I have no doubts that you’ve heard of Pinterest by now. I’ll also bet my son’s next tooth (and those are long and hard to come by) that you’re a Pin-holic yourself, or at least know of someone who is. Let’s just set the record straight right now: Pin-holicism is a national epidemic amongst women.

In fact, of the 10.4 million pinners in the online space, 80% are women just like you and me who spend an average of an hour and 17 minutes a day insatiably pinning. But we don’t just pin blindly, 80% of us trust and believe in our pins.

These are rather solid statistics, particularly for our purposes. As mompreneurs and business owners, why wouldn’t we take advantage of it? What could be better than a platform teeming with an audience that’s ready to pounce on our next pinned product, idea or inspiration. Especially for the fact that when they pounce, there’s a strong chance they’ll purchase. In fact, consumers referred to outside sites by Pinterest are 10% more likely to make a purchase on that site than visitors from other networks.

That said, as a mompreneur or business owner, it’s impossible not to reap the benefits of Pinterest unless you just don’t utilize it. While some brands are tossing billions of dollars at online advertising, other smartie-pants brands have jumped aboard the pin board.

Sold on the idea? Kudos! Now it’s time to consider these big 10 tips before incorporating Pin-treneurism into your businesses strategy. If done right, you’ll spark profit and interest on Pinterest.

1.       Think

Before choosing to pin for business, it’s important to ask yourself if it makes sense. Put simply, it isn’t for everybody. If you’re a jewelry maker or an interior designer, jump on in. If you have a dog sitting business, your place on Pinterest would depend on strategy. If you’re crafty and daring in your endeavors, Pinterest could work for you. Try creating boards around dog humor, best dog products, etc. By positioning yourself as a dog expert in a way that is pinnable, you may race ahead of the pack.

2.       Strategize

It’s true, Pinterest is rather basic for everyday pinners and doesn’t require brain fuel. But if you’re a business, you should treat Pinterest like every other marketing effort and develop a plan, even if it’s a one-pager. Understand things like your goals, target audience, ways you’ll accomplish the goals, how you’ll promote, ways you’ll measure success, etc. Plan your boards ahead of time and plan to keep them fresh and exciting.

3.       Launch

If you don’t have a Pinterest yet, you’ll need to request one from the site or from a friend. For additional set-up instructions, visit the Pinterest Help page. To begin, write a captivating profile for your business and start creating boards. Keep in mind that simplistic design is vital on Pinterest. Group your products or services on various boards with an intriguing theme for each board.

4.       Optimize

When creating your boards and pins, use keywords to describe each pin. If you don’t know how to find keywords, visit the Google Keyword tool. Type in keywords that a consumer would use if they wanted to find a product or service you offer. Play around with variations until you find keywords with low to medium competition and higher searches. This will help get your content higher in Google and in front of more eyes.

5.       Integrate

This isn’t a top-secret strategy but it’s often neglected. Make sure each and every one of your online channels are integrated. Whether it’s Pinterest, flickR, your website, blog, whatever – link across all platforms. Also, make sure you’re directing your consumer to some sort of e-commerce platform for purchase, such as your own website, etsy, eBay or whatever. If you don’t have a platform yet, provide contact information where consumers can get in touch with you if they want to purchase.

 6.       Engage

You can’t expect to spread virally by just creating boards – although you may if they’re good enough. Make it a point for even 15 minutes out of the day to follow other pinners, particularly those that look like they might have the same interests and could translate into consumers. Repin, share and comment as much as possible. If people enjoy interacting with you on Pinterest, they’ll find you on other channels as well, which will also translate into more sales.

7.       Build

Similar to engagement, it’s important to build your repertoire. Take the time to follow and engage the Pin-fluentials in your industry. Just like Twitter, if you follow them, they’ll likely follow you back. That’s Pin-etiquette. Also keep in mind that if a Pin-fluential repins your content, it will likely be seen by a large percentage of this person’s followers. Essentially, this Pin-fluential will look like an advocate of your business – score!

 8.       Play

Top off an engagement strategy with some quality playtime for your followers. Devise some cool promotions that will keep them engaged, such as offering discounts to the highest repinner, creating scavenger hunts throughout your boards, launching a contest where followers create a themed wish list board of your products, etc.

9.       Inspire

One of the most important ideas to remember during the age of social media is that the consumers don’t want sold to, they want to be communicated with. Use Pinterest as a way to build and maintain relationships with your customers. Don’t look at Pinterest as just a sales channel, look at it as a way to build your presence and facilitate relationships. Don’t just sell products, be a source of inspiration and solutions for your consumers.

10.    Evaluate

I always ask – how will success be measured if success isn’t measured? Be sure to set metrics ahead of time that correspond to your goals. Whether it’s repins, shares, leads, traffic, revenue, or something else, make sure to pat yourself on the back if you’ve met your goals, and re-evaluate your strategy if you haven’t.

Well, there you have it – 10 steps to maximizing your Pinterest presence. Though it may seem somewhat daunting, rest assured that Pinterest is truly simple, downright fun and well-worth mastering. Trust in us, if 8 million other women were able to get the hang of it quickly, you can too!

There is a reason that Social Media mentions the word social.  It’s about sharing, networking, and appreciating others.  All those things we learned about in grade school.  How to play nice.

It amazes me to see people hurt their personal brand by coming across as if they don’t care about other people.  Twitter isn’t about how many people follow you, or how many people you don’t follow.  In fact, if there is one place that you don’t want to come across as a snob — I’d say that would be Twitter!  So for goodness sake (literally) you simply must respond to people who communicate with you.  Whether that person is a customer, stranger or colleague.

Give a little – it doesn’t hurt!

The people you connect with here are left with the after-taste flavor of your brand.  Make it sweet!  Even if you do happen to be highly successful and a question someone asks you seems too trivial to be bothered with, that one person can have a very viral effect on your brand.  Part of online reputation management is to be proactive, and that means listening and responding.

So Thought #1 for Engaging on Twitter: Listen and Respond.

Thought #2: Lend a hand. Someone who only has a few followers may still have something of value to say.  Give them some consideration.  Help them out, even, with an RT or a supportive comment.  Why not make a friend today?  Think back to times in your life when you felt new or insecure.  The person who reached out to you is probably someone who gained your loyalty – am I right?  One loyal newbie can be a pretty powerful ally, because people aren’t new forever.  And you never know what connections someone has either — so even if you can’t be nice for the sake of being nice, consider the ramifications.

Thought #3: Stop selling already. Talking about yourself and your services all. the. time.  might be fine on say… your website.  But in a social media environment it really isn’t all about you.  It’s about connections.  In order to truly connect with people you need to interact with them.  Otherwise you’ll either be unfollowed, or simply ignored like banner ads.  Nobody wants to be sold to.  What people want is to feel a connection.  When you feel a connection to a product, it’s not being sold to you — instead its something you organically desire to possess.  That feeling of connection is the fabric of brand loyalty.

As a fellow Twitterer – what advice do you have on successfully networking using Social Media?

How many tweeps should I follow?

It took me some time before I delved into Twitter.  So — although I’m fairly active in the Twitter community, I still consider myself a newbie.

One of the first and ongoing quandaries we’re faced with on Twitter is who to follow, and who not to follow.  Or possibly more poignantly – how many to follow. I’ve struggled with this, but have fine tuned my philosophy.

Following too many people for certain lowers your capacity to interact.  But frankly, I find it rather elitist when someone is following just a few people – especially when they are being followed by thousands.  It’s a symbol of status to be sure — but it’s also a symbol to me of how much you value other people.  Seriously – of all the thousands of people following you, you can find just a handful that are of any interest to you to interact with?  It just seems pompous.

Personally I find it difficult to not follow people who follow me.  That’s because so many people seem so darn cool.  But following many has it’s drawbacks… your Twitter stream quickly can become overwhelming.  Which is why I love to make use of Twitter Lists.

By utilizing Twitter lists I can check in on certain types of people that I’m following at any given time depending on my mood and interests that day.  Some examples of lists that I keep:

PR-Pros – My work as an SEO who focuses on ORM (Online Reputation Management) makes me very curious about the Public Relations community and in particular how traditional PR is changing in the age of Social Media.  So I check on this list quite often!

I also obviously love my SEO and Fresh Social Media lists!

SAHM-WAHM – I love keeping in touch with the Work at Home Mom community, it keeps me sane!

And I have many more…  you can even follow lists that other people have made.

I don’t check on these people every day.  But I value them enough to follow them, and love to network with them from time to time.

I’m a lover of coincidences and so most often I just open up TweetDeck and check in with whoever is currently in my stream.  It’s fun!  I love to engage with a variety of people that are of interest to me in one way or another.  I love to help them out when I can.  Whether it’s an RT for someone who has something of value to say but not many followers (yet!) or a technical problem on wordpress that I happen to know the answer to — or simply to add to conversation someone tries to drum up.  It’s all good.

I know many people will argue that I’m diluting my followers too much to really build a strong community.  That might be so to some degree. But I’ve made so many excellent  social and professional connections on Twitter that I know this way works for me… most importantly it works for me ethically!

What are your thoughts on WHO and HOW MANY to follow on Twitter?

Some conscientious users attempt to make their #followfriday tweets more useful by explaining why you might follow a certain user — what is follow worthy about them?  I like these kinds of tweets actually and do look for new people to follow on Fridays.  Especially from sources whom I admire.

Last Friday @chrisbrogan suggested a new #followfriday tradition – where we blog our #ff recommendations and have a single tweet linking to our blog post.  I think the idea has merit.  I love the concept of #ff, genuinely enjoy sharing resources and letting people know that I think highly of them.  At the same time, each week I’m more and more hesitant to spam the twittersphere with yet another #ff.  Plus – I’m not limited in the amount of characters I can use to extol the virtues of my twitter friends!

So in the spirit of generosity I offer you these awesome folks to follow on Twitter.

@openskye – Kevin is new to Twitter, but old hat to marketing wit and insight.  His web design firm has handled branding and design for some pretty large companies.  Follow him for engaging conversations on corporate branding and marketing strategies.

@onemomsworld – I like Jen.  She’s a work at home Mom who is both successful and affable.  She’s the type of person that you know would make a good friend.  If you’re a WAHM – check out her blog too for a fun look into another Mom’s busy world.

@jillwhalen – I RT and FF Jill often.  She’s been a mentor to me on my SEO journey.  One of the few elite SEO’s that I have found to be approachable and willing to help new SEO’s so I’m always looking for a reason to pay it forward back to her.  But friendliness aside — Jill is also a thinker and tester in the field of SEO so what she says is valuable.

@gretchenrubin – I’m reading her book, “The Happiness Project” and its right in alignment with other studies I’m immersed in such as Quantum Physics, Feng Shui, Deepak Chopra & Tony Robbins.  Her memoir is engaging, inspiring and human… and she actively blogs and twitters which brings the relationship of reader & author to life in a uniquely 2010 way.

@smashingmag – A must follow for web designers.  Many smart and inspiring tweets throughout the week to keep you on top of your game.

That’s all for the week!  What do you think?  Who are your follow friday recommendations?  Let me know in the comments!

Inevitably in the lifespan of a business there is bound to be an unhappy customer or two.  In the current age of social media, an angry customer has a more powerful voice.  In fact, one disgruntled person can reek havoc on your businesses reputation.  Perhaps they leave a negative remark on an online review site, or a comment on a blog.  Or worse, your business receives bad press that gets picked up by several media outlets.  Before you know it, you could find that negative reviews dominate the first page of google search results when potential customers or clients search on your company name.

What to do?

Online reputation management ideally should be implemented long before there ever is a problem. But realistically, in most cases that isn’t the case and your company is faced with some cleaning up to do.

In my experience here are some effective measures you can take and tools you can use to help resurrect your businesses reputation.

1. Google Adwords – If you aren’t bidding on your company name, do so.  This will help to push the negative listings down a ways on the search results.  Your first goal is to get the offending site ‘below the fold’ on the first page of results and ranking for your company name in paid search can achieve that.

2. Build Your Social Identity – Create social profiles for your company name on websites like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.  All of these sites have authoritative domains and it should be very easy for you to rank for your company name with a well optimized profile on any of the three.  Seek out lesser known social networking sites as well and genuinely participate and build your profile.  Share with the public who you are, what you offer and the positives about your business.  Be open and engage.

3. Press Releases – Have your PR firm send out regular positive press releases that are optimized for your company name.  Bookmark the reviews in social bookmarking sites, share them on twitter, build a buzz around what your company is doing that is good and draw public attention to that.

4. Consider a sub-domain – If there is a section of your website that could warrant a subdomain – consider implementing that.  For example you might have a careers section on your site where you post open positions.  Have the section be careers.yourdomain.com.  It’s possible that the sub-domain could secure a position in the search results and further push the negative site down in the listings.

5. Link Build to positive mentions – Build links to any page that is talking about your company in a positive light.  This will help that page to gain authority and could potentially move the positive site up higher in the search results.

6. Monitor your company on Wikipedia – Wikipedia generally ranks highly for company names which is wonderful.  However anyone can make changes to a wikipedia entry.  You should constantly monitor yours by using a service like Wiki Alarm which will email you when the entry has been modified.

7. Get a Good SEO who understands ORM – An SEO can work together with your PR firm to do the tasks above for you, monitor social media and website mentions of your company and work continually to promote positive press about your business.

These are just a few suggestions for implementing an online reputation management campaign.  The main goal is to interact with the public, share positive information about your company, and create positive news and buzz.  The more quality information that is on the web, and the more accessible and responsive you are to your customers — the easier it will be to dominate the first page of search results with beneficial listings that present your company in a positive light.

I have found women entrepreneurs to be a generous and helpful group.  They are savvy company to keep and we all can genuinely relate to each other which is precious because working from home can be isolating.

Here is a great list of women who both blog and are on Twitter that I have found to be approachable, particularly insightful or creative, or just plain fun to be around:

@MyMessyParadise – A Coffee-addicted SAHM to 2 girls shares her life to an avid following over at My Messy Paradise. Latest Post: 97 Years Young

@RootsandFlowers – Annica is a writer, mother, herbalist, gardener, and homeschooler who loves animals and growing & using herbs. Her blog, Roots & Flowers contains herbal articles, recipes and tips on growing and using herbs. Latest Post: Making Herbal Vinegars

@confidentmom – Susan describes herself as a coffee lovin’ runnin’ mom of 3 who loves GOD & Hubby,empowering Moms, strengthening families and reviving the Art of Home & Family Managment.  You can find her blogging at her website, The Confident Mom. Latest Post: Your Roll as “Keeper of the Home”

@mombizcoach – Lara is a mompreneur coach who helps moms create businesses they (& their families) truly love! Forbes included her in their list of the Top 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter. Lara blogs on her website over at Mom Biz Coach. Latest Post: One of Those Mompreneur Days

@AllTheJonesMen - A mom blogger who aspires to be a photographer.  Her blog is And All The Jones Men where she journals about her life as a wife and mom of two boys. Latest Post: Do-Over

@PpcMom – Jennifer is a mother, entrepreneur, Internet Marketer, and blogger over at PPCMom where she writes about affiliate marketing, PPC, social media, seo and life.  Latest Post: Can You Learn Internet Marketing?

@sharonmostyn – Sharon is a marketing management professional who blogs about internet and affiliate marketing and blogging about it all over at SharonMostyn.com. Latest Post: Putting the Social Back in Social Media

@HeathAll - Helping mom entrepreneurs build a business w/out breaking the bank or their spirit, Heather shares her inspiration over at MogulMom. Latest Post: 8 Ways To Work Smarter and Be Happier

@kellidaisy – Kelli is a Mom, blogger, home business owner, wife, and runner.  Kelli blogs with honesty over at the Yummy Mummy Club on pop culture. Latest Post: Grace under Pressure

@FireMom - A freelance writer & editor and part-time photographer.  She has a lively blog over at Stop, Drop and Blog where she writes candidly about her life.  Latest Post: Hope Yet. Maybe.

@CarlaYoung – Carla is a Mompreneur who founded MOMeoCommunity.com & is Publisher of MOMeo Magazine.com.  Latest Post: Weekend Warrior: Once in a Lifetime Olympic Experience

@kimreddington – Kim’s work involves teaching mothers to turn their skills and talents into a successful home-based service business. She blogs about running a business over at Blog Cereus Women. Latest Post: Business Baby Shower and Partnerships

@SimplifyHome – Selena is co-owner of Simplify Home Solutions, Silicon Valley home concierge. She is a mom of 2 interested in work-life balance, time management, outsourcing, organizing, and parenting.  Here Home and Lifestyle blog is over at Ready to Simplify.  Latest Post: Caring for Your Elderly Parents, What They Need from You

@nugglemama – Mom to 5, photographer and seamstress. This high tech Mama with old school values blogs her thoughts over at Nuggle Mama’s Handful. Latest Post: Rare Disease Day

@MomSpark – Amy is a blogger, social media maven & founder of MomSpark.net and MomMadeThat.com. Latest Post: A Great FREE Hosting Deal for Moms

@QuirkyMommaSite – Mom to three pre-schoolers, Rachel blogs on tips for moms and activities for kids at Quirky Momma.  Latest Post: Fantastic Friday: Babies, Time Capsules, Car seats & Slings

@techmama – Beth is a social media strategist and founder of Techmamas.com, where she discusses technology and gadgets for families.  Latest Post: A Disturbing New Term: CyberBlackmail

@onemomsworld – Jen is a Mom, Wife & Social Media Geek! She works for BabyCenter.com and blogs about life as a mom over at One Moms World.  Latest Post: Spring Looks and Giveaway from Children’s Place

I couldn’t possibly name all the wonderful women I’ve interacted with via social media, but you can find more on my twitter list of Mom Bloggers or Mompreneurs.

Have fun!