The Patriots and Giants will be lining up on the 50 yard line, but the Super Bowl’s MVP – social media, got into the game weeks ago. Here’s a look at what’s going on in the streets and on screens. How has social media affected your Super Bowl experience so far?

Live from Super Bowl Village

With the Super Bowl buzz building to a loud crescendo, I had to see for myself what in the world was going on in Indianapolis. So, I did – on Groundhog’s Day.

In a trip that lasted 10.5 hours, include 7 hours of driving, I experienced first hand the excitement, energy and enthusiasm in the air. Strolling around on a blazingly sunny and unreasonably warm 60 degree day, I encountered a street party that went on for blocks and blocks.

What I most wanted to see, I didn’t get to: a 2,800-square-foot “Super Bowl Social Media Command Center” staffed by folks ready to answer questions coming in via social networks.

I did, however, score a live interview from Radio Row in Super Bowl Village with producer Ted Gregorek.

Super Fast Super Bowl Village Wi-Fi

Ever been to a tech event where you can’t get a signal? Me too. Knowing that thousands of people would want to connect simultaneously, I planned on having a weak signal on the street – not so in Indy. Thanks Verizon!

“Superbowl XVLI in Indianapolis will be the first-ever with widespread 4G and WiFi access. Verizon Wireless spent $160 million on cellular technology in Indiana in 2011. Most of the money was spent building new cell towers but some was targeted specifically at upcoming Superbowl XLVI.”

Super Bowl Ads, as seen on TV and . . .

“Running a Super Bowl ad will cost $3.5 million for a 30-second spot, not including production expenses. 80% of Super Bowl ads will feature social and/or mobile app integration.”

“The Washington Post said this year’s game will be the first ‘second screen’ Super Bowl, since advertisers, the football industry and others will all be trying to get your attention via other venues when you’re not focusing on your television.”

Social46 Bands Together to Back Up Super Bowl Host Committee

Thanks to Chris Theisen, for reaching out on behalf of Social 46. According to Jay Baer, also a Social 46 member, this is “a group of social media representatives selected to help make Super Bowl 46 in Indianapolis the ‘most connected’ Super Bowl ever.” Jay’s post is required reading for any event organizers considering recruiting social media ambassadors.

Here’s Chris Theisen‘s video tour . . .

Super Bowl Coverage Brought to You by Google, YouTube and the NFL

Check out Google’s Super Bowl Game Day dashboard.

Browse YouTube’s Super Bowl Ad Blitz channel.

Watch the NFL’s Super Bowl coverage via live stream on your mobile device.

How about you – how many screens will you be watching during the game?

Image: copyright 2012 by Barbara Rozgonyi from the Super Bowl XLVI collection, which includes a fun Super Bowl Village zip line video.

“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” George Bernard Shaw

Boy, do I know how to fail fast. I made so many mistakes with the cooler social media marketing webinar series I finished today, I felt compelled to share them with you. On the flip side, here’s how to create and produce a webinar.  You’re probably perfect, but if not, we’d like to know about your mistakes, too.

15 Webinar Mistakes I Made That You Don’t Have To

1. Announce with a super short lead time – this is real time, right?
Fix: Plan a few months, at least, in advance. Sure, it’s good to challenge yourself to get things done, just make sure you have a work in progress to work from.

2. Assume people will actually show up and participate in the complete webinar series.
Fix: Even with paid registration, few people showed up. Why? They knew they would be getting a recording, transcript and a workbook. I’m not sure what the answer is for this – what do you think?

3. Add in too much time for questions and answers.
Fix: To me, the biggest value was in getting time to ask questions. So I allowed 45 minutes, but that was way too much time. Maybe add in a study call?

4. Structure it like an old-school college class.
Fix: Handouts, a power point and case studies may be too much – and students may want more of multi-media experience. How to do that? Add in a few videos. What else?

5. Leave action plans open for interpretation.
Fix: A general guide is good and works for the masses, but not everyone is motivated or creative enough to fill in the blanks.

6. Forget to unmute yourself before you start recording. Yep, I did that.
Fix: But . . . I did have a backup recorder. I used a Sony digital voice recorder, which goes for around $40.

7. Write the reminders and replay emails as you go.
Fix: Write them all at once, you’ll save time and stay in the flow. Plus, you can schedule if you’re following number 8.

8. Don’t send emails through a tracking system.
Fix: Set up an automated system to deliver and track email opens and clicks – you’ll know who read what.

9. Rely on email to communicate; let messages get lost.
Fix: If your group can’t find their email messages, set up a private Facebook group, a Google group or even a Google+ circle. Everyone can talk to each other and all the information stays in one place.

10. Delay packaging as an information product because you need a designer.
Fix: Digital products may be priced less, but there’s much less fuss in getting them out. And, if people really want your information, don’t make them wait.

11. Don’t plan on providing customer service. Everyone will get everything the first time.
Fix: Troubleshoot signup, checkout, registration, replay – you get the idea.

12. Skip on promotions, you don’t want to bug anybody.
Fix: Map out a promotional strategy that includes news releases, partner offers, posts and invitations. If you’re going to all this trouble, you want people to show up, right?

13. Include three times more information than you can cover.
Fix: Well, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but I found myself edging an extra 15 minutes into the question session with material. Can they really absorb all of it? Better to offer as a special report or bonus.

14. Talk really fast – like you’re from Chicago and you’ve just had your fifth cup of coffee in an hour.
Fix: Wow, can I zip along, but can people follow what I’m saying? Can I? Slowing down grounds the conversation.

15. Don’t make a list of what to fix – you’ll remember.

Well, that’s what this post is about. What webinar mistakes have you made – or fixed?

Thanks so much to my friend Marla Tabaka for inviting me to contribute to her inc.com column. It’s exciting to be featured in “Unlocked Secrets on LinkedIn” on inc.com.

Marla says, “All too often I receive resistance when I suggest to a client that she utilize LinkedIn to build vendor, partner, and prospect relationships. But what might first feel like an intimidating pilgrimage into foreign land can result in a journey of growth, connection, and prosperity. All it takes is a little know-how—and the willingness to put yourself out there.” 

Where are you on your LinkedIn journey?

When I speak to groups and ask, “Who here is on LinkedIn?” usually at least 80% of the hands go up. When I ask “Who here believes they are optimizing their LinkedIn network’s potential?” maybe 10% agree. There is always room to make more progress – and get results.

Every time I work with Marla she makes me think.

I’ve written about PR and LinkedIn before. This time, Marla sent over a list of challenging questions like . . .

• Who is LinkedIn for? What types of businesses do you recommend use LinkedIn as their primary social media marketing tool?
• What’s the difference between leveraging LinkedIn versus Facebook and Twitter?
• How do you research connections and target customers for business development tips on creating relationships on LinkedIn?

Marla did a marvelous job of framing the LinkedIn information in with her life coach perspective.

Marla Tabaka is a life and business coach who helps entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses grow their companies faster. She serves as a Success Coach for Make Mine a Million and helps award recipients grow their businesses to $1 million and beyond. Marla has 25 years of experience in corporate, start up and entrepreneurial ventures.

Here’s a clip from the LinkedIn secrets post.

Once you have set up your company page think about how you can integrate LinkedIn throughout your sales and marketing strategy. Rozgonyi has the following suggestions:

• Utilize LinkedIn’s Card Munch app at networking events and on sales calls to connect to your prospects right away. Make sure you offer a free report or something else with value in your invitation to connect.
• Add LinkedIn’s blog application to your personal profile to pull in company blog updates.
• Install the slideshare application into your personal profile. Upload a PowerPoint about your company’s services and the presentation will appear on your profile.
• Invite customers to leave recommendations on the products and services page on your LinkedIn company page.

Are we connected on LinkedIn?  How do you grow relationships on LinkedIn?

Grab a LinkedIn Superstar ebook.

LinkedIn keeps getting better and better. And that’s why I like sharing these updates. Have you used LinkedIn’s Card Munch App, updated event interface or the group statistics feature? If so, I’m interested in your impressions.  Tell me – what did I leave out?

LinkedIn’s Card Munch iPhone app Digitizes Paper

Am I the only one out there who misplaces business cards? Maybe I have too many pockets. It’s time-consuming to search and rescue all the cards I pick up at events when I get back to the office.

Cards play hide and seek in my business card case, in my pockets, in my briefcase, in my car – and sometimes even in my wallet!

I love to meet people and exchange cards, but if we don’t continue the connection, what’s the point?

How quick would it to be scan one and you’re done? That’s what you can do with the free Card Munch iPhone app.

When to Use . . . While You’re There

1. at networking events – scan while you’re there and either toss or return the card, preferable, while you’re there
2. on appointments – scan, impress the client and send them a LinkedIn invitation, while you’re there
3. at a trade show – input new connections right away, while you’re there

Why to use the Card Munch iPhone app

1. automatically adds to your contact list
2. shows how you’re connected via LinkedIn
3. lets you recycle paper and preserve information

Side, but Big, Benefit: You don’t have to worry about whether or not you mistype when you input contact information on your iPhone.

Want more information? Join the group for members using LinkedIn mobile apps.

LinkedIn Events Gets More Social

I love the look of LinkedIn’s new event interface and I like the comment section. Now the event dialog can start before the event begins.

But, I do miss the option to confirm whether you’re a presenter or an organizer. Now you can only be an organizer. Since I set up events for clients and often add events where I’m speaking, I’d rather not be listed as the one in charge.

Also – it looks like, right now, that there is no way to delete an event.

Have you found any other kinks in the new interface?

While we don’t use LinkedIn as a primary registration site, we do use it as a promotional outpost. Why? It’s easy to set up, our event is in LinkedIn’s search and we can easily share – to twitter and Facebook – and invite people from LinkedIn.

Your event will stand out because there’s less competition for listings. In fact, the number of events that have a listing here is much lower in comparison to what’s really going on in Chicago. How do the number of listings match what’s happening in your area?

How to set up a LinkedIn event page:

1. Go to the more tab on the top nav bar. Click on events in the drop down menu. Click on create a group in the box at the top of the right column.
2. You’ll need the basics: time, date, place, registration site
3. Compose an event description that starts off with the most important details first, like names of speakers. You only have 200 or so characters to work with in the preview section, but you can add more detail in the complete description.
4. Write a great headline or event title that includes keywords.
5. Think about industries and titles: you’ll include those in the listing.
6. Add an image or a logo
7. Share the event via email, on networks, etc
8. Invite key people to visit the page and click attend so that they show up.

LinkedIn Group Statistics Reveal Dynamics

These beauties popped up on the eve of one of my LinkedIn webinars. That’s why I always check the LinkedIn blog right before I go on. It’s fun to “break news.” People love being the first to know – and I like to be the first to tell them.

To find statistics in groups you already belong to, click the more tab in the vertical nav bar. Look for statistics in the drop down menu. It should be the last item.

For groups you’re checking out, but don’t belong to yet, look for the group statistics icon on the right hand side of the page.  Click on it and you’ll see them.

smc-chicago-linkedin-group

What you get with LinkedIn group statistics:

Demographics snapshot of the members by level, role, location, and industry

Growth over time

Activity shows what’s going on inside the group

Information about groups your group can connect with for cross or co-promotions, event invitations and broader community discussions.

What do you find most interesting about group statistics?

Why you need group statistics:

1. Decide whether or not to join a group based on demographics
2. Target communications: to execs or entry level to save time and be direct
3. Track growth: if you’re the owner or manager you can see how your group is shaping up and how activity is flowing

Thanks for sharing your thoughts – how do you use LinkedIn as a marketing tool?

Want more information? Browse the wiredPRworks LinkedIn archive.

Would you like to connect with me on LinkedIn?

There is only place and one time every year where you can have much as this. Fly into into Chicago if you must. Whatever it takes, don’t miss Social Media Club Chicago’s Sugar and Spice holiday party on December 13 at the Chicago Tribune Museum. [Disclosure: I am honored to serve on the Social Media Club Chicago board, which means it's our job to invite everyone to cool parties every month since October 2008!!!] Will you be there?

See how much fun we had at our 2010 SMC Chicago Mad Men party at CME group? Here’s the official invitation.

Join Social Media Club Chicago for traditional our largest event of the year, and arguably the most fun. To spice things up this year, we wanted to sweeten the pot by inviting two of Chicago finest when it comes to social media.

Social Media Club Chicago Sugar and Spice Holiday Party Tickets

Join Social Media Club Chicago for traditional our largest event of the year, and arguably the most fun. To spice things up this year, we wanted to sweeten the pot by inviting several of Chicago’s finest when it comes to social media.

Social Media Program Panelists: Todd Carpenter, Mari Luangrath, Ernest Wilkins and Amy Guth

 Event Details

Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Time: 5:30 pm- 8:30pm

Location: Chicago Tribune Museum

435 N. Michigan Ave.

Chicago, IL

After Party: Bull & Bear 431 N. Wells (inlcudes 1 Free Drink)

Tickets: $20 Advance/$25.00 at the door

Price includes: Program, food and drinks.

Food: @Ramon_DeLeon Domino’s Pizza, Hot Aisan Buns from Bao Wow, and catered appetizers from Cafe Bella.

Drinks: Beer, wine, water and specialty mixed cocktails to match our sugar and spice theme, thanks to Google Places!

Tickets include: Program, food and drinks.

SMCChicago is proud to be once again partnering with TweetDrive this holiday season. How can you help? Bring a toy or clothing item to the event! 

What is TweetDrive (@TweetDriveHQ):

The mission of Tweet Drive is to form communities in the real world through the tools and culture of social media in order to help under privileged children around the globe. This year is the 2nd annual Tweet Drive, with more than 25 ‘communities’ nationwide participating over a two-week span in December. To learn more about the nationwide TweetDrive efforts, visit www.tweetdrive.org.

About the Chicago Tweet Drive (@CHITweetDrive):

This will be the second year the Chicago Tweet Drive will partner with @SMCChicago to host the wonderful event. The @CHITweetDrive has also selected Shelter, Inc., as the charity of choice again for this year’s toy drive. Based in Arlington Heights, Shelter, Inc (@ShelterInc) provides community based, emergency and longer-term housing for children and adolescents who are abused, neglected, dependent or in need of supervision throughout the Chicago-area. To learn more about Shelter, Inc., visit http://www.shelter-inc.org/.

So please, bring a toy or clothing item for the @CHITweetDrive efforts to the December SMC Chicago event. Any bit helps! And remember, give back this holiday season, one tweet at a time!

SMC Chicago Board Members

-  Barbara Rozgonyi [@wiredprworks], Founder

-  Jeff Willinger [@jwillie], President, Chicago SMC chapter.

-  Amy Korin [@interactiveamy], Coordinates Volunteers 

-  Tim McDonald [@tamcdonald], Manages Communications

-  Jeannie Walters [@jeanniecw], Oversees Logistics

-  Carolyn Martin [@syncsocialmedia], Online Marketing

Contact:

-  http://smcchicago.org

-  smcchicagonews@gmail.com

-  @smcchicago on twitter

-  @www.facebook.com/SMCChicago

- 630.207.7530 or 312-970-0846

 SMC Chicago Chapter Mission

Social Media Club’s primary mission is to expand digital media literacy, promote standard technologies, encourage ethical behavior and share best practices. We bring together journalists, publishers, communications professionals, artists, amateur media creators, citizen journalists, teachers, students, tool makers, and other interested collaborators. Essentially the people who create and consume media who have an interest in seeing the ‘media industry’ evolve for everyone’s benefit. We are more than just USERS, we are the reason the tools exist – we are the people who communicate our thoughts and ideas near and far. Join us and let’s shape the future together!

Image: left to right Kim Redd Johnson @reddsmitty, Amy Ravit Korin @interactiveamy, Allan Schoenberg @allanschoenberg, Xan Pearson @xanpearson and Barbara Rozgonyi @wiredprworks

How do you add sugar and spice to your social media communications – or parties?