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Some Real Magic: “Synthesis” Performed by Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino World Record Challenge

30 Jul

"Synthesis" World Record Challenge August 6, 2010

Isn’t it time for something new, fresh and fun?! How about establishing a brand new World Record? I’m hearing a lot of folks talk about “magic” methods, biz systems, and how things have worked like it — how about adding some real magic to your day — in just 90-seconds?!

Here’s the scoop, and how to do that…

Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino is presenting his card manipulation challenge — “Synthesis”:

Event to be held on Friday, August 6 1:30-2:30PM EDT; “Synthesis” performed at 2PM EDT, from Facebook and in-person at the Julian G. Whitener Municipal Building in downtown Hickory, NC and streaming live on Facebook…

Sammy’s “Synthesis” is a combo of Houdini’s old sleight of hand techniques, presented in new way, as a ‘stunt,’ in Houdini’s style… the challenge will be officiated by the Honorable Mayor Rudy Wright.

“Synthesis” details: Sammy’s World Record Challenge is manipulating 300 cards (almost 6 decks of playing cards, 5 1/2″ high, stacked), blindfolded, with both hands. It is rare to be able to manipulate cards equally well with both hands — almost unheard of, in fact… very few on record as able to do this.

*This is a “Thank you” to Hickory for everything, as Sammy launches his Magic career onto a new level, in this next year!

*This is a Global Celebration, event streaming L-I-V-E — Everyone is invited! We have been and are harnessing the social and new media, as well as the traditional…

*If you miss the event, hi-def vid will be uploaded to YouTube — catch it any time: http://youtube.com/SammyCortino

Key Points in Sammy’s magic career:

At the age of 12, Sammy was inducted into the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Seigfried & Roy, Lance Burton and Terry Evanswood signed his application, and all have served to inspire Sammy’s performances. He has remained in contact with them.

Sammy is a member of London’s Magic Circle. He holds a Doctor of Magic degree, conferred by the International Magicians’ Society, the world’s largest magician’s society.

First stage show at Hickory Community Theatre at age 14…

Broyhill Civic Center Grand Illusion Show in ’06

Hayes Performing Arts Center ’07

Appalachian State University show in ’08

Sammy has been actively involved Frye Regional Medical Center’s Charlie’s Chaplains Hospital Creative Arts Ministry since 1997, performing simple tricks to brighten the patients’ days and empowering them by having them participate (as possible) in the performance. He serves as Assistant Coordinator of the ministry, since 2004: http://CharliesChaplains.blogspot.com

At 21, Sammy is a rising senior at Appalachian State University, where he studies broadcast.

Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino: http://www.SammyCortino.com

Recent Media Blitz Interviews, over the last 3 weeks:

Fox-Charlotte “Fox News Rising” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwW7Oga_edA

NBC-WCNC “Charlotte Today” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7utOWkTxm4o

Hickory Daily Record: http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/content/2010/jul/28/illusionist-will-try-make-300-cards-disappear-and-/

This is a Global event, streaming live! What time in the world will this event be for you?

World Clock Time+Date Converter: http://timeanddate.com/worldclock/

World Clock Time Converter: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

Hope to see you there!

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Posted in Build Your Brand, Durable Branding, Effective Communication, Effective Communication Campaign with all Media, Facebook, New Media, Promotion, Social Media, Social Media Marketing, Special Events, branding, communication, media, personal branding, professional services, talk radio

Perspective is Everything on Facebook: Friends are Your Network of Contacts

11 May

Recently I wrote a series about communicating effectively on Facebook for business applications. It seemed to resonate with many of my readers — especially on Facebook. In the articles, I shared some errant strategies I observed on Facebook, involving friends’ networks and policies. Each situation blatantly exhibited circumstances not applying ‘best practices’ for social networking. The series focused more on the relational aspect of Facebook connections. This article goes a step further, by taking a Big Picture-view…

Perspective is everything — in life, in work, on Facebook. Reframing things to look a little bit different increases the flow of creativity and embues a more positive feel. But a slanted view of Facebook supported by misuse of the popular social media platform and you might discover you are not winning-over more friends or influencing anyone in a positive way — unless that’s what you want. It’s all in how you look at it, isn’t it?

In my early days on Facebook, I remember a Friend who was in reality an Old School Internet Marketer. Although he fully embraced Web 2.0 technology, he remained steeped in his heavy-handed IM sales approach. When we first connected he insisted he wanted to “network” with me. If you replace the phrase ‘network with’ with the words “sell you/(me),” you would have a clear idea of his true intention. His idea of ‘networking’ was anyone in his network of Facebook Friends was his customer. In fact, he even treated his Facebook profile as if it were a static sales mini-site, removing any unwanted comments and leaving up only his product information. To be fair, he did share helpful information (though obviously slanted toward his product) by creating a couple of Facebook Groups which he managed and groomed meticulously with a fine-toothed comb, deleting most everyone else’s comments and questions from the group forums.

A few more months on down the road in my early days on Facebook, another gentleman carped in a cryptic note left for me that “no one was making any money on Facebook,” and indicated he could build an incredibly large network faster than anyone. A couple of years later, he has in fact built some large networks through Facebook Groups and Pages. At this point, it’s not totally clear what he’s selling to “make money on Facebook,” or elsewhere, but he has built community and garnered some attention.

Almost a year ago, I received a Friend invitation from a man who turned out to be a politician from Orange County, California. His rationale for building his network became all-too clear very soon, when I received an invitation to join his Facebook Fan Page. As I am not a resident of California, Orange County, nor contemplating a move any time soon, I did not see that as relevant to either of us. When I did not join his political bandwagon, he dropped me as a Friend.

Sometimes, folks will utilize Facebook as a means of building their sales organizations and multi-level marketing entities offline. About 6 months ago, I received an introductory email from a new Facebook Friend telling me about his exciting business opportunity, encouraging me to take a look at it — and wasn’t I interested? I respectfully declined, feeling sure if he visited my Facebook profile and spent 5 minutes to get to ‘know’ me (important when adding new associates, I think), he would see I couldn’t fit in one more thing. Upon receipt of my (polite) response, he dropped me as a Friend.

In analyzing each of these situations, it is clear why “no one is making any money on Facebook,” if they are employing these Old School-never-worked-anyway strategies! Each of the folks referenced had their eyes glued on the prize — to make money-now or get elected-soon, with blinders on — ignoring the Big Picture-view of what the Facebook social networking platform is all about. The message does not fit the medium!

Facebook is about:

Connection

Building relationships

Sharing information (various)

From the beginning, you must get clear on your reason for being on Facebook. Then you must get clear that Facebook Friends are your network of contacts, not prospects. You agreed to connect with them on Facebook. The platform employs social networking, as a means of communication. In the process of networking through social media platforms such as Facebook, you build relationships. Just as in offline networking, through building relationships you may make a sale, meet a new client, or win an election. However it is not an overnight process, and likely not totally resulting from your connection on the platform.

The simple truth is most people who “make money” through social networking do so off the platform. There are ways to ‘monetize’ efforts on Facebook and other platforms, through various apps and links. While there may be a percentage of your total network that might be a potential customer or client, the majority likely are not. Social networking can take a powerful lot of time, so if you are looking for immediate ROI, you may throw in the towel early-on when you realize actual time spent.

In the process of social networking, if you win a contract or an election, make a sale or expand your multi-level sales organization, it is likely more to do with the total package you are offering, and how you are communicating.

Now — to set the record straight — the 3 cases cited in my previous series on effective communication on Facebook were users with large, growing networks. All positioned themselves as ’social media experts’ and go-to gals for state-of-the-art training. I sincerely believe as humans all are apt to err, but an “expert” is held to higher standards, and is paid to provide the rest of us their esteemed knowledge and guidance, based upon actual relevant expertise. Folks learn by example, and we all learn from our mistakes. I make mistakes too — as most humans do — and am reminded daily of my humanness. Related to this, in one of the articles I said:

I believe just as a mistake can be made, so can a faux pas be orchestrated by either a male or female on Facebook or on any other social networking platform. I don’t celebrate the greater advantage or abilities of one gender over another as related to social networking, sales, marketing, communication, or generally in the workplace or life – a mindset so beyond Old School.

The 4 examples cited in this article involve misapplication of the Facebook platform by male contacts in their quest for a sale.

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Posted in Facebook, Marketing & Sales, Social Media, business tools

SocialSpeak: How Engaging are YOU?

03 May

4 Tips for Social Media Convo and 4 Networking Strategies for Successful Connection — Are You Connected?!

In it’s most basic terms, Social Media is a form of connecting. The rationale for that connection varies for each participant, but in order to make the most out of the networking effect — you do need to engage.

How do you communicate? Certain approaches actually repel participation and engagement. What is your style or approach in sharing information, communicating with — not ‘shouting to’ your network?

4 Tips for Social Media Conversation

What conversations do you instigate?

What do you discuss with your contacts?

Topics can be hot ones to discuss in-depth from many angles; or absolutely horrid, that no one wants to hash over one more time, a hot potato to avoid in a public forum. For instance, some folks will steer way clear of discussions involving religion and politics — while others gleefully dive into the fray. It does depend upon your network.
Videos and stories or language may be offensive in nature, even if not the contact’s own beliefs. Hate speech or rough language doesn’t usually engender rational discussion centered around in-depth thought, openly sharing of ideas in a conducive environment.
Overtly spouting your judgment or harsh criticism on your latest rant– some in your network may be fearing to be next in the line of fire of this public firing squad, so they’ll keep their heads down low, if they don’t flee. Opinions — like elbows, most everyone has them — can be interesting, but the words chosen to express your thoughts may not elicit the meaningful discussion you hope for, resulting possibly in a hasty “delete.”
Are you a Thought Leader? Do you continually add value to you network? “Value” comes in the form openly sharing relevant, interesting links, thought-provoking content and salient points made in thoughtful comments.

4 Social Media Networking Strategies for Successful Connection

Do you remain personally connected? Do you ‘retweet’ or return the visit? In your social networking activity, do you ever pop over to a contact’s Facebook profile and leave a comment for them? Quite often, they will not only appreciate your effort, but make a point to at least respond, or return the favor by touching base with you on your profile page.
Sometimes, you might find some folks don’t appear in your feed when you’re on… I’ve known people who considered their Facebook status update to be an “email” to all of their friends. Trust me, if someone has over 1,000 contacts in their Facebook network, they are likely going to miss that important ‘message’ you posted one time during the day when they weren’t on the platform. On Twitter, it would take only a few hundred in a contact’s network to miss your one tweeted message, as active as the Twitter platform is.
Strong-arm tactics to force communication by threatening “lopping off their heads” by ‘deleting’ contacts you jointly agreed to connect with won’t get you anywhere. I saw this ploy done recently by yet another self-acclaimed Social Media guru, who has hung out her shingle as a “pro” networker. Surely she realizes folks may not be on to see this. Perhaps they’re so uninspired or bored, they don’t make an effort to be in touch.
Again I say, “Communication is a two-way street.” Folks are not connected with you to hang onto your every word and dutifully respond to all of your requests of self-aggrandizement and reassurance. You must meet them halfway, at the least. Offer them the connection from your end, not just a “welcome to my network, and here’s what I can do for you for $$$$… join my Facebook page at least, or – goodbye…!”

How engaging are YOU, anyway? If you want to connect in a more meaningful way with an active network, I recommend jumping in wholeheartedly, with a strategy in hand and sincerely communicating with others. I want you to know that within the letter of existing laws and common decency for the good of society at large, I completely support your freedom of expression and communicating what you want on your own profile, blog, site and social media streams. If you want to connect and have more meaningful dialogue with others, I recommend your reviewing the 4 Social Media Conversation Tips, and consider your Social Networking Strategies I’ve listed here. Time to put your mirror away, and that megaphone down!

Here’s a great article on Social Media Marketing:

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/business/x826102018/Social-media-marketing-scrutinized

Do you have Social Media Networking tips or strategies you recommend? Please leave a comment — let’s discuss…

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Posted in Small Business, Social Media, Social Media Marketing, SocialSpeak

3 Case Studies for Developing More Effective Communication on Facebook

07 Apr

Previously, I wrote about some recent observations I have seen employing interesting strategies on the Facebook platform. These serve as case studies for not applying ‘best practices’ in social networking:

Case #1: A Facebook email disclosing all recipients was received from another marketing person who claimed they were going to “defriend most” (named) on the email list because their Facebook friends list had become unmanageable. This person had recently invited several of those listed to “friend” them.

Apparently, the person was also trying to convince folks that in order to stay in touch, they needed to join the “Fan Page,” because the person couldn’t handle the 2,000 contacts in their network. I humbly submit that if this contact couldn’t manage a 2,000 +/- member Facebook network, they were in control to add or delete, all along. Facebook offers a “List” feature, and a personal spreadsheet works nicely, too. Facebook “Fan Pages” are a great tool, but this marketing person may find it to be quite a different mix from the existing Facebook profile. Perhaps not all in the network would want to join?

Case #2: An entrepreneurial contact announced to their network that in order to stay connected, they needed to respond to their Status Update, explaining on their Wall why each should remain in this person’s network, or be banished from their kingdom.

I don’t know what the response was, but think that the ‘value’ shared and given (as in conversation) is a two-way street, in the truest sense of connection and communication. Demanding your network share publicly why they should stay connected to you, is like announcing to the world you haven’t a clue what you’re doing on the platform and asking for direction, or perhaps it was a thinly-veiled request for testimonials for all the great value provided?

Case #3: A coaching contact posted a repetitive message on everyone’s wall that all of their contacts needed to join their Facebook Page.

No invitation, explanation, or benefit of association provided. The message was emphatically imperative, with the slightest tinge of an apologetic undertone. In fact, it sounded like a matter of life-and-death, with perilous consequences personally to the coach if you didn’t join. I don’t know what the response was, or if the result was as hoped, for the great effort expended in posting on everyone’s Facebook Wall for as far as the eye could see, within this person’s large network.

Next: What does all this mean?

Do you have case studies to share? Please leave your comments…

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Posted in Communications Clarity, Facebook, Social Media

Facebook Fan Pages Offer Increased Visibilty as a Marketing Edge

05 Mar

Becky Cortino Facebook Fan Page

Recently, a friend and I were discussing Facebook Groups and Fan Pages functionality and use. Both are great tools to connect, communicate and build visibility. Each has distinct features, but choosing the right vehicle for the intended purpose is critical.

Here are some comparisons and my thoughts regarding increasing visibility with Facebook Fan Pages:

Basic Premise:

Facebook Groups allow members to share and collaborate on the group topic or idea. Permissions may be set to allow the Group to be open to everyone, closed or secret, like an offline club.

Facebook Pages allow customers or fans of a brand, company or public figure to engage in conversation, provide feedback and share information in a customizable way. Unlike Facebook Groups, no administrators or officers appear on the Page, giving a more ‘corporate’ look than the club-like image of Groups.

Contact and Visibility:

Staying in contact and increasing visibility are two concerns of either entity. Stories are published in member and fans’ news feeds. Depending upon the time they are sent out or posted, they may be missed. Sometimes Facebook “Notifications” aren’t operating efficiently, causing a Group posting to be missed.

Mass messaging is available only for Groups with under 5,000 members. Fan Page updates are sent to fans, but no inbox messages are permitted. This is one aspect I believe would strengthen the Fan Page, because it allows greater connection. Page stream posts can be targeted by country and language through Fan Pages, but I think the ability to directly message would be more useful.

Google Indexing and SEO:

Both Groups and Fan Pages are indexed by Google, but content in Page updates is indexed by Google, increasing visibility and the possibity of connecting with customers or potential clients. Pages using the Static FBML application have increased Search Engine Optimization.

Fan Pages are Customizable:

Fan Pages have the ability to create a more personalized environment with applications such as surveys, forums, special offers, videos and other interactive features that engage fans. I believe this is another key difference with Pages, that if used properly, has the ability to offer a marketing edge.

Fan Pages Invite Engagement and Sharing with Others:

Interaction is further invited by commenting, “Liking” a post, other media or post sharing features. Through the “Share” button feature, information or an item may be carried outside the Fan Page border, further increasing visibility. By the nature of the Fan Page content, this may be an often-used feature.

Additional promotional tools for Fan Pages include ‘badge’-like widgets and vanity URLs.

Promoting Events:

Facebook Groups are the most effective way to promote Events by sending invitations to group members. There is no way to do this with Fan Pages, other than a regularly-posted item or Status Update. Special promotions or events tabs may be created and used on Fan Pages, which draw attention on the page itself. Purchasing a Facebook ad may support the promotion or event, with increased reach.

Fan Pages Provide Insight through Engagement Metrics:

Fan Pages provide more information to administrators, through engagement metrics through “Page Insights” with demographic information and interaction details.

The Bottomline — choosing the right vehicle for the intended purpose is critical:

Facebook groups are an excellent way to network, share ideas and create awareness on a smaller scale. The Fan Page provides a more personal environment to engage with supporters, fans, and customers in a customized format.

What do you think about Facebook Groups and Fan Pages?

What has your experience with them been? Do you have a favorite Fan Page? What do you like most about it — or is it the brand?

Please share your thoughts, comments and fav Facebook Fan Page links by leaving a comment!

Not long ago, I established my Facebook Fan Page, to share resources, articles and notes on communications, branding and media… Are you a fan? Hope you’ll join me on Facebook!

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Posted in Facebook, branding, business tools

Integrity is the Essential Element for Brand Durability

01 Mar

How are you building your house?

In marketing today, much attention is given to the concept of “authenticity.” It is an important aspect especially in Social Media marketing. As a means of message consistency, it is often seen spilling over into all facets of branding and communications. It is indisputably a buzz word.

While I recognize the importance of “authenticity” as a component in identity development, I believe “integrity” is where the greatest emphasis should be placed for powerful, solid branding and effective communication.

Integrity is a wholehearted steadfast commitment to central, core values and beliefs that a reasonable person recognizes as important, laudable, and true. It serves as a connecting point, because it can be related to and clearly understood. Because it serves as the basis of a solid foundation for all actions, it is the essential element for creating brand durability. By definition, it is a state of being complete, undivided, unbroken, fully integrated, and sound.

This is important in the marketplace, as people seek connections with entities and others who imbue a sense of stability, strength, tenacity, while offering a perceived value in the relationship of trust and expectation. Perception has much to do with integrity, but deep-seated commitment and dedication to purpose is accurately reflected, established over time. Consistently exhibited values, principles, methods, expectations and results become the foundation.

Integrity is illustrated through adopted business models, and may be observed through self-generated or invited:

Endorsements
Testimonials
Obligations
Commitments
Openness to explore and discuss the ideas presented by others
Ability to receive feedback and criticism

In these economic times, I believe the concept of “integrity” should be revisited, and reviewed in light of clarifying identity, intended purpose as a first-step in the branding process, prior to developing an action plan of pursuit. I view intgrity as the foundation for success and brand durability. What do you think?

For current real-life case studies on integrity and brand durability, watch:

Toyota

Tiger Woods

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Posted in Durable Branding, personal branding

IHOP Has Customers Flipping for Free Shortstacks

26 Feb

In what has now become an annual celebration for good cause, IHOP (International House of Pancakes) serves up complimentary Short Stacks of their signature Buttermilk Pancakes to guests on National Pancake Day, as part of a fundraising effort to support children’s hospitals through the Children’s Miracle Network, or other local charities.

This fundraising event was established by IHOP in 2006, and has raised more than $3.25 million to support local charities. The company set this year’s cumulative goal of raising $5 million in five years — and handily met that goal. The date was scheduled a week later this year on February 23, rather than the traditional date of Shrove Tuesday, extending the fundraising effort window to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.

Case studies are always interesting. IHOP’s National Pancake Day is a prime example of a special event embraced company-wide, comprised of all of the “right” elements — and it works! A visit to the IHOP website to read the company’s “Vision and Values” shows they are plugged into the aspect of social responsibility. The company goes yet another step further with a year-long promotion recognizing outstanding citizens locally with “Stacks for Good Acts,” keeping the buzz going long after National Pancake Day! Very cool, indeed.

Everyone knows effective promotion is a key ingredient for event success, but not everyone knows how to put together an efficient communications plan. The strategy is to get the word out on multiple channels, reaching the broadest possible audience, especially for a fundraising campaign like this. Social Media is proven to be one of the channels that is very effective in quickly spreading the word.

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, IHOP was a top trending topic on Twitter, according to an article by Douglas Quenqua, on ClickZ. Interestingly enough, the article points out IHOP does not have a presence on Twitter.

Apparently many tweeps were tweeting away, sharing about the event, based on Twitter Trending statistics. This leads to the natural question of why IHOP doesn’t have a Twitter presence? Many companies are establishing Twitter accounts to interact with customers and the world at large.

Twitter is one of many Social Media tools available to communicate. It is a tool in an arsenal of promotional tools to communicate. Not all Social Media tools must be used by all entities or people to be effective communicators. Their selection and use must be strategic and based upon a plan that uniquely meets the company’s goals.

Based on this event’s success, it seems the company has a solid strategy in place that works for them. IHOP is on Facebook and YouTube. Their website offers a social media “sharing” buttons. An exceptional “reminder” feature to receive a “Celebrity ‘Wake-up Call” for IHOP’s ”National Pancake Day” by the celeb of choice (selected from a list of celebrities), to call participant’s home, office or cell with a personal reminder message. The media also make sharing easy, helping to carry the message.

Based on the bottomline results (goal met), Twitter trending, and the fact that we’re still talking about this, I believe IHOP’s National Pancake Day benefit for the Children’s Miracle Network and local charities proves Social Media presence through widespread promotion is powerful, with community support. The power of Social Media was harnessed, resulting in effective promotion based on an efficient plan. It’s plain to see that IHOP is putting their money where our mouth is. Everyone wins!

As a customer, I would rather see them doing what they do best — flipping my pancakes and slinging my hashbrowns — and leave the Tweeting to me.

How about you or your company — do you have a communication strategy in place? Do you have a website and a plan, but wonder if it could be tweaked to be more effective? I offer consulting services including website reviews and social media strategies for more effective communication. I have been serving up my services as a communications professional to for many years.

Are you interested in amping-up your communications or fine-tuning your efforts? If so, contact me any time, via the Contact Form located on this website.

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Posted in Social Media, Special Events

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