MAY is focus on Metrics Month

“Metrics Month” … Does that sound boring?

Well, it shouldn’t. For social / digital practitioners, being able to show the “so what” should be a driving, unflappable, and overarching focus. Yes, yes…being able to do so justifies your existence (for one). But more importantly, it gives your organization clear direction on room to grow, informs your iteration planning, and places the expectation that your efforts must drive impact – and that you’re not afraid to pony up the proof.

I’ve been running around these United States all year talking the #SocialGood talk with customers, analysts, and colleagues – anyone who will listen, really….and here’s the theme: how do we measure the IMPACT of social? I really like the Mobilization Lab post week about moving #BeyondVanityMetrics which is focused on a plan of action for those of us interested in more than Likes and follower counts (and that should be ALL OF US *ahem*).

To that end, I’m spending time working with customers – a ton of them – focusing on why measures matter. For homework, I’ve highly recommend they read the Mobilization Lab piece. You should, too. And think all the while about your current social metrics – and what value knowing the measures delivers to your impact capabilities. If you’re thinking right about now, “What measures? What report?” know that you’re 1) not alone and 2) out of time.

Until then, please share this post, the MobLab post, follow MobLab on the Tweets, and say hello to your Mother for me. 

5 #DF14 Resources (my short – and in no way comprehensive – list)

What 5 resources should I have in my digital back pocket as #DF14 gets underway?

I thought you’d never ask! Here are 5 things I’d recommend to anyone (especially my nonprofit and higher ed brethren) interested in staying looped in at Dreamforce 14.

• The Dreamforce App iOS or Android: Stay in the know on sessions and more while on the go. Added bonus? This year the app is built off of the Success.Salesforce.com Community – which means all your awesome community connections are at your fingertips at #DF14!
• How to give back at Dreamforce: With activities every day, take a peek at how you can join the Dreamforce community and give back at Dreamforce 14.
• Dreamforce Agenda At-A-Glance: A one-page guide to major speakers and keynotes.
• Streaming LIVE from Dreamforce 14: All the details you need to enjoy Dreamforce from afar – much of the content will be streaming LIVE from the event.
• Connect: Nonprofits at Dreamforce and Connect: Higher Ed at Dreamforce : Salesforce Moderated Chatter groups in the Dreamforce / Success community.

Dreamforce 14: It’s All In The Shoes.

My #DF14 ProTips? Well, there are only two that count:

1. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES 
2. DO NOT LUG YOUR LAPTOP DURING THE EVENT.

If you heed these two items, it’s pretty much a given that your Dreamforce experience will be epic. With over 100,000 thousand people converging to talk about the future of how we do just about everything, if you don’t make new connections with both people and ideas, it’s not due to lack of opportunity.

The event campus is bigger than ever (to say the least) and you will absolutely be wowed at each venue. For my nonprofit and Higher Ed folks, you’ve got more session content to choose from this year, and a dedicated zone in the Marriott Marquis to hang with your community. Branching out, though, is still a tremendous way to get food for thought and get your creative juices flowing.

• The Foundation Zone is in the Marriott Marquis (campus map below in resources – AND in the Dreamforce App) – this is where you’ll find tons of Nonprofit-centric content and community, as well as Circles of Success (small moderated group discussions) and the Foundation Theater. Don’t miss our Nonprofit Kickoff  which takes place Monday at 1:15PM – 2:15PM in the Marriott Marquis Golden Gate (Rooms A, B).  Dollars to Donuts (is that still a thing?), this is a great place to find me, the N Nonprofit and Higher Ed community, and a ton of other folks from the Foundation team.

• The Palace Hotel is the home for all things Marketing Cloud, where you will likely geek out for an extended period of time. This is likely the OTHER place I’ll be hanging at #DF14. There is SO. MUCH. NEW. in the Marketing Cloud world this year, don’t miss the opportunity to get in front of ALL the demo screens you can!

Find ME (AND some stellar sessions, to boot) at #DF14

 I’d love to Fist Bump with you at Dreamforce!

Here are the places I KNOW I’ll be, and other than that, check my Foursquare. 

Dreamforce is such an awesome opportunity to meet people in real life. Every year I’m lucky enough to meet people who I know digitally but have never had the chance to see “in the world”. As attendance has exploded over the years, it gets harder and harder to be in the right place at the right time. My Dreamforce goal this year is to connect with as many people as possible – if only to fist bump and move on to the next amazing event!

 

I mean it, let’s connect “In Real Life” @Dreamforce

Monday

Foundation Zone: Nonprofit / Higher Ed Circles of Success – Getting Started with Salesforce: [Nonprofit, Higher Ed] Monday, 10/13 9:00AM – 10:00AM Marriott Marquis, Foundation Zone Session Abstract: Wondering where to look for prescriptive guidance on deploying Salesforce? Struggling to figure out where to start and what questions to ask to ensure you don’t go down the wrong path?  This Circle of Success is your first stop! Foundation Circles of Success sessions run throughout Dreamforce during the Foundation Zone hours and walk-ups will be accommodated wherever possible.  

Foundation Zone: Nonprofit Kickoff [Nonprofit] Monday, 10/13 1:15PM – 2:15PM Marriott Marquis, Golden Gate A,B Session Abstract: Learn how the leading innovators are driving impact, and engaging supporters by connecting with constituents in powerful new ways. By leveraging social, mobile, and cloud strategies, these early adopters are disrupting the status quo and revolutionizing how they connect their donors, staff, volunteers, and programs to accelerate social good. We’ll feature some of the most inspiring and innovative game changers in the sector.

Foundation Zone: Higher Ed Kickoff [Nonprofit] Monday, 10/13 3:00PM – 4:00PM Marriott Marquis, Golden Gate A,B Session Abstract: Learn how the leading innovators are transforming higher education across the student lifecycle by connecting with constituents in powerful new ways. By leveraging social, mobile, and cloud strategies, these early adopters are disrupting the status quo and revolutionizing how they connect their students, faculty, staff, alumni, and corporations, leading to accelerated and scaled change. Multiple success stories will be featured.

Tuesday

Foundation Zone: Share Your Story: [Nonprofit, Higher Ed] Tuesday, 10/14 9:00AM – 11:00AM Marriott Marquis, Foundation Zone Share YOUR organization’s success with all of Dreamforce (and beyond)! This feature is open throughout Dreamforce during the Foundation Zone hours.

 Understand the Power of Social with The American Red Cross: B2B, B2C, Nonprofit, Higher Ed] Tuesday, 10/14 11AM-11:40AM Palace Hotel, Twin Peaks The Red Cross built a Digital Operations Center and a command center dedicated to monitoring and staying in touch with the public using social channels. The innovative center uses the ExactTarget Marketing Cloud to listen to social media conversations—gathering invaluable information during a disaster, or monitoring public preparedness for a serious situation.

Data gathered in the Digital Operations Center can also help determine where to position workers on the ground. ARC started with a centralized, national social listening program. They are now working to “decentralize” the program, in order to empower regions across the country to harness the listening power and standards of practice they have developed. Their goal is not  only to strengthen the work already happening at headquarters, but to also enable the regions to become more effective leaders in the digital space.  Join us to learn how you can do the same in your organization. Join Kristiana Almeida of the Red Cross to hear their journey and accelerate yours!

The Concert For Kids: Presented by Salesforce.com Foundation (and after party!): Tuesday, 10/14 8PM-1AM City Hall & Civic Center Plaza A benefit in conjunction with the Dreamforce Gala [All Attendees] Bruno Mars, Cake, and all of us. In a word, PHENOMENAL. In another couple of words: BENEFITING KIDS.

Wednesday

Leveraging Next-Gen Marketing Automation Tools in Higher Ed: [Higher Ed] Wednesday, 10/15 1:00PM-1:40PM Palace Hotel, Twin Peaks By providing meaningful and relevant messages, you can create rich life-long relationships with your students, alumni, and donors. Join us to learn how you can unlock Salesforce CRM data to engage your customers with the right message, through the right channels, at the right time by leveraging the ExactTarget Marketing Cloud.

Smith College will share how they are using Salesforce CRM with the ExactTarget Marketing Cloud to improve communications, increase marketing efficiency, and track results. You’ll leave this session inspired to create stronger, more meaningful connections with your constituents!

Engaging Your Supporters on Social: [B2B, B2C, Nonprofit, Higher Ed] Wednesday, 4:00PM – 4:40PM Marriott Marquis, Club Room There are over 4.5 Billion aggregate social users and that number grows every day. Join us as one of the leading game changers in the nonprofit sector show you how they’re driving engagement on social channels for their organization.

Stephanie Startz, Associate Director, Digital Strategy at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, will present on the benefits of using social media to reach the Parkinson’s community. She’ll  provide an overview of the MJFF strategy and tools they use to power their mission, including a dive into the tactics that have proven successful on their social channels.

Keeping up on Ze Twitters @Dreamforce

Yes, there are a TON of Dreamforce-related Twitter hashtags and handles…

…but these are the biggies. If you keep up with these hashtags and handles, you will MORE than stay in the know!

• @CRMjen:  (Yep, this is my Twitter handle) Not that my handle is necessarily a top ‘Twitter @Dreamforce’ resource, BUT I’d love to connect with you @Dreamforce and Twitter is a GREAT way to make that connection happen!
• #DF14: THE official Dreamforce 14 hashtag
• #DFGives: THE official hashtag of the One Million Meals Dreamforce Community food drive
• #DFCoS: Official Dreamforce Circles of Success tweetstakes hashtag.You can win some pretty snazzy prizes  (right up to a premium #DF14 pass) just for sharing packing tips. I mean, why even think about it? Tweet to win? Yes, please.  
• #DF14NGO: For all things Nonprofit at Dreamforce 14, use this hashtag!
• #DFHED: Stay in touch with the Higher Ed crowd at Dreamforce 14 by searching for and Tweeting with this hashtag.
• @Dreamforce: Official Dreamforce Tweets
• @SFDCFoundation: Official Salesforce Foundation handle.
• @Salesforce: Official Salesforce handle for the host of this shindig
• @Exacttarget: Official ExactTarget Marketing Cloud handle

The New Way to Socialize at Dreamforce 2014

You know what? I’m with Mr. Mark Ross AND Harvard on this one. The (un)official greeting of Dreamforce 2014 *should* be the Fist Bump!

The Swamps of Salesforce-Dagobah

Influenza. Enterovirus. Ebola.

Ok, come back, it’s alright. Just reading the names won’t make you sick, alright?

It’s no secret that 2014 has been a bit of a banner year for infectious disease. And, not to scare anybody, but a LOT of us are about to all gather in a location with 150,000 other people from around the world, all at the same time. I don’t know about you, but that gives me just a liiiiittle pause.

But there is a solution! And it is a good one. Recently, the Harvard Medical School published its findings on the nature of hand-to-hand communications, and the likelihood of transmission of diseases in its different forms. The short version: fist bumps are a safer and cleaner alternative to handshakes.

That’s right, you read correctly. Harvard has officially stated that we should all be fist bumping.

Absurd as it sounds, there is a very…

View original post 306 more words

I would rather …

I would rather die of passion than of boredom — Vincent van Gogh

March 30, 2014 marks Vincent van Gogh’s 161 birthday. March 29 marks my considerable lower number birthday. I

Vincent van Gogh, Self Portrait, 1889, Oil on canvas

didn’t know that van Gogh was also a “March Baby” until I was doing a bit of research about him after being taken with the quote which prompted me to write this post. But the timing, coupled with the inspiration, seemed an appropriate opportunity to write.

Dear readers, if you’re still there for me, know that in my absence I have been working hard to come up to speed in my newest endeavor. For those of you who may not know, I’m honored to be working with the Salesforce Foundation supporting the world’s best nonprofits and higher educators with their digital and social media programs. My only purpose at the Foundation is to help organizations – amazing, inspiring, and excellent organizations – be even more amazing, inspiring, and excellent.

I’ve had many “I can’t believe this is my life” moments in the short time I’ve been working with the Foundation, and the promise of many more to come. But here’s the thing, I am also getting to feed my customers’ thoughts, challenges, and feedback to the incredible product team who is equally up for the challenge of building the future. It’s a thrill ride. It is the junction of my passion and my skills.

It is – simply – a #DREAMjob.

My involvement with my customers has already profoundly changed the way I view time. I’ve never had more to do – never – and yet I feel more invigorated than ever. Somehow, I’m also finding the time to give back to my community more than ever, taking up hobbies, learning a language, and enjoying my family deeply. Time has expanded in this even more deeply passion-driven version of my life.

In previous (and also awesome) roles, I was always busy. Hell, anyone who knows me knows I prefer to be at least a bit over-committed in my professional life. But this is a different level of busy, this is the kind of busy that is impossible, but worth trying. Worth really, really going for it. Why? Because I get to work with the people who are literally building the future.

I am honored. I am challenged. I am up for it.

Happy Birthday, Mr. van Gogh. And to you, whoever you are, may your day shine brightly and your talents expand to reach the challenges in front of you.

Learn more about the Salesforce Foundation, their 1/1/1 philanthropic model, and how their customers rock it out. And then spread the word. 

Have a thought, feedback, inspiration, or comment? Do tell!

Today’s Goal: High Fives All Around!

Today, I’ve got some really juicy puzzles in front of me. And a big block of uninterrupted time to focus on how to re-engineer wonkiness into efficiency. Will I rock it? That’s the plan. And since today is National High Five Day, I hope you’ll all be available for a #VHF (virtual high five) when my work day is done to celebrate a day of puzzles solved, improved margins, and happier customers.

While you’re feeling the camaraderie, might I suggest that you consider supporting the American Red Cross today? Giving to those in need is the sweetest type of #VHF!

Did I mention I…

Did I mention I love this stuff?

I woke up this morning with this thought in my head: My. Job. Is. AWESOME. I get to play with the coolest toys, help amazing companies be even more amazing, and learn something new every day. Life is GOOD. 

It’s About You and Me and the Newness [MiniPost]

Meeting new people is a gift.

Figuring out the ways you connect, your similarities, detecting differences, and considering how your future may change as a result of this catalyst can be exhilarating. In those same initial moments, you may also be confronted with your own shortcomings from a completely new perspective. This mirror-view is made possible by the unique chemistry created by the newness of the connection in front of you.  These new connections tend to shed light on the best parts of yourself as well as your opportunities for improvement.

Why the MiniPost?

Well, recently I’ve been lucky enough to get to hang with an entirely new bunch of people. Because I’m a consultant, I do get to meet new people pretty frequently, but it’s rare to have any significant amount of time with the people I meet to simply ‘hang’. So, when given the opportunity to connect in real life to new people, I’ll take it  – with a vengeance!

We started out a group of strangers, and over the course of just a few days working, eating, and socializing together we came to genuinely know each other. And – for my part – I really liked the lot of them.  But just as fascinating as it was to meet a completely new bunch of people who I respected and enjoyed, it was almost as if I was “re-meeting” myself. It got me to thinking:

novelty breeds clarity.

In this clarity, I remember things about myself I’d forgotten. Good and Bad. It’s in those moments of newness that each of us have the opportunity to reflect and refine who we are. As individuals and as organizations, we should take it.

Even though some of the realizations this clarity brings may be unpleasant, or less than flattering, isn’t it our responsibility to ourselves to relentlessly pursue the very best version of ourselves? By setting this pursuit as an unflappable goal, we then remove shame as an option when realizing there’s an area ripe for improvement. In fact, it makes that discovery rather exciting!

Thank you to my new colleagues and friends for reminding me that life is evolutionary. And that I still have plenty of room to evolve. May you find your own evolution just as exhilarating a proposition.