Technology at the IFA Conference
by Michelle Rowan
I am always amazed at the amount I learn when I attend the IFA conventions. This year was no different, but it came primarily in the sessions focused on Technology. It seems to be a hit or miss topic at the convention- either the information is so basic there isn't much "action" to take away and implement, or there is SO much thrown at the crowd, who is behind the curve and decide where to start...
Scott Klososky (@sklososky on Twitter) was by far my favorite speaker in San Antonio. His first (and parting) words to the franchisors in the crowd- "do not sit here and get all this great information, then go home and do nothing. It would be a travisty!" I agree!!! He pushed people that think social technology is a fad to believe it is here to stay and it's THE new way to do business. So here is what I pulled from the 4 days of sessions of what I am going to DO:
- Read "Groundswell" and "Trust Agents"
- Websites to check out and learn more about:
- addict-o-matic: i can find out the latest buzz about me, or FBR, or my clients from lots of sites/sources all on one page
- muckrack.com: find out what journalists are talking about- hopefully find journalists who want to talk about us & our clients!
- bit.ly & su.pr (stumbleupon): used to shorten urls, which i do. but i can see WHO is clicking the links I create- which I don't do now
- ad.ly: evaluates twitter accounts
- Use our FBR Group on LinkedIn to ENGAGE our clients more, find out what we should change or revamp on the next release of our survey
- Find ways to incorporate our client's social technologies into our site, I have a few ideas and want to start testing them in Q1
I think people, and companies, are still trying to figure it all out when it comes to where should we be online, what should we be doing, how can this make us money? Everyone believes in the power of word or mouth or referrals over any other type of sales approach- so look at social technology from that standpoint. It's time to start creating (or managing) your online reputation TODAY. It's all about transparency and honesty of your brand, it's all about continuing to raise the bar in business, and franchising.
See you on Twitter (@monrowan) & LinkedIn (michellemonroerowan) and who knows where else tomorrow...