December 2009 - Bob Cargill

28Dec 2009 by Bob Cargill

The Importance of Character in Social Media

By now, most people involved in marketing, advertising and PR have put aside any skepticism they may have had about social media and are using such online communications vehicles as blogs, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to reach out to and engage with others. They're finally realizing that -- as I've said before here on this blog -- the guaranteed efficacy of a one-way, top-down, interruptive monologue by businesses and bureaucrats is history. And that the era of inclusive, open-ended dialogue between company and constituency is upon us. Yes, social media appears to be on the verge of going mainstream in more ways than one. However, what’s still a big challenge for many of those using social media for business is using it correctly, adhering to the unique set of principles that differentiates this discipline from more traditional forms…

The 30 Best Blog Posts on Social Media I’ve Read in 2009

Advertising, Blogging, Branding, Facebook, LinkedIn, Marketing, Public Relations, Social Media, Twitter

With only so many days left until a new year is upon us, it's only natural to want to take pause, look back and reflect on everything that's transpired in 2009. And what a year it's been for those of us involved in social media and marketing. Change has been the only constant in the nature of what we do on the job. Me? I'm a copywriter and direct marketer by trade, someone who's earned his livelihood for well over 20 years helping brands to sell their products and services. And that hasn't changed. But many of the strategies, tools and communications channels I'm using nowadays to help my clients achieve their goals are different. Today, I find myself working with blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube and the like much…

What You Should Include on Your Next Set of Business Cards

Advertising, Blogging, Branding, Facebook, LinkedIn, Marketing, Public Relations, Social Media, Twitter

No matter how much I enjoy communicating with others online via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and other social media platforms (including this blog), I still think the most powerful connection you can make with someone is face to face. I've always liked attending conferences, trade shows and networking events, making new friends and meeting new people, shaking hands and schmoozing. I appreciate the camaraderie of being under the same roof with a group of like-minded professionals. I take comfort in knowing that I'm not alone as a businessman and entrepreneur, that we're all in this together, literally smack dab in the middle of the same basic search for new leads, new resources, new allies and new opportunities to succeed. And if you ask me, there's something very special about the exchange of business cards. It's an age-old ritual, a tradition remarkably still alive given today's relaxed…