Scott Monty

When Interests Collide

Why do people blog? I'm sure there are a lot of reasons, from marketing to ego to reducing stress. For me, it's mostly because I enjoy the topics that I'm writing about - I have a passion for them, I enjoy sharing what I've learned and learning about what other people are thinking of the same subject. If I can help someone discover something or spark a conversation about a thought, then I'm very happy. My blogs are pretty wide-reaching, from the one you're reading (my main blog) to the <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/">Baker Street Blog</a>, about one of my literary interests, to <a href="http://www.nothingcouldbefinerdiner.com/">Nothing Could Be Finer Than Being in Your Diner</a> that I write with <a href="http://www.cc-chapman.com/">C.C. Chapman</a>. So it's pretty interesting when I find something that encompasses more than one of the subjects that I write about. In this case, it combines my interest in Sherlock Holmes with Twitter (which, if you aren't a user, has been experiencing a lot of down time lately): <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_Wgi7DTsDt2g/SD6XL-shhFI/AAAAAAAAA0I/4vGt8aWxjAU/s1600-h/No+twit.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205764451350971474" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_Wgi7DTsDt2g/SD6XL-shhFI/AAAAAAAAA0I/4vGt8aWxjAU/s400/No+twit.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>Via <a href="http://www.gapingvoid.com/Moveable_Type/archives/004566.html">Hugh McLeod</a>. If you blog, I'd love to know what motivates you. Why do you keep doing it?

When Interests Collide

Why do people blog? I'm sure there are a lot of reasons, from marketing to ego to reducing stress. For me, it's mostly because I enj...

What I Saw at Streaming Media East

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Wgi7DTsDt2g/SDRvIkbX_tI/AAAAAAAAAzY/WQOePsq-Z5I/s1600-h/smeast_logo.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202905662527897298" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Wgi7DTsDt2g/SDRvIkbX_tI/AAAAAAAAAzY/WQOePsq-Z5I/s200/smeast_logo.gif" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" /></a>I was lucky enough to be invited to speak on <a href="http://www.streamingmedia.com/east/program/index.asp#session_B201">a panel at today's session of Streaming Media East</a> by <a href="http://www.chrisbrogan.com">Chris Brogan</a>. The topic was "Lifecasting: The New Broadcasting Platform," and I was seemingly the odd man out, as I was joined by the likes of Sarah Austin of <a href="http://www.pop17.com/">Pop17.com</a>, Steve Garfield of <a href="http://www.stevegarfield.com/">SteveGarfield.com</a> and Sariq Reichert of <a href="http://www.flixwagon.com/">Flixwagon</a>. I was the only one on the panel who wasn't livestreaming from a Nokia N95, so I felt a little bit out of my league. But I like to think that I added a bit of reality and business sense to the proceedings, as there were quite a few people there who, in addition to wanting to learn about lifecasting, also wanted to understand how it applies to businesses. I had a few key takeaways about lifecasting that I'd like to share with you here. Trust A question out of the gate was, "Why would advertisers be interested in this?" It's a good question that plagues a lot of social media tools. Invariably when customers are asked whom they trust most, the answer is "Someone like me." The <a href="http://www.edelman.com/trust/2008/">2008 Edelman Trust Barometer</a> Bears this out (visual below). When citizen journalists take to the airwaves with their videos, it's inherently more credible than any scripted, edited piece by a company. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Wgi7DTsDt2g/SDTNZOshg_I/AAAAAAAAAzg/QcjfI_LE868/s1600-h/Edelman+Trust.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203009302845031410" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Wgi7DTsDt2g/SDTNZOshg_I/AAAAAAAAAzg/QcjfI_LE868/s400/Edelman+Trust.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> Engagement The next (predictable) challenge was when some audience members seemed to be dismayed at the number of viewers for some livecasting shows. Numbers in the low thousands were quoted, for frame of reference. But they were missing the point that all of the viewers watch these shows because they want to; they're actively seeking out the content. My take is that, as a marketer, I'd rather have 100% engagement from 1,000 people than 1% engagement from 1 million people. Measurement I'm sure you're following the progression here. The next issue up was: "How can you tell if your viewers are engaged?" I think we all admitted that the jury's still out on this, but that the real innovators would be able to develop metrics for length of views, which content in videos is most compelling (including using embedded comments), etc. There's a lot of room for growth in this area. Content vs. personality One of the problems that I noticed is that there seems to be an abundance of data/information out there, much of which is just not that interesting. How often do I need to see someone sitting around their living room, or doing a talking head video? Puh-lease. The truly compelling content - and I'd argue verticals are key here - is what's going to be of the most interest to advertisers. This means consistency and quality. Final note When asked for our final thoughts on the future of lifecasting, I closed with what is a sneak preview of my chapter in the <a href="http://www.ageofconversation.com/">Age of Conversation 2</a>: <blockquote>When you think about it, the human race can be divided into two camps: exhibitionists and voyeurs. Between these two groups, there'll be enough fuel to keep lifecasting going for some time. Taking <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/15_minutes_of_fame">Andy Warhol's famous phrase</a> and turning it on its head, "In the future, we'll all have 15 minutes of privacy." </blockquote> Do you have any thoughts on the prevalence of lifecasting/livecasting? I'd love to hear what you have to say on the future of this nascent activity.

What I Saw at Streaming Media East

I was lucky enough to be invited to speak on a panel at today's session of Streaming Media East by Chris Brogan . The topic was "L...

An Excellent Example of Citizen Journalism: Twisney

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_Wgi7DTsDt2g/SCPLrBLT06I/AAAAAAAAAys/dCKZr2EOaHE/s1600-h/DisneyPhone.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198222334826369954" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_Wgi7DTsDt2g/SCPLrBLT06I/AAAAAAAAAys/dCKZr2EOaHE/s200/DisneyPhone.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" /></a>I'm taking a long weekend with my wife, kids and my parents to celebrate Mother's Day at Disney World. So imagine my surprise when I recently was introduced to a Twitter account <a href="http://twitter.com/twisney">@twisney</a> by <a href="http://www.doughaslam.com/">Doug Haslam</a> (<a href="http://twitter.com/DougH">@DougH</a> on Twitter). Twisney aggregates updates from anyone who uses "@twisney" in their tweets and then shares it on Twitter and on their site. Featured in today's <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/buzzwatch/2008/05/08/citizen-journalism-live-from-disney-world/?mod=WSJBlog?mod=homeblogmod_buzzwatch">Buzzwatch</a> in the Wall Street Journal, <a href="http://www.twisney.com/">Twisney.com</a>, the brainchild of Scott Mitchell, a 34 year-old Disney fan who created this site of real-time updates from individuals within the parks. The intro to the WSJ post captures it all: <blockquote>If you want to understand how citizen journalists armed with cellphones are going to change the world–and create challenges and opportunities for businesses–spend a few minutes at Twisney.com. What you’ll find there: Live updates from ordinary people walking around Disney World, using their cellphones to share their experiences with anyone who cares to take notice.</blockquote> The site has some pretty cool features, including updates that are overlaid on <a href="http://www.twisney.com/map/overview">an aerial view of the parks</a>, a collection of <a href="http://www.twisney.com/map/photos">uploaded photos</a> by date & tag, and a whole <a href="http://www.twisney.com/map/Tools">page of tools</a> on how you can use Twisney. The more I read about add-ons, apps, and creative uses of Twitter, the more I'm inspired. When a simple and elegant service comes along and changes the way people interact with each other - and opens its API (Application Programming Interface - the source code), what happens is you get seemingly limitless possibilities because of the passion, know-how, and creativity of its user base. This has happened with Twitter, again and again. I can't even begin to list all of the useful apps for Twitter because there are so many that do a variety of things. Your best bet to witness the community in action is to check out the <a href="http://twitter.pbwiki.com/Apps">Twitter Fan Wiki</a>. I believe that the brands that open themselves up to co-development by fans will benefit the most. Whether you're a consumer packaged goods company or a software startup, there are brand loyalists out there who love your stuff and want to help you succeed. Companies that greedily hoard and guard their brand will find that in the end, they'll have achieved only a shadow of what was possible had they been more open and accepting of consumer-generated content and shared intellectual property. It baffles me that there are still corporate brand Nazis out there (mostly from the legal department in large companies) who don't get this yet. What's your experience? Have you tried to co-create anything, only to be rebuked? Or even better, have you been embraced by a company who likes what you're doing with their brand? I'd love to know. Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.eprice.com.tw/mobile/news/?news_id=3272">Eprice.com.tw</a>

An Excellent Example of Citizen Journalism: Twisney

I'm taking a long weekend with my wife, kids and my parents to celebrate Mother's Day at Disney World. So imagine my surprise when I...

Back to Basics: B2B

<a href="http://www.marketingprofs.com/events/4/program" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197105255194809698" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_Wgi7DTsDt2g/SB_TsbQz1WI/AAAAAAAAAyc/eQZiVxZQN7w/s200/MarketingProfs_badge1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" /></a>When I first started writing this blog, it was focused on social media in the b-to-b space. I was working at a B2B agency at the time so it made sense, plus I saw a lot of potential. 
 
Fast forward to today. I've broadened the focus of the blog (sacrilege!) but I've probably become better known for offering perspectives on the tools and my level of knowledge in general (or you tell me what I'm known for). But occasionally I dabble back into business-to-business applications, because there are some worthy examples and that market is finally starting to catch up. 
 
Which makes a perfect segue to refer to a conference at which I'll be speaking in Boston next month: the <a href="http://www.marketingprofs.com/events/4/program">Marketing Profs Business to Business Forum 2008</a>. There are going to be <a href="http://www.marketingprofs.com/events/4/speakers">some heavy hitters</a> there, talking about all sorts of marketing in the b-to-b space: 
<ul>
<li>Marketing Profs own Roy Young and <a href="http://www.annhandley.com/">Ann Handley</a> will be there;</li>
<li><a href="http://www.conversationagent.com/">Valeria Maltoni</a>, that Conversation Agent, will talk about making your site engaging for your customers;</li>
<li>My colleague <a href="http://gregverdino.typepad.com/">Greg Verdino</a> will walk everyone through the essence behind how to stay current with trends to support your business acumen;</li>
<li>Boston's own <a href="http://www.chrisbrogran.com/">Chris Brogan</a> will talk about social media and sales leads;</li>
<li>The inimitable <a href="http://webinknow.com/">David Meerman Scott</a> will give one of his famous keynotes;</li>
<li>I'll be on a panel with <a href="http://lgbusinesssolutions.typepad.com/">Lewis Green</a> and <a href="http://www.socialmediatoday.com/blog/RobinCarey/site/posts/">Robin Carey</a> moderated by <a href="http://buzzmarketingfortech.blogspot.com/">Paul Dunay</a> titled "Is Social Media Harder for B2B vs. B2C?"</li>
</ul>
This is but a small sampling of the entire conference. Take a look at <a href="http://www.marketingprofs.com/events/4/program">the conference web page</a> and see what you think. And since you're a faithful subscriber to my blog (you have <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/SocialMediaMarketing">subscribed</a> for free, right?), let me offer you something in return: if you sign up to attend this blockbuster conference and submit the code ESPK08, you can get $200 off the price of registration - make it $350 off if you register before May 19. 
 
I hope you'll take the opportunity to avail yourself of some of the best current thinking on this subject today and consider attending. If you do show up, please introduce yourself, as I'd be delighted to meet you.

Back to Basics: B2B

When I first started writing this blog, it was focused on social media in the b-to-b space. I was working at a B2B agency at the time so it ...

How I Think About My Social Networks

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Wgi7DTsDt2g/SB0UkbQz1VI/AAAAAAAAAyU/WyC38CHb8GM/s1600-h/Handshake.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196332161081529682" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Wgi7DTsDt2g/SB0UkbQz1VI/AAAAAAAAAyU/WyC38CHb8GM/s200/Handshake.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" /></a>I've been getting a lot of requests for friends on various social networks lately. You probably have been too - there seems to be an explosion of interest lately, particularly on Twitter. I'm generally encouraged by this, as it means that the space is continuing to grow, rather than to wane like some short-lived fad. But at the same time, it can make life a little more complex or cluttered if you're not ready to deal with it. As such, I thought this might be a good time for me to share how I think about my social networks and how I consider friend requests in each. I've linked to my profile in each, if you'd care to connect with me on them. Facebook Ah, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=694361624">Facebook</a>. One of the most visible and recognized brands in the social networking space, where "friend" is a verb. For me, Facebook is a combination of business and social contacts. I'll immediately accept a friendship request if I know you or follow you on another network. But that's not to say I'm exclusive in my friending. If we don't know each other, just introduce yourself and - most importantly - give me some context as to how you know me. LinkedIn I use <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/wsmonty">LinkedIn</a> as my professional social network. Like the old three-ring binders of business cards that I kept, LinkedIn is my real-time virtual collection of business cards. As you can imagine, my requirements for LinkedIn are a bit more stringent. If you'd like to connect with me on LinkedIn, we should have met or at least have had some meaningful interaction. I'll also accept introductions via people I know. Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/scottmonty">Twitter</a> is probably the loosest of all of my networks. I generally like connecting with more people there because I enjoy the exchange of ideas, links and quick personal interaction that it allows. While there are some people who add absolutely everyone back, I can't keep up with the pace and consider some of them spammy. Since there have been a good number of new followers, I'm having trouble adding some back. If you follow me and I haven't followed you back, don't take it personally. Just get my attention by sending me an "@" message and I'll be sure to add you back. It's as simple as that. I hope this post was a helpful insight about how I consider friend requests in each network. I'd be interested to know how you handle your own connections on your various social networks. Please leave a comment and educate me. Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coldtaxi/">coldtaxi</a>

How I Think About My Social Networks

I've been getting a lot of requests for friends on various social networks lately. You probably have been too - there seems to be an exp...

Scott Monty - Strategic Communications & Leadership Advisor

When Interests Collide

What I Saw at Streaming Media East

An Excellent Example of Citizen Journalism: Twisney

Back to Basics: B2B

How I Think About My Social Networks

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