Philadelphia Flower Show Springs Forward with Social Media

The flowers of late winter and early spring occupy places in our hearts well out of proportion to their size.   ~ Gertrude S. Wister

Philadelphia Flower ShowA welcome harbinger of spring’s arrival in the Delaware Valley is the annual Philadelphia Flower Show held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  In keeping with this year’s “Brilliant” theme, the flower show integrated all things British from the Concourse Village, to the English gardens, to the Empire’s signature cuisine.  And there was a definite push by the show’s organizer, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, to go social.  As Stephanie Policastro, Communications Specialist for the PHS notes, Instagram has been added to its social strategy to further enhance the growth of the Flower Show community as reported by Traci Browne of the Trade Show News Network.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society benefits by engaging gardening enthusiasts via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.   As Sree Sreenivasan of CNET News notes there are key takeaways that organizers can take advantage of to maximize the use of social media at events.  For example, the Flower Show’s hashtag and social media platforms were on display for all to see and follow.  In addition, for the purpose of generating interest and excitement during an event, tweets may be broadcast on screen via TweetBeam and Visible Tweets.  After all, social media affords us a bonus opportunity to inform and connect with event attendees.

So, what motivates you to tweet at events?  Do you use any photo sharing sites like Flickr and Instagram?  Tell us about your favorite botanical garden.

Vanaja R.

Copyright © 2013 My Marketing Nirvana.  All rights reserved in all media.

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Social Media Champions Chobani

To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart.   Thomas Watson, Sr.

Social Media Champions ChobaniEver since the early days of Chobani, social media along with word of mouth were integral to the company’s success remarks Harry Smith of NBC News’ Rock Center.  Chobani’s meteoric rise as the crème de la crème of the yogurt industry is due in no small measure to the brand’s ability to make the most of its customer and community focus observes Entrepreneur Media’s Samuel Greengard.  Likewise, the Nothing but good essence of the brand has been integrated into its online marketing efforts.  For example, Chobani’s commitment to the 2012 Olympics included six U.S. Olympians comprising Team Chobani prominently featured on social media.

Continuing the strategy of leveraging its brand ambassadors, Stuart Elliot of The New York Times notes Chobani encourages fans to share on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.  More recently, its social media presence has expanded to include Pinterest.  Photo sharing sites are particularly suited to fostering food conversations online, indicates Chobani’s digital communications manager Emily Schildt in an interview with Fast Company’s Lydia Dishman.  In addition, she comments Pinterest has been helpful in showcasing various aspects of Chobani’s brand, in micro-targeting its customers, and in gaining customer insights.  In summary, Chobani’s experience demonstrates social media’s ability to connect with customers and promote customer loyalty.

So, what motivates you to follow certain brands?  Do you interact with any photo sharing sites like Instagram or Pinterest?  Share your thoughts about your favorite yogurt.

Vanaja R.

Copyright © 2013 My Marketing Nirvana.  All rights reserved in all media.

Santa, Social Media, and Holiday Shopping Are on Their Way

The Christmas season has come to mean the period when the public plays Santa Claus to the merchants.   ~ John Andrew Holmes

Santa, Social Media, and Holiday Shopping Are On Their WayIt’s that time of year again, when we are thinking about the upcoming Christmas season and gearing up for holiday shopping.  As Susie Gharib of NBR reports, more of us will be taking advantage of online options than ever before; the National Retail Federation reports Internet sales are likely to be up 15% from last year.  It’s no wonder with the growth of smart phones and tablets.  About a third of online shoppers will be showrooming in search of the best deal, as told by comScore’s Executive Chairman Gian Fulgoni to NBR’s Diane Eastabrook.

Gian Fulgoni also indicates social media’s role in holiday retail is poised to have a greater persuasive impact.  Look for Facebook and Pinterest to figure in as well as consumer site Fancy, organized with product engagement in mind.  Another up-and-comer in the holiday retail space are the daily dealers, like Groupon and LivingSocialSylvia Hall of NBR reports on the industry’s evolution, from the first significant holiday season occurring in 2010 to at least $150 million projected in 2012 (notes Unaiz Kabani, Data Product Manager of Yipit.com). Even eBay is getting in on the act, the launch of a new daily deals offering in addition to the recent revamping of its logo and website to become more appealing as a holiday shopping go-to.

So, how do you plan to shop for the holidays this year?  Do you anticipate mobile playing a greater role in your holiday shopping?  Share your thoughts about your favorite holiday retailers.

Vanaja R.

 

Copyright © 2012 My Marketing Nirvana.  All rights reserved in all media.

In Style in an Instant with Social Media

Adornment is never anything except a reflection of the heart.  ~ Coco Chanel

In style in an Instant with Social MediaFashion designers experienced a social media lift at New York Fashion Week Spring 2013Business Insider reports Instagram and Pinterest especially presented designers a winning opportunity to connect with fans of fashion.  For instance, a behind-the-scenes approach contributed to Badgley Mischka’s Instagram success.  Designers like Max Azria (BCBGMAXAZRIA) and Donna Karan (DKNY), who offered more affordable options, were also well received on Instagram.

Turning our attention to the other side of The Pond, British retailer Topshop transformed its runway into an on the spot virtual store during London Fashion Week SS13.  After all, as reported to Anjali Mullany of Fast Company, Topshop’s Chief Marketing Officer Justin Cooke has a new take on the fashion show, fashion as social entertainment.  Not only were fans able to purchase Topshop’s fashion show playlist, clothes and make-up worn by the models, but also thanks to its Shoot the Show tool (developed in collaboration with Facebook), fans could share photos without show interruption.

Topshop also benefits long after London Fashion Week has ended, both in terms of engagement and content creation.  Its social media strategy included pinning tweets at the top of its Twitter feed as well as a Tweet Off competition, whereby fans reviewed the show until midnight, the best vying for tickets to the next show.  Taking it one step further, Topshop plans to include social data in developing business insights around products and shop locations.

So, how do you follow fashion?  How does fashion figure in your digital world?  Share your thoughts about your favorite fashion looks.

Vanaja R.

 

Copyright © 2012 My Marketing Nirvana.  All rights reserved in all media.