Paul is a bonafide expert in social media. I am not a PR or marketing veteran who recently adopted social media. I did not learn social media by reading a book about it. I cut my teeth in social media by starting a successful web property from my college dorm room in 2001. MasterofMischief.com was one of the first sites truly sustained by user generated content and was first promoted through Usenet groups and user forums. I owned, managed, and marketed it to its successful sale in 2003. Since that experience I have designed social media platforms like the Social Media Release platform at Marketwire, conducted social media training and development sessions for entire Communications departments at companies like PetSmart, MGM MIRAGE, and IBM, and managed social media campaigns for a diverse group of blue chip clients like Virgin Megastore, Coors Brewing, Symantec, New Balance, and Nature Made Vitamins.
BIO – Paul Dyer
About the Author
I am disgusted with your commercial….from Vancouver to Sable Island N.S.
Last I checked, Newfoundland and Labrador was part of Cananda. Please check your map.
Thanks
We’re a technology organization and we’re on Twitter
Saskatchewan Research Council – @SRCnews
I don\’t usually agree with this type of thing but you are right. Thanks.
Really interesting stuff. Thanks for the update. I just added you to my Google News Reader.
Hello Dave,
I just wanted to clarify something in your post. Talkster has not been sold to Rebtel. Rather, Talkster has made a strategic decision to focus on our messaging platform “talki” and Rebtel has acquired our Free World Dialing user base. Our large base of loyal users now have the benefit of continued and expanded free calling along with the opportunity to make cheap calls anywhere in the world. As part of our deal and in recognition of the value of our users, they are being offered $5 in free calling credit when they deposit $10 on their Rebtel account. All anyone has to do is to go to http://www.talkster.com to sign up or use voucher code “talkster” on Rebtel’s site.
Thanks,
James Wanless
Talkster COO
Interesting story, but I don’t see this working for either Toshiba or Yellow Pages. The last time I thought of the phone directory is when it thumped onto my front porch, and I walked it straight to my black box for recycling. I wonder if there’s any data on how many white or yellow pages are actually retained after delivery?
I’m thinking there’s an interesting difference between directories and catalogues. We still get catalogues at our house, and those are always kept. I think the difference is the ability to flip pages in the catalogue in an attempt to inspire an idea, while directories are cruise-missile targeted to find me THIS number.
Why flip directory pages in the age of search engines? And, for that matter, why use some desktop widget when you have a web browser? I’d be dropping this widget from my laptop instantly, I think.
Hi Dave,
Communications MECA is on Twitter @mecapr
http://twitter.com/mecapr
The truth is Google is afraid of the Canadian user.
As a American who lives, travels, works and visits Canada regularly I am very disappointed to not have access to a Canadian number and am working hard with “other” companies to ensure Google gets paid back for it’s arrogant California attitude!!
I can’t see it either…
It’s probably a matter of copyright and laws. It will come to Canada for sure. Just wait a little bit. It takes time to submit the project to CRTC, for exemple, and them to accreditate Google to launch it.
Remember Satellite Radio, iPhones, etc..
Although this is a sponsored event (I’m often cautious about being a tool for branding and marketing) Iäm glad to see that LG is reaching out in new and creative ways.
Thank you for this post, now ill go on this blog often and check for new articles.
Thanks a lot for the hints. Especially the event about marketing optimization is interesting. Hopefully i can participate.
Good consolidation/preso of stats, Dave. While the stats are interesting, I think top-line participation data misses the point entirely. How many companies or brands are using social platforms specifically to drive business performance — far less than just happen to be using them and learning as they go. More firms want a Facebook fan page or Twitter account than actually arrive at those activations to solve specific business problems. How many of these Fortune-100 firms align social initiatives to a balanced scorecard, or other performance management framework? The clients I talk to don’t even know how to pro forma ROI – let along plan a specific, tactical social experience.
You can go on AdAge and learn about retail, package goods and entertainment brands that have grown more relationships, or sold more product, online – ROI / proof of business success using social platforms. But in other verticals, like pharma or B2B – where a 15% off sale or Lady Gaga enforcement don’t mean squat, success is hard to find. In general, I’d like to see more coverage of social media success by vertical, not stats pertaining to how many companies have active social media programs. Participation is not proof of strategic alignment, stakeholder best interest, or business success.
Iam truly looking forward to look at the oscars in a few days. All the big stars at the red carpet, and really the girls in their shine trough dresses
. The movie Avatar will be the biggest winner i think…
Insurance for my mobile phone? Absolutely. It’s especially important with the popularity of smartphones, which can range between $500-1000 price. I currently insure my Nokia N97 but through my wireless provider. Although it is not cheap at $7 per month and $150 deductible. But I’ve already broke my phone once and it’s a $700 price range. http://bt.io/EcIg