How AT&T is Tapping into New Consumer Tech Markets

AT&T Aims for TV Everywhere

After acquiring DirectTV last summer, 2016 has been quite a big year for AT&T. Along with announcing three new streaming options (DIRECTV Now, DIRECTV Preview and DIRECTV Mobile) that each costs less than a traditional satellite package, the telecommunications provider has just acquired another company that will allow for “TV everywhere.”

Mentions of AT&T spiked early Morning, as news broke of the company purchasing video streaming platform Quickplay Media:

This move was done in part to help customers stream their upcoming DIRECTV services to smartphone devices, while retaining Quickplay's 350 employees. As news of the acquisition started to spread, “streaming” gradually became the center of all AT&T talk on Monday and Tuesday:

Top business and tech media outlets caught wind of the news as well, with publications like TechCrunch, the National Post, and MarketWatch all releasing their own stories around the acquisition:

While AT&T is renowned for traditional telecommunication services, new ventures into contemporary consumer technologies are what makes the most headlines for the company today. Still, it will be new-age tech audiences that determine whether this represents a competitive advantage or good measure by AT&T to avert market disruption.

Bette Midler Overtakes Trump (On Social)

As reported in The Washington Post, Monday was a rare day in the race for president.

For the last year, no one has received more 2016 election attention than Donald Trump. However, everything changed earlier this week, when Bette Midler chimed in with a tweet comparing the presumptive GOP nominee to hip-hop artist Azealia Banks. 

Ms. Midler's tweet was retweeted more than 38,500 times, and perhaps seen by nearly 53 million people worldwide:

However, the tweet did not completely steal the show from Trump. The likely Republican presidential nominee still maintained the most popular tweets within his own discussion:

At the end of the day, Bette's tweet may have steered some of the election discourse in her direction, but it ultimately added fuel to Trump's (already burning) social media firestorm.

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How AT&T is Tapping into New Consumer Tech Markets

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Better Inbox Productivity – 5 Tools for Reclaiming the 560 Hours You Spend on Email

Every year you're spending 560 hours managing work email.

That's right. According to McKinsey, 28% of the average work week is spent reading and answering work emails. Based on a typical 40-hour schedule, that's 11.2 hours per week, or 560 hours each year.

That number may not be a shock. After all, most of us recognize email to be a necessary evil. But when you begin to think about all you could accomplish with just a portion of those hours back, you may realize the huge drain that email is on your productivity.

In fact, the same study from McKinsey estimates that we could get back 7 to 8 hours each week if we did a better job of managing our email. I don't know about you, but I could certainly use an extra work day every week!

In my experience, there are really just three ways that you can improve your inbox productivity.

1. Prioritize your email – By prioritizing better, you'll be addressing your most important emails first. This typically means having to slog through all of the less critical messages or (worse!) the junk email to figure out which messages are most important.


2. Spend less time checking and responding to email – This means either figuring out how to be more efficient when addressing messages or simply setting a time limit and holding yourself to it.


3. Unsubscribe from unnecessary email – Simply put – if you get all the junk and unwanted email out of your inbox, it makes it easier to both prioritize and spend less time on email.

The good news is that there are many tools out there that can help you manage your inbox. The bad news is that you have to sift through all the noise to go and find them. I'm sure you'd love to cut down on the time, stress, and chaos that email creates, but we both know you don't have time to sift through all of the tools and tricks out there.

Lucky for you, I've already invested that time. Keep reading and I'll share the 5 best tools I've found to make your inbox more organized and productive.

1. Throttle

Throttle is a brilliant browser extension. It generates a unique email address for anything you need to sign up for online – newsletters, eBook downloads, apps and so much more. Throttle will even help you bring over your existing services too. It then puts all of your messages into one beautiful, daily email. Throttle removes the less important emails from your inbox so you can focus only on the most important messages.

It also makes you more secure since you don't have to give out your email address. And that's not all – Throttle gives you complete control over all of your subscriptions. In one click, you can revoke access from any sender. This doesn't just unsubscribe you from their list, it actually shuts down that uniquely generated email address. Throttle is the only tool we've found that will help improve inbox productivity in all three ways.

Price: FREE

Benefits: Helps you prioritize, Saves you time, Helps you unsubscribe

2. IFTTT

IFTTT is a powerhouse tool that can be used to simplify your entire life, not just your inbox. However, relating to inbox productivity, IFTTT can help you automate tedious manual tasks that take up precious time.

You can create endless email-related “recipes” such as creating a reminder for high priority emails, saving attachments directly to Google Drive, sending important emails to Evernote, or receiving a text message when certain people email you. IFTTT takes these manual tasks off your plate, freeing up time for you to focus on what really matters.

Price: FREE

Benefits: Saves you time

3. Sidekick

Sidekick helps you be the boss of your inbox. With this extension, you'll know who opens your emails and when, you'll get detailed profiles about contacts right in your inbox and you can even schedule emails to send at the ideal time.

The scheduling feature lets you crank out emails when it's most productive for you, but deliver them to your recipient when they're most likely to get opened. With detailed contact information, you'll have everything you need to know about your recipient right in front of you as you write your email, saving you time from having to search LinkedIn or past email threads for things like title, company name, mutual connections and more.

Sidekick saves you time and makes you a more powerful email user.

Price: Free or Business Plan ($50/user/month)

Benefits: Saves you time

4. Calendly

Have you ever tried scheduling a meeting over email? How about a group meeting with several participants?

The back and forth can get out of control when trying to manage all participants' busy schedules, leading to piles of unnecessary email. Calendly lets you get all of this done with one email.

You simply set your availability and then send out an invite to all parties. They choose the time that's convenient for them, and you avoid an entire chain of complicated and painful back and forth. It's a simple principle but will make scheduling meetings the easiest thing you do all day.

Price: Free or Premium Plan ($8/month)

Benefits: Helps you prioritize, Saves you time

5. Todoist for email

Last, but certainly not least, Todoist's Gmail and Outlook extensions make you uber productive, by seamlessly integrating their beautiful task manager into your inbox. This allows you to review all of your to-do tasks and projects right from your email.

You can instantly turn emails into tasks, setting deadlines and labels as needed. The best part? You can access your to-do list from anywhere, and when you click on a task that you created from the extension, you'll be taken back to the original email.

No more searching through your inbox looking for a message from weeks ago or letting things slip through the cracks. The Todoist email integration takes your inbox to the next level of productivity.

Price: Free or Premium Plan ($28.99/year)

Benefits: Saves you time

Now What?

Sadly, we can't yet predict a future where email doesn't exist. But these five tools will help you spend less time managing your inbox and potentially give you hours back each day.

All of these tools have a free option, so give them a try and see what sticks!

Got any other favorite tools for streamlining email? Tell me in the comments below.

Guest Author: Christopher Riegger is an expert on growth and list building for businesses. Check out his writing at Growth Fruit.

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How to Do Your First Facebook Live Broadcast

You may have heard about Facebook's new free, live streaming app, Facebook Live! If you don't already love it, you are probably at least curious about what it is, how to use it and wondering if it can help you grow your business (Answer: YES! please) You are hearing story after story of businesses doing […]

The post How to Do Your First Facebook Live Broadcast appeared first on Kim Garst Boom Social – Social Selling Strategies That Actually Work

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How to Use Facebook Live

  Facebook Live, Facebook's relatively new (and FREE!) live streaming app, is all the chatter these days! But how to use Facebook Live is one of the most asked questions I get these days. It won't be long before everybody with a Facebook profile and/or fan page will have, and be able to use it so knowing […]

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Social Media vs. Content: Where Should You Invest?

Deciding where to put your investment–of money, time, and effort–isn't easy. And the ROI of both social and content is notoriously difficult to measure. So how do you decide where to put your efforts? And once you decide, how do you go about it? Read the full article at MarketingProfs

Social Media vs. Content: Where Should You Invest?

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Marketing and Grilling Have More in Common Than You Think

May is my favorite time of year. In Indianapolis, it means everything is in bloom, Memorial Day is around the corner, and you can literally smell the burning rubber from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway! In my house, it also means it's time to fire up the grill.

I must have had marketing on the brain during my last cookout because the gears started to turn on why I love them both. Then it occurred to me-they're actually more similar than you might initially think. Here's why.

1. Both Require the Best Ingredients

“Good” truly is the enemy of “great.” It's the reason the steak at the gourmet restaurant tastes so delicious-the high quality and the experience. By not bringing the best “ingredients” to the table in your marketing, the experience can end up being forgettable.

In my days as CMO at ExactTarget (now Salesforce Marketing Cloud), we were famous for having t-shirts made for almost every product launch or big event. One of the reasons everyone loved them is because we picked the most comfortable t-shirts you could buy. On the surface, you might choose a $4 shirt, so you can buy a higher quantity and give out as many as possible. But a cheaper shirt means cheaper materials and something uncomfortable that will never get worn. However, investing in a $10 shirt meant seeing them worn constantly, resulting in maximum impact and brand awareness.

The same is true for your website, emails, content, and other marketing assets. Go the extra mile to choose something that will produce the best long-term results. Quality trumps quantity.

CMO tip: Opt for marketing programs and assets that will give you the highest ROI-not the ones that have the cheapest up-front cost.

Grillmaster tip: Only 4% of steaks are graded prime. It only costs a few dollars more, but most people grab what's easiest. Just remember: What is easiest is not always best.

2. A Perfect Blend of Art and Science

Blending art and science is truly the essence of marketing. Some marketers focus on the right-brained activities (branding and creative assets), while others focus on the left side of the brain (data and optimization). The best marketers, however, are skilled at both.

Consider an outbound campaign that your marketing department might send to top customers. Without incredibly well-designed packaging that stands out from the crowd, the potential buyer won't even bother opening your package or email. At the same time, failing to properly analyze your customers ahead of time might result in the campaign being sent at the wrong time in the buying cycle.

CMO tip: Do the “relevance check” when producing customer-facing material: Will my audience care? Is the content compelling enough? Am I reaching them at the right time?

Grillmaster tip: Study “what works” in grilling-temperature, time on grill, etc.-but don't be afraid to exercise your personal style to create true artfulness.

3. Don't Forget the Seasoning!

It's shocking to me how many people can forget the most basic thing in cooking: flavor. Unfortunately, marketing is almost as under-seasoned as food in many cases. Over the past few years, marketing has all started to look the same. The same webinars, ebooks, and blog topics seem to be copied and reapplied time and time again. Those that stand out aren't simply copying. They're taking risks by adding some creative edge to engage the reader, bringing “flavor” to their brand and overall marketing strategy.

At the same time, it's important to remember that too much seasoning is just as detrimental as too little. In marketing, this manifests as creativity without strategy or purpose. Striking the right balance is what will deliver the product with the most “taste” and memorable experience.

CMO tip: Find out what makes your brand unique and amplify it. At ExactTarget, we were so well-known for our orange branding that our customers could identify us based on color alone.

Grillmaster tip: My go-to seasoning is equal parts salt, pepper, granulated garlic, granulated onion, paprika, and red pepper flakes. It only takes a couple of minutes to create, and it's fresh and authentic (who needs all the preservatives anyway?).

4. It's About Creating an Experience

My most memorable meals have always been when I was in the presence of great people. Good company seems to be the perfect complement to good food because of the emotions it triggers and the memories it creates. The same holds true for marketing and the way you treat your customers.

The brand experience is just as important as the product, and that experience is made in the little things-the stories you tell, your attention to detail, and the true value/helpfulness you bring to the customer instead of your desire to sell. (highlight to tweet) Jay Baer calls this “Youtility,” noting that, “If you sell something, you make a customer today; if you help someone, you make a customer for life.”

No one wants to be cold called or spammed. They want to be informed, educated, and inspired. As one of my favorite sayings goes, “Start with the end in mind, and work backwards.” The next time you want to create a compelling experience for your audience, consider:

• What is the one thing you want your customer to truly remember from this campaign/content?


• How can I create a truly memorable experience by best using all the senses?


• Am I stripping away all the buzzwords and telling a short, compelling, memorable story?


• How can I make consuming this content as easy and helpful as possible for my audience?

 

CMO tip: Take a step back, and think about the brands you're most loyal to and the memorable experiences they've created. They typically connect with you on a much deeper emotional level by pulling you into their story versus just telling it to you.

Grillmaster tip: The best dining experiences occur when in the presence of great people. Gather friends and family, or get to know new acquaintances over food to make good food great. Engage all the senses.

5. Details Make All the Difference

As with a great cookout, the most essential part of marketing is simply thoughtfulness. Fluidity and attention to detail are outcomes of being thoughtful (and maybe even empathetic). When hosting, these details may be in the type of music you play, the presentation of the food, or the temperature of the room. In marketing, it's in things like choosing visuals that are original instead of cutting and pasting from clip art. It's in the fonts and colors you use and obsessively ensuring consistency in delivery. Simply put, delivering world-class marketing means obsessing over the smallest details, and delivering experiences in simple, consistent ways.

For me, the world's top brands like Apple, Nike, or Coca-Cola come to mind for their obsessive attention to detail in consistently creating memorable experiences for their customers. Our brains are wired to remember experiences. You may be compelled to spend most of your time preparing “the big stuff” like campaigns, websites, and resources, but remember: Without attention to detail, it will be just like anything else they've experienced.

CMO tip: Go deep to plan for small, but memorable details. Think about events you've attended in the past-you often remember the layout, lighting, and even the smell far better than the exact content a speaker delivered. Are you focused on delivering to this level of detail?

Grillmaster tip: Tie the steak in with side dishes and wine whose flavors pair well with your seasoning. Create a mood for your meal with music, lighting, outdoor seating, etc. In the end, it will often be these small touches that matter most.

New seasons bring about change and reinvigorate your ideas. Take this opportunity to infuse some of the best ideas from other aspects of your life (like cooking and grilling) to make your work in marketing truly great.

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49 Surprising Tips for Getting Attention in Mass Media

Everyone wants to get noticed. And everyone wants attention.

Well, why are we trying the same old, tired techniques?

When you're trying to gain media attention it's important to standout. If you're exactly like everyone else, why would anyone care to cover you?

Find your unique voice and own it.

This doesn't mean you shouldn't try to repeat what works for others, but find your own spin on that approach.

Below are 49 more unconventional, yet effective, approaches to help you get noticed.

If you missed the first part of this series, check it out here.

1. Spot an information gap

Find an information gap for a particular reporter (Hint: Read other reporters' accounts as well.)

2. Hire an editor

Hire an editor or outside contractor with experience editing. Treat each email like you would a blog post, brand page, etc.

3. A/B test subjects

A/B test subject headings when pitching several reporters and editors. Take notice of who replies given which headings.

4. Revisit a local story

Locals, already familiar with a topic, may be interested to hear follow-up stories.

5. Target industry-specific reporters

Target reporters who regularly cover your niche, and contact them for direct quotes for a story that you're writing.

6. Find something in common

Find a common bond, doing an image (or reverse image) search for their name to possibly unearth pictures of them doing hobbies or pictures they've used in their pieces.

7. Place deposits before reaching out

Don't (just) follow a reporter before you make an outreach attempt. Make (at least) two sentiments of interest (follow the reporter on Twitter and comment on a post of theirs) before writing an outreach email.

8. Pitch warm leads

Pitch a follow-up or annual study to those who have previously covered you or your business.

9. Take it old school

Send a written letter as outreach rather than email; place it in a larger envelope and include pictures and graphs to supplement your insight – be different!

10. Support your claims

Find (at least) three supporting articles (from respected sources) to support your own arguments or position for credibility purposes.

11. Take a unique stance

Make a counterargument regarding a reporter or organization's opinion; even if a reporter does not agree, they may want to include a counterpoint in a follow-up story.

12. Run a contest

Consider changing the name of your business, service, or popular product, and get consumers involved in the process via a contest.

13. Follow ongoing stories

Take interest in ongoing stories with two or more reporters contributing. You'll be more likely to offer something one (or the others) find intriguing.

14. Don't just rely on Google alerts

Use another alert system, besides Google, to stay on top of stories and particular reporters.

15. Create an authority perception

Include links to prior articles you've written (or been referenced in) along with your email signature during the initial outreach to express authority.

16.Reply promptly

Don't keep an interested reporter waiting; get back to them within the hour!

17. Play to your strengths

If you're a better speaker than writer, consider uploading a YouTube video rather than write, yet explain (in the body of the email) why you rather include a video link.

18. Provide another point of view

Include quotes of a friend or colleague who has a counterpoint to your argument. Both parties may get coverage.

19. Be generous by linking

Along with a written thank you, get digital and thank them with a link.

20. Maintain ongoing contact

Making contact (email, tweet, blog comment) once each month.

21. Get eyes on your email

Have (at least) two other people read your email for grammar and spelling before sending it to a reporter or editor.

22. Keep things professional

Avoid Facebook stalking or informal gestures on Twitter.

23. Set them up with someone else

If you think an 'influencer' in your niche (has already) answered a reporter's present query, do the work for the former party and send the reporter a link to quotes or works along with contact information.

24. Send them a doll

Send a personalized bobblehead doll as a memorable 'thank you' sentiment.

25. Make a donation

Make a donation in the name of the reporter or media outlet in appreciation for coverage or ongoing contact.

26. Take it to Pinterest

Make a Pinterest board filled with insights regarding a particular topic, and refer reporters to your curated effort.

27. Create a unique landing page

Filled with information to supplement your initial information, especially if you have a lot of information to relay.

28. Use Twitter lists

Create a Twitter list of people who can help a reporter with a query.

29. Use a unique hashtag

Create a hashtag to support a reporter's active and ongoing query or topic of interest.

30. Use Twitter chats

Interview a reporter or editor via a Twitter chat.

31. Don't just use influencers

Don't only use 'influencers' for roundup or mass opinion posts; those with a limited number of followers are (more) likely to appreciate the attention.

32. Get creative

If you're a graphic artist, or an in-house designer, consider creating a political cartoon to illustrate a point rather than write an argument or opinion.

33. Take your data visual

Ask influencers to contribute to an ongoing collage of data, tables, and other varieties of visual information.

34. Make a 'thank you' page

Create a 'thank you' page of particular followers who express extra interest in your posts, tweets, insights, etc.

35. Talk in benefits

Make sure you address how your information benefits the reporter's readers.

36. Tap into BuzzSumo

Use BuzzSumo to find the most-shared content and to identify influencers.

37. Focus on the intro of your email

Spend most of your time on the opening three-to-four sentences of the outreach email.

38. Be a good listener

Establish that you're a good listener, relaying previous opinions and work of reporters.

39. Be thankful

Thank the reporter for their time (even if you don't hear back from them). It's a sentiment of respect (as well as a subtle reminder!)

40. Think in arcs

Show the reporter you're savvy about where a story has been and (especially) where it's going. Reporters look for arcs, so you should too.

41. Be patient

Wait to respond to a query you can truly contribute toward; first impressions count!

42. Care about the relationship first

Focus on building a relationship with a reporter more than being covered for a story.

43. Ask questions

Ask questions in comments and using tweets rather than only sharing a reporter's story.

44. Use an analogy

Use an analogy to support your position or argument (perhaps using a hobby or interest of the reporter).

45. Leverage line spacing

Use spacing in your email, especially between major points.

46. Be confident

Be confident with your writing voice; you are asking for inclusion in a story, but don't lose sight of the fact that you're doing something for the reporter too.

47. Be aware of deadlines

Reporters work with deadlines; let them know that you're available for a follow-up whenever they're ready.

48. Keep an email chain going

When following up with a reporter, use the same email chain (for their convenience) rather than starting a new string.

49. Get better at outreach

Get better at outreach, reading related literature and being inquisitive about reporter and editor preferences.

Guest Author: Cam Secore is an internet entrepreneur and currently blogging at Power Moves, where he writes reviews on his cool devices. Fun Fact: He once went four consecutive years without missing a Boston Celtics game. Don't even think about telling him the Celtics aren't winning a championship this year.

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