Brick and Click

Why You Need Brick and Click Solutions

You're a business small or large...military org...radio station or group. You need a vibrant presence across the Social Web, and an integrated marketing/communication strategy that punches through the noise and connects with your target audience. You don't have the time, desire or expertise to navigate the fast-evolving digital landscape. You need Brick and Click Solutions.

Content Creation, Marketing, Management (social, blogs, press releases)...Social Media Optimization (SMO) on Facebook, Twitter, G+/Places, Linkedin, Pinterest, Youtube...Search Engine Optimization (SEO)...Social Advertising...Search Engine Marketing (SEM)...E-mail Newsletters, Training, more. Brick and Click ensures your presence, strategy and performance is the best it can be. 

Don't get lost in the noise. Let us craft a unique strategy and make sure your message, like digital snowflakes, lands and sticks where it should. Impactful and affordable: Integrated Marketing and Communications, Digital Presence, Brand/Content Management, Training, and more. Contact us for a no-cost evaluation and conversation today. 

                           

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Kicking The Can - Biggest Hurdles to Content Creation

I was enjoying a chat with a client today, when the topic of content creation and time management came up. We shared similar stories about the desire to write more - blogging in particular - and what happens on any given day to derail the creative thought train that's trying to get to keyboard junction. We agreed that the mind can quickly turn from creative excitement, to thinking of blogging as an onerous, complicated and herculean task. And I promised myself that I would not let today's conversation fade into 'action for another day' without diving into a blog post.

So here I am.

What's the biggest hurdle in your content creation and marketing strategy and efforts? In my case, I manage content for a number of clients, and their projects become priority number one each day. So my Brick and Click blogging and social media efforts tend to fade as the morning, afternoon and evening wear on. The thoughts I want and need to share - to let folks know I have a creative and problem solving light flickering upstairs - can be continually kicked cans, borrowing from the beloved street game of my childhood.

So here I am.

This post is today's effort to snatch that can from an ever present Chuck Taylor high top aiming its big rubber toe at my noggin. Instead of looking at the clock, and deciding that anything written past 8 pm can't be published today, so I might as well wait til tomorrow (sure I can schedule it, but this is about the mind games that kick...the...content...can). If it means closing all browser tabs linking me to an ever present, creative thought-derailing assortment of social sites chock full of news and endless banter from ga-zillions of people now connected by the desire and ability to talk about EVERYTHING, then close them I will (and have). The next thing I promised I would do when writing today's post was keep it short and simple.

So here I stop.

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Jeff Crites is Founder and Principal Strategist at Brick and Click Solutions, a 'boutique' agency offering Integrated Marketing/Communications services, solutions and strategies to businesses small and large, military orgs, and media. Jeff was Community Manager for Army.mil, part of a strategic communication team that built and managed the Army's official website, CMS and social media presence. Learn more about and connect with via Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter.

Client News: Saint Germain Catering Receives WeddingWire Bride's Choice Award

Saint Germain Catering, a premier full service catering company based in Tysons Corner, VA, has been recognized (see press release) as a top caterer in Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia by WeddingWire, the world's largest wedding review site. The Bride's Choice Awards 2013 recognize the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Saint Germain Catering's selection was based on positive experiences expressed by past clients on WeddingWire.

The WeddingWire Bride's Choice Awards™ 2013 are given to the top local wedding vendors in more than 20 service categories, from wedding caterers to wedding planners, photographers and more, based on professional achievements from the previous year. Award-winning vendors are distinguished for the quality, quantity, consistency and timeliness of the reviews they have received from their past clients.

All of us at Brick and Click Solutions are proud of our client, Saint Germain Catering, for receiving this prestigious award. Saint Germain CEO/President Mina Ebrahmi, VP Sarah Miller and their staff passionately pursue excellence each day, providing their many catering clients - corporate, wedding, special events large and small - with the highest quality food, service, and event planning. Congrats Mina and team! ~ Jeff

Weather Delay: Warrenton Social Media Workshops

(please see note at bottom for additional update, class cancellation due to minimum number of seats not being filled)

Due to the arrival of Hurricane Sandy ... the start of the Social Media 101 Classes/Workshops at the Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce has been delayed one week, from tonight or tomorrow morning to November 5th or 6th, 7-9pm next Monday or 10a-12pm next Tuesday. If you've already reserved a seat for the three week series (two 2-hour sessions per week), you're still set to go. And if you haven't yet reserved a seat (or group of seats), now you have more time to do so! Please contact me for details, chamber discounts, etc. See previous blog post for info on the classes. Advanced Social will be pushed back one week as well - it will begin one month from today, instead of three weeks. Hope to see you at the Warrenton Chamber offices soon! ~ Jeff

P.S. keep up to the minute on everything Brick and Click via Twitter and Facebook.

Additional Update, Monday Nov 5th:  This class has been cancelled due to minimum number of seats not being filled. If you have reserved a seat, or are interested in help, please contact me for additional information and ways you can still receive the help you need. thank you~ Jeff

Beginner & Advanced: 2 Series of Social Media Workshops at Warrenton Chamber Offices

* Nov 4/5 Update: Classes were originally delayed one week due to Hurricane Sandy. Now, both class series have been indefinitely postponed/cancelled due to a minimum number of seats not being filled. Please contact me for further information if you have a reserved seat, or would like more information on personalized help for you and your business needs. I have reached out to all who have made reservations, to work out alternative, personalized training. Thank you for your understanding! Jeff

I'll be leading a 3-part Social Media 101 class/workshop (beginner level) at the Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce offices beginning Monday/Tuesday, Octobert 29th and 30th. Two times/days are offered each week for three weeks (three 2-hour sessions), so you can choose the day/time that fits your schedule best:

Class 1) Monday, Oct 29 Nov 5th: 7-9pm  or Tue, Oct 30 Nov 6th: 10a-12pm  

Class 2) Mon Nov 12: 7-9pm or Tue, Nov 13: 10a-12p

Class 3) Mon Nov 19: 7-9pm or Tue Nov 20: 10a-12p

This first three week series is aimed at those who have little/no experience with social media, may be on Facebook, etc ... but feel overwhelmed by it all, do not know how to properly build and utilize a professional personal and business presence on social networks, or feel a refresher course will be helpful. In skiing terms, think bunny hill to easy green intermediates. Material to be covered and general schedule as follows (may change slightly):

Class 1)  social media basics/overview, personal Facebook and Linkedin profile building; how-tos and best-methods to network, communicate, consume and share content and information.
Class 2)  Facebook for Business - Pages
Class 3) Twitter; brief overview of other key networks; how to utilize your smartphone effectively using social media apps and content capture/share capability.

These classes will have a workshop type environment. You're encouraged to bring laptops to work on your own social media presence/efforts, ask questions, etc. There will be a main screen presentation, so laptops/iPads are not required. Social media covers a vast and constantly changing landscape. This is a starting point to get you better informed, confident, and off and running. 

Cost: For GWCC members, $150 for all three classes.  Non members, $180.
Electronic payment up-front (via Paypal) will reserve your seat. Seating limited to 15 people per daily session. You need to choose your preference, morning or evening when reserving a seat. If you miss a session and can make it to the other one that week, you're more than welcome to do so if there's room. Note: A minimum number of attendees (to be determined) must sign up for this course to begin. 

Attendees can submit questions via e-mail in between classes (I'll reserve time each class for Q&A). Attendees will be encouraged to take on projects in between classes, a summary of what is being taught, with links to key blogs and other information, will be shared...and each attendee will be subscribed to the Brick and Click 'client only' e-mail newsletter for six months, with impactful news, tips and information about social media and marketing, especially as it relates to small business and all biz pros. Attendees will also be given the opportunity to continue receiving personalized help with generously discounted consulting rates. (image above/right: me teaching Public Affairs pros recently at Fort Belvoir the latest in social media communication)

A second three week course (Advanced Social media), will begin the week after this first course ends. More on that soon, and if interested, please contact me to reserve your seat. Same basic set-up, same days/times each week for three weeks and same fee will apply. Some who take the beginner course may want to reserve the Advanced course as well, to take things to the next level.

Reserve your seat now by contacting me, Jeff Crites, via email: jeff@brickandclick.com  or by phone: (540) 729-2742. You'll be invoiced for electronic payment. Contact with any questions as well. I hope to see many of you there!

Jeff Crites
Founder/Principal Strategist: Brick and Click Solutions
Integrated/Emerging (social) Media Marketing & Communications, PR, SEO, SEM
strategy | solutions | digital presence | training | management

Former Online Community Manager, Army.mil (part of a team that built and managed the Army's official website and social media presence). Nearly 20 years in New/Traditional Media, Marketing and Comunications. See my Linkedin profile for more on what I do and have done, and check the Portfolio and Testimonials pages on this website as well. My various social media connection points are linked via buttons in the upper right of this site's sidebar. Please connect!

July 28 Social Media + Marketing + Strategic Communication Workshop

The next in a series of Brick and Click Solutions training/workshops will be held Saturday, July 28, from 11a-2:30pm, at the popular Iron Bridge Wine Company and Restaurant on Main Street in Old Town Warrenton, Va. We'll be gathering in the reserved Stone Cellar - pictured below - for a terrific time of learning, networking and fabulous food.

"If you've been invited to be a part of a social media/Facebook Workshop, sign up now. I learned a ton about using Facebook as a marketing tool for my photography studio.  Because of what I learned from Jeff, my fan base tripled in 3 weeks.  A lot of workshops can be useless, but anything put together by Brick and Click would be a wise investment of both money and time."

~ Lauri Bridgeforth, owner, Full Frame Photography (Winchester, VA)

This workshop and presentation will be focused on having a vibrant, effective presence and strategy across the Social Web, with a deep focus on Facebook. Whether you're a business professional, marketer, small business owner, work for a major brand, military organization or other org, you'll come away with gobs of usable information and strategies that apply to your unique situation and needs. My workshops are designed to be impactful for experienced social communicators/marketers ... as well as those who are newer to the digital scene. 

This workshop will cover:

• Where we are, where we're going - an overview of what's taking place across the social web
• Facebook changes - Timeline for Pages, how to build, engage with, serve Fan community. LOTS of changes lately. Numerous tips and strategies that you're likely not aware of
• Customizing Facebook - using third party apps to easily customize and manage Page Tabs. Also, Cover and Profile Images, and Optimizing your page and personal presence.
• PPC advertising - should you? Tips, strategies
• Mobile - an overview of the fast evolving mobile landscape
• Metrics - how to quickly and efficiently monitor what you're doing, so you can adjust strategy
• Twitter - tips, time management, how to be heard through the noise and build community
• Hootsuite - manage/schedule Twitter content and track metrics
• Blogging - should you blog? Finding your voice
• Pinterest -  why it's the third most popular social network
• Linkedin - why you AND your business need an updated, living/breathing profile in this 160 million strong biz focused nework
• connecting the dots
• it's a workshop - personalized instruction and hands-on help

The workshop (event here on Facebook) includes lunch, refreshments and private venue. If you haven't been before, you're in for a treat. Cost for 3.5 hour workshop, lunch and venue is $150. Special discounts for multiple seat purchases, military public affairs and Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce members (contact for details). Early bird discount ended July 18th.

“Jeff set the standard of how to manage one of the largest social communities in the federal government--Army.mil--and along the way influenced Dept. of Defense Social Media policy. In a field that is often filled with self-proclaimed experts and blowhards, he is one of the few social media thought leaders who is able to define and translate tangible and measurable value from a medium that many find hard to quantify or define.”

 ~ Yancey Hall, former Senior Web Strategist at L-3 Communications, Associate at Booze Allen Hamilton

 
Includes limited follow-up questions and 6 month subscription to the B&C client-only e-mail newsletter. Seating is limited. Your seat is reserved by electronic payment (via Paypal, takes any credit card). Contact me, Jeff Crites, via email or phone with any questions and for invoicing. Other contact points to connect across the social web are found on my contact tab, and via social buttons in upper right side of website.  See my Linkedin profile for a detailed view of work experience and skills, with 30 recommendations and counting.

call 540.729.2742
email:  jeff@brickandclick.com

WiFi available, feel free to bring a laptop so you can work on your own project(s) during the class. Presentation is on main screen ... so laptops are optional.

Guaranteed to be well worth your time.  See you at the Bridge Saturday, July 28th!

~ Jeff

UPDATE: If you couldn't make this workshop, no worries! You'll have more opportunities. The next workshop will be held at Iron Bridge on Saturday August 18th. Official event info will be posted soon, but feel free to contact me now to reserve your seat(s), Early Bird pricing in effect! And extra special discounts for military, area chamber members, and multi-seat purchases.

I'm also happy to come to you ... host a private workshop/training event at your business or organization, at a day/time that's best for you. Small to large groups, one-on-one sessions in person or via online screen sharing, with affordable fees and training that's cutomized to meet your unique needs.

DC Dunkin' Donuts Gets Social

Hats off to the crew at DC Dunkin' Donuts ... via their Twitter profile, a "local, independent Dunkin' Donuts franchisee group based in DC, MD and NoVa". They picked up on a tweet of mine on Monday, July 2nd .. the first work/weekday following the destructive 'Super Derecho' storm that tore through the DC Metro area on Friday, June 29th. I was responding to a tweet from someone I know that works at Fort Belvoir (@fort_belvoir), after he mentioned the Dunkin' Donuts on the base was without power and closed. A coffee fiend and nerd, I asked if the Starbucks on the base was open, and a friendly conversation ensued, as seen below, with the local Dunkin' team.

They 'get' social. From the friendly and smart banter on Twitter, to the way they left a huge impression on me via a snail mail package. This is what 'brick and click' is all about. The way brands and people connect and communicate offline and online. And the package I recieved, within a few days of the Twitter conversation (it moved to direct message as well, as they asked for my mailing address and were just plain fun and nice to chat with), contained some terrific stuff. They sent me a $5 card to make purchases at Dunkin' ... a Free Iced Coffee coupon, a big 'DD' magnet (now is on my fridge), and most importantly, a personalized note that says the following:

Hi Jeff

Great to connect with you on Twitter.

I've attached a quick card for your next Ft Belvoir post Derecho roaDD trip!

Go forth and conquer!

Warm Regards

Mark Gundersen on behalf of Dunkin' Donuts Capitol Market Region

Mark actually read a blog post I penned about the Derecho storm and the way various businesses and organizations, like Ft Belvoir, communicated and helped people via social media. I love the playfulness of using double DDs in words (roaDD). It was a homerun across the board, and a perfect example of the way you can connect with, impress ... and potentiall convert people to brand loyalists and advocates via social media AND traditional channels as well. I haven't been to a Dunkin' Donuts in a long time. Part of the reason is there isn't one nearby, and I know all Starbucks locations by heart, using them as a 'third place' to work from sometimes.  But ... next time I'm at Ft Belvoir, or pass a Dunkin' Donuts elsewhere, you can bet your bottom dollar I'll pop in for a visit. And you can credit Mark and his colleagues for the terrific, customer-centric impression they've made on me. They 'get social'. Do you??

 

The Pretend Friend: Linkedin Etiquette 101

If you've ever sent a request to connect on Linkedin, choosing the 'friend' option ... and you don't know the person in the slightest, this blog post if for you. Linkedin is NOT Twitter. It's a professional business network with certain barriers in place that make it more challenging to connect with people. And that's a good thing.

It's not a contest to connect with the most people. It's a place to connect or re-connect with people you've met (in person or online), worked with or worked for, in some form or fashion. It can also be that place you first meet someone, via groups, Inmails and such. But if your first instinct is to fire off  a bunch of connection requests the easy way, via the 'friend' option, your first instict is wrong. Do a little homework, locate the person's e-mail address, choose 'other', and insert e-mail. And then - this is key - tailor an introductory message so it's not the pre-populated, impersonal form note.

There are no second chances to make great first impressions.

 

 

Derecho Storm: (Missed?) Opportunity to Serve and Inform Via Social Media

The Friday, June 29 line of thunderstorms that tore through the Washington DC metro area was described by a term I'd never heard of before, a rare weather system known as a 'derecho'. A Spanish word meaning 'straight', a derecho refers to the storm's powerful, straight-line winds ... winds in this case that topped 80mph, equivalent to a Cat 1 hurricane. VA Governor Bob McDonnell said the storm "caused the broadest non-hurricane related power outage in Virginia history". It's also one of the biggest opportunities for numerous orgs, media outlets and businesses to super-serve hard hit communities.

I'm thankful we didn't lose power, other than a string of annoying hiccups where power went out for a few seconds to a minute at most.  With temperatures setting triple digit records beginning Friday afternoon, just hours before the storm's arrival, loss of power was and is more than just an annoyance for hundreds of thousands of people - and pets - in the region I call home. 

As I remained glued to my laptop, iPhone and TV throughout the weekend, I noticed a profound difference in the way various entities leveraged social media to inform and 'pitch in' during this emergency. Fort Belvoir, the nation's 3rd largest Army installation, went into overdrive, utilizing Facebook and Twitter  to hyper serve base personnel, their families and extended community with power outage updates and critical info about cooling centers, traffic issues and more. I've been following the VA Dept of Emergency Management Page since the super rare 5.8 earthquake rocked my area in August of last year. VDEM has been churning out tons of impactful info since Friday's storm hit.

WTOP has been leveraging its robust digital presence (read: WTOP restructures newsroom for digital, Dec 2011) to augment an all-news radio voice that's well known to the affected region. Recently launched competitor WNEW made a great move by taking over a sister CBS music station's signal, relaying all-news coverage to enhance its reach during this crisis (hat tip to DCRTV.com). Both radio stations have been weaving social engagement into on-air news coverage and conversation. WNEW is persistently asking its listeners to tweet storm thoughts and situations to @WNEWNews using hashtag #DMVStorm. In some areas, with mobile networks down as well, many are dusting off battery powered radios to get important updates.

One particular traditional/new media hybrid really caught my attention: InsideNoVA, covering hard-hit Prince William County (it lost its 911 service), has been steadily building a vibrant Facebook and Twitter presence. In addition to a steady flow of info, InsideNoVA's active and sizeable community constantly peppers its page with questions, updates and helpful tips, adding a crowdsourced army of citizen reporters to a news service whose roots go back 143 years. Contrast that with other local news outlets who don't have their social sea legs yet ... who still lack the vision or will to fully bridge the digital divide. My county's main news outfit has been in existence for 195 years, and unfortunately, as evidenced by one tiny Facebook blurb since the storm hit, still acts like it's 1817. Many in my county, myself included, are now going to FauquierNow.com, a one year old hyperlocal upstart with double the Facebook fans of its 200 year old competitor. And while FNow needs improvement - a visually appealing, more usable website for one - it's a big step in the right direction.

Those who weren't prepared, who don't understand the long-term value and impact of social media, are missing an incredible opportunity to serve their community, and make lasting connections and positive impressions. I've looked and looked far to see how area businesses have communicated - or not communicated - since Friday's storm hit, and one thing is crystal clear: most missed the train completely. Dominion Virginia Power is not one of those, thankfully. DomVA, literally at the center of the storm with its army of power line crews working non-stop to get the juice flowing again, is doing a superb job communicating via Facebook and Twitter. Home services businesses come to mind as having great potential to be key sources of information and help in this type of situation ... electrical service shops in particular with so many power related issues. Electricians with years of experience and a wealth of knowledge could pass some of that along - not as a marketing pitch - but as a way of helping the community. Does it add marketing value? Of course! But that shouldn't be the main focus.

In times of crisis, drop the pitch, and pitch in. Unfortunately, across the board, nothing but silence since Friday from home services providers, until one blog post I came across today pitching home generators as a power outage solution. Note: I have former and current home services clients. I know very well how busy they are doing their physical jobs each day, and how challenging it is to get people 'socially' interested in their message and services, as valuable as they may be. I've made it a mission to try to help inform the public about, for instance, the value of electrical safety inspections, because residential electrical fires kill and injure scores each year and cause tremendous property damage. But they're not shops or restaurants you frequent or hang out at. You may only use/need them once a year, or in time of crisis. But when that moment comes, you may really appreciate all they do. And if you the business operator are 'social ready and willing' ... all of that hard work, persistence, time and money invested can pay off, for those you serve, and for your business itself.  

I follow a ton of businesses, large and small, near and far, via Facebook, Twitter, blog RSS feeds and such. Part of it is business related, part of it is to stay informed about stuff I like. And while it's nice to know which restaurants are open for business - power on and staff ready to serve - it would be even nicer to see local business communities come together and leverage their collective voices to pass along impactful information ... from Fire/Rescue orgs, police, hospitals, gov't, media and citizen-generated content. When the first thing out of your social mouth is "hey, the power is on, come on in and enjoy a steak dinner!" ... you're mostly just marketing. You're using a crisis as a way to pitch yourself, as opposed to pitching in during a crisis as a way to help people. Did you get that? Do you see the difference? Build a robust digital presence - the 'click' that compliments your 'brick' ... to grow your business. But remember that the hard work requried to build and manage and nurture that digital presence can pay big dividends when that moment comes, in this case blowing in at 80mph at 10pm on a Friday. You'll be ready, willing and able to be more than a business. You'll be a valued member of the community, and you won't miss the train. The community won't forget, I promise.

There will be more trains (opportunities). Will you be ready??

Facebook for Business Workshop - April 23rd

Any and all are invited to my next Brick and Click workshop, focused on Facebook (event on Facebook )... with so many changes having taken place over the past year, and especially with the introduction of Timeline for Pages this month.  This workshop will take place Monday, April 23rd, from 8:30am to 12pm, at the new Cornerstone Church office facilities off Blackwell Rd in Warrenton, Va.  I wanted to start hosting some weekday workshops, so business owners and marketing/communication pros who can't make my standard Saturday workshops can hopefully attend. 

Talking to numerous business folks in my area, Mondays seemed to pop up as a good day for many.  Also, some business owners will recognize the value of sending their marketing/social media person(s) to a workshop like this on a workday, realizing a half-day, impactful session like this will offer immense value (and it will!!).  Topics to be covered include:

• Changes to Pages (Timeline and more) 
• Differences between Pages, Groups and Personal profiles
• Engagement - why it's critical to getting your messages seen
• Growing your Fan base, and serving them as well!
• Looking your best - page branding/design/images/customization 
• Landing/information Tabs & Apps 
• Content Marketing: creation, curation, scheduling 
• PPC advertising - tips ... why it's an absolute must for most businesses
• ROI / Insights - measuring the effectiveness of your efforts

Here are your workshop/customization options:

Ridding Ourselves Of Those Annoying Duplicate Facebook Community Pages

Here's the only known way to fight those persistent, deceptive 'Community' pages that populate Facebook with kudzu-like ferocity. If you've tried to locate a brand or org page, and all you come up with is a ghost-like apparition of the real thing ...with a white suitcase for a profile pic ...

you've stumbled upon a Community page. Facebook feels compelled to create these when we say we 'Like' something in our profile that doesn't connect with a real page, even if a real page exists for it (thank Facebook's horrible search for that).  These are also created when you fill out your work history in your profile, and when typing in the name of a company/org you've worked for, and again, a 'real' page isn't immediately apparent, according to Facebook, you're either taken to a community page for the company/org ... or one is created to represent it.  Here's the problem:  there are tons of community pages that are duplicates of real pages ... pages that have been in existence for some time, or that have many times the number of Likes as the community page. It's a roll of the dice whether Facebook recognizes the real page or not.  Can't explain why. 

I came across this persistent frustration trying to update my work history the past couple of days.  I simply wanted to add a new part-time gig I have, news anchoring with All News 99.1 WNEW (that's the exact name of the REAL Facebook page).  Problem is, when I try to type in the radio station's name, exactly as it's spelled out on the station's official FBook page, it is not recognized. Granted, it's a new radio station and page, but it has 174 likes and plenty of content, compared to 9 likes and zero conent for it's duplicate community page, which Facebook instantly recognizes, and wants to force into my work history. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So .... here is the only known way to tell Facebook that a Community page is a duplicate, and hope that Zuck and crew find time between launching completely new user interfaces every few months to solve persistent problems we REALLY care about:

1. Go to the annoying Community page you want assasinated, and click on 'Report Page, left sidebar
2. Choose Duplicate or miscategorized Page from the pop up menu
3. from the dropdown, choose Duplicate of another Page
4. fill in the name of the REAL page ... and here's where you might have to get creative.  For Facebook to recogize the page in existence ... All News 99.1 WNEW ... I had to actually type the username/vanity URL of the page in the box (http://www.facebook.com/wnewnews). Notice that from the above snapshot. 
5. once the real page comes up (if it does at all), choose it, then click Submit. 

That's it.  That's how you can 'try' to rid Facebook of any community pages floating around out there that are at best an annoyance, and at worst a mirage that attract real Fans from your Real Page.  If one exists, find it, tell facebook it's a duplicate ... lather, rinse, repeat.  I'm not sure how long this process takes.  Admins, I might go so far as to tell several people to do the same, hoping that the more that do this, the better shot you have of Facebook taking action.  Announcing it on your Page Wall is up to you, and not out of bounds IMHO. Enlising Fans to help you make your Page the best it can be ... making sausage in the open ... can be a good team building and engagement enhancing opportunity.  So please, for the sake of all of us who HATE these confounded community pages, hunt them down, report them, and hope that Facebook kills them dead. 

P.S

Here's Facebook's official explanation of why Community pages exist. Note the 'there are many benefits' part.  Laughable.

____________________________

Next Level Social Marketing & Communication Workshop Feb 25

 

 

Saturday, Feb 25th at Iron Bridge Restaurant in Old Town Warrenton, 11am - 2:30pm, includes mouth watering lunch and amazing venue. For small biz owners and staff, military public affairs, marketing & communication pros, biz people and entrepreneurs who don't have time to waste, and love making up lost time ... this is a great opportunity to pack months of learning into a less than half day session. Attendee questions - what's important to you - warmly welcomed.

Topics covered include:

• Important changes to social networks - heavy emphasis on FaceBook Pages
• Why authentic, creative Engagement is critical - and why most of your content might not be seen by Fans
• best ways to create/manage custom Page Tabs
• Pinterest (Next Big Thing is here, right ladies?), Twitter & Linkedin tips ... to G+ or not to G+ ... (insert your platform question here)
• PPC ads - Facebook & Google
• Creating, managing, scheduling, monitoring content with apps like Hootsuite. Turn 9-5 into a 24/7 communication machine
• Metrics/Insights - what matters, why it's important to measure & adjust strategy
• Integration ... connecting the Dots, online/offline

Hosted by Jeff Crites (me!), Founder/Chief of Strat(egery?) at Brick and Click Solutions (Linkedin profile); former Army.mil Community Manager, part of team that designed & managed the Army's official website & social media presence. Nearly two decades marketing, strategic communications, traditional and new/social media experience.  Numerous clients from small businesses to national brands to military installations and more. Workshop guaranteed to take your marketing and communication efforts to the Next Level.

Fee just $150 (if you have a discount code/offer, please share when you contact me), includes amazing lunch, Stone Cellar venue, 'social' T-shirt & limited post-workshop questions answered.  Additional opportunities to secure discounted consulting time offered as well.  E-payment via paypal confirms your seat (seating is limited). Contact me, Jeff Crites, at 540.729.2742 or jeff@brickandclick.com. See what others have to say here.  Event on Facebook Here.

Facebook: Give us what we want ... not what you think we want

Facebook retreated a bit on its Newsfeed redesign, letting users choose what we've always wanted to be able to choose, to view all content chronologically.  So instead of some engineer's pet algorythm deciding which friend or Page message is a 'Top Story' ... and thus deserving to be crammed at the top ... you can choose 'Recent Stories First' via the pictured method, or if you prefer Facebook decide, choose the newly coined 'Highlighted Stories First'.  Two major changes from the recent upgrade remain, one good (larger images) and one not good (annoying news ticker).  Letting us decide whether to hide the news ticker or not would be the next, user-friendly, logical step.  Will they take it?  Sigh. 

Social Media / Integrated Marketing Workshop Nov 5th with consulting add-on option

Another opportunity to network, feast and learn at one of the coolest venues around - the reserved Stone Cellar at Warrenton's Iron Bridge Wine Company and Restaurant.  The Saturday, November 5th training session and workshop will be held from 10:30am to 2pm, and as always at Iron Bridge, a tastebud exploding lunch will be part of the experience.

Something New:  You can purchase an additional 2 hours of personalized consulting / help to be used at a later date, at a steep discount over normal hourly rates.  Info below.  Past workshops at Iron Bridge have been enthusiastically received, and whether you're a first timer, or have attended one of my workshops before, you're sure to pick up impactful, strategic, usable information on utilizing the fast evolving social web ... and an integrated approach ... with your marketing and communication efforts.  Topics to be covered include:

• Facebook changes - personal profies (new timeline, ticker and more)
• Facebook changes - Pages (slowly rolling out right now)
• Maximizing look and performance of your Page
• Pay Per Click ads on Facebook - tips, tricks of the trade
• Twitter - Dos and Don'ts
• Linkedin - what every business and business professional needs to know
• Google+ - should you care?
• Blogging
• Email newsletters /marketing
• connecting all the digital dots

If you're attending the workshop, feel free to submit questions beforehand so they have a better chance of being addressed during the session.  You can email jeff@brickandclick.com, post them in the comment section below, or on the Event on Facebook.  This information rich workshop, including a tasty lunch with appetizers, refreshments (wine, beer etc is on your dime) and dedicated wait staff is only $125.  An additional two hours of personalized consulting (to be used at a later date) can be added for just $100 more.  You must contact me via email, jeff@brickandclick.com, or phone: 540.729.2742 to reserve your spot.  Electronic invoicing via Paypal will confirm your seat.  Seating is limited, so contact me as soon as possible if you're interested.  Hope to see you at Iron Bridge on November 5th!  ~  Jeff

Advanced Social Media, Integrated Marketing and Communication Workshop at Iron Bridge in Warrenton, VA

For DC area/Northern Virginia marketing and communication pros, small business owners, those in military public affairs and more:  I'm hosting an advanced workshop and presentation in the Stone Cellar room at Iron Bridge Restaurant and Wine Company, on Main Street in Old Town Warrenton, VA from 10:30am to 2pm on Saturday, July 30th.  A tastebud exploding lunch, personal wait staff, appetizers and refreshments are included in the fee.  This workshop is designed for those with intermediate and higher social media/integrated communication experience, looking to take your efforts and ROI to the next level.  Past workshops - several at Iron Bridge - have been enthusiastically received.  Topics to be covered include:

• Facebook Page customization - using third party services to build and manage iFrame Tabs
• Facebook Page changes - the good and not so good, getting up to speed on all capabilities
• Facebook Pay Per Click Advertising - creating, targeting, managing, checking campaign ROI
• Twitter - filtering out noise and spam ... building a higher value, targeted community
• Using platforms like Hootsuite to schedule and manage content on Twitter & Facebook
• Google+ - what are the implications, for personal and business use
• ROI / Metrics
• Maximizing your Linkedin presence - personal and business
• Geolocation - Foursquare, Facebook Places, etc
• QR Codes
• Connecting the dots - integrating offline (brick) and online (click)

Credentials: I have 18+ years in marketing and communications, including a 13 year radio career as an award-wining writer/producer, Operations Manager of 3 XM Satellite Radio channels, and Operations/Website Manager/News anchor for the syndicated Morning in America show; formerly Online Community Manager for Army.mil, part of a team that designed and managed the Army's official website and social media presence; formerly Enterprise Social Media Manager at Intridea, specializing in Social Business Design, weaving 'social' throughout orgs and businesses;  founded Brick and Click in 2008, with numerous satisfied clients ranging from small businesses to military orgs to national brands. I was an invited panelist at NASDAQ OMX's 'Future of Social Media' event at NASDAQ's famous Times Square market site last fall during Advertising week. Picture above is of the panel ... that's me on the far left. 

The fee for this 3.5 hour workshop and presentation is $125, which includes a fantastic meal, appetizers, refreshments, personal wait staff and venue that past attendees rave about - the reserved Stone Cellar at Iron Bridge.  You must contact me (Jeff Crites) to reserve your seat, and seating is limited: call 540.729.2742 or email jeff@brickandclick.com.  Electronic payment confirms your reservation.  The event on Facebook is here.  Those attending are encouraged to RSVP 'yes' on the Event page.  Hope to see you July 30th at Iron Bridge.  It will be time and money well spent.

'One Hour Summer Bash' in Warrenton VA Serving Up Free Chick-fil-A

NEWS RELEASE:  Warrenton, Virginia based businesses One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning of Northern Virginia, Mister Sparky of Northern Virginia, and Rhino Roofing System are picking up the lunch tab for a full hour, 12-1pm, on Wednesday, June 22nd at the Warrenton Chick-fil-A.  Anyone can stop by the One Hour Summer Bash (event on Facebook here) and enjoy a free combo meal after filling out a short voucher, which will be handed out on location, and is also available in PDF format (block of four vouchers) via this link:

Download OneHourSummerBash_ChickfilA_Voucher2011

Judging by the popularity of previous One Hour lunch events, this 'Bash' is sure to be a jam packed, fun-filled gathering of Chick-fil-A fanatics .  The Chick-fil-A cow, always a hit, will be on hand for mixing, mingling and picture taking.  Freebies/schwag will be handed out, in addition to the fabulously tasty free food, and Warrenton police will do their best to keep traffic back-ups to a minimum (planning your arrival and parking strategy ahead of time is recommended).  Jared Dean, owner of One Hour NoVA, Mister Sparky NoVA and Rhino Roofing, says the event "is an opportunity to give back, in a fun way, to our community.  Business is so consuming that we often forget to stop and take the time to only think of others.  Sure we think of our clients every day while repairing their homes, but taking time and only thinking of them by breaking bread together, so to speak, takes us back to what life truly is about - community.  God Bless you all, and have a great summer!". Notable: Mr. Dean will assume the role as Brand President of One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning next year, representing more than 200 franchise locations across North America.

And finally, to take things up another notch over the next two weeks, 2 people will have the opportunity to win Free Lunch for a Year (52 combo meals!!) at Chick-fil-A.  To be eligible for the drawing, go to this special Tab on the One Hour Page and follow the simple instructions (for Northern VA residents living in service area of businesses involved in Summer Bash event. Complete contest rules at bottom of Tab).  The 'Free Lunch for a Year' contest is being held exclusively on Facebook (with no affiliation to Facebook).  The two winners will be chosen by random drawing on Friday, June 24th at approximately 2pm at the Warrenton Chick-fil-A.  If you have any questions about the Free Lunch Bash on June 22, or the Free Lunch for a Year contest on Facebook, feel free to post them in the comment section of this post.