Tech Thursday: Digital Media and Teens/Kids

Sometimes, as a 20-something year old (I can still say that for another 6 months), I believe that my generation rules the world. We are the ones developing the cool social media tools. But I really think that social media explodes when the next generation gets involved. 

I have a niece who is on Instagram and she explodes my feed when she's with her friends. I love it but let's be honest, she's going to keep Instagram going, not me who uploads every few days (and if we're honest, it's mostly of food).

The following is an infographic I found about how "youth" (or teens/kids as I like to call them) are using social media:

 [source]

I love infographics. Really, if I could be a graphic designer, I would love my life. But I just don't think that way. 

The most interesting finding to me is that information skills are acquired through personal and social activities can benefit learning in the academic context. It's really important that with all of the social media teens and kids are exposed to, that they have an opportunity to interact in real life and learn important skills that are necessary for their further success.

So, while we let the kids and teens on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram, let's make sure that they're also hanging out with their friends IRL (in real life).

You're studying WHAT?!

I rarely like to broadcast that I'm still in school. That I'm getting a masters degree. It doesn't come up in normal conversation unless I bring it up and I just choose to not bring it up.

And the reason I choose to not bring it up because the response after I tell them I'm studying library and information science, the response is one of three:

"And you find that interesting?"

"So... you want to be a librarian?"

"You have to get a masters for that?"

Yep. It's a winner of a degree. But the more I've studied, the more interested I've become in the possibilities that exist. 

So, let me give you the rundown about library and information science.

It's the science of organizing information. 

I know. It sounds boring already. One manager heard that and immediately thought that I would make the perfect secretary then... I mean, I love to organize, right?

But it's more about logically organizing information to make it accessible to people. 

I'll admit, at first, my plan was to become a young adult librarian so that I could read all of the cool books before they hit the shelves. But if you just love reading, you should not become a librarian. First rule. 

So, I've tried to expand my understanding. I took a Web Technology and Tools class and my final project was to create an entire website. It was pretty basic. One frame. Kind of geeky. I need to take a design like Adobe Illustrator class or something so that I can learn how to make things look pretty.

I've taken a cataloging class. Fall semester, I'm signed up for a Digital Copyright class (I'm hoping it will give me a leg up in my current job situation to maybe go toe-to-toe with a couple of guys and finally win an argument. Maybe I should've been a lawyer...) And I'm hoping to take a few social media focused courses before my time is up.

So you see, really, it's a bigger thing with lots of direction. I don't have to be a librarian. It's only taken me two years of study to figure that one out.

But I am glad that I had this summer off. A little disappointed because I was really excited about the class I was going to take.

Let's be honest though—I really do love reading. And sitting by the pool reading? That's the best way to spend one's summer.

Tech Tuesday: 8 Seconds

First impressions are a big deal.

Trust me. I've done speed dating three times. And speed dating is all about first impressions. You have maybe two minutes to charm someone enough to convince the guy that he does want to ask you out on a real date. So you try to find the most exotic or unique answers to the most over asked questions while still trying to sound genuine.

Sound about right? 

Well, for those who haven't experienced it—that's the honest to goodness truth of how those things go. It's not like Hitch made it seem.

Today, I read an interesting statement. It said that reports show that you have 8 seconds to wow a visitor to your website to get them to stay or they're going to be gone. 

Eight seconds?!

I thought a minute was useless. But eight seconds?!

It took you 3 seconds to read the last three sentences, right?

So what do you do?

Well, I can tell you what not to do. 

Don't go overboard!

Your webpage doesn't need to be brimming with logos, animations, videos, and whatever else you think would be cool to have on there. 

Remember the whole "speed dating" analogy. Still works here. Draw them in, show them your uniqueness while still being genuine to you, your company, and your brand.

I don't know what will get visitors to stay. I'm still trying to read and figure out this whole social media business. But you do know what will get your real visitors to stay. 

Because you know who they are. They look like you. You have a specific demographic you're trying to reach. Speak to them. Ask them what they like and what they don't like. And tailor the website to meet their needs. I promise you that it will be worth it.

Maybe speed dating hasn't yielded much success for me. But first impressions are still the best way to find new people.

PS: You should totally go check out my friend, Bethany's blog post at Jibe Media. She says that I inspired her, but... I have a hard time believing that!

Tech Tuesday: So, you have a blog

So you have a blog. 

You've been writing for ages.

And you just can't get any visitors?

Yep. I know the feeling.

Somehow, we've got it in our heads that the number of page views on our blog or the number of "likes" on Facebook have a place in determining our social networking self-worth. Because if you don't have these connections then you'll never make it.

Really? We're in junior high again? I don't feel good about that at all.

Fact: You control how many people can find you.

Fact: You can start making comments on other people's blogs. They'll visit yours. 

Don't believe me?

A while ago, I posted one comment on a blog about someone's visit to my home town. It was first thing in the morning and I simply wrote something about being jealous and how much I miss it. Hours later, I received an email response back saying that the blog author had checked out my own blog. How cool is that?! So maybe as people comment on your blog, you send them a note or somehow return the favor. 

Why? Because we're all about building relationships. 

The second way to have people find you is to use your labels on your posts. My friend told me, when I started this blog, that I needed to utilize this tool more so that people could find the blog. Maybe it hasn't helped a ton, but I'm sure it will, 

So, what are some ways that you have found to get visitors onto your blog? Share with the class.

And... Go!

Tech Tuesday: Start of the Relationship

I know I talk about my dating life a lot.

It happens to be the most exciting thing in my life. What else fills my life with such drama, such giddiness, such delight for my misfortunes?

But I wanted to start something new today. I want to try and post on Tuesdays about techie stuff. 

Yep. I'm going to be a nerd for the day. One of my friends tells me I should just own up to being a nerd. I mean I have a couple of the nerds from the dungeons of IT making Doctor Who references which I laugh about and understand. But I still won't own up to being a nerd. Not yet.

The big question on business' minds is why social media? Why get involved? What does it have to offer? What do we do with it?

I recently read a book, The Thank You Economy. Fantastic read for anyone even slightly interested in how to make a difference with your social media presence. The thesis is that building the relationships is worth so much more in the grand scheme of your business than worrying about pushing content. 

I'm all about relationships. I just never realized it before now. I like building relationships with people. Social media allows us to build a relationship.  

So, how do you start?

Well, first you have to have an account. And then you have to show up.

Pretty simple. Works the same way in dating or finding friends. You found out where the party is happening and then you go. 

A couple of years ago, I decided to start attend a different place for my church services. I went and sat alone for the first couple of weeks. And then, one time, a girl sat next to me. We started talking. We became friends. I wish I could say we were best friends but about a year later she got married and I only really keep in touch with her via Facebook. But just having one person who knew me gave me some confidence to talk to other people and make more friends.

So, maybe you only have one follower on Twitter. Who cares? Keep tweeting. Find people who like the stuff that you do. And then follow them and tweet them a very specific message. Chances are, if they're smart, they'll tweet back. I've been amazed as I have more of a presence on twitter how many people are starting to follow me. Some of them I follow back. Others... well, you don't have to be friends with everyone.

But the start of any relationship has to begin with you showing up and finding your niche.