Still?

I try to go to a number of networking events a year. It’s a great way to meet people. As a networker and connector, I enjoy meeting new people and seeing who in my “rolodex” would be a good business connection for them – not to mention getting myself some business!

After each event, I send out a quick thank you email, along with a PDF we produced called 10 Tips on Using Social Media for Lead GenerationI don’t want anything in return; it’s my way of saying Thanks and it’s good to meet you. I love the idea and of course, it’s not mine. BNI, the largest networking group in the world, calls it Giver’s Gain. Gary Vaynerchuk wrote an entire book on it called The Thank You Economy.

So, I’m still rather amazed when a brand new connection contacts me and asks “Hey, we met last week. Do you have a good lead for me?” without offering anything in return – or even asking me what a good lead for me is.

To quote the Amazon.com summary of Gary’s book:

The Thank You Economy offers compelling, data-driven evidence that we have entered into an entirely new business era, one in which the companies that see the biggest returns won’t be the ones that can throw the most money at an advertising campaign, but will be those that can prove they care about their customers more than anyone else.

EVERY networking group I’ve been to, or been a member of, thrive on the Giver’s Gain philosophy. It may be those words (BNI) or a similar thought-process, but the idea is the same. Reaching out to me and flat out asking for a lead (especially before we meet 1-on-1, before we have any in-depth conversations, etc.) simply turns me off.

Networking is a great tool – when used correctly. The “me me me” approach doesn’t work – at least not for me smile emoticon.

F**K You????

So I’m sitting here in the world-wide HQ of CellCon Consulting, when a call from Waxahachie, TX comes in (214-903-4410) so I answer. It’s obviously a telemarketer call setter telling me my Google results are low and the information is incorrect. Of course, this is bull, because results are based on what people are searching for. But let’s play on.

She transfers me to a “Google Specialist” who tells me my Google Trust Score is way too low and he’s going to fix it. Of course, we come to the question “Well, I see you’re listed as a ‘miscellanous business’ – what is it that you do?

OK – point one – if you’re going to pitch me your services, and especially if they’re web based, look up my damn site first.

Anyway I tell him we’re a marketing firm – and a Google Partner.

“Oh….” he says “OK… I’ve fixed it now” (as I hear him typing.) I say “Great! Please tell me where I can see my Google Trust Score” “It’s ok, I’ve fixed it.” “No, please show me” – he hangs  up.

Here’s the kicker. My web-form notification comes in. I have a new lead. From Mr “F88k you” and “f88k you” company (and yes, it was spelled out.)

Now here’s what Mr. Google Specialist doesn’t know. My system not only records the form information submitted, but also the IP address.

So, I’ve written and tweeted the company (it’s called egumball) and it’s CEO (John Bauer) to ask why his reps are so foul mouthed.  Let’s see if he responds.

 

Peoples Don’t Learn…

Bell Canada has been handed down a $1.25 million (CAD) fine after its employees posted fake reviews of Bell apps. The carrier “encouraged” staff members to post glowing testimonials of the MyBell Mobile and Virgin My Account apps on the App Store and Google Play. Unfortunately, these overenthusiastic write-ups neglected to mention that they were written by people on Bell’s dollar.

 

Read the full article on Engadget by clicking HERE

Gee, How Can This Possibly Go Wrong?

The New York Post has a story that the Union Street Guest House in Hudson, NY, fines couples $500 for every negative review posted online (on any website) by one of their guests. And, it will also fine you $500 if you’re staying there to attend a wedding at another venue in the area, but leave a negative review about your stay.

The hotel has supposedly had this policy on its website:

Please know that despite the fact that wedding couples love Hudson and our inn, your friends and families may not.

If you have booked the Inn for a wedding or other type of event anywhere in the region and given us a deposit of any kind for guests to stay at USGH there will be a $500 fine that will be deducted from your deposit for every negative review of USGH placed on any internet site by anyone in your party and/or attending your wedding or event. If you stay here to attend a wedding anywhere in the area and leave us a negative review on any internet site you agree to a $500 fine for each negative review.

Gee, this couldn’t possibly backfire – could it???? (Current Yelp reviews HERE)

Read the entire article HERE

It’s Fixed… Oh, no it’s not

So, if you’ve read my last rant on the USPS, you already know the backstory. On 12/31 I received a call back from their Consumer Affairs problem who assured me all would be fine and dandy going forward.

And look, I’m not calling out the entire USPS. I’m sure there are (somewhere) some people who take their job and responsibilities seriously. They do great work each day and never get credit. I truly believe they’re out there.

It’s just none of the last dozen or so that I’ve had contact with.

So, if you haven’t guessed, that “promise” of fine and dandy… that took less than 1 day to go belly-up. Yup – on the very next mail delivery day (1/2/14), CellCon received mail at the old address. (Oh, and half of my town of West Orange didn’t receive ANY mail yesterday. I’m guessing  it may be snow related, but: (a) half of the town DID get mail, and it seems quite random which houses did and didn’t… and (b) there’s this

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.

I mean, c’mon – snow is the FIRST ONE LISTED… and this wasn’t 20″… it was about 8″ near me.

Guess a lot has changed since 2001, huh USPS?

#epicCustomerServiceFail – again

Let’s tell your customers “You Don’t Care”

In July, I filled out 2 change of address forms – one for me and one for the business. To this date I STILL get mail at the old house, and now, to add on, Monica is getting mail at MY house (no forms ever filled out for that.)

I’ve called. I’ve emailed. I’ve written real letters. Each time the response is “I’ll tell the carrier”

Today I went down to the Post Office in person. I wanted to speak to a delivery supervisor. I was told all of the following:

1) She’s busy
2) Our phones are down
3) Which one? There are multiple ones here today.
4) Lakesha (sp?) is the only one here today… and finally.. (and I swear this is true too)
5) “She know’s your here… she doesn’t care.”

Excuse me? YOU DON’T CARE???? You better F’in care, lady…

So, Lakesha – delivery supervisor for West Orange – at the Orange Post Office, (and Ms. Virginia Faulcon, Postmaster) here’s where social media comes into play. I ask my readers to like/share this post and the corresponding Facebook post. Help me spread the word.

“You Don’t Care” ????

Is Instagram/Facbook Insane?

So, as you may know Facebook bought Instagram a while back for $1 Billion. Yesterday, they posted a new T&C:

”You agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you.”

Uh, no. Not even close. I’m not using Instagram anymore until they retract this. I’m not a pro photographer (although I have sold some shots) but I’m sure as hell not going to let Facebook (or anyone else) use my pix for profit without any compensation.

What say you?

(more details here)

 

Gee, there are only 900 million on FB… who’ll read this

Wow – seriously?

Ice cream company’s flippant Facebook post tastes a lot like bigotry.

“A Muslim customer posted on the Wilcoxson’s brand Facebook page to ask if the gelatin listed in the ingredients list was made from pork (if so, it would be a no-no). The company president — PRESIDENT! — Matt Schaeffer flippantly responded, “We don’t deliver outside of Montana, certainly not Pakistan.”

Read the rest HERE


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