Tune in live at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 24 to watch Gayle Falkenthal talk to IABC San Diego about the way crisis communications has changed in the face of social media.
This is a one-time-only opportunity to see an IABC San Diego professional development event online for free. The event is $40 at the door.
Broadcasting Live with Ustream.TV
Source: Mashable.com
There’s a saying in theater: A big part of acting is reacting. This is especially true when we consider how many individuals, brands, and organizations engage on the web today. Instead of seeking inspiration and direction from those around us however, we simply react to activity, which may or may not benefit us in the long run.
The democratization of publishing and the equalization of influence allows us to create and connect with a wider reach. Everything starts with a mission, and is fortified by the content we create.
Among the most valuable resources we procure through dedicated publishing is good will, social capital, and influence. It comes at a price however: The cost of production, distribution, and support. In the end, you get out what you put in. The investment represents time, money, creativity, and passion.
Thus, we not only become our media — through production and engagement, we can become influential.
Read the full story here.
Source: Mashable.
A Quick Overview of Google Buzz from Brad Sams of Neowin.net:
Yesterday, Google announced their new social networking tool, Buzz. The tool started going live yesterday but is slowly being rolled out to the masses that are using Gmail. The service that many are calling a ‘Twitter killer’ operates in a similar fashion to Twitter, but the overall idea is much more robust than what Twitter currently offers.
The service is clearly in its infancy. Regardless of how old the platform is, it’s not hard to figure out how it will work and how it can potentially change our conversations.
Read the full story here.
This is a really well-done YouTube video on the social media revolution. Turn on your speakers … it is enhanced by some good tunes. Check it out.
Earlier today a tweet from the esteemed Jon Bailey of Bailey Gardiner caught my eye. He commented on news announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) regarding the latest partnership between seemingly “dead” Polaroid company and pop sensation Lady Gaga. 
The company “hired” Gaga as its creative director to help launch its new line of products in 2010. Read the full story here.
@JonJonBailey and I lightheartedly speculated as to the rational behind the relationship and pondered the following:
I think it is safe to say that this was a well executed PR move as it is piquing the interest of consumer electronics enthusiaststs, the media and bloggers alike. But will the strategic partnership pay off in the long run or is it a here today, gone tomorrow kind of deal? If so, was it worth the big ticket price that Gaga must be charging?
What are your thoughts? Will this popstar make us all go “gaga” for Polaroid once again?
Discuss.
Social media strategists are dusting off their crystal balls to make their predictions for 2010. Recently, I took mine out at the Frog Pond in an attempt to see the future and, lo and behold, my crystal ball had miraculously transformed into a Magic 8 Ball. I shook it and asked if some of my predictions for 2010 would come true, but the plastic thingy read, “Cannot predict now.” At first, I thought it was busted, but then I realized my 8 ball was quite savvy. Technology changes so quickly in this space, it just couldn’t keep up.
Despite this, I pushed on and below you will find my top 5 social media implications for brands. Remember, these are the ones that were more likely to get a reading from the 8 ball of “It is decidedly so” than “My sources say no.”
1. Social media marketing will finally transition from “nice to have” to “must have”
2. Location-based social networking is here to stay
3. Experimental social media budgets are key
4. The division between the virtual world and the physical world will continue to blur
5. Crowd sourcing will turn social media into a direct sales channel
Click here to read the full story.
Source: AdWeek
SAN DIEGO – Dec. 21, 2009 – The UK-based pregnancy health and fitness service – The 9 Month Club – has tapped Consult My Agent, LLC to promote its offerings in the United States.
The 9 Month Club is a holistic pregnancy fitness coaching program that offers pregnant women full nutritional support, targeted and specific pregnancy exercise programs, mental and physical well-being and guidance on how to connect better with baby. Starting December 2009, the 9 Month Club will begin hosting free monthly web-based events for pregnant women.
“When a woman gets pregnant, she often neglects herself and only worries about her baby’s health,” said Nisha Obaidullah, president, The 9 Month Club. “Our goal is to provide comprehensive health and wellness resources that benefit both mums-to-be and the baby. It is a win-win.”
To spread the word about the Web based resources, The 9 Month Club hired the marketing and communications firm Consult My Agent, LLC, which specializes in small and medium business marketing. The firm has been tasked with enhancing the profile of The 9 Month Club in the United States, Australia and the UK.
“We are delighted to work with such a dynamic and growing organization like The 9 Month Club,” said Angie Robert, president, Consult My Agent, LLC. “There is so much potential for promoting their services. Every one we tell about The 9 Month Club wishes they would have thought of that idea first. They are a perfect fit into our existing suite of health, wellness and fitness-based clientele”
Robert added that her firm has a solid track record for promoting new companies looking to expand, and it has a niche practice specializing in marketing and public relations for fitness-based organizations.
The 9 Month Club has daily Web-based fitness videos, an online networking site and the latest news and trends in pregnancy health. For more information on The 9 Month Club, visit www.the9monthclub.com.
San Diego-based Consult My Agent, LLC is a full-service marketing and communications firm for small and medium businesses. Its services range from publication relations, social media strategies, general marketing, and more. For more information about Consult My Agent’s service offerings, visit www.consultmyagent.com.
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The Arthritis Foundation San Diego Area Chapter recently held it annual Jingle Bell Run, which proved to be very successful. The success was in part by its adaptability to new media and marketing trends. This year, the Arthritis Foundation utilized an integrated social media tool that targeted Twitter, Facebook and viral video users.
Read on for the story:
Blackbaud, Inc. announced today that the Arthritis Foundation San Diego, the first nonprofit to use its Friends Asking Friends(R) technologywhen it launched nine years ago, held its 17th annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk on Saturday, and achieved unprecedented success by integrating social media channels with the solution. Arthritis Foundation used new Facebook(R), Twitter(R) and personalized solicitation video applications this year, integrated with BlackbaudSphere(TM) Friends Asking Friends, to raise awareness and help participants raise more funds in support of its annual event. Austin-based Charity Dynamics partnered with Blackbaud to create a personalized video (http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=316227) and launch Boundless Fundraising(TM), a Facebookapplication integrated withFriends Asking Friends that tied into participants’ personal fundraising pages. The organization was able to boost its overall fundraising results for this year’s event by 22 percent and its participation by 15 percent by leveraging social media tools integrated with Friends Asking Friends technology.
“The personalized video was an easy and fun way for participants to spread the word about their involvement in the event and ask for donations,” said Andrea Muir, director of development at the Arthritis Foundation San Diego. “Withits integration with Friends Asking Friends, supporters were able to make a donation directly from the video page. In addition, the built-in Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube(R) integration in Blackbaud Sphere provided participants new ways to reach out to their networks.”
For full story, click here.
This past year brought change to many of us. For me, it brought this new endeavor of CMA, lots of learning - and YOU!
As 2009 winds down into the holiday season, let us reflect on our countless blessings in loved ones, friends and business associates.
We appreciate your friendship, business, partnership, referrals and insight, and look forward to continued work with you next year.
Happy holidays and warm wishes for a wonderful 2010.
SAN DIEGO – Dec. 8, 2009 – Building on a decade of marketing and communications experience, Angie Robert has been named vice president of professional development for the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) San Diego.
In this volunteer role, Robert, president of Consult My Agent, LLC, will be responsible for securing guest speakers, polling the IABC member base for desired topics and coordinating monthly professional development events. 
“The local chapter was named mid-sized chapter of the year last year and is known for producing well-attended and –received professional development events,” said Stephanie Grant, president-elect, IABC San Diego chapter. “To continue this track record of excellence, we align ourselves with dedicated volunteers and community leaders like Angie.”
As an international organization founded in 1970, the IABC provides a professional network of almost 16,000 business communication professionals in more than 70 countries. The San Diego chapter has grown significantly over the past few years and now has more than 100 members.
“To be an effective professional communicator, it is essential to stay abreast of the latest trends in the industry,” said Robert. “It is an honor to be affiliated with so many esteemed communications professionals through IABC. I’m looking forward to learning from them and developing a dynamic slate of events for 2010.”
IABC’s monthly professional development sessions cover a variety of topics and are offered in a relaxed and social setting. IABC’s web site contains a robust library of how-to articles and case studies of successful communication in the real world. Available only to members and accessible 24 hours a day, this content is designed to help guide members through countless professional situations and challenges. For more information on the IABC San Diego, visit www.sandiego.iabc.com.
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There are people and companies all around us doing amazing things. It is time we celebrate them for being the stars that they are.
This blog is designed to highlight everyday superstars and super brands in a way that illustrates how your company can utilize the same superstar tactics to better market your organization.
