SitStayDown hasn’t been updated in months, because school and work take up most of my time. But this required blog has taught me that I can make time for a little extra writing, especially for a topic that I have so much passion about. I’ve grown up with dogs all my life, and when I moved, I couldn’t fight the urge to adopt one and take care of him all by myself. So far, he’s given me plenty of stories to share, so hopefully I’ll be able to do just that at least once a week!

So this post marks the end of Marketing From Montana. It’s been great fun to test my writing and debate abilities. Please do come visit me over on the SitStayDown blog and share your stories of your furry little friends!

Freckles

Then bingo, Denny’s gives me a perfect example of the WRONG kind of humor to use in a marketing campaign! In January, Denny’s won over 2 million people with its Grand Slam Giveaway. I don’t frequent Denny’s, but I did make an exception so I could enjoy free pancakes, bacon, sausage and eggs.

A couple short months later, Denny’s has fallen from grace. Perhaps it’s fitting to be posting this just the week before St. Patrick’s Day, since Denny’s used the Irish potato famine in an effort to promote unlimited french fries and pancakes. Although I can’t find any print ads or videos online that show this ad, I did see it at on point on the TV before it was pulled. Denny’s issued this statement after a public outcry:

“Denny’s has a history of using humor in its television advertising… It is certainly not the intention of the company to offend anyone or any group, and we apologize if this spot has in any way.”

Sorry, Denny’s. This, unfortunately, is not humor. More than one million people died. Death is NOT funny; it doesn’t matter who you are.

So what does Denny’s do after committing such a blunder? I think the first step is to be sincere in any issued apology. Unfortunately, I would venture to say that Denny’s again failed. Putting a condition into the apology–”if”–just seems like it puts the blame of the offense back onto the viewer. The message shouldn’t be, “Sorry if I offended you.” No–it’s sorry that I did offend you.

Hopefully, Denny’s will get back on track. Every person and every business makes mistakes, and I think most reasonable consumers know that. But reasonable consumers also expect a decent recovery.

Now, without further ado, here are the Fun Friday Finds for the week!

This first is a color-coded map of every burger in America:

Image Courtesy of www.weathersealed.com

McDonald’s (in black) is obviously leading the way, but the burger chain has some competition in some concentrated areas of the country.

The next fun find comes to us from Topeka, Kansas, which is, for the next 26 days, Google, Kansas. Google’s new program, “Fibers for Communities,” will place newer, faster Internet connections in locations across the country, and Topeka’s name change is part of the town’s bid to be one of those locations. Good luck, Topeka!

And of course, who is watching the Oscar’s this weekend? It’s THE awards show of the year, and for the first time ever, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is looking to social media to hype it. Check out this article from USA Today, which gives all the different ways that advertisers are using social media to push their brands.

This site’s sudden notoriety has me thinking about other ways in which we’ve sacrificed our privacy via social networks. Facebook is my favorite (virtual) place to hang out, and over the course of the past six months, I’ve watched one of my “friends” (in actuality, an old acquaintance from high school) battle her current husband via the social platform. I know all about their extra marital affairs, the fights that have led to the cops being called and their disagreements over the kids. Today, she even created a new photo album entitled, “husband and whore,” which includes pictures of her husband and his girlfriend. I only hope that the drama they’ve made public on Facebook is not brought to light in front of their four children.

And this girl isn’t the only one who apparently doesn’t care who knows her business. Penelope Trunk tweeted the miscarriage heard around the world last fall. PostSecret is a blog that highlights secrets people mail in on a postcard. Texts From Last Night is in the same vein but posts anonymous texts.

We have become a society that longs to share and digest all sorts of voyeuristic information. As a marketer, I can see how that would be beneficial for targeting; but on a personal level, the tendency to overshare is becoming more and more disturbing. What do you think? What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen posted on a social networking site?

27 Dresses in Cleveland

Dooce

Read Write Web

Simply Recipes

ToughSledding

There. I said it. When this whole blogging thing started, the ideas were coming left and right. I had to jot down story ideas in the middle of the workday, or first thing in the morning, or immediately after an article or Web site triggered an idea. This week….nada. Nothing.

How is this related to social media or marketing or even Montana? Perhaps it’s related a little to each of these things. The weather in Montana has been alternately beautiful and sunny and gray and snowy. When there is nothing but blue skies and (slightly) warm weather, I want nothing more than to be outside hiking, washing the car or taking a road trip. On the other hand, those days that are so monochromatic and cold that even the dog won’t go outside, I would rather snuggle up in bed with a good book than be productive. As you can see, the winter here in Montana makes it difficult to focus.

On the marketing/social media level, it makes me wonder how regular bloggers come up with well-written and polished material that constantly relates to their target audience. Before I began blogging regularly, I never realized how personal it can be. Every post I’ve written has either been inspired by or has included an element of my real life. It’s a great exploration of my professional and personal self, but it can be draining!

To some, this may come off as a complaint. To others, I know I sound like I’m whining. But really, I just wanted to share this crossroads with you. I’m sure every blogger has been there, and for me, it’s both frustrating and inspiring. The writer’s block makes it (obviously) difficult to share anything insightful with you right now, but I’m determined to come back with something more interesting. And if there’s anyone out there reading this who has experienced the same thing, I’d love to hear how you get over the hump and kick it back into a creative gear!

The first two come from my love of dogs, although I must say my pup will not be tweeting from his spot on the couch while I’m at work. That’s right…Mattel has come up with a way for your dogs to tweet. Check out this story from the LA Times and decide for yourself whether or not your little guy (or girl!) will be updating his own Twitter profile soon.

This second find comes courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States. Spay Day, created in 1995 and officially recognized as the last day in February, began being recognized by the Humane Society in 2006. I’m a sucker for cute little pets, so here’s a link to their Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest. Enter yours today! And as extra incentive, I’ve included a picture of my little pup.

Freckles with his toys

Next, in honor of the Olympics, we have a video analysis of just how Shaun White won men’s halfpipe Wednesday night. I have to admit, it was the first time I’ve ever seen Shaun White compete, and he blew me away.

Finally, call this a social media find that was discovered in real life. Last night at my monthly Social Media Club meeting, we learned all about Twitter for personal use and business. One part of the presentation discussed why it’s important to separate different networking groups (unless you have a good, strategic reason for not doing so). Here’s the reasoning behind that, a nugget of wisdom shared by @therealclint, presenter at our meeting:

LinkedIn is a corporate lunch. You don’t order a drink unless your boss does. Facebook is a backyard BBQ. And Twitter is a cocktail party.

The more I think about it, the more sense it makes. So I wanted to share it with you and get your thoughts on how you use different social media networks. Do you use them all together, or does each one serve its own purpose? I know one thing for certain: I’m dedicating at least an hour today to cleaning up some of my social media habits!

In honor of the symposium’s theme, If You Can’t Change the Rules, Change the Game, I’ve compiled my thoughts on how people can use social media to change it up a bit:

Networking

There are numerous ways to network with social media, both on and offline. LinkedIn is the most professional of the social networks. Create a profile, which reads much like a digital resume, join professional groups and connect with other professionals you know. Participating in group discussions and offering advice to other people in your field can expand your social circle, leading to recommendations, job leads and additional insight into your professional field.

Social networking isn’t limited to the online world. Twitter, an online community in which members communicate in 140 characters, has spawned face-to-face events all over the country. These events, dubbed TweetUps, are geographically based socializing opportunities. Twitter users who normally communicate online meet at a bar or restaurant. Most of the time, these TweetUps are casual, but they can also revolve around a specific conference or tradeshow, be used for fundraising purposes or focus on a professional topic. Whatever the purpose, TweetUps are great for expanding a personal social circle or making business connections.

Job Hunting

Looking for a new job? Although the traditional way of circling and responding to ads in the employment section still works, using social media as an additional tool in a job search can increase your chances of landing your dream job or even finding opportunities you didn’t know existed. LinkedIn offers a job board and shows members how they are connected to certain people in the company. Those who take advantage of this service can request an introduction to the hiring manager through their contacts. One distinct advantage of this service is that it is optional. Some businesses like to have control over who they see and talk to when filling a certain position. Hiring managers are busy, and using an emailed resume is an easy way to filter through potential employees quickly. Other companies like referrals through sites like LinkedIn, and obtaining an introduction (and perhaps even a reference) from a mutual acquaintance can put you a step above the competition.

LinkedIn isn’t the only social network to peruse during your job search. In the tough 2009 economy, job seekers also turned to Twitter. Renee Libby, a public relations professional who was profiled in a CNN Money article in September, landed a new job by using Twitter after a lay off. Libby built up her network and shared information regarding communications and public relations and soon was offered a freelance position at a Baltimore-based company. Shortly after, she was offered a full-time job.

Twitter can be used to create a social profile and give potential employers insight into your skill and work ethic. You can also use it as a job search engine: Services such as TweetMyJobs and TwitterJobSearch send out newly available jobs for job seekers.

Socializing

This seems like an obvious one, but I still talk to people who don’t understand the value of having a Facebook page. Facebook is still the number one socializing tool on the Internet. After moving across the country, I use Facebook to stay in touch with family and friends on the East Coast. It’s an easy way to share pictures and life updates with everyone.

Businesses also use Facebook to create a more personal relationship with consumers. Companies can create fan pages, which users join to receive many perks. Special discounts are offered on some Facebook pages, and others are used to work directly with customers to resolve service issues. In a time of instant gratification, consumers are no longer happy waiting around for a response. Instead of sending them to a sterile, impersonal feedback page on your Web site, step into their world. Meet them where they are. This may take some extra time and effort, but the payoff will be worth it.

Just a note of caution, particularly for individuals who use Facebook: It is the most involved of the social networks that I’ve come across. Pictures, comments left by friends and specific affiliations with certain groups can paint a pretty good picture of the user. Make sure it’s a good one. Companies will investigate social networks to get a better idea of who they’re hiring. Questionable pictures and postings should be carefully reviewed, or better yet, removed. If you are using or plan to use Facebook, be sure to review the terms of use and privacy conditions. Set your profile and information access to your desired level and check back every few months to make sure everything is as it should be.

And for any of you who might be viewing this post from Missoula, stop by the symposium if you can! It’s a wonderful networking/learning/socializing experience.

Next, there’s the Wyoming Short Film Contest, which organizers are trying to promote via social media channels ONLY. So naturally I had to mention it. The contest requires all entries to include Wyoming in some way, whether it’s filmed there or featured as a major character in the storyline. The goal of the contest is to increase film production in the state.

I’m closing this week’s Friday Finds with another analysis, this time a diatribe about the possibility (or impossibility, depending on how you look at it) of disconnecting from a social media world. I know this sounds like a complete 180 from the random features above, but I was pondering this very idea as a result of all the buzz about….well…Google Buzz. After watching all the chatter about it on Twitter, I found that I was very underwhelmed. I think my exact thought was, “Now there’s something else to learn?” This got me thinking about how tiring it can be to keep up with all of this social media. I mean, I am attached to it from the minute I wake up until it’s time for bed. My alarm clock goes off at 5:30am, I am working my freelance job by 5:45am, then I’m at work from 7am-4am, and completing my online master’s degree in the evenings. Then, of course, I have to tend to my personal social networks on Facebook and Twitter.

There are some days when I wish I could be more like my boyfriend. He specifically asked Verizon to eliminate the texting feature on his phone (this one I just don’t understand), he’s rarely on Facebook (we moved to MT three years ago, and the only pictures he’s posted since then are of his study abroad trip), he laughs when I go to my Tweetups. He’s as far removed from social media as anyone I know. I don’t even think he reads this blog. And some days, I wish I were more like him.

But really, once you’re sucked into the social media vortex, can you ever really return? When I joined Facebook in college (back when you had to have an .edu address to join), I always said, “OK, when I graduate, I’ll get rid of it.” That turned into, “When I start looking for a real job, I’ll get rid of it.” Then came, “When I get married, surely I’ll be ready to move on.” While the last one hasn’t happened, I have most certainly not deleted my Facebook account, even though I graduated four years ago and have been working full time for three. My track record doesn’t exactly ensure that I’ll delete the account when I’m hitched. As overwhelming as the social media landscape can be, I’m so attached to it that I think I would feel lost without it. I stay in touch with family and friends on Facebook because anyone will tell you that I never pick up the phone to call, and I take FOREVER to return emails. I catch up with my professional acquaintances on Twitter, which is where most of my Social Media Club crew hangs out. My classmates and I meet up in one of the schools virtual discussion forums to ask/answer questions, debate and chat. Although I relish those summer weekends where I can drive into the woods, throw up a tent and remove myself from the computer and my phone for two days, I wonder if I could ever be as blissfully removed from social media as my significant other. I venture to say no, I don’t think I could. I’ve chased job leads, made friends and discovered great finds via social media, and as overwhelming as it can be at times, it’s been exciting and rewarding.

Boy, you were wrong. He made quite a stir in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl by agreeing to appear in a Focus on the Family ad. There was so much controversy surrounding this spot, including the fact that CBS approved it in the first place, that it was probably one of the most hyped commercials of the night. But when it actually aired, I thought it was quite disappointing. It didn’t really stand out among the other highly anticipated ads of the evening.

But does it really matter, or did Focus on the Family gain enough air time on emerging media platforms that the commercial itself really didn’t have to be all that great?

There was a time when TV advertising was king. And if viewers missed you, you wasted a lot of time and money. These days, however, the TV spot is just another tool in the box. Create a little buzz on the Internet—interface with the right bloggers, obtain coverage in agency newsletters and build up expectant chatter, and you’ve already hit the jackpot, even before the commercial hits. Take the Tebow/Focus on the Family ad as an example.

A story in USA Today discusses the successes of the ad and gives some pretty impressive statistics; but the one that stands out for me is the fact that Focus on the Family garnered more Super Bowl advertising-related social media conversations than any other advertiser or brand between December 1, 2009 and Monday at 3 a.m. So for more than two months, it was the most popular Super Bowl related topic in the social media world. As Jim Daly, president and CEO of FOTF, said, “We won long before the ad ever ran.”

So what does this mean for advertisers? I think it surely means that social media has its place in a marketing strategy. So many people think that creating a Facebook page or starting up a corporate blog is the only way to get involved with social media. This proves otherwise. Sure, FOTF has a Web site, so they’re obviously not digital media newbies; but this social media buzz came from others outside of the organization who were either enraged by the thought of this ad being a part of the advertising lineup or thrilled that such a wholesome message was being broadcast during what most see as a time for beer, girls and pigskin.

Also…does this mean that marketers will neglect the quality of the actual advertising message (in this case, the commercial)? Is buzz and conversation all that some companies are looking for? I’m not passing judgment on the FOTF ad, I’m just thinking about this in the context of marketing and advertising as a whole. This thought has to cross some marketers’ minds when they’re crafting messages. Let’s just hope that the ease of social media marketing doesn’t create lazy marketers!