With Jonathan Christian

*News alert: Apple just sold over 1.7 million iPhone-4’s in just three days. It’s time to focus on how Social Media goes Mobile.

What? We’ve talked a lot about different aspects of social media but so far we’ve only focused on office-based tecknowledgy (is that a word?). But more and more people are trading up their cell phones for smart phones such as the Blackberry and iPhone. There are many similar devices, but for now let’s focus on these two market leaders.  Now we all know that brands can be cool – and that Apple is winning the war on cool. But. Here at MD we think the Blackberry is the perfect mobile device for the work we do. (At least for now).

Why? We all know that the pace of life is faster than ever before and if we want to stay connected with our customers and colleagues, we have to move with the times. Solution: It’s now super easy to keep your Facebook and Twitter streams updated with your mobile phone. Why would you want to do that, you may ask. Let me give you a couple of reasons. Remember the Winter Olympics here in BC? Tickets became a premium commodity as the Canadian team came closer to gold each day. A friend of mine bought medal ceremony tickets for a particular evening but found he had a scheduling conflict. What did he do? He posted them for sale on Facebook – so much more personal than Craigslist, as you’re selling to “friends” – saying first come, first served. Can you guess who was checking his Facebook – on his Blackberry? You got it.

A double bonus – that was the day that Canada earned its first Winter Games Gold Medal on home soil, and we were there for the presentation! My wife (for once) was glad that I was on my “Crackberry!” Here’s another example using Twitter. I subscribe to a Breaking News Channel and was notified of a serious road accident just before I left a client’s office. I was able to change my route and got home at least two hours sooner than if I had gone my normal route. Getting the idea? So many other examples, but for now let’s move on to the how.

How? If you have a “smart” phone you must buy a data package from your local provider, otherwise the bill for mobile browsing will scare the pants off you! Once you’ve chosen a package that fits your needs, select the Apps (applications) you desire – such as Facebook, Twitter and Google for Mobile – and download the software. It’ll only take a few minutes. Then, when you walk through the permissions, enter in your username/email address and online password and – you are now socially mobile! Questions? Email me at jonathan@neilgodin.com .

Tipzntrix: I have my Facebook and Twitter linked to my inbox so I receive direct messages on my Blackberry. Then, when I have an opportunity, I’ll click on the icon and see what else is going on.  The benefit of being “in the know” is more and more an asset than ever before – but to do it, you’re going to have to change with the times. Let’s talk more about that on Friday. JC

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Don’t miss our next Social Media Challenge Meetup – Saturday, July 3 – in Langley, BC

Featuring: Canadian Internet business pioneer, David Neale
Topic: How to use Google Business Maps (a free service now called ‘Google Places’) – and other Google Services – to ramp up ‘your’ business – now!

David Neale registered his first internet domain name, ‘www. pricehunter.com,’ in 1995 – when domain names were still free of charge. His first online company, ‘Webscape Internet,’ opened in 1996 and was the largest reseller for yellowpages.ca online directory advertising in the Lower Mainland of BC. In 1998 he launched one of Canada’s first social media sites, called ‘RendezView’ – just in time for the Dot.com bust that followed the Dot.com boom.

Today, David works with business owners to help them fully utilize the Internet to grow their sales, improve relationships with customers, and reduce marketing costs (especially print Yellow Page costs).  He is a genuine Internet marketing guru – and you do not want to miss his presentation. (Visit David’s website at http://neale.ca/).

The details:

Date: Saturday, July 3
Where: Hampton Inn, Langley,  Langley (Metro Vancouver) Canada (On the Langley Bypass east of 200 street)
Time: Time: 2:30 to 4:00
Request: Please RSVP – and – would you please alert your business friends?
Admission: Free of charge.
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Special Offer:

‘Three Ways to Drum up Business in a Down Economy’

An action packed TeleCoach Audio Seminar with Neil Godin  and Shane Morgan Learn how to take action — each and every day — to grow your sales, improve your service, and promote your business. This simple, three way approach to building business will ensure your success — no matter what the state of the economy. By booking time for sales networking; business promotion, and service improvement – every single day – you will take market share from those who are ‘giving it away’ by waiting for the phone to ring! This TeleCoach audio seminar gives you the hard-hitting how-to’s.

Audio Download Regular Price: $29 USD
Special Discount Price: $18 USD
Note: This offer ends on Monday, July 5, 2010.

To order please Click here to link to our store:
Then copy and paste this Coupon Code: ChallengeWeek4
And click on the word ‘Apply.’

Thank you.
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We need your story.

If you use social media in any way to build your business, send an email to ndgodin@shaw.ca, or jonathan@neilgodin.com with the details – or provide your telephone number, and we will call you for details.

A special thank you: We will say ‘thank you’ with a copy of Neil’s ebook, ‘How to Start Your Economic Recovery – Right Now!’ for every idea submitted – whether we publish the idea or not. If you already have a copy of this ebook, let us know and we will send you a valuable alternate product.

Thanks very much!

Neil