Alex and Luke - A social media road trip

I love this idea:

Alex and Luke set out from Toronto to see what would happen if they used the power of social media to explore North America.

Without a route or any predetermined idea of what they will see or do, they call on the communities behind the most popular social media websites to tell them where to go and what to see.

Their goal is to travel through every state, province and territory while documenting and sharing the experience through web videos and other Internet content available on their website.

They explore the gap between real-time relationships and online relationships. It is a true modern day road trip that collects and shares the travel experience with others.

To connect with online communities, regular polls are held on their home page. People connect in the following ways:

- Twitter: Where people vote and make suggestions (1,304 followers at my last visit);
- YouTube: Where people can vote and watch videos (2,241 channel views at my last visit);
- Gowalla: Where people can check in on destinations visited (383 stamps, 21 pins, 85 friends at my last visit); and
- Facebook Fan Page: Where people can interact with Alex and Luke and other followers (1,782 fans at my last visit).

YouTube and Twitter is loving Old Spice

Thanks @MattMcNama for sharing the recent frenzy on Twitter and YouTube about Old Spice....

I’m sure you’ve seen the Old Spice commercials that aired during last year’s Super Bowl, but I thought I would send you some of last week’s viral videos. They are a fantastic example of branded entertainment extending beyond the TV and onto the Internet.

http://realbusiness.co.uk/sales_and_marketing/old_spice_smashes_socialmedia_records
People on Twitter sent tweets to the Old Spice man, and the Old Spice man responded almost immediately with YouTube videos. It was a huge success and has made the character the most recognizable “branded entertainment character.”

Super Bowl commercial:


One of the many Twitter/YouTube videos posted within a few day period in response to tweeted questions:

Marketing Through Events

I was at a great fundraiser last week put on by the Credit Valley Hospital Foundation's Young Ambassadors. At this hip event in an art gallery in Mississauga, guests were invited to an all you can eat, drink and dance party.

I could go on about all the wonderful components of this truly great event, but as a marketer the Barefoot Wine table caught my eye. Staffed by two energetic young people I was introduced to a great Pinot Grigio (there were many other wines but this was my choice)that sells in the LCBO for only $10 and a great new marketing concept!

They explained that Barefoot Wine spends its money on making their wine rather than its marketing. Thus the tagline, Great wine without the attitude. Their foremost way of getting the word out about their products is through charity events were people can come and taste their wine.

I tried to find a Canadian website and only found a sparse Facebook group and an U.S. website that is designed as a community with an emphasis on people committed to beach clean up.

I wish them luck with their grassroots marketing initiative and look forward to seeing them at more charity events.