Awww. Our kids are all grown up now! @bradfordshimp and @nrohrbach joined us for the latest #sbbuzz chat to tell us more about meeting via SBbuzz, launching their new business, and recruited some SBbuzzers for contributions to Idea Anglers.
Congratulations on your launch Bradford and Neal!
Check out the summary below for more details on their relationship (they’re an amusing pair) and how you can participate in Idea Anglers.
Don’t forget we’re on a bi-weekly summer schedule! If you have small business questions on technology, join us!
- Sbbuzz-ups are every other Tuesday this summer, next up is September 1st, 2009 from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Eastern Time. Join us – We’re here to facilitate the conversation between small business owners.
- Know small businesses that need help? Let them know when this chat happens, help them get started on Twitter and let’s talk!
- Instructions for participating are at http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
| sbbuzz: | Hi all! Welcome to #sbbuzz, a Tweetchat for next 2 hours of small biz talking about technology. Join us! http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions |
| sbbuzz: | Rules: 1)NO pitching till end 2)Be nice 3)Stay ON TOPIC! 4)Send ?s for group to me w/o hashtag 5)Use #sbbuzz in all messages 6)Have fun! |
| sbbuzz: | 1st hour is open discussion; 2nd hour is chat w/@IdeaAnglers re: virtual collaboration. DM me w/questions for either. #sbbuzz |
| sbbuzz: | To start off we have introductions: 1 message about you and your business and whatever else we need to know. #sbbuzz |
| lindadessau: | Great to be here! I help coaches and other small biz owners write content for newsletters & blogs, etc. http://snipr.com/friz9 #sbbuzz |
| merylevans: | @merylkevans of www.meryl.net coming to you from Plano, TX. Content maven who makes a livin’ playin’ with words. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Hello all! I’m co-founder of Idea Anglers and publisher of All Biz Answers. #sbbuzz |
| scoblitz: | @sbbuzz Scott Blitstein from eSeMBe / Tech Go-To Guy, Blogger, and Music Lover. #sbbuzz |
| helpbusinesses: | Jacqueline Business Solution Analyst @ Business Pipeline helping to manage, run & growth businesses nationwide businesspipeline.com #sbbuzz |
| pmohara: | Hi #sbbuzz folks! Pamela from @BatchBlue back tan, rested and ready to moderate a raucous chat with @IdeaAnglers |
| mriggen: | @sbbuzz Hello folks (and welcome back, bee!) I’m Michelle Riggen-Ransom with @BatchBlue. We make software for small businesses. #sbbuzz |
| KitBook: | Hi all! David here. I’m the co-author of the award winning hands-on science KitBook. #sbbuzz |
| Smallbizlabs: | I’m Steve from the small business research firm Emergent Research #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | Neal here, co-founder and CCO of @ideaanglers, looking forward to collaborating tonight! #sbbuzz |
| designleap: | I’m graphic/web designer who works with small business owners one-on-one to perfect their business image #sbbuzz |
| BookkeepingEase: | 1st time on #sbbuzz La Shonda from Bookkeeping Ease in NJ offering small biz owners peace of mind knowing their books are up to date #sbbuzz |
| sbbuzz: | We’re a little extra buzzy about 10,000 followers reached today. Thanks for all the support awesome #sbbuzz peeps! |
| lindaclairepuig: | Hi all, my first time here, compliments of @lindadessau. I run an “everything newsletters” company for coaches, therapists & others #sbbuzz |
| lindadessau: | @BookkeepingEase Welcome to you! #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | Building bridges between people – designing success ~ for entrepreneurs & as an Architectural & Interior Designer  #sbbuzz |
| lindadessau: | You all be extra nice to @lindaclairepuig, please – she’s my collaborator so I invited her to the talk about collaboration! #sbbuzz |
| mriggen: | @BookkeepingEase Welcome La Shonda! Just was in NJ a few weeks ago for the first time, had fun at the shore! #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | Heya #sbbuzz!!! Rob Z. here – web developer to the stars! |
| mriggen: | @lindaclairepuig We’re getting a lot of Lindas here  Welcome! #sbbuzz |
| lindadessau: | (Guess I better not ask any advice about collaboration problems Just kidding! Not having any #sbbuzz |
| BookkeepingEase: | @mriggen glad you enjoyed the famous NJ Shore #sbbuzz #sbbuzz |
| pmohara: | @lindadessau Thanks for bringing along a friend! Welcome to -the new folks. We’re going to be doing some great collaborating. #sbbuzz |
| BookkeepingEase: | thank you @lindadessau and @mriggen for the warm welcome #sbbuzz |
| sbbuzz: | Q1 How much time do you spend writing your own blogs, Tweets, etc. vs. commenting/answering other people’s messages? #sbbuzz |
| lindadessau: | @pmohara, @mriggen You can never have too many Lindas! #sbbuzz |
| merylevans: | Q1 Anywhere from 10 minutes to 45 minutes a day / 5 times a week. #sbbuzz |
| lindadessau: | @sbbuzz Q1 Ouch! I’m guilty of being a little out of proportion here – still spending majority of the time writing my own stuff. #sbbuzz |
| helpbusinesses: | Q2: My business is responding to people so about 4/5 of emails, tweeting but it make me money. #sbbuzz |
| desireescales: | #sbbuzz Desiree Scales from Bella Web Design sneaking in between putting some web proposals together and a presentation. |
| mriggen: | @sbbuzz Q1 Big part of my job is to produce content, so I’d say it’s about 60/40 on an average day (if that includes email). #sbbuzz |
| Smallbizlabs: | Too much writing my own, not enough commenting and answering others #sbbuzz |
| mriggen: | @sbbuzz Q1: Also I have to say, since this fancy new Twitter thing came along, I don’t leave nearly as many comments on blogs :/ #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q1 – I spend much more time working on my own content than commenting. But when I do comment, I go for quality. #sbbuzz |
| helpbusinesses: | Q2: @Smallbizlabs It’s important to comment on other peeps blog to gain exposure in your field #sbbuzz |
| mattharrell: | Q1: The time is almost equal, although, I’d like to spend more time “commenting” on other blogs. #sbbuzz |
| BookkeepingEase: | Q1. agree with @Smallbizlabs . I need to be spend more time interactive with replying and retweeting #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | #sbbuzz A1. 4hours /blog, Tweets 1+ Hour/day, Comments 1-3 Hour/day more when mentoring much much more when designing a residence. |
| scoblitz: | @sbbuzz Q1: More time on the creation because it requires more from me but I do make an effort to comment / reply to others. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q1: But I do love to reply and engage in direct conversation. That prob. takes priority over all else. #sbbuzz |
| designleap: | Q1 It takes me longer to create articles for my blog than leave comments on others. I’m a designer after all. #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | A2 Important to comment on other blogs that interest you to start networking & collaborating #sbbuzz I dont comment enough |
| lindadessau: | @scoblitz That’s a good point, I want to take a lot of care with what I’m creating, & may not need as much time to reply to others #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @desireescales Indeed. We should do a poll to see who is multi-tasking tonight. I am working on my collaboration station + this. #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz Q1: I’m finding it difficult to divide my time between talking about my work and actually doing it. Blogging takes time. |
| bradfordshimp: | Comments are very important to connect with your network. I try to leave comments on posts from friends whenever I can. #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz which is why I love Twitter – 140 characters? Easy. |
| rzazueta: | @bradfordshimp I’m making calls and finishing my CMS! Multitasking rules! #sbbuzz |
| desireescales: | Q1: If I don’t have @joemagennis to keep me on task every Monday at 2 for our Bella Buzz podcast, I don’t know what I’d do. #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | @bradfordshimp I love the comments back and forth also, however most of mine are via email #sbbuzz ….take priority when designing |
| scoblitz: | @lindadessau I really only comment if I have something worthwhile to add. They must have hit a spark so the reply is easy. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @CASUDI I love to interact on ideas via email – can really get down to the bone of a subject! #sbbuzz |
| sbbuzz: | Q2 Do you get involved in current political debates? How do you communicate your views? #sbbuzz |
| helpbusinesses: | @lindadessau @scoblitz it allow other readers to see you have a solid prospective outside a few positive or negative comments. #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz Q2: Phew… I try to avoid the political debates in my professional channels. Sometimes, it’s not so easy. |
| CASUDI: | @bradfordshimp comments on bBogs have led to great discussions / collaboration by email #sbbuzz |
| KitBook: | Q2: Oh boy. Tough not to get involoved these days. But have to be careful not to offend current or potential customers #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz but I do write to my congressperson and comment on his blog. |
| helpbusinesses: | Q2 Politics is not part of my business so I don’t mix the two. That can be dangerous ground to loose customers. #sbbuzz |
| sbbuzz: | Q2 Clarification – do you weigh in to your elected officials on current issues (ie healthcare)? #sbbuzz |
| lindaclairepuig: | Q2 I leave politics aside for now, at least professionally…trying to look for the common ground. #sbbuzz |
| helpbusinesses: | Q2: Politics and business matters should stay separated unless your business in politics in my opinion. #sbbuzz |
| merylevans: | Q2 I tend to shy from anything that might reveal my beliefs and know how politics become heated. Not meant for online permanence #sbbuzz |
| BookkeepingEase: | Q2. I try to stay away from political debates.We are all entitled to our opinions but at times it can get touchy & miss perceived #sbbuzz |
| lindadessau: | @helpbusinesses Q2 I feel the same way – it’s not really relevant to what I’m using talking/writing about. #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | A2~Politics ~ no comment #sbbuzz |
| helpbusinesses: | Q2: I write directly to my elected officials about what I want that concerns and/or effects me as a business owner. #sbbuzz |
| scoblitz: | @sbbuzz Q2: Politics isn’t really something I participate in online. I love a good debate but typically not the best forum for it. #sbbuzz |
| desireescales: | Q2: I dont think I wld even post my political comments on a blog. Not gd unless U’re w/ lk minded ppl behind closed doors. #sbbuzz |
| lindadessau: | @rzazueta That’s a whole other discussion – how social media has changed how engaged we are in politics. #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz I do follow my senator on Twitter (she has nothing interesting to say, though) and I actually read the bills I care about. |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz and I do follow my governor on Twitter (a little more interesting) as well as several news reporters. |
| bradfordshimp: | Q2 – No, I don’t really connect with my elected officials, put think that we all should. We need to be active, can’t afford not to. #sbbuzz |
| katcalbes: | Stumbled upon #sbbuzz via @merylevans … looks interesting so far (small biz talk re: tech) FYI http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions |
| sbbuzz: | Don’t forget to send me a DM or message w/o the hashtag with questions or topics you want discussed with the group. #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz I haven;t engaged directly with my elected officials on Twitter, but I have with a few reporters. |
| helpbusinesses: | Q2: Elected officials want to hear from their local businesses on issue that may affectt them. They reach out to use as well. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q2 – I did run for office in my small village, so the interest is there, just not the time. #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz Truth is, not enough politicians have really figured this social media thing out. Too many treat it as a campaign tool. |
| mriggen: | @sbbuzz Q2 We are who we are. We definitely don’t talk politics per se, but do have 3-D poster of someone in our office…hmmm… #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | @lindadessau Totally. It would be interesting if I didn;t feel I was tweeting and commenting into a blackhole with my reps. #sbbuzz |
| pmohara: | #sbbuzz Q2 I weigh in on Chamber surveys. I don’t have time to follow everything, but feel like I should let them know how things affect us. |
| littleID4me: | Hello everyone. I’m new to this chat. #sbbuzz |
| joemagennis: | Q1 Definitely s/b more time commenting. Was so vital a part of early days of building community before Twitter Facebook dispersed it #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | Q2: Yes, I weigh in to my elected officials often. A lot of the organizations I’m a member of have automated forms though #sbbuzz |
| Dr_Cards: | I’ve talked politics before, and later thought better of it. #sbbuzz. Better, I think, to create separate ID for politics or faith. |
| pmohara: | #sbbuzz Q2 Granted, I worked on Capitol Hill for 3 years and lived in DC for 10. So I can’t help but care what is happening. |
| desireescales: | @Dr_Cards Well hello there! Glad you joined us and finally chimed in from hot hot hot Phoenix! #sbbuzz |
| Dr_Cards: | The refined Q2 — Yes, VERY active one on one w/ elected officials! #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | I don’t talk politics here, though. I have an account on Newsvine for that when I feel the urge (every 4 years of so). #sbbuzz |
| lindaclairepuig: | @Dr_Cards That’s a good strategy…if you want to weigh in on politics or faith, do it separate from your biz #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | @Dr_Cards I like that separate ID idea #sbbuzz |
| desireescales: | Its not that people don’t care, its that they are cautious about opening up a conversation these days given the current climate. #sbbuzz |
| Dr_Cards: | Re: Separate ID’s for God, politics, and business conversations …. ‘course, I haven’t actually DONE that yet — too busy w/ Biz! #sbbuzz |
| Dr_Cards: | … too busy with biz … And I’m very thankful to (You-Know-WHO!) Ooops! Now there I go again! #sbbuzz |
| sbbuzz: | Q3 Do you try to maintain a strict separation between work & life? Or are you happy w/a blurred line? How are you succeeding? #sbbuzz |
| Dr_Cards: | @DesireeScales Desiree’s right about the current climate being devisive. Why potentially cut one’s mktplc 50%? #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz Q3: The line is VERY blurred right now, which has been a MAJOR problem. Still trying to figure this one out… |
| littleID4me: | I always travel the blurred line. It’s convenient and fun. Plus, lunch is a lot cheaper. #sbbuzz |
| mriggen: | @sbbuzz Q3 I try to schedule my time neatly for both, but it doesn’t always work out. Esp. being married to VP of Tech #sbbuzz |
| designleap: | Q3 I try to be strict work but the line seems to blur sometimes #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | Q3: I like the blurred line, my friends see my work side, and the work side sees I’m still human. #sbbuzz |
| helpbusinesses: | Q3 the separation between work & life is blurred by activities you do I think. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q3 – Have to give your family quality time. Its a must. My kids are young and if I don’t stop now to play with them, I’ll miss it. #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | Q3 IF U really love your work it becomes your life, however schedule the many different things U enjoy & stick to the plan #sbbuzz |
| desireescales: | Q3: The line blurs a bit, but I def try 2 protect my family time altho Twttr & Facebook get rlly interesting on the weekends! #sbbuzz |
| Smallbizlabs: | we’re a mom and pop business (my wife is my business partner) and the kids help out. Blurring is automatic. #sbbuzz |
| scoblitz: | @sbbuzz Q3: Great question The line is very blurry now but we’re ok with that. #sbbuzz |
| desireescales: | Q3: Have to pause and put the kids to bed right now. Be right back! #sbbuzz |
| Dr_Cards: | Q3 – Being my own biz owner I live with a blurred line between work & life. Aren’t they synonymous? I get so confused! #sbbuzz |
| helpbusinesses: | Q3: I also think that line of separation is determined by the business that you are in as well. Some careets are lifestyles. #sbbuzz |
| merylevans: | Q3 I’m a one-person business, so lines are blurred. I give 100% of me, but you don’t get 100% of me (quoting @nancynally) #sbbuzz |
| mattharrell: | Q3: As a business owner it’s hard for the lines to not cross. But we embrace it and our family all contributes! #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz I think for small businesses, the line is always blurred. But, in my case, I need to strike a better balance. |
| bradfordshimp: | Grew up in a family biz where lines crossed, but I turned out just fine, because we also focused on family. #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz Ironically, I think I’m spending more time with my family than working, which is the problem. |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz But when I wake up early and my 10-mo old wakes up with me… would I rather code or make funny faces for an hour? |
| lindadessau: | Q3 Ouch again! Really hitting home with these questions tonight. I’d say my life could use a little more life these days. #sbbuzz |
| smallbiztrends: | The small biz “blurred” line between work and personal gives you a less fractured life I think. I like an “integrated” life. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Sometimes, we work late because we goofed off too much during the day. Make time by spending it more wisely in your biz. #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | @bradfordshimp @desireescales If I need to work on a weekend,I take time off during the week #sbbuzz It’s all about balance. |
| Dr_Cards: | @cookn Hey, Ted! Come join us on #sbbuzz … a 2 hr. virtual networking event that began 50 min’ ago … Search #sbbuzz |
| sbbuzz: | Q4 from @Smallbizlabs How many have cut their blogging time (read and write) due to twitter? #sbbuzz |
| Smallbizlabs: | Blurring has advantages – we do our “staff meetings” hiking in the hills near our house #sbbuzz |
| jgmumm: | small biz is like being a farmer, the work isn’t all hard, but it’s also never done – it’s a tough line not to blur #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz Q4: I have considerably. The links are more timely, the convos more relevant and it’s easier to manage signal to noise ratio. |
| desireescales: | @bradfordshimp I don’t either, but I like to get on Twitter and FB for fun because ppl relax and post silly stuff. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q4 – Twitter sometimes co-opts my reader, but it shows me new blogs, which is nice. Hasn’t cut down on my own blogging at all. #sbbuzz |
| leoraw: | Q3 just got hear to read @bradfordshimp and @rzazueta talk about funny faces with kids.Why I work at home, so I can talk to kids, 2. #sbbuzz |
| scoblitz: | @sbbuzz Q4: It’s easy to blame Twitter for these things but I don’t think it’s been a factor. #sbbuzz |
| desireescales: | Q4: My blog time has actually doubled because people have found me on Twitter and asked me to post! #sbbuzz |
| helpbusinesses: | Q4: I think every business should find the vehicle online that helps them reach their goals & use it to their fullest. #sbbuzz |
| lindadessau: | @sbbuzz Q4 I’m blogging more (LOVE Twitterfeed) but probably less comments. Reading the same or more because of links from Twitter. #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | @sbbuzz Q4 > The other way around, cut twitter (except chats) in favor of Writing & Commenting & READING other Blogs #sbbuzz |
| leoraw: | Q4 Twitter is different than blogging. I use Twitter for links to posts and brief connections; blogging for longer expression. #sbbuzz |
| helpbusinesses: | Q4: To many businesses are spreading themselves to thin using all the social networks & not getting the use of the right. #sbbuzz |
| desireescales: | @helpbusinesses I agree, they are applying tactics instead of having a strategy. A plan is important. #sbbuzz |
| smallbiztrends: | Q4: I find the convo jumps between blog and Twitter. Currently looking for ways to integrate Tweets next to blog posts. #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | Q4: I’d say Twitter encourages me to blog, it gives me more outlet to spread the word, and I look forward to that. #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | @scoblitz It all is a balancing act in the end to get everything done #sbbuzz no one is accountable but U |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz I’ve never been a consistent blogger – I keep trying, but I have a hard time keeping up. Gotta balnace life, work and blogging… |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz When I look at the options to spend my time, I find coding always takes precedence over blogging. And there’s always code… |
| lindadessau: | @nrohrbach The same thing has happened for me. I love that I post to my blog and it goes out via Twitter. #sbbuzz |
| BookkeepingEase: | Q4. Twitter should be used as a tool to get people to your blog or website #sbbuzz |
| littleID4me: | Q4 I’m new to Twitter, and at first probably offended a lot of people or seemed spammy, but now I’ve opened up. #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz Which, again, is why I like Twitter – I take lots of 2-5 min. breaks here and there. Perfect for Twitter. |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz A blog post requires at least an hour from me. |
| jgmumm: | a lot of my clients don’t use social media; I use blogs to keep my site updated and relevant #sbbuzz |
| littleID4me: | Q4 Twitter opened up the blogging door for me. It’s better than jogging. #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz Been looking for a program that allows me to integrate my blog, FB and twitter in one TweetDeck-like platform. |
| rzazueta: | #sbbuzz I may wind up building it myself at this rate. |
| bradfordshimp: | @rzazueta I take a 2-5 minutes break every 2-5 minutes. #sbbuzz |
| Dr_Cards: | @desireescales ( 1 of 2) Desiree’s right about SM being a well thought-out / implemented strategy, vs. tactics. #sbbuzz |
| littleID4me: | Q4 My only complaint is that I get very little feedback whenever I ask questions or for suggestions. #sbbuzz |
| sbbuzz: | Now we will be directing ?s to our guests @nrohrbach & @bradfordshimp, loyal #sbbuzz contributors & co-founders @IdeaAnglers Welcome, guys! |
| IACEZ: | Q4 Blogging also gives you something to Twitter about. #sbbuzz |
| rongraham1: | Q4 – like many of you, Twitter encourages me to blog. But more to the point, it gives me some of my best ideas. LOL #sbbuzz |
| Dr_Cards: | ( 2 of 2) Well-executed strategy also loops back to our discussions about mixing God / politics w/ our #small-business purposes. #sbbuzz |
| mriggen: | @littleID4me That’s not true here – you’ll get a ton of feedback #sbbuzz |
| sbbuzz: | Everyone feel free to jump in w/thoughts or follow-up ?s (but stay on topic!) #sbbuzz |
| joemagennis: | Q4 interesting timing, I think there is concern re content ownership & trend back to blogging retains ownership not twitter, FB, FF #sbbuzz |
| leoraw: | @littleID4me u say u get little feedback – I find I either need to ask directly or wait until someone I know is on, or ask elsewhere #sbbuzz |
| jgmumm: | @desireescales my clients are government agencies – lots can’t even access those sites from their office, they are also just behind #sbbuzz |
| lindadessau: | @rzazueta Typepad came out with something interesting http://snipr.com/qhead #sbbuzz |
| sbbuzz: | Q6 @ideaAnglers How did you decide collaborate on a business? Any lightening bolt moments? A gradual thing? #sbbuzz |
| desireescales: | @jgmumm That makes sense…maybe you can help lead the way a bit! #sbbuzz |
| rongraham1: | @jgmumm, I spent 13 years in government service. My time there has taught me you won’t see these agencies catch up in my lifetime. #sbbuzz |
| jgmumm: | i had criteria for timing of the startup; once those criteria finally came together it was a GO #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q6 – I’ll use a term my father loves – organic. It happened through a series of serendipitous events, I guess. #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | Q6: Well it was certainly meant to be. We both have strong passions for business, and everything fell in place. #sbbuzz |
| jgmumm: | @rongraham1 LOL. Most likely. They can still visit a web page though and so the blog still helps with SEO #sbbuzz |
| rongraham1: | @leoraw, what feedback is it you are having trouble getting? Are you asking direct questions and having them go unanswered? #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q6 – Basically, I presented a random idea, and Neal ran with it, and back and forth since then. #sbbuzz |
| leoraw: | @rongraham1 I was answering @littleID4me who said they get little feedback – @littleID4me is new to this group. #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | Q6: it’s been a lot of “running”, and AMAZING that we’re both always running the same direction #sbbuzz |
| jgmumm: | @desireescales that’s actually part of my strategy; little by little I hope to move my industry or at least try #sbbuzz |
| rongraham1: | @bradfordshimp, this is probably in a FAQ, but I’m askin’ anyway: are you and @nrohrbach located near one another? #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q6 – When Neal told me he registered ideaanglers.com, I knew it something cool was happening. #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | @lindadessau THX for Typepad info http://snipr.com/qhead #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @rongraham1 No. I’m in New York and Neal is in South Georgia. #sbbuzz |
| leoraw: | Regarding asking, I am going to be doing a “Twitter Research Workshop” – Q is what can one research on Twitter? #sbbuzz |
| rzazueta: | @bradfordshimp If I recall correctly, you first heard each other’s voices doing a podcast with @DesireeScales , right? #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | The thing with collaboration is, anyone can jump in, as long as you are moving in the same direction. #sbbuzz |
| rongraham1: | @bradfordshimp, that’s very interesting. @DJFathaRamzee and I used to share an office. We can still collaborate though I’ve left… #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | @rongraham1 in fact, the first time we even heard each other’s voices was when @desireescales interviewed us for the Bella Buzz #sbbuzz |
| sbbuzz: | Q8 @ideaAnglers Have you all met in person? On the phone? Is it harder to work completely online? #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @leoraw Oh, I have a good one. Words. As in, do your biz keywords match what people are actually saying. #sbbuzz |
| rongraham1: | …but Ramzee, who is a most excellent partner, is not as sure as I am about collaboration at a distance. #sbbuzz |
| leoraw: | @bradfordshimp in other words, you concentrate on certain keywords in your business – are these the ones people use? I like that. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q8 – Our temperaments and schedules allow us to work almost exclusively through chat and email (and MemberHub) #sbbuzz |
| KitBook: | @leoraw Twitter is great for researching opinions, best practices, operating practices, etc. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q8 – We have yet to meet in person. #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | Q8: we’ve yet to meet in person, it’s all been Twitter, Email, LinkedIN, @memberhub, Skype Chat #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @leoraw I wrote a blog post about it, let me dig it up for you. #sbbuzz |
| rongraham1: | @bradfordshimp, you said something about “our temperaments.” Could you expand on that just a little? #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @leoraw Here it is: http://bit.ly/9vMlD #sbbuzz |
| merylevans: | Q8 I met @internetviz (client) in person — seven years after we first started working together. It was awesome. #sbbuzz |
| desireescales: | New Startup Created Solely with Social Media: Idea Anglers interview can be found here http://twurl.nl/7iq47w #sbbuzz |
| wvpmc: | Hi everybody- sorry I’m late (just back from a board meeting) – we’re talking about collaboration + birth of ideaanglers.com? #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q8 – I didn’t even know what Neal looked like until he changed to his current avatar. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @rongraham1 Sure. I prefer to talk through typing. I can handle conversation in bits spread throughout the day. Same with Neal. #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | @bradfordshimp I didn’t want to scare you off right away #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @nrohrbach Right, like that fish picture wasn’t scary!! #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | @bradfordshimp @nrohrbach Q8 We were part of virtual comm company in 2000 BUT had to meet in person every month #sbbuzz It was harder then |
| designleap: | Q8 I’ve worked with a lot of great people and have never met them in person/phone before, love the internet #sbbuzz |
| sbbuzz: | Q9 Tell us a little about IdeaAnglers. What does it do? What makes it better than just using social media to get advice?#sbbuzz |
| rongraham1: | @bradfordshimp, that’s always been me as well, even back in the days of Usenet and Listservs. Ramzee, however, prefers face-to-face. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q8 – People are wary of being able to build real relationships on the web, but it is doable. We’ve become great friends. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q9 – Well, its better than social networks because it is more focused, for 1. Kind of like this chat compared to Twitter as a whole. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q9 – This post by @wordpost really describes what we do very well – http://tinyurl.com/pexwbh #sbbuzz |
| desireescales: | @bradfordshimp I think there have been a lot of great friendships started here at #sbbuzz |
| rongraham1: | @bradfordshimp, is “more focused” a nice way to say “no MLM, no affiliate marketing, no Law of Attraction” and so forth? LOL #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q9 – What we do is bring together collaborative power and advice to help small businesses launch and grow. #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | Q9: We’re also building a team of “Guides” some of the best pros around. Someone new to soc media may not have those connections yet #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q9 – We are introducing tools like the Collaboration Station which will help someone refine an idea into a business plan. #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | Q9: I also try to give @bradfordshimp a lesson on Farm Equipment at least once a week #sbbuzz |
| wvpmc: | @nrohrbach can you tell us more about the “guides” team? #sbbuzz |
| rongraham1: | @nrohrbach, I have been reading about the guides principle in the @wordpost article. What makes a good guide? #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | BTW, we do have an @ideaanglers Twitter account that you can follow, but we both wanted to weigh in as ourselves tonight. #sbbuzz |
| wvpmc: | @CASUDI Hi Caroline! #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | @rongraham1 @wvpmc The “Guides” apply to the team, they have a proven track record in their area of study & are willing to give/take #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Be sure to check out our mention at Business Week (thanks to @scoblitz) – http://tinyurl.com/m9rqpm #sbbuzz |
| lindadessau: | @bradfordshimp Any concerns about discussing raw ideas in a semi-public forum? #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | @wvpmc I want to find out how these guides differ from what I do as mentoring & have done for 10+ years?Maybe I can delegate #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Guides are business people that understand the power of giving and sharing. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @lindadessau The forum will be private, amongst members and guides, with a “Fisherman’s Promise” non-disclosure agreement. #sbbuzz |
| rongraham1: | @bradfordshimp, sherpas? (I bet that word’s been taken for this context. LOL) #sbbuzz |
| lindadessau: | @bradfordshimp Very cool, I like it #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | We review a “resume” from the guide applicants, and there’s more on the give before you receive mantra here http://digg.com/u15HZU #sbbuzz |
| sbbuzz: | Q10 What tools are you using to communicate w/each other, w/your guides and w/your members? What works? What doesn’t? #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @CASUDI Come on over. Mentoring is something we might offer later on. Guides don’t have to commit to that level. #sbbuzz |
| mriggen: | @nrohrbach It’s funny how people are still skeptical of that model. How do you prove ROI to doubters? #sbbuzz |
| rongraham1: | @nrohrbach, I don’t like the way Business Week referred to Idea Anglers as “cheap.” Probably saving space, but blah connotation. #sbbuzz |
| Whistletree: | @nrohrbach THANKS SO MUCH! Can’t tell you how much we appreciate your referral! I’ve been missing #sbbuzz. Hope to be on next week:) |
| CASUDI: | @bradfordshimp My mentoring of SUs started as a founding member of the Sierra Angels #sbbuzz before that I consulted…. |
| bradfordshimp: | @rongraham1 The sense was that these are tools that start ups can afford. Sure, the word could have been “affordable” but no complai #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | Q10: Skype and Email a close tie for #1, @memberhub moving up the ranks, Twitter of course, LinkedIN’s collab. add-ons failed us. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q10 We are very excited to be working with MemberHub for some of the backend framework for organizing our members. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | MemberHub will allow us to give access to collaboration stations, mini-courses, etc. within the membership structure. #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | @nrohrbach interesting what U say about Linkedin, can U elaborate ? #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | @mriggen If one isn’t open to the ROI of give before you receive, and truly understand our mission, you probably wouldn’t fit in #sbbuzz |
| lindadessau: | @nrohrbach I always forget about Skype, but then I really enjoy it when someone suggests we connect that way. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Other tools include MailChimp for email pushes, BatchBook to keep track of people, Skype for communication… #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Yeah, Twitter and #sbbuzz esp. have helped us get the word out. #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | @CASUDI we tried getting started with LinkedIN’s huddle workspaces, updatess didn’t always come through, app itself would “timeout” #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | @bradfordshimp What is Memberhub? #sbbuzz I am looking for collaborative tool for working with designers in China…..without language:-) |
| scoblitz: | @rongraham1 @nrohrbach The “cheap” thing was a surprise to me. The premise for my input was free or low cost services. #sbbuzz |
| leoraw: | @bradfordshimp How does MailChimp compare to ConstantContact? why use one or the other? #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Hope to integrate more tools from the fine folks here, including WhistleTree. #sbbuzz |
| working_arts: | beside email, newsletters (html emails via email services), web and phones, we also use skype, twitter DMs, facebook #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @leoraw I am in love with MailChimp. Super user friendly, and (this is important) fun! #sbbuzz |
| leoraw: | @working_arts which email services do you use for your newsletters? #sbbuzz |
| working_arts: | Q10 digg, stumble, etc. to help drive traffic to our blog or relevant websites #sbbuzz |
| rongraham1: | @nrohrbach, a little devil’s advocacy about mission: I’ve given away free stuff as long as I’ve been online. And few have cared.  #sbbuzz |
| working_arts: | Q10 beside email, newsletters (html emails via email services), web and phones, we also use skype, twitter DMs, facebook #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @CASUDI memberhub.com from our very own @mattharrell – a very nice group collaboration tool. We switched from Basecamp for internal #sbbuzz |
| mattharrell: | Anyone feel free to contact me with questions about @memberhub. We’re very excited to be working with @ideaanglers #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @rongraham1 Right, its not just putting stuff out there. There will be plenty of opps for our guides to pitch, and benefit as well. #sbbuzz |
| desireescales: | @rongraham1 Wow, I said the same thing when I read the article. We’re on the same page for once! #sbbuzz |
| scoblitz: | @leoraw I prefer MailChimp. The team there is brilliant with ideas and new features. It’s a joy to use. #sbbuzz |
| working_arts: | @leoraw constant contact – very easy to use #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | @mattharrell PLEASE put me on your list to learn more #sbbuzz |
| rongraham1: | @desireescales, we’re on the same page? Alert the media! #sbbuzz |
| sbbuzz: | Q11 How can we get involved? As guides, as members, as both? #sbbuzz |
| joemagennis: | @leoraw Just moved from ConstantContact to AWeber. Scheduled messages according to signup date, number of posts etc very versatile #sbbuzz |
| leoraw: | @scoblitz @working_arts thanks for responses. Need ideas on what to recommend to clients. One uses Constant Contact now. #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | @working_arts I receive a number of newsletters w constant contact~ looks lie they do a good job #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | Q11: right now you can all sign up for our newsletter, to keep up to date with the latest happenings #sbbuzz |
| mattharrell: | @CASUDI Sure thing! I’d love to learn more about your specific needs. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @leoraw MailChimp doesn’t have triggers though, which is big for one of my clients. We use Big Response for that. #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | There’s more info under “Are You A Guide” for joining as a guide, and we welcome any and all applications. http://digg.com/u15HZU #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | We are looking for guides from all aspects of business and experience. We want our guides to contribute regularly and be involved. #sbbuzz |
| leoraw: | @bradfordshimp Could use Twitter to research email newsletter clients! @joemagennis mentioned AWeber – u say Big Response #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | Q11: And even if a full membership isn’t right for you, we will be offering specific mini-courses and eBooks to the General Public! #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | We are currently running a beta test of the Collaboration Station. If that sounds interesting to you, contact me directly. #sbbuzz |
| rongraham1: | I’ve been waiting for you guys to elaborate on Collaboration Station. Is it a tool for guides, or something completely different? #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @leoraw Depends on your needs. For usability and most functions, I recommend MailChimp highly. Have used several before that. #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | @bradfordshimp interested in collaboration station #sbbuzz |
| working_arts: | @leoraw vertical response is also easy… they are all pretty much the same. get familiar with their interface and start selling #sbbuzz |
| CristinaKeeA: | We are looking for guides from all aspects of business and experience. We want our guides to contribute regularly and be involved. #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | @CristinaKeeA I’d like to send you some people to guide #sbbuzz |
| sbbuzz: | Q12 (again breaking @bradfordshimp‘s record) What has been the biggest challenge in collaborating online? #sbbuzz |
| mriggen: | @leoraw I have to add my vote for @mailchimp for usability, ease of use and fun factor. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @sbbuzz Probably its accountability, though we have done a good job of that. It could be easy to let everything rest on 1 person. #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | Q12: The biggest challenge collaborating online has been getting things posted or edited we both need to review. #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | Q12 – Actually, because we write everything down, its kind of nice. In the real world, we have a lot of conversations but no notes. #sbbuzz |
| nrohrbach: | Q12: It’s not like I can run down the hall and stand over Brad until he gives his edits or approval #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @nrohrbach True, Neal has to wait on me all of the time. He’s a bit of a slave-driver. #sbbuzz |
| working_arts: | Q12 waiting for googlewave! #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | So, you have to have certain skills, like patience. And you need to be able to trust one another, because you can’t check in. #sbbuzz |
| lindadessau: | I know the @Batchbook team is big on Google Docs – have you guys tried it at @IdeaAnglers? #sbbuzz |
| working_arts: | Q12 #sbbuzz googledocs does not realy work as advertized, but googlewave promises to deliver. anyone seen the online preso? |
| nrohrbach: | @lindadessau oh yeah, we rock the google doc. Lots of sharing and collaborating there for sure! #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | @lindadessau Yes, we use Google Docs – esp. for forms. Might look more into SmartSheet though, since they are awesome! #sbbuzz |
| CASUDI: | @bradfordshimp …..because you can’t check in. #sbbuzz was why we had 1/month in person meetings in 2000 |
| bradfordshimp: | The more I collaborate online, the more I want to work with people I know (who have companies that can help). #sbbuzz |
| lindadessau: | Cool – hadn’t heard about Google Wave (where have I been?) – just signed up for updates http://snipr.com/qhhbf #sbbuzz |
| working_arts: | Q12 #sbbuzz googlewave presentation: http://bit.ly/13u3Sm <– grab coffee 1st |
| nrohrbach: | I’ve been playing with Zoho too, always open to new software options #sbbuzz |
| bradfordshimp: | I am unsure about the Wave. Might take me awhile to get on board. #sbbuzz |
| pmohara: | @lindadessau Yes, we’re big Google Docs folks. A weird Firefox upgrade bug broke my Docs for a few days. I got very Googly Moogly. #sbbuzz |
| mattgillooly: | @sbbuzz – Q12 – I follow three simple rules: Stop, collaborate, and listen. #sbbuzz |
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