Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Wendy Johnson. Wendy is the Top Plurker (by Karma which is Plurks popularity metric) and has been for quite some time. Prior to this interview I did not know much about Wendy nor did I understand how and why Plurk and knitting worked so well together. That’s right Wendy is a knitting blogger and author of a books!
As I interviewed Wendy the reason why she has such a following became obvious. Wendy is not only a very interesting and dynamic person but she is extremely personable. As I dug a little bit deeper into Wendy’s Plurks and her blog it was amazing to see the responsiveness of her audience. There is no doubt the level of commitment on both sides.
There is no doubt that any business can capitalize from successful social networking. Wendy has a wonderful perspective and we could all learn a few pointers from her success on Plurk.
Howard: I think there are many small business owners that can benefit from your experience and success with social media. Can you tell us a little bit about the impact to you blog and business from the use of Plurk and other social media platforms.
Wendy: Actually, using social media has no impact on my blogging, or my business — I consider it just a fun extra. I have no agenda on Plurk, I’m not really trying to push anything — just having fun chatting with friends.
My success on Plurk is a result of my success with my blog. My blog is quite popular and I have a lot of followers. When I got on Plurk, a huge number of my blog readers followed. Those are the people with whom I interact on Plurk every day.
So my experience is actually the opposite of what you are interested in, I think. The success of my blog impacted my success on Plurk, not the other way around.
Howard: You don’t use Plurk to share new blog posts and to promote? My assumption was that you would be growing your subscription to your blog based on your tremendous success on Plurk. After all you are the current karma champ surpassing the world’s top bloggers that have significant followings and influence. Does top Plurk karma status must create additional opportunities you would not have been exposed to otherwise?
Wendy: Well, I admit that I do a Plurk announcement when I’ve done a new blog post, but that is more as a courtesy to my Plurk friends who read my blog than promotion.
As some background:
I average 3 - 5 million views of my blog per month, and have done so for several years now.
Because of my blog’s popularity, a well-known and well-respected literary agent contacted me a few years ago and talked me into writing a book (a sort of knitting autobiography), which he sold for me. I’m currently working on my second book (a how-to and collection of sock patterns), to be published April 2009 by Potter Craft (a division of Random House).
I have a day job in the federal government and do the blog and knitting designs on the side. Started as a hobby, but has become somewhat lucrative.
What has top Plurk Karma gained me? Well, a lot of followers on Plurk who are probably wondering why the heck I am the top user, considering that I talk about knitting, my cat, and other ordinary topics. I can’t say that it has created any opportunities for me, but then, I haven’t actively sought any.
Howard: That is a tremendous accomplishment. According to Technorati and Alexa data I would never had guessed that your blog generates so much traffic. What a interesting success story.
How do you manage your time? I know the effort it takes to work a full time job, blog, Plurk, write a Book, and take care of Lucy (the cat). How do you pull it all together and keep your loyal audience engaged?
Wendy: Yup, Alexa is not a reliable source. In fact, a friend of mine did a blog entry about that a while back comparing her blog to mine.
How do I manage my time? I never sleep. 
Seriously though, I am always thinking, and writing in my head, which probably contributes to my insomnia. When I get home from work I write my blog post pretty quickly, as I usually have it composed in my head. At the moment I’m not doing much on the book, as it is at the publisher and I’m just waiting to see and proof the final galleys before it is printed. But I spend evenings working up new designs, playing with Lucy, Plurking, and watching old movies. My agent is working on getting me a commitment from my publisher to do another book, so no doubt I’ll have to step up the pace a bit if and when that happens.
Howard: Alexa is often criticized as a metric and with good reason. What is the secret to your success?
Wendy: Beats me, I find it hard to understand why so many people want to hang on my every word. But as far as knitting is concerned, I am very good at what I do.
Howard: You don’t build such a loyal following over night. I would say you are not only a great knitter but a fantastic blogger and social media expert. What was the tipping point of your success?
Wendy: Well, thanks. The blog success comes from being able to express oneself and maintaining a humorous positive outlet. I think that’s a key on Plurk, too. There are some people who do nothing but whine and complain and offer TMI (Too Much Information) — these are people I unfollow very quickly.
The tipping point? I’m not sure — it’s all been very gradual. I’ve been writing the blog for over 6 years now. I did get a definite boost a few years ago when there was an article about me, my knitting, and my blog in the Washington Post. August or September 2004, I think it was?
Howard :Google works wonders for finding that Sept. 2004 article titled “Knitting Together a Web Community“.
What is it about blogging and knitting that work so well together?
Wendy: Heh. Clearly your Google skills are better than mine — I searched and failed. I think knitters just love to talk about their craft and show other knitters what they are working on. Blogs are a great way to do that!
Howard: Thanks so much Wendy this was fun. I look forward to getting to know you even better on Plurk!
Wendy Johnson is a mild-mannered civil servant by day and a maniacal knitter by night. She is the author of the upcoming book “Socks From the Toe Up: Essential Techniques and Patterns from Wendy Knits”
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Jul
24
2008
The Freehold Center Partnership has announced the continuation of Freehold Idol, a contest based on the runaway TV talent show spectacular “American Idol” as well as some changes.
In the endeavor to nurture potential pop icons of the future, every Wednesday evening, commencing at 7:00 p.m. in the gazebo on Main Street is the chance to hear budding pop stars perform in Freehold Idol. This contest is now open for aspiring singers aged 16 to 27, with the grand finale scheduled on August 21, 7:30 to 9:30 pm on stage in the Hall of Records parking lot, East Main Street.
Judges are Joe Orlando and Mick Walsh, both of the Monmouth Academy of Musical Arts, and local musician David Singer. MC is Spook Handy.
Prizes so far are as follows: First prize, $500.00 plus recording a demo at the Monmouth Academy of Musical Arts, second prize is $250.00 plus a free hair makeover at Chez Baliye in Marlboro, and third prize is $100.00.
Application forms are available at www.freeholdcenter.com and there is a $5.00 registration fee.
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Jul
17
2008
Upcoming Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce Events
Monday, July 21st - 5:30 -7:30 pm
Free Business Card Exchange sponsored by the Young Professionals Group:
Metropolitan Cafe, 8 East Main St., Freehold
The Metro offers a full Sushi bar and Grill, Martini’s and drink specials. The lounge has been reserved. Bring plenty of business cards to share with other professionals in the area!
Thursday, July 24th - 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Summer Fun & Hidden Talents event:
Monmouth Academy of Musical Arts, 1230 Campus Drive West, Morganville
$25/pp
We know that our Chamber members possess many talents that remain hidden during the normal course of business. This is an opportunity to hide them no longer. Whether you talent is singing, playing an instrument, or fine arts…come join in the fun! Collaborative efforts are welcome. If you don’t wish to be a performer, just come and enjoy the food and the entertainment. It is always a fun event!
Wednesday, July 30th 5:00 - 8:00 pm (free event)
ATHENA Garden Party hosted by HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospitals of Tinton Falls and Toms River:
2 Centre Plaza, Tinton Falls
Wine-Carving Station-Hors d’oeuvres
We are celebrating 23 years of ATHENA Award Presentations by WMCC and opening the call for 2008 Nominations!
RSVP by July 25 - register online at www.wmchamber.com
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Jul
15
2008
Far too often a hot new website gets launched only to fizzle shortly thereafter. This has been the case for many Internet startups with big ambitions that didn’t deliver the goods. Plurk will buck the trend and is here to stay because it delivers. If you read my “Plurk Review” there are a number of great features to Plurk. I really enjoy the conversations that plurk generates. Plurk also has its own points system which it calls Karma, and I know how you all love points. Best of all Plurk has been fairly reliable compared to its counterpart Twitter.
What I saw on Plurk this week is a really good sign and made me believe that Plurk is gaining traction. This week I saw plurks from Andy Beard, Lee Oden, and Robert Scoble. All top bloggers and social media experts with a strong following. More content will bring more Plurk subscribers.
A plurk is a really quick way to generate a discussion or make a statement in a fun format.
Here are a few quick uses for plurk:
Promote your blog post
Promote a event
Share a great blog post
Tell a quick story
Ask a question
The list is endless. I look forward to seeing you on Plurk.
Stop by and say hello to me on Plurk: IMNJ@Plurk
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Jun
21
2008
I’m a sloppy barbecue chef. Nothing draws the flavor of hops out of an import than a sirloin that’s been marinating for twelve hours. Once on the grill I continue to apply a liberal smothering of steak sauce.
Or as Winnie the Pooh would interject – smackeral, Piglet.
All that tangy, salty liquid flashes and splashes into the guts of the grill. Neil Young was right: Rust never sleeps. Now I have replaced the burners and jets of a few barbecues in my attempt to reduce suburban waste. If diapers do not decompose in landfills, will my great grandchildren be scaling the summit of a colossal mountain of Weber and Coleman cast-iron cookware?
The old barbecue just ain’t what she used to be. So yesterday I shot her. The Missus issued a simple command: Go buy a new barbecue.
I like to frequent Mom-and-Pop hardware stores. Hire the little guy. Invest in the local economy instead of shipping my cash southward on the Turnpike to some corporate headquarters in Delaware.
For years I’ve patronized Becker Family’s Hardware on Route 34 in Colts Neck. As a Realtor® getting keys cut is a weekly occurrence. My man Jerry cuts a mean stencil of Schlage aluminum. Pat is always courteous and quick to assist.
But at six o’clock in the evening I found myself meandering towards … one of those Conglomerate Big Box home improvement airplane hangars.
Disclaimer: Should I identify this public traded company? I mean, whose going to file a legal action against a consumer blogging a complaint? How about Freedom of Speech (while the Congress approves massive wire-tapping and privacy invasion)? Pass.]
Beckers closes at five. I’m not a conglomerate “homer.” Probably because the corporate borg undermines American manufacturing and disenfranchises competition. No. I believe the Big Box retail concept reduces me and my money to Small Shopper Status.
I walked into the store and approached a young male employee loitering amongst the young female cashiers, strutting his denim overall’d self. The Lion King meets Clerks.
“Excuse me,” I interrupted.
Immediately the young man turned around, entered my personal space and boomed, “WE DON’T HAVE ANY!” directly into my face. He closed with a smirk and half-sinister chuckle.
“Is this boy impaired?” I asked myself. I was twenty years old once. I remember trying to impress young women. I was so startled that I didn’t hear his condescending apology.
“Dude, you know I’m just fooling with you.”
He cleared his throat and tried desperately to recall his corporate Customer Service training.
“How can – er, may – I help you?” Props for conjugating the verb correctly.
I grumbled and walked away. Even my knees creaked. Truth be told, I sloughed away like a grumpy old man. I just wasn’t in the mood to serve as fodder for adolescent lust. Probably because I’m no longer an adolescent and at my age lust is scheduled between oil changes and Graduation Parties. The lad was rude or crazy. Is this the mental state of service?
Rust never sleeps in an old barbecue and apparently lust never sleeps in department stores. The Customer Service desk politely asked me to return outside to the grill section and assistance would arrive shortly.
Assistance appeared as – you guessed it — my favorite playa.
“I’m sorry about before. I can get someone else to help you,” Don Juan DeWalt sheepishly and rationally offered.
“You’ll do,” I countered, not realizing until later that I subconsciously tossed out the last line from Babe the Pig. I felt both youthful and magnanimous again. The young horny squire apologized. Let’s move on. Let’s start the healing.
Besides, I was hungry.
I found a suitable grill. The young man helped load the box onto my truck. The Vice President of Human Resources would be heartened to hear he recovered adequately during the consumer’s (that’s me) shopping experience.
Yet that outburst and my subsequent embarrassment would never have happened at Becker’s Hardware. Yes, conglomerates offer wider selections and competitive pricing. There’s something to be said for the small business owner treating his patrons larger than life, however.
Next time I’ll cook my steak in the oven and wait for Mom-and-Pop to open in the morning. Or take the little woman out to eat and maybe later go parking up on the Scenic Overlook. Hubba hubba.
Andrew J Lenza is the Broker and Owner of Andrew J. Lenza Realty in Colts Neck. When Andrew isn’t writing or enjoying Monmouth County life he is serving his clients needs in the residential and commercial sectors of the market. You can visit Andrew at www.andrewlenza.com
© Copyright, 2008. Andrew J. Lenza, All Rights Reserved.
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Jun
03
2008
There are so many tools today to enhance your business presence. There is print advertising in magazines and trade journals. There are the multitudes of areas regarding your internet presence, which of course, can skyrocket your customer base if you know what you’re doing, or it can drain your wallet while catapulting your competition beyond your reach.
Whatever service-related business you are in, if you are dealing directly with the public, I’ll tell you, hands down, the biggest mistake that business owners make is client follow-up. I see it constantly in almost all types of businesses. Client follow-up is the most underrated, and by far, the worst executed part of the whole business process that prevents a company from reaching its full potential. After all, is business so good for you that you can afford to casually wait to respond to a request?
Case and point. You advertise on the internet, and you receive leads from some industry-specific lead program. Let’s say you get 5 leads per week from that source. Chances are, in our very hectic NJ environment, the client is just as busy as you are. In their quest to find the best service professional, he or she will try to choose the best whatever (contractor, paperhanger, website builder, and wedding singer) in the shortest time-frame. The service professional who returns the client’s call first, many times, good or bad, may be the beneficiary to that new client. That’s follow-up.
Another case and point. If you answer a request or respond to a lead, many business owners think that the potential client will (or should) return his or her call immediately if truly interested. Not so! The fact is that your potential client is so darn busy with his daily critical tasks; yours may be #12 on his list of things to do. Follow-up again!
A successful service professional must follow-up at least a few times without fail. And that sometimes means more than a few times, and that 4th or 5th call-back, email, or hand-written note sometimes closes the sale. On the other hand, you also need to keep in mind that if this repeated follow-up is not done in a professional manner, it could just turn the client off and cause him to pass you up for another professional. What can I say; life (and business) is more of an art than it is a science.
I will tell you this; if you don’t follow-up early and often, someone else will, and you’ll be short-circuiting your chances for obtaining new clients and limiting your business growth potential. You live and learn the specific techniques that work for you when following-up with potential customers. Be persistent without appearing too aggressive (or obnoxious!) and keep doing and refining those follow-up techniques until they become a science (i.e., YOUR OWN personal process).
So don’t get discouraged or taken-back by a potential client’s lack of response regarding your initial follow-up to their request. Learn to expect this in our hustle and bustle NJ environment and, no matter what, follow-up religiously the same way you would want someone else to follow-up for you to earn your business. What’s the worst that can happen? You’ll get better at the process and grow your business.
New Jersey pianist Arnie Abrams has been a professional musician and performer for over 20 years. He has provided live music for countless clients for their weddings, parties and corporate affairs throughout New Jersey, metro New York and Philadelphia.
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Jun
03
2008
Maryann Spoto of The Star-Ledger reported yesterday “Seven arrested in Monmouth County drug bust“.
Federal and state authorities said today they arrested seven people and dismantled an elaborate Monmouth County-based drug trafficking and money-laundering operation that each month allegedly netted $1 million and distributed more than 1,000 kilograms of cocaine.
I have driven by that house countless times. I always admired it and often wondered “what job/business/inheritance the family had”. Well now I know……
Perhaps I should not be surprised but it is kind of shocking and way too close to home.
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