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I wonder if they can accurately graph how much I miss Jon Stewart...
Sadly, the Comedy Central presentation involved no comedy. It involved charts, and data, and how to chart data. It was really interesting though! (And I won a prize!)
First things first: Comedy Central is indeed a fun place to work, according to Claire Joyce.
Despite the fun (and, ultimately, irrelevant) images of various Comedy Central stars peppered throughout the PowerPoint, this presentation had nothing to do with comedy. It did, however, have highly useful information for anyone involved in trying to measure & impact fan engagement (which should be pretty much everyone).
“Getting Smarter On Social: A “how-to” for social media analytics & insights
Claire Joyce, Manager of Social Media Analytics & Insights, Comedy Central
Are you in over your head in data and analytics? We Got YOU! In this talk, Joyce will share her favorite tools and best practices she uses at Comedy Central. Learn how to spend less time on the platforms and get better results. She will show specific tactics and analytics behind Comedy Central’s social platforms. Not only do they make you laugh, but there is BIG data behind every move. If you love graphs, stats and social media, this session is for you.”
A lot of the best insights from this presentation aren't below, simply because they got into the nitty-gritty of audience analytics, which tends not to make for great Tweeting. I loved it, though - geeking out on data is something I enjoy, and intend to obtain a lot more training in. Check out this amazing Chart of Charts for some data-geekery goodness:
I also enjoyed seeing the parallels between newsroom analytics (I used to be a journalist) and broadcast analytics: both are all about monitoring who's consuming what media, when, how, and trying to increase not only consumption but also engagement. Very interesting stuff.
Plus, I won a set of South Park figurines for being the first to correctly identify one of Comedy Central's fellow Viacom properties (MTV). Sweet!
What can we learn from mall management? Plenty.
Sometimes it's good to let the people managing your property within a given community handle communications with their customers. Sometimes, however, it's best to just let corporate run it. How one company learned this lesson...while improving responsiveness and community engagement.
I'll admit that I was highly distracted during this presentation, and probably didn't do my very best Tweeting. It was right after lunch and I had just recorded my episode of Social with the CEO of the organization putting on the event... and was thus posting my broadcast all over creation while also listening to Anne speak. I did listen, though!
“Integrating online customer feedback with offline customer experiences
Anne McKnight, Manager, Paid Media, GGP
Based on its mission to provide outstanding experiences, GGP, a leading owner and operator of high quality retail real estate in the U.S., transformed its marketing technology ecosystem. GGP streamlined 300+ social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for 118 properties), to ensure responses to customer comments/inquiries fell within the set SLA and feedback was aggregated in an actionable format.”
GGP, like our hosts The Content Funnel, is in the real estate world, so I wasn't sure how relevant the talk would be. Turns out it was a customer service tale that contained applicable lessons for any business that deals with the public:
- Ensure you're responsive, both online and in terms of real-life action on feedback.
- Maintain a consistent procedure and brand voice.
- Constantly learn from mistakes and use them to improve processes moving forward.
Finally understanding Agile: making adaptation part of the plan
"Planning" doesn't have to mean you're locked in to a rigid structure. Sometimes, you can plan to be flexible.
I'd heard of Agile (my husband is a senior product manager for a tech company, so it's a process he uses), but I assumed it only related to software development. Marketer Lisa Wieting's presentation showed me what Agile really is: a project management system that integrates flexibility, testing, and shifting of resources into the plan from the get-go.
“Planning for change. Why the “annual” plan needs to be interrupted
Lisa Wieting, Vice President Of Planning + Integration, COHN Marketing
Remember those days when you could count on an annual media plan to spread your message in a linear, methodical and effective way. Remember when United dragged a guy off their airline and social media melted their entire reputation in hours. That’s the world we live in now and planning needs to catch up with the times. We will take you through our planning process that goes underneath the surface and helps identify the themes that ultimately drive the ideas and not only encourages flexibility but thrives on it.”
I've never been much of a planner (despite spending many years as a project manager - a pretty good one, at that). I fly by the seat of my pants way more than I really should. The fact that it always seems to work out for me in the end is actually a negative, because it reinforces those habits via a lack of consequence. However, Lisa has now inspired me to learn how to use Agile processes to create an actual plan that works the way my brain does, but in a much more efficient and results-oriented way. (And I happen to know someone very close to me who's just itching to teach me all about it!)
"If you love going to Costco, but hate going to Costco..."
I never knew a video taken in a toilet paper warehouse could make me cry, but here we are. Boxed has heart.
Had I heard of Boxed? Sure. I'm a suburban mom who is also a heavy online shopper; if I hadn't heard of them, it would mean that something was seriously wrong with their audience targeting.
But had I purchased from Boxed? No. But I'm going to now.
From the talk description, I thought Boxed CMO Jackson Jeyanayagam might be giving tips on how to create interesting, "sexy" marketing content for a potentially bland category:
“Disrupting an utterly boring category: A look into how Boxed is changing the way toilet paper is bought
Jackson Jeyanayagam, CMO Boxed
CPG and grocery shopping online has had a slow adoption rate despite the surge of higher-consideration categories like cars, diamonds and real estate. For whatever reason, consumers have been reluctant to buy paper towels and cereal online...but that’s changing...and at a rapid pace. Boxed, an e-commerce wholesale club has become a popular alternative to Costco and Sam’s and their CMO, Jackson Jeyanayagam, will discuss how they have disrupted a stale category and why their approach has made such a significant impact. From customer experience to CSR to technology innovation, Jackson will highlight why they believe Boxed is the new bulk.”
Jeyanayagam's presentation was less about content (though he did show some ads I found greatly amusing!) and more about creating a point of difference - an important lesson for anyone doing anything, no matter what you're trying to sell. It was a great insight into how a new startup company can create sufficient disruption in an existing category to become an industry leader. It was also a lesson on how your most important point of difference can be your company's heart, soul, and values. I learned from this presentation as a business owner, a marketer, and a shopper (brb, ordering 10,000 rolls toilet paper right now!).
She had me at "Zack Morris"
The story Mallorie told about retargeting consumers based on which part of a Facebook Canvas they interacted with the most was just a stroke of absolute brilliance.
Not gonna lie: I was the most psyched for Mallorie's presentation. In addition to the fact that, like myself, she's got awesomely vibrant-colored hair, take a look at this description of her talk:
“Be Like Zack Morris: Using the power of storytelling to sell via social media
Mallorie Rosenbluth, Sr. Manager, Social Media, Grubhub / Seamless
Ever wonder how Zack Morris (yes, that Zack Morris) gets every girl during Saved by the Bell and Screech can’t score one date with Lisa? Watching Zack’s techniques won’t just entertain you and indulge your desire for nostalgia; it will also unlock insights and strategies to apply towards driving ROI via your social media channels. In this session, you’ll learn about the Zack Morris approach and hear real examples of how this technique has worked in practice for both Grubhub and Seamless.”
Beyond the "Saved by the Bell" retro goodness, this actually sounded like a really useful presentation. And it was!
(In short: Screech's persuasion technique to get Lisa is like shouting, "Buy me!" at your audience; Zack gets all the ladies via understanding his target and wooing them via suave storytelling)
I'm planning to have Mallorie on Social sometime soon to discuss Facebook Canvas, since I think a lot of us could use a little more understanding of this great new feature. The story she told about retargeting consumers based on which part of a Canvas they interacted with the most was just a stroke of absolute brilliance - one which I'm dying to try!
My favorite insights from #SMDay
Highlights from The Content Funnel's #SMDay meetup in NYC
I was all psyched to celebrate #SocialMediaDay (yes, internet holidays always get a hashtag) this year - and was shocked to discover only ONE #SMDay meetup planned for NYC! The Content Funnel is primarily real-estate based, so I wasn't sure if this particular event would be super-relevant to me... but with speakers from Seamless/Grubhub, Boxed, Comedy Central & more, I decided to go for it. I had a phenomenal time, learned a ton, and even got to record a surprise pop-up episode of Social with the CEO of The Content Funnel, Michael Beckerman!
As usual, I Tweeted... as usual, I'll be sharing my Storify threads in blog posts all week. Check out my episode of Social here, and see below for a collection of my favorite random tweets. Threads of the full presentations will be released one per day throughout the week.
7/3: Be Like Zack Morris: Using the power of storytelling to sell via social media
7/5: Planning for change. Why the “annual” plan needs to be interrupted
7/6: Integrating online customer feedback with offline customer experiences
Posting 7/7: Getting Smarter On Social: A “how-to” for social media analytics & insights
*Kate McKnight's presentation was great, but a) it was more of a journey through a process her company went through than something specifically relevant to my business, and b) I was super-distracted at that time since I was busily posting & promoting the livestream I had just recorded... but don't worry, you'll see way more of her insights on Thursday when I share my tweets from the whole presentation!
Surprise POP-UP Social episode at #SMDay
I didn't expect to do my livestream today. I had, in fact, announced that I was not doing it, since I'd be spending the day (Social Media Day, as it happens) at The Content Funnel's #SMDay Meetup in NYC. I figured all the live-tweeting I'd be doing would be plenty, and that perhaps I'd do a few short livestreams of the presentations.
And then I met Michael.
I didn't expect to do my livestream today. I had, in fact, announced that I was not doing it, since I'd be spending the day (Social Media Day, as it happens) at The Content Funnel's #SMDay Meetup in NYC. I figured all the live-tweeting I'd be doing would be plenty, and that perhaps I'd do a few short livestreams of the presentations.
And then I met Michael.
Michael is the founder and CEO of The Content Funnel, parent company The News Funnel, and a few other companies - and previously headed up leading real estate PR firm Beckerman PR. He gladly agreed to our livestreamed conversation, where we discussed content, blogging, influence, expertise - and of course the importance of personality, authenticity, and giving.
I also got him to give out some tips for my real estate peeps (you know who you are!), and even gave one of them a shoutout. Check it out below!
#MRCCSocial: 22 Livestreaming ideas with Robert C. Stern
Storify threads of my live tweets from last week's #MRCCSocial conference.
What to livestream about? Robert C. Stern’s got your back with 22 great ideas to get you started.
I first met "Social Leader" Robert C. Stern when he graciously extended an invitation to fellow #MRCCSocial presenters to participate in a Facebook Live broadcast on his page promoting the event. I was a guest along with the incredible Karen Yankovich, who I'd met at the previous year's Social Media Day. Technical glitches aside, it was a great time, and I look forward to sharing a livestream with Robert again sometime soon (Karen too!) (future Social guests, for sure!)
Like myself, livestreaming is Robert's "thing." So many people and businesses know it's an increasing part of the social media landscape, yet few know how they can take advantage of it. "What do I livestream about?" Well, Robert knows what you can livestream about. And he's a generous guy, so he shares.
As any good content marketer knows, when you have a good piece of content, it's best to get as much mileage out of it as you possibly can. Robert created a blog out of 22 Ideas for Video Content months ago. He then created a more engaging post a few months later by adding video to the original content and reposting. This caught the eye of MRCC's conference planners, and Robert was able to adapt that same premise into this presentation at Social Media Day. Brilliant!
(And now, I suppose, it's still rolling, as certain conference attendees are getting their own mileage out of it by sharing their tweets from his presentation and blogging about them!)
#MRCCSocial: Content Marketing with Ramon Ray
Storify threads of my live tweets from last week's #MRCCSocial conference.
The great Ramon Ray blew all our minds as we hung on his every word and learned how to use smart content marketing to maximize business.
Ramon Ray is a powerhouse.
The founder of SmartHustle.com wears many hats: entrepreneur, global speaker, best-selling author, White House presenter (and Obama-interviewer), Congressional witness, FBI Citizens Academy graduate, former United Nations employee - and new Christine Gritmon fan! ;)
Now, I'll tell you this: it was HARD live-tweeting Ramon's presentation. This guy moves a mile a minute. But he knew how to keep us along for the ride. And he'll teach you how to keep your audience along for the ride, too, with his key tips for content marketing.
I cannot WAIT to have Ramon as a guest on Social at some point in the future. No idea what I'll have him on to discuss - the options are pretty endless with him! - but I'm sure we'll think of something. Stay tuned!
#MRCCSocial: Media Panel
Storify threads of my live tweets from last week's #MRCCSocial conference.
The media panel discussed how journalists are using social media now, as well as how to get the media’s attention.
As many of you know, I was a journalist before I started Christine Gritmon Inc.
In fact, a former boss, Ed Forbes, was supposed to be on the #MRCCSocial media panel. Unfortunately, he couldn't make it, but instead I got to meet his NorthJersey.com colleague Elyse Toribio, who was lovely.
Journalism and social media are more closely tied than I think most people realize. It's become a vital tool in the gathering, telling, and distribution of stories in a world where information - both important and trivial - is coming at us 24/7. In an era where everyone's documenting their every waking moment, how does actual journalism stand out amidst the noise? And how do you get the attention of the news media (still a very important force; just ask anyone in PR) when it seems like everyone has something to share?
The lively and informative panel was moderated by Sandra Fathi of Affect. In addition to Elyse, panelists included Wayne Cabot of WCBS 880; Anjalee Khemlani of NJBIZ, and Joan Verdon of NorthJersey.com.
#MRCCSocial: email marketing with Susana Fonticoba
Storify threads of my live tweets from last week's #MRCCSocial conference.
Susana Fonticoba of Right Click Advantage, an affiliate of Constant Contact, explains the etiquette and importance of adding email to your marketing mix.
I'm pretty new to email marketing. As in, I haven't done it at all yet.
You see, for a long time, I was coming from a place of, "I don't want to market my own stuff; I want to market other people's." I didn't want a content strategy. I wanted to stay behind the scenes, helping promote the great stuff other people were doing/creating.
As you may have noticed, I've changed my tune in recent months. I realized how much I enjoyed sharing information and tips about social media with others. I also realized that my relative comfort on camera was a big advantage in our current video-centric climate.
So. I've got the content. Now how do I tell people about it, ideally in a way that draws some of them into my "funnel"?
Enter Susana Fonticoba of Right Click Advantage, an affiliate of Constant Contact (confession: I'm using MailChimp) and email marketing expert. She explained the etiquette (Don't email more than a few times per month, if that! Offer something of value! And NEVER BUY LISTS!), as well as the importance, of adding email to your marketing mix.
(Reports of email's death have been greatly exaggerated, btw, in case you weren't already aware.)
#MRCCSocial: Pattie Simone keynote
Storify threads of my live tweets from last week's #MRCCSocial conference.
First up: conference organizer & opening keynote speaker Pattie Simone of WomanCentric discusses WHY and HOW we need to use social media.
As you've probably figured out by now if you follow me, well, ANYWHERE, I had a pretty amazing time at last week's Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce Social Media Day. And, as I tend to do, I live-Tweeted the crap out of every session I attended. I even won a prize for top usage of the #MRCCSocial conference hashtag!
Now, live-Tweets can get messy. I couldn't even navigate any of my observations when I wanted to discuss them on Social last Friday. So, as I also do, I put them into Storify threads, which I'll be rolling out throughout the week.
First up: conference organizer & opening keynote speaker Pattie Simone of WomanCentric discusses WHY and HOW we need to use social media.
Social - the scoop from #MRCCSocial!
On this week's Social, Karen Accavello of Human Touch Media, LLC, my intern Jaylene Kessler (#InternJaylene) and I discussed our experiences at yesterday’s Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce Social Media Day (#MRCCSocial).
Happy Friday! Today we had an awesome episode of Social with the amazing Karen Accavello of Human Touch Media, LLC & my intern Jaylene Kessler (#InternJaylene) discussing our experience and learnings from yesterday’s Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce Social Media Day (#MRCCSocial)!
(ICYMI, I did a workshop called Rock your Personal Brand - see full presentation & materials here - and live tweeted from the conference – my Storify threads will be released on the blog next week, since I need to give you all a rest from my content for two seconds!)
Here are some of the key takeaways from this morning’s conversation at Jane:
- Everyone is distracted. There is so much going on in every consumer’s life, so you have to make it your goal to truly capture their attention and give them a reason to actually be interested in what you’re saying. Your goal is to cause the consumer to call to action, whether that means purchasing your product or just checking out your website. Set attainable goals, and have a plan to draw the consumer in!
- Engage, don’t sell! Offer something to the consumer, don’t just try to sell them your product or service. Don’t keep your information to yourself! Offer something of value (example: how to video, DIY, etc.), which in return will cause consumers to trust and like you because you have given them this knowledge for free!
- Don’t try to force consumers to sign up for an email marketing list until you tell them everything your emails will offer them. Without a benefit for THEM, they will not give anything to YOU! Keep everything short, sweet, engaging, and professional!
-Build a TRIBE, don’t just try to generate sales. Quantity is not as important as QUALITY! Your following isn’t as important as the loyalty they give to you and they trust you build with them!
-Keep your email subjects short, to the point, and as vital as they truly are. Don’t tell someone your email is URGENT, when it actually isn’t at all... this will break trust between you and the recipient as well as make your future emails extremely invaluable.
We all learned so much, and got to network with so many amazing people – can’t wait for Social Media Day 2018! (Pattie, FYI, I definitely want to come back as a speaker!)