Social Media - Teri Conrad

Jul 25, 2012

Calling All Change Agents! ~ PIVOT

July 25, 2012 By Teri Conrad Leave a Comment

I wanted to let you know about an awesome conference in New York City this fall called Pivot on October 15 and 16 hosted by Brian Solis (Principal Analyst at Altimeter Group and my ICON!) and I am an Ambassador!

This conference is NOT a Social Media conference and is hands down THE resource for the future of business.

Brian’s goal is to bring together thought leaders, social scientists and researchers to help businesses innovate, learn to co-create and how to build a framework that allows them to adapt. He believes before we can collaborate externally we have to be able to do it internally.

We’re moving away from the behaviour of social brands and won’t be talking about twitter and how to get followers and likes but rather how to build a social BIZ strategy throughout an organization.

So I’m reaching out to my sphere to share what I believe will be an extraordinary learning experience ~ Brian has made an intentional effort to find the most engaging, insightful speakers from NBC, NYTimes, MTV, Citibank, Google and more to spark important conversations about the evolution of business and we’re equally interested in attracting the right sponsors and attendees…people who can truly make a difference for the future of business.

Brian hopes everyone will leave as a Change Agent. He truly wants to write the future of business and engagement and relationships and all the strategies necessary to bring those to life.

If you would like more information, or have any ideas about who I should share this with please visit http://2012.pivotcon.com/ or leave a comment below AND if you go to the side panel and click on the Pivot banner you can receive 20% off the regular price (use the code!)

Cheers and here’s to a stellar year!

Ps – Click here to view sessions from last year’s Pivot Conference.

Filed Under: brand, business, marketing, Social Media Tagged With: brian solis, conference, pivot, social business

Jul 10, 2012

Embracing Influencers ~ Ambassodor Model

July 10, 2012 By Teri Conrad 4 Comments

We live in a new business world. One where Word of Mouth referrals and social engagement have eclipsed traditional marketing and push messaging. The new ‘Connected Consumer’ wants to be HEARD. Because of this shift in communications companies, brands and leaders have had to discover new ways to get their messages out. I have had the FABULOUS honor to be included on the front end of an Ambassador model movement. My very dear friend and Social Media Director at Inman News Katie Lance introduced the Inman Ambassador program a few years ago and it has grown leaps and bounds ever since creating an engaged and connected community. She’s set the bar and modeled the behaviour and trained us all well to spread the Inman Gospel, amplified and shared among our audiences far and wide. Our collective reach is immeasurable!

I am a natural promoter when I love a brand, and that’s what being an ambassador is all about. As such I have also become affiliated with Coffee with Krisstina Membership program built by Krisstina Wise, Founder of The Good Life Team in Austin Texas. As a natural fan and promoter of the amazing work they’re doing I was offered the opportunity to formalize it. Affiliations are really nothing more than ambassador programs where you lean into your natural fans; your brand evangelists – the ones who are spreading the good word about you and set them free!

A strong Ambassador strategy looks like this: Shower your evangelists with love! Shine the light on them! Raise their profile and bring them into the fold and they will be brand loyalists for life! Arm them with well crafted messages they can easily promote/tweet and provide them with fabulous content they’re proud to share! Katie Lance does this exceptionally well!

Brian Solis celebrated his 1st year anniversary as Principal Analyst with the Altimeter Group with his report: The Rise of Digital Influence where he says this:

“Social Capital is the key that unlocks digital influence and new customer touchpoints. Like loyalty programs where customers are rewarded for their repeat businesses, brands can now reach connected customers to build relationships, recruit into ambassador programs, involve them in important events, or reward them with exclusive content, access, or products and promotions as recognition for their social stature and support.”~ Brian Solis

Brian Solis also hosts the Pivot Conference in New York City and you guessed it – I’m an Ambassador! I’ll be sitting front row in NYC this October (2012) tweeting and sharing (with the hashtag #PivotCon) the sound bytes from the best of the best in Social Biz strategy for major brands! VERY exciting! AND watch for #ICSF tweets coming at you from San Francisco August 1 – 3 for Inman Connect!

Have you identified who your natural ambassadors are? Might be time to lean in.

Filed Under: brand, Social Media Tagged With: ambassador, brand, branding, brian solis, coffee with krisstina, inman, inman news, Katie Lance, pivot conference, strategy, word of mouth

Feb 17, 2012

At the Center of it All…People and Shared Experiences

February 17, 2012 By Teri Conrad 2 Comments

I am so PASSIONATE about having conversations that matter, particularly when it comes to social business and the shift in communications.

There is a movement spreading I call #feeltheshift and I’m excited to be a part of it. Experiencing a cultural shift like nothing we’ve ever seen before!

I feel a manifesto brewing in my gutt much like what Martin Luther King must have felt. A compelling urge to drive change and look around the corner. What lays ahead for us in the business world? How will we navigate the path ahead?

I feel so fortunate to be experiencing this shift as it happens but I also feel responsible.

We must share our voices – our vision and be part of the conversation. I truly do look to leaders like Brian Solis who have such a firm grasp on the realities of the digital shift and how our entire systems of operations need to adjust to the new consumer world online.

In terms of social media, the mistake I see people making is trying to use old school marketing style of one way push messaging, but today’s consumer is savvy and sick to death of being ‘sold to’ and they expect a great consumer experience and the opportunity to engage. They’re looking to be heard and valued (related post Telus Fail).

The more people we involve in the conversation the better….inviting all kinds of people on the journey. Social connects, empowers, lifts and elevates but probably most importantly ~ It teaches. But “at the center of it all….its about people and shared experiences” ~ Evan Greene CMO of the Grammy’s. (watch the interview below)

Brian Solis interviewed Evan Greene

Filed Under: brian solis, feeltheshift, Social Media Tagged With: brian solis, communication, evan greene, grammys, marketing, relationships, social media

Dec 29, 2011

I Think It…Therefor I Speak It.

December 29, 2011 By Teri Conrad 16 Comments

My mom always used to say to me:

“If you haven’t got something nice to say…don’t say anything at all.”

Easy for her to say ~ she didn’t have my level of sarcasm that I wield every day to garner laughs and eyebrow raisings

But Mom might have been on to something. Words are powerful. It’s why I’m writing this post. We read them and they provoke us, challenge us, make us think. Every once in a while they might actually inspire us to take action and do some good or stand up for something we believe in!

In today’s age though where anyone can self publish and there are no editors to catch our mistakes and misinterpreted tones, we have an obligation to stop and think! Think about the inferred tone; think about the reactions of others. Think about the consequences. Think about “what’s my message?”

” Sticks and Stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”

Well we all know that’s total crap now. Words CAN hurt and often do. Words can destroy a person’s reputation. Words once spoken or written are often accepted without any evidential proof. Words can dig and cut just like a knife.

In our social world where we share everything with the click of a button, it has become easier and easier to stumble. And for those who are more socially challenged (you know the ones – they try so hard to be witty but just can’t seem to pull it off) ~ they can wreak havoc in your life if you’re not careful. Managing delicate egos and even more fragile careers has become part of our every day jobs and there seem to be a plethora of them.

Its so important to be inclusive and honor other people’s feelings and attempts at being social (albeit clumsy at times) and I find myself explaining the social etiquette that I take for granted on a daily basis. I won’t go into all the etiquette rules as there have been several quality posts written about that (google it!) but I will say that as a strategist the key to remember is that you’re just having a conversation with someone. It’s YOUR job to make sure you’re clear and articulate. It’s YOUR job to consider how your message may be received, not just by the intended receiver but also by anyone else who may view it. And it’s YOUR job to filter yourself…just as you would at a dinner party or with your friends and family. It doesn’t mean you always have to be positive or cheerful…just respectful.

It’s also extremely important to check your facts. You are liable for your words so be clear. Do not think for one minute that armed from behind your computer with your self proclaimed “Citizen Journalist” title that you are free to launch your verbal rockets. One Montana woman is potentially facing a $2.5 Million penalty in a defamation lawsuit. > Montana Blogger Is Not A Journalist

Think before you speak (or write as the case may be.) Good old advice.

Thanks Mom.

Post Script: Some do it very well. Follow Katie Lance @katielance Social Media Director Inman News; Jeff Turner @respres President Zeek Interactive; Nicole Nicolay @nik_nik Founder Agent Evolution and My Tech Opinion; Matthew Shadbolt Director of Interactive Product and Marketing @Corcoran Group; Marc Davison @1000wattmarc Founding Partner at 1000 Watt Consulting

Teri~

Filed Under: Social Media Tagged With: communication, etiquette, rules of engagement, social media

Nov 21, 2011

The REAL Truth About Social Media and Eric Harr

November 21, 2011 By Teri Conrad Leave a Comment

The REAL TRUTH about “The Real Truth About Social Media” author Eric Harr’s latest book, is it’s a Dynamic Read for anyone new to Social Media!

I introduced you all to Eric Harr, Founder and President of Resonate Social Media (a boutique agency in California) last month when he reached out to me and asked if I’d review his book. I was so impressed with his approach that I wrote about it here: True Appreciation and Genuine Intent. (and am now a bona fide fan!)

I received the book as promised and I spent this weekend inhaling it! “The Real Truth About Social Media” lays out all the basics for beginners who have accepted that Social Media is NOT a passing trend but a cultural revolution and its time to jump on the bus or risk being run over by it!

Eric explains in plain english how to use the tools while attacking the

“Monumental Myths” and breaking it down into “Timeless Truths” for both personal and business.
Loved this:

Monumental Myth: Social Media is Media.

Timeless Truth: Social Media is Relationships.

Can I hear an A-to-the-MEN!

Eric explains why you want to be in the space and how to best use it for your purposes. I’m guessing he chose ‘truth’ in his title because I believe that Truth is one of his most treasured values. You’ve likely been navigating through the mass rhetoric out there from an onslaught of newly self-appointed Social Media Gurus. How do you discern whose advice to heed?

Eric on the “Bay Sunday” local CBS news program discussing Social Media (notice his comments to me )

Like anything else in life, I usually follow the advice of people I respect and admire.
Eric’s genuine approach to business leading with integrity and shining a light on his own principles and values is WHY you should read this book. Eric lives his life at a level of excellence across the board with an ever focused eye on doing Social Good…all part of the movement that I regularly refer to as #feeltheshift and Eric encourages everyone entering the social space to operate from a place of ‘giving’.

The “Thank You Economy“was coined by Gary Vaynerchuk (one of my favorite Social Media Revolutionaries, author, speaker and business consultant) and was referenced in this book. According to Gary, social media requires “humanity, humility, respect and reverence”…Maybe that’s why I love it so much! We’re cutting through the bullshit! No longer are the ones who stomp their feet the loudest automatically the ones that are heard.

“We ARE the media” message was hit home. The revolution has levelled the field for most of us…You have a story to tell? Now you can on FaceBook, YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr…YOU can build your audience! Just remember the key theme ~ INSPIRE and share awesome! In reference to one of Eric’s favorite YouTube videos he said this:

“Ten years ago the story would have stopped at the local newspaper – but YouTube helped him to inspire the world. YouTube was merely the tool; the story was the thing.”

I love how Eric advises to connect with your “Why”. I’m a huge Simon Sinek fan who wrote “Start with Why” and suggests that ‘people don’t buy what you do…they buy WHY you do it” its your WHY that inspires so make sure to get clear about it!

Loaded with great case studies like how one blogger vented about his ‘lemon of a DELL computer’ and lack of customer care when he complained….That post resonated with the masses! We’ve all been betrayed and left fuming with inadequate service. But DELL wasn’t listening and it’s a good lesson to all companies. I often say: You don’t HAVE to be in the space, but the customer is having a conversation about you anyway. Wouldn’t you rather be part of that conversation and have some influence over your own reputation?

Eric pointed out that not every blog goes viral: 3 things must be present: Reach (large audience which takes time to build); it has to be compelling and it has to resonate. It has to strike a chord with us.

At the end of the day Eric says “you better be throwing a rocking party or people aren’t going to stay long” ~Amen Brother! As Eric pointed out…the best parties are the ones where the host circulates, makes sure everyone feels welcome and their glasses are always filled. Be a better listener and take a genuine interest.

Eric also touched on the C-suite reluctancy to jump in the space because of the silly and trite names like ‘twitter’ ‘Plurk’ ‘Ning’ and ‘Bebo’ …try and get an exec to say the word ‘tweet’ – they literally squirm! They’re going to have to get over it….

“I sit, mouth agape, in a semi-drooling state of bewildered awe, when companies say to me, ”We don’t have the time or resources to dedicate to social media.’ Befuddled, I wonder, To what are you allocating your time and resources? There are hundreds of millions of people – your past, current and future customers – who are defining your brand, making product recommendations and influencing one another’s purchase decisions more broadly and more rapidly than ever before. One satisfied customer can bring a huge number of new customers to you in a single post. One scathing review on Yelp can prevent hundreds, or thousands, from ever doing business with you. You don’t have the time or resources to dedicate to this? Um, hello?”

He touched on a point that I get passionate about! Retaining your current customers which is so much more cost effective than sourcing new ones! Rewarding your loyal customers and bringing them into the fold is an awesome strategy often overlooked. Engage with your brand advocates – acknowledge and reward them!

Metrics matter! Hell ya! But the RIGHT metrics! Love how Eric mentioned not to get hung up on “the bright shiny object” of number of followers. He said “I would rather have10 highly influential and engaged followers than 10,000 people who aren’t listening.” (I wrote about this very thing when my mentor and very good friend Jeff Booth CEO of Build Direct gave me a shout out in his key note address during the Enterprise 2.0 Summit Social Media Week – THAT was cool!

Finally ~ Eric clearly understands the power of social ~reaching out to others he sees as influencers and who have “reach” to share his book I’m one of the lucky ones and I’m eternally grateful! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:

The true beauty of social is the ability to connect with amazing people that you otherwise would never have the opportunity to meet!

Connecting is powerful stuff! Of course, be clear ~ Eric sees me as his “Marketing Maven” and he’s counting on me to to engage my audience and promote him! Talk about genius marketing…but hey ~ all it took was a a genuine connect, a copy of his book AND we get to ‘feel good’! Now THAT’s ROI! (Return On Investment)

Eric suggests we shouldn’t be asking ourselves “What is the cost of engaging in Social Media?” but rather “What is the cost of NOT engaging?” The trick is: You ACTUALLY have to CARE!

Special thanks Eric for sharing your knowledge. I agree with literally EVERYTHING and that’s THE REAL TRUTH! You saved me from having to write a book Cheers my online friend until we meet IRL!