DECEMBER 9TH, 2009
By JOHN
Radio is strong.
I’m not just saying that because I’m biased.
According to recent research,
- Broadcast radio reaches over 79% of all U.S. adults daily, who listen on average for over two hours daily.
And it isn’t just for an “older generation:”
- Even among younger adults (18-34 years old), radio reached more than 79% of the population – with an average listening time of more than one and a half hours each day.
When I’ve run advertising campaigns, I’ve always included radio in the mix. There’s no reason to change, either. Smart money goes into smart radio buys. Use radio well, and it delivers exceptional results!
More encouraging data about radio here (see the report titled, “How U.S. Adults Use Radio and Other Forms of Audio from the Council for Research Excellence Video Consumer Mapping Study”).
SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2009
By JOHN
First came news of an infusion of $100 Million. Then statistics that show Twitter is still growing at a very fast clip.
A recent report by eMarketer.com says at least 18 million adults access Twitter on any given platform monthly. That’s a 200% increase over 2008 estimates! Additionally, eMarketer projects that Twitter users will total 26 million by next year.
Of course, not every user is a frequent user. Previous studies show that many people try Twitter once or twice – and then give up. Still, interest in the service is growing, and a financial model is being refined, so expect Twitter to stick around for some time to come.
Meanwhile, how are YOU using Twitter to promote your brand, spread your message, cultivate your tribe (er, flock?)?
SEPTEMBER 22ND, 2009
By JOHN
Here’s a thoughtful, engaging conversation about how to reach Gen Y – what they value, how they relate to the messenger AND the message. Takes about 20 minutes, and the interview begins around the 3:20 mark. The stats alone make it worth your while, although there’s much more here.
We all have influence, and few of us wield it effectively. If you want to maximize your influence, here are nine ways you can do so in your daily life. Most of these aren’t difficult, but do require some thoughtful living:
- Relevance: Make connections with people who work for you, and for whom you work. Ask personal Qs, and remember the details of their lives.
- Wise words: Don’t spout off with your opinion. Proverbs 15: Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps his mouth shut. And express appreciation for everyone you meet.
- Excellence: Excellence honors God, so strive after it. People are attracted to great quality.
- Authenticity. Words matter, so do what you say. Meet commitments. Don’t over-promise.
- Approachability. Reveal, but not too much. Don’t be scripted, be candid.
- Emotion. It is okay to be vulnerable, in fact, this is a winsome quality in a leader. Just don’t go overboard.
- Modeling. Do as I do…you know the power of watching someone live out an admirable life.
- Passion. Passion is contagious, and will pull people along with you toward the goal.
- Conviction. Stand strong, don’t be ambiguous, and exhibit a commitment.
Most popular lists these days are 10 items long. Let me know what I’ve missed here, and I’ll add #10 from the best of your suggestions.
Writer Liz Funk offers insights about Gen Y and the “always on” aspect to their lives.
When teens and twentysomethings spend their downtime keenly aware that they have tasks pouring into their Blackberries or iPhones it’s hard to ignore the urge to respond — maybe they’ll send a quick email while driving or while a friend has gotten up to use the bathroom at dinner. It makes leisure time a blurry period in between work and school, rather than a peaceful and completely restorative activity.
I’m watching my own kids go that direction – that phone is an extension of his (long) arms! Well, at least one of them. Unless he is in the mountains, with no cell service!
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2009
By JOHN
Here’s a site every parent with a teen or college student should check out. The Facebook phenomena is something you can and should be knowledgable about, these tips are a good starting point.
BTW, I’m on Facebook to keep up with a couple of my own children. I’ve enjoyed meeting some of their friends, and seeing some of the photos and updates they post!
JANUARY 5TH, 2009
By JOHN
This school year she will read 8 books – but look at 2300 webpages and 1281 Facebook profiles. Fascinating video. This is all about communicating and really educating today’s students.
DECEMBER 23RD, 2008
By JOHN
Want to reach your audience? Know who they are, what they do and where they are. Here’s an article about everything from the Gen Y Mom to the Zen Tech Warrior.
Money quote:
Brands must keep pace with consumers with a presence at every stage of the conversation (where they can respond, not react) and formulate a Web reputation strategy to manage viral insurrections. They also should be developing their content and other strategies across all platforms: mobile, digital, out-of-home, broadcast, broadband and social media.
So much to learn!
On the growth of social networking, some stats and rankings of interest:
- MySpace’s unique audience was up 7% compared with May 2007
- Facebook grew 83% from a year ago
- LinkedIn continues to grow, increasing its unique audience by 146% and reaching nearly 7.7 million
The top 10 social networking sites in order are MySpace, Facebook, Classmates Online, LinkedIn, Windows Live Spaces, Reunion.com, AOL Hometown, Flixtster, Club Penguin and Imeem.
Nuggets from Solutions Research Group’s recent “Multiplatform Video Report” include:
- US Internet users ages 12 and older surveyed in June 2008 spent 6.1 hours daily with video-based entertainment
- About four hours per day were spent on traditional television, including live, digital video recorder (DVR) and video-on-demand (VOD) viewing
- About 2.1 hours were spent on video games, Web and PC video, DVDs and video on mobile devices
Data suggests the viewing will grow substantially in the coming five years, and most of that will be in the online realm by – no surprise! – younger computer users.
