I recently found myself at a career fair in Detroit. While there, I visited nearly all of the booths that were looking to hire. I honestly could not believe my ears as I walked away from just about every booth.
1) The majority of those companies were just looking for poor schmucks to work commission-only and sell insurance or products no one wanted.
2) When I asked if they were looking to hire anyone for social media marketing all but two or three told me the same thing: "we don't really do any of that."
WHAT?!
I thought it was some sort of bad joke until I realized these people were dead serious.
Social media has overtaken pornography as the number one activity on the web (there's room for plenty of jokes there).
1 in 8 couples married in this country met via social media...that number is only expected to grow.
Many people dismiss social media as a fad, saying it won't last. They couldn't be more wrong.
The growing importance of social media is simply staggering. The fastest demographic on Facebook is women approx. aged 55-62. If Facebook were a country, in terms of population it would be the third largest on the planet! Let's look at the number of years it took various media to reach 50 million users shall we?
Radio: 38 years
TV: 13 years
Internet: 4 years
Ipod: 3 years
Facebook: 200 Million users in less than ONE YEAR.
THAT'S JUST FACEBOOK FOLKS!
Social media is allowing word of mouth to reign supreme once more. If someone is not happy with an experience or a product they will open up about it. If you're reading this and saying "what can one person do?" The answer is a hell of a lot.
A recent survey showed 78% of people trust peer recommendations. A mere 14% said they trust advertisements. How ya like them apples?
Think of all of the friends or followers one person may have on Facebook or Twitter. One good---or bad experience could translate into thousands of people hearing about it.
If we're to expand our business we MUST listen to what other people are saying and we must have a conversation with them. Use the blogosphere and sites like Technorati and Digg to find out what's being said about your company. For the most part, people will still be more apt to positively talk about an experience or product instead of being negative. Use that to your advantage!
I'm still very much a PR and social media marketing newb (yup, just said newb), but back when I started really getting into social media I could visit a Barnes & Noble or a Borders and see just a few books on the topic. Now? Now I go and see entire shelves dedicated to the subject. That tells me there's more and more people are joining this new form of communication and talking about their experiences on the web. It seems that as a company or organization you can either join the conversation now and take advantage of this growing---and normally cheap opportunity to engage customers, or you can play catch up to your competitors down the road and lose out on customers now.
I think the right
GK
(All facts and numbers used are from the Socialnomics Youtube video posted here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFZ0z5Fm-Ng)
Monday, September 6, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Poets Of The Fall & Marketing
I recently picked up a game for my XBox 360 called Alan Wake. The game featured some really cool music that I just couldn't get out of my head after I finished it (by the way, it was a very cool game).
I set off to google the songs I had heard and it turned out they were assembled for the game and were performed by a Finnish band called Poets Of The Fall. In the game, the Poets lend their voices and music to an original score as well as points in the game where you can access a radio and hear songs from their discography. Their videos on YouTube had hundreds of thousands of views in some cases and included countless comments on how people had discovered their music in Alan Wake.
It doesn't take a genius to guess that this has undoubtedly turned into some major bucks for Poets Of The Fall. These guys not only sang some original music for a video game played by hundreds of thousands of people, they made sure that the game's radio DJ named them, ensuring people knew who these guys were. I don't know the entire back story of the Poets' involvement in this game but it appears to have been an incredibly smart and savvy business move. Now, you have thousands, if not millions of people around the world listening and learning the name of your band because you sang a couple of songs in one video game. How cool is that?
Even Verizon managed to score some ad points with me for managing to get a billboard or two in the game with their logo on it. So now we have a band and a huge corporation thinking outside the box and getting seen by people who might never see them (okay, maybe not Verizon). Companies, bands, nonprofits can all learn a powerful lesson in marketing from this example. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go listen to my new favorite band some more...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0f_hewSrAH4
The link above will take you to the official music video for one of the Poets Of The Fall songs featured in Alan Wake
I set off to google the songs I had heard and it turned out they were assembled for the game and were performed by a Finnish band called Poets Of The Fall. In the game, the Poets lend their voices and music to an original score as well as points in the game where you can access a radio and hear songs from their discography. Their videos on YouTube had hundreds of thousands of views in some cases and included countless comments on how people had discovered their music in Alan Wake.
It doesn't take a genius to guess that this has undoubtedly turned into some major bucks for Poets Of The Fall. These guys not only sang some original music for a video game played by hundreds of thousands of people, they made sure that the game's radio DJ named them, ensuring people knew who these guys were. I don't know the entire back story of the Poets' involvement in this game but it appears to have been an incredibly smart and savvy business move. Now, you have thousands, if not millions of people around the world listening and learning the name of your band because you sang a couple of songs in one video game. How cool is that?
Even Verizon managed to score some ad points with me for managing to get a billboard or two in the game with their logo on it. So now we have a band and a huge corporation thinking outside the box and getting seen by people who might never see them (okay, maybe not Verizon). Companies, bands, nonprofits can all learn a powerful lesson in marketing from this example. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go listen to my new favorite band some more...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0f_hewSrAH4
The link above will take you to the official music video for one of the Poets Of The Fall songs featured in Alan Wake
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Pure Imagination
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOl4OzcyKK4
The link posted above will take you to what is likely the best image campaign I've seen in quite a long time (aside from those awesome hamsters in the Kia ads). It starts out in a child's room with a toy chest and a little robot and slowly shows us a busy street. The commercial takes us on a tour through what I believe is New York City, but features what look to be animated paper cutouts drawn by a child. We then settle on a younger man sitting on a bench wearing a suit. He looks sad and glum, clearly things are not going his way. However, we then we hear the words "Remember when you were five and everything was possible? Happy fifth birthday again." Wow! As if the nostalgia and imagery weren't enough, we hear Gene Wilder in the background singing "Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Aside from AT&T (almost forgot to mention whose ad it is!) pimping their sponsorship of the 2010 Masters you seen the words "rethink possible."
This whole commercial works for me on so many levels. The music, the imagery, the message. The first time I saw it I was at work and it really got me thinking about where things were and where I wanted to take them in my life. That may or may not have been the intention of the ad, but the fact that I'm still thinking about it a month later and even blogging about it speaks volumes about the spot.
Nostalgia is a powerful powerful POWERFUL thing folks. That's why politicians are so hellbent on it. The past is familiar, the past is safe, the past is happy. Even reading that word probably brought up a distant memory or two. Assuming you had a happy childhood, this commercial brought back some very fond memories. The crude, yet charming animations come in all kinds. We see bug-eyed monsters, spaceships, flying fish drawn from a child's perspective. The music from a movie many of us hold dear to our hearts (except me, that scene in the tunnel with everything eating each other freaked me out), and that haunting message wishing us a happy fifth birthday and urging us to "rethink possible." It tells us everything is possible. RETHINK what is possible. That's what AT&T wants you to believe they are doing. I urge them to go for it in whatever they are doing (you never really find out). If an image spot like this is any indication of what they're up to, we may be able to assume they know exactly what customers want.
The link posted above will take you to what is likely the best image campaign I've seen in quite a long time (aside from those awesome hamsters in the Kia ads). It starts out in a child's room with a toy chest and a little robot and slowly shows us a busy street. The commercial takes us on a tour through what I believe is New York City, but features what look to be animated paper cutouts drawn by a child. We then settle on a younger man sitting on a bench wearing a suit. He looks sad and glum, clearly things are not going his way. However, we then we hear the words "Remember when you were five and everything was possible? Happy fifth birthday again." Wow! As if the nostalgia and imagery weren't enough, we hear Gene Wilder in the background singing "Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Aside from AT&T (almost forgot to mention whose ad it is!) pimping their sponsorship of the 2010 Masters you seen the words "rethink possible."
This whole commercial works for me on so many levels. The music, the imagery, the message. The first time I saw it I was at work and it really got me thinking about where things were and where I wanted to take them in my life. That may or may not have been the intention of the ad, but the fact that I'm still thinking about it a month later and even blogging about it speaks volumes about the spot.
Nostalgia is a powerful powerful POWERFUL thing folks. That's why politicians are so hellbent on it. The past is familiar, the past is safe, the past is happy. Even reading that word probably brought up a distant memory or two. Assuming you had a happy childhood, this commercial brought back some very fond memories. The crude, yet charming animations come in all kinds. We see bug-eyed monsters, spaceships, flying fish drawn from a child's perspective. The music from a movie many of us hold dear to our hearts (except me, that scene in the tunnel with everything eating each other freaked me out), and that haunting message wishing us a happy fifth birthday and urging us to "rethink possible." It tells us everything is possible. RETHINK what is possible. That's what AT&T wants you to believe they are doing. I urge them to go for it in whatever they are doing (you never really find out). If an image spot like this is any indication of what they're up to, we may be able to assume they know exactly what customers want.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
America the beautiful
Happy 4th of July everyone. Normally, I write something involving social media or public relations, and believe you me, I have a lot to update some of you on. However, today is the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This was the day 234 years ago some of the most brilliant minds of their time set into motion what would become the greatest experiment in democracy the world had ever witnessed. The odds against our founding fathers was incredibly staggering. The Continental Army was not a group of soldiers. Many of them had never held a weapon before and yet, they managed to topple the most powerful army in the world. That takes guts, that takes determination, that takes hard work my friends.
Throughout the years, America has become the epitome of hard work. We have, through blood, sweat and tears become the superpower we are today. It is important that we remember that through hard work, the fruits of our labor are so much sweeter. We should remember who we are and the principles this country was built upon.
I could go into the darker chapters of our nation's history and maybe I should. I won't. Today is the day we celebrate this great nation of ours and stand up proudly to declare "I am an American." Try to remember what that used to mean, what it still means to some, what it should mean to many more.
Throughout the years, America has become the epitome of hard work. We have, through blood, sweat and tears become the superpower we are today. It is important that we remember that through hard work, the fruits of our labor are so much sweeter. We should remember who we are and the principles this country was built upon.
I could go into the darker chapters of our nation's history and maybe I should. I won't. Today is the day we celebrate this great nation of ours and stand up proudly to declare "I am an American." Try to remember what that used to mean, what it still means to some, what it should mean to many more.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Shame Shame
Okay, I realize I completely fell off the face of the earth when it comes to blogging. There's no excuse for it. The fact of the matter is that Future Midwest was incredible. I learned a lot...and learned I definitely need to step up my blogging efforts. I've become more active on Twitter and Linkedin. I've begun a gmail account and subscribed to a few really cool social media blogs by experts like David Meerman Scott and Joseph Jaffe. In fact, I just bought Jaffe's latest book "Flip the Funnel." It should be excellent. He basically talked about using the customer as a means to get your word out. I mean, this blog right now is proof of that isn't it? I just promoted the guy's book for him. For all 4 of you that read this I promoted the book haha.
In all seriousness, I really need a new computer. I'm looking into getting a netbook. I just need something to use for Internet access and Word. I don't need it for much else these days. I'm also going to join the 21st century and trade in the flip phone for a smart phone (Droid anyone?). It's just not easy trying to swap career fields in a recession...especially a recession in Michigan no less. I may even go back to school to pursue an MBA. We'll see. I need to get with some academic advisors this week.
On the plus side, I doled out some advice to a few different businesses I know and they listened! I got my local gym signed up on Facebook...hopefully the owner will go further than just setting up the page. What's the purpose of the page if you don't do anything with it right? Kind of like a blog?...(cough cough). Anyways, I'm going to do a bit of reading before bed.
I also learned about this Finnish band, Poets of the Fall. FANTASTIC! Check out this song called "War."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CxpnbmKWzU&feature=related
See what I just did? Another plug for someone. Isn't social media great?! Someone should start paying me for this...
In all seriousness, I really need a new computer. I'm looking into getting a netbook. I just need something to use for Internet access and Word. I don't need it for much else these days. I'm also going to join the 21st century and trade in the flip phone for a smart phone (Droid anyone?). It's just not easy trying to swap career fields in a recession...especially a recession in Michigan no less. I may even go back to school to pursue an MBA. We'll see. I need to get with some academic advisors this week.
On the plus side, I doled out some advice to a few different businesses I know and they listened! I got my local gym signed up on Facebook...hopefully the owner will go further than just setting up the page. What's the purpose of the page if you don't do anything with it right? Kind of like a blog?...(cough cough). Anyways, I'm going to do a bit of reading before bed.
I also learned about this Finnish band, Poets of the Fall. FANTASTIC! Check out this song called "War."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CxpnbmKWzU&feature=related
See what I just did? Another plug for someone. Isn't social media great?! Someone should start paying me for this...
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Social Media Convention
This Friday I will be attending the FutureMidwest (http://www.futuremidwest.com/). It may sound strange, but I'm really pumped to go and learn. As I've posted before on this blog, social media is a fast-growing medium for companies to get their message and name across to people. If I can learn as much as possible about it I'm positive I can be a big contributor to a company or firm. The convention runs two days in Royal Oak. Thankfully, work is helping to defray the cost a bit and paying me to go on Friday. I have to present what I learned on Monday, which I have no problem doing.
It should also be nice going down to that area to see some close friends. We recently met up in Brighton for my birthday, but anytime with good friends is a good time.
On that note, I need to contact my old manager Jim about doing more pr work for his company. It's been a while since I've helped him out and Lord knows I could use all the experience under my belt I can gather.
~G
It should also be nice going down to that area to see some close friends. We recently met up in Brighton for my birthday, but anytime with good friends is a good time.
On that note, I need to contact my old manager Jim about doing more pr work for his company. It's been a while since I've helped him out and Lord knows I could use all the experience under my belt I can gather.
~G
Monday, April 5, 2010
I'm back!
I finally got a computer after months of frustration involving my old machine. Turns out, the motherboard fried. Fortunately for me my brother has a laptop now and no longer uses his desktop. So now I may pick back up where I left off.
I ended up finishing the News Rules of Marketing and PR by David Meerman Scott. Great book. I ended up whizzing through PR for Dummies. That proved to be a good foundation to build some basic knowledge of the industry I hope to break into. I have also been in contact lately with some folks at a firm in Metro Detroit. They gave me some good advice and so I've really ramped up my efforts to get involved in the social media wave of the future. I'm actually on Twitter and Linkedin now. I also picked up a new book just yesterday. Unfortunately, the title eludes me at the moment. This was just a basic post on what's new with me. I'm glad to be blogging again on my own terms and hope to really ramp things up and land an internship or a job soon. I guess if the passion is there it will come right?
Also...don't go to see Clash of the Titans. Horrible.
~G
I ended up finishing the News Rules of Marketing and PR by David Meerman Scott. Great book. I ended up whizzing through PR for Dummies. That proved to be a good foundation to build some basic knowledge of the industry I hope to break into. I have also been in contact lately with some folks at a firm in Metro Detroit. They gave me some good advice and so I've really ramped up my efforts to get involved in the social media wave of the future. I'm actually on Twitter and Linkedin now. I also picked up a new book just yesterday. Unfortunately, the title eludes me at the moment. This was just a basic post on what's new with me. I'm glad to be blogging again on my own terms and hope to really ramp things up and land an internship or a job soon. I guess if the passion is there it will come right?
Also...don't go to see Clash of the Titans. Horrible.
~G
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