Earlier today, I was reading a article that Artists House linked to Derek Sivers' blog titled "Does your company really want to hang out with me?"
The post addresses how some companies are trying to "hang out" with consumers to get them to use their products, when really they are just trying to sell something to them.  This happens all too often on Twitter especially.  It was a great post that you should definitely check out.

I wanted to briefly add my own two cents on this topic.  There was a particular case with a great band out of Chicago that I know, Snowsera.  Before I knock on them, I'm going to preface this by saying that they are now doing a fantastic job using Twitter, with their website, etc.  When I first started following them on Twitter, I was seeing posts from them probably 5 times a day about their free music.  Don't get me wrong - I love free music!  Especially GOOD free music.  But after a few weeks of this, even I was getting upset to the point that I was about ready to unfollow them.  Instead, I called them and suggested that they stop trying to sell their fans something on every twitter post.  Even though they were giving something away for free, it was still being pushed a bit too hard.  Instead, I told them to tell their fans what they were doing, what music they're listening to...just being more real and transparent.  They have done a fantastic job of doing this, and I would now use them as a role model for other bands.  Every now and then I see them post about some new music, and you bet it catches my attention and I go check it out.  They are getting their community involved by having them vote on new songs that they posted on their website.  They are creating conversation.   They are no longer pushing their product, but are being real and building their community by being involved.  

Just like they were able to do this, so can companies.  Corporate America can learn a lot from music.  

Recently I was reading a blog that someone wrote about bands being brands, and how that wasn't a good use of the term.  They went on about how bands and brands are very different, don't do the same things, etc.  He then went on to explain that bands need to be building relationships with their fans, getting them involved, etc etc...

...hello any successful BRAND in late 2009!!!  I'm not going to get into how/why I disagree with that blog post (on the band vs brand part).  But he stated some things that, yes, all bands should be doing in order to grow their brand - whether you want to call them a brand or not.  They are an entity that is in the business of trying to make money.  To me that spells brand, but to each his own.  I digress.  There are many brands today that are doing a great job connecting with their consumers and creating loyalty.  That is a huge key to success for many brands out there in the 2009 marketplace.  With the huge growth that word of mouth has had (mainly how far and how fast it reaches, courtesy of the internet, Twitter, Facebook), it is more important than ever to really connect with your consumers.  Brands should be getting these consumers involved, having conversations with them, and growing their relationships with them.  This will in turn allow them to tailor their business and make a better product, which is going to lead to more sales and bigger returns for their brand.  The exact same can be said for bands, so both should be taking notes from each other. 

I know I'm not the first to say this is what brands needs to be doing.  It has become increasingly difficult for both brands and bands to stand out in the crowd - the ones that do the things above best will be the ones that are able the most success.  Yes, I am talking about brands...er, bands...okay, both!  Keep having a conversation and put forth the effort to connect with your consumers, and the future will be much brighter for everyone involved. 

After 3 good years at the marketing agency, I am now moving on.  I'm very excited about the opportunities ahead.  There are many things that I'm looking into at this point, including working on a variety of events.  I have learned many valuable things over the past few years and am anxious to put them to use. 

I pride myself on building great relationships, and had the pleasure of making a lot of fantastic acquaintances during my time at the agency. 

Along with the change at the agency comes a change with my website.  Please take a look at the all of the pages to learn more about my experience and to see samples of my work.  Check back here often for updates on what I'm working on.  Feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions!