Archive for SMEI Baltimore
Save a Seat at the Brand Development Table for One More Attendee
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BALTIMORE, Md. — Brainstorming ideas for a new company name requires a room full of creative people, but you should consider saving a seat for one more participant – the trademark attorney.
Speaking at the June Knowledge Session sponsored by the Baltimore/Washington chapter of Sales & Marketing Executives International (SMEI), Craig K. Morris, managing attorney for trademark outreach at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, suggested that insights from an attorney could save a lot of time and expense in the long run.
“We need to remember that yes, this is a creative process, but it is also a legal process,” said Morris, who recently embarked on an awareness campaign on behalf of the USPTO to help companies understand the process and where to turn for help and information.
“You need to make sure that not only is your mark legally protectable, but that it’s also register-able and not infringing on someone else’s mark,” he said.
Begin with a search – is the mark (a word, phrase, symbol or design) already registered? Is the mark similar? Is there a likelihood of confusion? Are the goods and services related?
The USPTO website, www.uspto.gov, has instructional videos, fact sheets, FAQs and more, including the search system TESS (Trademark Electronic Search System) to view what has been registered in a company or client’s category.
Morris joined brand strategy and design expert Wendy Baird, principal and president, Insight180, Ellicott City, Md., who kicked off the session with a review of the name development and creative process undertaken by others at the table.
About SMEI
Founded in 1935, Sales & Marketing Executives International (SMEI) is the worldwide organization dedicated to ethical standards, continuing professional development, knowledge sharing, mentoring students and advancing free enterprise. For more information about the Baltimore/Washington chapter, visit www.smeibaltimore.org
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Insights on ‘Delivering Dollars Through Data’
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HUNT VALLEY, Md. — Taking a close look at a company’s data and using it in creative ways will likely elevate opportunities to tap into new sources for sales, according to Tom Loveland, founder and CEO of information systems firm Mind Over Machines.
Speaking at the May 8 Knowledge Session hosted by the Baltimore/Washington chapter of Sales & Marketing Executives International, Loveland provided case study examples of how companies strategically “mined” data in search of information that illuminated a path toward their business goals and leading to profits that otherwise might have been overlooked. Data mining can range from intense analytics and repackaging or mashing data, to simply sifting through company email exchanges to identify contacts with prospective customers. A sampling of take-aways from Loveland’s presentation included:
- A key to success in business intelligence and data mining is a cooperative relationship between the marketing and IT departments. Each needs a common understanding on business drivers and, in most cases, these relationships depend on executive management leading the way by recognizing the opportunities and fostering communication, innovation and creativity when it comes to using data.
- Both IT and marketing must know the business, and each must reach beyond the bounds of their typical functions. IT should step into the role of solving business problems with people and for people, while marketing should know how to use the data to benefit sales, create richer stories that lead to sales conversations, and also use the data to help focus and drive the creative process.
- Companies must set themselves up for success by positioning themselves to be in the business of collecting data and train their teams to look at their data in different ways. If you are ever faced with a situation that makes you think “there must be a better way,” then treat that as a flag that there may be an opportunity to turn your data into an actionable opportunity, Loveland said.
About SMEI
Founded in 1935, Sales & Marketing Executives International (SMEI) is the worldwide organization dedicated to ethical standards, continuing professional development, knowledge sharing, mentoring students and advancing free enterprise. For more information about the Baltimore/Washington chapter, visit www.smeibaltimore.org
My Favorite Twitter Tools
Posted by: | CommentsThere are hundreds of Twitter tools out there, but for the “must-haves,” check out this list I shared today with a group from the Baltimore-Washington chapter of Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI):
Hootsuite – An at-a-glance dashboard that allows me to monitor multiple accounts as well as pre-load tweets. An alternative is Tweetdeck.
Favorites and Lists – A sometimes overlooked tool, they are on everyone’s Twitter pages. If used, favorites offer a summary of what the account holder considers valuable tweets, and lists can be a good source for finding interesting accounts to follow.
search.twitter.com - A way to target your search by keywords, location and more. Try the search terms “looking for” or “can anyone recommend” along with the type of company you represent.
Sawmill Guide to Baltimore Media on Twitter – Our comprehensive list allows you to connect with the region’s media. Click on the link on our homepage.
Tweepz - A way to search keywords on bios. You can also limit results by location, number of followers and more. Looking for “foodies” in Baltimore for your restaurant account? This is a good place to start.
We Follow – A way to find people to follow. Search tags by location or focus (music, social media, PR, etc.).
Twilert - Delivers a daily email summary of tweets that have whatever account or keywords you are tracking.
There are so many more (check out www.oneforty.com), but if you start by adding these basics to your toolkit, your Twitter experience will be much more efficient and worthwhile. What are your can’t-live-without Twitter tools?
BALTIMORE, Md. (June 7, 2011 ) — Jeffrey A. Davis, a partner with Baltimore PR firm Sawmill Marketing Public Relations, will be a featured speaker during the June 14 Knowledge Session sponsored by the Baltimore-Washington chapter of Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI).
One of three expert panelists, Davis will share a range of tips and best practices showing how brands can best use Twitter to communicate and engage in conversations with customers, potential customers and the media. Co-presenter Jonathan Oleisky, of Media 924 LLC, will share Facebook tips, while Colleen McKenna, of Intero Advisory, will cover LinkedIn.
The SMEI event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 14 with a networking session beginning at 7:30 a.m., followed by the panel presentation beginning at 8 a.m. and concluding at 9:30 a.m. The event takes place at PSA Insurance and Financial Services, 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 500, Hunt Valley, MD 21031.
Additional details and registration information is available at the SMEI website.
About Sawmill Marketing Public Relations
Sawmill Marketing Public Relations is a Baltimore PR firm and social media marketing communications agency established in 1995 specializing in the development and execution of marketing public relations programs as business development strategies for business-to-business, business-to-consumer and professional services clients. The Maryland public relations company specializes in social media, traditional media relations, media training, and crisis communications. For additional information, visit www.sawmillmarketing.com
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