Facebook Facts

[Source: Online PhD Programs for MashableMashable.com]

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Promoting the 'write' way (4 practices to avoid)

HEY EVERYONE!!!! ***READ THIS POST AND GET A FREE GLASS OF WATER!!!!

Did you find that sentence annoying?  Did it feel "spammy" and suspect?  Even if you saw that posted by a trusted friend, you might feel betrayed because this person was taking advantage of your relationship to sell you something... even if they weren't selling anything.  That is because this is an old tactic used in marketing.  Sure it gets your attention, but for all the wrong reasons.  Here is a short list of things not to do when promoting a product or event on social media;

1.  ALL CAPS, MULTIPLE COLORS, AND HUGE FONTS
 "****WANT TO REDUCE YOUR MORTGAGE WITH NO CREDIT CHECK WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY LOSING 50 LBS AND TRANSFERRING A LARGE INHERITANCE FROM AN UNCLE YOU NEVER KNEW IN NIGERIA ????  CALL US TODAY!!!"

2.  Rude, judgmental public posts (keep your disagreements offline.)
Joe Blow:  Man, I can't believe what (insert name here) did yesterday.  What a typical (political affiliation here.)

3.  Over-Posting;  If you are promoting an event or product, space out your posts so that people don't hide, unfriend, or unlike you.
 Joe Blow:  Don't forget our GIANT SALE TODAY!!!
 Joe Blow:  Don't forget our GIANT SALE TODAY!!!
 Joe Blow:  Don't forget our GIANT SALE TODAY!!!
 Joe Blow:  Don't forget our GIANT SALE TODAY!!!

... We only wish we could forget ...

4.  Inappropriate tagging in posts or photos;  Be conservative when deciding whether or not to tag someone.  If a photo or post could come off negative in any way, don't post/tag it.
Before you post anything with yourself (pictures, articles, etc) in it, you make sure it is flattering.  As a good business practice, extend the same courtesy to your friends and clients.  If a picture is taken from a bad angle, or an article contains a quote that was not well thought out, it is best to leave it out of your online campaign.  When you make others look good, they will return the favor. 

It's hard sometimes to tell the difference between getting attention and being effective.  The old adage "Any publicity is good publicity" does not apply to social media.  Negative publicity can quickly kill a company or relationship.

... and NOW THAT YOU HAVE FINISHED READING THIS POST, GRAB THAT FREE GLASS OF WATER WE PROMISED YOU!

CHEERS!

Three Chicks LOVES Dockyard Derby Dames

Three Chicks Catering can be found at all of the Dockyard Derby Dames bouts selling fresh BBQ cooked on a Traeger grill right outside the door!  From left to right; Dawn Veraldo, Jayme Arries, Mandy Pignolet and Nems Scarim.

Generational Sales

You may have seen our iMAPS Chicks presentation on Generational Marketing where we break down the general differences in each age group's world views and attitudes.  In this post, we are going to give you some tips for selling to different generations.  Please remember that there are exceptions to every rule.

Mature Generation (Born between 1900-1944)
This generation is also known as the Traditionalist Generation.  They prefer traditional methods of communication, just like the name suggests.  Most of your clients in this generation will be very organized and prefer to deal with details face to face.  Traditionalists do not want to leave a voicemail and may hang up if they do not get a "live" voice when they call your place of business.  If this generation represents a large portion of your clientele, keep this in mind when you arrange your employee structure.  Most Traditionalists prefer print outs or "hard copies" of contracts, proposals, etc

Baby Boomers (1945-1964)
The Baby Boomers are the most extravagant of the four generations featured in this post.  They are accustomed to instant gratification and want results right away.  While they would love to meet in person, their time is extremely valuable and you may have to work around their schedule with a phone call.  Most Boomers have at least a limited knowledge of the internet even though they may not be totally comfortable with the technology.  Return their phone calls right away as they will leave voice messages and expect a quick follow up.  Most of your relationship will be formed over the phone.

Generation X (1965-1979)
Generation Xers are also referred to as "Digital Tourists" as they were not born into this highly technological world, but they have adjusted well.  Gen X will use the phone for talking, but are much more likely to use it for email or Web/Social Media.  This generation actually considers a phone call an intrusion, and will instantly go on the defense if a sales call was not initiated by them.  The best way to open a conversation with a Gen Xer is by email.

Millenials (1980-1993)
While Gen Xers are called "Digital Tourists", Millenials are considered "Digital Citizens."  The technology that drives the world today was developed during their childhood and they grew with it.  If you think it is challenging to get a Generation Xer on the phone, don't even try with a Millenial.  Your best bet for communication is by text or Social Media Platform.  Email even seems archaic for this demographic.


Try to remember that no matter which level of technology you are comfortable with, you must adapt to your client's preferences in order to give good customer service.  For more information on Generational Marketing, contact us!

USEless

This word was plastered all over the Seattle Aquarium today.  A campaign to make us all think before we purchase, consume and waste.  Ironically, it was in the gift shop as well...

The idea is great, though, and I wonder if we all need to be reminded of these choices we make every time we go to dispose of something.  We hosted an event 2 years ago when Three Chicks Catering was embracing it's metamorphosis to becoming a GREEN company.  While arranging the trash receptacles around the room, we decided to designate one for recyclables and one for the "landfill."  At the time, we wondered if this would be a 'downer' for our guests and gave it a second thought.  Ultimately, we did end up leaving the realistic name tags on the bins.  There was no backlash or negative feedback from the guests, and it felt like a small victory for our GREEN initiative.  Baby steps, right?

Today, you get to make a choice...  Recycle?  Or Landfill?

Bakin' Bacon!

In order to make the delicious Homemade Bacon pictured above, we used Apple Wood to smoke the bacon.  Apple will give it a mild, mellow and slightly sweet subtle flavor.  When done correctly, this homemade bacon can rival even the best gourmet and boutique deli bacon available.

Iron Chick Competition May 7th