How to Use Free Content to Your Advantage

Posted by Andrea Kalli On September - 1 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

‘Free’ has been a mainstay of the marketing world for decades now, with promotional materials offering everything from free consultations to free video content. Online, it is an entirely expanded world. Visit any sales page and you will quickly find a free report, hop on any blog and you will be offered the chance to join a free mailing list, and favorite any membership website and you will see offers for a free trial offer.

Free is popular for a reason: it works. With the online world teeming with competitors, every second spent on your product is a gain for your business. If you want to build your brand without spending a lot on advertising, free content is likely to be the most cost-effective and simple viral marketing tools in your inventory. Sure, it doesn’t fit the standard ‘30 second video’ viral marketing mold, but it still spreads on the same principles and systems.

What makes free viral content different from the old world of free content is the amount of it that is present. Five years ago, the standard divide between free and paid was about 10/90. That means that 90% of content was paid for, or completely off-limits until you handed over your credit card details, and only 10% was available free of charge. Nowadays, it is the opposite spread. Some of the smartest viral marketers around are making a lot of money by offering 90% of their content for free, and only 10% for money.

How could that possibly be profitable? Good question. At first glance it appears to be a completely impossible and unprofitable marketing system, but as you look closer it appears as a remarkably simple and incredibly lucrative system. While the past generation of marketers focused on grabbing the attention of a small few with just 10% of their product, today’s marketers are focusing on grabbing the attention and interest of a large majority with 90% of their content, and charging them for the final, most valuable 10%.

Use this strategy to your advantage. Instead of hiding 90% of your content behind closed doors, away from potential opportunities for promotion and viral marketing, release free content strategically and periodically. If you’re not comfortable with giving 90% of your content away for free, change the percentage up a bit. Make it 75% free/25% paid instead. Play with the numbers to the point where you’re comfortable. While it may seem as if you are losing long-term profits, you are really gaining long-term exposure and short-term attention. Focusing on free can:

* help you generate marketing exposure as your message spreads far and wide,
* increase interest in your paid products and more people notice them,
* boost your search engine rankings through increased links,
* make you a ‘hot topic’ on Twitter and other social networks.

All of these benefits were something that you previously had to pay for, not just through indirect lost earnings but in expensive service charges and tiring workloads. When you focus on free, you sacrifice some short-term earning potential — that is not debated. What follows, however, is a long run of marketing exposure, community interest, and viral coverage. While your priorities may differ, the vast majority of internet businesses would lean towards the second option.

Written by Andrea Kalli
EMAIL Andrea.


Andrea Kalli is the owner of Andrea Kalli Virtual Trainer and Assistant, LLC, the Outlook, SharePoint, and Business Technology Podcast, and the Small Business Podcast Directory.



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Exercising Your Ethics!

Posted by jeannineclontz On August - 11 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

If you’re anything like me, exercise should be considered a four-letter word.  Time, which is a four letter word, is what we seem to have the least of.  We need time to handle the administration of our businesses, complete client tasks, market our businesses, attend networking events to grow our practices, volunteer to make sure we’re helping where we can, and let’s not forget the time we need to be sure our families and households are running at peak performance  We cheerfully spend lots of time on everyone’s physical well-being, making sure we eat right, get plenty of sleep, and at least consider that exercise thing, but most people spend very little time on their moral well-being, the time needed to exercise our ethics.

When I am working with a client to create an ethics seminar, I always ask to speak with a few of their key employees, not in management.  This exercise allows me to listen to employees concerns, and get a true picture of the employer’s appreciation of their employees, and what ethical systems have already been addressed and implemented.

I’m never surprised to find that the client seems puzzled by some of the responses I receive.  Some of it stems from the client’s misunderstanding of what ethics encompasses, some of it stems from the client’s inability to communicate properly to the employee what their standards are, and how they affect the way they do business.

Hands down, the biggest complaint I get from employers and employees is lack of follow-through.  We need to do what we said we would, in the time we said it would take, or we need to communicate any shortfalls well before that committed completion time has expired.

I think that’s true in our businesses, too.  We have to be excellent communicators, and have the ability to ask the questions that our clients haven’t even considered.  On those occasions when a situation arises that may tip the scales unfairly in one direction, we have to take the time to consider all sides of the situation and make the most informed decision that is fair and equitable to everyone, even though it might be easier and more profitable not to.

To be an ethical business, you must earn the respect and trust of employees, clients, suppliers, etc., by weighing all the aspects and making sure we treat all parties fairly.  If we always practice good business ethics, we not only help ourselves and our businesses, but we help bring more confidence and trust to our industry – something we absolutely must maintain in order for us all to be successful.

So let me ask you to exercise your moral well-being and increase your credibility without the sweat and expensive work-out equipment!

Wishing you continued success and the wisdom to consider ethical options.

Jeannine Clontz, IVAA CVA, MVA, EthicsChecked™, provides marketing and social media support, training and consulting to busy entrepreneurs. For information about finding a VA, download her FREE 10-Step Guide to Finding the Right VA, or to learn why Social Media should be an important part of your marketing plan with her FREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, visit: http://www.accbizsvcs.com, or contact her at info@accbizsvsc.com

Written by Jeannine Clontz
EMAIL Jeannine.


Jeannine Clontz, owner of Accurate Business Services, co-author of the book Entreneurial Freedom, a coach at VABizcoach and blogs over at VAbizbriefs.



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Social networks have taken the internet by storm, and they aren’t going away any time soon. A CNET report from nearly three years ago suggests that younger people are using private messaging over social media like MySpace and Facebook more than they use email – and this was before anyone even knew what a tweet was!

Many businesses have recognized this technological and social phenomena as an excellent opportunity to promote their businesses and stay in constant contact with their target audience. If you are among those businesses, you should know that combining your social network marketing efforts with your video marketing campaigns can have a potent effect on just how intimate you are with your audience.

With such a powerful tool as the internet at your fingertips, it would be wasteful to limit your business to traditional advertising. Promoting your company on the many social networks that exist is not only the smart thing to do, it’s also often free or very cheap. The more social networks you add your business to, the more you expose yourself to potential customers. Furthermore, you will usually have full control over your “friends, which can lead to some very focused demographic targeting. Try doing that with a commercial on television!

Another thing to keep in mind is that MySpace and Facebook aren’t the only kids on the block. Niche social networks are growing rapidly. Consider Ning, a company that allows its users to create their own social networks. Types of networks range from science to politics to everything in between. Find the network that suits your demographic best and make your presence known.

If you’ve ever started a video marketing campaign only to be disappointed that, after all of your effort, very few people are actually watching your videos, a great solution is to integrate your videos into your social networks. Don’t just repost your videos on your social networking assets. Update your audience about new videos with blog posts, twitter tweets, and bulletin announcements. Not only will the views start to add up quickly, but the viewers are all from an audience that you know is already predisposed to be interested in your business.

Don’t forget that most video sites now act as social networks on their own. When you just upload a video and leave it, your viewers will sense a lack of connectivity. Customize your profile and fill it out with pertinent information about your business. Add friends and accept friend invitations. Take a few minutes every day and comment on a few videos related to your niche. If someone posts a positive comment (or constructive criticism) on one of your videos, take the time to send them a personal message and thank them for their input. These personal touches can go a very long way to show your audience that you’re connected to them and that you care.

Social networks are all about relationship building and keeping in touch. Often, you’ll find that your video marketing campaigns have the same purpose, so it’s only natural that when you combine the two, you’re creating an atmosphere of trust and availability to your target group.

Written by Andrea Kalli
EMAIL Andrea.


Andrea Kalli is the owner of Andrea Kalli Virtual Trainer and Assistant, LLC, the Outlook, SharePoint, and Business Technology Podcast, and the Small Business Podcast Directory.



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Getting to the Root of Client Deductions

Posted by jeannineclontz On July - 12 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

Ever have a client make a deduction from an invoice? You know the type, they always find fault with your work, can’t believe that you charge those kinds of rates, and they wonder why you’re not able to drop everything and handle their projects immediately without adding “rush charges” to the invoice.

As I’ve gotten more experienced as an entrepreneur, I’ve found that there are several types of clients that use these tactics.

The first type is totally unethical, and no matter what you say or do, it’s always better for you to cut your losses and discontinue doing business with them.  I know this can be difficult, but it could hurt your credibility.

The second type is the client who is always looking for something for nothing.  They will take your project quotation and rip it apart looking for hidden discounts.

Sometimes they are just thorough, sometimes they are doing what has proven to be successful in the past.  These clients can be turned into good, ethical clients by simply taking the time to find out why they work this way.

They may have worked with unethical providers in the past, and have found that by questioning an invoice, or price, they usually will get some sort of discount, or free offer.

Open the discussion by asking about their complaints and how you can rectify the situation.  Be a good listener. Let them vent their frustrations. Ask them for an explanation of any deductions, and try to put yourself in their shoes to see if you can get a better idea of their motivations and concerns.

Maybe your invoices could detail more information about your charges and how you met their needs.  Let them know that you want to be more familiar with their specific needs so that you can provide better services in the future.

Most importantly don’t take it personally.  Sometimes we are not the perfect fit for someone’s needs.  What we need to do is maintain our integrity and remember that we can’t be all things to all people.

Do those tasks where you consider yourself to be the expert.  Encourage new clients to contact your references so they have a clear picture of who you are, what your strengths are, and how those strengths can help them achieve their goals.

Jeannine Clontz, IVAA CVA, MVA, EthicsChecked™, provides marketing and social media support, training and consulting to busy entrepreneurs. For information about finding a VA, download her FREE 10-Step Guide to Finding the Right VA, or to learn why Social Media should be an important part of your marketing plan with her FREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, visit: http://www.accbizsvcs.com, or contact her at info@accbizsvsc.com

Written by Jeannine Clontz
EMAIL Jeannine.


Jeannine Clontz, owner of Accurate Business Services, co-author of the book Entreneurial Freedom, a coach at VABizcoach and blogs over at VAbizbriefs.



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Amongst marketers, entrepreneurs, and influencers, one question is remarkably common: just how can social media traffic be monetized? From technology blogs to company websites, social media platforms have given marketers the power to direct huge amounts of traffic, yet thousands still complain about the lack of any real income from their social media marketing efforts.

It is a problem that is endemic across multiple platforms, services, and online communities. From Twitter to Facebook, Ning to Reddit, display advertising is sold at record low rates due to the limited user involvement available. Many marketers have written the services off as bust inventory – viewer attention that is so valueless it is not even worth pursuing.

But a small number of innovative marketers are singing a very different tune. They have turned monetizing ‘bust’ inventory into a specialty, buying up spaces on social media platforms at pennies on the dollar and creating dynamic income for themselves. How do they do it? These three tactics appear to be remarkably common, forming the backbone of the social media innovator’s income.

Selling is not the priority, gaining information is.

There is value in social media traffic, even traffic that is largely unfiltered. While thousands of internet marketers chase the short-term sale and instant income, a community of forward thinking marketers have spent their time doing the exact opposite: chasing the eventual sale, and using cheap social media inventory to help themselves get there.

So instead of directing users towards a giant ‘buy now!’ button, these marketers have slowly and carefully guided users through information before requesting their name and email address. The process is the opposite of most direct tactics; it spends little time barraging the customer with tactics, and significantly more time building trust for a sale, be it two weeks or two months down the line.

Social media marketers plan to sell, but not a product.

The smartest social media marketers know that they are only one part of the sales chain, the mark designed to gather information. By removing the sale from the equation, many can generate more valuable output than they would with a shiny, specialized, and specific product at the end of the process.

That is why so many social marketers are no longer attempting to sell products, but to sell information. By gaining an understanding of their audience’s interests and desires, they can generated a powerful resource for other marketers, many of whom will pay for the information. Think in terms of leads and you will quickly monetize social media inventory; treat it as a sales game and you will likely end up with nothing to show for your efforts.

Build an audience first, then monetize.

Far too many marketers jump into the world of social media with products to push, affiliate offers to promote, and businesses to advertise. It is a common mistake, and it is one that tends to backfire early, putting marketers off the format entirely and limiting their future social media efforts.

Instead of going gung-ho right from the start, it might be best to spend your formative social media days developing an audience, and then marketing to them once you have gained a major position. Treat your social media efforts like you would a social media business – gain the numbers, the influence, and the passion first, and introduce the products, services, and offers later.

Written by Andrea Kalli
EMAIL Andrea.


Andrea Kalli is the owner of Andrea Kalli Virtual Trainer and Assistant, LLC, the Outlook, SharePoint, and Business Technology Podcast, and the Small Business Podcast Directory.



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Problem Solving for Dummies!

Posted by jeannineclontz On June - 11 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

I belonged to a local networking group that touts allowing only “one person per profession”.  When a competitor of mine visited the group, I told them that they would not be able to promote the specific services in conflict.  They said, “No problem.”  On their next visit, they again promoted those services, so I took our president with me to tell them that they could not offer those services that conflicted with mine.  Problem solved, right?

Imagine my surprise when they were inducted a few weeks later without my signature in the approval section of the application for just this situation.  I asked why I hadn’t been contacted, and was told that the president told them it wasn’t necessary.

It seemed like they’d stopped promoting my services, but soon I found out that they did on weeks I was not in attendance.  Then I overheard reviews from members for my services as being performed by the other member.

I submitted a formal written complaint to the president and vice-president explaining the situation and came up with what I thought were our only alternatives, my competitor could start another chapter, they leave, or I leave.  Nothing happened for three weeks, so I asked them to meet with me after the meeting.

Yeah, they got my letter…no, they hadn’t done anything.  Since I was getting ready to  take a leave of absence they’d already approved, I told them they must get it taken care of, as I would have no way to monitor the situation after I took leave.

I was appalled with their solution.  The following week EVERY member received a memo from the vice-president saying that this person was getting referrals that belonged to me, and that everyone should ask me before referring them any business.

Oh, my God!  I wanted to crawl in a hole somewhere and die.  Now they’ve taken what should have been handled one on one with the conflicting party and made me out to be, “Oh whoa is me” Jeannine.

Needless to say, the conflicting party was very upset and voiced some very angry words about how this was handled.  I made it very clear that I agreed.  Now everyone felt like I was picking on my competitor.  As you may have already guessed, my referrals were all sent their direction.

Unethical – you bet!  On the conflicting party’s part for not adhering to the rules and heeding the warnings, on the leadership team’s part for not having handled it properly, quickly, or discreetly, and on the rest of the membership for not trying to understand the conflict, and supporting a long-time “charter” member.

I took my leave of absence, and started utilizing that time to market my business in other ways. Since I left the group I’ve put on many new clients, making me realize that this group truly wasn’t the right place for me.

When I received an invoice for meals and dues last week, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised.  Bet they miss my referrals.  I was almost always the group leader!  Ignoring my personal feelings, I penned a cordial letter letting them know that it just wasn’t working for me as a good option for marketing my business.

About six months later I heard the Chapter had folded.  I was probably one of a few people who understood why.  When they didn’t use good business ethics as the foundation for the organization, how could they expect to succeed?

Jeannine Clontz, IVAA CVA, MVA, EthicsChecked™, owner of Accurate Business Services is a Virtual Assistant (VA).  ABS provides ‘as needed marketing and social media support, training and consulting to busy entrepreneurs.  Clontz is a writer, author, VA Coach, and speaker on business topics including business ethics. For her free 10-Step Guide to Finding the Right VA, or her FREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, send a request to: service@accbizsvcs.com or visit: http://www.accbizsvcs.com, www.VAbizcoach.com or her book website http://www.entrepreneurialfreedom.com

Written by Jeannine Clontz
EMAIL Jeannine.


Jeannine Clontz, owner of Accurate Business Services, co-author of the book Entreneurial Freedom, a coach at VABizcoach and blogs over at VAbizbriefs.



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If there is one thing every online business wants today, it is a dedicated social media presence. From local businesses to huge multinational companies, the list of enterprising marketers involved in social media is growing by the day, sometimes at an alarmingly fast rate.

But social media marketing is not all about Twitter accounts, Facebook fan pages, and building your own community. A large number of the most successful social media marketers do not even create their own accounts, instead relying on dedicated users to do their marketing for them.

These five methods, tactics, and techniques will help you build a social media presence for your business, all without building a new website or Twitter account. Whether your company maintains a static website or a dynamic blog, incorporating these five techniques will help you gain customers and dedicated social media fans.

Build and Manage a Company Blog

In many ways, blogs are the ultimate social media resource. They are dynamic, they are engaging, and they are something that almost every business should be investing in. Before you add icons to your website or create a company Twitter account, ensure that your business is sharing information on a regular basis that can help your audience stay interested, dedicated, and invested in what you are doing.

Use Social Media Sharing Icons

Social media sharing icons are one of the most common additions to blogging platforms. From Wordpress to Movable Type, almost every blogging back end is accompanied by its own set of Twitter, Facebook, and Ning sharing icons. A quick five minute installation process is all that is required to quickly and easily incorporate sharing icons into your company blog or website.

Encourage Comments

Thanks to commenting platforms like Discus, blog comments are no longer the isolated and unlinked pieces of content that they once were. By encouraging comments, you’ll gain links to new social media presences and help your blog to appear on aggregator websites. Install a dynamic comment tool (Discus) and ensure your anti-spam extension works, then ask readers for their opinions and input.

Use Auto-Tweeting Tools to Gain Twitter Traffic

Marketers constantly bemoan Twitter’s lack of valuable traffic, all the while ignoring its real value: as a huge sharing platform and dedicated community. While Twitter is undeniably ineffective when it comes to selling, it is one of the most important platforms on the internet for helping content go truly viral. If your business has a new blog post or product which is in need of publicity, be sure to configure an auto-tweeting extension to spread the word.

Submit Your Content to Digg, Reddit, and Other Social Bookmarking Websites

Much like Twitter, social bookmarking websites are not renowned for their buy-ready audiences or valuable advertising inventory. However, they are a great tool for creating links to your website, gaining online exposure, and eventually being featured on an influential website. Invest some time into your social bookmarking accounts and you’ll be rewarded, often significantly more so than you would have expected.

Written by Andrea Kalli
EMAIL Andrea.


Andrea Kalli is the owner of Andrea Kalli Virtual Trainer and Assistant, LLC, the Outlook, SharePoint, and Business Technology Podcast, and the Small Business Podcast Directory.



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Setting Attainable Goals

Posted by jeannineclontz On May - 11 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

I was looking through a magazine and stumbled upon something I hadn’t seen in years, a glass piggybank.  I recall the first such bank I received when I opened my first savings account.  It forced me to continue to save because I didn’t want to ‘break’ it until it was completely full, or I had enough to purchase something I really wanted.  My eyes were always on the prize.

By the ‘80’s piggybanks had changed; they had stoppers in the bottom to remove money whenever you wanted. By not having to keep adding to your savings until you’d reached your goal, many times they were never met.  The bank became a place to gather loose change and such, but it took away the demand, if you will, that you reach a goal or lose it all, by having to ‘break the bank’.

It makes me think about my business goals in somewhat the same way.  I have to find ways of making myself accountable to reaching the goals I’ve set.  Last year, I setup several reminders to check in on my 2010 goals. When I got the first reminder, I realized, – YIKES, now where did I put those goals? J  I was not focused on reaching them.

It’s difficult when you’re the boss, isn’t it?  How can we set goals and make ourselves accountable for the goals we need to keep our businesses afloat in these challenging times?

First, take a look at what types of goals you might want to set for yourself.  Some to consider might include:

  • Sales/income
  • Number of new clients
  • New equipment/software
  • Knowledge-based achievements (certifications; classes)
  • Adding staff or sub-contractors

As you can see, there are many types of goals you can set for your business.  I usually try and have three to four of these areas covered in my yearly goals; that way, if one seems to be lacking, I can transition more time and effort into making that particular goal a priority, or adjust it to give myself a clearer way to achieve it.

I think the next most important thing is to put it in writing – something about memorializing it makes it seem more attainable, and real.  You might even consider sharing your yearly goals with a colleague or peer and ask them to check in with you several times a year to make sure you’re on track to achieving them.

Equally as important is making sure that you don’t beat yourself up if you don’t attain a particular goal.  Goals are something you are aspiring to achieve; they should help you be accountable for where you want your business to go.

2008 was a perfect example of that for me.  I was right on track with my sales/income and new client goals for 2008, right until the stock market crashed in October.  Suddenly, everything changed.  By the end of the year, several goals had not been met.

I rewarded myself for those goals I did achieve, took stock of those I didn’t, and tried to understand why; then I realigned my goals for 2009 and again for 2010, to offset these changes, and added several new categories of goals that will help me keep my business on track and growing.

Goals are meant to inspire you and invoke you into taking action.  Don’t let them bring you down if you don’t achieve them; re-adjust them. Find a cheerleader, someone who will help you stay on track with your goals, but will also encourage you and help you see the positive changes and growth you have experienced.

I am pleased to say I exceeded my 2009 goals and I look forward to a prosperous 2010 and achieving my goals.  Re-invent yourself and keep making deposits in your unbreakable piggybank of growth.  Stay positive and watch what happens.

Jeannine Clontz, owner of Accurate Business Services, a VA practice, is an author, writer, speaker and VA Business Coach specializing in providing professional business coaching to established and start-up virtual assistants (VA’s).  For her FREE audio CD “What’s Holding Back my Business Success?” or a 2-month trial in her group coaching program visit:  http://www.VAbizcoach.com; or contact her at: coach@VAbizcoach.com.

Written by Jeannine Clontz
EMAIL Jeannine.


Jeannine Clontz, owner of Accurate Business Services, co-author of the book Entreneurial Freedom, a coach at VABizcoach and blogs over at VAbizbriefs.



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Blogs are often left out of social media service listings. Despite their similar design, communications format and networking potential, the vast majority of self-proclaimed social media ‘experts’ exclude blogs from their social media portfolio.

Of course, blogs share numerous similarities with the top social media websites of today. From communications similarities to self-built communities, bloggers are just as active in social media as anyone else, even if they do not speak outside their blog. After looking carefully at the many similarities between blogs and social media platforms, we have come to one conclusion: they are the same.

Don’t believe it’s true? Check out these four reasons and decide for yourself. Blogs are a powerful social media marketing platform, but by not being incorporated into social media marketing plans, almost all of their value is being left untouched.

1. Blogs let people connect.
The oft-spoken top value of social media is that it lets people ‘connect’. From Twitter to Facebook, Myspace to Ning, the hundreds of social media services out there are designed solely with one goal in mind: bring people together.

Sure, some do it through photos like Flickr; others do it through profiles like Facebook. The shared characteristic is that entire services are based around connections, just like blogs are. Social media marketing is not limited to services — a self-hosted blog can be just as much of a social media asset as a popular Facebook fan page.

2. Blogs integrate with other social media platforms.
A blog post is not just a service; it is a marketing currency. With the right combination of Wordpress plugins, every post can spread like wildfire through the blogging community. Add a ‘Tweet This!’ button to the bottom of your company blog and encourage people to use it. With enough interest, you might just find that your social media marketing ROI shoots up as a result of renewed interest in your blog.

3. Blogs expand on social media micro-services.
Twitter is difficult to describe and define. To some people it is a micro-blogging tool, while to others it is a communications platform similar to an instant messenger. However you see Twitter, the most important point is the same: it is a simplified form of blogging.

While blogging is often too long-form for effective viral marketing, it is unwise to discount and disregard it as a marketing tool altogether. As an expanded social media marketing asset, a great blog is worth its weight in gold.

4. Blogs are the new profiles.
A couple of years ago, a Myspace profile dished out all the information that your audience could possibly want to know. Now, they are as irrelevant as can be — swept up in the next move towards ultra-detailed content.

Instead of allowing profiles, Twitter encourages users to link to their blogs. Blogs are the new profile — they offer an expanded version of what social media can spread. Instead of marketing to visitors in your social media stream, why not lure them in with great social media content and market using your blog?

Written by Andrea Kalli
EMAIL Andrea.


Andrea Kalli is the owner of Andrea Kalli Virtual Trainer and Assistant, LLC, the Outlook, SharePoint, and Business Technology Podcast, and the Small Business Podcast Directory.



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Social Networking for Kids

Posted by Alyssa Gregory On April - 30 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

We all know that social networking is now must-do online business activity. Remember the days when Facebook was for reuniting with high school friends and MySpace was the ultimate site for socializing? Well, that social focus is still the draw of sites like Facebook for our kids, as it should be.

But it’s a scary world out there in the social media bubble. I, for one, am happy to have several more years before my kids get online. But if you have pre-teen kids in your family, they will likely be asking for their own Facebook, if they haven’t already. The issue then becomes protecting their interests while giving them some freedom. This is where FaceChipz comes in.

FaceChipz is an invitation-only social network that allows kids to communicate only with others they’ve personally invited. There are no strangers. No one can arbitrarily contact them. No one can search for them. This is awesome.

On FaceChipz.com, kids interact with their peers, only their peers. Kids connect by either emailing an invitation to a known friend, or printing up a coded invitation and physically handing it to a friend.

Features of the site include:

  • Customizable profile pages
  • Message boards
  • Photo uploading
  • Status updates
  • Games

facechipz

From the site:

FaceChipz was created by parents who were concerned about how, when and where their kids were spending time on the Internet. Our ‘tweenagers’ outgrew the traditional websites for children but weren’t yet ready for the full-fledged, open social networking experience. We created FaceChipz to address those needs. Our kids were the ‘Chief Creative Officers’ and ‘Alpha’ testers of this site. They told us what they liked, what they didn’t like, what worked and what didn’t work. We listened, and then we programmed.

I think this is pretty cool … definitely something I’ll explore further once my kids are ready to go online. What about you? How will you introduce your kids to social networking?

Written by Alyssa Gregory
EMAIL Alyssa.


Owner of avertua, LLC, author of VA Secrets Revealed, founder of the Virtual Assistant Hub, blogger at the Small Business Idea Generator, and a whole bunch of other stuff!



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