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Archives for October 2011

Changing My View on Facebook

Marketing by

Now this is a story all about how,
My Facebook view got flipped, turned upside down
And I’d like to take a minute, just sit right there
I’ll tell you how I liked a page called Bel-Air

So, way back in the day when I was in college the internet was a newish thing. Not brand new but new in gaining popularity and widespread use when commercials would still end with “visit our interweb site at w (pause) w (pause) w (pause) DOT welovepuppies DOT (pause) com.”

On my collegiate debate team we were united in our goal to annoy our coach Brett O’Donnell to the extent that team members would create Facebook groups to mock him. Thus, why I joined Facebook back when it was thefacebook.com and only college students could join.

I’ve always viewed The Facebook as a social tool, first to stay in touch with friends from college across the country, then as a great stalking tool and eventually a way for my mother to see I had not been killed since I didn’t call her today because, see, I posted a status update.

I did not want to use Facebook for my business, to promote products or “like” anything

Some of this came from the very real annoyance when I see “Amy likes eating, sleeping, breathing, smiling, laughing and the cool side of a pillow in the morning.” Really? I like sleeping too! As a believer in Big Wins, I’d rather not like assorted products in order to save 10 cents on tomato sauce or be entered for a chance to win a jet ski.

In part because I’m difficult and stubborn, I just don’t like “liking” things publicly, having always preferred to support the businesses and people I do like by subscribing, buying and giving testimonials to their work.

But now I’m changing my view and my mindset

At some point during the conference in Miami it hit me that the people I encourage, support and believe in, who are doing amazing work in the world deserve that public recognition. Because I won’t be lumping them in with ‘the cool side of a pillow’ it will be a real, honest show of support.

Facebook is still a tool. It’s one way that I show what I like in the world and that goes beyond coffee, fun sayings and snark and supporting friends through good times and bad. Facebook is a networking tool and helps us to see what our friends believe, in the causes they support and the actions they take.

I’m not saying Facebook is the end all be all. If you “like” breast cancer research but never give a dime then your support is shallow. But Facebook is the public statement that was missing before.

Like a kid slowly testing the waters I’ve started to find and like the pages of the people I support and I encourage you to do the same. You can see my page on Facebook and the businesses I recommend – I don’t have my own business page yet but you can bet that when I do I’ll ask for your support in return.

Facebook is more than a virtual sheep marketplace or way to annoy authority figures. It only took me 8 years to realize.

In Case of Emergency Playbook

Playbook by

Today though I’d like to share about the events of October 2010 and how that month helped form the Playbook as a cornerstone of my business.

October is a busy month in my family, with dozens of birthdays to celebrate and the annual Hershey Swap Meet in Pennsylvania (a must attend event to my car crazy family).

Last year my Grandpa George was planning on traveling back to Pennsylvania at this time of year but ended up in the hospital instead. Still independent at 90 years old, Grandpa George and Grandma lived in their home, restored cars, traveled with family and were active in various organizations – he was a member of his church, several car clubs and had just celebrated his birthday on a family trip to Hawaii.

A late night call from Grandma when my dad was in Pennsylvania revealed that Grandpa George was a lot sicker than we knew. I rushed to the hospital, arriving with Mom just after midnight. By 2am Mom left to pick up Grandma – the doctors were working frantically and needed to know if Grandpa George had a DNR (do not resuscitate order).

The next ten days were a roller coaster. Family came in, doctors were consulted, we moved Grandpa George to a new hospital and he underwent major procedures in an effort to save his life.

On October 15th, Grandpa George died. Sixty-five years of marriage, three kids, 6 grand kids and 3 great-grand kids. In losing the patriarch our family was rocked, in mourning and had to quickly come together in his absence.

You know what I wasn’t focused on? The day to day needs of my business.

While hospital wifi and some rudimentary systems enabled me to keep track of tasks, I saw a bigger vision. The freedom to manage a bigger business, with much more moving parts in the midst of family emergencies without worry.

Because we don’t know what tomorrow holds for our families – hurricane Irene, a school shooting, cancer, a power grid failure, death – all of these things happen whether or not your business is ready.

The comprehensive Business Playbook gives you peace. You can focus on the things that matter most without sacrificing your business operations. Give the people that matter most the attention they need in crises.

I learned a lot from my Grandpa George, himself an entrepreneur running water wells most of his adult life. In the last few days he was with us, Grandpa would pull me in close so I could hear his weak voice and one of the last things he told me was to ‘go to work.’

See, to Grandpa George and his generation, you have to be present, physically present, at your desk or your rig in order to build a business and generate income. Thankfully that’s no longer true, particularly for online entrepreneurs. But you do need to be present in your business by ensuring that your team has the playbook and systems are automated, even if you’re not present at the moment.

So even if you don’t have a vacation planned I want you to sign up for the free session to start your own Operations Manual. While it is my desire that you’d never need it due to a child falling ill, a natural disaster that destroys your computer or home or a personal setback – having your Playbook will bring you comfort in those times.

To sign up you can follow this link and submit your name and email or simply contact my team for an appointment at team@kellyazevedo.com.