Internet Geek Girl

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – It is all about who you know. Since I was a young child, I understood that intrinsically. I came out of the womb networking. My report cards in grammar school often included comments such as, “Stephanie is a social butterfly.” I was voted most-talkative at my 8th grade and high school graduations. So, needless to say, I’m no stranger to community development… a/k/a business development!

These days however, there is a lot of talk about which communities we should belong too, who we should “friend” and what happens when our personal and business lives blur in online social networks.

I wanted to go on record with my general philosophies on the issues and let you all know about my Fab 4, (of the moment), so you can “friend” me. You’d have to live in a cave with no wi-fi to miss the growth and importance of online social networks. Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and LinkedIn are currently my “Fav 4.” That means – I truly love them. I groove on updating them and my friends are people that I communicate with all day long. I even talk on the phone with some of these people, and – hold onto your hat – even DO BUSINESS WITH THEM. I truly believe that these communities are an important part of marketing, branding and sales.

I’ve heard some people say, “I’m using Facebook exclusively now.” That’s cool. These communities take time and we live in a busy world and especially in this industry, there is never enough time in the day. Not everyone is in every community. I like that it’s like a Venn diagram – some people in one community, some in another, some overlap. Kind of like in real life.

Chris Brogan, a master of social media and community development, argues that online social networking is an investment. I couldn’t agree more. (BTW, he also gets credit for the nifty graphic). Chris points out that:

“I think that part of it is just general kissing-and-baby-hugging of the people you consider your community, and some of it is developing potential future business and personal relationships. We do business with friends. There’s a professional potential to some of this. I don’t apologize for that. We have to eat, right? But there’s also some personal aspects, and some element of favor-trading outside of traditional business.”

I personally enjoy taking the time to build these networks and the great relationships that result from participation. I believe in being authentic and non-judgmental and welcoming all in. At my parties, “all are welcome.” The more the merrier I say (unless you act up and get kicked out). To the skeptics, and there are many, I say no problem – you can always call my cell if you want to talk to me.

Speaking of which – I also believe strongly that these networks don’t replace live and in-person contact and networking. I am here in Miami at Affiliate Summit and I bumped into a colleague that I’d like to connect with later this week. Despite the fact that we are on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, I realized, “hey, I need your cell phone number.” After all, if it’s important, you pick up the phone.

Well friends (and soon to be friends), I have to get ready and head out to the Share-A-Sale party. I promise to post pictures on Flickr as soon as possible.

As I said – human contact is good too. Thanks to Shawn and Missy for putting on a great event twice a year that allows me to network in person with some of the finest entrepreneurs and minds in this industry. I’ll leave you with my recent video on AffiliateTip.tv.

Now you know me.

The last Ze Frank Show. The show premiered with the March 17, 2006 episode and ends today, exactly one year later. *sigh*. I?m really sad. I suppose for people like me, who purchase feelings all the time (listen to the song ? lyrics below), I?m used to this. Possession and loss?ebb and flow. Well, I just want to bow my head in honor of Ze Frank today. What a great idea, and so well executed. As a marketer, it?s hard not to just smile, in awe of one person?s creativity, passion and commitment. Oh yeah, and hot shot meetings in Hollywood.

Very impressive. Plus, it?s always good to know when to make an exit. I look forward to seeing what else Ze Frank comes up with and wish him tons of success and happiness! Now, that brings me to another ending. The last episode of the Sopranos starts on April 8^th. I just realized today that April 8th is Easter. Re-birth, juxtaposed with the beginning of the end. I cried when I saw the last Ze Frank video clip, but it’s nothing like I will cry when the Sopranos ends.

It doesn?t really matter that I own all the DVDs and watch the show on HBO on Demand all the time. I?m glad I can do those things. I?m glad I can go back and watch all the Ze Frank shows I missed. But there is nothing like being actively in production ? alive!

Farewell to Ze Frank?s show. As for the Sopranos ? well, you will be hearing more about that. I?m a quintessential Jersey Girl (thanks to the Christian Affiliate Marketers for noticing).

I host a party whenever a new season launches, complete with antipasto, lasagna and great red wine! I suppose there is always something new to get excited about. It?ll be hard to replace Tony Soprano! But I guess, ?Hallelujah, it’s a brand new day!?

BTW – Great news, in case you don?t already know: Ze Frank will be the keynote speaker at this year?s Affiliate Summit in July. I hope you?ll be there in Miami. I know I will!

Questions: How has social media impacted your business, your marketing plan? Have you even thought about it? Have you taken action? Yes, one needs to understand the nuts and bolts of internet marketing, but I believe it really comes down to art! Creativity, and capturing hearts and minds! Getting someone to purchase a feeling. What do you think?

Fade to music?.
This is a sad sad song about leaving
This is the price you pay when you purchase a feeling
It’s where the conversation slowly fades and you start saying
“Hey there, do you have a ride for me?
‘Cause it’s late and I’ve got to go to bed.”
This is a sweet sweet song about beginnings
These are the first few words that you say in the morning
It’s when you start singing, “Hey, I’m only (insert your age here)”
Hallelujah, it’s a brand new day (a-chicka quack quack)
Hallelujah, it’s a brand new day