Watson’s presentation was about new marketing, specifically about being customer centric, using social media, making decisions from intelligent analytics, and what generates revenue.

I enjoyed seeing how Microsoft is creating simulations at trade shows to show would-be customers what a day in the life is like using Windows products. It’s a clever way to give customers and media a taste.

Food trucks and Smartphones

I was also impressed by their aggressive grassroots campaigns like Cafe Mango. The Cafe Mango food trucks hit major cities promoting Windows phones and giving away lunches. They did this out front of mobile carrier stores for the holidays, because the carriers wouldn’t return their calls (pun intended).

Hip Hop and a Search Engine

On the social side, Watson impressed the crowd with their brilliant Decode Jay -Z campaign for Bing. It was a clever way to reach a true influencer and his audience, who are likely not Microsoft customers – yet. 5 million people liked the campaign on Facebook, not too shabby at all.

I have always been a fan of co-branded promotional efforts. Why not combine a campaign with a complimentary, non-competitive brand? Everybody wins!

As for analytics. Her takeaway statement was: Ask what decisions you are trying to make first. Sound advice for anyone getting ready to dip into data.

What do you think of Microsoft these days?

It’s obvious that Windows phones, Windows and Bing are big priorities for the company. Are you impressed with Microsoft’s marketing efforts lately? Have you noticed any?

I was honored to receive the Digital Media Champion award.

After I received my award, Karen Stone was given an award for recognition of her dedication to NAMA.

If I had had a chance to speak, I would have thanked Karen. She was the first person to meet with me and to help me network, when I first moved to Nashville.

Always be networking

To this day, I tell people looking for work to always be networking. Heck, even if you’re not looking for employment, you should still be networking. Karen just happened to be awesome enough to let me buy her a coffee. Thanks Karen!

Congratulations

It was truly an honor to win the award last night. I was proud to be included with so many other deserving people. Special thanks to Mary Pollman and Kerry Price for putting on such a great evening. Thanks to the judges for selecting me for the award too.

Last week I spoke on a great panel about online media and careers for the Nashville American Marketing Association.

I was thrilled to share the stage with Ben Bredesen, Erick Goss, Michael McCamish and Kissy Black. Justin Davis led us with some thoughtful questions. All together it was a great night. Hat tip to Kate O’Neill for inviting me to take part in it.

Listen to Marketing Over Coffee

During the panel a popular podcast kept getting referred to, Marketing Over Coffee. I’ve been a big fan of Chris Penn and John Wall‘s show for several years now. I was happy to hear so many others are tuning in. Subscribe to the show (iTunes) for great insight into new marketing.

I also recommend taking part in their lively Marketing Over Coffee LinkedIn Group. Speaking of LinkedIn, are we connected there?

Photo by: Christopher S. Penn

If you’re in the area please join me today at 12 -1 at LP Field. I’m proud to say that I will be the first speaker at NAMA’s new location. If I do as well as the Titans I will be very please :-)

More details on the lunch can be found here: www.nashvilleama.org.