Sponsorship profile: Rogers Communications & Influencer Relations
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This post comes from Mary Pretotto (who some of you might know as @RogersMary), Senior Manager, Social Media Community at Rogers Communications Inc., Canada’s largest provider of wireless voice and data communications services.
We are very pleased to have Rogers as a sponsor at this year’s Social Capital Conference (SoCapOtt) for the third year in a row. In this post, Mary shares insight into Rogers’ social media relations strategy and shares details of her influencer relations session at this year’s conference.
I joined Rogers’ Social Media Team in 2009 and I’m responsible for managing Rogers’ online reputation and influencer relations program. As part of that, we have a command center where we monitor online conversation, engage in non-customer service conversations, and provide our internal teams with actionable insights.
We take part in social media so we can learn from our customers and help where we can. We also have dedicated community managers who proactively engage online and create content for our various social media properties. So in other words, we read a lot and tweet a lot ;-)
We Love the Social Capital Conference!
We have been a sponsor of Social Capital from the very beginning and we’re thrilled to be a sponsor again. We’re huge fans of this conference! It’s a great opportunity for us to make new friends and meet others in real life that we interact with online on a daily basis. The sessions are always insightful and relevant, presented from a wide range of speakers and experiences.
Listening is Key
Listening is the best thing you can do as a practitioner in social media. By just scanning tweets, catching up on blogs/comments, and having conversations with my peers, I learn the most on a daily basis. Trends, apps, and programs all come and go but knowing where to find the information you need and the sources you trust is invaluable.
On June 1st, I’ll be presenting a case study session titled, Influencer Relations – Not all are created equal, at the third annual Social Capital Conference. We’ll take an in-depth look at how to to approach various influencer groups — be it tech, family, youth, etc. — in a way that benefits both parties. I’ll share how Rogers is working with influencers, bloggers and ambassadors in creative and innovative ways.
Register for the Social Capital Conference
If you’re interested in Mary’s session on influencer relations then you need to register for SoCapOtt! Tickets are on sale now (oh, and did you hear about the nifty contest running now until May 20thth? Check it out…)
Connect with Mary on June 1st at SoCapOtt, or find her on Twitter at @MaryPretotto or @RogersMary. Thank you to Rogers Communications for its continued support of the Social Capital Conference!
Join us for a #SoCapOtt Twitter Chat May 23rd!
We just love the opportunity to connect with the Social Capital Conference (SoCapOtt) community in advance of the conference. So we’re hosting another Twitter chat! That’s right, the first two were AMAZING and we know this one will be too.
We have prizes!
This Twitter chat is sponsored by the Future Shop and they’ve given us a couple of cameras to give away during the chat!
So with the conference just 15 sleeps away (have you purchased your ticket yet?), we’re inviting you to get on our your favourite Twitter chat client and join on for some engaging and educational conversation on Thursday, May 23rd.
What: Social Capital Conference Twitter Chat
When: Thursday, May 23rd from 8 to 9 pm
Where: On Twitter of course!
Who: You (please join us!) and your hosts @larawellman and @karen_c_wilson
Why: To bring together some of the industry’s most engaging adventurers for an hour of discussion on the trends, issues and best practices of this digital medium.
How: Follow your hosts @larawellman and @karen_c_wilson. Use the hashtag #socapott to contribute to the discussion. You can also use a Twitter client like Tweetchat, Tweetdeck, HootSuite, TweetGrid, etc. to make following the chat stream easier.
If you’ve never participated in a Twitter chat before, here are some great tips on why you should.
What are your burning social media questions?
We always love input from the SoCapOtt community on what we should talk about. If you’d like to cover any specific topics during the chat, leave a comment below or email us at info@socialcapitalconference.ca.
Hope to see you online May 23rd!
Ticket giveaway: nominate someone and win a full conference pass
One of the best parts of social tools is the rapid spread of news, helpful information and community support.
Some examples of ways that social media has been used to provide assistance include:
The Hello Bar after the Japan earthquake in 2011
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Jenny the Bloggess’ red dress movement
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Helene Campbell’s Give2Live campaign
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Twestival – a worldwide event that raised funds locally as a global movement
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#NoMoreBullies movement to educate about bullying and its effect on individuals and society
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Losing it in Ottawa support community for healthy living
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Col. Chris Hadfield’s ISS updates that brought new life to the Canadian Space Agency
These are but a handful of examples that show the power of social media to bring people together.
To help individuals, a community, a country or simply to give each of us the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
We know there are many more examples of good work being done through social media. Sometimes the work makes the world a better place for an individual. Sometimes for a large group of people. Either way, these efforts are about making the world a better place.
Tell us about someone making a difference
Who do you know that is making an impact on the world through social media? We want to hear about it.
Tell us how this super awesome individual is using social media for good, and why you chose to nominate them. We’ll review the nominations and select one deserving person to win a full conference pass to the 2013 Social Capital Conference (SoCapOtt).
But wait — there’s something in it for you too! The winner of this ticket giveaway gets the bring the person who nominated them to the conference too!
Yes, that’s right – TWO full conference passes: one for the nominee and one for the person who makes the nomination.
Nominate someone awesome for the SoCapOtt ticket giveaway
To nominate a deserving individual, simply fill out the form below. We’ll take it from there! You have until Monday, May 20 at midnight to submit your nomination.
We’ll announce the winner of this ticket giveaway here on the SoCapOtt blog next Wednesday, May 22! Good luck!
SoCapOtt afternoon workshops announced!
Have you seen the awesome lineup of workshops available May 31st as part of this year’s Social Capital Conference? Well we’re pleased to announce more workshop goodness.
The workshop day is made up of 2 3-hour workshops, the first from 9am – 1pm and the second from 1:30 – 4:30 pm. Here are the afternoon workshops you should consider adding to your workshop agenda.
Use Webinars to Generate Leads
Session leader: Gini Dietrich of Arment Dietrich and Spin Sucks
As communicators, we are often asked to create content that helps to generate leads, but what the heck does it mean? During the workshop, you will learn how to use webinars specifically to generate leads. But we don’t stop there. You’ll also learn how to nurture those leads until they’re ready to make a purchase. Your sales team will think you a hero and bestow many gifts upon you.
Side note: Gini is also our opening keynote speaker for SoCapOtt!
Social Media Research and Monitoring
Session leader: Shawna Tregunna of ReSoMe (short for Relevant Social Media!)
In this workshop we will review what you can and should be monitoring (Hint: It’s not just your company name!), how to effectively search for relevant mentions and conversations directly on Twitter, Google+, and other channels, how to use free web tools to monitor blogs and forums and a comparison of free services, low cost services and full service monitoring systems ($$!!).
We will then look at some sample reports for participants and discuss what the data means and how you can use it to your brands advantage.
From Zero to Podcasting
Session leader: Mark Blevis of MarkBlevis.com
Never underestimate the power of audio to tell a story, spread a message and engage an audience. Better quality audio production technology is now available at cheaper prices. All-in-one podcast production apps are available for your mobile device as well. There’s almost no reason you shouldn’t be publishing audio for the web, or podcasts for RSS distribution.
Mark Blevis will take you from zero-to-podcasting in next to no time. So, bring your ideas, laptop and/or smartphone and/or tablet, and your caffeinated mind for a fun afternoon. The rest is up to you.
Register for the SoCapOtt Workshops
If you’re interested in the workshop sessions shared above then get yourself registered!
Visit the workshop page for more information on all of the workshops and we hope to see you there!
James Howe: Forget about viral videos! Reach your key audience
James Howe is passionate about helping charities and non-profits use social media to get the biggest bang for their communications buck.
Before launching Communicate & Howe! as a full service communications firm in 2010, James was Director of Communications for the YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo. Before that he communicated for Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank, and he’s the founder of Social Media Breakfast: Waterloo Region.
It’s obvious that supporting the communities in which he lives and works is incredibly important to James.
In this post, James sets the stage for his Social Capital Conference session Integrate video into your social media strategy, where he’ll share how to effectively use video as a strategic piece of your overall content marketing strategy.
Everyone wants the next viral video
A kid practicing his light sabre moves has one. A blender manufacturer has many. A set of twin babies has one. And just about everybody’s cat stars in one.
Everyone wants the next viral video. We conveniently gloss over the fact that viral is not a type of video but rather what happens when people watch a video that they feel compelled to share. So you should give up on thinking you can create a viral video.
But…you probably shouldn’t even want a viral video
While millions of views might make you famous (on YouTube anyway), what good does that do if 99% of them are outside your key audience? Or if people in your key audience view it but they miss the message—or worse—fail to respond to your call to action?
Few organizations or businesses are creating videos purely for their entertainment value. We almost always have a set of goals or objectives that normally result from an effective call to action. Or we should.
Make video an integrated part of your communications strategy
There’s no point having a video—no matter how great it is or how viral it goes–unless it is part of a strategy. And while that could mean a social media strategy, online strategy or communications strategy, I suggest its best if your video is part of your overall communications strategy—or as I like to call it the “big picture.”
Rather than thinking because you posted a video online that people know about, realize that they may not, even if they are active online.
Video is content marketing – but make it interesting!
But let’s zoom in a bit and look at two hot trends. There was a lot of buzz as we entered the New Year that 2013 will be the year of video. We also keep hearing more and more about the importance of content marketing. Putting it all together, I recommend you look at how video can play a central role in your content marketing strategy.
It’s important that you understand how to effectively use video to capture people’s attention and tell stories.
Case in point: a video that reached its audience
Here’s a video that is a part of a series in an awareness campaign for Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region:
Our objective for this photovoice project was to have young women share the signs of domestic abuse with their peers.
Your video should meet its purpose
Who needs a viral video if you can be confident your video has touched the desired key audience and improved their lives?
On June 1st at the Social Capital Conference, I’ll delve deeper into how we used video as part of an integrated awareness campaign for Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. Join me for an informative and interactive session on how to use video as a strategic piece of your overall content marketing strategy.
Register for the Social Capital Conference
You can follow James on Twitter or better yet – connect with him in person at the Social Capital Conference. He’s part of a fabulous group of speakers we have lined up for this year’s conference. See you at SoCapOtt!
Speaker profile: Bob LeDrew on why you are stupid
What I like about Bob LeDrew is that he tells it like it is. His unique blend of authenticity, sharp wit and approachability make you pay attention when he has insight to share.
An award-winning blogger and communications professional, Bob currently runs Translucid Communications, teaches at Algonquin College and Eliquo Training and Development, and works in the folk and roots music industry.
Ya, so not busy at all.
In his Social Capital Conference (SoCapOtt) session Why you are stupid, Bob will guide attendees in an evaluation of some of the most common — and most preventable — mistakes made by organizations embarking into social media strategies.
His session will be more than a little irreverent, and will draw on local and international examples of social media stupidity. You’ll walk away with a richer understanding that social media doesn’t liberate you from being thoughtful and strategic.
But don’t take my word for it. Instead, watch this fabulous video that Bob put together to promote his session:
That’s one sweet ukulele, and to borrow from Johnny Nash – after Bob’s session you really will “see clearly now.” (I couldn’t resist the pun.)
Register for the Social Capital Conference
To learn how not to be stupid using social media, you need to register for SoCapOtt. As Bob says in his video – if you aren’t registered then don’t delay!
Connect with Bob on Twitter or his Flacklife Blog. Better yet, register for the Social Capital Conference and connect with Bob in person.
Flash Sale: Early bird is coming back for a one-day encore!
You know what they say about the early bird getting the best price? Or maybe it’s the worm? Something like that.
Well, we want to give some not-so-early birds one last chance, so our early bird pricing is coming back on May 8th for just one day! Once the prices are gone, they won’t be coming back again this year.
The prices for the Early Bird ENCORE! are:
- Conference only = $119
- Workshop only = $229
and the BEST DEAL EVER:
- Workshop & Conference = $249
Pre-Conference Workshop Day
Let’s chat a little more about this Workshop Day we keep talking about!
While our conference sessions are full of amazing information, we wanted to give attendees an opportunity to really dig in and get hands-on with some pertinent topics.
We’ve arranged for eight different workshops for you to choose from. Each one is a three-hour long session with no more than 20 participants and you’ll get to pick TWO! An expert on each subject will provide you with the knowledge to leave the day ready to produce. You can check out the full line-up of workshop sessions here.
Don’t miss out and don’t wait to buy a Workshop Day pass – there are only 80 spots available and registration for each workshop will be first come, first served. (Actually, there aren’t 80 spots available anymore because people have been buying them up!)
The Conference
As usual, you can #expectawesome from the Social Capital Conference. This year’s speaker lineup and streams make us think deciding what sessions to attend will be the hardest part of the day. Thank goodness we don’t have to choose between our keynote speakers, Gini Dietrich and Danny Brown!
*Please note that we are not able to refund ticket purchases to match the discount or in the event you cannot attend. If you are unable to attend the conference, let us know and we’ll help get the word out that your ticket is for sale.
Speaker profile: Danielle Donders on the right way to find and use image online
Danielle Donders is a woman who spends life with a camera in one hand and a computing device of some sort in the other.
As a portrait and freelance photographer, Danielle’s images have appeared in magazines such as Macleans, Good Housekeeping, Ottawa and Ottawa Family Living, on websites such as LonelyPlanet.com and Businessweek.com, as well as in calendars, greeting cards and promotional products.
To name a few.
Guaranteed you’ve come across one of Danielle’s images at some point in your online and print reading adventures.
She has been blogging about raising a family in Ottawa for most of the last decade at danigirl.ca, and we’re really excited to have Danielle speak at this year’s Social Capital Conference (SoCapOtt) on a topic we could all use a little more understanding of.
In her session Royalty-images aren’t free: finding and using images online without getting sued, Danielle will share, well…how to do exactly that. You’ll learn strategies for finding great images that you can use on your blog or website, and how to protect yourself from serious legal consequences from running afoul of copyright legislation.
To help set the stage for what you’ll learn during her session, Danielle created this cool infographic. Being a visual artist, what a perfect way to get you geared up for her session.
Register for SoCapOtt
To learn the ins and outs of Creative Commons and the consequences of violating copyright when it comes to using images you don’t own, then you need to attend Danielle’s session. SoCapOtt tickets are on sale now so get yours!
Follow Danielle on Twitter and be sure to check out her visual-tastic blog.
Sponsorship profile – Thornley Fallis Communications
Thornley Fallis proudly supports Ottawa’s thriving online community. That’s why, for the
second year running, the company is sponsoring the 2013 Social Capital Conference (SoCapOtt).
Sherrilynne Starkie (@sherrilynne), vice-president, content marketing & social media for Thornley Fallis, shares a few words here about about the agency’s continued support of SoCapOtt.
As social media platforms, tools and best practices change and grow in number, so does the need for opportunities to learn and share knowledge. The Social Capital Conference is ideal for those with a desire to network and learn from others, and we’re behind it 100%.
Based in Ottawa and Toronto, Thornley Fallis Communications is an integrated communications agency serving a broad range of public, private and not-for-profit organizations. Thornley Fallis is known for developing smart solutions that are based on solid communications best practices and integrating leading-edge online tools and tactics.
We’re about connecting people to people, and supporting a conference like SoCapOtt is a great way for us to do that.
Speaking of SoCapOtt…
I’ll be leading a session at SoCapOtt this year titled Mastering Member Communications in the Social Media Ecosystem that focuses on social media and change management. Delivered as a case study presentation, you’ll learn how Thornley Fallis is supporting the United Association (UA) Canada design and deploy a member communications programs using social media.
I’ll also share how UA is building direct customer relationships when communications is ‘owned by’ regional branches, chapters, franchises or partners. Any organization that depends on branches, chapters, franchises or partners for customer communications can learn from this approach.
But you’ve got to be at the Social Capital Conference to learn more!
Register for the Social Capital Conference
We truly appreciate Thornley Fallis’ continued support of the Social Capital Conference. If you want to attend Sherrilynne’s session then you need to register! Visit our workshop page and our sessions page to learn about the learning opportunities available at SoCapOtt.
Follow Thornley Fallis on Twitter, like them on Facebook, and read their blog for great insight on social PR, content marketing and so much more.
Speaker profile – Cocktail Deeva is born…
If you don’t know who Dee Brun is then you’re in for a real treat.
Dee – aka The Cocktail Deeva – is, in a word, hilarious.
She’s also incredibly clever, having a built a remarkable brand for herself that is uniquely hers. And Dee is one busy lady.
Dee is an award-winning author, TV personality, resident cocktailista on the show Steven & Chris, celebrity event planner, Food & Drink Stylist, Home Entertaining Maven, writer, humorist, wife, mother of 4, TV Junkie, shoe-aholic, and borderline George Clooney stalker.
But she does not juggle.
In this post Dee shares how she came to develop her brand and it sets the stage for what you’ll learn from Dee’s Social Capital Conference (SoCapOtt) session:
This One Time at Brand Camp
The question I get asked most often, besides ‘What is George Clooney like in bed?’ is, ‘How did you come up with Cocktail Deeva?’. Truth is, I didn’t. Before becoming the Cocktail Deeva, I was working in sales and marketing in the consumer packaged goods space for companies like Coke and Mars.
When I fell in love with my husband, he convinced me to go after my dreams. So, I quit my job in 2005 to write my first book, Libations of Life, A Girls Guide to Life One Cocktail at a Time.
It was actually on my book tour in 2007 in Calgary when the lovely Breakfast Television host gave me the idea for my personal brand name. I was breastfeeding my six-week-old son at the time, number three and wanted to look good for the camera. No small task.
So, I decided to get all glammed up for the interview – wearing HUGE blingy earrings, big ring, fab shoes and killer eye make up. All to distract from my leaky breasts, bag ridden eyes and extra baby weight I was carrying around. After all the camera adds 10 pounds; in my case 20. I’m an over achiever.
The fab host then turned to me and said “Wow, look at you. You look like a Diva, you’re like the Cocktail Diva”. I went home that day and bought the URL and signed up for all of the social media profiles. The name stuck.
Changing the spelling of “diva” to “deeva” was a really big part of personalizing my brand – because it represents my name. A lot of business people actually told me not to change the spelling because it would make it hard for people to find me. Of course, being me, I ignored their advice. I believe that as long as your name says what you do, you can make it work.
I also really wanted to live the brand that I’d created for myself within my book.
In 2005, the Sex and the City TV show was really popular and I was inspired by how Carrie Bradshaw had built her brand as a writer. I really saw myself in her (I saw myself in her closet more).
I built my persona around three things that I love: booze, shoes (just like Carrie) and Boyz, how George Clooney came to play of course.
People know that’s what I like because I talk about it all the time. It’s amazing to me how people share links to stories or pictures on my Facebook page and Twitter about those topics. I’ve learned that it’s really important that people know everything about you in one to two clicks. Society has no attention span.
What does BRAND mean to me?
B- Be
R- Real
A- and
N- Never
D- Doubt
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Y- Yourself… Oh there I going making things into Booze again…Cheers.
Want more Cocktail Deeva goodness? Get yourself to SoCapOtt!
During Dee’s session you’ll learn what it takes to make your Brand timeless. You’ll have the tools to critique your own brand and identify the elements that are and aren’t working. You’ll also learn how to use social media effectively to support and build your brand.
But to learn all that brand awesomeness, you need to register for SoCapOtt. So don’t delay!
Dee would love to hear from you. You can connect with her on Twitter or at www.cocktaildeeva.com.