It’s Facebook question of the week time (clap, clap, clap)!

This week, we had a plethora of questions, but only one of them was coherent (Jennifer MacDonald).

So I thought it would be fun to address Jen’s question later (in a serious video) and address all of the goofy ones at once today.

Yes, we talk Super Bowl commercials, angels, LaToya Jackson, my new favorite shirt from Frank and Eileen, and even Ken Mueller gets a mention even though he forgot his question (try again next week, Ken!).

Alright. Let’s start with the questions. Continue Reading »

That’s right! It’s that time again. Facebook question of the week time (clap, clap, clap)!

This week we’re talking online monitoring, measuring results, some elbow grease, and marketing expertise.

Rusty Speidel, a friend I met on Twitter who later became a close offline friend (mostly because we both road bike), has been giving me a hard time about measuring results.

He thinks marketing expertise and elbow grease aren’t enough for most, because most people aren’t analytics nerds like I am.

So he challenged me to the following question: Continue Reading »

I can hear the wind blowing outside and it sounds like it’s really cold. So I’m pulling together this blog post in bed.

I don’t want to get up!

In some places in the country, wind like this is called a tornado or a hurricane. In Chicago? It’s just par for the course. It is, after all, the Windy City.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t have Facebook question of the week (clap, clap, clap)! Continue Reading »

It’s Facebook question of the week time (clap, clap, clap!).

A few housekeeping things first.

If you’re going to PRSA this weekend/next week, leave me a comment so I can say hi!

And, Inside PR (Martin Waxman, Joe Thornley, and I) are hosting a TweetUp on Monday night. If you RSVP online, the first drink is on us!

We’re also going to be doing lots of interviews for the podcast. Achieve your 15 minutes of fame AND a free drink. On us. Well, the free drink is on us for sure.

And now…the question. Continue Reading »

It’s Facebook question of the week time (clap, clap, clap)!

Today we talk Panera Bread and eavesdropping and LinkedIn use and there is a special guest appearance from someone (something?) you may or may not have already met.

But, before the video, a little background.

My friend Rich Burghgraef owns Randolph Sterling, a company that helps you with business development.

I’m pretty sure we met because he’s a fellow Vistage member and he was trying to figure out this whole social media thing about the same time I was doing the same. But he’s a friend I met in real life before I knew him online. Which means he’s an ollllld friend! Continue Reading »

Today’s Coup de Blog is written by Michael Schechter .

Every day, Gini Dietrich leads you to believe that she is kind enough to provide others an opportunity to give their voice on this blog; to share in her audience.

This is a flat out lie. Having been a long time reader of Spin Sucks, there is one clear and, frankly, sinister intent for Gini’s so-called generosity… she gets to trounce us all in sheer volume of comments.

I know what you are thinking…“You don’t understand, she gives me something to think about every day” or even “I can’t tell you how many amazing people I’ve met through this blog.”

If you want to believe that, it’s fine, but you are playing the fool. Continue Reading »

I think you know we are pretty passionate about blogging. We blog because we get to meet people like you, develop close friendships, have fun, debate, and learn from each other.

But that is not the primary reason.

We are blogging to grow our business. Continue Reading »

Does it feel like it was JUST Facebook question of the week time?! Today is Thursday. Right??

Well, if I’m wrong and it’s not Thursday, surprise!

I’m coming to you from a hotel room. But last time I recorded from a hotel room my friend Damian Dayton very kindly suggested I place myself in front of a window.

I took his advice. Turns out I did something wrong because it’s super dark. I’ll try something different next time.

But wait until you see how exciting the backdrop is. You’ll be sooooo jealous of me.

(Update: I was wrong; Damian told me to put the window in FRONT of me, not behind. I couldn’t remember and guessed…mostly because what was out the window was way more interesting than my hotel room door. Sorry Damian!) Continue Reading »

It’s Facebook question of the week time (clap, clap, clap)! It’s been a few weeks since I’ve done a real video question and I have a special treat for you.

We’re going to have a lesson in how to say my name.

That’s right…you’re going to learn how to say my name!

Well, I also sing a song. On video. I’m pretty sure it can be missed so you can fast forward to :40.

And now on with the show (if you can’t see the video in your feed, click here and it’ll magically appear)!

Continue Reading »

We just returned from Counselors Academy,  a PRSA conference for PR firm leaders. It’s one of my favorite times of the year. I can hardly believe it’s been two years since I was the newbie there.

Back then, I was intimidated as hell to go. As a small PR practitioner based in Sandpoint, Idaho, I assumed everyone would wonder what I was doing there.

I was there because, when I started my business, I had no idea what I was doing. I needed to learn the business side of running an agency. I arrived and discovered that everyone was excited I was there. I have since met and made some of my closest friends and confidants (Gini Dietrich as one perfect example). I learned a ton about the business, and in general, simply raised the bar in my professional life.

This year, as always, I packed my brain with thoughts and ideas in the almost three days full of breakout sessions, keynotes and round tables. Continue Reading »