johnporcaro: mktg@large

Is What You're Saying Worth Listening to?

I read a great article written by my friend Chase McMichael, from Infinigraph, called Influencer, Content Intelligence and Social Engagement.

It's one thing to have an official Twitter feed or Facebook page for your brand (good start!).  It's another (entirely) to make sure it's being used properly. 

Remember the "social" part of Social Networking.  Are you having a conversation?  Or are you just putting out the same-old marketing-speak that your customers ignore everywhere else?

From Infinigraph's blog post, Influencer, Content Intelligence and Social Engagement.

There has been some argument regarding content vs. conversation.  Social media isn’t just conversation, it’s about .......... WHO CARES!  Let’s look at facts:

• Conversations are a derivative of social media. Conversations are not social media.
• Does content drive conversation?  Yes, compelling content drives engagement.
• Does good content drive good conversation? Yes, the more relevant the better.
• Does engagement for a brand have to revolve around the conversation? Yes and No. It’s about stimulating interaction which may or may not relate.
• Relevant driven Conversations and Brand Interactions are the results

What IS a Dad Blogger Anyway?

JR, over at sexandthesingledad wrote an interesting post about Dad Bloggers.  Like a bunch of us Dad bloggers, he is—in his own inimitable way—participating in the “Do Dad Bloggers Suck?” discussion. 

I was interested in his definition of a Dad blogger.  I like the way he puts it: 

Like it or not, there is so much more to being a dad than cute stories involving our kids.  As dads, our number one priority is absolutely our families.  I respect that and would have it no other way.  There are many kinds of dads out there–and I’m talking about more than simply, “Good or bad”.  There are cool dads and their are dorky dads.  There are geek dads and dads that think “Social media” means reading the paper on a crowded subway.  There are dads that can cook a gourmet meal and dads that don’t understand,”poke three holes in the plastic before microwaving”.

The whole reason I’ve had a blog for years is that it’s a way to express my own thoughts and ideas, while participating in a conversation with people who might care about what I think.  Whether that’s you, or just my parents or friends, I’m going to call myself a Dad Blogger, because I’m a Dad, and I blog about being a Dad. 

JR goes on, in an entertaining way, to discuss the differences between Mom bloggers and Dad bloggers.  For example:

Dads who swear are crude, crass, filthy or vulgar.  Mothers who swear are liberated, modern, progressive or just have a potty mouth.  I’ve dropped an F bomb or two on my blog and I won’t apologize for that.  Hell, from time to time I even make up bad words.  Most of the time I take old classics and give them the J.R. twist, but I’ve been known to simply invent a new one for use in a particular situation.

I agree most violently with his summary statement:

Does anyone have a guitar so we can all gather like hippies and sing Kumbaya?  That would be pretty f**n sweet! [my edit]

Economy Forces More Dads to Stay Home

The Detroit Free Press did a story called Surviving hard economy in Michigan, more dads stay at home.  In it, they report that the number of stay-at-home dads jumped 38% in three years, according to 2009 census estimates. The 2009 data suggest that there are 158,000 stay-at-home dads in the U.S. However, since the latest figures do not include fathers who work part-time or those looking for work, the number is likely higher.

As part of the story, they interviewed Chris Singer, author of SAHD in Lansing. 

"If you're a parent today, you just have to be ready to deal with anything," said Chris Singer of Lansing, who writes a blog called SAHD (Stay At Home Dad). "Your job can end so quickly. The day of staying 20-30 years in one job is probably over. Now, anything can happen. You have to do what you have to do."

Chris Singer, 38, and his wife, Deb Bailey, decided well before having children that one parent would stay home. It was always negotiable which one that would be. …

In December, Singer started a blog called "SAHD In Lansing" to document his life and reach out to other dads.

"It's a great opportunity," he said. "I know a lot of my friends will be like, 'I think it's cool you stay home, but I don't think I could do it.' But I get to see her grow, I saw a lot of the milestones, and it's kind of fascinating to see all the little changes that happen.

CNN Features the Growth of Dad Blogging

At the recent M3 Summit, a group of Dad Bloggers, including Eric Elkins (The Dating Dad), Paul Banas (GreadDad), CC Chapman (Digital Dads), Clay Nichols (DadLabs), Kevin Metzger (The DADvocate), and Donny Claxton (DaddyClaxton).

They talk about the fact that just like Moms, Dads are online sharing experiences, advice, tips, or just a place to have conversations and get to know each other.  These Dads are helping define a new generation of what it means to be a Dad.

One of the key points is that Dads today are really active in their kids’ lives, whether they’re working from home, being a full-time “Stay at Home Dad”, or just being an active Dad before or after their full-time job. 

CNN also adds a few stats about US Dads:

• 42% are Sole Provider
• 63% Work more than 40 hours/week
• 9% have taken on 2nd job

He's the Dad: Paul Banas from GreatDad.com

 
I had the chance to meet Paul at M3.  He seems like the perfect person to be the driving force behind GreatDad.com, being an intelligent, interactive and caring Dad himself. And he always has some great tips himself, from picking up your Lego Advent Calendar early (on my list) to how Moms can get new Dads more involved. 

If you're not familiar with GreatDad.com, check it out.  It's full of great resources, articles, and interesting insight on being a Dad, whether it's for new Dads, Dads of teens, or anywhere inbetween, you'll find something that'll help you be a great dad yourself. 

From Paul's bio:

As a new dad, Paul became very aware that many dads today are more involved in parenting but have limited resources from a man’s point of view from which to better understand the challenges of their changing role. Thus, GreatDad.com was born. “While nothing can imitate or replace the special mother/child bond, dads develop incredible relationships with their children, and it is vitally important that they have a place to discuss the parenting process from a male perspective. Data indicates that fathers today are more involved in family life versus a generation ago, due to factors including post-911 security fears, loss of life long career job security, and increased demands on working moms and dual career families. GreatDad.com enables all dads-working, stay-at-home, single, gay, domestic partners, and more-to find ways to be involved and understand how dads are functioning as parents today.

Paul is a native of Minnesota and has B.A. from University of Minnesota, M.A. from Middlebury College, and MBA from the Thunderbird School of International Management. A published author of fictional short stories, he resides in San Francisco with his wife and two children.

Thoughts on M3, The Modern Media Man Summit

I wanted to capture a few of my thoughts about the M3 Summit.  I really enjoyed my time in Atlanta, and meeting with so many great men (and women).  

It was awesome to have so many conversations--the face-to-face time really helped me get to know those attending, and certainly will help us all as we build this whole space together.  I left with a renewed sense that we can do some great work together, while building strong trusted relationships with our communities. 

I enjoyed reading everyone's opinions about the show, and there are some good suggestions that will make future events even better.  All-in-all, I think everyone came the same conclusion that there are a bunch of great guys (and gals) working really hard to make this space a great place for the modern media man.  

Thanks to the organizers of the event, especially Donny and Debby.  And thanks for all of you for coming out to hear Stacy and me speak about what we're doing at Dad Central Consulting.    

Here are a handful of blog posts I've read (yes, I actually read them all...), from attendees: 

• Stay at Home Dad in Lansing: 10 – Great things about the Modern Media Man Summit
• Daddy Claxton: Finding my voice
• Rebel Dad: Musings on Modern Media Man
• Clark Kent's Lunchbox: M3 Summit: This Changes Some Things. This Changes Others. This Changes Nothing
• Dad of Divas: I Am Part of the Dad Movement at the M3 Summit
• Real Men Drive Minivans: Chuck Norris and Pay Per Punch Monetization (A #M3Summit Recap)
• Kevin Gainey: M3 Summit Made Me Lazy
• The Exceptional Man: Good Men, Good Stories 
• Ben Spark: I Talked About Photos and Cal Ripken Jr. at the M3 Summit
• The Father Factor: Modern Media Men
• And Triplets Make Six: M3Summit Recap
• Angus Nelson: M3 In Review

If you have any questions, be sure to let me know.  And if you didn't already, sign up for our Dad Blogroll! 

See you all next year!  

He's The Dad: Dad of Divas

 
I like reading Dad of Diva's blog for several reasons.  He's got an easy-to-read personal style, and he posts lots of pictures of his family, making me feel like I'm hanging out with them on their adventures.  He has guests post occasionally, and he does a great job balancing personal posts with product reviews. 

I particularly like his series "Dads in the Limelight."  I enjoy learning more about Dads who might not be part of the "Dad Blogger" circle, and the interview style is informative, and always leaves me inspired. 

I was happy to see my former co-worker, Jeff Bell, featured this week (as the 56th profile!).  I worked for Jeff at Xbox, where he was VP of Global Marketing.  I always enjoyed Jeff's optimistic attitude, his knowledge of marketing and business, and his personal style.  And I knew him as a great Dad, since he often talked about his kids. 

Check out Dad of Diva's blog, and while you're there, be sure to subscribe!

Here's a bit more about him, from his About Page:

I am a father of two girls who everyday works to regain control of my kingdom. Is this even possible in a divadom? This blog is dedicated to chronicling my experiences and challenges in being a father as well as providing some food for thought to other dads. History of this Blog - I started writing this blog full time in January 2008 prior to my second daughters' birth. Since then, the blog has exponentially grown and I have continued to find my groove through both reading and networking with other bloggers as well as writing on a myriad of varying topics. Outside of home I am a Student Affairs Professional who has been working in the field of College Administration now for 10 years with extensive experience in precollege planning, admission, advising, and other areas.

He's the Dad: Ben Spark

Drew, aka Ben Spark, is an avid blogger, a great photographer, and an amazing Dad.  ou get a glimpse of his family life looking at his photos (in fact, he just started a "Photo a Day podcast).

Here's a bit about him you might not have known, from his About page:

You’ve probably been wondering why my blog is called BenSpark. Is it my name? No, my name is Drew but these days I answer to Ben. Is it a nickname? No, that would be Drewbie but very few people are allowed to call me that. Is it a pseudonym? No, why would I do that and post each blog post as Drew?

BenSpark came from my last name, Bennett which was combined with my wife’s, (then girlfriend) last name, Sparks. We started the blog together as a way to keep people informed as to our activities and outings. Allison stopped posting but I increased my frequency. I liked the name and kept it, but took off the pretentious “The” that used to be there (I added it for some reason).

I really like Ben's style of presenting photos, and letting them tell a lot of the story.  Can't wait to meet him at M3 next month.

He's the Dad: Spuds

I met Spuds a few weeks ago, at BlogHer, and was immediately impressed at hearing his story.  Rather than mess it all up, I'll let him use his own words.  From his Blog's About page:

"After spending 6 years only being home for short amounts of time due to work and travel I found I knew very little about the kids. And thus, had very little experience being the Dad! Six kids aged 17 to the twin 7 year olds.... Four boys and 2 girls... 3 Dogs, 4 Cats, a Turtle, a Guinea Pig (aka "Skinny Pig")... What does ALL of that, plus more, equal up to??? CHAOS!! I walked in that first day and KNEW I was going to have to put on my game face and FAST. These are the tales of my stumbles, trips, tears, triumphs and AMAZING moments...."

Reading Spuds' blog is like hanging out with a good friend, watching an episode of 24, crossed with your favorite sitcom and an episode of Family Guy.  But this guy is for real.  He has SIX kids, and he's dating a woman with SIX kids.  That's the Brady Bunch times two!

In my life, I only know one other man brave enough to take on twelve children.  And it has nothing to do with Walton Mountain.  It's my own dad.  Yep.  THE DAD.  I love him to pieces, but to this day, I don't know how he did it.  Maybe if he'd start a blog, we could all find out together.

But for this weekend, take a few minutes to check out "Blurred Reality."  And let me know if you don't come away inspired, amused, or at least a little curious.

I'll leave you with some advice he gave a reader about taking children out for the day:

The first premise is this, “You must return with the same number of children you left with from the house.” And preferably you want to make sure they are the same children you left with, as well. No substitutions!

The second premise you must wrap your head around is, “Lead the children as you would lead water!” I like saying that one because I sound all “Kung Fu Master” when I say it. But it’s true! If you’re on a river in a boat, you have to match your paddling to the currents.

A Dad Blogger at BlogHer

Now that I’ve had a few days to recover, it’s time to wrap up my thoughts about BlogHer 10.  The conference was great. There were several thousand attendees, and I had the pleasure of meeting several bloggers, brand representatives, and folks from PR and marketing agencies. 

I think I talked to just about every guy I could find, but the numbers of men not working on the show floor were admittedly small.  I sat through a couple of sessions on the first day, but I had the best time talking to the folks on the trade show floor, explaining to them what Dad Central is all about, and how working with bloggers can be so rewarding for everyone involved.

I got to spend some time with a few great Dad bloggers, Dada Rocks, TechyDad, and Father Muskrat, both at the Ralph Lauren party, and occasionally running into them on the show floor.  You guys are doing a great job representing Dads, and it was great to meet you.  In fact, Dada Rocks did a quick overview of the show on CC Chapman’s Digital Dads TV show, about 42 minutes in.  Check it out. 

There were a few things I consider my favorites, so I’ll make an attempt at listing them:

 

The things I enjoyed most about BlogHer 2010:

1) The ride down to New York.  Even though we had to “think” along the way.  We had a great brainstorming session, and a rousing round of “Ghost”.  I’m not sure why the game kept stopping in the back seat, but for some reason, it did.  I loved stopping along the way at Rein’s New York Style Deli.  The food was awesome, especially those semi-sour pickles.

 

2) Staying at The Jane Hotel.  The Jane Hotel is full of old-world charm.  Close quarters reminiscent of an ocean liner.  Communal bathrooms.  An elevator with an attendant that shuts the gated door and turns the crank to go up and down.  More on that in another post.

   

3) The party at the Ralph Lauren reading room.  Gathering at the world headquarters of Ralph Lauren, meeting David Lauren, working with Megan and Matt S. stuffing bags and getting things set to go.  And listening to David tell his story about growing up in the Ralph Lauren family, and introducing the RL Gang.  The guy has great presence, and has some amazingly amazing ideas about interactive marketing.  Everything about the night was perfect, including the meal we had with the folks from Ralph Lauren who helped organize the event after it was all over.  What a memorable night. 

  

4) The giveaways.  My favorite: The Got Milk? cereal/milk/bowl/spoon thing.  It’s a cooler.  And a bowl.  And a spoon.  All in one.  Close second: Weebles that wobble, but don’t fall down.  Runners up include full-size Mr. Potato Heads, “Don’t Text and Drive” keychains, and of course the samples of PUR packets that P&G is sending to countries where they don’t have safe drinking water.  I can’t wait to do the demonstration for my kids’ classes once they’re back in school.

   

 

5) Meeting the Canadians—their party rocked, from the step-and-repeat to the Canadian Mountie who welcomed the Canadian bloggers who work with Mom Central Canada.  Way to go, eh.

6) Walking the floor with Stacy, and meeting all of her amazing friends.  Everywhere she went, she was hugging someone—it felt like she was the prom queen, and the few times I got to hang around with her, I felt somewhere between a groupee and the prom king myself.  Everyone there knew her, and it made my ability to introduce myself so much easier. 

 

7) Being known so instantly being part of Mom Central, and the enthusiastic reaction I got when I told people about Dad Central.  The company I work for has a great reputation of putting relationships first, whether with the bloggers we work with, the brand and agencies we partner with, or with each other. 

 

    8) Stacey Smith, our webmaster/designer/social engineer, and her quick turnaround of Dad Central Consulting site.  She has endless energy, awesome ideas, and I enjoy working with her.  Maybe with the exception of the last assignment she got from our CEO, who assigned her to be my “cultural mentor.”  She only had to kick me under the table a few times, but I learn fast.

 

9) The SWAG exchange room.  What a great idea from one of the mom bloggers last year.  They kept a room open where you could leave what you didn’t want, and take what you wanted more of.  I was able to send a box home to my kids that I think they’re going to love.

10) Hanging out in the GM Chill Space.  Another great idea.  A large, comfortable space with lots of plugs, and dongles for iPhones and Blackberries and cell phones and everything else.  They had snacks and cold water and the place was perfect to relax and log in and do some blogging. 

11) Getting my picture with Rayman, and getting to play Xbox 360 Kinect Your Shape by Ubisoft.  It’s no secret to my Xbox friends that the Frag Dolls are awesome, but getting a chance to actually see how far along the Xbox 360 Kinect has come made me proud of my former company.  It was fun to see mom bloggers try it out, and to see how flawlessly the technology performed. 

12) Jimmy Dean’s Breakfast Pancakes and Sausage on a Stick.  OMG.  Yum.

  13) Taking the “Limoliner” bus/train back to Boston from NYC.  Cool way to travel—a luxury bus with wifi and power ports and leather seats and a direct route from the hotel where the convention was to downtown Boston.  It wasn’t fun leaving my iPhone on the bus, but the company was great and was able to get it back to me quickly. 

  14) BlogHim.  Even though I didn’t actually ever see any physical function, it was fun to take part in the Tweet-osphere.  Mocha Dad, you rock.  You made it fun to check into Twitter.  And hopefully you guys actually got to meet up, even though i had to leave early.  I hope the “brotherhood” is just as strong when we meet for real at M3. 

15) The Mom Central party at Circo, the monkeys, and meeting Mommy Goggles and her husband.  And the Jimmy Fallon bartender.  And the dating couple with six kids each, Spuds and Lenore. You guys crack me up. 

16) Remembering the times I spent with my kids in NYC in the past.  I couldn’t walk outside without thinking of each one of them, and waiting for the time I can take our youngest who still hasn’t traveled on a business trip with Dad.

17) Our “pre-meeting” briefing at Asia de Cuba with our CEO, Stacy, and her heartfelt, individual toasts she made to each one of us around the table.  There were more than a few wet eyes, and I got to know my co-workers so much better.

18) Running into my blogging buddy Beth Goza, who inspired me years ago to “try” blogging.  I’m so glad I got to see her at BlogHer.  There’s such a personal connection between bloggers, people who are willing to share their lives, their ideas, their talents, and their network of friends, and I think Beth is the embodiment of that.  I’m glad to know that the Windows Phone has Beth heading up its social networking.  It’s going to be a better product because she’s involved. 

19) Meeting up briefly with Christine Cea, Kristin Smith, and David Witt from WOMMA.  Good to see strong representation from our group.  And I heard that the session on the FTC was great, good job, Kristin. 

20) The sneezing simulator in the P&G booth.  I gotta get me one of those.  Someone recommended filling it with something other than water, maybe using it at a party.  Could be fun.  But then, you’d have to be a guy to appreciate something that strange.  But that’s the beauty of a Dad attending a show like BlogHer.

Thanks again to everyone i met, and everyone who helped make the event a success for us all!  Can't wait until next year!