360DigitalInfluence

User-generated content can be an inexpensive, effective way to boost the video component of a campaign and increase brand engagement. But the downside is that you have very little control over the content and quality of the video that’s coming back to you … video you assured your client would be a great addition to their program and representative of their brand. (Is anyone else breaking into a cold sweat?)

As much as you’d like to be at every shoot with a professional crew to ensure material with real viewer benefit is being created, lighting looks good, and all cell phones with a Macarena ring tone are silenced … it’s not feasible on a limited budget. When you’re counting on fans to create their own videos or mailing Flip cameras to bloggers … just pressing record doesn’t cut it. These simple production tips will provide direction when you can’t be there to call the shots … and help you when you’re putting on your producer hat and filming the content yourself.
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Last week I was lucky enough to interview former Ambassador Robert Weisberg* on how social media has affected the Foreign Service. Ambassador Weisberg has a particularly interesting perspective due to his 26 year career in the Foreign Service, and his current position as Ethics Officer for Nokia Siemens Networks.  Over Ambassador Weisberg’s career as a U.S. Diplomat he was stationed at 12 very different posts, ranging from the most technologically connected country in the world, Finland, to one of the least, The Republic of the Congo. He was kind enough to explain his views and experience with me.

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As part of our Focus on Facebook series, we interviewed several Facebook experts and asked them the same four questions. Check back next week for more interviews and Facebook conversations.

The first interview comes from a conversation with Kevin Barenblat of Context Optional, a leading provider of Facebook solutions including branded applications, brandpage design, and social media advertising optimization. Context Optional’s clients include Microsoft, Timberland, Travel Channel, and McDonald’s.

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