DOs and DON'Ts of social media for business

I found this nicely done image, very informative, on a website (thesteelmethod), so i thought to share it with you. If you're a beginner in Social Media or looking at expanding your SM knowledge this will help. It really relates to the business side and not personal.

Via: The Steel Method

OFF TOPIC - a must read for Omanis

 The Oman Hereditary Blood Disorder Association wants to reduce the 58% of current population affected by blood disease

You probably heard and hopefully attended the drive to raise awareness of the impact of blood disease in the Sultanate which took centre stage in Seeb City Center in the past two days and organised by the Oman Hereditary Blood Disorder Association (OHBDA).

The event aimed at spreading the message on the impact of blood diseases, what they mean for the sufferer and how they can be avoided. With 58% of the Omani national population carrying at least one of the blood disorder genes, the roadshow tried to reach out to as much of its potential audience as possible.

Following the 2-day event the OHBDA today hosted a press conference to conclude the awareness drive and give members of the media an opportunity to hear more about the painful and sometimes fatal conditions.

The following are some extracts of the conference:

“Up to 160 babies per year in the Sultanate are born with sickle cell disease while 15 are born with Thalassemia, which proves the severity of this problem,” said Thuraya bint Saif bin Sultan Al-Hosni, Vice-president of the OHBDA.  “One of our overall objectives is to encourage pre-marriage genetic screening to reduce the number of new babies inflicted with these life threatening and terrible diseases.  By holding our roadshows we want to help raise awareness and hopefully prompt young couples to consider this screening before starting a family.”

For sufferers of all ages, the OHBDA is geared up to offer advice, workshops and support during difficult times, while helping them overcome the various obstacles the patients may face in their day to day lives.

The OHBDA is made up of volunteers (really great people) who are either sufferers, relatives of sufferers or medical specialists in this field, meaning that they are all close to the cause and passionate about helping.  

“If we can help sufferers by providing them with more information on how to cope with their condition, keep them abreast of new medical treatments and give them emotional support during the painful periods, then we are going some way to fight this terrible yet avoidable condition,” added Thuraya.

The OHBDA can be contacted through Facebook, its blog or by calling the number 95547363. 

And lastly, if you don't carry any diseases and you don't know anyone who carries them  then you can still be useful by making a contribution to the Association so that more people can be helped!

Facebook movie to be released in October

When you thought Facebook could not become bigger here is the surprise for next spring; for the (few) ones who don’t know yet the story about the founders of the social-networking website, Facebook, will be at cinemas on October 1st.

 

The Social Network, that’s the name of the movie, adapted for the screen by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher, will definitely be an interesting one, however what grabbed my attention, and not mine only, is that if you look at the movie poster it clearly announces the fact that FB has already reached 500 million “friends” while it actually did not. And when the movie will be released probably the number of friends will be close to 600 millions if growing at the current rate.

A few weeks ago rumours said that FB would have celebrated the 500 million mark on June 25th, next week. So is it a smart and original way to announce the 500 million or an artistic license?

 

After the The Facebook Effect, a great book by David Kirkpatrick, we now have The Social Network. Who knows what will be next.

The orange mini dress mess – Ambush marketing at the World Cup

Thirty-six female Holland fans were thrown out, and put in jail, of their country's game against Denmark at Soccer City after Fifa officials accused them of wearing orange mini-dresses to promote an unlicensed beer brand.

The group of "innocent" girls arrived at the match dressed as Danish supporters, but soon stripped off their red and white gear to reveal orange mini-dresses marketed by the Dutch brewery Bavaria.

          

Barbara Castelein shows the tag of her dress during an interview outside the Soccer City in Johannesburg, Dutch brewery Bavaria NV.

Companies such as Budweiser pay millions to have their names attached to the World Cup, and FIFA has plenty of incentive to protect its sponsors,  almost $300 million worth.

Official sponsor Budweiser is the only beer company allowed to advertise within Fifa venues and Fifa fiercely protects its lucrative marketing interests. "We view ambush marketing in a very serious light and we urge people not to embark on these ambush campaigns," police said in a statement. 

Naturally, Bavaria beer is far from heartbroken at this high-profile outcome, with a spokesman observing of the logo-less dresses: "Fifa doesn't have a monopoly on the colour orange."

Here is a video of the babes in action, everyone loved them...

Another case of world cup clever ambush marketing i previously wrote about can be found here, some of you might remember it.

So who won, Fifa or Bavaria?

How to make your Facebook Page unique

A couple of friends asked me how i managed to do a welcome page or to include a slideshow on my Facebook Page, so here i am answering and sharing a couple of tips with everyone. It might look difficult but it is actually quite easy, it requires a bit of time and (lots) of patience.

First of all you need to know about Static FBML which stands for Facebook Markup Language and it is a subset of HTML (you can find more details here).

Static FBML is a Facebook application that allows Facebook page administrators to create custom boxes and tabs on their Facebook pages, and therefore customise it with images, video, links and pretty much anything you like.

This application is only available for Facebook pages, so it will not work for personal and group accounts.

Here is how you start:
1) Go to Static FBML application.
2)  Click “Add to my Page.”

3)  A window will appear that contains a list of the Facebook pages for which you are an administrator. Click "Add to Page" to add the application.
4) Static FBML is now added to your page.

Before you add content to your FBML box, you should have an idea whether you want to set up your FBML box as a tab or keep it as part of your wall on the left-hand column. That way, you can make the necessary image or video size adjustments so these components fit in the space provided.

Setting Up Static FBML as a Tab
To set up your FBML box as a tab, click on "Edit Page" under your Facebook page logo/avatar located on your wall.

Scroll down to the "Applications" section and locate the FBML app, which should be the first, and click "Application Settings" (see below). Make sure that the "Tab" setting is "added". Your FBML box is now added as a tab.

To the left of application settings you will see an "Edit" option on your FBML.  This is where you will ultimately paste your HTML code.  You can also add a "box title." The box title becomes the name of your tab.
Please note that your FBML box must be coded for a maximum width suitable for a tab. The maximum width for an FBML box for a tab is 520 pixels.

Setting Up Static FBML to Your Left Column Wall
The ability to have multiple FBML boxes encourages you to have an FBML box on your tab as well as part of your wall on the left-hand column (or JUST on the wall). Let’s add an FBML box to your wall.
Go back to your wall and click on "Edit Page" under your Facebook page logo/avatar.
Find the FBML box and click on "Application Settings" (shown below).

Make sure the "Box" settings are "added". The "Box" setting is important so that you have the option of moving your FBML box to the left-hand column of your wall.  Go back to your wall, find your boxes tab and locate your FBML box.  Click on the pencil icon (shown below) and select "Move to Wall tab."

Your new FBML box is now added to your wall.
Please note that your FBML box must be coded for a maximum width suitable for your wall. The maximum width for an FBML box on the left side of your wall is 180 pixels. 

Adding Content to Your Static FBML Box
Now that you have an idea where you want to place your FBML box, it’s time to edit and add content. To begin, click on "Edit Page" located under your Facebook page logo. Scroll down to the "Applications" section and locate the FBML app, but this time click "Edit." The FBML box will be empty.
This is the area where you can name the FBML box and add HTML code. Please note that FBML does not work with all HTML code.  For example, JavaScript does not work.  You’ll need to experiment.
If you scroll down to the bottom of the box, you can add additional FBML boxes.

The maximum number of FBML boxes you can have is 10.

Once you're familiar with these process i will tell you how to start the fun part and customise your page by adding clickable photos, videos, etc. Stay tuned.

UPDATE: find second part of the post here. 
UPDATE 2: As of March 11 2011 you will not be able to add the Static FBML any longer. For page customisation you will require iFrames. 

World Cup players banned from using Social Media

During big football tournaments usually some coaches ban sex or alcohol so that their teams can perform their best, both physically and mentally, during the competitions. The Brazilian team is not even allowed to display religious t-shirt under their jerseys after when celebrating a goal.

The latest ban is for social media website such as Twitter and Facebook.

Players on the teams from Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Holland, Germany, Argentina and England are forbidden to use social services and the Chile coach, Marcelo Bielsa, banned all social networking and even put a curfew on regular or non-social Internet use during the evening.

What d you think? Is it a bit unfair that the players themselves aren’t allowed to participate in this conversation? Or are these strict coaches doing us all a favor by keeping their players focused?

The value of your Facebook Fans

4,000 thousand people, who have “liked” top brands on their Facebook pages, have been interviewed by a company called Syncapse (which helps companies build, manage and measure customers through the use of social media technology) in order to understand how valuable “Fans” or “Likers” are.

The study, The Value of a Facebook Fan: An Empirical Review”, estimates that someone who has Liked a brand will spend an average of about $72 more each year on that brand’s products or services than will someone who has not Liked it on Facebook, for a total average annualized value of about $136.

Product spending was only one of six fan benefits that Syncapse studied. The others were loyalty, propensity to recommend, brand affinity (“perception and recall”), media value (efficiency of Facebook vs. other ways to reach consumers) and acquisition cost.

In most cases, results showed that fans of brands such as Nike, Blackberry, Victoria’s Secret, Starbucks, McDonald’s and Red Bull are more valuable consumers than those consumers who had not become fans on Facebook. So people who become fans of brands are more likely to spend and evangelize. If they liked the brand enough to “Like” it on Facebook, they might have done those things anyway.

This is mainly showing that Social Media is now taking over more than radio, magazine and TV ads. If you want profit, you have to get it right and interact with your customers and everyone for that matter! Businesses shouldn't be all about taking you, your products and your money! If you want profit and results you should earn it like everyone else does!

Are you looking at getting more Fans now?

Top blogs to follow the World Cup 2010

The World Cup is finally kicking off today and another good way to follow it is by participating online through blogs as they offer a chance to follow the games live, comment, interact with football players, participate in competitions and so much more.

Here is a list of good ones:

1. Caughtoffside.com
Caughtoffisde is one of the most popular football blogs on the net right now, and for good reason. With a dedicated World Cup liveblog page, which will update with every goal as well as opinion pieces that could leave you screaming at the screen, it's well worth a look.

2. Soccerlens.com
Soccerlens covers a lot of bases, from its blog though to a podcast series and a dedicated 'Babes' section to keep users interested at half time. They've even got their own kit testing section and are offering users the chance to blog for the World Cup, so if you fancy yourself as the next top blogger get on over there now.

3. Fantasyfootballscout.co.uk
Are you playing Metro's Free Fantasy Football World Cup game? If not, you should get yourself over there now and sign up for your chance to win a share of £30,000. But, before you make your final team selection you might want to check out Fantasy Football Scout, to make sure you aren't picking a crock at left back and your strikers are going to give you all the goals you need.

4. WorldCupBlog.org
With news, comment and questions galore the World Cup Blog is dedicated to asking the most important questions coming out of South Africa this summer. What's the best starting XI? Which injured star will you miss? Is gratuitous nudity necessary at a World Cup?

5. Whoateallthepies.tv
With key articles such as the 'Top 15 Showboaters ' and the 'Supermodel World Cup' Who Ate All The Pies brings you a quirky insight into the action in South Africa. Well worth a look, if only for ' Gratuitous Pictures Of Footballers Being Hit In The Face'

6. Footyfactor.com
With betting tips, historical pieces and detailed player analysis, Footy Factor is a great site for those wanting to learn a little more about what's happening at he 2010 World Cup.

7. thefootballramble.com
With frequent articles and World Cup preview pieces, The Football Ramble is a great place to catch an alternative round-up of World Cup goings-on. The Ramble Podcast is also well worth a mention and would be a great addition to your morning commute.

8. Backpagefootball.com
Back Page is one of the prettiest blogs we've come across, but it's also a great source for stories and opinion pieces.

9. Kwaitoball
TwoFootedTackle's World Cup blog brings all of their usual resources and flair to the events in South Africa. With a YouTube channel, Facebook fan page and iTunes podcast there's all sorts of ways to tune into their World Cup coverage.

10. World Cup Bafana Bafana 2010
It might not be the best-looking site around, but if you can get over the basic design you'll find some really interesting opinion and comment on this World Cup dedicated blog.

BONUS! - one for the ladies - Kickette.com
Kickette is formed of a 'crack team' of female journalists and fashionistas who promise never to bring you any real news on transfers, injury or match analysis. What they do provide is 'all things fun, fluffy and footie-related' from the 'fit of the week' to the 'Monday mmmm'. You can see where this is going.

Have I missed out on your favourite blog? Have you uncovered a hidden gem in the depths of the net? Let me know and add it to the list.

If you like Google you'll love this

You might have notice that very recently Google introduced a new feature where you can personalise google.com home page.

Google give you the option to use your own photos:

Or a gallery of beautiful images...

Enjoy.

OFF TOPIC - The Autism Charity Event

I'd like to spend a word for all the people who organised this event last week, the people who took part and the ones who donated. 

The Sudoku competition event, held at the Al Bustan Palace, in favour of the Muscat Autism Center Qurum has been very successful and it helped to raise R.O. 3,226, a very good effort!

The competition was won by Omani girl Marwa Al Wadhahi, pictured here along the other winners Kalpana and Madhvi.

And below is Mohammed Essa handing over the check in presence of H.E. Shukoor Al Ghammari.

The main promoter, and organiser, of the event was Black & White magazine which will also donate three laptops and a printer for the Association for the welfare of Handicapped Children.

Again, very well done to all involved in the event, especially Priya Arunkumar and her Team; hopefully many more people will follow your example. Hats off!

Yahoo! signs Beckham as brand ambassador

The football world cup is about to start so why not having a topic on football which also relate to a widely used marketing activity and that it was announced yesterday by Yahoo!.

What is a brand ambassador? In a few words we can describe a promotional model as a person hired to drive consumer demand for a product, service, brand or concept by directly interacting with potential consumers. This person can be either male or female, and typically has an attractive appearance.

So the latest deal has been signed off by Yahoo! and David Beckham. Yahoo! is the world's largest online media company while Beckham is the world's most iconic sports star (and former football player in my opinion). Mr. David will offer exclusive content for the upcoming world cup as well as the 2010/11 football season.

Everyone who loves Beckham will have the opportunity to watch a channel within Yahoo! Sport's coverage and directly connect to Beckham who will share his thoughts and experience.

If you want to know more read the official statement.

Now let's see the fun side as i always like to add a bit of fun to my posts. I "googled" Beckham as i wanted to have some nice photos of him wearing a football shirt, or maybe celebrating after a goal, or taking one of his trademark free-kicks; the most viewed photos of Beckham are below, enjoy!

 

Will someone ever remember Beckham as a footballer?

Another great viral video - from Quicksilver

If you love surfing but live in a place with no waves here is a solution, bit dangerous though. A group of young men threw some explosives (probably nitroglycerin), into an urban lake. Whether the clip was real or not was never really discovered although some people say Mythbusters actually busted it.

The video garnered attention and created positive brand awareness for Quicksilver in Scandinavia. Four days after been broadcasted it had been watched by more than 20 million people and appeared on 95% of surfer related websites. The video won a Silver award at this year’s Cannes Lions.

        
Credits go to Danish Saatchi & Saatchi.