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Hello Alaska,
A member commented on last week's newsletter that she thought I was in favor of Google + until my last paragraph and then was confused about my true feelings. Never mind that this isn't the first time I've heard that from a woman, but the problem with Google overtaking Facebook is that it requires a mass transfer of clientele; a good portion of 700 million to be exact. A similar exodus happened on a smaller scale in 2008, when Facebook overtook MySpace shortly after it was introduced and steamrolled from there. Regardless of the features Google + may offer, a similar user shift seems unlikely, given the site's current dominance and our possible reluctance to maintain multiple, similar social media sites. I am actually surprised that MySpace still had just under 20 million visitors in May of this year, but the site now barely ranks in the top100. I can't envision a similar Facebook decline. We are sheep and follow the masses and right now Facebook controls those.
Closely on the heels of last week's narrative, Facebook announced a massive privacy overhaul this week, which will concentrate on Profile controls (that will now be embedded right on the profile page) and a second set of changes affecting how you share content (the Publisher bar has been modified to include control over locations, tags and who can see status updates). I'm sure Facebook will have a tutorial for these application changes soon, but until then you can visit the Mashable website to get the 411.
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Winnie is very creative and recently put together a video that combined pictures from her high school with a song that she liked. When prompted to sign up for an AdSense account she did and was excited when she was notified a few weeks later that she earned $3 on the posting. Even without making a single dollar, video has become another important vehicle to promote your business for free.
We want to encourage you to utilize this medium by offering an incentive in the form of a contest. Beginning in September, we will select a different business promotional video every week, from those submitted by you, to be linked to our website front page. You can film your physical location, tape a testimonial, or just videotape yourself talking about your company, but there are three rules:
1) It has to be PG rated
2) Be no longer than 60 seconds long
3) Have the Buy Alaska logo, or written words in it.
All videos will be posted to Buy Alaska's YouTube portal, with the goal of having 50 videos online by the end of the year. In addition to the home page link, the weekly winning video will be posted to Facebook and a link will be provided in the newsletter as well. So all you closet Spielbergs, get out your iPhones, cameras, or any other digital video recording device of your choosing and get to work promoting your business. Virtually all computers now come with free video editing software to give your end product a more professional look. Please send all submittals as attachments to info@buyalaska.com. Good luck!!
Why should video be a component of your marketing strategy? Check out this very effective Facebook post by Bianca Frank Design that includes an impressive video.
"Branding your small business is one of your most powerful investments in starting, operating, and growing your business. Please check out the first video in a series about brand design and small business. http://vimeo.com/27327709"
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My favorite Tweet of the week -
If I had reindeer I'd name them Bamba, Bettie, Lamb and Black, simply so I could stop the sleigh by saying "Woe... Black Betty Bamba Lamb!"
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What's cooking at the SBDC?
Visit the SBDC Facebook page to find an event, or class in your area, like the:
- Hot Topics for Women in Business Breakfast
August 31, 2011, 8am-10am
Crowne Plaza in Anchorage
Netflix or Blockbuster? Amazon or Border's? LinkedIn or traditional recruiting?
Which would you rather be? The online world is affecting almost every industry. Will it disrupt your business, and if so how will you respond? Andrew Mitton, an Alaska attorney, shares his story about how he is responding to the impact the Internet has had on the legal industry and how he is redefining the traditional law firm. The lessons from his experience will help you find ways to respond to the online disruptions in your industry.
- $15 with RSVP & payment by 8/26/11
$20 after 8/26/11
No refunds after 8/26/11
Call Tammy Anderson @ 907.274.7232 for reservations!
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The Alaska State Fair
Aug 25 - September 5, at the State Fair Grounds in Palmer
This year the Fair is offering an impressive array of musicians and entertainers in addition to the usual attractions. Visit www.alaskastatefair.org for details and to purchase tickets.
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Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority is offering a Microenterprise Grant,
in support of Mental Health Trust Beneficiaries to start small businesses (Microenterprises require less than $35,000 in total Start-up expenses and 5 or fewer employees)
- Apply for between $500-$10,000 to start or expand your microenterprise
- Matching Funds Required (dollar for dollar)
- For more information, or to determine whether you qualify, visit http://www.mhtrust.org or contact:
Catie Wheeler
UAA Center for Human Development
Microenterprise Fund Coordinator
2702 Gambell St., Suite 103
Anchorage, AK 99503
800-243-2199 Toll Free
907-264-6251 Phone
Application Deadline for Fall Review is Wednesday, October 5, 2011 by 5:00 pm
*Applications will be reviewed in early November, 2011
To download the application and policies & procedures go to: www.uaa.alaska.edu/chd/megrant
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Alaska Media Road Show
Partner registration for the 10th annual Alaska Media Road Show is now open. AMRS pairs Alaska tourism partners with highly qualified travel media in a day of focused, one-on-one appointments. Receptions, a luncheon and other social functions expand the opportunities to promote Alaska travel opportunities to North America's top travel journalists. The event also features a professional development for AMRS partners to help them improve their media relations skills.
The registration fee does not include airfare, but does include a two-night stay at the Four Seasons Biltmore and all event-related meals and networking opportunities.
- Date: October 23-25, 2011
- Location: Four Seasons Biltmore, Santa Barbara CA
- Price: $2,750 1st participant, $1,000 per additional participant
- Click here to register or call Thompson & Co., at 907-561-4488 and ask for Jennifer Thompson or Amy Cockerham.
- Each Alaska Media Road Show registration and sponsorship received in August qualifies you to win Alaska Airlines Tickets & Miles!
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Commonwealth North Presents: Alaska's Infrastructure Development Roadmap
September 28, 12:00 - 1:00pm Egan Center
Register now by visiting:
http://www.commonwealthnorth.org
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North Pacific Auctioneers - Upcoming Auctions
- Defaulted Storage at A Sentry Mini Storage
235 Boniface Parkway
Saturday August 27 at 11 AM
10 units
Subject to tenant payoff
Saturday August 27 at 1 PM
14 Box trucks ranging in size from 14' to 30', Step Van, 30' trailer,
Cars, Motor home and other items
- Defaulted Storage at Arctic Self Storage
601 E. 58th St
Sunday August 28 at 1 PM
20 units
Subject to tenant payoff
NO REGISTRATION FEES -Visa/Master Card, Cash or Check.
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