@JoelECarlson – Having a good Wednesday? If not, check out today’s Twitterview with my guest @timotis of GdB. Lets get this thing started!
Q – #1 So @timotis, you’re originally from the Chicago area and started studying music. How did you end up switching to SM and PR?
Tim: It was on a whim. In 2007, the agency I worked for said, hmm, this stuff is taking off. How would u like 2spearhead it?
I’ve been unknowingly an expert since 2005 ;)
Q – #2 Better to use expert over guru right? :) Can you give a brief rundown of how you to got to be with GdB?
Tim: Right. I was looking for an opportunity to learn more than I already was and what was presented to me was a duel role
I met with my now boss’ wife, had to give a presentation to the agency on my understanding and my take on social media.
Boss was so impressed I was asked out to coffee next day and was offered the job. I LOVE my job.
correction: *dual. Then again, I suppose there’s a fight over what department owns social media lol. Here, it’s PR.
Q – #3 You’re a real believer in companies that build a strong brand. (@McDonalds) IYO is that easy to do with social media?
Tim: No, with social media you must think long-term. One-off campaigns may give a bump, but we’re talking about building
Brands like @McDonald’s do a great job bc they integrate in every facet of their operation. It’s about trust & triggers
more on that: trust = brands need to be human, approachable. Triggers: talk about things that everyone is talking about
@JoelECarlson – Agreed! Social Media can start as a “grass roots” approach for a new biz, but it has to build beyond that.
Tim: saying that, a local brand that does it really well: @summitbeer (GdB client)
Q – #4 More about you. Your FAVORITES: Restaurant, store, comfort food, hobby or non-work interest.
Tim: Dakota Jazz Club- awesome food, fun atmosphere. You might say I’m a 40 year old stuck in a 27-year old’s body
Store would have to be BestBuy. Comfort food is mashed potatoes or pot roast (I like hearty meals)
My wife and I are working on giving back to the community. We are blessed with a lot. So perhaps a coffee shop for the homeless
I also write songs. The goal is to go around to nursing homes and churches and perform them. Encourage/inspire others
In my leisure time, I enjoy running. I know people say runners don’t run for any reason, but c’mon now. It’s fun
Q – #5 Exercise should be fun! What if you could pick 1 person, dead/alive to have a meal with. Who would you choose and why?
Tim: Martin Luther King, Jr. To introduce a message at a time that message was hated and do so with a great outcome, wow.
Division is commonplace in the world and keeping one’s integrity and mission amidst it is hard to find. Ppl compromise
Q – #6 With your background and experience, what kind of schooling/training would you recommend to people interested in SM?
Tim: Great question. You absolutely need to know Web design. If ur client asks you to create a social presence, it’s key
It’s important for companies to work w/ media partners and see how they can leverage digital buys to drive the message
You also need to be intellectually curious. ALL THE TIME. I say “intellectual” bcuz there are dumbheads out there.
We’re all aware of those gurus who think updating on Facebook = intellectual expertise
@JoelECarlson – The 5 W’s Who? What? Where? When? Why? are important! Thank you @timotis from your time and insights today! Have a great day!
Tim: anytime, Joel.