Summer Brand Camp kicked off, for me, with a Pre-Conference boot camp for Social Media with @blogging4jobs and @houseofbrew. Jessica and Jonathan are amazing at what they do and have such a connection with their audience. If you are interested in making meaningful engagements with your audience, they are perfect examples to follow. With that said, I went to their workshop to learn more about engagement with my audience through social media. There are many lessons to learn from these incredible people and I would recommend following them both on twitter @blogging4jobs and @houseofbrew. They host webinars that will help you become a social media expert, even though you missed out on Summer Brand Camp. Due to working long hours and driving 6 1/2 hours to get to Dallas, Pedro and I were very tired after the welcome and Pre-Conference workshops so we turned in for the night to get rested up for the following day. Day 2 began with Joni Doolin, aka @luckypenny, showing us how to build our brands “based on culture that is unique, sticky, and OURS!” She asked what our digital legacy would be? When our great great great grandchildren Google us, what will they find? She also explained that it doesn’t matter how many social networks you are on or how many followers, fans, or friends you have. It’s all about authenticity, engagement, and relevance. She ended with a quote. “If you’re not in the business of improving people’s lives, you’re not going to be in business.” “Be Kind, Be True, Be Brave” Sally Smith, CEO of Buffalo Wild Wings. Her focus was building guest interaction and more importantly engagement. Guest research and a constant focus on sharing the story of your company with staff and guest to build brand loyalty. Going that extra mile is no longer optional. We have to passionately and intently make our guests feel like they are home. Michael Long, Rackspace. “Be Honest, Be Truthful” was a quote Michael said early on in his presentation that caught my attention. We are leaders in our industry whether we are at the top of the organization, or on the frontline. Our number on goal is taking care of our people. If our teams are happy, then our guests are always happy. How do you keep your people happy? Michael says, be truthful, be transparent, clearly define issues and be honest. When you do those things, you will attract people who want to help. Be fanatical in the support of your staff and guests. The success of your organization is based on principles, not practices so clearly define who you are as an organization and live it every day. Joe Gerstandt & Jason Lauritsen, Talent Anarchy. “STAY AWAY FROM NORMAL” Never be afraid to fly your freak flag. Joe and Jason had a unique approach to success and business. Ask yourself these thought provoking quesitons. Who are you? What are you here for? What is your gift? Support the answers to those questions with evidence and that will push you forward in finding out what makes you unique. Joe and Jason also reinforce that you shouldn’t worry about how to figure it all out. Be authentic, play, and above all else try anything. Nate Dapore, People Matter. Engagement is the answer. No longer can we talk at our guests. If we don’t engage with our guests in our demographics most used channels, we have already lost. Utilize and incredible tool for brand promotion that you have already spent the money on, your team. No one will be a better advocate for your brand than the team you have in place. Train your team, educate your team, and empower your team and they will take your engagement to levels never before seen. All ideas begin with a conversation, so let’s talk it up. Simon T. Bailey, All I can say about Simon is WOW. Amazing energy, incredible philosophies. and perfect delivery. Who you are is more important than your title. It’s not about what I’m getting!! Simon asks, “What would you do if you couldn’t fail?” The jewel of Simon’s presentation is his description of the Vuja De Moment. It’s the opposite of Deja Vu. It’s looking at a situation before it presents itself and having an answer to the problem. It’s not being comfortable with being comfortable. It’s opening yourself to accept a different way of thinking. It’s allowing yourself to change or you will be changed by change. Embracing change or being left behind. Watch Simon explain the “Vuja De Moment” on People Report’s YouTube Channel. Amanda Hite, BTC Revolutions. There isn’t enough time or space for me to do justice to how amazing Amanda is to all around here. #bethechange is the hashtag to follow on twitter for the movements Amanda and her team are supporting. Amanda is an industry changer with her warm heart and social media muscle. She speaks from the heart and it shows. Please take the time to listen to her speak about the difference we can make if we just get engaged. Amanda at PRS Camp. Unless you experience, … [Read more...]