Four lessons about social media for an entrepreneur

When it comes to social media and digital marketing, I've learned four important lessons from reading Mitch Joel's book Six Pixels of Separation.

1. Create meaning - If you focus on making money, you are bound to FAIL. The right path focuses on making meaning by empathizing, making a change by solving a problem, and making the world a better place. It's amazing to see how people are more than willing to support a cause that is beyond themselves.

2. Communities are the new currency - In any market, there are always small and large communities (on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc) that share similar interests, stories, needs, and a respect for each other. As a marketer, you can either lead this community by connecting people or become part of it as an equal. You cannot simply barge in and act like a multi-billion dollar corporation and expect people to listen to all your self-promotion. I'd unfollow you on Twitter right then and there!

3. Trust and transparency - Now that people have the power to choose, you have to earn their trust in order for them to be your customer, become a Facebook fan, or subscribe to your YouTube channel. Like in any relationship, the best way earn trust is by being genuine and human. People hate talking to voice recordings, seeing automated emails, and encountering mechanized interactions. They can even smell if you're not being honest with them right through your computer screen. Focus on building the relationship first by being REAL!

4. Listen, listen, listen - If you think having the largest marketing and advertising budget is necessary to win, then you are sadly WRONG. We have all become desensitized to TV, radio, print, and web advertisements. The key is to start listening by following people's conversations on Twitter, Facebook wall posts, and YouTube comments. People are more than happy to share their opinions, issues, and suggestions in an open and non-intimidating atmosphere. All you have to do is ask.

Overall, these four lessons may seem somewhat general and may differ depending on the situation. But I believe they are the basic values that every marketer and entrepreneur needs in order to do business right. Do you agree or disagree? What else am I missing?

I need help finding a job

It's been nearly two years since I started studying at York University for my Human Resources degree. Now I am happy to say that I will be graduating this June (hopefully) *fingers crossed*. Then the next step is to find a job related to:

1. Marketing Coordinator/Associate or
2. Human Resources Coordinator/Recruiter or
3. Retail Store Manager/Assistant Manager or
4. Store Supervisor

Since I'm an international student, it's extremely important that I find one of these specific jobs because I need it to qualify for my permanent residence application with Canadian Immigration. I haven't had much success using Workopolis and Monster, and that's why I'm writing this blog post to share with you my situation and to ask for your help. I believe that we are all connected. By using other people's (ie. family, friends, acquaintances) social and business networks to pass the word that I am actively looking for a job or to share my resume, I just might be able to find the exact job I'm looking for. My goal is to start working full-time in Toronto by June, so if you by any chance come across any related jobs or have suggestions for me, please tweet me (@jreandino). I would appreciate that so much. At the same time, if you are also looking for a job or need someone to fill a vacancy, please feel free to ask me. I may know a friend, who knows a friend that has a friend that might have what you're looking for. So I want to end by asking: What are some useful tips in finding a job? Thanks for reading!

iPad Madness

There's been so much buzz going around the iPad since it came out just yesterday. Now as more video reviews start being uploaded on YouTube, it makes me even more excited! I really like how the iPad will be a fun and convenient way to surf the net, browse through pictures, watch videos, read e-books, play games, and lots more with the thousands of apps available on the iTunes Store. Although I am aware that there is no multi-task or Flash (for now...), I guess that's why the iPad is referred to as a hybrid between a laptop and cell phone (iPhone). Of course, knowing Apple, they will eventually add additional hardware and software upgrades to the next generation of iPads.

Nevertheless, I still have two big questions in my mind. The first question is when exactly will the iPad be available in Canada?! Rumor has it that April 24th will be the launch day! The second question is how (or which) of the Canadian telecom companies will respond to supporting the iPad 3G model? In the US, Apple partnered with AT&T to provide unlimited data for USD$30 a month. Over here, will Apple partner up with Bell?... Or perhaps Telus? Will the pricing for unlimited data be the same too?  I guess we just have be patient and see what happens! Would you consider buying an iPad?