I’ll give you a hint… it’s NOISE.

Wanna cut through the clutter? Find out how in the video…or skip ahead and sign up for my FREE Coffee & Convo calls that begin this Monday morning. Yes, start your week off right and wrap your head around your social plan for the week.

So, will you join me?

Filed under: Advice, blog, blogging, brand, Coaching, Facebook, foursquare, marketing, social media, Social Networks, Twitter, youtube

I’m even more proud of the fact that Social Deviants, while participating in some marketing and social media “best practices,” never set out to honor them. Social Deviants was founded on the idea of being deviant with social media. And, it was founded for the deviants out there who don’t really get or play by the so-called social media and marketing “rules.” It was founded for people, not businesses, who want to reach others, and who want to do it with unbridled passion. It’s for people who know that their products or services can help others, and they make no apologies for wanting to increase their lives and the lives of others by selling, acting and thinking forward.

Social Deviants (SD) didn’t have a Facebook page until very recently. GASP! It’s true. SD didn’t want to be anywhere it couldn’t be. Make sense? While I grabbed a SD Twitter profile, I still tweet from my personal account because that’s where I am the most. The blog was the center of the Social Deviants universe for more than a year, and it still is really, because it was the right thing for the brand at the time.

However, SD is branching out now. I even added a Tumblr blog called Deviant Behavior to our mix of offerings. I offer something different/deviant over there. I profile people (real and imagined) who lead or had lead deviant lives — Mark Zuckerburg, Pamela Slim, Wonder Woman, Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon, Princess Diana, Rosie the Riveter, Dorothy Parker, Betty Page and more. I try to make the connection between what made these figures important to what you can do in your life and business to leave your mark, as well.

My point is that in the online space, sometimes thinking differently isn’t enough. You have to think deviantly. Take your time. Be smart. Think of different ways to bring your brand to life on various networks. Make sure there’s an audience there for you to tap otherwise you’re just spinning your wheels; but definitely think of unique ways you can manifest your brand and connect with people in different locations without regurgitating the same information.

Filed under: Advice, blog, brand, Facebook, marketing, social media, Social Networks, Twitter

Well, while “those” people are handing out daisies at the airport, the rest of us are boarding flights with direct (or indirect) routes to a destination. Why? Because we have a reason, a purpose for getting there. That’s where our luggage is going for one thing, but mainly it’s because that’s where s**t happens. We are moving toward a desired goal ’cause it will make our lives better.

When you’re on Twitter, it’s easy to see why people new to the network have no idea what the heck is going on, and feel lost in a clutter of chaos that’s coming at them a mile a minute. It’s a constant barrage of links, tweets, retweets, videos, sales, spam and some actual conversation.

One great way I’ve found to introduce people to twitter, as well as help them make real connections is to show them what I call Destination Tweeting Events. These are the hashtag conversations that happen around specific appointments — days and times — around specific topics. #Blogchat happens on Sunday nights. If you have a blog, you should be there. I learn something every week without fail. #Litchat occurs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4-5 PM EST. It’s for booklovers to discuss all things books.

As part of my 10-week course for established and aspiring authors looking to embrace and integrate social media into their everyday lives as writers, I incorporate a Twitter chat weekly event so that they learn to use the tool, can talk about issues they are having in building their online platform and using the medium, and don’t feel like newbies when they hit up other chats in their goal to learn, write and sell their books.

I highly encourage you to find destination tweeting events in order to learn more about Twitter and the field you’re in, as well as to build quality relationships that go beyond the event. I’ve found that I talk more — I mean really talk and share more — with those with whom I’ve been involved in chat events. We’ve already come together around a specific interest, and it’s much easier to start and build on those conversations. They help you reach your goal faster — they are the more direct route, if you will.

You can enter a hashtag (the pound sign ‘#’ with a keyword or phrase next to it) into the search bar of Twitter or your preferred Twitter tool, or  Tweetchat.com is a great place to search for chats around a specific topic, as well. Try a word or phrase a couple different ways to see what pops up. If you don’t find anything, you can always start a chat yourself; though it’s easier if you’ve built a following.

What are your favorite Twitter chats? I’m always looking to see what’s out there.

Filed under: Advice, authors, blog, Coaching, goals, marketing, social media, Social Networks, Twitter, writing