Image Credit

This is a guest post by Rebecca Jones.

A backup refers to creation of copies of data that can be applied in future for data restoring if it is lost; may be some sort of corruption or even deletion of the data. The free tool provided by Microsoft, Sync toy, is a wonderful tool that can be applied for easy and automatic data backup. It is supported with simple VB script so that even if you are not a technical wizard, you can understand its functioning easily. Backup would also allow you to retrieve the files at some future time when the files are being lost due to any accidental occurrence or due to deletion of the files from the system.

Working of Sync tool…

Step 1

The first step involves the selection and setting up of all the areas that you are required to copy. Also, you need to select all those areas where you wish to keep the archived copies. This process is referred to as sharing of folders in which you need to specify the two folders by clicking on “create new folder pair” on the screen.

Step 2

The second step is to choose the kind of synchronization that you wish to be executed. The three options available at your disposals are synchronize, echo and contribute. Synchronize refers to a two way system of data backup. In this, if a file is being updated in one of the folders (left or the right), them it will be automatically updated in the other folder. Echo is an option that is to be used while carrying out the back up process of a complete directory.

Step 3

Click next and the process of back up would continue automatically. It is important to learn the process of setting up of sync toy automation script for carrying out the process of automated backup. For this, you need to go to control panel, click on administrative tools and then open the task scheduler. This would schedule the process of data backup process to be carried out at different intervals of the day.

Step 4

After scheduling your work for some specific periods of a day, click on the actions tab and click on “select a program”. Browse to the location where you had stored a script and the task scheduler would launch the script as per your scheduled timings in the day. Once the script starts running, you can have a track of this process of running of script.

This can be done by checking the Sync toy log file that can be accessed using the

location – C:UsersOwnerAppDataLocalMicrosoftSyncToy2.0SyncToyLog.log

This log updates automatically every time the process of backup is being run using sync toy. It would provide you details regarding the directory that was being backed up, the time period of carrying out the backup process, the number of files involved in the backup process as well as the size of the backup.

Rebecca is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on environment and technology. Beside this she is fond of books. She recently bought a vending machine. These days she is busy in writing an article on home automation.

photo credit attributed

Did you watch the Teen choice awards this past weekend?  I know, crazy way to start off a post, right?

I can’t believe I was watching it, if nothing more than to satisfy my crush on Selena Gomez.  Anyway, have you noticed that celebrities or even businesses for that matter always have the same cliché “thank you” message to their fans or consumers?

It started to make me think…do consumers of fans actually feel value from a “thank you for your support” message. Let’s be honest, it doesn’t get more generic than that and we’ve heard this for so long from so many people and companies.

I know you’re probably thinking, “Frank, what do you want them to say?”  Well, I want some originality! Spice things up.

There Are Better Ways To Show Appreciation To Your Following

First let me start off and say, I believe celebrities and major brands understand that they would not be where they are if it wasn’t for their fans or consumers.  They help them grow, that’s a given.

However, I don’t want to hear another thank you speech.  It’s becoming nauseating to be honest.  Do I really get the feeling that you care about the fans that voted for you at the Teen Choice Awards?  Not really because the way you show your appreciation is too dull.

People like emotion and feeling a connection with those they support, right?  Well how about we see more of that. Those in the position of constant recognition can start to feel the “WOW” feeling go away and start to expect to be acknowledged.

So, how can the “thank you” phrase be restored?

Is More Engagement On Social Media The Answer?

No.  That’s not the answer.  Social Media is great and you all know how much I love it and believe in connecting with people, but it’s not going to restore the “thank you” message from brands or celebrities.

I talked a little earlier about connecting through emotion and feeling.

Melina Perez, who is a former professional wrestler for World Wrestling Entertainment was recently let go by the company.  A decision that fans didn’t like at all and couldn’t understand why.

I know many of you probably don’t care about wrestling, but this is a good case study example to prove my point about connecting on a higher level to where that “THANK YOU” actually means something.

Now, Melina has been active on social media engaging with fans on Twitter, posting YouTube videos, and podcasts on her blog.  Her fans care for her and she makes it a point to show her appreciation back.  Here’s a message to the fans after she was released.  It’s not generic at all.  It’s heart felt and you can tell the support from her fans means the world to her.

When Do Fans/Followers Feel That Connection?

I sure hope you listened to the podcast from Melina, even if you don’t like wrestling.

If that wasn’t meaningful or a true love for the people in her life, I don’t know what is. Problem is, not enough brands or celebrities have this type of emotion behind their “thank you’s.”

I’m not saying every brand or celebrity needs to get choked up, but what I am saying is they need to make it more personable with their following. You as a fan/supporter want to feel that you really are appreciated and Melina does a great job of that. (She even sent me a direct message on Twitter before!)

This all goes beyond Twitter, Facebook, or any other social network.  This is saying “thank you” and meaning it. Not just, “I got this award, I’m thanking you because I have to.”  Show me why you’re thankful!

There’s Not Enough Time To Thank Everyone

That’s a load of horse crap.  Gary Vaynerchuk always replies to his fans on Twitter, does live streams, talks to people for hours after giving a talk.  That’s saying “thank you” without even needing to say it.  That’s going the extra mile.

If one person can do it, and Gary has a lot on his plate, than anyone can do it.  It’s just whether or not you are ACTUALLY thankful for those people who care about you.

There are so many outlets online to make that feeling of appreciation known.  If you don’t like writing, there’s audio and video, and vice versa.  I don’t need to go into detail there because it should be known, but again, the problem is many people take it all for granted.

What Have You Seen Recently Where An Actual ‘Thank You” Went A Long Way?

Bottom line is…celebrities and brands need to step up their game.  I gave you an example of both a brand and celebrity in this post.  Yes, Gary Vaynerchuk is a brand in itself.  Melina is too, however, she’s more of a celebrity.

Regardless, they are the types of people that even if they lost everything, they would still show their appreciation to their following.  Melina lost her job, she didn’t ditch the fans which she easily could have.  When Gary has someone who doesn’t like his style, he reaches out to the to see what he could do better.  That’s saying thank you!

What have you noticed brands or celebrities do online that impressed you? Leave a comment.

If you enjoyed this post, click here to share on Twitter!

photo credit attributed

How much money have you paid for computer consultations in the past?

I’m guessing you’ve paid top notch money at some point in your life.

Let’s face it.  Everyone has computer problems. However, I have a problem with companies ripping people off, like the Geek Squad.

I’m sure you’ve been burned by them before. I know my mom almost was.  She called up the Geek Squad to have them check out her computer and they were going to charge her for a problem they couldn’t fix.

What’s A Reasonable Price To Fix Your Computer?

This could be a tough question because your asking someone to use a skill that not many people have.  Obviously, they want to be compensated, but it can be done without charging a crazy price like $100 just for walking in the door.

The more challenging the issue you are having with your computer, the more its going to cost.  Personally, I’m comfortable paying a premium price if I know the issue can be resolved.  Although, not everyone wants to go that route, so how can you decide whether or not a service to fix your computer is worth paying for?

How Do I Know When I Need Assistance?

It’s been a while since I’ve done  ”tech tips” on my blog, but I felt it was time to save you from being ripped off.

Here’s the three important tips you need to look into…

1. Research these “experts” before hiring them.  People like the Geek Squad do not run their business in a fair manner.  First, they charge too much to run a diagnostic (which is just to see what’s wrong) and most of the people who join the GeekSquad usually come from another department within Best Buy since they own Geek Squad.  I just don’t trust them.

2. Do they offer a “free trial run.”  Most tech consultants should be offering a free trial run so that you can see if they’re legitimate.  For example, are they offering first time clients a free diagnostic check.  That would be a good way to establish some credibility.  For you, you get to know what’s wrong with your computer for free and can choose whether or not to pay to have it fixed.

3. Do they have referrals or support from past clients.  Granted new tech consultants aren’t going to have this “backing” to their business.  So what do you do then?  Simple…ask for their resume!  Hell, I’d give my resume to someone if I knew they were interested in my services.  I’ll be as transparent as possible especially if I don’t have any referrals to back it up.

What Routes Have You Taken In The Past To Repair Your Computer?

I’ve been fortunate enough that I know how to fix computers.  First because an old roommate of mine was an IT major in college and second my cousin is an IT technician and they both taught me a lot.  However, not everyone has that luxury, but if you do, who has helped you and what advice have they given you?

If you’ve been ripped off before by a tech consultant, let us know in the comments below.  Also, tell us who it is so that we can make sure nobody else becomes a “victim.”  I gave you mine with Geek Squad.  I still despise how they handled business with my mom.

Hopefully these tips provide you with a structured process to take when deciding how to fix your computer should any future situations come about.

photo credit attributed

Are you trying to hit a home run before you even step up to bat?  This seems like a common behavior and teaching among those in our social media space when it comes to community building.  You hear it all the time, “build your community!”  What ever happened to – get to know those people in your community. Like building a friendship for example I believe should be a major focal point of community building.

I don’t know about you, but trying to go big and build a huge community right from the bat can cause you to run before you can walk.  Think of it this way – having a small group of people who dig what you write about shouldn’t be taken with a grain of salt.  I personally have a small tight knit community of people that consistently give me feedback and share their thoughts with me.

A Small Community Is My Best Decision?

So, how can building a small community be the best route to take  Well, I’m glad you asked!

First off, you have less to “manage.”  You’re not managing people, but rather you have less people to keep up with on a friendship level.  It’s always great to have more friends, but sometimes when you have too many you neglect those that really care.  Have you ever been in that position before?  I’m sure you have, we all have.

By focusing on a small community you give yourself the ability to constantly keep in touch with those individuals who interact with what you do.  I’ve been talking a lot about engagement lately because it’s a very important topic that many people, especially “internet celebrities” seem to have abandoned to a degree.  The larger your community becomes, the harder it can be to “run.”

Are You Crazy?  I Want The Number Of People In My Community To Grow!

I’m not saying it’s a bad thing for your community to grow.  If you are yourself and make an attempt to take an interest in what others have to say then your community will grow naturally.  Not by buying people through advertising or bribing them with contests.  That bull crap has to stop.  It’s not authentic and I don’t think anyone likes being looked at as a “mark” for a goal you’re trying to reach.

Let’s be honest, there are some communities that take off and grow at exponential rates and then there are others that are small, but you can make both work to your liking.  It’s all depending on what you’re trying to accomplish. I like building friendships and being straight forward and blunt with people.  My readers have liked this approach and it shows from the comments I’ve received from past posts.  You need to do what works for your personality and not change that approach if your community becomes bigger than you expected.

It seems to be common among the big name “internet celebrities” who once preached engagement to fall short on what they taught because a large community almost becomes too much to handle.  At that point, they figure, “might as well make some money off them.”  Listen, they know what you’re doing, but if you want to do it in an ethical manner…continue to PAY ATTENTION while making a living.  That principal should never be forgotten.

Frank, why do you like your small tight knit community?

A small community is rich in quality conversations and people that you know by name when you see them share their thoughts with you.  What’s great is when you do see someone knew getting involved in your community, embrace it, but treat them with the same respect you do with everyone else.  This may sound corny, but if you’re community sky rockets and you forget about “Samantha” who was there from the beginning, but now you’ve become too big for yourself, you’re much more likely to see yourself suffer.  Your community can decrease and people will start to feel that you’ve changed.

I’m not talking out of my ass.  These are all observations I make on a daily basis and feel these are practices you should take into your own community building so that you don’t fall into the “big shot who lost his way” category. If you stay true, you can’t go wrong and your community will build because people will feel like they’re your friend, not another sale!

photo credit attributed

How To Show You Care When Engaging And Not Come Off As Phony

Daniel Wood:

“Hi Frank Great job. I was unaware of CommentHour till I read your post. It seems like a great way to increase the user engagement for your blog. I found your blog posts very interesting and informative. Would read all your posts.

I have one suggestion for your blog, please change your post font-style as it doesn’t match to a professional blogger’s style. Anyways its only my opinion.”

This was a recent comment I received on my post about #CommentHour.  Why am I sharing this with you?  Simply put, not only did Daniel have some kind words for the valuable information I shared, but he followed up with suggestion to improve my blog, which I always appreciate from all of my readers.  However, most people may just respond to the comment.  I did that, however, I went past that to create a friendship between Daniel and myself.  Let me make something clear as well, this is not a fake friendship which I see a lot of people to do just so they can get something from their reader, like a sale.  So what I did was email Daniel to see which font he would like me to use on the blog to make the reading the blog more enjoyable.

“I just wanted to thank you for your recent comment on my blog post about CommentHour.  I just wanted to follow up with you on your feedback about the post style font I use.  Which font style do you think would be better or easier to read?  I’d like to look into this for you if it would make it easier for you to read my posts!  I look forward to hearing your thoughts.”

Here was his response when I emailed him:

“Hope you are doing well. Truly speaking, I was not expecting a mail from you seeking my opinion on font-style as I am nobody to suggest you anything. It’s your blog and you have every right to choose everything. This shows how concerned you are for your readers and for your blog.”

I think this response from Daniel says it all.  To sum it all up, when you do something that creates “the element of surprise”, you are showing respect for your reader and improving your social engagement practices online.  These are behaviors that should be used when not only engaging through email, but on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or even Google Plus.  Most people tend to take constructive criticism in the wrong way.  Instead of feeling insulted, take a step back and realize that your readers want you to succeed.

Following Up With Your Community Maintains A Strong Foundation

The biggest mistake that people tend to make with their community and continuing to build their relationships is not following up with them. I like to follow up and check in with my community.  I recently checked in with Daniel to let him know that I was running into some difficulties trying to adjust the font style for the posts on my blog. Now, I don’t need to do this, but I care enough to do so.  That’s going the extra mile and now Daniel knows that I’m out to help my community however I can.  I personally believe this practice needs to be utilized with your entire community and not just one person because then you might loose a relationship with someone.

Are You Going To Go The Extra Mile?

Obviously in the end, we’re all looking to gain an edge on our competition, but the online world we live in is saturated with the same redundant information.  So besides being unique and different in our approach, we must also go the extra mile.  It’s true that email is one of the best ways to connect with your community because it’s personal, but don’t forget that when you have someone reaching out to you on a social media platform, you should make an effort there too.  Don’t ignore questions or feedback…embrace it!  It will help improve your relationships for the better.  So tell me, what have you done to go the extra mile? What was their reaction?  How can I improve this blog for you?

photo credit attributed 

This is the biggest crock I’ve ever heard.  Although, you know it’s true.  Every single time a new social network is launched and it becomes a hot ticket item, all the “popular” people on the internet are always asking to connect.  You know what the funny part is, they look at connecting differently than you or I would.  They view it as the following…

“Come connect with me on (insert social network here) to help me build my following so that I receive a ton of comments and can eventually market the hell out of you.”

See, they once looked at it the way we did…having actual conversations.  Even though the main players in the social media space are the one’s we learned  about community and engagement from, they for some reason stopped.  We all know why.  Basically, their number of “followers” became too great and they couldn’t keep up.  If that’s so, than how come Gary Vaynerchuk has no problem keeping up?  He has a huge fan base and always does his best to engage.  Just look at his Twitter stream and see how many people he talks to.  However, for the rest of them, I think it became less about the conversation and more about viewing their community as a quick buck.

Am I jealous?  No.  I feel we can all be successful in our own ways and we alone determine what success is.  However, just because you’ve reached success doesn’t mean you should stop the good practices, like community engagement that you first preached in the very beginning.  I can admit I’m aggravated with what the social media space seems to have turned into.  I love this space and I am very passionate about it, but I don’t like when the average person who really wants to connect with these “big shots” isn’t heard.  Just because you can grab a comment from them regardless of what you say, doesn’t mean you should take their input for granted.  Can we go back to listening to what others have to say?

When I first thought of writing this post, I couldn’t decide whether to do it in a video or text format.  Then I figured the written word always means more.  I’ve been seeing others online aggravated with the way people are using social media, so I know it’s not just me.  I will never tell anyone how to use these platforms, but at least I care to hear what someone has to say.  I don’t think there’s a reason to call out specific people because I believe everyone has their own person in mind.  Not to mention, we probably share similar opinions.

I apologize if this came off as a rant, but it has to be said and here are my three main takeaways for you as you build your presence in social media.  Oh, and I understand that most of them expect criticism like this and won’t address it, but this post was for the average “joe.”

1. Be the person who talks to the person that the “big man on campus” won’t talk to.  I’ve done this before and real life and they became a best friend.

2. As a good friend of mine Kat Armstrong said, “I want friends, not fans or followers.”  Friends matter and they are the one’s that listen.

3. Don’t emulate what someone “popular” has done.  That’s worked for them, find you stand and capitalize on your strength.

What’s your stance now on when one of these “internet celebrities” ask you to connect on a social network?  Are you quick to jump into their lap or are you frustrated with not being heard?  Let me know!

photo credit attributed

Let’s Break It Down, Shall We?

Are you using Empire Avenue?  If not, I suggest you do.  Here’s a quick breakdown of what the service offers if you aren’t already aware.  Ultimately, Empire Avenue tracks your engagement on multiple social media platforms.  Through these statistics, a “stock price” is determined.  You and other users on the site can now buy “stocks” or “sell” stocks using a virtual currency called “eaves” based on who provides the greatest value in an online capacity.

I wasn’t into the idea in the beginning, but I saw so many people discussing it on Twitter that I had to see what all the hype was about.  I was very skeptical that there would be any benefit whatsoever with using this new “social network” of sorts. However, I was wrong and after reading my 10 tips here, I’m sure I can convince you to check out Empire Avenue if you’re not already using it now!

1. See an increase in subscriptions/follows on multiple platforms – Since using Empire Avenue, I’ve seen an increase in my YouTube subscribers as well as an increase in Twitter followers.  Empire Avenue gives you the ability to create relationships based on how valuable your social graph is.  It’s simple, the more valuable you are in terms of your engagement rate, the more likely users will “buy” and this results in new relationships with quality people rather than random “followers.”

2. Reach new people and build your online authority - If you’re looking for new people to connect with, Empire Avenue allows that.  However, what is really intriguing about the service is your stock price will let you know the influence you have in the social media space.  As in real life, the higher the price, the more you’re going to have individuals wanting to know what you’re about.  If you notice your stock price isn’t increasing and you’re not connecting with as many new people as you’d like, then you need to change your strategy.  Empire Avenue gives you insight into whether or not your engaging enough online and whether you’re an authority figure.  It’s something you have to work at and Empire Avenue will let you know how you’re doing.

3. It’s not just analytics, it’s a game providing entertainment - You may have a gut feeling that this particular service is nothing more than analytics tracking social media stats. We definitely don’t need another service like that, believe me, I’m with you!  Even though this is an analytics tool, it’s much more than that…it’s a game!  A game that can be quite addicting as many people have signed up have realized.  You’re pretty much a business with a stock ticker and you’re buying and selling stock.  The only difference is, this is play money (A.K.A. – Eaves).  Believe it or not, it’s really exciting when people “buy” more stock in you because your stock price will increase, you’ll have more “eaves” to invest, and new relationships with people!

4. Know your “social status” - I think one of the biggest intrigues for me with this game is knowing where you stand in your specific index.  So what’s an index?  I’m glad you asked. An index is something you choose in the beginning when setting up your account.  Simply put, it’s a category that you want to be in that best describes you.  It just depends which interests you.  When you select your index, you are now part of that “company” and your goal is to get your “ticker” (username) to get to the CEO level.  You start off at the very bottom and work your way up, but don’t expect the climb to be simple!  This is yet another compelling feature of the game

5. One of the best ways to learn - Most people are always so concerned about increasing their follower base or the number of subscribers they have that they don’t take the time to learn how to do just that in an quality manner.  The saying always goes quality is better than quantity.  What Empire Avenue does best I believe is it serves as a teaching platform.  Most may disagree with me, but that’s exactly what it has been for me.  I’ve learned what I do well online, where I spend my most time, and what areas within social media I can improve upon.  I’m also able to see whether or not the relationships I’ve made on this platform are valuable or not.  Being able to know that specific information is important to me and I’m sure it would be to you as well.  You need to know whether your efforts are well received.

So, Are You Going To Give Empire Avenue A Shot?

I think you owe it to yourself to give the site a go.  There’s more value in this platform than you’ll get out of some other services out there.  I gave it a shot and became addicted and didn’t expect it to happen.  I have a better idea of how I want to improve in all areas of social media and not to mention, I have a pretty fun game I’m playing.  It can be very distracting at times  Well, what are you waiting for? Go to Empire Avenue.com and buy some stock in me - http://www.empireavenue.com/angelone

photo credit attributed

What Is #CommentHour And Why Should I Care?

You’re struggling to increase engagement on your blog are you?  If so, I’ve stumbled across one of the best Twitter chats that will directly benefit the comments section of your blog. It’s called #CommentHour.  That’s the hash tag you’ll want to use when participating in the conversation.  This particular chat takes place every Wednesday, 6:30pm PST.

In a nutshell, every Monday, the form to submit a link to your blog opens and if you’re one of the 25 links selected for the hour long chat, you’ll not only receive traffic to your site, but comments from those participating! What could be better than that?  Not to mention, it gives you an insight to the efficiency of your site.

Oh Geez!  You’re Not Providing Us With Blog Tips Now Are You?

Simply put, I am not.  I’m sharing this post with you because it ties into my passion of Twitter and community engagement.  The blogging portion and comments happens to tie in really well.  I did check to see if this Twitter chat was for real.  Trust me, I’m like you, I’m always skeptical of how well something will resonate with the entire community.  Although, I realized that everyone wants more comments on their blog to continue to engage with their readers.  I checked out some of the blogs shared during the chat this past Wednesday and there definitely were some great comments left!  Here’s the link of the blogs shared and where you can see for yourself that #CommentHour really does work.

Will The Comments Provide Meaningful Engagement?

I was skeptic of the fact that people would “half ass” the comments they left.  Just think, during an hour long Twitter chat you have 25 links being shared.  Who’s to say that readers aren’t going to just say, “nice post?” That provides no value at all and that’s what I was expecting to see.  However, after checking out some of the blogs shared, I noticed that the comments provided true value to the post and continued the conversation.  There was actual engagement!  The online world today craves that interaction with others especially when the person giving their two cents shows they care.

Twitter Is Making The Conversation Richer On Other Platforms

I’ve always felt that Twitter enables us to have conversations that we never thought possible.  However, it can also make an impact on our businesses and work, whether that be positive or negative.  Granted, most people understand this, but I think what most fail to realize is that Twitter chats are really becoming the new thing and they’re working wonders for many out there.  All you really need to do is participate and become engaged.  The fact that we can use a platform like Twitter to increase comments on our blogs is really remarkable.  We take things like #CommentHour for granted.  We expect comments on our blogs rather than appreciate the time someone takes to share their insight on a topic.  Since blogging has become so saturated, comments died down for the average blogger, and #CommentHour gives the average blogger a chance again!

The Biggest Mistake You Can Make When Receiving Comments

This should be beyond obvious, but ALWAYS respond to any blog comments you receive. It’s the same proper etiquette you would demonstrate on Twitter when you respond to a tweet.  However, from the few blogs I checked out, I still notice people not responding to those comments.  Let me tell you, this infuriates me.  Alright, I’m going overboard a little, but you get my point.  We need to stop taking these interactions from others for granted. You need to understand, that just because they’re involved in #CommentHour or if they just happen to stumble across a post of yours, no reader has to comment.  If they do, you should respond!  If you don’t, it’s a missed opportunity and a missed relationship with that individual.  I always make it a point to respond to all engagements I receive on any platform.

Are You Going To Give #CommentHour A Chance?

I believe you owe it to yourself to get involved in a Twitter chat like this one.  Not only do you have the opportunity to expand your reach on Twitter and make new connections, but now you can see the engagement on your blog pick up!  You have the opportunity to have conversations not only in social media, but also your “home base,” your blog!  I’m sure you may still have doubts and hopefully I was able to enlighten you on the benefits of #CommentHour and limit those doubts.

Go check it out – www.commenthour.com

photo credit attributed

Have you taken the time to join a “chat room” on Twitter?  You know what I’m talking about!  Those chats that Twitter users mark with a hashtag after posting their status update. Well, it just so happens that I have been taking a closer look into them and I can’t believe how useful and beneficial they really are.  There are a solid amount of them ongoing within the Twitter universe, but one in particular that I think surpasses the rest is #blogchat.

Why Choose #BlogChat?

When I say this is a strong and helpful community of people, I mean it.  If you want free advice about building your community, improving your blog, or just looking for new people to meet…#blogchat is the way to go.  You really can’t go wrong and the chat takes place every Sunday from 9pm – 10pm EST.  I know that most people are always looking to increase the number of followers they have.  You shouldn’t always concentrate on that number because it’s much more valuable to connect with people and develop those relationships.  However, if you contribute valuable information and respond to what others have to say…the numbers tend to increase on their own.  I have noticed it first hand

Have Your Ideas Heard

We all know that everyone wants to use these social interactions to build more self awareness for themselves.  Trust me, it’s perfectly fine as others are doing it too. Just make sure you aren’t going about it in a way that comes off as spam.  It’s cool to promote yourself, but you want to make sure your reacting to what others contribute, otherwise you can find yourself being the bad egg.  In a community as strong and as popular as #blogchat, making the wrong impression can hurt you and your brand. Do the right things, share what you want to accomplish, and believe me, people will listen and want to know what you have to say.  Being genuine goes a long way!  You already knew that though

Expand Your Engagement On Twitter

I know this post has demonstrated the value I have found by interacting on #blogchat. However, be sure to seek out the many other “chat rooms” that users are engaging in.  If you’re wondering how to find them, do what I do…watch your Twitter feed!  I’ll just notice one of the individuals I follow uses a hashtag like #LeadershipChat.  Yes, that is another one!  I immediately will jump in and if I am new to the conversation, I’ll just listen and watch the input of others.  I prefer to contribute my thoughts when I feel my response will resonate with others. These thought provoking responses work really well and it gives others the initiative to watch what you have to say.

Which “Twitter Chat Rooms” Do You Engage In?

As I mentioned earlier in this post, there’s many “chat rooms” on Twitter with some great people providing great conversation and insight.  I gave you the way I find these chats and you can always search Google!  However, the real popular chats will be sure to make it on to your stream (like #blogchat).  So, I’d like to know which “chat rooms” on Twitter you engage in?  It may be one I haven’t heard of before and I’m always looking for something new to continue my community efforts. I’d like to hear your experiences in those chats and what your main takeaway would be.  Hopefully, I’ll see you there!

To say I’m disgusted with Papa Johns is an understatement. For a company to forget a delivery and never credit back my account is absurd. They demonstrate poor customer service and lack the ability to use social media to resolve customer complaints.

I’m one of those customers that doesn’t complain and prefers to let it slide, but this is all about the principal of the matter. Granted they called once to let me know the $16.06 would be credited to my account, but it never actually happened. So, what am I or other Papa Johns customers suppose to think about their ethical standards? What makes me laugh most is they ignored my request after a while because I was persistent with getting an answer. All I can say to that is – FAIL!

I’m only one customer and I’m sure others have had problems worse than mine, but the fact that Papa Johns never resolved the issue is my reasoning for calling them out. Let’s just say that Dominos has made Papa Johns look stupid. Dominos knows what true customer service is and they also know how to use social media by delivering satisfaction through Twitter.

photo credit attributed

Here’s the link to a conversation between @JayVig and @DominosPizzaMS where a satisfied ending is reached.