Janet Fouts

MAY 28, 2020

Whatever stimulates the most conversation gets the most attention and brings in more money in ads. Years and years ago when I started an online community in the ’90s we tried to create a safe space for people who worked in the restaurant industry. It’s always been this way and it has never changed.

Communities 105

Communities Feed Feedly Conversation 105

Janet Fouts

MARCH 23, 2011

Be the first to share useful industry news. Ask questions and have actual one on one conversations on social networks. Be an information source about your area of expertise that people can turn to with questions. Share original content (no plagiarizing or regurgitating other people’s posts). Answer questions.

Social Media 148

Social Media Insurance Questions Social Networking 148

Janet Fouts

JUNE 6, 2017

Your business brand is a reflection of your values, knowledge of the industry you work in, and who you are connected to within the business world. So is an intelligent conversation. Most importantly, to understand it so you can begin to shape it in the direction you want it to go. What is a professional brand?

Brands 97

Brands Curation Reputation Social Media 97

Janet Fouts

MAY 11, 2011

People who want to use social media to advance their professional reputation, attract business or build a brand often struggle with deciding where the line is between personal conversations and professional ones. Look for people to talk to around your industry and learn about them. See, you can’t fake authentic interest.

Social Media 137

Social Media Trends Reputation Authentication 137

Janet Fouts

JANUARY 19, 2012

Who’s interested in your industry? Take a look at the Ripples of some conversations to find even more influential Google+ users. Add to the conversation and support the owner of the hangout. Needless to say, Google profiles are a huge resource for business. Where are the influencers and groundbreaking technologists?

Google 135

Google Facebook URL Collaboration 135

Janet Fouts

MAY 29, 2011

No really, if the communities at Empire Avenue started to actually contain conversation it could be interesting. Actually finding conversation is a needle in a haystack sort of thing and the notification system doesn’t help much. Maybe about as long as Foursquare. It would take some re-designing of the system. I can’t.

Influencer 136

Influencer Price Foursquare Buy 136

Janet Fouts

APRIL 29, 2013

You can learn a lot about an industry and a company by doing searches and creating lists around your areas of interest. Look for the rock stars here too, get to know them by starting a conversation. Jana uses it as her primary news source (as do I). Using Twitter’s advanced search find people working in the places you want to be.

Social Networking 138

Social Networking Yammer LinkedIn Resources 138

Janet Fouts

APRIL 18, 2011

Sure, you should listen for mentions of your brand, your product and your name, but beyond that you need to be looking for ways to engage people on topics related to your industry and your own interests. Creating conversation. Most of the social listening platforms charge you by the number of responses or number of keywords.

Social Media 136

Social Media Attensity SM2 Radian6 136

Janet Fouts

DECEMBER 30, 2011

Is your messaging getting derailed by cool cats and hip conversation? Use a tool like NutshellMail to see a summary of your conversations on a regular basis.What do you talk about most? If you use microblogs think of a theme for what you want to talk about and schedule some conversation starters. Check the mirror. Get a plan.

HootSuite 123

HootSuite Bookmarklet Microblogging Forums 123