Little Red's Big Ideas

Things to do: LinkIn (It's not scary, I promise!)

Social networking can feel overwhelming -- so many options, so little time.   I've written about creating profiles on popular sites based on your target audience.  I've also sung the praises of using LinkedIn (which I'm told is usually accessible by those working from public agencies even when Facebook, YouTube and Myspace are not) Setting up your basic LinkedIn profile takes a about 5 minutes.  Once you're initial profile is up you can explore the site, network with other professionals, join professional networking groups  -- all in an effort to save time and find new ideas.  LinkedIn is NOT the place to share recipes, discuss weekend party plans or post vacation photos.  So, if you've yet to jump into the social networking universe -- I encourage you to do so in the next few days by Linking In.  Once you do you can even join the Park and Recreation Professionals Group which has almost 650 members who are discussing all sorts of solutions to the problems you face every day!  Send me an Invitation to Link In, too! 

Managing Multiple Media Personality Disorder

One of the most common questions I hear about social networking is, "How do I manage multiple social profiles (twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) and still have time for everything else I have to do?  One of the things that I do that has helped immensely is to update my Facebook Status by using Twitter (that way I kill two birds -- excuse the twitter pun -- with one post; since my tweets automatically post to my Facebook account.)

But, no need for me to try to answer this question when author Ben Parr has already done the work for me by posting an easy-to-understand (and use) article at mashable.com called  "HOW TO: Manage Multiple Social Media Profiles"

In the article Ben suggests a five step process to managing your social networking effectiveness:

1. Understand your current position.  (I also have to stress that before developing any marketing plan -- online or off -- spend the time to clarify your objectives.  In other words, don't just jump on the social networking bandwagon because everyone else is.  Write down specific, measurable goals you want to reach as a result of your online presense.)

2. Choose your platforms realistically

3. Organize and prioritize

4. Automate and Combine Your Updates

5. Keep it fresh

The Lowest Prices I've Ever Seen on Items You're Gonna Buy Anyway!

Click here to go directly to the best promo product prices in 30 years on items you will or should buy to permanently build top of mind awareness

 

Rarely do I use my blog as a place to blatantly and boldly promote the promotional products side of my business, but sometimes I see deals that are just too good NOT to share.  Every day I receive dozens of ads from my suppliers (people who imprint everything from t-shirts and totes to hand sanitizer and helium balloons) explaining that they are ready and willing to bargain; some are offering savings up to 80%!  Many have overstocked warehouses full of everything from pens and water bottles to bags and backpacks and must be cleared for goods (probably ordered a year ago) that are ready for delivery. 

I've been in the advertising specialty business since the 70's (YES, I did start as a child) and I don't remember EVER seeing prices as low as these for staple items like:

• really nice pens - like these three sided sided pens  for 19 cents (that's 500 imprinted pens for $100!) Price includes all THREE sides of printing.  At these prices, colors are limited so call today for options. 800-IADVISU (800-423-8478)

• luggage/bag tags for 75 cents (put these on daypacks to easily differentiate one from another; require traveling campers to use on lugguge)

• padfolios and CD/DVD Cases for under two bucks

• carabiner keytag/bottle openers - .99 (that's half off!)

There are also lots of unique and novel items, too! (check out the  "bubba kegs" in the shape of soccer and footballs; insulated drawstring backpacks perfect for day camps, canteens and safety.

•  

• But -- when I say -- call us now if you're interested in these great prices -- I really mean it.  Because, when they're gone they're gone (that's kind of the point.)  We have a special promo code that we can offer to any of our customers, group members or blog readers.  And, if you're a little busy getting ready for camp (gotta love that little red sarcasm) and don't have time to figure out what you want or need for upcoming events CALL US.  It doesn't cost anything to brainstorm for goodness sakes AND we'll even get you FREE SAMPLES to help you decide. 
  
  Here are some of the upcoming activities that you need to order for:
  

Staff Training and Orientation

• Patfolios/Notebooks - imprintyour mission statement, customer service commitment, safety procedures on the inside of the padfolio and your camp name on the cover

• Water bottles

• Travel mugs for coffee/tea

• Pens

• Highlighters

• Lanyards

• Sunscreen

• Lip balm and much more

Community Festivals and Camp Fairs

• Pens

• Lip balm

• Hand sanitizer -- a must with the flu scare

• Sunscreen Packets- Protecying Your Child From a Boring Summer

Canteen Items (Finally, prices are low enough so that you can keep prices low enough for campers AND make the profits you deserve!)

Call ANDY at 800-IADVISU (800-423-8478) and we'll do all the work for you!  We'll even get you free samples, help get your artwork ready for production and make sure everything is delivered on time, every time.

I know times are tough which is all the more reason you should invest in marketing tools that have the lasting and long term memorability of these promotional items.  Spend the money to add your brand to items you use every day and throughout the year and people will think of you when it's time for fun.

New Study: Social Networking Usage Quadruples

The share of adult Internet users who have a profile on an online social network site has more than quadrupled in the past four years -- from 8% in 2005 to 35% now, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project's December 2008 tracking survey.

PEW, which is a premiere resource for trends regarding Internet Usage, shares some surprising insights in this latest survey.  For instance, "While media coverage and policy attention focus heavily on how children and young adults use social network sites, adults still make up the bulk of the users of these websites. Adults make up a larger portion of the US population than teens, which is why the 35% number represents a larger number of users than the 65% of online teens who also use online social networks."

PEW is quick to point out, however, that "younger online adults are much more likely than their older counterparts to use social networks, with 75% of adults 18-24 using these networks, compared to just 7% of adults 65 and older.   You can read the full article here as well as see other recent PEW studies such as two 2007 studies, "Teens, Privacy and Online Social Networks" and Social Networking Websites and Teens

For those needing to reach young audiences the PEW research is critical and should be shared with policy-makers and naysayers who fear, rather than embrace these powerful communication platforms.  They ARE here to stay, in one form or another and, as always, PEW brings conclusive data to the forefront. 

Celebrities Love Camp

Congratulations to the American Camp Association on its new PSA (public service announcement).  "Because of Camp" is engaging and enlightening.  The diverse spokespeople tell a great story about the many benefits of camps. 

How is your life better "because of camp?"