I truly walked away from the #SMAZ event a smarter person. I’ve been using and working with social media since before all the hype, but with the hype, comes LOTS more to keep up on. Here are some of my key takeaways from Social Media AZ (#SMAZ). Also, if you attended the event or can add to my notes below, please do so!
Generational Profiling
It sounds so negative, but it could be useful. Ponder your brand for a second. What does it mean to you? What do you think it means to others? Then think about how the four Ps of marketing (product, promotion, price and placement) fit into your audience perception. Did you ever consider that each generation will relate to your brand differently, and thus, your marketing and promotional efforts as well?
Developing a visual brand with a plan
You know what a vision board is, right? Well, the great thing about a vision board is that it’s a visual representation of all your hopes and dreams and when you look at it frequently, you become subconsciously focused. Although most often used for obtaining personal goals, this concept can also be applied to companies in order to realize their brand and direction. more…
Cool tools for electronic and social media tracking
If you’re our fan on Facebook or get our Quarterly Liquiscene newsletter, you have already been tuned into this, but I think it’s just too good not to share again here.
There are some really neat tools out there that can help you find out what cyberspace is saying about you, your business, your product or anything else that pertains to your work. Utilizing these tools are a great way to discover public opinion as well as give you the opportunity to respond to conversations that involve you.
What’s in a name?
When starting a new business, the first thing to do is name the new baby. Like a first child, some business owners name their company after themselves such as Garcia Express and Craigslist. Others use a play on words like Curl up and Dye (salon) and Sharp Bodyz (auto detailing). It could be an everyday word like Target or Jack in the Box, or something totally made up like Kudzu or Liquis Design.
Beverly Kidd dishes about social media
I attended a Gangplank Brown Bag lunch presentation today given by Beverly Kidd discussing “social media through an old media lens.” She didn’t attempt to school us all on any groundbreaking social media topics, but rather gave us an inside perspective on how she has found incredible value with social media, mainly twitter.
Brand messaging that talks back
It used to be that when I ordered fast food, I received what I wanted (hopefully) in a rather plain paper bag with little more than the franchise’s logo. Today though, it seems the formerly quiet bag is talking back to us. Witty and humorous, the packaging lends itself to possessing its own unique personality.
Change isn’t always good
Some businesses will struggle with their image. They think about their clientele, how they will be perceived and their overall look. This is all very important, unless your brand becomes as uncertain as you are about those things. Such uncertainties can lead to inconsistencies and misconceptions that could leave others wondering whether or not they can take you seriously.
Be calculatingly bold with your brand
Largely in part to my background in media and public relations, I am constantly asking myself, “Is this the light I want my business, my work or myself to be viewed in?” But even with these convictions, part of me (the rebel part of me) wants to throw my hands up and say, “Hey, this is me. Take it or leave it.”