Since Facebook now allows you to tag other users in posts INSIDE Facebook - (I’m too tired to explain it here, - here’s a great Mashable post about Facebook status tagging) - many Facebook users are treating Facebook status updates much like they would Twitter tweets.

TAG! You're it.

So what are we, as Facebook users to do, if we want to repost and/or share Facebook status update we like? I’m calling it now. Or at least I hope I am – I haven’t heard anyone else call this yet. I’m trying to get on the ball right away.

Instead of a RETWEET (RT: a reposting of a tweet on Twitter) from here on out, a post of another user’s Facebook status will be called the RFB – a REFACEBOOK.

Here’s how it works:

• Step ONE: You see a Facebook status you like. Identify said Facebook status
• Step TWO: Highlight Facebook status. COPY Facebook status by either using the “Copy” feature in Edit or by hitting Apple C or CNTL C on a PC
• Step THREE: Paste copied Facebook status in YOUR OWN PERSONAL status bar
• Step FOUR: Tag the originator of the post by tying the “@” symbol and identifying the individual (see aforementioned post about Facebook tagging above)
• Step FIVE: Say RFB to indicate that this is a REFACEBOOK. Example: RFB: John Smith said a really cool thing that I support and/or think is funny so I want to RFB it, yo.
• Step SIX: Be awesome.

It’s genius. I love it. Who doesn’t?

So, spread the word. See a Facebook status update you like? Copy and paste it, @ tag the person who first said it, and RFB it! YAY REFACEBOOKING.

It’s the little pleasures in life.

All for now.

I thought you might enjoy a little Social Media chuckle on this Thuper Thursday. Many of you may have already seen this, considering the last time I checked it had almost 3.5 million views on YouTube. It’s a hilarious take on Facebook – of course it was done in 2007, but still rings true today.

The other awesome part about it is that it is a song by Rhett & Link. Rhett & Link are a NORTH CAROLINA based comedy-duo that have taken the internet by storm. Oh, and they also did a HILARIOUS furniture commercial that actually aired on TV. I’m just going to link to it here and let you see for yourself. But yeah, they’re awesome. And who doesn’t love a good parody?

I’m a comedian. I love parody!

All for now. Have a Thuper Thursday!

Disagree. Yes. I said it. Disagree.

Now, this is, of course, coming from yours truly who is, by nature, a people pleaser and I hate disagreeing. What? Molly hates something? Yes, and that’s negativity and disagreement. I come from an uber-supportive family and I’m an improviser. In improv, we are told that disagreement on stage is nothing but wasted time. Our philosophy, “Yes, and…” tells us as improvisers that we support and we agree with our scene partner 100% AND to add new and interesting information. If you and I were on stage and you handed me an imaginary cat and I responded by saying, “NO! That’s a dog!” – then that would be disagreement and the audience would immediately check out and loathe what was happening on stage. So, what does this point have to do with Social Media? And why on earth would I tell you to do something I, myself, am not even good at. Because I can, that’s why.

Now, I don’t want you to go out there and disagree just to be a jerk or piss people off. My point is that I want you to form your OWN opinion and that you don’t ALWAYS have to agree with people. Discussion and dialogue are at the crux of building relationships and, ultimately, a strong community. If we all agreed 100% of the time, life would be pretty one-sided and a whole lotta tunnel vision would be going on.

It’s important to listen to other’s opinions and take in each other’s perspectives. I learned this lesson very early on. My mother was a very liberal democrat and my father was a very conservative republican – they might not have always seen eye-to-eye, but they always appreciated each other’s opinions and took their perspectives into account – this almost made their relationship stronger. But this isn’t a relationship blog.

So here is your challenge: the next time you read a tweet, a Facebook status update, a blog post, or check out an article – find a way to, politely of course, disagree. Challenge an argument. Start a healthy discussion and see what comes out of it. See what you can learn.

Now, don’t be a jerk and don’t fight with people. There is a point where you can go too far. But I believe you can always learn from people who see things differently than you. But, you don’t have to agree with me, of course.

Social Media TIP OF THE WEEK: Disagree from Molly Buckley on Vimeo.

All for now.

With the new re-vamp and new look of Facebook groups, I’m getting this question… a lot: “What’s the difference between a Facebook Group and a Facebook Fan page and why should I use one or the other?” (Many groups have been around for a long time and can no longer be changed into a Fan page… making this a royal pain in the butt for some users. Especially those users in the Guinness Book-1,000,000,000-users-or-something-like-that-group on Facebook). I, personally, prefer Fan pages.

I'm on Facebook, too!

Here’s the lowdown/breakdown/411:

FAN PAGES:

• ALLOW for custom usernames above 25 fans
• Are BETTER for building a long-term relationship with users and allow for an easier connection
• CAN send updates to an unlimited amount of users/fans (no set number)
• CAN create, manage, and publish events
• CAN send updates to Twitter
• CAN import blog posts and write notes
• CAN create an advertisement on Facebook for Fan page
• All updates, likes, photos, videos, etc. ARE published on Fan’s news and mini feed
• Easier to put in search
• You CAN customize/code tabs on Fan pages to better suit your needs

GROUPS:

• Have ugly URL’s – they don’t allow for a custom URL
• CAN create, manage, and publish events
• CAN’T advertise group through Facebook
• Are BETTER suited for fostering a quick, active discussion, or a cause (they’re not set-up for a really active long-term connection with users)
• DON’T have note/blog capability
• CAN’T send updates to Twitter
• Updates DON’T appear on the news and mini feed of users
• CAN bulk-invite users (which is harder for pages to do… pages can only “suggest” to users)
• DOESN’T show up in search engines

Ultimately, in my honest opinion, it’s a matter of comparing red apples with green apples. They’re similar, yet they are still very different. I believe a Fan page really helps to foster a positive connection with users and a particular brand, idea, person, or campaign. Groups don’t foster this type of interaction and atmosphere. I advise you to look at some groups you are a part of and then look at some pages you are a Fan of, what is the difference that you see? Do you see more interaction on the Fan pages or within the group? Let me know what you think.

BTW: Here are some great Facebook Fan Pages (both large and small) that I think are really doing what works and engaging their audience (and I am definitely part of that audience, but regardless, what they are doing is still totally awesome):

1. Livestrong
2. Chipotle
3. Lilly Pulitzer
4. The Onion
5. Richmond.com

I hope that helps. At least for now, until Facebook decides to change their layout again…

All for now.

That’s right. They’re back. I was doing these last Spring and frankly, I got busy, and they fell on my list of priorities. I didn’t mean for them to, but they did. Sad. I know. Well, I’ve been feeling inspired lately and I have decided to bring them back. In full force. With Mario Brothers music and all. So, here we go. This week’s tip: BE HONEST. Enjoy.

All for now.

Or is it “No Press is Bad Press”? Or it is “There’s No Such Thing as Bad Press”? I’m not sure which it really is, but frankly after this week, I think at least one version of this saying is true. I refuse to get political or take sides on this blog. I am simply pointing out my thoughts on recent events. Two and a half in particular.

I will be covering the events/topics/thoughts in this order:

1. Congressman Joe “You Lie!” Wilson & his opponent Rob Miller
2. Kanye West’s not-so-smooth-move at the MTV Video Music Awards
3. Lady GaGa at the MTV Video Music Awards

Congressman Joe “You Lie!” Wilson & his opponent Rob Miller

Synopsis: By now, everyone and their great-grandmother has heard about SC Republican Congressman Joe Wilson’s “You Lie!” outburst last week during President Obama’s health care address to congress. About 10 minutes prior to Wilson’s outburst, I bet 90% of you reading this had never even heard of the quiet republican from South Carolina’s 2nd district. Whether or not you agree with what he said/did/did not do, you now know his name, what state he’s from, the political party he is affiliated with, and you might even know that he loves animals. The number of hits to his website quadrupled in 20 minutes after his little outburst, and that number is of course on the rise. He may not have liked the press that he got, getting called a “President Hater” and a “racist” – but nevertheless, people are learning more about him, his platform, and his background. He is probably going to get a few supporters out of the whole thing. On the flipside, his opponent Rob Miller received $130K in donations by 1AM the night of the debate. Donations even came in from as far as England (that has probably changed by now… but it’s happening). It’s incredible to think that this guy didn’t even do anything and Miller’s opponent making an outburst caused people to learn more about this SC political race.

Conclusion? Joe “You Lie!” Wilson and Rob Miller have both gotten a TON of publicity in the last week. One of them made a huge mistake, one of them did nothing. Yet, they are both in the news… a lot. In the end, is this good or bad press? I’m leaving that for You to decide.

Kanye West’s not-so-smooth-move at the MTV Video Music Awards

Kanye West. Shown here shooting away success.

Synopsis: 19-year-old Taylor Swift won the MTV VMA award for Best Female Music Video. During her acceptance speech, rapper Kanye West got on stage, took the microphone out of Taylor’s hand and said, “Beyonce had the best video of all time. Of all time!” Kanye is now probably one of the most hated people in the music industry. Whether or not you like Swift’s music, the fact is, what Kanye did was completely uncalled for – she’s 19 and it was her first VMA… give her a break. BUT, nevertheless, Kanye West became the #1 trending topic on Twitter within 5 minutes and has maintained status as a trending topic all day today following the awards. If you’ve never heard of Kanye before (probably because you don’t listen to hip-hop/rap music) you probably know who he is now. And you might check out his songs. Even if he loses fans, he is bound to get a lot of publicity about this over the next few days/weeks/months/years. I know I, personally was appalled that he would do something like that, but truth be told, it got me talking about him. It got everyone talking about him.

Conclusion? This type of press/publicity stunt is NOT a good idea, but it will definitely get fans/folks/everyone a-buzz about your name and your product. Whether that’s good or not, is for You to decide.

Lady GaGa at the MTV Video Music Awards

Synopsis: Okay, I might be on a VMA kick because it was on last night, but it’s totally fine. At least this is illustrating my point. Oh, the many faces/outfits of Ms. Lady GaGa. If you missed her crazy outfits, you can check them out here. Whether or not you agree with Ms. GaGa’s fashion choices, she DEFINITELY got people talking last night. She became a trending topic on twitter for over 24 hours after the ceremony was over and her song “Paparazzi” jumped 3 spots to make it into the top 10 songs on iTunes. Her outfits we crazy, but people got to know who she is… a crazy, crazy lady.

Conclusion? Although GaGa’s outfits were rather hideous, her press has probably been the most POSITIVE out of the ones I have referenced. So, my thought on this one is, try something different today. Surprise those you work with, surprise your clients, customers, and friends. You don’t need to dress crazy to get attention. Stand out. Be different. Be awesome. Be a rockstar.

My overall conclusion? Any press can be good press. It just depends on how you deal with it.

That’s just my 2 cents.

All for now.

BTW: Here is a bonus “Kanye West, Joe Wilson, “You Lie!” REMIX Video”

I love it. Enjoy

I had a good day yesterday. So I felt like making a quick video. It’s cool.

That’s just how I roll.

All for now.

He’s phony, she’s fake
That’s the type of people I hate
If you real and you know it clap your hands [clap clap]
If you real and you know it clap your hands [clap clap]

-Jadakiss “Who’s Real”

Alright, the lyrics to the above song speak to my thoughts for today. It’s not the best song in the world, but it’s true.

As I work to expand my brand and forge new relationships, I seem to have started fighting this civil war within me. A battle between the organized, visionary, professional Molly and the fun-loving, outgoing, spunky, comedian Molly. I felt for the longest time that I had to keep the two parts of me completely separate. That I couldn’t let both Molly’s meet each other — it was like I was cheating on one side of myself with the other. And then I realized that I wasn’t happy. I felt that when I was being one Molly and pushing back the other, that I wasn’t being myself, or that I was being a phony version of myself.

This made me  realize a few things:

1. If I’m not truly happy or comfortable with a certain part of myself, then everything else that I interact with will be affected.
2. If I’m not showing my true self to my clients or people that I network with, then I am cheating them.
3. People can see through the phony — I only want to be seen as an authentic, honest version of myself.
4. One-sided Molly is BORING.

Finally, I realized that both sides of my personality are what make me unique. Why should I try to hide or stifle one aspect because I think that someone won’t like it, or won’t accept it, or will judge it? So I came to terms with this idea of: If I’m being the best and most honest version of myself at all times, and I’m happy with it, why won’t others accept me for who I am? The quality of my work won’t be affected. In fact, if I’m happy being the 100% version of myself – spunky + professional side and all, then you know what, the quality of my work will probably IMPROVE. Clients and those that I am working with or for will know that they have my full attention and that they are working with some one who is dedicated to her purpose and her visions.

As I fought all of this within me, someone gave me a copy of an excerpt from Gary Vaynerchuk’s new book “CRUSH IT” - and the chapter was on authenticity and being real. Every word in that chapter spoke to exactly the battle I was fighting within myself — worrying what other people will think. And it only emphasized what I felt: I cannot be anything other than 100% myself, or else I will eventually get frustrated, disheartened, and lose interest in what I’m doing and what I’m working towards. This forced me to write down facts about myself to put it into a more visual and “out-there” perspective. Here’s what I came up with:

Here are the FACTS about me:

1. I’m 24.
2. I’m a professional.
3. I am smart.
4. I am driven.
5. I am visionary.
6. I am successful.
7. I have worked for big names and startups.
8. I often change clothes more than twice a day.
9. I volunteer.
10. I am spunky.
11. I love my dog.
12. I often enjoy mindless television.
13. I love rap music [note: the Jadakiss lyrics at the top of this entry]
14. I LOVE Chipotle & Diet Coke.
15. I am an improviser and a comedian.
16. I love to break into dance in the car.
17. I am a writer.
18. I am a teacher.
19. I am honest and authentic.
20. But most of all, I get the MOST joy out of making people LAUGH & SMILE.

What I do in both the comedy world and the social media world is work to make something better. Whether it be making someone’s day better or improving the presence of someone’s brand. In the end, both sides of “Molly” are working to make a positive impact. And I love that. By accepting who I am and embracing all sides of my personality, I am able to serve others to the best of my ability.

Therefore, I’ve come up with a term for what I am: a SOCIAL COMEDIAN. I put the media in comedian. Get it? You see? OK, I thought of that at like 3AM. I think it’s clever.

What are your thoughts on authenticity and being real in both your personal and business life?

[Below is a visual example of what I'm talking about.]

With Governor Timothy M. Kaine

That SAME day. AFTER meeting with Governor Timothy M. Kaine.

Same day. Same Molly. Both equally awesome.

All for now.

As most of you know by now (and some of you don’t know) I am NOW living in Carrboro, NC – aka: the yolk inside the egg of Chapel Hill. I am no longer teaching high school and I moved out of Richmond to focus on my passions: comedy, writing, and new media. [If you are interested in some of the comedy work I'm doing, check out my comedy blog: http://www.mollyhastwothumbs.com.]

For the purposes of this blog, I’m going to strictly be talking about my writing and new media work.

Now that I am in Carrboro and I am getting a fresh start, I have refocused myself and I have set new goals. After a little over 3 months of applying for job after job, after job, after JOB, and hearing nothing I finally realized that I needed to step outside of my comfort zone and really work to expand my own business.

At such an early stage, it can be intimidating stepping out into the business world. I’ve been a freelancer for a little over two years, but only getting clients here and there to supplement extra income. The thought, even the PROSPECT, of working for MYSELF full-time has been such an intimidating idea that I’ve honestly been to afraid to really breach that realm and start the process of getting work. Honestly, I procrastinated. My innate fear of failure kept me putting it off. How many of you have been in that same place at some point? That place of knowing that you have the ability, the resources, and the know-how to get the job done or be successful, but because of a particular arena being so uncertain, you found yourself putting it off in fear of not meeting your goal? Well, that WAS me.

A few weeks ago, someone very close to me said something that was so simple, but completely changed my way of thinking, “I know you can do it.”

It sounds silly, but I had never had anyone express direct confidence in me that I could achieve not only personal goals, but also business goals. He gave me some great marketing, networking, and small-business books and resources — and I started reading.

I’ve now set myself up with a daily work schedule and routine. I’m contacting prospective clients. I’m following up. I’m networking. And ultimately, I’m learning. I’m learning every day about changes in my fields of expertise. I’m learning about business. I’m learning about organization. I’m learning about LIFE. I’m creating a vision and looking towards it with focus and a positive attitude.

Starting your own business can be tough. Transitioning from a part-time business owner to a full-time business owner is a daunting task, but with the right resources and enough support, it doesn’t seem so difficult.

I’m keeping myself motivated through milestones, checkpoints, and definitely rewards (Chipotle burrito, anyone?).

I’m confident that I can provide my clients with the services they need and a quality product. I am a hard worker and extremely driven. I know that this is the kind of arena that I can be successful in.

If you are “the master of your own business domain,” as I like to say, I would love to hear about your experiences. So, share them!

This quote popped up this morning in my e-mail and I found it’s timing to be nothing less than perfect:

“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.” -Arthur C. Clarke

Make it an AWESOME day.

All for now.

Well, I am now a resident of Carrboro, North Carolina (near Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Durham). So, I feel that it is my duty to also promote other awesome events in my new area and not just events in Richmond.

Here’s the scoop: [all of the following information is from the IGNITEraleigh website.]

Ignite events were originally conceived as technology variety shows, but they have grown into much more than that. Ignite is about ideas. Ideas can change the world. And it takes less than five minutes to spread one.

Each presenter gets five minutes on stage with 20 slides that rotate automatically after 15 seconds Around the world communities have been coming together to share their ideas.

Ignite was started in Seattle in 2006 by Brady Forrest and Bre Pettis. Since then hundreds of 5 minute talks have been given across the world. There are thriving Ignite communities in Seattle, Portland, Paris, and NYC. Now we’re hosting an Ignite event in Raleigh, NC.

For more about Ignite events see http://ignite.oreilly.com

To see examples of past Ignite events see Ignite Portland http://www.igniteportland.com and Ignite Boulderhttp://igniteboulder.com. And here’s a post about 12 Lessons in Entrepreneurship that was presented at an Ignite event.

Ignite Raleigh is planned by OurHashtag, LLC
Wayne Sutton @waynesutton
Kipp Bodnar @kbodnar32
Jeff Cohen @dgtlpapercuts
Ryan Boyles @therab

If you’d like to learn more about Ignite Raleigh, you can contact them the following ways:
Email: contact@igniteraleigh.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/igniteRaleigh
Phone: 980-939-8956

So. Check it out. 5 Minutes. 20 slides. What will happen?