Apple's Scott Forstall talks about using Facebook at the Apple Developers Conference in San Francisco, Monday, June 11, 2012. Fresh off a disappointing initial public offering, Facebook got a big boost from Apple, which is building the social network deep into its iPhone and iPad software.Paul Sakuma/The Associated Press
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Apple's latest show and tell offered some surprising goodies, including news that the company would venture into map-making, enhance Siri's functionality and soup up the MacBook Pro.
But it was the announcement of greater Facebook integration into their iOS software that may have the biggest implications for small business owners. Users will be able to update their status by talking to their phones, and 'like' movies and apps in Apple's iTunes store, Apple executive Scott Forstall said.
The tweak may be an opportunity for companies to tap into a new segment of Mac-loving fans and to build on their already existing and loyal customers. The following tips from AMEX Open Forum may help your company take advantage of Apple and Facebook's cozy new relationship:
- Make people want to click the 'Like' button by talking directly to the customers, providing relevant content and not just selling stuff;
- Quality over quantity and time your content accordingly
- Promote your page but don't overdo it.
- Use Facebook's algorithm EdgeRank to see how often the target demographic visits a page, which times are better for posting, etc.
- Authenticity rules.
- Compel consumers to buy. Don't sell.
For the complete list, click here. Mashable also offers its own list of useful tips on marketing on Facebook.
How much would you spend to dine with Buffett?
Most small business owners can only dream of dining with the legendary Warren Buffett. But for one lucky (not to mention wealthy) bidder, the dream has become a reality.
According to Bloomberg, the 13th consecutive auction, held on eBay over a week-long period, opened at a minimum bid of $25,000 and the anonymous bidder set a bid of $3,456,789. Mr. Buffett will donate the money to San Francisco-based charity Glide, which provides healthcare, meals and church services to those in need in the city's Tenderloin area.
The record-breaking bid may seem steep, but last year's winner - Ted Weschler, who bid over $2.5 million two years in a row to dine with the investor - was offered a job last year with the esteemed Mr. Buffett. And though it's unlikely to happen again, admits Mr. Buffett, the offer has certainly added another level of cachet to the lunch date.
EVENTS AND KEY DATES
Global sales strategies for ambitious Canadian entrepreneurs
This workshop held on June 14 and 15 in Ottawa, led by Ken Morse, serial entrepreneur and founding managing director of the MIT Entrepreneurship Center, is tailored to the needs of innovative, ambitious Canadian companies and aims to teach core skills of entrepreneurship and global thinking to address skills exchange, mindset and significantly raise ambition within the business. Laura Barker Morse, human capital expert, teaches the part on recruiting, team building and compensation systems.
Innovator Idol
On June 13, the RIC Centre is hosting its fourth season of Innovator Idol. The competition is built as a hybrid of American Idol and Dragons' Den, where four companies are invited to present their company pitch to an investor panel for feedback. For more click here.
EDITOR'S PICKS FROM REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS
Video: A doughy old friend gets a hot makeover
Goodbye cupcakes; so long pies and macaroons. There's a new - but familiar - treat in town, and it's not as you may remember it. When sisters Rita and Rosanne Tripathy opened Jelly Modern Doughnuts in Calgary in April 2011, they wanted to reinvent the doughnut with sophisticated flavours and high quality, local ingredients. The impressive menu - designed by pastry chef Grayson Sherman and inspired by seasons, holidays and even suggestions from the company's active social media community - changes on a regular basis. Jelly Modern is also committed to the environment, using preservative free, local and organic ingredients as well as using recyclable packaging and eco-cutlery. Learn about why Rita and Rosanne decided to start their gourmet bake café, some of their challenges and how they plan to revolutionize one of Canada's favourite old treats
Slideshow: Behind the scenes at Jelly Modern Doughnuts
FROM THE ROSB ARCHIVES
Cookie maker spices up its offerings
When you think about cookies, Indian spices might not be ingredients that readily come to mind
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Katherine Scarrow