Wednesday, December 30, 2009

GET PUBLISHED NOW! Get Clear on Your Book's Purpose

Get Published Now! with Beth Barany

Be clear on your book’s purpose. That is, get clear on why you want to write this book? Why, specifically, this book? Why, specifically, now does this book need to come out into the world?

Why is why an important an important question to ask?

Because after the WHAT (What is the book about?), the WHO (Who is this book specifically for? And what’s important to them?), you need to know the why bother.

You’re a busy person. You have demands on your time. You have commitments, promises to keep, people to see, places to go…

So you need a really good story, um I mean, reason, to tell yourself about why on earth you want to spend your precious time, money and attention, on writing this book now.

Is two minutes of your time a reasonable amount to invest so you can get clear on the why of your book?

Good!

So, take 120 seconds and jot down a few notes on why this book is important and why now.

Really, I mean it. Do that now.

Good!

Now here’s the call to action. Ready? Now that you know your why, decide to commit to your book, or not, now. Either way is fine. You can always change your mind later. Your job now is to decide. Be clear and open about your decisions. To yourself.

To take your commitment a step further (for the daring ones out there!), and to show your commitment to outside of yourself, tell someone else. Tell me. Tell a trusted colleague. Tell your spouse. Tell someone!

Congratulations!

You just:

· Got clear about the WHY for your book

· Decided to commit to an action (to take action on your book now, or not)

· And told someone about your decision.

Until next month!

c. 2009 Beth Barany

**Who Beth Barany works with are aspiring authors. She helps them get their books written and out to market.

**Previous TNNW articles on the Writer’s Fun Zone.

For more information, please visit Beth's TNNW Bio.

Published by THE NATIONAL NETWORKER Newsletter. All rights reserved. Subscribe Free For Your TNNW Newsletter and THE BLUE MONDAY REPORT! - Click HERE.
The National Networker Companies
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POWER THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Blueprint for 2010, Part 3

Power Thought of the Week with Patricia Parham, Ph.D.

Systems Blueprints

Systems theory says that organizations influence their environment and vice-versa. As the hub of several intact networks of contacts, you are influenced by each and each is, in turn, influenced by you and the other networks. Have you designed your networks to include polarities, exploring extremes; ignoring centers and, perhaps, canceling each other out? Are your networks basically replicas of each other with different content? Do your networks complement each other; building upon one another and causing each other to stretch and grow? Intentionally create powerful networks.

Patricia A. Parham
Parham Enterprises
www.parhament.com

For more information, please visit Patricia's TNNW Bio.

Published by THE NATIONAL NETWORKER Newsletter. All rights reserved. Subscribe Free For Your TNNW Newsletter and THE BLUE MONDAY REPORT! - Click HERE.
The National Networker Companies

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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

BLUE THING #10: BACKTALK: Comments From Our Readers

NEW: At the bottom of every TNNW article, we now feature a "click-on" COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE button. We want your opinion on every article and every author!

Be a part of our growing GICBC -- our GLOBAL INTERNETWORKED COOPERATIVE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.

Here are some of your comments on our recent TNNW articles:

Teri Aulph: Beyond the Cubicle - Corporate Culture
Culturally speaking...are you where you need to be?

"I agree with Terri about the importance of company culture. But I do not believe that many companies use culture (or the employees personality) as a basis for hiring. If they did you would find your workforce to much more highly engaged. To me, the company culture is one of the 3 primary ingredients of an engaged workforce. The other two are the leadership styles practiced in the organization and the employee expectations. "Thanks for a well done article..."
- Dave Meyer

"Totally agree that corporate culture match is essential. This is especially true for Millennials who want to make sure that the company really practices what it espouses."
- Jan Ferri-Reed

"As a long-tome corprate recruiter, and now longitime career coach, I wholeheartedly agree with the fot issue being key not only in the hiring decision (other quaifications being equal), and then on both ends in terms of retention and employee satisfaction/engagement. Sometimes it is something that my clients take a while to see. They finally uncover that their frustration or burning out is often due to that misalignment. I see this more with boomers as they are more of my audience on career transition. Good article!"
- Jill Bergquist, PCC

Dr. Ivan Misner: Networking Success
How And Where People Network

"Thanks for pointing out this article.

The findings all makes good sense to me. Before I do add a couple of comments let me say that I am deaf and it’s getting worse so I have difficulty hearing in a crowded room a. 20 – 30 people are indeed more than enough for me and that’s typically the size of our BNI Chapter - Carron. b. The article does not tackle one to ones – just two people exchanging their strengths and getting to know one another. This mode is key to me. c. Our company develops application software tailored to the client’s requirements. It’s half way between a service and a product and this has impact on our sales opportunities d. As the service/ product is specific we need to install in most cases at the client’s site and therefore our clients are inevitably local in the article’s sense e. I do do a lot of on-line networking but mainly in response to articles on Linked In for example. Articles that I feel I have to comment on and other responders can be global often in the US f. I do however resent approaches which start like ‘Have a look at my blog ….’ These are far too often straight sells and are an immediate turn off. Despite a. I am looking forward to International Networking Week in February – there’s usually a quiet spot that I can lead a networker off too!"

- Mike Vickers, mailto:mike@vickersprojects.co

Rick Itzkowich: Being There When it Counts
How many opportunities are you missing?

"When I first started on LinkedIn, I would link with people I just met or barely knew to build my network. Then I got a few requests from connections that I didn't remember who asked me for recommendations or introductions to certain closer, high-placed contacts of mine. It put me in an awkward position in relationships I valued. I remember a LinkedIn expert recommending that when you accept a connection consider whether you would feel comfortable recommending or referring that person to other connections because that's why people want to link. I don't think I have to know someone personally, but I do feel that I have to know something about them, either from correspondence or posts. However, I never refuse an invitation, just archive it, so the requester won't be penalized."
- Terry Matz

"I agree with Linking to people that you do not already know, but I do think you should find out more about how you may be able to help one another first. In my searches, I find people that have the same interests (maybe a fellow alumnus from college/high school or someone with a similar target market). Here is an example of a message that I sent last week to a woman who graduated from my college: 'I came across your profile as I was searching for human resource professionals within the [my college] community'. Although I found many profiles fitting that description, I chose to send you a message because it is evident that you appreciate the 'human value" within a corporation.'"
- Eric Roberge

On a Recent TNNW's Newswire and Press Release Service Announcement Written by our Media Mogul (Mongrel), Douglas Castle:

"This is interesting ... as a print and digital/HD visual PR / Multimedia promotions - I was surprised to see the charges of PR Web and PR Newswire - the industry’s dominant broadcast media. They seem to have become powerful channels to a large potential audience because when they started, I did use their distribution expertise. "Agreed - in order to optimize press releases the headline must be catchy and well written. A slight edit with the keywords, hyperlinks and powerful quotes gives it credibility in the submission process, while know where to submit it to the target geographical and vertical markets. Tracking and re-publish it is a matter of being focused and consistent. "Is the NATIONAL NETWORKER and BLUE TUESDAY Report moving towards building a superior service ? I usually deal directly with the editors and publishers with news stories ..."
- Vinanti Sarkar Castellarin

BLUE THING #9: This Week's Top Buzzed Items and Terms

Click on: http://TheNationalNewspickerPage.blogspot.com

Pick on: http://TheNationalNewspickerPage.blogspot.com - Get all the news, info and intel that you need in order to be far ahead of the curve. We are green, environmentally-compliant, eco-friendly, bio-degradable, and emit no CO2 or other greenhouse gases. We do not emit dangerous radiation, gamma waves, tidal waves or other similar things which could potentially cause disease or fatality (even dealth!) amongst our readers, or which could destroy our planet. We don't permit our employees to even walk on other people's lawns. Our company automobiles are run on electricity or ethanol, as do some of our senior staff members. We love the Earth. Choose the Picker --Save the Planet!

Now featuring the Rede Report Blog from the NEW YORK TIMES.

Did you know that several hundred people (we use the term "people" loosely) have already picked THE NATIONAL NEWSPICKER gadget to adorn their websites, blog pages and newsletters? Our goal: 100,000 viewings per day. Join us, please. Choose your news! THE WORLD IS GOING GREEN.

Better grab this gadget before Christmas (extended deadline!) for mounting on your blog, website, newsletter, homepage, social media profile, twitterfeed, refrigerator, cinderblock and your bathroom mirror (use duct tape, as it withstands the humidity). Why? You need news. We have it all. And...after November 1st, you will no longer be able to grab this gadget; you'll have to go directly to the page. It's not funny. Do it. Don't just blow us off as idiosyncratic, uncultivated clowns - this PICKER is POWERFUL.

Think about this: 20 minutes each day to be the smartest person in any meeting (or at least seem like it).

THE NATIONAL NEWSPICKER PAGE - The wearin' o' the green. 'taint just blarney, Old Son. Sing along if you know the song..."everybody's doin' it, doin' it, doin' it..."

Published by THE NATIONAL NETWORKER Newsletter. All rights reserved. Subscribe Free For Your TNNW Newsletter and THE BLUE MONDAY REPORT! - Click HERE.
The National Networker Companies
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BLUE THING #8: Great Websites and Blogs to Explore

HAVE A LOOK AT THESE INTERESTING WEBSITES!

BUT FIRST, our newest service is up and live. Yes...it's alive! BUZZWORKS! Visit at http://tnnwc-tnnwbuzzworks.blogspot.com .

http://www.opentopia.com/sunlightmaprect.html
http://www.gregmiller.net/locks/
http://vn247.net/flash/Color-and-Me.swf
http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/2009/12/24/20091224christmas-prank-ON.html
http://geology.com/
http://www.netjeff.com/humor/item.cgi?file=NeverHappens
http://www.clublaugh.com/es-items/712.swf
http://www.scenic-railroads.com/main.htm
http://www.anybodyoutthere.com/
http://www.malevole.com/mv/misc/killerquiz/
http://TheInternationalistPage.blogspot.com
http://braintenance.blogspot.com/

NOTE: Sites are selected based upon merit by an unbiased* panel of judges. Regrettably, we cannot accept payment for the placement of your site here. Darn.

*At least in their own opinion.

BLUE THING #7: Most Memorable Quote of the Week

Brought to you by The National Networker and QuoteActions.

"Asking politicians to give up a source of money is like asking Dracula to forsake blood."

- Columnist, Cal Thomas

BLUE THING #6: Featured Deal of the Week

Featured Deal of the Week is brought to you by The National Networker and CEO Space Northeast.

TO ALL OF OUR TNNW READERS:

Would You Like To Have Your Company Featured Here?

Whether or not you belong to CEO Space (which you should), you are invited to tell us about your Greatest Deal for our consideration. If it's truly great, we'll write it up! Your victory will be seen by and shared with thousands and thousands of readers and prospective customers and clients. Simply write to info@TheNationalNetworker.blogspot.com

TNNW would like to wish Rob Adams a speedy recovery. Get better soon, Rob!

BLUE THING #5: Featured Company of the Week

Featured Company of the Week is brought to you by The National Networker and CEO Space Northeast.

TNNW would like to wish Rob Adams a speedy recovery. Get better soon, Rob!

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY TO BE FEATURED HERE?

If your company is genuinely special, and you have an exciting yarn to spin (or tale to tell), just write to us at info@TheNationalNetworker.com , being sure to include "FEATURED COMPANY OF THE WEEK" in the Subject line. Give us a very quick synopsis, and your communications coordinates. Your company will be seen by thousands and thousands or viewers and prospective customers and clients.

BLUE THING #4: This Week's Top News Stories

Environmental Impact Statement Report: The National Networker Companies are all environmentally-compliant, eco-friendly and produce no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gasses. We do not even permit our employees to pass wind while on company time.
------------------------------------------------

This is just too easy...click on THE NATIONAL NEWSPICKER PAGE. You should have this gadget on your blog, your website, your homepage, your newsletters, your social media, and on your refrigerator door by now. You can grab this gadget for free from the site below.

You're at a stoplight in the crossroads of your life...now's the time to pick! Carpe Nostrilus!

Click on: http://TheNationalNewspickerPage.blogspot.com

THE NATIONAL NEWSPICKER: 20 Minutes, and you can be the smartest person in any meeting (or at least you can look like it). THE NATIONAL NEWSPICKER -- What's In Your Hanky? http://thenationalnewspickerpage.blogspot.com/

BLUE THING #3: Amazing New Facts and Statistics

BLUE THING #3: Amazing New Facts and Statistics

NOW FEATURING READER PARTICIPATION!

IF YOU have an amazing fact, statistic or hysterical story to share with out readership, tell us right now. Don't be selfish. Share if you care. Just click:

HERE'S MY AMAZING FACT, STATISTIC OR STORY!

You are invited to submit your favorite amazing fact or little-known statistic and get it published here, boldly showcased in the perfectly rectangular enclosure of BLUE THING #3. But be advised that you must be a Subscriber in order to participate. If you're not already a subscriber, click on the following link before you read on: http://twitlik.com/IN. If you are already a Subscriber, please proceed to the next paragraph for "the elevator pitch."

HEY YOU! Yes you. Since you are now a Subscriber to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER NEWSLETTER, you are invited to submit your own favorite amazing fact or statistic. If you’d like, we’ll even publish your name (or your organization’s name) if you'd like and give you credit for your contribution. Note: Unless you are particularly dense, you will recognize that we are actually offering you FREE PUBLICITY in exchange for a mere tidbit of information.

Simply click on the hyperlink below to submit your gem:

*I/WE HAVE AN AMAZING NEW FACT OR STATISTIC!*

If the hyperlink above isn’t working, first you must first blame your browser (Internet Explorer 8 seems to be an exceptionally popular source of consumer dissatisfaction), then your ISP Provider, then Bill Gates (or Steve Jobs), and mutter a rapid string of profanities under your breath. Kick furniture if you feel it necessary. [feel better?] Then, just click on this one, and get direct access.

https://ciof.wufoo.com/forms/iwe-have-an-amazing-new-fact-or-statistic/

AND NOW...

A compilation of utterly useless information brought to you by The Internationalist Page, AssociatedContent.com and THE NATIONAL NEWSPICKER™.

Following is a veritable cesspool teeming with trivial items to use in pick-up lines in bars, to fill awkward silences in credit committee meetings, and to forward (via email) to the spam filters of Oprah, Bill O’Reilly, Bono, Paris Hilton, Harry Potter [either one], any member of the board of directors of Bank Of America, the president or prime minister of your home nation, or one or more of your many friends, family members and people who have far too much time on their hands.

Here goes:

Celebrating New Year's Eve

Around the World

Many New Year's traditions are similar, but some are different. Here are some interesting customs, past and present, around the world.

Australia: New Year's is celebrated on January 1. This is a public holiday and many people spend it having picnics and camping on the beach. Their parties start on December 31. At midnight they start to make noise with whistles, rattles, car horns, and church bells to ring in the New Year.

Austria: New Year's Eve is called Sylverterabend, which is the Eve of Saint Sylvester. they make a spiced punch in honor of the saint. Decorations and champagne are part of the celebration. Evil spirits of the old year are chased away by the firing of moroars, called boller. Midnight mass is attended and trumpets are blown from church towers at midnight, when people kiss each other.

Belgium: New Year's Eve is called Sint Sylvester Vooranvond, or Saint Sylvester Eve. People throw parties and at midnight everyone kisses and exchanges good luck greetings. New Year's Day is call Nieuwjaarrsdag. children write letters on decorated paper to their parents and god parents, and read the letter to them.

Great Britain: the custom of first footing is practiced. the first male visitor to the house, after midnight ,is supposed to bring good luck. The man brings a gift like money, bread, or coal, to ensure the family will have plenty of these in the year to come. The first person must not be blond, red-haired, or a women, as these are supposed to be bad luck. In London, crowds gather in Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly circus to hear the chimes of London's big Ben as it announces the arrival of the New Year.

France: The French New Year is Jour des Etrennes, or Day of New Year's Presents. Dinner parties are thrown for the entire family, where presents are exchanged.

Germany: People drop molten lead into cold water to tell the future from the shape it makes. A bit of food eaten on New Year's Eve is left on their plate until after Midnight, as a way on ensuring a well stocked larder in the coming year..

Greece: January 1 is an important date in Greece because it is St. Basil's Day, as well as the first day of the year. St. Basil was known for his kindness to children. Stories tell how he would come in the night and leave gifts for children in their shoes. People gather, have special meals and exchange gifts.

Hungary: In Hungary the people burn effigies, or a scapegoat known as "Jack Straw". The scapegoat represents the evils and misfortunes of the past year. Burning the effigy is supposed to get rid of the bad luck.

India: The Indian New Year's is started with a festival of lights called Diwali. Cards and gifts are exchanged and people finish off any uncompleted work.

Japan: Oshogatsu in an important time for foamy celebrations when all business are closed. To keep out evil spirits they hang a rope of straw across the front of their houses. The rope stands for happiness and good luck. When the New Year begins, the Japanese people begin to laugh, which is supposed to bring them good luck in the New Year.

Netherlands: People burn Christmas Trees in street bonfires and let fireworks ring in the New Year,

Poland: Knows as St. Sylvester's Eve., in honor of Pope Sylvester I. Legend is that Pope Sylvester foiled the plans of a dragon to devour the world in the year 1000.

Portugal: The Portuguese pick and eat twelve grapes from a bunch as the clock strikes twelve on New Year;s Eve. The twelve grapes ensure twelve happy months in the coming year.

Russia: Grandfather Frost, who wears a blue suit instead of Santa's red, arrives on New year's Eve with his bag of toys for the children.

Scotland: Night of the Candle. People prepare for New Year by cleaning their home and purifying it with a ritual or burning juniper branches carried through the home. The First Footer says that whoever the first person to set foot into your home on New Year's Day decides the luck of the family for the coming year.

South Africa: The New Year is rung in with church bells ringing and gunshots being fired. On New year's Day there is a carnival atmosphere.

South America: A dummy or straw person is ofter placed outside the home and burned at midnight...(Please contact us for further information about being the featured guest and flaming entree at this joyous and unique celebration -- info@TheNationalNetworker.com)

Spain: Everything, including theater productions and movies, is stopped at Midnight on New Year's. The clock strikes midnight and everyone eats twelve grapes. They eat one grape for each toll to bring good luck for the next twelve months of the New Year. Sometimes the grapes are washed down with wine.

United States: The New Year is often rung in with festive dancing parties and meals. People kiss each other at midnight and wish each other a "Happy New Year".

Wales: At around 3:00 to 4:00 am on New Year's morning, the boys of the village go from house to house with an evergreen twig to sprinkle on the people and then each room of their house, to bring good luck. On New Year's Day the children travel the neighborhood singing songs are are rewarded with coins and sweets.

Click on: http://TheNationalNewspickerPage.blogspot.com

BLUE THING #2: TNNW Product/Service of the Week

EXTRA! EXTRA! The Buzzworks site is up and live at http://tnnwc-tnnwbuzzworks.blogspot.com/. Visit now!

####

Other newsletters would give you only ONE Product/Service of the Week. Some might extend themselves a bit to give you TWO. However, here at The National Networker, we offer you THREE.

For those of you who are arithmophiles (a lingovation), this is 300% of what the competition offers.

Here they are:

1. NEWS RELEASES and a vastly-expanded PR capability: The most cost-effective way of immediately reaching a giant audience.

Click on http://tnnwcservices1.blogspot.com/. *NOTE: THIS PAGE WILL BE RE-FORMATTED BY January 1st, barring any Act of God or Force Majeure (that's French, but may well be misspelled - we fired our editor to save some money so that the TNNW Executives could drive bigger, fancier cars).

We do not simply offer you what PR Web and PR Newswire offer you...they are merely broadcast media, unless you request that they do a great deal more; then, watch your wallet! -- We are a full-service, full-focus operation.

We do it all...headline it, get it written, get it edited, stuff it with keywords and hyperlinks, submit it to the right geographical and vertical markets, track it, re-publish it, and more! We use those other newswire services as broadcasters, too (they have a tremendous market domination) - but we get to your target market with a surgical strike, and maximum MEANINGFUL exposure. We will not send out a useless raft of press releases which will either be ignored or unpublished. We get you published in the right places so that you get the optimal results. We do not "scattergun." We help you structure a meaningful thematic news release campaign, and we strike with precision.

2. THE NATIONAL NEWSPICKER: Get this gadget now. Get the jump on everything you need to know every day – in 20 minutes. You can pick your friends. You can pick your news. At TNNW, we have done the unthinkable. Click on http://thenationalnewspickerpage.blogspot.com/. The actual button is so unsightly that we have chosen not to show it here in it's full-sized version.

NOTE: THIS GADGET IS PERMANENTLY AVAILABLE FOR POSTING ON YOUR HOMEPAGES, WEBSITES, BLOGS, NEWSLETTERS AND ALL SOCIAL MEDIA. IT HAS BEEN SPICED UP, JUICED UP AND HAS EVEN MORE ADDITIONAL NEWS AND INTEL SOURCES. It can now even be re-sized to fit the format of your page better than ever before!

GRAB THE GADGET AT: http://TheNationalNewspickerPage.blogspot.com .

3. BUZZWORKS - SOCIAL MEDIA DOMINATION: This service is the ultimate BUZZ machine. It is live and up at http://tnnwc-tnnwbuzzworks.blogspot.com . Learn more – visit the site. This service can energize your brand, your image, your credibility, your internet presence, your website traffic, your conversion rate and your sales.

Not to worry… we will give you an url. In fact, we might just give you both the actual url and the shortened url. That’s two urls for each Subscriber. Picture it…an url on each arm! At TNNW, we’re always happy to tell our Subscribers where to go... and in no uncertain terms.

--The Duke of Urls

BLUE THING #1: TNNW Surveys, Analyses and Findings

TNNW SURVEY # 5: The Economic Recession/ Recovery in the US.

NOTE: This survey is currently in process. Polls will close at midnight, Eastern Time, on January 20, 2010. Your participation is greatly appreciated. Your opinion is valuable.

During the course of these past two months, a combination of governmental spokespersons, economic pundits and conservative/ mainstream newscasters have been speaking in optimistic terms about the beginning of a US recovery from its deepest recession since the Great Depression of the 1030's. THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (receive your free membership at http://twitlik.com/IN) wants to know your views about the recession and the "signs" of recovery.

Please take this quick multiple choice survey to give us your professional and personal imput as to what you truly believe.

Expatriates and non-US citizens are welcome to join us in this important poll. We thank you all for your valuable participation and comments.

Click HERE to take Survey #5

QUESTION PREVIEW:

1. Do you believe that the worst is over, and that the US economy is on the road to recovery?

2. What do you think the true (actual) US unemployment rate is?

3. Do you believe that banks are becoming more aggressive in terms of extending credit to consumers and to businesses?

4. Is your business or practice experiencing an increase in customer or client business at present?

5. Do you believe that The Federal Reserve System, The Treasury Department and the White House are being truthful with respect to the economic situation of the United States?

6. Do you believe that The Federal Reserve System, The Treasury Department and the White House are being responsible and proactive in their handiling of the recession issue?

7. What do you believe that the greatest single cause of the recession was?

Click HERE to take Survey #5

This Survey will close on January 20th, 2010, so please have your answers back to us as soon as possible! Thank you, once again. -TNNW

TNNW Survey #5 is being conducted with the co-sponsorship of THE GLOBAL FUTURIST and THE INTERNATIONALIST PAGE.

_______________________________________
REVIEW OF LAST SURVEY

TNNW SURVEY #4 : SOCIAL AND BUSINESS NETWORKING (survey is now closed): THE RESULTS ARE IN!

The original survey question and link is set forth below:

“Which five top online social/business networks (please number them in order of effectiveness) have afforded you the most value/results?”

Please take a moment and fill out the survey form below. If it does not appear (because of incompatibility with your browser, a hypervigilant popup filter, or because of a deeply ingrained fear of rejection), just click on:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Ej_2bGibSLyD6pawhColbqLA_3d_3d and the form will pop up and fill your computer screen instantly, like a movie closeup of Steven Segal, but in a more annoying fashion (assuming that this is possible).

If the preceding url is just too long for you, you can use this one instead and save an immeasurably insignificant amount of time: http://twitlik.com/TNNWSurveyNumber4 .

We value your feedback, and would appreciate if you took a few moments to respond to some questions. This survey will close on 11/20/2009. Once again... that nasty form popup link should be right under here...

Click Here To Take Survey [CLOSED}

For the complete TNNW Survey #4 results, findings and analysis, click HERE .

IN BRIEF: There were 40 responses to this Survey #4 -- a relatively small number of responses due to the open-ended, written-formatted (as opposed to multiple choice) survey format. We strongly suggest you view the complete results by clicking here, but a synopsis of results findings and analysis follows:

BRIEF SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

1. The top two social media were Facebook and Linked In, with Twitter a close third.

2. In the vast majority of cases (greater than 85%), an individual who choose Linked In as his or her first choice choose Facebook as his or her second choice, and vice versa.

3. The individuals preferring Linked In generally chose it thematically because of the businesslike and focused nature of the platform. High signal-to-noise ratio.

4. The individuals preferring Facebook generally chose it thematically because of the focused nature of the platform, and its relationship -friendly (multimedia) and comprehensive, communicative nature. It is perceived as a mixed business and social medium, each of which aspects is perceived to enhance the other.

5. Facebook is perceived to offer greater value to its adherents than Linked In, which is narrower in communications options, and offers various tiers of service at varied fees. Facebook is the largest of these platforms, and is still growing at a faster rate than Linked In. Generally speaking, Facebook is far-better branded than Linked In, and it markets aggressively and in a "cooperative" manner with other platforms, which it does not treat as competitors, but as additional selling outlets.

6. The three most important platforms for an individual to have a presence on are Facebook, Linked In and Twitter. Organizations (companies selling services or products) are served better by Facebook and Linked In. Job seekers and consultants in search of branding and client acquisition are directed to Linked In as a high priority.

7. Twitter adherents invariably choose Twitter because of its ease of operation, its across-the-board accessibility through many user-friendly applications, its multipost capability and its ease of use.

8. Facebook, Linked In and Twitter are the dominant platforms in the business networking arena, with a grip on more than 90% of the marketplace. This last item was not derived from the results of this survey, but through supplemental research.

A NOTE ABOUT BIAS: Bear in mind that most of the responses were derived from respondents through Linked In, Facebook and Twitter. The other media and moderators which were approached with the survey, were significantly resistant to posting the actual survey than the top three. The reasons for this reluctance are the subject of conjecture, but one possible reason is that the platform operators and the moderators anticipated results which would minimize their significance and popularity.

[END OF REPORT ON TNNW SURVEY #4]

_________________________________________

Faithfully,

Douglas Castle (http://aboutdouglascastle.blogspot.com/)
THE NATIONAL NETWORKER COMPANIES

Sunday, December 27, 2009

THE POSTILLION: New Column Launched

The Postillion with Mike Phillips

First let me say how pleased I am to have the opportunity to share ideas with the audience of The National Networker. This rapidly growing community of forward thinkers is the seed bed for future networking innovations and leadership. My new monthly column, The Postillion, will address the rapidly developing social networking world and draw insights from past successes and failures. I will seek out industry leaders to provide input and thought leadership and will throw in my own thoughts and opinions as well. My goal is to provide my readers with thought provoking insights and approaches to navigating the avalanche of content and pundits spawned by the exploding social networking phenomenon.

So just what is a postillion you ask? A postillion was a horseman who would lead horse drawn coaches of people and cargo through geographic areas and terrain that the coach driver was not familiar. He ensured safe and direct travel to the desired destination. Sometimes the postillion would just ride beside the lead horses and have them follow. Sometimes the postillion would mount the lead left horse and steer the coach to its destination in that manner. (See illustration).

It is my sincere hope that you will adopt me and this column as your ”Postillion” as you craft your pathway and strategies to fully adopt and leverage the power and opportunities of public and private social networking. Some topics I will address in the New Year include: The power and Problems of Tribalism; Community Clouds and the Art of Rain Making; and interviews with industry leaders.

So hook up your horses to your coach and get ready to ride into the future of successful social networking. I will do my best to make sure you enjoy the ride.

Michael Phillips, A.K.A. the Postillion, lives and works in Tampa Florida and has over 30 years of experience in leading development and trends within the information technology industry. He is currently finalizing the launch of two new companies servicing vertical communities through social networking and Cloud solutions. Mr. Phillips will announce more on these startup ventures once they come out of “stealth” mode. Comments and ideas for future articles may be sent to Michael at thepostillion@gmail.com

For more information, please visit Michael's TNNW Bio.

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