Social Media Bots and Your Brand

Tags

#relativity, #robots, #socialmedia, bakercreative, business, marketing, technology

With technology increasing day by day, we are never surprised at what a new company releases. For example, iPhone just made the announcement that the new phone will have a finger print recognition feature that will allow for owners to just press their finger against the phone to unlock it. We will admit, that is genius.

Recently, we read about an Internet program that can replace the job of interns as social media specialist. The idea is companies will not have to hire staff as long as they pay a monthly fee for this program to do the social media work. Many recent college graduates have enough trouble trying to find a job and now they have to worry about finding an internship if they have majors such as public relations or marketing.

As a public relations specialist, there are many things that do not seem right about using a social media bot to do the work of an actual person. How this program works is you input keywords that represent your brand and then the bots will post what they want and when they want about materials relating to those keywords. It sounds nice to not have to worry if you are posting the best times of day, but what about the content? To trust an Internet robot to know the type of content that you want posted on your company’s social media pages seems a bit risky.

Social media is more than content and publishing times. As a brand, you are selling something. Nike and Sketchers both sells shoes but that does not mean they want to send the same message to customers. There is a voice behind social media and a presence that needs to be monitored by an actual person. If Nike signed up for this social bot and the social bot posted why sandals are bad for posture that might send a mixed message. Nike sells sandals and promoting an article that speaks negatively on that product could turn customers away.

Social bots post depending on keywords. They cannot answer a customer if they have a question on social media nor can they post personal messages about the brand. Companies that have a social media team or manager working for their brand can get a lot further in the social world than what a robot will do. It takes strategy, monitoring, engaging and knowledge of how social media can work for your brand. If you would like to talk more about social media, feel free to call or email us at baker-creative.com

Is a Social Media Diet Harder than a Food Diet?

Tags

#diet, #relativity, #socialmedia, bakercreative, blog, blogging, business, Facebook, food, technology, Twitter

Social media may be one of the most popular things to do on the Internet. Most everyone has a Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or Vine account. Whether people use these networks once a day or 15 times a day, they are connected. Checking your Facebook or Twitter account can be a daily morning routine right along with making a cup of coffee or watching the morning news.

There are many studies and articles about the addiction of social media and how to “nip the addiction.” Which makes us wonder? Is quitting social media harder than starting a new food diet? Not saying that being on social media or eating is unhealthy for you, but doing too much of both of these things could cause issues in your life. According to Nielsen, “As of July 2012, the total time spent accessing and engaging in social media sites has increased 37 percent in the U.S., representing 121 billion minutes (up from 88 billion minutes the year before).”

Emotions play a large role in both of these categories. People tend to pour their emotions and what they feel onto their social media pages just like using food to cure certain emotions. We have all seen status’ they may be a little too personal to share with your whole Facebook community. Even though some people may enjoy knowing updates about your life, it could be taken too far with relationship, friendships and even family issues that you are dealing with. An alternative to sharing intimate feelings on social media would be to write a blog. Blogs have a subscription option that allows people to sign up to read and get updates on blogs you post. Keep your social media page light and do not over-do the drama. With food, maybe go for a walk, listen to music or jump into a fictional book to get your mind off your emotions.

Social media and food could also affect your work life. When you have a job that allows you to be on your phone or does not block social media sites on the computer, you can become very distracted and end up spending hours reading stuff on social media. Food could play a part by eating unhealthy snacks at your desk all day making you feel sluggish and cause unproductive days at work. Kicking bad habits like social media surfing at the desk or eating cookies everyday could mean getting help from a co-worker. Have them block these social media sites from your computer or keep you accountable for time spent on a platform. Also ask them to watch what you snack on during the day. This could be a buddy system if they have the same bad habits.

We will leave it up to you decide. Which would be harder to ease up on, social media or food? Maybe you have an issue with both or neither. If these two things do not affect your life, maybe try helping someone out who does seem to be a little over-obsessed.

Can Scheduling Social Media Turn Your Page into a Robot?

Tags

#relativity, #socialmedia, blogging, business, scheduling tools, technology

Simple answer. Yes it can. Many companies use popular scheduling tools like HootSuite and Sprout Social and that is fine as long as an actual person is there to follow-up on those postings and engagement. Engagement is the number one rule to have a successful social media platform. If a company just scheduled their posts and never replied or acknowledged their fans, people would start turning away from that page.

Here are some key points you do NOT want to do with your scheduling:

1. Schedule posts the same time everyday. Although you may think followers will never notice the times your posts are released, some may realize it. Mix up the times from morning to afternoon. There are all types of different people and some may like to check social media after lunch as opposed to when they arrive in the office.
2. Schedule posts weeks in advance. This is okay if you have an event that is planned for the future and you want to take a few days before to promote it. However, if you are casually scheduling posts and forget what you schedule, that could result in a situation. For example, you own an ice cream shop with a patio and you schedule two weeks in advance, “what a great day for some peanut butter chip ice cream on our patio.” What happens on that day when the post is released and it’s lightening and thundering out? Only schedule big events that a very unlikely to change.
3. Do not ask a question to your followers and then not follow up. If someone asks a question in response, it will look bad on the brand if there is not a response. If you schedule a question, make sure you check that post in a few hours.

These issues can be resolved by using your smartphone or tablet to check social media while you’re on the go. Make sure the articles you post are not time sensitive and when posted, they are still relevant. Also, take time to answer questions and concerns that are posted on your page. You do not want to look like a company that is ignoring potential customers.

Monitoring a social media page is not something just anyone can do. You have to find the voice, the right content and the right audience. There is a lot of research that goes into creating a social media plan and Baker Creative is here to help.

Which Tablet Will Survive the Cut?

Tags

#Galaxy, #HP, #iPod, #RELITIVITY, #Samsung, #Tablets, apple, bakercreative, blog, technology

In the past few years, tablets have grown to be the “new lap-top” and how could these devices not be popular? They are small, convenient, touch screen and can basically do everything a laptop can. Plus they are cheaper. But with every company coming into the tablet age, which one will be put to rest as others rise to steal the hearts of executives and professionals?

We are all familiar with the popular Apple iPad. Apple has made many versions and sizes to fit the needs of all family members. Rumor has it that Apple is planning to release the fifth generation iPad in September with a mini version to follow. The iPad has virtually no end to being the top tablet with high Retina display, speedy reaction, faster wireless connection and almost 400,000 apps that can teach, entertain, research and be a personal assistant. These slim tablets run for a few hundred dollars but with all the features, it is very hard to pass up.

If you are not into the Apple crowd, HP could be your choice of tablet. The HP Slate is a very useful tablet. It allows you to take pictures, download apps, has Android speed, Beats audio system and powerful battery life. Cheaper than the iPad, these tablets can still perform everything you need for on the go business. If you have always worked with HP and love the products, the tablet may be a great alternative to the laptop.

The Samsung Galaxy tablets can almost compare to the Kindle Fires. There is nothing too spectacular about these tablets, but they can be used for meetings, Internet access, entertainment and app access. The Galaxy has released a new tablet called the Note that comes with an S Pen. This pen allows you to write and draw on your tablet almost as if it were a piece of paper. If you are more of a pen/paper type of person, this tablet is perfect for you. You can also erase just like a real pencil.

Kindle Fires are known for there large HD displays and are the best for reading books and watching movies. If you love to read, this would be a tablet for you but you can also use this tablet for many other reasons. It has wireless capability, apps, and a camera that can be used to talk to people via Skype and has an email feature. This device would also work well to use for business reasons and the price is very reasonable compared to other tablets.

The real question is which tablet will continue to add features and a faster connection to stay in the technology race? Which tablet is your favorite?

Vine or Video on Instagram?

Tags

#app, #relativity, #socialmedia, #Vine, apple, bakercreative, blog, instagram, technology, Twitter, video

It has not been long since Instagram introduced the video mode on its famous app, making Vine seem like a thing of the past. Vine, introduced back in January, is a Twitter-owned video app that allows you to create six-second videos that are played on a loop. You can add a friend list and follow your own friends and favorite brands. You can also share these videos on popular social media sites, Facebook and Twitter.

Vine was really starting to take off and famous names like MLB, Urban Outfitters and Marc Jacobs all created profiles showcasing videos about their brand. This app was climbing the success ladder until Instagram decided to throw in the video mode that compared to Vine. Instagram now allows users to record a 16-second video that can be shared on those platforms available to Instagram sharing. Some are questioning whether that is too long for the concept Vine started.

What Instagram did was add a little sparkle to their Video mode. Not only did they add the longer time frame to record, but you can also edits your videos. Users can go back to their previous clip and edit the shot. The only problem is you can only go to the most recent shot, not several shots before that one. Another great thing that we expected from the Video on Instagram was the filter option. Instagram is known for their beautiful photos taken from a phone, so of course they would make their videos just as beautiful. Vine has no editing capabilities and only offers a delete button.

On the day that Instagram released it competing feature, Marketing Land found that Vine shares on twitter dropped around 40 percent. As the debut continued, it showed Vine sharing was less than 900,000 compared to the 3 million shares happening a week and a half ago. For Vine’s defense, Instagram has been around longer and established a base following from top-name brands. If a brand was not aware of Vine, the video mode on Instagram is more convenient than downloading and managing a whole new app.

So what does this mean for Vine? Will they add more features and try to be more creative than Instagram or will they throw in the towel as a video creative app? Either way, props to both apps for making it creative and convenient to share videos with friends and followers. Hopefully they will learn to play nice and combine forces.

 

Spring Cleaning for your Business

Tags

#bakercreatitve, #relativity, #springcleaning, business, Company, computer, manila folders, technology

Even though summer officially starts in a week, it is not too late to do some “business” spring-cleaning.

In a busy, corporate world, it is easy to get a little unorganized. Sticky notes become the new office décor theme, the mailboxes look like they just moved in from the post office and manila folders are popping out for air from your file cabinets.

Although it is a good thing that the company is busy rather than having time to color code the pens, sometimes departments need to take a cleaning day. This will be a team effort and could help employees learn to work together more efficiently.

5 tips for company spring-cleaning:

1. Phone numbers, address and calendars – As you should already have a program in place to organize these things, today it’s time to update. Take business cards, emails, mail and client info you scribbled on a post-it note and input them into your computers filling system. I am guessing you have made new contacts within the last year and the information has yet to find its way to the computer. This will help prevent stacks of notes and contacts from setting up home on your desk.

2. Go through email accounts – Are there emails you receive that you delete each time you get them? Scroll down to the end of the email and hit the “opt-out” button. If you didn’t read them this year, chances are you won’t want them next year. Also, while you are going through emails, add contacts from emails into that computer system you put the rest of your contacts in.

3. Let the manila folders breathe. Take some time to go through the filing cabinets. If you see a folder you haven’t touched in five years either store it or throw it out. They sell boxes at office supply stores so just place them in there and write on the box all the items inside so it is easily found later. Group together files if you have several files on the same project or client. Create a tab section for each project and make sure the files are together. If you really want to be a crazy organizer, alphabetize your folders from A-Z starting from the top.

4. Clean out the mailboxes. Read all the mail and see if you need to keep anything. More then likely, physical mail coming to your business is credit card applications, advertisements or mail that is not even yours. Answer all invitations and key in any address or contacts that sent you mail into your computer. Another thing you can get rid of is the five years of subscribed magazines you have already read. You can find all those articles on the internet by now and magazines take up a huge amount of space.

5. Goals, values and mission statements. This is not really considered cleaning but it is nice to get the executives together and make sure the goals of the company and everyone’s roles are refreshed in their minds. You can add things or take away points that are not relevant anymore. This will keep all the top dogs top of mind.

Hopefully these points will help your office become a little more organized so you can run efficiently and smoothly. Being organized is one way to succeed.

Leadership Training for Gen Y & Beyond

Tags

baker creative, employees, Gen Y, leadership, technology

We have all heard that Generation Y is a new breed of employees. They are used to a fast-paced world and are up-to-date on the latest technology. Knowledge of the Internet allows them to find information in a split second and connect to almost anyone around the world.

If a Gen Y feels bored or that they don’t matter, their work ethic will deteriorate. In an economy like this, we think, “how can they be picky?” With most of their qualifications, many companies will be eager to hire the new mind of a Gen Y.

How can a company be flexible to train Generation Y to be great future leaders?

1. Find out what their needs and expectations are – Ask what they expect from you, the boss, the team, what their roles are and what they aspire to in their career. If you show you care, they will open up and tell you.
2. Include them in decision making – we are not saying let them sit in on a board meeting, but asking them their opinion or suggestions on something that is valuable to the department will have them take pride in what they do.
3. Add a small team to a project instead of one person – when Gen Y’s work together they can be productive. Letting them talk through things and collide ideas can really add value to a project.
4. Give them praise and encouragement – Tell them they are doing a good job and support their ideas. Even though some ideas may not be the best, talking through those ideas instead of ignoring them can really boost their work ethic and self-esteem.
5. Do not choose the bossy path – Barking orders and telling them how to do something will not make their work get done any faster. Make suggestions and be open to them if they have questions.

These are some simple recommendations to starting a Gen Y on the right path. Older generations have knowledge that can be valuable to Gen Y and help them grow as professionals. For more information of generational research please contact Baker Creative at baker-creative.com.

Take Our Job for a Day: Senior Geologist

Tags

baker creative, drilling, fracking, geologist, natural gas, science, technology, wells

There is no doubt that women are starting to excel in the workforce and they are excelling everywhere. Baker Creative interviewed a woman who is involved in the process of drilling wells for natural gas.

Lydia Sinemus is a Senior Geologist in the natural gas industry.  She has a Bachelor of Science in geology and a Masters degree in environmental science.  When we conducted the interview she told us there are not many women in this industry, but the opportunity for them in this line of work is growing.

Lydia has been drilling in Virginia for four and a half years and has been in the industry for almost 20.

Baker Creative (BC): “What exactly does a senior geologist do?”

Lydia Sinemus (LS): “My job is to find areas to drill. My team and I do this by studying other wells and mapping locations to find the gas bearing formations. Since the target formation is one mile underground it takes a lot of research to make sure we have the right spot.”

BC: “What are your top challenges and how do you deal with them?”

LS: “I would have to say gathering information and the time constraints.  Making sure every detail is correct is very important so that we can find the right spots to drill.  The time constraints are mostly because we drill in the spring and summer so we have the fall and winter to get ready.  During these months we do all of our research to get ready for drilling season.”

BC: “How do you believe you help grow the business?”

LS: “When the wells are successfully drilled. If they’re not successful, I haven’t done my job.  I am also apart of the PR committee which works to educate communities about natural gas and all of its benefits.”

BC: “What do you think people take for granted about your job?”

LS: “I think some people believe we just grab a rig and start to dig.  They do not realize how much work and how long it takes to do background research on the drilling.  It takes 6 to 8 months to do the research and get prepared.”

BC: “What are the two things that need improved in the business?”

LS: “I believe every company can always be improving on communication and that goes for our company as well.  Internal communication is very important. There are many steps to starting a drilling job and if something is not communicated correctly it can really mess with the process. Also external communication, even though everyone is doing a great job with getting the word out about natural gas it can always improve. Natural gas is such a great story, we really need to spread the word!”

BC: “If budget were not an issue, what is something you would want to perform the job better?”

LS: “We do use high quality technology. There is seismic and micro-seismic technology out there that captures pictures of rock under ground through waves when the ground is struck. These waves are made by using a thumper truck to hit the ground. Companies use this technology, but it is a little hard for us because of the abundance of coal mines in the area.  Since there is space under ground because of the coal mines, the waves are not as accurate so we do not use this technology.”

BC: “How does your contribution make a difference?”

LS: “My team and I help find successful areas to drill. If our jobs did not exist, it may be a little hard to find the correct land spots to drill on. Each year our results are better and better so I believe that makes a difference.”

Lydia is a great example of women who are working hard to be in a man’s field.  These jobs are growing all over the country and the demand is high.  We would like to thank Lydia Sinemus for taking us through the life of a Senior Geologist.