Sunday, September 30, 2007

Top 5 tweets I wish I tweeted this week

I'm really not cranking these posts out fast enough huh? It's been busy on the Flossberg farm. So let's catch up with what I missed - updates I should have posted to twitter. twitter.com/carlieflossberg

Top 5 tweets I wish I tweeted - 9/30/07

5. Home from work to roomie special of crab & corn chowder. This roommate gig might not suck after all.

4. i'm so sad i missed all the fun at pme - can someone please send a tp

3. created slnn group on facebook - you must join or die *cackles*

2. it's scandalous ppl in sl like this that make us all look bad. http://www.slnn.com/article/allen-comes-clean/

1. Great Conversation - fantastic chat w/ @tdefren re: the effects of new media & social networking on the pr industry.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

The Conversation

I was recently asked "how do you explain the value of blogging to a company and get them away from the traditional methods"?

Good Question.

My answer. The art of conversation.

"But how do you explain the lack of control for the message"? Hmmm....

THE OLD WAY - Let's call this the press release














Here you have a music company putting out the "message" via a traditional route (tv, print, radio). Maybe they reach a musician or someone interested in music, maybe they don't. Once the message is out maybe it's understood, maybe it's not. These "consumers" (maybe they are maybe they aren't) then converse on the topic. Does the music company care to know what they're saying? Can they hear them? If mud gets slung around, how long will it take to repair?
This is controlled?

The two-way conversation - Blogging














Here we have a progressive music company who blogs. They have a constant following of interested musicians and music lovers who network with each other via their site. The company can then put out messages and news to a captive interested audience at any given time. The message is then spread through the audience, while the company has the chance to not only hear the feedback but quickly respond if need be.
All is well on the farm here.

Funny how tradition is comfortable even when it doesn't make sense.

The key to making it work is paying attention to your audience. It may be via your blog it may not. Don't you want to control the message? You'll have to find it first.

Be pro-active, involved, and responsive.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Do you get it?

So few understand new media. Even though companies and people claim they get it, how do you know if they really do? Before you invest your money in a company or take the advice of a friend what proof do you have that they themselves get it?

Every new media company out there big or small has a portfolio of wins and loses, which is to be expected. But how do you safe guard your brand from being the ugly kid in the new media playground.

Let me fill you in on the secret of getting it. There is no secret. You get it by understanding that whatever it is you just got will change in less time then it took you to get it. Keep your mind, body, soul, and most importantly ears open to everything. Be a blog and podcast junky - the fastest way to know what's going on. Don't wait for someone (even your staff and/or marketing company) to tell you what's going on - be a part of the conversation yourself. GET INVOLVED!! That's it - that's the big secret. The more knowledge you carry - the better chance you have of getting it and keeping it - even when everything changes around you tomorrow.

So when it comes to taking the aid of a friend or company - first question is do they walk the walk and not just talk the talk. It's funny how many claim to be experts and they aren't even immersed in the space their selling.

Forgive me father for I have sinned....

Forgive me father for I have sinned, it has been 16 days since my last post. A lot has been going on in the house of Carlie - well I sold my house, moved into an apartment, with a roommate. So now it's the flat of Carlie & roomie?

Now that I'm settled it's time to get back to my regular ranting. Updates ......

Coming soon to a itunes near you will be a podcast I'm starting with Mrs. Rhiannon Chatnoir - which will be hosted by SLNN. Between her brain power and my stupid humor, it's going to be so much fun.

Getting ready for my possible trip to London for IQPC's conference on Marketing in Second Life. I say possible because my renewed passport has yet to come in the mail.

After such success (and downright fun) at SLCC in Chicago - SLNN will be giving out NEXT magazine at IQPC's London event then VW - San Jose (then some others). Advertising is now on sale for San Jose but space is tight - as we're doing a special edition insert.

That about fills in the last 16 days. I'm off to do some hail Mary's?