To further enhance the integration of video clips on all your Social Media platforms, I have found the new Flip Ultra HD camcorder to be a true gem.

This is the latest version of the Flip Ultra, and although physically it still is the same compact size, the Ultra HD now holds 2 hours of video in high definition (720p), shoots in widescreen 16:9, and has a 2 inch screen.

This camcorder was created specifically to meet the quick & easy video capturing needs of Social Media junkies and small business owners alike. Whether you want to cover a small gathering, a vacation trip, yourself on video, or that spontaneous moment, the Flip Ultra HD is a great option.

The advantages: portability, easy to use, HD quality, FlipShare software included for editing and sharing online, plenty of recording time (2 hrs), rechargeable battery (you can also use 2 AA batteries), USB arm for easy upload to your computer.

Disadvantages: no image stabilizer, only 2x digital zoom, non-expandable memory.

For more information and to see the new Flip Ultra HD in action please view the video below.

Mark Lovett, the founder of Global Patriot has been taking advantage of Social Media to successfully promote his message of Patriotism Without Borders.

On his blog, www.GlobalPatriot.com, Mark covers all types of topics related to helping make our world a better place to live. From climate change and sustainability to hunger and poverty, and from equal rights to social justice, Mark inspires us to take action and create a positive effect throughout the world.

Acknowledging that those who deserve honors should be recognized, Mark uncovers many organizations and leaders whose efforts are making a difference on the planet.

The Earth has been there for us for many years, but now she needs your help. Are you a Global Patriot?

Follow Global Patriot on twitter @GlobalPatriot and join their group on facebook.

Interview with Mark Lovett - Founder of Global Patriot from Skovi on Vimeo.

Amazon’s Silent Mistake in the Face of a Social-Media Firestorm

Monitor your brand online

This article highlights the need to monitor your brand on Social Media 24/7.

Excerpt from the article:

“Amazon: the Internet company that doesn’t understand the Internet” is my favorite of thousands of tweets on the subject of Amazon’s sudden censorship of gay- or lesbian-themed books. The episode proved that even a well-liked, household-name company can pay a high price for not monitoring its brand in social media.

“Don’t let your brand be next!”

It looks like President Barack Obama set a new trend in politics on the campaign trail. Every state, every visit, and every speech was updated for the world to track on Twitter.

Obama on the campaign trail:

Now other politicians are getting in on the fun and free press.

Senator John McCain:

Newt Gingrich:






Why would these politicians use Twitter?



-It’s a huge trend and they need to change with the times
-An easy and inexpensive way to reach out to millions
-Shows another side of who they are
-The power of likability
-They are trying to relate to the general public (believe it or not, there are actually people interested in Cindy McCain’s new hair style haircut)
-Above all, they WANT YOUR VOTE in the next election

You might not care whether or not celebrities are on Social Media, but many people do. Forget publicists and press releases, celebrities now make good use of Social Media tools for these purposes. Watch and learn:

Jewel posts a new vlog (=a video blog) from bed for her fans with the latest information on her Dancing with the Stars injury, the contents of her latest album, life in Texas with her hubby, and much more.

Jewel

Demi Moore has been on Twitter for just over a month and already has about 61,000 followers. She uses Twitter as an opportunity to keep her fans updated on worthwhile causes:

Celebrity sites like BritneySpears.com have remade their website to be interactive. Britney blogs and fans can comment on the latest news or video clips posted. It’s another way of connecting with interested fans, monitoring feedback, and controlling rumors. Like this:

News giant CNN has been integrating Social Media in their news programs and big political events. Last year, during the presidential debates, they joined forced with YouTube, the most popular video sharing site, where users had the opportunity to submit their video questions on all topics. This was a huge success.

Barack Obama’s State of the Union was no exception to the Social Media rule. While showing the live coverage online, CNN integrated real-time discussion with facebook users.

Through their “i-Report” news space, CNN allows viewers to submit news stories, as well as photographs or video that could be newsworthy.

And just to name another great example, Rick Sanchez‘ news program on CNN from 3 to 4pm every weekday is based almost entirely on Social Media dialogue. Whatever the topic discussed, users from Twitter, facebook, and MySpace interact directly in the news conversation sharing their opinions and concerns.

CNN has realized that breaking news stories have actually started through Social Media dialogue and not by professional media reporters. Remember that first unforgettable picture of the Hudson River plan crash that emerged all over the news? It was taken on a cell phone from a ferry and Tweeted to the world before traditional media arrived at the scene.

The power of Social Media is real; there are millions of voices with so much to share, but also listening to what you have to say.

How do you incorporate Social Media into your daily life?

“I use Social Media, therefore I am.” - Skovi

(Photo on right: Photo taken right after the Hudson River plane crash on a cell phone. Photo was then sent out on Twitter via TwitPic, a photo sharing site for Twitter users. Note: There were no emergency boats on scene at the time this photo was taken.)

What is this Twitter thing everyone is talking about these days?

In a nutshell: It’s a micro-blogging platform that people use to tell others what they’re up to at the moment. Yes, people really are interested in your life and business.

David Pogue at the New York Times doesn’t beat around the bush when he discusses Twitter:

Twitter, in other words, is precisely what you want it to be. It can be a business tool, a teenage time-killer, a research assistant, a news source — whatever. There are no rules, or at least none that apply equally well to everyone.

You might roll your eyes at how ridiculous the Twitter concept sounds, but get over it and get on it. Twitter is a constant stream of chatter, so you might as well use it to your business advantage.

Here’s a Tweet I recently sent:

People were listening because within minutes, the responses came through…

My point is that millions of people are on Twitter doing the same exact thing I did the other night. They’re telling their friends where they are, what they’re doing, and making recommendations. Businesses should be both monitoring the conversation and using the online fun to their advantage.

If used properly, Twitter can be an asset to your business:
-Build a client base
-Let people know you exist
-Educate
-Build relationships
-Advertise in a non-invasive way
-Give special deals to your Twitter friends
-Ask questions
-Learn what people want
-Convert “followers” into real-life customers
-Spread the word, make it viral
-Be ahead of the competition