Energetic conversations, brief comments, some confusion, and plenty of ideas are exchanged in networking groups and office cooler conversations daily. Virtual gatherings with Twitter chats create the same experience, and, in some ways, are even better. You stay in your office, read the comments, and meet people with passion for the industry who reside all over the country. Meet “PrintChat,” an industry Twitter Chat. This week marked a milestone—the original host, Quad/Graphics, passed the hosting baton to PrintMediaCentr (www.printmediacentr.com). For over a year, Quad/Graphics has hosted PrintChat on Wednesdays and has done a terrific job introducing many of us to the value and fun of a TwitterChat.  Topics change, participation fluctuates, people who have never met make acquaintances and chat. The experience can be odd the first few times. I just watched and became amazed that out of 140 character comments, an actual conversation emerges where opinions are expressed and ideas exchanged. Better yet, contacts for further connections are initiated. Eventually, I entered the conversations with a few thoughts now and then. Some people become regulars on the chats. Some people are observers, but from it all, ideas are exchanged. Can actual substance and a coherent conversation occur? Oddly, yes. Do non-business comments enter into the session? Yes, just like real life. Does it get confusing at times? Yes, just like a group discussing anywhere—one person is answering a question while a new topic starts up with the group. But with a little patience—and a sense of humor—out of the banter opinions are expressed and ideas emerge.  Deborah Corn is the person behind the PrintMediaCentr Logo. Deborah debuted as host this week after serving as a guest host several times. There were several questions related to sales calls, researching customers, getting in the door, cold calls, and other sales-oriented discussions. I jumped in where I could and picked up tips and asides from the others in the group. So, if you want to experience a real-time conversation, join the PrintChat on Wednesday at 4PM Eastern time (new time). Look for the hashtag #PrintChat on Twitter. You may choose to listen, introduce yourself, and join the passionate, fun crowd.   A big thanks to Quad/Graphics for their year+ of hosting. Best wishes to PrintMediaCentr as they pick up the baton and run with PrintChat. Maybe the next time we meet, it will be through PrintChat. ...

Cash mobs are the latest trend in “mobbing” on social media.  A cash mob is a positive experience according to people who have been “mobbed.”  In a cash mob the purpose is to support local small businesses by showing up and spending at least $20; meet three new people; and have fun.  So far cities around the world have been involved.  Andrew Samtoy, an attorney, kicked off cash mobs after being exposed to the summer riots in Britain last year where mobs were vandalizing stores and communicating the plan through social media. He wanted to try something positive that would introduce people to a small businesses with limited marketing reach.   There is a blog http://prnt.in/Zdg   about the cash mobs as well as many news reports.  See http://prnt.in/ZdM    So far, the owners, who are notified and must agree, are pleased with the results.  Cleveland Ohio even started an International Cash Mob Day http://prnt.in/ZdQ.   One owner reported sales of $9K in three hours. Many mobbers spend well over the $20.  This is an example of social media for good.   This positive movement  of cash mobbing sounds good on the surface with all the ground rules in place. I like the idea of the goal to “Meet People, Spend and Have Fun.”  Time will tell if cash mobs are a fad, a trend, or a “flash in the pan.” ...

  A childhood friend, Janie, and I exchanged metal bandage boxes when we were six years old.  What does that have to do with Pinterest?  Stay with me, please.  We exchanged the metal   boxes filled with “goodies” that we liked to share. My box might contain glittered fabric, a Cracker Jack toy, a picture of a pretty doll from the Sears Toy Catalog etc. (Yes, I am dating myself.)  Janie’s  box might contain a plastic purse for Barbie, a picture of a Lego set etc.  The boxes evolved into scrapbooks, then charm bracelets and as adults—magazine clippings, photo albums, and scrapbooks.  Get it?  Kids, aging kids and I like to show “mine” if you show “yours.” So now we have a very sophisticated “show me” tool called Pinterest.  When 11 million unique visitors visit a site, you know that it is meeting some basic need…the “show me” need.  People have a lot of time on their hands since Business Insider reported that nearly 100 minutes is the average on the site versus just 19 minutes on LinkedIn.  The numbers are staggering.  On the Business Insider comment section, people questioned the number of recent articles about Pinterest.  The comments suggested that Pinterest and the magazine have a mutual financial investment. BI stated emphatically “no.”  The Pinterest articles are everywhere so, this social media dabbler, checked it out. Through Tweetdeck I mentioned that I was interested and received several invites (needed to use Pinterest). When questioned about its value, the comments were mixed.   I jumped into Pinterest enthusiastically.  Conclusion:  It was fun!  Really fun….my childhood memories and “show me” need resurfaced immediately.  I spent time….not 100 minutes….but more time than normal, checking it out.  OK, so I slipped  into the bath pics since that is one of my top-of-mind home projects.  Wait, wait! What about work and business and my role to find profitable revenue activities and streams for our members?  OK, from a work- related point of view, I say “monitor” this site.  I have seen and heard of clever ideas for Pinterest’s use such as:  designers’ projects and special printing campaigns uploaded for browsing; job seekers portfolios; photographers’ pictures.  Other issues related to copyright and use are also cropping up such as from for-sale stock photo companies claiming “foul.”   There are no businesses that are immune to the impact of new upstarts on the Internet!  Are they making money?   The Wall Street Journal article says it all, “The Rite of Web Passage—Huge Traffic, No Revenue.”   Wait and see on revenue—the referrals to products from the Pins have increased tremendously. Advertisers are claiming more from Pinterest than other social media sites.  Outsiders value the upstart at $200 million now.  Targeted advertising is all...

Today a WSJ article grabbed my attention, it described a new e-valentine service called Paperless Post .  See http://prnt.in/ZYK  With an estimate of 150 million paper valentines, the e-valentines are now available to impact the second largest card holiday in theUS.  The article raves about the ability to create a “paper-like experience.” I checked out the quality of the visuals on the site—very nice.  A few YouTube videos, demo how to use the site to create the cards for free. The Hirschfeld founders raised more than $6 million from angel investors to start this venture.  In December 2011, over six million pieces were sent.  There is both free e-cards and pay e-cards.  The average cost for a card is 19 cents, up from 13 cents last year. No postage is involved and the card is personalized.  Good margins if you can get them!  Is there any good news in the encroachment of another area of the card printing business?  The only thing I could think of was that the founders are Americans who are hiring graphic designers. Is there any good news here for US print markets in...

Guy Kawasaki is a well-known authority in the tech world and author of numerous columns, articles and especially http://alltop.com .  So picking up Enchantment was a no brainer for me.  The book impressed me with its common sense suggestions as well as good tips & tricks for email and Facebook marketing. The cover design contest also was appealing and I may try to duplicate the process.  The entire concept of “enchantment” is described as a process and not an event.  Reading the book is an event; following the suggestions will be a process to try!  Let me know if you have a good book to recommend.  Here is my complete review.  http://prnt.in/ZYL...