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TEDxWindy City 2013 was one of the coolest events I’ve been to. Between the presentations and the performances, the excitement, inspiration and emotion was entirely captivating. I would recommend this event to anyone with an open mind and  and open heart.

I shot all the presentation photos from my seat, so I must apologize for the lack of variety of shots.

Congrats to the entire TED team and presenters for putting together a wonderful experience!

Videos from the event can be found at https://www.facebook.com/TEDxWindyCity

I got in the game a bit late but I’m there now and I gotta say, Chicago Content Strategists MeetUp is a lot of fun. Tonight was my second time out and there’s more to come. Thanks VSA for hosting! We’re heading over to Leo Burnett for the next one and from the description, it sounds awesome! The official description should appear on the MeetUp.com group site in the coming weeks.

Kevin Maney flew in from NYC to deliver a fun presentation on solid examples of branded content and brand journalism. Karen Semone of VSA was also up front to present a case study for a brilliant IBM project that VSA put together. They helped tell the story of and celebrate the hundred years of IBM’s existence.

Here’s the discussion of the night:

Match brands with content that helps both [the content creator and the brand] without harming either

Classic examples of branded content: Mobil Road Maps and Merck Manuals and Merck Index, a catalog of all the substances used in medicine & their effects on the body

Branded content is accelerating because: There is a desire for trusted resources and great talent is available (journalists looking for new opportunities)

Effective branded content is: credible, useful, delightful, authentic and has a purpose

The Process:

1. Set goals ~ Find your purpose

2. Do your research ~ Deeply understand the brand –> Discover the stories

3. Establish your voice

4. Let content drive your design strategy

5. Spend time on your writing — it has to be good

6. Stay organized

7. Invite people to the conversation

One of my favorite parts of the IBM case study involves step 7. They created a social component where they invited anyone and everyone to share their connection with IBM. That may be a bit over simplified…but, what intrigued me is that many programs where user engagement is key, are challenging to, and I despise this term, gain traction. The value received typically has to outweigh the effort put forth. And I suspect that there is such a strong community with many emotional ties that this concept did quite well. I’m curious how many people participated…

The Chicago Content Strategists MeetUp group is open to anyone with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to attend. There are lots of great people there and a lot to learn. Hope to see you out at the next one!

Join the Chicago Content Strategists MeetUp here.

It’s almost that time of the year again. Social Media Week Chicago is coming up at the end of the month. I’m a bit more excited this year than last. I was invited to be part of a panel! I’ll be sharing the stage with Liz Strauss, Tim Toomey, Jaime Black and Katy Lynch.

The topic is Social Media: You’re Doing it Wrong!!!

It’s on Tuesday, September 25 at 6pm. Hosted by Rockit Bar & Grill.

There are still spots left but filling quickly, so sign up and fill them seats!

You can find more information and maps and sign up for other awesome sessions at the Social Media Week Chicago site.

Feel free to send me a tweet or an email (drew [at] drewrose.com) or a comment here if you have any questions. And if you make it out, you can heckle me but not too much.

**Thanks Colleen!

On a more passive note, I’ll be attending a couple sessions too. Really looking forward to these!

But Do You Mean it? – Emotional Intelligence and Social Advertising

Keynote: Erik Qualman, “Socialnomics”

We knew we needed new ideas to solve social problems so we started testing some.

I’ve been thinking about this for a while. There are so many good ideas out there, some of which are active but often in small communities or on a limited scale.

Why haven’t these innovative concepts taken hold in society? How can they be instituted?

Social Innovation 3.0

Neil Kleinman of New York University’s Graduate School of Public Service has some good thoughts on taking action on social innovation.

Hat tip to FastCoExist on the video.

Why would I ever write about how not to network? In basically any profession, building a solid network is a good idea. And I hardly disagree. It’s just the way it’s popularly done that I don’t really care for.

Last night I went to my fourth Ignite Chicago event. (If you haven’t been, I really suggest going, wonderful stuff!) After the last speaker finished, the hosts wrapped up with their thank-yous and welcomed all those who attended to rise up from their seats and go “network” with the great minds in attendance.

I love meeting new people and exploring their interests but when it’s called networking, it feels like there’s a virtual time limit placed on conversations.

Networking feels like speed-dating for professionals.

“Hi, I’m Drew, what’s your name? So Chris, what do you do? Oh yeah? That’s cool. Great to meet you.”

My conversations, I hope, are a bit longer than that usually. But that’s what it feels like.

Maybe I’m just not looking for my next connection on LinkedIn. I’d rather follow you on Twitter and respond to your thoughts and retweet the articles you share. Or perhaps join a tweet chat on the subject we’re both into.

I’m not looking to meet as many people as possible to see how I might be able to take advantage of our superficial connection a year down the road.

Maybe I’m not doing it right, but what happened after my first Ignite event was exactly the type of “networking” I like.

“Hey we’re going to the Haymarket Brewpub in 10 minutes, please join us.” Yes! Thanks, I will actually.

Nice beer aside, the environment is relaxed. I shared the table with a couple friends and a handful of people I hadn’t met before. We ordered food together and spent an hour together rather than giving and receiving elevator pitches. We left together and even rode the bus together still chatting.

I got home feeling like I actually knew some new people. I’d rather spend an hour getting to know two people than spend time the next morning figuring out who the ten business cards in my pocket belong to.

When I first thought of the name of my site, I wanted to convey how I’ve been feeling over the past few years. I went through a few different names and this one always had the most meaning. I get asked sometimes what “the mild goosechase” means so I get that it’s probably a bit abstract.

So here’s to clearing it up:

Definitions

Wild means uncontrolled, or deviating greatly from an intended course.

And mild of course means moderate.

So what’s a mild goosechase?

Rather than wild (absurd or hopeless), mild adds purpose. It’s just that the purpose is yet to be realized. And there’s actually focus too, but it’s on the long-term.

So let’s get one definition out of the way. An information filter is a search engine or anything that refines what you’re looking for.
A mild goosechase intentionally breaks information filters. Every possible option should be in front of you.

Most of the time, a narrow focus is required to study.

Forget that, expand your focus and see the interconnectedness of everything.

Welcome to the 2012 redesign of my blog!

I’ve been ready for a redesign for a while now. It was also overdue to switch over to a responsive theme. Ready for any screen size!

With this update, I’m formalizing my portfolio…cough…finally. It contains photography work right now and will have marketing work too.

I usually include a song at the end of my posts but this one gets a video.

Last week, I worked on a short film for Mofest‘s 48-hour film challenge. We had a great team  and Peter did a killer job on the editing. It’ll be exciting to see it on the big screen.

Film fans get out tomorrow and support the Chicago filmmaking scene tomorrow at the Portage Theater.

4050 North Milwaukee Avenue  Chicago, IL 60641

For more info on the event, check out Mofest’s website or Facebook page.

You can buy your tickets from EventBrite right here. It’s cheaper now, don’t wait! More details below.

Also, I have a gallery on Flickr of behind the scenes photos I shot last weekend. Click the photo above.

Go team #worstteamnameever!

• Not one, but TWO NIGHTS OF FILM – short movies filled with action, drama, comedy, and suspense, thought-provoking docs, mind-blowing experimental, and music videos from a variety of genres – ALL created by emerging talent within our city…

• Not one, but TWO GALLERIES featuring outstanding creative collections featuring media, music, art, sketch, sculpture and photography, created by members of our very own community…

• Not one, but TWO PARTY SPACES inside the historic front lobbies and down by the main stage which will keep the crowds to a dull roar.

• FREE BOOZE included Saturday at the HUGE BAR – CUSTOM BUILT for Mofest. Abundant free flowing taps of cold HALF ACRE craft beer, an impressive duo of red and white WINE SELECTIONS and non-alcoholic beverage choices, ALL FREE. ALL NIGHT LONG…

• FREE FOOD served throughout the night with delicious hot and cold entrees, appetizers, fruit, cheeses, vegetarian fare and desserts – ALL FREE courtesy of the team at TRAVELING FARE CATERING…

• PLUSH THEATER SEATING accommodations for all! Cozy up with HUNDREDS of industry people (or corner off a private section of your own) throughout the screenings…

• SURPRISE RAFFLES AND TEE SHIRTS! And for those of you who’ve experienced MoFest before, then you know we’re talking some sweet schwag!

For more details, go here.

This post is for my wonderful customer service rep at Verizon, Zack (or Zach).

Customer service is an opportunity to make or break the reputation of a brand in the customer’s mind. And when shared with others, has the opportunity to spread that sentiment. I find that many have a difficult time dealing with resolving issues so I wanted to share my experiences and philosophy.

Verizon

I was fortunate enough to visit Prague last month for a brief vacation. I knew I could last a few days without making any phone calls, but I needed, yes needed, to get an international data plan for my four day exploration in Central Europe. Fast forward a bit, I received my monthly e-mail present from Verizon last night, letting me know that my bill was ready. I was prepared for a bigger bill but not what the screen said when I opened my e-mail. $250!

The Problem

When I turned my phone on after I landed in Prague, I started getting text notifications from Verizon that I was being charged for data uses. I was slightly concerned that my international data plan hadn’t activated but I laughed it off knowing I would reverse it later. By the time I arrived at the InterContinental hotel, I had accrued more than $50 in data charges. I called Verizon from my room shortly after to double check that I wasn’t actually getting charged. I was in the clear, as those messages “get sent regardless.”

The sketchy thing about these international data plans is that there is no easy way to “officially” monitor data usage; I couldn’t exceed 50mb. I reset the iPhone’s own data usage count so I could keep track unofficially.

A bit of advice for international travel with smartphones: Turn off push notifications, don’t check facebook, turn off location tracking when you don’t absolutely need it and keep the instagram posts to a minimum.

Apparently, I ended up going over by about 7mb, which at $5.12/mb, is not cheap. But more on that later.

Fast forward to tonight.

The Call

I fired up my computer when I got home tonight, logged into My Verizon, brought up my bill and dialed *611 with three objectives written down in front of me.

1) Cancel global data — done.

Steps 2 and 3 were fun.

Looking at my data charges, I had used 57mb out of 50mb. Since I had no way of officially tracking my data usage, I ended up going over (even though I didn’t even reach 50mb, or so said my iPhone). I said to myself, fine, I went over, I’ll pay the roughly $35 (7mb*$5.12/mb).

Here’s the scandalous part of Verizon’s billing that I was not informed of when I had the international data plan added to my account: I purchased 50mb for $30/mo. I was charged $21.29 for data used from 03/14 – 04/04. I was only charged only for 22 days. Sweet, right? Nope. Since I activated the data plan mid-cycle, I only had 33mb for the plan, not 50mb. Now I understand wanting to line up the new account service with the billing cycle, but penalizing me for using the data plan that I thought I had purchased is ridiculous.

TL;DR – I thought I purchased 50mb data plan for $30/mo. What I actually purchased was 33mb for 22 days at $21.29.

What I actually paid for was not an option on the website. This was in no way ever explained to me when I signed up for the data plan.

After explaining and doing some basic math with Zack (or Zach), I ended up getting everything straightened out. Although, with the refunds, my bill is now going to be screwed up for two months.

Now onto the customer service.

My philosophy with customer service workers and really any service worker, is always be courteous and pleasant. Always. Even in the most difficult moments, staying pleasant will help get what you want and make the person’s life on the other end a bit easier. Whether you’re at Subway or on the phone with horrendous CS at Comcast and everything in between, we have to keep in mind that they’re still people and they’re most likely not at their dream job. Always treat them with respect.

Zack (or Zach), if you read this, thanks again for the help tonight!

Comcast

It’s no secret that Comcast has notoriously abysmal customer service. Not always, just most of the time. My last thrilling adventure with one of their reps left my mind boggled and irritated. And if you know me, it takes a lot for me to get worked up.

(I’ll make this one quick)

The Problem

Apparently our Internet service was filed under the wrong apartment number. We had a neighbor move in and activate their service, prompting a change in our account. Once that happened, we lost connection to all but one computer. I remember this happening before but I couldn’t remember what the fix was. I’ve set up dozens of home networks, so I thought with a little toying, I’d be able to figure it out. Not so. I called my friend Tom, my last resort before calling.

I explained my issue and he recalled having the same issue before. From what I understand, there is apparently a switch on Comcast’s end that sets whether or not the customer is using a router (or using one or more devices). By default, it’s set to only connect one device.

The Call

I called and got a rep.

I started explaining the issue and we started troubleshooting. I had done everything he was about to suggest at least twice but I played along to be polite. He asked what kind of router I was using. “A Linksys G router,” I said. He followed by saying how old my router is and that I should get an ‘N’ router. He started asking what computers I’m trying to connect with. I said “two Macs.” He starts telling me about each of his kids’ iPads and his three Macs at home.

After nothing worked, I suggested that “I think I recalled having this issue before and it might have been some switch or something that has to do with having multiple devices.”

At this point I was going back and forth, refreshing my browser from multiple computers and when I got back to my desktop and refreshed, it worked. “It works now, thanks!”

“I didn’t do anything,” he said.

“You must of done something…”

“Nope.”

I said thank you and hung up.

Rant

Are you joking? Congratulations for owning a crap-load of Apple products and having an N router. Not to be a dick, but I called because I had a problem, not to hear about your family’s electronics and how old my router is. He was completely unprofessional and disrespectful. The most unbelievable part, is that he denied having fixed the problem, making me feel like I should feel like an idiot. Sadly I didn’t feel like an idiot. I just thought he was an asshole.

When Mr. Merrill gets his non-profit Telecom, Calyx Institute, off the ground, I hope he opens up shop in Chicago. I’d be proud to be his first customer.

Results:

Verizon: 1

Comcast: -50

Remember, always be pleasant and courteous with any service workers, you’ll both be in a better place.

Big tip of the hat to Duval Guillaume Modem, the agency responsible for the incredible PR stunt published today. If you’re not one of the 3 million+ viewers of today’s, A Dramatic Surprise On A Quiet Square, you really should check it out. I have to admit, ...

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