Chris Pirillo » social-network

Micah Baldwin – Building Influence Online

Chris — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:16:43 +0000

Micah Baldwin – Building Influence Online is a post from Chris Pirillo

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Micah is VP, Business Development and Chief Evangelist for Lijit Networks, the sixth startup Micah has been involved in (having sold his last startup, Current Wisdom, in the beginning of 2007). He came to Gnomedex to talk to us about how we can better build up our influence online, and come to have more of a presence.

Micah got his start as a university fundraiser, being one of the first to fuze online activities and marketing strategies into alumni fund-raising. In 1996, he sent one of the first email campaigns to help drive alumni fundraising. Over his career, Micah helped universities such as The Catholic University of America and the University of San Diego see their annual giving programs grow by more than 150%.

Focusing on business development, online marketing and advertising, and product strategy, Micah was instrumental in the growth of companies such as MyPersonal (now Synacor – IPO), ServiceMagic (acquired by IAC), Indigio Group (acquired by Bridgeline Software) and other less successful startups, such as Kozmo.com.

Micah has helped author several books on internet and search marketing, and started the #followfriday meme on Twitter, which has become part of the fabric of the social web. A frequent speaker and with appearances on CNN and articles in many of the leading blogs, including Mashable and ReadWriteWeb, you can read about Micah’s philosophy of success through failure at his blog, Learn To Duck.

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Are YOU a Social Media Geek?

Chris — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:52:38 +0000

Are YOU a Social Media Geek? is a post from Chris Pirillo

I’ve talked quite a lot about social media recently, with good cause… everyone is talking about it! It’s the hot new thing. Wait, no – that’s not right. Social media isn’t “new.” Why do people keep saying it is? The only thing that’s new is the name for it – Social Media. As I said in a video earlier, social media is simply a set of tools we can use to communicate. Heck, we’ve had tools to communicate online for years now. It’s just that today’s tools are so much easier to use, everyone can use them. You don’t have to be a hard-core geek anymore. You simply have to be able to get online, and type something somewhere.

It’s amazing and awesome to me to see the amount of people who are introduced to social media every day. The number of us who just seem to get it is growing faster than I can keep up with. There are those who scoff, claiming social media is a passing phase. HELLO! Where the hell do you get that idea? As I said – I’ve been immersed in social media for about 17 years now. How is that a passing phase?! Those are the people who don’t get it. They are the ones who don’t take understand the immeasurable ways that interacting with others online in this fashion can change their lives. They are the ones who are missing out.

So, I ask again – are YOU a social media geek? Do you get it? What IS social media to you, anyway – and how do you make it a part of your life?

You do know that I have a couple of social media-related sites, right? If you don’t, what rock have you been hiding under? Hopefully, you’re a member of Geeks, and follow what’s being posted on Lockergnome, as well. We certainly have a hell of a lot of people on those sites who GET social media. Why don’t you check us out?

How Do You Get Started in Social Media?

Chris — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:11:58 +0000

How Do You Get Started in Social Media? is a post from Chris Pirillo

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It took me many hours to actually get this video recorded. It’s just not easy for me to do. I’ve been a part of social media since before social media was a title for something. I’ve been conversing online since 1992. That fact alone makes it difficult for me to attempt to tell you where you should start – never mind the fact that social media means different things to different people.

So what IS social media? For me, it boils down to a set of tools that facilitates conversation. Tools have gotten easier to use – they aren’t just for Geeks anymore! With the advent of sites like Facebook and Twitter, literally anyone and everyone can take part in social media. It’s everywhere!

The social media scene here in Seattle is quite vibrant. I’ve been fortunate to meet many of the movers and shakers due to attending things like tweetups. For me, the best ones are the ones where people show up with no hidden agendas… they simply just want to get together, share ideas and thoughts, and hang out. So we’re using the Internet to meet people in real life. We were doing that long ago – we just didn’t have the name social media for what we were doing!

With that comes a lot of people who really don’t know what they’re doing. Many people involve themselves in things like Twitter because they know it’s important – yet they don’t use it right. They just don’t get it, nor do they understand what they should be doing.

So Seattle is pretty active. What about your city? Do you have an active base of people in social media? How active are you in social media? Do you have a number of people who get together in real life after meeting online?

People ask me all the time how they can and should get started in social media. I could tell you that the people I met recently who just got involved in social media within the past six months are the people I look to for inspiration. They didn’t just join.. they get it. They started doing something, and utilizing the social media tools.

The key is to not talk only about what you’re up to – the key is to support what others are doing. Interaction will result, and people will start to support you, as well. Social media is very soilent. It’s all about people.

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I Get By With a Little Help from my Friends

Chris — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:22:14 +0000

I Get By With a Little Help from my Friends is a post from Chris Pirillo

Do you remember that song? If you’re as old as I am, then I know you’re singing it in your head now, simply from reading the title. It’s true, you know. We ‘get by’ with the help of our friends. Sometimes, they may not even realize they are helping us, yet they do – simply by being there. Life is full of unexpected surprises, both good and bad. We can’t always be superman (woman!) and just handle everything on our own.

It’s ok to reach out to someone when you’re hurting/mad/confused/pissed off. It’s ok to need someone to talk to. It’s ok to need your friends! After all, they need you, too!

So why am I writing about this, anyway? It’s not some deep thought, nor a cry for help, I promise! I just happened to hear the song on the radio a bit earlier, and it made me remember how thankful I am to have such an awesome circle of friends surrounding me. I hope that you have that in your lives, as well!

One great way to make new friends is to reach out to like-minded people on social networking sites, like both Lockergnome and Geeks. Search through titles of posts and read things that interest you. Here, let me make it easy on you!

Putting the Me in Social Media

Chris — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 07:06:27 +0000

Putting the Me in Social Media is a post from Chris Pirillo

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If you are posting media that isn’t social, then you are completely un-cool. All media needs to be social! I’m happy to report that I’m going to be featured in the Seattle Social Media Profiles! Sadly, I didn’t get to wear a crown for the day or anything. They do, however, want me to answer a series of questions, so here goes!

Name – Seriously? If they don’t know it, how did I get nominated for this gig? Ok, ok – I’m Chris Pirillo.
Occupation or company – I don’t know what my occupation is, really. I’m a Geek, and work for myself. I’m lucky enough to have made a career out of a personality disorder.
What is the best part of your job? – The commute time! I roll out of bed into this room, and I’m there, dude!
When and how did you end up in Seattle? – I originally started out in Iowa. I ended up here because I wanted to be here. I love the weather here in the Northwest, and the outdoors (even though I’m the Great Indoorsman).
How can people find you on the Web? – Google the word Chris. You’ll find me.
What is it about social media that attracts you? – The babes! Dude – seriously – have you seen the social media babes? They’re very attractive, except for that one that we won’t talk about.
How do you utilize social media? – I tickle it with my pinger! I use Ping.fm to sneeze out updates to sites such as Twitter, Facebook and more. I honestly feel that social media is using me, instead of the other way around. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I feel like I’m being followed by thousands and thousands of people!
What is the one thing that the mainstream population should know about social media? – They should know it’s happening, whether they’re using it themselves or not. People are talking about you (or your company) whether you know it or not.
If people are following you on Twitter, what can they expect to read? – They can expect pithy quotes. Sometimes, I can be a little blue. I post links from people who post on Geeks and Lockergnome, or ones that others send to me that I like.
How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle? – Sometimes it’s very stinky, and other times it’s beer-y. In any sense, it’s a hot scene. If there’s a social media event, there will be hundreds of people who show up!
Do you remember your social media “WOW!” moment? What was it? – Uhm… I really don’t know. I don’t know if I’ve ever had a “WOW!” moment. It kind of just came upon me before I even really knew it, and I was off. I was doing social media before that even became a term!
What is one piece of advice you give to new users of social media? – Be yourself, and understand that transparency applies to you. It’s important. Don’t ever think you’re the exception to that rule.
Are you currently working on any projects that involve the use of social media? – Yes! I’m recording this as a video for YouTube right now!
Are there any social media events or conferences in the future that you would like people to know about? – Well, at the time of this recording we were getting ready for Gnomedex! That’s my annual tech/social media conference. I definitely recommend it, of course.
What are your hobbies? – I build LEGO sets!
Favorite vacation spot and thing to do there? – My favorite vacation spot is Costco, actually. I love their hot dogs with a large drink. It’s only $1.50!
Favorite restauraunt in Seattle? – Costco, of course! I love both the hot dogs and polish sausages.
Favorite thing to do in Seattle in the summer? – Well if it’s meal-time, I like to just go to Costco!
Favorite Quote? – I’d have to say the curly one!
Guilty Pleasure? – On a rare occasion, I will go to Costco, get a hot dog, and add sauerkraut!
Favorite actor/actress? – My favorite actor is Harrison Ford. I’ve modeled my entire career after him. I’ve been told I am the Harrison Ford of Geeks! I’ve worked very, very hard to attain that title.
“I really like it when…” – Someone goes out and gets a Costco hot dog for me! That’s the best, because I don’t like to leave my home environment!
“One day, I would love to…” – Finish this video! How long has it been already? Is anyone still reading/watching?
“If I could meet anyone, alive or dead, it would be…” – Someone alive! I wouldn’t want to meet a dead person. Can you imagine the awkward conversation? It wouldn’t go anywhere!
What would you like everyone to know about you? – What do you want to know about me? I’ll answer any question! I would like you all to know that I don’t take myself seriously, and that’s something I’ve been accused of on occasion. Does that make sense at all?
Who would you like to see featured on Seattle Social Media Profiles, and why? – I really don’t know. I’d like to see the person who has not been featured yet… because in social media, everyone is important. Just because a person is only followed by 10 people, it doesn’t make them any less important than someone who is followed by thousands. I’d like to see the person you’d least likely expect to be featured be the next one featured!

If you made it this far into the video, good for you! You’re a Geek just like the rest of us.

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Do you Network Socially Too Much?

Chris — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:28:18 +0000

Do you Network Socially Too Much? is a post from Chris Pirillo

I was reading a thread on Geeks this afternoon, and it got me to thinking. There are so many different types of social networking sites out there these days. If you’re like me, you belong to them all. Do you log in to them all? Do you update them all? Heck, do you even read them all? How do you know when enough is enough? Where do you draw the line? How much is TOO much?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

What’s the First Thing you do in the Mornings?

Chris — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:59:40 +0000

What’s the First Thing you do in the Mornings? is a post from Chris Pirillo

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My friend Traci records and uploads a weekly Question of the Day on her sites. Often these questions are philosophical and make you really think about yourself and your life. While I was visiting Hawaii this past week, I was able to help record one of the questions! I decided to ask: What is the first thing you do every day?.

The first thing Traci does in the morning is to thank her Higher Power for her life, and the blessings that she has. The first thing that I do, though, is to check my email! Do you honestly think I’m joking! You know me!!

What’s the first thing you do every morning, and why do you follow that particular routine?

Don’t forget to check out the excellent content being posted all around our community.

Social Networking in Hawaii

Chris — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:35:54 +0000

Social Networking in Hawaii is a post from Chris Pirillo

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My experience in Hawaii this time, as compared to last, is night and day in how I came away from it. This time, I went there with an open mind, ready to jump into the social culture, wanting to make connections and meet new friends. I was overwhelmed, to say the least. The people I met were awesome, very conscious of the impact that social networking has on the World. Many of them, like Ryan (@Hawaii on Twitter and just about everywhere else!), immerse themselves in social media on a daily basis.

Years ago, Ryan used to run a Mac-based dial-up bulletin board. He calls himself a “middle-aged Dad who loves Web 2.0″. He absolutely GETS social networking. He makes good use of all the services we know and love, such as Facebook, Twitter, Digg, and Delicious!

Back when I made the video a few years ago about reasons I wouldn’t move to Hawaii, Ryan took me to task. He wanted to make this experience different, so he made sure it rained! I felt so much more at home.

I was really impressed at how many people showed up to our little Tweetup. We had about 60 people in all. Ryan says that he has had ones with well over 100 people at times. People don’t realize how social of a culture Hawaiians are. They always have been, but the convergence of Web 2.0 and social media have made it even easier for them to connect.

Ryan says that all these years, he has felt that technology wouldn’t just sell you things… it would connect people and build communities, which is what he loves seeing hapen. He’s born and raised in Hawaii.

I asked Ryan what the general feel of social media is in Hawaii. It’s not confined to just us Geeks. You’ll see businsses there, as well as your everyday “joe”. People are learning, and the concept is quickly growing.

Hawaii definitely has personal interaction wrapped up. They have always been a sociable community. Now, by making use of places such as Twitter, they are showing the World exactly what impact social networking has had on Hawaii.

Navigate the Net: A Comprehensive Learning Experience for Travel Professionals

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The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth

Chris — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:49:31 +0000

The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth is a post from Chris Pirillo

There’s an old saying in the Bible or some book that I don’t even remember for sure. It says “And the Geeks shall inherit the Earth”. A friend of mine argued with me the other night, claiming that it’s supposed to be the meek shall inherit the Earth. I beg to differ. I know what it says, thank you very much. We all know it’s pure fact that Geeks are taking over the World, and that we will one day ~~rule~~ inherit the World. Why haven’t you given in and joined us yet? You know you’re going to have to!

Seriously, being a Geek is an amazing thing. Geeks are not just computer guru’s, you know. A Geek is anyone who is passionate about something, whether it’s computers, motorcycles, or even gardening. Using this definition, it’s easier to imagine Geeks one day making a huge difference in this World of ours. What am I saying? We already have. Look at some of the strides in medicine, technology and science in just the past few years. There are an astounding number of new inventions, cures and gadgets on a daily basis.

If you could change the World somehow, make an impact so to speak, what would it be? Just imagine for a few moments that you have the brains/money/power to change any one thing. What would you do?

While you’re contemplating, make sure you take the time to check out what others are up to in our community!

How Do You Think Outside the Box?

Chris — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:01:33 +0000

How Do You Think Outside the Box? is a post from Chris Pirillo

My friend Greg is a dentist. Yet, he attends Gnomedex every year. You might be wondering why he would do that. After all, it’s a conference about technology, social media, and Human Circuitry. Greg says that the answer is simple: Gnomedex has at provided him the grounds for inspiration to act outside of his profession… and to think outside of the box. He’s always loved technology, and recognizes how it intersects with any type of business – including your local dentist!

How do you think outside of your box? Do you even bother? What helps push you past your own “limits” and expectations of yourself? I’m interested in hearing what it is that helps you push yourself to do more.

Are You a Social Media Sweetheart?

Chris — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 06:53:00 +0000

Are You a Social Media Sweetheart? is a post from Chris Pirillo

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When I first met Traci, I quickly recognized that she takes the time to respond to most (if not all) comments made to her on Twitter, YouTube, her blog, and even in Geeks! This is someone who understands community, and what it takes to make it grow.

In order to have a community, you have to reciprocate and participate. You cannot simply sit there and be elusive. You cannot expect your community to grow itself. You have to nurture it, be a part of it – smack dab in the middle of it. Traci is doing that with her own community, and it shows.

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Recharge Your Soul

Chris — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 07:30:03 +0000

Recharge Your Soul is a post from Chris Pirillo

Being able to recharge your soul – and your mind – is something that we take for granted. We tend to ignore doing this, even though we need it often. We don’t want to take time out to recharge, to relax and unwind. We’re busy, you know. We have deadlines. We have places to go, people to network with. There are emails to check, and social networks to keep up with. Who has time to recharge?

I am lucky to be spending the next few days in beautiful Hawaii with several friends. While this is a business trip, I know that I will also find plenty of time to relax and recharge my mind and soul. Just sitting in my hotel room, looking out at the amazing scenery will likely do the trick. I don’t see things like that out the windows of my office!!

Not taking time out each day to just breathe can affect your health, both emotionally and physically. Even if you only give yourself a half hour of “you” time every day, make sure you take it!

What do you do to recharge yourself? One thing I do is to read.

Are You a Victim of Wanderlust?

Chris — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:28:40 +0000

Are You a Victim of Wanderlust? is a post from Chris Pirillo

With all of the videos we’ve been doing recently that discuss different places to visit, I can’t help but think that I’m not traveling very often. I love what I do, and you all know I’m happy being the Great Indoorsman. But there are times when the wandering bug hits us all. There are many places that I have been fortunate to be able to visit in my life – and just as many more I haven’t had a chance to see yet. All of you have been sending in lists to me of your “top 10″ places to visit in the cities you reside in. Reading them makes me wish I had the time, energy and resources to do a lot more visiting!

What is the one place you have visited that you could go back to over and over again? Why do you love it there so much? While you’re at it, tell us the one place you would most love to go to if you could. It will be interesting to see everyone’s ideas, thoughts and memories written out.

Don’t forget to take the time to catch up on what others on Lockergnome and Geeks have been up to today!

Stretch Yourself

Chris — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:16:01 +0000

Stretch Yourself is a post from Chris Pirillo

It’s time to stand up and stretch. Get out of those chairs. Come on – you can do it. Stand up, and reach your arms above your head as high as they will go. Now bend over, and attempt to touch the ground (don’t worry, I can’t quite do that, either). Hold your arms out to your sides and stretch them wide. Heck, why not even twist a little to each side, much like a tree swaying in the breeze.

You have now successfully stretched out your body… but have you stretched your mind? I just stumped some of you, didn’t I? You thought for a second “what the heck, there are no exercises for that!”.

Ah, but that is where you would be wrong, my friends. Every time you read something, you stretch your mind. Every time you think a decision through, you stretch your mind. Every time you look at something through someone else’s eyes, you stretch your mind. Every tiny spec of information you absorb… you get the picture.

Many times, we don’t even realize that we have stretched our minds. We are so rushed through our day that much of what we have seen and done hasn’t even sunk in or made an impression by the time we pass out at night. It’s often much later, when a situation arises that forces us to recall certain pieces of information, when we realize “oh. wow. I knew that/learned that/remember that”. We forget to take the time to stop and marvel at everything that is out there, waiting for us to feast our brain on.

Spread your wings, little birds. Fly beyond your own nests and find those juicy little morsels that will feed and stretch your mind and soul.

Unraveling the Mysteries Surrounding Community

Chris — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:06:00 +0000

Unraveling the Mysteries Surrounding Community is a post from Chris Pirillo

After watching my What is Community presentation, Seth sent a long and very well thought-out email to me. He voiced his agreement with many of the things I had spoken about, and told me I had inspired him to start delving deeper into life online and to try and unravel what he feels are the mysteries in relation to communities. Seth produces webinars, and has been working hard on building a community of his own. He has heart – and is passionate about what he’s doing. For him, it’s truly about helping people, and not about fame or money. Seth has several questions about how to help his community grow. Instead of writing an email back to him, I decided to post his questions here – for my community to answer. This allows Seth to gain several different perspectives. It will also hopefully help others who may have some of the same concerns and questions to learn for themselves.

Following is part of what Seth wrote to me. What I’m asking of you is to read what he has written, and let him know in a comment here what your answers and perspectives are. By helping him, you are even potentially helping yourself – and who knows how many others. Let’s show Seth what an amazing community we have here!

You talked about building a community and mentioned that the blog is just a tool, and I get that. I have been building a community for some time (it’s a little slower than I would like it to be), and your video on community really made me think. I wonder if you could talk in a little more detail about how you would recommend I go about getting more people into my community. Do I go out on other similar blogs and start posting comments with the hope that my words will generate the interest that will lead people to want to visit my blogs?
I have profiles on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and even MySpace. I realize now that I need to focus my efforts on getting to know people who come into the common areas of my Venn diagram. My Facebook membership is mostly comprised of people who know me directly on a personal level. I am just starting to get some interest via others on Facebook who have emailed me, asking for more information on the webinars. On Twitter, I have at times gone out and just randomly started following people, which I realize will get me nowhere. However, what is a better way to go about finding people who may cross into a community area that I would share?
Do you recommend having different blogs for different interests? Right now, I have a main blog, a QuickBooks blog, and an Excel blog. I also have my own personal blog, as well as another personal one that represents a part of my personal life that I normally keep separate. Lately, though, they all seem to keep crossing paths so to speak, without my having even tried to make them do so.
For SEO reasons, I am inclined to have several of these various blogs pointing back to my “money” site. Is this the best strategy? How do I even begin to generate revenue? Is that through advertising? I am asking that because I am interested in learning more about the web business model. Being in Accounting, there aren’t a whole lot of resources online to use as a model. Most Accountants aren’t using the web to build their business. I’m hoping to be a pioneer of sorts in that regard.

Well, folks, what do you say? How do you suggest Seth go about making his community into what he envisions it to be, and then making it grow into more than he could have imagined? I’m just as interested in hearing all of your thoughts and ideas as Seth is.

How to Handle Remote Tech Support

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:30:00 GMT

Using GoToAssist is the easiest way to view and control another person's computer online. Use it to provide instant technical support to family, friends and customers. Start a session with just one click, and instantly connect with the other party.

Network Tools for Windows

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

You need these network tools, no matter which operating systems and networks you have to support. SolarWinds ipMonitor: Affordable Network Monitoring for SMBs. Get turnkey network, server and application availability monitoring with SolarWinds ipMonitor v9.0. This easy-to-use, reliable solution for SMBs delivers out-of-the-box availability monitoring so you always know exactly what's up with Active Directory, DNS, Exchange, FTP, Web, IMAP, MS SQL Server, and SMTP. Download your free trial today. Or, try their totally free tools! And, through 2/29, save 20% when you purchase ipMonitor 9.0.

Get Your Own Web Site

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

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VMware and Parallels for Virtual Machines

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

It doesn't matter if you're running on Windows or Mac OS X - every power user needs either Parallels or VMware (or both). There's never been an easier way to test software without destroying your primary operating system's stability. Think of how many times you wish you could press a 'reverse' button on your computer. Plus, there's no easier way to try new Linux distributions - see what all the fuss is about. Run Windows in OS X, run Linux in Windows, but the best way to do either is with VMware and/or Parallels.

Coupons for Online Shopping

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:56:13 GMT

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