Computers & Technical

Since I make my living as a computer programmer, this category has to be in here somewhere. This could be information about Macs versus PCs, or it could be software reviews. Or it could just be some oddball rant about a printer or a cellphone.

On Facebook but not Twitter? Stop, you need both!

by

twitter vs facebookSo you’re using Facebook, but you’re still not sure about Twitter? A lot of people think that because of their Facebook presence, Twitter would be redundant for them. I think I know why they feel that way. I believe it has a lot to do with Twitter’s status update prompt: “What’s happening?” They see a few folks who use those precious few 140 characters to share the mundane details of daily life and they think, “Wait, don’t I already do that on Facebook?” And they’re right. Except that this isn’t what you should do on Twitter. Twitter has a higher calling, as it were, which is great to be a part of once you understand a few key points. Make no mistake, I don’t THINK you should be on Twitter. I KNOW you should be there.

Much as I love and use it now, I readily admit at first I didn’t “get” Twitter. I don’t think most people do, initially. If you joined Facebook first, then Twitter may seem limited by comparison. Yet, Twitter in my opinion is by far a better medium to get really useful information from reliable sources on just about any topic of interest quickly and efficiently. Its brevity, which novices can find limiting and even frustrating, is its best and most valuable feature. Each tweet is easy to digest, can be easily shared, and the short bursts of info enable you to cover more “ground” quickly. The symbols and shorthand are easy to learn and use once you visit the site a few times. I use it both as communication and research tool. By following those individuals, organizations, and companies who have content of interest to you, you’ll find it an invaluable and virtually unlimited resource platform to use for your personal and professional benefit and that of others. Have a complaint about a company on Twitter? You’ll likely get a response in hours, if not minutes. Want to stay abreast of current events? Often the first place I learn of breaking events is Twitter. Other mediums are slow by comparison. Have insights to share? Tweet it. Looking for a job? Post a link to your resume. The possibilities are endless.

Read more

Tools for the Podcast – Headphones

by

Just wanted to let you know a bit about the tools I am accumulating to do the podcast. This first thing is my headphones. I will post about other tools in the future, and you all probably know I use a Mac, but thought I would let you know about the headphones now because they are on sale!

Audio-Technica ATH-M20 Professional Studio Monitor Stereo HeadphonesI picked up the Audio-Technica ATH M20 Stereo Monitor Headphones about a week or two ago after reading so many reviews that I was going cross-eyed. I was looking to replace my last pair of headphone because the cat got hold of them. Yes, the cat. The cord was chewed into pieces and the headphone pads were ripped to shreds. So, after reading all the reviews and comparing all the prices, I picked up the Audio-Technica ATH M20 because the reviews were good, the quality seemed excellent, and truthfully – they looked large enough to fit my big head.

In addition to wear while I record The Social Media Monster podcast, I also wanted them to have good range response so I could use them to listen to music and other podcasts. And let me cut it short and just say, they have great quality and tone. Some people have said they are a little big. I don’t know if that is that case, but they fit me perfectly and have a nice padded head band area so they are comfortable against my less-than-hair-padded head. I also love the thicker coiled cord. It is substantial and seem not near as likely to give in to “wear and tear” as the cord on my last set of headphones did.

Read more

Top 10 Reasons to Use Social Media for Business

by

Research published by analyst firm Access Markets International Partners shows that almost 70 percent of small and medium businesses actively use social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to promote their companies. But simply posting what your CEO had for lunch isn’t going to do much to help move your business forward. Smart companies are tactically using social media tools to increase their exposure to potential customers.

We’ve compiled ten of the most compelling reasons that you should consider using social media tools to promote your business.

  1. Brand Recognition: Using social media allows your company to reach the highest number of potential customers possible. Getting your name out there is incredibly important – studies have suggested that customers need to hear a company’s name at least seven times before they will gain the trust and respect needed to become a customer.
  2. Brand Monitoring: Having a social media presence allows you to better understand what current and potential customers are saying about your product or services. Through active social media monitoring, you have the opportunity to address negative comments and correct false or inaccurate information about your brand.
  3. Be Forward-Thinking: Your target audience is becoming savvier when it comes to the using social media sites in their daily lives. If you want to appear relevant and in-step with the latest advances in technology, your potential customers will want to see you on these sites as well.

    4. Read more

Slideshow – Find Us on Facebook

by

Theresa Wagner of the Charleston County Public Library gave an excellent talk pertaining to Facebook Fan Pages at the monthly networking meeting for small businesses and not-for-profits. Facebook is increasingly growing more important as a both a means of attracting new prospects and keeping in contact with current business contacts, and the creation and use … Read more