Yesterday concluded the five-day interactive portion of one of the biggest technology, film and music festivals of the year: SXSW in Austin, Texas. Twitter has been seriously buzzing with all kinds of awesome SXSW content, so naturally, this week’s post compiles some of the best tweets from business leaders, community managers, marketers, and designers who attended.
These lucky ducks spent the last week immersing themselves in workshops and events that will enhance and change our approach to marketing, design and technology. Here’s what they had to share:
3-D printing the future, print me a new pair of running shoes! Seriously not far off.Technology is awesome! #SXSW2013
— Smith Anderson (@SmithTown561) March 10, 2013
Over the last couple weeks there has been a lot of talk about 3D printing technology, especially since Burlesque dancer, model and actress, Deeta Von Teese stepped out in a 3D printed dress at Ace Hotel in New York and Wobbleworks far surpassed their Kickstarter goal to fund the first-ever 3D pen.
Entrepreneurs and designers are experimenting with print technology in new ways, which has excited buyers and proved that print is still a medium that attracts response. The print industry is resurging and bringing with it some awesome new toys.
Marketers must have the willingness to prepare and not be afraid to activate in real time@boughb #sotrue #SXSW2013 #oreograbgo
— Heather Stuckey (@hbstuckey) March 10, 2013
Some messages never get old, which is why Heather’s words resonate. Her message is simple: plan, plan, plan. Be organized, coordinate all your efforts thoughtfully, and get social.
Social Gospel…as marketers we have 2b willing to lose some control of our brands 2 truly allow them 2 go viral! Amen! #humanize #SXSW2013
— Travis Dillon (@trav0218) March 10, 2013
Travis’ message addresses why many business owners are afraid to participate in social media: they might lose control. It’s true that by putting your brand out there you’re opening yourself up naysayers, but in reality, you’re actually gaining control because you can quickly respond to any negative feedback you might receive, thereby demonstrating your concern for your customer and the efficiency of your brand. Social engagement gives you a direct connection to your buyers, so you also open yourself up to more good feedback too.
Let users (not even influencers) create their own way of marketing you to their networks. #SXSW #dropbox
— Digitas Health (@Digitas_Health) March 11, 2013
Your advocates are loyal fans, customers, and employees who share your brand with their network. These people extend your audience and shed a positive light on your brand. They are authentic marketers who find value in your products or services and want to share them with their friends because they genuinely believe it will add more satisfaction to their lives. What’s better marketing than that?
It’s about removing things, no extras. Subtracting, keeping the essence. – Tony Fadell @nest #sxsw #designtech
— Design Milk (@designmilk) March 12, 2013
Any marketing you put out there should get to the heart of what you do and who you are. It should go back to your brands’ mission statement, and the message you crafted when you created your marketing plan (you did do that, right?). That doesn’t mean that you can’t be clever, creative, or inventive, it just means that what you are saying should not be convoluted, and indiscernible to your buyers.
“If you can’t name your failures, you’re either not being honest with yourself or not aiming high-enough,” @tarensk at #aaronsxsw #SXSW2013
— Lance Ulanoff (@LanceUlanoff) March 9, 2013
Good marketing involves some risk. Don’t expect perfection from every idea you have, instead look for ways to learn from your endeavors and to keep striving once you’ve reached a goal. Then, set bigger goals to keep yourself inspired.
Did you attend SXSW? Have you been listening to the discussions about it online? Tell us what you think is cool in the comments below.
