Building a Myth on Klout

What constitutes social influence and how do you get it? How important is it anyway? The dictionary defines influence as:

noun

• 1 [mass noun] the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something, or the effect itself: the influence of television violence I was still under the influence of my parents [count noun]: their friends are having a bad influence on them
• the power to shape policy or ensure favourable treatment from someone, especially through status, contacts, or wealth: the institute has considerable influence with teachers Oxford English Dictionary

Welcome to the mythical world of influence according to Klout.

Actually, I owe Klout a debt of gratitude for leading me to one of my dearest friends Pamela Morse whom I met through the social networking site LinkedIn. Pamela was instrumental in my discovery of the K+ game played on Klout, which is where you tag friends with a topic of influence.

A select group of fellow #kloutjuicers and I spend a few minutes per day recognizing each other for influential topics, by awarding K+ and broadcasting it on Twitter or Facebook. The sillier the subject, the less likely there will be others on the list, and the better chance you have of becoming the #1topic authority.

Tag you’re it!

Currently I am the #1 influencer of Lobster. The really boring version of why is that I saw a post about a man who was shoplifting in a grocery store. In a hurry to get out unseen, he shoved a live lobster down his pants. Several impressions later, I became the lobster queen.

Once, my rank in lobster slipped to #2, and Pam graciously announced on Twitter that was a travesty that needed immediate remedy. Hence, people came out of the Twitersphere donning me with K+ so that I could maintain my status.

What could possibly be more influential than that? Getting people to respond/react to something completely meaningless is a great form of influence.

OK, I am not the first (or last) to write about Klout or their perception of your social influence. I am surprised there are not many (if any) posts about building your myth around Klout.

Like a big fish, I became the myth

Somehow I transformed from a professional customer experience manager into Mimi the Lobster Queen. My life is forever changed as I continue doing Spreecasts outfitted in a red sequined mermaid costume with long blonde hair and a seashell crown.

A few weeks ago, I participated in a Reno event, Cirque Du Mar as Mimi. The reason this event was pivotal is because this is where the myth became complete. Pam and I decided that if we were to be in character, we needed to understand where we came from.

Sebastian and Lana

After careful consideration, the myth of my heritage was born. Sebastian, who some think is a crab, is my father. Unfortunately, he has been maligned as a crab when in reality he was in a kitchen accident that left him without a tail. My mermaid mother is Lana Turner, the famous movie star.

The point here is that I do not take myself or my influence seriously. It is all a big game which is best played with friends. In general, I believe people need to chill out where Klout is concerned and have fun with it instead. You never know what your myth can become.

Mimi goes shopping at Smiths

Related articles

• 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Klout (mashable.com)
• Kill Me If I Klout [Humor] (gizmodo.com)

How to SpreeCast on your blog with Screaming Sirens Mimi Lobster Queen and Mother of all Mermaids

Screaming Mimi (film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

http://www.spreecast.com/events/screaming-sirens-liberated/embed-large-900

We have all read the news that SEO is dead. A more personal affect is established through video and pictures a la newer platforms such as Pinterest and Spreecast. Being a visual learner I absolutely adore this type of media.

Still a newbie

Spreecast is still in Beta and is growing steadily in popularity. My good friend Pamela Morse and I try to spree at least once a week in an attempt to perfect the art. Basically, it is an interactive chat that is later archived for further viewing. People jump in and out of different productions and my favorite part is getting on camera.

My first endeavor was disastrous in that I couldn’t figure out how to do anything but sit there appearing lost. It made little sense how to get someone on camera with me (one of the main points of Spreecast). I still have over 200 views of this train-wreck, which blows my mind completely. Luckily, the creators produce a series of Spreecast 101′s that helped me out immensely. Each time I participate, I acquire a new skill.

Getting all technical by embedding episodes…

One question I had is how to spread the word about these quasi show/chat things I am doing. Duh! Embed them on my blog, tweet about them, post to Facebook, etc. Ok, Now that I have realized how to embed my Spreecasts, I realized it was time to share my (not so) secrets.

So here is my basic list

1. Pick a topic: mine is usually Screaming Sirens, although I have done impromptu chats with friends for different reasons as well, or no real reason at all.
2. It is better to script out the first minute rather than to stammer a lot. A veteran Spreecaster and friend told me this trick and it really works.
3. If no one shows up to interact with you, don’t take it personally. Remember it will be archived for later viewing pleasure. Wrap it up in about 5-10 minutes and move on.
4. As painful as it may be, revisit and watch what you recorded. You may see some easy opportunities for improvement.
5. Have fun with it! I am still learning how to do this effectively. I discovered that when doing the Screaming Sirens, I get a better reaction when doing it in costume. What is your shtick?
6. Once you discover it, be consistent. I will probably never record another Screaming Sirens episode without my lovely blonde locks and lobster crown.

What is keeping you from trying? All you need is a webcam and computer. If I can Spree, so can you! Why not join me sometime on Spreecast on a chat and let’s learn how to liberate ourselves from SEO!

 

Related articles

• Take a Break with the Mermaids (miriamgomberg.wordpress.com)
• float with the mermaids… (miriamgomberg.wordpress.com)
• SEO – The Makeup of Blogs (howtowithcourtney.com)

Last minute Spreecast girl chat at Starbucks

http://www.spreecast.com/events/last-minute-starbucks-chat-p/embed-large-900

 

This was Karen’s first Spreecast. We decided to goof around at the last minute and I am so glad that we did. Karen is a close friend, colleague and she has a cool accent!

I hope to spree with her again soon.

Related articles

• Spreecast Extends Reach Of Social Video Platform With Embed Feature (techcrunch.com)

Take a Break with the Mermaids

Mermaid Pam

When and how do you find time to rest? Are you constantly in motion, reasoning, blogging, tweeting, face-booking, cleaning (well, let’s not get carried away), etc? If you are anything like me, you can’t find enough time in the day for everything. You would have more time if… Trust me, I do and say it too. The problem with this line of thinking is that the right time never seems to come. Whenever something  wraps up (IE. school), I will likely add three more activities taking its place.

enter the lady of the spa

Last year I was informally introduced to Pamela Morse, an ingenue who understood the value in letting go and getting silly. We spent the next several months bantering via Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook (yeah I know what you are thinking; who has time for that?), when she DM’d me (direct message) that she had an opportunity she wanted to involve me in.

Oy Veh! What in the world was I adding something else to the pot for? My curiosity took hold and we began talking about mermaids, camps, fitness, spa’s and the empowerment of women. At first it sounded silly and a little crazy, but the more we spoke, the more sense it all made.

The next thing I knew, I was on a plane to San Diego for some reconnaissance work and a little spa treatment thrown in for good measure. Next was a more local trip down to the Atlantis Casino Resort in Reno, where Pam came to visit for a week while doing more mermaid groundwork.

I could get used to this!

We Spa’d down and took several hours wandering between cold-dips, hot jacuzzi, quiet rooms and steam rooms. I had an amazing encounter with the premier mermaid photographer Cate Vail of Sirens Photography. I realized the purpose in all of this unfamiliar luxury. I needed to let go and let be.

There is a time to occupy your head and body with reality. As well there is a moment to wonder in the splendor of your beautiful spirit. Next month I will be going on yet another adventure with Pam and the mermaids in the desert.

Whether you float in the water or burn in the desert, fantasy awaits! After all, life is not about finding yourself, it is about creating yourself. Put reality on hold for a weekend, day or even a moment to rejuvenate your spirit.

getting ready for some mermaid fun!

.

 

 

float with the mermaids…

Image via Wikipedia

Is there a difference between friends in the virtual world and the real world? A year ago, I would have thought absolutely. After all, my virtual friends consisted of people who would fertilize my crops on Farmville (my one year Farmville free anniversary is coming up). Now the difference between real and fantasy is becoming blurred as I am drawn to the desert in a mer-skirt.

My life will never be the same.

I just spent the past few days with a great friend I met through LinkedIn about a year ago. We connected through a sales group, later becoming friends on Facebook and Twitter. She is also a blogging tribal sister and part of my team #kloutjuice silliness. I don’t consider her less of a friend because we only met face to face three days ago.

My new friend Pam founded the Floatli Mermaid Institute Camp based in Tucson Arizona but soon to be making its arrival at Desert Hot Springs, California. The name of the event is Mermaids in the Desert and it takes place April Fools weekend 2012.

Yes I said the word mermaid with a straight face.

I don’t like to swim, never mind float, but the idea of releasing my inner mermaid, in my case Lobster Queen, is irresistible. So, I donned my new siren-red sequined mer skirt provided by mermaid Shelly of Shell Tail Labs and did a PR photo shoot with Pamela and her sidekick mermaid Molly at La Costa.

Pam put her heart and soul into this event and I am proud to be affiliated with it. For anyone interested in attending (whether you are in the real or virtual world) please find the event on Facebook or through the link in this post.

Lesson learned: there is nothing in this world that is too silly to do.

Traditionally, this blog is not about shameless promotion, but this is too worthy of a cause to pass up. We all need to let go of reality even if it is only for a weekend in the desert. Stop taking yourself so seriously and jump in, the water will be warm and the mer-skirts will be flashy. All that is missing is YOU!

Mermaid Miriam awaits

 

 

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a lesson in customer experience

Cover via Amazon

What does school have to do with customer experience? As a paying student (customer) it is up to me to find value in classes. I am lucky to have the opportunity to attend graduate school, but I am still a consumer of education.

The other night I experienced a class that was excruciatingly dull. During the last 30 minutes of a 3 hour class, I looked around at other students and realized that no one was paying attention to the professor’s lecture. Some were texting on smart phones or checking Facebook on laptops (guilty), while others were drooling out of their half-sleeping mouths. I expected to hear Ben Stein call out to the class “Bueller, Bueller?”

Which is worse?

I couldn’t decide who was more ill mannered; the students for a blatant disregard for the teacher standing in front of us, or the professor for choosing to make us suffer through a lengthy and boring PowerPoint presentation?

One student rose from his seat and exited during the lecture. I was jealous of his lack of fear as he slung a backpack over his shoulder and sauntered out of class. The professor hardly noticed as she smiled and continued.

Student; 1, Teacher; 0

Most of the time, I would say that a student who left mid-lecture was more rude. The reality is that he was reacting like a customer who was being ignored. The lecture was not for the customers (students) benefit.

The answer is simple enough. If you want to retain customers, engage them. Pay attention to your customers and they will thank you and want to return. If you want to cry out, “anyone, anyone,” to a sleeping disengaged audience act as if you are the only one in the room who matters.

Related articles

• 2 customer experiences – one week (miriamgomberg.wordpress.com)
• Great customer experience = empowered people (blogs.picpacwrack.net)

a reason for everything?

It's her fault!

Do good (or bad) things happen for a reason? Why do we feel a need to explain everything? What if it were true that events occur randomly, without any rhyme or reason? Worse yet, untold consequences may transpire despite time spent on strategy and planning. In other words “Shit happens!”

Bad things come in 3′s

A friend reminded me that bad things happen in sets of three. I hear the saying from time to time as an explanation for unfortunate happenings such as death, car wrecks, money problems, bad break-ups, etc. I wonder who made that rule up?

When the fourth bad thing occurs, do you start counting again? If you are on number two,  do you brace yourself and wait for something rotten to come along? Yup, just call you Ms. Blue because you will be the one holding your breath.

A worthwhile day #trust30

enjoying a worthwhile moment on my bike

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Let’s face it, there are days which are more worthwhile than others. In the not so recent past, when I felt overly anxious, I would drown out melancholy sitting for hours playing Farmville (nothing worthwhile in the activity). I played until it was dark outside.  Effectively I ignored my family for hours, and was no less stressed as a result of fake farming.

What I consider worthwhile

Prior to beginning the arduous task of completing an MBA while working full time, I frequented the gym an average of 4-5 times per week. Exercising not only helped maintain a healthy body, but it was also a great tension-reliever.

When it warmed outside, my pigtails and lavender helmet were instantly recognizable as I rode my bike around town. I rode with my husband Robert and/or my friends for 40-50 mile rides several times per week. My favorite route began at our house in South Reno and meandered alongside I-80 to Verdi, Nevada. On the trip home we would stop for iced coffee and bask in the glory of our successful excursion.

Build business loyalty for the future #trust30

the sky is the limit

The secret of fortune is joy in our hands. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What if today, right now, no jokes at all, you were actually in charge, the boss, the Head Honcho. Write the “call to arms” note you’re sending to everyone (staff, customers, suppliers, Board) charting the path ahead for the next 12 months and the next 5 years. Now take this manifesto, print it out somewhere you can see, preferably in big letters you can read from your chair.

You’re just written your own job description. You know what you have to do. Go! (bonus: send it to the CEO with the title “The things we absolutely have to get right – nothing else matters.”) Author: Sasha Dichter

First a quick trip down memory lane

Let me start by saying I was the head-honcho, boss, etc. and it was not always so much fun. I owned and operated a bridal boutique for nearly 15 years (I worked for free for more than one of these years). Maybe it was because like most small businesses, I was usually cash poor, but as hard as I worked, it never seemed enough.

Don’t get me wrong, there were some terrific perks to being the boss which included: business paid my car and insurance payment, my hours were flexible, and I got to travel to different locales for buying trips. Basically, I did everything on my own terms.

Ralph Waldo Emerson: Self Reliance Prompt #3

It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance

The world is powered by passionate people, powerful ideas, and fearless action. What’s one strong belief you possess that isn’t shared by your closest friends or family? What inspires this belief, and what have you done to actively live it?

(Author: Buster Benson)

What is my passion?

Wow! This prompt is by far the hardest one I have done so far. I have many beliefs and like to think that I share some of them with my family.

I believe that my voyage into the blogosphere has become one of my greatest passions. If you would have asked me one year ago if I would ever consider blogging, I would have laughed hysterically until I peed my pants. I never thought much about writing, it was a necessity as a student. Writing for some other purpose was way outside of my box.

Bring it on!

As a personal challenge, I enrolled in a personal branding course at the University of Nevada Reno this past semester. I learned to blog, tweet. I also cleaned up my Facebook account by turning off Farmville (yes, it was hard for me. I was on level 80) and joined groups on LinkedIn. I soon discovered my love of social media and blogging in particular.

One of my greatest gifts is my ability to connect with people by sharing experiences with them. To the chagrin of my children, I talk to complete strangers (part of a sales background, can’t be helped) and make friends easily. Discovering a personal brand and finding a niche has been hard, but I knew that I had something to say.

Blabber on!

At this point, blogging is still new and exciting (started February 2011). It is great to see people actually want to read my posts. Friends know that regularly I talk to myself  and consider blogging to be an extension of my inner monologue. No one else in my family or my circle of friends blog. Robert and the kids respect that blogging has become a passion of mine.

Inspiration comes from everywhere; reading others’ posts, conversations on Facebook, LinkedIn groups, and Twitter are a constant source of material. Shopping with my kids or by myself gives me inspiration for posts on customer focus and sales. Experiences at work are a great inspiration as well.

Lesson learned: I love blogging!

I was ecstatic when Dr Simmons, my personal branding professor, offered me the opportunity to get more credit for continuing my blog. How awesome was that? After spending the past semester putting the whole thing together, I could not imagine letting it go. Getting credit for it was the icing on the cake. My belief in blogging is here to stay!