So being the social media guy I am (tongue in cheek), many people ask me

Why do I need to mess with Facebook…and don’t even start with Twitter, what’s in it for me??  That’s for the kids, right??

Of course, I answer with a number of “proof of concept” answers that obviously show how business is done now a days, but I HAD to blog about a recent event that shows to me, that not only is Social Media for real, but it shows a very simple application that MAKES SALES AND PROFITS.  Ahem.. now that THAT is said…here’s the deal.

My fiancee and I were lured into a car dealership by a postcard wanting to buy my old car.  (read old school or “outbound” marketing).  While we’re there bracing for the eventual neck wringing that goes on while bargaining for cars..I checked Twitter.  I AM a good community member, come on now! 

So not even remembering, I must have Tweeted that I was interested in an Acura TL (the dealer I’m at is NOT an Acura dealer) and I then get a Direct Message that offers a link to the inventory list at an Acura dealer in the area, not 15 minutes down the road!  I take a look and start to get interested, because not only are there many more to choose from, there are a range of prices and colors, etc.

Long story short, we leave the dealership we were at, went down to the”Twitter Dealer” and ended up buying that car!  Now, I don’t know about  you, but if sending one tweet, can get you a customer that spends over $20,000 (price of our new car) isn’t it worth it?

Love the car, found from a Tweet!

Believe in social media, you may not be super comfortable at first, but it can connect you globally, and drive sales and profits into your pocket!  If you want help understanding Twitter, check out my course on Twitter here, and we’ll get you started!

Twitter: Your ‘Tweets’ Belong to You

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iPhone MMS Shows Up Early

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As another proof that Twitter and Facebook are THE defacto standards for Social Media, I found it interesting that this Schools for Water Campaign is using the giveaway of free Twitter Backgrounds to promote their cause.  How easy is it to have your graphic designer kick out a dozen backgrounds that list facts, contact info, or just powerful images and ideas to help spread the word.  Anyone want to volunteer a cool background for any of my projects?

Schools for Water

Although never a big fan of MySpace, I have to see it as the Grandfather of Semi Social Media…(my term). Apparently the whole upper management will be restructured, and people from many competing platforms are being brought in to rearrange the company structure and style. Quick video below…

Ok…some have said I have an “unusual” passion for Gary V…it’s NOT TRUE…he just inspires me, what can I say?? )

Just watch this, you’ll get a ton of info, you’ll be inspired to hussle, and you’ll learn to “get it” as I have…enjoy.

So here is an explanation (albeit a little off at first) about Social Media using the metaphor of ice cream flavors…I’m a big fan of Common Crafts Videos…great simple ways to explain all this techy stuff…