I enjoyed a great Saturday mingling with and learning from the smart and interesting group of people at PodCamp Toronto. PodCamp Toronto 2010 is a free unconference bringing together professionals and hobbyists to explore the cutting edge of new and social media.
The MakerCulture DIY experiment with open journalism is an intriguing project creating content and community through collaboration and dialogue. Wayne MacPhail, who presented with Western student Curtis File, feels that traditional news media aren’t capable of open journalism.
Agreed, old media gatekeepers are still figuring out social media and the blurry line separating authors and audience.
Next on my agenda was Communications in the New Social Media Ecosystem presented by Dave Fleet. Dave simplified his complex ecosystem deep-dive which he first posted in January. His integration message – owned, earned and unearned media working together – is of particular interest to me in light of my new job (I’ll post about this soon.)
Dave mentioned that Molson is doing a good job with the social media marketing ecosystem. Why? Molson has invested three years into SM, generates good content, responds well to feedback and senior leadership gets it. Partial proof of success: paid media, earned media and owned media all support each other and deliver results such as thousands of community followers and loads of earned media coverage.
The hit of the day for me was The Social Web, Crisis, Response and Reputation Rejuvenation in the Automotive Industry delivered by GM’s Chris Barger. He shared the trials, tribulations and successes of the beleaguered car company’s ongoing SM program to manage last year’s bankruptcy filing.
Highlights included the 25 to 75 ratio of talking to listening, respectively; community comes first; demonstrate change; small gestures will resonate; let advocates advocate; embrace key influencers; and reputation rejuvenation needs to be sustained. It’s always interesting hearing case studies about crisis management; Chris’ candid insights added to the compelling content.
Thanks to all the PodCamp organizers and sponsors for assembling a strong group of presenters. It’s always fun connecting with smart, talented people.
Campbell Communications 