Why “The Spark Report,” you may wonder? With social media and Internet marketing changing the advertising landscape every day, we’re constantly challenging ourselves, learning, adapting, and more importantly: innovating. We even have internal monthly new technology meetings where everyone comes together to share leading edge ideas. We’ve used all that knowledge to create and refine our own custom program that takes social media to a whole new trackable level. We call it Sparking because, well, we invented it and there wasn’t a word for it.

We’ve been running and refining Sparking since before most people even knew what a Tweet was. And our program has become kind of a big deal. Sparking really generates results — and we generate the proof. At the end of every month we provide detailed, quantifiable reports that would make any CFO sit back and smile. Want to learn more?

So while Charles is still our main man, with this many web marketing and advertising specialists on our team offering their knowledge and unique perspectives, we’ve expanded our format from a blog into something more like an online magazine. Hence, we’re changing the title to The Spark Report, a name more in line with what we’re about — sparking relationships through the use of traditional and social media and new technology.

Now we bid adieu to Charles Chat (although all of our past blogs have been imported into The Spark Report), and we continue the adventure at TheSparkReport.com. See you there!

(I’ll give you a moment to mumble some expletives under your breath. Are you all okay now? Good. Lets continue.)

Of course, anyone who really knows if Verizon — or Sprint — will be getting the iPhone is sworn to secrecy. That hasn’t stopped rumors that Verizon is planning to release an iPhone version in September — or later. But for now I’m only concerned with what will happen in two weeks at Apple’s WWDC. I’ve put together my favorite 10 reasons why a Verizon iPhone isn’t likely.

10. Verizon forces companies to meet their needs, not the other way around
When the iPhone was being shopped around by Apple, they wanted to maintain a high degree of control over features, pricing and plans. AT&T was willing to work with Apple, but Verizon wasn’t.

9. The new global LTE 4G standard in 2011-2012
Verizon and AT&T are both moving to the new, upgradeable global standard wireless phone platform called LTE, or Long Term Evolution. If Apple waited to move networks it might be more cost-effective to wait until they can offer one single phone in Chicago, Tokyo, Moscow, Paris and Santiago.

8. Verizon has plenty of smartphone options
Verizon already has a wide range of smartphone options and adding an iPhone into the mix may upset their other manufacturers.

7. Apple just released the iPad on AT&T’s network
Apple’s 3G iPad is being offered on AT&T’s network at a pretty sweet monthly price starting at $14.99. An argument could be made that if Apple was planning to move to a different network they would not have released the iPad with AT&T.

6. “There’s a map for that” Campaign
Verizon isn’t winning any fans at Apple with this campaign that takes a pretty significant jab at them. Granted, it’s just an ad campaign and they could easily switch gears. Take this one with a grain of salt.

5. Verizon is in bed with Google
Verizon and Google have been spotted in a tree… and while Google and Apple aren’t exactly jilted lovers they’re sure not going to be exchanging love notes in a Wave anytime soon.

4. Apple signed an exclusive 5 year contract with AT&T
Much has been made of this contract, but honestly, there’s lots of ways out of things like this. Apple can certainly say that AT&T hasn’t upgraded their network sufficiently to keep up with the massive data traffic their phone requires.

3. Verizon runs on CMDA, AT&T runs on GSM
Now we get into some serious issues. Verizon’s network runs on CMDA, a wireless standard which is incompatible with AT&T’s GSM network. While Research in Motion (RIMM) sells BlackBerrys on all major U.S. networks, it may not make sense for Apple. Besides, go back and re-read #9.

2. Verizon’s CMDA network won’t allow surfing and calling at the same time
Apple has made a huge deal about this — and it would be dearly missed on the Verizon network. I surf and chat all the time, I’m not sure I’d be willing to do without that.

1. Verizon’s logo is hideous (See Exhibit A)
Verizon likes to put their logo on every device they offer. And I just can’t see Steve Jobs allowing them to put that fugly logo on his pretty phone. That’s a dealbreaker, ladies.

Healthcare professionals need to stay up-to-date on healthcare literature, which can be an overwhelming task. Services like Medline offer the most current information, but can be extremely time consuming to search and comb through for information targeted to a professional’s needs. So Doody offers MedInfoNOW to make finding the information as quick and convenient as possible—the information is delivered in a weekly eblast that covers categories the professional specifies as areas of interest.

Professionals also can access Doody’s comprehensive database of health sciences book and software titles, new journal article abstracts, and Doody’s book reviews. Doody is known for their authoritative, unbiased, and timely reviews from over 5,000 clinical experts in 125 specialty areas.

We will be working with Doody to help them connect to their online healthcare audience. We will be using a blog and other social marketing tools to let medical professionals know that Doody is the best and most trusted professional community they can join. Doody resources are the most convenient way to keep up to date and on top of your practice. We’ll help spread the word that Doody experts provide the best and most current information. And we’ll share that Doody is not backed by pharmaceutical companies, so Doody can be trusted to provide ethical and unbiased information. We are thrilled to work with such an established company to tout their amazing expertise and services. Look for our Doody blog in the near future.

As Web Marketer, you’ll put your social media and online strategy skills to the test. What? Facebook and Twitter for a job? Well, yes, among many many other things. In this position, you’ll become the web marketing arm of our client’s teams. You’ll work with their social media, blogs, and other programs to maximize their online and offline exposure. So what will you do? Short answer: You’ll do it all. Long answer: You’ll plan. You’ll research. You’ll implement. You’ll maintain. You’ll analyze. You’ll work with our fun (read: creative, yet slightly crazy) team of web marketing experts to make it happen for your clients.

Responsibilities (The even longer answer to your question: Seriously, so what will I do?):

• Account coordination for multiple clients
• Analyze client goals and research solutions
• Contribute to and execute new ideas for the social media program
• Analyze and adjust online strategies
• Write and develop social media content (Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, Social bookmarking, etc.)
• Increase awareness of client brands by creating grass roots buzz/conversations
• Monitor media (blogs and web 2.0 media) daily to ensure posts are accurate and develop responses when needed
• Research online (Google trends, Google alerts, Google blog search, etc.) to monitor client reputation, spot trends, and develop strategy
• Fill in for other social media roles and support as needed

Requirements:

• College degree in communications, marketing or advertising
• Excellent writing and proofreading skills
• Terrific atention to detail
• Must have noticed that “attention” was spelled wrong in above bullet
• Solid content research skills
• Be organized
• Be able to manage time
• Be able to work in fast-paced work environment
• Be awesome

Things you have to know about:

• Blog/buzz/viral marketing
• SEO/SEM/PPC marketing
• Social media marketing
• HTML
• Branding
• Analytical and reporting tools
• Effective messaging development for web marketing including landing pages, PPC copy, etc.
• Public relations for the web

Application Requirements:

• Must not utilize “utilize” in your resume (Never use a large word when a diminutive one will do).
• Cover letter addressing how your background and philosophy align with the qualifications and responsibilities associated with this position
• Resume detailing education and professional experience
• Salary requirements

Send your information to Sarah Bashaw, Interactive Marketing Manager.

Those looking to slack, be bored, watch the clock, or get someone their coffee (or have coffee gotten for them) need not apply.

We look forward to meeting you, future colleague!

Located in Evergreen Park, IL, little Company of Mary has served the Southwest area of Chicago for 80 years. The Little Company of Mary Hospital Foundation is currently working on an exciting project to modernize and transform the hospital campus, increasing parking facilities and building a West Pavilion tower which will provide new locations for many services. The plans for the new West Pavilion include a Women’s Center for Life and Health, a Family Birth Center, Outpatient Behavioral Health service, a new kitchen and dining areas, and Inpatient dialysis. In addition, they plan to renovate the existing North Pavilion and replace the existing Tower Building with grass and trees.

We will be working with both the Hospital and the Foundation to build relationships with the people of Southwest Chicagoland, helping them to be aware of the Campus Transformation Project, as well as the existing hospital services, healthcare news, classes and events, and more. We currently are working with the Foundation on a blog, supportlcmh.org, that will primarily focus on the Campus Transformation project. Soon, we will launch a blog for the Hospital for information of interest about the entire hospital and healthcare news.

We also have started a few other ways to keep up to date and in touch with the hospital. Follow Little Company of Mary on Twitter for health and hospital news, event information, and notification of blog posts. You can also “Like” the hospital on Facebook, and stay informed about the Campus Transformation Project on the devoted Foundation page. We also will be updating a hospital Flickr account with photos of the hospital, the transformation project, and events. And we’ll be maintaining and updating a YouTube Channel with health news as well as hospital videos.

We are very excited to be working with Little Company of Mary. If you’d like to keep updated on our work with them, follow any of the above and sign up for the Foundation elist for a monthly update.

And as always, if you’d like information about how we can help your business out as a part of your team, contact us.

Reports to: Director, Strategic Planning
Manage design and production of analyses to inform strategic planning efforts throughout the organization. Typical analyses include market / competitor assessments, clinical programming, volume and financial projection, and business development planning. Oversee preparation of standard reports, Board-level presentations, and additional ad-hoc analyses with particular focus on service line planning and development.
Requirements: Three to six years of relevant work experience and ability to demonstrate leadership abilities. Proficiency with database, presentation, and spreadsheet applications is required. Well-developed oral and written communication skills are a must. Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MPH, MHA).

For more information and to apply, contact:
Anthony Bileddo
Partner
Management Recruiters of Elgin
472 N. McLean Blvd., 2nd Floor
Elgin, IL 60123-3274
Phone: 847.697.2210 x27
Fax: 274.697.0622
Anthony_billedo@mrelgin.com
www.mrelgin.com

Do you LOVE the Blackhawks and want to be an extra in a Vince Vaughn movie?

Open Casting Call

Casting Local Chicago Talent as Extras For Upcoming Comedy

Directed by Ron Howard and starring Vince Vaughn and Kevin James

Chicago based extras casting director Jon Kinnas is holding an open casting call to meet and greet those interested in working on the new Universal Pictures comedy from director Ron Howard that stars Vince Vaughn and Kevin James.

We want REAL Blackhawks fans for a scene we are doing at the United Center. This could be a fans dream come true, the United Center all to yourself, well you and around 750 other people anyway. We would like the real fans to come to our casting call.

Wear your Chicago Blackhawks gear (official NHL licensed jerseys, T-shirts, hats, sweaters, foam fingers, etc.) to the casting call and we will take your picture in your fan attire.

There is NO COST to you to be an EXTRA. WE PAY YOU. There is NO COST to come to the open call. Just show up in your ‘hawks gear and have a pen with you. We will take all of your information and get you booked to work on the scene. Shooting of the scenes are currently scheduled for the end of July.

The casting call on Saturday is mainly for the Blackhawks game scene. Everyone that shows up in some Blackhawks gear will be photographed and the WILL definitely be booked for the United Center scene. We did it in similar fashion for “The Break Up” and the Cubs game scene.

Anyone that attends the open call (Blackhawks fan or not) will have a chance to work on the movie, we will be using alot of extras. People who get to work the Blackhawks game may even be able to work on additional scenes in the movie.

WHEN:    Saturday, May 22 from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

WHERE:    THE CHICAGO ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS
1010 West Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60642

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE OPEN CALL AND UPDATES, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.atmospherecastingchicago.com/cheaters.html

Everyone’s interested in the good ol’ acronym that is one of those web buzz words, SEO. If we were playing the word association game, in a lightening round, you say “SEO” and I say “Search Engine Optimization.” Others might reply, “Better Google rankings,” “That thing I should do to my site that I know nothing about,” and still others, “Sarah Eats Oranges.” Ignore those last people.

So you may not be an SEO expert (I certainly am not), as knowing SEO requires a lot of studying and tech geek know how. Thankfully, though, we have people at Demi & Cooper who fancy themselves experts, knowledgeable on how to best work your website and blog to get the best possible rankings in search engines. Also thankfully, tools exist that can help you out with the process.

One thing that counts in search engine rankings is the URL. You want important words that people may search as part of the URL. You also want less important words removed. This way your URL is short, and each keyword included in the URL makes up a higher “percentage” of the URL, giving the words more weight in a search.

Enter the Wordpress plug in SEO Slugs. At our most recent technology meeting, Luke introduced us to this handy tool that automatically improves your blog post’s URL by removing unimportant words so only the best keywords remain.

Without SEO Slugs, in Wordpress blogs, the title of your posts is automatically translated to the URL for the post. So, for example, this blog is built with Wordpress. I titled the post “Improve Search Engine Rankings by Using a Simple Tool” The URL Wordpress automatically assigns to this post is:

http://demicooper.com/blog/2010/04/15/improve-search-engine-rankings-by-using-a-simple-tool

When I hit save or publish, the plug in retitles the post:

http://demicooper.com/blog/2010/04/15/improve-search-engine-rankings-simple-tool

SEO Slugs removed the smaller, unimportant words “by,” “using,” and “a,” which will make the other words more powerful if someone searched any combination of the other words. The URL is changed either when you save or publish the post.

If you don’t trust this autosave to give you the best URL every time, or if you have particular keywords in mind that you’d like to use, you can still edit the URL if you choose to after. This tool just saves you the step of having to edit it to remove unimportant words on every post. You can download SEO Slugs here.

I’ve also always felt Public Service Announcements (PSAs) are the low-hanging fruit in the world of advertising. Their accessible purposes are easy to understand by nearly everyone. How can you not agree that a mind is a terrible thing to waste, or that you really should give a hoot, don’t pollute and support the American Red Cross Haiti Relief effort. Agencies develop a mascot, line up some celebrities and write some wicked copy. But often these campaigns still fall short of greatness.

So I’m giving kudos to the United Kingdom’s Sussex Safer Roads Partnership and their new Embrace Life campaign which encourages seatbelt use. In America, we currently have our own simpleminded and threatening Click it or Ticket campaign and maybe a clever billboard, but honestly none have ever been persuasive.

Well done, Sussex Safer Roads Partnership. Persuasive, simple, emotional and it tells a story.

In some ways, I can see why the FTC thought this new game was necessary. In recent years, advertising has taken a step further to blur the line between ad space and editorial. Where the issue used to be magazine ads blurring with magazine copy, with the clear, “THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT” now across ads, major guerilla marketing campaigns and product placements have taken advertising to a whole new level. Consider the “Biggest Loser,” which seems to have taken a queue from the movie “The Truman Show,” promoting product and passing it off as just another part of the show. If you watch, you know what I’m talking about. It’s the moment when Bob or Jillian take a contestant aside, show them this great product that will make their healthy lifestyle even healthier, i.e. “see these great ziplock bags, for storing and keeping your healthy meals fresh?” or “Check out this Walgreens, a convenient place where you can get healthy things you need anywhere in the U.S.” The contestant inevitably responds with, “Oh really? Yeah, yeah, I like it.” For me, it’s always the moment I gag and fast forward my DVR. I would venture to guess most adults are in the same boat as me. But if 8-12 year olds were watching the show, perhaps they may not know that Walgreens paid a boatload for the contestants to go get their vitamins there? So, good for the FTC. Kids need a game like this.

All of this is part of the reason I love social media as an advertising medium. It for the most part isn’t as “salesy” as traditional advertising can be. One of the fears the FTC had was that kids were being sold the sizzle and not the steak. In a Today Show clip, a rep from the FTC dissected an Apple Jacks commercial by saying it didn’t discuss the nutritional benefits of Apple Jacks and instead sold the idea that the Apple Jacks would make you happy. (My first thought—do Apple Jacks have nutritional benefits? My second—good thing you, FTC guy, are not an Advertising creative because your ads would be boring and your clients would tell you to take a flying leap.) Anyhow, back to social media.

Social media doesn’t require any selling at all. The best and most successful social media is about building relationships with the consumers so they will do the selling for you. Consider a Nielson/Facebook report we covered a few weeks ago. Social media product mentions are most successful when your fans are doing the selling. The report showed that people were 20% more likely to remember an unpaid mention in a Facebook newsfeed that someone was a fan of a product than a paid ad without any social mention.

So the most powerful “advertising” in social media isn’t paid ad space at all. It’s the peer to peer product mentions that happen on social network sites. Forrester recently found a way to measure how powerful social networks are for products. From their report, in 2009, consumers created 256 billion influence impressions on one another on social networks, and when blogs and review sites are in the picture, the number rises to a staggering 1.64 billion. Another interesting finding was that 84% of the people in social media fall into a “social influencer” category—friends, family and peers, not technically savvy, and most likely to pass along information if it’s easy for them to. If you can build relationships with your consumers and put the information in their hands in the process, they could become social influencers for your good. And those impressions can’t be argued with by the FTC.

So the best thing you can do on your social media sites is meet the people who like your product, and do what you can to cultivate those relationships. Help them out with more knowledge about your subject area. Offer them free samples. Keep them updated on the latest news. And most importantly, don’t simply talk at them. Ask them for their input, opinions, and experiences with your product. Your customers will feel taken care of, and they will appreciate the give and take. They will become loyal, and hopefully they will pass their good experiences with you along to their friends. No cheesy Bob and Jillian celebrity testimonials required. And as long as you are honest and authentic in how you talk about your product, no problems with the FTC.