Jeff Small to Speak at TEDxMyrtleBeach

While some dread public speaking, others embrace it; LHWH Interactive Development Director, Jeff Small, is the latter. Having recently accepted an offer to speak at TEDxMyrtleBeach, he—among others—will have eighteen minutes to discuss what he is most passionate about. The answer: “Technology Ubiquity”. And just what is “Technology Ubiquity”? The discussion of how new technology is slowly becoming ingrained in our day to day activities and lives, and how this will affect all facets of our lives. “I'm going to talk about what kinds of radical technologies are rapidly becoming part of our everyday lives, and what effects this might have,” Jeff adds.

TEDxMyrtleBeach will take place on Thursday, October 21, from 9am-12pm in the boardroom of the Chamber of Commerce. In addition to Jeff, confirmed speakers include Jordan McDonald (discussing Women in Mixed Martial Arts), Brian Carter (incorporating social media with stand up comedy), Campbell Thames (addressing pop culture), and Gina Trimarco (discussing improv's ability to change one's life). Limited to forty attendees, event tickets are available for $25. To register, click here.

Why "going" viral often doesn't work.

You won't become viral by proclamation. In a recent episode of Donald Trump's The Apprentice, the men were pitted against the women in a battle to see who could create the best viral video for Popcorn Indiana brand popcorn. The women bested the men by creating a video that featured a young man gorging himself with popcorn while he worked out at the gym. Finding the winning video on Youtube, I was a little surprised to see that there were only 1,775 views. Interestingly, the "losing" video has 2,849 views. Both numbers are far from what many would call "viral," half a million views and up you're getting there, but it's a prime example that simply proclaiming that your work is viral doesn't make it so.

I'm truly surprised by the number of savvy marketers who still think that they can control the medium as well as the message. Both videos do a good job of showcasing the brand. But anyone watching either of these two videos see's quickly that they are what they are; a brand ad. And while they are mildly entertaining, they're certainly not likely to explode on the internet. So what's a marketer who wants to go viral to do? Well, start by living viral, not proclaiming that you are. Create truly interesting, entertaining, thoughtful, and compelling ideas that go beyond a video. If it's truly a great idea (Old Spice) it will become viral worthy. Old Spice launched their "look at me guy" campaign not as a viral campaign, it was an ad campaign that became viral. To date, the 30 second TV spot has been viewed on Youtube an astounding 21,858,024.