It’s funny. When preparing this article for the August issue of RLife, I couldn’t help but keep asking myself, Is MySpace really an effective business tool? The answer is it depends on what type of business you are in, what the message is, and how well does the creative support it. There is no question that there is a sizeable audience there, it is the craft of interacting with them that separates the good from the bad.

Northern Nevada’s Online Community

Thanks to technology, the ability to transcend time, distance and conflicting schedules has empowered community participation in a variety of different ways.

 When we hear the word “community,” our tendency more often than not is to think of physical locality. Some of us might even first start with a mental image of tree-lined streets with kids playing ball and parents chatting on the porch, or a town meeting where voices are being heard in a public forum. But there are also communities of people in our region that you might not readily see or be aware of unless, of course, you’re online.

There is a vast community of Northern Nevadans which interact with one another each and every day by using the Internet. Recently, Northern Nevada Business, which is an account on MySpace.com, sent a message to everyone in its networked community stating, “Thank you for being one of our business friends! We recently passed 500 profiles, a testament to the popularity of MySpace and our strong local economy.” This is but one message of many that are shared within the network pertaining to events and information.

MySpace can be a very effective tool for businesses looking to leverage their online presence. The site is composed of millions of diverse and active users who can be networked together in order to communicate. Create a profile with images and information that describe your company; upload videos and write blog entries; join groups and participate in forums. It is all free. Once you “Add a Friend” you can exchange information and engage in ongoing dialogues with one another. MySpace can be an excellent opportunity for a business to reach a new audience in a different format, as well as build greater brand awareness and form stronger relationships with customers.

Just keep in mind that MySpace is a different form of customer engagement, and it must be used wisely. Consider the environment that you are in. For example, you wouldn’t show up at a friend’s wedding and immediately start trying to sell the bride and groom life insurance. It is not the right place or right time for that type of conversation. Instead, you would make a concerted effort to show them that you were there and supportive of their union and quite possibly one day they would use you when it came to purchasing life insurance. Similarly, don’t expect to have much success on MySpace by simply using it to send unsolicited offers that have no real value.

There are thousands of other MySpace profiles in Northern Nevada, and they are made up of individuals who are looking to be known and to know others. MySpace is so popular, in fact, that it is currently the sixth most popular Web site in the world, according to Alexa Internet, Inc. A recent article in TechCrunch by Duncan Riley stated, “MySpace grew from 55.8 million unique visitors in August of 2006 to 66.8 million in April 2007.” What is most surprising is that Google Trends reports that Nevada is number 2 in terms of people searching for MySpace on Google’s search engine.

A rival social networking site that similarly connects people together is Facebook.com. The difference is that you can search for people based on region, school and work, and groups. Currently, there are 3,528 profiles from Reno and 6,463 from the University of Nevada, Reno. If you’re looking to reconnect with someone you may not have seen in a while or if you want to become a part of group that is oriented around a particular belief, cause or focus, then you can do so with Facebook, which is also growing rapidly in popularity, and in the same period of growth reported for MySpace, Facebook went from 14.8 million to 23 million visits.

There are many other social networking sites that are oriented around similar interests and pursuits. The University of Nevada, Reno has its own social networking site called Nevada Chatta, or www.nevadachatta.com, which brings alumni together and provides a means of staying abreast of events and causes pertaining to its members and the university. There is even a group of local road and mountain bikers who use Yahoo! Groups, a place where people with shared interests meet to organize trail rehabilitation and clean-ups.

Face-to-face interaction is still an important part of our community here in Northern Nevada. But thanks to technology, the ability to transcend time, distance and conflicting schedules has empowered community participation in a variety of different ways. Here in Reno we are more networked and informed than ever, and through this connection we can continue to grow a greater sense of community.

Get online, create an account and begin to discover the online community that calls our area home. You never know who you might reconnect with, what you might learn or how you might get involved.  

After blogging for a while, one can quickly lose sight of the fact that many people do not understand why blogging is beneficial in the context of both personal life and business. That could not have been more evident than at a recent conference I attended where I led some roundtable discussions on blogging.

Simultaneously, a cool new local magazine here in Reno called, RLife asked us to do an article on blogging to help clear some of the confusion about it. Instead of writing in the usual article format, David LaPlante and I made into more of a conversation because isn’t that a large part of what blogging is all about?

The hope is that we shift the mindset of readers from the historical perspective that blogs are places where weird people post their thoughts, to an understanding that blogs are powerful channels of communication offering valuable information and the chance for collaboration. I’ll take the liberty of posting it in its entirety here. Obviously, we had fun with it.

What’s all the Blog About?

“I’m constantly learning and growing through the exchange.”

Blogging has been around for a number of years, but it seems like there’s been an explosion of blogs dedicated to Reno and Nevada lately. The reason? It has gotten easier. That, and there’s a lot to do and talk about regarding the Northern Nevada region. In order to explore this phenomenon further, we decided to ask local bloggers Robert Payne and David LaPlante what the fuss is all about. David is the CEO of Twelve Horses and was named Marketer of the Year by Nevada’s American Marketing Association in 2004. Robert is responsible for brand building and global positioning of Twelve Horses. They must be doing something right, since EDAWN recognized Twelve Horses as its 2005 Business of the Year. Both David and Robert are certified technophiles and blog addicts, so who better to help us navigate the sometimes complicated world of blogging?

Robert Payne: There’s so much to write about regarding blogs, where should we start?

David LaPlante: Well, for those who haven’t yet discovered the joys of blogging, why don’t we give them a (very) brief tutorial on blogging 101?

Payne: Sounds good. I’ll start from the beginning. The “Blog,” which is short for Web log, originally started as a “log” of diary-like entries published on a Web site in reverse chronological order. Avid bloggers were primarily made up of a select few of internet savvy individuals who either had strong opinions or useful information they wanted to share online. While some of that still holds true, a lot has changed in the blogosphere.

LaPlante: Agreed. The software and tools surrounding what constitutes a blog has evolved considerably. Many blogs for all intensive purposes look just like well-designed websites with interactive features and rich media. While it’s still a way for people to publish their thoughts for everyone to read, blogs can also serve as an extension of an individual or company’s brand.

Payne: Exactly. If someone Googles, “Robert Payne” they will find www.robertpayne.net; likewise, if they search “David LaPlante” they will find www.davidlaplante.com. Other search terms might even lead people to things we have posted about on our blogs. It is not only a means of getting to know us better but also an extension of ourselves and a means of forming new relationships.

LaPlante: Yeah. We’re cool. Totally A-List all the way. If you don’t have a blog, then you’re a loser <grin> - just joking. Actually, we’re two of perhaps a couple hundred super-active online bloggers who live in Reno. Why do you think they are blogging?

Payne: Because they have the opportunity to share their personal experiences and perspectives online, interact with the online community both here in Reno and throughout the world, and quite possibly, bring about social change. Personally, I’m constantly learning and growing through the exchange. What about you?

LaPlante: I enjoy participating in the online conversation, and creating an archive about my life and interactions with people for my kids to read someday. And I really like interacting with other Nevada bloggers online.

Payne: Who are some of your favorite Nevada bloggers?

LaPlante: Well I guess you’d have to start with Myrna the Minx (www.renodiscontent.com). Love her. Hate her. She’s got a huge following. Business is always good for political bloggers. She’s filled a huge hole in the local conversation that mainstream media just doesn’t delve into. She’s very direct and funny as hell. Too bad she’s anonymous, I’d love to buy her a XXX Blonde at the Silver Peak.

Payne: It’s certainly one of the more well known blogs in town. She gets a lot of different comments from both sides of the fence. I also really like the downtown makeover blog, (www.downtownmakeover.com) simply because it highlights so many of the awesome things happening in downtown Reno, from the many construction projects (with updates) to the cool events and when they’re happening.

LaPlante: Love the DMO blog. It’s cool and positive. Unfortunately, blogging can also skew in favor of the whiny. It can seem like an unmediated City Council meting that NEVER ENDS at times. So when I get tired of politics and current events, I wander over to (www.thebaconstrip.wordpress.com), (www.renobikeproject.blogspot.com), or (www.reno-rambler.blogspot.com) for some bike blogging.

Payne: Politics. Redevelopment. Biking. There’s certainly no shortage of topics people are blogging about. The last time I checked, www.Technorati.com (the blog search engine) was tracking more than 700 blogs about Nevada and something like 70 million different blogs in total. A lot of local businesses are picking up on it, too. But I often hear from non-bloggers, asking how we have time to visit all those blogs?

LaPlante: You don’t have to visit them, just subscribe to their RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed. I subscribe to about 90 blog feeds, and about 30 of those are local feeds. I use Google Reader to manage most of them. I also subscribe to feeds on my Blackjack cell phone .

Payne: Google Reader rocks and RSS is revolutionizing the way people can consume content online. It’s like the TV Guide for the internet. I know exactly when people post new content to their blogs; but I digress. What do you think should be the biggest take-away for people reading our conversation about blogs?

LaPlante: That there’s room for a whole other RLife to be going down online. There’s a ton of very vocal, funny, pissy, smart, dumb, cute, ugly, typical and atypical local bloggers that are all about the Reno life. Get online and join in with all that’s out there.

Payne: Cool. Blog on!

tags: blogging, Reno, Nevada, RLife

This past Friday several of us here at Twelve Horses went out swinging with the folks at the Advertising Association of Northern Nevada (A2N2). Each year they hold a really fun golf tournament at the beautiful Lakeridge golf course.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Lakeridge features a world famous hole, number 15, which is situated high above Reno with beautiful views of the city and surrounding mountains. Set at a par 3, one must drive the ball perfectly off of a rocky outcropping, over water, and on to the island green. Of course, that is but one hole among many other great plays. The entire course is a real joy to play, and it is well worth your time if you find yourself in Reno.

Here is a little video I put together to give you an idea of the day we had.

This week I had the pleasure of reviewing one of the graduate business plans for the 3rd Annual Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup Business Plan Competition. The event is organized by the Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET), and it is Nevada’s only statewide collegiate awards program in which graduate and undergraduate students compete for cash awards in excess of $110,000.

I am glad that I only agreed to review one because it took a considerable amount of time to do so. I approached the judging process very seriously because I know how hard the students worked on them and what it could mean if they won. The plans were scored on many different components including:

• Their ability to provide a stand-alone overview of the plan
• Vision, History, Current Status, Strategy, Goals, Mission and Objectives for the business
• Features and Benefits and Competitive Advantages
• Marketing and Competitive Analysis
• Operating Strategies
• Critical Risks
• Cash Flow, Income Statement, and Balance Sheet
• Funds Required/Used
• Offering that clearly articulates the proposal/terms to investors

I was required to make comments on each category, and I did not my best to provide as much feedback as possible. Even for those students that did not make it to the finals, I think it is an invaluable process and one that should serve them well into the future. It is exciting to see an organization like NCET empowering the future entrepreneurs of Nevada.

New this year is the Lieutenant Governor Award, which is a $10,000 cash prize that is split between a graduate and undergraduate team that employs clean, renewable, or efficient energy technologies and services. Growing the renewable energy industry in Nevada means big dollars for the state, as well as a great means of weaning this country off of non-renewable resources.

The winners of the Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup and the Lt. Governor’s Awards will be announced on April 26 at the Awards Gala at the Siena Hotel Spa Casino in Reno. The events begin at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and the awards at 6:30 p.m.

Governor Jim Gibbons, the Gala’s Guest of Honor, will be joined by Lt. Governor Brian Krolicki, Master of Ceremonies, and Patty Wade, Event Chair.

RSVP for the event here.

tags: reno, nevada, center, for, entrepreneurship, and, technology, Donald, W., Reynolds, Governor’s, Cup, awards, competition

Today, Robert and I had the pleasure of having lunch at La Pasta Bistro with Stoney deGeyter, owner and CEO of Pole Position Marketing. Pole Position is a search engine optimization company located in Reno, Nevada. As Robert and I are used to meeting with people for interviews, I hope Stoney didn’t walk away feeling like it was 20 questions.

Stoney is a blogger. His blog has been doing very well for him and he shared that he tries to do at least one post a day. Also of interest, he makes each of his 5 employees do one post a week.

We discussed the possibility of trying to organize a Reno Social Media Club or similar style group. If anyone else in the area would be interested, leave a comment below.

Even though I’ve been a member for awhile, I attended my first Young Professional Network (YPN) event on Tuesday. It was hosted at a Toll Brothers model home out in Somersett. The home is literally a $1,000,000 home. It was a unique setting for a social networking meeting.

It was refreshing to go to a networking event and see a new roster of attendees. Many were people I know but don’t usually see out and about, and there were even more that I hadn’t met before. I invited my wife which I don’t usually do. She doesn’t usually have fun at business networking events, so I spare her the practice. But seeing as she is going to be a young professional soon, I thought she might have fun at a YPN event. I think she was surprised to see a few people she knew and overall she enjoyed herself.

The group seems to be rolling along. Michael Thomas started by sharing EDAWN’s involvement with the group and then each board member presented on their respective areas. I saw frequent glances at Michael from the board and got the gist that he is a great mentor and advisor for them.

All the members seemed really jazzed about the launch party on April 5th. It will be hosted at 210 North and sounds like a lot of fun. I know I will be there (Upcoming.org listing).

Technorati Tags: EDAWN, Event, Michael Thomas, Somersett, Upcoming, YPN

This morning, I had the pleasure of attending EDAWN’s Morning Business Buzz. Besides for the wonderful networking opportunity to catch those that usually get missed due to hectic schedules, I’m always amazed at the number of new faces that pop up at Reno events. This morning’s keynote speaker was Lt. Governor - and Horse Power podcast alum - Brian Krolicki.

Lt. Governor Krolicki discussed many items he’s excited about concerning Nevada including the possibility of getting the 2018 winter Olympics. Apparently, Northern Nevada has equal chances with Denver and the decision might be decided based off who gets the 2016 summer Olympics.

He also discussed Nevada’s opportunities to take advantage of clean energy initiatives and becoming the hub to the Pacific Rim. Nevada’s geographical position makes it ideal for businesses looking to break in to Western America. The crux of his presentation was around a public/private partnership that would see some state funds invested into private businesses with the goal of making money for the state in the long run. This money would not be from taxpayers, but I fear going to into detail as I don’t want to do injustice to the plan by getting facts wrong.

Technorati Tags: Brian Krolicki, EDAWN, Olympics

On this episode of Horse Power, we talk with John Wallin about the creation of the Nevada Wilderness Project and the mission of the organization. We discuss what it takes to achieve wilderness designation, and how that relates to Congressional activities and the myriad of special interests that surround public land.Nevada has more public land than any state outside Alaska. With over300 named mountain ranges and a rugged landscape that ranges from 500to 13,000 feet, Nevada is one of the most biologically diverse states.“The Nevada Wilderness Project is committed to saving spectacular,rugged-and imperiled-public lands in Nevada as permanent Wilderness,the strongest protection possible.”Founded in 1999, they work to protect Nevada’s wild lands as legal Wilderness,the highest level of protection for public land. They do this throughgrassroots education and activism, and through an ongoing citizens’inventory of potential wilderness.Listen Now (MP3, 26.5)

In this episode of Horse Power, we are joined by Connie Brennan, CEO and publisher of the Nevada Business Journal. We discuss NBJ’s history as the only state-wide business publication, some of the differences between Las Vegas and Reno businesses, as well as their strategy of providing all of their content online for free.

We also discuss Connie’s 10 kids, and how a girl from Arkansas came to adopt 4 girls from the Philippines.

Listen Now (MP3, 20.8)

In this interview, we talk with Sam Shad of Sam Shad Productions about his move from London to the United States and his career evolution. Sam has gone from DJ and radio host to TV reporter and producer of his own shows including, "Nevada NewsMakers" and "The Dining Show." He is a member of the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Shad is a self-professed performer, businessman and salesman, and his cheerful manner and trademark attire of suit and white tennis shoes established him as one of the area’s most popular TV personalities.

“Nevada NewsMakers” airs in northern Nevada on NBC affiliate KRNV-TV Channel 4 and on Charter Communications Cable Channel 14, 15 and 18 (depending on the market). “Nevada NewsMakers airs in Las Vegas on NBC affiliate KVBC-TV Channel 3, and on Cox Cable Channel 123. “Nevada NewsMakers” also is carried by Reno radio station KOH-AM 780, and is available in streaming video on nevadanewsmakers.com, and also on audio and video Podcasts on iTunes.

The same Reno TV channels also carry “The Dining Show” (previously “Best of Reno”), which Sam launched in 2001 to showcase top restaurants in the region. “The Dining Show” is also available in streaming video on thediningshow.com.

Listen Now (MP3, 29.3)