blog:

The Rules of Engagement

While it’s important to note the number of new Facebook fans a company’s Fan Page garners each week, this metric is not the most important indicator of social media success. Instead of focusing on increasing fan volume, companies should work towards fostering fan engagement.

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From reporter to agency strategist, maintaining industry contacts provides edge

Back in the day, as a young cub reporter for a daily newspaper, one of the first lessons I learned was the value of having reliable contacts. I’d spend at least some time each day talking with the mayor’s secretary, the deputies at the jail, the police dispatchers. It was usually just friendly conversations about the job, family, politics and the like, but establishing that bond and trust led to more than one call about breaking news, an important arrest, or a development that gave me an edge over competing media. My sources knew and understood my motives, and also knew that the information they shared would be treated confidentially and professionally. read more

Brand advocates or bargain hunters?

A few days ago, a friend and I were discussing weekend dinner plans over the phone. I suggested a local restaurant, and he responded, “Let’s check out their website first to see if they have an e-mail list. Can you check if they’re on Twitter? We might be able to get a discount.” read more