Help Wanted: Ignite Social Media Account Manager
April 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment
If you're new here, and interested in the latest news and insights on social media marketing, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting Ignite Social Media.
Looking for a chance to join America’s fastest-growing social media agency? Well, truthfully, we’re not sure 100% positive that’s us, but it just might be! (We’ve hired several people in the last month or two, so we’re not just making this stuff up.)
We have an immediate opening for an account manager. If you’re really, really (I mean, like freakishly) organized, and you worry incessantly about deadlines and keeping your promises, we need you. We’re hoping that you balance that particular character trait, however, so you don’t cross over into that whole wildly-annoying thing… that would be bad.
But we digress… (See, we need you to keep us focused…)
Read the job opening here and then send me your best cover letter and resume. Spelling counts, but you’re so organized that you knew that already…
Ignite’s Travels are a Mystery… Can You Figure It Out?
April 28, 2008 | 5 Comments
UPDATED: Congrats to Tena Moore who guessed where we were going. See the picture below of her “grand” prize. Tena, we’re shipping this to you today.
As many of you know, Brogan & Partners is incubating Ignite Social Media, which has been tremendously helpful. Now, the Ignite team has been invited to participate in Brogan’s long-standing “Mystery Trip” tradition and, heck yeah, we’re going.
On Friday, May 2 and Monday, May 5, we’ll be closed. Here’s how it works. Really, really early on Friday, the whole team (7 of us now at Ignite) and the whole Brogan team (around 50 people) will be heading to the airport. Only then will we learn where we’re going from the one person who set it all up. (Seriously, I have no idea… None.) We’ll return late on May 5th and be back at work on the 6th bright and early.
It’s a wonderful employee benefit, but it’s not frivolous. Brogan has less than 5% employee turnover and we want Ignite to do the same (so far, so good… 0%!). Past trips have included: London, a Caribbean cruise, San Antonio, Amsterdam, Reykjavik (yes, in Iceland), and Washington (DC), among others.
So, wanna help us guess where we’re going? Let’s use the wisdom of crowds! Here are the clues we’ve gotten so far:
- Mystery Trip clue # 1: There is nothing like sleeping under the trees.
- Mystery Trip clue # 2: This is no lie, you’re going to love it, hands down!
- Mystery Trip clue # 3: Bring your hip.
Here’s what else I can tell you: A) We know it’s in the United States. B) The clues are designed to throw you off. They’ll be technically correct, but likely nearly impossible to figure out… So play along. I’ll Twitter where we’re heading on Friday morning, so follow me at twitter.com/jtobin.
Leave YOUR guess in the Comments. First one to get it right (if anyone does), I’ll mail you a cheap souvenir of some kind from our destination.
And here’s the souvenir.
In-Depth Intro to Social Media Marketing: May 8th
April 10, 2008 | 8 Comments
Need to get up to speed on social media marketing? I’m leading a full-day workshop for the Triangle (NC) Chapter of the American Marketing Association next month and, since you found out about it through social media, I can hook you up with a $15 discount. But hurry, the early bird discount ends Monday.
The event is on Thursday, May 8th, at the RTP Hilton here in the Research Triangle Park (that’s right between Raleigh and Durham, NC for you folks from out of town) and it runs from 8:30 to 4:30.
I’m excited that my co-presenter is Julia Storberg-Walker, Ph.D., who teaches at NC State and focuses on social networks and communities of practice in her work. She’ll cover how and why social networks work, and the difference between communities of practice and social networks.
I’ll cover the 11 types of social media, as well as the 5 most common mistakes that people entering social media make and then we’ll do in-depth on how to use the tools that are out there, as well as practical examples of companies putting social media to work for them (successfully and unsuccessfully). We’ll leave some time to brainstorm some of the group’s challenges and how to address them, and give you the first few steps you should take to get started.
Book by April 14 and the rate is $149 if you’re an AMA member or $229 if you’re not. After the 14th, the rate goes up $50.
If you put in the double secret code “socmed” into the registration form, they’ll knock $15 off the cost of the registration and we’ll see how spreading the word works.
Hope to see you there. Seating is pretty tight (it’s already more than 40% full) and the promotion is just starting. If you’re interested, save $65 bucks and book today.
Jim Tobin to Speak in Michigan on Social Media Marketing
March 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Jim Tobin, president of Ignite Social Media, will run two back-to-back seminars on how small businesses can use social media marketing to connect on a deeper level with customers and prospects. The seminars are a part of “Business Remixed: the Small Business Conference“, on April 2, at the Birmingham Conference Center in Beverly Hills, Michigan.
Jim will introduce people to the 11 Types of Social Media, along with examples of each. He’ll review the 5 most common social media marketing mistakes and how to avoid them, and he’ll give real world examples of companies that are using social media right now.
To register for the conference, click here. If you go, please introduce yourself at the conference!
Jim Tobin to Appear on Detroit Radio Program Thursday
March 26, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Anywhere near Southeast Michigan tomorrow? Check out WDET-FM, 101.9 around 10:20.
Our very own Jim Tobin will be live on the Detroit Today show on this public radio station. Jim is talking about, not surprisingly, social media marketing in advance of a set of 2 seminars he’s leading in Birmingham, Michigan on April 2.
More on that later.
But if you get a chance, listen to WDET-FM, 101.9 on your FM dial around 10:20 tomorrow. If they’re taking callers, be sure to call in and heckle Jim a bit. He likes that sort of thing…
Yes, Ignite Social Media Is Hiring
March 12, 2008 | 4 Comments
I know, you’ve dreamed since you were a kid about working in a social media agency. (Man, you had some vivid dreams Nostradamus… you need to start writing those down…)
Good news. We just got Brian Chappell in the door and we’re looking for our next superstar. Is it you? The text below is from the ad I put on Linked-In today. Yes, I want you to work in our office (Cary, NC, between Raleigh and Durham). No, at this point in our company lifecycle, I don’t want to build the virtual team around the country (that may come later, so keep watching).
So if this is you, give me a shout. Let’s chat. ~Jim
Social Media Specialist
Ignite Social Media is growing quickly. As North Carolina’s first social media agency, Ignite helps clients sort through the dizzying array of social media tools (blogs, podcasts, wikis, social networks, user-generated content, etc. etc.) and choose the tools and tactics that are right for them.
We’re currently seeking social media specialists, with a particularly immediate need for strong writers. Do you have your own blog? Use Twitter and understand why people like it? Wish your current company understood the power of these tools? We may have a place on our team for you, working with national brands on interesting projects. Unlike most job listers, we value both personal and professional experience in this space. We’re looking for knowledge of social media tools, ability to write both well and quickly, and passion for these new tools.
If the social media part is you, but not the writing part, we’re still interested in hearing from you. While our next hire(s) will be strong writers, shortly thereafter we’ll likely be looking for more programming talent, SEO talent and audio/visual talent, so let us know you’re out there.
Check out our blog for more on who we are and how we think. Provide a customized cover letter that shows you’re genuinely interested, and a link to your Linked-In profile.
Ignite has a fun but fast-paced work environment. Apply your passion for social media and be a part of building something great.
Ignite Social Media Hires Brian Chappell as Sr. Social Search Strategist
March 4, 2008 | 4 Comments
Jim Tobin, president of Ignite Social Media, announced today the hiring of Brian Chappell as Sr. Social Search Strategist. Brian joined Ignite, the first social media agency in North Carolina, in mid-February after working to build traffic for e-commerce sites.
“Brian’s search engine and analytical expertise is an important addition to Ignite,” Tobin said. “As Ignite continues to grow, Brian’s passion and understanding of search engine algorithm technologies and analytics will strengthen our ability to provide customized, well-implemented social media campaigns for our clients.”
Brian brings over six years in organic search engine optimization as well as 3 years experience utilizing site analytics to Ignite Social Media. As the former Director of Search Engine Optimization for a multimillion-dollar e-commerce company, Brian has the tactical experience of competing in one of the most competitive niches around. He oversaw the online marketing campaign, content management, and analytical testing while there.
Brian is also an avid blogger and social media consumer. He can be found at BrianChappell.com relaying the latest findings on SEO in addition to guest posts on MarketingPilgrim.com and a myriad of other blogs and magazines.
Brian earned his BS degree in Business Information Technology with a concentration in e-commerce at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA.
Do Ad/PR Agencies Get Social Media?
February 29, 2008 | 6 Comments
This morning I came across an article written in Adweek by Brian Morrisey entitled, “Social Media: ‘Agencies Don’t Get It“, which makes the claim (based off of latest research by TNS/Symfony) that, “If social network marketing is a puzzle, agencies might not be equipped to help clients see the big picture”.
This survey polled more than 60 marketers in North America, Franc
e and the UK to find out just how these agencies are feeling about their agency’s ability to help them implement social media tactics. I’ve encapsulated the article in the following points:
1. Agencies tend to apply traditional tactics to social media. The article mentions because agencies have little experience developing social media campaigns, their clients feel they treat social media the same as other traditional tactics. The article noted that, “Clients complained that their agencies — creative, media, public relations, design and others — typically treat social channels like blogs as traditional media. In other cases, their ideas are not backed up by practical skills in the area. What’s more, one client pointed out that his agencies have little of their own experience using social networks or video-sharing sites for themselves.”
2. Agencies aren’t equipped with the resources. The survey noted that nearly 50 percent of marketers said social-media efforts needed to be handled at an executive level with “significant” resources.
3. Agencies aren’t ready to implement. While agencies may be able to sound like they understand the space, they aren’t yet prepared internally to implement. Jim Nail, the chief marketing and strategy officer at TNS/Cymfony noted that, “You get the sense that agencies talk a good game,” he said. “They put up a good presentation about what social media is, but when you get to implementing campaigns, the day-to-day management skills are not meeting the marketers’ expectations.”
Now I do know that there are some agencies that are exceptions to the rule, and those are agencies that dedicate staff and resources to study social media, and who interact frequently in the space. These agencies will have a better understanding of how to implement. Unfortunately, at this point in time these agencies are few and far between - mostly due to the lean nature of the business which prevents agencies from purely dedicating staff to social media efforts.
This being said, if you are a client that is on the fence of whether to go with your current agency or to work with a social media agency, I’ve listed the following questions to ask:
1. How is the agency interacting in social media? Are they involved themselves? Do they actively monitor their brand?
2. What experience does the agency have in developing true dedicated social media campaigns? How were they executed?
3. What type of messaging does the agency feel is appropriate to social media? Do they pull or do they push ad content on customers?
4. What are their processes? Will the agency have a plan to engage the community, or a clearly defined scope of work? Will they have a core team dedicated to the execution of this campaign?
5. How does the agency measure campaign success? Do they actively report and monitor social media campaign progress?
Help Wanted: Search Engine Copywriter
February 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment
As Ignite continues to grow, we’re looking for new team members who want to both do great work and be part of the growth of something pretty exciting.
I know I should do a fancy job listing, but figured it was more natural to say what I need in a blog post.
Basically, I need to hire another strong writer. Full-time. Located here in our Cary, NC office. ASAP.
The ideal person will have worked as a search engine copywriter, will have their own blog, likely uses Twitter, has a great writing “voice” of their own but can put on other voices easily, and wishes they could get paid to work in social media all dang day.
If that’s you, drop me a note. A creative note befitting your status as a crafty social media writer-type would be even better. (Email is my first name @ignitesocialmedia.com)
Look forward to hearing from you. ~Jim
Social Media Club for Wednesday…
February 18, 2008 | 1 Comment
Hi everyone, it’s Lisa.
Just wanted all of you to know that this Wednesday I regretfully won’t be able to make it to the social media club (or TIMA’s awesome event!). Ignite just got a new client and we are hitting the runway tommorrow morning at 7 am on a flight out to L.A. Just got word today, and as you can imagine we are thrilled!
But no worries - Lee White and Jeff Tippett are going to run the show and are going to do a great job with it, so I hope all of you make it out to it and enjoy a drink on my behalf 
Oh, and twitter us with updates!