Awhile back when I first started I opened a Facebook account for public relation purposes to promote my eBay store, blogs, virtual assistant business as well as Shoppes.  I’d heard that it was advantageous to use for PR and social networking purposes.

It took me quite some time to put together a page, understand the mechanics of how it worked; join groups and make friends.  However, I didn’t visit it very often.  When I did log on one day I found my account was disabled.  At that point I was so exasperated, I decided not to bother with it any longer.  Apparently what happens is if one doesn’t log into their Facebook account often enough, it will become disabled.

However, the more I networked online, dropped Entrecards and saw that many of my Twitter friends were on Facbook, I decided to create another account.

Commentary now shows that President-Elect Obama ran a successful campaign by using Facbook.

We hear about people creating Facebook pages and that someone found someone else on Facebook. But what exactly is Facebook all about and does it have any benefits for us?

Read on to find out about Facebook and if it indeed does something more than enhance your social life.

Facebook is one of the top ten Web 2.0 applications and social networking sites in the world. Started as a social experiment, Facebook was originally designed as a way for friends to keep in touch and create interesting profiles and pages for others to look at.

Many kids and college students latched on to Facebook. My two daughters are constantly on FB, keeping up with their friends from high school and college.  Members can upload pictures, leave messages on the profiles of others, and search for friends who have profiles. The problem with Facebook was the type of information people were uploading. College students uploading inappropriate videos at wild parties and such have caught on virally. This spoke to the poor judgment of the students as those videos would still be around when they grew out of the drinking phase and realized that it was no longer the “cool” thing to do.

Facebook is not just for the young teenagers and college students however. It is also a networking tool for business owners. It’s a great way to connect with other business owners and targeted potential customers. A plus for new businesses is that becoming a Facebook member is free. Every registered member gets a home page where they can then create a profile and add applications to their page for friends and other trusted users they designate to use.

If you work at home or are a WAHM or entrepreneur, you can use your Facebook profile to tell others all about yourself. Many times, businesses never really have a chance for potential clients to learn more about the person or people who run the business. More focus is put on advertising, growing the business and promoting its products or services. With a social networking page on social sites like Facebook, customers and other business associates get a chance to find out about the person behind the business.

Anyone can join or create a group on Facebook. These groups bring together like minded people according to business, personal, or other social factors. Groups talk to one another; share business tips and create a useful connection in many different ways.

Businesses use Facebook pages to showcase products or give customers a place to ask questions and record comments about the products they have used. They can talk to each other and compare notes. Big businesses with famous brand names use Facebook to gain insights into consumer trends.  As an example, the RSS feed from my blogs postings, Twitter account and eBay store is uploaded right to my Facebook page.

Facebook can be useful for communities trying to create a closer knit group of families. Homeschooling parents can create a network of support for each other and their kids. Facebook has a variety of uses both for business and personal reasons. So, now that you know more concerning Facebook, what will your page be about?

If you have an existing page, or will be creating a new page, don’t forget to friend request me here!

Twitter is not for the faint of heart. That being said, can Twitter be useful for business? It depends.

One of the newest social networking sites is Twitter. It sounds like a movement birds make. In fact it is a quick way to send messages to your favorite people via the Internet. Due to its popularity with people all over the world, many entrepreneurs wonder if Twitter can actually help them grow their business.

In order to answer that question we first need to find out what exactly Twitter is? It is a social networking site which allows people to keep in touch with friends, family, and others. Through a series of short posts, important information is sent to a person’s followers. Those short posts are called “tweets.”

Twitter has been used by people to send messages to their friends. The posts can be 140 characters long at most, which allows for quick, precise exchanges of information. If you wanted to let your family know that the reunion this year is in New England, and they needed to volunteer to do something, it would be easy to send them all a tweet at one time. When someone logs into their Twitter account or views your Twitter profile page, they would then see the message. They can then respond to you by posting a tweet of their own.

Twitter is real time communication for people who need to contact others right away. Some wondered if Twitter was just a fancy way of texting someone on the computer. Send a tweet to your husband to say dinner is moved to 7:30. Tell a friend you’ve just bought that blouse you saw last week. If you only want to allow certain people to see the messages you are sending, you can easily mark your profile and updates as private.

Although many use Twitter as a more personal way to communicate, even more treat it as a virtual water cooler to connect with all types of people the world over. It seems as if tweeting would get boring after a while. Not so. With talkative friends you could be tweeted to death in a matter of days. Many actually find themselves losing precious time in their day chit-chatting with those with similar interests.

For the skeptical folks who want to know if tweeting will eventually tank, businesses have found a use for the social network that can increase their utilization and visibility on the Internet. First, let’s say that you have an office of fifty employees. Sending a memo every time there is a big announcement creates a lot of paper to file or leave for the trash man.

Businesses can now use protected Twitter messages to keep employees updated on departmental changes as well as company wide agendas. Employees can subscribe to the company feed set up on Twitter. Whenever there is something important posted, they will be notified.

The same goes for small one-owner and Internet businesses and their customers. Customers can subscribe to the company feed to learn about new products and other useful information. I use it frequently to announce new listings for my eBay store. New businesses can create interesting tweets that produce interest and can be re-posted by others to help get the business or owner noticed.

However, keep in mind that while the majority of Tweeters are pleasant, some can be downright snarky and catty. Having an unmanageable amount of followers takes away from building relationships. Therefore some unfollowing is necessary. Many followers take offense at being unfollowed and will then Tweet not-so-nice comments. Other Tweeters will try to undermine your Tweets and links by saying your link contains a Trojan. Rather than comment on your blog post and leave their name, some will blatantly Tweet a nasty remark. At times it takes all the joy out of Twitter.

Twitter fills a niche in the social networking sector and is here to stay. Businesses have found a way to make Twitter work to their advantage, whether they are work at home moms longing for adult interaction or reaching out to a broader audience to increase profit.

Is it for you? It’s up to you to decide.

Reporting on my work-at-home experience, I can say I’ve finally become more comfortable using Twitter.  I’ve made many friends, developed a sizable following, and have received a Twitter Grade of 97 from Twitter Grader!

Micro-blogging is a good thing and using Twitter makes it even better. However, Twitter will never take the place of a blog. The bottom line is that Twitter is not a full fledge blog. It is simply a way for you to get your words out to the masses in a more expedient manner. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons Twitter will never replace a blog.

The number one reason why Twitter can never replace a blog is because you can only post up to 140 characters at any one time. There’s just no way to squeeze 1,000 words into such a small space. Not to mention, trying to send 7.14 tweets back to back, will not go over well with your followers. There is nothing like a person who tweets excessively. Doing so will cause you to lose followers and your goal with Twitter is to gain a friends not turn people away. You want Twitter to be tool that leads to your platform – your blog – the place where you share your story, product, or business.

Another reason why you can never replace your blog with simple tweets is because you just don’t have the same control to customize. Sure you can create a profile that says something about you but not the way you can with your blog. For example, here’s my About Me page where I go into detail about who I am, and why I blog. With a blog you can also customize the whole kit and caboodle. You can add tools, plug-ins, and even more networking opportunities through your blog.   I have links to the various forums and social networking sites I can be found participating on ~ Mom Bloggers Club, Twittermoms, Mom Masterminds, etc.  You can’t do all that with Twitter alone.

Then we have the website name issue. You can’t attach a domain to twitter. My domain is Moomettesgram’s Musings. I also try to use Moomettesgram as the moniker for all the forums in which I participate.

On Twitter you will always be www.twitter.com/whateveryournameis and that is it. Your username or extension is how people will recognize you on Twitter, but it’s not the same as a domain name for an entire website. In essence, Twitter owns your profile, not you.  But your domain name – now that’s all yours.

If you’re an affiliate marketer or belong to many of the wonderful websites that offer coaching resources, you want to talk about what you are promoting and, as was stated earlier, you only have 140 characters to say what you really want to say. That’s not as effective as a blog post or blog series that can send the message more effectively. That’s just one more reason Twitter can never replace a blog.

Don’t try to replace your own blog or website with twittering. Instead, learn to use Twitter as an effective tool that makes people want to learn more about you. Your blog is where you get down to the nitty-gritty and allow people to become more knowledgeable about your life, your product, service or whatever it is you are promoting.

Want to know what I’m doing?  Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/moomettesgram

We’re coming into the 2008 Holiday Selling season now on eBay ~ my favorite time of year, as sales in my eBay Store, Moomette’s Magnificents, really start to jump! As a Grandma, I’m always on the lookout for that special toy that’s sure to be a big hit with the kiddie set. I’m going to rely on my copy of the 2008 Holiday Toy Guide.

The 2008 Holiday Toy Selling Guide is a resource for eBay sellers that provides a list of the toys expected to be the most popular this holiday season. This list is compiled from industry experts and compares the retail prices to performance on eBay and then this information is provided in a weekly report.

Want to get a heads-up?  Here’s 9 Tips For Finding Those Hard To Find Toys:

Just because you may not see a toy on the shelf in a store, doesn’t mean it is out of stock. Use these nine tips to find even the toys that are the most difficult to get your hands on.

1. Communicate with your local stores to learn stocking patterns

2. Talk with store stockers just to learn how they run their store

3. Store employees are more likely to talk with collectors than dealers - Be very careful of your wording ~  They will figure out that you are a dealer/reseller when you visit buying the same things over and over.

4. Talk with customer service folks - Don’t assume all employees have the same level of information. Sometimes they have information the stockers don’t have. Where a stocker may not know when they are getting a shipment of a specific toy, the customer service folks may be able to tell you.

5. Avoid the big stores - check out drug stores, grocery stores - even smaller online toy stores

6. Visit grocery stores/drug stores in less affluent areas

7. Visit out-of-the-way cities

8. Look behind other toys on the shelves

9. Look under shelves in hidden storage areas - and places employees would hide toys.

The 2008 Holiday Toy Guide provides you with a list of the most popular toys - many of these toys are going to get harder and harder to find as we get closer to the Holiday Season. Be sure to use these tips to find these great selling toys.

Hurry! Weekly updates to the Holiday Toy Guide start the first week of November… and joining before November 4th will ensure that all 8 updates are received.

My one year Blog Anniversary is coming up in about one month ~ and I’ve learned so much in that period of time ~ I can’t believe how quickly it’s gone by.

During that period, I’ve tweaked my online businesses tremendously.  I’ve dropped many affiliate programs and shut down some online business ventures that were just time zappers and getting me nowhere.  Two areas that are still profitable for me are my eBay Store ~ Moomette’s Magnificents, and my newly redesigned CAM Virtual Assistant Services websites.

If you’re a WAHM do you ever feel like you’re working so hard in your online business, but the outcome isn’t changing to match all that effort?

It might just be time for some serious clean up.

It happens to all of us. We build and build and build, and then suddenly we’ve got all this virtual real estate out there. Problem is, we aren’t quite sure what to do with it all or how to leverage our hard work for maximum profitability.

Thankfully, Alice Seba (one of my favorite Internet marketing teachers) has come up with the perfect solution and it’s called: “Spring Cleaning to Maximize the Profitability of Your Online Business.”

This isn’t some flimsy eBook or 10-minute video, but rather a 6-week intensive step-by-step coaching program. It’s designed to help you clean out all the extra stuff that you’ve accumulated, identify and make the most of what’s working in your business and planning for long-term success. You’ll get to work directly with Alice week-by-week and apply these strategies directly to your own unique business. We’re not just talking theory here. You’re going to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, but in a very good way!

See, I’m really excited about this because Alice is the real-deal. She speaks from true experience in her own successful online business. Just the other day, a lady named Rhonda, left an impromptu comment on her blog stating:

“I simply love Alice Seba. I love the way she runs her business. I love her ideas and most of all I love her being my mentor to how I want my business to run. Thank you Alice for your hard work. Can’t wait to keep getting your emails!”

That’s exactly what you get when you work with Alice.   Imagine how much ground I would have gained if I had known about this course before!

If you could use some hands-on help with your Internet Marketing Spring Cleaning, get over to the coaching information page right away. Registration is limted.

Find out more and claim your spot now at: Spring Cleaning Coaching.

Still on the fence? In all my time talking with and working with other online business owners, I’d say one of the biggest barriers to true success is a lack of focus. It keeps us from doing well with any one thing and can cripple us with the stress of having too much going on.

It’s no wonder. The Internet is a source of many distractions and so many ideas that we can easily become overwhelmed with all the little projects we are contemplating or already have on the go.

I know, I’ve been there too. I think we all have and that’s why I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that Alice was offering the 1st lesson of her ultra-successful Internet Marketing Spring Cleaning Coaching …FOR FREE!

There’s no obligation of any kind and you don’t even have to give up your email address to get it. She just posted the download links to her blog.

If you are dying to clear out some of the clutter from your online business to boost profits, get your first lesson “Taking Your Business Inventory” right here.

As soon as I’m done here, I’m going to finish my own inventory. It’s definitely an eye-opener and the first step to a super-focused new year.

Are you trying to cut down on credit card debt and expenses? I know I am. Although the country is in an economic downturn that will hopefully pick up within the next year, it’s always good to have at least one credit card for emergencies.

Over the weekend, my sister-in-law announced that she rented a condo for 2 months this winter in Florida ~ and she invited me down for a few days!

Now, I consider that an emergency! I need some R & R, and actually haven’t had a winter vacation where I relaxed down South since I was a teenager. No winter breaks for me!

To fund this little road trip, I’m going to Apply for a credit card that issues rewards for every time I use it. I’m also looking for one that is unsecured and has a low regular rate, and no annual fees. Cardhub makes it easy for me to find exactly what I’m looking for.

Do you have any ‘emergencies’ that you might like to have a card on-hand for? Check them out! It’s an awsome site!  They’ve covered every option to help you out ~ search capabilities, saved searches ~ the only thing they need to improve on is making the print larger for these Baby Boomer eyes!

Can you say “Early Bird Special?”

Today is Tuesday Toot Day!

What does that mean? Well, it means every Tuesday, you get to post an accomplishment that you have done. As moms sometimes, we are quick in praising our kids and others about their accomplishments but we are “shy” when it comes to our achievements so … here is our chance.

Tuesday Toot ~ Contests, Freebies ~ Giveaways
Round Up Feature

As a new feature on Moomettesgram’s Musings, I’m going to be offering various contests and tips on where to get Free products you can use, as well as Giveaway information!  There’s a new tab up above the first post, captioned “Contests.”  (I can’t seem to get ‘Giveaway’ to fit in there.)

You’ll find links to various favorite sites where you can enter contests and giveaways, and hopefully have some fun and save some money to help out in today’s downswing economy!

I might possibly do a Weekly Roundup post to include in there if I get enough notices!

Let me know if you have a contest or giveaway going on, either now or in the future, and I’ll be happy to add it to the weekly roundup.

So whether your a Mom of a young family, or a Baby Boomer, Senior or Retiree ~ Good Luck!

‘Contest! Prize Package worth OVER $2000.00′ ~ Mom’s United in Business

Mom’s United in Business is holding a contest!

Contest Deadline: Friday August 15, 2008 11:59pm EST
Winner will be chosen via random drawing and announced Monday August 18, 2008

Prizes have been generously donated by members of Moms United in Business.

The super Prize Package is worth over $2,000.00 !

We are not merely a business community, promoting women and their businesses. We are an organization of motivated and energetic women offering inspiration and support not only as a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and/or friend, but as a woman in your own right!

We believe that by following our own dreams, listening to the whispers of our hearts and by nurturing ourselves we are then able to give more abundantly to our families and our businesses.

We are dedicated to supporting you as both a Mom and a Business Professional. As we all know, the key to a successful business is networking and to a successful life is balance!

If you’re serious about your business ~ Join MUIB today!  It’s FREE!

This weekend was so busy! As many of you were aware, I attended my nieces wedding, which turned out to be a 3-day party! The weather was magnificent, and the Bride and Groom were beaming!

It was a great time to get together with extended family and friends. We had the opportunity to meet my Sister-In-Law’s “new sweetie.” My brother-in-law passed away several years ago, and we’re delighted to meet the new man in her life and see her so happy once again. This is a long-distance relationship, up and down the East Coast. New Beau is retired, but considers himself a “Handyman Contractor.” Besides being a nice guy and winning over the in-laws, it’s even better that he can make himself useful when he comes up to visit!

There’s always plenty of work needed around This Old House of mine. I’m sure many of my bloggy friends, and especially those who are single moms or mid life Baby Boomer retirees, can always use someone to do some chores and repairs that are beyond our expertise.

If you’re looking to fix up the old homestead and looking for Houston Contractors, or trying to find quality contractors in the following areas: remodeling, heating and air conditioning, roofing, electrical, general, plumbing, painting, flooring, among others ~ check out Clicksmart Certified Contractors for an expert contractor in your state!

VOTE FOR ME ~ KEEP ME ON TOP ~ I’M A TOP MOMMA ~

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Are you looking for a terrific, friendly forum to join to network your WAHM business? Then look no further!

I’ve been a member of Smart Moms ~ Smart Business for quite some time now. The ladies are really friendly, intelligent and quite helpful. It’s one of the few forums that I find myself revisiting and participating in quite frequently for all the helpful business advice, family discussions, cooking tips and camaraderie.

Work At Home Moms - Smart Moms ~ Smart Business, LLC
is a resource for women; teaching how to create multiple streams
of income by working from home. Free tips & tools, forum, eBook,
and consultation.

Sign up for the lively forum discussions, and don’t forget to get the helpful Free eBooks that are available for download!  Tell them I sent you!