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ARCHIVE: January 2010
BLOG POSTS FROM THE NMSOPHERE
CPG’s Love/Hate Relationship With Social Media
In terms of progress in social media, 2009 was a rough one for Consumer Packaged Goods Brands - otherwise known as CPGs. From Motrin Moms to the Skittles Interweb, it's no wonder some CPG marketers are apt to describe their relationship with their product's social media strategy as "complicated."
Savvy Savings When Cyber Shopping
Since the beginning of September I've been asked on four separate occasions if I'm receiving more opt-in e-mail spam than usual.
Of course, like the rest of my peers, I am. In the past, we would have received all of these discounts via the postal service or clipped them from back of the newspaper. But now savings are staring us right in the face when we check our e-mail, so isn't it worth our time to start taking these companies up on their offers?
Are You a Me-Former or An Informer? Does It Matter?
Two researchers at Rutgers University recently released a new study that found that 80% of those on Twitter are "me-formers." That is to say, they are Twitter users whose posts are updates about themselves, their thoughts, and their activities. The other 20% are classified as "informers" -- those who share information and links. The study found that informers tended to have larger networks and be more interactive.
Politicians Herald Bloggers at Netroots Nation 2009
Just over a week ago (August 13 - 16), nearly 2,000 progressive bloggers, activists, and organizers gathered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for 4 days. And I was there.
ThinkB4YouSpeak Launches Social Media Campaign
Join me the NMS team as we help GLSEN to promote ThinkB4YouSpeak.com and let the online world know that it's not OK to say "That's so gay."
How to Avoid the Elephant Stampede (And Other Crisis Communications Tips)
You can’t wait until you see a herd of elephants charging at you before you decide how to react. By keeping your ear to the ground and listening carefully to the movements in your environment, you’ll be in control when the stampede hits and you won’t get run over.
Your Brand’s Social Media Infrastructure or How to Grow a Social Media Garden
This event was also where I debuted my "how does your garden grow?" analogy which is already catching fire. Want to know what it is? Ask me!
Social Media for Social Good: Ending the “R-word”
The “R-Word.” It’s one of those words that may seem like just another piece of slang thrown into everyday language when describing something stupid, dumb or irrational. However, it is not just another piece of slang. It is an insult to those with intellectual disabilities. This is why the Special Olympics asked individuals to participate in “Spread the Word to End the Word” on March 31st, 2009 – a campaign to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the R-Word and urge people to resolve to stop using it as an insult, casual or intended.
#Carchat Connects Auto Enthusiasts on Twitter
The ritual of gearheads gathering on a weeknight to talk shop is nothing new, but using Twitter to create a virtual drive-in is newsworthy. For the past three Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. EST, I've logged online to mostly lurk, but sometimes participate, in #carchat on Twitter.
NMS Names James Nichols as 2009 Q1 ‘Ass Kicker’
We are pleased to announce that James Nichols, Senior Project Manager, Corporate, has received NMS’ 2009 Q1 Ass Kicker Award.
Special Olympics Uses Social Media to End the R-Word
NMS is working with Special Olympics to make Tuesday, March 31st a National Day of Awareness, where we ask ourselves and our peers to gain a greater understanding of the implications of our actions. We want Tuesday, March 31st to be a day where people take a moment to think about the weight and impact of our words.We want Tuesday, March 31st to be about respect and acceptance. On Tuesday, March 31st, we want to help end the use of the R-word – “retard” – forever. And we’re using social media to get there.
Advertising on Message Boards: How to Maximize Your Time and Money
For advertisers on Message Boards to maximize their investment they should become active participants in the community – just like any other member. After all, would you rather buy a car from your best friend or a complete stranger?
Corporations Embrace Twitter 140 Characters at a Time
Everyday more and more corporations appear on Twitter although it seems that most of them do not belong or just don’t understand the new medium. Most of the corporate tweets that show up in your updates are generic and full of marketing speak pushing their brand. But, there are some brands out there that are truly embracing Twitter and using it as a way to connect with their target audience on a more personal level.
Why Women Are the Target Market, Not Just the Niche Market
According to a Pew Internet survey, 74% of adult women use the internet. This is helpful when deciding what products to sell online, but also indicates that the social nature of the online space not only compliments a woman’s natural talents, but will work to empower female consumers in a new way.
How Social Media Saves the Day
Has Social Media saved your day? Champion a cause? Tell us about it!
Gay, Gay, Gay….
I had written a post about the use of the word “gay” in reference to an AdFreak review from David Griner about a controversial campaign from Ad Council called “Think Before You Speak.” It got a considerable amount of blood pumping from influencers and as a result, my traffic shot up about 1,000% and I received comment love from Griner himself.
The Bacon List
How has this never been done before??? A new restaurant in New York, creatively named Permanent Brunch, will feature a bacon list on their menu. Yes, a full list of different bacons to choose from. Brilliant. Someone in DC needs to try this idea.
Gen Y’s Ultimate Car is a… Zipcar
I have little desire to buy, lease or even take care of a car, and this is a small but growing industry trend – especially among younger carless urbanites. ‘Car sharing’ services such as ZipCar are capitalizing on this unmet need. Since 2/3 of ZipCar’s customers are under 35, I decided to explore how this company has been so successful at reigning in the Generation Y market.
DC Drivers: Today is Disrespectful Driver Day!
Blonde’s I-View is dedicated to how I see the world and provides commentary on life in DC, among other things. This post encapsulates a typical daily commute through Georgetown to the NMS offices in Rosslyn, VA.
CONTRIBUTORS
The Challenge: Promote and generate online buzz for The Cheesecake Factory’s upcoming promotions; “Reunion of a Lifetime”, Stefanie’s Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake and National Cheesecake Day.
The Challenge: Promote and generate buzz online for JCPenney’s Diamond Jewelry Sales and “Beware of the Doghouse” campaign
