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Interview with Seng Weiland
January 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Seng Weiland is a member of I.M. Think Tank and she launches our series of interviews with each of the members:Thanks for participating, Seng, tell us a bit about yourself: I am a sales and marketing consultant with more than ten years of experience in integrated marketing, consultative business development and account management in the media analysis, online media and service consulting industries.
Strengths include: salesmanship, leadership skills, project management experience and written and interpersonal communication skills with a focus on detail, customer service, professionalism and acting with a sense of urgency.
Describe your approach to internet marketing: Integrated marketing is still the best approach to doing business in the online media sector. Even though it’s not a bricks-and-mortar mentality, there are still customers to retain and prospects to convert. Therefore, the good, old-fashioned marketing principles of value proposition, competitive intelligence and content strategy still apply.
Tell why it is important to you to be a part of IM Think Tank. IM Think Tank encourages a space where experts in the field can get together and communicate their ideas and experiences. This core mission is so important to have because the industry is very dynamic and is in a constant state of defining itself.
What is your favorite internet tool or application? Like so many others, I am fascinated with how to effectively use social media tools for business gain. It’s fascinating to see how professional and personal networks develop and evolve.
Tell us about your latest project: As I’ve mentioned, accountability is going to be even more integral to any marketing, advertising or public relations campaign. Therefore, I am working with pr departments and agencies to ensure that they have the proper tools necessary to monitor and measure media sources. One of these tools includes NewsAccess.
Share one marketing tip: When researching and planning your next campaign, always keep in the back of your mind how to be accountable for each course of action. ROI and metrics are not just buzz words in this bearish economy, but true measures of success.
What is your pet peeve about the industry? I love that there are so many players and so many strategies presented in the industry, but it can be overwhelming at times.
What are you excited to see come about in the future of integrated marketing? The future is uncertain and that’s why it’s exciting. I’m interested to see how the “mobile app” revolution will affect ROI and metrics.
What makes your company stand out from all of the rest? CARMA International was created in Washington, D.C. in 1984 by Albert Barr. For more than twenty-five years, CARMA has been leading the industry as a pioneer in media analysis and PR evaluation. Today we’re the world leader in this exciting field, with clients in virtually every sector around the globe.
Mr. Barr has always remained true to his vision that CARMA International should be devoted to the business of global media analysis. Collectively, the principals of CARMA draw from over 150 years of public relations, marketing and corporate communications experience and are internationally renowned experts on the subject of media consulting and analysis. That’s why today, employing the latest technologies, CARMA can be a strategic partner in accessing and understanding vital information and knowledge at both the local and global levels.
Using the most sophisticated proprietary software and the most specialized media analysis and survey research methodologies in the industry, CARMA is one of the only media analysis services with a truly worldwide reach – essential for any company that competes in this global economy.
Any tips for people just getting started? The beauty of starting an internet company or extending your business presence online is that anyone with a small amount of capital can do it. As a result, there is a surplus under-marketed sites. The first thing I recommend for these folks is to learn about website optimization.
Do you have a SEO, PPC, Social Media or Internet Marketing hero? There are so many players now so it’s hard to name just a few, but I do admire my former manager, RD Whitney, and Mary DuQuaine, Think Tank Live’s Founder and President. I admire their dedication, knowledge and passion. Mostly, I admire their relentless effort to share their expertise with so many. That’s a true characteristic of a strong leader.
What is your motto? “Go Big or Go Home!”
What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you at a conference? I enjoyed seeing my colleagues, customers and prospects dancing on the tables at one of the “networking” events at IAEE’s Expo Expo.
What is the best restaurant in your favorite city? Frontera Grill in Chicago because I normally do not care for southwestern fare until it’s made by Rick Bayless.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I don’t know much about the travel industry, but it has always intrigued me. I think those individuals who get to travel to different destinations and rate the local restaurants, tourist sites and hotels have a fabulous profession. Rachel Ray, Anthony Bourdain and Samantha Brown are my heroes in this respect.
What inspires you creatively? I am fascinated by effective leaders, regardless of field.
What is your idea of success? When what you do for a living doesn’t feel like work but a passionate hobby. Luckily, I’m getting closer to that notion of success everyday!
@SengWeiland
sengweiland@gmail.com
Milwaukee, WI
Spheres of Influence
October 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Human stem cells are social from the start.
Did you know that human stem cells do not do well on their own? In fact, they prefer to cluster in groups and will migrate toward one another. I think it is amazing that people are programmed to be social on a cellular level.
Social media is all about making the most of spheres of influence. These begin with the relationships we foster with family members, circles of friends, acquaintances, business associates, and extended networks.
Of course, influence is not automatic. There are certain qualities that lead to influence. Trust, friendliness, dependability, courage, understanding, availability and flexibility are all important traits of people who have influence in our lives.
One of the benefits of social media sites is the ability to connect with people on a regular basis. It is amazing how a simple text message can bring a smile to my face. What I find fascinating is that the social media interaction often leads to more excitement surrounding events, meetings, and even phone calls. We enjoy connecting with each other.
When people talk about social media, they are often talking about this form of social interaction. At I.M. Think Tank, we want to take it a step deeper and look into what helps people and companies to build trust over time? How can we engage our spheres of influence in creative and meaningful ways? And, how does this help to strengthen ethical business practices?
