Yikes! Do you ever fall down that Information rabbit-hole of too many Social Media networks? Do you ever feel lost in Twitter-Space? With so much information coming at us, how do we find what we are looking for in the galaxy of virtual possibilities?

The other day, I checked into Klout.com and discovered that I had a new Perk from a company called Bottlenose. Being in the Social Media space, I like to stay on top of things, so I jumped in on the beta membership offer. What I discovered is a whole new way to get oriented.

Bottlenose is a new platform for getting organized with your Social Media platforms. Need to find a way to manage your Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google Reader feeds and more? Community managers will really appreciate ways to organize their streams into folders. There are 3 primary ways to read the information: You can scan the reader stream, use the sonar to hone in on a particular trend or topic, or you can enjoy the newspaper layout. This makes it easy for us to quickly get up to speed with today’s relevant news and trends as well and quickly share the most important content with our community.

You can use Bottlenose to easily search for discussions that are going on about topics and get in on the conversation. It’s a great way to engage with people who might be interested in a specific product or service.

Need new ways to get organized with Social Media? The Bottlenose program has multiple layers and is an easy way to customize and categorize our interests within all the Social Media streams. At first, it is a bit disorienting, but luckily there is a great series of Tips and Tutorials for how to best get organized. It is worth it to take a bit of time to create and organize your folders and filters.

Today’s Spreecast will feature Nova Spivack, the founder of Bottlenose. You can view the archived chat where he will share tips on how to best use Bottlenose to navigate and target the vast amount of information that we sometimes feel like we are drowning in.

Click on the link below to check out the conversation with Bottlenose CEO Nova Spivack:
http://www.spreecast.com/events/socialchats-bottlenose-ceo-nova-spivack

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1971 Star Trek TOS Communicator

In the past decade, advancements in global communications technologies have enabled us to reach each other at all times and in all places. This has changed all aspects of how we deal with each other interpersonally and in business as well.

If we took a time machine back 50 years and had a conversation with our grandparents in 1962 about communications today, they would probably have had our heads examined. Imagine explaining that not only are telephones and tv’s now cordless, but that we could actually use our wireless phones to as cameras, video cameras and to watch tv! I wonder what they would have thought about the hybridization of media into a one communications tool?

In the 60′s, Star Trek debuted and became a popular sci-fi tv show. Some of the communications tools that they used are now becoming an everyday reality. For example, in Star Trek: The Original Series, the characters used “Communicators” which were similar to today’s cellphone technology. These devices were wireless and enabled communications between the starships.

Fifty years later, instead of a “Universal Translater,” we now use Google Translate to have discussions with colleagues globally. In various episodes, LCARS or Library Computer Access/Retrieval System were computer screens that enabled the characters to search data and information. The iPhone can be compared to the “Tricorder” and the “Holodeck” might be the conceptual root of Augmented Reality.

This past week, Google posted a YouTube Video called “Project Glass” that gives us a preview of life with futuristic “Google glasses” that enable all sorts of daily interactions with information using Augmented Reality. All I need now is a “Transporter,” so I can say “Beam me up, Scotty” and not be late for meetings!

Who knows… the changes in communications technologies have been so incredible in the past 50 years, I can’t even begin to envision technological advancements in the next 5 years (Never mind the next 50!)

For a Vision of the Future, Check out this YouTube Video Google’s Project Glass

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Let’s turn back the clock 100 years.

A generation or so ago, our grandparents naturally ran businesses based on their social networks. Our grandfathers did business with their friends and our grandmothers spread by word of mouth about the best purveyors in town. As communications technologies evolved, corporate messaging via TV and Radio eclipsed the local “word of mouth.” Today, social media offers the best of both worlds: being able to communicate using technology and develop relationships, too. Essentially, Word of Mouth has now gone Global. The thing is, most of the social rules that were relevant decades ago have now become more important than ever.

Here are a few tips right out of my Grandmother’s playbook:

1. Introduce yourself:

Instead of getting online and automatically showering people with spammy “deals” (like a used-car salesman), be yourself. Listen first and then follow interesting people. Introduce yourself, with a virtual “handshake”, to the people that you find interesting. Be conversational. Be inquisitive and ask questions about their information or expertise. Add your comments to their posts. Most of all, Be Genuine. Tip: Please do NOT use an auto-responder or auto-follow tool to direct message or “DM” those who follow you. It’s like sending an automated handshake… Robotic is NOT Social!

2. Having a Generous Heart:

One of the best ways to get started is to be an online “giver.” Share a link that you think might be of interest or value to someone. Find a way to “tickle them pink” with your kindness. Share their information with others. Tip: Think about others first and you will pave your way to creating valuable relationships.

3. Gratitude Goes A Long Way:

People in Social Media networks often like to help and share. When they share your content, there is nothing nicer than receiving a nice “Thank You” note. It can be as simple as recognizing them for sharing your content or offering a kind comment back about their posts. Tip: Make your “Thank you” a real comment back and not just an automated “Thank You”.

4. Having a Great Personality online is Key:

The thing businesses need to understand is that Social Media only works if you are a great personality online. Basic social manners are going to ensure the popularity of your Social media presence. People value wit, information, and conversation and will grow to know your online personality. The most amazing thing is when you meet them “in real life.” It will be like you already know them.

5. Don’t just Do Social, Be Social:

Doing Social is having a “canned” approach to your engagement strategy. X number of Facebook posts automatically populating your Twitter stream is a very lazy and ineffective Social media strategy. Sending out copious steals, deals and corporate messages is NOT the way to use Social Media tools. (In fact, being a corporate megaphone is the fastest way to lose a following.) If all you want is to shout about your company, then I suggest you not “do Social” and simply go buy coupon ad space in one of those junk-mail circular flyers. Social Media, although Massive, is NOT Mass Media and should not be treated as tools for Mass Media “Messaging.” Tip: Being Social is building relationships one by one. It’s real people connecting up globally to share ideas and create new possibilities. Build a real following and real relationships first, and Social Media will work for you.

5. The Golden Rule:

We’ve heard it a Million times and it is a universal value. “Do Unto Others As You would want them to do unto you.” Be kind online. There is NO reason to go negative on someone in the public arena. It might be ok to complain about a product or service. But don’t burn bridges and try to keep your criticism constructive. All-out Haters are never attractive. The bottom line: Positive people who share great ideas, contribute to conversations and have fantastic personalities are the most successful with Social Media.

My grandmother was one of the most gracious, generous and interesting personalities that I have ever known. She was a true Connector and I am quite certain she would have been the ultimate doyenne of Social Media.

It’s no irony that most of these suggestions are taken from my Grandmother’s style of social etiquette. The fact is while we now have amazing technologies that enable us to connect and communicate globally, there’s nothing like good, old-fashioned manners that still make the world go round.

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A few weeks ago, Facebook announced that on Friday, March 30th, Facebook will implement the Timeline for Facebook Pages. This new design will include the Timeline Cover layout that they announced last September. Many businesses have heard about the upcoming changes, but so far only the savviest have already published their new designs.

(I suspect that many businesses are not even aware of the deadline and are going to be pretty surprised to see the changes that will take place to their existing Facebook Pages.)

So… Is your Business ready for Friday’s upcoming Facebook Page deadline? If not, to the left is a screenshot of what my page would have looked like if Facebook had made the shift and I had been caught without a new Cover design. (Pretty Boring… Right?)

That being said, last Friday, I finally stopped procrastinating and started sweating beads about the upcoming (looming) deadline. As a Social Media consultant, it would be unprofessional to have Facebook make the switch over and not have made the design changes in advance. But like all business owners, we are all inundated with too much to do and too little time. Not willing to shove some of my other projects aside, I knew I had to ask for help.

A few minutes later, a Tweet came in from a very connected and talented colleague, Michael Jason Houck. He wanted to discuss ways that he might be able to help. I quickly confessed that I had no time to work on my own SeymourResults Facebook Cover design and asked him if he wanted to take on the project. Within one hour, Jason was back to me with the initial concept for the design! (A chorus of angels sings Hallelujah!!)

Over the course of 24 hours, Jason and I went back and forth (virtually) on various ideas. He creatively and patiently implemented all that we discussed. 2 Facts about the process: One, Jason did not know in advance how picky I am and Two, most of the design process was done over Facebook and Twitter from my phone as I headed down to the Keys for the weekend. At the top of the post, there is an image of the SeymourResults New and Improved Facebook Cover that Jason designed for my business.

The Moral to the story: We live in dynamic times in relation to communications. Much of our business can be done by creating collaborative relationships with our Social Media connections. Much of our business communications can happen real-time and “on the go” from our smart phones.

If your business needs to meet the Friday deadline and you just don’t have time to wrangle with the design process, then I highly recommend you connect up with Michael Jason Houck at @JasonPromotesU or email him at mjhouck@gmail.com  Not only is he efficient, but his Customized Cover Page Design service is reasonably priced too!  (And for clarity’s sake, this is a sincere recommendation of Jason and Not a sponsored “suggestion.”)

As a Side note: Facebook’s Cover Uploading is more than a bit quirky to work with. I definitely did not have the time to deal with it.  If you, however, are a business owner who has more time than budget, you may find GrandMa Mary’s 15 minute “Facebook Page Timeline Tips” to be helpful and amusing. (But don’t say I did not warn you! Creating your own Timeline Cover can be more time consuming than it’s worth.)

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Over the past week, the original cast of last Friday’s Social Chats has floundered, had fun and learned a lot about a new live streaming Social video program called Spreecast. It has been an interesting process that we would like to share with others who are interested in Spreecasting.

The following is a list of 10 Tips for Producing a Spreecast show that were compiled from last night’s meeting with Francisco Jose Palacio and Tonya Scholz.

1. Get Familiar with Spreecast & Watch the Videos

   Initially, we definitely floundered a bit with the Spreecast process.  There is definitely a learning curve involved.  So the best piece of advice to get started is to watch the How To Videos by Spreecast.

2. Determine – What is the Style of the Show?

   Spreecast by nature is very organic.  On the other hand, there is a level of production control that the Producer has over the show.  For example, guests can be “Vetted” first by the producer prior to being accepted onto the show.  Guests can ask questions and producers can decide which Questions are featured.

3. What is the Topic or Theme of the show?

   Casual Friday? Chat? Q&A?  The best shows have a predetermined topic and agenda.  Find a Happy Medium between a formal and Keeping it Real.  Spreecast is more casual than network TV and that Organic quality is what makes Spreecast so appealing.

4. Designate a Host and 1 co-producer;

    Be clear about who is leading and moderating the conversation.  The Role of the Co-Producer is to manage the sidebar, to accept new guests and to accept questions from the queue.  The co-producer can be on video or off camera.

5. Invite 1-2 Experts as Guests in advance.

    Properly preparing the guests is highly recommended.  We suggest arranging a pre-broadcast Training, guidance on how to use Spreecast and Prepping the Guests on the agenda before the event.

6. Have an Pre-Show Agenda Meeting

   A Brainstorming session is strongly suggested. And a clear agenda will cause the show to run more smoothly.

7. PreShow Promotion

   All Parties should coordinate to promote the show to their social media networks & lists.  For Real Time Promotion Develop 10 Well-Crafted Tweets and Hashtags that can be sent out during the broadcast.  Also, Tweeting out salient information to share with the Twitter stream is a good way to get people curious and engaged.

8. Get the Branding Image from the Show Sponsors for the 4th quadrant “Ad Space”

   If you do not have a 3rd guest, use the 4th spot to highlight a sponsor.

9. Best Practices:

   It is better to Tweet the Long links instead of the short links.   If you want to keep your Spreecast Private, then don’t Tag it on Facebook.  Tagging on facebook breaks the privacy setting.

10. Technical Considerations

    Lighting is crucial and it is best to have some lighting set behind the camera, but close enough to the face to brighten.  A tip for White Balancing is to wear a white t-shirt.  If your external Microphone does not work, then use the internal microphone.  Some people have been spied using the Apple-issued white earphone/microphones and they seem to work well.

Suggested Show Agenda:

Host Opens Show

Introduction of Guest or Guests

Brief overview of the Agenda

Guest Speaker 1

Guest Speaker 2

Or Moderated Dialogue/Chat

Q&A from the Viewers

Outro or Show Wrap-up

TY to the Sponsors

We hope that you find these tips to be helpful and look forward to seeing new Spreecasters. There are so many possibilities for this new way of Broadcasting shows through Spreecast and if you have tips or suggestions, we look forward to your ideas.

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Last Friday, while listening in on Tonya Scholz’s Social Chats, I unexpectedly got invited into a Spreecast. While I had peripherally heard of Spreecast, I really had no idea what a great tool I was being introduced to. To be honest, Spreecast took Tonya’s Social Chats to a whole new level. What was previously a Friday radio chat about social media in South Florida, became a Live TV Show.

While I enjoyed the radio format of Social Chats, the live streaming video enabled the participants to feel more connected. Just short of meeting up in real life, the video nature enabled us to get to know one and other and share ideas. This took mere Facebook/Twitter connections to a whole new level. So… now that I have officially fallen down the rabbit-hole, I cannot help but share this new way to create community with you.

So you may be wondering, What exactly is Spreecast?

Spreecast is essentially a live streaming video platform that enables up to live broadcasting that is fully integrated with social media. Translation: If you have ever wanted to broadcast your own show to the world and chat simultaneously with your facebook friends and Twitter followers, this is a tool worth looking into. In addition to the ability to socialize, the show host has the ability to invite up to 3 guests simultaneously into the show.

This week, the original “cast” has continued to communicate and collaborate on learning how to use Spreecast. I want to Thank Francisco Jose Palacio for sharing this new tool with us and opening our eyes to new possibilities for communications. One of the things that Jeff Zelaya brought up was the fact that these technologies are enabling our communities to grow and be connected. Susy Rosado brought us the TV Producer’s point of view. The most enlightening aspect of Spreecast was Francisco reminding us that this is “Organic TV.” While we floundered a bit with the programming, everyone learned a great deal.

Today, I met with Francisco online and he guided me through the process of setting up a Spreecast. The first time around has definitely been an amazing learning experience and it’s amazing how easy it is to schedule a live webcast. Tomorrow, I will be Sharing our team’s Collaborative List of 10 Tips for Producing a Spreecast Show. In the meantime, check out the Spreecast video of our first foray into SocialChats TV

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You: (facepalm) Oh No! Not Another Social Media Network?!?!     Me: Yes, yet another Social media channel. Unless you have been under a rock for the last month, you have probably heard that Pinterest is all the rage. Statistics to date show that Pinterest is breaking the records for the fastest growing website ever. But what is all the hoopla about?

First, Pinterest is a virtual Pinboard or Dreamboard for ideas, images and inspirations. Aside from being a Visual Feast, Pinterest is so easy to do and get hooked on! In the video below, I discuss and share the “ins and outs” of this new social network.

The following is a list of 10 Pinteresting Tips on How to Pinterest with panache!

1. Start by developing an Interesting Profile.

My clients have heard this advice over and over, but you always need to put your best foot forward by crafting an interesting profile. People do not follow boring people, so give them reasons to take interest in you or your business.

2. Create Interesting Board Names.

While Pinterest has a list of suggested Board Names, you do not need to stick with the basic/boring names. Step out on a limb and create interesting names for your boards. Consider each one a separate visual mini-blog and you will attract people who are interested in that particular topic.

3. Show the Various aspects of your Personality.

Instead of just being one dimensional, develop out a series of Boards that range across the various Pinterest Categories.

4. What is the Lifestyle of your Company?

Do you appeal to a certain interest group or does your team share similar hobbies? What is the lifestyle of your clients. Tease out a few reasons to develop lifestyle based boards. For example, WholeFoods in Austin has developed a range of boards appealing to recipe collectors,vegetarians, gadget lovers, health nuts and recyclers, just to name a few!

5. As with all Social Media, having quality posts is important.

High Quality images, however are where the pedal hits the metal with Pinterest. Pinners love to share great images… so put your best foot forward when uploading your own images and videos.

6. Promote others first!

It’s the Golden Rule of Social Media, but Pinterest just makes it so easy to share the great posts of others. Make sure you have added the Pin It button to your Chrome or Foxfire browser bar and share the blogposts and articles that you are reading on the web.

7. Create Relationships.

Much like Twitter, Pinterest is an open network that will expose you to many whom you otherwise may never have encountered. It is very easy to see who you connect with based on their visual pins and boards. Explore the categories of your interest and RePin the content that you appreciate to your boards. The best way to get conversational is to simply comment on the original content.

8. Don’t forget your own site!

Make sure that you install the Pinterest Share Button on your Blog or website. That way other pinners can share the content or products that they like. Feel free to pin your own items, but do not be overly self-promotional.

9. Share your Pins.

After you have Pinned or RePinned to your board, you will have the opportunity to Tweet it out on Twitter or share it to your Facebook profile. While Twitter could probably handle copious additions of pins, you may want to be more reserved about constantly posting to Facebook.

10. Pin it to Win It!

Contests are a great way to get people interested in your page and Gary Vaynerchuk launched his Wine Board with a really fun game called Pin it to Win it. He got hundreds of comments and chose a winner from the commenters. You can also use Pinterest to “Crowd Source” by showing a couple of products and asking Pinners to vote on their favorites.

If you are pinning already, I would love to see your boards. You can find me at http://pinterest.com/cynthiakseymour/

The following is a Video that further discusses What’s So Hot about Pinterest.

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Do you sometimes feel an overwhelming sense of dread when you hear that more changes are in the Social Media pipeline? Ever feel like it is hard to keep up with all of the new technological “bells and whistles?” Some of my clients have even expressed a sense of fear toward all of the advances and I often find myself coaching them toward new horizons in their business communications.

Here are a few of the tips that would like to share to help everyone get past the Social Media overload and seize the Social Media Changes as new opportunities to stay in control of your business relationships:

1. Challenge Your Resistance:

I have to admit, when I first heard about the Facebook changes that were going to be announced, I felt a sudden onset of dread. Like many, I can be resistant to change, especially if it’s occurring without my consent.

2. Accept that Change is Inevitable:

One thing that is becoming clear, we all have to get comfortable with these rapid changes. Once we get past the unknown and familiarize ourselves with what is new, a sense of comfort prevails.

3. Get Educated:

If you feel like you are being left behind, hire a coach or consultant who can help you get up to speed with Social Media. Master one network at a time, so you do not get overwhelmed or confused. My clients at Gossett Marketing are amazed at the range of possibilities that each network, especially Twitter, can generate for their business.

4. Get in on the Conversation:

Like any networking, Social networks are just online conversations and sharing of information. Just “eavesdropping” in on other peoples’ interactions is really not a valuable use of your time. Be conversational and you will create meaningful relationships over time.

5. Engage Day by Day:

Social Media and digital communications are changing daily and it is important to stay on top of the latest features. One way to stay current is to do a little every day. Daily engagement keeps you in the loop with your business and personal contacts.

6. Be “In the Know”:

Sharing your thoughts on interesting news, events and trends in your industry is a great way to spark conversations. Loosen up enough to allow your personality to shine through your updates, because no one wants to read or converse with a Corporate Drone.

7. Help others first:

There are so many possibilities for putting others first and a little effort goes a long way. If you see that someone needs a job or you have some valuable information that might help them, foster a connection and/or offer great tips.

8. Be of Value:

The #1 Cardinal Rule of Social Media is Do Not Spam. Social Media is “social” and being a used-car salesman is just not kosher in the Social ecosystem. More and more, people are filtering out people who do not offer valuable information. Do not over advertise and just become one of those spammer outcasts.

9. Manage your Time:

It is so easy to get sucked down the rabbit hole of wasting time on the internet. Time is so valuable to us all and it is important to really get control over the “time suck” of Social Media. Set a kitchen timer or use an online timer to make one hour a day the most productive use of your time online.

10. Get Focused:

Random surfing is often not an effective use of your online time. Neither is gaming Set up an RSS feed or read the LinkedIn News page like you would a newspaper and then share, tweet or comment about the most interesting news to your networks.

11. Get Excited:

Like it or not, Social Media is becoming the predominant form of global communications and those who embrace the changes are going to experience the excitement of new ideas and be on the fore-front of an economic revolution.

12. Embrace the Future:

As if I have to tell you, Information and online Social Relationships are “In” and the companies moving technology and communications forward are probably going to get us out of these economic doldrums that the world is currently facing.

In fact, a recent Forbes article highlights the Youngest Billionaires and 7 out of 9 are in the Technology/Social Media Industry. These “industries” were either fledgling or non-existent 20 years ago and the changes are so rapid that it is difficult to project what possibilities are ahead for the youth of today.

All I can say is, fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride! The best is yet to come…

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Today, I came across one of the posts from Rupesh Nandy, a rather prolific G+ content curator. While most of his posts are interesting, a particular video was thought provoking and made me laugh at the same time. The YouTube video is a mashup of just how much Social Media has revolutionized Global Communications as we know it. Here is the Video “R.E.M.ix: It’s the End of TV as We Know it” and my commentary below:

Turn back the clock about 30 or 40 years: In the 70′s, TV in the US was limited to 4 primary Broadcasters: ABC, CBS, NBC and PBS and most TV’s were black and white. I remember what a treat it was to get to stay up late to watch Chastity on Sonny & Cher. Most shows were family friendly and the most racy ad was the turtle-neck clad “Cross Your Heart Bra” model with the measuring tape. Cowboys, cops and Charlie’s Angels pulled the gun, but did not harass or blow the criminal’s head off. And sexuality was under wraps instead of scantily clad Victoria’s Secret models strutting down the cat walk with Angel wings. Remember the once a year broadcast of Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz? Staying up late was a treat and those movies were a family event.

In the 80′s, we were introduced to Cable TV and MTV changed how we experienced music. I remember the excitement of seeing The Police, Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Cyndi Lauper perform over and over and over again, but it was the chance to see them perform that was so much more fun than just listening to the radio. We also, were introduced to videos… remember the VHS? No longer did we have to wait for the once a year “Frankly… my Dear, I don’t give a Damn.” But we did have to wait with baited breath to find out “Who Shot JR?”

Fast Forward to 2011: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills make us thankful for being able to live comparatively “normal” lives. As our viewing tastes have changed, our tolerance for what is acceptable on Prime Time TV has radically changed. The technology has changed as well – Black & White TV’s to VHS to DVD’s to Endless channels to real-time live streaming. In May 2011, the entire world had a front seat row at the Royal Wedding 2.0 as it was Live broadcast globally from YouTube.

What is interesting about today’s media is our growing tendency to want to “share” our thoughts and opinions and our ability to feel connected to the stars. Not only are we drawn-into the dramas of the “Housewives” and the Kardashians, but we want to connect with them and get in on their thoughts through their Tweets and social media updates.

Enter Social Media: This week, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook announced the upcoming changes at the F8 conference. His vision for Social Media is that we will all be sharing our media tastes and moments. Social Apps, like Hulu, are being developed to enable us to create a social experience out of the Television that we are watching. We will be able to share our comments about shows during the broadcast. Watching TV, Reading News, Watching Movies or Sharing Music with our friends adds a new (social) dimension to media as we know it.

Media Democracy: The one thing that I can say is as TV has evolved, so has our freedom of choice. There seems to be an infinite list of channels on cable TV and limitless programs to cater to various lifestyle interests. On the other hand, it seems like the programming is consistently pushing the envelope toward the direction of tasteless, lack of boundaries. (And we wonder why our kids behave the way they do…?)

Sensory Overload: On the other hand, there is a constant, never-ending chatter about what is going on in the world around us. As a result, many of us have gone through moments of utter “Social Fatigue.” We are constantly being bombarded with messages: Emails & Voice Mails are giving way to Text Messaging. Our Social Media channels are constantly flowing with Twitter streams and now the Facebook “Ticker.” There are times when we need to just turn it all off and get back to the natural, tangible world. And then, we wonder what we might be missing out on…

New Frontiers in Global Communications: In less than a decade, Media has been radically altered by the advent of Social Media. Changes to the networks are evolving daily. It is almost impossible to predict where we are going. Much like the pioneers who packed up their wagons to “Go West” into the unknown, we are heading toward a New Economy. In this Digital world, those who accelerate toward the new frontier are going to reap the rewards and the ones who resist the changes are simply going to be left behind.

The New Media Revolution: The one thing I can agree with… this YouTube Video “It’s the End of TV as we Know it” is a great overview of the changes that are happening. The Video highlights just how much Social Media has completely revolutionized and redefined the way our world communicates.

So where you stand on these changes? You excited or feeling overwhelmed? Looking forward or feeling left behind? Please Share…

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Prior to the announcements at the F8 Conference, I was feeling a great sense of resistance about the Facebook changes. As Mark Zuckerberg presented the new features, a sense of excitement and enthusiasm began to overcome the initial discomfort.   Zuckerberg’s energy sparked my curiosity and I quickly found a way to update my profile to the new timeline.

The public reaction was not quite as enthusiastic.  At the end of the day, there was a flurry of images like “Honk if you think the new FB Sucks” and a variety of complaints streaming into the Newsfeed. (The amusing thing is these complaints were coming in from Facebook users who did not yet have access to the new features!)

Here is a quick summary demystifying the Facebook changes that are rolling out over the next few weeks with a quick video at the end.

The Newsfeed Change: The News Feed is going to feature Top Stories and the most newsworthy, relevant updates. The best way to make sure that you have updates that interest you is to Subscribe to your favorite peoples’ updates.

The Ticker: The small changes and more “lightweight moments” are going to be relegated to the Ticker in the top right hand corner of the screen. The Ticker feed will be the moment to moment updates from your network. You can see your friends updating in real-time and choose whether or not you want to engage with them.

Facebook Timeline: The profile is changing to what is now called the “Timeline” and is an aggregation of all of your posts since the day you signed up for your Facebook account. Your Timeline is “The Story of your Life on a Single Page” and can be edited as you see fit. Entries can be Highlighted with a Star or Deleted according to your preferences. Visitors to your Profile/Timeline can scroll through all of the important events of your life.

This new design takes a page out of Tumblr’s playbook. It enables each user to create what is essentially a personal blog or an ongoing digital scrapbook of life moments, interests and events. This is going to be a great memory-keeper for today’s youth and there was even discussion of being able to create an Annual Report of each year.

The Cover Image: At the Top of your Profile is the Cover Image that serves as a photographic header. It’s basically the Big Picture that best represents your personality at the top of the screen. Tip: Wide Horizontal images work the best.

Status Updates: Your updates now drop chronologically onto the Timeline and you can Filter your updates to denote Work & Education, Family & Relationships, Living, Health & Wellness and Milestones & Special Events. Essentially, your updates become your stories that you are sharing with the people you have connected with.

Graphic Mapping: In addition to status updates, there is a Graphic Mapping feature that documents the moments geographically. Click on a place and add pictures or comments about your experiences.

Social Apps: What has the most groundbreaking potential is the endless possibilities for App Developers to create new ways for us to interact socially. Mark Zuckerberg used the term “Frictionless” as he described the seamless way that our apps would automatically update our Timeline. For example, what you read in the Wall Street Journal social news app will automatically populate the news section of your Timeline. There are already Media apps in the pipeline: Netflix for renting & watching movies, Spotify for sharing songs & playlists, Hulu for sharing TV Shows, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post for News. Lifestyle apps include Nike+GPS for runners, biking, hiking, hobbies and various recipe/food review sharing apps.

And if these features are not enough… These were only some of the changes announced, so it will be interesting to see how the Facebook community responds to the fresh new look. Stay tuned for more updates as Facebook continues to evolve & roll out the changes.

If you just can’t wait to update your Facebook profile, here is a quick 3 min YouTube video that will guide you through the process of “How to Enable & Activate Your Facebook Timeline Today.”

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