NBC Teaches You To Use Your Best Product As A R&D Lab

A couple of weeks ago I went to see NBC Sports Marion Taormin and Lora LeSage speak at a DFW Interactive Marketing Association lunch.  While I was disappointed the two couldn't pull back the curtain to let the room know some of the amazing content/marketing integrations planned for the games in a few weeks (understandably so, since they were in a room filled with oversharers that would love to spill the beans on an upcomming Coca Cola or Samsung campaign), I did come away with one great nugget.  While talking about the ambitious plan to show every Olympic event live using digital properties to fill in the gaps between their broadcast networks, Ms. Taormin mentioned that NBC considers The Olympics their R&D playground.

It's clear this is true.  Just look at all the articles already talking about how the 2012 games will be the most social, digital, etc.  All of this is expected given the consumer demmand growth in these areas.  But I give NBC a lot of credit for not being satisfied with just riding the wave, instead trying and testing the limits of what is possible.  How many companies would take a billion dollar product and use it as a testing ground for new features and benefits in real time?  They seem to understand that some of the things they try during these two weeks will be failures.  Instead of being petrified into doing 'proven' steps, they are excited to be innovative, knowing the successes that rise to the top will become the standard for broadcasing in the future.  By doing this in real time with a global audience, there will be no second guessing what works and what doesn't.  

How many companies would take their signature product, and open it up to so many unproven features while it is in the spotlight?  How could the companies you work for/with learn from this fearlessness?

 

 

Happy America Start-Up Day

I received this gem in my email this morning from one my favorite marketing and technology loudmouth's Hugh Macleod. Very inspiring words. We all love our forefathers because of the way they figured out this nation from nothing. They took the best ideas from their previous 'jobs', crafted amazing manifestos that inspired, made tactical changes as needed, failed fast, and ultimately succeeded.
To this day, the best ideas in our country that benefit the most people have this same DNA. Despite bumps and bruises, we continue to move forward in this great nation together.

Happy Birthday America.

Tweet Thoughts: 2012 Albums Worth A Listen (So Far)

Since we’re at the halfway point for the year, I figured I’d throw out there what albums have inspired multiple listens.  These are in no particular order.  Go past the tweet reviews, and check out the Spotify playlist that has all the albums for easy access/enjoyment.  What did I miss and should check out?

Grimes “Visions” – Swirling with magic in the form of beats and pixie vocals.  I’m amazed how well this album works.  Infinitely creative.

Schoolboy Q “Habits and Contradictions” – Dirty, dark, and strangely beautiful.  It feels very intimate, making it a fascinating late night listen. 

Craig Finn “Clear Heart, Full Eyes” – A small, Texas record from the lead singer of The Hold Steady.  Feels like driving to Austin. 

Jack White “Blunderbuss” – Best album since The White Stripes days.  He makes it seem so easy, that you always expect more.  But the best moments are in his restraint.

Alabama Shakes “Boys and Girls” – Like many, I thought the lead singer was a man the first time I heard it.  Sticks to you like humidity in the best way possible.

Japandroids “Celebration Rock” – Album about being young, drinking, and hanging out with friends?  Yes please!

Delta Spirit “Delta Spirit” – Really great alternative rock/pop record.  They would have opened up for REM back in the day instead of Toad The Wet Sprocket.  And been more entertaining.

Tanlines “Mixed Emotions” – Synth pop done right.  Feels like standing in the hot sun if you stayed up all night to see it. 

The Men “Open Your Heart” – Keeping good rock alive.  More depth than I expected.

The Shins “Port Of Morrow” – Quintessentially Shins, but love the Danger Mouse influence.  Makes for my fav Shins album yet.

Perfume Genius “Put Your Back N 2 It” – Sadness drips off each note soaking the heart with warmth.  Powerful.

Sleigh Bells “Born To Lose” – Not as high energy as the first, but better lyrics.  Fav cover of the year.

Lotus Plaza “Spooky Action at a Distance” – Indie shoe-gazing with crisp, shiny guitars. 

Spiritualized “Sweet Heart Sweet Light” – Velvet Underground influenced gospel epic jams.  Uplifting.

Sinead O’Connor "How About I Be Me (And You Be You)" – Lots of female artists try to be her (Fiona Apple) but she remains the master of raw female angst.  Best work in decades. 

Bobby Womack “The Bravest Man In The Universe” – Not a throwback album.  It is rooted in today’s sound, and Bobby’s voice brings weight to heart’s regrets that only a living legend could.

Hot Chip “In Our Heads” – If only every moment in life could be as joyful as this album.  I’d join their cult of sunny beats in a heartbeat.