"Social Media Changes" - When isn't it?

This is a great article about the most current changes to social media THIS MONTH!  Yes that is how fast these platforms are revising, updating and tailoring the social experience.  Check out the changes - I think I am most intrigued by the Twitter Small Business Planner!  What's your favorite?

http://topdogsocialmedia.com/social-media-changes-nov-2014/?utm_content=buffer29104&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Time to turn around

I was inspired today for a blog post.  Rushing out of the house this morning I FORGOT my cell phone.  Want to take a bet if I turned around?  Of course I did.  I cannot imagine the day without the connection to my family, friends and work - not mention my post for #TBT.  With that inspiration I have the following statistics for you.

"If 25% of people aged 18–44 can’t remember not having their phone with them, there are probably very few times when they’re not connected to the web in some way.

Rethink it: While you can reach people almost anytime, since they have their smartphones with them almost always, this also means you can interrupt pretty much any part of their lives. Don’t forget that having a phone in your pocket all the time isn’t the same as being available all the time."

http://blog.bufferapp.com/10-surprising-social-media-statistics-that-will-make-you-rethink-your-strategy

#Ag Hashtags

Hashtags are all the rage #tweets #raging.  While I have been on twitter creeping status I am slowing embracing hashtag use.  Facebook, instagram and other social media outlets have integrated the hashtag option as a way to keyword search topic or theme areas.  Here are some great resources:


Popular Ag Hashtags - http://www.trufflemedia.com/agmedia/blog/2012/09/27244/quick-twitter-ag-hashtag-list


Are you interested in organizing hashtags and to see what is being said?  Websites like tagboard.com allows you to search hashtags and to see what is being said about them over all media resources. #cool #checkitout

Rise of the INFOGRAPHICS

How cool are these things?  I see them online, in catalogs and on social media.  They have gained massive popularity.  An Infographic is a graphic designed to visualize content.  It adds pictures, graphics and text to show relationships and describe an idea.


But how easy are they to make?  You do not need to be a graphic designer to create one.  You need an idea and content.  There are many easy to use websites with templates that make this very easy to create.  Just search "make a free infographic".


Tips for creating an info graphic:
- Simple
- Creative Packing a Punch
- Minimal Text and High Impact
- Easily Sharable


Read more about the tips visit: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-long/why-your-business-should-_b_4192309.html


Check out the ag census infographics: http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Partners/Infographics/

Bitcoins - I don't get it

I have heard a lot about Bitcoins recently and I still don't get it.  Bitcoins are digital currency with no physical existence.  They only exist as a digital code on the internet. They were created in 2009 but received a spike last year in value from less than $20 in January of 2013 to $266.  So what is it?  A Bitcoin is a form of money built on the internet and not controlled by any person, group, company or government.  The currency can be transferred directly from one entity to another directly with no fees.  All reports say that Bitcoins will not be going away and only gain popularity in the marketplace.  Definitely something to keep an eye on.

"Boost"

Wonder why you have had more spam on your news feeds?  FaceBook "boost" may be to blame.  Businesses can now pay to have a posting reach more of an audience.  There are no ad tools and owners pay a flat rate depending on how many users they want to reach.  It is fairly inexpensive and users have reported good results - mostly additional likes which increases your reach. 

Suffering from DBS

You may feel like this as well.  The weather has been cold and wet and the days are short.  I have diagnosed myself with DBS - Distracted Blogging Syndrome.  Other times of the year I can sit down to the computer and be inspired.  Now I stare at the blank page which leads me to this post.  I am anxiously waiting for longer days and any sign of spring.  I wonder if any of you are feeling the same.

Happy New Year!

2014 is here! January starts out with such great intentions.  The usual, eating better and exercise is at the top of my list.  I also am searching for ways to make life easier but to also unplug.  I admit my screen time is much more than it should be.  But how do we shut off something that we rely so much on!!  I plan to schedule tech time and disable some of my notifications.  Here is a great article with other ideas. http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2013/12/19/How-Unplug-Little-2014