As a social media marketing strategist, Lissa Duty has made her mark on Dallas’ interactive media scene since founding her consulting business in 2009, and on June 30, she’ll be sharing her expertise as the guiding force behind DFW Rocks Social Media Day.  On Pointe was lucky enough to snag a few minutes of Duty’s time recently to find out more about the unique event, which will be our city’s inaugural social media day. Prepare to be socialized, because we’re filling you in on the behind-the-scenes details that Duty dished to us during her chat with Brandpointe.

On Pointe//What current industry influcences motivated you to create DFW Rocks Social Media Day?

Lissa Duty//Mashable created the nationwide social media day in 2010, and I immediately knew I wanted to created something significant to honor annual event.  What is better than having an all day event focused on educating others about the power of social media? And since it’s already being highlighted and promoted by Mashable as well as others in the industry, I figured the timing was ideal.

OP//Since the big day is just around the corner, care to share the inside scoop on any surprises or unexpected moments that might be in store for those attending?

Duty//We’ll be giving away more than 40 door prize donations from businesses around the U.S.; plus, everyone who attends will get a fun freebie from me!

OP//What’s the most significant social media-related challenge facing your clients right this minute, and what strategies and solutions have you found effective when addressing those issues?

Duty//Besides staying up with the trends, leveraging the new Facebook Timeline to maximize interactions. I provide them with hands-on private coaching to teach them how to market their pages and use other social media tools effectively, while minimizing how much time they have to invest daily in achieving online success.

Duty (center) takes a turn in the hot seat, while participating in the Dallas Producers Association’s Social Media Panel.

OP//What new or emerging online tools are you obsessing over currently? Conversely, which online tools are you “so over” at the moment?

Duty//I feel like there is a new tool developed daily! I choose - instead of jumping on with the new trend immediately - to focus on what I need to accomplish and the best tool for that job.  Currently, I use primarily Hootsuite, Social Oomph, and Google Reader to monitor, read, and post content online. I am totally over Tweetdeck, which is odd for me to say, since until about a year ago I was an avid fan and teacher of the tool.

OP//What’s the best advice that you’ve ever received?

Duty//Be yourself, be honest, and success will come.

To attend DFW Rocks Social Media Day, you can register online now for $30 during early registration, which runs until May 31, but you’d better hurry, because the price of entry will go up to $50 as of June 1. Guests for the event, which will be held at The Social House in Addison, will gain access to commentary from Duty and her expert team of panelists and speakers, and attendees will also be served breakfast, lunch, and sweets and treats in the afternoon.

Interested in networking with other social media mavens? DFW Rocks Social Media Day will also host a BizLink Global-sponsored networking event from 4 to 6 p.m. following the presentations, and they’ll be joined by the Dallas/Fort Worth WordPress Group. 

Connect with Duty and DFW Rocks Social Media Day, check out her website, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages for more information. And, as always, you can keep up with the latest on Brandpointe’s social swirl via our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages!

Brandpointe appreciates our talented clients and collaborators, and our ongoing feature, Brandpointe Brags, gives a well-deserved shout out to the creative companies and individuals that help enhance our community and our business.

We admit it. We’re a bit biased when it comes to our admiration for Brandpointe client, Vivanti Group. And while we never play favorites, the Brandpointe team is an unabashed fan of the cool marketing firm and the talented women behind it!

         Scenes from Vivanti headquarters; we adore their fun signage!

We connected with Vivanti when they tapped us to help guide the social presence of their company and one very fashion-forward client. Since then, we’ve collaborated with Vivanti in numerous ways, both online and off, and Brandpointe has had a blast being a part of the interactive media and event strategy teams for their client, Mockingbird Station. Today, we’ll tell you why Vivanti Group is one to watch in Dallas’ seriously competitive marketing and PR scene. 

The Team//

Laura Schieber: Founder and principal; also has killer taste in art and decor. We’re still obsessed with the Silm Aarons mural she’s had installed in Vivanti’s conference room at the iconic Meadows Building.

Silver Hogue: Social media manager and account executive, as well as one of the most stylish women we know. D Magazine’s StyleSheet clearly agrees, recently snapping a pic of Hogue for her street chic look.

Kaitlyn Taylor: PR assistant and office manager; all-around amazing problem solver and event planner. And we admire someone who’s always bubbly, even when dealing with issues during mid-party mayhem.

Stephanie Walker: Marketing manager; not to mention one of the most organized and hardworking people we know. Her client leadership for Vivanti continues to impress us.

Vivanti Group’s fab four - Kaitlyn, Silver, Laura, and Stephanie - pose pretty during a recent What2Wear event at Mockingbird Station.

The Connection//Want to know more about Vivanti Group and connect with the team? Follow their adventures online via their website and Facebook page. And of course, you can stop by any of the fun events at Mockingbird Station to spot Vivanti in action. Personally, Brandpointe can’t wait for the Spring Concert Series shows coming up in June; we’ll see you there!

Several of Brandpointe’s clients are currently indulging their silver screen ambitions, turning to creative, interactive video content to help them boost their brand’s profile online and off. Our team is thrilled to be the guiding force behind the development and launch of these unique video projects, and while we’re obsessing over these inspiring endeavors, we thought we’d share a few strategic tips for aspiring marketing geniuses looking to make the most of their video stardom.

To ensure that the time and money you invest in creating your video platform gives you the desired results, preparation is key. So, before you hire that ace videographer you’ve had your eye on, try implementing these simple steps to help you maximize your output.

R & D: It’s simple - doing your research before you commit anything to film will ensure that you get the look and feel your after from your finished video project.

• Check out video content from your favorite brands, your competitors, and even your friends to establish a loose idea of the types of videos that speak to you, speak to your audience, and deliver the message you want to send. 
• Have these links handy; it will help expedite the creative process once you’re ready to meet with your videographer and start logging footage.

What’s Your Point?: Before anyone picks up a camera, your message and intended use for the video should be set in stone.

• First, consider your current branding and establish the core information you want to convey. 
• Next, it’s time to conduct a short Q&A with the partners and/or employees connected to the content you’ll be discussing in the video. 
• Finally, you’ll want to compile an outline of the key talking points, interviews, and events that are “musts” for inclusion in your video content, along with specific notations about who your target audience is and is not.

Timing is Everything: Don’t minimize the potential impact of your video project by distributing it without a solid plan for the release, distribution, and continuation of your content.

• Focus on a realistic projection for completion that accounts for inevitable delays due to your daily business operations and unforeseen snafus, such as weather that prevents shoot dates, etc. 
• When possible, consider debuting your video in conjunction with a company event and/or an event for whom you’re a partner; that way, you can capitalize on the buzz that’s already building. 
• If your plans include an ongoing video series, be sure you’ve clearly confirmed all plans for subsequent videos prior to releasing the initial content to avoid a messy progression that detracts from your awesome concept.

Or, if the above sound overwhelming, you can always just call Brandpointe and let us handle the particulars! Connect with us online via our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages to find out more.