TWITTER’S BREAKING NEWS!

Twitter is rolling out a new look for our Twitter profiles!! Exciting!
Yes at last it’s a little more visual! This is a very interesting move by Twitter coming up to speed a little with Pinterest and Facebook.

Earlier today Twitter CEO Dick Costolo unveiled the new look on the Today Show in US this morning.
As you can imagine everyone has been very busy creating changing their twitter image, me included!

Twitter has developed a profile page similar to the Facebook timeline with a cover display for main profile pages which means it opens up a new avenue and opportunity for visual creativity.

The overall dimensions haven’t changed with the design modifications and are occurring only within the main tweet section. For those of us with custom backgrounds we won’t need to scramble to fix things again.

Twitter is on steroids with regard to being mobile so all the apps were ready and released for upgrading. So today I have updated my IPhone Twitter app, then uploaded a photo of my choice. It was quickly completed so simple also looks great. It really does give you more social real estate. I love it ( interesting to note that I couldn’t update on my pc)

People have raised concerns that the twitter mobile apps are poorly designed, as it takes up way too much real estate. However it does depend whether you have a non-apple phone or tablet. The IPhone app looks good however developers on both sides will be busy making the app suitable for all users.

Another issue that has been expressed is that people do not like the way they’ve put our avatar (which is the picture on your profile) in the center of the image with our name and bio in white text. This means a need to use images that that are dark where the text goes.

If you know anything about Social Media you know that there will be changes. This is a major breakthrough for Twitter and I am confident over time we will be able to move our avatars and bio to where we would like to position them.

Mashable have got great articles on all things Social Media. So to learn more click on these articles to show you how upgrade and change your Twitter profile, also check out 10 different Twitter Images.

How you think these changes Twitter have made will impact your Twitter experience? Please share.

To your Social Media Success

Today with the breaking news that ZeekRewards a penny auction and affiliate MLM company has closed it doors therefore sending many affiliates around the world in turmoil.

I am not personally involved with this company, however I have many dear friends who have built businesses and enjoyed success with this company.

It’s a very sad day for many people and my heart truly goes out to them. Its sometimes tough when decisions and choices don’t end up the way we had hoped and dreamed about, especially when due to circumstances out of our control .

It’s hard because there will be a real grieving time that needs to happen and we need to be there for them.

We need to be careful with our words, extend friendship and love to these dear friends who have invested heavily.

My thoughts and prayers are with the community of devastated people today.

Let me know your thoughts

.

.

.

Happy Mothers Day. Today we celebrate Mothers living or those who have died. Its a time to honour, show appreciation and gratitude for their contribution they have had in our lives.

On reflection growing up in a large family I was blessed to have a mother who spent her life taking care and nurturing us along with many others who came into our lives. .. She had the ability to create a meal from nothing and feed the five thousands ( it seemed). Our home was always filled with love and people. Food was very important to ensure that there was plenty for everyone however mum seemed to do this with ease.. no wonder I have the ability to cook and cater without a huge amount of stress..

Today I honor and thank God for all mums especially my mum, who has been an amazing blessing and encouragement in my life. All mothers have been created with such a huge heart to love, as they are always there to give us encouragement if we lose hope or guidance when we feel lost. And through their unconditional love and support, they help us to believe in ourselves so that we can achieve our goals and give us the capacity to care about others. Please share your comments. How did you honour your mum today? or How were you honoured today?

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY !

WOW, where has my beach body has gone? Some may say I didn’t know it was missing!! OH YES IT IS!! Although I love the beach, however as a child nearly drowned with my brother when we were on a family holiday in the sea.. So I love looking at the beach although not really swimming. Also I have never been one to sun bath on the beach. ( getting the perfect tan.. Oh thats right white is beautiful)
So why am in search of my beach body?

A few months ago while building my business I achieved a trip to Mauritius.. So exciting 7 days and 6 nights in a 5 star resort. Thank you to the generosity of the company, who I have been with now for 10 years. Take a look at these pictures, views are magnificent, you get the urge to hit the beach!! Don’t you think?

Well after a year of being extremely slack with not exercising the kilos have crept on.. Oh help!! its time again to make a change! So I am launching today with an eating plan, without wheat and sugar also watching some of the vegetables with too many carbs and back on the amazing OSOLEAN !!

DAY ONE was today… so in search of my beach body again, everything went very well. Up early went for a walk.. nearly needed the GPS on my phone to find home.. Oh not to forget lemon juice first thing too..Then made the most delicious omelet, ( good protein breakfast) then survived the day with a nice simple salad for lunch and pear for a snack. Dinner tonight was a lovely chicken breast stuffed with onion,fresh coriander & basil and zucchini and mushroom .. baked with beetroot and sweet potato served with a side salad.. Delicious I must say very filling !!
So I thought to keep me accountable I would blog and video my journey as we leave for our trip in June… so I have a few more weeks!! So watch out MAY !!
Leave your comments ..as I would appreciate a cheer squad !!
Thanks

Its been a while, however I couldn’t resist putting pen to paper again? A few weeks ago I thought I would start to explore this new Social Media platform called Pinterest to see if I could get my head around how this site works…..

The WOW factor, so many fantastic photos.. amazing photographers, artists, creative and talented people in this world, we human beings have been created to create.
Someone said that Pinterest was Facebook without the whining…
Lets say I’m impressed with what I have seen so far.. However there is always lots to learn about a new social media platform.
So many questions that need answers!
How I can make it work for my portfolio of businesses? What are the guidelines that I need to follow? How can I connect into marketing my business? maybe you’re asking similar questions too.
Where can I go to learn about Pinterest?
“Success always leaves glues”

Look for those who are being successful.

1. People, leaders who have ventured and stepped up, used and learnt.
2. Blogs have been written, videos have been created from people who love to share what they have learned. Also how best to avoid the mistakes and traps they came across. There are so many blogs sharing so many tips and tricks to support people who are just starting out.
3. Webinars and Trainings .. These are a great way to learn, watch and listen to people who have dared to test the site and lead the way. This week I plan to get on a webinar by Doug Firebaugh who is a Social Media and business trainer. He is hosting a 3 hour training with guest Tar’Lese Rideaux. This will be an action packed Webinar sharing so many tips and strategies for our businesses. Why not join me!!
4. Share and Teach , now you have the knowledge and experience share with other people. When you share or teach you operate out of a different paradigm as you are then responsible for the accuracy of the information and then having to communicate it in way people understand. This builds confidence and creditably also it creates ownership of the material within yourself.

So happy pinning !!

Your Social Media Footprint!

Today we continue to explore the things that will bring us undone or make us Social Media master players.

Two factors that can really bring us undone is fear and lack of knowledge, many individuals and small businesses often don’t know where to start for two basic two reasons

1. Don’t understand social media and what it can do for them

2.Fear and have become paralysed and not knowing where to start.. and not having a plan

To address the issue of how can position ourselves as master players in the social media phenomenon, is to understand what is considered “best practice” and how the pitfalls can be avoided and to move past the fear with a confident plan that will bring success..

What is Your Social Media Personal Profile?

This is more than just your bio….where you set up information to shared about yourself. This information is about you or your company.. Where you were born, where you went to school, College or University, where you have worked your family, children and what businesses you are involved in etc etc… On Facebook you can share your favourite movies, music, games, movie star, television shows !!

When people set up a profile, for many and varied reasons some chose to share lots and others very little. The potential for identity theft and identity misrepresentation is ever present, and for that reason some sensitive information should not be shared. But it’s incongruous that people who are paranoid about information they share online are the same ones who use retail loyalty cards, not realising that the details of every financial transaction they associate with that card is recorded and sold!

However to clearly define your reasons to be online and what you really want to accomplish should be understood clearly from the outset. SO many people don’t really understand the full implications of what their profiles are communicating. However transparency and integrity is very important.

What is YOUR Social Media DIGITAL Footprint?

What does this mean? Social media digital footprint is all about what you leave behind when you interact online. Whenever you comment or post anything online you are leaving and imprint a mark – your digital footprint of where you have been that may never be expunged. What you communicate and how you communicate is out there for the world to see. Every time you vote online, or post a “like”, it leaves a trail. It’s not just a company’s web site that gets indexed by search engines. Every update made on Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and Facebook Fan pages are indexed immediately after they are posted. This is called REAL exposure!! IT’S your DIGITAL FOOTPRINT–

Google has changed as activity in all social networks not only increases a company’s or individual’s Web presence, it now impacts how Google ranks an individual or a company ,small business in search results. Size really does matter – businesses and individuals with the bigger social media footprint are more likely to be discovered on the Web and its all organic SEO.

Have you or your business considered the impact of your Digital profile and Digital footprint on different sites’?

Have you ever done a Google search on your name or business? You would be surprised by what you can obtain from Google!!

I believe that best practice for Social Media Master Players, involves strategic crafting of your digital Social Media profile and digital Social Media footprint. The content, quality and extent of your digital Social Media profile and Digital Social Media Footprint may have a huge influence on your life, businesses much more extensive than you thought or intended positively and negatively..

Examples abound of people who have lost their employment, their reputation, relationships, and their future because of what they posted online. Also businesses have been crushed by the power of the Social Media however many are enlisting bloggers and Social Media to support products, promotions through innovative ways of marketing and research..

Its interesting this whole question raises interesting possibilities as there is a trend for employers and many recruiter are now accessing social networking sites to research profiles to evaluate whether the individual maybe suitable for a position. It’s called a digital Social Media CV; it can really impact the outcome of employment opportunities.

So what does your social media presence say about you? Your distinct belief system and values will inevitably dictate your social media digital Real Estate. Make it prime real estate! What you build online may outlast you. So make your online legacy one that your grandkids will be proud of.

Are you still coming to terms and struggling with establishing yourself or your business with an online presence ? Its okay because it does become overwhelming.

Perhaps is here the time to mention if you are a business or individual and looking to move forward and have the funds find a Social Media Community or a Social Media Coach to assist establish your online presence, as it will pay dividends in the future with your time and knowledge.

Personally being apart of The Empowered Tribe has been a valuable experience as it has allowed me to grow and develop, given support along the way. As a result of the knowledge and experience learned I am now available to support people through coaching to establish their own social media footprint. A Social Footprint of value! If you are interested to connect for a free one hour coaching session please fill out the details below…

Believing in your success

Social Media Friend or Foe?

… after discussions over the holiday period with family, friends and businesspeople I find there is still a reluctance to embrace Social Media as an opportunity to be used to connect with people / clients and to market products and services. There seems to be a real lack of understanding of what a powerful asset social media could be if truly comprehended. Maybe it’s because media reports always highlighting the pitfalls and negative experiences to being online. It’s interesting to look at statistics of the growth of online social media.

The phenomenon has moved through significant growth and is now experiencing AN EXPLOSION…even just within Facebook and Twitter networks, not counting the other social media sites. The power and influence of these networks are recognised as billion dollar opportunities, as evidenced by the acquisition of Facebook by Goldman Sachs this past week.

Just look at these statistics of just one network- Facebook. Over 500 million people are regular users worldwide. In Australia, with a population of 22,523,020 ( ABS estimate for 5 Jan2011), Facebook is the most popular social networking site with more than 8.6 million unique visitors per month !! Consider the significance of these statistics:-

• 78 % of Australia’s 9 million Facebook users have chatted, sent or shared photo in the past year

• 74% have shared a link

• 20% of Australians aged 55 or older have used Facebook

• 2.5 million is the number of Australian Twitter users

• People spending more time each day

• LinkedIn (Australia) membership now > 1 million

• 60,000 in people in SYDNEY are using Foursquare

• 2.1 million MySpace unique users in Australia

• Flicker has 10 million plus groups and more than 4 billion photos

What does this massive growth in online users in 2010 mean, and how does it impact us… and why?     Does this Social Media phenomenon ever look like slowing down? While the numerical growth must eventually reach saturation point, the power of social media as a major influence on our culture ……how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we do business…. is still growing. As long as people have a need to be connected, to feel connected: as long as people are looking for a sense of community; as long as people have a message to be communicated or a product to be promoted: it is unlikely that the phenomenal growth will subside.

If we would position ourselves as master players in the social media phenomenon, what are some of the considerations we need to look at, and what could be considered “best practice” and what are the pitfalls that come with such an explosive growth in Social Media… Follow my next post as I explore the things that will bring us undone or make us Social Media master players

Make it a terrific day