Nicole and I recently attended a social media conference in HWA’s very own backyard — Indianapolis. The conference attendees were made up of mainly “tech geeks” (like me), marketing experts, and the new school of social media gurus.

At 140 characters per topic, we absorbed the value of Twitter, how to step-up our Facebook game, and the importance of video in our marketing mix.

Twitter

Let’s talk Twitter. Did you know that there are over 10 million Twitter users, tweeting several hundred times a second? In the keynote address, Jason Falls (@JasonFalls) of Social Media Explorer talked about how selling products and services is making a transition from cold calling and hard selling, to building and establishing a level of trust with your leads. Do you want to share a quick, relevant blurb with your masses? Well it’s time to tweet! As Jason said, “Let’s just talk.”

Once you’ve established this relationship, you need to keep interacting with your twitter-disciples, monitoring the buzz you’re generating. With hundreds of tweets every second, imagine how quickly feedback could be generated and passed around. Case in point, I recently read a blog about how a young musician tweeted one lucky (or unlucky) fan’s phone number to his followers. Within a few minutes, this teenager began receiving what amounted to over 26,000 text messages. Thanks for demonstrating the power of Twitter, J Bieber.

Facebook

Let’s switch gears. Facebook. The social media giant has recently announced that they have reached over 500 million users, and chances are you’re one of them. Does your business have an account? If not, it’s time to create a page for your brand. Did I mention it’s free? You can also run pay-per-click campaigns for a bit of cash – only paying out if your company’s advertisement is clicked. How many companies wished TV advertising worked in this format? Having an active Facebook page will not only help generate business and relationships, but it will also help your SEO rankings. Facebook has a strong search engine reputation, so the more content you share on Facebook, the more likely you’ll be found.

Facebook Places

Facebook has also launched a new geo-location service, Facebook Places. Competing with services such as FourSquare and GoWalla, Facebook Places allows people to “check in” to different venues and let their friends know where they are. How’s this relevant? Think of the promotions you could offer for people who frequent your business. Think in terms of incentives that will get traffic through the front door. Remember: it’s all free!

YouTube and Web Video

Not too long ago, I was doing a bit of traveling and ended up having a cancelled flight. Getting stuck overnight in Philadelphia, I needed a hotel. Long story short, the concierge at the airport recommended a hotel that was $99 a night. Not too bad, but when I looked on my phone for reviews, I realized that it had a one star rating. I quickly changed my mind and found a different hotel.

How’s this relevant? Think about it – I heard about a business and wanted to know more information. Google now allows people to write reviews about a business. YouTube is owned by Google and is the second most searched website. What if your business were to have some videos tagged with its Google listing? What if that hotel provided clips featuring a few different rooms, or the surrounding areas? If the hotel had provided some of that content, I may have been persuaded to book a room, rather than immediately turning away. Google indexes video, so it’s important to tag your video with relevant words.

Where Do I Get Started?

I know this has been a bit of an information overload, so let me give you a few tips on starting your social media campaign.

• Get a Twitter and Facebook account
• Start following a few people on Twitter and try to start a conversation with a couple of them
• Start a blog

WordPress.com and Blogger.com are great resources to start. For more advanced users, create your own WordPress blog and give it your own look and feel. It’s all free and it’s simple to set up
Try and blog at least two to three times per week.

• Post press releases

Press releases are a great way to share what’s going on with your company. New products, new services, etc.

• Look into using social media tools
• • HootSuite

  HootSuite is a web-based tool that will allow you to manage all your Twitter feeds in one central place.
  You can view your tweets, your home feed, mentions and direct messages.

  • Contxts.com

  People can text a name to ’50500′ and receive your business information. Their information will be shared with you and you’ll be able to contact them.

  • FourSquare

  Users can check into your venue and find other people nearby.
  You can run specials, for frequent customers. For instance, every three “check ins”, you can receive a free cup of coffee.

  • Facebook Places

  For all smartphone users and iPhone users, the Facebook application allows users to check in to different venus and tag people they’re with

Over the last few years, we’ve had the joy of Nancy’s granddaughter Olivia spending time in our office.

You may have interrupted Helen giving Liv a manicure,  joined in one of Liv’s impromptu dance parties (The Beatles’ “Octopus’ Garden” a popular choice), been “shushed” during Liv’s nap-time, or spied Nancy and Liv walking Chloe, around the Village of WestClay.

This week, Liv and her parents, Matt and Claire, will be departing for France for the next year, where Matt will pursue an MBA in International Business.  We’ve loved having Liv help us out at HWA and she will be missed.

Join us in wishing Liv and her family “Bon Voyage” and safe travels!  We’ll miss you!

"All my bags are packed..."

If David looks familiar, there is good reason; he played the role of Billy, the Blue Ranger on the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series. 

#1  What advice would you give to a young David Yost?

Everybody is going to tell you that you can’t, but you actually can and you can quite well!  For some strange reason we like to tear each other down, and instead of celebrating each other’s victories we, at times, despise them or become jealous.  I have come across many people who went out of their way to inform me that I had no business having the success I have had.  Baffling.

#2  Looking back at your time as a Power Ranger, what is something that you never expected?

I never expected the show to become the International success it was.  The show is still one of the most successful television franchises in history.  At the height of the popularity, everybody was trying to get their kids on set to come visit the Power Rangers. I was always amazed when I would travel to Europe or any foreign country for that matter, and people would run up to me and say, “You’re Billy, the Blue Ranger.”  Weird.

#3  Finish this statement:  “Every actor should…

…be certain.”  Be certain that this is your path.  For some it is easy, for some it is up and down, and for some it is just a struggle.  If it is fame and fortune you want, please save yourself the pain and find something else to do.  If, in the fiber of your very Being, you know that you have to perform, that you have to create entertainment on some level, then please come.  Come share your gift and artistry, it is certainly welcome.  Enlighten.

#4  Was your journey from actor to producer a natural progression?

I don’t know if it was natural as much as it was, “I gotta pay the bills.”  However, when I was starring on Power Rangers, I did pay attention to what was happening behind-the-camera, so I think I picked up the producing aspect rather quickly and easily… and luckily, I happen to be really good at it… when I want to be.  Focused.

#5  Who inspired you to pursue acting?

No one inspired me to pursue acting.  I had a spiritual experience at the age of seven when I was performing Dopey in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.  I just remember the audience laughing at me, or at my character, and then feeling a peace come over me and hearing a voice whisper in my ear, “This is what you’ll do.”  I was sold from that moment on. Hopefully that doesn’t sound to “Looney Tunes.”  Crazy.

I recently had the opportunity to attend an intimate ISO performance at a friend’s home. One word: amazing! This private concert took place in their living room, where I sat just feet away from two talented musicians. Our small audience was front and center for a selection preview from next year’s season.

You might be asking yourself, “Why the special performance?” In a nutshell, the ISO is changing its tune (pardon the pun). They have known for some time that a traditional, fixed subscription did not fit everyone -it certainly did not fit my ever-changing calendar. The small performance provided the perfect venue to explain ‘Your Season, Your Way’ – the season that you create, the season that fits you. The word symphony is typically not synonymous with “progressive,” but to the ISO, I say “bravo!”

This grassroots effort to spread their message hit home with me! So much so that I asked, “Why only share this news via word of mouth from those in attendance?” Web video provides the perfect avenue to say, “Check out how the ISO is evolving, not to mention the once-in-a-lifetime performance that I attended.”

Cue the “share” button on YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook – Helen Wells Agency is going to film the next intimate ISO performance happening this month! I’ll be sharing this short video with the masses in early-September, hopefully you will share with your masses!

PS – The ISO has already embraced web video, and they appear to be having way too much fun!

Alright, it’s contest time! The Helen Wells Agency is having a Grandparent/Grandchild Look-a-Like contest!  Does your child or grandchild bear a striking resemblance to their grandparent?  If so, you should enter our contest!  Here are the quick details, but more information can be found on our official contest page.

The contest will run from August 2nd, 2010 through August 16th, 2010, voting will be from August 23rd, 2010 through August 27th, 2010.  Winning Grandparent/Grandchild pair will be announced September 1st, 2010.  Winners will win a special photo shoot at the Indianapolis Museum of Art valued at over $500!

Thanks for checking and good luck!

Tony Stewart, an Indiana native and driver of the No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy Impala in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, joined the Foundation on Thursday, July 22 to donate more than 5,000 backpacks to nonprofit organizations and schools in the Indianapolis area.

He is a two-time winner of the prestigious 400-mile race. Stewart is partnering with the Office Depot Foundation for the second year in a row and will help the organization donate more than 300,000 backpacks throughout the 2010 back-to-school season. “I am very proud to partner with the Office Depot Foundation again this year and to be able to help so many kids here in the Indianapolis area,” Stewart said. “This is a big year for the Office Depot Foundation because it is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its National Backpack Program, and I can tell you from experience how rewarding it is to see the look on these kids’ faces when they get a new backpack – it’s an automatic boost of confidence for them and helps them feel ready to take on the new school year just like everybody else. Of all the things I’ll do this weekend, participating in this program is definitely the most important.”

Think you’ve got the next Shirley Temple or Raven Simone but not sure how to get started?  As the New Talent Coordinator at The Helen Wells Agency, one of my primary goals is to provide as much information as I can, as honestly and directly as I can.  So, whether or not you plan on attending one of our upcoming open calls, here are 5 things HWA wants parents to know about this crazy business of ours.

This is a Different Kind of After-School Activity…Sort Of.

As a parent, you spend time and money on activities for your child.  You do this without expecting a huge ROI by turning out a David Beckham or Jonas Brother.  Molding a young model or actor takes the same type of investment, with the same gamble on return.   You’ll need a flexible schedule (jobs & auditions are almost always M-F, 9am-5pm) and a strong student (missing some school is usually necessary) and you’ll have to spend some money, namely on pictures.   Think of pictures like you would cleats for soccer or a helmet in football:  in order to play, you need the proper equipment.  And just like any other after-school activity, it should be FUN.  If your kid stops having fun, it’s time to find a new activity.

This Business is Sort of Like a Kosher Deli  (No Ham, Please)

It’s wonderful that little Jimmy is constantly regaling the family with impersonations of Jim Carey.  It’s great that Susie adores being in front of the camera and poses just like Naomi Campbell.  But that may not work in their favor.  Just because your child loves to be the center of attention and is a born performer, doesn’t mean she will be able to listen to complete strangers and follow direction.  It’s not easy for a lot of adults!  Animation is great.  Personality is an asset.  But even our youngest talent need to be able to adapt and listen.

Images courtesy of Helen Wells Agency

Show Biz Really Is…a Business.

By involving your child in a business, you are agreeing that they (and you) can and will behave in a professional manner.  This means you are on time, you are prepared and you are polite.  No one likes a fake, but first impressions matter, so error on the side of caution and pretend every audition is an interview.  The entertainment biz moves quickly and can be very informal, but you’ll need to keep a professional mindset.  You wouldn’t bring your child and 10 of their friends to a doctor’s appointment or an interview; auditions and jobs should be treated with the same respect.

It’s Okay to Embrace Your Inner “Stage Mom”- (Just Be Sure To Introduce Her To Your Inner “Simon Cowell”)

A Stage Mom (and not all Stage Mom’s are women, btw) has a blind faith and over-the-top enthusiasm about her child.  These parents are convinced that their child should always get the part, regardless of ability.  Some of these folks are clearly living out unfulfilled dreams of their own (Hello, Dina Lohan) and the Stage Mom is an unfortunate reality of this business.  However, there are a few tricks the Stage Mom could teach us all:  It takes a positive attitude, dedication and belief in your child to be willing to drive three hours for a 5 minute, commercial audition, with no guarantee of booking (think Taylor Swift’s mom…seriously, this lady is awesome!  Supportive, but totally real with her kid).  These traits can go a long way in any field, but it’s not enough: You need to be honest. Your inner Stage Mom needs someone to keep her in check.  Enter, American Idol judge Simon Cowell.

Simon Cowell has a reputation for honesty.  Brutal honesty.  In fact, he was dubbed the “…meanest man in show business…” by Forbes magazine.  I guess he can be kind of harsh.  (But, admit it – you were thinking that guy sounded like a dying parakeet being stuffed down a garbage disposal, too).  Now, we don’t think anyone needs to get nasty, but we also don’t believe in setting yourself (or your child) up for failure.  If your kid can’t sing, don’t try to tell us he can.  What parent let these kids go on national television to “sing”?

An ounce of honesty is worth a pound of humiliation.

Be virtuous (patient).

While watching a special on child stars one night, I heard the staggering statistic from SAG:  The average child actor will audition 40 times before landing their first principle role.  40 times!!!  To keep going would take a lot of perseverance.  And patience.  You’ll wait around to hear back about an audition (or not hear), for job details, your child’s commercial.  This business is waiting in a lot of forms!  And you and your child will wait.  It’s tough when someone asks “Why hasn’t my child gotten any work?”  You’ve gotten pictures, you take your child to auditions and…nothing.  Here’s why it’s a tough question:  we don’t have answer.  So many factors go into these decisions, and we don’t even know half of them.  We do know these things take time.  You can’t control everything.  All you can do is keep going to auditions, keep your pictures up to date, maintain a positive attitude…and wait.  Because the right job hasn’t come along…but it will.

Want to learn more about the opportunities provided by The Helen Wells Agency?  Attend an upcoming open call. Also, be sure to register for our newsletter to keep informed about current and upcoming events!

We are pleased to announce that we have graded our website and have received a score of 89/100!

Having jumped on the SEO train just three short months ago, we’ve been able to see incredible results.  We have doubled our monthly traffic, improved our search engine rankings, increased the number of times we appear on search engine listing and much, much more.

Interested in viewing our report?  Follow this link and View our Website Grader report.  For more information and details on our report, check out the Website Grader tool.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop our web developer a line!

All the polls are in, with Drew Brees being named the NFL’s new superstar.

As a diehard Colts fan and the owner of a talent agency, my vote is for Peyton Manning.  Sure, we could debate Manning’s ten Pro Bowls to Brees’ four, but I’m not here to focus on football.  I’m here to talk public opinion and more specifically, advertising.

Not that either one of these two amazing athletes has asked Helen Wells Agency to represent them, but Manning is still clearly on top in my area of expertise:

• He has made more commercials
• Endorsed more products, $12 million vs. $4 million annually, I might add
• He has a blast poking fun at himself over the years
• He even starred in the ESPY’s “The Darkside” with Sandra Bullock — okay, well at least they made it look like he starred with Bullock

Let us know your vote on our Facebook fanpage and we’ll keep you posted on our official, unofficial poll.

Helen

Helen Wells models Liz Potee and Katie Longar were featured Tuesday morning in the Indy Style morning show!  Local stylist Arlinda Norris is now working on her Spring/Summer 2011 lineup and used our models to show her latest clothing line.  Congrats Liz and Katie, and welcome to Indianapolis, Arlinda!