Tech Tonic: Make Your Own LinkedIn Infographic

After a long hiatus Ladies Lotto's weekly tech post is back and it's got a name; Tech Tonic because we've got the medicine for what ails your tech needs and because a lot of who were are and what we do is fueled by the moves we make using technology. In short tech is helping to define us everyday. There's a big beautiful world filled with gadgets, apps, social media and techie tips and tricks out there and I'm ready to go hard!

This morning the darling social business consultant Rhys Howell (@rhys_isterix) -- and my future husband unbeknown to him -- shared a map of his LinkedIn network with his 36,000+ Twitter followers. As you can see, the young Mr. Howell is a very busy man.

Needless to say, I hopped on the chance to create my own infographic like a little drone. A quick trip to LinkedIn's InMaps allowed me to create and define my own network by logging in to my LinkedIn account. I was able to choose how long the program would have access to my account; as short as one day or until I decide to disable the application.

After InMaps pulled all the data together in a dash of what seemed to be color-coded madness I was able to decipher how I was related to the people denoted by circles and lines. It turns out I have many contacts going way back to my first job out of school as a research analyst at one of the first recognized social networking sites, Bolt.com (please don't mistake that horrid Ning site for the real thing). The bolt of blue below is you guessed it -- my Ladies Lotto affiliations.

Let your fingers do the walking to InMaps and share your very own infographic with Ladies Lotto.


--------
Tech Tonic is a weekly post exclusively for Ladies Lotto by tech enthusiast, social media junkie and geek lover KK Graham. This is me.

Facebook Vs. Twitter - INFOGRAPHIC

Interesting stats on Facebook & Twitter via PSFK

http://www.psfk.com/2010/12/facebook-vs-twitter-infographic.html

Carrie Ford on Being a BFF: Four Rules

Ladies Lotto member and bad ass, Carrie Ford of Ford Visuals, posted rules on how to improve your popularity with clients / customers. What are they?

Be Their BFF
Four Rules to Improve Your Popularity
(and Your Bottom Line)

Success is about a lot more than just a pretty logo and a cool tagline. It's about connecting with and respecting your customers. It's about building relationships and offering value to your clients' lives. In a nutshell: Approach relationships with your customers and clients like you would a friend and everyone wins.

Rule #1: Be Fun (But Not Too Fun).
No one likes a bump on a log. But then again, most of us don't want Suzy McMartini by our side 24-7. Find a compromise. Have a sense of humor. Talk to your customers and clients as if you actually like them. Better yet, attract customers you like in the first place. Every company needs a voice. Even if you run a massive business, it's important to have one (preferably likeable) personality that can interact with the world.

Rule #2: Be Interesting.
You're probably not going to call Mr. One-Hit-Wonder to meet you and your friends for dinner again. A three hour monologue about his urban gardening techniques? Too much. Stay interesting. One of the most positive by-products of The Great Recession has been a crazy surge of creativity and innovation that shows no signs of stopping. Constant (and careful) re-invention and experimentation will keep people coming back.

Rule #3: Be in Touch.
It seems basic, but it's a key part of every successful relationship, personal or business. Return emails and phone calls. If you stay at home under the covers, don't expect an invite to the BBQ.

Rule #4: Be Honest and Respectful.
Beyond important. Mr. No-Follow-Through doesn't last long in your phone and Ms. Pokes-Fun-At-Your-Veganism is getting defriended. Approach your customer or client as an equal partner, an individual, a neighbor. You are not trustworthy just because you've existed for decades or went to my grade school (well, maybe). Consumers are loyal to brands that speak to them like peers, not peons.

At the end of the day, it's not enough to simply sell a fantastic service or product. Brands that will survive and thrive are just like the relationships that survive and thrive. Honor, respect and cherish them and you will likely get the same in return.

Your Potential BFF,

Carrie

Visit Carrie's site: http://fordvisuals.com/

You don't get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies

Check out the trailer here...



http://www.sonypictures.com/previews/movies/thesocialnetwork/clips/2300/