CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-05-25 18:20:20 (2 comments, 4 reshares, 6 +1s)

Interview: Kimberly Reynolds

This week I interview +Kimberly Reynolds - a #socialmedia  rock star and business woman who has been in online #marketing  since 1995!

In this interview I ask her the following questions:
- How did your journey in social media and web marketing begin?
- How does your #faith  in #Jesus  influence how you give advice and interact online?
- What is your favorite social network?
- What is the most important piece of advice you have for an aspiring social media rock star?
- What is the most fun project you are working on right now?

If you could have asked Kim a question for the interview, what would it be?

2013-05-25 04:47:32 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 25 +1s)

Sitting by a fire chatting with my beautiful bride on a cool SoCal night.

#datenight #autoawesome #twt

2013-05-25 02:38:19 (14 comments, 1 reshares, 27 +1s)

Oh man... Tell me your mouth isn't watering just looking at this.
And my wife would like to note that we did get reduced fat milk with our Cinnabon treat.

#datenight

2013-05-24 19:15:52 (2 comments, 3 reshares, 10 +1s)

38 Unbelievable Photos from The Tornado in Moore, OK

Having lived in places hit by tornadoes, I can tell you it's a terrifying experience. Never in my life though have I personally witnessed such destruction. My heart goes out to these folks.

As you look through these photos, why not #pray for those families represented in them?

 HT +Guy Kawasaki

2013-05-24 19:05:09 (11 comments, 3 reshares, 14 +1s)

The World's End - Another Simon Peg and Nick Frost Masterpiece

Shaun of the Dead was great. Hot Fuzz was even better (IMHO). And this new film from the same folks who brought you those fantastic films are cooking up something new! 

What are your thoughts?

#film   #trailer  

2013-05-24 17:03:00 (2 comments, 3 reshares, 10 +1s)

Be the first to see the new videos about Matt's Damon's strike!

Richard Branson, rockstar-philanthropist Bono, and actress Olivia Wilde have made their own support public. Will you strike too?

2013-05-24 15:43:38 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

Wearing my Special Edition 78p.tv (+seventy8 Productions) shirt today courtesy of +Ministry Gear. 

#twt  

2013-05-24 15:35:24 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 7 +1s)

Choosing the Right Colors for Your Brand Identity

Whether you're creating a new logo or revamping an old one, picking the right color palette can be tricky. This simple guide I've created will help you choose your brand colors like a pro.

I also give you several tools that anyone can use to find great color palettes.

Beyond just a logo, your brand identity should be consistent across all visual #design  elements. You can see in my blog post that I've used myself as a living example of what I'm teaching. 

This is a great follow up to the post that got a lot of attention last week (thanks to +Brands of the World ) about What Colors Communicate (http://dustn.ws/MVmWLF). 

Was this helpful to you in finding your brand colors?

#branding   #tips  

2013-05-23 16:12:56 (3 comments, 4 reshares, 14 +1s)

6 Tips to Create GOOD Social Media Content

Make your content:

1. Visually appealing 
2.  Informative
3. Entertaining
4. Different
5. Relevant
6. Convenient

See the full infographic here: http://pinterest.com/pin/159526011773683855/

2013-05-23 15:00:02 (15 comments, 35 reshares, 53 +1s)

The Ultimate Google+ Cheat Sheet!

Wow, this is really helpful for anyone who is still relatively new to Google+! Everything you need to know about posting, notifications, shortcuts, formatting, and more in one simple cheat sheet!

Please share so that all the new folks can get their hands on it!

#evang+ #socialmedia #googleplustips

2013-05-23 14:47:35 (8 comments, 2 reshares, 7 +1s)

How To Promote Content With Google+

Great write-up by my friend +Mike Allton on using Google+ effectively to promote your content. 

Perfect read for #bloggers , brands, or business owners who see the value in social media and content marketing. 

#evang+   #socialmedia  

2013-05-23 14:31:06 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 6 +1s)

5 Examples of Brands Using Google+ Hangouts

If you're wondering how to use Google+ Hangouts for your business or brand, these 5 examples might give you a good idea of where to start.

 Since day one I've been telling my clients that they need to understand the power of Hangouts On Air for their online presence, and this is just further proof of what I've been saying!

 _Are you utilizing Google+ Hangouts for your brand or business?_

#evang+ #socialmedia #twt

2013-05-22 19:06:44 (38 comments, 2 reshares, 14 +1s)

Want to Be Part of A Google+ Experiment?

I'm gathering a bit of data about how Google+ works so that I can better teach others how to utilize it. I need a few people who'd be willing to test some things out with me. 

If you're willing to follow some simple instructions and have an inside on what I'm testing, please leave a comment below! I'll be placing you in a private circle where we can talk through the experiment and share results before they get published!

Disclaimer: This is in no way affiliated with Google, just me trying to figure things out for the benefit of others.

2013-05-22 18:05:09 (1 comments, 5 reshares, 12 +1s)

"Conversational search has natural language, semantic search and more built into it, and while it’s far from perfect, this really is one of those significant changes that makes even a “seen it all” person like me sit up and take notice." - +Danny Sullivan 

2013-05-22 14:38:59 (3 comments, 4 reshares, 13 +1s)

10 Time-Saving Tech Tips
Even I learned a few things!

This Ted Talk from David Pogue reveals 10 technology tips that you either did, or didn't know. Some of these things you may have taken for granted thinking that others knew them. 

I can feel the intense frustration on David's face in the photo because when I see people not utilizing some of these tips, I feel the same way!

Are there any of these tips that you never knew?

#technology   #productivity   #tips  

2013-05-22 14:08:36 (5 comments, 5 reshares, 8 +1s)

This could be GOOD!
 Everypost is a new app that +Dustin W. Stout found.

http://www.everypost.me/

Everypost is a mobile application that allows you easily create multimedia content and post it simultaneously to your preferred social networks. Express more. Better. Easily.

Share to

• Google+ PROFILES
• Pinterest (by board)
• Twitter (with @mentions)
• Tumblr
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

You can attach photos or links and it has some photo filters.

What do you think?

#SocialMedia   #socialmediatips   #timemanagement  #apps 

2013-05-21 20:45:17 (29 comments, 1 reshares, 15 +1s)

Trying out a new app that can post simultaneously to Google+, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn and more!

2013-05-21 20:25:17 (6 comments, 1 reshares, 4 +1s)

7 Ways to Boost Social Media Engagement

This is not a quick-tip social media magic formula post. Tgese are some real ideas on creating an engaging social media presence.

Great stuff from Social Media Examiner!

#socialmedia

2013-05-21 19:43:18 (6 comments, 5 reshares, 18 +1s)

Artist Sarah Lazarovic created this graph that explains the make-up of today's Twitter users. It is funny and true in some ways. What are your thoughts on this?

2013-05-21 18:31:49 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

Live Action Halo TV Series with Executive Producer Stephen Spielberg

Now this might be the most exciting part of the whole #xboxreveal  today! Stephen Spielberg will be the executive producer on a Live-Action tv series based on the Halo video games! 

Awesome? Or Not-so-awesome?

2013-05-21 17:11:50 (12 comments, 1 reshares, 11 +1s)

Breaking - First Shots of the New XBox: XBOX ONE

Microsoft just revealed the next generation XBOX console, the #XBOXONE . I've taken some screenshots of the #xboxreveal  below.

What are your initial thoughts?

2013-05-21 14:48:06 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Generate Thousands of Leads Online

If you're using #SocialMedia for #business then this is a must read! It will show you a simple system that can help you generate more leads than you can possibly handle!

#awesome stuff!

2013-05-21 14:43:35 (8 comments, 1 reshares, 6 +1s)

Do you use Flickr to find images for your blog?

In case you missed the news, there's a new Flickr available now. It's a beautiful new layout that mirrors a lot of the trends we're seeing in other web services and social networks.

I use Flickr daily to find new images for blog posts. I use Flickr instead of a Google Images search because of one reason: copyright. With Flickr, you can filter images so that you only see images the owners have said are free to use. This is called Creative Commons, and it's a critical component of blogging. You always need to include an image with your blog posts, but you never want to include an image you have no right to use!

The article below highlights the recent changes to Flickr, and walks you through how to use the new Flickr to find great images to compliment your blog posts.

Thanks for... more »

2013-05-21 05:09:16 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 17 +1s)

Follow the #AutoAwesome  Hashtag

Just click on the #autoawesome  hashtag and you will be transported to a feed of wonder and amazement. Once there you'll find yourself making faces similar to what you see below. 

Well... most of what you see will be prettier than this. Hopefully. ;)

2013-05-21 01:42:33 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 17 +1s)

Tonight's dinner made more awesome by this tasty wing sauce, Rippin' Red Wing Sauce.

I'm a big wing sauce guy-- love trying new stuff. This is probably the best new sauce I've tried in a long time!

Thanks to +Brian Meagher for send me the care package with this deliciousness in it!

Oh, and this #autoawesome worked out just like I hoped! Woot!

2013-05-20 21:10:30 (12 comments, 16 reshares, 25 +1s)

Can You Tell the Difference Between Yahoo's Acquisition of GeoCities and Tumblr?

Now this is just too funny. Remember when Yahoo bought GeoCities back in the late 90's? That went well, didn't it?

This article goes through the statements made about the acquisition, and puts them next to the statements Yahoo! made about it's recent acquisition of Tumblr.

Can you tell which acquisition each statement is talking about?

#socialmedia  

2013-05-20 19:14:05 (15 comments, 10 reshares, 31 +1s)

Modern Day Celebrities Reimagined as Renaissance Masterpieces

Okay, this is just too brilliant! A series of celebrity paintings done in the style of the renaissance period. 

Read the full article here: http://dustn.ws/12pC9cj

Which one is your favorite? I'm torn between Keanu Reeves and Mr. Bean!

2013-05-20 19:07:23 (7 comments, 5 reshares, 11 +1s)

9 Types of Leaders In The Bible

There are many examples of leadership in the bible. +John Maxwell has even created an entire version of the bible centered around leadership! But not all leaders are alike. 

Leadership has many different faces and in this article, +Justin Holcomb goes through 9 different types of leaders such as:

- Prototypes
- Prophets
- Priests
- Kings

Which type of leadership do you think you're more like?

#Christianity   #leadership  

2013-05-20 19:03:08 (19 comments, 16 reshares, 36 +1s)

72,000 Tumblr Imports to #WordPress  in a Single Hour!

It looks like the #tumblr  exodus has begun and people are flocking over to +WordPress, taking all their content with them. 

There has been no official number of how many total imports from Tumblr have happened since Yahoo's announcing the acquisition, but I expect that it is significant. 

As a WordPress fanatic, I see this as a graduation of sorts for users. What do you think?

#socialmedia  

2013-05-20 05:37:10 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 17 +1s)

Why disgruntled Tumblr users should come to Google+.

While vocal Tumblr users are freaking out about the Yahoo acquisition, they should know there's a simple solution: Move to Google+. 

One Tumblr user, trying to look on the bright side, posted the upsides of the Yahoo acquisition, which you can see in the attached screenshot. 

This is wishful thinking. To the best of my knowledge, Yahoo has not announced any of these improvements. 

Meanwhile, Google+ already has all this right now, plus one more benefits: no ads. 

So don't get mad. Just get on Google+. 

(Pic props: http://www.sfgate.com/technology/businessinsider/article/Tumblr-Users-Are-Already-Revolting-Over-The-4529364.php )

#yahoo   #tumblr  

2013-05-20 01:38:03 (12 comments, 6 reshares, 28 +1s)

Nobody Is On Google+

Are you still hearing anti-Google+ sentiment such as this? Well, there's a reason people still believe that Google+ is a #ghosttown  and a failure. In the linked post, I breakdown the reasons that someone might still think so. 

Basically it comes down to:
- Inaccurate data comparison
- They're doing it wrong
- Underlying motives

I break down each one in an attempt to get rid of all the nonsense that is still, unfortunately, going around. 

#socialmedia   #evang+  

2013-05-19 23:40:37 (5 comments, 10 reshares, 9 +1s)

Interview: Luis Galarza
Business and marketing consultant with over 22 years of experience!

For those of you who missed it, I had the opportunity to interview +Luis Galarza a few weeks back. We talked about #SocialMedia  and his journey to becoming a social media rock star (my words, not his). 

Some questions I ask in the interview are:
- How did you get into the world of social media and marketing?
- What is your favorite social network?
- What make Google+ different from other networks?
- What is your best piece of advice for an aspiring social media rock star?
- What is the most fun thing you're working on right now?

Check out the interview for yourself and let me know in the comments what you would have wanted to ask Luis!

2013-05-19 22:53:35 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

More Comedy Week Introduction Shenanigans 

If the +Arnold Schwarzenegger intro wasn't enough to wet your #comedyweek  appetite, check out some of these intros from all the +YouTube stars taking part in it. 

And can I just say-- +Epic Meal Time  #FTW ?!

2013-05-19 18:25:20 (8 comments, 4 reshares, 16 +1s)

For all you #coffee  lovers out there who missed my post from last night, here's the full image cheat sheet of 2 Dozen Espresso Drinks. 

2013-05-19 18:17:20 (16 comments, 1 reshares, 14 +1s)

Is This The Downfall of Tumblr?

Yahoo's board of directors has just approved the $1.1 BILLION acquisition of Tumblr. And everyone said, #SMH ...

Personally, I was never a fan of Tumblr. This move by Yahoo definitely doesn't help. Although I do recognize that it has it's place among younger folks, I don't see this as a #winning  move for either company. 

Read the full story on +Mashable: http://dustn.ws/14kKXT4

What do you think was the reason for this? Do you think it's good or bad for Tumblr?

#socialmedia  

2013-05-19 17:59:09 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 13 +1s)

YouTube Comedy Week Starts Today

This is going to be one #epic  week of comedy on +YouTube. If having +Arnold Schwarzenegger for the promo video isn't enough, here's some of the other people you can expect to make an appearance this week:

+Vince Vaughn
+Sarah Silverman
+Epic Rap Battles of History 
+Epic Meal Time 
+Seth rogan
+...and a whole lot more!

It kicks off tonight at 8PM Eastern / 5PM Pacific! Who's going to be watching?

2013-05-19 03:50:01 (5 comments, 3 reshares, 8 +1s)

5 Things That Will Make You More Creative And Productive

Creative people are always fighting a battle of #creativity vs. #productivity. Well, I do anyways-- I cant speak for you.

I can agree with almost all of thesez tips:
- Know when you work your best
- Work on what you want forst
- Go for quantity over quality
- Know how you work
- Forgive yourself

Now I understand the "quantity over quality" point, but as an artist whos OCD about quality, I cant force myself to work in that way.

How about you? Any of these you relate to? Any you disagree with?

2013-05-19 03:31:20 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Cheat Sheet for Two Dozen Esspresso-Based Drinks

Coffee drinkers and caffeine addicts rejoice! This well crafted cheat sheet shows how to make some of the best esspresso drinks! No barrista required!

Though, you will need an esspresso machine. And sadly, I dont have one. Doh! Eother way, still pretty good info!

What drink is your favorite? Or which one would you most want to try?

#twt

2013-05-19 03:06:43 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 4 +1s)

Some of these are really good! Got any other life-hacks you would add?

2013-05-19 02:54:38 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

The Iron Man of iPhone Cases

After seeing Iron Man 3 earlier today, its no wonder thats the first thing I thought of when I saw this. One epic phone case.

Now, as a purist, I still have yet to wrap my iPhone 5 in a case. Though, i'm beginning to think its time.

I'm a real minimalist though, so something bulky like the linked case wont do. Any suggestions?

2013-05-19 02:17:18 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

Yessss.... +Patton Oswalt's filibuster speech from #ParksandRec animated!

#ParksandRecreation  

2013-05-18 23:24:19 (21 comments, 1 reshares, 32 +1s)

Seeing Iron Man 3

Super excited! It's been a while since my wife & I have been on a date. She actually wanted to see this movie. Did I pick a #winner or what?!

Have you seen Iron Man 3 yet? Verdict?

2013-05-18 02:25:05 (7 comments, 9 reshares, 50 +1s)

"If our God is for us, then who could ever stop us?

And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?"

Our God by Chris Tomlin

Someone needs to hear this today. I know I did.

I created this on my iPhone while traveling. Don't you love technology?

Apps used:
iPhone camera
Aviary
Piction

#christianity

2013-05-17 13:48:48 (7 comments, 16 reshares, 34 +1s)

Hangouts Easter Eggs

Some of you may already figured out the hidden Easter Eggs in the new Hangouts.  Here is the full list to have some fun with them. Keep in mind that those codes only work with Hangouts on Google+. 
Not in video calls, Chrome Extension or mobile.

#io13   #googleplusupdate   #hangouts   #eastereggs  

2013-05-17 03:09:01 (7 comments, 40 reshares, 32 +1s)

Military Robots Will Patrol World Cup
Can you say, #skynet ?

This headline intrigued me. I thought it was going to be just a few little high-tech RC cars with cameras roaming around. Nope-- 30 Military grade remote controlled mini tanks, each one costing $100,000. 

Oh, and it even gets better-- they've got #drones  too. 

The next thing you know, they'll be announcing the name of their computer running everything is called VIKI. (Movie reference anyone?)

Do you think this is a bit overkill? (Let's hope not!)

2013-05-16 19:17:17 (4 comments, 2 reshares, 14 +1s)

5 key steps for business social media success by +Dave Kerpen 

“Over 1.1 billion people in the world are on Facebook, including over 175 million Americans, or 1 in 2 adults. Twitter recently surpassed 400 million accounts. LinkedIn boasts over 225 million users. Small business owners are trying to take advantage of these trends, but few are fully reaping the rewards.For many business owners, the temptation is to use social networks to promote themselves and broadcast their messages. But if you stop thinking like a marketer and start thinking like a customer, you’ll understand that the secret to social media is in the “social” more than in the “media” – it’s in being human – being the sort of person at a cocktail party who listens attentively, tells great stories, shows interest in others, and is authentic and honest. The secret is to simply be likeable.”
Here are 5 key fir... more »

2013-05-16 15:26:35 (3 comments, 8 reshares, 13 +1s)

Understanding Google's new design: It's all about cards.

From The New Yorker: "A card will be the atomic unit of information display across all of Google."

See what I did there? I put what we journalists call a "pull quote" as the top line. The reason is that I know in your stream you will see only my "headline" and my first line, and I wanted to make it compelling enough for you to click and read. 

Welcome to the new Google+. 

Some people are complaining about this, saying its anti-writer, anti-words, pro-photos or too much like Pinterest. 

In fact, Google+ always displayed only the first few lines of each post, but now they're displaying fewer. 

Let's be clear about why this is happening: Google is fully embracing the cards interface. A card is a unit of information that could containany... more »

2013-05-16 13:59:26 (3 comments, 3 reshares, 10 +1s)

Good info about the hard decision to break away from XMPP.

2013-05-16 13:53:06 (4 comments, 3 reshares, 11 +1s)

The Google #IO13  Keynote In 3 and a Half Minutes

If you're looking for the cliffnotes version of the +Google IO Keynote from yesterday, look no further. They guys over at +The Verge have put together the ultimate highlight reel for yesterdays mindblowing presentations.