumer immediate information about a product or service.

A consumer points their mobile phone at an eye-catching code and they are automatically taken to a mobile web page with phone numbers, contact details or important messages about the product or service.

If you have a Smartphone and don't have the application you can get it right now at www.i-nigma.mobi There are many apps you can download but this one is working well for many people. You can also find it for free in the iPhone app store. Go to the site on your phone and it will take you to the download for the app…it's that simple to install a QR Code Reader. Then you just open the app, point it at a code and it takes you immediately to the website or the information.

Social media and technology is changing every single day. Creating more chaos and Cosmic Cow Pies™ in our thinking more than ever before. Deciphering what will help in our real estate marketing mix and what won't is going to determine our success or failure as the world turns. Cosmic Shift Happens™ and what we do to meet the consumer where they are is the ONLY way to navigate the change.

It does not matter what you think or how you are communicating, what matters is how the consumer is behaving and how they are gathering information to make a home purchase or sale. The real estate professional needs to be on the same playing field with information to connect the home buying and selling dots.

I spent a couple hours on the phone with Erik Goldhar, CEO and founding partner of ClikBrix.com and want to invite you to a

blogtalkradio show that will be like "Carra's Cliff Notes on QR Codes."

Clixbrix is a turnkey Mobile Website and QR Code solution for real estate agents and brokerages. Erik will walk us through the state of the mobile web and the importance for all real estate professionals to make sure they have a website built specifically for mobile devices such as Androids, and iPhones. Erik will discuss the massive growth of mobile web users and how YOU can make an immediate and engaging connection to your own mobile consumer through the use of tools such as QR Code technology and the best practices that will help you execute your campaigns properly.

Erik will use this opportunity to give each of us a sneak preview of the launch of Clikbrix 2.0!

There may even be a special bonus for those that tune into the broadcast!

Knowing statistics on buyer behavior is only part of the valuable information we will be discussing with Erik Goldhar on Tuesday October 18, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. PT on blogtalkradio. Set a reminder and call into 347-994-1903 or join is in the chat room. The show will be archived and you can listen later however, the special bonus offer will only be available to live listeners!

Review of the topics we will be discussing:

Maybe you have a QR code and it is not performing for you…
How to set up your phone to read a QR code (described above)
What phones can scan a QR code
How to set up a site to give information on a specific house
Can they be purchased individually
Where do you place a QR code
What is the best size of a QR code
How do you buy stickers with QR codes for signs
Is there such a thing as a generic QR code that goes to a website and different homes can be accessed
Do you need a QR code for each house
What type of notification or reports will and agent or broker receive when someone has scanned the QR code
What is the etiquette to contact someone who has scanned your code? Do you get a phone number?
What are the top 3 things any agent should have in reference to QR codes.. how much is it going to cost.

Install the app from www.i-nigma.mobi and see if you can scan these codes. Just hold your phone up to the box and the phone will scan it automatically and take you to the site.

Re/Max code

Now taking this QR further.. check out what I found at Michael's! The QR code goes to coupons you will see that you can have a 40% off any regular price item because you are a mobi user. The clerk scans the UPC code on the phone and you are totally green saving 40% at point of sale.

The consumer is already here and the big companies are training people to look for the mobi bonus offerings.

You need to be on this boat!

Chili's has affiliated with Heinz Ketchup in going green using plantbottle packaging. The Bottle itself is educating the consumer about reducing, recycling and reusing materials. 21st century marketing is alive and well on the back of the bottle with a QR code sweepstakes event. My husband is showing how to scan the code on your smart phone and then when you get to the website there was an opportunity to enter a contest for a trip from the Ketchup bottle. Think about this and the possibilities as people sit waiting for their meals and now scanning the backs of products on the table to entertain themselves while waiting. Chili's also has a foursquare check-in bonus of free chips and salsa when you check in so they are setting the bar with the latest in social media and technology to reach the consumer, you can too!

The Social Media ship is sailing and getting a front row seat with a view from the balcony is not hard. Just takes a little bit of time to connect all the dots and create a plan and have a resource to learn from on a daily basis. If it seems like you are ready to drown with information overload…… get some help!

Join Erik Goldhar on Tuesday October 18, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. PT on Cosmic Cow Pie blogtalkradio. Set a reminder and call into 347-994-1903 or join is in the chat room. Remember, there will be a real estate QR code special bonus offer will ONLY available to live listeners!

Connect with Erik Goldharand ClikBrix

facebook

twitter @erikg1

Google+

clikbrix.com

Get on the Ship of Success….Connect the QR Code Dots and sail away!

Filed Under: Blogtalkradio, QR Code, QR codes, Social Media Tagged With: Blogtalkradio, Carra Riley, clikbrix, Erik Goldhar, QR codes, Social Media

Has the Social Media Ship Sailed? Part 1 of 3

October 1, 2011 By Carra Riley Leave a Comment

Has The Social Media Ship Sailed Part 1 of 3

The Ship Has Not Sailed! Get On Board!

Part 1 of 3 part series.

Social media is here to stay and can help you save money communicating with thousands…… but at what expense?

The answer is: your most limited commodity TIME, so is it worth it to you?

Ask youself several questions before you make a quick decision.

Where are people looking for ANY type of help? Is google their BFF? (Best Friend Forever)
When someone has a question about ANYTHING how do they find the answer?
When YOU have a question about anything where do you go?
If you are driving around and see a sign on a house for sale what do you do to find out the price? What do your customers do?
Do you point your phone at the house and go to the Zillow or Truilia app on your phone or iPad?
Do you read the QR code? Only you have the answer to this question.
When you are watching the news do they tell you to go to their facebook page to talk about a community issue?
Do you see ads where twitter is featured?
Do you have a .mobi site?
Have you seen commercials where they direct you to youtube to see the rest of the story

Watch the youtube video below and think about how it makes you feel? The first commercial actually starts on television with a beautiful Persian cat and a Tiffany heart on the cats collar asking Lisa to marry the Shawn and the cat. The end of the television commercial says "see the rest of the story on youtube at Fancy Feast." Below is part of an on going series of commercials.

Connect to the Fancy Feast youtube channel and watch the "wedding planner to the stars" Colin Cowie describe how they are going to engage viewers with selecting Lisa's dress, jewelry and her bouquet. Colin invites the viewer back to keep the story going. Think about how Purina is engaging cat lovers and helping them become "raving" fans by having them participate in the next commercial and it's outcome.

Check out the screen shot from the youtube Fancy Feast site. In the center you see a box on the right that says…watch with your friends start a Google+ hang out. Part 3 of this series will cover more on Google+. Look at the number of views 3,040,045 and look at 1,203 subscribers to watch Purina Fancy Feast youtube videos. There have been 308 comments that have been positive. What is Purina paying for a youtube channel? The same as you and me -0- right now!

How does this apply to marketing any product or service?

Video is where the consumer wants to be. The last few movies I have seen at the theater are giving websites for more information on the ads I now have to watch on the big screen while waiting for the new movie trailers. Just saw a 15 second "Go Daddy" commercial on Monday night football with Danica Patrick and the end line was" see the rest of the story on godaddy.com." Upon navigating to GoDaddy.com I found Danica and a QR code saying "Use a QR reader on your mobile device to reveal your savings." QR codes and their importance will be part 2 of the "Ship Has Not Sailed" series.

Creating a blog with video is a direction you need to be working toward to share your product or service message.

Think about how you could start a story about weekly deals in your community and have your viewers subscribe because they will want to see the deal of the week or your personal featured listing. Mix it up so they want to get your weekly video or blog post with the video. It does not matter if it your listing or not it just has to have value to the consumer: Price, terms, condition or location. Of course you will need to get permission in writing from the listing agent and seller to video the house and post on youtube.

Think about how consumers would enjoy watching your videos and sharing with their friends. Make it fun! The possiblities are endless!

State Farm is reaching the younger Generation with video on their youtube channel too! Start watching commercials instead of fast forwarding. See how others are paving the way for you to be a participant in social media and be where Big Business is driving the consumer.

Big business is educating the consumer to look to social media for more information. You can be there with little cost except your time and content ideas.

If you are not present and accounted for in social media, you might drown…. so get on that ship before it gets out too far!

You do not have to reinvent the wheel. it might seem like you are spinning in the Cosmic Cow Pie right now with all the avenues open for you to get in the game. Take deep breaths and more important, some specific time to connect the dots.

Take some time to plan what is most important in your market area.
Ask, what does the consumer want then fill that niche.
Create a specific strategy that will work for you and your target market.
Brainstorm with a mastermind group so you can bo on top of your social media game and incorporate your ideas in a fun way to get the consumer to be sharing your blog posts with their friends.
Research the activerain site for all the tools you will need to succeed.
Consider some outside help to create your game plan. (I work on an hourly or one time basis to get started or a custom plan)

Success is about taking the time to make your plan and then work it. Many of the tools you need to work your plan are available for FREE on the Internet and right here at activerain. You might need to invest in some software to make your project work but it is nothing like the money you are going to lose in sales by not being part of this Cosmic Shift™ and having your plan in place to meet the people where they are and know what they are experiencing in cyberspace.

Social media is still in it's infancy. Social media is changing the world forever! Its power is not yet fully understood. What is crystal clear is the fact we will not be going back to last century marketing or politics or business as usual. Invest your time to learn the new methods of marketing and meet your customers where they are giving them valuable content that makes sense, entertains them and meets their needs.

It's a new day and the ship has not sailed so pack your old way of thinking and get on board!

Filed Under: Social Media, Youtube evolution Tagged With: Carra Riley, Cosmic Cow Pie, cosmic shift happens, Social Media, Youtube

Social Media Summer Camp… No Bugs at This Summer Camp!

May 4, 2011 By Carra Riley Leave a Comment

Social Media Summer Camp… No Bugs at This Summer Camp!

How can that be……. you may be asking? Are you trying to put the puzzle pieces of Social Media together?

Have you been putting off learning all the confusing pieces of social media and how they all fit or do you know someone who needs to get with what is happening today in social media marketing?

No matter what business you are in, sharing this information can help someone you may know struggling with social meda pieces. Bring or tell a friend and go to Social Media Summer Camp and forget the bugs!

Hear how every business can maximize profits using social media on Blogtalkradio when Shelly Roth, President of Springboard Ventures, is a guest on the show May 11th 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time . We will be discussing Social Media Summer Camp 2011 and her new books. Call in and ask questions at (347) 994-1903

If you already KNOW about social media, this is an opportunity for you to share with others how they can get up to speed in a balanced manner.
Simply forward this blog post or send a link to someone NOT using social media so they can listen to the blogtalkradio show and hear firsthand what Shelley will be teaching.

Shelley R. Roth, President of Springboard Ventures has designed a user friendly summer program to learn about facebook, twitter, linkedin, blogging and e-mail campaigns. Spend ONLY 1.5 hours, one time a week for six weeks to be up and running with confidence in social media.

Shelley Roth is an author, trainer, motivational speaker, and social media navigator. She inspires and empowers businesses to achieve higher levels of productivity and growth through creative sales and marketing initiatives. As President of Springboard Ventures, Inc., Shelley has worked for more than a decade with dozens of entrepreneurial ventures in various stages of development, as well as Fortune 500 companies. She has served on the advisory boards of several technology companies, served as a mentor and member of the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, and the Houston Technology Center and MIT Forum.

Social Media Summer Camp 2011

The program has everything you ever wanted to know about social media and how to turn it into a profitable endeavor.

Session 1 – Facebook 101

Set up your Personal Profile and Optimize for Business
Create status updates, ask questions, share links, upload pics
Research Business Pages
@Tag people, pages and events
Create distribution lists
Upload contact lists
Set privacy settings

Session 2 – Facebook 102

Create your Business Page
Understand New Business Page Navigation
Research Applications and other Pages
Learn to use the Photo Stream for Marketing
Upload your contacts and invite to LIKE your page
Get Sticky with your content
Sourcing Content

Session 3 – LinkedIn 101

Completing your Profile for SEO (search engine optimization)
Getting Referrals
Completing yoru profile 100%
Uploading connections
Finding connections
Searching for people, companies, groups

Session 4 – LinkedIn 102

Setting up and Managing Groups
Researching Applications for Business use
Answering Questions and Establishing Expertise
Setting up your Business Profile
Twitter and LinkedIn-Peanut Butter and Chocolate
Creating an Event and Promoting it

Session 5 – Twitter, Blogging and Tools for Streamlining Social Media

Creating a Twitter Account
Why Tweet?
What to Tweet
Searching on Twitter
Blogs Overview-Wordpress and Blogger
Tools for ease: bit.ly ;hootsuite.com;ping.fm

Session 6 – Power of Email Marketing

Why use an email marketing service such as Constant Contact?
How to best position your email to get opened and read
Creating CTA’s (calls to action) with your email
Building a quality contact list
Using Social Media sites with your email campaigns

To receive a $20.00 discount on the purchase of the Social Media Summer Camp please enter code: CARRA when you purchase the event.

Shelley sends out a very informative newsletter with weekly video tips on social media. I learn something new every time I watch one.

Sign up for the weekly video tips to have a continuous flow of knowledge as social media changes on a daily basis.

Shelley is the author of an informative social media book entitled “Get Real, People! What your Digital Body Language Says about You Online” Watch the trailer on the link below and get ready for some FUN with social media.

BUY THE BOOK HERE!

Connect with Shelley Roth and Springboard Works all over the web!

e-mail Shelley

Phone 713.937.1006

Website

LIKE us on Facebook

CONNECT on LinkedIn

FOLLOW on Twitter

SUBSCRIBE on YouTube

More special gifts and reasons to connect with Springboard!

Click for FREE 60 Day Constant Contact Trial

Remember to listen to Shelley Roth, Live on BLOGTALKRADIO Wednesday, May 11^th at 9:00 a.m Pacific Time. Call in to ask questions at (347) 994-1903 Let’s have some fun with social media!

And remember, there are no bugs at this summer camp, so leave the bug spray behind and join us!

Filed Under: Business Planning, Business planning, Carra Riley, Cosmic Cow Pie, Lessons, Social Media, Uncategorized Tagged With: Carra Riley, Cosmic Cow Pie, e-mail marketing, Facebook, Learning Social Media, LinkedIn, Shelly Roth, Social Media, Social Media Summer Camp, Twitter

Get In The Game!

April 6, 2010 By Carra Riley Leave a Comment

Get In The Game!

The world is “shifting” into a digital arena and as the change takes place businesses are going to be able to maximize their marketing efforts through cyber connections. Participating in digital venues is going to help anyone connect with new customers and clients. This new “social space” creates a new set of problems however you need to “Get In The Game” to survive the shift!

What is foursquare? From the foursquare site:

foursquare is a cross between a friend-finder, a social city-guide and a game that rewards you for doing interesting things.

“We aim to build things to not only help you keep up with the places your friends go, but that encourage you to discover new places and challenge you to explore your neighborhood in new ways……. We wanted foursquare to be as much about sharing experience as it as about connecting with friends and discovering new places. Every foursquare user has the ability to create both “Tips” and “To-Dos” for places. Tips are generally things you’d recommend to other To-Dos are more “notes to self”

The game requires the participant to register with foursquare.com then you have the option to connect and share with your friends via Twitter and facebook. You have the choice to share on your social networks or just through the foursquare site. Your friends will know where you are, they will see when you receive a badge or become mayor of a specific location. You connect with friends on foursquare just like facebook.

To get known in a community an individual might want to check in every where you visit in your business locale. The more you check in, the more mayorships you will claim in your community. Being the Mayor at many locations in a specific area will give you more name or branding recognition. Foursquare has added 100,000′s of members in the last month so the digital shift is taking place and you should “get in the game” and claim your territory and an advocate of local businesses!

Local businesses might not even know about foursquare so if you are the one to show them how it works and how they can participate you can be a local HERO as well as a Mayor in sharing the Cosmic Shift and how it Happens.

Many businesses are offering foursquare discounts. When someone participating in foursquare tweets or updates where they are and what they just got as a foursquare member. All their friends are aware of what they are doing and may want to take advantage of the savings or promotion. Word of mouth advertising has always created the best results and the “Cosmic Shift” in communication is taking this to a 21st century digital level.

Being Mayor of an establishment does have it’s privileges!

@ Adios Cafe: A FREE coffee on your 10th check in and the Mayor gets a FREE breakfast each month! (tax & tip not included)

@ Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Show that you’re the Mayor of Carrabba’s and enjoy a complimentary dessert with the purchase of an entrée. Grazie!

@ 15th Ave Coffee & Tea: Show us that you’ve checked in with Foursquare and get $1 macchiatos before 4pm and $2 off beer and wine after 4pm. The Mayor gets a free pastry!

@ 1 for 1 Pizza – Greek Station: Free Slice & drink on your 10th checkin. Free Large Pizza, 1 topping on your 20th checkin!

Jennifer Van Grove has written a very specific article on How 5 Brands Are Mastering the Game of Foursquare to attract new business and study the behavior of their existing customers.

The Wynn in Las Vegas is using foursquare to “refine our approach to service and learn more about our guests.”. When you check in on foursquare at The Wynn you are offered a glass of champagne at the Blush Boutique nightclub on the house. The Wynn is reaching out to guests who check in at hotel restaurants indicating their dedication to making The Wynn experience extraordinary… “a recent hotel guest was checked-in at one of the hotel’s restaurants, so she (Jade Bailey, the Estrategy Development Manager for the Wynn and Encore hotels) reached out to the restaurant manager and passed along the photo of the guest. The restaurant manager then made it a point to greet and attend to the guest in question.”

All the upscale attention of the Wynn Hotel tied to the “foursquare” shows this is a GAME you need to be in!

The City of Chicago is using foursquare to make city exploration fun! ”What we know of Chicago and what Chicago really is are two different realities, however, and that’s where the ExploreChicago Foursquare initiative comes into play. The city’s badge-style approach — themed around Chicago’s unique way of life — to encourage visitors and residents to unlock the history and culture of Chicago is truly avant-garde. Foursquare users can tap into hidden treasures in 77 different neighborhoods, explore 552 parks, and dine at more than 7,000 Chicago restaurants……. enthralled by how city partners on the initiative — like the Art Institute of Chicago — are inspired by the potential to bring the city to life and are actively promoting their participation in the game.“

This is a GAME for real players! Are you in yet?

5 Reasons to “Get In The Game” of foursquare.

Business connections within a community. Supporting the local businesses and letting them get to know you and all your social media connections. Let your friends know you are at a local business and share some tips about the things you like.
Visibility. As more and more people sign up to participate across the WORLD they will be checking in at many of the same places you frequent. They can connect with you and see your profiles on both Twitter and facebook with a click of the mouse.
Showing your brand and activity in a particular neighborhood. In becoming the Mayor of many places in a community you show how active you are in the area actually just doing what you do on a daily basis. You are just adding the foursquare game into your social media mix. But this game could result in great business connections as you support the local merchants.
Interesting facebook and Twitter updates. As you go through the day doing your business you can check-in around town and the information can be posted to facebook and twitter so your activity level on those venues is active while you are working. Social Media is about being “social” so what a fun way to connect with clients and local business.
Social Capital. As you connect and communicate with local business owners sharing your satisfaction with their business you are building social capital. They in turn could be supporting you and your business.

Are you ready to “Get In The Game” as the Cosmic Shift Happens?

Cosmic Shift Happens™ part 2 of 5

Cosmic Shift Happens™ part 1 of 5

Filed Under: Carra Riley, Carra's Thoughts, Social Media, Uncategorized Tagged With: Carra Riley, Cosmic Cow Pie, cosmic shift happens, foursquare, Social Media

Are You A “DC” Digital Citizen?

March 29, 2010 By Carra Riley Leave a Comment

Are You A “DC” Digital Citizen?

What is a Digital Citizen “DC” you may be asking?

@Evo_Terra Is the perfect example of a Digital Citizen and was a speaker at the 2009 National Association of Realtors Convention and the Arizona Association of Realtors Winter Conference 2010.

Evo shares openly how Digital Citizens think and behave and how they judge people in cyberspace. His candor is helpful as we try and modify online behavior to be able to communicate with gen X and Y clients and survive as the “Cosmic Shift Happens.™”

Ask yourself these questions?

Do you live online?
Do you have a business card or tell someone to “google you?”
Do you have friends in the digital arena?
Do you know the difference between the Digital World and the off line world?
Are you a constant connector online?
Do you ignore advertising?
Do you listen to the radio or take your MP3player and listen to your downloads in the car?
Where does Satellite radio and NPR fit in?
Do you listen to Rush Limbaugh when you want to from a download?
Do you share info graphics with twitter on twitpics like the plane in the Hudson.
Do you contribute news to TV?

If you answered yes to any of these questions you could be on your way to being a Digital Citizen. If you don’t have a clue about the questions mean, then you are now open to learning and it will be easier as you know what to ask about! It is easy to learn by observing. Just follow some Digital Citizens and see how they communicate.

Find someone to friend and they will help you through the learning curve. Find a user friendly group to ask questions where the participants are NOT judgmental and are all about HELPING everyone learn more together.

Full Disclosure from Evo indicates when trying to collaborate with digital citizens they WILL judge you.

“Geeks” rule in this world so understand your position and what you need to do to survive!

If you want to have a CHANCE of communicating with “DC’s” you need to have the following four areas covered.

Must have a google e-mail or domain name for your e-mail. If you are still using AOL, Comcast, RR etc.. a DC assumes you are NOT a Digital Citizen and will be snickering at you. If you have gmail address, digital citizens ASSUME you “GET IT!”
You must have a complete Linkedin profile. This is where they go to check you out!
One phone number only that connects to everything. Get rid of your multiple phone numbers… get google voice.. teach your phone new ticks.. you can route calls to ring at multiple phones.
Website must include a Blog or is a Blog.

Watch a digital citizen on Twitter, youtube and through their RSS feed on their blog so you can see how they communicate.

Below are some examples of how @Evo_Terra Communicates:

Tweets from Evo…do you know what they mean?

@Evo_Terra

Lovin’ the love with the “;Give Evo an EVO campaign”;. But now I’m stuck in a tree. Help,@sprint! http://is.gd/b2kgn

Give Evo an EVO day four! Spread it, peeps! Help a brother out… http://is.gd/b1o7k #sprint #htcevo

So #evfn was fantastic. More intimate than usual at @WholeFoodsChrAZ, but good for some 1-1 time. Thanks for the help with the video!

@danklass Loved the last show #204. Do affectations often!

Whoo-hoo! First auto-DM came in so I could use the bat’s balls image. Will report back if I get any reply from @ucradio

@urbantealoft Hey Glynis! Things are peachy. Need to stop by and say hi some day. It’s on the list!

@UrbanTeaLoft * I think I might save the image of the well-endowed Chriptera as a reply to the auto-DMers. “;In response to your auto-DM, look at this!”;

@chuckreynolds It’s the final Friday, brother. #evfn is and always will be at @WholeFoodsChrAZ. Can’t wait to hear about the speaking gig!

@scubaninja That would be an error on your part.

@SusanBaier Don’t bitch at me. The link was CLEARLY labled. No misrepresentation on my part. Oh, and it’s #batfriday from what I understand.

Retweet # Bat’s balls: http://bit.ly/czxzvB

PHXFridayNight 3/26 – It’s a party in a grocery store! #evfn at Whole Foods in Chandler http://bit.ly/d8CpbZ

@TwistedChaos40 Tonight, beer is just about whatever you want to pay. 8 kegs and every bottle imaginable. No shitty beer at #evfn

The whole company was just Rickrolled in our Friday meeting. WTF?

Now check out Evo’s Blog. See how he is using youtube to reach out to Sprint to try and get a new test phone. He is calling on all his “Digital Citizen” friends to Tweet and post his cry to get the new Sprint phone to try out!

Request for help from friends via blog

“tmanscipan” is the channel name for Evo’s youtube

“I realized I’m not those media outlets. I’ve got a decent rep in the social and digital sphere. Some say I’m an influencer. But I have one thing that those other places don’t, and that one thing makes me the perfect spokesperson for the new HTC EVO™ 4G from Sprint:”

Please do not get discouraged about the new SHIFT in communication and that is all it is! It is just a change in communication skills! Once you learn them you will have fun and be in the KNOW!

This is how Evo_Terra tells readers on his blog to communicate:

Evo is setting expectations and do you notice.. it is not a 24/7 and instant response process.

Contact:

“There are are a lot of ways to get in touch with me. But be aware that I get contacted quite a bit for many different things. You could help me a lot and greatly improve your chances of a timely answer by choosing the right way to reach me.

Note: If you are looking to follow me on various social media and Web2.0 applications, be sure to check out the Places page. Be aware, however, that contacting me through those channels is often times less effective than those I explain below.

Post something on your blog I have a healthy set of ego-filters that run all the time. If you put “Evo Terra” in your post — LiveJournal, Myspace, you name it — I’m sure I’ll receive notification. I’ll probably pop in and say hi. And if you ask me a question, I’ll respond right there.

Tweet to me Say whatever you want about Twitter (lords know I’ve said enough), but it’s pretty darned good about holding any messages of mine until I get around to seeing them.

All you have to do is (well, assuming you’re using Twitter) is prepend your message with ‘@evo_terra’ and I’ll eventually see it. No, I don’t have to be on. No, I don’t have to be following you. Yes, it may take me a few days. But I’ll see it. Assuming the FAIL WHALE isn’t flying high when you try and send it.

email Email is good for longer communications. Keep in mind that I don’t check email all day long. Heck, some days I don’t check it at all. But I’ll eventually get to it. My email address is thisisevo@gmail.com.

Skype me If you need something from me and it is very pressing, you can Skype me. I’m ‘evo_terra’. But please exercise good judgment when using this powerful and near-instant communication tool. I’m a multi-tasker by nature and cannot think of the last time I was Skyping with someone when I wasn’t also working on another project.

I use the Skype like I use the telephone — I rarely call someone just to chit-chat. Oh, and another thing: I prefer texting over voice with Skype. So chat with me, don’t call me.

Got a phone? Sometimes the easiest way for your to reach me is to pick up the phone and call. Hey, fine by me, but I put a bit of a twist on that. Try one of these options: Call from the web Call from your phone 602-325-3045″

I saved the best for last! A conversation between two digital citizens discussing the definition of “Social Media”

Can you communicate with a digital citizen?

The next post in the “Cosmic Shift Happens™” Series will include:

For sale sign.. do you see it? Do you see a company name and agent?

Do you use your phone device to track the house online and find out all the information and then connect with your digital Realtor citizen friend? Did you know you can find out everything about the house from your phone with the right apps?

Cosmic Shift Happens™ is a joint project with Joeann Fossland.

Cosmic Shift Happens™

Filed Under: Carra Riley, Carra's Thoughts, Social Media Tagged With: @Evo Terra, Carra Riley, Cosmic Cow Pie, Digital Citizens, Practice, Social Media

Cosmic Shift Happens™

March 29, 2010 By Carra Riley Leave a Comment

“Cosmic Shift Happens ^TM“

2010 is the year to update your “personal internal hard drive,” or your brain!

Over the past few years, the Internet (and the world) have seen some major changes. The emergence of social media is near the top of the list of all changes. Social media has allowed people who otherwise never would have met, to connect, engage, and make business contacts. For others, social media is overwhelming and intimidating.

Start thinking about the positives that social media can create and bring into our lives instead of focusing only on the negatives. Cyberspace is a scary place for some individuals, because there are just so many unknowns. “Social Media Syndrome ^TM“ could be a reality in your world if you are not prepared for circumstances that can some up. Processing the new form of communication skills just takes practice and understanding of where the other person is coming from and what their agenda is. If you stay focused on you and your message the outside “differing” influence cannot touch you.

Perception really IS your Reality in cyberspace.

Start connecting with more buyers and sellers by getting more involved in a blog community. Blogging is an essential part of being visible online. Blogging increases your SEO like nothing else. If you’re up for it, video blogging is the best. Youtube is the number 2 search engine on the Internet.

Consider some basics to start connecting in cyberspace if you don’t already have these tools up and running:

1. Start a blog, use localism to set yourself apart and create an outside blog to connect with your community.

2. Create a facebook fan page for your business.

3. Learn how to use

4. Start to Tweet on

Connecting with facebook, Linkedin and Twitter as your Internet vehicle, you will have the ability to upload or link your outside blog and keep your customers up to date on what you are doing. It’s easy to spread your message on social media sites. Sharing valuable information and making connections are the real goals for participation in social media.

To survive in 2010, embracing Social Media is a MUST. Incorporating your blog into everything you do is a the key to success! It just takes practice. Are you ready to update your hard drive?

Does cyberspace intimidate you? Click for your FREE chapter on “Cosmic Shift Happens ^TM”