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Kirk Ackerson

Olathe, KS

Marketing

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Brad Hilderbrand I'm wondering if anyone has any good resources for how to market digital products. Most of the reference materials I see talk about physical locations, actual inventory, etc. I'm having trouble translating these concepts into an all-digital world. Any suggestions?

46 weeks ago from Internet Marketers, Interactive Media and Marketing, New Media Marketing and Marketers 2 more

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Kirk Ackerson: Brad - I would consider how you can build buzz about your apps offline. For example, Newsweek used to show the top ten apps (or something similar) ...MoreBrad - I would consider how you can build buzz about your apps offline. For example, Newsweek used to show the top ten apps (or something similar) on the back cover of the magazine.

Physical businesses are begining to use QR codes. I would consider, based on the specific app, which business or venue it naturally relates to and get creative in advertising your app. This could range from a formal partnership to co-advertise with a business to a viral campaign such as a QR scavenger hunt at an industry conference or within a city or town.
46 weeks ago

Jonathan Vaudreuil: Brad, I recommend researching the most influential app sites on the Internet, especially those that review apps in your genre/niche. Try to build ...MoreBrad, I recommend researching the most influential app sites on the Internet, especially those that review apps in your genre/niche. Try to build a relationship with the people who run the site long-term. In the short-term, see what it would take to get your app reviewed by them, or at least looked at.

I'd also recommend contact companies that have launched apps which sold well to see what you can learn from them.
46 weeks ago

Kirk Ackerson I just wrote a quick article on communicating the value of your social media efforts to your company's executives. Has anyone had similar experiences or tips to share? How To Communicate The Value Of Social Media To Your Executives: http://wp.me/pYif2-o

60 weeks ago from Social Media

Sabera (Kapasi) Photographer Can you give me some tips on planning a twitter chat? The goal is to answer people's Indian food related questions. So the chat will be one where people ask questions (to me and another moderator) and we'll answer them. Another objective is to generally meet people interested in Indian food. What is the best way to manage a chat while meeting these goals, without letting the chat go totally out of control? Where do I begin with the planning?

66 weeks ago from I Love to Cook!, Personal Development, Slash Jobs, Social Media and u30pro 3 more

Rebecca Thorman recommended this

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Sabera (Kapasi) Photographer: Thank you so much for the tips everyone! I'll be sure to do a follow-up with more questions. @Jenn - Where can I see a list of all Twitter chats?
66 weeks ago

Dr. Woody: I've used TweetChat.com which seems to work reasonably well. Post specific questions and encourage answers from others too!

Also, at the end of ...MoreI've used TweetChat.com which seems to work reasonably well. Post specific questions and encourage answers from others too!

Also, at the end of the chat ask everyone to invite a friend to the next one!
66 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman I'm excited; a project I proposed is really close to being approved. It involves a large sum of money and after a lot of discussion, my CEO & President like it a lot, but are putting the final decision back in my hands (& asking me to think about it over the wkend). They're asking, "Is this the best possible thing you could do with this money?" They'll go with whatever I decide. I've been gung-ho about the proj. from the beginning. But now I'm nervous. Thoughts on how to make the final decision?

76 weeks ago from Social Media Marketers, Generation Y Marketers, New Media Marketing, PR & New Media and Social Media 3 more

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josephine hanan: I think it's really important to look at the big picture of what you want to get accomplished and see if your project is most on target with the ...MoreI think it's really important to look at the big picture of what you want to get accomplished and see if your project is most on target with the critical drivers of success. Everything has pros and cons and just be ready to show how you've thought about the cons and what you can do minimize them to the best of your ability. I don't think there is a "right" answer and it sounds like it might even be a close call with other options, and this is your exercise in being confident in not only choosing an option but showing that you are 100% committed to making whatever you pick work. That's the person I'd want on my team; a person who knows what they're really dealing with and will make it work no matter what.
76 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman: Thanks all - I've done many of these suggestions already, and I think you're right - I just need to be committed in whatever I decide to make it ...MoreThanks all - I've done many of these suggestions already, and I think you're right - I just need to be committed in whatever I decide to make it work. That's been my prerogative from the beginning. Thanks for the input - nice to have some back-up :)
76 weeks ago

Jen Woodall Help needed - I'm a blogger, artist, adv prof and most importanly a Mad Men junkie. So much in fact, I entered their contest. If I win, I'll have a chance to be on the show!! What I'm hoping I can get from you guys: 1) a vote 2) more votes (you can vote daily) 3) utilizing your social networks to help me get more votes - I entered yesterday and some pple have over 300,000 votes so I need to catch up! The link - http://madmencastingcall.amctv.com/browse/detail/MVB51G - Plz shr! Thx! @jennyus

76 weeks ago from Social Media Marketers

Kirk Ackerson: Done - good luck!
76 weeks ago

James Thomas: OK...voted. Hope to see you on the show.
76 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Kate Hutchinson I work for a small startup and the head of a medium sized startup has started hassling me. We both offer similar services (but distinct ones), and this guy is super aggressive. He taunts me on Twitter, and when proposing a "partnership" told me that I (CMO) was not important enough to talk to, want to see the CEO. Have you ever encourntered this kind of hositlity? How did you deal?

79 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

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Jamie Nacht Farrell: I disagree on ignoring if the partner company can drive revenue and better your business. There are 100s of partners I have worked with over the ...MoreI disagree on ignoring if the partner company can drive revenue and better your business. There are 100s of partners I have worked with over the years who are ego maniacs and have acted like the one you've described. For the betterment of the business (especially a start up business), we sometimes need to check our egos at the door and try to work together. If, after beginning to work together, he does not change - sure - ignore him and end the relationship. However, many times we find that once we get to know someone a bit better and we start working together, people change.
79 weeks ago

EricHFriedman: depends on what you want to gain/lose here.
79 weeks ago

Owen Nwanze When interviewing for a Web 2.0 or New/Social Media Marketing company, what do you think is the proper attire, business professional or business casual? I typically wear suits to interviews; however, because a lot of the web 2.0 & SMM companies have more of a laid-back, liberal culture, I am starting to question my choice of attire when interviewing with these companies.

80 weeks ago from Social Media Marketers, Online Media Jobs, Career Rocketeer, Social Media and New Media Marketing 3 more

Elysa Rice recommended this

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Chris Paugh: Definitely the suit!!
80 weeks ago

Kenji Crosland: I agree with Raquel on having a suit but not "just a suit." It's good to dress conservatively (white shirt, dark tie) if you're applying for a job ...MoreI agree with Raquel on having a suit but not "just a suit." It's good to dress conservatively (white shirt, dark tie) if you're applying for a job as an accountant, but if you're going for that trendy web 2.0 job, wear a shirt and tie that have vivid colors but match well. If you're having trouble matching, buy one of those shirt/tie combos they sell in some department stores.
80 weeks ago

Kim N. Campbell Let's talk strategy. I'm interning at a startup and am in charge of their communications but haven't gotten any clear feedback on what the company's communications goals are. How do you guys identify social media goals for your companies? How do you boil that down to measurable objectives?

81 weeks ago from Social Media Marketers

Rebecca Thorman recommended this

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Sara Gallagher: I really like this infographic (below) about social media networks and the four functions that each network serves, to varying degrees. It has ...MoreI really like this infographic (below) about social media networks and the four functions that each network serves, to varying degrees. It has helped my company get a better grasp on what we're trying to accomplish strategically, and the best way to meet those strategic initiatives. I think some of this may be slightly dated, but I have found it helpful nonetheless.

http://www.nikkipilkington.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/infograph-smedia.jpg
81 weeks ago

Kim N. Campbell: Thanks everyone,

The way I've been thinking about it is that the people who we want to attract as customers are the folks we want to engage with ...MoreThanks everyone,

The way I've been thinking about it is that the people who we want to attract as customers are the folks we want to engage with online and the platforms we want to build a presence on will depend on the platforms being used by those target markets. I think the challenges for me is identifying the priority target audience. I'm just going to propose who I think we should target and how, then see what the response is. I appreciate all the info you guys shared. I'll incorporate the feedback as I work on the proposal tonight.

81 weeks ago

Melissa Breau So one of my good friends is a web guy... a real techie. And he's pushing me heavily to change the format of my blog, so that whole posts aren't available on my homepage. He wants me to use a "more" button so readers have to click through to read the whole post for SEO reasons (he claims Google only sees my homepage right now). Thoughts?

83 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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steve taite: It all depends on how people get to your blog. Using the right theme you can create a home page that gives your new reader teasers and gets them ...MoreIt all depends on how people get to your blog. Using the right theme you can create a home page that gives your new reader teasers and gets them excited about the general content of the blog. Also some themes allow you to show one - several complete posts and then teasers for 10 or so more. I've found that a great deal of the traffic to my blog (taitegallery.net) goes directly to the post page itself and not the home page. If you are using wordpress.org the options are endless
83 weeks ago

Ty Unglebower: I'd keep it how it is. But as you know about me by now, I don't generally cater too much to fads and trends. Plenty of people find your blog and ...MoreI'd keep it how it is. But as you know about me by now, I don't generally cater too much to fads and trends. Plenty of people find your blog and read/enjoy your content as is. Why screw with it?
83 weeks ago

Elizabeth Williams I'm unsure about the business relationship I've just entered into with a local business I've been in a client relationship with. The owner isn't always particularly organized; they had to cancel our first two lunch meetings and was late for yesterday's meeting due to schedule problems. The biggest concern is that when I showed for our second lunch meeting, they "schedule conflict" was another photographer shooting the studio at that time.

85 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

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Kirk Ackerson: Understood - you are facing the "friends or family" dilemma where more latitude exists which makes it easier to be pushed back as they feel that ...MoreUnderstood - you are facing the "friends or family" dilemma where more latitude exists which makes it easier to be pushed back as they feel that the relationship is strong enough to survive minor things like rescheduling. It's good that you have this relationship but you should still try to convey the message that this is now a business relationship and should be treated as such. The other option is to use the relationship to help you meet your goals - meet for coffee before or after hours or at a non-business location. While they might not be comfortable doing this with a new business partner, they may be more comfortable with you. Good luck!
85 weeks ago

Anna Raddatz: It sounds to me like either a. they're just hyper disorganized, or b. they're taking advantage of you (as it is, they're already getting donated ...MoreIt sounds to me like either a. they're just hyper disorganized, or b. they're taking advantage of you (as it is, they're already getting donated time from you for those brainstorming sessions). In either case, I would run screaming from any professional relationship with them. This is the type of client that is WAY more pain and effort than they're worth. Keep them as your favorite gym, and look elsewhere for clients.
83 weeks ago

Liz Jones I am the founder of a small marketing services company, and I need freelance social marketing help. Where do you all think is the best place to post a position like this? Craigslist? Others? I'd love your input! Thanks.

85 weeks ago from Social Media

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Ryan Paugh: @Liz -- Try posting your job opening in one of our Freelance networks here on Brazen too >> More@Liz -- Try posting your job opening in one of our Freelance networks here on Brazen too >> http://bit.ly/5fm4Dw and http://bit.ly/4ZZiB0
85 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman: As you can see, there are a lot of great people right here on Brazen who would be able to help you! You might also want to post your position in ...MoreAs you can see, there are a lot of great people right here on Brazen who would be able to help you! You might also want to post your position in the We're Hiring network (http://www.brazencareerist.com/network/were-hiring) and Hire a Freelancer network (http://www.brazencareerist.com/network/hire-a-freelancer). Good luck!
85 weeks ago

Heather Conroy I've just witnessed (and followed with interest) an epic blogging flame war. What are your rules for blogging with integrity. What about commenting? What's your personal commenting policy-do you advertise that on your blog? Many questions!

89 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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Marisa Wikramanayake: All comments have to come through me. I don't comment on blogs that have a flame war going on because I don't want the flaming to come back to my ...MoreAll comments have to come through me. I don't comment on blogs that have a flame war going on because I don't want the flaming to come back to my blog and make the readers I do have feel uncomfortable about commenting.

Anything with a swear word in it goes into spam automatically. I don't even see it. I feel it is possible to express your opinion without resorting to swearing, no matter how intensely you feel about what you have to say.

I make a point of stating that I am open about whatever someone has to say as long as they are polite about it.
88 weeks ago

Vanessa Alvarado: I delete comments that are from shameless advertisers. I leave others intact. I'm not monetizing my blog yet but maybe in the future...only ...MoreI delete comments that are from shameless advertisers. I leave others intact. I'm not monetizing my blog yet but maybe in the future...only allowing certain ads.
88 weeks ago

Sabera (Kapasi) Photographer I recently launched a facebook fan page for my Indian food blog: http://www.facebook.com/OneLifeToEat. I've brainstormed a few things I can do to drive conversations and engagement on the page but I need your feedback. I have a question for all you foodies and community managers out there: what type of content on food do you think people new to a cuisine would like to see via a social media feed they've opted to follow (apart from recipes ofcourse) ?

89 weeks ago from I Love to Cook! and Social Media

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Bee: Have opinions -- and ask for comments and feed back. People will then feel safe agreeing /disagreeing with you. On social feeds -- ask open ended ...MoreHave opinions -- and ask for comments and feed back. People will then feel safe agreeing /disagreeing with you. On social feeds -- ask open ended questions as well as postings to your blog links. Explain regional differences. Not all Indian food regionally is the same. I love this chart from Begum's Kitchen Indian food blog. (http://begumskitchen.com/indianingredients.aspx). When I first explore a new foodie culture I am intimidated by new ingredients. I also want to know what a normal meal is vs a fancy or holiday meal. Tell your story about your experiences/your life with the dishes and advice. Have Topic with an Ask Me Day -- where readers contribute their Qs. I like reading interviews that are unique (example you interview your aunt about a special dish or the reason she uses certain ingredients or you interview the chap at the "Indian Food Store" and ask him/her what people ask about, changes s/he's seen and recommendations or sources for imports). I also suggest creating like a Flicker Foodie challenge -- perhaps a "From the Grocery Aisle, Frozen Box of Palak Paneer Challenge" or a "Curry Challenge" where you encourage readers to be participants, and if they post on flickr then you can showcase their photography of their foods/meals with their permission. If is an off the store shelf item its accessible to your audience, but then you have the ability to engage them in dialogue about what the meal is supposed to look like vs packaged and how to serve it or other ideas. Baby steps while you also open the door and showcase what its REALLY supposed to be like and guide us to take the risk to do what we can with forzen/boxed but encourage us to take the time and relish the work it takes to create a masterful meal. And ask yourself what kind of info and what kind of conversation do you want to have with readers? Its more fun if its your voice. I go here when I want to surf for new Indian/Tandoori foodie stories, tips and recipes: http://thecookscottage.typepad.com/curry/2007/03/more_indian_foo.html I look forward to following your new blog! Congratulations on your launch!

89 weeks ago

Sabera (Kapasi) Photographer: Thank you for the great suggestions! Do visit the blog and let me know what you think! MoreThank you for the great suggestions! Do visit the blog and let me know what you think! http://onelifetoeat.com

@Bianka - That is a great tip! I assumed people know where to buy their Indian groceries. I guess a 'how to' wouldn't hurt

@Kirk - I'm working on a 'This is how it is in India' series. Thanks for the suggestion!

@Bee - You've given me some brilliant ideas. I'm trying out all of them in due course :)
89 weeks ago

Sara Gallagher I would like to get a conversation started about credibility, and what defines it for Gen Y. Today I read a high-traffic blog by someone in their mid-20s with approximately four years of total work experience...she writes career advice. I think it is common for Gen Y to brand themselves as "experts," "gurus," or "New Media specialists" with less than a few years of work history. Should this be acceptable? Does credibility even matter in an economy driven by ideas?

92 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

Sean Cook and Kenji Crosland recommended this

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Sean Cook: Check out my latest post (inspired by this conversation):

HigherEdCareerCoach: How to tell a "Who-Do" from a Guru: Part 2
MoreCheck out my latest post (inspired by this conversation):

HigherEdCareerCoach: How to tell a "Who-Do" from a Guru: Part 2
http://higheredcareercoach.com/2010/05/12/how-to-tell-a-who-do-from-a-gu...

If you missed part 1, it is here:
http://higheredcareercoach.com/2010/05/07/how-to-tell-a-who-do-from-a-gu...

Thanks for the great conversation. Part 3 will probably be later this week.
91 weeks ago

Andy Stanczyk: The self proclaimed experts are increasing at an alarming rate. Even more alarming are those who pay, listen & trust these so called ...MoreThe self proclaimed experts are increasing at an alarming rate. Even more alarming are those who pay, listen & trust these so called "experts." Who is to blame if the information or direction is misguided? Do you blame the 20something for trying to make a name for his/her self or those who seek out & run with the provided advice without asking for proof of credibility?
91 weeks ago

julie houta Any recommendation on how to promote an online magazine on social media networks internationally? How would you tackle China, India, and South America considering it is a US online mag? Thanks

94 weeks ago from PR & New Media

Kirk Ackerson: IMO you need to focus on the content and whether it will appeal to your audience. What appeals to an audience in China may not in India - are ...MoreIMO you need to focus on the content and whether it will appeal to your audience. What appeals to an audience in China may not in India - are different versions being published that are targeted geographically as well as culturally? The tools used like Bebo, Hi5, text snippets are secondary to the content.
94 weeks ago

julie houta: Thanks for the response. Content is not targeted geographically but the magazine MoreThanks for the response. Content is not targeted geographically but the magazine http://www.thepowerplayermag.com/Thepowerplayermag/Home.html features international talents and brands. My goal is to get the Alexa numbers up within the next 2 months and to target an international audience. Btw I just signed up for Brazen. Any way you think I could use it for that purpose?? THANKSSS
93 weeks ago

Nidal There is always a payoff between gainnig business experience in a field before starting a business or starting right ahead. i think whats important is developping the skills you need for your business, while some of those skills will come through working for someone else. Allot of it will come through trial and error and life experiences. What do you guys think about the topic? Is "business experience" necessary?

98 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

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Bradley O: To go back to your point, and In light of the fact that we all agree you need to learn. I still maintain that have a balance between having some ...MoreTo go back to your point, and In light of the fact that we all agree you need to learn. I still maintain that have a balance between having some training/experience and jumping right in is required.

Jumping right in can really shoot yourself in the foot in the long run. Take lawyering for example, If after the BAR, you jump right into taking on a defense case (suspend your disbelief for a moment) and fail at it miserably, like you most likely will, that would definitely hurt your reputation and you might never be able to recover from it.

In this example having some experience as part of another firm would almost be a requirement.
98 weeks ago

Michael Dvorscak: I think it may be important to differentiate between learning and experience. I will let someone else define the concepts. In my case, I have some ...MoreI think it may be important to differentiate between learning and experience. I will let someone else define the concepts. In my case, I have some "business experience." If we all think about it we probably have more than we think we do. Learning is another idea. I am learning about business constantly, whether it is as customer, reading a blog, talking with a co-worker or class colleague about a restaurant experience. In reality if we are perceptive we can learn about business and how do things without having "business experience."

"When the student is ready the teacher appears."
98 weeks ago

I want to start an online retail business as a side project. I plan on moving to Germany in a few years, and would hate to sell off this business if it ends up doing well! Does anyone know the online business laws in Germany, and/or how difficult it would be to transfer a business over to Germany as a foreigner? Any input would be appreciated!

101 weeks ago from Location Independent

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: I would like to start an online retail business selling jewelry. At this point I'm really just in it for fun, but if it ends up doing well I would ...MoreI would like to start an online retail business selling jewelry. At this point I'm really just in it for fun, but if it ends up doing well I would like to keep it going.

My boyfriend and I have discussed moving to Germany, he works for a German company and can transfer over there eventually He has already lived there for a year and he liked it, and I'm always up for moving to new places. Nothing is set in stone, but it is a possibility. Just wanted to see what I could find out, just in case!
101 weeks ago

Kirk Ackerson: Jessica, as previously stated, an online business can live anywhere (enabling you to do the same). One piece of advice that I would offer - if you ...MoreJessica, as previously stated, an online business can live anywhere (enabling you to do the same). One piece of advice that I would offer - if you want to build the business with more of a German market focus, add a German hosting domain (.DE) for your site. Local sites typically rank higher in search than .com sites.
101 weeks ago

Siblee what is LLC Felicia ? sorry I did not participate in the web cast.

103 weeks ago from Location Independent

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Wilson Usman: Mohamed are you trying to start a business?
97 weeks ago

Siblee: hey wilson my father has a buisness so i'm planning on working with him as of now I'm not planning to start any business.
97 weeks ago

Anna Raddatz One of my freelance gigs is consulting for a freelance web designer - I have a weekly call with him and we focus on his weekly schedule, time/project management, etc. But he's still struggling. I'd love to find a system that will work well for him - what are your favorite time management books or systems?

104 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

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Lindsey Donner: I am a big fan of the 37Signals software (such as Basecamp and Backpack). However, if your designer is a freelancer himself, be wary that simpler ...MoreI am a big fan of the 37Signals software (such as Basecamp and Backpack). However, if your designer is a freelancer himself, be wary that simpler might be better - Basecamp might be unwieldy if he is principally working on a contractual basis, and Harvest, FreshBooks and the myriad of other project-based timetrackers might be better for him. My husband and employee is a designer and given the amount of space they must already give (to coding applications, Adobe software, test sites, FTPs, email, stock photo accounts, etc.) to their "workspace" on the screen, Basecamp's complex project management can be overwhelming. I have managed other designers who, as soon as they are asked to use such a system, become quickly distressed.

NOT because they are not computer savvy (he probably is extremely computer savvy) but because such software sometimes "throws them out" of the work they are doing. Simpler is better and if I were you, try it yourself first to ensure that you can explain it and assist him in applying it to his specific situation. Additionally Harvest, etc. provide invoicing in the same product which might be of great use to him! Good luck! Let me know what he uses (and if he likes it)!
103 weeks ago

Anna Raddatz: Thanks to everyone for their suggestions! I've used Basecamp before, and I don't think it's the right solution for this - his projects are fairly ...MoreThanks to everyone for their suggestions! I've used Basecamp before, and I don't think it's the right solution for this - his projects are fairly small, and he's a one-person team. Right now we're using todoist.com as a to-do list, broken down by project, and it's fine, but he's inconsistent about updating it. I think it's more an issue of mindset and focus, so I'm going to check out some of the books mentioned and see if I can come up with a creative, inspiring approach for him.
102 weeks ago

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