Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Making ice cream and shootin’ kitty videos. Life is not sucking.
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
Most internet memes are here today and gone tomorrow, but for some reason cute cats continue to be the ultimate time suck. Not only has this meme outlasted the test of time, but it’s appeal is incredibly broad – everyone loves cute kitties. Face it: if you put a cute kitty video in front of someone and they don’t crack a smile, you might as well cut them out of your life.
L.A. based mobile ice cream parlor, Lake Street Creamery has tapped into this demographic. Their mission is to bring “you the finest in kitten videos and iced deserts.” Recently one of their videos went viral. Warning: it is not for our more easily startled readers. This video quickly goes from cute to shocking to sad. In my expert opinion, it succeeds as a cute kitty video because it takes you through the entire emotional gamut.
Based in a truck, Lake Street Creamery relies on social media to help customers find them on the streets of LA. This kitty video campaign works because they link their website and social media properties together. Through that one viral video, they got 1,437,030 impressions virtually for free. Their videos demonstrate a fantastic brand personality that make you want to interact. It has to make you wonder why a small business owner would be reluctant to use social media as a marketing tool. With a little creativity and luck, Lake Street Creamery’s brand recognition has increased exponentially and they’re having a ton of fun with it.
All in all, I would like to tip my tiny kitten hat to them for a job well done!
Skullcandy Channels Their Headphones Through Social Media
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Having lost my headphones earlier this week, I went to work with nothing to plugin into my iPhone. Shifting to the left and then to the right, I realized that I was just about the only person in the office who was working in silence. At that moment, I knew that there must be a lifestyle company producing headphones, earbuds, and so forth, tapping into the social media stream to connect with people like me, and possibly you. A quick search on the web for headphones brought me to Skullycandy. Unfamiliar with the brand, it was apparent from their website that they knew a lot about branding, specifically to their niche audience of snowboarders, skaters, surfers, bikers, and so forth. With a twitter handle, Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube page, Skullcandy is tapping into key social media channels. It gets better though. Turn on Skullcandy TV to watch and listen with their “candy” plugged in or download their iPhone App to review surf and snow reports, find a skate park, or again listen to music via their free player. And later this month, Skullcandy will be releasing their first high-performance, over-the-ear, audiophile-grade headphone given the name Roc-Nation Aviator—thanks to Jay-Z. Going social makes a lot of sense for a company in the headphones market. Every day, millions of people slump into their chairs—at home, in the office, or at the coffee shop—to send emails, update their Facebook status, send tweets, and build relationships online. Whether it’s because of silence or a means to block out distracting white noise, headphones provide a solution to both; music blocks out what you don’t want to hear and adds when you want to hear something. Skullcandy isn’t the only headphone company with a social media marketing and engagement strategy, but I have yet to come across another with more than a 125,000 Facebook fans and a following of more than 9,000 on Twitter.
Hotties, RBV’s and Communities
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010I only thought about work once this weekend; coincidentally I spent it in Vegas. Here’s a little bit more on the time work came into my mind. I was cruising up to the pool with my dogs, shirt off and suit on when I heard a mamasita calling me over. I’m used to this when I have my shirt off. So I walk over to the guilty party and ask what’s up. She says “Want a free Red Bull Vodka?” Holy hell! As many Creekers know this is one of my favorite adult beverages so naturally I agree without really knowing what I was getting myself into.
At this point I realized that this tenderoni was not trying to get my digits and buy me a drink. Her intentions became clear when I saw an iPad station in front of her. She explained that all I have to do is sign into Facebook and Like the MGM Grand Restaurants and Lounges Facebook page. I cue up my profile and Like their page with the full intention of Unliking it from my phone and coming back for more RBVs.
I’ll stop the flashback there as a story about me and unlimited RBVs may not do wonders for my professional image. This got me thinking about a problem that I’ve seen before with brands and their social networks: buying fans to inflate their fan count. I know what you’re thinking, “That’s what it’s all about, you idiot. More fans = more impressions = more $$, dumbass”. First of all, I don’t appreciate your coarse language. I understand buying fans to jumpstart a page or to promote big product announcement. But simply buying fans so you can brag about having bigger number is kind of like buying an Escalade to compensate because you’re lacking in “other areas”. Pages that grow fans through bribes generally do not have the quality communities. In my opinion the future of social media is going to be more about quality of fan discussion rather than quantity of fans. Less money may be injected into these pages, yes, but true fans will be able to congregate and customer support will happen more and more.
Obviously, I did not come into Spring Creek Group with a marketing background and tend to value a strong community on the networks that manage above all else. This may diverge from the goals of many of my colleagues in the SMM world. But my resolve is steeled by our mission here at SCG to bring fans closer to their favorite brand which means we can’t be looking at them with dollar signs in our eyes. And if you don’t agree with anything in this post, at least remember that you can get free RBVs by the lazy river at the MGM Grand. Don’t say I never gave you any useful information.
Putting the Social Back in the Arts
Monday, June 7th, 2010
Last week, I had the great fortune of joining the Pacific Northwest Ballet technology brainstorm session. Two years ago, PNB as well as eight other local arts organizations were awarded a four-year grant (totaling 7.7 million dollars) by the Wallace Foundation for outreach to young audiences, primarily using technology and social networks. Two years ago, very few arts organizations had the resources or knowledge to implement big social media campaigns – and this grant blew the doors open on the possibilities.
Since then, the ballet has gone from zero to 60 in terms of their online presence. They performed intense market research, rebuilt their website and developed their Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels and are moving into the next phase- implementation! Now, I cannot tell you the top secret details of what happened in the powerhouse brainstorming session, but I can say I am excited to see what comes out of our discussions.
If you haven’t checked out PNB recently- you really should. They already have great programs for discounted tickets and a good mix of family-friendly story ballet, classical (tutus) and an impressive mix of contemporary dance. Also, check out what the other Wallace recipients are doing with their funds, check: here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. They are great examples what an organization can do to engage audiences with unique content and creative ideas.
@BPGlobalPR
Friday, May 28th, 2010
One last thing to note on @BPGlobalPR whether charity was their intention or not, they’ve been doing an amazing job building visibility for the Gulf Restoration Network. Something inside me hopes that the GRN is behind @BPGlobalPR. If true, it would certainly be one of the most compelling, albeit deceptive, social media campaigns ever.
Update: The identity of the individual behind @BPGlobalPR has been revealed. You can read CNET’s story about it here.
Social Media Today: NBC and Time Warner Tell Apple Where to Stick it, KIN is Tripping (Again), Penn goes Foursquare
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
While many spent yesterday glued to live streams of BP’s attempt at a “top kill,” the world of social media and the Web was churning away. Here are some of the stories that caught out attention:
NBC and Time Warner Say They Won’t Go Flash-less
While Apple’s position on all things Adobe Flash-related is fairly clear, that’s not stopping NBC and Time Warner from sticking with the allegedly bloated and outdated technology.
Apple is throwing their weight behind HTML5 and El Jobso leaves no room for interpretation on his thoughts about Flash.
But, with giants like NBC and Time Warner still on the Flash train to moneytown, it might be a bit longer before we see the world bending to Apple’s will.
KIN Set to Send a Lucky Fan to Meet Their Network
Microsoft’s latest mobile venture, the KIN, is continuing their socially-charged marketing efforts by sending a fan on a journey to meet people from their social network. The campaign originally started with Rosa, an aspiring comedian, who roamed around meeting people from her large networks and finding out if she really would end up liking them (she did).
Most the action for the contest lives on their Facebook page.
Pennsylvania Looks to Boost Tourism with Foursquare
VisitPA, the Pennsylvania group tasked with getting people excited about the Keystone State (which we found out is the preferred nickname because “Pennsylvania is the glue that holds the union together), is partnering with Foursquare to give visitors a little incentive to explore their rectangular piece of paradise.
Visitors can earn badges while checking out Old City in Philly where they’re prompted to use a 2D barcode scanner to decode venue QR codes.
It should be noted that Pennsylvania isn’t the first to do something like this. Chicago had their own Foursquare game a while back.
*Note: Microsoft, maker of the KIN, is a Spring Creek Group client.
Social Media Today: The Privacy is Coming, A Magazine That Doesn’t Suck comes to iPad, Former Facebook Prez Tells it Like it Is
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
While it’s still a few ticks before 9am here in the Spring Creek Group World Headquarters, the rest of the world has been churning for hours. Here’s what’s been going on already:
Facebook Set to Roll out New Privacy Controls
As if you hadn’t hear about it enough, Facebook is primed and ready to roll out new privacy controls aimed at making your choices a bit easier.
The only question that begs to be asked is: if they could do it this quickly, why not just do it in the first place?
UPDATE: We don’t move quite as quick in the morning. While this post was working its way through the pipes Facebook announced their new privacy updates. Go here for the scoop.
My iPad Just got Useful
Wired Magazine, the perennial geek rag of lore, was one of the first magazines that announced they’d be rolling out an iPad compatible version. Now, a little more than two months later, you can download Wired in all its interactive glory (all 527MB of it) and pinch, scroll, and flip to your heart’s content.
From what I’ve seen so far, the app (and this issue) are incredibly interactive, which is pretty awesome. Not sure how many times I’ll throw down a fiver for a magazine I’m afraid to take to the bathroom, but we’ll see.
Hit the link (to the App Store) to check it out (for $4.99) – Wired Magazine
Sean Parker on Why MySpace and Friendster are Eating Dust
This next piece comes to us from www.socialmediatoday.com, a great site that takes an in-depth look at the social media landscape.
In this piece, former Facebook president Sean Parker talks a bit about how Facebook rose to the top – and it wasn’t because they had a better product, but really because MySpace and Friendster were just doing it all wrong.
Social Media Today: Yahoo Acquires LBS, Wendy’s Gets Frosty, Google Hates Productivity
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
While it’s still a few ticks before 9am here in the Spring Creek Group World Headquarters, the rest of the world has been churning for hours. Here’s what’s been going on already:
Yahoo! Buys Location-based Service, No, Not a Well-known One
Fresh off CEO Carol Bartz telling Arrington to eff off, Yahoo announced their acquisition of a company involved in one of the hottest areas of social tech – location based services. The only thing is, it wasn’t Foursquare, Gowalla, Whrrl, Loopt, or even Wheretheladies.at.
The company is called Koprol and is based in Indonesia, which might lend itself to Yahoo’s focus on Asia, but more integral (probably) is Yahoo’s working relationship with cell powerhouse Nokia.
One thing is for certain, Yahoo isn’t resting one bit. If Bartz’s fiery interview with Arrington taught us one thing, it’s that Yahoos work hard during their time and expect big things… or that Bartz isn’t afraid to go toe to toe with the jerks of Silicon Valley.
Frosties for Foster Kids
With Summer fast approaching, Wendy’s is rolling out a new campaign centered around their iconic Frosty treats. Using the likes of Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare, Wendy’s aims at tying together user experiences with the treats to tell stories and eventually give away some fairly cool prizes (Kindles, iPads, etc.).
The philanthropic aspect of a socially-charged campaigns came into play when Wendy’s promised to donate 50 cents for every social action (using the #TreatItFwd tag, a virtual Frosty FB gift, a Foursquare checkin at a Wendy’s, or a Father’s Day e-card created on Frostycard.com) to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
The meatspace doesn’t miss out as Wendy’s also plans to donated 50 cents for every Frosty purchased in-store between June 19-20.
Google and Pac-Man Gobble up Productivity Pellets
Almost as soon as the Pac-Man doodle went live on Google’s search page, the Twitter stream was filled with guesses as to how much money would be lost from workers clicking away trying to eat those tiny yellow pellets.
Luckily for us, The RescueTime Blog cares about such things and took the time to analyze the situation and assign a dollar amount (based on site visits, etc.) to the damage:
$120,483,800
Spring Creek Group in the Windy City for School of WOM
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
I am in the windy city this week with Andy and Grant for #WOMMA’s School of WOM to hear some case studies, meet great people and throw a party or two.
It’s especially exciting because I have recently been appointed as co-chair to the @WOMMA social media monitoring subcommittee and will have the opportunity to work with other agencies, technology partners and brands to develop and share measurement tools, methodologies and best practices with other members.
We will be posting highlights, videos, and photographs from the conference this week. If you cannot make it to the School of WOM you can listen to some of the keynotes online or post your comments and we will do our best to scout the answer.
PS. If you are attending the School of WOM conference, we will be hosting the unofficial after party tonight at 9:00 pm at 10pin Bowling Lounge (details below). Hope to see you there!
- Location: 330 North State St., Chicago. It’s adjacent to the Hotel Sax and across from the House of Blues in landmark Marina City.
- Flash your badge and your first drink is on us!
- We will be raffling off a free social media brand audit.
Any questions about the party? DM us @SpringCreekGrp.
Social Media Today: FarmVille Enters the Meatspace, Twitter Says “nuh uh” to Outside Advertising, Zuckerberg Admits Facebook Acted a Fool
Monday, May 24th, 2010Is it only Monday? You wouldn’t have guessed it based on some of the news that’s already hit the virtual presses this morning. Here’s a quick rundown of three stories we’re tracking:
FarmVille + 7-11 = <3
It’s been a busy couple week for social gaming juggernaut Zynga. They just inked a five-year agreement with Facebook saying they’d use Facebook’s currency (which I’m calling the Zuckerbuck), but they’re also launching on MySpace shortly.
Adding to the virtual deals, Zynga also dipped a toe in the real world with a deal that matches 7-11 branded products (Slurpees, etc.) with FarmVille. Users not only get a tasty treat, but they also get a little in-game challenge to obtain the virtual item as well.
So, look forward to a summer filled with weezin’ the juice and finding lost cows in your corn fields, people – social gaming is apparently here to stay.
Twitter Likes Parties, Just Not Third Parties
In a recent blog post, Twitter officially put third-party advertising networks on the blacklist for their ever-growing party of Twitter users.
This isn’t too big of a surprise given that Twitter recently rolled out their promoted tweets news.
As of now, the API restrictions only apply to the likes of Adly and other services that insert tweets into the public timeline, which means celebs paid to tweet about products and events can still collect their outrageous fees (we’re lookin’ at you, Stephanie Pratt).
Zuckerberg: OK, We Messed Up (Kinda)
In the wake of threats of a mass exodus from Facebook, CEO and Founder Mark Zuckerberg took to the place where every plugged-in, techno-savvy reader looks for the biggest news on the Web – The Washington Post. Zuckerberg’s 528-word piece read more like a statement about Facebook’s policies and intentions, but did contain a very important sentence admitting that Facebook was responding to recent concerns about privacy controls on their ever-expanding social network.
We’ll have to wait and see just how simple the new privacy controls are.
Got a take on any of these stories? We’d love to hear it.
