Do you want to build and grow your network or community?

6 years ago Simon Zutshi asked me to work with him to create and grow the online media presence of property investors network ‘pin’.

He’d seen me online and knew I was active within various online communities, as well as hosting my own events - in Property, Business and Internet Marketing.

I’d been doing online marketing for a long time and active on Facebook using paid Advertising (since 2008) before a lot of the big corporates were even aware of online marketing.

I’d also helped at and supported many personal development events, from local YES Groups to bigger Tony Robbins UPW events and similar.

As well as booking speakers for events, it was important for me to provide outstanding customer service to attendees as well, as I’d been to too many events where the organisers lacked integrity and each person was just a 'lead'. Things sometimes do go wrong and we all make mistakes - but when no-one takes actual responsibility for actions, service suffers and so does ‘word of mouth’ (and now social media posts) about your company.

People will remember how you make them feel and if you care enough to provide excellent service, which is more than just ‘good enough’. (Thanks to Graham Hill, Regional Director – Buckinghamshire & Bedfordshire of Shopper Anonymous for that reminder yesterday #FSB)

People are the most important part of any community or business.

Working with pin was a good fit, as one of my biggest values is that people should have a good time and feel valued. I would be able to help create that community online.

When I started with ‘pin’, I took on the task of creating and building the online presence of the property investors network across various online platforms and company websites. This grew from a few meetings to 50+ meetings and I was responsible for maintaining their online presence. Once I’d systemised all this, it became easier to scale and grow the online exposure.
The online marketing was all bootstrapped but has grown to a successful and large presence, had I bigger budget to work with I’d have done an even better job.

I also provided training & support to pin meeting Hosts on how to best use social media effectively, to connect with people and increase exposure for the meetings they ran in their local areas. Another task I took on was to keep on eye on the online reputation of Simon Zutshi, the company and the meetings.

As well as the online social media presence, I supported the Mastermind community by making sure information was easy to find on the forum and help them out with any queries they had, whether it was my ‘department’ or not. Either I’d sort it out myself or find the best person to help them.

All your clients (and team) are important, especially those that have paid for first class support.
This belief is what enabled me to provide the best service I could whilst at pin for many years.

In my spare time (Entrepreneurs don’t take evenings or weekends off, unless they want to take a holiday) I would also support on other events and help other Property education providers, as long as there was no conflict of interest.

After being there for over 5 years, it was time to move on.
So I have now moved to Milton Keynes. Why you ask? Why not?
It is closer and easily accessible to all the places I usually visit, from Birmingham & London being within 1 hour or so drive.  It was also good for a fresh start and to work on some new projects.

I’m now looking for a new challenge.  
Are you in property, personal development or a business related field and want to improve your service and/or reach? 
Or maybe you just want to create a community to share your love or hobby? 
Even if your idea is to start a Nicolas Cage Appreciation Society, get in touch.

If you have a business and no time to do it yourself, then why not give me a call and see how I can help.  My past experience and long-term view will help save you and your team many hours and tens of thousands by setting up things right to start with.
As I did when I advised a new property education startup earlier this month on the best way to set up and move forward.
The digital landscape has changed a lot in the last few years again, so don't think that trying to copy someone else will help you remain ahead anymore.   It's not just what you see at the front end that counts but how it is managed in the background that matters.

You can find out more and contact me on Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn

I also prefer to work with people I know, so if this is of interest to you, read the mini-CV below and get back to me if I can help you in any way 😀 👍

[full CV available on request]

--------------------------

Solutions focused Systems & Operations Freelancer looking to contribute extensive experience towards supporting progressive organisations in optimising their performance. Through increased efficiency by systemising, making things simpler by automating frequent processes, serving clients and having happier customers by meeting their needs and over-delivering on expectations.

My background is in Engineering, Property, Systems, Networking and Training Events and Social Media/Digital Marketing.

Engineering has given me an analytical background and project management skills which come in useful with jobs that require attention to detail and planning.

I have been involved in property investment and education since 2001, learning valuable lessons through boom and bust, and know many of the experts and trainers in the UK.

Attended a lot of personal development, business and entrepreneur seminars and paid for high-end coaching over the last 10 years.

As well as attending these events, I've also set-up, organised and hosted networking events, as well as helping out and crewing for many training courses.

Extensive background in social media and online marketing, website design from SEO to funnel creation, including paid marketing and CRM.

I'm more than competent in a lot of fields, although not a self-proclaimed expert or goo-roo. I realise I can always learn more and be better at everything. I'm a polymath (Renaissance man) with curiosity and many hobbies, talents and areas of interest and expertise, therefore I have a wide knowledge base that I can draw on and use in other areas to solve problems and for success.  I can explain what needs to be done in simple language, by removing fluff that some experts use to complicate things to justify their position.  I will listen to your ideas and recommend creative solutions & improvements.  I offer highly professional consulting and honest opinions and feedback, always acting in the client's best interest.

---------------

So if any of that is of interest, contact me today on Facebook , Twitter  and LinkedIn or call if you've got my number and not rung me for a long time anyway. Always happy to meet up and have a chat.

. . .

Confused by Social Media?

Want more leads for your business? Like to be able to stay in contact with your existing clients? Need to be easier to find online?

Have you taken the first steps to get yourself and your brand online yet?

If you're reading this blog and have been redirected here from a Facebook group or fanpage, Twitter, Ecademy, LinkedIn, forum, RSS Feed or a link shared on a friend's webpage - then you're already half way there.

Did you know that you can also publish content about yourself, your company, products and services just as easily? Yes, it's true! You don't need a corporate sized budget to be able to compete with the big guys any more. For individuals and entrepreneurs it is much easier to get presence and connect with your existing and potential customers.

Have you any idea what people are saying about your brand online? Check Google to see what it comes up with. The problem is that people are more likely to complain when they receive bad service than take the time to thank you - unless you actively engage with them and ask for testimonials and do your best to deal with the complaints.

Below is a presentation I did at the Northern Property Network during March 2009 to a group of property investors and business owners.

The scary thing is that some people still aren't using the tools that they have at their fingertips to grow their business and manage their online brand and reputation.

If you need help with your online social media and advertising.
Then contact me and see how I can help find a solution that's right for you.

Email:

Web 2.0 Social Media Presentation

Press Play on the bar at the bottom of the presentation to start the audio.

Click on the bottom right icon to make it full size so you can read the slides as well.

Obama Assassination Tweets? Be careful what you shout!

Social Media is great and can give you a voice that can be heard by millions - but you should be careful about WHAT you say, WHO you say it about and who HEARS it.

Below is a story of two guys who's harmless comments are now being investigated by The Secret Service (at least someone's looking out for Obama's Health care). That comment could lead to a completely different investigation. I hope they're not sat naked in their house, smoking weed and watching dodgy films when these guys bust in and find anything dubious lying around.

Yes you have freedom of speech - but the government has more power over you to do what it wants! Be careful what you say, if you're going to shout from the roof tops, make sure it is honest, ethical and moral... 

Bobby
----

Here's a great comment I found on an older Facebook Poll: 'Should Obama Be Killed?'

"Speech is speech, but it's also an action and can have legal consequences. Threats have never been protected speech. I couldn't say, "How would you like it if I set your house on fire?" and then claim I was merely inquiring after your opinions." - Semiotix

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Tweets Calling for Obama’s Assassination Prompt Secret Service Investigation

"Two Twitter users are learning the hard way that threats against the President of the United States are taken very seriously, even when they’re just a tweet.

With intense debate swirling around last night’s healthcare reform vote, @THHEE_JAY and @Solly_Forrel expressed their frustration with the President by publishing tweets reading “ASSASSINATION! America, we survived the Assassinations and Lincoln & Kennedy. We’ll surely get over a bullet to Barrack Obama’s head” and “You Should be Assassinated!! @Barack Obama.”

Now, the Secret Service is investigating, as they do with all perceived threats against the President. ABC News notes that the two users both tried to backtrack from their statements, and at least one of the accounts (@THHEE_JAY) appears to be offline as of Monday evening.

This isn’t the first time social media activity has caught the attention of the Secret Service. Last year, a teen created a Facebook poll asking “Should Obama be killed?” Ultimately, charges weren’t filed after the perpetrator’s identity was discovered, and it seems likely that the suspects in this case had no formal plans or means to try and assassinate the President.

Nonetheless, it’s another reminder that what’s said in social media carries just as much weight as what’s said using other forms of communication. Apparently, some users still need to figure that out — and more of them will, as law enforcement continues to leverage social media in their crime-fighting efforts."

Source: www.mashable.com

Google execs convicted in Italy over abuse video

Bad news for those that upload information and videos to the internet... if internet hosting service providers can be taken to court, how long before they take the free service away from genuine people? Who is to police the web as it promotes freedom of speech - and the imbeciles that abuse it? Well they ruin it for everyone else!

"It attacks the very principles of freedom on which the internet is built."

And a warning to users, beware! If anything looks like it could upset the majority, the same people will help to convict you.

Google said. “We also worked with the police to help identify the person responsible for uploading it...”

Not to worry though, as in real life - privacy online is a myth, as much as the government, banks, mobile phone providers and Tescos not storing information on you!  Just keep your nose clean and you won't have anything to worry about.

And remember, don't invest in hosting companies else you could be liable for the info uploaded by users. Saying "it's not fair" and asking the lawyers to use "common sense" doesn't work, as Common Sense died a long time ago... What happened to Common Sense?

"Common sense dictates that only the person who films and uploads a video to a hosting platform could take the steps necessary to protect the privacy and obtain the consent of the people they are filming."

Bobby

------------------------------------------

Three Google bosses were today convicted of violating the privacy of a boy with Down's syndrome in a ruling that could also affect websites such as YouTube and Facebook.

The men received suspended six-month sentences after the internet giant allowed a video of the teenager being abused to be posted online.

“This is the biggest threat to internet freedom we have seen in Europe,” said MP Tom Watson. “The only people who will support this decision are Silvio Berlusconi and the governments of China and Iran. It effectively breaks the internet in Italy.”

The two prosecutors who brought the case against the US-based firm praised the ruling for protecting personal interest above corporate profit. "We are very satisfied because by means of this trial we have posed a serious problem: that is to say, the protection of human beings, which must prevail over corporate interests," they said in a statement.

The case stems from an incident in 2006 when four boys in Turin filmed and uploaded a 191-second clip of them bullying a schoolmate with Down's syndrome. It shows the youths making fun of the boy, before punching and kicking him. One of the attackers then makes a mocking call to Viva Down, an advocacy group for people with Down's syndrome. The complaint was brought by the charity and the boy's father.

“The video was totally reprehensible and we took it down within hours of being notified by the Italian police,” Google said. “We also worked with the police to help identify the person responsible for uploading it and she was sentenced to 10 months community service, as were several other classmates.”


The case has potentially vast implications for the future of the internet. Hosting platforms such as Facebook and YouTube argue that they cannot be held responsible for content created by their users until they are informed that something is illegal. The Italian prosecutors contended that Google was negligent in not removing the video sooner.

All of Google's employees, who were convicted in absentia, denied wrong­doing. It is expected that the company's lawyers will argue on appeal that the verdict is at odds with an EU directive from 2000 that gave hosting platforms a so-called "safe harbour" from prosecution, so long as they acted promptly to remove illegal content.

In a statement, Google called the outcome of the case "surprising to say the least, since our colleagues had nothing to do with the video in question: they did not make it; they did not upload it, and they have not seen it.

"We are deeply troubled by this conviction for another equally important reason," it added. "It attacks the very principles of freedom on which the internet is built. Common sense dictates that only the person who films and uploads a video to a hosting platform could take the steps necessary to protect the privacy and obtain the consent of the people they are filming."

Mr Drummond, who is Google's chief legal officer, vowed to fight his conviction. He said: “I am outraged by the decision … If individuals like myself and my Google colleagues who had nothing to do with the harassing incident, its filming or its uploading onto Google Video can be held criminally liable solely by virtue of our positions at Google every employee of any internet hosting service faces similar liability.” 

Sources:
www.guardian.co.uk
www.thisislondon.co.uk

The Influence of Social Media on Valentine’s Day

Great article showing the link between social media, relationships and how you can get (and stay) more connected with your loved one!

Bobby

-----------------------------

"This year on Valentine’s Day, people are taking full advantage of all that social media has to offer to build on their special relationships.

What does Valentine’s Day have to do with social media? What they have in common is relationships. Social media is about building relationships. Valentine’s Day is about paying attention to relationships and strengthening relationship bonds. There are several important aspects of social media relationships that apply to all relationships: listening (knowing what your clients are saying about you), empathizing (connecting with your clients and trying to understand why they feel the way that they do), being transparent (honesty builds trust and without trust, your business will not succeed), showing appreciation (express how much you value your clients), and being passionate (long-lasting and valuable relationships are filled with passion, dedication, and hard work).

People use social networks to connect with people with whom they have existing relationships. In the process, they also form new relationships. Social networks allow you to share media and to customize your look and feel online. People can form online groups that consist of people who all share common interests. Special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day, create a whirlwind of activity on social networks. People are looking for the perfect gift for that special person or for themselves.

Searching online for Valentine’s Day ideas produces a huge volume of new articles, social networking suggestions, commercial offerings, and live twitter feeds. Before social media was available, the standard flowers and chocolates were gratefully accepted. Now, social media is ensuring that everyone tries to get more creative and exciting gifts to show how much they care. In today’s difficult economy, people are trying to be generous without hurting themselves financially.

Here are some fun gifts and gift ideas for your sweetheart using social media:

• Create a personalized Facebook ad—You can create an ad that will only be seen by one user. You can make it as special as you want without any fear that you are sharing it with the whole world.
• Upload a karaoke cover of your song on YouTube—It will be considered very romantic if you sing a song for your sweetheart in a room full of people. In fact, in this case, you will be singing in front of the entire World Wide Web. Share your recording on social media channels so that it is perfectly clear who your sweetheart is.
• Schedule new @replies by the hour through HootSuite—Send a new reason for loving him or her every hour for 24 hours. You can set it all up in advance and HootSuite will automatically work its magic.
• Buy a generous Facebook gift (for charity)—Facebook’s online gift shop has an entire collection of gifts for charity. Whatever you spend will go to the charitable organization of your choice.
• Use the Sweethearts iPhone app to share personalized Sweethearts candies via Twitter—You can create, order and share Sweethearts with creative and special messages.

Of course, Valentine’s Day gifts are not the only things that are dominating the social media world. Ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day cards, dates, surprises, proposals and other inventive ways to light a fire in a relationship or add something different and sweet to a friendship are all around us. In addition to gifts and ideas on how to celebrate, people are making plans to do something special within their budget.

Many popular sites, including Amazon and Oprah, have released lists of affordable gift ideas. Most websites offer a filter where items can be sorted by price. If you don’t want to guess what your sweetheart would like, Amazon also offers a wish list option where people can choose what they want, which avoids the recipient being disappointed as well as the giver not having to stress over whether he or she has bought the perfect gift.

For those people who find Valentine’s Day annoying, there are humorous gift online, such as fun things to do if you are single and broken-heart cookies. There is also a list online of the top worst Valentine’s Day gift ideas along with a list of the most unoriginal ideas and the worst Valentine’s Day dates.

With social media continuing to be a networking and economic giant, nobody will be left with a bad Valentine’s Day gift this year. Whether you love or hate the holiday, there is something that will please everyone. You should definitely take advantage of social media this Valentine’s Day, whether the result is a feeling of softness and sentimentality or amusement. In any case, a whole world full of possible gift ideas is open to you."

Source: www.bx.businessweek.com
Original article: www.compukol.com

Social media gets Film Director $30 Million Deal

I read this great story about a film Director, Fede Alvarez, from Montevideo in Uruguay, who shared his 5 minute film on Youtube with everybody. It took US $300 to shoot the live action and about a year (part time) to complete the 90 vfx shots.

The Youtube film then got a lot of attention from Hollywood landing him a deal with Sam Raimi to direct a $30 million film. It just goes to prove, anyone with some talent can become a hit on the internet, by simply using it to share their message with the world! Social media is free speech and leverage for the little guy to compete with the big shots. Use it or lose it...

Bobby

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Federico Alvarez' short film Panic Attack! hit YouTube last month and became the latest example of viral video, a term I genuinely despise because studios have co-opted the idea to try to force marketing maneuvers to "go viral." Doesn't work that way. But Alvarez' short, produced for $300, has already grabbed over 1.5 million hits, the attention of Sam Raimi, and now, a $30 million contract for Alvarez to develop a feature film.

The BBC reports that the deal has been consumated, although based on the success of something like Paranormal Activity, the amount may seem quite high, given what Alvarez was able to accomplish for 1/100,000th of the new contract. There is some symmetry here, though, because $30 million was what director Neill Blomkamp used to create District 9 with producer Peter Jackson. And there are some real similarities between the two sci-fi projects.

"I uploaded (Panic Attack!) on a Thursday and on Monday my inbox was totally full of e-mails from Hollywood studios," Alvarez said. "It was amazing, we were all shocked."

The movie Mr Alvarez has been asked to produce is a sci-fi film to be shot in Uruguay and Argentina. He says he intends to start from scratch and develop a new story for the project.

"If some director from some country can achieve this just uploading a video to YouTube, it obviously means that anyone could do it," he added.

The director says, however, he's not interested in making a feature version of Panic Attack!, choosing to start from scratch on a new story. I'm not sure why, frankly, especially given the money involved, but maybe Raimi saw enough of his talent to give Alvarez the chance of a lifetime. Who knows whether or not he'll return to this story down the line.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dadPWhEhVk


Sources: http://www.getthebigpicture.net

Social Media, Web 2.0, Facebook Presentation

Web 2.0 Social Media Presentation

Press Play on the bar at the bottom of the presentation to start the audio.

Click on the bottom right icon to make it full size so you can read the slides as well.

This is a presentation I did at the Northern Property Network during March 2009.

Update, Events & Free Complimentary Tickets

What's new and been happening in my life this month? Find out below...

I got a great offer at the bottom of this blog I wanted to tell you about.

Why did I put it there? So you'd read the rest first (or scroll straight to the bottom anyway...)

Well what I have I been up to?
So busy I've not kept my blog up to date, unlike Twitter, check it out if you're not on yet. Follow me tweeters: http://twitter.com/bobbygill

And excited about the sudden interest in Social Media at the moment and the new changes in the facebook layout. Loving the updated news feed stream.
http://www.facebook.com <>

I'm planning on sharing what I know about social media very soon.

Just set up some successful Think & Grow Rich Workshops with Michelle Whaite.
Listen to the Paul Martinelli call here: http://www.think-and-grow-rich-mastermind-group.com

Talking to a few people about relaunching 'Network Billionaire' (no peeking yet)

-------
Keep reading... free tickets at the bottom!!
-------

Events
--------
** is where I'll be
* are recommended

** Birmingham, Saturday 21st March
BMV Quickstart Seminar with PIN Simon Zutshi
http://www.pinbmv.networkbillionaire.com

** HUDDERSFIELD - Wednesday, 25th March 2009,YES Group North
http://www.yes-group-north.blogspot.com/

* London - Wednesday, 25th March 2009, YES Group
http://yesgroup.org.uk/
Highly Recommended! Unfortunately I can't be at 2 YES Groups 200 miles apart at the same time. The technology is coming though...

* London - Thursday 26th March 09
Dr Demartini | The Riches Within
http://www.triumphantevents.co.uk/events?access=dr-demartini-richeswithin

John Demartini is an Amazing Speaker and I highly recommend listening to him and doing The Breakthrough Experience.

* LONDON, Saturday 28th-29th March 2009
John Demartini's Breakthrough Experience
http://www.demartini.networkbillionaire.com

** Birmingham, Saturday 28th March
Keith Cunningham Business Seminar
http://www.pinkc.networkbillionaire.com

* London, Sunday 29th March
BMV Quickstart Seminar with PIN Simon Zutshi
http://www.pinbmv.networkbillionaire.com

** London, Friday 3rd-5th April 2009
T. Harv Eker presenting Millionaire Mind Intensive
(these are the tickets available at the bottom)

* London, Saturday 4th-5th April 2009
Rick Otton - Rent To Own Options, Buy A House for a Pound
http://www.rickotton.networkbillionaire.com

** HUDDERSFIELD, Tuesday 7th April 2009
Northern Property Network - with Rob Moore, Mark Homer
and Satie Punglia
http://www.northernpropertynetwork.co.uk


Offer
------
Apologies it's not really an offer; or even a deal. It's a steal!

T Harv Eker - Millionaire Mind Intensive, LONDON

Because of the great work we do with the YES Group and other great events and seminars in the UK, the organisers have kindly supplied some free tickets.

This is your opportunity to come and learn, meet other great individuals and have a profound effect on your life and business! 3-days at the ExCel in London 3rd-5th April 09.

Get booked on NOW: >> http://bit.ly/3Xjlww <<

It already looks set to be the Personal Development event of the year!

I hope it was worth reading to the bottom and I really do look forward to seeing you at one of these events and definitely in London.

Bobby :-)

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Other than all that it's been a pretty quiet month!

OK, it's nearly 3am, I have Friday 'off' to catch up with Rob Bell and Arry Nessa. But first, another episode of 24 with Jack Bauer.

Jeremy Dent left a great comment on my blog the other day about my busy-ness: "You need time to sleep, eat and make love as well, Bobby!" - Will schedule it in mate!

Blog post and email, two in one. Sweet... Who said guys can't multi-task!?