Can You Build Empathy With Experiential Research?

A blizzard is moving in on the Northeast and most of us are hunkering down for the next couple of days. To help you pass the time in a constructive way, I thought I'd post this video from a presentation my friend Mike Carlon recently delivered to the Market Research Association. Mike is the owner of Vertigo Partners, a marketing consultancy that helps clients uncover and apply consumer, shopper, and cultural insights. 

Mike is not only a very knowledgeable researcher, he's also a great presenter and a pretty funny guy. I promise you'll learn something from this video and probably laugh a few times too. One thing is for sure, after you watch this, if you run into him at the supermarket, you'll know a great way to ask him where the eggs are.  

Here's Building Consumer Empathy Through Qualitative Research: Parts 1, 2 and 3.

Part 1


Part2

Part 3

The Internet Marketing Song

C'mon and be an Internet Marketer. I love it. 



To meet the guys behind this catchy tune, check out Silver Web Solutions.

What Will Be Your Space Jam?

You've just been Pep Talked!! Or at least you will be once you watch this amazing video.

I've read dozens of self-help books, listened to countless motivational speakers, counselors and clergymen, but I have seldom heard an encouraging word delivered better than this one by the Kid President.

This video is making it's rounds today and I had to stop everything and share it with you. I am not entirely sure who the Kid President is, where he comes from or who elected him, but I do know he's funny, charming and he's got a great message.

A couple of key takeaways for me, in a sea of good takeaways:

It's like that guy Journey said, "Don't stop believing. Unless your dream is stupid. Then you should get a better dream."

And in regard to Michael Jordan's perseverance, and how if he had given up we never would have had the movie 'Space Jam'. You have to ask yourself, what will be your 'Space Jam'? 

May this video entertain you, encourage you and inspire you to do something today that's not boring. 

What will be your Space Jam?

Beware the Facebook Police

Thinking of taking a break from Facebook? Think again.

The Content Marketing Game

How to Play the Content Marketing Game
Here's a great infographic about a subject near and dear to my social media heart; content marketing. This is from the good folks over at HRmarketer.

Not only do I think quality content is vital to any social media marketing strategy, but I also think infographics are some of the best and most fun types of content. Check it out and then go create some content, generate some leads, increase your visibility and convert some visitors into customers... and raving fans.

The Facebook Focus Group

Ever wonder where Facebook gets all of their wonderful ideas? Let's sit in on one of their focus groups. 

License to Tweet

How many times have you heard your "non-social media" friends complain about Facebook and Twitter? Why do I care that you are at Starbucks? Do I really need to see a picture of every meal you eat? Or know about every song you are listening to? Okay, I get it... you go to the gym. Or you have kids. Or you have strong political or religious views. Enough already!

Sure, they may not "get" social media like you do, but they do kinda have a point.
 
Well, Tina Fey, on a recent episode of ASK TINA, addressed a question regarding her feelings about Twitter. Her answers are humorous, and like most good comedy, are also brutally honest.

Her lesson is a simple one for Twitter or any social media platform. Don't be boring. 

Tina says it better than I do, so check it out.