Erik Qualman's Blog, page 685

Apple has more cash than the US Gov

BusinessInsider.com posted an article today that showed Apple corporation having more cash on hand then the US Government. Nice going iTunes.

The end of the article is priceless.  "Apple collects more money than it spends, the US Government does not". I think that pretty much sums up our current fiscal situation. As a shareholder in the US Government, I am not pleased with the results. I saw the Reid and Boehner plans to handle the debt, now I want to see the "Apple Plan."

The  image below sums up the U.S. deficit (source: http://usdebt.kleptocracy.us/)

[image error]

The large stack of $ that dwarfs an 18-wheeler is the U.S. deficit by the end of the year - Yikes!

Click to read more at BusinessInsider.com
[image error]

Search Engines Affect Our Memory

It appears that search engines are changing how we remember things. Over the last few weeks, numerous commentaries have appeared, discussing the fascinating results from Professor Betsy Sparrow's study at Columbia University. Professor Sparrow, a psychologist, conducted a study to determine what effects Google might have on our ability to recall information. The results were very interesting.

Without going into the full details of the study, the main takeaway appears to be that we are adapting to remember where information is located, rather than the actual information itself. This seems logical given that there is an infinite amount of information out there, and our minds are becoming adroit at "indexing" .

The study is a good reminder that technology has real effects on our minds. Remember how we used to know people's phone numbers? Or another question…how has spell check effected your spelling when attempting a hand written note?

Check out the full video interview with Professor Sparrow here. 

 

[image error]

Social Media ROI – Video Comedy

A funny take on two students discussing Social Media ROI – click on the video below. (Video: Watch this video on the post page)

Recommended book: Likeable by Dave Kerpen

[image error]

15 Incredible Mobile Statistics

Love your smart phone? Debating a tablet? Gone app crazy? Check out these stats on the mobile market …

1. Smart phones

"Of the world's 4 billion mobile phones in use, 1.08 billion are smartphones."

 

[image error] 2. Smart phones

Of those, 3.08 billion are SMS enabled.

3. Mobile

One half of searches are done via a mobile device: smartphone,tablet, etc.

4. Mobile

86% use their mobile devices (smartphone/tablet) in conjunction with watching TV. My question, aren't most of them watching TV on their mobile device too?

[image error]

5. Mobile Apps

Over 300,00 mobile apps have been developed in three years. Apps have been downloaded 10.9 billion times. But demand for download mobile apps is expected to peak in 2013.

6. Mobile Web

The number of people accessing the mobile Internet is growing fast and is expected to overtake the PC as the most popular way to get on the Web within five years.

7. Mobile Hours

Average Americans spend 2.7 hours a day "socializing" on a mobile device.

My thought…that's all?

8. Mobile Use

61% use their mobile devices to play games.

[image error]

9. Mobile Use

Almost 50% use for social networking. Like it, Share it, Tweet it, + it.

10. Mobile Demographics

Women 35-54 most active in social networking on a mobile device.

[image error]

11. Mobile Marketing

Search ads and location ads (paid-for positioning on maps and augmented reality apps) will deliver the highest revenue, while video/audio ads will see the fastest growth through 2015.

12. Mobile Search Engine and Advertising

Google's gross revenue from mobile advertising is over US$1 billion per year.

13. Mobile Marketing

71 percent of smartphone users that see TV, press or online ad, do a mobile search for more information.

14. Mobile Marketing

But 79 percent of large online advertisers still do not have a mobile optimized site.

15. Mobile Apps

One in four mobile apps once downloaded is never used again.

In short, Mobile devices, mobile marketing, and mobile apps are not going away. My advice, get in while it's hot…!

 

Sources:
http://mobithinking.com
http://www.digitalbuzzblog.com/
http://tag.microsoft.com/home.aspx
[image error]

Fifteen Incredible Mobile Statistics

Love your smart phone? Debating a tablet? Gone app crazy? Check out these stats on the mobile market …

1. Smart phones

"Of the world's 4 billion mobile phones in use, 1.08 billion are smartphones."

 

[image error] 2. Smart phones

Of those, 3.08 billion are SMS enabled.

3. Mobile

One half of searches are done via a mobile device: smartphone,tablet, etc.

4. Mobile

86% use their mobile devices (smartphone/tablet) in conjunction with watching TV. My question, aren't most of them watching TV on their mobile device too?

[image error]

5. Mobile Apps

Over 300,00 mobile apps have been developed in three years. Apps have been downloaded 10.9 billion times. But demand for download mobile apps is expected to peak in 2013.

6. Mobile Web

The number of people accessing the mobile Internet is growing fast and is expected to overtake the PC as the most popular way to get on the Web within five years.

7. Mobile Hours

Average Americans spend 2.7 hours a day "socializing" on a mobile device.

My thought…that's all?

8. Mobile Use

61% use their mobile devices to play games.

[image error]

9. Mobile Use

Almost 50% use for social networking. Like it, Share it, Tweet it, + it.

10. Mobile Demographics

Women 35-54 most active in social networking on a mobile device.

[image error]

11. Mobile Marketing

Search ads and location ads (paid-for positioning on maps and augmented reality apps) will deliver the highest revenue, while video/audio ads will see the fastest growth through 2015.

12. Mobile Search Engine and Advertising

Google's gross revenue from mobile advertising is over US$1 billion per year.

13. Mobile Marketing

71 percent of smartphone users that see TV, press or online ad, do a mobile search for more information.

14. Mobile Marketing

But 79 percent of large online advertisers still do not have a mobile optimized site.

15. Mobile Apps

One in four mobile apps once downloaded is never used again.

In short, Mobile devices, mobile marketing, and mobile apps are not going away. My advice, get in while it's hot…!

 

Sources:
http://mobithinking.com
http://www.digitalbuzzblog.com/
http://tag.microsoft.com/home.aspx
[image error]

Social Media at Work

Employees are grumbling because they don't have access to their Facebook, Twitter and Google+ profiles. They can't keep in touch with their networks, or even follow the own employer. And it's almost impossible for you, the social media lead, to feel comfortable encouraging employees to be engaged with the company's social media profiles on their own time, outside of work.

Now remember, employers have their reasons for blocking social media sites. They are worried about decreased productivity, simple PR blunders and the company may even have bandwidth issues they would need to deal with first. So where do you go from here?

Getting buy-in from executives to open up access to social network sites could be as hard as writing your social media strategy. But, don't let that intimidate you.

Here are some tips for meeting with executives about lifting social media restrictions:

- Put yourself in the executive's shoes. Culture change is hard for companies so be prepared by thinking about what they will ask. Understand this before going in to avoid coming off defensive.

- Be confident and honest. Share your proactive and reactive strategy. Let them know you've thought out all you could predict, including a process in place to deal with rogue employees. But, be honest and let them know there may be some situations that you will have to deal with on the fly.

- Use their language and answer their questions before they ask. Break it down in language they speak. Why would this be an important step for the company? How will it affect productivity? What will it do to our ROI?

Strengthen your case with the facts:

- According to a study by AT&T unrestricted use of social media sites for employees improved productivity by nine percent.

- Allowing employees to have unrestricted access to social networking sites allows employees to feel a sense of trust and increases morale.

- Employees are already accessing social media sites at work through their smart phones. If you give them access on their computers they can be your strongest brand ambassadors.

- 100 Best Companies to Work For allow access to social media sites (video by Ragan).

Have you encouraged leadership in your company to lift restrictions to social media sites? Share your experience and tips!

[image error]

Is Your App Necessary?

These days there's an app for just about everything. But if you take a closer look, you'll find that many of them serve little purpose.As an iPhone user, I have roughly 60 apps, some paid, some free. But of those 60, only 5-10 get used on an regular basis. I also work in social media, so when I came across apps for  social media gurus and agencies, I was intrigued.
[image error]

Twitter and YouTube updates aren't reason enough to download

At first I was interested to see what they had to offer.  The majority of these apps had icons along the bottom for the following streams: their blog, Twitter feed, YouTube videos and  slideshow presentations. The problem is, none of this content is unique to the app. All of it can be found elsewhere in more convenient apps or on the web.

[image error]

The text in the slideshow presentation is difficult to read on the small iPhone screen

If we consider how their target audience would use this app, it doesn't seem that convenient. Most tech-savvy individuals use an RSS reader such as Google Reader to read all their blogs in one place instead of opening up individual apps for each blog. Their audience also likely uses a Twitter app to glance at all their tweets and a YouTube or Vimeo app to watch their latest subscriptions. The notion of visiting someone's app just to view their latest tweets or videos seems a bit unrealistic. Finally, viewing a presentation on a smartphone is hardly practical given  the screen size, whereas viewing a presentation on a larger iPad or tablet, could be a great option.

Knowing this, I can't help but think, what is the point? None of these features are unique to a mobile app and don't provide any exclusive benefit for downloading.

It appears as though many of these individuals and businesses create an app for the sake of having an app. Whether it's to build their credibility or prove they can do this for their clients, it seems these apps were not created with their end user in mind. Even though many popular  bloggers and social media agencies I admire have their own apps, I can't think of a reason for downloading them.

Anyone who builds an app should take a hard look at the purpose behind it. With today's hectic world, if your app doesn't provide utility or a unique advantage, it might be best not to have one at all.

[image error]

5 Apps to Make the Most of Your Summer

Most of us smartphone users have our devices practically attached to our hands at all times. Whether we're posting to Facebook or Twitter, checking and responding to e-mails, or getting our work done on-the-go, being on our smartphones has become a way of life.  The problem is that we're often so consumed with our own little digital world that we often miss things going on in the world around us.  I love my new iPhone 4, but I would never sacrifice my summer for it! The good news is that we don't have to. Here are 5 summer smartphone apps that can help you make the most of your summer:

TripAdvisor:  After working long hours all year long, you deserve a vacation!  Whether you plan your vacations in advance or are a strong proponent of "winging it," TripAdvisor can help you find restaurants, hotels, and attractions at any location. TripAdvisor also features reviews and advice on hotels, resorts, vacation packages, airlines and much more.

Songkick: Thanks to its gorgeous weather, summer is the perfect season to finally see your favorite band in concert. Songkick allows you to track your favorite bands and see when they will be performing in your area. This app scans your music library and creates a personalized calendar based your music preferences and location. Songkick not only tells you where your favorite bands are playing, but it also aggregates tickets prices from across the web.

Drinkspiration:  What is the perfect summer cocktail? Well, it depends on a number of factors. Drinkspiration by Absolut helps you determine the perfect beverages based on the weather, time of day, location, atmosphere, personal preferences, and more. This app has a database of 400 drink recipes to help you find your perfect summer cocktail for any occasion.

 Tan Pro: This app can help you achieve your ideal summer glow! Tan Pro lets you easily track your tanning progress and time your tanning sessions.  This app allows you to set periods of time for tanning, turning over, and applying sunscreen. You are also able to take photos to measure the progress of your tan.

Steak Time:  Summer is the perfect time for a barbecue. This app by Omaha Steaks features hundreds of grilling recipes, how-to videos, and grilling guides. Steak Time also features games, contests, a grilling timer, and various ways to connect with Omaha Steaks as well as other steak lovers across the web.

What are some of your favorite summertime apps?

[image error]

12 Reasons why it is mostly Guys on Google+

Recent statistics from Google+ show that 86.5% of people using the new Google+ are guys…..

And 1.4% are other, I think that's the Mashable, New Media Film Festival, New York Giants and more…. i.e. businesses (even though Google asked businesses not to do, but hey how are they going to stop them?)

In the top 100 Google+ users 15 are female, which is not many – where are all the women ?  As a female online I am rather disappointed that "girl power" is just not there.  Having used Google+ here's why I think this is the case,

They didn't get invited in the initial set of invites
There aren't enough women running online/tech companies
The top people in companies such as Google & Facebook are guys
There aren't as many women in this space period
Having played with Google+ it isn't as visually appealing as Facebook
Although it may be mainstream in the tech world it isn't in the "real" world
Women are more cynical after the *HUGE* success of Google Buzz (that's sarcasm J)
There are less female geeks than male geeks
It's invite only, so creates scarcity and guys have bigger ego's
For women it is "what's the point if none of my friends are on it?"
From the reviews it doesn't really offer much more than Facebook
Guys want to show off by telling friends they are on Google+

One writer for Mashable – Tamar Weinberg believes that it will yes have lots of sign ups, but the number of actual users won't actually reach critical mass as it doesn't address any unmet needs, she sees it as a glorified Facebook.  I tend to agree… would love to see what any guys reading this think!  Did you join to feel special?

[image error]

Please, Just Be Different

I'm a relatively new entrepreneur. I started a consulting company and I've been reading as many books and articles as I can on successful consulting, presenting, social media, etc. I've learned an incredible amount of information in a very short amount of time. (Reading a book while exercising on the cross trainer is amazingly productive). In doing this research, one thing stands out above everything else.

Growing up as boy in New Jersey I never quite fit in. I was different. I could never put my finger on it. As I grew older I embraced it. I did a lot of things differently. For a while I had long hair and earrings (not the norm in the early 90s). When I graduated from college, I didn't go on any interviews or move into corporate America. Instead, I moved to Jackson Hole, WY to "live a little". It wasn't until two years after earning a degree from Florida State that I actually got a job for the local cellular phone company (in sales no less). I'm a typical "last born" child and have always gone my own way. And, it's proved to be extremely rewarding in my life.

As I enter entrepreneurial world, I'm confident this same mentality will serve me well. Why? I'm finding out that in the social media consulting business so many people seem to be doing the same thing. Many consulting t company websites have the same "call to action" such as offering a newsletter or downloaded freebie. Many of blogs I see provide the proverbial "Top 10 secrets to…" or "5 Things you need to know…" etc. Even many of the Power Point presentations I've seen seem to be completely unoriginal, filled with bullets points that are read verbatim, and carbon copies of other presentations that are filled with numbers, small font and lots of graphs.

I believe that in almost any business it takes focus and discipline to "keep it simple". It takes courage to be different and buck conventional wisdom. I think it takes a concentrated effort to be unique. It's often times easier to do what everyone else is doing. If they're doing it, it must work right? Maybe it is. However, the best thing I've learned so far is to "just be different dang it". Take a risk, try new things and do things differently than everybody else. Offer a different kind of call to action. Give a customer a different kind of experience than what they expect. Offer a different kind of solution for your client. I think the secret is offering a different "experience" to your customer or client. It's not the transaction, the product or the offering as much as it is the "experience" they have in working with you.

Here are some of my favorite examples of companies who bucked the trends:

• FedEx redefined the "snail mail" business model

• Deer Park made selling water in a bottle an incredibly profitable business

• Chic File focused on doing one thing and one thing only. Really, really good chicken sandwiches. Oh, and by the way, they are the only fast food restaurant that is closed on Sundays

Be real. Be genuine. Be transparent. If everyone is going left, go right and have fun doing so. Most of all, regardless of your profession, please, just be different!

[image error]