2010 September | toddejones.net

Three steps to telecast a high school football game using social media

September 17, 2010 By Todd Leave a Comment

I have been away from my hometown, Batesville (AR), for about ten years, fifteen really. I haven’t been around to keep up with the football team as such. While I was a way, they hired a coach who has completely turned our program around that lead, ultimately, to a state championship just a few years ago.

So, as you can image, football has become a really big deal in Batesville. Their stadium has artificial turf, renovated bleachers and a cool new scoreboard. Nice!

Now that I am living closer, but still not in Batesville, I can see a little more about how Pioneer football is doing. I have friends on Facebook than keep me up-to-date.

Our hometown newspaper, the Batesville Daily Guard, has created web telecasts that allow us Pioneer alum from far, or not so far, away to watch our beloved Pioneers.

Here is how they did it in three steps.

First, set up a Ustream account.

The fine folks at the Batesville Guard set up a Ustream account to stream the action live at their website.

Two, Find willing participants.

Enter two former Pioneer football players who are also fathers of players, mix a little passion, and stir with some enthusiasm and you get a laid back, no ESPN-expectation-approach that is great for this kind of webcast. Former classmates of mine, Ronald Richardson and Jasson Sturgeon call the action. Further, they follow up on with Facebook and text message to include viewer participation. It is totally a social media networking effort!

Three, find someone willing to sponsor to pay for equipment and fees.

As I said, the platform is handled by the Batesville Daily Guard, but a few key players have stepped in to help sponsor the telecast. What a great way to serve the community and get your message out there. In fact, they actually show commercials at strategic moments during the game, however, the commercials do not come to often.

So, I salute the Batesville Daily Guard, my friends Ronald Richardson and Jasson Sturgeon and the community of Batesville for bring Pioneer football to those not able to attend!

Filed Under: Social Media, Uncategorized, Videos Tagged With: Social Media, streaming, ustream, video

The Impact of Social Media

September 10, 2010 By Todd Leave a Comment

My friend Rodney Parks introduced me to a video on social media, and as someone who prides myself on keeping up with the industry, I am sad to say that I had not seen it. Erik Qualman writes and maintains a blog called Socialnomics and has a book by the same name. In this video, he delivers mind-blowing statistics, a year old mind you, that shows the impact and the speed at which social media has changed our culture.

One of the most poignant thoughts in the video referred to ROI (Return on Investment) which so many businesses are interested in when it comes to social media. The video says, “The ROI of social media is your business will still exist in 5 years.”

The video is called Social Media Revolution 2.

Enjoy the video.

Filed Under: Video Friday Tagged With: Erik Qualman, Rodney Parks, Socialnomics

Who would like to win a free book?

September 9, 2010 By Todd Leave a Comment

Win a copy of this book!

Fran Agin has sent me three copies of his book, The Champion, to give away! So, here we go.

You have to do four things to register for a chance to win a copy of the book.

First, read the book review for the book. It’s really easy to find as it is the article just before this one, so it will above this article. However, if that doesn’t work, here is the link.
Second, sign up for my email newsletter. Pretty simple right? You will find the sign up form on the right sidebar.
Third, in the comments below, tell us/me about a “champion” in your life who helps you in networking, business, etc. Be sure to include links to their website. Also, make sure you tell us who you are and a link to your website too. It might be something like:

Hey, my name is Todd (www.toddejones.net). My champion is Cotton Rohrschieb who has been a tremendous help to me in getting started here in Conway. His website is . . . . . .

Finally, email me and let me know that you have done everything. Make sure you include how I can contact you (ie. email address). You can email me at todd{at}toddejones.net.

That’s all you have to do.

I am going to begin a segment this month called “Champions.” I am going to tell about a person whom I see as a champion and how they utilize their online presence.

I will announce the winners on September 24, 2010. Good luck!

Filed Under: Contest Tagged With: books, Frank Agin, free, The Champion

Book Review: The Champion

September 8, 2010 By Todd 4 Comments

The Champion: Finding the Most Valuable Person in Your Network
Frank Agin & Jim Ballard

Have you ever looked for that book that can be a “game changer” for your business and networking? Well, this book is that book. If you are struggling with your attempts at networking, Frank Agin and Jim Ballard’s little book will give you insights through the parable they tell to improve your networking skills.

In the story, our protagonist, Jerry, looks for a “champion” networker. Jerry looks for that one person who has the contacts and the ability to take his business to the next level. Jerry gets a good idea of what his “champion” looks like after visiting with his new friend Walter.

Following a networking conference in which Jerry gets a handful of cards, his vehicle breaks down, he gets drenched in the rain helping Walter clean up his new restaurant, and a storm knocks the power thwarting the ability to email follow up notes. The next morning, Jerry comes down with a horrible cold. Suddenly, Jerry’s attempt at finding a “champion” is in jeopardy.

How can Jerry find his “champion” when he has so many obstacles? Does he find his “champion?” Well, you have to read the story to find out, but it is not very long. One can read the book in one sitting, however, the message is powerful.

We all are looking for someone like the “champion” that Jerry was looking for. We understand that making the right connection with the right person can take our businesses to another level, giving us the freedom and financial security that comes with a high performing company. The lessons Jerry learns are lessons we can apply to our lives as well.