Author: Abby Gilmore

Getting Political with Social Media

Social media is used as a marketing strategy by businesses across the world.  Everyone is on Twitter and Facebook these days, and if you’re not, you’re surely missing out on making connections and developing relationships with millions of people.  Personally, I use social media to connect with others in my industry, keep up popular brands, get breaking news and track the setlists of my favorite bands. And recently, I have noticed an influx of political figures using social media.

Jeremy Vaught

Social media is used in all sorts of promotions, so why not political campaigns?  Sites like Twitter and Facebook are used constantly throughout the day by millions of people who are open to connecting with others.  People often get breaking news via social media.  In fact, CNN has more than a million followers on Twitter.  It makes sense that political figures would be represented on social media sites, though I assume the tactics used in a political campaign may be different than a brands promotion of a new product.  With politics, there are reputations to protect, and very high profile reputations at that.

Kevin Spidel

Luckily, AZIMA has given me a chance to learn about social media use in political campaigns this September.  On Tuesday, September 14, two local experts will share their experiences with social media in politics.  Republican Jeremy Vaught is the Web Strategist for John McCain’s 2010 campaign and Democrat Kevin Spidel has worked in a variety of political campaigns and international advocacy organizations.  Join me at the event and learn more about social media.  Register today!

Mission to Meet AZIMA Members: Part 6

The sixth edition of Mission to Meet AZIMA Members video series features Cory Howell of MorePro Marketing.  Howell, interested in local search sites, said he was looking forward to meeting other Phoenix professionals and looking forward to the presentation.

What do you think of the video series? Is it helpful to put names to faces in our industry? Personally, I am having a great time talking to and getting to know AZIMA members. See you September 14th!

Mission to Meet AZIMA Members: Part 5

I know you’re all dying to meet this week’s featured AZIMA member, but I’m sure most of you already know him! At the August 10th social event, I had the pleasure of interviewing Matt Siltala before he spoke about local search sites to the group.   Siltala is one of the founders of Dream Systems Media and has been involved in the Internet marketing world for many years.  He knows a ton about SEO and is a Yelp-lover too!

In addition to being an SEO fanatic, Siltala is a big Arizona Cardinals fan, so we decided to ask him about his predictions for this season as well 😉

Also, for the record, my friend and co-worker Michael Schwartz has volunteered to help me with the Mission to Meet AZIMA Members video series.  We look forward to meeting some of you next month on September 14th to discuss social media and politics.

Mission to Meet AZIMA Members: Part 4

This week’s featured AZIMA member is Jessica Dimino from Orange Slyce, the “eHarmony of student employment.” I had the pleasure of meeting a few Orange Slyce employees and found out what they are all about. Dimino said she learns a lot from AZIMA events, which is what keeps bringing her back each month.

Now the fourth week of the Mission to Meet AZIMA Members is complete! And don’t worry, I got a new batch of videos at the event last Tuesday. Also, don’t forget to check out this month’s AZIMA webinar, which is today at 11:30 AM PDT!

Mission to Meet AZIMA Members: Part 3

The third installment of the “Mission to Meet AZIMA Members” series features Amy Linert from McMurry. Linert said she likes to attend AZIMA events to share case studies and information with other experts in the industry. She also said McMurry actively recruits at AZIMA events. Check it out for yourself in this short video!

Don’t forget about AZIMA’s August event tomorrow, August 10 at 6 p.m. at the Scottsdale Hilton. The discussion led by Chuck Reynolds and Mat Siltala will be about local search and review sites. Hope to see you there! And hope to catch some of you with my Flip cam.

Mission to Meet AZIMA Members: Part 2

If you missed my last post, I have made a pledge to myself to meet a few different people at each AZIMA event.  In the process, I hope to someday be connected with each member and find out what drew them to joining AZIMA or attending that specific event.

This week’s featured AZIMA member is Adam Ayers from Arkayne.

See you all August 10th at the Scottsdale Hilton!  Before we discuss local search with Chuck Reynolds (@chuckreynolds) and Mat Siltala (@Mat_Siltala), look for me with my Flip camera and say hello!

Mission to Meet AZIMA Members

Every month at AZIMA I make it a point to meet a few new people in the interactive marketing industry. Each time, I find myself asking them what brought them to AZIMA in the first place! So I’ve decided to video interview these people about why they joined the group and I’d like to share my findings with the rest of you. Every week we will feature a new short video interview so we can get to know others in the association and why they attend the monthly meet-ups.

This week, I’d like you all to meet Sean Coleman, CEO and founder of Orange Slyce, a job board exclusively for Phoenix small businesses and college students.

Keep an eye out for me, and tell your AZIMA story at the next AZIMA monthly social event “Local Search & Review Sites“: featuring Chuck Reynolds & Mat Siltala on August 10th, 2010!