We talk a lot about the professional value and professional benefits of blogging. And we should. But this time I want to get (a little) personal.
I'm not talking value like I did last time I polled your opinions (at which time I asked: What is the single greatest point of value you receive from blogging?). Nope, this time it's strictly personal...
Sure, personally it gives us community, support, colleagues and friends. And professionally we learn a whole lot about a heck of a lot.
But what personal attribute, quality or trait has blogging given rise to in you...or made stronger for you?
How's about I go first? Blogging has given me more confidence. My lion helps a lot too, being I went and mouthed-off at year's beginning and committed to less fear. (Btw, it was the best decision I've made in my entire life).
Why am I more confident? It's not because people agree with me, though I sure thank you for the kind comments and emails. Heck, many times, if not equal times, people don't agree with me. But I learn a lot through the differing views. Actually...it's probably the disagreements as much as the praise that bolster my confidence being I'm not afraid to post about something, be wrong about something or be in the minority about something.
I'm just grateful to be learning and discussing.
Plus, since blog software makes it so easy to be "out there" --a la the 'publish' button -- I tend to become more comfortable in my own skin since I'm 'out there' anyhow. But that's just me. I'd just love to know what it's given YOU.
(I hope that wasn't too personal.)
Disclaimer: Never fear, I'm NOT (!) creating a collage from the answers like before. I'm just mad with curiosity as to the personal attribute it's given you or made stronger for you.
NYC really is the city of dreams. Some dreams are inspired here, others are imported here. And speaking of imports: last Saturday, one of my dearest blogger friends--Luc Debaisieux from "Mindblob" blog--hopped a jet from Belgium and showed up to surprise me as part of the "momma tree" dedication.
Was I surprised? I was in flat-out shock. My hands flew to my face and I was gasping like I won the darn lottery and I kept turning in circles. I remember saying "are you in town on business?"..."are you here for vacation?" I couldn't comprehend that he came in for me. I just couldn't process it. Heck I'm still processing it.
Folks, he hopped a flight (16 hours round trip in 3 days!), missed work and went a weekend without seeing his beautiful family to be able to meet me along with Drew, David, Valeria and Lewis.
The thing is, one of my blogger dream meetups came true. (But I'll get to that in a minute.)
After I stopped screaming when I first saw him and was semi out of shock I asked him, "So how many times have you been to NYC?" Luc has lived in the U.S. before...but he never spent time in New York. And he was leaving the next day as he could only come in for a quick stop. So after lunch I went into tourist-guide-on-steroids mode...
We saw Rockefeller Center and I showed him the art deco of the period (and where they covered-up Diego Rivera's artwork those darn capitalists!), St. Patrick's Cathedral, Bryant Park, The NYC Library, Madison Square Garden, The Old Post Office, Times Square, Hell's Kitchen area, Columbus Circle, one of my favorite sushi restaurants (yum) and one of my favorite Russian Vodka Rooms (yum x 2).
And we did all that in about 8 or 9 hours.
Funny thing, even though we took a lot in, it wasn't at all like we were rushed--and it was like we were such good friends. Why? Because we ARE such good friends. We've been reading each other's blogs and corresponding for about a year. He's not only a thoughtful, thought-provoking marketer and creative professional...Luc can "see" and identify things that would otherwise miss my radar entirely.
I'm so much better getting to see the world through his eyes. (And so many of your eyes, too.)
Luc is just as dashingly handsome, genuine and brilliant as he is on his blog. And his mother really loved the post I wrote on momma--and you know how happy that made me (Mack's mom also loved it!).
Luc explained he made the decision to meet me a reality. And that's all it took. Decisions and realities are actually a lot easier than we make them out to be. Who'd a thunk it? Told you I learn a lot through his eyes. The lesson the blogosphere taught me? It's a small world. The lesson Luc's visit taught me? We need to start acting like it.
Luc, you totally friggin' rock the world for all the lessons you've taught me--but you kick some serious butt for getting yours over here. Thanks for making one of my dreams come true.
PS:Kris and Philippe, being that you both live in Brussels, how weird is it that I've met Luc but you guys haven't? Yeah, it's just wrong. Please consider this a formal invitation (action point?) for you guys to do a coffee (or martini) hour over the next month. And Kris is coming to NYC in July, so Philippe better get with the program and visit soon ;-).
I was thinking this Memorial Day Weekend had a Meetup in store for me with the likes of such groovy bloggers as Drew McLellan, David Reich, Valeria Maltoni and Lewis Green. What's most neat is that I've met them all before so we get to meetup again...and they get to meet one another for the first time (except that David and Valeria had met previously at our Manhattan Blogger Meetup a few months back).
Yep, a fun lunch on Saturday in the Bryant Park Area--right behind NYC's famed library--is the treat I thought I was in for. Um, no...you bloggers sure are sneaky! As the case turned out, I was in for the most giving act of human kindness I'll likely ever witness. Best of all, I can witness it again and again. (So can you when you're in NYC).
Thanks to the boundless grace of many bloggers (listed below), my mother is now commemorated and honored in New York City with her own tree (for those new to my blog, my mother died suddenly 8 weeks ago--a tribute with pictures of her is here). But it's more than a tree. It's a sanctuary. More than that, the tree has been planted in a park in Spanish Harlem which is in a part of the city that is a "BID" (Business Improvement District). So this beautiful act betters a community...which makes a whole lotta sense since the beauty of this community's moving act betters me.
And my wonderful sister Melissa--who's never blogged a day in her life--is gonna be bowled over (!) when she sees this (she lives in the D.C. area and will visit me and our "momma tree" this summer). She's already astounded at the dedication of the eBook, the charity initiative and the many letters and poems we've received. Yep, sissy and I now have a new place where we can be close to our momma's spirit. I wish I had better words for what I'm feeling; it's like I'm floating.
I know that Drew and David spearheaded this effort and I'm not sure just how to thank them, or each of you. I've no precedent for this level of give. Drew, your family is beautiful and I'm grateful you flew into NYC! Lewis and Valeria, I love that we're hanging in the city every couple months, I'm getting used to it (and thanks for taking trains south and north to get to me). David, you're my pal and made sure I got there and stayed in town. And Luc...we'll address the fact that you've spent a 16-hour round-trip plane ride from BELGIUM (!) to be with me on this special occasion under "separate cover" (psst: that's code for an upcoming post--it's here). I nearly fainted seeing you; too bad we don't have my screaming on camera. Actually, probably best we don't as the mash-ups would haunt me forever ;-).
But to EVERYONE who did this, please know you were there yesterday. I honestly don't know how I'm worthy of this good-ness but I take heart in the fact that momma is. Indeed you have given me what I most needed: you've given me back my joy.
And if I feel down you know what I'm gonna do? Damn straight, I'm going to see my momma's tree!
Here is the plaque (thanks to Luc for this great shot, just click to enlarge) and it says: "Honoring the life and spirit of Sandra Kerley". And that says it all ;-).
As Paul has raised an interesting issue regarding social networks on micro, macro and common-sensible levels, I've decided to get betting...er, uh, baking.
I've left threequestions over there in the comments and whomever is firstto get the first, second and/or third questions right I'll be sending a cookie. Yes, there can be three winners since I'm all about share.
Disclaimer: I may need to send you a box of cookies as that may be the only way they survive the mail (and for int'l mail, they may not make it through Customs, but I'll still try).
Oh, and if you work for NBC (that's the company Paul cites) you can still enter to win cookies. Why? Because like cookies, revenge is sweet. Just kidding (I've absolutely nothing against NBC ;-).
NOTE: Please leave answers over at Paul's place. I love having you here but there is where the cookie action is...
UPDATE (05.27.07): 2 of the 3 questions have winners and I'll be shipping cookies here and abroad. Roger Anderson and John Dodds better be chilling the milk. But do still weigh-in because one question, and some cookies, are still up for grabs!
UPDATE (05.28.07): All 3 questions have winners...and cookies coming. Thanks for playing!
I feel so out-of-the-loop not knowing of this grand series. Especially since the author coined me "hip, hippie and happenin'." And MOST especially since he said my "momma was rooting for me from her place among the stars."
Um, say good things about me it gets you pretty far...but say good things about my momma and we'll get along swimmingly!
All fun aside, Arun Rajagopal has done an amazing thing based on share and people--which, consequently, are two of my fave things. You likely already know about the eBook with over 100 authors submitting a chapter each. But Arun--a contributing author to the book--didn't focus on the thought leadership. Nope, he's focusing onthepeople producing these great thoughts by profiling them. Like, every single one of them.
Even better? The profiles are all very human: for instance, if you didn't know I'm a die-hard fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, that I love (good clean) debates and (very dirty) martinis, you do now--thanks to Arun's great profiles. Oh, and for the record, I've never understand the draw of sunset when sunrise is the sky's finest moment.
Here's his words on the series (and do please take note of the way he says "small effort"- I can't imagine what he considers BIG!): "Here’s a small effort to get to know the club better. I’m going to dedicate some time every day to visit the blogs of my fellow authors and dig some interesting stuff on them. After all, the Conversation Age cannot bloom unless the conversationalists from far and wide get to know each other better."
Because of Arun, we get to know the people behind the book. And--just as in marketing--when we focus on people we can never go wrong. Thank you Arun. It's mighty nice to 'meet' you :-).
PS:Drew and Gavin...is there some way these profiles can be a companion piece to the eBook? Or just a link to it somehow? You're likely far ahead of me here.
Update (about 8 hours after I posted): Son of a gun...it's the wildest thing but Arun has thanked me for thanking him. Arun, you're welcome, but you did the work, silly! Yep, kindness is the thing that wins me over--and just melts my heart--way to make my weekend.
Ryan Karpeles, at a whopping 21 years of age, sums up all the important lessons--in both social media and marketing--in one post. I'm pushing over 250 posts and I'm still scratching the surface.
What a thoughtful, heartening way to share all he's learned...even better, he claims the list to still be in Beta. Yep, that little nut gets it.
Makes you wonder, when will executives with eons more experience start listening? Out of the mouths of babes, baby.
Quick question that has nothing to do with anything other than just wanting your take. Do you guys and gals:
(1) Think it's OK or NOT OK to post text from e-mail exchanges sans permission? I've always considered those private communications and before posting anything I always get permission. I just think it's respectful--it's not that there's anything particularly racy about my email communications (darn).
(2) Differentiate between posting e-mail text from a friend/colleague vs. a company? Meaning, does it seem OK to post email copy from companies without getting their permission ...even if you would get permission from your colleagues and friends? For me it's the same thing, I get the OK from the company. I just find it consistent and respectful.
I'm just curious since there doesn't seem to exist a 'netiquette' on this and, no, there's nothing exciting in my inbox at present hoping to make it onto my blog (darn).
I'm a bit of a history buff, firmly believing if we don't learn from historical lessons we're doomed to repeat them (same goes for marketing lessons). So I am intrigued by this "Civil War" video (...btw, how can a war be civil?). It gives a second for every week of the war between North and South and someone sure spent a good amount of time on it (thank you).
The problem? The MOST IMPORTANT point of the entire piece isn't given enough play. The casualty counter in the below right-hand corner is barely legible. Yet the casualties are the key lesson--and what we really lose--from all these wars, civil or otherwise.Such a shame as it could be so powerful being, in this war we lost more American lives than allotherwarsCOMBINED(see why I still can't understand the "civil" part?).
Sure, wars are a battle over ideas and power but it's the people who endure the true battles. A simple thing like making that casualty counter twice as large would help to hit that point home. Maybe it won't stop a war; but maybe it will make us think twice--and make the audience learn the most valuable lesson of all.
Plus, people deserve to be as big as that map. It's a country's people, not its land, that make them so great. I'm not knocking the producer of this piece, he or she did an amazing job...but I think we marketers can learn from it.
The lesson? In an age of "show not tell" let's not forget to show what's truly core.
Can someone kindly tell me what the total loss of life was? I can't read it and I feel badly for not knowing it. You don't need to divide it into north and south, they were all people and they were all lost. On a positive note, if we got through that dark time we can get through anything (so long as we repeat less, progress more).
Here it is @4 minutes (RSS readers, jump here). Update: the owner of this video doesn't allow embeds, so just click here to watch it (sorry)...and it was recorded at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum (the casualty counter might be much larger there, don't know but hope so).
Belgium has always given us great chocolates, frites and waffles...but thanks to Web 2.0 it now gives us great bloggers, too. Take Philippe Deltenre of "Bad Idea, Indeed" blog. Philippe is a smart, soulful guy.
Take note: smart & soulful are very good things to be. Also of note: I'm not a man nor will I ever assume to know what you guys go through. That would be assumptive. And assumptions are too often wrong.
You see, Philippe interviewed me as part of his series which has included interviews with Mr. Community Mack Collier and Ms. Conversation Agent Valeria Maltoni (Mack's interview is here and Valeria's is here). As for my interview? It ended on this gem of a question:
Philippe asked, "Does it make a difference to be a woman? To which I answered, "I can't answer this...being I've never been a man."
It's along the sames line of why, when many clients ask, "Do you like this brand name?," I often say "It doesn't matter what I think." (psst: it mattersonlywhatourmarketsthink). Sometimes I don't care for a brand name or even a campaign idea but then I don't reflect the profile of that particular market segment so I can't speak for them. And markets often surprise us--actually, all the surprises are precisely why I heart this line of work so much.
There are some goodies in the interview regarding economies that share, mantras that call for zipping lips and opening ears and building relationships (not rankings), so check it out if you want. Thanks go to Philippe for thinking me worthy of involvement in his series...and for not thinking me too crazy for my answer.
PS: Speaking of being female, here's a fun factoid: my parents were so sure I'd be a boy that they didn't even have a backup name for me when I was born. They were so astonished their 'feeling' (assumption) was wrong that I went FIVE days without a name...did they think I would change gender if they kept waiting? Nope, still a girl ;-).
While I've had a profile loaded for a while, I've decided it's time to get 'in' to LinkedIn. I'd like to make more business contacts all over this great globe.
But I'm not getting its full value and usability just yet. So I'm probably missing something (likely). Or several things (highly likely). To be sure, when I started blogging I didn't really get it...and man did I suck at it back then. Heck, speaking with Mack he had to tell me where on the site my inbox is (duh on me). Sorry guys, I can deal with one inbox and one inbox only in my life (and thusly everything forwards to it).
First off, my apologies to those of you who've been sending me messages via LinkedIn...I didn't know and they've apparently not all be forwarding to my inbox (likely due to my ISP). Also, thank you to those who've recommended me...I didn't know I had to approve your recommendation for it to show up (BIG duh on me).
When I produced my MySpace page I got silly. I figured that social-networking site called for it, so, "When in Rome!" was my thinking. But the thing is, even in professional situations, clients hire me and colleagues refer me for the whole package: they like to work with someone that creates great results/ROI but they also want to work with someone they like...don't we all? But I don't feel my profile over there really reflects me (I think I'm a LinkedIn loser).
That said, I'm a woman of not only talk, but action; especially when I can talk and give-out action points (ha!). So I need to setup a time to speak with Mario Sundar--he's the "community guy" over at LinkedIn--to figure all this out (and I know I owe you a call, Mario). I met Mario (that's him in the pic) when I was in San Francisco. Tremendous thinker, a balance of tech-and-people savvy and a kind soul. Oh, and very fun to drink loads of Sake with. Yes, there do exist people that are not so much fun to drink Sake with. But Mario isn't one of them. Congrats on your new job, pal. I am elated for you.
I've already submitted the following reccs to him via e-mail which he delighted me in saying are being considered along with a host of others (and he means that, Mario is a terrific listener, and doer):
Pics. The site is all about connecting humans and thusly, needs to be more human ASAP (this is the challenge with all these technologies and sites, actually). Let users feature a pic. Not glam shots, just a shot to make it a bit more personal--and a lot more inviting.
Videos on value. People (or at least me) need to understand how best to use LinkedIn. Some short videos and demos might help on this front. Something engaging that encourages us to engage. Mario's already on top of this; he's a smartie.
Give users a way to connect off-line..call 'em "LinkUps". Add a feature for LinkedIn users in a common regions to hold meetups or happy hours. Then they can meet off-line. People are always looking to meet people to discuss business and professional goals.
Mario, I have a few more ideas while I'm at it (I sure hope they're helpful):
Let users upload videos (as an "about me and my career" feature). Give them a 2-minute time-limit as well as regulations and don't make them go through YouTube (some are shy to share with the world). Heck, charge 'em $2 for every video they upload and make it a profit center. Or even charge $5 if you need to employ a video-monitoring service. While many will be hesitant at first, you'll be surprised how many will catch on in time.
Lose the tie guy. On my profile, under experience, it has an icon of a man with a tie. But I'm a girl (as if you guys haven't heard enough women empowerment banter ;-).
Shake it up, even just a little. I understand the site is for professional use. I get and support that. But it needs to be less life-less. We're professionals but we're humans, too. It feels too much like a database. Since everything "looks" the same, I'm not incentivized to check-out all these great professionals. For instance, I found that "wizard graphic" at the top there buried all the way in your about section. He's pretty likable and gives a little lift.
REALLY ask. And majorly REWARD. I think it a good idea to feature a prominent button for people to submit recommendations. I couldn't find one, sorry if I missed it. Amazing the amazing ideas people will give you (and for free!) if you just ask. Then, every six months, the person who has made the best recommendation (that has been most used) gets a free trip. After all, they deserve the Bahamas or Bali for bolstering the community and the site's revenues. Plus, you can likely get the trip for free by enlisting a sponsor. And then give two runner's up a premium pass for six months. You get the gist. If I win a trip for any of my recommendations? I'll raffle it off to my blog readers...I said it here (because I heart you readers just that much).
Community vs. Company: You know this better than me but maybe on the blog figure out a way to highlight users...maybe ask 5 different members a question each week and then more in the community can be pointed to their profiles. And maybe even invite people to contribute some career-content posts to the blog. You're likely far ahead of me here.
Now it's YOUR turn...let's all help Mario out and, in return, help ourselves out. Do you readers have any recommendations for Mario/LinkedIn? He'll consider them all. And I sure would like to feel like less of a LinkedIn loser ;-). I promise to make my profile over there MUCH better in the coming weeks. While it needs to be professional, I want it to be more reflective of the personality behind all the professional stuff. Something a bit more like my about page, except I need to stick to their categories.
PS: Let me also give a shout-out to the blog Mario started for LinkedIn! And you guys might appreciate Valeria's piece on how best to use the site.
For those of you who weren't in our last round of Book Club we featured Al and Laura Ries's book, The Origin of Brands, and their participation was nothing short of phenomenal. In fact, I doubt they got any work done for ten days with all the questions we threw at them during the online discussions. Yep, they've now set the bar.
So when Laura told me they'd shortly be launching a weekly marketing series--a la video segments aptly titled "The Ries Report"--I was pleased they'd bring the dialog to a 'viewing' level. The videos are high-quality/high savvy, cover a range of topics (and companies) through a range of time segments: some give us 5 minutes with Laura, others give us 15 minutes with Al. Good stuff to add to your reads, or views, as the case may be.
Laura asked me for feedback and with all the knowledge and time she's given me and the Book Club members, I'm happy to oblige. I'd love to see their series skyrocket so here are a few ideas to consider:
Introduce...and Invite. Think about creating a short video (1-2 minutes) that serves as both an introduction to the series as well an invite to "Get your weekly marketing report from Al & Laura Ries right on your screen!" This is a piece for newcomers to understand the value of the series--and it's also a PR piece that bloggers and journalists can use to spread word of your videos.
Spread (and share) your brand. With this new age (and new medium) comes a whole new mindset where users want to feature your content on their sites so as to generate discussions. In fact, it's more valuable to be on sites that aren't our own...wild, eh? Here you might consider featuring the URL and video embed under each clip so viewers can easily copy, paste and spread your brand all over the 'sphere. Actually, you might even encourage viewers to do so by saying something like "feel free to share and discuss these segments with readers on your own blogs."
Bring a 1-way discussion to a 2-way conversation. The problem with videos (and podcasts) is that, while they're dynamic, they're one-way. When we're speaking in front of audiences it's easy to involve them and answer their questions. Yet on video, viewers are at a remove...but they don't have to be. Here's an idea to involve your audience (and an idea that I've yet to see any other marketer doing). Once monthly, as one of your weekly segments, feature an "Ask & Answer with Al & Laura," where you address questions ranging all sorts of marketing questions from students, professionals, journalists and others. Here you could add a button--that links to a form or email address--encouraging readers/viewers to submit questions and soon you'll have a bevy of them to choose from. It's a way to get both of you branding brainiacs on camera at the same time, plus viewers will be so excited to have their questions answered that they'll blog and talk about it.
This Q&A format is exactly why Rosie's brand is skyrocketing all over the blogosphere--many of her video blogs center on answering questions from fans and she's getting as many as 3,000 per segment. She's one smart marketer, eh? (I've already detailed Rosie's marketing smarts).
Folks, it's worth checking out the video segments--and if you have any ideas, just include them in the comments. Al and Laura will really appreciate your insights, and your time. Happy viewing (and learning)!
First of all she's a goddess. I gave Valeria Maltoni of Conversation Agent blog that nickname for her grace and smarts (and no, I don't give out 'God' nicknames lightly but she's crazy smart and so darn graceful about it). Second, she uses the word 'inimitable' (one of my faves because it means matchless).
And then that Goddess hit the ball out of the park when she used the supernatural show "Heroes" as an example of how to connect with audiences. While many would classify Heroes as "sci-fi" it's actually a character study of complex characters. And oh yeah, they're saving the world--which is sorta complex, too.
But most of all, she's debuted today at The Blog Herald. And while today is indeed my blog's birthday, I just prefer giving the gift of link goodness to the goddess. Here's the killer quote from her piece (well, I found it killer):
"And ironically, the more you are yourself, the more others will identify with you. Strong brands are built upon differentiation; I cannot think of anything more inimitable than you."
Remember folks, emotion is the enemy of reason...so don't try to reason them into buying your brand, play upon their emotion. How? By showing them the emotions unique to you (or your brand). Why? Because when you're charming, and deliver on it consistently, well then it works like a charm.
To think I spent all that money on grad school when I should have been turning on the charm. Go figure.
So I started blogging a year ago, but the exact date eludes me. In the spirit of transparency, when I started blogging I sucked so badly that I deleted many posts. What's worse, I was so blog-ignorant I didn't know that people weren't even reading my blog at the time.
I asked Typepad and they said I started May 18th, 2006. Amazing to think I've only been blogging a year, and yet more amazing still to think there was a time when I blogged not at all.
Starting out I felt so exposed. Worried what you'd think. Ever fearful that you might say bad blog things about my bad blog. And then I laughed at my silly self and got over it.
Looking back I'm just astounded there existed a time where I was shy expressing my opinions--especially since they reflect my work practices and core principles on marketing (and humanity).
And what good is a darn blog if I can't be silly on it sometimes?
So as I sit here on May 18, 2007, flipping through trade articles spewing notions of transparency, authenticity and community, I can't help but giggle a little. While they're striving to coin the "magic" formula, we already know it: let go of the fear, focus on relationships (not rankings), don't risk credibility and create programs bringing value to all parties.
Oh, and enjoy the heck out of the journey.
Having benefited immeasurably from the generosity of this amazing community I propose we go another round. We'll take it a year at the time. I'm game so long as we keep learning and (definitely!) keep laughing.
PS: Yep, my blog's mantra still stands for year two ;-).
My new pal Sean Howard pointed me to this new video...then my old pal Kris Hoet asked for my feedback on it. All I wanted to do was stay in my bliss over books. Alas, of all things, I'm talking Microsoft...well, actually, I'm talking Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions, which is too much of a mouthful for this mouthy marketer but more on that branding boo-boo in a bit.
First, here's the "Break Up" piece and my feedback follows (RSS readers, go here):
What I love: I love the creative and the message of this new video. And I really appreciate Geert, the manager who spearheaded this project and writer of the Bring the Love Back blog. I instantly like the guy because he is very open in saying "feel free to love it or flame it!" He truly wants feedback and is very responsive to his readers. And anyone who listens gets love back from CK.
What I don't love: But I still can't get my head around Microsoft being in the advertising business. Not! Geez, I already give Microsoft double the positioning love as they occupy "software" and "operating systems" in my very full head...my mind doesn't have room for a third area of advertising. Are they trying for a mental monopoly, too?
This will continue to be an uphill climb for them. The answer? A new brand devoted entirely to online advertising, not "Microsoft +Digital +Advertising +Solutions." It's too many spaces to try and occupy and way too long a brand name. Seriously, that's branding 101. Tsk. Tsk.
What I would love to see: Creatively, I think this would be KILLER if the "advertiser" were a ballsy female and the "consumer" a sensitive male. Stay with my thinking...if we're gonna reverse roles where the consumer is more in control...then let's go full-tilt and REALLY reverse roles. That's innovative. Perhaps an idea for another version? Hey, I'll even play the ballsy female ;-).
What is nagging me: But what I continue to grapple with is--what is Microsoft doing to aid this (advertiser) role reversal? I went to their website on this offering but nothing felt innovative to me...it seems there are online advertising offerings but I don't see ways for advertisers to empower and dialog with their customers. Am I missing something? Or is Microsoft missing the mark?
It seems the messaging is there (great piece, Geert & Co.!) but the pay-off is not. Net/net: As a marketer working to advance my clients into a mindset of "more listen/less talk" I'm focused on the actions after the ad. Maybe Sean can tell me as he writes-up some feedback he has from Geert right here.
Update (about 3 hours after original publishing): Geert commented straight away and I offered him time over a concall to review recommendations in which Sean Howard and Kris Hoet will be joining in. Net/net: As marketers we're all in this together, regardless of whom we work for or where we work out of. When we speak next week, Geert will be in Greece, Kris in Belgium, I'm in NY, Sean is in Canada. No matter, blogging brings us closer, it also allows us to connect off of our blogs. And when we help one another we improve the entire industry...I think that most definitely qualifies as bringing back the love, eh? (this medium rocks ;-).
Book Club is back with a 'sticky' new round and a hot new read. Did I just say we have a "hot and sticky" segment? Hey, if it gets you kids reading and sharing ideas then this host is doing her job. For those of you new to our Book Club, welcome aboard. And for those returning for a third round, welcome back...
What's the book? None other than bestseller "Made To Stick" by brothers Chip and Dan Heath. What's more? Instead of giving away 30 author-signed books, we're upping it to 50 free books. Giving away 30 free books is sooo last segment don't ya know. What, you want even more? Done! EVERYONE gets a (FREE!) bonus just for reading the article located here.
While Round #1 discussed social media and Round #2 focused on branding, in Round #3 we're exploring "communications." More to the point, we're learning how we can do a far better job of making our brainy ideas stick and stick-it-out through the ages.
Made To Stick explains why some ideas survive while many others die. But that's not all: the authors have deconstructed why ideas that weren't driven by revenue goals, like urban legends and fables, have amplified across social groups and over many generations to teach us how we can get our messages right, er, stuck. It's an eye-opener and funny, to boot. So hot, sticky and funny...got all that?
Group Review for the book will begin Tuesday, June 12th so, get ready to read, chat up the author's sticky system and, wait...did you hear that? Who's cutting-in on my post? Oh, it's word from our authors. Let me be a gracious host and hand this over to them for a minute:
"Our passion is ideas and what makes them stick, so the opportunity to join a group of connoisseurs in the marketing community to banter about ideas via the MarketingProfs Book Club, well...it's going to be a heck of a time! It's kind of like turning a group of physicists loose in a particle accelerator." I don't know about you guys, but I haven't been let loose in a particle accelerator before. Hey, I'm game for anything that shakes it up a bit.
Check out the author's Q&A here and mostdefinitelygogetyourfree bonus (it's rightfully yours, after all). Seriously, the bonus is worth this segment alone...a heaping HUGE (!) thanks to Cam Beck for his thoughtful and thought-provoking 8-page analysis of the book's core themes.
Um, what are you waiting for? I given you hot, sticky, funny and a darn particle accelerator...do I need to get those "sticky guys" back over here? I'll do it you know, get on over there!
P.S.: If you are new to my blog and are wondering that the heck this banter over (sticky!) books is about, you can go here for info. on our current segment and here to sign-up (but if you've already signed-up for the Book Club you don't need to sign-up again and yes, you're eligible for a free book).
Trying to convince my offline colleagues of the value of blogging can be challenging. And then working to explain the myriad themes that I communicate through my blog makes some clients look at me as though I've altogether lost my business brain. Which got me thinking...
If so, my conservative father is so gonna kick my butt.
Yep, I might just be a marketing hippie. After all, my blog does have a mantra (and a mascot). And I'm vocal on pushing relationships not rankings. Come to think of it, I have covered censorship, condoms, gun control and marijuana. Plus, I do love it when the little guy gets empowered and sticks it to the man. And I even picked 'epiphany' as part of the name for my biz. Heck, I even implored Britney to make her bald head meaningful (she should have taken me up on it).
But, the thing is, I do believe in profiting. I just believe--like many of us do--in advancing the profession while we're advancing the bottom line. As I tell clients and colleagues, why not integrate that mindset into our methodologies as a staple rather than as a supplement? It seems logical not liberal.
I'd pick accessible over authoritative any day of the week. It's hard to connect with an authority. And like I said on the value collage, my goal is to connect with other marketers and my markets. Sure, I'd love to be rich. But if I had to choose, I'd rather be respected. OK, my father is definitely gonna have my head for that statement.
Yes, technologies have changed. But it's the freedom of expression and the empowerment these technologies afford us that drive the change in times. So are we the equivalent of marketing hippies or are we just hip to what our discipline and our markets have needed all along? Well, peace out.
My momma had many facets. Many faces, too. As we approach thisday--the first Mother's Day I face without her--I want to (finally!) share her many faces with you.
See, I need a way to celebrate her, to be close to her. It helps to make the day still very special, and more bearable.
It's all too easy to make those no longer with us out to be perfect. It's easy to forget when they struggled. But mom's struggles taught me a pivotal lesson...
While our hardships serve us with challenges, they also give us a choice: through them we can choose to be bitter or we can choose to be better. Choosing--well, trying really hard--to be better has kept me going, and definitely kept me writing, these past six weeks without her.
Momma will forever be very much "alive" to me. But in my writing she'll always be a character. So in addition to sharing her with you, I'm taking this opportunity to dedicate my writing to her. My talent is truly what I have. And I just prefer giving what I have back to her. Thank you for being so very good to me through this time, in return it gives me so much joy to share with you the many faces of my smart, sweet and silly momma. Click on any of the pics to enlarge them to full size...or view a video of them at the end of the post.
Smiling-for-the-judges momma: Here she is as a kid (at 6) in a beauty pageant--isn't she a beauty? I love this shot capturing her as she's just starting out her life's journey, all full of bounce and innocence. If you click to enlarge the picture you'll see the number they tagged her for the pageant was "20." That suits me just fine given, on a scale from 1 to 10, she was truly a 20.
Winning momma: This shot of her hollering (in her late 30s/early 40s) is thehappiest momentofherlifeand I am beyond grateful to forever have a record of this face. At this exact moment she learned she'd won the election--she has so many emotions going on her face doesn't know whether to laugh or cry. With zero political experience, she possessed a passion which drove her to win Deputy Mayor against a 7-year incumbent and the honor of being the first woman EVER elected to the role. That was impressive enough to land her an invite to Reagan's inauguration (yeah, you have to be invited to those events). She's wearing a Philadelphia Eagles shirt because many from the team were there to support her as we lived near Philly at the time.
Swimming momma: Ah, the underwater shot. This is myMOST favorite shot of her (in her late 40s). No, not because it's silly, but because of the story behind it. You see, we had a robbery earlier that year and momma said, "Here's the way I see it: with the insurance money we can either buy new silver and replace my jewelery...which could be stolen again...or we can go on a cruise--and they can never steal those memories." So we went to The Bahamas, baby! To the scoundrels who have our silver and gems, I say: thanks a million for the memories.
Swinging momma: Here we have mom (in her mid 50s) swinging with with her oldest daughter --my beautiful sister Melissa--two days before Melissa's wedding in the South of France. Enlarge it to see momma giggling on the swing set with her daughter. Apparently mom was going through a "blonde" phase at the time (a phase lasting about two years). Melissa, this one is really for you: you've been a rock for your sister through all of this. You make me better and, while you received much from our mom, most of all you inherited her generosity. Believe it.
Charming momma: Here's momma talkin' up Joe DiMaggio (believe she's in her early 40s). I can see it now, she's working to engage Joe around one of her many causes while getting his autograph. What a charmer, right? Yeah I learned from the best ;-).
Classic momma: The last shot below (in her early 50s) is "classic mom." It's mom at her most radiant and is theface that comes most to mind when my sister and I think of her. Melissa sees momma in her dreams, but I've not yet seen her in mine. Maybe one day.
I'll end with a few words for her: Momma, thank you for teaching me that people--all people, from all walks of life--are so very much worth getting to know. That inspiring people is what gives us our humanity. And that when we listen to others we're not only learning from them, it is inthosemoments that we're most respecting them. It is a magnificent honor to have known you, to be of you, to miss your many faces...and to dedicate my writing to you. Happy Mother's Day, from both your girls.
P.S.: If you ever miss my momma's faces don't you worry, this dedication is forever available on my blog's side rail (otherwise I would miss her too much).
Update (05.27.07): Many kind bloggers (I should just say friends who also happen to blog) paid a tribute to momma and planted a tree in NYC to honor her--which I call "momma tree!" It's a beautiful tribute, and you can read about it here.
In a good "reality check" post, Lewis Green cites, "This just in from "The Pew Internet & American Life Project" of people's "evolving relationships to cyberspace. Pew found that 73 percent of U.S. adults own a cell phone, 68 percent have a desktop computer, 30 percent possess a laptop, and 73 percent connect to the Internet."
But Lewis also cited this stat..."Only 8 percent of U.S. adults are "deep users" of Web 2.0 features, using them to express themselves publicly."
There is much good discussion on these numbers and their impact over here. But right here I'd sure like to know: in selling/evangelizing/promoting--or just plain arguing--that your companies and clients should start using social media tools, are you guys using only a reward argument...or also one of lowering risk?
Sure, I prefer using the benefit (reward) argument over the fear (risk) play but I'm providing both to clients. Otherwise I fear I'm doing them--and this medium--a disservice. While the benefits clearly span interaction, relevance, authenticity, awareness and more, the risk argument goes like so:
Why risk happy customers? Web 2.0 tech should never be viewed as only a promotional outlet, but as an ongoing customer feedback (and customer research) loop. For both existing and planned offerings. If we miss out on it being a feedback mechanism then, I fear, we miss the Web 2.0 boat--and its main purpose of connecting we marketers with our markets.
Why risk market share? We also need to experiment (read: innovate) or else we run the risk of losing our competitive advantage. Innovating means trying new things, strategies, tools, programs, products and services (as well as improving on old ones).
Why risk budget? While we can account for how well much of our marketing spend is spent we can't account for the efficacy of the entire spend. And 2.0 is far more cost-effective than other media. Even though other media has more eyeballs, why not apportion a % of the budget to social media so as to limit the risk of spending unwisely?
What say you? Or what do you say to your companies and clients? Are your arguments working...or do your companies and clients fear Web 2.0 is too risky? (perhaps turn the risk argument around to work in your favor.)
Love or hate President Bush, his messaging has undeniably provided a world of fodder for the entertainment industry. Just look at all the parodies over "Axis of Evil," "Patriot Act" and "Shock and Awe."
And lest we not forget how commonly people joke over "evil-doers."
Now clearly racism and discrimination exists and thusly, so do stereotypes (vs. archetypes). Since 9/11 the negative sterotype for people of Arab and Persian descents has hit an all-time high...or perhaps I should say an all-new low.
But prejudice is an issue that we marketers know a thing or two about. What is a prejudice, really? It's a perception. A perception that enough people hold to be true. Even when it's not true. We marketers know that many times, if not most times, perceptions aren't rooted in reality. What else do we marketers know? Just how hard it is to change perceptions.
Speaking from 15 years in this biz I can tell you changing perceptions, behaviors and habits are the toughest assignments. The cards are by and largely stacked against you (or me, if it's my project) because once something is set (positioned) in the mind, it grows stronger...or more "real" over time. For clients looking to change perceptions? I tell them they best have a big budget or a very clever strategy. Or both.
So how the heck do we break through these barriers of prejudice being there's a lot of fear, angst and strong assumptions supporting them? For younger persons, educational programs are important in decreasing hate and learning tolerance. But perhaps we need to take a very different tact with older audiences...
Perhaps, as ironic as it sounds, we need to take stereotypes lessseriously in order to make moreserious strides. Maybe, in breaking through stereotypes, we should encourage less "you shouldn't laugh at or make fun" and more of "you should laugh with and have fun!"
Why? Because laughing at the problem gives the problem levity and shows prejudices for how very silly they really are. Humor is engaging. Humor breaks through barriers. And believe me when I say if we're going to change perceptions as strong as stereotypes we need to first engage people. If we don't open minds we're not going to change them. Laughter breaks down more walls than it builds or reinforces.
Just look at the most successful ads on TV. They're all funny. Many have changed my mind into buying something or believing something because the humor was both engaging and memorable. Where does all this funny talk bring me? To an interesting troupe of comedians, who've coined "The Axis of Evil Comedy Tour." These American Citizens, spanning Arab and Persian ethnicities, that have brought their show (cause?) on the road. According to the comedians:
"We don't want to be defined any longer by the worst examples in our community, and it's a very small amount of people. There are a few terrorists and they define all of us. You can't hate anybody when you're laughing with them. So it's nice, when we're doing our comedy show, to see the diversity in the crowd and people actually laughing together. You see Arabs and Jews and Mexicans and whites, and they're all sitting together and they're sharing the same laugh."
Yep, that's one thing--regardless of race or religion--that we all have in common: we all love to laugh. Laughter unites while prejudices divide. So while prejudice isn't funny, maybe stereotypes should be--they are so very silly to believe, after all.
Here's a 10-minute clip of one of the comedian's skits (give yourself a 10-minute laugh break!). Lewis Green is featuring more clips over at his place. RSS readers, just go here.
Yesterday I asked for your views as to why females aren't better represented at events in the roles of speakers and panel members. It has me perplexed and your feedback is ultra helpful in a piece I'm writing on the subject. I also reached out to event producers to query them--and some asked me a darn good question in return, namely:
"CK, can you provide us with some contacts for female marketers to consider for speaking opportunities?"
While I can name several savvy female speakers off the top of my head, I thought, "Wouldn't it be more advancing and fair to open it up to the community?" And then that little voice in my head said, "Why yes!...Plus, this way I can always point event coordinators who ask me in the future to this nifty little post." Ah, the efficiency that blogging affords us. Is this a (wonder)ful medium or what?
So here's what to do if you're(1) female + (2) interested in speaking at events + (3) a marketer. Just leave a comment with:
Your name: (e.g. Jane Doe, Wonder Woman)
Your link: A link to the page on your website or blog that entails your speaking offerings and experience (just leave a hyperlink and ensure you add in the "http://" as that way Typepad will hyperlink it)
Where you are: Cite if you will travel (for some "free" speaking engagements you may not travel far, so include that and include where you're based out of and the surrounding cities you can run/walk/drive to). You need not be U.S.-based.
A quick line of info.: Leave a couple sentences--not a couple paragraphs--as to your subject matter(s) marketing expertise. Ya know, the areas you can speak to and about. Remember, the URL you include will have all the rest of the details as to how truly great you are, so keep this brief, ok? Thanks.
I hope this gets you guys...er, uh, girls...some speaking gigs. Really I just want to do my part to be fair and respond to those who've asked this info. of me. That said, I also love (!) hearing you men speak at events, please trust in me and in that.
And hey, if you're a guy and want to suggest a female that these organizations should be considering for their speaking opportunities then feel free to leave the suggestion in the comments below.
I've also updated my about page to link to this post, so it's easily accessed when this post leaves my blog's homepage.
P.S.: Why did I put Wonder Woman on this post? Because she was my idol as a kid and I've always wanted her here ;-).
We talk a lot about the professional value and professional benefits of blogging. And we should. But this time I want to get (a little) personal. 
First of all 
