I just read a book called The DragonFly Effect (@DFlyEffect), written by Jennifer Aaker and Andy Smith and they had some really solid tips on using social media to drive social change. It was named for the only insect that is able to move in any direction when its four wings are working in concert. I never thought of it that way, but I like it. In the book, they reveal how four key actions come together to produce colossal results.

“By learning how to effectively Focus, Grab Attention, Engage, and Take Action, everyday people can produce extraordinary results” – whether they are trying to provide clean water, find an organ donor, or change a kid’s behavior through fun. Read more »

Given the huge spike in social media usage, many are wondering whether to create a business page on Facebook. Let me think about this. Uh, YEAH. Rather than explaining HOW to create a business page on Facebook, I’m going to talk about the many reasons WHY you should do it. I recommend that you create a business page (previously called Fan Page) as soon as you’re ready to expand your business to social networks (like today or tomorrow).
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In my first post, Creativity, Social Media, BluSkye Group and Blogging, I outlined why I wanted to blog and on what topics. What I didn’t talk about was WHY I was doing it. Although I have many reasons, a main reason for blogging is to increase web site traffic. By adding 1500-2000 words of keyword-rich content each week, I’m focused on subject matter relevant to BluSkye Group to expose the business to more people looking for what we have to offer. What I want to talk about today is how and why blogging will help increase traffic to your website. Read more »

Welcome to our first guest post by Joshua P. Romero, the Marketing & Communications Coordinator for California Western School of Law. He oversees the school’s social media programs, including its YouTube channel. He is the writer, director, and producer of a national award-winning YouTube video for a Fortune 500 Company online contest.

This spring, YouTube hit a milestone – it surpassed Google for the number of video searches conducted in a month. Fifty-one percent of 18-55 year-olds go to YouTube at least once a week. As much as 62 percent of adults watch video online, up from 33 percent in December 2006. Read more »

There are many good samples of company marketing plans out there, and the formula is the same no matter what industry you’re in (pretty much). That’s the good news (that there is a formula- and there is no bad news). I’m going to show you an abbreviated, yet effective example of a company marketing plan that I normally use. This does not replace a more thorough marketing plan; it merely highlights the critical areas. There will be some marketing-speak, but I’ll try to keep it as straightforward as possible.

A more thorough examination of your business from a marketing standpoint gives you a better picture of setting and achieving your goals. In future posts, I’ll write in more detail about specific aspects of a plan to flush out the details. Read more »