I had forgotten how crazy conferences can be! We registered to attend a bootcamp today, Communilytics: Applied Community Analytics presented by Alistair Croll of Bitcurrent and Sean Power of Watching Websites. (They wrote a book together, Complete Web Monitoring, which I plan to pick up tomorrow.) The overall gist is how to track and utilize statistics about your online community.
The session started out with them telling us we had license to Tweet (on Twitter, for those of you who don't know that term). Phil looked at me and just about rolled his eyes. (I should also mention that at check in, they had ribbons we could add to our badges, one of which said "Twitter Addict." I have not put it on my badge as I have not yet admitted I have a problem. I will probably have come out of denial by the end of the conference.)
While our bootcamp was going on, so were a few other sessions. I kept the #w2e Twitter search going on my Droid (yes, I'm loving my new Motorola Droid and the 3g network up here) so I could get updates from other sessions. To save the noise on Twitter, I took notes in my notebook and only occasionally made a tweet or retweet.
The real highlight of my day came from a lunch meeting I had pre-arranged with Scott Porad of ICanHasCheezburger.com. I was going to miss his session tomorrow to go to David Letterman, so I dropped him an email to see if there was another time I could possibly meet up. I was shocked when I had an email back so quickly, and we connected via Twitter to meet at lunch. Such a nice guy, and I had no idea was also behind FailBlog.com (as well as 30 other sites). Scott gave me a package of ICanHasCheezburger buttons, and I put one on my lanyard (very cute). It's amazing how much you could learn about a person in 30 minutes. Scott has never been to Georgia (hadn't even heard of Paula Deen), and I have never been to Seattle. We joked about the little quirks that make our hometowns special, and he shared with me how he came to be part of ICanHasCheezburger (oh, check out the newest one, FailDogs.com).
Lunch came and went too fast. Scott was incredibly gracious and a lot of fun to chat with. I went back to my afternoon session, took some more notes, then came back to the hotel. After a nice, long, hot shower, I'm about ready to head out to the Ignite New York event this evening. I'm so glad it is only a couple blocks away; I have developed a small fear of cabs in the last 24 hours.
So, for those of you not attending, here's a few highlights from my 14 pages of notes:
There is no such thing as a social media marketer - communities are a medium.
Companies doing well are adaptive to their audience.
The US is 8th in social networking (Jamaica is #1, and I think it is actually my parents and their friends sending photos when they go down to party... I mean vacation.)
Online marketing made advertising accountable - community marketing builds trust.
Caring about your online community encourages self-support thus saving businesses lots of $ - cost of using an online community for support is $0.24 per instance vs. nearly $4 of using the phone.
It's ok to retweet and repeat your items 3 to 4 times per day.
Keep a search on Twitter of #yourcompanyname #fail.
The best time of day to tweet is 4:01 pm any time zone.
Facebook will overtake Google in unique visitors in the next five months.
Make lots of mistakes and learn from them.
Being talked about is nothing; being remembered is everything.
Books to pick up:
Complete Web Monitoring
Putting the Public Back in Public Relations
Online Tools to Use:
SpyFu
WatchingWebsites.com
Rollyo.com
TweetDeck
Facebook Lexicon
Twitalyzer
SiteVolume
Socialistics
Trendrr.com
Compete.com
Kissmetrics
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
NYC Day One
What a week this has been! First off, thanks to everyone who donated and joined us for the Yappy Hour Blue Jeans Ball last night. My understanding is that the total was right around $4500 for what was paid, and a few folks still owe us a bit so it should push us over $5000. I heard that Google gave the wrong address for the venue, so we lost some traffic (wonder if we can send them a bill).
I had a very early morning, arriving to Savannah International Airport at 5:30 am after having four hours of sleep. Most folks in line were quiet; it didn't take long to get checked in. I passed time playing on my new cell phone, though the Wi-Fi in the airport didn't work worth a lick (Phil says that's normal for Savannah).
We arrived to NY, and were actually over 20 minutes early. Our shuttle came, but we hadn't printed out the vouchers (just had the numbers on us), so the guy wouldn't take us. So we hopped in a cab, which I interpreted to be a filthy version of Disney's Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. The traffic was horrendous; I now understand what is really traffic. We arrived at our hotel... well, make that a hotel. Turns out, it was the wrong one. So off we go, hiking (thankful I wore my hiking boots after all) for about eight blocks. We arrive to find our rooms weren't ready. We leave the bags and head next door to a restaurant called Pigalle. I can't get over how loud it is in the restaurant for early Sunday afternoon. At least the weather was nice.
We retreated back to the rooms for afternoon movies and naps. Well, Phil worked in his room on our sites, and I took to learning new apps on my phone while catching up with my sweetheart. I would have liked to enjoy the view, but its just an old brick tower with broken out windows. Nothing fabulous to look at, though we are right next to the fire station, home of Ladder 4. Walking by there and seeing the memorial from 9/11 was humbling. I don't know if we'll make it to the site of the towers; I had been in them just nine months before, and still can't believe what happened.
We walked around until we spotted some place that claimed to have the "best pizza under the bridge." I normally don't care for thin crust pizza, but the double pepperoni with basil pizza at The Brooklyn Diner was outstanding! I was so full, I didn't even bother with ordering dessert (I know, that just doesn't sound right, does it?). I heard a song in the background, one that Austin plays that always makes my eyes water, so I sent him a quick text to tell him he was on my mind. I know this is a business trip, but I really wish he had been able to come along with me. I think we would have had fun exploring the city.
As it was, I had Phil, who knows my great love of chocolate, and in particular, peanut M&Ms. So he took me to my mecca... M&Ms World in Times Square. Three floors of every product imaginable. They even had M&M dispensers in every color imaginable and charged by the pound. It was hard to resist, but I did it. I wanted to get a souvenir, but I didn't see me wearing a T-shirt any other time, and although I'm wishing I had brought some with me since it is so much warmer than I thought, I don't really want to stand out as the tourist in my conference. So I walked out, and we went across the street to the Hershey store, which was quite the let down; only one floor compared to three at M&Ms World.
After a full evening, we headed back to the hotel to get some rest. After all, we do have to be in a worshop at 9 am, so we can't stay out too late tearing up the town. I will say I was amused to see a group of young men holding signs that said "Free Hugs" as well as Elmo, Mickey and Pooh on several street corners working for tips. I guess the recession has hit harder than we thought.
I had a very early morning, arriving to Savannah International Airport at 5:30 am after having four hours of sleep. Most folks in line were quiet; it didn't take long to get checked in. I passed time playing on my new cell phone, though the Wi-Fi in the airport didn't work worth a lick (Phil says that's normal for Savannah).
We arrived to NY, and were actually over 20 minutes early. Our shuttle came, but we hadn't printed out the vouchers (just had the numbers on us), so the guy wouldn't take us. So we hopped in a cab, which I interpreted to be a filthy version of Disney's Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. The traffic was horrendous; I now understand what is really traffic. We arrived at our hotel... well, make that a hotel. Turns out, it was the wrong one. So off we go, hiking (thankful I wore my hiking boots after all) for about eight blocks. We arrive to find our rooms weren't ready. We leave the bags and head next door to a restaurant called Pigalle. I can't get over how loud it is in the restaurant for early Sunday afternoon. At least the weather was nice.
We retreated back to the rooms for afternoon movies and naps. Well, Phil worked in his room on our sites, and I took to learning new apps on my phone while catching up with my sweetheart. I would have liked to enjoy the view, but its just an old brick tower with broken out windows. Nothing fabulous to look at, though we are right next to the fire station, home of Ladder 4. Walking by there and seeing the memorial from 9/11 was humbling. I don't know if we'll make it to the site of the towers; I had been in them just nine months before, and still can't believe what happened.
We walked around until we spotted some place that claimed to have the "best pizza under the bridge." I normally don't care for thin crust pizza, but the double pepperoni with basil pizza at The Brooklyn Diner was outstanding! I was so full, I didn't even bother with ordering dessert (I know, that just doesn't sound right, does it?). I heard a song in the background, one that Austin plays that always makes my eyes water, so I sent him a quick text to tell him he was on my mind. I know this is a business trip, but I really wish he had been able to come along with me. I think we would have had fun exploring the city.
As it was, I had Phil, who knows my great love of chocolate, and in particular, peanut M&Ms. So he took me to my mecca... M&Ms World in Times Square. Three floors of every product imaginable. They even had M&M dispensers in every color imaginable and charged by the pound. It was hard to resist, but I did it. I wanted to get a souvenir, but I didn't see me wearing a T-shirt any other time, and although I'm wishing I had brought some with me since it is so much warmer than I thought, I don't really want to stand out as the tourist in my conference. So I walked out, and we went across the street to the Hershey store, which was quite the let down; only one floor compared to three at M&Ms World.
After a full evening, we headed back to the hotel to get some rest. After all, we do have to be in a worshop at 9 am, so we can't stay out too late tearing up the town. I will say I was amused to see a group of young men holding signs that said "Free Hugs" as well as Elmo, Mickey and Pooh on several street corners working for tips. I guess the recession has hit harder than we thought.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Turning a Pet Rescue Holiday Greeting Card into a Political Statement
It never ceases to amaze me how someone can look at something so simple and innocent and turn it into a political message.
I am originally from Austell, GA, but I always claim Tybee Island as my home. It's where I spent most of my childhood, learned the greater lessons of life, and became part of an amazing community. I was active as a volunteer for the Tybee Beautification and volunteered my time with the Tybee Island Lighthouse as well as Tybee Island Marine Science Center in high school. When I started Coastal Pet Rescue, it was no surprise that the first supporters were from Tybee. It's just the kind of community we have on the island.
Fast forward a few years. A local artist contacts me with a great fundraising idea for the holidays. We have been struggling hard because of the economy this year, and her idea helps us fill an need brought to us by a couple of other supporters as well. So Debbie Brady Robinson of Atlantic Beacon Gallery set out to create a holiday gift card that could be sold in sets of 10 with 50% of the profits going to Coastal Pet Rescue. The artwork features a sleeping kitty and puppy on the beach. Kitty is wearing sunglasses, puppy has a beach ball. It's a warm and fuzzy card, and something similar to what I buy each year myself.
So we sent out an email blast with the photo and link to the website for people to purchase the cards (only $10). An hour later, here's an email I get from a friend on Tybee Island:
I have three issues here:
1. This is a greeting card, not a slogan. Our slogan is "Changing Lives... One at a Time."
2. Why is kitty in the image allowed to be on the beach, but not the dog. Isn't that discrimination?
3. Where in the world would I find time to create a subliminal political message, especially when there are fewer than 30 members on our email list from Tybee Island?
While I am often proud to say I'm from Tybee, here is one of the times that it hurts me to say so. Our little island gets so consumed by politics. Right now, there's a movement to try and get city council to allow dogs on the beach as other beaches in Georgia do. I have not spoken publicly, on my blog or anywhere about my feelings for or against this movement. I personally do not take my dogs to the beach; it's just my personal preference. But I am all for anything that helps strengthen the animal-human bond, which this group of supporters seems to be trying to accomplish. (And kudos to the Dogs on the Beach organizer who has done a lot of research on regional beaches that do allow pets to have some facts backing up his movement rather than just personal preferences.) Since I no longer live on the island, I really have no vote, and will have to abide by whatever is decided, whether it be by council or by city vote. Hopefully, some sort of compromise can be reached to satisfy both sides.
I would be lying if I didn't say that losing support from Tybee Island residents for our great organization dedicated to helping homeless pets because we allowed a greeting card to be made featuring a kitten and puppy on the beach didn't leave me heartbroken. But if that is really their deciding factor, then that is a shame.
So, to the original writer of the email, I'm sorry you were so offended by the holiday cards, but I am not going to ask the artist to change them. We are so thrilled someone wants to help us provide food and veterinary care to the animals in our program and be part of the solution.
So to all the rest of you, go buy these cards! We need your support now more than ever!
I am originally from Austell, GA, but I always claim Tybee Island as my home. It's where I spent most of my childhood, learned the greater lessons of life, and became part of an amazing community. I was active as a volunteer for the Tybee Beautification and volunteered my time with the Tybee Island Lighthouse as well as Tybee Island Marine Science Center in high school. When I started Coastal Pet Rescue, it was no surprise that the first supporters were from Tybee. It's just the kind of community we have on the island.
Fast forward a few years. A local artist contacts me with a great fundraising idea for the holidays. We have been struggling hard because of the economy this year, and her idea helps us fill an need brought to us by a couple of other supporters as well. So Debbie Brady Robinson of Atlantic Beacon Gallery set out to create a holiday gift card that could be sold in sets of 10 with 50% of the profits going to Coastal Pet Rescue. The artwork features a sleeping kitty and puppy on the beach. Kitty is wearing sunglasses, puppy has a beach ball. It's a warm and fuzzy card, and something similar to what I buy each year myself.
So we sent out an email blast with the photo and link to the website for people to purchase the cards (only $10). An hour later, here's an email I get from a friend on Tybee Island:
Lisa, I’m simply forwarding this message to you as an FYI…..
From: email protected by my friend
Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 2:31 PM
To: email removed to protect the messenger
Subject: Coastal Pet Rescue
"Did you notice Lisa's new slogan? I think she's making a major mistake to take on this political issue and could lose the support of many people. As you know I have dogs and am a dog advocate but am more concerned about health and safety of my children and other animals, our bird population, clean water quality & beach preservation than having my dogs be able to walk on a leash at the beach. I hate to see the new council having to deal with the issue of dogs on the beach issue once again, when they will already have huge hurdles to address as they take office."
I have three issues here:
1. This is a greeting card, not a slogan. Our slogan is "Changing Lives... One at a Time."
2. Why is kitty in the image allowed to be on the beach, but not the dog. Isn't that discrimination?
3. Where in the world would I find time to create a subliminal political message, especially when there are fewer than 30 members on our email list from Tybee Island?
While I am often proud to say I'm from Tybee, here is one of the times that it hurts me to say so. Our little island gets so consumed by politics. Right now, there's a movement to try and get city council to allow dogs on the beach as other beaches in Georgia do. I have not spoken publicly, on my blog or anywhere about my feelings for or against this movement. I personally do not take my dogs to the beach; it's just my personal preference. But I am all for anything that helps strengthen the animal-human bond, which this group of supporters seems to be trying to accomplish. (And kudos to the Dogs on the Beach organizer who has done a lot of research on regional beaches that do allow pets to have some facts backing up his movement rather than just personal preferences.) Since I no longer live on the island, I really have no vote, and will have to abide by whatever is decided, whether it be by council or by city vote. Hopefully, some sort of compromise can be reached to satisfy both sides.
I would be lying if I didn't say that losing support from Tybee Island residents for our great organization dedicated to helping homeless pets because we allowed a greeting card to be made featuring a kitten and puppy on the beach didn't leave me heartbroken. But if that is really their deciding factor, then that is a shame.
So, to the original writer of the email, I'm sorry you were so offended by the holiday cards, but I am not going to ask the artist to change them. We are so thrilled someone wants to help us provide food and veterinary care to the animals in our program and be part of the solution.
So to all the rest of you, go buy these cards! We need your support now more than ever!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Coastal Pet Rescue Announces CoastalPetRescue.org 6.0
Getting in front of potential volunteers, donors and adopters just got a little easier for Coastal Pet Rescue.
For six years, the driving force of Coastal Pet Rescue’s adoptions and volunteer management has been their website, CoastalPetRescue.org.
“We don’t have a brick and mortar shelter, so we have to have a good way for people to find our adoptable pets,” says Lisa Scarbrough, Coastal Pet Rescue president and founder. “Our website is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is what yields 90% of our adoptions each year.”
After six years, Scarbrough, who also works full time as a web developer and webmaster for Paula Deen Enterprises, decided it was time for a change. Development began back in April, and the new site was fully released today.
“Our website may look the same, but we’ve updated the software and made it more social media friendly,” says Scarbrough.
The site is now running on Expression Engine software, which Coastal Pet Rescue adoption managers have found easier to use for adding and updating new pets and information.
User feedback over the last year led Scarbrough to create separate pages listing canines and felines for adoption.
“Potential adopters now have a choice directly on the homepage to link to a full list of cats or a full list of dogs,” says Scarbrough. “The listings page now shows more information about each pet much like a roster to help families narrow down their choices.”
CoastalPetRescue.org now also features two RSS feeds, one for their latest news and one for newly added pets. Both feeds also automatically send out tweets so anyone following the organization on Twitter will see the updates.
Volunteers now have a more dynamic message board to help them plan and execute the organization’s events, and the site’s Frequently Asked Questions has had a complete overhaul with categories and more answers to help visitors more immediately.
“It’s been six months of hard work, both from the development side of the site as well as reorganizing and adding content,” says Scarbrough. “But ultimately, it was a change we needed, and I think visitors will be impressed.”
For more information, visit coastalpetrescue.org.
Founded in February 2003, Coastal Pet Rescue is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization based in Savannah, Georgia dedicated to saving the lives of homeless, abused and neglected dogs and cats in the Creative Coast Savannah and Lowcountry South Carolina areas.
For six years, the driving force of Coastal Pet Rescue’s adoptions and volunteer management has been their website, CoastalPetRescue.org.
“We don’t have a brick and mortar shelter, so we have to have a good way for people to find our adoptable pets,” says Lisa Scarbrough, Coastal Pet Rescue president and founder. “Our website is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is what yields 90% of our adoptions each year.”
After six years, Scarbrough, who also works full time as a web developer and webmaster for Paula Deen Enterprises, decided it was time for a change. Development began back in April, and the new site was fully released today.
“Our website may look the same, but we’ve updated the software and made it more social media friendly,” says Scarbrough.
The site is now running on Expression Engine software, which Coastal Pet Rescue adoption managers have found easier to use for adding and updating new pets and information.
User feedback over the last year led Scarbrough to create separate pages listing canines and felines for adoption.
“Potential adopters now have a choice directly on the homepage to link to a full list of cats or a full list of dogs,” says Scarbrough. “The listings page now shows more information about each pet much like a roster to help families narrow down their choices.”
CoastalPetRescue.org now also features two RSS feeds, one for their latest news and one for newly added pets. Both feeds also automatically send out tweets so anyone following the organization on Twitter will see the updates.
Volunteers now have a more dynamic message board to help them plan and execute the organization’s events, and the site’s Frequently Asked Questions has had a complete overhaul with categories and more answers to help visitors more immediately.
“It’s been six months of hard work, both from the development side of the site as well as reorganizing and adding content,” says Scarbrough. “But ultimately, it was a change we needed, and I think visitors will be impressed.”
For more information, visit coastalpetrescue.org.
Founded in February 2003, Coastal Pet Rescue is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization based in Savannah, Georgia dedicated to saving the lives of homeless, abused and neglected dogs and cats in the Creative Coast Savannah and Lowcountry South Carolina areas.
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