Category Archives: GooglePlus

How To: Benefit From Social TV

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There are a number of things in the social space I’m looking forward to in 2012. One of them is the further integration of old and new media, particularly in the burgeoning field of Social TV. I remember when it was applauded by MIT as one of the top emerging technologies. Two years later, we’ve seen it move rapidly to the front of industry conversation.

Last year, Gavin Purcell from Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, explained on a SXSW panel how Social TV can work, and work well. The online world is incredibly diverse in terms of its users, and the range of platform choices we increasingly have. Oprah Winfrey, Ricki Lake and other tech-savvy stars have used as many tools as possible to identify their target audience, which helps tremendously with content. (In the interest of full disclosure, I am a part of the new media team of bloggers for Ricki Lake, who is launching her show this fall on a Social TV platform).

Image Courtesy of the Lorange Institute

Make no mistake: Social TV is here to stay, and will continue to evolve as companies figure out how to measure activity, and appeal to a wide variety of demographics. The launch of apple’s much buzzed about television, or iTV, will only increase the chatter, and accelerate innovation. As Alicia Elder wrote eloquently wrote last December, when it comes to Social TV, it’s about sharing and discovery. Here are a few things people should remember, and practice, to make sure their approach fits in with this “sharing and discovery” model:

(1)   Connect Shows With All Aspects of Social Media – This is crucial. Twitter is great not only for feedback, but to find groups that may identify with your message. The best way to do this is through the use of hashtags. And don’t be afraid to think bigger…imagine using Foursquare for a road trip you send two fans on to promote your show; GooglePlus for a live, on-air opening of a business on the block; or Pinterest as you chat with fashion designers about their new collections, and so on. Facebook, Chime.in. Use all of it. Whatever platform is hot, you need to have a presence on it. Leave no stone unturned.
(2)   Communicate with Online Fans and Supporters – Why set up a social entity if you are not going to talk with the people who support your operation and identify with your values? This is about finding ways to reach the true advocates, the people who believe in your brand. When they see that there is a concerted effort to listen to them, they become your staunch defenders. “Digital listening” is essential.
(3)   Bring Your Audience into the Decision-Making Process – If there is a pilot show in the works, or topic you want addressed, it is smart to ask for advice. You’re essentially giving your audience “part ownership” of the content. When someone sees a person they respect asking for help in social media, there is almost an immediate response. When filmmaker Kim Sherell and journalist Betty Nguyen engage their audience this way, I see nothing but positive results.
Simply put, there will be an explosion of excitement and anticipation as Social TV evolves. Success in the arena will depend heavily on creative content, and (direct) creative engagement with your audience.

Maz Nadjm On The Power Of Twitter

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This is my new Huffington Post piece! It’s the second anniversary post in our series, TwitterPowerhouses, which focuses on the contributions of people who’ve helped to expand, influence, and redefine how we view social networking. It was written with series co-founder Yasamin Beitollahi, and published in the Huffington Post Tech Section.

“Twitter’s arrival as a cultural force happened by steps, not a single breakthrough event.” When co-founder Biz Stone uttered those words to the Financial Post, we couldn’t have agreed more. From its big splash at SXSW in 2007 to the first off-Earth tweet from the International Space Station, the success has been exciting. But, there is no doubt that the use of Twitter during protests against Iran’s Presidential Election in 2009 was a huge turning point for the site.

As NPR’s Terri Gross points out,

[Biz] Stone says he first realized that Twitter could be used as a global organizing tool in April 2008, when American graduate student James Buck was arrested while covering anti-government protests in Egypt. On his way to the police station, Buck tweeted one word — “arrested” — to his friends, who were able to call the consulate and Egyptian authorities and help secure his release.

Fourteen months later, when the U.S. State Department asked Twitter to delay a planned network upgrade to help safeguard the rights of Iranians voicing their dissatisfaction over the 2009 presidential election in Iran, condemning both the process and outcome of the election, it was the beginning of what Stone had envisioned. It was a moment Maz Nadjm, a leader and respected member of London’s social media scene, fully embraced the popular social networking site and began to broadcast messages and images to the world in solidarity with the freedom fighters in Iran.

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You’ve been on Twitter for a number of years and witnessed a number of changes. What are your thoughts on where the site is headed?

Well what I do love about Twitter is that it’s disruptive in a number of ways. As founders of the service have admitted nobody really expected the turnout. Twitter has changed the way many of us communicate, engage with each other, how we find new people and topics to talk about. We see brands and celebrities on the site trying to harness the daily and fast 140 character conversations.

One area that stands out for me is the speed of news breaking out on Twitter. After the Mumbai incidents many news organisations amplified their social media approach, mainly Twitter engagement. As they realised they were behind and simply not fast enough compared to Twitter breaking that event. Second biggest and groundbreaking event was the Iran Election, globally known as the Twitter revolution. Twitter, due to its simplicity and mass audience, allowed the news of repression and horrible violence against peaceful demonstrators to come out from Iran. Suddenly the whole world knew exactly what was happening in that country. Recently we’ve seen the ArabSpring; how revolutions and demonstrations are being organised and communicated through social sites like Twitter.

As a member of the education and digital communities, how do you use Twitter to connect with your audience?

I’ve found Twitter extremely beneficial for my professional and personal growth. It is much easier to get in contact with key people. You can now have a one to one chat with anybody on Twitter; it definitely beats any type of cold calling! Another benefit is that you can find like-minded people much quicker, no matter what business or profession you are in. 

Thanks to events and speaker opportunities I get to travel a bit. I always end up meeting people I’ve engaged with on Twitter. Recently I was in Dublin, Ireland, and met a lot of twitter friends for the first time face to face. I also organise tweetups and dinners through Twitter giving me the opportunity to meet fantastic people and making new friends.

Talk a little bit about TSL Education. People love how it’s impacting lives on a global scale.

Basically it’s about changing the world. Improving education changes kids’ lives, and in turn it changes society for the better. TSL has proven that pooling knowledge leads to radically better lessons, while saving teachers prep time.

We believe by leveling the playing field early in a child’s education you can fundamentally alter their education experience, career prospects and future quality of life. Key to TSL’s vision are teachers, we provide online space where they can share their vast knowledge and maximise learning for greater good.

What’s next for you?

I consider myself lucky as I got into social media back in 2003. I started one of the first social networks in the UK and created one of the first social media agencies in the UK in 2006. I’ve advised a number of large companies like Sky News International, Star TV, Chelsea FC and Ogilvy Group UK with global clients. But I always consider myself a student; I’m an avid reader and love to learn. Being a mentor at universities, advisor at start-ups and attending events helps me to keep myself up to date.

I’m currently fascinated by the topic collaborative consumption. It describes old world behaviours, such as lending, exchange, swapping and bartering that are now able to operate at scale, across geographic boundaries enabled by technology. The term was coined by Rachel Botsman whose work has brought together thousands of global innovators and entrepreneurs – all using technology and human ingenuity to develop new ways of sharing, lending and exchanging time, skills and resources.

How would you define yourself in 140 characters?

Passionate, early adopter, helper, connector, good listener, advisor, mentor and learner.

To find out more about Maz Nadjm and his new projects, subscribe to his blog, follow him on Twitter, add him on GooglePlus, and friend him on Facebook.

Authors’ Note: In case you missed it, here’s Part 22 of the series: Passionistas

Like Water, For Charity

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Water covers less than 70% of the earth, but less than 70% is drinkable. In fact, 443 million school days are lost each year due to water related-illnesses. So ‘clean water’ is not simply a health issue, but a way to empower families and communities. It is one of the defining, moral issues of our time, and it requires serious action.
This is why I joined the #12DaysofGiving, a twelve-day bonanza of giving, sharing, and promoting social good from December 13th to Christmas Eve. Spearheading this amazing effort are do-gooders Amy Neumann, Joseph Ranseth, and Katie McCormick. They are aiming to raise a combined $12,000 for the causes and charities highlighted.
Of the twelve charities, I chose Charity: Water, because of their amazing efforts to bring clean, safe drinking water to billions of people who don’t have it. A billion people. That’s one in every 8 of us. Charity: Water responds to the need by building freshwater wells, rainwater catchments and sand filters. These are transforming lives in places where “the only source of water is a polluted swamp.”

Photo Courtesy of Charity: Water

So far, in nineteen countries, over forty-hundred projects have been funded, meaning two million people will receive clean water.Over the years, Twitter’s Alyssa Milano has been a consistent supporter of their work, raising both money and awareness. This CBS story cemented just how highly regarded their work is.
How can you help? Go to social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, GooglePlus, LinkedIn, Chime.in and then share this post. You can also make a small donation at the Charity: Water page on Crowdrise.com/12DaysofGiving. The World Health Organization says that for every $1 invested in water and sanitation, there is an economic return between $3 and $34. So your Charity: Water donation will be a gift that truly keeps on giving.
I am so honored to work with the amazing #12DaysofGiving Team. This inspiring, twelve-day initiative is just what we need for the holiday season. Something that greatly connects us to the world’s pain, and moves us to do something extraordinary.

Happy holidays everyone! Keep on giving.

~2K :)