26Dec 2015 by Bob Cargill

10 B2B Brands That Are Killing It on Social Media

Branding, Business, Marketing, Social Media
Social media. It’s not just for B2C brands anymore. More than just dipping their toes in the social media waters, many of those in the B2B space are now diving in head first, making a big splash not just on LinkedIn, but on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and pretty much every other related channel. Like everyone else, of course, they’re publishing the requisite stream of news and information. But more and more of them are beginning to resemble their counterparts on the B2C side, going above and beyond to express their opinions, let their hair down and reveal the personalities behind the brands. But don’t take my word for it. See for yourself. Here are 10 examples of B2B brands that are killing it on social media. 1. IBM on Twitter…
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15Nov 2015 by Bob Cargill

Why Periscope is the Next Big Thing in Social Media

Social Media
As social media becomes less of an afterthought among brands and more of an essential ingredient in the marketing mix, it is increasingly difficult to stand out on these online channels. There is only so much attention from consumers and customers to go around, after all, and the social streams are overflowing with content in all shapes and sizes. So unless you want to be like the wallflower at the dance, being boring is not an option on social media. Even if you’re a B2B brand in technology, a regulated brand in healthcare or the biggest brand in an industry of one, there are simply no excuses not to be sharing a deep repertoire of content on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and everywhere else your audience is hanging out online. And…
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09Oct 2015 by Bob Cargill

10 Lessons Learned About Social Media From My Parents

Social Media
When I give presentations on social media, I often refer to Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. After all, so much about social media is about building strong relationships with others. And that’s what Dale preached as well as anybody, especially in this classic book. Yet I really only have to look as far as my parents for reference in this case. They may not be on social media, but so much of what I’ve learned about interpersonal communications I’ve learned from them. And that’s what it all boils down to on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and the like. The most successful business people and brands on these channels are those that have a knack for engaging effectively with others as human beings. Sure, it doesn’t hurt that…
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13Sep 2015 by Bob Cargill

10 Ways to Find Common Ground with Your Social Media Audience

Marketing, Social Media
True story. I was having lunch with a colleague of mine a couple years ago or so, and as I began to take pictures of the food on my plate he asked me why I would do such a thing. I explained to him that food was a huge draw on social media, and that the restaurant where we were eating might reply to me if I tweeted about it, as might my followers. I was as convinced then as I am now that it’s a myth that no one on social media cares what you’re eating for lunch. After all, everybody likes food. While there’s an art and a science to success on social media, there’s also a certain psychology of which brands should take note. If you can…
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19Aug 2015 by Bob Cargill

How 10 Beer Brands Rock the Social Media Scene

Marketing, Social Media
As the number of breweries in the United States continues to grow rapidly, so does the number of beer brands that are establishing a presence on social media, especially craft beer brands. Beer. It’s not just for the barroom or the ballgame anymore. It’s not just for radio and TV anymore, either. Beer has never been more ubiquitous. People are coming together for a cold one or two in real life and sharing those same experiences with their audiences on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Vine. Talk about social drinking. But seriously, it’s only natural that beer is making such a huge splash online. Beer is part and parcel of so many happy occasions and celebrations, the good times of our lives that we can’t help but want to share with…
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06Aug 2015 by Bob Cargill

Happy 90th Birthday to You, Dad!

Miscellaneous
Today, August 6, 2015, my Dad is celebrating his birthday. But this isn’t just another birthday for him. This is his 90th birthday. That’s right, my Dad is entering his 10 decade of life here on earth. It’s hard to believe. Wow, Dad, so many memories. So many good times. So many accomplishments. So many games of Cribbage. You, Dad, are a modest, unassuming and relatively quiet man, but to me, your family, relatives, friends and colleagues, your character has always spoken volumes. You have always been someone others can trust. A real man of your word. You have always been caring and kind to not just those who know you, but to even complete strangers. You have always treated everyone with the utmost respect. And because of all that…
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07Jul 2015 by Bob Cargill

How 10 Nonprofit Brands Roll on Twitter

Fundraising, Nonprofits, Social Media
Branding. Marketing. Selling. There are countless reasons why you would use social media for business. And if you’re a nonprofit organization, one of those reasons would be fundraising. In fact, as direct mail, telemarketing and other traditional methods of acquiring and retaining donors give way to digital communications, nonprofits of all shapes and sizes are jumping on the social media bandwagon. And many of them are working the crowds on these online channels as well or even better than their commercial brethren. Not only are they on social media to ask for financial support, they’re on it to mobilize their advocates, recognize their volunteers, illustrate their needs, report on their progress and much more. Good for them. And good for the worthy charitable causes they represent. Here’s how 10 nonprofit…
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12Jun 2015 by Bob Cargill

10 Ways to Humanize Your Social Media Brand

Branding, Marketing, Social Media
A critical mass of brands, businesses, marketers and corporate executives may have a presence on social media today, but that doesn’t mean they have a clue what they’re doing on these online communication channels. Sure, some of them may be thriving in the space, attracting a loyal following and carving out a reputation for sharing timely, indispensable content that couldn’t be found anywhere else. However, an overwhelming majority seem to fall into one of two categories of still doing it wrong. Either they don’t know what to say so their collective silence is deafening, or they’re broadcasting the same old promotional messages over and over again so they sound like a cacophony of carnival barkers. Many of them seem at a loss on how to strike a happy medium with…
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23May 2015 by Bob Cargill

12 Social Media Posts That Are Funnier Than Yours

Marketing, Social Media
It may sound like a cliché, but it’s absolutely true. Laughter is the best medicine. Laughter is good for your health because it’s known to lower blood pressure and stimulate the release of endorphins, a powerful set of hormones that can actually get in the way of pain and may even lead to euphoria. Laughter is good for business, too, because if people are smiling, they’re usually less guarded and more agreeable. Of course, marketers who know this go to great lengths to develop campaigns that are infused with a strong dose of humor. In seasoning their ads with reasons to snicker and snort, they’re putting customers and prospects in the mood to buy without employing anything even close to a hard sell. You might say they’re laughing all the…
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