Though I use a variety of different services (web sites) to increase both efficiency and effectiveness when posting status updates on several of the social media sites I frequent, the two most commonly used are Ping FM and Snurl.

Much of the time when posting status updates, I typically want the updates to be displayed on both Facebook and Twitter.  In this case, I use a service named Ping FM (http://ping.fm/), which not only posts simultaneously posts to Facebook and Twitter (and others if they are set up to receive) but also shortens any URLs in the message.

Using Ping FM is easy. After registering to use Ping FM, you enter the message including original URL in the “Message Box” then simply click the “Ping It” button to send it out to the masses.

Since Twitter has a 140 character limit on “tweets” (Twitter updates), short URLs are almost always a requirement!  Ping FM does an instant conversion to a shortened URL when initiating the send (Ping It) command.

An example of a status update I sent recently to Facebook and Twitter via Ping FM was:

“Do wind turbines really kill birds? http://ping.fm/2nwMA”

The original URL was: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Renewable-Energy/Do-Wind-Turbines-Kill-Birds.aspx which is just slightly longer than the Ping version!

Often times when posting to Facebook alone, I only use a URL shortening tool if I just want to pseudo-mask or shorten the URL.  My tool of choice is Snurl (http://snurl.com/).  The tool is also extremely easy to use.

When first arriving at the site, there is a box labeled “Long URL” at the top left corner and a “Snip It” button below.  Copy and paste the URL to be shortened into the box and click “Snip It”.  It returns a shortened URL: http://snurl.com/dapxg, which you can copy into your Facebook status update post.

See the image below with snippets of the Ping & Snurl sites noting the data entry boxes (both) and URL change (Snurl).

Ping (left) & Snurl (Right)

Yesterday I posted a video to my YouTube Channel where I discussed the differences between efficiency and effectiveness.  The greatest efficiency is realized when we get our tasks done without wasting any time.  On the other hand, the highest level of effectiveness occurs when we complete tasks that give the greatest results pertaining to our main goal, growing our business.

Though many of us can be highly efficient (get tasks done without wasting time) as we work our daily tasks, frequently the tasks we select do not provide optimum business results thereby lacking effectiveness.  A prime example of this is when we prioritize our “To Do” list placing the tasks we are least comfortable doing (like picking up the phone to “reach out and touch someone”, such as prospect) at the bottom of the list.

Being the “intelligent and logical” creatures we are, we justify the more efficient priority list by thinking that if we clear those items off the list there will be less distraction when making the calls!  Sounds great doesn’t it.

I know in my case, I have a tendency to under-estimate the time required to complete many of the tasks.  Inevitably what happens?  I am out of time to make the calls by the time I get through the other 90% of the tasks.

Since I accomplished everything else on the list, I still consider myself fairly efficient. I would even use that frame of mind to squelch any guilt that might arise because I did not make the calls.  None the less, efficiency won out over effectiveness and the biggest loser; my business growth and ultimately me.

So today (1/24/09) starts a new day with a new way.

One of the first things I do every morning when coming back to life (coffee plays a major role in that part) is to check and cleanup my email and create the day’s “To Do” list.  As I started the routine this morning, I quickly found myself going right back to my old habit of listing the “efficiency-oriented” tasks before the “pick up the phone” task.  Well today’s grand plan was to get to the calls early, so after a little re-evaluation and re-arranging, here’s today’s “To Do” list:

1. Spend 30 minutes preparing the quick-response email to use during call session;
2. Contact leads in database by phone and build relationships;
3. Send appropriate email to contacts after calls are finished;
4. Check email and respond to key letters;
5. Spend 30 minutes on FB addressing requests, messages & comments;
6. Check Twitter and send status updates via Ping;
7. Create blog post on today’s activities (this one!);
8. Work on video(s) to create and post later this evening;
9. Post comments on blogs, videos, etc.
10. Upload video(s);
11. Update prospect call list for tomorrow’s call session; &
12. Spin old short blog post into longer Ezine article.

As I look back over the list, it brought a smile to my face.

I am happy to report; I not only re-ordered the list but stuck to it completing my calls task earlier today.

Did it make a difference?

Absolutely, 50% of the calls where I connected with people yielded positive results as they requested further information about the systems and opportunities I am implementing.

Now that really is a pretty “COOL” feeling!

Starting today my approach to completing my daily “To Do” list has changed and I’ll be providing periodic post updates to track how things are going.

Remember, patience, persistence and massive action, along with continuing education and the willingness to adapt (effectiveness over efficiency) are the factors leading to ultimate success.

Wishing you the very best in all your ventures …..