Category Archives: twitter

blog, crowdsourcing, social media, twitter

creating community: part 1

the GREENtuity chapter

There’s always a beginning to a story.  And so there is with my story.  It all began with an initiative I headed up called GREENtuity.org.

The purpose of GREENtuity was to help raise money and awareness for a local non-profit called Toronto Green Community.  TGC, as it is fondly known as, is a grassroots community organization in Toronto which focuses on teaching and empowering people to make positive environmental choices.

The GREENtuity concept was to have patrons at selected vendor partners donate their gratuities (hence the term GREENtuity) to TGC. The concept was powered by our blog as well as by Twitter.  I thought that because we were using social media we would get massive support from the Toronto Twitter community.  And why wouldn’t we? We were raising money for a good cause and I was a cool person.

And thus my lesson on creating community began.

Our goal was to raise $5000 for TGC as well as generate some media mentions.  We succeeded on the media side by getting coverage from blogTO. The financial side? Not so much. $500 raised. In my eyes a failure. But a lesson learned.

Why did I fail?  Because I didn’t understand the importance of being part of a community, building a community and, finally, mobilizing a community.

community membership:

Being part of an online community is more than just taking out a membership.  It is all about being a productive member of that community. And being productive means giving. And by giving you accumulate social capital.

building community:

Once you’ve identified yourself as a member of the online community you are now able to build your own community. The key here is to not forget what brought you here in the first place: provide compelling content that spurs discussion amongst the community. At this “stage” you’ve identified yourself as a “trust agent”.

mobilizing community:

Once you’ve become a “trust agent” you are now ready (as far as the community is concerned) to mobilize the community. You can ask for comments, “likes”, RT’s or even time and money.

So where did I fail?

All of the above is the correct answer.

I wasn’t a contributing member of the online community. As such, when I asked for support I did not receive it to the extent that I hoped.

The great thing about the online community is that it is very forgiving and it is also a great place to learn. And since then I have learned a great deal.  But that story will have to wait for another chapter.

to be continued…

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blog, social media, twitter

my top seven #followfriday

The Pulsefront light show seen from Toronto Is...
Image via Wikipedia

In no particular order here are some cool people I interacted with this week on Twitter.  These are not just “avatars” to me.  They have added and continue to add value to my life: personally and/or professionally.  If you’re on Twitter, I suggest you follow them too!

  1. @soniyamonga.  Soniya is Toronto’s digital girl. She has written for Techvibes and TheMark.  She was also a co-host with me on Social Media Show last year.  Currently you can find her repping LinkedIn Canada and speaking at gigs all over North America.
  2. @ManalSiddiqui. People squirm when she tells them she works for the government.  But more than that she is passionate about social finance initiatives.  Very passionate.  And she loves heels.
  3. @karimawad. Karim has more than just a  cool name. He also has a big heart and loves to share it with people.  He’s my inspiration for getting up at 5am to work for a couple of hours. So you can also blame him if I get cranky in the evening.
  4. @alisaan.  Aleksandra always has a smile on her face and a good word for everyone she meets.  And her exercise regiment is inspiring.
  5. @verynichey. Mandy is the founder of Creative Niche here in Toronto. And she is a HUGE supporter of anyone and everyone who is starting their own business. Thanks for the support Mandy!
  6. @clickflickca. Everyone’s favourite guy. A good lunch mate and a good friend.
  7. @greggtilston. One of the few people I can credit for helping me find my voice in this space. Gregg and a few other people are responsible for helping me become who I am.  So if you think I tweet a lot, blame Gregg.
By the way, there is something else all these “Tweeple” have in common.  I met them in real life first.  And I continue to see them on a regular basis.
Have a great weekend!
(PSA: If you’re in Canada please don’t forget to vote on Monday.)
digital media, social media, sports, Toronto, twitter

(Update) Toronto’s social media winner: sports team category

(UPDATE – 4/19/2011: I’ve included links to all the web and social sites to the team listed below as well as numbers if applicable.)

Criteria:

Revenues generated as a direct result of social media.  Here’s why this is the most important factor in determining the winner. What do fans want most? A winning team. The best situation would be a championship team. And the factor that determines whether or not a team is of contending status or not is their ability to financially attract and retain talent.  And for the purposes of this blog post, let’s see which Toronto sport’s team has reaped financial benefits.

Wait a sec:

Fan engagement and reach is important too.  In this day and age of instant communication, sports fans demand up to the second updates.  This is why athletes and media are heavy users of tools like Twitter. However, to measure the “return on investment” of social media engagement.

Also, understand that these are just my observations.  I have not interviewed anyone who works for the nominees even though I know them.  The purpose of this blog is to give my viewpoint and to spur some discussion.  I would love to hear your thoughts on who is “winning” the social media game.  On to the nominees!

The nominees:

Toronto Argonauts

Twitter: 4,696 Facebook: 2,727 YouTube: 253,697 upload views

The Argos website has share functions throughout. Furthermore, their Facebook, YouTube and Twitter channels  are well populated with a fairly engaged online community.

Toronto Maple Leafs

LeafSpaceMonika: 8,713 Twitter: 48,642 Facebook: 378,572

Their Leafspace.com fan-focused site drives both fan engagement and revenues via advertising and ticket and merch sales.  The Leafs also have a huge following on both Twitter and Facebook.

Toronto Blue Jays

Social Media Clubhouse, Twitter:  32,210 Facebook: 249,397

A very busy website where the social media properties are hard to find. While we did see the BlackBerry sponsored Tweeting Tuesday’s ad, we had to scroll down to the bottom to see the Twitter and Facebook links. The BlueJays also have a very popular Facebook and Twitter following with a highly engaged audience.

Toronto Raptors

Twitter: 30,697 Facebook: 204,592

Piggy-backing off their Maple Leafs cousins, the Raps have done an amazing job with their Raptorspace fan site as well as with their Twitter and Facebook pages.

The Winner:

This is a hard one.  I’ll be honest tough. Before I even started to write this I had the Blue Jays picked as the winner. Why? They had actually obtained a sponsor as a result of their Tweeting Tuesday’s initiative – BlackBerry. The Blue Jays are improving in how they communicate and engage with their fans via social media. And last year they not only obtained a sponsor for one of their social media properties, their parent company (Rogers) has done a great job by looping in all their media properties. Listen or watch a game and there will be mention of “following” or “friending” the Blue Jays. But…

The Leafs are the perennial favourites here in Toronto. Yet picking them would be too easy and lazy.  However, after some surface research, I have to announce the winner as the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Leafs have  done an amazing job interacting and engaging with their fans on Facebook and Twitter.  They (as well as the Raptors) have also created a fun and interactive fan site called Leafspace. And when it comes to monetization they have conquered that too. A cursory glance at their website shows corporate ads on their fan areas. And they also held a Facebook competition  which was sponsored by a corporate sponsor.

Congrats Toronto Maple Leafs! And a HUGE thumbs up to the Toronto Blue Jays for doing a kick ass job in a relatively short period of time (and for inspiring this blog post!).

blog, digital media, social media, twitter

back to basics

I know what you’re thinking:  

Its about time Karim blogs about something other than “5 Questions”.  And you’re right. It is about time.

As many of you know, I’ve recently started a business called thirdocean with the talented Carolyn Van.  And I never realized how busy it is to own and operate a business.  Especially in the ecosystem we play in.  Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m enjoying the energy, drive and passion that it takes to build a business.

Yet something was missing.

You.

Now I know this blog is not the most popular in the world.  And neither is my podcast. But I can promise you this:

I’m getting back to basics: Creating content that is interesting  and creates conversation.

Why?

Because “creating content” is what enabled me to get to the point where I could even fathom starting a business with a partner.

The work that I do is interesting to me. Probably not too important to you though.  But the conversations that we were having on my podcast and blog were interesting to you.

So I’ve decided to dedicate time 2-3 times a week to share with you my thoughts on the marketing industry in today’s social world.

And before the end of the month I’ll be podcasting again.  With the podcast (which is presently undergoing a rebranding and refocus) I’ll be bringing to you some of the most interesting personalities from a variety of industries:  Sports, Music, Fashion and much more!

I’m looking forward to this new “chapter” in my journey and I hope you’ll stay for the ride and even invite a few of your friends to join us.

I already have my next blog idea too! Which Toronto sports team is #winning in the social media game? I’ll release it Monday. I think you’ll be surprised at who the winner is.

social media, twitter

social media and the ufc: my favourite things

I’m a fan and user of social media.  But you already knew that.  As a business tool and a communications medium, there has been nothing as transformative since the invention of the printing press.

I’m such a fan that I started a business with someone I “met” on Twitter.

I’m also a HUGE fan of mixed martial arts.  To be honest, I’m a fan of Dana White‘s UFC.  Athletes such as Canada’s Georges St. Pierre amaze me.

This post could be a case study on how UFC has used social media to grow their fan-base, popularity, value and sales.  But I think someone else has done this.

Today, it’s all about “Thank You!”

Earlier today Carolyn Van and I hosted a Social Media Week (Toronto) event called “making waves in the mobile space (#mwmobile)”.  It turned out to be an amazing discussion about the present ecosystem and the future of mobile. Everything from OS’s, hardware and philosophy was discussed.

Everyone loved the event and the comments both online and offline were humbling and exciting at the same time.

Saying thank you just didn’t seem good enough.  So I thought why not integrate my two loves!

So, to say thank you we’re giving away a pair of tickets this week to a cool documentary that just happens to be making its world premiere here in Toronto:

The World Premiere of THE STRIKING TRUTH takes place at 9 P.M. on February 25th, 2011 at The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts.   My favourite MMA athlete, Georges St. Pierre, will be in attendance and will participate in a Q&A session where fans get to talk to him directly.

Here’s how you win:

All week long in Toronto, Social Media Week – Toronto (#smwTO) will be taking place.  To qualify to win you must do the following:

  • Send a tweet on Twitter with ALL the following hashtags: #smwTO #TSTTO.
  • finally, make sure to add @wearethirdocean in the tweet.

Example:  “Social Media and MMA collide with @wearethirdocean! #smwTO #TSTTO”

The winner will be chosen at random THIS Friday and announced via @wearethirdocean.  So go get tweeting!

About the movie…

The Striking Truth follows Georges St-Pierre and David “The Crow” Loiseau over the past four years, starting with UFC 58 USA vs.  Canada where Loiseau was fighting for the championship against Rich Franklin and Georges was the co-main event against BJ Penn. The film juxtaposes their two careers with St. Pierre’s meteoric rise to UFC champion and Loiseau facing personal challenges. The movie charts their respective ups and downs as they follow their paths. The project  includes exclusive, never before seen footage of all that took place behind the scenes and will give an insight into the world of MMA and the characters of GSP and The Crow, previously known by only those closest to them.

digital media, social media, Toronto, twitter

5 Questions with Meghan Warby

Meghan Warby is the first community manager working within a provincial   government.  In the province of Ontario‘s Cabinet Office she guides Ministries in their digital communications, online outreach and social media strategies.

Previously, Meghan has been an agency-side communications consultant in government relations, corporate communications and digital strategies, at Hill & Knowlton & Argyle Communications.  A social media enthusiast, Meghan spent the winter of 2008 traveling across the United States to interview ‘pioneers’ in eAdvocacy to gauge the significant changes in communications between the 2004 and 2008 American federal elections. Blogging and tweeting as @withoutayard combines her love of music (nurtured at the Austin Music Foundation) & politics (expressed on two Election Predictor Blogs & as Vice Chair of the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy).

What motivates you to do what you do on a daily basis?

I’ve always been passionate about civic engagement and studied political science, public policy, specifically cultural policy, for years. After working in the non-profit sector, Heritage Canada, and the consulting world, I knew that my work needed to include civic-minded values, technology and communications. Acting as Community Manager for the Province is a great balance of these three areas. As naive as it may sound, I strongly believe that citizens will become far more engaged with government if they have clear, updated, easy-to-access information online.

If you had 30 seconds to impart your wisdom on a classroom of soon-to-be graduates, what would you say?

Be humble, yet shameless. Take the opportunity of being labelled a ‘student’ to interview people you admire for your final dissertation. Glean invaluable information on their career path, habits, inspiration and experience. Make writing (real-life paper-version) thank-you notes part of your weekly routine.

In your opinion, what has been one of the most important technological developments over the past 12 months?

It’s certainly not Quora or Paper.li or any of the other tack-ons to existing systems or sites.  Honestly, I think that the massive political and social chance brought by the media’s use of WikiLeaks over the past year will prove to be the most important.

If you had a crystal ball, what would you say will be the most important technological development over the next 12 months?

Hopefully in the next 12 months we crack the mobile currency ‘nut’ to develop a comprehensive/centralized network that delivers international aid, encourages donors’ to offer micro-loans & tracks behaviour (health, lifestyle, spending, etc.) in developing countries.

Who is one of Canada’s tech stars and why?

Too many to name and the field is growing! Likely the biggest and best tech star of 2011 is plugging away right now in Ryerson’s DMZ lab. If I had to pick one, my Toronto-centric lefty-pinko paradigm would note the creator of Rocket Radar, Adam Schwabe.


digital media, social media, twitter

i talk too much

I’m sure my teachers, parents, co-workers, friends and family have said as much to me in the past.

And so it continues.  Me talking that is.  In my role as Chief Wave Maker for thirdocean, it is my duty to…umm, “make waves” for the company.  Although many of our services involve the online world, there is still something very powerful about in your face interactions.

I always recommend to clients to include some sort of local meetup in the various cities they operate.

When it comes to the sales strategy of thirdocean, we feel it is also important for us to do the same.  It is why we have our local XConnect events as well as Social Media Show podcast.  And why I’m going on the road over the next few months talking up a storm.

Here’s my next 3 booked speaking gigs.  I hope you can attend all or one of them.  I could use the ego boost…

  • Enterprise Toronto Seminars.  Social Media and Your Business. March 8 2011.  North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge Street, Committee Room #3.  10am.

If you would like to book me or my business partner, Carolyn Van, to speak at your business or association, please send us an email to MakingWaves [at] thirdocean [dot] com.

social media, twitter

my top ten #followfriday list for 2010

Today is not only Friday but it is the last day of 2011.  I want to take this final post of the year to thank and recognize a number of people. 

So in a Twitter tradition, I dedicate this post to the following 10 people who I suggest you follow for all the right reasons:

  1. @saulcolt – He’s not the Mayor of Twitter for nothing.  Saul is a word of mouth marketing genius whom I have had the good fortune of getting to know over the past 12 months.  And one thing I can always count on is his time.  He is not only generous with his time but with his knowledge and ideas as well.
  2. @vasta – Sameer Vasta actually told me how to use Twitter: Just do it (paraphrased of course).  He is kind and wise beyond his years.  And although we seldom personally see each other or speak, it is always a pleasure when we do.
  3. @scolirk – Nile Livesey is the President of Perpetual Radio Networks and has given me my first opportunity to podcast.  My show is now called thirdocean’s Social Media Show.  I hope you have a chance to check it out.
  4. @mehnazt – Mehnaz is actually someone who I have not yet met in person. But I’ve had the pleasure of her being my editor on a couple of articles I’ve written for The Ismaili. She is the best editor I’ve ever had.
  5. @greggtilston – Gregg Tilston is the Social Media Manager for Flight Centre Global.  He’s also a good guy who is 100% behind Toronto’s local tech and social media communities.
  6. @soniyamonga – Soniya is a go-getter in the truest sense.  She is bright and articulate in all forms of communication.  She can be found blogging and even moderating events about the Canadian tech scene.
  7. @CarolynVan – CVan is an amazing business partner.  I am so freaking excited to be her business partner.  I totally lucked out.  She is not just an intelligent businesswoman.  She has insight and wisdom beyond her years.
  8. @karimawad – Karim. His first name says it all.  The name of his company says it even more: big time.
  9. @mycitylives – Adil and Adam have grown from a small little company with big dreams to one of Toronto’s most popular start-ups. They are also some of the nicest people in the city.
  10. @AlexBlom – I recently met Alex at FreelanceCampTO.  He has gone out of his way to introduce me to some of the most interesting and successful people in the Canadian tech scene.

I’m sure I have forgotten many people here.  There have been many people who I met this year who I’m excited to get to know more in the coming year. 

To EVERYONE who I communicate with on Twitter, thank you.  Thank you for following. Thanks for your ReTweets.  Thanks for your amazing and insightful commentary on life and business.  Thanks for the sillyness too.  Thanks for shaking my hand when we meet face-to-face.

Thanks for an amazing 2010.  2011 is gonna rock!

P.S. Not following me on Twitter? I’m @karimkanji and my business is @wearethirdocean

blog, digital media, podcast, social media, twitter, youtube

top 9 social media tips for real estate – post 23-31 of 31

marketing in a social age is devoting 31 posts this month to social and digital media and the real estate industry.

Who would have thought banging out 31 posts in 31 days devoted specifically to social media and the real estate industry?  I sure didn’t.  And I guess I learned my lesson.  I’ve completed 22 of 31.  And today is the 31st.  That’s 9 short of 31 for those of you who are keeping score.

So, instead of writing out 9 potentially poor blog posts I thought I’d encapsulate my 9 top social media tips for those of you in the real estate industry.

  1. Blog.  If you haven’t figured it out by now, blogging should be an important part of your marketing strategy.  Your blog should be the space online where people can find out how much of an expert you are on  your industry and on your neighbourhood.  The ability of your blog to also help you in your search rankings should also not be ignored.
  2. Podcast.  Although podcasting has been around for a while it is still a tactic that is seldom used.  As with your blog, use the power of the spoken word to help craft your personal brand.
  3. Twitter.  Remember not to use this as just a push marketing medium.  Use Twitter to create a following and embrace the power of conversation.
  4. Video.  The amount of time people spend online watching videos continues to grow.  We watch videos not just on our desktop.  We also use our netbooks, iPads and smartphones to consume video.  Invest a bit into a Flip video camera and open up a YouTube account.  Just like blogging and podcasting, the ability to share your thoughts on video should also not be pushed aside.  Be creative and original and don’t worry about creating something that’s viral. Just be yourself.
  5. Facebook.  Whether its Places, the Marketplace, Fan Pages or Groups.  The person or brand who figures out how to properly use Facebook in the real estate industry will win.  You don’t have to be first.  You just have to try to see what does work.  There are over 500 million users here.  People are using Facebook more and more.  More so than even Google. So take the time and figure this beast out.
  6. Location-based marketing apps.  There’s Foursquare and Gowalla.  And there are others.  I’ve seen many real estate professionals use Foursquare as an online billboard.  Other realtors use Foursquare (my LBMA of choice by the way) to highlight interesting places around their neighbourhood.  I would suggest using it to show you know your neighbourhood and your expertise in real estate.  Just try your best not to be too pushy.
  7. QR codes.  This funny looking cousin of the barcode has been around longer than the term social media.  But many businesses (real estate included) are still not using them.  Here’s the thing:  More and more people are using smartphones.  And these same people also want information as fast as possible.  Here’s a simple idea:  Use a QR code on your business card and for sale signs to drive immediate traffic to your website and listings.  Now your business is truly open 24/7 even if you’re not.
  8. Attend or Organize a MeetUp.  The power of physically meeting potential partners, leads, and clients is powerful.  In my business, lots of relationships have been strengthened as a result of meeting face to face.
  9. Try.  Things in social media and even in real estate have the ability to change at a blink of an eye.  That being said be open to trying new things often.  Try a new app. Try the new social media site.  Try it. You just might like it!

Happy New Year everyone!  All the best in 2011.

blog, digital media, social media, twitter

pulse for real estate – post 21 of 31

marketing in a social age is devoting 31 posts this month to social and digital media and the real estate industry.

Their product used to be called Radar at one point in time.  That was I first met the nice guys from big time design and communication inc.

That was back in the spring of this year.  I went on to write about them in both Techvibes and the RealCashCanada blog.

Now their product is called Pulse.  But it’s still as innovative and useful as it was the day I met them.

So here’s an edited version of what I wrote earlier this year:

As a consumer you’ve been inundated with a barrage of emails from your favourite retailers.  How would you like to pick and choose how and when you receive these messages?

As a Realtor  you’ve been wondering how to use technology to effectively engage with your consumers.

Enter big time design and communication inc. and their product called Pulse.

According to their website, Pulse “improves message effectiveness by adapting content for a customer’s preferred communication method.”

For their clients, “Pulse empowers companies with the ability to segment information, promotions and messaging so that customers can choose what is relevant to them, and only receive that information.”

“Before Pulse, social media marketing was handled much like traditional advertising; getting exposure anywhere and anytime without being concerned with relevance of message or brand.” says Karim Awad, Director at big time.

“Customers were saddled with the burden of seeking out the information that mattered to them in the sea of social media chatter.  Now, they can ask for that information and receive it outside of that chatter.”