The event is tomorrow and you may buy your tickets at the door, but it will cost ya! $225!

• When: February 11th, 2011
• Time: 9 am – 4 pm (doors open at
• Where: The MadCap Theaters in Tempe - 730 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281 (Map)
• Parking: Discounted parking available
• Agenda: Check the topics and speakers here

The keynote will be by Jay Baer of Convince & Convert, and Amber Naslund of Radian6. They will talk about their new book, The Now Revolution. All attendees will receive a free copy of the book!

Several speakers from other states will be presenting as well. They include:

• Kamran Qamar the president of mobile development company.
• Patrick Seaman (Mr. Broadcast.com himself!)
• Christian Briggs (chairman of BMC capital)

Check out the line up of speakers, here.

In case you’ve been to a SMAZ event before, do note that there will be new topics this year covering mobile, location, search, and e-commerce.

Register today!

What if this is not the last career move you’ll ever make? It’s not all that easy to be optimistic about today’s Bureau of Labor  announcement that 200 metropolitan areas have reported over-the-year increases in non-farm payroll employment as of December 2010, with only 156 reporting decreases. Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale have shown an increase in +28,800 jobs.

Job searching in a world of blogs and social networks has been a topic I get asked about a lot, considering the fact that resumes are not exactly passe. Or are they?

So this networking event, hosted by the Southwest Job Network (SJN) on how prepare for long-term career management, is very relevant.

• The Speaker: Jason Alba, author of  “I’m on LinkedIn – Now What?”
• When:  Wednesday 9th February, 2011
• Where: Gateway Community College. 108 N. 40 Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
• Cost: Free.  SJN exists on donations; the suggested amount is $5 (tax deductible)
• Registration and more details: at this link

• Is ‘leaky’ information just a reality that organizations need to get used to in a web 2.0 world they operate in?
• Do companies need to revisit their policies on information sharing, especially when it comes to email and back-channel conversation (Twitter, IM, text messaging) with, say vendors or affiliates?
• Being in PR, how would you have handled a situation where not-for-public chatter has gotten out?

Share your views here.

I am also working on an article for IABCs Communication World magazine, so pitch me, if you have a client or use a service that could throw some light on this issue, outside of the tired story angle we keep seeing, about Julian Assange.

You’ve probably seen how some cities (like this and this) have attempted to rein in local dollars and boost their economies with campaigns for buying local. We have our own push here with Local First Arizona, a non-profit group promoting your support of locally owned businesses throughout the state.

But apart from this move to nurture small businesses such as nurseries, nail parlors and ethnic restaurants, there is a lot of money moving out in terms of … advertising. Park & Co have put together a microsite featuring nine agencies (apart from Park&Co), with a push that urges companies to rethink where they s(p)end their dollars.

“You buy local produce, seek out locally owned stores, and drink local wines. So why go to other markets like L.A. for your advertising? Phoenix agencies offer a wealth of talent, from brand strategy and development to internationally award-winning creative, as well as innovative interactive campaigns and Hollywood-caliber film and video production. And you don’t have to look far.”

As Time magazine once put it, the buy-local trend “enhances the ‘velocity’ of money.” But most people only think of products, not services, says Park Howell, who says that it is time to focus on buying local business services, specifically advertising, creative and communications. “We’re promoting our competition because we’re big believers in a rising tide lifts all boats. There’s plenty of business to go around, so keep it local.”

Jason Baer and Amber Naslund’s upcoming book, The Now Revolution, has the word in its title, though it’s the word NOW that jumps out. As they lay it out, they say that this book isn’t about how to “do” social media, but about a broader need to rejigger the organization on the ‘now’ factors. The chapters have those broad goals, such as how to ‘engineer a New Bedrock;’ ‘Organize Your Armies;’ ‘Answer the New Telephone;’ ‘Build a Fire Extinguisher’ etc.

You could find a free chapter if you go here.

In fewer than 60 days (February 1), the book will be on shelves across North America.

Jay and Amber have a post-launch speaking tour for The NOW Revolution. They tell us that there are approximately 15 engagements, and that if anyone likes to have either of them (or both) to present the “7 shifts” to make business faster, smarter, and more social, they are open to talking. Here’s what they offer to make it happen:

Here’s the deal. Just commit to buying 200 books (ideally before release) and we’ll work with you on a date between February and June where we can visit your region and do a presentation, book signing, tweetup, game of Twister, etc.

If you or any client you know is interested, email them at info@nowrevolutionbook.com.

If you’re into the Quick Response Codes, use your phone and take a picture of this image (right) using the Microsoft Tag software, and you’ll get some bonus content.  It’s a pretty cool way to promote a book using the very principles that it talks about.

It is part of a series of ‘Revolution Tour workshops, by Infusionsoft, a Gilbert-AZ based company you may be familiar with. It has been taken to Los Angeles, Chicago, Columbus, New York, San Diego, Austin, San Francisco and Orlando.

You’ll also get to hear Lon Safko, author of  The Social Media Bible. I’ve thumbed through the book, and have to say that while there are yards of books on social media crying out for attention, this one packs a lot. (It’s in its second edition.) Clate Mask Co-Founder and CEO of Infusionsoft, will also speak.

WHERE: Infusionsoft Headquarters: 2065 W. Obispo Ave, Suite 103, Gilbert, AZ 85233

WHY ATTEND: You’ll get practical training on new-marketing concepts that drive business growth.

COST: Free!

REGISTRATION: Limited to the first 100 attendees. Register here.

Hurry and register before the long weekend!

Every time I travel I do an unscientific check of the readers on the plane. I always find that newspapers and magazines beat digital platforms. Twice I’ve sat next to someone with a digital device – a Kindle and an iPad — and one of them showed me how the magazine reading experience with the ads, photos and all was awesome. The features, too!

This kerfuffle over GQ’s photo spread seems to suggest something I typically refuse to believe –magazine junkie that I am –that magazines will try anything to stay alive.

The photos that have angered many, are part of a story on Glee, the TV show, The Parent’s Television Council (PTC) has come out strongly against the issue, accusing it of borderline pedophilia. Are magazines that desperate? Or is being borderline something, anything the only way to stay relevant? This is not the stuff of controversial magazine covers, a common technique since George Lois’ time, and before.

Maybe some magazines are engaging this kind of  risky business as they find their footing in the myriad of digital platforms available. Two clues as to where this is headed:

• New Niches: See this interview by  Tom Wallace, the Conde Nast editorial director. He talks about using digital to reach audiences that magazines have been unable to reach. Maybe next year this time my in-flight survey will have different results…
• Rich Platforms: Apple may be offering struggling pubs a lifeline with their  ’rich-media wrappers for e-books and e-magazines.’ The iPad is obviously a precursor to the new home of –and reading experience –for magazines.

So indeed, magazines need not be so desperate. For now, some of them are just borderline …obnoxious.

Interesting sidebar: One of my favorite digital commentators, Guy Mullins, has a different take on the eco-system that Apple is building. I’ve met a few Apple users who are similarly concerned. What do you think? ]]> http://www.valleyprblog.com/media/in-ipad-era-is-gq-this-desperate-for-publicity/feed/ 0 http://www.valleyprblog.com/uncategorized/could-pr-industry-do-some-crisis-pr-in-post-bp-mess/ http://www.valleyprblog.com/uncategorized/could-pr-industry-do-some-crisis-pr-in-post-bp-mess/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:14:38 +0000 Angelo Fernando http://www.valleyprblog.com/?p=4874

Now that the BP oil leak has been stopped –or so we hear today – has anyone considered that it may be time to create some good juju for PR, after what BP has successfully done in maiming the industry?

Many of us PR and non PR types have railed against the dark stain that BP’s oil spill is leaving. I have tremendous respect for those who handle corporate PR whether they are consultants or internal PR folk. It’s a tough job getting the organization to say it as it is, and to stop publishing mindless statements just for the sound-byte effect.

So I was hoping to see a coalition of PR agencies coming together, perhaps under the umbrella of PRSA, and the CIPR (British PR association), to bring in some of the largest booms (thought leaders) and heavy equipment (smart technologies) to stop polluting our pristine beaches (er, reputation).

PRSA’s mantra is “Advancing the Profession and the Professional.” Looks like the industry has been mugged by flaks who are effectively planting land mines along this path. Search for BP at PRSA’s web site and you see articles such as “Can the BP brand survive Tony Hayward?” I was hoping to see some folks come out say why “BP’s PR has been toxic for their business.”

Meanwhile BP continues to write about its wonderful response about how it is “Flying higher to get closer to spill response,” and its sea bird rescues. And nobody in the PR industry seems to mind.

Now that the BP oil leak has been stopped –or so we hear today – has anyone considered that it may be time to create some good juju for PR, after what BP has successfully done in maiming the industry?

Many of us PR and non PR types have railed against the dark stain that BP’s oil spill is leaving. I have tremendous respect for those who handle corporate PR whether they are consultants or internal PR folk. It’s a tough job getting the organization to say it as it is, and to stop publishing mindless statements just for the sound-byte effect.

So I was hoping to see a coalition of PR agencies coming together, perhaps under the umbrella of PRSA, and the CIPR (British PR association), to bring in some of the largest booms (thought leaders) and heavy equipment (smart technologies) to stop polluting our pristine beaches (er, reputation).

PRSA’s mantra is “Advancing the Profession and the Professional.” Looks like the industry has been mugged by flaks who are effectively planting land mines along this path. Search for BP at PRSA’s web site and you see articles such as “Can the BP brand survive Tony Hayward?” I was hoping to see some folks come out say why “BP’s PR has been toxic for their business.”

Meanwhile BP continues to write about its wonderful response about how it is “Flying higher to get closer to spill response,” and its sea bird rescues. And nobody in the PR industry seems to mind. ]]> http://www.valleyprblog.com/uncategorized/could-pr-industry-do-some-crisis-pr-in-post-bp-mess/feed/ 1 http://www.valleyprblog.com/hype/sheriff-joes-press-conference/ http://www.valleyprblog.com/hype/sheriff-joes-press-conference/#comments Tue, 04 May 2010 17:04:51 +0000 Angelo Fernando http://www.valleyprblog.com/?p=4429 I like to know who attended Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s press conference. I always thought a press conference was called when you had something of value to offer to the media.

So when I received a text alert yesterday to say that Arpaio won’t run for governor, I was tempted to wonder what other bits of non-news might get the media to come over with cameras and notepads. My list:

• Mayor Phil Gordon announces that Shakira and he would not be considering taking part in an upcoming Dancing with the Stars.
• Governor Jan Brewer calls for an urgent press conference about how she and former Governor will no longer be Facebook friends

(Can you think of a few more? Do submit!)

The point being, are press conferences still the way to get on the agenda, and  enter the news cycle?

posted in Hype! by Angelo Fernando Leave A Comment
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]]> I like to know who attended Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s press conference. I always thought a press conference was called when you had something of value to offer to the media.

So when I received a text alert yesterday to say that Arpaio won’t run for governor, I was tempted to wonder what other bits of non-news might get the media to come over with cameras and notepads. My list:

• Mayor Phil Gordon announces that Shakira and he would not be considering taking part in an upcoming Dancing with the Stars.
• Governor Jan Brewer calls for an urgent press conference about how she and former Governor will no longer be Facebook friends

(Can you think of a few more? Do submit!)

The point being, are press conferences still the way to get on the agenda, and  enter the news cycle?

]]> http://www.valleyprblog.com/hype/sheriff-joes-press-conference/feed/ 6

Without getting into the politics of it, I like to hear what this community thinks of the bad mojo that we seem to attract. Stephen Colbert’s rant the other day (“Word of the day: ‘No Problemo‘) was probably the worst thing I’ve heard in a long time. Bill Goodykoontz was right when he said you know you’ve made the big time when you become the punch line in ‘The Colbert Report.’

People like John McCain should get on to shows like this try to ratchet things down. He’s got the knack of delivering better punch lines –like this one about ‘intentional accidents!‘