Baby Boomers: trends and opportunities in social media for businesses, organizations and individuals' careers: Digital Wagon Train™

Tapping the Expert in all of Us - Social Teaching

Sophia, the Greek word for wisdom, is a new social learning and teaching platform created by Don Smithmeier. We had the pleasure of attending a forum about Sophia at Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) studios in downtown St. Paul. An hour-long lively discussion was hosted by MPR's Keri Miller on the pros and cons of technology in education. The audience was a mix of teachers, school administrators, superintendents, students, elementary-age kids, grad students in process of obtaining their Masters in Education and other interested citizens. One thing everyone agreed upon is that technology is here to stay and schools need to find ways to integrate it into their lesson plans to enhance their abilities to reach students. 

Here are some of the comments made that evening:

“Sophia meets kids where they are at…they sometimes have a short attention span and the learning packets are just long enough to hold their attention.” (Teacher from Minneapolis)

“What if I could become part of a learning circle…to contribute and be part of a web of support for each child…that would be phenomenal.” (Audience member)

“It fits with the conversations we are having as education leaders that we need to have mobile learning, 24/7, it should be paperless and we need to flip our classrooms where we don’t need 10,000 teachers across the country teaching each concept in their own way every day. We would gain more time in the classroom because we are talking about having homework done at school and schoolwork done at home. (Superintendent of West St. Paul Schools)

One of the most significant endorsements of Sophia came from two young 4th graders who spoke up about the virtues of Sophia and how cool it is using the online flashcards and packets. Sophia's public release is scheduled for beginning March but you can check out the beta now. 

Check out the full audio here:

 

Jo-Ann Fabrics In Social Media Dust-Up Over Teacher Rewards Program

This is cross -posted at Funnybusiness

Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts is the latest company to learn that social media is not always a social place.  Chances are when they launched their Teacher's Reward Program they didn't anticipate that there would be any kind of blow back. After all, they're offering a 15% discount to k-12 educators including those who home school.

That's all good, isn't it?

 

It's a  program designed to save teachers some money and provide Jo-Ann Fabrics with lots of goodwill. It should be a win-win situation. Except that in a world where companies must now accountable to their customers thanks to social media, there is a bru-ha-ha over the company's refusal to include licensed family child care providers in that program.

What seems to bother the family child care providers the most is that Jo-Ann Fabrics offers the discount to parents who home school. So, if they do that, why not extend the program to licensed family child care providers?

That is exactly the question that family child care providers have been asking on the company's Facebook page.

Whether or not Jo-Ann Fabrics should change their policy, the way they have handled the controversy is to stone wall.  They have an approved corporate response and regardless of the conversation, that's their story and they are sticking to it.

At this time, our Teacher Rewards program and special event days apply to currently state certified, credentialed or licensed teacher at any K-12 public, private or parochial school or higher education learning institution or an authorized home school teacher with current documentation or proof of membership in an official home school organization. 

If this changes in the future, you will be able to find the information by visiting www.joann.com/teachers and clicking on "Sign Up." 

Rose Grimes' comment on their Facebook page says it all.

Rose Grimes As a licensed childcare provider, I receive a teacher's discount from Michael's, Borders, Lakeshore, Discount School Supplies, US Toys, Hobby Lobby, Office Max and Office Depot, just to name a few. We count on these discounts to keep costs down for the parents in our care. 

About 18 months ago, when a group of family child care providers from Kansas were told we didn't qualify for a teacher's discount, I contacted Jo-Ann's corp. office. Sadly, I was given the very same "standard line" that everyone is being told now. "Watch our website and see if we change our policy." 

Too often, when companies decide to have a Facebook page they forget that social media is not traditional advertising or public relations. That it's not just a place to get  brand name exposure. When you take away all the fun tools, social media is  really about having a conversation. It's about listening. It's about engaging your customers and building a relationship.

However, the customers at Jo-Ann Fabrics are finding that they might as well be talking to a wall because Jo-Ann Fabrics is trying to handle this situation as if it were old media where they can issue a corporate statement and hope the situation blows over.

Social media doesn't work that way. 

Unfortunately for Jo-Ann Fabrics the conversation is happening without them. Tom Copeland,who is one of my clients, and the nation's leading authority on the business side of family child care  joined the conversation after reading Jacqueline Crocker's comment about the situation. He wrote a  blog post about it last week.

... she sent the store management an email asking them to include licensed family child care providers in their teacher promotions. After receiving no reply she posted her complaint on the company's Facebook page:

"I am a preschool teacher and could really use a discount at Jo-Anns. We make very little money and don't get much for supplies, any discount would help us out. Would you please consider extending the teacher appreciation discounts to preschool teachers as well?"

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft responded by repeating that their policy excluded family child care providers. Jacqueline replied: "When a retail giant like Jo-Ann's tells us we do not have the 'right credentials' to buy the consumable items we need for our curriculum we are insulted."

As of today,  family child care providers are continuing to post comments on Jo-Ann Fabrics Facebook page. Jo-Ann Fabrics is saying nothing.

The family child care providers are not limiting their conversation to Jo-Ann Fabrics Facebook page.  There is a huge conversation going on  in the forum section of  Daycare.com as well as in Linkedin.

Catherine Scott • In the state of California we are about 47,000 Family Childcare Providers strong. In numbers we have a voice. This is something I think we should put out over the internet throughout our different chats...... We have alot of power................. 

They need to get emails from all over. What do you think.?????

Samantha Daleiden • Get it started, Catherine! I have contacted NAFCC to see if they have any ideas too. Start posting on the different forums and maybe we should put together an email template? Jacque, you did so great with yours do you want to put together a generalized template for others to use?

According to Tom Copeland, the NAFCC, National Association for Family Child Care, has also sent a letter to the company asking that it change its policy.

While Jo-Ann Fabrics is sitting on the sideline with its lips sealed, it may want to listen to Simon & Garfunkel's classic hit, "Sounds of Silence" and be reminded that "silence like a cancer grows."


Image credit: JoAnn Fabric and Craft Website

Building Communities...Bridging Virtual and Real Life

It appears that the social media boom is entering the next level of maturation, becoming more practical rather than overpowering. Dynamic new communities are being built into niche networks and may become the fortress around other social networks that are leaving some gaping holes.

Our friend Doug Powell blogged about "Itizen" in his blog, Merge.  An interesting concept, great post and interview by Doug about a unique idea on building dynamic communities blending digital with analog.  I think Dori Graff hit it on the head with this comment:

"We foresee the integration of online and offline worlds becoming more seamless. People will continue to seek ways to connect and relate with others in meaningful ways. Having online connections with our followers and friends may not be meaningful enough—connecting back to “real life” in whatever form that takes will increase. Social media will facilitate and potentially enhance live events and gatherings, but not replace it."

Would you click on a QR code (quick response) to get more information and participate in something, virtually? I've noticed these little codes in Mpls/St Paul magazine lately and have been "clicking" out of curiousity. I downloaded the QR reader application for my smartphone (sometimes it is smarter than a 5th grader), just to see how it works and if anything beyond the 2-dimensional matrix barcode was truly interesting. I think I was more intrigued in the technology, how it worked and the possibilities for marketers to integrate their print and electronic advertising campaigns using these little "quick response" codes.

It's all about connecting in meaningful ways. Read about BookGlutton. Check out what's happening inside the book. Talk with authors, engage with others interested in that same book. If you participated virtually, would you meet the group at the library, the literary conference or the coffee shop [gasp] for book club?

These are fascinating ideas whose time has come to help build and repair real life communities that seem to be dwindling into virtual cocoons. Is this our modern-day engagement in Tikkun Olam, making the world a better place and in "search for signs of intelligent life in the universe both online and "real life"? I wonder what Lily Tomlin would have to say about all of this? Perhaps summed up with with one of my favorite quotes from her: "We are all in this together, by ourselves". And maybe: "No matter how cynical you become, it's never enough to keep up."

I like where Itizen and Bookglutton are going. Let's begin to use our electronic wisdom in ways that are meaningful and positive.  Happy New Year and may 2011 bring us together in health, happiness and prosperity. 

Long-Term Care Savings Account... Peace Of Mind?

My Aunt Dorothy is just days away from turning 92. She was living independently in her own apartment, up until about 2 months ago. As much a blessing as amazing. She is now in a long-term care situation.  

At a family meeting yesterday, we started talking about the cost of long-term care and health insurance. It dawned on me, why not enable Long-Term Care Savings Accounts (LCSA)... no different from current HSA's, from all employers, including small businesses?

I had just heard a radio program with legislators and commentators discussing our current economic situation, and whether we should tax this or don't tax that. Of course, a little sprinkling on the new healthcare reform bill was thrown in for good measure. There is so much to think about, and so much to solve, and if we can take a couple steps forward, maybe the new House and Senate can actually prove that government by and for the people, can work. Pretty optimistic, right?

What if we could set up Long-Term Savings Accounts (LCSA), that would provide us some peace of mind, and a maybe a little something to pass on to our beneficiaries?

Part of the interest gained on these accounts could help put a little back in the Medicare pot, which is being carved away day by day. Aging baby boomers will be living longer and needing assistance, with retirement a more and more distant light at the end of the tunnel while living longer, hopefully healthier lives. Let's be able to contribute and have a little peace of mind. 

 

National Labor Relations Board Says Employees Shouldn't Be Fired For What They Say On Facebook

Image Credit: Perez Hilton

The company in question is American Medical Response of Connecticut, an ambulance service. According to a complaint filed by the National Labor Relations Board,� the conpany illegally firedan employee who was trash talking about a supervisor on her Facebook page.

The employee, Dawnmarie Souza, allegedly posted a critical comment about her supervisor, who had reprimanded her for attempting to join a union. The post, according to the NLRB, "drew supportive responses from her co-workers, and led to further negative comments about the supervisor from the employee." American Medical Response's policy reportedly forbids employees from discussing the company on social networking sites.

via funnybusiness.typepad.com

Teaching the value of Linkedin

We've been teaching adult community education for about a year and a half. Last night's class, A Focus on LInkedin, had 7 participants, one being a recent grad of St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN.

I just wanted to share this recent finding in hope that our recent St. Olaf grad, and any other recent grads out there who are either not using Linkedin or are unsure about the value, take a minute and watch this video.

 

If You Live In Minnesota You Can Now Opt-Out Of Receiving The Yellow Pages

When I was cleaning out some cabinets recently, I found a 2006 Yellow Pages tucked in the back shelf of a cabinet I rarely open. That must have been the last year I opened a Yellow Pages to look for anything. In the past four years, every time the yellow pages is delivered, I take it directly to the recycling bin.

Now, thanks to a new program by Conservation Minnesota and The Yellow Pages Association, I can skip the recycling step altogether and completely Opt-Out of ever receiving the Yellow Pages again. Hallelujah.

Sound like something you want to do? If you live in Minnesota, just go to the Opt-Out page on Don't Trash The Phone Book. org.

What is being called the first ever partnership of its kind, Conservation Minnesota and The Yellow Pages Association have teamed up to create the website to give  people in Minnesota some choices about the phone books they receive.

The new website allows consumers to choose only the phone books they want to receive, opt out of getting any phone book, or choose the ways they can recycle their current phone books.

If you choose to opt out you have to opt out of three separate directories. The DEX opt-out is a bit confusing. When you click on the Opt-out button it takes you to a Welcome Page which makes you think you are ordering a phone book rather than opting out.

Next you go to a page that has a bunch of sales copy on all their different products. If you are not thoroughly confused by then, you hit continue at the bottom of the page and it takes you to a page that says "Personalize Your Order."

Already have phone books that you want to get rid off? Instead of throwing them in the trash, the website provides you will information on how to recycle your phone books. It's based on your zip code. In Minneapolis it's easy—it's part of curbside recycling pickup.

But, if you don't live in Minneapolis and are unsure what you are supposed to do, just click on the recycle link, add your zip code to the drop down menu and you'll find what your options are. If the project works in Minnesota, The Yellow Pages plans to role out similar websites in other states.

It's just good business.It allows The Yellow Pages to promote being green. And it saves them a ton of money. In the past several years,traditional Yellow Page revenues have been on a steady decline while their online counterparts are enjoying double digit growth.It's not surprising. In the online version of the Yellow Pages you can do so much more than get an address and phone number. You can get directions, make reservations and read reviews.You can also share the page via Facebook, Twitter and a host of other social media sites.

It has to. While the paper version of The Yellow Pages enjoyed decades of being the only game in town, in the online world, the Yellow Pages has to compete with Google, Yahoo!, Yelp! and a host of other social media entities that can do what the Yellow Pages does.

The Opt-Out campaign started on September 22, 2010. In its first week of operation, around 13,000 people visited the Opt-Out page—exceeding the original goal of 10,000. Now, the organization hopes to get 20,000 Minnesotans to Opt-Out. According to Liz Deering, online communication specialist for Conservation Minnesota, about 1400 stopped by the recycling page in the first week.

After an initial flurry of traditional PR, the organization is relying on social media and email marketing to keep the traffic coming to the site. Visitors are encouraged to "like" the site and share the URL via Twitter.

Businesses,organizations, and schools that promote the site to their networks via an email campaign will be listed as a community partner on the site.

 

Teach Kids to Become Responsible "Digital Citizens"

Could social networking actually be good for you? This certainly caught my attention as I was listening to MPR last week. Future Tense, American Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reported on the increase of kids using social networks and how it might actually be good for them. A relatively new site, Togetherville, is similar to Facebook, but appropriately geared towards 6 - 10 year olds. A safe place for them to go to play games and watch kid-safe videos. Kids see their parents online and want to do the same thing. It provides a connected environment in a safe social platform.  

Like anything, it's all about balance. These are just tools. Teach them to be as responsible online as offline... to become "digital citizens", while having fun.  But how much is too much? As parents we have a job to do. Introduce these things with balance, they are part of our world and it's important for kids to have technological literacy.

Have a listen. 

Cornercopia is a Cornucopia

In today's Star Tribune Taste section ("market watch"), there is a nice segment on carrots. It reminded me of my wonderful visit to Cornercopia last month at the invitation of Dr. Donald Wyse and Bloomington League of Women Voters. We joined kids and teacher from the Ramalynn Montessori Academy for an exciting morning of learning about bioprospecting and organic farming on a field trip out to the St. Paul agriculture campus. Enjoy this clip and take trip out to the U of M St. Paul campus and see what's growing! We also got a guided tour through the Raptor Center at the U of M and got to visit many fine feathered friends.

Two, too memorable to ignore.

I've met two very unique individuals in the past two weeks, and I mean that cheerfully with much gratitude. It's not that often when one can say that.

#1 - I biked over to Calhoun Lake last week to meet Lisa at Tin Fish. When in Minneapolis during the summer, go there and have great food. But I digress. As I was leaving, I walked my bike by a young guy by the bike path, working with a bike tools, a repair stand and an air compressor repairing bikes. His name is Julio Shinobi, and he is a genuine mensch (a good human being).

He agreed to let me snap a foto & shoot some video, which I would like to share with you. Remarkably, he performs these repairs at no charge to the bicyclist. That's right,
at no charge. So very, very decent & cool.

#2 - Went on a tasty wine tour of eastern MN and western WI this past Saturday, June 5. What a lovely day. Lisa, Sherri, Brian and I visited 6 wineries and had a great time driving around some really beautiful countryside. On the way from winery #1 to #2, we stopped (at Brian's request) at Hobgoblin Music, home of Stoney End Harps in Red Wing, MN. Brian had just read a Star Trib article on this amazing music shop and wanted to find out why. We did. To our good fortune, we met the owner Gary Stone and found out why this is a very special place. On a tour of his workshop, he showed us how the harps are created, beautifully hand-sculpted from various woods and grains that look as beautiful as they sound. Here are some photos from their website. The retail store sells these harps, as well as accordions, mountain dulcimers, mountain banjos and bodhrans, whistles of all types, and everything in between. Next time in Red Wing, do drop in and take it all in. You won't regret it. Hobgoblin Music, 920 State Hwy 19, Red Wing, MN 55066.