Rohit Bhargava said in his book Personality not included. Why Companies Lose Their Authenticity – And How Great Brands Get it Back, “Personality is the key element behind your brand and what it stands for, and the story that the products tell to your cusstomers. Every element of your buiness, from your interractions with your customers to the packaging of your products is an element of your brand personality, and these elements that inspire delight or indifference among your cusotmers . In sort, personality matter. Personality is the unique, authentic, and talkable soul of your brand that people can get passionate about.” So, what is brand personality and how do we use it in social media? Brand personality has been defined as applying human personality traits (seriousness, warmth, imagination, etc.) to a brand as a way to achieve differentiation.   If it’s so important for a brand to have a personality, then how do we get started? How do we ensure that we portray the brand appropriately? What social media outlets do we use and how? Social media is not the answer to every question, but social media is a great channel for infusing personality and storytelling. Your competition is already […]... read more →

Social media has democratized influence, forever changing the way businesses communicate with customers and the way customers affect the decisions of their peers. With platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook, anyone can now find and connect with others who share similar interests, challenges, and beliefs—creating communities that shape and steer the perception of brands. Without engagement in these communities, we miss major opportunities to shape our marketing messages. However, use of the tools does not guarantee that people will listen. Engagement is shaped by the interpretation of its intentions. In order for social media to mutually benefit you and your customers, you must engage them in meaningful and advantageous conversations, empowering them as true participants in your marketing and service efforts. With Engage! as your guide, you can effectively compete in this new era of digital Darwinism while engendering the support of online champions. Social and participatory media significantly contribute to the success of every modern business, and with this book, you will find out how to: Create a space in the online ecosystem that truly represents your business and cultivates your customers’ loyalty and trust Participate in the unique culture of each available social media platform to engage your […]... read more →

SFAMA Toys for Tots Holiday Mixer Come join the San Francisco Marketing Association’s annual Toys for Tots Holiday Mixer at Lot 46 on December 1, 2010. Every year, we partner with the US Marine Corps in their annual toy drive, where they provide millions of toys to under privileged children. Come celebrate the Holidays with fellow marketers and our special guests, US Marine Corps. Bring an unwrapped gift to donate to the Toys for Tots drive for children ages 10-15 years old. Cost: Free admission with unwrapped gift $15 at the door without gift Date & Time: Wednesday, December 1, 2010 6:00 – 8:00 pm Location: Lot 46 Nightclub & Lounge 46 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 No host bar About the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program: MISSION: The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. GOAL: The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less […]... read more →

Hot Or Not: The Disruptive Tech Outlook for 2011 As you start out the new year, what new technologies should be on your radar, and which ones can you safely ignore? Charlene Li, founder of Altimeter Group and author of “Open Leadership” and “Groundswell” will provide her take on what the new year will bring. Topics will include the rise and use of social data, the evolution of new search technologies, and the evolution of consumer experiences. But more than just a rundown of new technologies, the evening will focus on what companies today need to do to prepare for this disruptive future. You’ll walk out at the end of the evening armed with pragmatic, practical steps to take. LOCATION Bars + Tone 1550 Bryant St Ste 1000, San Francisco, CA 94103 COST SFAMA Members – $35 Non-members – $45  Students – $20 Hors d’oeuvres will be provided. SPEAKER BIO Charlene Li is founder of the Altimeter Group and the coauthor of the critically acclaimed, bestselling book Groundswell. She is one of the foremost experts on social media and technologies, and is a consultant and independent thought leader on leadership, strategy, social technologies, interactive media, and marketing. Formerly, Li was […]... read more →

Organizations are getting more involved with social media as tools and channels but inevitably the question of “now what?” always comes up. What do organizations do with their communities? How do they do they solve business problems? And how do they evolve into social businesses that collaborate with their employees, customers, and partners to solve business problems? This session will provide attendees with a solid understanding of what a social business is, how collaboration impacts business performance across the enterprise, and how organizations can move beyond just social media to evolving their organizations into a social business. The key here is to look at social as a long term strategic business initiative instead of as a short term marketing or PR initiative. DATE & TIME Wednesday, February 9, 2011 6:00-8:00pm LOCATION BARS + TONE 1550 Bryant Street Penthouse–Eleventh Floor San Francisco, CA 94103 (Map) ABOUT THE SPEAKER Jacob Morgan is the Principal of Chess Media Group, a management consulting and strategic advisory firm focused on helping PEOPLE understand new and emergent social technologies and how they can be used to solve business problems. Jacob is also the co-author of Twittfaced, a social media 101 book for business and has contributed […]... read more →

ALLad:tech ATTENDEES & SFAMA MEMBERS WELCOME Join just about everyone at ad:tech—conference and exhibit hall attendees, exhibitors, speakers and press—for the all-inclusive networking event! As day one of the exhibit hall closes, everyone is welcome to relax and enjoy a drink with friends and colleagues before heading out to evening festivities. SFAMA is a sponsor of this event. Location: 3rd Level Lobby, Moscone Center West Tuesday, April 12, 6:00 – 7:30pm... read more →

The adoption of Facebook by users worldwide continues to skyrocket. Over 75 percent of Internet users worldwide visit a social network when they go online. Facebook is the top social network destination with the average user logging on more than 19 times a month; and spending close to six hours on the site. What are you doing to capitalize on these extraordinary numbers of potential new leads for your business? Facebook can help you grow your brand and market your products, but only if you have a solid strategy that is supported by proven tactics and techniques. During this presentation, Maya Grinberg of Wildfire Interactive, the only marketing company funded by Facebook’s fbFund, will provide concrete strategies and critical best practices to help you build an active user community and promote your brand on Facebook. Key Learning Points: Learn 3 tactics to make sure your fan page status updates are seen Find out how to use promotions to market your Facebook fan page Build engagement and drive the viral effects of your Facebook page Get proven tips to turn your Facebook fans into paying customers Understand how to increase the performance of your Facebook advertising COST SFAMA Members – Advanced […]... read more →

The Future of Social and Tech with Ben Parr In the fast paced world of tech and social media, new tools and gadgets are launched on a daily basis…. But as marketers, we are left to decide what is HOT and what is NOT. Ben Parr, Co-Editor of Mashable,the most prolific news site reporting breaking web news, providing analysis of trends, reviewing new websites and services, and offering social media resources and guides, will discusses the most pressing issues in social and tech. Is the future of business sharing? What are the new tech platforms that will change how we market? Ben will review where we are today and where we are headed in the future Submit your questions for Ben on Twitter under the hashtag #SFAMA About the Speaker: Ben Parr, Mashable Ben Parr is a respected technology journalist, web entrepreneur and aspiring world changer. He is best-known as the Editor-at-Large of Mashable, the world’s largest independent digital news website focused on social media and web technology. With more than 18 million readers and 45 million monthly pageviews, Mashable is the leader in reviewing new websites and services, publishing breaking news on what’s hot on the web, and offering […]... read more →

Take some time out and join the San Francisco American Marketing Association for a beverage after work on July 19 at the Minna Gallery from 6pm-8pm. Network with colleagues, friends and nemeses from the bay area marketing community at SFAMA’s upcoming summer mixer! What: SFAMA Social Mixer Where: Minna Gallery 111 Minna, San Francisco, CA When: Tuesday, July 19 Cost: Members–Free; Nonmembers–$10 No host bar FIRST 50 PEOPLE TO CHECK-IN ON 7/19 RECEIVE A TICKET FOR A FREE BEER, COURTESY OF OUR BEVERAGE SPONSOR! Many thanks to our Beverage Sponsor... read more →

VIDEO MARKETING: What’s Working, What’s Not | August 23 We have all seen that video has become a critical part of the marketing mix over the last few years from the use of video conferencing at events to the promotion of products through viral videos on YouTube. The SFAMA’s next event will look into why video has become an increasingly more popular tool, the key ingredients to creating the best video for your audience and what we will see next in the space. Our panel of experts will give you the tips and tricks of the trade and highlight what has worked for them and their clients including what to avoid. With the increasing speeds of the Internet, mobile technology and the computerization of IT we are just touching on the potential of what video can offer! PANELISTS Kym McNicholas, Anchor/Reporter, Forbes Kym McNicholas is an anchor/reporter for the Forbes Video Network. She has covered business and technology news for much of her 13-year broadcasting career, and has interviewed top company executives, analysts, and other experts on technology and the markets, and covered the tech boom/bust/re-emergence in the Valley as well as the energy crisis/recovery. She was recently named ‘Star […]... read more →