Courtesy of: Schools.com

Our guests on Social Geek Radio on January 12th were Allison Shaw, Social Media Specialist for Qdoba and Lauren Preston, Non-Traditional Marketing & Public Relations Supervisor at Qdoba.

Tune in to the show link below to learn how Qdoba implements social media with their 500+ locations!

Social Geek Radio

Is it your first time to the annual convention? Are you prepared to network with 3k people in the franchise industry? Can I help?  Send me an email devans.ce@gmail.com  and let’s schedule time to chat.

In the meantime, here are a few tips:

Business cards

Social Business Card

This is stating the obvious and I’m sure you have your cards ready but do they include your social connections? Have you listed your Website, Twitter handle, Facebook and Blog link? Do you have a photo? What about a QR code leading to one of your social platforms?

If you hurry you might be able to order FREE Facebook MOO cards! Find the link here

Planner

There is an app for that! IFA is offering a smartphone app that provides schedule of events, lists of speakers, exhibitors, session descriptions, handouts and much more! App link 

For some it might be easier to view the brochure via this link as you add events to your calendar on your smartphone:

Meet Industry Leaders

One of the highlights is the  The CEO Business Solution Roundtable session held on Monday February 13^th (2:45-4:45). Some of franchising’s most accomplished leaders (CEOs, CFOs, COOs, Presidents, and Executive Vice Presidents) are available to share their success stories and moderate discussions on franchise relations, sales, operations, etc.

The complete list of approximately 50-75 tables and the moderators will be in the conference material received at registration. Take time to view the list. There will be a huge variety of topics and moderators. Consider learning more about the moderator on LinkedIn or their Website prior to the session.

Keep in mind that you will only have the opportunity to attend two 35 minute sessions.  If the two (tables) you want to attend are at opposite ends of the room, you may not get to both. Imagine a room with 3k people moving from one table to another in a period of a five minute break between sessions.  If you want to attend the session at table 10 and then table 78 the chances that you can easily glide from one table to the other is unlikely but not impossible.  Plan your route (seriously).   As much as you may want to, it is not acceptable to stand on the tables and move from one to the other until you reach your destination. Choose your tables wisely!

Largest Networking Events in the Industry

This is not the time to be shy or humble. Have your business cards in hand and be ready to meet as many people as possible. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to the IFA staff. They do a fabulous job putting the convention together and are a great group of individuals.

Matt Haller (IFA) Paul Segreto (franchisEssentials) Jack Monson (Engage 121)

As a first time attendee you will be notified by an IFA Ambassador. The IFA Ambassador will contact you prior to the convention. Their goal is to make you feel comfortable at the convention; understand the services IFA offers and how to get the most out of the convention.

Plan to attend the reception held specifically for those members that are new to the Convention and to the IFA.  The reception is Saturday, February 11^th from 5:30pm – 6:30pm in Grand 7 at the Orlando World Center Marriott.

Taste of Franchising will follow and it is one of the most popular events! It is a one of kind networking event that showcases some of the best food that franchising has to offer.

IFA TweetUp

Whether you are curious about social media or already engaged – the #IFA2012 TweetUp should not be missed! Join us after the Taste of Franchising at the Main Lobby Bar and Veranda in the Marriott. Enjoy cocktails and social media conversations. RSVP http://tweetvite.com/event/ifa2012

Don’t forget to view the exhibit list and schedule time to attend the exhibit hall events. There are always games, door prizes and of course the opportunity to learn more from the IFA approved vendors who provide innovative and cost-effective products, solutions and services.

Don’t Go Home Disappointed

Planning should start now, not when you arrive in Orlando. Decide on the sessions you want to attend, schedule time with those you want to meet with, and make a list of what vendors you need to spend time with during Exhibit Hall hours.

If you have extra time and planning to visit Disney World here is a link to FASTPASS  which will cut your wait at some of the attractions. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/fast-pass/

I’m busy preparing for my session Twitter Frontier: Harnessing the Power of Social Media While Protecting Your Franchise System with Todd Leiser,  Chad Cohen and David Beyer. I have the app and loading my calendar, viewing speaker bios, and scheduling meeting with vendors.

What tips and suggestions do you have to share?

In July, I read a great blog post by Amber Naslund called “What I Wish More People Knew About Me.”  I shared the post on Google + commenting that I couldn’t find the nerve to write a similar post. Amber and Carrie Wilkerson, The Barefoot Executive encouraged me to try. As Carrie said; “what’s the worst that can happen?”

 So here goes!

I’m a wife, mother and a GiGi (grandmother)  – My family is my first priority. I am insanely proud of my kids, grandson and husband. Translation – I brag about them incisively on Facebook. There are two rescues, a 100 lb Doberman (Emmett) and six month 50 lb German Sheppard (Bullet). They are very much part of the family and get equal bragging rights.

Bullet and Emmett

My husband tries to convince me to cut back on the videos and photos. The great thing about Facebook is that if my updates annoy my family and friends all they have to do is hide my posts.

I’m extremely passionate – I have been involved with Computer Explorers, a technology education franchise since 1996. I have yet to present an opening or closing at one of the annual conferences without shedding tears. Why? When I look into the audience I don’t just see a roomful of franchisees. I see a roomful of friends. I see people that I worked closely with when I was a franchisee (from 1996-2004). I see people that work hard and I want to work even harder to help them succeed. I think about the smiling faces of the children in their classes and the difference each franchisee makes in their local community delivering a quality technology education program.

My passion comes from doing work I love.

I want to be a Geek! – My third anniversary with Twitter was this month. Yes, I know what my anniversary date is and if you want to find yours use this link: http://www.tweetstartdate.com/

In May, 2010 I decided to take the next step with social media and start a BlogTalkRadio show, Social Geek Radio. I was thrilled that one of the franchise industry best social geeks, BJ Emerson agreed to co-host with me. My responsibility was to be the social co-host and BJ’s job was to “GeekItOut”.  Each week BJ shared geeky sites and tech tips. Not only did the audience learn something but so did I.  I quickly became a geekwannabe. Today, AK Stout is my co-host and my Geek mentor.  I’m constantly amazed by what AK knows about social media and technology.

Social media and technology are a big part of my business and personal life. It’s exhilarating to think about 2012 innovations and social platforms.

I love meeting strangers – This is the total opposite of my husband. He cringes at the thought of attending a big event where there is a crowd of people he has never met. On the other hand, the very same event excites me. Spending the time getting to know new people seriously interests me.  I can’t stand in line at a store without socializing with the person next to me. My daughter once asked me “Mom, can we please go shopping without you chatting with the person next to us?”  I’m not noisy or a chatterbox, I’m social and very interested in other people’s stories. It’s amazing what you learn with a smile and a simple hello.

In February I will attend the annual IFA (International Franchise Association) convention in Orlando. As one of the Ambassadors I will have the opportunity of greeting people attending IFA for the first time.

Too often I speak without thinking – It’s a bad habit. It’s totally embarrassing to scramble like a cartoon character trying to pick up my words after they have spilled out of my mouth only to find that I can’t shove them back in. I’m getting better and my hope for 2012 is to learn how to pause, think and then speak.

When I retire I want to own beachfront property – When we lived in NJ it was a short drive to the beach. One of the best ways to relax was to sneak off on a work day with my beach chair, a good book and listen to the waves. I miss that.

Today, my book would be replaced with the Kindle or the iPad but the beach and the chair would be the same.

There you have it, a few things you may not have known about me. Hopefully, we are connected and there is more you know about me than I have listed here. If we are not connected, then let’s take care of that in 2012.

Happy New Year!

Today, I’m thinking about the top tech trends of 2011 and contemplating what will be in store for us in 2012.

My friend Gini Dietrich, CEO of Arment Dietrich says she believes 2012 will be the year of “integration of all disciplines.” She says:

This is kind of selfish one on my part (because I have a book coming out about it), but integration is going to be crucial next year. Today we talk about mobile, social, marketing, public relations, advertising, direct, email, customer service, and sales as if they’re working in silos. But 2012 is the year it needs to integrate. Customer service can’t do its job without talking to sales. Sales needs the help of public relations. And mobile can’t live without marketing. You’ll see these disciplines all work together, as if they’re in a circle, and not in silos.

What do you think 2012 has in store for social media and tech trends?

There are individuals like Alissa Ramsay, Franchise Development Director for Appleton Learning that are taking a different approach and taking a hiatus!

I had the pleasure of meeting Alissa in September. She was visiting a Houston Appleton location and introduced herself. We spent a morning discussing social media, IFA and franchising in general. Alissa and I met again at FranCamp in Nashville. She was a great participant and I had the pleasure of getting to know her better.

After FranCamp, Alissa immersed herself in social media. She was active setting up new social media networks and engaged eagerly on Twitter, Facebook and setup a blog. Then she decided to stop cold turkey! I asked Alissa what prompted her hiatus …

What made you decide to abstain from social media?  

Preface: As they would say down south, I LOVE ME some social media!   

It was a difficult decision to take a personal hiatus from social media.  For those of us immersed in social networking, you know this was a PAINFUL choice and one that did not come lightly!  I took a break for a few reasons, but mainly I was clearly addicted, lacked content and was distracted from my goals. It may sound dramatic, but I feel like to live life to the fullest, you have to live it on your own terms and without the clutches of any addiction.  Some people’s vices are cigarettes, coffee/caffeine, a relationship… in my case, it was social media.  And yes, I cut out coffee from my life about 10 years ago because I thought it was ridiculous I could not function without it!  Balance is the name of the game and I had to find it with social media.

At the time of my decision to go on a social media hiatus, I had just received a promotion to Director of Franchise Development, my studies to become a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) were being neglected and, ironically, Appleton asked me to head up our social marketing efforts.  I consider myself a pretty discipled and focused person, but social media got hold of me and I found myself distracted from achieving my goals, especially earning my CFE in one year.  

Not only was SM distracting me from my goals, I didn’t feel like I had a focus.  I was relatively new and dabbled here and there, but couldn’t find my footing online.  I needed to take a step back and to find my focus and my voice.  If content is king, I felt and feel obligated to put quality content out into the world and I did not feel like I was being a responsible social media ambassador.    

What social platforms were you using and how hard has it been to stay away?  

The social media platforms I am personally using are Facebook (started a page- currently down), Twitter (@AlissaRamsay), LinkedIn, and I started a blog (www.AlissaRamsay.com).  Pretty basic.  Facebook and Twitter have been difficult to stay away.  LinkedIn has received some update love because of my promotion.  The blog will wait until 2012, but I am very excited about what’s to come!  

I have, however, been engaged online for Appleton.  We have a pretty aggressive growth plan for 2012 and our friends online are definitely part of the party.  It has been exciting to use social platforms through the voice of a strong brand shaking things up in the education industry.

What are you social network goals for 2012?

My personal social networking goal for 2012 is to put purposeful content online focusing on my passions of brand identity/management, customer service, franchising, and social media.  I hope to maintain quality content at least 90% of the time.  I’m sure some fluff will get in there from time to time!  I also want to reconnect and meet more amazing people like everyone at FranCamp.  Video is a passion and I am working on how to incorporate it into the blog content.  We will see. 

I was surprised by Alissa’s decision to step away from social media but impressed with her rational. Goal planning, purpose, direction and strategy are imperative. A social media hiatus is not for everyone but I applaud Alissa for taking the first step in her strategy for 2012. She is taking it one step at a time, purposefully and with focus.

Good luck Alissa and I look forward to your return!

Not everyone can work with children and LEGOs. But … it is possible to have fun while working! Here are a few things I enjoy to do:

• Lead with Fun – be willing to wear silly hats or gloves. Walk the halls and show off the silliness. Post pictures on social networks. It’s ok to laugh at yourself! Work can be boring but there is no reason why I have to be boring!
• Engage with peers – I love dragging the folks from accounting, legal, and/or the print shop into the fun. In the picture below, Lorri Wyndham and I sported our gifts from Cyndee Perkins and walked the halls. We threatened to sing Christmas carols.
• Be passionate and determine – this is one of Zappos core values and I try to live by it. My friend Joe Mathews, Franchise Performance Group says our work “should be a calling.”

We are coming to the end of 2011. If it wasn’t “fun” for you, think about 2012 and what changes you can make to enjoy it. Life is too short not to enjoy it and we spend too many hours a day working not too have fun while doing it!

holiday gloves and hat

Personally, I have LOTS to be thankful for! They are priceless blessings and I am confident there will be more in 2012.

I would love to hear what you are thankful for.

So goodbye 2011 and hello 2012. I’m ready for you!

Dust or Magic

It was my first attendance and  Cyndee Perkins sixth to the Dust or Magic Institute. The objectives of the eleventh annual Dust or Magic conference were simple:

• To familiarize ourselves with the key products of the year
• To familiarize ourselves with some fundamental theories of child development in the context of emerging technologies
• To help us meet and learn from others who are passionate about creating interactive media for children

After initially being star struck meeting Craig Hickman, Creator of Kid Pix, Don Rawitsch Co-Creator of Oregon Trail and Mark Schlichting Creator, The Living Books I realized that we were all there for the same reason – we value technology education!

Cyndee and I shared our key takeaways on Inside Computer Explorers – Was it Dust or Magic? If you have not listened to the broadcast yet you can find the link here

Do you understand the glue?

 The very popular Angry Birds game is simple enough to understand but complicated enough to be addictive. It’s the glue in gaming that app developers are trying to replicate. Did you know that Angry Birds is used to teach math, history and science? Read this article in iLearn Technology http://ilearntechnology.com/?p=3970

Chip Donohue, Director of Distance Learning, Erikson Institute reminded us that “you don’t have to love technology to understand that we have a responsibility to figure it out for the sake of the children.” Donohue encourages us: to embrace lifelong and life wide learning, create technology tools to play/learn with anyone, anytime, in any place, at your pace, on any device, leverage digital convergence, blatantly connect childhood and creativity, and to keep the child inside you alive!

We live in a world where “touchless is the new black” (Craig Hickman) and “the tablet effect has begun” (Warren Buckleitner).

The why!

Many of the presentations were filmed but there is one in particular that I recommend you carve 33.18 minutes out of your day and watch why Daren Carsten received the first standing ovation in the 11 years at Dust or Magic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llHhhUBMzGQ

Daren shared his secrets to making successful learning apps but his presentation is not just for developers. It’s for all of us. He said we “can’t claim that we make learning fun – learning IS fun! Our job is to reveal the fun in learning!”

Daren’s biggest message was: “Don’t forget about the why (the kids).Hangout with smarter, more creative and more passionate people, preferably children.”

Warren Buckleitner host of Dust of Magic said, “powerful technology + good people = magic”

Cyndee said to me, “You and I came away from Dust or Magic re-inspired by kids and education and making a difference.”

She is correct! I believe, “With hard work, trust in the brand (Computer Explorers), and some creative thinking, we can continue to make a difference and add some magic in 2012. Franchisees joined CE due to their passion for learning and using technology with children. Many things come and go but children, education and technology will always be part of the future. I’m excited to be part of that!” 

I have a strong commitment and belief to technology education and franchising. There is no magic or silver bullet to success. Hard work, dedication and what we believe in will create success.

I attend conferences to learn. I learn so I can teach. I teach because I believe Computer Explorers can be the nations leading technology education franchise!

How many times do you hear someone claim they are a “social media expert” only to find out they are not social at all? In my case, too many times!

When seeking a firm or individual to help you with your social media strategies, be sure to hire someone who can not only talk the talk but actually walks the walk! Nothing angers me more than to jump on a Webinar of so called “experts” discussing SEO, blogging, Google + or Facebook setup to find their own company pages are totally blank or nonexistent!!

When I presented at FranCamp I was clear that Computer Explorers got our start in the social media world due the partnership with Gini Dietrich, CEO Arment Dietrich. She talks the talk. She walks the walk. Yes, she has 20, 283 followers on Twitter because she actually has something to say and that is why they follow her! Below is a short clip of my presentation.

AK Stout provides social media training on setting up Google +, Facebook pages, etc. And guess what!? She is active on those pages! Check out her new business page on Google +, here. Justin Brackett, VP Marketing of BizChangerZ  blogs, speaks and tweets about social media! Follow him on Twitter to learn more, here

Join us for on Social Geek Radio as Justin Bracket, AK and I discuss this topic! We would love to chat with you either in the chat room or call into the show. We are live  8pm CT/9pm ET, November 10th but it’s recorded so catch the show at your convenience. Link here