Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising April Meetup

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

The Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising Group invites you to attend our April meet up!

April details are online, and I look forward to seeing you all there.

The CMM&A gets you dialed in to mobile marketing!

A brief overview of the technology behind, the tools available and the solutions offered in the world of mobile marketing. Come visit and think about how you can use inexpensive and powerful tools to market your brand in the ever expanding world of mobile! Discuss ideas with mobile marketing pros and seek opportunities.

Long time CMM&A member Eric Lazar of Image Architecture will be on hand for a short presentation followed by a Q&A. Networking and socializing to follow! See you there!

Location Information:

Monday, April 13, 2009, 7:00PM
Lincoln Station
2432 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773.472.8100

We will be in the back room.

Interact With ADMAVEN on Twitter

PEOPLE WHO READ THIS ARTICLE ALSO READ:

> YPC Blog: The Importance of Differentiation

> Skittles on Twitter: From Social Media Sensation to Cliche in 48 Hours

> Defining Twitter - The Best User Tweets From #definetwitter

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

YPC Blog: The Importance of Differentiation

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

One of the greatest challenges of finding work in an economy plagued with downsizing, cutbacks, and an overbearing sense of frugality is differentiation. How do you position yourself to be seen as unique and special?

In my line of work I always try to think about how to make my clients stand out, get attention, and make the public stop and stare. It’s about communicating a clear and percussive message using the tools that budget allows, and innovating along the way to get more done with less.

For quite some time the advertising community has been discussing the concept of personal branding. With the advent of freely accessible Web 2.0 tools it is now possible to create and own an online persona.

Over the next couple of months I will talk about steps you can take to differentiate yourself – whether you are looking for a job, thinking of changing jobs, or simply looking to secure your position with your current employer - these tools will help focus and maintain the message that you are a valuable asset in a challenging time.

Before we begin I want to make one thing abundantly clear: I do not advocate using social media tools as the de facto method of increasing the value of your personal brand (or finding a job). These tools are all designed to work in tandem with the more traditional concepts. Get out there; network and meet people in your industry. Interview with relevant staffing agencies and prepare your in person message to be as powerful as anything developed online.

...CONTINUE READING ON YPSPEAK.COM

Interact With ADMAVEN on Twitter

PEOPLE WHO READ THIS ARTICLE ALSO READ:

> Twitter; New Facebook Trend From Early Adoption to Early Majority

> ADMAVEN to Begin Bimonthly Column For Young Professionals of Chicago

> Skittles on Twitter: From Social Media Sensation to Cliche in 48 Hours

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Maddock Douglas Launches Innovation Blog

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

In the spirit of innovation and bringing truly great ideas from mind to market, Maddock Douglas has created the Innovation Blog. This is a unique opportunity to communicate with the top innovators in advertising and understand more about how great ideas are brought to life.

Enjoy!

Interact With ADMAVEN on Twitter

PEOPLE WHO READ THIS ARTICLE ALSO READ:

> Twitter; New Facebook Trend From Early Adoption to Early Majority

> ADMAVEN to Begin Bimonthly Column For Young Professionals of Chicago

> Skittles on Twitter: From Social Media Sensation to Cliche in 48 Hours

Monday, March 16, 2009

Twitter; New Facebook Trend From Early Adoption to Early Majority

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

It's everywhere in the news these days; Twitter and Facebook are working their way into the lives of millions of people worldwide, and the number seems to be growing exponentially. Reading the front page of Google News Most Popular section this morning yields a curious grouping of articles.

I categorize them in the following ways, with example links from the Google group:

Uncertainty
Ask the expert: What are 'social media' and how can businesses use them? - Minneapolis Star Tribune
Social Media: 4 Quick Tips for Getting Started - Practical Ecommerce

Fear
Social Networks' Risks for Business Security - PC World
Protecting Network Security in the Social Networking Age - Securitypark.net

Forecasting
Personal Technology: Is Twitter the future of news? - The Jakarta Post
Social networks 'are new e-mail' - BBC News
Is the social stream the new email? - VentureBeat

It would seem to me - in light of all the recent press and new activity surrounding what many advertisers and advocates consider the professional trifecta of social networking (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) we are starting to cross the chasm between early adoption and early majority in the 'social web life cycle'.


Keep in mind - for the purposes of this article I am using the terms 'social media' and 'social networks/networking' almost interchangeably because I believe the average user/general public does not yet understand the difference between the two.

Interact With ADMAVEN on Twitter

PEOPLE WHO READ THIS ARTICLE ALSO READ:

> South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive: March 13-17, 2009

> ADMAVEN to Begin Bimonthly Column For Young Professionals of Chicago

> Skittles on Twitter: From Social Media Sensation to Cliche in 48 Hours

Thursday, March 12, 2009

South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive: March 13-17, 2009

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

When Twitter launched at South by Southwest (SWSW) in 2007, the interactive landscape forever changed for content creators, advertisers, and users. In 2008, largely due to the impact of social media, SXSW became one of the most discusses subjects among the tech savvy for weeks after.

This year, from March 13-17, we will see another convergence of interactive trendsetters attempting to change the social landscape.

For many who do not know the history of this music festival turned technology extravaganza; some extra reading.

Among notable presenters from the Chicago advertising/technology scene:

David Armano of Critical Mass will participate in several panels
Chicago Folk going to SXSW Interactive 2009 Facebook Group

Email or Tweet me to add your panel/participation information to the list!

Interact With ADMAVEN on Twitter

PEOPLE WHO READ THIS ARTICLE ALSO READ:

> ADMAVEN to Begin Bimonthly Column For Young Professionals of Chicago

> Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising March Meetup

> Skittles on Twitter: From Social Media Sensation to Cliche in 48 Hours

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

CMM&A March Networking Event Success!

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

Thanks to all who attended the Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising March networking event. We had a great time talking about the state of the business, new opportunities, and local issues.

Of note: we have started a blog for CMM&A to help us keep up with new developments, share information, and tell you about our monthly gatherings. Please feel free to share your suggestions and comments about past and future gatherings.

Interact With ADMAVEN on Twitter

PEOPLE WHO READ THIS ARTICLE ALSO READ:

> Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising March Meetup

> Skittles on Twitter: From Social Media Sensation to Cliche in 48 Hours

> Defining Twitter - The Best User Tweets From #definetwitter

Friday, March 6, 2009

ADMAVEN to Begin Bimonthly Column For Young Professionals of Chicago

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

Recently I accepted a request to begin a twice-monthly contribution to the Young Professionals of Chicago (YPC) blog.

From YPC:

Young Professionals of Chicago (YPC), a non-profit, all volunteer organization, is dedicated to building a better Chicago. We are made up of motivated, energetic young professionals certain to become the community's future leaders. YPC encourages members to get involved and make a difference by becoming active participants in the professional, civic and social aspects of their city.

YPC offers its members a way to link their personal passions with professional ambitions. The group is the one professional, civic and social organization that drives positive and real change in Chicago, while giving young professionals a chance to make a significant impact in the community.

I look forward to contributing outstanding content from my own perspective to YPC. Please look for my posts beginning early next week. If you would like to contribute suggestions for content, please comment below or contact me via email, Twitter, or other outlet.

Interact With ADMAVEN on Twitter

PEOPLE WHO READ THIS ARTICLE ALSO READ:

> Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising March Meetup

> Skittles on Twitter: From Social Media Sensation to Cliche in 48 Hours

> Defining Twitter - The Best User Tweets From #definetwitter

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising March Meetup

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

The Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising Group invites you to attend our March meet up!

March details are online, and I look forward to seeing you all there.

Get to know CMM&A!

Our previous meetings have been focused around one subject of interest to our members. Our March meeting will focus on getting to know your CMM&A organizers and attendees. Network with professionals in advertising, media, and marketing at a great venue and contribute ideas for future CMM&A events. We are excited to get to know each of you!

Location Information:

Monday, March 9, 2009, 7:00PM
Lincoln Station
2432 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773.472.8100

We will be in the back room.

Interact With ADMAVEN on Twitter

PEOPLE WHO READ THIS ARTICLE ALSO READ:

> Skittles on Twitter: From Social Media Sensation to Cliche in 48 Hours

> Defining Twitter - The Best User Tweets From #definetwitter

> Book Review: Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking - Revised Edition by Andy Sernovitz

Monday, March 2, 2009

Skittles on Twitter: From Social Media Sensation to Cliche in 48 Hours

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

Love it or hate it, Twitter is quickly becoming the outlet of choice for brand building innovation. One of the boldest moves yet comes from Skittles. Applying the Twitter Search API it to www.skittles.com started a Twitter sensation, with Skittles stealing the limelight for at least 24 hours leading up through Monday, March 2, 2009.

By capturing and broadcasting all tweets containing "Skittles" or a close variant, Mars Incorporated is giving users the opportunity to interact with the Skittles brand, appear on the Skittles homepage, and network with other people discussing the same subject in one fell swoop.

The concept worked all too well, and is now resulting in some backlash against the brand. Twitter users are complaining about difficulty finding information and even using the service as many scramble to participate.

Although the idea is not totally original, the execution far exceeds predecessor campaigns. I have no doubt that Skittles will be a case study for social media in the months to come. Kudos to Agency.com for successfully pushing the idea through. A tough battle to be sure.

Interact With ADMAVEN on Twitter

PEOPLE WHO READ THIS ARTICLE ALSO READ:

> Defining Twitter - The Best User Tweets From #definetwitter

> Book Review: Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking - Revised Edition by Andy Sernovitz

> Book Review: The Nature of Marketing: Marketing to the Swarm as well as the Herd by Chuck Brymer