Twitter Contests: #BDCBoobyPrize Insights, Results

In this post: Now that it's all said and done, Jaimy recaps the Blue Door Consulting #BDCBoobyPrize Twitter contest...

Remember last month when Blue Door decided to give all the #squarespace underdogs a fighting chance at a fabulous, second-place prize to not winning a boring-old iPhone? (Roll with me here, people). Well, that contest has run its course, and it’s now time to share its ups and downs.

Now, let me tell you how floored I was at the impact of this contest on the Twittersphere. I could barely keep up with all the daily entries!!! In fact, I think it might be safe to say that the #BDCBoobyPrize contest surpassed the #squarespace contest in sheer volume of tweets! In fact (or fiction), I’m pretty sure our contest was even responsible for a few Fail Whales.

It’s obvious I’m kidding. You especially know this if you entered (thank you!) and won … over another one person … who likely won the next day.

Although #BDCBoobyPrize didn’t have the impact that a #moonfruit might, it’s obvious why: Our prize sucked in comparison. There, I said it. Yes, it was fun, creative and useful, but it was no 3Gs iPhone. It wasn’t a MacBook Pro. Hell, we don’t even use Mac computers around here (I know – blasphemy!).

Having our hashtag mentioned in the Twitter stream wasn't our goal though. After realizing how little of a chance our networks had at winning a large, global contest, we wanted to give our followers a chance at a win a Twitter contest with great odds. We did that, and we’re happy about it.

Ultimately, we were also pleasantly surprised at the impact the contest made on our blog traffic. Here’s a quick breakdown of the contest’s stats, to give you some insight:

Contest run date: June 11 – June 26, 2009 (We stopped tweeting it after the 26th, and only tweeted it on weekdays. In total, the contest therefore ran only 12 days.)

Total views of blog post explaining the contest: 137 (109 unique). Of those views …

• 42 were referred from Twitter
  
• 27 were referred from Blue Door’s Facebook page
  
• 5 were referred from LinkedIn
  
• 18% navigated to another blog post after viewing the contest post (Wahoo!)

Total winners: 9 - Three of which submitted photos after! ...

Total #BDCBoobyPrize tweet entries: 30+ (This number is an estimate, as I can no longer find entries past about a week using Twitter search methods)

TwitPic views of the #BDCBoobyPrize goods: 146

So, as you can see, for a Twitter promotion that only ran about two weeks, it made a pretty decent impact on our blog traffic. It’s great to see that 18% of those who viewed the contest post proceeded to navigate to another blog post (and, sometimes, another after that!). Not to mention, the #BDCBoobyPrize contest also allowed us to further connect with our current Twitter friends, as well as a few new ones.

Although there were only nine winners total, more than 100 unique visitors viewed the contest. Translation? Our prize wasn’t alluring enough to take the time to tweet it, or people weren’t interested in entering a contest via tweet. Understandable, as it was simply promotional gear – No hard feelings.

To sum it all up, I will say this: Unless you’re a national entity (or have a really awesome prize), it can be difficult and time-consuming to drum up enough excitement around your promotion on Twitter. If you talk about it too much, you’re spamming. Not enough, and you’ll have no one enter.

Finding that happy medium within an organization’s promotional efforts – enough to make others want to talk about it – is where a company has to land. Once the conversation spreads, word-of-mouth will exponentially grow, and you won’t have to worry about self-promotion for the contest. This is pretty similar to any other marketing endeavor: Let your audience tell the story and share the enthusiasm. It will always be more genuine than anything you could personally come up with.

Thanks again for all who entered, sent in photos or tweeted about the contest. We very much appreciate your support, and ultimately giving us some Twitter contest insight to share with our readers.

P.S. Since we had only nine winners during our 12-day contest, that means there were THREE prizes left un-gifted! Here’s your last chance, your reward for reading to the end of this post: The first three to write a comment or give feedback will win a #BDCBoobyPrize. Ready…. Go!

Social Networking in the Operating Room

In this post: Megan explores the surprising uses of Twitter ...

Twitter never ceases to amaze and surprise me. Reporters recently did a story about doctors that tweet while surgical procedures are being performed on their patients. Twitter is only one of the many aspects that the medical arena is utilizing to make health care more interactive.

An ABC news article reported that "more that 100 hospitals have some kind of Twitter account and 82 hospitals have Facebook pages."

Doctors are hoping the information and updates they provide via Twitter are informational and helpful to other people that are considering surgical procedures and medical students that are eager to learn. Improving their communication with patients and alleviating any fears patients may have are also things that have been motivating doctors to jump on the social networking wagon.

So far, this new revolution in health care has been well received with both patients and doctors. The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota has even held a "tweet camp" for doctors, nurses, and staff. This "tweet camp" educates personnel on the uses of social networking and the many ways that doctors are utilizing Twitter. Most hospitals are having someone on staff devoted to social networking 24/7. (Wouldn't that be a fun job?)

Possibilities for social networking seem endless. What do you think will be next? ...

Making Time for Social Media

In this post, Brenda Haines looks at how people make time for social media, personally and professionally...

Last month, the Uber CEO blog (It's Official: Fortune 100 CEOs are Slackers) posted an analysis of Fortune 100 company CEOs using social media. Their analysis finds:

• 2% use Twitter
• 13% have a LinkedIn profile, but just 3% have more than 10 connections
• 18% have Facebook pages

The post hypothesizes that fear, lack of knowledge and time are the reasons more CEOs aren't taking on social media.

Anecdotally, the 'time factor' seems particularly powerful. When I talk with executives and friends about social media, time is the most common flag raised.

In fact, at dinner a couple weeks ago, several colleagues asked (not-at-all-rhetorically) how people find time for social media. They were interested in participating. But, they were concerned they'd be forced to give up something just to make time for social media.

The USC Annenberg Center for the Digital Future's 2009 Digital Future Report appears to confirm that suspcion. The study finds:

• 28% of the 2,000 respondents surveyed spent less time with household members since being connected to the Internet at home.
• shared family time dropped 30% over the last several years, according to the study.

So, I'm curious. How do you make time for social media? Have you 'given up' something to make time? Or, have you found a way to use social media to replace something you were already doing? I'd love for you to post your response.

My time trade-offs:

• Professionally, I use Twitter more and read e-newsletters less. The advantage is significant. The people I follow share great articles every day so I'm not devoting time to the bad ones. But, I haven't yet given up all e-newsletters or any RSS feeds because I want to be able to return the favor.
• Personally, Facebook has become my 'friend management system.' My address book has gotten dusty and I'm spending less time trying to figure out how to contact friends and more time following what they're doing. But, I'll be honest. This system is not perfect. There are nights that my hubby and I are on separate laptops, updating our Facebook statuses, and laughing when we see each others' posts.

So, what do you do, personally or professionally, to make time for social media?

(Please note: I posted this question on Facebook. I'll add responses those responses here as well.)

Defining "Local" Online

In this post: Jaimy defines her "local network" online, and how it's evolving ...

When I first began using Tweetdeck to manage my Twitter stream, I was a bit overwhelmed – especially by the possibility of creating infinite groups of follows. One such group – what I call my “Local” group - includes tweeps from the immediate geographic area (Oshkosh, Appleton, Green Bay), but also the state of Wisconsin as a whole. I’ve found that grouping interesting follows into relevant pods helps me better connect with people and keep up with their tweets.

Building my Local group on Tweetdeck was difficult at first. I tried to remember as many Twitter handles as I could and search them out to add to the group, but I obviously missed many. So, periodically (still doing it as we speak!), I’d catch a local tweet passing in the “All Friends” group and quickly add them to my Local group to keep better tabs.

Based on my crazy-Type-A-personality-anal-retentive method described above, you can probably imagine how anxious I became when I realized that, come mid-August of this year, I’d be moving to Davenport, Iowa, changing my perception of “local” completely.

My prediction? Once I’m down in Davenport, my Local group will include both Iowan tweeps and Wisconsinites. I’ll still be working for Blue Door virtually, traveling back a few times per year, so I don’t want to lose touch with New North folks. At the same time, I know that I’d go through withdrawal if I didn’t have any immediate-area tweeps to connect with in person.

And so, my search has already begun for interesting Davenport-area follows. Rewind my life a couple years, and I never would’ve predicted that I’d be using a micro-blogging platform to connect with people 4.5 hours away to foster online relationships that will hopefully grow into friendships.

I’ve found a couple methods useful for finding tweeps in a certain geographic area:

• I started off utilizing Twitter search. Choosing the “advanced search” option, I was able to select tweets coming through the stream from a specific geographic zip code or city area within a specified mileage radius. This was useful, although it does return a large array of results –some of which were simply tweeps passing through the area, not actual residents of the Quad Cities.
• Another useful online tool to find people on Twitter in a certain geographic area is TwellowHood. TwellowHood allows you to search the worldwide Twellow database by city or zip code. I found this useful, because if a tweep takes the time to register on Twellow, I’d assume they’re avid Twitter users and that their profile location is correct.

Using both methods above, I’ve already found a couple interesting, friendly follows (@erindelicious, @mckra1g), who I am excited to meet in person come August. If you’re searching out other methods of finding Twitter users by location, check out this Mashable post from June 2009 that outlines nine search methods more in-depth.

As you can see, the definition of “local” for me is definitely evolving. What’s your definition of “local” on the Web? Although the easy answer would be, “Everyone is local, because you can connect to people anywhere in the world using a variety of social platforms,” realistically, I don’t buy that. At some point, I think everyone has boundaries and a unique, personal lens for who they consider a “local” connection.

Connect with me on Twitter - @jaimy_marie

Ore-Ida® and SheSpeaks Speak The Customer's Language

In this post: Heidi delves into a fantastic example of social networking and product sampling she learned about at the WOMMU Conference (Word of Mouth Marketing Association's University) ...

A few weeks past, I attended the WOMMU Conference in Miami. Several outstanding speakers and inspired me, but one in particular has stuck in my brain more than the others.

H. J. Heinz Company's Ore-Ida division conducted preliminary research and asked moms the question “Why is it that if homemade potatoes are the best, you don’t make them more often?” (I’m paraphrasing a bit, but you get the gist.)

Moms answered: “I have to wash them, peel them and then boil them. It’s a lot of work and I don’t have the time.” (Again, paraphrasing.)

"A-ha" say Ore-Ida brand managers; "Here's an opportunity!" And, a new product was born.

Steam ‘n Mash potatoes are peeled, pre-cut and partially boiled. You simply stick them in the microwave, add your butter and sour cream, mash away and serve.

Now, Ore-Ida could have stopped there and said … we listened to our customer; we developed a product; we’ve created the packaging for it; let’s put it in stores. But, they didn’t. They went one step further and continued to seek input from customers and eventually closed the loop.

Ore-Ida contracted with SheSpeaks, an online community of women who willingly provide personal profile information in which they can be targeted and solicited for their opinions. SheSpeaks sought participation amidst their network and developed a micro-community for Ore-Ida's Steam ‘n Mash.

Approximately 16,000 women (that number is by memory) received trial packages that included a Steam ‘n Mash bag, coupons and a masher. The participants were asked to provide their thoughts and questions to the micro-site and Ore-Ida representatives would respond. The questions and comments poured in and the enthusiasm to the product was overwhelming.

Ore-Ida kept their end of the bargain and responded … but, more than that, they listened. There was general confusion pertaining to where Steam ‘n Mash would be located in the grocery store. Ore-Ida addressed those issues. There were requests for potatoes with the skins left on. Ore-Ida’s in development to launch that as well.

What’s even more interesting are the results. Ore-Ida’s brand manager did an excellent job recapping the analytics and online conversations – which came to 600,000 and some – and that was BEFORE the product even launched. (One more time … I’m stating figures by memory. The stats were flying by so fast I couldn’t keep up!) Even if my stats are a bit off, the foundation of what I’m saying isn’t. Ore-Ida asked, listened and acted based on their customers’ input. The launch was a massive success and occurred in a mere 18 months (and that factoid is 100% accurate!) 18 months – almost unheard of in normal product launch timelines!

So, not only did Ore-Ida produce an amazing product, one that will sell easily because it addresses an actual need, but it generated a great deal of buzz and excitement. This consumer-driven enthusiasm allowed the product to launch in an unbelievably short timeframe –likely saving Ore-Ida a great deal of money – and it created a stronger, trust-filled relationship between Ore-Ida and its customers.

Kudos Ore-Ida and SheSpeaks!

Jobless? Social Media May Be the Answer!

In this post: Today's economy demands a new way to capture jobs for recent grads and other job seekers ...

We've heard it before, and we'll continue to hear about it again ... finding a job has been problematic for many. While reading though Seth Godin's blog the other day, I noticed a comment stating that only 20% of 2009 college graduates who applied for jobs actually have one. To me, this is a huge red flag. With my commencement ceremony under a year away, the reality that I need to begin to prepare myself for the competitive job market has hit me hard. There are definitely jobs out there, but standing out in an ocean of qualified and experienced applicants can be difficult. Before I disappoint some of you (and I go into panic mode), trust me when I say that finding a job is not impossible. The key is knowing how to capture the eye of potential employers.

Expansive and unique resumes used to be a surefire way to get someone to notice you, but today's market calls for some news rules. In our new age of technology, we have to be more creative when trying to capture the extra glance from prospective employers. Social media participation is the new resume for job seekers.

David Meerman Scott, author of The New Rules of Marketing and PR, advises job seekers to "Create information that people want. Create an online presence that people are eager to consume. Establish a virtual front door that people will happily link to, and one that employers will find."

David is not the only person saying this. Microsoft, among many other companies, search the Web for potential employees when needed. If you're not active or publishing on the web, you won't be found for these jobs.

It may be daunting to get out into the social media world, but is definitely worth it. Social networking allows job seekers to have a direct line of communication to companies and hiring managers.


Here are a few tips to remember when jump starting your social media presence:


1) Make sure your profiles are up to date. It is not uncommon for companies to Google a job candidate, and you want to verify the search results are current. Your resume on LinkedIn should include all of your latest experiences and your blog should been updated regularly. Also, it may be a good idea to de-tag yourself in pictures on Facebook that show you at your college's toga party last fall or overindulging on your vacation to the Caribbean.

2) Be active on Twitter. There are many recruiters that are vocal on Twitter, and you have the ability to connect with them directly. Communicate with them or comment on their postings, and you will be able to learn about their company and job opportunities instantly. Ever since I joined Twitter about a month ago, I have gained so much insight from the articles other people have posted and the things they write about in their tweets.

3) Start a personal blog that allows you to showcase your interest in your professional field with a dash of personal twist to it. Your blog can revolve around your interests and passions, and also include posts on your expertise in your field. Through blogging, you can develop your own personal brand, showcase your creativity, and express your knowledge. This will attract recruiters to what you have to offer. Start a blog by using the programs Wordpress or Blogger.


4) Don't forget to join in on the conversation with your fellow friends on Twitter, professionals on LinkedIn, or your blogging buddies in your blogosphere. Comment on tweets or posts that are interesting to you, share your opinion, and ask questions.

These examples are only a few online tips, but the possibilities are endless. Get out there and play with what social media has to offer. Let yourself be creative and find your niche. It will be worth it.

From Low Privacy to No Privacy

In this post: Jaimy raises a few questions regarding the threshold of privacy online, in social networks ...

If you're part of any online social network, you're aware of the privacy issues that can come into play with your personal information. This concern doubles when you throw a professional career into the mix and triples when you're applying for a job.

Because, the Internet is peppered with an array of interesting tidbits about you. That crazy weekend in Cabo from five years ago that your then-best-friend posted a public, 60-photo album on? No longer "just a memory." That message or tweet you sent about your previous employer? Yeah, that's easily searchable too. And, we won't even start on all those messages you sent to your past significant other ...

The expectation of privacy has been significantly lowered with the rising popularity of online social networks, but there's always been a way to keep some information "private" (i.e. Personal messages, network grouping and security features) ... Well, until this morning, that is.

News broke today that job applicants with the city of Bozeman, Mont. are being asked to forfeit their usernames and passwords to all social sites they are a member of, or other Web groups they belong to, for "application information verification."

I think this is absurd. It's one thing to do your diligence in background-checking job applicants online and within social networks, but quite another to request complete control over their accounts. I understand that some of the positions within the city's government are highly respected and require a great amount of responsibility, but you have to draw a line somewhere.

What's next, I wonder? Are they also asked to give up their Web e-mail passwords? Blogging ID/Password? Are they allowed to change their passwords once their information has been sufficiently scoured by their employer?

Or, for that matter, what happens if they don't get the job? Their information was simply unveiled for nothing but to satifsy a few curiously insatiable employers?

I've grown up with little expectation of privacy online, as have many other Generation Y-ers and Millenials, but even I am taken aback by this expecation of job applicants. I'm not so sure any job is worth giving up the entirety of one's personal information for employer review and fine-tooth scrutiny.

Tweetup Planning in 140 Characters

In this post: Jaimy shares some quick and easy steps for planning your first (or, next) tweetup ...

If you’re like me, you live for planning. Every ounce of every second of every day, all you think about is the next second, and how you’re going to make it go exactly as planned.

Or, you go with the flow and rarely plan for anything, unless you think you’ll get in trouble if you don’t.

For the latter folks, you may be wondering how these magical get-togethers called “tweetups” (meet ups with people from Twitter) come to life. How exactly do you plan for something with people you barely know in “real life”?

It’s easy, I promise. (Don’t believe me? Look at this face, and my love for animals: http://www.twitpic.com/7k217 … I wouldn’t lie to you.)

Here, I’ll outline each step to planning a tweetup in 140 characters or less. That way, when one of them really jumps out at you and changes your life forever, you’ll easily be able to share it with your followers with a simple cut and paste! (Genius, I know.)

Tweetup Planning Step 1: Start a hashtag for your tweetup, so people can easily collaborate on Twitter. (i.e. #oshtweetup)

Tweetup Planning Step 2: Begin @ or direct messaging people in your area to gauge tweetup activity interest. Use the hashtag to build buzz.

Tweetup Planning Step 3: Confirm the venue and date, then make reservations if necessary.

Tweetup Planning Step 4: Create a TwtVite (http://www.twtvite.com/) and tweet your RSVP. Encourage local tweeps to do the same.

Tweetup Planning Step 5: Periodically tweet about the tweetup until the minute before the event. Spread the word on other SM platforms, too.

Tweetup Planning Step 6: Arrive at the tweetup at least 15 minutes ahead of time. Stake out your group’s spot.

Tweetup Planning Step 7: Bring nametags and markers to the tweetups. Have tweeps write their @ name and real name on their tag.

Tweetup Planning Step 8: Bring a camera and video camera if possible. Have another tweep bring one too – The more pics, the better!

Tweetup Planning Step 9: Have fun, make conversation, welcome new tweeps. Tweet from event and post TwitPics for those who couldn’t make it.

Tweetup Planning Step 10: Stay the full scheduled time if you are “hosting” the tweetup.

Tweetup Planning Step 11: The next day, post photos from the tweetup on Flickr, Fb or other photo-sharing sites. Tweet their URL.

Tweetup Planning Step 12: Within the following week, have any video posted from the event.

Tweetup Planning Step 13: Follow up on any connections or conversations from the tweetup. Thank all who attended with a #followfriday shout.

Tweetup Planning Step 14: Start planning your next tweetup! Try for one per month to keep everyone engaged.

So, in 14 short and easy steps, you can plan your first (or, next) tweetup. If you want to go above-and-beyond (you over-achiever, you), there are a couple other steps you may want to consider ...

Sponsorship: Many local companies are willing to sponsor your tweetup with an in-kind donation. Consider approaching relevant companies (who already have a presence on Twitter, if possible!) at least three weeks out, to ensure you receive the item(s) on time.

Web site: If you anticipate your tweetup-goers will generate a lot of content, you may want to purchase a domain name. This can be a great solution to keep everything in one, easy to find (and promote) place.

If you have any other tweetup planning questions or tips, let me know!

P.S. The next #oshtweetup is being planned for early July at Peabody’s Side Yard. More details soon to come :)