We all get invited to parties, networking events and Tupperware parties…but do we all RSVP when an RSVP is requested by 
the organizer? Do you know what RSVP means?
RSVP is a French acronym that means “Respondez S’il Vous Plait” which is translated in English to mean “please respond”. That means, “Yes, I’m coming” or “No, I’m not coming”. By not responding at all, you’re letting the organizer know that you really don’t care about them or their event to indicate whether or not you’re attending.
With so many methods of responding, it’s difficult to see how not submitting an RSVP is even possible. Hand written note, phone call, fax, text message, instant message, email, Facebook message, LinkedIn Mail, Twitter Direct Message…ideally, the organizer will indicate their preferred method of RSVP; but there is really no excuse for not submitting an RSVP these days.
If you’re not sure if you can make it, choose “maybe”. Facebook, Meetup and several other online event platforms all support the “maybe” option.
Sometimes, people steer clear of sending their RSVP because they’re afraid the feelings of the organizer may be hurt. As someone who plans events from 10-500 people, it’s more important for me to get an accurate headcount.
What say you? Do you RSVP to events? Does it depend on the “importance” of the event in your eyes? Wedding vs. Silpada Party?
This post is inspired by a post written by Mark True, Brand Warrior, entitled, “Don’t Buy Local if Local Sucks“. And I couldn’t agree more.
I live in Pleasant Hill it’s extremely convenient for me to get my oil changed at Wal-Mart in Altoona. Even though it’s convenient, all they do is change the oil. They don’t look at the tires and let me know that I’m due for a new set in the coming months; or that I have a tail light out. I know these are things that I can see for myself, but I just don’t. It’s an added benefit that I enjoy receiving when I take my car in to be serviced.
Growing weary of Wal-Mart’s tunnel vision, I sought out a local shop in Pleasant Hill – BUY LOCAL – right? They did take a look at the whole vehicle during the oil change. I even purchased a new front tire from them when I got a flat. The problem was that they put the wrong tire on my car which ended up damaging the front axle which they wouldn’t repair…so much for buying local.
So, needless to say, I got behind on the maintenance of my vehicle because I just didn’t know where to turn. Until I get my daily Groupon email. That day’s Groupon was for an oil change, tire rotation, wiper blades AND a 41-point courtesy safety inspection from Car-X. I thought to myself, “Why not…” Even though they’re a national chain with more than 175 locations, “buying local” wasn’t meeting my needs.
And, the NE 14th Street location has FREE WI-FI!!! I was in heaven this afternoon while I spent my Groupon. The staff was courteous, I got some work done, they told me my rear taillight needed a new bulb and replaced it for free…I’m sold…
Has there been a time where you received better service from a national chain versus a local establishment? Do you feel guilty spending your money at a big-box retailer versus the mom-and-pop shop around the corner?
Facebook recently made quite a few changes to their personal pages and Fan Pages. Last year, they decided to phase out FBML in favor 
of iFrames – which means any of you who have made custom landing pages for your first-time fans needs in FBML will need to start over.
A buddy of mine, Ben Stone, figured out how to build these custom landing pages using iframes. He’ll be hosting a Hack Night which will be announced through the Social Media Club of Des Moines to show us how. If you’re not already a member of the SMCDSM, it’s free to join and then check out the Events Calendar.
In the meantime, take a look at how Ben has utilized iframes on his Facebook Fan Page. And then compare to the FBML page I have to see the difference…
The Oatmeal put together a GREAT post on How to Suck at Facebook – from your personal profile. Here’s a few tips on how to suck at your Business’ Facebook Fan Page:
- You don’t have any content on the page, but you tell everyone that your business is on Facebook Fan Page
- You only talk about your business and how great you are, the events you’re having and why people should buy your stuff – this is a sure way to keep them engaged
- You update your status with your personal issues, i.e. had a tough time getting up this morning because I was out too late partying last night – great brand management in the eyes of prospects and clients
- Your profile picture is from your most recent vacation to the Grand Canyon – ya, that trip you took when you told a client you were having elective surgery and couldn’t finish their project on time.
- You invite your personal friends to become a Fan of your Fan Page…daily – great way to maintain personal relationships
Do you have any tips on how to suck at Facebook? What strategies are you implementing?
