Derek Beere
July 22, 2010
1. Great post Suzi, I enjoyed reading it!

   It’s an interesting time for a lot of brands as they try to discover new ways to break through the clutter, how they can best reach and serve their audiences, and a lot of the time, how can they do all of this (and more) without big advertising budgets.

   I couldn’t help but think of a personal experience. I had the amazing opportunity of working with the Krispy Kreme brand when it was launched here in Connecticut. Talk about a true passion brand that relied on zero advertising and mostly on word of mouth and a public relations strategy to generate that excitement and chatter. To me, it’s always been the world of public relations that helps a brand truly connect with their audience and it seems like a lot of the presenters at this conference touched on a lot of tried-and-true PR tactics. For example, Maker’s Mark inviting bloggers to test product, Zappos and their amazing customer service, etc. All are brand touch points focused on positive experiences that ultimately inspire their audiences to do what they want most: talk about them!

   Good stuff! See you around,
   Derek

Suzi Craig
July 22, 2010
2. Really good point Derek — the missing link is PR. And I see the approach in PR these days is along the lines of the Brian Solis’ of the world: http://www.briansolis.com. If you haven’t read his book Engage, do it now. He was at this conference as well (I didn’t sit in on his session because I’ve heard him before).

   The new PR is not controlling the message, it’s connecting the dots to get the right people in your conversation, just like you said. We’re all trying to make something interesting happen — the trick is playing matchmaker and instigator to make it happen!

Rohit
July 22, 2010
3. Suzi,
   Thanks for this great recap and for offering your takeaways on the conference. I’ll be sharing your post in a tweet not only because I found it highly engaging to read, but because I love your choice to focus on quotes and key takeaways rather than trying to capture the conference verbatim. This is, in my humble opinion, the way to write a recap post. Thanks for a great read!

   R

Suzi Craig
July 22, 2010
4. Rohit –

   Thanks so much for your feedback. As much as I can, I try to bring the mojo of a real world experience to those who were unable to be there. It’s so hard to replicate an in-person experience through an online channel. I struggle with connecting the dots but am intent on bridging that gap as much as possible.

   I’m glad you found it interesting enough to share. You totally just made my day!

   Many thanks.

deko web tasarım
August 5, 2010
5. Thanks good topic ..

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Cheryl Rice
July 14, 2010
1. Great insights, Suzi! Sometimes it’s tough to figure out the best way to contribute to the conversation — but trying to force something to “go viral” is a recipe for failure. It’s better to just be honest and authentic, and to share what you know.

   I just watched the follow-up video of the guys who found the Double Rainbow Guy and interviewed him. I was so moved (okay, blubbering) over how much joy he has, with obviously so little “material” wealth. That is far from noise — it’s a great story!

Jonathan Tufano
July 15, 2010
2. Suzi,

   Great post.

   But what does it meeee-aaan?

   This is a fantastic example of the power of authenticity, in today’s world of hollow offers and false claims, authenticity rings true.

   People are desperate for it. They can’t get enough of it. It almost seems to good to be true, but it sure seems like the more real and true to themselves organizations (or people for that matter) are, the more successful they will be, and happier too…

   I’m starting to think that rainbow guy is onto something…

Peter Larson
July 18, 2010
3. Great article, Suzi. Good food for thought for 35+ curmudgeons like me.

   I agree with your spirit in making online conversations what we need them to be (meaningful). That spirit aligns with so much else that we see going on in the world around us; a growing collective realization that we have to find methods to change mechanisms that we once thought were unchangeable. Although the web is changing all the time, I think we still see it as this thing with its own inertia, and feel too small to make it what it needs to be.

   It’s a giant shift for those of the older generations to invest the time in this form of communication. Our good old business world is used to directly correlating action to result. Engagement in the correct online conversations can be more indirect and long-term.

   Sorting through the noise is daunting…we need to each use our own compass to not be overwhelmed, but to see where the meaningful thinking/conversations are and then to be willing to invest the time in them. This is particularly hard…There is so much out there!

Suzi Craig
July 19, 2010
4. Pete: You are spot on in calling it “this thing with its own inertia.”

   Not to overgeneralize but it does seem like the younger set owns the web because they see a purpose in that ownership, just like they see a purpose in getting a degree or buying an iPhone. In talking about feeling too small to make change, do we think the online world belongs to those who are already immersed in its language and culture? If that’s the case, are we battling more than the technology barrier, and also slipping into a Jets v. Sharks atmosphere?

   Or, is it simply that we cannot visualize tomorrow’s manifestation from today’s current potential? Yet, what it will be is 100% up to what we start doing today. Not just that other guy already on here. You, me and that guy.

   Like everything else that requires a new way of thinking, we need to step back and assess where we are so we can distance ourselves from current habits. Great — you’re on Twitter blasting away. But, as our Double Rainbow friend would say: what does it mean?

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Suzi Craig
May 28, 2010
1. “Be a viscous editor” and stop adding to the noise. You are so spot on Bruce.

   In social media channels, I sometimes find myself rambling and getting all my thoughts out there in a brain dump because it’s just easier and faster (although Twitter forces you to “letter press” your thinking).

   Clarity, brevity and the confidence to write succinctly is getting lost.

   I like the Hatch Show Print approach. I will consider this when the volume of my writing amps up in a post or email. Is your writing better without the extra explanation? Are some things better left unsaid?

   Answer is always yes and yes.

Bruce Kaechele
June 1, 2010
2. Seems to me, with the consensus-by-repetition that “content is king”, we have fallen into the age of “let me show you how much I know.” Of course, as in music, the beauty is as much in the space between notes as it is in the notes themselves. It lets the listener’s ears rest. In conversation, it allows others to contribute.

   Do you think it’s from a fear of being shown up - not being seen as the smartest in the room - the need to be the one who gets credit?

32 lcd tv
June 16, 2010
3. Cool I like it, this is nice blog you have here!

Sharon
June 18, 2010
4. I just wanted to say your blog is one of the nicely laid out, most inspirational I’ve come across in quite a while. Thx!

Bruce Kaechele
June 18, 2010
5. Sharon, thanks for your kind words. We try really hard to add new thinking - not just add to the noise that is becoming more deafening everyday. Would love to hear what you have to say about some of our specific posts. Engage us in conversation - it’s what we love. Thanks again.

   Bruce

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Jenn
April 28, 2010
1. You have no idea how hard it was for me to resist stealing those Girl Scout cookies when they sat on your desk while you were gone for Spring Break. It was a pleasure working with you - good luck with all you do Corrie!

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Ed Kuryluk
March 30, 2010
1. Suzi, great post! I feel your joy and pain. Smile, this is all a good thing. And heading in the right direction. I don’t know what direction that is, but at some point in the future we are all going to look at this as “remember when?” CT Tweet Crawl is leaving a mark.

   Anyhow, I just got home from our second Infinite Mind Share. Our audience is strong, yet the common theme is “Fairfield County hasn’t embraced online networking”. The opportunity is ours. As I’ve told you before, Amy and I will carry the torch for Fairfield County (actually I’d be honored!). We have two events under our belts, the next one (April 27th) is nailed down, May is in the works, and june or july is being tossed around (beach, fireworks…hmmm!)

   Count us in as producers for the Fairfield County version of the CT Tweet Crawl!

Kathy Hokunson
March 31, 2010
2. Hey Suzi-
   We all appreciate your efforts and energy bringing this virtual group of friends together in such a huge way IRL. We are happy to rally and keep this great ball of energy moving forward.

   Rebecca and I are putting together the May event details and will let you know soon.

   Again big THANKS to you and Fathom.

Seshu
March 31, 2010
3. I concur with my friend Ed that this heading in the right direction. I would only add, though, that having one producer and a co-producer for each town would be wise. I would be happy to take on Avon/Simsbury. Looking for a partner who will join me in this wonderful adventure. TweetCrawls have been great for me and my business and this will be an opportunity for me to give back. Do let me know when and where the next Infinite Mindshare Meetup is going to be. I would love to lend a hand.

Cindy Panioto
March 31, 2010
4. Suzi, although I have yet to make one Crawl, I love the whole concept and apprciate your new direction to keep the movement growing! I’d love to help and wiling to co-produce in the Avon, Canton, Simbury area, Seshu. We have so many small businesses to spread the social media word to and I know we could have a great set of Crawls in the Farmington Valley.

Ed Kuryluk
March 31, 2010
5. @seshu The next Infinite Mind Share will be at Taco Loco in Black Rock (Bridgeport) on April 27th 6-8. They just won Best Margarita in Fairfield County from Fairfield County Weekly (and this is like the 4th time in a row). They have created a special Infinite Mind Share margarita for the evening! All are welcome. Join the Facebook page to keep up with our goings on.

   Best,
   Ed

Seshu
March 31, 2010
6. Cindy - Please contact me - fei8ht at gmail dot com. I look forward to meeting you!

   Ed - I’ll try and make the IMS meetup. With kids it’s a little tricky to get away for the evening. I’ll do my very best to be there.

Mike @2ndot
March 31, 2010
7. Hey Suzi

   You know me always up to the challenge, I’ll talk to Diana and see about doing one in Middletown, or if she’s too busy, I’ll plan one for Farmington a new restaurant just opened on the Farmington River, tight by George’s. They are supposed to be building a deck along the river so that would be a fun one.

   Thanks again for all your efforts, I would never of met so many great people if it wasn’t for you.

   Mike…

Ed Kuryluk
March 31, 2010
8. @seshu I hear you about the kid thing. Kept me from a couple of TweetCrawls too

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Brent Robertson
March 26, 2010
1. What is interesting about this is if you think about why you might go back to the same place to purchase again, it might be less about the product and more about the experience. Clients come to you because they need help with something, but they come back again and again because of the experience they had with you. Understanding the magic of the experience you deliver through your clients eyes is the critical insight as to how to understand, improve and train your team to perpetuate that experience.

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