5 Visionaries : The 2015 Marketing Predictions

Throughout 2014, content marketing was a principal player in many organizations. Many experts, leaders, CEO’s, CMO’s, etc., said that the results they obtained from this were very effective, and they will also be relevant for years to come.

These results are shown in the next infographic of Wheelhouse Advisor: 10 Marketing Predictions for 2015.

The article also explains the following points:

• Content Marketing continue rising in popularity
• Marketing software adquisions are increasing
• Personalization
• Increase focus in mobile

 

 

It is also very interesting to see how many marketing agencies show that mobile will play an important role as well. According to an eMarketer article, Mobile Search Market Too Big for Test-and-Learn, It is predicted that nearly 130 million US consumers will search via mobile phones using apps in the next four years.

The growing population of mobile searchers, coupled with changes made to algorithms and advertising platforms, have forced marketers to include mobile-specific tactics in their search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) strategies. But marketers need to brace themselves for another wave of change: Consumers are increasingly conducting vertical searches in category-specific apps, not mobile search engines.

Troughout the years, the predictions have always been very important in business, but have numbers. As my former boss at Merck always said : Numbers are Numbers.

However, he always told me : Juan Carlos : Opinion leaders are a very important key in any business that you want to start, and he was right. He was a very influential person to me, and of course I have to mention his name : Oscar Ferenczi.

I have always been believer that the biggest factor in our professional development is the knowledge that we learn from experts in various fields, and that predictions are always very important and will continue to be important.

All of this being said, I decided write this article titled «Visionaries : The 2015 Marketing Predictions», in which visionaries, leaders, thinkers and experts in marketing world share their predictions for 2015.

I wanted to do this differently.  Rather than write and write, I had an idea.  I should ask them what they think about the predictions for 2015, and as expected, they are now sharing with us their thoughts.

The following quotes are from professionals in my network whom have had a great influence on myself and others in this professions including social business, social media marketing, digital marketing, coaching, etc.

Natascha Thomson

CEO, MarketingXlerator, Silicon Valley, US

@NaThomson

Randy Milanovic

Principal, Kayak Online Marketing, Calgary, Canada

@Kayak360

Greg Cooper

Marketing Coach, Front of Mind Coaching, Bristol, UK

@LinkedInCoachUK

Jesus Hoyos

Co-Founder, Solvis Consulting, Miami, US

@jesus_hoyos

 

Ioanna Aggelidaki

Founder & Marketing Manager, Vound app, United Arab Emirates

@iangelidaki

I wanted say thank you to our wonderful participants who took the time to share their experience with all of us.

I personally learn a lot from you guys. Gracias.

Juan Carlos Giraldo

Is Google Plus The New Super Hero for Marketers??

Teamwork always brings good results, right?

Natascha Thomson and I, we were working on the second part of our series of blog to try understand the value of Google Plus for marketers and we asked our peers to share their personal opinions on the network .

• Why are you on G+?
•  G+ vs. FB: Your thoughts?
•  How do you measure G+ “success”?
• How is it going for you?
•  What are your favorite features related to G+? (e.g. communities, HOA….)
• Any other insights to share?

This blog is part two in a series. In the first blog, The Truth about Google Plus,  started to look into the viability of G+ for marketers, sifting through research reports.

This blog presents the results of an informal survey we conducted within our personal networks of G+ users, asking them to share their experiences and opinions.

 

Of course we conducted this survey on G+:

Randy Milanovic

@Kayak360

• Probably the biggest epiphany I’ve had about GPlus is that there’s an influencer type that nobody ever thinks about, yet is the largest population of all: the decision maker’s influencer (I.e. You, I and our contacts – not the big guys).
• When I’m in GPlus or LinkedIn, I’ll take engagement with a regular Joe influencer over even a decision-maker any day. These are the people who will be your champion.
• My measure of success here is in the quality of conversations.

 

Carrie-Anne Foster

@cafosterca

I’m on G+ because I find it very engaging.

• I’ve yet to +mention someone and not have them acknowledge me in some way. The influencers are warm, welcoming and encouraging. Plussers want to help you as much as they are able to.

«Facebook reminds me of high school. It’s fun, silly, and you don’t really learn anything that benefits you in the real world.

Google Plus reminds me of university. Still fun, but has a more serious tone. Information that you can use in the real world is constantly coming across your news feed. «

I measure my success…

• …on Google Plus based on the level of engagement I do. The connections I make and how much I am learning.
• I feel G+ is going very good for me and it has become my favourite social media platform by far.

HOA’s are my favourite feature!

• I love being able to interact with people in real-time. Plus it’s wonderful to see/hear a person talk as opposed to reading what they write.

For anyone who is new to Google Plus, my best advice is to remember that you’ll get out of it what you put in. It’s a social platform and users want to engage with other users. Don’t be shy!

 

Beth Lee Browning

@sitesthatwork

Why am I here

• I started on Google Plus because I was interested in Google Authorship. I’ve learned that there’s a whole lot more to it than that. After accidentally deleting my Google Plus Profile last March, I’ve become an even bigger fan.
• IMO Google Plus is the best network for curating interesting information and useful content from an incredibly wide variety of sources.
• I’m also here for the networking – I’ve met some really great people and my connections have led to real business opportunities. And of course there’s also the potential for increased visibility in personalized search results for people I’m connected with.
  

Google Plus vs Facebook

• I find Facebook to be very oriented toward personal sharing. When I’m on Facebook I’m not thinking about business, which is why I think it can work for B2C but I’m not convinced of it’s value for B2B marketing.

My favorite feature

• HOA’s. I love adding ones that are about a topic I’m interested in to my calendar and going back to watch it later. I do like the hangouts for one on one conversations.

How do I measure success – hmmmm

• I also feel like it’s the place in which I find the most content that I can learn from.
• Also engagement is one measure, but another measure is that I can attribute actual business opportunities to my activity on the platform. Some have been very direct such as a referral from someone in my network and others have been indirect, but I can trace the lead back to something that had to do with Google Plus.

My additional 2 cents would be around LinkedIn vs Google Plus

• LinkedIn and Google Plus have two very different cultures.
  • For me, LinkedIn is the professional breakfast meeting, a place where personal updates are rarely if ever shared and the conversation centers only on business.
  • Google Plus on the other hand is the company picnic, a gathering where people are still on their best behavior but they introduce you to their kids and chat about hobbies and interests outside of work.

If you use both platforms well, prospective clients or recruiters have the opportunity to see the authentic and well-rounded you and that might help you seal the deal.

 

Elle Hubbard

@tripwheels_elle

I came to G+ for the authorship and found nothing to like.

• When I returned with a determination to get to understand it better, I started to really enjoy it. That was mainly down to +Mark Vang inviting me to his community where I have learnt so much. I now love it!

I use FB only to keep up with family, and to connect with clients who follow my page.

• I have a small following there but they seem pretty engaged when I do post, which is infrequent.

I expect, I should have G+ goals for my business that measure my success…

• …but actually, I measure it by the connections I have made, the fact that I care about finding out what is going on with them, and that I feel I have a good grasp of how to use the platform, and I mean use, rather than leverage. From a business perspective I should probably try harder!

My favorite feature is…

• ...the knowledge contained within the collective minds on the platform. I have picked up so many tips and ideas along the way, that really make a difference to my business. Some have come through HOA’s and some through posts or comments, so that is why the feature is knowledge rather than any particular facility.

 

Tammy Powlas

@TPowlas

Why are you on G+?

• Just to see what I may have missed.

G+ vs. FB: Your thoughts?

• Less salesy, easier to follow, to be honest. I really like the content that +Susan Scrupski posts on G+ too.

How do you measure G+ “success”? How is it going for you?

• Not sure; I don’t get that many «plusses» and since +Steve Rumsby and I had an exchange about posting the same content on multiple platforms I don’t contribute that much here.

What are your favorite features related to G+? (e.g. communities, HOA….)

• I like the Google Hangout (is that a G+ feature)?
• The way it sends «Birthday Wishes» – far better than FB.

Any other insights to share?

• Not sure why it is not taking off.
• I am not sure how to set up Circles.

Also at times +Frank Köhntopp posts some really nice photos to G+ and makes it well worth the visit 🙂

 

Frank Köhntopp

@Koehntopp

I’m not sure I even want G+ to be successful for marketing – I’m happy with all of that going to FB ;).

Michael J Procopio

@MichaelProcopio

G+ is my favorite non-business network (I think of LinkedIn as a business network).

• Although I prefer G+, my family and friends interact on FB not G+

I haven’t found any success on G+ either personally or professionally other than its SEO benefit.

• I do feel that Hangouts-on-Air are a big success but they are separate from G+ as a social interaction network in my mind.

Hangouts-on-Air is my favorite feature.

I think Google has had a number of stumbles with G+ and even thought it is one of the top social networks it doesn’t seem to have found its place yet.

 

Tom Maiaroto

@SocialHarvest

I’m on G+ mainly because…

• …it’s easy to access from my other Google services and GMail.

I think G+ is a better business tool (B2B) than FB

• I see FB as good for B2C and for personal uses given its privacy and features. Though I don’t use FB that often to connect with friends anyway. I don’t use G+ at all to connect with friends about my personal life. It’s more of a business tool for me.

I have a hard time measuring G+ right now (I’m working on tools to help with that).

• «Success» metrics for me would be growth in terms of people following me (or my pages), engagement (comments and +1’s), and any leads or relationships established due to G+.
• Website metrics tie right into G+ if you’re using Google Analytics and that really helps track success as well. Ultimately driving traffic is a big part of success on the internet.

My favorite features for G+ include business pages and hangouts.

Other insights?

• I don’t know, I think G+ is still trying to find its niche to be frank. It’s another channel that I do try to use, but right now I’m more focused on Twitter.

 

Jose Facchin

@FacchinJose

Why are you on G +?

• I started using Google+ in 2012, just to see what this new network offered and I’ve been a little bit saturated with other networks.
• On Google+, there is a good balance between people who have the same interests in regards to professional topics.

G+ vs. FB: Your thoughts?

• The main difference is segmentation. G+ has the circles, which let you easily share targeted content with a specific audience.

How do you measure G+ “success”? How is it going for you?

• I measure success as a high percentage of engagement with my posts, and «follower» growth.
• Google+ is now my second favorite social network, right after Twitter. Twitter refers the most traffic to my blog.

What are your favorite features related to G +? (eg communities, HOA …).

• The best feature on G + is the integration of all Google services.
• G+ communities, because they provide one of the best ways to meet new people who share your interests, and as blogger, it helps me to improve my SEO.

 

Albert Ramos Catalán

@ARCatalan

Why are you on G +?

• I opened my account in Google+ in 2011, I was invited because I worked in a business incubator , but it was not until 2013 when I started to use this network as a strategy. Due to the UX it can be used like LinkedIn for business topics.
• I’d add that is a social network that has a mix between leisure and professional publications.

G+ vs. FB: Your thoughts?

• The main difference, at least in Spain, is that Facebook users log in with an intention to just have fun; more than on Google+.
• There is also a greater range of segmentation and freedom of interaction between users.
• For professionals, it also offers something similar to LinkedIn groups via the communities.

How do you measure G+ “success”? How is it going for you?

• I think that having success on Google+ has a lot to do with getting followers regardless of whether you follow them or not. Just because they like what you are posting.
• More and more people have been following my blog because they have read my posts on G+.
• If I had to rank: Twitter is my favorite network, and Google Plus comes second.

What are your favorite features related to G +? (eg communities, HOA …).

• Google+ is interesting for a variety of services available via Hangouts, their email services and the functionally on mobile devices. Even though similar to LinkedIn groups, G+ functionally works much better on mobile.
• I also like the ability to host webinars and classes on HOA.

Any other insights to share?

• G+ is valuable to drive traffic to your website, blog, or both.
• The influence of G+ on SEO should not be neglected.

Make sure you have a well-defined and distinct strategy for G +. Don’t forget that each social network requires tailored communications to be most effective.

 

Adrian Bold

@AdrianBold

Why are you on G+?

• Initially, because I felt obliged to be, i.e. use Google to stay current but now mainly to ‘take a break’ and learn via HOAs and Communities.

G+ vs. FB: Your thoughts?

• I struggle with how best to manage Facebook so tend to stick to people I know offline ‘though that gets tested when someone I know online only sends a friend request. G+ is my slightly more acceptable public face!

How do you measure G+ “success”? How is it going for you...

• No measurement for me and that probably sums up my approach to social media generally. Probably wrongly!

What are your favorite features related to G+? (e.g. communities, HOA….)

• The right communities, e.g. like Sanctuary; good mix of people, knowledge share and well-managed.

Any other insights to share?

• I’m slightly concerned that G+ is turning into one big community of social media experts and everyone else is oblivious to its potential!

If you liked this post, visit MarketingXLerator too for more insights, and feel free to comment here if you want !

Networking is A Good Investment : Interview with Ted Rubin

I am convinced that we have to cultivate relationships and in this digital age and social media we live in, networking plays a very important role in our day to day.

I did an interview to a really expert in networking and social media : Ted Rubin

Ted, is Social Marketing Strategist, Keynote Speaker, Brand Evangelist, Acting CMO Brand Innovator and Forbes Top Powers Influencers .

Ted, is also author of the book Return on Relationship

JC Giraldo

1. Is networking in social media a worthy investment ?

Ted Rubin

Depends upon what you call worthy. Is building and extending relationships worthy? is having friends, fans, advocates who support you worthy?

We have to move beyond simple sales and marketing and realize that relationships are the new currency and Return on Relationship™, will enhance all your personal and business efforts. Return on Relationship… simply put the value that is accrued by a person or brand due to nurturing a relationship. ROI is simple $’s and cents.

#RonR is the value (both perceived and real) that will accrue over time through connection, loyalty, recommendations and sharing.

Relationships are like muscle tissue… the more they are engaged, the stronger and more valuable they become.

JC
2. What are the keys to good networking in today’s digital world ?

Ted

Social has been called “networking on steroids” , but it only works if you do the “work” of “networking.” and community building. That requires a strategy and a time investment. Make deepening your LinkedIn relationships an activity you work on every day (or at least on a regular basis). Block the time out in your calendar and just do it.

The same goes for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram—who cares how many followers or friends you’ve accumulated—how many real conversations have you instigated? How many people check your posts in some way every day? Whatever platforms you’re using, figure out the tools for expanding your network and put them to use. Make comments, ask questions, find common ground and invite further conversation. Connect with people on multiple platforms—put them in lists—listen to their conversations and add value where appropriate. Do the networking work, then take it a step further and build community.
A network is just a series of nodes, but a “community” supports each other… creating value, strength and long lasting relationships.

JC
3.  I recently read an article of yours in American Express Open Forum, about networking which mentioned the phrase «Be a curator of people» . Could you talk  about the meaning of this?

Ted

We all know that real-life, face-to-face networking is a powerful tool for good, so expand it to your social channels and build community as well. Spend a little time actively looking for a few people you can connect, and make that introduction. You never know what fruit these referrals will bear down the road. Some will go nowhere while others will result in life-changing relationships, but I promise that the social karma you receive from these efforts will lead to a positive Return on Relationship.

JC

4.  Is there anything you would like to add about networking and social media ?

Ted

Start looking at the connection/interaction not as win/win… but learn/learn. Win/Win is good, but implies an end. Once you win, then what?

Learn/Learn creates a paradigm of ongoing value. This creates a Learn/Learn situation (I learn about you and you learn about me).

Welcome to the ‘Age of Influence,’ where anyone can build an audience and effect change, advocate brands, build relationships and make a difference.

It is all at your fingertips is you apply time, effort, and a true desire to build relationships.

 ♢

I want to thank Ted Rubin. It has been very inspiring for me as well as a great learning .

You can reach Ted Rubin in the next links :

Web : Ted Rubin

Twitter : @TedRubin

LinkedIn : Ted Rubin

Facebook Page : Ted Rubin Page

Google Plus : Ted Rubin

Pinterest: Ted Rubin

This post will soon be available in Spanish : here

JC Giraldo

 

Silicon Valley, Entrepreneurial Mindset : Part I

Hi there,

After doing some research about Silicon Valley, I decided to write this post to try to answer some questions for my audience, and to also inform them about this special part of the San Francisco Bay. ( I live in Boston )

My post has two parts.  Part one includes data and information found through my research.  Part two focuses more on the personal experiences of my friends who are residents and social media entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley.

Then, we can have a fuller vision and very close to reality .

Part I : Data e Info

Brian Solis, mentioned in one of his articles : » SV more than a place, it’s a movement «

The city was initially known as «The Valley of Heart’s Delight», but in 1971 was nick-named by journalist Don Hoefler, as we all know now: Silicon Valley ( SV ) .

The San Francisco Bay is known for:

• The Natural Beauty
• Progressive
• Liberal Vision
• Entrepreneurial vision
• Diversity

Important results about what are the top strengths of doings in SV ?

• 71%  Access to skilled labor 

• 60%  Entrepreneurial mindset

• 44%  Proximity with customers and competitors ( Very Important )

Companies that were founded in SV, :

• Facebook Inc
• Yahoo Inc
• Google Inc
• Twitter Inc
• Netflix Inc
• Etc.

Venture Capital :

The entrepreneurial spirit and forgiveness of the failure is a culture.

• Atari started with  $ 250 and people thought that a completely crazy idea to play on the TV.

• Hewlett Packard with $ 500

Salaries and Job Opportunities in SV:

• According with Fast Company in the following infographic : rates and salaries in SV are above average in all United States.

• Product and Marketing Manager’s have higher incomes.
  

A win/win way to recruit in Silicon Valley :

• The race for talent in SV is Highly competitive.
• Companies like Facebook and Google and some Startups, offer incredible compesations packages that include access to stocks and other benefits. ( I’ve had the opportunity to work in that system at Merck & Co, is an excellent system ).

SV’s Personality

I found some answers on Quora about personality of the residents, workers and entrepreneurs, and vary, as elsewhere in the world, there is no perfect world, but, here a good one :

• Read Quote of Marc Bodnick’s answer to Is the Silicon Valley culture as «nice» as it appears?

The Startups Culture in SV

According with Quora, a comparison the Startups culture between NYC and SV  :

• NYC startups tend to be focused more on the business whereas the Valley is focused more on the What If…?
  

• SV is the first city in U.S. in number of Startups, which shows us the entrepreneurial culture in this part of the world.

Additional Info :

• San Francisco Bay have approximately 7.15 million of population.
• Sand Hill Road has been know as the «Street of the dreams»
• Stanford University and University of California Berkeley are here.
• There are two TV shows inspired by SV:  the famous Silicon Valley by HBO and Start-Ups: Silicon Valley
  

♢

Source and Templates : Slide Share,Wikipedia, Google, Quora, Brian Solis, Marketing Xlerator, Fast Company.

Ps.- this post is available in Spanish also  here

*I did this research for myself, the data/info may vary.