In the early 1990s, when I started kindergarten, we might have been missing some of the technology we have today, BUT we had Sesame Street to fill in the gaps. I didn’t have a computer at the time or one of those fancy LeapFrogs to teach me how to read. Instead, I had to rely on two parents, a television, and a bird– a big, yellow one! I recall learning how to count and even how to read (in English and Spanish) before I was even five years old. I remember thinking that kindergarten was completely pointless, but I went anyways because I liked to help the other students. I also enjoyed the naps! My parents like to think that it was all thanks to them. However, I have to give credit where it is due. I became a real-life, bilingual, 4 year old, “Dora the Explorer” thanks to Sesame Street and the Spanish version, Plaza Sesamo. (In the Spanish version, Big Bird is green!)
Years later, Sesame Street continues to evolve and has continued to target countless social issues as well difficult topics such as death and the financial crisis. After so long, I never would have thought that Sesame Street would be reappearing in my life and teaching me a new lesson about business.
While so many other companies are getting left behind in the era of social media, Sesame Street is schooling us once again. Just ask yourself, “Who is in my neighborhood?” The answer: “Everyone!” Through social media you can be connected with anyone you want. This is exactly what Sesame Street has been doing on the web. Oscar the Grouch (and his can) has taken a leap of faith and joined the realms of Twitter, without even being sure if his trash was allowed. Elmo posts his videos with celebrities and Q&A sessions on Youtube and also launched his Twitter [...me Elmo] account. Most of the characters have Facebook pages. Cookie Monster’s tweets are hilarious and tell us how his career is going. Today he tweeted: “Me happy me campaign to host SNL going so well. Next step: Kidnap Kristen Wiig. Not for me to host SNL, just because me find her annoying.” By now, you can see that Cookie and his crew are all linking up with the World! This is exciting! And it is not stopping there….
http://www.google.com/logos/sesamestreet.html
Recently, Sesame Street made headlines in the business world along with another favorite of mine, Google. Sesame Street was one of the first business/brand accounts on the latest social media site, Google+. Sesame Street jumped ahead and created an account, even before Google was ready for business/brand accounts. It quickly became one of Google’s top accounts. Unfortunately, the account was temporarily removed by Google and they will have to wait until Google allows these types of accounts.
The point is that we can all learn a lesson from our friends at Sesame Street. In order to optimize ourselves on search engines, we have to put ourselves out there. We have to entertain and be public on the web. This is exactly what we can do through social media.
Specifically with Google+, the time is NOW! Sesame Street knew that, but unfortunately took it a step too far, too early. You might get cut off if you try to set your business up with Google+ now, but that does not mean that you have to wait to get a personal page. Get an invite and go! If you wait, the “Sesame Street” smart companies out there will be well-versed in how to use and manage a Google+ account when these types of profiles become available. If you start early, you won’t have to waste time trying to figure it out. You’ll beat your competitors and immediately start pumping SEO. You might even go as far as placing a number on your account, which you can track!
Take-away #1: Use your Google+ account as your business profile. Be professional. It’s like a business card.
Make sure you include information about your company. The least you can do is have your company name and your title. Include as many details as you can, without taking advantage of this non-business account.
Take-away #2: Start connecting with people that know or want to know more about your business or industry.
From past experience on social networks, there are people you know on these websites already. Find them and start sharing. It is important for you to connect with people that will add value to your business. You don’t have to be completely exclusive to business only connections (you can add your mom) but it’s healthy to network with potential vendors, clients, leaders, and even future employees with an interest. The key is to jump in their space and form a circle. Don’t be afraid to connect with people you do not know on a personal level. The worst that can happen is that you move those people to a different ‘circle’ on Google+.
Take-away #3: Start sharing. It’s as simple as that. This is something Sesame Street also taught you.
Like any other social networking site, once you have it. You have to use it. Start sharing your thoughts, blogs, updates, videos, pictures, etc. With Google+ (and recently the new version of Facebook), you can even share your location. Intrigue your circles with your content and your ability to promote your company without a business profile.
Take-away #4: Use all the features! And start generating interest.
Start using the Google+ features for business purposes. This is huge. Just think… you can eliminate so many websites by using your one Google+ account. You can start small until business accounts are available. Maybe use a “Hangout” to have a quick face- to- face introduction with a client or even an informational interview with a potential employee. Use the “Sparks” feature to read about things related to your interests and relevant to your company. Repost things as necessary. Use the “Huddle” feature to chat with four others on your team. Set a time for a meeting or pick a good place to go for lunch. These features help you work from one platform without jumping around to other sites.
“USE YOUR NOODLE!”
Even though Google+ is not ready for business accounts, simple things can get you started. Sesame Street did not wait to open up an account; they just started sharing content on Google+. Although their page was removed by Google, they now have the advantage and benefits of being early adopters. Google is sure to let them know when they can actually launch their business account.
Don’t be left behind! Start using social media to your advantage and if you advertise or place a number on your pages, TRACK THEM! It’s like spaghetti….sort of ….haha
“It not cookie, but me think spaghetti is deeelicious too! Yah, whoever invented spaghetti was really using their noodle!” -Cookie Monster
Use your noodle! Invent yourself with social media as Sesame Street has taught you. Thank you once again Sesame Street and a shout out to that loveable, Grandicrocavis viasesamensis, known as Big Bird. If Big Bird had a phone, I’m sure he would definitely be using call tracking.
Sources:Chris Brogan on How Businesses Can Get Started on Google+, 40 Years of Sesame Street: the good, the bad, and the cuddly, How will Google+ will affect SEO?, Twitter me Elmo
Tags: call tracking, google, Google Plus, Sesame Street, Social Media