20-Something Marketing Forum

LAST BLOG ON BLOGSPOT - SWITCH TO 20SOMETHINGMARKETING.COM

2005-09-29T13:47:00.000-05:00

Episode #9 - Don't Phunk With My Words

Protesters, Bosses and Maketers agree - you can't mess with the right to speak out. You can make your words count though and we take an in-depth look at why that is. Vingetts courtesdy of Yeast Radio and of course Martha Watch yets yiddish!

Show Notes:
I) Words can't get in the way
II) Jared Gets Another Review of the Show
III) Rules of Language
IV) Game Plan: Save a Techie - Write a Letter

PS - BE SURE TO REGISTER AND TO CHECK OUT 20SOMETHINGMARKETING.COM!!!

Referenced Links
Yeast Radio
AMAZON: The Elements of Copywriting
AMAZON: Teach Yourself Copywriting

Click Here To Listen To The Podcast

New Website + RSS/iTunes Feed

2005-09-28T12:48:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned I am, for all intensive purposes, decomissioning this web site...

We have created a brand new web site to host the blog AND the podcast with more features, goodies, and ways to interact than ever before.

Please visit http://20somethingmarketing.com

If you recieved the special audio clip that specified you need a new feed...AND ONLY IF YOU RECIEVED THAT CLIP...
here are the links to the new RSS & iTunes Feeds:

IF YOU HAVE iTUNES:

Just Click Here To Subscribe To The NEW Feed!

IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER PROGRAM THAT REQUIRES AN RSS FEED:
Copy This Feed Into Your Program Where It Asks For RSS/Subsription Feed:
http://20somethingmarketing.com/?feed=rss2

The new feeds will allow you more content than ever....Thanks for your co-operation!

Bonus Vidcast - Trivia Hunt at the National Zoo

2005-09-25T19:07:00.000-05:00

This is your zoo, this is your zoo during a trivia scavenger hunt - any questions? Yeah, I went a bit nuts with the rapid transitions but this should be good for a laugh. As always - comments apreciated - jsdwdc@yahoo.com!

Click Here To View Vidcast

Episode #8 – Process, Passion, and the Pundits

2005-09-21T20:41:00.000-05:00

NOTE: NEW BLOG HOME - 20SOMETHINGMARKETING.COM
We will simul-blog untill the end of September - then all posts will go to 20SOMETHINGMARKETING.COM

There is process in the passion and we are out to prove that marketing is more than just pretty pictures. Guest contributor Ethan (thevisionthing.com) gives us a process primer, Jared unveils BIG NEWS, and first installment of MARTHA-Watch!

Show Notes
I) Walmart in your brain
II) Interview: Ethan, The Process Master from TheVisionThing.com
III) NEW: 20SOMETHINGMARKETING.COM
IV) MARTHA-Watch
V) Game Plan: Process is the POINT

Click Here To Download the Podcat

An empty department and bored out of my skull...

2005-09-16T08:52:00.000-05:00

My boss is in Puerto Rico, our graphic designer is celebrating her birthday, and our Sr. Writer/Marketing Director is out...is it just me and our Executive Vice President in the department today.

What a better day to get things done!

As long as we are on the subject of getting things done, lets give it up for Episode #7 that has just broken my standing record for 30 unique listeners. Here are some other fun facts about the 20SMF and how its doing...

- Episode #7 has broken through 30 listeners
- Unique Blog Visits are Up to 100+/week
- Readers include folks in DC, California, 10 Other States, Canada, Italy, Poland & Belgium

As I mentioned in Ep #7, Hubris leads ultimately to your downfall. I am excited though that so many people find what I have to say and present on the 20SMF useful.

Thanks to the people who read this blog and listen to the podcast. All I can say is keep reading, keep listening, and next week you'll see that I have such a big announcement about the 20SMF.

Episode #7 - Overachievers Among Us

2005-09-15T08:37:00.000-05:00

How many overachieving geeks does it take to create a fantastic podcast? Just one apparently… Welcome to my insanity and quite possibly one of the funniest and on point of the series.

Show Notes:
I) Overachievers Do It Before Your Know You Needed It
II) Underachiever/Overachiever Stories
III) Olsen Twins Get Trumped, Dawn and Drew Can’t Make Money
IV) Listener Mail, Viral Marketing, Big News

Click Here To Listen To The Podcast

The Blogger's 2 Cents....A Challenge

2005-09-09T13:32:00.000-05:00

Hey Folks...

Lately on my podcast, I have mentioned giving to the red cross to benefit hurricane victims. Its important to note that helping and giving is a lifetime commitment - not just for extreme emergencies.

Therefore a'la David Zinger and his 2 Cent Challenge - since we know that talk is cheap but blogging is even cheaper - for the rest of the year I will donate 2 Cents to charity for every word blogged.

If you blog, I challenge you to do the same!

This of course comes not by way of me but of Ethan at The Vision Thing proving once again - this blog needs to seriously contemplate original ideas at some point ;).

PS - this entry just garnered $2.40 for charity

Performance as Your Trump Card

2005-09-09T10:33:00.000-05:00

David Ignatius makes a great point about performance vs. Rhetoric in his op-ed column from the Washington Post today.

"The new politics isn't about values; it isn't about settling scores. It's about performance. It's about putting a wounded, shaken country back on its feet, much as Franklin Delano Roosevelt did in his famous First Hundred Days," writes Ignatius.

That puts into words something I have been feeling about how 20-Something's can play their trump card - performance. When the rubber meets the road - where are you?

In the next week, I will try to distill this into one show that will highlight the ability of 20-Somethings to GET THINGS DONE.

Don't ever think success, political or otherwise, is made out of anything but your ability to perform. Beyond the rhetoric, beyond the hype - its going to be if you can get it done that's going to keep you 'in-style' at work and as a rising 20-something star.

Episode #6 - You Can't Get Marketing Research With A Gun

2005-09-07T08:14:00.000-05:00

Click Here To Listen To The Podcast

Just when you think its safe to be a numbers geek - in comes the National Rifle Association! Jared teaches the NRA marketing team how to get research...without a gun.

The Gun Owner's Platform Survey - Click Image To Enlarge

Show Notes:
I) Marketing Research, the NRA, and Why I Love Surveys
II) The Apprentice: MARTHA, Crisis PR in a Bar
III) Listener Mail
IV) Game Plan: 3 Rules For Marketing Research

Referenced Links:
Jared's Letter To The NRA - CLICK HERE FOR PDF
Survey Console - Sample Survey Templates

Bonus Vidcast: My Weekend Camping

2005-09-01T13:24:00.000-05:00

Click Here To View The Vidcast

Ok folks, here's a peak into what I did this past weekend. If you like it, great! I will be sure to do more small snippets like this but if you don't like it please e-mail me at jsdwdc@yahoo.com, or post it as a comment.

Normally, I want to keep the podcast as professional as possible and not let my life impede the message. However, there are times at which we all need a little relaxation and it just so happens I have a kick A** video camera and a Mac with editing software.

Thanks, and enjoy!

Episode #5 - Organizational politics A Go-Go

2005-08-30T20:31:00.000-05:00

Click Here To Listen To The Podcast!

Politics - from the root POLY (meaning many) and TICKS (a blood-sucking parasite)...you do the math! If you've got an organization, you've got politics; there's no question about it. How do you combat politics though without going home in a bodybag?

Show Notes:
I) Organizational Politics A Go-Go
II) News: VMA Awards, Jared Sings, and Details Magazine Gets Outed
III) Karma - ain't it a bitch

Referenced Links:
Red Cross
Feed The Children
Its Your Ship by D. Mike Abrashoff - Amazon

In Defense Of Martha

2005-08-26T13:32:00.000-05:00

When we look back on this time in our lives - what will we say?

Will we say we stood for something? Will we say we did something great - or was this time in our lives just a brief 'interruption'?

Those of you who are fellow copy writers out there know that words have enormous power and I find it intriguing that Martha Stewart and her army of PR specialists is now referring to her near-fraudulent stock trade, public trial, subsequent conviction, 5-month incarceration, and home confinement as an 'interruption' or so she says to USA Today feature editor, Ann Oldenburg (link).

Ex-squeage-me? An interruption, Martha? I don't care how many PR advisors you have - the ankle bracelet is not even off yet and your opening volley towards image resurrection is to pretend that the last 18 months you were completley ambivilent?

I love Martha, I really do...I truly believe she got a bad rap. I loved her choice to run full throttle into the mouth of the beast once convicted. She could have stayed out of jail, fought sentencing - but the shrewd PR she decided on was right out of the "Best of..." Novel for long-term marketing success. Ever since she entered that prison, she has had total control of her public perception. She did the smart thing and it worked - last I checked share of Martha Stewart Omnimedia were up 12%!

Do what works for ya, Martha! Don't say you haven't learned anything from this experience - your poll numbers are better than most un-convicted politicians right now - don't "stay the course" - just go back to being your usual, humble self.

Ah yes, the glory of iTunes!

2005-08-24T07:23:00.000-05:00

Just as a quick FYI 20MF Fans! - You Can Now Subscribe To The 20SMF Via iTunes!!!

Just Click the Apple Logo On The Right of the Blog or goto: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=79240385

Or, If you're on Odeo....
Click here To Subscribe That Way: My Odeo Channel (odeo/b44f12cceee75a8e)

Episode #4 - CreAtivity

2005-08-24T06:36:00.000-05:00

Click Here To Listen To The Podcast!

Hold onto your sketchpads - this episode's a doozey! We were gone for a week so I had to cram a lot of content into 1, supersized edition of the 20SMF. We dive into creAtivity (capital "A" for Alluring) both from a professional and a scientific viewpoint. Joining the 20SMF - JC, Consumer correspondent! (VERY FUNNY!). Also, a tribute to a gone, but not forgotten, friend. Worth all 37 of it!

Show Notes:
I) CreAtivity - Professional & Scientific
II) Interview with JC, Consumer correspondent
III) Game Plan: Get Out; Get CreAtive!
IV) Ode to a Good Friend

Referenced Links:
The Travler (Novel) - Check It Out On Amazon

Saying it with flowers....

2005-08-23T13:15:00.000-05:00

Ok, sorry but this is a personal post...ignore it if you want but this is going out there for every person who is, or is about to give flowers.

Every flower says something...

Tulips - sign of spring, happiness, longevity

Daisy - free spirit, traditional, innocence

etc...

Of these, the most difficult flower to give is Roses...given carelessly and without proper thought, they can be misconstrued, become a silly cliche, or even worse - demonstrate complete lack of originality. Given right, however, Roses speak volumes.

Roses, particularly red ones, are a staple of classic elegance and, to me at least - are a representation of something real and beautiful. If you can find someone who knows how to give red roses, at just the right time, in just the right way - you know you've got something....

Big Fish, Little Fish, or Just Plain Stupid Fish?

2005-08-22T10:39:00.000-05:00

To be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big one?

Coming from the latter, I respect and understand the opportunities involved with working for a massive organization with seemingly un-ending resources.

However, the downside to this is of course that you are treated like the pack mule most organizations take 20-Something's to be. How do you combat this?

From my experience, get yourself a solid champion who loves your work, values your employment and preferably has sway in the upper echelons of at least the department...The downside to this is that if the little fish looses the champion, say goodbye goodtimes, and say hello tartar sauce!

On the flip side, smaller organizations allow you the freedom and creativity to be yourself with the restraints of limited resources. Some might say its good to work for a smaller organization because they usually come with a lot less organizational politics - that assumption is dead wrong. The difference in the small pond? The diversity of the politics doesn't have to be as unified as it is in the large pond to be just as much a pain in the saute pan...

A seemingly unbreakable paradox? Hardly - just make it your point to become proficient at surfing organizational politics...We'll take a look at this in episode #5, coming out next week.

PS - expect the episode #4 to be up as promised on Wednesday!

20SMF Love Fest!

2005-08-15T10:42:00.000-05:00

Big thanks to 20SMF's guiding fairy-blogperson, Ethan & The Vision Thing (www.thevisionthing.com) for a fabulous stream of critique (if not all around hot air). He also wrote our first official review:

Jared Degnan (SoVÂs biggest fan) is bursting with the piss and the vinegar. Seriously, think 8 city blocks could keep the lights on and water running if they hooked this guy up to a generator. Think youÂre passionate about [anything]? YouÂve got nothing! Tune in and hear what being jacked about marketing and podcasting sounds like here.

In case you don't subscribe to both, allow me to catch you up....Ethan and I have a sort of weird love-fest going on as I basically copied the show format, partly from his Sound of Vision Program. He has also been sending a critique of each and every show I have done.

If you have your own critique, please feel free to post it here :)!

Moral of this story? Go to (www.thevisionthing.com) and partake of the genius that is Business process management.

Note - 20SMF will be delayed

2005-08-15T10:09:00.000-05:00

Hey Folks,

Episode #4, which was supposed to be posted this Thursday, will be delayed...

unfortunately, my laptop just died on me and it will have to be shipped off to California for repairs (thank ever-loving goodness for Apple Care).

The entire staff of the forum regrets the delay and encourages you to re-listen to Episode #3 for the time being to sooth yourself with the sound of my voice...;)

Best,
Jared

Episode #3 - The Hip Factor (Peer Pressure Marketing)

2005-08-10T20:59:00.000-05:00

Click Here to Listen To The Podcast!!

Finally, a show where we get to explore the inner depths of my insecurities - PEER PRESSURE! Yes, we all hate Abercrombie & Fitch and Jared spares NO ONE in this episode. Seriously though, candid discussion on ways 20-something professionals can use positive social marketing to promote their own self interests at work (if they don't tick people off with political e-mails - see previous blog post)/

Show Notes:

I) The Hip Factor, Why We Care, & Why British Liquor Companies Love Fat, Bald Men
II) Jessica Simpson, Flashing Magazine Adds, Jared Goes Way Too Gay
III) Marketing The Marketing Forum
IV) Game Plan: Getting noticed With socially interactive Marketing Ideas and Pitches

Referenced Links:

The Vision Thing Blog
Lucky Bitch Radio W/Wanda wisdom

National Polticis A-La Business E-Mail

2005-08-10T11:15:00.000-05:00

Realizing this is Washington, DC - where 20-Something's routinly throw down a few beers then end up discussing politics regardless of what it is they actually do - I recently sent out a link to a friend's online video he is trying to get broadcast via my work e-mail account.

A few of the people I sent it to just happen to be inside the office and I thought nothing of trowing this out there to a few select co-workers. Let just say this, I probably should have thought twice before I did it.

No, I didn't get reprimanded but my boss did point out that an e-mail can become a landmine to certian people.

A part of climbing the ladder or even establishing legitimacy is becoming friends with people - moral of the story - do it by word of mouth...it works for reality TV doesn't it?

PS - Here's the link - go VOTE :)!!! - Go to: http://www.current.tv/studio/media/684.htm

Branding

2005-08-08T08:49:00.000-05:00

Branding, as we all know, is an ever-important element of marketing.

I don't mind saying that nothing sets my heart all a-twitter like the development of a logo. As this is a new endeavourer, I would never miss a chance to have a logo created for this forum and podcast. So, without further a-do....

TA-DA!!! - The new logo for the 20-Something Marketing Forum

Lord, I am such a marketing dork....

Episode #2 - Coffee, Jobs, & More

2005-08-04T07:20:00.000-05:00

Click Here to Listen To The Podcast!!

So I beat the sophomore slump and have posted the second installment of The 20-Something Marketing Forum. In Coffee, Jobs, & More - we hit on such important topics as getting a job, leveraging knowledge for marketing gain, and why starbucks coffee is the pre-cursor to the end of the world. In short, this is the 'feel-good' edition of 20SMF!

Show Notes:

I) Starbucks, Knowing Your Customer, & Why The End of the World Is coming
II) Interview with Job Seeker Val and how to leverage knowledge to sell yourself (in a clean way!)
III) Theme songs as marketing devices???
IV) Game Plan: Knowledge, Marketing, & POWER (Muh-ha-ha-ha!!)

Referenced Links:

Vault.com - Information on companies, their cultures, and interviewing with them
MEETin.org - Social Site, Very Cool People

Please send comments, experiences & More to jsdwdc@yahoo.com

"Give Me A Home, Where Ted Turner Does Roam"

2005-08-03T08:11:00.000-05:00

The "A" Column in today's Wall Street Journal highlights a herd of 60 Bison in Texas and mentioned Ted Turner donated 3 male bison to help keep the herd purebread.

There is an interesting PR Story here that some people may miss so I want to comment on this...

Great publicity stunt, Ted! The WSJ forgot to mention one little thing - AREN'T YOU THE TED FROM TED'S MONTANTA GRILL???

Yes, Ted Turner has a herd of 40,000+ Bison on his New Mexico ranch. Ted also owns and operates Ted's Montant Grill, an upscale/casual dining concept with a menu that includes Barbeque bison short ribs, bison burgers, bison meatloaf, and bison Prime Rib.

My question is this...was his publicist taking crazy pills?

Ted Turner is a gutzy guy who, as a native atlantan, I love..this is an example, I am afraid, of failing to connect the dots because its a good PR tactic...

In marketing, you have to be bold: So, what? You conserve the cattle, you use the cattle...Its that simple, don't sell yourself short, Ted.

In PR, and in particular with high-profile outlets like the WSJ, don't give up the chance to push you're great concept and connect it with your good works. If you want to change the world, cut through the BS (Bison {Explicated Deleted})!

Information Overload

2005-08-02T05:54:00.000-05:00

So, as I am currently in production of my latest podcast, I am in a bit of a state of information overload so lets take a quick look at information demands of the 20-Something Marketer.

As we are hideously ambitious and want to take over the world, it stands to reason that we need information to help us 1) Generate Ideas 2) Validate Our Own Assumptions 3) Amuse Us Until The Next Shinny Object Rolls Around.

I am currently reading about a dozen blogs and subscribe to about 2-dozen podcasts (iTunes loves me). Most of this is research but lately, as I have found you can now integrate RSS feeds into your Outlook (oh great, another way to distract me at work) - I am focusing a bit more on finding sources of information that will prevent information overload.

Here are a few tips for finding sources of information that are relevant to your life

#1 - Subscribe to my podcast

Yes, its shameless but why else would I do this? The podcast is full of great information and I am really excited about the upcoming episode. Accept me as your marketing guru and 20-something maven and you'll do just fine

#2 - Look up Fast Company

There are very few online resources I will tout more than these guys. In particular, get their free First Impression Newslettere-mail updates - its a shot of fresh inspiration in the morning and random inspiration throughout the day - subscribe at http://www.fastcompany.com/newsletter/

#3 - Cherry Pick Your Blogs

I think 6 blogs is good, its not too complicated but find ones that are both interesting and informative...My personal favs are:

The Vision Thing
Business Process Management - Very interesting guy who used to do a great podcast....ETHAN! COME BACK!!! WE MISS YOU!!!!

The Cubicle Escape Pod
Probably the most entertaining business blog/podcast out there - My personal inspiration for the podcast and the gold standard of innovative and pointed content...
(As a side note, I know the CE guys will see this so Jonathan, Matt - you will be getting an e-mail from me to become your first roadie and to come on my show)

#4 - Download as many podcasts as you can!

They are free, fun, and as long as you have the memory on your player - I say go for it!

Follow these few, simple rules, manage your information intake, and you won't end up like me, at 6:30 in the morning, complaining on a blog that I have too many things to read....;)

Episode #1 is Up!!!

2005-07-28T08:51:00.000-05:00

Click Here to Listen To The Podcast!!

Guess what? The first podcast is finished and ready for your listening pleasure. Click the link above to listen to the 20-Something Marketing Forum: Episode 1 "Welcome To The Forum"

Show Notes:

I) What is the Marketing Forum & Why 20-Something Marketing?
II) Jared discusses Mars Inc's latest chocolate craze, Coke, Burger King, & Coqroq.com
III) Marketing Play of the Week: democrats.org
IV) An Impassioned Plea: WRITE TO ME!!!

Referenced Links:

Washington Post Article On Mars, Inc.(Chocolate's Medicinal Qualities)
Burger King - Coqroq.com
PureCast Media.com

Let's Get This Party Started

2005-07-25T10:39:00.000-05:00

And So...It Begins

Greetings & Salutations Good Listeners! As a part of our "full-service" mentality here at the 20-Something Marketing Forum, we are setting this blog up to gather your feedback and experiences. Enjoy!

Best Wishes,
Jared
Chief Contributor & Marketing Zen-Master
20 Something Marketing Forum