Little Red's Big Ideas

Twitter - Who to follow?

If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by Twitter, you're not alone.  There are so many people jumping on the Twandwagon that it's hard to tell if you, too, should get involved.  Whether you think Twitter is silly or savvy -- I encourage everyone to spend some dedicated time exploring the Twittersphere.  It only take about 60 seconds to create an account allowing you access. (Remember, Facebook users, Twitter is similar to your status updates AND you can set up your Facebook page to be fed status updates directly from Twitter allowing you to get two-for-one updates.)

I tweet semi-regularly (5 - 10 times/week) and try to post information, links and articles that will help my target audience.  (Please follow me @ParksMarketing ) 

I must admit, however, that sometimes I get confused about who, what and why I should follow.  I try to follow everyone who tweets about Parks and Recreation, Summer Camps and Community Events.  I often follow people who follow me unless I see absolutely no connection or point of interest.  But, once all those "tweets" populate my page it's hard to filter out what's important and what should stay in the background.  I'm starting to direct tweeta bit more (it's actually like sending an email to a specific person) which helps prioritize important conversations.  I'm also continuing to learn about twittering more effectively by reading the Twitter Blog (a wealth of information.)

If you want to learn more about how others are using Twitter, sign up for my FREE WEBINAR: Social Networking - The Least You Need by clcking here.

Mashable.comis also a priceless, credible time-saver in terms of culling the best of the best Twitterers (and other web-based resources) into nice compact lists.  Here are three examples:

"75+ Environmentalists to Follow on Twitter." - From Al Gore to Greenpeace this list of both people and organizations is a perfect place to find others committed to protecting the environment.  (I couldn't help but notice the lack of national or regional park and recreation agencies on the list.  Come on, readers!  Let's get tweeting!)

70+ Non-fiction Authors - This list is separated into authors that write about Careers, Business/Marketing, Creative Nonfiction/Memoirs, History, Social Media, Science and More.   

100 Great Resources for Creative Inspiration -- How many times have you been stuck for an idea to add some energy to a brochure, add, event or program?  This list is one of my favorites!  Open your mind and enjoy these sometimes bizarre, always unique design ideas.

Remember my social networking rule: Dedicate 2 hours/week to guilt-free social networking/Internet research and marketing.  Go to a library, leave work early or come in late to avoid firewalls surrounding your office computer. 

If you want my readers to follow you on twitter, feel free to post a comment below.

Twitter Releases New Terms of Service

Twitter recently released some new Terms of Service  (the basic rules about using Twitter).  In a nutshell, the changes clarify ownership and information sharing (which is the heart of Twitter).  According to the blog at twitter.com there are four areas of clarification:

Advertising—Twitter continues to leave the door open for advertising. They seem to appreciate the free enterprise system and the need to generate revenue to survive. Read their philosophies about advertising -- now and in the future -- here.
Ownership—Twitter is allowed to "use, copy, reproduce, process, adapt, modify, publish, transmit, display and distribute" your tweets because that's what Twitter is all about. "However," they stress, "they are your tweets and they belong to you."
APIs—The applications that have grown around the Twitter platform are flourishing and adding value to the ecosystem. From iPhone apps to staples like Tweetdeck, Twitter is a community of programmers working to make your tweeting life better, easier and more intuitive.  But, Twitter reminds developers that they authorize Twitter to make content available via twitter APIs. We're also working on guidelines for use of the API.
SPAM—As with any successful social networking site, abusive behavior and spam is closely monitored and prohibited.  View rules related to SPAM here.

Cookie Cutter Giveaway Adds New Shape to Events - FREE Sample Offer

I love to bake -- I love experimenting with recipes to try to make them healthier (my latest kick is putting spaghetti squash in my oatmeal cookies instead of oils).  I know it sounds weird but it's really good and gives the cookies great texture.)  But, since this isn't a baking blog and IS a marketing blog I wanted to share an idea that came across my desk today: 

The Holiday Trifecta (Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas/Hanukkah) are right around the corner.  Even people who don't like to bake find themselves invited to participate in Bake Sales and Cookie Exchanges (why not host one at your community center?) 

Why not help out your customers by giving them a tasty promotional product this holiday season.  Check out these custom - or stock - cookie cutters that can turn your logo into cookies! Add a custom recipe card for healthy holiday treats that includes agency information, a cookie recipe and a special message and you've got a special giveaway that can be shared with the whole family.

Children, moms, grandmas (I'm not being sexist here -- but more than 90% of comsumer holiday backing is done my women)and even the family pet will eat this idea up!

Get a FREE Sample -- If you like this idea and would like a free cookie cutter with sample "romance" card log onto http://www.annclarkpromo.com/category/stock-shape/ to search over 100 shapes perfect for any event theme.  Once you've selected the perfect shape for your next event, call ANDY at 800-IADVISU (800-423-8478) and he'll get your samples shipped right away.  Or if you don't have time to search -- just email andy@advisorsmarketing.com and let us know about your upcoming events or activities and we'll find a bunch of promotional ideas to fit your budget and theme -- for FREE.