However, I was surprised to see that they have started announcing the end of their iGoogle dashboard. If you are NOT using iGoogle, you should be.. or should have been.. Don’t get used to the amazing productivity it provides now because I’ve found nothing like it on the web.

Their reasoning (unreasoning) is here:
http://support.google.com/websearch/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=2664197

What they propose as a reason makes no sense given how iGoogle is used. On my Toolbox blog I suggest it is like the producers of peanut butter ending production because there are such things as tennis balls.

Yeah.. that’s sort of a weird approximation but I was in my kitchen making peanut butter toast and I noticed a tennis ball on the ground.

There is now a petition to save iGoogle. Google is not always so responsive to customers, so it will be interesting to see how this goes.

Sign the petition to save iGoogle here:
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/dont-kill-the-igoogle-webportal.html

There are hundreds and hundreds of people complaining on the google forums – just in the past couple hours.

Wondering what iGoogle is and why you should want to use it? Check out these tutorials.

The post Google announces the end of iGoogle – file this under foolish appeared first on Kreative Knowledge.

Should I use Facebook as my website?

The gist of the discussion is whether someone/a company should use Facebook as their website.. ie: direct traffic from [theirdomain.com] to their Facebook page or simply not have a website and use Facebook as the single source for content publishing and engagement.

NEVER!

There, I said it… I used the “N” word.. Never.

Unless you are Facebook, then it is okay – so Never with a single exception. If you are Facebook.com, then you should use Facebook.com as your primary business website.

If you are serious about online presence, you need to understand some things.

• “Likes” often are not. We call them “click likes”. Which is to say, someone saw a post of yours, never looked at it, but generally, like that you are “doing something.” And so they “Like” that your post – although they’ve never read or listened to what you posted.
• “Loves” are better than likes.
  Website/blog comments, visits, and comment engagement are “LOVES”.
• Newsletter sign-ups are the consummation of that love. The marriage.
  They are saying, not only do I LOVE YOU – but I’ll even let you interrupt my day to communicate with me. You are that important.

One blog entry posted the pros and cons of using Facebook as your website. In the end, however, the writer readily admits that you should have your own website… for the same reasons I mention.

Part of the reason the discussion is like comparing apples to a spray bottle, is just that.. they aren’t the same thing. Facebook isn’t YOUR website. So.. you can never use it as “your website.” You can only use it as online presence – but at best – you are sub-letting office space.. and while sub-letting office space, you are letting your landlord have all your customers. You are also extending your landlord’s brand.

I hope you like your landlord.

Just so that you are clear.. there is no debate. NEVER use Facebook as your website.

The post Using Facebook as your website – NEVER appeared first on Kreative Knowledge.

For some reason, there is a rather insidious and tenacious rumor that circulates through social media circles that mailing list are passé; no longer necessary for connecting with and staying in contact with fans or customers.

They are wrong! If you are considering a jump into social media and online presence, DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM!

I had a conversation with a potential client recently. Couple challenges.. he’s way to smart for his own good. He wants to reap the rewards of Social Media – Facebook and Twitter. That’s cool.. there are some rewards there depending upon your content, offers, and campaigns.

But when I asked him about his mailing list and content on his website, his answer was, “no one uses mailing list anymore.” He went onto explain that Facebook and Twitter are better for staying in touch because everyone is using them.

He’s been beguiled by theory over practice.

It is true that many people are on Facebook and Twitter for much of the day. The challenge is that very few of them are listening and the medium is noisy and competitive.

The pragmatics are that both mediums are not owned by you and your brand. With twitter, just counting messages today, 17 out of 20 are marketing messages.. outgoing pseudo-conversations; mostly by people who sell twitter or other social media services.. think: fox guarding the henhouse

On Facebook, the noise is slightly different and as I like to tell clients, “You are not as cute as a kitten.” You see, Facebook has a business branding element, but your messages are not directed and you have very little control over who is really seeing them. You cannot send anything directly to those who have engaged with your page.

The time driven format of Twitter, Facebook, and similar platforms, means that your message is not only diluted when it appears to people – but it is often simply not seen. Yes.. people can follow hash tags and search twitter.. but most of the people who do that are the people selling you Twitter as a marketing platform.

I’m not saying “don’t engage on those tools..” Facebook is an effective platform to share compelling content…

And there is the key! Content is still king.

A rational online presence strategy

Here is a simple overview of what I help clients understand and why the mailing list is critical.

• Social media is a burst platform with the ultimate goal of getting people to your website;
• A blog is still the best platform for publishing your content for its search engine benefits and engaging reader or listeners with your message… fully developed, non-sound bite message.
• Enough great content and a great offer or two; you earn their trust and they will sign up for your newsletter.
• An engaging newsletter with great content and you will keep their attention, engagement, and the opportunity to share your product or service without the noise and interruption found on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets.

Get it in place and use it

I use Mailchimp.com. It is Free for up to 2,000 subscribers and has all the technical features you might need. There are others – Constant Contact, aweber, mynewsletterbuilder, etc.

Which one is right?

It probably doesn’t matter. The biggest challenge people have with their mailing list is not a lack of features but a lack of content and a regular schedule.

What do you think?

P.S. You can sign up for the Kreative Knowledge Newsletter here.

The post Your mailing list should not be an afterthought appeared first on Kreative Knowledge.

Google docs collections provide a great way to share information among your team and with key external clients. Using this process master/table of contents system, you can quickly turn over key processes and tasks to employees or other team members.

How do you use Google documents or does this help you see ways to incorporate Google documents into your business?

Please comment here, on YouTube, or send me an email.

The post Using Google Documents to Create a Shared Process Library appeared first on Kreative Knowledge.

Diets, exercise, schedule, business, family life, spirituality, etc.

And advertisers/marketers know this as well. It is during this time that you start hearing claims that x system versus y system is the greatest system for (fill in the blank).

Because I like to exercise and remain somewhat healthy, I am asked about “best exercise” all the time. My response is typically the same.. “What do you like to do?”

If they say, “walking.” – I tell them that “walking” is the best exercise you can do. If they say hiking or swimming or cycling.. then that is the best exercise they can do.

Our Problem is NOT “Optimal” it is “AT ALL.”

Most people don’t struggle with their weight or their schedule or life balance because they cannot find the optimal system. It is that they do not employ a system at all. It isn’t a challenge with “The System” but with “a system” and their actions – or lack thereof.

I use Google Calendar for maintaining my schedule. I LOVE IT! I think it is a great system because it integrates with my phone, is available all the time from any computer, and it sends me text message notifications.

My wife uses her Droid and even uses Google Calendar from time to time.. but she loves her written agenda and her list.

I might say that she is not using the “optimal” system.. but if you know here, she’s pretty freakin’ efficient when it comes to getting her stuff done. In fact, more efficient and diligent than I am.

Not because of her agenda and not because of a problem with Google Calendar. Nope.. very simple.. She works her system fanatically.. I don’t do that with mine.

But you should have A SYSTEM

I teach people systems. I coach them on content creation and a content calendar. I help them with productivity and scheduling. I help them put systems in place.

Systems are critical and it is good to evaluate your systems from time to time and make them better if you can. Having no system is efficiency suicide. It is foolish! In fact, it is irresponsible. Irresponsible to those who count on you and irresponsible to your dreams/goals (desired outcomes).

Make your systems intentional

If you believe you have “no system” for a given thing – ie: calendar and schedule – you are probably wrong. A system is just how we manage certain things. You have a way you keep your schedule – even if you do so less than effectively.

In order to make your system – whatever that system is – effective, you must add intention to it. This may require that you do a little research on what is available. But beware.. everyone is going to teach you that “their system” is the best. And while I may agree that certain systems have advantages over others, remember, if you LOVE walking, it is the BEST exercise you can do.

What systems do you want to make more intentional?

Let me know.

The post It isn’t about THE SYSTEM but a system and your diligence appeared first on Kreative Knowledge.

What are Google Collections?

Basic folders where you can organize your Google Documents. If your question is “What are Google Documents?” – they are… documents. It is like a Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Presentation, application that is online (in the cloud) and accessible by multiple people at one time.

While collections are like folders, they are not precisely physical folders. The are more like categories that can be nested. So a single document or file can be shared inside multiple collections.

The other power behind collections is that you can share a collection with one or more people and any document or file you put in that collection is now shared with whoever you shared the collection with.

Here – let’s make it simpler. Watch this video:

If you have any questions on “Collections” or Google Docs.. comment here or email me.

Discounting our own genius

I’ve talked about this topic a lot and next week, I’ll provide an update on how you overcome it. Hint: the word “NO!” takes a front seat.

The basic concept is this… your knowledge lives in your brain. You know what you know. Because of this, it is not extraordinary knowledge.. it is common… at least to you.

I have a conversation with a smart woman yesterday. But she allows her time and talent to be discounted – mostly by herself. She is asked for advice and gives it … freely – too freely – as in, she cannot afford to.

Think about it.. you probably have some extraordinary knowledge that you discount because it is common to you.

Around the web

My client and my coach Steven Memel pointed me at this service. I think it is pretty hip. ShoeBoxed.com allows you to both upload and send physical papers to them. They scan, OCR, and organize them for you. Very reasonable. You could do this on your own.. but why?

Marc Wolfsfeld pointed me a Trello.com for project management. The interface is very simple and I’ve started using it as a test. I may do a video overview of this in the near future.

Are you an author? Do you want to be? Read, “How to Write, Sell, and Publish Your Book” by Chris Guillebeau.

Have a great weekend!

The post Recap Friday, January 20, 2012 – Google Collections and Discounting Our Own Genius plus appeared first on Kreative Knowledge.

The post How to Put Together a Rational Content Strategy for Winning Business appeared first on Kreative Knowledge.

Note: This advice only matters if you want to be taken seriously.  If you are happy to be a caricature, don’t change anything.

Interesting is as interesting does

Facebook is very interesting. It’s interesting because there are people there.. and people are interesting.

Hint: Interesting is a great term. I use it all the time. Sometimes it means

Interesting: intellectually stimulating due to perspective and life experience or knowledge.

But other times it is a euphemism for “bizarre”, or “mean”, or “foolish”, any number of other less flattering ideas.

If I refer to you, something, or someone as “interesting”, you will have to decipher what I mean.

I don’t apologize

When I give my presentation, “Don’t Waste Your Time: The Ugly Truth About Social Media”, I cover this topic. I used to start the section with, “I apologize if I offend anyone with this.”

But that was a lie. I don’t apologize so I’ve removed that qualifier from this section.

4 People You Cannot Be Online

Facebook for me is a business/social medium. Really, in that order.  My advice is geared towards those in a similar position.

If you want to be taken seriously, there are 4 people you cannot be online. They are shown here:

The political ranter/conspiracist

The political ranter posts stories and opinions from any “alternative” news source to show that the “other side” is clearly racist, communist, evil, stupid, out to destroy the nation, hates the rich/poor, etc.

Or they post about Obama’s missing birth certificate, how George Bush and his administration are behind 9-11, etc.

I support your right to be as crazy as you want to be. My advice, however, is to keep it within the walls of your Tuesday night meeting of the “Crazy Conspiracy of the Month” club.

We are all a little crazy and you are allowed to be so. My advice is only for those of you who also wish to be taken seriously.

The angry individual/life ranter

“I’m so mad at my husband. He is such at $%^ and sometimes I wonder why I married him.” Or “My son/daughter did x, y, or z stupid thing today. What is wrong with kids?”

Listen, I understand that we all have challenges. But is Facebook and your 500 “close friends” the right place to air this stuff? You have real friends. Call someone up.. rant, complain, etc. – maybe you’ll  feel better. But I promise you, I’m probably not the person to help you with this. Plus, most of us believe in the “there are 2 sides to every story” and you are probably just pandering to the worst side of your friends list.

Instead, having a challenging day with someone, if you must post something, post a “Challenging day. Working through some things. Time to call a friend.”

The used car salesman

I see this a lot. Someone post daily a link to their website and a “I do this.” Message. Guess what.. so do many others. Instead, add some value. For instance, write a blog entry or a note that gives me some suggestions on how I can do what you do for myself.

Some people struggle with this concept. Feel as though they are giving away the farm. And yes, you are and you should. Why? Because most people cannot or will not do it for themselves any way. But for those who will, you gain social standing and become a go-to source for that information.

It isn’t about you and your services – it is about adding value to the network.

The social media slut.. er.. loose individual

I wrote a blog entry, “Keep Your Tongue Out of my Mouth”. I’ll republish it soon but here is the gist.

Scenario: When I connect with someone I try to put the relationship in context. I write them a note – particularly if I do not know them. I introduce what I do and how I use social media. I ask them to write me back with the same information and then ask them how I can help them.

I had done this with an individual a few months ago. They had not accepted my friend request for a week or so but when they did, they suddenly “invited me” to like more than 15 pages in about 2 minutes. None of the pages were particularly interesting to me.

They never responded to my personal message. They skipped dinner and drinks and stuck their tongue right into my mouth. It was gross!

I don’t “Like” pages unless I “Like them”. I don’t trade likes – because those aren’t really “likes”.  Read, “I like you and other Facebook lies”.

It isn’t a matter of “Am I allowed?” but “Should I?”

Don’t get me wrong. You can be any of those individuals above. I know several of them. I like them. I interact with them occasionally.. but I don’t take them seriously.

Be interesting but don’t be “interesting.”

The post Don’t Do It! Social Media Suicide.. or Who You Cannot Be Online! appeared first on Kreative Knowledge.

If you are a musician, information marketer, or wish to have some other product or promo item to giveaway via CD, consider Kunaki.com.

I can’t remember how I found this company but holy cow!!

They provide low-cost CD duplication, digital press, print-on-demand services.

You can order as few as 1 CD at a production cost of $1. Of course, the shipping cost ordering 1 CD doesn’t really scale. But as a for instance, 40 CD’s results in a cost per CD of under $2.00.

The come in a jewel case with a 2 panel, 4 color, insert and the CD is also printed 4 color.

Everything they do is automated and tightly controlled. This means you don’t get a lot of options but from my perspective – at the cost and flexibility of very low-runs, that’s fine.

You don’t even use a web form to order. You download their software, create an account (through their software) and prepare and submit your CD or DVD artwork and files… through their software! It is very basic, very sparse, and very cool.

Elsewhere around the web

Intellectual Predator: This happens a lot in the technology and social media space. I used to get called almost daily… friends asking for advice or assistance on fixing their computer, what software to buy, how to perform x or y function. But my brain is my commodity. If a car salesman ask for my advice on social media, it isn’t the same as him advising me on a car.. it is more akin to him giving me a car.

I write a lot about Google. You should be using their many tools. Mashable discusses Google Analytics. Analytics allow you to see who comes to your website, where they come from, and the search terms used to get there.

One of the tools I’ve used for year – thanks to my friend Mike Martinez, is FileZilla – a FREE FTP (file transfer protocol) client and server.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2011/03/28/no-you-cant-pick-my-brain-it-costs-too-much/

And finally, after some reluctance and some prodding, Lori Bonn has jumped into the blogging game. Learning by doing and doing a great job. Lori reflects on life and God and the relationship between the two.

The post Cheap CDs, the cost of my brain, and a new blogger – Friday Recap for January 6, 2012 appeared first on Kreative Knowledge.

You can check the calendar here.

All time are Pacific Standard (California):
Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2PM – Content & Blogging for engagement and SEO

Wednesday, Jan. 4, 4PM – Solution Selling:A Case-study Approach

Friday, Jan. 6, 9AM – Consultant Kickstarter: 5 Keys to starting your consulting business

Friday, Jan. 6, 12noon – Google-ize Your Business: Beyond The Search Engine

Tuesday, Jan. 10, 9AM – Don’t Waste Your Time: The Ugly Truth About Social Media

Tuesday, Jan. 10, 11AM – Solution Selling:A Case-study Approach

The post Webinars to start 2012 appeared first on Kreative Knowledge.