5 Tips To Make 2012 Your Best Year Yet

Greetings Dear Readers

By now you are already into the New Year and some of you might still be thinking
what should I do this year?   What are my goals for this year?

Here are 5 Tips to Get You Started.

1.  Do What You Love Doing


Sounds simple does it not.  Most of us find ourselves in a job that pays the rent
and we move from day to day, week to week and before you know it life is over.
What if you decided to start doing the work you love doing.  What do yo love doing?
Think about what kind of work you would love to do and then go and pursue it.
Pretty soon you will become a huge success and the bonus is you will never work a
day in your life because you love what you are doing.

2.  Set 12 Goals


Keep it simple this year and just try to achieve 12 goals this year.  One goal
for each month.  If the goal is a huge one like buying a house or car then break
it down into mini-goals and keep going at it till you achieve it.  Keep your eyes on the prize
and avoid all the negativity.

3.  Surround yourself with positive people


If you want have a great year this year then surround yourself with positive happy people.
No need to be around people who bring you down everyday or people who complain
or people who are negative and give you huge stress.  So just surround yourself with
positive people.

4.  Keep a journal


Get yourself a nice journal and each day write something in it.  Write down your goals in it as well.
Write anything and you will be amazed what pops up like wonderful business ideas, venting, beautiful writing, idea's for a book and the list goes on and on but keep writing in that journal.

5.  Visualize those goals


Now it does not help to just have goals you have to visualize them as well and see it
in your mind, if it's a house, where is it?  What does it look like?  If you are serious
about it then you will know exactly what the inside looks like and keep moving
towards it and one day you will be sitting in that house going Yes!


Bonus Tip For Writers


If you want to write a book this year all you have to write down is this

My goal this year is to publish one book!


Trust me it works :)


Fly high, Fly free


Fred Felton
Social Media Strategist & Speaker & Author
FalconsCove
A Digital Media Agency
email: falconscove@gmail.com
twitter: @fredfelton

10 South African iPad Apps Worth Having

Good day Bloggers and Readers.

First let me say a big thank you to everyone who reads my blog.  The blog
has just passed the big 10 000 visitors milestone.  Thank you so much for your loyal
support.

This week I am carrying on from last week with some more iPad Apps worth having.
Did you know that some of the best of these Apps are South African.
Let's check them out shall we.

1. FNB Banking App


This App is actually designed for the iPhone but you can also use it on the iPad.
It allows you to do your banking on your iPad, make payments, buy prepaid products
like Cellphone airtime, top up your ADSL bundles, apply for new accounts, send and
receive messages, even find your nearest branch or atm.

2.  News24 iPad Edition


Get all your news on your iPad from this App specially designed for the iPad.
From news, views, interviews, pics, sports you name it a great news App.

3.  Vodacom Recharge


This app allows you to top up your Vodacom prepaid account and you
can use your airtime to buy data bundles.  Nifty.

4.  DStv Guide for iPad


Get a guide for your DStv viewing on your iPad, set reminders on your iPad
keep up to date with news and check the highlights and you can even
share it with your friends on Facebook.

5.  Mail&Guardian


A great news app from the Mail and Guardian giving you breaking news,
Zapiro, and snapshots of Africa, The World, Photo's, Opinion, Business,
Arts and Sports.  Allows you to keep a library of old editions.

6.  IOL


A great App from IOL the South African News group which gives
you a great insight into the world.  Also allows you to save newspapers.

7.  Private Property - iPad version


Another great App from the people behind Private Property it allows
you to search for properties around SA and view pics of them, see
maps, prices etc.  Fantastic App.

8. You Magazine


South Africa's favourite magazine can also be found here and gives
you all the highlights from the magazine, news, views, dvd reviews etc.

9.  Yellow Pages SA for iPad


Toss out that cockroach killer you keep by the phone.  You now
have the full edition of the yellow pages on your iPad.  Anything you
are looking for from banks to plumbers you name it.

10.  Vuvuzela 2010


And finally something for everyone.  From the country that gave
you the greatest Soccer World Cup we bring you the App that
everyone wants the Vuvuzela.  It has over 6 million downloads.
Amazing.  Astound your friends go on I dare you.


Well those Apps should keep you very entertained dear readers.

Fly high, Fly free


Fred Felton
Falcon's Cove
Social Media Strategist - Speaker - Author
email: falconscove@gmail.com

email to book Fred for a talk, workshop or your next conference.

10 iPad Apps Worth Having

Greetings Readers

Welcome to 2012.  A New Year already can you believe it.  I wish you and yours
a very successful 2012.

To start off the New Year I thought I would show you some very interesting apps
that I have discovered with getting a new iPad for Xmas.
What an amazing device and the Apps from App Store are truly amazing.

Here are 10 to get you started.

1.  Twitter for iPad


A very impressive app for Twitter.  Works brilliantly and gives you the option to
RT and insert comments in them as well.  You can also upload pics and follow
your timeline in a beautiful display.  Very impressive.

2.  Ambient Soundscapes


One of my favourite apps at the moment.  You can choose between various
ambient sounds such as water, rain, beach, forest, thunder and more and listen
to it if you want to relax or do yoga or fall asleep.  Comes with a timer.
Great app.

3.  Adobe Reader


The PDF Reader from Adobe which lets you read pdf files on your iPad.
Perfect for all those PDF files you get.

4.  Skype for iPad


Skype comes to iPad and lets you do all you do on your computer on your iPad.
Take all your friends and business contacts with you on the go.

5.  PhotoCard Lite


A great app that lets you convert your images into wonderful photo cards
that you can send to all your contacts.

6.  WritersApp Lite


This one is for all the writer's out there.  A great app which lets you work on one
story at a time and helps you work on the synopsis, premise, plot, chapters, characters,
places, notes and so much more.  Perfect for scribes.

7.  Type on PDF 


A very interesting app which lets you insert writing or images onto a pdf on the go.
So if you get that email with a pdf where they ask you to fill in your info on the pdf
this app is for you.

8.  Archie


If you love Archie comics this app is for you,  full of wonderful issues like
Jughead, Archie and more.  Some are even free.  Wonderful design and read.

9.  Wallpapers HD


A wonderful app that lets you pimp your iPad.  Full of amazing high quality
images, updated all the time.  Some wonderful pics in this collection.
As one user commented you will probably have a new image on your iPad each week.

10.  Nightstand


A really interesting app which basically converts your iPad into a souped up
Display Clock with image and alarm and weather.   Quite amazing really
and has pictures that change all the time.

Well hope you enjoy all those Apps dear readers.

What are some of the Apps for the iPad that you love?


Fly high, Fly free


Fred Felton
Social Media Consultant & Keynote Speaker
Falcon's Cove
A Digital Media Agency
email: falconscove@gmail.com
cell: 076-977-5788

Email me to Book me for your next conference or for a social media workshop.

My new book 101 Tips For Twitter is out packed full of useful info for everything about Twitter.
You can buy it here on the blog.

5 Websites that impressed me in 2011

Greetings Dear Readers.

Right about now you will be on holiday and maybe shopping for gifts for family or friends
for all of those year end parties you go to.

I feel a tiny bit sorry for those of you who have to work at this time of year.
Just a tiny bit.

Can you believe it 2011 is almost finished and almost time for 2012.

I thought I would share with you 5 Websites that impressed me in 2011.

Here we go:

1.  Twitter


http://www.twitter.com

One of my favourite sites.  So much on there from news, views, interviews,
useful links, people venting, amusing pics and videos and I could go on and on.
Not to mention it's a useful messaging site.  Will it replace email?  Only time
will tell.

2.  Podomatic


http://www.podomatic.com

Some people call this the wave of the future, podcasting, webcasting, having
your own shows on the net, from radio shows to tv shows to web seminars.
All of this for free.  Nifty hey.

3.  Visibli


http://www.visibli.com

For those of you who are big on social media and marketing this is the site for you.
It basically adds a bar above all your links, photo's blog entries and more for every
link you put out there on the interweb.   On that blog you can put up some wonderful things
like your social media profiles, your website and so much more.  A very powerful
marketing tool and the stats are fantastic.

4.  TinyLetter


http://www.tinyletter.com

For those of you looking to start with email newsletters this site is for you.
Very easy to use and it works.  That's right you heard me it works :)
Highly recommended.

5.  VibeDeck


http://www.vibedeck.com

A really interesting site for all you musicians out there.  It allows you
to sell your cd's, songs, ep's and more online and with the social media
integration you can decide if you want to give it away or use
the pay with a tweet or facebook message option.  Very slick site.

Well those should keep you busy for awhile at least till you decide to
hit the beach or try that game reserve or read a book.

Do you have any cool websites you have discovered in 2011?
Let me know.


Wish you and yours Seasons Greetings and have a successful 2012  :)

Yours in social media

Fred Felton
Speaker & Social Media Consultant & Author
email: falconscove@gmail.com

email to book Fred for your next talk or for a social media workshop.

5 Blogs Worth Checking Out

A warm welcome to all my readers.

Hope you are having a wonderful day.

Below are 5 Blogs that are really worth checking out.   They cover a
variety of topics and should keep you interested all year round.

1.  Project Me


http://jodene.co.za/projectme/

The blog is run by @Jodenecoza a wonderful lady who is very active on Twitter.
She blogs everyday and is actively involved in the #FollowSA initiative.
A wonderful blog to read daily if you can packed full of wonderful info.

2.  Quicksprout run by Neil Patel


http://www.quicksprout.com/blog/

This is the blog of Neil Patel.  Packed full of useful info and updated regularly.
On this blog you will find useful info which ranges from Twitter, to design,
to social media tips, to business tips and I could go on and on.
Really worth a read.   Find him on Twitter - @neilpatel

3.  Ask Ashe


http://askashe.wordpress.com/

A blog run by Durban based blogger Ashe.  Full of useful info about Durban, South Africa.
events about town, entries about fashion and so much more.  Really
worth checking out.  Find her on Twitter @AskAshe

4.  Laura Roeder's Blog


http://www.lauraroeder.com/category/blog/


A young entrepreneur with a very smart head on her shoulders.  She has some wonderful
advice in her blog.   Everything from social media advice, how to write blogs and now and
again you even get a webinar.  You learn so much from this blog.  On Twitter - @lkr

5.  The Fantasy / Reality World of a Writer


http://the-red-stone.blogspot.com/


This is the blog of writer Craig Smith  find him on Twitter - @CraigWFSmith
If you are interested in writing or reading fantasy writing check out his blog
you might just pick up some tips.  Full of #FlashFriday writing, writing tips
and even some videos check it out.

That should keep you busy for awhile dear readers.

Fly high, Fly free


Fred Felton
Speaker & Social Media Consultant & Author
Falcon's Cove
A Digital Media Agency
email: falconscove@gmail.com

email to book Fred Felton for a talk or seminar.

5 Marketing Tips For Your Business

Greetings readers

Welcome to this entry which is all about marketing today.
Here are 5 tips to help your business get known.

1.  Use Social Media


You are in the greatest time at the moment.   The time of Social Media.  There are so many
avenues for you to put your name out there.   So get out there and setup a Twitter Page for
your company and start telling people what you do.  Tell people about your specials.
Post pictures of where you are located.   Do a course to learn how to use social media for
your business.  Respond to clients on Twitter and build brand awareness.

Start a Facebook Fan Page for your business and build up a fan base of clients for your company.
Post useful links and updates and help others out.   People will soon find out who you are
and flock to you.

Start exploring Google +  and start a Google + Page for your business as well and add people to
your circles and network on their.

Have a Linkedin Page and network with other business minded individuals and companies.

Write a blog and tell people what you do everyday.  

2.  Network like crazy


If you are starting out well then nobody knows about you and you have to get out there
and find some people who might want your business.  How do you do this?  Well you start
going to networking meetings.  Most cities worldwide have networking meetings regularly.
They range from business networking events to art shows to openings of new shops.
There are many places one can go to network.  So set out to do at least 3 networking
meetings a week if you can and collect those business cards make those connections
and stay in touch.  Follow up with emails and meet for coffees.

3.  Make a YouTube Video


No matter what your product is make a video of what it is you sell.  Whether
it be a product or training course or book, whatever it is make a video and
upload it to YouTube.   Millions of potential customers are on that site.

4.   Brand yourself and your car


If you have a car consider putting your brand and contact details on your car.
Many people sit in rush hour traffic starting at the car in front of them.
Have your business  name on your outfits or on a label so people can see
what you do.

5.  The Business Card


One of the most effective marketing tools is a business card.   Get a professional
to design one for you and make sure it has all your relevant details.  Keep it in
a nice business card holder and give it out to all your prospective clients
and people you meet.  You never know, they might want your service
or someone they know might want it.

Fly high,  Fly free


Fred Felton
Speaker & Social Media Consultant &  Biz Analyst
Falcon's Cove
A Digital Media Agency
'Social Media Is Our Biz'
email: falconscove@gmail.com

Email to book Fred Felton for your next talk, conference or workshop.

5 Tips For Entrepreneurs

Greetings dear readers.

Last night I was invited to the Fnb #BizNetwork Event and it was wonderful to hear all
the speakers and to look around and see all the business owners and entrepreneurs.

It got me thinkin about all the entrepreneurs out there.  If you have an idea of
being an entrepreneur here are 5 tips to get you started:

1. Find The Gap

Take yourself off to a coffee shop and sit down with a pen and paper and write

down all those fantastic ideas you keep to yourself stuck in your head.  You know

those ones that are going to make you millions well write them all down.

Look around you in your area and think hard, what gap can you fulfill?

What service can you provide?  What can you provide that nobody else can?

Can you corner a market?  Write down 10 ideas and cut them down to 3

and then choose the one that interests you the most.

    2.   Write a business plan

Once you have your idea get a good business plan in place and work out 

if you can afford to do this.  How much will you charge?  Where will you sell?

Are you going to be in one suburb, one city or the whole country?

How will you get financing, banks, friends, family where?

    3.  Set goals for your business

Put your goals down on paper or on your computer or tablet or cellphone.

What do you want to achieve with this business.  Where do you see it in 1 year,

5 years, 10 years?   Is your aim to sell it for profit or carry on till you pass it on to your

children.  What is your aim, think it through.     Have a checklist for your business.

What are the things you will need? Stationery, business cards, marketing what else?

Write it all down and keep pen and paper nearby in case you forget anything 

and write down all your idea's for your business as well.  

   4.  Prepare for long hours ahead

As a business owner you must be prepared to work long and hard.  You might

have to cancel meetings, lunches, weekend plans etc.  Will you be able

to commit to this?  The more you put in the more you get out remember that.

   5.   Love what you do

When you start this business remember it has to be something you love doing

because you are going to be doing it for a long time.  You have to be 

passionate about your business and if you are your business will get bigger

and bigger.  

Now get out there, start that business and get your first client.

Fly high, Fly free

Fred Felton

Speaker & Author & Social Media Consultant

Falcon's Cove

A Digital Media Agency

email: falconscove@gmail.com