Simon Mainwaring

We First provides consulting and training to help companies tell the story of their good work in ways that build their business

Brands

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I saw Erik Qualman speak at SXSW this year and thought he was great. His book, Socialnomics, offers so many gems for brands and consumers trying to make sense of social media and how to use it. In a world where traditional marketing strategies are becoming increasingly obsolete, Erik explains how businesses keep up. Social media can […]

I saw Erik Qualman speak at SXSW this year and thought he was great. His book, Socialnomics, offers so many gems for brands and consumers trying to make sense of social media and how to use it. In a world where traditional marketing strategies are becoming increasingly obsolete, Erik explains how businesses keep up. Social media can …

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AdAge recently did a great article on micro-sponsorship highlighting leading brands like Quaker Oats and Pepsi that are reaching out to communities for their stories and ideas around positive social change. To me this begs the question, are these marketing or research campaigns? In my mind they’re a little of both and a smart thing …

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The old adage goes, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it”. This has never been more true than in the days of social media. So how do you create effective content? How to you capture attention, engage hearts and minds and drive conversation. I’ve been getting this question a lot (and it …

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SXSW was a blur of friends, seminars, free TONE bars, dropped phone calls, late night drinks and music, and a gazillion smart people sharing interesting ideas. Now that the dust has settled, I thought I’d share the top ten things I took away from the week. You know, the broad stroke stuff that stick in …

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Thanks to the Brookings Institute I recently had to privilege of attending the U.S./ Islamic World Forum in Qatar participating in the working group, ‘New Media in the Era of Globalization’. One of the other members of my group was Riyaad Minty, who as Head of Social Media for Al Jazeera, has been at the …

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This is such a period of amazing transformation for brands, the advertising industry, corporations, media and consumers. Each player not only has to make sense of a new marketplace but has to remake themselves in order to thrive. Finally they have to let others know about it or they’ve wasted all that effort. The same …

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