There were five articles this week that really captured my attention.

1. Have you started using Quora yet?  I signed up a few months ago and I am beginning to see the value of this question and answer tool.  Here are 10 tips from Inc Magazine on how to use it to build your business:  http://www.inc.com/guides/201102/10-tips-for-using-quora-to-build-your-business.html
2. Have you thought about using Facebook as an e commerce platform?  It may be time to consider it.  http://socialmediatoday.com/mattambrose/272418/why-facebook-could-dominate-next-generation-ecommerce [Read more...]

I was sent even more articles this past week from all of you.  Here are three  post that I found insightful:

1. There were two posts about Facebook that I loved.  The first one was written by Beth that outlines many of the changes that are happening to your Facebook Fan pages.  She puts these changes in plain English for you.  So, “Take Advantage of the New Facebook Features for Business.”
2. The second article on Facebook came from Denise Wakeman.  Her post about “I’m Giving Up on Automation” was great.  Many people like to automate the publishing of their blog content to Facebook.  Automation is not always the best answer.
3. What Nuns, Yes Nuns, Can Teach You About Social Media. This may change your approach to Social Media forever.

From the Blog

We had five great blog posts this week.  If you missed any, here there are:

1. Monday:  Beth started the week with her focus on Remark!able businesses and organizations.  Her topic today was:  A School District on Facebook? Unheard of, Right?
2. Wednesday:  Sarah took a lead from the Super Bowl ads and wrote, “Is Surprise Advertising Old School?”
3. Thursday:  Michelle focused on “Staying Top of Mind Through Video Content.”  In this article, she features four businesses in Central Minnesota that are utilizing video on their websites.
4. Friday:  Wow, Friday was a great day to inspire you with new things that are coming.  Beth wrote on the new Facebook Features for Business and….
5. Josh provided us with a peak at some new features in WordPress 3.1 that are expected soon!

Your Turn

What do you think?  What did you find inspiring this week?  Share your comments below.

Each week I am sent hundreds of blog articles on topics from social media, leadership, sales, customer services, and more.  I wanted to share some of the things that have been passed on to me over the week to provide you with some inspiration (or just plain entertainment.)

This Weeks Cool Links:

There are post that I found insightful this week.

1. Inside the Mind of a Community Manager.  I suspect this is how Beth’s mind works when she is managing communities.
2. The second graphic I first saw from Chris Brogan on some Shocking News about Cell Phone Usage.  Do you use your phone to check the time more than you use it to make phone calls?

From the Vivid Image Blog

We had five great blog posts this week.  If you missed any, here there are:

1. Monday:  Beth started the week writing about “Customizing Facebook for a Remarkable Experience.”  This article looked at five our our clients and the goals they have for their Facebook Fan pages.
2. Tuesday:  Sarah Manley wrote about “A Crowning Social Media Story” and her journey through Facebook.
3. Wednesday:  I wrote about “Secret Ways to Get More Out of Your Facebook Fan Pages.”  This was inspired by all of the questions we get about getting new Fans and engaging them on Facebook.
4. Thursday:  Michelle featured one of our clients, MVTV Wireless, and how they are using Facebook.
5. Friday:  Ryan ended the week with “Going Green With Design.”  IT really got me thinking about colors and the emotions they elicit.

What is New

We had three great projects go live this week for three wonderful clients:

• Runnings Corporate Website:  http://www.myrunnings.com/
• Camden Outdoors – Inspired Hunting Technology:  http://www.camdenoutdoors.com/
• Madison Lutheran Home/Lac Qui Parle Clinic/Madison Hospital/Hilltop Residence:  watch the video now

Your Turn

What do you think?  What did you find inspiring this week?  Share your comments below.

My daughter and I recently went on a trip to Barnes and Noble to find a couple books.   She is a math genius and wanted to find a book to help her study math at a higher level.  I had an obsession to find a book that was recommend by a friend.

Our drive was uneventful.  She played on her laptop.  I listened to NPR.  Wasn’t quite the bonding time I had hoped.

Thirty minutes into our trip she looked up from her laptop and said, “Dad, look!  A smiley face!”  Sure enough, a farmer has taken the time to plow a smile right into the field.   Not a big deal.  But it has put a smile on my face and my daughters face every time we look at this photo.  Enjoy!

I would like to offer a sincere thank you to those that attended “Resilient Leaders – Resilient Organizations: A Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation Convening” in Redwood Falls, MN.   [Read more...]