Yesterday, despite being tempted by the giant Chess and Connect Four games, I was able to make my way to the Triangle Interactive Marketing Association (TIMA) Lunch and Learn, “The Dollars and Sense of Social Media”, at the Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh.
I soon realized that those classic games were a great segue to the panel discussion that was to ensue. The topic addressed the way different players in the business world seek and document social media success. Each player in a game may have a different strategy or skill set to use, yet collectively everyone involved has an end goal – to win. Similarly, players in business approach strategy in their own way, but strive for achieving a common goal – success for the company, client or consumer.
Jeff Cohen, our social media marketing manager, moderated a diverse panel of professionals representing the agency, brand and platform service provider sides of business (Morgan Siem of Media Two Interactive, Phil Buckley of Sinclair Institute, and Adam Covati of Argyle Social, respectively).
I recently finished Brian Solis‘ new book, Engage, after some stop and go reading over the past month. Overall I thought it was a great book with some good examples and case studies to keep in my back pocket. In the end though, I think it could be broken into two separate books: New Media University and Postgrad.
The first half does a great job of breaking down social media theory and tools via courses in the “New Media University”. Solis encourages even those who consider themselves social media PhD’s to start from square one and review what makes up the intricacies of social media:
“For those well versed in social media and the tools that connect us to those we wish to reach, enjoy this chance to hit “ctrl-alt=del” and restart with a fresh perspective. For those new to the socialization of media and influence, please take your time here. This is were everything begins.”
By the time you receive your New Media U. MBA you have covered an extensive library of tools available and have been introduced to a myriad of examples and case studies that prove the value of those tools. I enjoyed reviewing and reminding myself of the resources that can foster relationships, conversation and reputation both personally and for brands and business. Continue Reading >
I was fortunate enough to attend the SAS Social Media Analytics Software Launch event (#sassma) last night with a group of about 50 Triangle area social media experts and enthusiasts. The turn out was a great mix and after some mingling, good food and cold drinks the event was underway.
David Thomas, social media manager at SAS, noted lessons learned from the software launch. It was interesting to see the difference just one year makes in the amount of social media engagement surrounding an event.
In 2009 the SAS Global Forum hashtag (#sgf09) received 500 tweets from 25 unique users (including SAS employees). In 2010 the number skyrocketed to 3,353 tweets using the hashtag (#sgf10) with 836 unique users (not including SAS employees). Continue Reading >
Did you know that whenever potential customers who are linked in to one or more “lo-so” networks (Loopt, Brightkite, Gowalla, Foursquare, etc.) find themselves within a few blocks of a business’s location, the owner can now instantly send them special promotions, discount coupons, or information about current sales by taking advantage of these and other similar location-based social media networks?
If that data point piqued your curiosity — as it did mine — there’s more information in this Miami Herald article.
Sean Adams: AdamsMorioka, A Very Special Episode.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm Burns Auditorium @ NC State – College of Design – Kamphoefner Hall
NC State College of Design
Boney Dr
Raleigh, NC 27605
AIGA Raleigh will be presenting an evening of insight and inspiration with Sean Adams, as he discusses the evolution of the AdamsMorioka brand. He will talk in depth about their self-promotion practices and how that relates to business.
As he describes it, “This will be a frank and honest discussion answering some of the questions I’ve heard over the years. How did we start? Is it true we’re media whores? If so, how did we do it? How do we decide what to work on? Has Noreen ever abused me? And any other question you may have, but would be afraid to ask.”
Sean Adams has been recognized by every major competition and publication — from Communication Arts and Graphis to AIGA and the New York Art Director’s Club.
AdamsMorioka has been exhibited often including a solo exhibition at The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Sean is President ex officio and past national board member of AIGA, and President ex officio of AIGA Los Angeles. He teaches at Art Center College of Design, is a frequent lecturer and competition judge internationally, and has been cited as one of the 40 most important people shaping design internationally in the ID40.
Brian Solis recently published an article addressing the shift of referral traffic from traditional search to social networks. He notes that more people are sharing and finding resources using various social sources. Again, the trust factor comes in to play as people are more likely to take recommendations (in the form of links, brand mentions, product reviews) from peers than from a paid search or faceless results page. Search optimization cannot be ignored outside of the traditional big-name engines.
A few of my favorite points from the article:
MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE WHEEL OF BMW’s ADVERTISING.
Beginning Tuesday evening, March 23 at 6:30pm, the Living Arts College presents David Crawford,Senior VP / Managing Group Creative Director for GSD&M Idea City. He will be visiting the College for two days presenting in the Stars Theatre again Wednesday morning at 10:30am.
Along with Luke Sullivan, he helps manage the creative department while continuing to work directly with clients. They are known for their outstanding creative advertisement campaigns and Crawford is going to share his successful BMW campaign and the work behind the BMW wheel art paintings.
Mr. Crawford has earned national recognition and awards from The One Show, Cannes, The Art Directors Club, and the National Addy’s. His work has been featured in Communication Arts magazine and he was selected as an ADWEEK Creative All-Star. He has served as a judge for the One Show, The Art Directors Club and the Kelly Awards.
Living Arts College students have an automatic invitation.
Others may call the College at 919.488.8504 to reserve an invitation.
In the advertising, marketing and PR world, there are so many words flying around. There is content for a Web site, content written for ads and advertorials, product write-ups, brand summaries and on and on.
How often do we go back and review completed writing to make sure it accomplishes our goals and strategic direction? How many times have you re-read something and thought “this doesn’t even make sense”? Well I have found a few tips on Brian Clark’s (@copyblogger) blog. He has great insight on intentional writing and one of his co-bloggers, Steve Errey, outlines writing with confidence. I think this post is worth reading.
What other tips have you found for your writing skills?
