eROI NYC Interactive Agency

I have been struggling lately about my posts and what you guys actually care about and I have been reviewing my analytics to make sure I am giving you info you actually want. Enter me thinking about what I know and what is worth sharing. So I decided to reflect on the last 16 months and examine what I have learned from this crazy town. So here it is…straight from the dome.

1. NYC is a numbers game
2. Trust your instincts
3. Never call yourself an expert
4. Tell your story
5. Truth Truth Truth

1. NYC is a numbers game: Over the last year, I have realized that the romance of the New York dream is only realized with effort. Whether you are selling gogs or trying to be a super model, being seen in NYC is key. You don’t need to be the smartest guy in the room.  All you need to do is show up and engage.  The more events, shows, and meetings you can set up the better. There are so many opportunities in this town that only through trial and error can you realize where you fit.

2. Trust your instincts: I had a sense when I first moved out that NYC was this dream place where all the best hung out and no one ever screwed up. It was like the epicenter for the over-achiever. Because of that, I used to second guess my instincts but I have learned to overcome this. NYC is no different than any other place. you can’t be afraid of failure or afraid to be wrong.  There will always be some one better than you….but there will aslo always be some one worse.

3. Never call yourself an expert: Dylan Boyd told me this and its true. No one in cares to hear you call yourself an expert. Some one else needs to call you an expert. Its like being a ninja…does a ninja need to say he or she is a ninja?

4. Tell your story: This is an offshoot of #1. Going to the event or show is not enough. You gotta learn how to tell your story. As lame or boring as it maybe, everyone is unique. So find what makes you different and run with it.

5. Truth/Truth/Truth: This is an offshoot of #4. Tell your story but don’t lie. If you don’t lie you won’t have to remember anything. Try telling different stories or making totally outrageous promises…it eats you alive, esepcially out here. Don’t be the big man on campus, just tell the truth and it will set you free. This includes knowing when to say no.

In honor of my New York education…take a listen to a joint that helped me fall in love with this city in the first place. eROI NYC be slicker this year fo sho.

I had the pleasure of attending the Creative Unconference yesterday and must say it was a WIN for sure. Most conference formats are a one way conversation with a chance for feedback or discussion coming only during the QA session. As expected by the name the Unconference was a break from the norm. It allowed a round table style discussion with every participant involved. It broke down the walls that some conferences put up. Everyone had the opportunity to contribute and participate.
The best part was probably being able to speak to so many like minded people and meet the people behind really cool work. I know I set the foundations for some cool partnerships as well. Great job organizers. I think they sum it up best:

You don’t need recycled presentations and agendas set months in advance. You need thought-provoking discussions with the brightest minds in creative media about the issues that matter to you most.

With two distinct tracks—Digital Advertising and The Independent Agency Forum—and near limitless potential for participant-generated sessions, the One Show Creative unConference offers a free-form, highly-interactive alternative to the usual conference.

You tell us what you want to say. You tell us what you want to hear. You set the agenda.

A lot of times I get in discussions with peeps that don’t understand the power of twitter and how it can help their business. I wanted to provide a real world example of how it can. There are many ways it can make an impact, but this particular example is from the customer service perspective. Chain provided by @vitaloca NYC’s hardest working intern.

~Tweet: thanks Sprint for making me spend my last 50 cuz I “shouldn’t use my phone in the rain”…this is ny…i use my phone 24/7 rain or shine!

 ~Sprint response within 20 minutes: JGoldsborough@vitaloca Work 4 Sprint. Saw tweet on phone not working. Can I help? E-mail details, #. justin dot goldsborough at sprint dot com

 ~I emailed:  I am mad because I have been a customer for over 8 years and a lot of my Sprint phones get water damage because of the rain – so either make better phones that can withstand the most common whether conditions, or just give me a new phone.  I live in New York and when I am walking home late at night in Brooklyn, I am not going to keep my phone in my pocket just because it is raining.

 ~JGodsborough emailed back: Please call Sprint by dialing *2 from your phone and explain the situation.  I am making a note on your account that they will be able to see.  From looking at your account, you are a valued customer and we should be able to help you out by either discounting your next bill or offering you an upgrade.

The best part is that I just got a $150 upgrade on my phone in October.  I’m not eligible for one until 2010, but you better believe I got a $150 upgrade note on my account.  So I’m eligible for one whenever I want.

And in the spirit of customer service…let’s listen to Cassy deal w Arnold. This is great, fav part is when he tells here what kind of computer he has: