Friday, May 27, 2016

How AT&T is Tapping into New Consumer Tech Markets


This Week in Realtime Media


AT&T Aims for TV Everywhere


After acquiring DirectTV last summer, 2016 has been quite a big year for AT&T. Along with announcing three new streaming options (DIRECTV Now, DIRECTV Preview and DIRECTV Mobile) that each costs less than a traditional satellite package, the telecommunications provider has just acquired another company that will allow for “TV everywhere.”


Mentions of AT&T spiked early Morning, as news broke of the company purchasing video streaming platform Quickplay Media:



This move was done in part to help customers stream their upcoming DIRECTV services to smartphone devices, while retaining Quickplay's 350 employees. As news of the acquisition started to spread, “streaming” gradually became the center of all AT&T talk on Monday and Tuesday:



Top business and tech media outlets caught wind of the news as well, with publications like TechCrunch, the National Post, and MarketWatch all releasing their own stories around the acquisition:



While AT&T is renowned for traditional telecommunication services, new ventures into contemporary consumer technologies are what makes the most headlines for the company today. Still, it will be new-age tech audiences that determine whether this represents a competitive advantage or good measure by AT&T to avert market disruption.


Bette Midler Overtakes Trump (On Social)


As reported in The Washington Post, Monday was a rare day in the race for president.


For the last year, no one has received more 2016 election attention than Donald Trump. However, everything changed earlier this week, when Bette Midler chimed in with a tweet comparing the presumptive GOP nominee to hip-hop artist Azealia Banks. 


Ms. Midler's tweet was retweeted more than 38,500 times, and perhaps seen by nearly 53 million people worldwide:



However, the tweet did not completely steal the show from Trump. The likely Republican presidential nominee still maintained the most popular tweets within his own discussion:



At the end of the day, Bette's tweet may have steered some of the election discourse in her direction, but it ultimately added fuel to Trump's (already burning) social media firestorm.


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How AT&T is Tapping into New Consumer Tech Markets

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Better Inbox Productivity – 5 Tools for Reclaiming the 560 Hours You Spend on Email


Better Inbox Productivity - 5 Tools for Reclaiming the 560 Hours You Spend on Email


Every year you're spending 560 hours managing work email.


That's right. According to McKinsey, 28% of the average work week is spent reading and answering work emails. Based on a typical 40-hour schedule, that's 11.2 hours per week, or 560 hours each year.


That number may not be a shock. After all, most of us recognize email to be a necessary evil. But when you begin to think about all you could accomplish with just a portion of those hours back, you may realize the huge drain that email is on your productivity.


In fact, the same study from McKinsey estimates that we could get back 7 to 8 hours each week if we did a better job of managing our email. I don't know about you, but I could certainly use an extra work day every week!


In my experience, there are really just three ways that you can improve your inbox productivity.



  1. Prioritize your email – By prioritizing better, you'll be addressing your most important emails first. This typically means having to slog through all of the less critical messages or (worse!) the junk email to figure out which messages are most important.

  2. Spend less time checking and responding to email – This means either figuring out how to be more efficient when addressing messages or simply setting a time limit and holding yourself to it.

  3. Unsubscribe from unnecessary email – Simply put – if you get all the junk and unwanted email out of your inbox, it makes it easier to both prioritize and spend less time on email.


The good news is that there are many tools out there that can help you manage your inbox. The bad news is that you have to sift through all the noise to go and find them. I'm sure you'd love to cut down on the time, stress, and chaos that email creates, but we both know you don't have time to sift through all of the tools and tricks out there.


Lucky for you, I've already invested that time. Keep reading and I'll share the 5 best tools I've found to make your inbox more organized and productive.


1. Throttle


throttle for inbox productivity


Throttle is a brilliant browser extension. It generates a unique email address for anything you need to sign up for online – newsletters, eBook downloads, apps and so much more. Throttle will even help you bring over your existing services too. It then puts all of your messages into one beautiful, daily email. Throttle removes the less important emails from your inbox so you can focus only on the most important messages.


It also makes you more secure since you don't have to give out your email address. And that's not all – Throttle gives you complete control over all of your subscriptions. In one click, you can revoke access from any sender. This doesn't just unsubscribe you from their list, it actually shuts down that uniquely generated email address. Throttle is the only tool we've found that will help improve inbox productivity in all three ways.


Price: FREE


Benefits: Helps you prioritize, Saves you time, Helps you unsubscribe


2. IFTTT


ifttt for inbox productivity


IFTTT is a powerhouse tool that can be used to simplify your entire life, not just your inbox. However, relating to inbox productivity, IFTTT can help you automate tedious manual tasks that take up precious time.


You can create endless email-related “recipes” such as creating a reminder for high priority emails, saving attachments directly to Google Drive, sending important emails to Evernote, or receiving a text message when certain people email you. IFTTT takes these manual tasks off your plate, freeing up time for you to focus on what really matters.


Price: FREE


Benefits: Saves you time


3. Sidekick


sidekick for inbox productivity


Sidekick helps you be the boss of your inbox. With this extension, you'll know who opens your emails and when, you'll get detailed profiles about contacts right in your inbox and you can even schedule emails to send at the ideal time.


The scheduling feature lets you crank out emails when it's most productive for you, but deliver them to your recipient when they're most likely to get opened. With detailed contact information, you'll have everything you need to know about your recipient right in front of you as you write your email, saving you time from having to search LinkedIn or past email threads for things like title, company name, mutual connections and more.


Sidekick saves you time and makes you a more powerful email user.


Price: Free or Business Plan ($50/user/month)


Benefits: Saves you time


4. Calendly


calendly for inbox productivity


Have you ever tried scheduling a meeting over email? How about a group meeting with several participants?


The back and forth can get out of control when trying to manage all participants' busy schedules, leading to piles of unnecessary email. Calendly lets you get all of this done with one email.


You simply set your availability and then send out an invite to all parties. They choose the time that's convenient for them, and you avoid an entire chain of complicated and painful back and forth. It's a simple principle but will make scheduling meetings the easiest thing you do all day.


Price: Free or Premium Plan ($8/month)


Benefits: Helps you prioritize, Saves you time


5. Todoist for email


todoist for email for inbox productivity


Last, but certainly not least, Todoist's Gmail and Outlook extensions make you uber productive, by seamlessly integrating their beautiful task manager into your inbox. This allows you to review all of your to-do tasks and projects right from your email.


You can instantly turn emails into tasks, setting deadlines and labels as needed. The best part? You can access your to-do list from anywhere, and when you click on a task that you created from the extension, you'll be taken back to the original email.


No more searching through your inbox looking for a message from weeks ago or letting things slip through the cracks. The Todoist email integration takes your inbox to the next level of productivity.


Price: Free or Premium Plan ($28.99/year)


Benefits: Saves you time


Now What?


Sadly, we can't yet predict a future where email doesn't exist. But these five tools will help you spend less time managing your inbox and potentially give you hours back each day.


All of these tools have a free option, so give them a try and see what sticks!


Got any other favorite tools for streamlining email? Tell me in the comments below.


Guest Author: Christopher Riegger is an expert on growth and list building for businesses. Check out his writing at Growth Fruit.


The post Better Inbox Productivity – 5 Tools for Reclaiming the 560 Hours You Spend on Email appeared first on Jeffbullas's Blog.






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Thursday, May 26, 2016

Social Media vs. Content: Where Should You Invest?

Deciding where to put your investment–of money, time, and effort–isn't easy. And the ROI of both social and content is notoriously difficult to measure. So how do you decide where to put your efforts? And once you decide, how do you go about it? Read the full article at MarketingProfs

Social Media vs. Content: Where Should You Invest?

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How to Use Facebook Live


  Facebook Live, Facebook's relatively new (and FREE!) live streaming app, is all the chatter these days! But how to use Facebook Live is one of the most asked questions I get these days. It won't be long before everybody with a Facebook profile and/or fan page will have, and be able to use it so knowing […]


The post How to Use Facebook Live appeared first on Kim Garst Boom Social – Social Selling Strategies That Actually Work

Kim Garst


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Monday, May 23, 2016

49 Surprising Tips for Getting Attention in Mass Media


49 Surprising Tips for Getting Attention in Mass Media


Everyone wants to get noticed. And everyone wants attention.


Well, why are we trying the same old, tired techniques?


When you're trying to gain media attention it's important to standout. If you're exactly like everyone else, why would anyone care to cover you?


Find your unique voice and own it.


This doesn't mean you shouldn't try to repeat what works for others, but find your own spin on that approach.


Below are 49 more unconventional, yet effective, approaches to help you get noticed.


If you missed the first part of this series, check it out here.


1. Spot an information gap


Find an information gap for a particular reporter (Hint: Read other reporters' accounts as well.)


2. Hire an editor


Hire an editor or outside contractor with experience editing. Treat each email like you would a blog post, brand page, etc.


3. A/B test subjects


A/B test subject headings when pitching several reporters and editors. Take notice of who replies given which headings.


4. Revisit a local story


Locals, already familiar with a topic, may be interested to hear follow-up stories.


5. Target industry-specific reporters


Target reporters who regularly cover your niche, and contact them for direct quotes for a story that you're writing.


6. Find something in common


Find a common bond, doing an image (or reverse image) search for their name to possibly unearth pictures of them doing hobbies or pictures they've used in their pieces.


reverse image for mass media


7. Place deposits before reaching out


Don't (just) follow a reporter before you make an outreach attempt. Make (at least) two sentiments of interest (follow the reporter on Twitter and comment on a post of theirs) before writing an outreach email.


8. Pitch warm leads


Pitch a follow-up or annual study to those who have previously covered you or your business.


9. Take it old school


Send a written letter as outreach rather than email; place it in a larger envelope and include pictures and graphs to supplement your insight – be different!


10. Support your claims


Find (at least) three supporting articles (from respected sources) to support your own arguments or position for credibility purposes.


11. Take a unique stance


Make a counterargument regarding a reporter or organization's opinion; even if a reporter does not agree, they may want to include a counterpoint in a follow-up story.


12. Run a contest


Consider changing the name of your business, service, or popular product, and get consumers involved in the process via a contest.


13. Follow ongoing stories


Take interest in ongoing stories with two or more reporters contributing. You'll be more likely to offer something one (or the others) find intriguing.


14. Don't just rely on Google alerts


Use another alert system, besides Google, to stay on top of stories and particular reporters.


alert system for mass media


15. Create an authority perception


Include links to prior articles you've written (or been referenced in) along with your email signature during the initial outreach to express authority.


16.Reply promptly


Don't keep an interested reporter waiting; get back to them within the hour!


17. Play to your strengths


If you're a better speaker than writer, consider uploading a YouTube video rather than write, yet explain (in the body of the email) why you rather include a video link.


18. Provide another point of view


Include quotes of a friend or colleague who has a counterpoint to your argument. Both parties may get coverage.


19. Be generous by linking


Along with a written thank you, get digital and thank them with a link.


20. Maintain ongoing contact


Making contact (email, tweet, blog comment) once each month.


21. Get eyes on your email


Have (at least) two other people read your email for grammar and spelling before sending it to a reporter or editor.


check grammar and spelling for mass media


22. Keep things professional


Avoid Facebook stalking or informal gestures on Twitter.


23. Set them up with someone else


If you think an 'influencer' in your niche (has already) answered a reporter's present query, do the work for the former party and send the reporter a link to quotes or works along with contact information.


24. Send them a doll


Send a personalized bobblehead doll as a memorable 'thank you' sentiment.


25. Make a donation


Make a donation in the name of the reporter or media outlet in appreciation for coverage or ongoing contact.


26. Take it to Pinterest


Make a Pinterest board filled with insights regarding a particular topic, and refer reporters to your curated effort.


make a pinterest board for mass media


27. Create a unique landing page


Filled with information to supplement your initial information, especially if you have a lot of information to relay.


28. Use Twitter lists


Create a Twitter list of people who can help a reporter with a query.


create a twitter list for mass media


29. Use a unique hashtag


Create a hashtag to support a reporter's active and ongoing query or topic of interest.


create a hashtag for mass media


30. Use Twitter chats


Interview a reporter or editor via a Twitter chat.


31. Don't just use influencers


Don't only use 'influencers' for roundup or mass opinion posts; those with a limited number of followers are (more) likely to appreciate the attention.


32. Get creative


If you're a graphic artist, or an in-house designer, consider creating a political cartoon to illustrate a point rather than write an argument or opinion.


33. Take your data visual


Ask influencers to contribute to an ongoing collage of data, tables, and other varieties of visual information.


34. Make a 'thank you' page


Create a 'thank you' page of particular followers who express extra interest in your posts, tweets, insights, etc.


35. Talk in benefits


Make sure you address how your information benefits the reporter's readers.


36. Tap into BuzzSumo


Use BuzzSumo to find the most-shared content and to identify influencers.


use buzzsumo for mass media


37. Focus on the intro of your email


Spend most of your time on the opening three-to-four sentences of the outreach email.


38. Be a good listener


Establish that you're a good listener, relaying previous opinions and work of reporters.


39. Be thankful


Thank the reporter for their time (even if you don't hear back from them). It's a sentiment of respect (as well as a subtle reminder!)


40. Think in arcs


Show the reporter you're savvy about where a story has been and (especially) where it's going. Reporters look for arcs, so you should too.


41. Be patient


Wait to respond to a query you can truly contribute toward; first impressions count!


42. Care about the relationship first


Focus on building a relationship with a reporter more than being covered for a story.


43. Ask questions


Ask questions in comments and using tweets rather than only sharing a reporter's story.


ask questions in comments for mass media


44. Use an analogy


Use an analogy to support your position or argument (perhaps using a hobby or interest of the reporter).


45. Leverage line spacing


Use spacing in your email, especially between major points.


46. Be confident


Be confident with your writing voice; you are asking for inclusion in a story, but don't lose sight of the fact that you're doing something for the reporter too.


47. Be aware of deadlines


Reporters work with deadlines; let them know that you're available for a follow-up whenever they're ready.


48. Keep an email chain going


When following up with a reporter, use the same email chain (for their convenience) rather than starting a new string.


49. Get better at outreach


Get better at outreach, reading related literature and being inquisitive about reporter and editor preferences.


Guest Author: Cam Secore is an internet entrepreneur and currently blogging at Power Moves, where he writes reviews on his cool devices. Fun Fact: He once went four consecutive years without missing a Boston Celtics game. Don't even think about telling him the Celtics aren't winning a championship this year.


The post 49 Surprising Tips for Getting Attention in Mass Media appeared first on Jeffbullas's Blog.






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Friday, May 20, 2016

#SocialSkim: Snapchat Changing Its Algorithm, Plus 13 More Stories in This Week's Roundup

From Snapchat's plans to introduce a non-chronological algorithm to social networks' taking on the role of news organization to Google's new topic-driven social product and Twitter's tweak of it's character limit, the social giants tried tackling challenges from all corners. Read the full article at MarketingProfs

#SocialSkim: Snapchat Changing Its Algorithm, Plus 13 More Stories in This Week's Roundup

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Thursday, May 19, 2016

This Customer-Inspired Kotex Campaign Takes on Taboo Topics


This Customer-Inspired Kotex Campaign Takes on Taboo Topics


It's one thing to discuss taboo topics-it's another to create experiences around them. This is the inspiration behind the world's first-ever “Period Shop,” a bold new pop-up shop Kotex has set up in New York City to tackle taboos around “that time of the month.”


The idea came from a woman with a vision. Sarah M. Sarah took to Tumblr to comment on the need for a dedicated Period Shop, resulting in a partnership with Kotex and its agencies (Organic, Mindshare, Geometry, and Marina Maher Communications) to bring the idea to life. Described on the U by Kotex microsite as “part celebration, part proclamation, The Period Shop is proof that, together, we can change how we think about, talk about, and shop for periods. And we're only getting started.”





Interestingly, The Period Shop launched on a day known for its taboos and superstitions-Friday, May 13-at 138 Fifth Avenue in New York and stayed open through Sunday evening. All proceeds from merchandise in The Period Shop benefited Susan's Place, a NYC-based transitional residence for homeless women.





In an interview with Adweek, Brand Manager for U by Kotex Lauren Kren said, “We know consumers and women have a lot of ideas about how to make things better when it comes to periods, period experiences, and just the feminine care category in general. We decided to partner with some of these consumers and are championing these period projects by bringing their ideas to [life].”


In addition to hosting live events, celebrity appearances, and tons of sweet freebies like manicures at The Period Shop over the weekend, Kotex also hosted a temporary online shop and a Twitter sweepstakes to bring more fans into the experience.



The Period Shop is part of a larger initiative by Kotex called “The Period Projects,” which aim to change the way people perceive, talk about, and shop for products to improve that time of the month.


So, what can you learn from this bold initiative?


Listen and Learn From Your Customers


Your customers are your biggest asset. Deeply understanding who they are and what they're looking for as it relates to your company is the foundation for creating remarkable experiences. As seen with Kotex, being present, listening, and capturing insights can also spark amazing new levels of creativity that propel your business forward.



Tell the Story Behind Great Ideas


An inspiring part of this campaign is how the customer with a vision, Sarah M., is front and center, partnering with Kotex to encourage women to be more open in talking about their periods. From videos to interviews on The Period Shop website, Sarah, a student at The Fashion Institute of Technology, is getting the ultimate experience here seeing her idea come to life.


Unite Customers Around a Common Vision


Part of delivering remarkable customer experiences is understanding when to connect consumers around a common cause, vision, or passion point. Events foster natural connections, but so do online communities, such as the ones from Weight Watchers and Dell, where consumers are united around common interests. (highlight to tweet) The end result? Higher levels of engagement, advocacy, and ultimately, brand loyalty.


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This Customer-Inspired Kotex Campaign Takes on Taboo Topics

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