10 Things We Do Every Day

I did a lot of people watching during the holidays. People at the mall, coffee shops, and family get-togethers; just doing what people do. That’s when it occurred to me. Most of the things weren’t even possible 10 years ago. Indeed, there are 10 things that I do on a daily basis that weren’t part of my life at the turn of the century. Did I just say that? Anyway, consider this:

1. Texting – I use my phone to send short messages to friends and family throughout the day. Even during important meetings but not during your meeting Ms. Customer.


2. Mobile Web Surfing – I’m constantly online. Even if my phone is the only connection I have. This too can happen during meetings. Or, while waiting for my tall coffee. But, never while driving.


3. Twitter – I tweet my most random or intentional thoughts into 140 characters or less for the whole world to read. Like this. I’ve just done it again.


4. YouTube – anyone in the world can now see my video about the Starfish Strategy. Or, watch a kitty in China play the piano. Good times.


5. Google – Einstein said, ‘never memorize anything that you can look up’. Wow! If he only knew.


6. Facebook – connect with friends and network with business contacts – even when I don’t really want to. And, if from time-to-time we’re not really friends. “Like?”


7. Netflix – sorry Blockbuster but my laptop, HDTV, and the Internet just trumped your late fees and limited selection.


8. Hulu – sorry broadcast television executive. No more ‘appointment TV’. I watch what I want when I want. That means 30 Rock is on at 8P Saturday if I want it to be.


9. GoToMeeting – I average 6 presentations a week with people who due to the high cost of travel I would likely never meet. All without a single body search or bag check.


10. Crowd Sourcing – who would have imagined that the Christmas Eve attack on the Pope would only be viewable because some lady was filming it on her phone? Top that CNN.
    

So, what will the next 10 years bring. Who can tell? You can, however, count on this – the innovation will come from either the consumer audience or a small business. And, it will change everything – again.

What would you add to the list? Share your thoughts with me www.twitter.com/timbigfish , www.facebook.com/timcnicholson or visit our web site http://www.gobigfishgo.com/ .

George, I Want to Play

They are five simple words, “George, I want to play.” The economy of words is priceless. And, in the Participation Age they are everything.

Here’s the deal. A Memphis radio sports talk show legend plays trivia with his listeners. He has one simple rule, tell him that you want to play the game or you don’t get to play. It’s serious fun (if there is such a thing) and it’s the only price for admission to the contest. Knowing this phrase is even more important than knowing the correct answer to his trivia question. For without knowing and practicing the rule the listener is ineligible. And, when you don’t play you can’t win.

Think about Internet marketing in the same terms. You have to participate if you want a chance to develop customer relationships. Today’s game is played in the social media realm on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr. You’ll need a plan if you want to succeed. That’s where we come in.

At Bigfish, we implement Internet marketing tactics via the Starfish Strategy. Our plan integrates social media with search engine marketing. It initiates conversation with your prospects and customers in venues of their preference. Its objective is to move the participant to your web site for an extended conversation about your brand. And, ultimately create a chance for you to win.

Interested? Let’s talk about it. Find me at www.twitter.com/timbigfish. Just say, “Tim, I want to play.”