My Virtual Blog

OK, I just had to write this.  Kind of a rant.  I just couldn’t help myself.  I have been seeing tweets about Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore and David Letterman being on Twitter.  So, what’s the deal anyway?  How do you know if you are REALLY following a celebrity?  Do they really use Twitter?  And, if they do, why?  I can imagine that perhaps a celebrity might want to check out social networking for curiosity, but what are they seeking in the way of relationships?  Other celebrity friendships?  Nothing to do?  Time between takes?  Goods and services? Fans?

I’m actually following “David Letterman” (because I think he’s hilarious and because everybody says my brother looks like him) although I suspect that it’s not really him at all, but a “Twannabe” David Letterman. There seem to be some tweets that are perhaps the inspiration of his comedy writer.  But maybe it is him because shortly after I started following him, his updates became private.  Perhaps he was getting “twalked”.  

I think it would be pretty cool if you did have a celebrity following you – I mean, maybe they thought you really had something valuable to say and that’s the cool part.  I’d also follow a celebrity if I thought I could provide value for them, but chances are, they have everything they need.  Except perhaps, virtual assistance??

Really though – I have no interest in becoming a “twoupie” because, well honestly, at my age, I’m just done with that.  In my younger days, I worked at a few fine dining establishments that catered to the stars.  I embarrassed myself to the point of total shame in front of Kenny Loggins while he ate dinner with his wife and producer (so not my fault – I was dragged), waited on Cher and Kiss (when they were dating) in a famous disco on Rush Street in Chicago, and got to either meet or see many other famous people including Fred Astaire, my hero. And I loved it (maybe not the embarrassing thing) and it was fun, and it was cool to tell your friends, but it’s so over.

What bugs me is that these “Twackers” posing as “Twannabes” might do this for the wrong reasons and end up disappointing some that don’t see through it.  Just like hackers that put nasty things out there to see if they can bring down networks for the sheer sport of it.  And if you celebrities are really out there tweeting – COOL!  Join the networks!  Tell me about your day – I’d love to hear it!  And if you’re not, are you watching to see who might be representing you?  Don’t give the tabloids any more fodder.

So, Question 1:  Are these people that act like celebrities doing this for fun to see how many tweeple they can spoof into to following them because they think they are the real thing?  If so, does that mean they are “twacking” your Twitter stream? And…

Question 2:  Do you think there should be a way to verify identity on Twitter?  Or is that part of its appeal – the ability to remain anonymous?  I can see how an assistant might tweet and answer questions based on their knowledge of a person or a company, but I can’t see someone doing this for sport.

What do you think?

 My friend and colleague, Rachel Rasmussen from Rescue Desk Virtual Assistant Services just tagged me in her blog and asked me to write 7 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Me. This is a fun sport so I’m happy to oblige! Without further ado, here they are:
 

1. I’m a Chicago transplant to Wisconsin. I moved here 4-1/2 years ago. I think this little town called Lisbon it’s actually Wisconsin’s best kept secret. I lived in Schaumburg when I was in Illinois – home of the great Woodfield Shopping Mall and IKEA. One thing I should have realized before the move – IT’S EVEN COLDER AND SNOWIER HERE. What was I thinking?? Truth be told, however, I’m actually more at home here than I think I’ve ever been in my life.
2. I’m a newlywed. OK, so it’s the second time – it still counts. I was married on July 11, 2008 to the man I should have met 30 years ago. We had a formal wedding with the works – dress, flowers, rock band and all! I planned every little detail to perfection (See #6) because it was my first “real” wedding (eloped first time) and because it is definitely my LAST wedding. My husband and best friend, Chuck, is also my business partner!
3. I love to draw – and paint – and play a little piano.  I won’t call myself an artist, but I sure give it the old college try. I have done several pencil sketches and recently took up painting. I did my first acrylic painting a couple of weeks ago and we’ll just let that be a secret.
4. In the 70s, I briefly taught Ballroom Dance. I think I would have kept this up had it not been for the smarmy sales tactics this dance studio wanted me to use to entice new students. But I have loved and enjoyed dance for years. My husband and I actually hooked up with some dance lessons to choreograph a Foxtrot to “Just In Time” for our first dance at our wedding. That was fun! As an even more amazing note – I even won a DISCO contest in the 70s – Whoa! You SO want to hang with me now.
5. I LOVE BIG DOGS. (Maybe that’s why my favorite saying is “If you’re gonna’ run with the big dogs, you have to get off the porch!”)  About a year and a half ago, I had to put my beloved golden/lab mix down at the tender age of 14. If you’ve read the book Marley & Me, you know my dog. She was his clone with the exception of gender. I’m still not over it. But, the upside is that we still have Samantha, our 13-year-old small black lab who thinks she’s 2, is exceptionally obedient but certainly is a BOR (box of rocks).
6. I am a perfectionist. It’s sometimes a bad thing and sometimes a great thing. When I’m locked into a project, it’s great because the end result will be great. When I’m attempting to get my hair and makeup and outfit to coordinate for that special occasion – well, let’s just say – How much time do you have? Or if I have to get the last harness painted on the last reindeer cookie at 2 a.m., NOT TOO PRETTY.
7. My 7th thing – let’s see – vacations – I LOVE VACATIONS. My favorite, hands-down, undeniably, the bomb vacation is anywhere on a beach, but most notably, JAMAICA. Been there twice and can absolutely hear the ocean crashing against the beach at night, picture dancing reggae style to the steel band, feel the warm sun, taste the “bang” sauce and sing out loud to “One Love” by Bob Marley. What’s not to love?

I bet there’s a lot more you probably don’t know about me, but that’s OK. A little glimpse into someone’s life gets the ball rolling anyway. So, to Carrie Anderson and Lauren McMullen, TAG – you’re it! Won’t you please give us a little peak into your life?

My Virtual Project is Certified in Social Media Marketing!

My Virtual Project is very proud to announce that they have recently become certified as Social Media Marketing Specialists!  I took a great course at VAClassroom with Craig Cannings, who is not only an excellent teacher, he’s a very generous and responsive one as well.  The class that I attended was informative and fun at the same time and I have made many friendships as a bonus!  If you are a Virtual Assistant considering adding Social Media to your repertoire of services, or a new Virtual Assistant who has not yet found their “niche”, I would highly recommend taking Craig’s class.  Here is what Craig has to say on Social Media and their class offering:

“At the end of 2008, I had an opportunity to read many blog posts from Internet experts making their predictions for 2009 and guess what was at the top of their list: Social Media Marketing. It is anticipated that Social Media will grow at unprecedented rates in 2009 and beyond as more and more businesses seek to leverage this powerful new marketing channel.

A further prediction is that Social Media Marketing Services will be in very high demand through 2009! Most businesses either lack the time or expertise to effectively carry out all the necessary Social Media Marketing Activities and will be seeking to delegate these tasks to skilled Social Media Marketing Specialists.

VAClassroom.com has recently released a high calibre 7 module training program based on the seven hottest Social Media Marketing Services requested by businesses today including:

- Social Media Strategy and Action Planning

- Social Networking Profile Set-up and Management

- Facebook Marketing

- Twitter Marketing

- Online Video Marketing

- Online Reputation Management

- Social Media Content Distribution

The Social Media Marketing Specialist Training Program offers a self-directed training system for Virtual Assistants and Online Professional seeking to offer these in-demand services to their new and existing client base. The program features 8 modules, 30 videos, an interactive and supportive learning community, comprehensive resource guides, assignments and a Social Media Marketing Specialist Certification.

Access one of 75 seats in the January Program and don’t miss out on one of the most important training opportunities you will take this year.”

As it currently stands, VAClassroom offers the ONLY Social Media Marketing Training Program targeting Service Providers, Consultants and Virtual Assistants. 

The Social Media Marketing Specialist Training Program will be open for registration on January 15th at 11am PST. There are only 75 seats available for January’s Program and, believe me, they fill up very fast!

If you are interested in this class, don’t waste another minute – Sign up today for what is sure to be 2009’s greatest business opportunity for VAs!