We Learned Something from Jimmy Kimmel?
Here's Johnny! Oops, we mean Jimmy. Jimmy Kimmel… the late-night talk show host (and comedian) who had previously declared Twitter war with us on his TV show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and on Twitter.
It was an interesting, fun and very cool experience… and one that we learned a lot from as well.
What exactly did we learn?
This is what we learned:
1. Branding is important.
Having a brand that people can associate you with is very important. Unless you are extremely famous and everybody knows your name, having a brand that's different, something people can relate to or remember easily, and even something fun, will go a long way in getting you noticed by others.
Once you develop a brand you need to make sure that everything you do is through that brand. The more you put your brand out there, the more people will remember it and the more people will get to see it. It's also a good thing to tie it into your tweets and postings on Facebook… just a word here and there that relates to your brand.
Another thing we found is that it really helps to have a brand that fits you. If it is a brand that you can't relate to, or just doesn't speak to who you are, then you are less likely to use it to the fullest… and a lot of people will notice the disconnect and not buy into it. Find something you can be comfortable with. After all, you will be promoting yourself through this brand.
2. It doesn't happen overnight.
We've been working on our Twitter relationships for two years… following people, tweeting, getting involved in Twitter groups, re-tweeting, and building a lot of relationships. Usually, unless there's extenuating circumstances like having your own TV show, getting up to 57,000 followers takes time.
So the secret… get on Twitter and build relationships. Get involved. That doesn't mean you have to be on Twitter 24/7 either. A little bit here and there connecting with people goes a long way. As well, you can take advantage of auto-tweet programs, such as HootSuite. But use the auto-tweet programs as a compliment to personally connecting… don't use them for everything you do on Twitter.
3. Communicate with your followers.
One thing that was mentioned by Jimmy's followers as well as ours was that Jimmy wasn't on Twitter talking to them. Again, social media, no matter which site you're on, is all about relationships. We even got a few of Jimmy's followers to switch sides because we were actually talking to them.
4. Don't take it personally.
Because our name and picture were seen by a lot of people, we got a lot of not-so-complimentary comments; we just didn't take any of them to heart. You are not going to be liked or put in a good light by everyone. The interesting thing is that nearly all of the people who don't have anything nice to say about you, don't even know you at all. So what do they base their comments on? They make it up.
To get noticed you need to stick your head above the sand… and some people will take that opportunity to use it as “target practice”. Criticism and detrimental comments are part of life, but one that we don't need to buy into.
Social media can be a lot of fun, while meeting a lot of cool people at the same time. You never know who you'll meet and what crazy and interesting experiences you'll have along the way.
Leave us a comment on what you've learned about social media and getting noticed online… and some challenges you've had in that regard as well. We'd love to hear about it!
For more "COOL" tips, tools, knowledge and people, please follow us on Twitter or check us out on Facebook.
June 13, 2010 @ 2:59 pm
You two are certainly the coolest couple. You are living your brand.
I had one negative experience in social media. As Miami Relationships Examiner, I write a lot of articles. For awhile I was writing about Susan Boyle. When she had that amazing makeover, I wrote an article that was a bit too sarcastic, not really necessary. But that’s when I found out that social media can be unforgiving. A few of her ardent fans literally verbally attacked me and said some untrue, yet hurtful things, on the Susan Boyle fan club site. I removed that article and didn’t write about Susan Boyle for quite some time afterwards, but I just love her singing.
June 15, 2010 @ 8:08 pm
Erica,
It is so true… not all experiences or connections on social media are pleasant ones. We just need to remember to focus on the wonderful people we’ve met online and learn from the not-so-great experiences.
Sure glad we met you Erica! And yes, she does sing amazingly well.
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
June 13, 2010 @ 6:50 pm
Hi Pat and Lorna
I am learning a lot from you guys about branding and Twitter. As with anything, people have to realize that these things take time! . You are right the auto programs should only be a compliment. Branding is such an important thing, and has to be carefully thought out. I think you picked something very “catchy”, and memorable. Brands need to be unique and stick in people’s minds. You won’t be forgotten by Jimmy’s audience any time soon!
Good Job Guys!!!
Larry & Laura
June 15, 2010 @ 8:12 pm
Larry and Laura,
Yes it sure does take time… Jimmy had a bit of an advantage over us on getting noticed by people and in turn being able to recruit followers. Yes, branding does have to be thought out… we went through a couple of branding changes and this one really feels right for us… and it does seem to be, as you say, “catchy” as a lot of people know us by our brand.
Thanks so much,
~ Pat and Lorna
June 14, 2010 @ 9:25 am
Amen to that Pat and Lorna. You have hit the nail on the head. There are so many out there just try get the numbers and be noticed. Connection and building relationships is so very important to grow you business but most important to help you grow as well. I am just starting to learn about Branding and figuring out my WHY it what I do. Thank you for another Amazing post. Have a wonderful Monday.
June 15, 2010 @ 8:18 pm
Julie,
We’re thinking that Jimmy is one of those people just trying to get the numbers and be noticed. He definitely wasn’t connecting with anyone.
Branding can be a lot of fun… you’ll know it when you’ve found the “right one”.
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
June 14, 2010 @ 1:24 pm
Pat and Lorna,
You are so right, personal branding and building relationships is the key. What good is a following if you never really engage or communicate with them.
Bill
PS The exposure has some high times LOL
June 15, 2010 @ 8:29 pm
Bill,
We’re not so sure Jimmy understands the importance of creating relationships online. Relationships based on mutual interest and trust, not just fame.
And yes, we did have a lot of fun with the exposure… was a great experience!
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
June 14, 2010 @ 2:53 pm
Great post! retweet that one for sure! 🙂
Love your work 🙂
June 15, 2010 @ 8:30 pm
Aidan,
Thanks so much!
~ Pat and Lorna
June 14, 2010 @ 4:11 pm
You really had fun with this experience. I don’t know how it all started, but in my book, you stayed true to yourselves and held to your standards. Awesome show of standing in your power.
Thanks for this great re-cap,
Val 😉
June 15, 2010 @ 8:33 pm
Val,
We really did have fun… and we’re still not really sure how it started either.
And yes, we were ourselves the whole way through… it’s more fun that way!
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
June 14, 2010 @ 6:38 pm
Wow – what a ride! And you rode the wave well! Good for you on not taking the bad stuff seriously! Cool comes from within, and you definitely kept your cool – which makes you even cooler :):) It really is all about building the relationships 🙂 Thanks for sharing the journey!!
–Lori
June 15, 2010 @ 8:35 pm
Lori,
It was quite a ride… and a very cool one at that!
So glad we could take you all on this cool journey with us!
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
June 14, 2010 @ 7:27 pm
P & L,
You two are the BEST! Being in a Twitter War makes you even COOLER!!! Thanks for sharing your lessons learned and staying the course. You are right, it definitely takes time for most of us to build a brand.
Take care,
Adam
June 15, 2010 @ 8:37 pm
Adam,
It’s amazing how we can learn so much from all the experiences in our lives… and it’s not always so apparent at the time, but taking a good look at the experience from the outside once it’s over can give us such a new perspective on it.
Thanks so much,
~ Pat and Lorna
June 14, 2010 @ 10:15 pm
Thanks for the cool update. Branding is all about being authentic. You guys seem like the real deal. I hope you totally crushed Jimmy Kimmels numbers!
June 15, 2010 @ 8:39 pm
Nicole,
You are so right, if you are not authentic in your brand then people will know… branding is about who you are… not about who you pretend to be.
Jimmy ended up beating us, but we’re not giving up!
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
June 15, 2010 @ 7:40 am
This has been a fun follow. You guys are an example to us of the commitment needed to be the best and the coolest. Thanks a bunch.
June 15, 2010 @ 8:40 pm
Nelson,
It has been fun… and thank you so much!
~ Pat and Lorna
June 15, 2010 @ 12:26 pm
Words of wisdom…
I hear you say that no matter what you brand yourself as, make it real and make sure its something you can live out internally as well as externally. This is what I gathered from your post today plus the fact that you really ARE the coolest couple.
Jimmy (or whomever writes his tweets) did you a favor and your gratitude still shines through even though there were the occasional battle wounds. One never knows where the spirit will move you next so hang on…that’s the best part about what we do. Isn’t it exciting?!
P.S. So thankful for your friendship.
June 15, 2010 @ 8:44 pm
Kellie,
Thank you so much! And yes, Jimmy did do us a big favor… and the few minor cuts and bruises are all so worth it 🙂
It is amazing where we may end up or who we may connect with… just looking at the people here in the comments part of our blog has us in awe. We’ve met so many cool people and have had so much fun along the way!
We too are so thankful for your friendship…
~ Pat and Lorna
June 16, 2010 @ 4:05 pm
Pat and Lorna – Great lessons learned and thanks for passing them on to us:) I still thin Jimmy should at least have you on his show!
June 16, 2010 @ 8:56 pm
Glyna,
That would be cool to be asked to be on Jimmy’s show. Maybe he’s afraid we’ll out-cool him 🙂
Thanks for visiting!
~ Pat and Lorna
June 16, 2010 @ 8:51 pm
Great tips! The one that resonates the most with me is communication. This is so key!
June 16, 2010 @ 8:59 pm
Kevin,
Yes, communication is so important. Relationships are created and sustained through communication… without which we would not get too far.
Thanks!
~ Pat and Lorna
June 17, 2010 @ 4:50 am
This is really great and I’ve only just watched the video’s. Great work guys, you are definitely standing out! I hope you win the war as the coolest couple and I think you guys are cool 🙂
Keep up the fantastic giving mentality you have, and it’s a pleasure to have you part of TSA!
Thanks
Gavin Mountford
June 19, 2010 @ 11:05 am
Gavin,
Thanks so much Gavin.
We are extremely grateful and it is way to cool being a part of the awesome group at TSA!
~ Pat and Lorna
June 18, 2010 @ 3:41 pm
Congratulations on the publicity. Relationships are what drives business and I think the more social media has been pushed out recently more people expect the whole relationship side of things to move faster.
The only thing that really build our relationships is time and communication, the trust must be cultivated, without it we just have access to a bunch of people we don’t know and never will.
Through our communication and relationship building efforts we are then able to help more people and conduct more targeted marketing.
Thanks for your knowledge and congrats once again on your success. I am new to the TSA group and am excited to be among business professional like yourselves.
Have a great day!
Joe
June 19, 2010 @ 11:23 am
Joe,
Your perspective on relationships and trust is so right. If we don’t take the time to build those relationships and develop trust, then we and our business are just an entity among thousands others that won’t mean much to anyone.
Welcome to TSA, it has been a pleasure to meet you!
Thanks so much,
~ Pat and Lorna
June 18, 2010 @ 3:58 pm
I find this whole situation still quite remarkable. Aside from that, your brand is building rapidly – and to the others reading: that happens when you build it deliberately, slowly, and with the same diligence as if it was already built.
Thanks for the tips!
June 19, 2010 @ 11:30 am
Paul,
We are still amazed at the situation too. Even our chiropractor said he saw us on Jimmy Kimmel and thought it was so cool. And you’re right… it does take time to build a brand. It takes time, but it is a lot of fun too. We feel that by being creative with our brand and finding new and unique ways of promoting it, our work seems like play.
~ Pat and Lorna
June 18, 2010 @ 4:39 pm
So I’m curious, do you have the actual clips of Jimmy declaring twitter war with you on his tv show? That would be cool to see.
June 19, 2010 @ 11:52 am
Cory,
We have the clips in a post on our blog… you can look at them here:
http://patandlornatesting.com/blog/jimmy-kimmel-vs-the-coolest-couple-it-was-war-on-the-twitter-battleground/
Was very cool to be a part of Jimmy’s little “Twitter War”… had a lot of fun.
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
June 18, 2010 @ 8:24 pm
Lorna & Pat,
I can personally relate to just about all the items you mention, especially how things don’t happen overnight. A little over six months ago, I had no idea what Branding meant, or how important it is to your online presence! Another of the items you mention that I feel strongly about is to constantly communicate/personally interact with your followers ~ it’s suppose to be social media, right?!
I really enjoyed this post & think you guys did a fabulous job with competing with Jimmy Kimmel!~ Christine
June 19, 2010 @ 11:31 am
Christine,
It is so cool the things we learn when we communicate, and create a presence online. And you are so right… the word “Social” is in “Social Media” for a reason.
Thanks so much,
~ Pat and Lorna
June 19, 2010 @ 8:24 am
Hey Pat & Lorna,
This has been quite a ride watching you through this experience. Congratulations on getting your name in lights!
Thanks for sharing your advise and wisdom from this.
I personally can relate to your point number five. This is something that everyone has to overcome as they grow to success and into the life they were created for. A great mentor of my says that You are not made for everyone and I am only looking for people who are looking for me. These have been great reminders and help me in these kind of situations.
Thanks for all of the great things you guys do. I am glad to be connected with you on this journey of life.
Congrats on your continued success!
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
June 19, 2010 @ 11:46 am
Ed,
There are people who will connect with you and love what you are doing, and there are others who won’t. We can’t control that, we just need to focus on those that we can connect with and who we can help with our knowledge and expertise.
Thank you Ed… and we are so glad we’ve connected with you, it’s been great!
Thanks so much!
~ Pat and Lorna
June 19, 2010 @ 10:26 am
Pat & Lorna,
Wow! I have obviously been under a rock for the past few weeks, buried in my business. This is the first I’ve heard of the twitter war with Jimmy…although I did see your super cool video where his people called you (wink). This is seriously some awesome PR moves my friends, you guys completely rock…and I don’t care what Jimmy says – you are indeed the “coolest couple ever”. Rock on!
Krista
June 19, 2010 @ 11:50 am
Krista,
Oh boy… we all get like that sometimes where we get so focused on our work that we just seem to tune out the rest of the world (except of course for our family, ’cause they always come first). What Jimmy gave us was definitely awesome PR… and we are so appreciative of it. And thank you so much for the kind words… we will definitely keep rockin’!
~ Pat and Lorna
June 19, 2010 @ 11:11 am
Lesly,
It is amazing how many people love to spend their time sending out negative comments to others online. We believe that most people are aware of where these comments are coming from and really don’t believe them. It’s like the saying goes… “You have to consider the source”.
Look forward to seeing where you take your branding… have fun with it!
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
June 19, 2010 @ 11:18 am
Steve,
Mae West was very smart… and we sure enjoyed our 15 minutes of fame!
“And keep it simple!”… So True!!! Thanks for that insight.
~ Pat and Lorna
June 21, 2010 @ 8:25 am
This is so great and funny. We went to Jimmy’s show when we were living in LA a few months ago and had front row seats. He’s a pretty funny guy. Thanks for the TSA connection and all you do.
Michael
June 22, 2010 @ 8:09 pm
Michael,
That must have been a cool experience to go to the live show.
Thanks for connecting…
~ Pat and Lorna
June 22, 2010 @ 3:53 pm
Pat & Lorna,
I heard about this when your war was going on and am just now getting here to read all the fun stuff about it! This is a VERY COOL thing to have happened to a VERY COOL couple (oh… I mean THE COOLEST!)
Fantastic to show how you never know when something will catch on, you can ride the wave and find opportunity in it. Even the opportunity to ignore negative people which has been a great (and yes, sometimes painful at first…!) learning experience…
but then:
“Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.” – Bejamin Franklin
You guys ROCK! Miss you!
Love, Maritza
June 22, 2010 @ 8:26 pm
Maritza,
Thank you so much Maritza!! It was amazing how it all just kind of started, and what we learned from it all.
We miss you sooooo much!!
Love Pat and Lorna
August 5, 2010 @ 9:13 pm
Dennis,
Thanks for stopping by again… we appreciate it!
Authenticity is great… as someone once said… just be you!
Thank you!!
~ Pat and Lorna