There are many skills you need to be a successful social media manager. One of those is knowing how to think strategically. Early in my career it used to really frustrate me when I heard the phrase “you need to think more strategically”, but the people telling me this couldn’t (or wouldn’t) clearly explain what they meant or how I could do that!

“It won’t work.”

“Why not?”

“We’ve never done it that way, it won’t work.”

I’ve been thinking lately about my experiences as a customer.

The latest research shows that 79% of Australians use social media. If your association isn’t using at least one social media platform to engage with members and potential members, you are missing out on a lot of opportunities.

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion it has taken place.” George Bernard Shaw

In a recent workshop for a client, I was asked how they could use social media to increase their customer base, and generate more positive word of mouth marketing.

Last night I was one of the fortunate 120,000 to see Adele during the Brisbane leg of her world tour. I’ve been a fan of her music since I first heard her dulcet tones warbling over the wireless almost ten years ago.

My tenth anniversary since starting Mel Kettle Consulting almost slipped past unnoticed. Which seems sort of wrong given how few small businesses even celebrate one year.

I used to love talking on the phone. When I was in high school my parents frequently complained of the hours I would spend curled up in the phone nook in the hallway of our home. I always raced to answer the phone when it rang. And I was devastated if I wasn’t the one to answer it. In my teenage years there was little more exciting than finding out who was going to be on the other end of the call. Would it be that boy I had a crush on? Usually it wasn’t. 🙁

I recently wrote about my experience with a horribly stressful job, and some of the things to look out for to determine if you or your staff are experiencing unusual amounts of stress.

“If you don’t make some major lifestyle changes, you will probably have a stroke before you turn 30.”

Yesterday I was part of a brief twitter conversation talking about brands that do twitter well – @telstra, @qantas, @virginamerica, @auspost were all mentioned.

I’m just going to come out and say it. I absolutely LOVE working from home.

As the demands on my time increase, I’m finding it more and more difficult to fit in exercise. Even finding time for a 30 minute walk is difficult if I don’t do it as soon as I get up in the morning. And walking first thing isn’t always possible.

I have always valued education and professional development. I wouldn’t have completed three degrees if I didn’t! Or have books exploding from every shelf in my house!

I watched a fabulous TED talk by Margaret Heffernan a few weeks ago and I can’t stop thinking about it.

I got up this morning at about 5am – no reason, I was just WIDE AWAKE. Despite being completely exhausted.

Have a think about how you felt the last time someone said “thank you” to you when you did something for them.

Most people who meet me don’t realise I am an introvert.

My last post looked at whether uni students should be using twitter. It’s a massively resounding yes from me in case you haven’t read the post.