Where’s Waldo? Finding Social Influencers & Decreasing Your Costs

Find, connect, empower! Then what? The WHERE’S WALDO Social Media Essentials panel dives into the next step – discussing the value of key social influencers in actions sports, where they are on your social network, and how targeting these potential brand evangelists will have a positive influence on your social media network and ROI.

Tonight’s PLAN of Action at BlankSpaces

6:30p: Doors open. Relax, Mingle, Drink Wine & enjoy Appiteasers
7p-8p: Panel Discussion
8p-8:30p: Questions? Comments? Angry Mobbing?
8:30p-9p: Network, Socialize, Process Knowledge

Moderated By:

Denise Garciano
community.pacsun.com

Denise Garciano has led PacSun in discovering who is talking about their brand online, who their customers are, and how to genuinely reach out and engage with friends and fans. As their Social Media Manager, she has developed and established a Community for PacSun, and continues to put forth initiatives and strategies that provide a better experience both online and in stores.

Confirmed Panelists Include:

Jonathan Rosen
luckyny.com

Jon, i.e. The International Man of Advertising, developed his success at award-winning traditional agencies such at Leagas/London, Fallon/NY, Wieden/Amsterdam and Publicis MOJO/Sydney on global brands such as: Nike, Adidas, Diesel, Powerade, Gor-tex and Coke. He began directing & Lucky Viral Branded Content was born. Lucky is a hybrid – half agency/half production company that writes, directs and produces viral films and branded content.

Cameron Olthius
5ones.com

Cameron Olthuis is an Internet Marketer and Entrepreneur that owns several Internet Companies. His specialty combines social media with search engine marketing to build large media audiences on the web. He tries to work as little as possible and in his free time enjoys surfing, skiing, and adventure travel.

Scott Tilton
loopd.com

Scott grew up racing motocross, BMX and mountain bikes. In 2001, he co-founded SponsorHouse.com, the leading online sponsorship site for action sports. In 2007, he expanded the concept , becoming CEO and launching Loop’d Network, which now has a global audience of 500,000 action sports athletes and enthusiasts and a successful social media and eCommerce model embraced by 400 brands.

Emily Goligoski
Federatedmedia.net

Emily Goligoski is a Strategic Programs Manager with online publishing company Federated Media’s and writes about arts, culture and design innovation . After studying journalism at Northwestern University, she was as an interactive producer for the advertising agency Venables Bell & Partners and worked as a digital strategist for Ogilvy PR.

Jonathan Nafarrete
JonathanNafarrete.com

Jonathan Nafarrete is an emerging photographer and social media consultant. He specializes in fashion, reportage, and portrait photography. When he is not staring at Twitter or out shooting, he loves just being out on the road. He forms part of the Fiesta Movement, an innovative social media initiative in which 100 young trendsetters test drive and live with a European-spec Ford Fiesta for six months, traveling as agents and relating their experiences through social networks.

Greg Cargill
bigMETHOD.com

Prior to starting bigMETHOD in 2008, his professional career focused on developing awareness for celebrities, brands, and products through the internet & strategic partnerships. Beginning as an intern in Interscope Records New Media Department in 2000, Greg spent 8 years at the center of the new music industry – working up through the new media departments of IGA and Virgin/Immortal to become the New Media Director Suretone Records & finally Custard Records. His time spent was part of a living education in online consumer engagement and served as the foundation for Greg’s contribution in the creation of bigMETHOD.

Special Guest Tech Zulu

techzulu.com

TechZulu is about creating a community platform for technology and media companies that is focused on covering, discovering and connecting. They cover the best events, showcase talented individuals, and provide the content online; ultimately connecting everyone. TechZulu’s goal is to do their part to help the Community continue to thrive!

If 90% of all conversations about brands still take place offline, how do we know if we are making an impact? Please join the esteemed panel of Social Media Experts and Influencers to find out.

Padang Earthquake Relief

Please Support the People of Indonesia Affected by the Earthquake by Making a Donation to SurfAid International

SurfAid has launched an Emergency Response Appeal to help the people of Padang who were hit by a huge earthquake (7.6 on the Richter scale) on Wednesday 30 September.

Program Director, Dr David Lange, narrowly escaped death as he fled the Ambacang Hotel, which then collapsed, killing many and trapping others.

DONATE NOW:
Any donations you can make are greatly appreciated.
http://www.surfaidinternational.org/site/pp.asp?c=ekLPK4MOIsG&b=5493943

Thank you!
SurfAid Situation Report from Padang:
SurfAid’s Matt Hannon, who is normally based at Katiet village in the Mentawai Islands, assists with distributing emergency items to residents of Padang’s Chinatown, which was one of the most damaged areas of the city.

In the days since Thursday 1 October, the morning after the first big earthquake near Padang, SurfAid has partnered with a church volunteer group (World Harvest IFGF) to provide any possible help for survivors in Chinatown, one of Padang’s worst hit areas.

SurfAid has contributed medical supplies such as first aid kits, dehydration solutions, sutures, minor surgery kits and bandages, along with the distribution of clothes and tents from the IFGF to all poskos (coordination posts) in Chinatown and other areas with similar needs.

SurfAid is going to set up a trauma clinic with IFGF and assessment is taking place at the moment for the best, safe locations.

SurfAid target areas are: District of West Pasaman and Agam, and trauma clinics in Padang.

Padang Update from SurfAid Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Judge:

The government reports that 21,400 buildings are damaged or beyond repair. Many people are homeless or too scared to return to their homes due to fear of further earthquakes and a possible tsunami, so they are living outside in temporary shelters they have erected.

Surfaid needs urgent funds to buy medical supplies, tents, tarpaulins, water and food.

SurfAid’s Padang office survived the earthquakes and have now re-established Internet and phones.

SurfAid:
- is helping a local clinic by looking for medical supplies for them and a hospital
- has been assigned by the UN to assess coastal areas to the north, which were heavily smashed.
- has full responsibility for the Mentawai and Telos islands (Tom Plummer’s latest update on the Mentawai is below)
- will work with Mercy Corps in mainland Sumatra.

SurfAid Mentawai Program Manager Tom Plummer Reports:

Mentawai: Damage reported in three subdistricts on the islands of Siberut and Sipora include: three severely damaged houses; 106 moderately damaged. In terms of infrastructure: nine offices, six schools, two mosques, four churches and three bridges have all been classified as heavily damaged. SurfAid indicates significant impact of psychological trauma for residents who have no source of reliable information. Most of Mentawai islands do not have access to mobile phones, radio or television.
The Vice Bupati (Regent) and a local government delegation were heading to Padang on the morning of Monday 5 October to meet with the Governor.

Rapid Assessment on West Sumatra Earthquake from Agam and West Pasaman Regency

On October 4-5, 2009, three teams from SurfAid International did Rapid Assessment in two regencys, Agam and West Pasaman, West Sumatra, using the form from UNOCHA (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) Indonesia.

Two three-person teams went to West Pasaman and one team to Agam. The people interviewed were the local stakeholders – a female teacher, head of IDP (Internally Displaced Person) camps, a village leader and health staff.

1. The worst affected subdistricts in West Pasaman regency are:
a. Subdistrict of Kinali
b. Subdistrict of Luhak Nan Duo
c. Subdistrict of Sasak Ranah Pesisir

2. Agam regency
a. Subdistrict of Lubuk Basung
b. Subdistrict of Tanjung Raya
c. Subdistrict of Tanjung Mutiara
d. Subdistrict of Empat Nagari

There are eight out of 21 Ayam regency subdistricts which were badly hit by the earthquake, but the other four subdistricts are being handled by another NGO (IOM).

About 60-90 per cent of houses are damaged to the extent of being uninhabitable or dangerous, while the damage to public facilities (mosque, school, health centre, market) is about 20 – 50 per cent.

The communities have already received donations from the government and some NGOs but only in small amounts.

The Bikini Top That Pops Tops

(Manhattan Beach CA, Sept 2009) Bottle Betty, a brave new, bold and innovative brand steps into the swimwear arena with a big business idea combining style, sex, fun and utility.

The bright idea struck while Bottle Betty owners were having cocktails in their hometown of Valencia, a hot desert region just outside of Los Angeles county, an area no stranger to popping bottle tops from the dusty dunes to backyard pools and rivers.

Bottle Betty in its purest form is a swimsuit with a built-in bottle opener usually between the breasts cups or for those who prefer to go topless Bottle Betty has them covered with bottle openers installed on the hip with certain models.

“Our Bottle Betty product is meant to be fun from both ends. Men find the product sexy and inviting and women find the product useful, stylish and a great conversation starter. “ – Michelle Sommers , co-owner of Bottle Betty

For the past few decades product innovation within the swimwear industry has generally been defined by designs or materials, however, real innovation has not been present for many years until now.

Jennifer Kinney, co-owner of Bottle Betty stated, ”Our research shows the only thing new in decades within the swimwear industry has been from design or fabrics. In today’s economy Bottle Betty gives the consumer a new spin on swimwear that will entice them to spend their precious dollar on a new suit. Bottle Betty offers the latest in design, style and prints, competitive price points and the convenience of a built-in bottle opener. We believe that women of all ages will get a kick out of surprising their friends with this one of a kind suit!”

Although Bottle Betty is new to the market, the team behind the innovation has been working on fine-tuning the products to battle against wear, tear, breakage and weathering for over a year. The final product resulting in a heat resistant, lead and nickel free bottle opener guaranteed against rust and ready for maximum top popping.

On top of looking to increase their brand distribution, Bottle Betty owns the exclusive rights to license the patented (patent pending) bikini with a built-in bottle opener.

Bottle Betty recently showcased their new line of swimwear including Bikinis and one piece suits all equipped with stylish, innovative bottle openers at the ASR Tradeshow in San Diego this past weekend.

For more information on Bottle Betty please contact:
Jennifer Kinney
(661) 312-7252
jennifer@bottlebetty.com

Action sports network “Gives a Dam”

Ap is giving a “Dam”! Read below on how they are making that happen…

ActionProfiles.com , an action sports network has partnered with InOurOwnQuietWay.org in an effort to raise money and awareness to the drought problem in Kenya, Africa. Kenya is in the throes of a three- year drought that has affected millions, and the two organizations are hoping to see dams built that will benefit local communities and relieve dire needs for clean water.  The new “Give a Dam” campaign is not only promoting clean water sources, but is also hoping to bring new forms of revenue to South Africa via action sports, such as skateboarding, wakeboarding, and surfing. Companies contributing to the campaign effort include ZAGG™, Wakeology, Rockwell Timekeepers, Marine Products, Edge Motorsports, and Revolution Mfg.

AP team members Shawn Vierra and Kye Tanner will be in Kenya from July 28th – August 10th shooting a new action sports documentary and working in the field, providing much needed aid to rural communities. “These types of opportunities to give back are few and far between,” explains AP Owner Jesse DenHerder, “We’re honored to leverage AP’s creative strengths toward such a worthy cause.” Quiet Way has already filled two 40-foot containers with humanitarian, educational, and medical supplies to benefit children in Kenya, a shipment worth over 1 million dollars. AP has also created a limited edition line of “Africa themed” T-shirts, wakeboards, and longboards that will be sold to raise money for the “Give a Dam” project, with the first run being offered as gifts to the VP of Kenya.

About “Give a Dam”

Every day young Kenyan people (mostly women) have to travel up to 45 miles to retrieve water for drinking and cooking. (The silhouette of the Kenyan woman with the water jug on her head is ubiquitous.) These villagers are forced to leave their children behind, unattended, and to face frequent exhausting trips just for the convenience of clean water.  QW is working to build dams that would take water from the streams and create reservoirs for small communities.  These reservoirs would keep fresh water during the drought season to make life for Kenyans healthier, more convenient, and also eliminate the need for leaving children unattended.

For more info check out: InOurOwnQuietway.org

About ActionProfiles.com

Established in 2004, ActionProfiles.com is a leading “rider owned and operated” Action Sports Networks. Whether it be creating professional looking profiles, communicating with other members via private messaging, checking local competition dates on the event calendar or browsing through thousands of the site’s member photos and videos, ActionProfiles.com, gives anyone interested in the industry, a chance to progress, interact and gain exposure. With communities including, Surfing, Skateboarding, Snowboarding, Wakeboarding, Mountain Biking, BMX, Motorcross, and coming soon Kite-boarding, AP is considered a must-visit for action sports athletes of all ages, cultures, and skill level. ActionProfiles.com is 100% free to riders, offering a safe core community for young and old.

For more information on ActionProfiles.com or the “Give a dam” campaign call (231) 590-3583 or email info@Actionprofiles.com.

95 Idenek’s “California Luv” Fashion Show – 8/8/09

This Saturday, August 8th please join us for a very special event celebrating the launch of 95 Idenek. Featuring a live fashion show debuting the 95 Idenek line, the night will be filled with style, music and good times!

The show will also benefit Common Threadz a non-profit organization that provides clothing to children in developing nations. Please check out the info below. We hope to see you there!! 95 Idenek will have limited edition T-shirts available onsite for sale to help raise funds for CommonThreadz.


Skate Shop Showcase presented by Ollie Pop

FMF’s Malcolm McCassy on Mtv’s “Made” Tonight!!

Hey Everybody!! Tonight Watch FMF’s Malcolm McCassy on MTV’s hit show “MADE”.

MTV is hitting the extreme world of motocross racing with it’s latest episode of MADE. Watch Kaitlin, a Homecoming Queen who wants to shed her girly image and be MADE into a fierce motocross racer. With the help of motocross master, Malcolm McCassy, Kaitlin will endure four intense weeks of mud, sweat and tears. Will Kaitlin’s training be enough to prepare this pink loving princess for one of the biggest motocross events in the Midwest? Find out on MADE! Plus, look out for a special guest appearance by racing legend Travis Pastrana.

Malcolm had this to say about his experience, “Being part of MTV “Made” as a motocross coach was a such a great experience. I started riding at 2 years old, and have helped teach so many guys & girls of all ages how to ride. Having only 4 weeks to train a seventeen year old Barbie Doll princess with no motocross experience at all had me thinking is this possible. Not only was I worried about having only 4 weeks, but Greenfield Indiana was set to have the biggest rainfall in over a decade, and it did. My student Kaitlin in a small 4 week period had to concur one of the most physically demanding sports in the world, and it got ugly. Blood, sweat, and tear sums up the 4 weeks, but watch this episode to see how it all went down.” On a personal note it doesn’t matter if you a girl or a guy, what ever you want to do just go after it 100%, with full confidence, and you will shine. Girls Rock!!! And I hope your enjoy this amazing experience I had trying to transform this girl into a motocross racer, the power of a women with confidence is no joke…”

Made airs Tonight May 28th at 10pm PST & EST (7pm PST if you have DISH)
Click and Watch Kaitlin going for it!!

Click Here!

Learn to use Social Media to enhance your exposure!

Hey Everybody!! On June 8th one of the founders of WIAS, Espree Devora of Zex Sports, will be giving a class on developing Social Media skills at Blank Spaces located in West Hollywood.

Learn all about the functions and how to utilize certain social platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WordPress, Tumblr, You Tube, and Current TV.

Reach YOUR target market, start using social media to YOUR advantage!

For more information on joining the class 
go to: http://www.mediabistro.com/courses/cache/crs4781.asp 




On the Run…

Just got back from a run….since this is my first time joining the blog epidemic, you are all unaware that I RUN. Has its ups and downs, as life does in general, but I getting away from my point.
I saw some pretty disturbing things this beautiful afternoon. One: a 10-year old with a cigarette on a skateboard. Is this what the action sport industry, I’ve come to learn is as popular as the next episode of American Idol, promotes? Is it more of a party than a sport? Now, I do realize that this, I kid you not, he was 10, probably didn’t jank his Marlboro because he saw Tony Hawk light-up, but shouldn’t this powerful world of those who don’t go anywhere without their board do something to prevent our future leaders from conforming to raveish tendencies. We all know are abundant in this City of Angels.

First, our youth need as much help as they can get in this age of single parenthood and the working women. Just an F.Y.I, I don’t have kids, I’m not pregnant, I’m not a party pooper and I’m only 26. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that we all need to come together to better society in general.
I am proud to have come into contact with some women within this industry who have also realized this. Women are passionate, open-minded and willing to fight to get to where they want to be. So let’s all join the party and start fighting.

Check out Holly Lyons website. I look forward to hopefully meeting her one day, shaking her hand and picking her brain. We could all learn a little something from her. She has used her skills to help reach out to girls in a positive way, showing them the benefits of using skateboarding as a lifestyle promoting health, team work and motivation.

~Natalie

Guest Blog post from WIAS event 4/22 by Bryan Elliott, Chairman SoCal Action Sports Network

I attended the first group meet up of WIAS, Women in Action Sports last night. It was a good first showing and there were a lot of enthusiastic women in action sports there. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking on the subject of groups and listening to comments from Linked In, Facebook and Twitter recently to try and get some perspective. Here’s a Tweet from someone I found today, @Votteri. His profile says: Location: Los Angeles, CA, Bio: Marketing consultant, action sports lifestyle &; film specialist, brand strategist &; part time chiller. Today, Thurs 4/23 @Votteri Tweeted, “Is the action sports community becoming the latest industry 2 have 2 many meetings? Can’t keep up w all the groups meeting. Please advise.” It’s a valid question. There are a ton of new groups popping up everywhere, especially in Action Sports. More and more people seem to be flocking to join these groups on social networks like Linked In and Facebook. Is it getting out of hand? I’ve found some of these groups to be a total waste of time and others that are pretty good. You have to do the research and find out if the group has something of benefit to you. Is it active or dormant? Does the group manager SPAM members or constantly try and sell them his services? Is the group an obvious trap to build someone’s Direct Mailing list? Does the group leader make you feel like she owns you and makes negative disparaging comments if you hint that you’re planning on attending a different group event? I could go on… The important question for this post is, do we need yet another Action Sports group and more meet ups? In the case of Women in Action Sports, my answer is YES! Here’s why… Let me first say that it’s true that the WIAS folks are friends of mine, but I promised them an honest opinion and recap of their event. Just blowing smoke doesn’t do anyone any good. I believe there is room for another Action Sports group and for meet ups, especially one like this. This group is special and dynamic. It was formed by women, for women and that is a special niche. Too many meet ups to choose from? I don’t think so. Are there too many action sports brands? No. My advice is to choose meet ups based on your needs and schedule. Since there is something happening locally almost monthly with various groups, you’ll never miss a beat. Choices are a good thing, especially for people searching for something new or to meet a need that isn’t being met. Women in Action Sports seems to be filling the need for women in action sports to gather and talk candidly about issues they are facing. I also observed their panel speakers and heard them talking about opportunities and practical advice about things like: How to get venture capital, How to start your own clothing company, Following your dreams, and other really great stuff. I will say that I felt a little out of place. First of all, the event was held in a great little space but it was a women’s clothing shop with racks of girly stuff for sale everywhere. Next, it was 10-1 favoring females and there were a lot of really bright women huddle together. It was intimidating to say the least but also hard to meet people since they didn’t seem interested in talking to a “male” like myself. I was really nervous when I found out they were doing door prizes based on the business card I dropped in a bag when I arrived. When it was time for the raffle, they pulled out a little black dress and a low cut scoop neck t-shirt! As they reached into the bag to randomly pull out the winning business card I made a white knuckled fist, saying in my mind, “nooooo, please God, don’t pick me.” Luckily, two happy women won. I enjoyed listening to some of the panel speakers who offered great nuggets of information. But some of the other panelists weren’t as strong and it was like listening to a 10 minute commercial. I cringed a little and felt uncomfortable when they talked about their experiences with men in action sports. They spoke about their struggles in a male-dominated industry and having to fight for their right just to skate or to do business. They mentioned dealing with ridicule and other adversity brought on by men or an industry that doesn’t offer many opportunities for women. So back to my point about supporting a group like this… I felt uncomfortable. So what? Duh! I’m male. No kidding I might have felt a little out of place with door prizes that come in size 4 and scoop necks. That’s my point. This group isn’t for everyone. It’s not designed for everyone. It’s for women, and for men who support women in action sports. This group is great. What do women in action sports need most? In my opinion, they need good men to support them for starters. These are talented, bright, driven women in business. Creative thought leaders with a special female perspective. They are motivating other women and trying to change the status quo. Let them do their thing. Let them gather where they want, wear what they want, complain and vent about a male-dominated industry, discuss issues, follow their dreams, shred, develop their talents and passion. There is always room for a passionate community with active members who are joined in unity in a cause for good.

~ Bryan Elliott, Chairman SoCal Action Sports Network