March New Media Breakfast, Glasgow - TOP GEAR - A guide to making good technology buying decisions today.

TOP GEAR - A guide to making good technology buying decisions today.

New Media Breakfast presentation by Iain Murray of Principle Consulting

Wikipedia’s entry on Moore’s law describes “a long-term trend in the history of computing hardware whereby the number of transistors that can be placed inexpensively on an integrated circuit doubles approximately every two years. The period often quoted as “18 months” is due to David House, an Intel executive, who predicted that period for a doubling in chip performance (being a combination of the effect of more transistors and them being faster).

The capabilities of many digital electronic devices are strongly linked to Moore’s law: processing speed, memory capacity, sensors and even the number and size of pixels in digital cameras. All of these are improving at (roughly) exponential rates as well (see Other formulations and similar laws). This exponential improvement has dramatically enhanced the impact of digital electronics in nearly every segment of the world economy. Moore’s law describes a driving force of technological and social change in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.”

What this means to the rest of us is that it is almost impossible to keep up with the latest technology and the things that it can do. The danger is that we make a bad procurement decision and end up with Betamax (beaten by VHS) or HD DVD (beaten by Blu-ray), and we have wasted our money.

Coupled with this is the significant trend towards web based software, cloud computing and Apps. These too can be baffling and the cause for consternation about what to buy, and when will it become obsolete.

Iain Murray has been delivering a version of this presentation since 2005, when there was no iphone and no Apps and he has been updating it regularly ever since. The ethos of the presentation remains the same, show how today’s ‘available’ technology can make an impact on your personal productivity, your business and your staff.

This year fatBuzz and Iain have teamed up with CommsWorld to bring the presentation to life. Commsworld are a leading voice and data solutions provider and mobile and fixed communications technology. Iain will merge the presentation on what technology and applications to consider with some live hands on demonstrations of everything from mobile phones to tablets. He will look at the do’s and don’ts of data management, looking at cloud computing applications as well as mobile data costs.

Iain will also look at the plethora of mobile applications out there today, picking and demonstrating some of the best Apps for business and personal productivity. He has been an avid user or Social Media and will also cover the applications and technology needed to make the best use of Social Media on the move.

Iain’s talks have proved very popular and this year’s new and enhanced presentation promises to be the most dynamic and informative yet. If you want to know how to maximise the technology and the applications available today then this is a talk not to be missed. Places will go fast for this so please book early.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Iain Murray is the founder of Principle Consulting a Management Consultancy business specialising in Property & Facilities Management as well as all other aspects of business advice from business development to long term strategy. Iain has a career in business spanning over 25 years and has held the Facilities Management industry’s top position as Chair of the British Institute of Facilities Management. He is currently the Deputy Chair of Global FM, the global Association of Associations representing over 50,000 FM’s worldwide.

Iain was an early adopter of Social Media and a pioneer in business on the use of integrated and cloud technology. He has won awards for integrating several technologies to improve the efficiency of service while making significant operational savings.

Our connection with Iain came about when he attended the first New Media Breakfast, opened his laptop and appointed himself as the official ‘tweeter’ for the event. He has now attended and spoken several times at the NMB and is a permanent member of the Social Media Podcast team, recording a podcast a couple of times a month.

Iain is continuing his crusade to introduce Social Media to business and his tweets are reaching a global audience and following. Iain regularly write and presents on the benefits and merits of Social Media for business with a style that is both engaging and witty.

Sponsored by

HOW TO BOOK

Venue: 29 Member’s Club, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow

Date: Friday 30th March 2012

Time: 7.30am for 8am

We hope you can make it along to this event. If so, I look forward to seeing you on the day.

BOOK FOR NEW MEDIA BREAKFAST GLASGOW HERE:

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The new Facebook Timeline layout for Pages explained on video

No doubt lots of people will be throwing their hands in the air this week when they see the impending changes to Facebook business pages; we'll probably see the usual complaints, predictions of their demise and, threats to leave the platform all together.  It'll be no different from every other time they've made significant changes and everyone will eventually embrace them.

The changes to Pages are certainly significant and, they will have a real impact on some businesses, particularly those using fangates or, the "refresh page" operation on a default Welcome page to issues some kind of promotion or discount code when the page reloads.  Why?  Because there are no default landing pages anymore and, the page no longer refreshes when you "Like" it so it can't redirect to a "Special Offer" or promotion page.

I think Facebook has used these changes to try and increase their own advertising revenue; the restrictions about what you can and can't put in the new header are a clear indication of this.  Who can blame them?  It's the cost we have to pay for using a "free" platform and, with an IPO round the corner,Facebook are under pressure to prove its ability to generate revenue.

The restrictions on advertising may achieve higher sales for Facebook but, there is another outcome to consider; when blatant advertising is not allowed, businesses will rely on better content and greater engagement to make their pages work for them and that's no bad thing.

We have put together a short video highlighting the main changes to the Pages, it is important that you watch this and be aware of how these changes will affect the way you currently use Facebook.  Every page will be switched to the new timeline layout by the 30th March so, you should start to think about it now.

Here are the main changes and some of the new functionality:

If fatBuzz can help you with the changes or, your Facebook/social media strategy please don't hesitate to call us, we're happy to have a coffee and a chat.

PLEASE SHARE THIS
I hope you have found this video useful.  If so, please use the share buttons below to tell others in your online community about it, you'll be helping them to understand this very important change to Facebook.  Thank you.

We have lots more video tips, and advice on Social Media, Design, Marketing, PR and Events at fatBuzz.TV

Timeline available for facebook Pages now...

Our Facebook Page has gone through some changes today, and adapted the new Timline feature for Business Pages.

Tell us what you think on our new Facebook Page... Do you think this offers more opportunities for business pages or does it provide setbacks for businesses on Facebook ? 

Have a look at these big name brands who have made the best of the new timeline feature...

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A classical lesson about the importance of a relevant community...

I saw a picture on Facebook today that was shared by Lynn Harris, a friend in real life as well as on Facebook; the picture was accompanied by a story that I found intriguing and fascinating for a number of reasons.

The picture is a screen grab from a video of what appears to be a busker playing the violin at the entrance to L'Enfant Plaza Station in Washington. The comment on the Facebook photo goes on to explain that the violinist was in fact one of the greatest living violinist, Joshua Bell who was playing six classical pieces - among them was a piece by Bach which is widely considered among the most demanding violin works to play. During the 43 minute performance, nobody really stopped to listen for any length of time and he collected just $32 - usually you will pay in excess of $100 per seat to see him perform.

On reading this I was compelled to explore the story further so I went to YouTube where there are several versions of the video with almost 5,000,000 views, I also found a link to the story in the Washington Post - they were behind the experiment. It is worth reading some of the many subsequent comments gathered from commuters that day.

There are several reasons I find this story so interesting and I think, in the context of social media, there are many things we can learn from it:

The importance of building a relevant community
Just before the experiment in January 2007, Joshua had performed for a hushed audience at a sell-out concert in Boston yet in the DC Metro entrance 1100 people walked straight past him on their way to work. People did not know him or, that he was performing an extremely complex piece on a violin worth $3.5 million dollars! Within the classical music community, he is adored and appreciated but in a busy station playing in front of a wide variety of people, he was anonymous.

The audience in the station that morning were intent on getting to where they had to go by a certain time whilst, the audience in Boston were there because they were fans of classical music or Joshua Bell, or both.  The potential station audience was unlimited and it was free for anybody to enjoy but, the concert audience was only available to $100+ ticket holders.

This indicates to me you can have the best and most interesting content in the World and make it available on the most public platforms but, if it's not getting in front of the right people you may as well not bother.

It's not a new story

This is the first time I have seen this story but, the experiment was actually carried out at 7:51 on 12th January 2007 - over 5 years ago. For me, this highlights the legacy benefits of creating good online content. Some of you may have seen this piece before but I noticed it today because someone in my online community shared it on Facebook. The person who shared this particular thread did so on the 16th February this year and it's had 161,231 likes and 144,565 shares in the past 9 days! Therefore, an old story is getting lots of attention because people who find it interesting now have shared it.

At fatBuzz, we are constantly amazed when we see the number of downloads every month of past episodes of our Social Media Podcast - this month we have had over a dozen downloads of a podcast that was recorded 18 months ago!

So, the next time you're creating content, don't just assume you're creating something for people to consume and share that day, week or month; instead, think about your new content as an addition to your online assets. Content will be found and shared by people when they find it interesting and relevant, not just when you find it interesting and relevant.

Was it the right time?
This experiment took place on a weekday during rush hour; I wonder how many more people might have found time to listen a bit longer if it had taken place at a different time?

Not wishing to contradict my earlier comments about legacy but think about when you release new content to get the maximum initial impact, if your community is busy during working hours, think about releasing your content early evening or maybe even over the weekend when they have more time to consume it. Experiment with the release times and monitor the reach you achieve at different times on different days.

Getting the ear of your target audience
Many of the 1100 commuters didn't hear Joshua because they were listening to their own choice of content through their headphones; I wonder if any were actually listening to a Joshua Bell recording as they walked passed him!

Choosing the right platform, or a range of platforms, is important; what's the point of producing everything on video if your community wants to listen to a podcast while they're in the gym. Alternatively, should your content be limited to Twitter messages with links to articles if your community wants to have something to read during a flight? You can't possibly please everybody but repurposing your blog post as a podcast or, producing a blog post about your latest video will help to ensure you get your content out to more people in the fashion they want to receive it.

Extending your community
The Washington Post article offers remarkable feedback from commuters who had earlier walked straight past Joshua but, I wonder what the impact was after they found out who he was? How many went and searched for him online? How many bought one of his recordings? How many shared the story with their friends?

This experiment may, or may not, have unearthed some new classical music enthusiasts or, some new Joshua Bell fans; these may be people that had never considered classical music in the past but, the "experiment" was the catalyst for their new found interest. Is there a promotion, campaign, or event that may help you extend your community?

A final thought...
Imagine, you gather all 1100 commuters in a concert hall and tell them a bit about Joshua and the piece he is about to perform, how many will become converts, fans or ambassadors? How many will be listening to him through their headphones the next time they walk through L'Enfant Plaza Station on their way to work?

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Will tomorrow's decision makers invite you to their party?

During the past couple of years I have spoken at numerous events to a wide variety of audiences from many walks of life and the same question seems to come up in one form or another at every event; what is the ROI with social media? It may not be that exact question but, regardless of how it is phrased, they want to know the same thing.

There are various ways to look at ROI and perhaps we will explore some of these in a future blog posts however, today I want to share one answer I often use which usually raises a few eyebrows and, if it is Tweeted in isolation, it is usually misinterpreted. (one of the shortcomings of a 140 character limit)

The answer is as follows:
If you are not involved in social media, you will not be getting new business in five years time.

My thinking behind this is fairly simple although I do concede the timescale will vary depending on the various factors; for some organisations it may be as little as two years and for others it may be as many as ten years. Regardless of timescale, I believe all organisations will struggle to get their fair share of new business if they are not social.

Generation ‘Y’ is growing up, they are entering the workplace and they are starting to progress through their organisaions into decision making roles. Generation ‘Y’ has never known anything but the internet; this is how they do their research, this is how they get their news, this is how the find out what’s happening in the world and in their industry – in short, this is how they communicate.

When they get responsibility for deciding who is going to be invited to tender for the supply of IT services or, who is to get the new cleaning contract or, who will provide the business travel services they will automatically research the options online. Yes, this may include your web site and good SEO will most likely make you findable.  However, what if your competitor has a similar web site but is also a highly engaged, transparent, content creator with lots of useful support information? In addition, they are highly visible and extremely well thought of in the industry and among their customers. Whom is your highly social young decision maker going to err towards?

If you are not social and not creating content you are not visible, it then follows that you will not be invited to the party when the invitations are being handed out.  Surely, the danger of being invisible vs. the rewards of being found online is ROI enough for any organisation?

There is another thing to consider; Generation ‘Y’ want to work with organisations that are social. Given what I have already said about how they use the Internet, they don’t want to work for organisations that effectively tie their arms behind their back by blocking Internet access. Why would they want to work for an organisation that will not let them use the tools with which they have grown up? How can they flourish and rise through an organisation that doesn’t enable them to communicate effectively?

I have asked various recruitment consultants if graduates ever ask about a prospective employer's social media policy and apparently, it is becoming a common question.  So, there is a very real danger that non-social businesses will struggle to recruit the best people in the future; this may affect your business much quicker than five years.

The fast maturing Generation ‘Y’ will play a very important part in the future of all businesses and, if you’re not social, the party could be over by the time you get there.

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Social Media Podcast 43 now available - Augmented Reality Apps can't change the colour of Iain's phone

Taking part in Social Media podcast Episode 43 we have Gordon White,  Kyle Murdoch, Kirsty Hunter, and Iain Murray.

This one was recorded last thing on a Friday and that weekend feeling was already setting in while we were taking a look at recent events, news and updates in the world of social media.  This light hearted exploration of all things social takes in a number of interesting topics and throws up the usual variety of opinions.



On Social Media Podcast No.43 we discuss the following:

• The Steve Jobs doll - We start by clearing up a question from the last podcast - can you patent a person? 
• Lead Generation - Kirsty finds some survey results from Hubspot about which social media platforms businesses find most effective for lead generation.  Link to article 
• Social Media Profiles - Recent cases where employers have been taken to tribunal for using information gained on social media platforms when considering candidates for jobs.
• Freedom of Speech - Does the law interfere too much in what's said on social media platforms?
• Facebook IPO - Are we about to see a new much more commercial model from Facebook and, is Sponsored Stories already going too far?
• Scottish Independence - Does Facebook's love affair with Ireland indicate the way forward for Scotland?
• Shazam - A great new way to link off-line and on-line activity
• Augmented Reality - We explore lots of great examples of practical, (and some not so practical uses of augmented reality.
• Pop-Up Books - Could these be a threat to traditional publishing in the future.  Link to Pop-Up Book video feature on Digital Buzz
• Business Cards of the future - Great idea for business cards with video content!  Link to YouTube Video
• Nissan's new augmented reality App - Choose the colour and spec of your car via Nissan's new App.  Link to YouTube video about Nissan's App
• Audi's augmented reality App - Another car manufacturer using the latest technology to preview its cars.  Link to Audi's App video on YouTube.
• ARMES using augmented reality in the architectural industry - Could this spell the end for model makers?  Link to ARMES Video on YouTube
• IKEA's iPhone App - Choose your furniture and see what it looks like in your home before you buy.  Link to IKEA video on YouTube
• Phoenix Car - Phoenix Car take a new approach to content.  Link to Phoenix "I want to go green" blog post
• Kindle - Bring technology to every generation.
• IonRoad - A really pointless App (unless it knows how to work the foot pedals!!!)
• GPSTuner - An almost pointless App!!!
• TweetDeck - It wasn't broken so why try and fix it?
• Symantec got hacked - PC Anywhere ended up everywhere!!!
• Apple iPad3 - Liesten to what we would like to see it do
• Phone Colours - Should men be allowed to have white phones?
• Windows 8 Tablet - What will it include and, will it spell a revival for Nokia?
• Groupon, is the bubble is burst? - Groupon don't deliver on what they said they would... again!
• Great Service deserves a mention - Well done Moo and Kimtag

We hope you enjoy the podcast, if you have any comments to make or topics you would like us to discuss please leave them here on the blog or on our Facebook Page.

Play the podcast here:

Subscribe/Download Social Media Podcast on iTunes

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February New MediaBreakfast, Glasgow - Personal Branding and Your Online Persona

PERSONAL BRANDING AND YOUR ONLINE PERSONA
Friday 24th February

Your personal brand is important, it is what people judge you on and, what forms the first impression of you. Because of social media, people often form that first impression before they even meet you.

Ask yourself this: will you check out Jennifer Holloway before you commit to attending this breakfast? Many of you will, and in doing so, you will form an impression; that's what people are doing before they meet you!


Projecting the right personal brand is important but, it throws up lots of questions:

• What tone should I adopt?
• Should I have a different persona online?
• Should I be formal or informal?
• What pictures should I use?
• How much information should I disclose about private life
• How much do I disclose about my business life?

Jennifer Holloway has kindly agreed to follow up her extremely popular presentation from last year with a look at these issues. She will deploy her her own very special brand of humour and knowledge in what promises to be a useful insight into personal branding.

Those of you who saw Jennifer last year will testify that her presentation style is engaging and light-hearted but, extremely informative. This is certain going to be a busy breakfast so be sure to book your place early.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A 1:2:1 MEETING WITH JENNIFER?

Jennifer works with key personnel in many organisations to ensure their online branding is giving out the right messages. Last year we arranged one-to-one meetings for Jennifer with anyone who wanted to chat about how she could work with them, if you would like to arrange a meeting with her on 24th February please email fiona@fatbuzz.com who will be happy to arrange a suitable time.

NOTE: Last year we had many requests for meetings so please book early and, if for any reason you're not going to make your appointment please let us know as soon as possible so that we can accommodate others.

ABOUT JENNIFER HOLLOWAY

With a career including 15 years in media relations and PR, Jennifer Holloway knows a thing or two about promoting a personal brand – she did it every time she picked up the phone to a journalist. The result? She stood out from the ‘press office crowd’ and got her stories on the front page. Today, she is a personal brand expert, helping executives to define their personal brand before teaching them how to promote that in everything they say and do. Known as ‘The Antidote to Yes-Men’ her honest, challenging and practical style has helped leaders discover how, by being themselves, they can be even more successful.

Take a look at Jennifer's Blog

Jennifer Holloway on Linked-In

Venue: 29 Member's Club, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow
Date: Friday 24th February 2012
Time: 7.30am for 8am

No.29 Members Go Free – If you are a 29 Member you can attend the breakfast free of charge. Please email malcolm@fatbuzz.com with you membership number and he will add you to the attendance list.

We hope you can make it along to this event. If so, I look forward to seeing you on the day.

BOOK FOR NEW MEDIA BREAKFAST GLASGOW HERE:

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