Category Archives: Innovation

The Perks of CES

11th January 2012

I’m in Atlanta this week, not Vegas drooling over the newest devices, but thanks to Klout, I just might be rewarded from the comfort of my desk.

This might be one of the most interesting uses of Klout Perks I have seen yet. Tapping into the massive amount of conversation taking place at CES this week, all Klout users are eligible to become the T-Mobile Social King (or Queen I suppose) of CES.

Entering is easy:
1. Opt in to the perk
2. Enter your email address
3. The topic CES2012 will be added to your topics
4. Spam your network to give you +K in that topic
5. Recieve the most +K in CES2012 by the end of the conference and you win a grand prize of a Samsung Galaxy S II with a year of service, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and a T-Mobile 4G Mobile HotSpot

OK, so the last thing I want is to see a Twitter timeline full of beggars, but this is certainly a new way to look at a platform that so far has done little to engage me beyond the occasional quirky topic that somehow lands on my list.

Features within the Perk itself, such as seeing the top influencers, top +K recipients, and best content from top influencers at the conference, round out an engaging experience of what can be an overwhelming space of conference conversation.

As the influence space continues to grow, it’s interesting to look at how both platforms and brands can benefit from this type of exposure and added engagement.

Looking to test it out? I will violate all personal rules and beg for you to give a co-worker of mine, Joe Koufman, his due +K.

Dayzipping: exploring the real world one adventure at a time

11th January 2012

I’m an avid outdoors fan, and there is no way I’d rather spend my weekends than hiking, running trails, or exploring the backroads beyond 285. Finding somewhere new however, is not always the easiest of tasks, and let’s just say the people who manage the outdoors spaces I love aren’t typically whiz kids when it comes to SEO, easy to use websites or social presences.

Yesterday while reading a blog post on local Atlanta startups, I stumbled across a company I had not heard of before and within the last 24 hours, it may be my new favorite app on the market.

Dayzipping allows users to select a city and preview a selection of days trips within their area to sort by various categories such as distance, popularity, price or theme.

Let’s compare dayzipping to Scoutmob, but with deals and adventures to take you someplace to burn all of those calories you just consumed at 50% off.

Currently available as a website and Andriod app (+1 for finding something my Apple lovers can’t have just yet), dayzipping is an easy to use experience to stumble across some of your areas most well hidden treasures, all in one place.

I can’t wait to get out explore, starting with this trip this weekend.

How do you discover things to do around your area? What are your favorite Atlanta destinations on the cheap?

Making a list and checking it twice: 2012 planning

22nd November 2011

As 2011 draws to a close, I’m finding my calendar filled with meetings on wrapping up and wish lists…but they don’t involve Santa. 2012 planning is in full swing.

Putting a year on paper is a daunting task for any marketer, especially so in the digital space, where the landscape can change over night. So how do you ensure a plan that not only makes sense in plain English, but also sets clients up for success in the space for an eternity of 365 days?

Hint: head back to the basics. Below are the three “must haves” on my digital planning wish list for 2012.

Vow to not work in silos

With more companies moving away from the idea of one single AOR to multiple players in their business depending on area of expertise, working across agencies is more important than ever. Gone are the days of “we own this.” Your consumer could care less who runs the company Facebook page vs. their TV commercials. We must learn to better communicate and see the experience through the eyes of a consumer.

Back away from digital

Take a step away from the channels you own and go back to square one. Remember that brand research deck you were passed along when you first won the business? Dig it back up. Consumers are no longer on-line and off-line, only the devices and mediums of consumption change.

Take the time to learn who your target consumer really is. What are the interested in? What content outside of your brand’s do they choose to consume? Where are they using their devices? The answers to these questions and so many more will ultimately drive your plans back on-line with insight rather than the sparkly allure.

Think outside the box

The world of “we have to be in social because everyone else is already there” is changing. Companies know having a digital presence isn’t enough – it’s having the right presences and the right experiences across all of your channels. Consider setting aside time to test and learn in 2012. Talk to start-ups or do a pilot program with a less mainstream community; find the passionate people who can help to push your client’s brand forward.

Planning a year in advance is never easy, in fact, we find ways to dread it or present to sparkly object syndrome. Get out of your comfort zone, try something new and you’ll find the year falls into place.