Social Slam 2012, Part One

It is appropriate to describe my experiences at Social Slam 2012 (http://soslam.com) in a blog. Social Slam represents one of the greatest one-day gatherings of marketing minds in America. Here's a recap of the day and what I learned from each speaker and session. This may take multiple blog posts, so bear with me. The first session that I attended was Social Slam ONE: 50 huge new ideas in 50 minutes. Here are my takeaways and application to ORAU/ORISE and training development. This was a session where each speaker had 10 minutes to list 10 innovative ideas to market or expand your message in 10 minutes. Stanford Smith started out with 10 creative ideas about blogging. Stanford Smith is the founder of the popular blog, http://pushingsocial.com/ , a leading voice and resource for busy professionals who are using social media to transform their personal brands and business. His ten ideas are: 1. Micro-Niching: The large broad subjects are dominated by mega blogs with armies of writers. In 2012, blogs will succeed by identifying small audiences with specific problems that beg for novel solutions. If you are trying to write a general subject blog, pause, and rethink your focus. A smaller audience can help you zero in on a specific reader and give your blog more reach and engagement in the process. 2. Joint Blogging: Multiply your blog’s content and reach by partnering with up-and-comers in your niche. Bloggers are often solitary souls that pound out their posts in mood lit small offices. Reaching out to other bloggers isn’t our first thought. However, Joint Blogging is a smart way to expand your blog’s visibility, finding inspiration, and actually earning money. 3. Power Trio: Combine podcasts, blog posts and webinars. Blogging is more than text. Add Podcasting and Webinars to your content mix to attract larger audiences and build deeper relationships. Podcasting will introduce you to a growing iTunes audience significantly expanding your audience base. ...to be continued.... 4. Guerilla promotion: Add your blog address to invoices, packaging and signature. Look for ways outside your blog to promote your content. 5. Mutant content: