I’m having a hard time with this post, because it feels like I’m focusing on me. But really, when it comes down to it, the goal of this is a better focus on you. So I hope you’ll read, and take a moment to share your thoughts either in the comments, or via a private feedback email to me if you’d prefer. Especially if you’ve never commented or sent a note before, please lend your voice to this.
The full boat changes are a few months out yet, but Altitude Branding is about to evolve. The business I started over a year ago doesn’t really exist anymore (since I have an awesome job instead), and the focus of my work has moved away from branding and more toward the practical application of social media and community in a business context. So the blog will change to reflect that in 2010, both in terms of the URL and the look and feel. I’m excited, but I also need to be sure the future of this blog isn’t what I think it should be, but rather reflects what you, as a community need it to be.
I’ve done some significant research – both qualitative and quantitative – to figure out where this blog and my work fits into the bigger conversation, and how you – and the social media and business community at large – are making use of what I create here. This is what I found:
- You come here for guidance on social media first and community management second, with an emphasis on practical application from the trenches and tackling some of the questions and issues you can’t find answered elsewhere.
- Many of you end up here through social networks or links here from other blogs, and some of you bring your friends back. Not too many of you are finding the blog through random searches on Google.
- I could do a better job of giving you maps to other relevant content here or elsewhere that applies to what you’re looking for. Better information architecture, so to speak.
- You’ve asked for more content and information on how social media really works inside a company, with examples and step-by-step approaches. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
- You don’t come here for deep analysis of trends, reviews, or information on tools and technology related to social media.
So here’s what I need from you, the people that I do this all for in the first place:
- Do those findings seem consistent with what brings you here?
- No matter how you got here to start with, what keeps you coming back? What’s different here than elsewhere?
- What kinds of requests from friends, colleagues, or business associates would cause you to recommend this blog? Have you recommended it, and in what context?
- When it comes to seeking out more information about how social media and community apply to your work, what would you or do type into Google to find it (outside of this blog)?
I don’t like surveys much, because they assume I’m asking the right questions. So if I’ve left out something that you think I ought to consider when making this blog a resource for you, please speak up. Tell me what works, and don’t be afraid to tell me what you wish we’d do more of here together.
Jay Baer paid me a great compliment recently when he said that this blog feels like a group project, and I want that more than anything. So I hope you’ll help me build the next home for this blog collectively. It’s not much value without you here.
Thanks in advance for your input. And I promise you’ll be the first to know what’s changing and when. I appreciate your being here.
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Amber:
Smart to genuinely try and determine what matters to your readers and the community they create. I am a sporadic visitor, for my opinion may matter less than that of others. I come not so much for the content and information, though it’s good, but rather for the example of how you do what you do. I find your blog a good example of how one should engage with readers: it’s informative, yet personal; it has a strong point of view, yet welcomes others; it reflects well on Radian 6 because it’s not about Radian 6. As for future content, marketing through conversation and community will continue to evolve. Brands and individuals will struggle with everything from strategy, to new ways to engage, to how to allocate resources and budgets across everything (paid, community, apps, blogging, platforms, etc), and of course how to measure and predict outcomes. The more you can guide, share, suggest in light of the continued change that’s coming, the more I’ll be back.
Thanks, Edward. Much of what you talk about – how this is changing the game (and in my mind, business) entirely – is what I’m hoping to focus on. I’m thankful for your participation and feedback. 🙂
Amber:
Smart to genuinely try and determine what matters to your readers and the community they create. I am a sporadic visitor, for my opinion may matter less than that of others. I come not so much for the content and information, though it’s good, but rather for the example of how you do what you do. I find your blog a good example of how one should engage with readers: it’s informative, yet personal; it has a strong point of view, yet welcomes others; it reflects well on Radian 6 because it’s not about Radian 6. As for future content, marketing through conversation and community will continue to evolve. Brands and individuals will struggle with everything from strategy, to new ways to engage, to how to allocate resources and budgets across everything (paid, community, apps, blogging, platforms, etc), and of course how to measure and predict outcomes. The more you can guide, share, suggest in light of the continued change that’s coming, the more I’ll be back.
Thanks, Edward. Much of what you talk about – how this is changing the game (and in my mind, business) entirely – is what I’m hoping to focus on. I’m thankful for your participation and feedback. 🙂
I’m glad I’m the first one to comment =).
Let’s see, answering your questions, I’d say although I haven’t know about you or your blog for long but the few times I’ve been here, I enjoyed it!
Do those findings seem consistent with what brings you here?
Most of them do. Precisely 1, 2 and 5. See, I have been aware of social media for quite some time (although only recently joined Twitter and found out about its true power) but I never really considered using it professionally whether on a personal level (to boost up my career), or a professional level (to recommend to clients in my line of work, that is marketing). It’s not because I lack the knowledge or the intention, but there simply wasn’t a chance where SM would have come in use.
No matter how you got here to start with, what keeps you coming back? What’s different here than elsewhere?
Well I’m all for sharing knowledge so I’m constantly checking out lots of blogs on social media and marketing mainly to learn and to share my thoughts. I first came across your blog through your tweets when I followed you after you were recommended on another blog. And I just came back because you asked for help, and here I am, hopefully helping. I keep coming back here, whenever there is a social media issue that I’d want to learn about in a fun, friendly, simple, easy manner. That’s what your blog delivers, especially how you emphasize on making it a blog for us (in italics lol).
What kinds of requests from friends, colleagues, or business associates would cause you to recommend this blog? Have you recommended it, and in what context?
Haven’t done that yet as there hasn’t been a context where someone I know asked for info on Social Medoa.
When it comes to seeking out more information about how social media and community apply to your work, what would you or do type into Google to find it (outside of this blog)?
That actually depends on the case. Like if it’s for a client, I’d be looking up words related to social media marketing based on industry. As for personal search, well that varies a lot, as I am constantly looking for new things to improve myself and to help me with the website I am trying to build.
I really hope I helped and not just wasted both our times for no use!
Thanks, Manal, for the detailed feedback. Definitely a help. 🙂 Appreciate your being here, and looking forward to hearing more from you in the months ahead.
I’m glad I’m the first one to comment =).
Let’s see, answering your questions, I’d say although I haven’t know about you or your blog for long but the few times I’ve been here, I enjoyed it!
Do those findings seem consistent with what brings you here?
Most of them do. Precisely 1, 2 and 5. See, I have been aware of social media for quite some time (although only recently joined Twitter and found out about its true power) but I never really considered using it professionally whether on a personal level (to boost up my career), or a professional level (to recommend to clients in my line of work, that is marketing). It’s not because I lack the knowledge or the intention, but there simply wasn’t a chance where SM would have come in use.
No matter how you got here to start with, what keeps you coming back? What’s different here than elsewhere?
Well I’m all for sharing knowledge so I’m constantly checking out lots of blogs on social media and marketing mainly to learn and to share my thoughts. I first came across your blog through your tweets when I followed you after you were recommended on another blog. And I just came back because you asked for help, and here I am, hopefully helping. I keep coming back here, whenever there is a social media issue that I’d want to learn about in a fun, friendly, simple, easy manner. That’s what your blog delivers, especially how you emphasize on making it a blog for us (in italics lol).
What kinds of requests from friends, colleagues, or business associates would cause you to recommend this blog? Have you recommended it, and in what context?
Haven’t done that yet as there hasn’t been a context where someone I know asked for info on Social Medoa.
When it comes to seeking out more information about how social media and community apply to your work, what would you or do type into Google to find it (outside of this blog)?
That actually depends on the case. Like if it’s for a client, I’d be looking up words related to social media marketing based on industry. As for personal search, well that varies a lot, as I am constantly looking for new things to improve myself and to help me with the website I am trying to build.
I really hope I helped and not just wasted both our times for no use!
Thanks, Manal, for the detailed feedback. Definitely a help. 🙂 Appreciate your being here, and looking forward to hearing more from you in the months ahead.
Oh, I took so long in answering that I didn’t come out as the first, alas! lol.
Oh, I took so long in answering that I didn’t come out as the first, alas! lol.
Amber, your blog has always seemed like “a group project” to me. And that’s one of the reasons I really enjoy reading it and referring clients to it. Few people have your reach, yet continue to communicate one-on-one (Chris Brogan is good at that too, as you know).
One of the things I’ve always taken away from your writing is the human side of social media—like the post you did a few months ago about managing the time we spend on SMM tools. I have referred many clients to that post because so many people struggle with an answer to the concern, “I am too busy for social media. It will just waste my time.”
And, you’re right… I don’t think people want tool analysis, etc., from you. Lots of other people doing that.
Thanks, Amber, for your work in this space. You are a great contributor. I look forward to your 2010 shift.
I really love that, Jack. Honestly, it’s so much more meaningful to me and a learning opportunity for my work if I feel like we’re all here, gathered around a campfire. If I’m preaching from a pulpit only, I’m not listening well.
Thanks also for the note about the human element. It’s so very important, yet not often discussed. I’m hoping to do a lot more of that here.
Appreciate your involvement and attention, Jack. Glad you’re here.
Amber, your blog has always seemed like “a group project” to me. And that’s one of the reasons I really enjoy reading it and referring clients to it. Few people have your reach, yet continue to communicate one-on-one (Chris Brogan is good at that too, as you know).
One of the things I’ve always taken away from your writing is the human side of social media—like the post you did a few months ago about managing the time we spend on SMM tools. I have referred many clients to that post because so many people struggle with an answer to the concern, “I am too busy for social media. It will just waste my time.”
And, you’re right… I don’t think people want tool analysis, etc., from you. Lots of other people doing that.
Thanks, Amber, for your work in this space. You are a great contributor. I look forward to your 2010 shift.
I really love that, Jack. Honestly, it’s so much more meaningful to me and a learning opportunity for my work if I feel like we’re all here, gathered around a campfire. If I’m preaching from a pulpit only, I’m not listening well.
Thanks also for the note about the human element. It’s so very important, yet not often discussed. I’m hoping to do a lot more of that here.
Appreciate your involvement and attention, Jack. Glad you’re here.
Amber: I think you’re pretty right-on with what attracts people to your site. Your self-suggestion of better directing of people to other sites and resources does make a lot of sense — You can’t be everything to everyone, but you can be the go-to person in helping them find solutions.
I’m always looking for Content Marketing and all the ways it manifests itself. I come from b2b publishing, and they’re still trying to get their minds around a business model for that, especially as it relates to user-driven media online. I could go on and on about the various ways they keep tripping themselves up on this, but won’t waste your time with it here.
My only other comment is just to keep your blog evolving. It’s rather a living thing that grows and morphs as you do, right along with technologies, strategies and best marketing strategies.
for what it’s worth…
Thanks for the posts.
Bruce (aka Show_Dont_Tell)
Hi Bruce, Content marketing is a biggie for me. And I think that folks in roles like mine – community, customer service, communications – can be catalysts for more and better of it in business. “Business model” is not synonymous with self-centered, and I’m hoping to change a bit of the tide with that in the future.
Good thoughts about the blog evolving, which is part of why I’m making this change after only a couple of years with the blog as it is. The space is changing, my focus is changing, what people need is changing every day. So this space has to adapt along side.
Thanks so much for weighing in.
Amber: I think you’re pretty right-on with what attracts people to your site. Your self-suggestion of better directing of people to other sites and resources does make a lot of sense — You can’t be everything to everyone, but you can be the go-to person in helping them find solutions.
I’m always looking for Content Marketing and all the ways it manifests itself. I come from b2b publishing, and they’re still trying to get their minds around a business model for that, especially as it relates to user-driven media online. I could go on and on about the various ways they keep tripping themselves up on this, but won’t waste your time with it here.
My only other comment is just to keep your blog evolving. It’s rather a living thing that grows and morphs as you do, right along with technologies, strategies and best marketing strategies.
for what it’s worth…
Thanks for the posts.
Bruce (aka Show_Dont_Tell)
Hi Bruce, Content marketing is a biggie for me. And I think that folks in roles like mine – community, customer service, communications – can be catalysts for more and better of it in business. “Business model” is not synonymous with self-centered, and I’m hoping to change a bit of the tide with that in the future.
Good thoughts about the blog evolving, which is part of why I’m making this change after only a couple of years with the blog as it is. The space is changing, my focus is changing, what people need is changing every day. So this space has to adapt along side.
Thanks so much for weighing in.
In my case those findings are very consistent with what brings me here. Though another thing that brings me here is your style of writing and always giving awesome information, thoughts and insights on social media. I like that you address all the common problems businesses and people find on social media so we can work on solutions together. A huge plus of this blog is that comments are great too.
So to sum up. What’s different here? Your style of writing, the discussion that opens after each post and the subjects you address that not many others seem to address at least not the ones in my RSS reader 🙂
I always recommend this blog when I hear a friend talking about his ‘marketing campaign’ by saying “We will use facebook and twitter” as all their marketing efforts. So I just use it so they can get educated on how to use Social Media. I also share your e-books a lot either by recommending people to download them or by giving them to friends…I always point that they should come here for more info.
I look for information on social media by researching lot’s of blogs. I use google from time to time, but first I just do some search on my google reader.
And finally I’ll like to take some space to thank you for posting awesome information and helping lot’s of us become better at understanding social media and how to use it in business. I hope this comment is not so long (so people please write longer comments below!) 😉
I agree that the comments are always great, Jorge. I’m so grateful that I have smart, savvy people that stop by and are willing to take the time to share.
And I never mind long comments. Thanks for the kind words, and for being a part of the community ’round here.
In my case those findings are very consistent with what brings me here. Though another thing that brings me here is your style of writing and always giving awesome information, thoughts and insights on social media. I like that you address all the common problems businesses and people find on social media so we can work on solutions together. A huge plus of this blog is that comments are great too.
So to sum up. What’s different here? Your style of writing, the discussion that opens after each post and the subjects you address that not many others seem to address at least not the ones in my RSS reader 🙂
I always recommend this blog when I hear a friend talking about his ‘marketing campaign’ by saying “We will use facebook and twitter” as all their marketing efforts. So I just use it so they can get educated on how to use Social Media. I also share your e-books a lot either by recommending people to download them or by giving them to friends…I always point that they should come here for more info.
I look for information on social media by researching lot’s of blogs. I use google from time to time, but first I just do some search on my google reader.
And finally I’ll like to take some space to thank you for posting awesome information and helping lot’s of us become better at understanding social media and how to use it in business. I hope this comment is not so long (so people please write longer comments below!) 😉
I agree that the comments are always great, Jorge. I’m so grateful that I have smart, savvy people that stop by and are willing to take the time to share.
And I never mind long comments. Thanks for the kind words, and for being a part of the community ’round here.
Amber, I think you hit the nail on the head with this blog post. Your findings pretty much sum up exactly why I frequent your blog, and why it’s one I ALWAYS dig through on my Google Reader.
Your style of writing and personality draw me in, as well as your expertise in marketing and social media. Where I live and work (a small town in California’s Central Valley), many people aren’t quite up to speed on how their business can utilize social media. In fact, many people around here aren’t exactly sure what Twitter really is all about. I would share your blog with others to help them understand the benefits of these powerful tools (and currently do so by sharing your posts via Twitter and Facebook).
A majority of my social media “research” comes from following marketing, PR, social media and business-savvy people on Twitter, reading their posts and also what they’re sharing day-to-day. I also have a plethora of industry-related blogs on my Google Reader feed, and conduct searches within those trusted sources.
I hope this helps, and I want to thank you for considering your readers! As always, I’m looking forward to what you have to say!
Best,
Alexis
Alexis, thanks so much for adding your perspective and thoughts. It’s funny; sometimes I do this stuff so much that it feels “old hat” to me and I wonder if I’m saying anything new. But when I hear that what I’m writing is actually helping someone, it gives me a renewed sense of purpose. Thanks for that.
It’s interesting that folks really are finding blogs through their social networks now more than ever. I just have to think about whether and if people would be looking for this information that *aren’t* on those sites, and how they can find what they need.
Really glad to have you along for the ride. Thanks for stopping by to comment and share.
Amber, I think you hit the nail on the head with this blog post. Your findings pretty much sum up exactly why I frequent your blog, and why it’s one I ALWAYS dig through on my Google Reader.
Your style of writing and personality draw me in, as well as your expertise in marketing and social media. Where I live and work (a small town in California’s Central Valley), many people aren’t quite up to speed on how their business can utilize social media. In fact, many people around here aren’t exactly sure what Twitter really is all about. I would share your blog with others to help them understand the benefits of these powerful tools (and currently do so by sharing your posts via Twitter and Facebook).
A majority of my social media “research” comes from following marketing, PR, social media and business-savvy people on Twitter, reading their posts and also what they’re sharing day-to-day. I also have a plethora of industry-related blogs on my Google Reader feed, and conduct searches within those trusted sources.
I hope this helps, and I want to thank you for considering your readers! As always, I’m looking forward to what you have to say!
Best,
Alexis
Alexis, thanks so much for adding your perspective and thoughts. It’s funny; sometimes I do this stuff so much that it feels “old hat” to me and I wonder if I’m saying anything new. But when I hear that what I’m writing is actually helping someone, it gives me a renewed sense of purpose. Thanks for that.
It’s interesting that folks really are finding blogs through their social networks now more than ever. I just have to think about whether and if people would be looking for this information that *aren’t* on those sites, and how they can find what they need.
Really glad to have you along for the ride. Thanks for stopping by to comment and share.
Great stuff as always. Excited to see the new direction, and how the audience here will change and grow right along with you.
Thanks so much, Jay. You’re always part of what’s keeping me on my toes. 🙂
Great stuff as always. Excited to see the new direction, and how the audience here will change and grow right along with you.
Thanks so much, Jay. You’re always part of what’s keeping me on my toes. 🙂
I think this is exactly what’s happening to a lot of us Amber. We don’t always know what’s up around the turn in life – in fact, we never do. So we do what we do best, and put ourselves in the position to recognize and seize opportunity and if we’re lucky – we do. I think the art of surviving and even thriving in life is being pliable. This blog post is another example of why you’re successful at all – you are open to change (pliable.) Clearly, you’re doing something right. As for why I come here – it’s for the arguments/writing/style. Nothing more. I pick up what I can on different places and am not really loyal to anyone’s blog. But I am drawn to thoughtfully articulated ideas. You’re a good writer. That’s why I am here.
Keep up the good work – whatever it is.
Thanks, Jim. Interestingly, several people have commented that the particular writing *style* is what keeps them coming back, and while I didn’t heavily consider that, I’m glad to know it and realize it so I can always be sure I’m bringing my A-game. 🙂
And hey, if we’re not open to change, we’re prone to stagnation. And nothing sucks worse.
Thanks so much for being such a great colleague and sounding board. Appreciate your take very much.
I think this is exactly what’s happening to a lot of us Amber. We don’t always know what’s up around the turn in life – in fact, we never do. So we do what we do best, and put ourselves in the position to recognize and seize opportunity and if we’re lucky – we do. I think the art of surviving and even thriving in life is being pliable. This blog post is another example of why you’re successful at all – you are open to change (pliable.) Clearly, you’re doing something right. As for why I come here – it’s for the arguments/writing/style. Nothing more. I pick up what I can on different places and am not really loyal to anyone’s blog. But I am drawn to thoughtfully articulated ideas. You’re a good writer. That’s why I am here.
Keep up the good work – whatever it is.
Thanks, Jim. Interestingly, several people have commented that the particular writing *style* is what keeps them coming back, and while I didn’t heavily consider that, I’m glad to know it and realize it so I can always be sure I’m bringing my A-game. 🙂
And hey, if we’re not open to change, we’re prone to stagnation. And nothing sucks worse.
Thanks so much for being such a great colleague and sounding board. Appreciate your take very much.
Hi Amber:
I agree with your points of why I frequent your blog in general. For me it has always been about your personal brand from day one. You always approach topics (whether here or on your personal blog Innacurate Reality) with a very human side, and that is what sets you apart from everyone in the social media world. You are genuine, very helpful, and are always trying to make sense of social media with great content and guides (which I have downloaded and have on my desk as a reference).
I am also very glad that you are part of the Radian6 family. I have been experimenting with it at our company and presenting it to our clients who still need a lot of social media education. Our R6 rep has been very patient, and we are still trying to develop a business case for our own management.
The bottom line is that I am mainly on social networks for business reasons (to learn all about the social space)but am always personal as well. I hope that makes sense. Your content has been very helpful to me and I am often referring to it in business conversations.
My wish for your future blog strategy is that you keep bringing social media information this way. I learn a lot from you and you are smack dab in the middle of businesses utilizing social media to enrich their brands by getting closer to customers and providing them what they ask for.
I am looking forward to seeing the evolution of your blog and will be checking it out.
Anna, Thanks so much. Yours has been such a friendly and supportive face around here for quite a while, and I appreciate that a great deal.
Thanks for reinforcing what I’ve learned, and for letting me know what’s working for you.
Hi Amber:
I agree with your points of why I frequent your blog in general. For me it has always been about your personal brand from day one. You always approach topics (whether here or on your personal blog Innacurate Reality) with a very human side, and that is what sets you apart from everyone in the social media world. You are genuine, very helpful, and are always trying to make sense of social media with great content and guides (which I have downloaded and have on my desk as a reference).
I am also very glad that you are part of the Radian6 family. I have been experimenting with it at our company and presenting it to our clients who still need a lot of social media education. Our R6 rep has been very patient, and we are still trying to develop a business case for our own management.
The bottom line is that I am mainly on social networks for business reasons (to learn all about the social space)but am always personal as well. I hope that makes sense. Your content has been very helpful to me and I am often referring to it in business conversations.
My wish for your future blog strategy is that you keep bringing social media information this way. I learn a lot from you and you are smack dab in the middle of businesses utilizing social media to enrich their brands by getting closer to customers and providing them what they ask for.
I am looking forward to seeing the evolution of your blog and will be checking it out.
Anna, Thanks so much. Yours has been such a friendly and supportive face around here for quite a while, and I appreciate that a great deal.
Thanks for reinforcing what I’ve learned, and for letting me know what’s working for you.
Amber –
As you know, I first happened upon your blog as I was getting ready to make the move to Blue Sky Factory. I knew what I wanted to do, but was having trouble putting it in words. Your Being a Director of Community post pretty much nailed it. Check that. It was exactly what I needed. There is no doubt in my mind that it helped me make the case to Greg and secure my new gig at BSF.
Since then, I’ve returned to read every single blog post. Yours is one of the handful I subscribe to via email and I eagerly anticipate it’s arrival. In fact, often I read it before feedburner delivers it to my inbox. Nearly every post has made me think. Nearly every post has caused me to want to share. Nearly every post has pushed me to comment & contribute to the discussion. Nearly every post has hit at just the time I needed it.
As others before me have said – first and foremost it’s your writing style. It’s casual, yet eloquent; simple yet profound. You have a way with words that make them somehow jump off the page. After speaking with you in other places (email, twitter, DM, IM, phone, face to face), what you write seems to solidify (synthesize?) every conversation we’ve ever had.
Why do I continue to come back here? Part of it is because I know what to expect, yet the other is because I eagerly anticipate the unknown of what could be next. I can tell when you publish something that you have been thinking about for some time. I can tell when you write based on a recent experience. I can tell when you blog based on feedback from your community.
The fact that you are thinking about how to evolve this blog speaks volumes. My only advice: Don’t over-think it. You’ll do the right thing as the right thing comes from what you are passionate about. Write about what gets you fired up – the good and the bad…as you often do.
Rock on. I know you will…
DJ Waldow
Director of Community, Blue Sky Factory
@djwaldow
You’re the bomb, DJ. And not only are you an awesome colleague, but you’ve become such a trusted friend, and to think the blog and Twitter got us there. Tres cool. 🙂
I’m really glad that you said the bit about not knowing what could be next. I love the idea of being a trusted resource, but not so predictable that folks get bored.
Thanks for being here, and for all the support you’ve shown me this year. The feeling is very mutual.
Amber –
As you know, I first happened upon your blog as I was getting ready to make the move to Blue Sky Factory. I knew what I wanted to do, but was having trouble putting it in words. Your Being a Director of Community post pretty much nailed it. Check that. It was exactly what I needed. There is no doubt in my mind that it helped me make the case to Greg and secure my new gig at BSF.
Since then, I’ve returned to read every single blog post. Yours is one of the handful I subscribe to via email and I eagerly anticipate it’s arrival. In fact, often I read it before feedburner delivers it to my inbox. Nearly every post has made me think. Nearly every post has caused me to want to share. Nearly every post has pushed me to comment & contribute to the discussion. Nearly every post has hit at just the time I needed it.
As others before me have said – first and foremost it’s your writing style. It’s casual, yet eloquent; simple yet profound. You have a way with words that make them somehow jump off the page. After speaking with you in other places (email, twitter, DM, IM, phone, face to face), what you write seems to solidify (synthesize?) every conversation we’ve ever had.
Why do I continue to come back here? Part of it is because I know what to expect, yet the other is because I eagerly anticipate the unknown of what could be next. I can tell when you publish something that you have been thinking about for some time. I can tell when you write based on a recent experience. I can tell when you blog based on feedback from your community.
The fact that you are thinking about how to evolve this blog speaks volumes. My only advice: Don’t over-think it. You’ll do the right thing as the right thing comes from what you are passionate about. Write about what gets you fired up – the good and the bad…as you often do.
Rock on. I know you will…
DJ Waldow
Director of Community, Blue Sky Factory
@djwaldow
You’re the bomb, DJ. And not only are you an awesome colleague, but you’ve become such a trusted friend, and to think the blog and Twitter got us there. Tres cool. 🙂
I’m really glad that you said the bit about not knowing what could be next. I love the idea of being a trusted resource, but not so predictable that folks get bored.
Thanks for being here, and for all the support you’ve shown me this year. The feeling is very mutual.
Amber,
I am rather new to your site. And you are dead-on about how I found you. I clicked on a link through Chris Brogan’s blog.
What I love about your blog, and what has kept me coming back, is that I am someone who has been a participant in social media for a long time, but has only recently decided to make a career out of it. I am also going to school at nights and on weekends to get my Masters in Communication. Therefore, I am fascinated not only by social media, but how we as social media practitioners communicate with the business community. I am especially fascinated by how we communicate with business professionals who are still unsure of social media and how it can apply to their businesses.
I always find relevant information that doesn’t speak in what I like to call “SM Techspeak”, therefore making it an easy resource to point people towards who aren’t yet familiar with social media, and know that they will understand.
On a side note, as I’m currently in that big job search for my first position in the social media sphere, I loved the three part series regarding how HR people should adverstise social media jobs.
Hope this helps! Take care.
Hi Jeremy, so glad to have you aboard.
And I’m wishing you lots of luck and encouragement on the job search. I know it can be a tough road, but you’re clearly taking this seriously and I’m sure the right fit is around the corner. Thanks for the feedback; very valuable, especially the parts about how we as practitioners communicate about what we do. Critical in these fast moving times, methinks.
Thanks again.
Amber,
I am rather new to your site. And you are dead-on about how I found you. I clicked on a link through Chris Brogan’s blog.
What I love about your blog, and what has kept me coming back, is that I am someone who has been a participant in social media for a long time, but has only recently decided to make a career out of it. I am also going to school at nights and on weekends to get my Masters in Communication. Therefore, I am fascinated not only by social media, but how we as social media practitioners communicate with the business community. I am especially fascinated by how we communicate with business professionals who are still unsure of social media and how it can apply to their businesses.
I always find relevant information that doesn’t speak in what I like to call “SM Techspeak”, therefore making it an easy resource to point people towards who aren’t yet familiar with social media, and know that they will understand.
On a side note, as I’m currently in that big job search for my first position in the social media sphere, I loved the three part series regarding how HR people should adverstise social media jobs.
Hope this helps! Take care.
Hi Jeremy, so glad to have you aboard.
And I’m wishing you lots of luck and encouragement on the job search. I know it can be a tough road, but you’re clearly taking this seriously and I’m sure the right fit is around the corner. Thanks for the feedback; very valuable, especially the parts about how we as practitioners communicate about what we do. Critical in these fast moving times, methinks.
Thanks again.
three things bring me back: your sharp insights, your lack of pretense, and your curiosity. i’ll look forward to the way these are displayed in your next iteration.
f
three things bring me back: your sharp insights, your lack of pretense, and your curiosity. i’ll look forward to the way these are displayed in your next iteration.
f
Amber –
I love that you are seeking the input of your readers before making a strategic change in direction for your blog. I suppose I’ve been reading your blog for at least the last year, and have always been blown away by the content here. As Edward noted, you take a strong position, but you welcome commentary that may be in disagreement. That’s something that should be more common than it is in the blogosphere.
In terms of specific content, my favorite posts from you have been those showing how social media works within an organization. More specifically, your posts on social media teams were the thing of legend. I know this is a difficult balancing act because much of your readership is likely more advanced in social media, but the “101” posts still hold tremendous value to those companies still sitting on the sidelines (and there are many). I know we’ve pointed to your blog in several presentations to clients as one that they should be reading to get up to speed on these tools. If you could maintain that content in 2010, I know they would be greatly appreciative.
Best of luck in 2010. I can’t wait to see where you land with these changes.
Amber –
I love that you are seeking the input of your readers before making a strategic change in direction for your blog. I suppose I’ve been reading your blog for at least the last year, and have always been blown away by the content here. As Edward noted, you take a strong position, but you welcome commentary that may be in disagreement. That’s something that should be more common than it is in the blogosphere.
In terms of specific content, my favorite posts from you have been those showing how social media works within an organization. More specifically, your posts on social media teams were the thing of legend. I know this is a difficult balancing act because much of your readership is likely more advanced in social media, but the “101” posts still hold tremendous value to those companies still sitting on the sidelines (and there are many). I know we’ve pointed to your blog in several presentations to clients as one that they should be reading to get up to speed on these tools. If you could maintain that content in 2010, I know they would be greatly appreciative.
Best of luck in 2010. I can’t wait to see where you land with these changes.
I find I visit sporadically, but that’s not due to lack of interest – it’s just impossible to read every blog or article I want to read and still have time in the day to do the job! I find I’m attracted here by your Tweets – your smile pulls me in every time, but it’s the content that makes me stay. I consider myself relatively knowledgeable about social media best practices, but there is ALWAYS room for growth – as a PR practitioner at an agency, I’m always getting asked to dig into new industries and jump into unexplored social media territory. I turn to blogs when I want to separate the new and shiny social media tools into the wheat and chaff, or when I’m attempting to broaden my skill set in a particular area of social media. I’m always looking for best practices in social media and love to hear about how others use social media to further the business – both internally and externally. And if you can figure out a way for me to use the power of social media to get through my stack of industry reading, I welcome it! 😉
I find I visit sporadically, but that’s not due to lack of interest – it’s just impossible to read every blog or article I want to read and still have time in the day to do the job! I find I’m attracted here by your Tweets – your smile pulls me in every time, but it’s the content that makes me stay. I consider myself relatively knowledgeable about social media best practices, but there is ALWAYS room for growth – as a PR practitioner at an agency, I’m always getting asked to dig into new industries and jump into unexplored social media territory. I turn to blogs when I want to separate the new and shiny social media tools into the wheat and chaff, or when I’m attempting to broaden my skill set in a particular area of social media. I’m always looking for best practices in social media and love to hear about how others use social media to further the business – both internally and externally. And if you can figure out a way for me to use the power of social media to get through my stack of industry reading, I welcome it! 😉
I read your blog by RSS and follow you on Twitter, so I’m not a visible part of your community on this blog. However, you asked for our views, so here I am… (talk about getting the lurkers out of the cupboard).
Are your findings consistent with my experience? Yes. My interest is in how corporates can and/or should use social media / develop a community, and on how these will / should affect the corporate website – and the corporate work processes. Our tool indicates how corporates do (or don’t!) use these tools/media; I’m interested in how they could – stretch targets are great.
What keeps me coming back? I always enjoy reading your posts; they contain valuable information; they make me think; I like the writing style. Your blog makes me like you even though we’ve never met or communicated.
Why would I recommend the blog? Because it has great content! Have I recommended it? Yes, via Twitter, Stumble etc.
What are my information sources? I read a lot of blogs (though I do focus on a few key ones) and follow a lot of Twitter links.
What would I type into Google for more information about social media and community? I probably wouldn’t use Google; I’d go straight to my preferred blogs and start there, following links out to others as needed, or to my bookmarks. I do use Google to find specifics: recently, for example, I urgently needed a list of banks using Twitter, so I searched for list posts – I could have used Peter Kim’s wiki, but sometimes Google is faster for this kind of thing.
I hope this is of some use to you… I’m interested to see what your new direction turns out to be.
I read your blog by RSS and follow you on Twitter, so I’m not a visible part of your community on this blog. However, you asked for our views, so here I am… (talk about getting the lurkers out of the cupboard).
Are your findings consistent with my experience? Yes. My interest is in how corporates can and/or should use social media / develop a community, and on how these will / should affect the corporate website – and the corporate work processes. Our tool indicates how corporates do (or don’t!) use these tools/media; I’m interested in how they could – stretch targets are great.
What keeps me coming back? I always enjoy reading your posts; they contain valuable information; they make me think; I like the writing style. Your blog makes me like you even though we’ve never met or communicated.
Why would I recommend the blog? Because it has great content! Have I recommended it? Yes, via Twitter, Stumble etc.
What are my information sources? I read a lot of blogs (though I do focus on a few key ones) and follow a lot of Twitter links.
What would I type into Google for more information about social media and community? I probably wouldn’t use Google; I’d go straight to my preferred blogs and start there, following links out to others as needed, or to my bookmarks. I do use Google to find specifics: recently, for example, I urgently needed a list of banks using Twitter, so I searched for list posts – I could have used Peter Kim’s wiki, but sometimes Google is faster for this kind of thing.
I hope this is of some use to you… I’m interested to see what your new direction turns out to be.
Amber, I have been following you (Twitter and Facebook) and reading your blog for close to a year. Actually, I think what I have appreciated is the fact that you are always in a state of transformation and on-going evolution. You challenge your readers with content that is sometimes thought provoking – sometimes instructional – but always smart, current and relevant. For that reason, I have bookmarked (Delicious) many posts and have referenced you in my blog and presentations. Presently, I am most interested in the whole concept of “Social Business” – how are companies transforming their organizations to be relevant and in sync with the cultural and societal social transformations taking place?
Yes, your content is key – but what also keeps me coming back is you – your intelligence, honesty, transparency and sense of humor.
Thanks!
Amber, I have been following you (Twitter and Facebook) and reading your blog for close to a year. Actually, I think what I have appreciated is the fact that you are always in a state of transformation and on-going evolution. You challenge your readers with content that is sometimes thought provoking – sometimes instructional – but always smart, current and relevant. For that reason, I have bookmarked (Delicious) many posts and have referenced you in my blog and presentations. Presently, I am most interested in the whole concept of “Social Business” – how are companies transforming their organizations to be relevant and in sync with the cultural and societal social transformations taking place?
Yes, your content is key – but what also keeps me coming back is you – your intelligence, honesty, transparency and sense of humor.
Thanks!
Amber –
Not much new to add to the great comments above, but I thought it was important to echo some thoughts already voiced.
First, your personality comes through all of your content. I know that is one reason why I connect with what you do. I hope you keep your style intact in whatever re-work you do to the blog.
Second, while there are ample sources for social media strategies and case studies, there are remarkably few good sources for advice and examples of the “behind the scenes” aspects of managing social programs and communities. For those of us that work in the space and are building programs from scratch for our employers (or clients), your stuff that focuses on the people and processes that drive these efforts provides a GREAT service!
Please know your work is appreciated!
Amber –
Not much new to add to the great comments above, but I thought it was important to echo some thoughts already voiced.
First, your personality comes through all of your content. I know that is one reason why I connect with what you do. I hope you keep your style intact in whatever re-work you do to the blog.
Second, while there are ample sources for social media strategies and case studies, there are remarkably few good sources for advice and examples of the “behind the scenes” aspects of managing social programs and communities. For those of us that work in the space and are building programs from scratch for our employers (or clients), your stuff that focuses on the people and processes that drive these efforts provides a GREAT service!
Please know your work is appreciated!
Amber,
My comment echos many of the thoughts above.
I come here for your voice. Your spin on things always makes me think a bit harder, and sometimes even challenges me to flip my thinking completely. It’s great “brain exercise”, and I can’t count the number of times I thought “wow, she said that way better than I thought it!”.
You have a way with breaking down the complex into bite-size pieces, without losing view of the whole pie (to stick with the metaphor).
I’m happy to see this blog take an evolutionary step, and will absolutely remain a loyal reader.
Keep on keepin’ on!
-Katie
Amber,
My comment echos many of the thoughts above.
I come here for your voice. Your spin on things always makes me think a bit harder, and sometimes even challenges me to flip my thinking completely. It’s great “brain exercise”, and I can’t count the number of times I thought “wow, she said that way better than I thought it!”.
You have a way with breaking down the complex into bite-size pieces, without losing view of the whole pie (to stick with the metaphor).
I’m happy to see this blog take an evolutionary step, and will absolutely remain a loyal reader.
Keep on keepin’ on!
-Katie
Amber, I’m new to your blog though I’ve been a follower of yours on Twitter for over a year. I’m struck by the community focus and a bit in awe of your ability to create a group endeavor.
I’m curious how you arrived at your assessment of what people come here for. Was it a review of comments or…? I agree that surveys are a bit hinky, yet getting feedback is so important.
Thanks,
Molly
Amber, I’m new to your blog though I’ve been a follower of yours on Twitter for over a year. I’m struck by the community focus and a bit in awe of your ability to create a group endeavor.
I’m curious how you arrived at your assessment of what people come here for. Was it a review of comments or…? I agree that surveys are a bit hinky, yet getting feedback is so important.
Thanks,
Molly
Amber,
I am happy for you that you have decided to move forward for yourself. Also, I cherish the respect that you have for the community that you have created through your blog. I am a newer reader, but have found that I come to Altitude not so much for guidance, but to be part of the social media conversation. You do offer some rather unique perspectives, not only through your writing, but through your style. The world should definitely value its honest and straightforward bloggers rather than the drone-like corporate advocates. So with that being said, I just ask that you continue the conversation to the best of your ability. The content is top-notch. Our team often looks to your blog for cues and new material for advancing our business. However, our research does show that providing secondary resources that support your material and are relevant to your target readers/market are incredibly valuable. We are currently re-evaluating our marketing strategies based on these findings. Regardless, keep the material. We, as a community, enjoy the conversation. Take care and best of luck.
Michael
Amber,
I am happy for you that you have decided to move forward for yourself. Also, I cherish the respect that you have for the community that you have created through your blog. I am a newer reader, but have found that I come to Altitude not so much for guidance, but to be part of the social media conversation. You do offer some rather unique perspectives, not only through your writing, but through your style. The world should definitely value its honest and straightforward bloggers rather than the drone-like corporate advocates. So with that being said, I just ask that you continue the conversation to the best of your ability. The content is top-notch. Our team often looks to your blog for cues and new material for advancing our business. However, our research does show that providing secondary resources that support your material and are relevant to your target readers/market are incredibly valuable. We are currently re-evaluating our marketing strategies based on these findings. Regardless, keep the material. We, as a community, enjoy the conversation. Take care and best of luck.
Michael
I have to say that I came upon your blog through your Twitter feed – now I am trying to remember how I came upon your Twitter Feed! ;-p
You are one of three blogs that I don’t read in a reader – I have it sent into my inbox so I see it when it publishes (I am lazy about getting to my Reader – working on changing that!). Why? because you have that gift of making complicated things seem so much easier to understand – you are a great communicator and I just feel uplifted when I read your posts. You haven’t fallen into that “early adopter” jaded mind set…where you down play or find fault with everything.
So – if the changes make it easier for more people to find you and benefit from the info you share – you’ve got my thumbs up!!!
Robyn
I have to say that I came upon your blog through your Twitter feed – now I am trying to remember how I came upon your Twitter Feed! ;-p
You are one of three blogs that I don’t read in a reader – I have it sent into my inbox so I see it when it publishes (I am lazy about getting to my Reader – working on changing that!). Why? because you have that gift of making complicated things seem so much easier to understand – you are a great communicator and I just feel uplifted when I read your posts. You haven’t fallen into that “early adopter” jaded mind set…where you down play or find fault with everything.
So – if the changes make it easier for more people to find you and benefit from the info you share – you’ve got my thumbs up!!!
Robyn
Amber, you really said it all in your post. I think that your blog should still be a place of personal discovery. Meaning, the things that you are dealing with and what you are learning are very much reflections of what many of us are going through. I guess I would say to continue being yourself and cutting through the BS to the real meat of things. You have a lot to share and I look forward to the changes you make.
-Keith
Amber, you really said it all in your post. I think that your blog should still be a place of personal discovery. Meaning, the things that you are dealing with and what you are learning are very much reflections of what many of us are going through. I guess I would say to continue being yourself and cutting through the BS to the real meat of things. You have a lot to share and I look forward to the changes you make.
-Keith
I appreciate the fact that you bring some depth to the discussion of social media inside the enterprise, and to me what is different here is that you serve your community best when you challenge that community to think more strategically about social media. There are a lot of blogs full of SEO-grabbing lists and happy talk about social media (which is all fine as part of the evangelism process) but your blog, to me, is all about raising the game and treating social media on the same terms as other aspects of the organization. All of this will help to make social media efforts stronger in the end, and migrate those discussions to higher levels of the firm.
So, you rock. Keep sending up trial balloons, but don’t be afraid to shoot some down as well. Given your day job, I’d like to see this blog serve as a bridge between data and insight, and I look forward to diving in on those discussions!
Thanks, Amber.
I appreciate the fact that you bring some depth to the discussion of social media inside the enterprise, and to me what is different here is that you serve your community best when you challenge that community to think more strategically about social media. There are a lot of blogs full of SEO-grabbing lists and happy talk about social media (which is all fine as part of the evangelism process) but your blog, to me, is all about raising the game and treating social media on the same terms as other aspects of the organization. All of this will help to make social media efforts stronger in the end, and migrate those discussions to higher levels of the firm.
So, you rock. Keep sending up trial balloons, but don’t be afraid to shoot some down as well. Given your day job, I’d like to see this blog serve as a bridge between data and insight, and I look forward to diving in on those discussions!
Thanks, Amber.
I have to say that I love your blog. I stumbled on it after a webinar in which you participated. My nonprofit arts organization has been undergoing a major project that is focused on connecting social media with real-life experiences, and your blog has proven so timely in so many ways — I can think of at least 6 occasions in the past 6 weeks alone where I’ve forwarded your post to our entire team focused on this effort. It literally seems that you read minds and compose blog posts in response to conversations we’re having internally. So, thanks for that, and keep up the great work!
I have to say that I love your blog. I stumbled on it after a webinar in which you participated. My nonprofit arts organization has been undergoing a major project that is focused on connecting social media with real-life experiences, and your blog has proven so timely in so many ways — I can think of at least 6 occasions in the past 6 weeks alone where I’ve forwarded your post to our entire team focused on this effort. It literally seems that you read minds and compose blog posts in response to conversations we’re having internally. So, thanks for that, and keep up the great work!