Archive for the ‘Communications’ Category
At first glance, Peter Shankman’s recent post “Why I’d Never, Ever Hire a ‘Social Media Expert’” had
me a little baffled. I usually like his marketing commentary – but likening a social media expert as no different than someone skilled at “taking bread out of a refrigerator?” Whoa, that caught my attention. I think that’s what he intended, since the analogy plays into a knee jerk reaction to warn about a particular type of “guru/expert” character. This doesn’t really accurately reflect the bigger picture he proceeds to paint for the role of social media or the one that actually exists in many cases. Unfortunately, the cautionary “label” potentially risks undermining the great value that someone experienced in the discipline can bring to your business, with plenty of “experts” that actually do fit the bill appropriately.
This week I’m the guest blogger for Synergy Events, creator of signature brand experiences for leading brands and agencies. I call them the “experience experts” because they’ve created some of the most amazing moments to connect
brands with fans. From a NASCAR Victory Lap and Pit Stop Tour to a 53′ M&M candy posing as Lady Liberty, floating down the Hudson to celebrate “there’s an M in everyone,” their work is all about giving life to brand narrative.
The post examines how your brand’s story can combine with carefully designed experiences to ignite a marketing chain reaction and impact performance.
I invite you to learn more at Synergy Events.
Ever see a bunch of five year olds learn to play soccer? Wherever the ball goes, there goes the pack of kids. Following the ball like a little flock, flailing at it and at each other. A good pair of shin guards is a necessity. That’s pretty much how I feel about a lot of social media and marketing activities these days. We’re all competing for what often seems to be not much more than momentary attention. This post is admittedly long, but I think there is another way to play and it’s important to understand to raise our business game. And, frankly, I’m still trying to figure it all out. Read More
I admit it. If internet marketing and social media addicts have a 12-step program, then I’m archenemy as full-blown enabler. I’ve encountered people who raise an eyebrow and scoff at brand storytelling as an unnecessary “soft” approach. They argue that, instead, we should be focusing on hard “measurable” tactics such as SEO, keywords, and traffic. But I say, why not both? Read More
What are the ingredients of conversation? As one who was recently invited to a Meetup event for introverts (something I find as a seriously funny notion), I’ve been giving this more thought. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not really shy. I’m just, well, a bit reserved. That is, walking into a crowded room of strangers at a cocktail party isn’t necessarily my favorite thing! I’ve always been fascinated by people who can do this with skill and ease. Its made wonder: can we be taught to have the gift of gab? Read More