Social Media: 10 Myths That you Should be Aware Of

Who said the number of followers is the most important? Who thought that anyone could do this? Is Social Media only a trend? Please take a look at this following list over 10 social media myths:

1. The number of Users is the most important. The quality of interactions is in fact the most important.

2. The Social Media is a promotion channel. The Social Media are a communication channel,and it should serve as a complement to your Marketing Strategy.

3. It's something for teenagers. The age group with most activity is between 25 and 34 years old. This segment represents the consumers and decision makers.

4. Wastes your time. Considering the ROO, the time dedicated to the Social Media represents an inversion that reflects in the brand's positioning.

5. Nobody pays attention to Companies in Facebook. Around 56% of users follow a brand in Facebook.

6. I have to be informal in order to be successful in Social Media. Being represented in Social Media does not mean loss of moral values or Corporate Communication policies.

7. My Company has nothing to share in Social Media. Social Media users are looking for interesting content, and they appreciate that brands share experiences, tips, advices, etc.

8. You can't measure Social Media Results. There are ways of measuring the engagement and determine the return of all the interactions.

9. Anyone can Tweet and Post. One thing is to say "Hello!" and another thing is to start intelligent and interesting conversations.

10. It's only a trend. Social Media are here to stay. More than 50% of consumers make decisions based on opinions found on Social Media.

So, do you have a different idea of Social Media?

What is the Affinity Marketing?

Companies and their ways of reaching customers are constantly changing. In recent years there has been an increase in respect of creation of elements for customer loyalty as a way to establish beneficial relationships for both parties and furthermore, long lasting. But there is an evolution of that concept, which we call the Affinity Marketing.

The Affinity Marketing is not all about offering the customer what he wants, but to make him see that both Companies and Customer share the same interests and desires, and that this relationship of equality may bring mutual benefits. Another definition that would be appropriate, is that with the Affinity Marketing thinks about people, instead of thinking about Customers/Consumers.

So, we can say that the rules of affinity between Customers and Companies have changed. And, these changes made the Companies adapt to the Consumer's needs, usually being a win-win situation for both parties.

5 Steps to Create an Infographic

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In an age fairly saturated of information, we need to find different ways to make our business content stand out. The quality is certainly the biggest difference, but diversification in the format in which that content is presented can also help a lot.

The more your company can go further and deliver differently and in a more complete way, the more chances of getting relevant experiences you will be presented.

One of the content production that has gained growing attention in Digital Marketing formats are Infographics.

5 Steps to Create an Infographic:

Step 1. Find a relevant theme.
Evaluate your Google Analytics search, discover what subjects are most discussed in other pages, and define a Theme that is both relevant and interesting.

Step 2. Research for data and information.
Research data, numbers, examples and statistics. The more information you have, the richer will be the content you are about to create.

Step 3. Design
Before passing on the task to the designer, prepare a briefing and draw a wireframe of the infographic to get an idea of the position of the elements. Consider how the content can be presented visually. Define the color palette, picture style and graphics. There are many paid and free software that will help you in the creation of an infographic. Find the most suitable for your project.

Step 4. Review every step.
Review every step, every number and every decision that you made before publishing the infographic.

Step 5. Plan the Promotion
Prepare a Marketing Plan in order to find out how the promotion will be made, concerning media channels, people to reach out to, campaigns, audience, etc. Make sure it's a success!

The Modern Marketer: Part Artist. Part Scientist

A Marketer has to be multi-faceted, today more than ever. Following our previous post What is the Neuromarketing?, it's every day clearer that a Marketer has to know a little bit about Science.

Today we present you an Infographic that shows you whose areas should a Marketer add to his knowledge and curriculum vitae.

What is the Neuromarketing?

Sometimes we feel that brands are reading our minds when they launch new products. Well, there's some truth to it.

The Neuromarketing is a new approach to Marketing research that makes use of the advanced technology of the investigative behavioral neuroscience. Neuroscientific tools enable, objectively and with scientific rigor, a new dimension of understanding the implicit motives of consumer behavior. Through neuro-psycho-physiological indicators, such as electrical and metabolic activity of the brain, activation of facial muscles, heart rate, sweating skin, among others, the research in neuromarketing can detect the real effects caused by products , advertisements, logos, packaging, etc.

But are we helping brands and companies  to manipulate and control our minds?
According to Martin Lindstrom, it's just not that simple:

"...by better understanding our own seemingly irrational behaviour - whether it's why we buy a designer shirtor how we assess a job candidate - we actually gain more control, not less. Because the more we know about why we fall prey to the tricks and tactics of advertisers, the better we can defend ourselves against them. And the more companies know about our subconcious needs and desires, the more useful, meaningful products they will bring to the market. (...) brain-scanning, used ethically will end up benefiting us all." in, Buyology by Martin Lindstrom

Online Marketing: What are the User Opt-Ins?

Nowadays we live in a global market. Having to define your goals as well as your target audience is always part of your Marketing Strategy, but there are certain steps in Online Marketing that you have to pay attention closely if you want to make your business grow.

The Internet has brought many unique benefits to Marketing. Some of the unique qualities of this channel are:

• The lower costs for the distribution of information to a global audience;
• The interactive nature of Internet Marketing, both in terms of providing instant response as well as to provide help.

The methodology of Online Marketing covers a wide range of strategies and the user Opt-in is a Marketing technique that allows to lower spam complaints. The Double Opt-in is the process in which the user must explicitly confirm that he wants to receive messages (newsletters and offers of services or products).

Prevent your business to be seen as Spam is one of the most important things to achieve in Online Marketing.

The Struggle for Originality

All of us, at some point, had a blank moment. When nothing new, original or useful came to mind. Isn't that terrible?
In areas like Sales and Marketing, Branding and Communication originality is the key. No one will pay attention if you are talking about the gunpowder discovery. But they will listen if you point out a completely different use for it, even if it sounds crazy at first. Crazy will draw attention to you.

There are some ways of avoiding those blank moments and be able to create useful and original content for whatever your strategy is:

1. Be curious. Even Einstein needed to be curious in order to pursue his biggest achievements.
2. Let your mind wander. Daydreamers are synonym of an active and well equipped-brain. And, like J.R.R. Tolkien wrote:

Not all those who wander are lost.

    3. Pay attention to coincidences. But don't forget that if it's too much of a coincidence, it's because it's not. And, you will make surprising connections.
    4. Look closely at contradictions. Whereas curiosity makes us wonder, contradiction causes us to doubt, and this can lead to powerful insights because we spent some time thinking about it.
    5. Act on your insights. Look at things that you would otherwise ignore. Ignoring the knowledge that you somehow have achieved, is not a smart move.

And no more blank moments will occur.

The Importance of Hashtags

In the world of Social Media, hashtags are everywhere! Once you hashtag a word on Twitter, Instagram, Google + and even Faceboo everyone can see it, all account users. The word goes directly into the hashtag world and this allows users who aren't following you to see it, and to see the message and/or content you post related to this word.
However, don't give in to temptation in creating a hashtag in every single word you use: Use them wisely, by subject, relevance and importance. The recommended ratio is 1-3 hashtag words per tweet/publication, or else you might be just missing the point and creating clutter in your social media profiles.

4 Social Media Tips

1. Be Yourself: I know, this might sound as a big cliche, but the thing is, if you share your own values and interest on your social media your audience will be authentic and will definitely grow faster, rather than if you play it safe.
2. Interact with your audience: liking pictures and commenting back isn't interacting. Asking people to buy your product isn't interacting either, but asking your audience to participate in giveaways or contests will definitely catch their attention.
3. Don't make direct advertising: people hate it on social media. Instead entertain them, give them a reason to visit your page.
4. Make your effort constant: Maintenance is key when managing your social media pages. If you don't care about your page, people will just assume you don't care about your business and products.
   

Quote of the day: Business Without Advertising...

Today's inspirational quote comes from Steuart Henderson Britt, and is right on the spot: business without advertising doesn't exist, people don't know where you are or what you do. Nobody notices!
So go out, advertise! Mouth to mouth is the cheapest way, social media don't cost a thing as well, blogs, comments, forums, all of them for free.
Make sure that girl sees the wink (metaphorically, of course)!

Tips: How To Think Faster

• Use the first principle of Improv Comedy, say "Yes, and... ?" This prompt response and pause will give a little bit time to make up the best response;
• Relax your jaw muscles and if the other side doesn't speak, don't feel the need to fill the silence, let it be for a while;
• Work with the first thought that comes to mind, it's there for a reason;
• Listen to your gut, it thinks faster than the brain.

Extra advice: It's better to be quiet and look stupid, than talk and make it clear to everyone.

5 Tips For Every Successful Woman

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.

1. Know the value of networking!
2. Don't say "I'm sorry" all the time, or you'll risk being taken as someone insecure;
3. Find a (good) mentor. Even if your mentor isn't the best one, you will learn with her flaws and mistakes, which is better than learning all of them by yourself;
4. Find your personal time and place. Because everyone needs to clear their head once in a while, in a neutral place not related to work and responsibilities.
5. Be confident and believe in yourself and in your success. Don't let criticism make you doubt your value and ruin your ambition.

Tip of the Day: Enjoying The Present; Preparing The Future

Perhaps your sales are going extremely well, and you feel like you've accomplished a great client portfolio, or you have exceeded yourself in sales lately and you feel like now you don't have to do anything else, things are just working for yourself.
But be careful, tomorrow's success is built today, so if you stop working today, chances are that success won't just come to your lap tomorrow.
Enjoy your success, enjoy the present, but don't forget about the future. Everyday is a chance to change the future.

Direct sales tips: the personal touch

Did you know that statistically it is more likely for a person to say "no" on the phone than in person?
Instead of calling a customer asking if they need to order something, try to schedule a meeting, something informal, like a coffee or pay them a quick visit at home to show what new products you have, promotions or samples. The personal touch will show your clients that you care personally for each one of them, and that they are not just a number.

Grow your Client List With a Giveaway

If you're a direct seller and you own a blog or Facebook page (or both!), one of the best ways to increase your client list and get people to know about your brand and products is to host a Giveaway.

Select one of your products, or create a bundle and start spreading the word. If you have a blog in Wordpress there are multiple of plugins that will help you, for example: "And the winner is" is one of the plugins that, once installed, will randomly select one of the comments left in your post. But there are other alternatives that work with all blogging platforms, like Random.org .

Usually the giveaway consists in a couple of rules: like the page, comment the post and share through the social media accounts. If you're giving away a bundle from Younique, for example, you will make a post explaining the contest rules, ask for the participants to like Younique's Facebook page, leave a comment in the Giveaway post's comments section and share the post's link through their Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. You should define a time span for the contest so you can gather as much as new followers and prospective clients as possible, usually one week or two is enough. And take a picture of the prize, so the clients know exactly what they are trying to win.

At the end of the giveaway, use the tools (plugin or Random.org) to select the winner, and make a post with the name of who won.

Encourage your staff to sell more and better

Some simple sales techniques are critical to the performance of the team, which is reversed in profit and growth for both parties :

Most customers do not know exactly what they need. So take the opportunity to discover the appropriate times to offer their solutions (and how to offer in order to emphasize the value they deliver to the customer);
In this sense: price is not everything. Show the customer the advantages that your product offers . Who sells makeup does not offer lip glosses, but beauty, self confidence, comfort and even social status.

Keep in touch: the customer doesn't always buy the product at first, so be courteous and leave open doors to a new opportunity .
Encourage the use of software and social media: many direct sales businesses are still in the past in this regard and do not see the importance of using the social media. This software and social media use needs to be aligned to a personalized sales routine, favoring the management of the customers , orders, and providing all the tools so that they best meet the customer and sell more.

What is on the rise today is the ability to exhibit products and issue orders on the tablet or Smartphone, since they will give more agility and value the products sold, and create a more modern impact on the client himself.

Cross selling

Cross selling is a marketing technique, in which the seller tries to sell to their established clients other products and services other than the ones the client original bought, being more effective if they are complementary products or services.
Next time your clients ask for the 3D Fiber Lashes mascara, show them the eyeshadows Minerals Pigment Powder, or when they show interest in buying the BB Cream , explain them great the BB Cream shades match with the lip glosses.

The Rockstar Effect

Rockstars are considered superior talents, they are worshiped, opinion makers, respected and confident. If you're not ready yet to be a rockstar in your business, try hiring one to the next sales party or booth event: you will surprise and engage your community and customers, and you'll get enough inspiration to become one yourself. Hire a professional make up artist to your event and challenge him to use only the products you're selling on your client's complete make overs. You can actually make it as a game and raffle 3 or 4 make overs through your event guests. Not only this will be a way of showing off your product's potential at a professional level, but your customers will be focused on learning new techniques with the products they are already familiar with.