Sarah Evans Interview – where we talk being two, not thinking too much & being a freak

Posted by Chris in All we got,Interviews,MOO: Cowbell Blog,innovators and leaders on March 22, 2010

Sarah Evans is a public relations and new media consultant. She works with many non profit, social good and technology companies. But it’s her personal mission—to engage and employ the use of emerging technologies in all communication—that connects her with a rapidly growing base of more than 40,000 people.

A self-described “social media freak,” Sarah initiated and moderates #journchat, the weekly live chat between PR professionals, journalists and bloggers on the microblogging platform, Twitter. She is a guest writer for Mashable, one of the most popular social media blogs in the world runs her own blog at PRsarahevans.com and shares a daily resource for PR professionals called Commentz.

Here follows our interview.

1. At what point did you decide the career path you’ve chosen and what drew you to it?

I was drawn to public relations ultimately because I liked connecting people. I can trace my draw to the profession back to when I was a two-year-old planning tea parties. There’s something fulfilling to me about connecting people through a meaningful experience and even better when they talk to others about a positive experience. Working in public relations has allowed me to create meaningful and memorable experiences, connect with people and get great results.

2. What excites you most about the growth of social media?

Social media allows us to break boundaries. There aren’t any spatial constraints where you find yourself talking with Read more…

reBlog from Princess Misia: STUDY: Does Social Media Drive Sales?

Posted by Chris in Guest Posts,MOO: Cowbell Blog on March 19, 2010

I found this fascinating quote today:

A recent study by Chadwick Martin Bailey and iModerate Research Technologies confirms that both Twitter and Facebook are effective marketing tools. The data collected from over 1,500 customers in United States shows that people are more likely to purchase products and services from brands that they follow on Facebook (51%) and Twitter (67%). Also, 60% of Facebook fans and 79% of Twitter followers are more likely to recommend those brands since becoming a fan or follower.Princess Misia, I <3 SOCIAL MEDIA » Blog Archive » STUDY: Does Social Media Drive Sales?

You should read the whole article.

Life is not played out in 140 characters

Posted by Chris in All we got,MOO: Cowbell Blog,My Views & Thoughts,comment,opinion on March 13, 2010

It’s a thought that’s been whirring around my mind for a while now as I’ve been watching the social media channels fill up with 140 character messages, status updates, wall posts, blog comments and image uploads and I’ve started to realise that too many people don’t seem to mind that they’re playing their lives out on computer screens or through their smart-phones.

I appreciate that the very fact you’re reading this demonstrates that we’re both playing a part in the same side show but hopefully by the end of this you’ll take the thought away that all your energy and raison d’etre should be channeled into forming close relationships and holding direct communications with all who you feel worthy of your time.

It was a year ago when I first registered for Twitter. Like you I didn’t know anybody. I watched, listened and began to engage in conversation. After a while I realised that I was often communicating with the same people, sometimes in replies and other Read more…

Likeminds. Bringing people together? A resounding Yes!

Posted by Chris in All we got,Events,MOO: Cowbell Blog,Social networks,comment,opinion on March 4, 2010

Like 350 others I was lucky enough to attend Likeminds 2010 in Exeter, Devon last Friday.

Much has been written about it the day; from the speakers, the attendees and the atmosphere, and most it has been very positive.

There has even been a minor backlash at all those who seemed to infiltrate the twitter stream with the ubiquitous #likeminds hashtag. But isn’t that the point. Did I miss something? Isn’t the very essence of why we all went was to meet ‘Likeminded’ people who all want to understand, learn and develop their communication skills – for themselves, for their clients, and for their organisations?

How many events have you been to where you’re still Read more…

Guest Post from @brandguardian (Jo Porritt): Attending LikeMinds – A Virtual Perspective

Posted by Chris in All we got,Guest Posts,MOO: Cowbell Blog,opinion on March 1, 2010

Here follows the first of my guest posts this week. The first is from Jo Porritt (@brandguardian) who gives her perspective on Likeminds as a virtual event. Later this week I’ll also be posting another guest article from Trey Pennington (@treypennington), looking at Trey’s views on the comparisons between social media in the UK & US [post-Likeminds].
Here’s Jo’s perspective.

So I was set. I had my ticket.

LikeMinds! A people-to-people gathering in Exeter, Devon – an event bringing together world class experts, innovators and serious social media players. The brainchild of Scott Gould and Drew Ellis, supported by a host of other inspirational speakers and panelists. Like Charlie Bucket, finding one of the coveted Golden Tickets to Mr Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, I was excited and thrilled at the prospect of meeting and mingling with some of the Read more…