AdSponge

I’m having some issues with my site, as you’ll notice by the lack of header. Should have been a quick fix, but turns out I have to dig a little deeper. Also, I’m going to the wonderful Taste of Chicago tomorrow, so I wont be able to work on it for a bit. Should be back sometime Wednesday. See you then!

A little bit ago I mentioned how around Chicago during the summer, marketers really get behind the Cubs/Sox rivalry. I also said I would give some examples of said marketing. Well, I just saw this commercial air during the game, and holy crap it is unbelievably bad. Ads like these are why social media is becoming increasingly relevant with consumers; the ad dinosaurs that put crap like this out are so out of the loop, and we are insulted by being subjected to such stupidity.

I’ll be somewhat live-blogging during the Twebinar, but will have a more comprehensive wrap up afterwards. The Twittersphere has been blowing up with talk around the Twebinar, both involving people who will attend the Twebinar and those who are not. Follow along on Summize by searching ‘Twebinar and tweb’ in the same search.

Follow me on Twitter! @brandonzeman

UPDATE: 1:29pm, CST

First section of Twebinar complete. Pretty much a general overview of social media and how its been used. Next section to focus on online communities and the power they have.

UPDATE: 2:17pm, CST

Well the first Twebinar is now complete, and overall it was a success. Twitter didn’t collapse, and the video stream was pretty much intact throughout. So much conversation going on in Twitter, and thank god for Summize, otherwise this Twebinar would have been impractical.

Aside from learning some new things and hearing examples of what companies have used Social Media to their advantage, the cool thing I took away from the Twebinar is being able to connect with people who are passionate about the same thing; Social Media. Following tweets on Summize, I was able to check out these people on Twitter and connect with them, and through that I think even more learning and collaboration will take place.

Ok, for the summary. I was taking some notes in Notepad during the Twebinar, and I am just going to copy and paste them directly to this post. Easiest way to do this, and also ensures my memory doesn’t screw up some of the details.

Twebinar Notes

Online communities, recommendations affect
search results, rankings

Boeing Blog- CMO blog who left built
powerful blog

Dell- Richard Binhammer; Learn consumer
insights on your products and services to
help improve product development, and help
customers along the way

Even TSA has used blogs

mystarbucksidea.com; outsourcing marketing
and product ideas to customers; open
sourcing tech and marketing

Redcross engaging donors

rollercoaster community for sea world;
gave customers tools to go tell story they
wanted to tell

by nature humans are conversational, like
to share thoughts, ideas

TV changed communication model; tv told
stories, humans stopped telling stories;
online changes that, being able to have
conversations that are desired

Social Media used by young people; future
long time customers

HR Block using social media to show expertice

Listening is mucho importante

‘Crowdsourcing’

Lego embraced hacking of their product

GM Next

Yesterday, Publicis announced VivaKi, a new unit that will integrate the digital and media agencies within the holding company. Essentially, they are creating a more streamlined, efficient operation that will benefit employee collaboration and client relationships. Another key benefit of lumping the agencies is an improved media negotiating position. Read the Ad Age article that dives a little deeper into the venture.

The logo is totally great. It marries the traditional Publicis lion head logo with bright colors that are today’s calling card for life, energy and ‘We’re cool!’.

Gotta love Twitter. There is a hoax going around that Jared Fogel, Subway’s former fat man, has passed away. In fact, there is even an entire site dedicated to his “death”. JaredRemembered.com is full of content, from eulogies and poems about Jared’s life, to his favorite sandwiches. Not sure if Subway is behind this, although it would make sense. Not sure why they would fake Jared’s death; I guess some marketing strategies are just beyond me.

Found this ad for Nuveen Investments on AdPulp. Does a nice job speaking to the spirit of Cubs fans, and is literally true. $6.25 a beer? No wonder Miller High Life isn’t available around Wrigley.

Talent Zoo’s latest blog, SEO Shootout, launched today, and yours truly is a contributing blogger! Be sure to stop by regularly to follow my posts and see the blog mature.

I don’t really follow the Cannes awards, but it sure looks to be a damn good time. Check out some of the best in advertising let loose after undoubtedly a busy year. Photos by Sam Faulkner of Advertising Age.