Stay Positive

imagesThe last few months have been invigorating in New Orleans. There have a ton of exciting things going on in New Orleans, and the momentum in the entrepreneurial ecosystem is swelling to a head.

One thing that I’ve noticed myself slipping into, that I’m calling myself out on is the human tendency to lift yourself up by pulling others down. Something we’ve all known about and experienced since grade school. It’s a human tendency to compete, but I think its so important to understand that we are competing globally and nationally. The work we are all doing is to expand the pie, not slice it up in ever smaller pieces amongst ourselves.

With that in mind, I pledge to:

  • Support my tribe, New Orleans entrepreneurs (and not just those in Launch Pad).
  • When I have something nice to say, I’ll sing it to the world. When I don’t, I’ll keep my mouth shut.
  • Focus on family, work & friends. Balance.
  • Help people achieve, succeed, and go further than I have.
  • Not succumb to the petty or get sucked into squabbles.
  • Give what I can when I can, and be honest when I can’t.

I’ve been so inspired by working around the Launch Pad family. It is such a great vibe here, and we’re just getting started. I know that a big part of that is the support that we all provide for eachother and the successes we do and will celebrate together.

Negativity is such an energy suck and so unproductive. Positive energy is all I have time for right now. So, I’m brushing it off and ready to rock n’ roll.

Help Us Show Ford Around New Orleans

Ford has asked me and Greta Perry to host a “blogger dinner” for a Ford executive Sunday night in New Orleans. This is part of their social media strategy. I am looking for 2 bloggers to join us.

The deal is:

  • we get to check out the new Ford Taurus
  • they treat us to dinner Sunday and we’ll share things going on in NOLA w/ a Ford exec
  • if we want, we can meet them on Mon and give a tour of things we feel they should see in NOLA
  • we are under no obligations to blog (but obviously thats a bit of the idea)
  • we may or may not get exposure on a Ford social media campaign

Here’s how to play:

  1. comment on this blog post w/ your name, blog URL & the 1 or 2 spots that you think are important for them to see in NOLA (with potential for exposure).
  2. tweet me @cschultz and tell me you’re interested

Should be fun, and I’ve agreed to co-ordinate a group and participate. Full Disclosure: I get $250 for my time. (I’m pretty sure you just get a free dinner) :)

On a personal note, I’m going to try to use this to get an LPTV interview with Noah, the Ford exec. I also want to showcase some of the things I am passionate about in NOLA. Thinking Carver HS (future site of 9th Ward Field of Dreams).

In case you’re wondering how I got into this, last week I got an email (posted below) from Ovilgy PR reaching out on behalf of Ford inviting me to host a blogger dinner and check out the new Ford Taurus. I must note, that shilling in social media can be delicate, and I thought the email was genuine and that they “got it”. Do check out the Outreach Code of Ethics, its one of the things that really convinced me.

Hi Chris,

I’m writing to you on behalf of Ford to ask you to be the official co-host from New Orleans for Ford Executive, Noah Mass, Manager of Systems Architecture on Sunday, July 12 and Monday, July 13.

This summer, Ford Executives are hitting the road to introduce everyone around the country to the new 2010 Taurus and its story. On Sunday, Noah would like to take you and some other New Orleans bloggers out to dinner to hear from you what makes New Orleans special. Then on Monday, Noah will host an event at the dealership that’s open to the public and you and any of your readers would be more than welcome to attend. Schedule permitting, Noah will take the Taurus out to the places you and other bloggers have recommended.

We’re interested in you because you know the area and can help us find the right place to have dinner, invite other bloggers, and spend time with Noah; we’re eager to work with you to share the very best of New Orleans with the Ford community.

If you’re interested in being a co-host, we would promote you and your blog across Ford’s social media properties and compensate you $250 for your time. (Note that this not in exchange for any positive vehicle review or Ford testimonial, but rather for your guidance and expertise as a New Orleans social media insider!)

If you’d like more information, please let me know. If you’re not sure you can co-host, but would like to attend Sunday’s dinner or any of Monday’s events, we’d love to have you join us as well. I know it’s a holiday weekend, but I’d love to hear back from you by Tuesday of next week so we can begin to firm up the day!

Thanks so much. Hope to talk to you soon,

Karen

PS- Ogilvy Public Relations is a governing member of the Word of Mouth Marketing Association andour outreach is governed by the Ogilvy PR Blogger Outreach Code of Ethics.

Karen Untereker
Digital Strategist | 360 Digital Influence

If you’re still reading, maybe you want some Ford factiods:

  • Sounds like the new 2010 Taurus is a big deal for Ford.
  • Taurus sales peaked at 409,000 and last year were at 52,000.
  • Looks like Ford dealers are getting onboard with Twitter too, which is cool.
  • I remember the original Ford Taurus as being cool b/c it was round. My prediction is that this one is going to be cool b/c it is techie. Look forward to seeing it.