Mobile Tickets, Coupons, and Augmented Reality

I recently partnered with a great company called GoWeb3D.com.

Please let me know what you think of this:

Our new relationship is very volatile, to put it lightly. Event Managers, Promoters, DJs, Venues, Theaters, Mobile Tickets, Mobile Coupons and AUGMENTED REALITY?

Mobile Ticketing Presentations added!

We are getting closer to our American and Canadian launch!

Here's a little info about the future of mobile ticketing:

Juniper Research recently released a new research report on mobile ticketing, there are very positive signs for the development and growth in mobile ticketing markets.

Venues that use mobile ticketing are seeing the advantages that mobile phones have over other ticketing options, namely paper-based tickets. The drivers and benefits of using a mobile phone for ticket delivery including enhanced security, cost reduction, improved environmental footprint by reducing paper, the ability to purchase and deliver 'last minute' tickets and perhaps the most important driver, the ability to link the ticket with other mobile value-added services.

Juniper Research forecasts that there will be substantial growth in the total number of mobile ticketing transactions per year in the five-year period from 2007 through 2011, with a figure of over 2.6 billion transactions by the close of 2011. This represents significant potential for venues that are generating revenue on a per transaction basis.

Check out the two presentations in the left column for more information about us, and what we do!

Using Twitter to Promote and Publicize an Event

Using Twitter to Promote and Publicize an Event

Posted by Jeff Cohen on February 23, 2009 · 1 Comment 

As more and more people find their way to Twitter, the social network is becoming an important part of promoting and publicizing a local event. While many people think you would only reach the early adopters of Twitter, many others, including journalists and community leaders, who can help you promote your event are also part of this community.

I recently helped organize Raleigh Twestival fundraiser, and since we planned the event in less than 2 weeks, we focused our efforts online. Based on our experience, here are 11 things to do to use twitter as part of your promotional strategy for a successful event.

1. Create a new twitter accountAs soon as you are committed to holding an event, establish a new twitter account, unless one already exists for the event. If the event is a local version of known event, there may be protocol for the naming of your event and twitter ID. The name needs to be both unique and obvious and properly identified with your local area. In our local area, events could be called Triangle, RTP, Raleigh or even RDCH for Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill. You want your event to be inclusive, so the local naming choices are important.

2. Create an event email addressThis is actually step 1 1/2 because as you are creating the new twitter account, you will need a unique email address. Gmail is usually a good choice, because it is easy to set up and forward to your main email address. If your twitter account is unique (as it must be), in all likelihood, the gmail address is available.

3. Create a hashtagOne of the easiest ways to track conversation about an event is with a hashtag. This is a usually pre-established, but sometimes spontaneously created, abbreviation for an event that starts with the # symbol. Many twitter client recognize hashtags as a clickable and searchable word. By establishing the hashtag from the beginning, there will be no confusion about how to tag content from the event to be part of the conversation. This is an important part of branding on Twitter and establishing a digital footprint for your event.

4. Create a blog/websitePut details on your event blog as they are confirmed. This allows you to tweet with some details, or even a sense of mystery, and still provide a link to provide more information or answer questions.

5. Start to create a networkBegin by following influencers who will help spread the word. Don’t neglect your friends because they will be happy to tweet about the event too.

6. Start tweeting details of the eventIt is never too soon to start seeding the twittersphere with information about the event. People have busy lives, so the sooner you can get on people’s calendars, the better. Make sure every tweet has the established hashtag, even if it is the same as the twitter account name. This means that people will see the name of the event twice in every tweet. Repetition builds brands.

7. Think of re-tweetersLots of people like to re-tweet, so keep your tweets short. Don’t try to cram all the information in one tweet. Two or three tweets are better than one because of their impact on the twitter stream. And remember that most people don’t see every tweet, so it’s okay to over-tweet.

8. Create a tweet teamSince you will not create a large enough network to generate enough twitter buzz for your event, you need to enlist the help of other volunteers to operate as a tweet team. Divide these volunteers into groups and give each group a rotating schedule of tweet topics. Don’t give them canned tweets. Let them write whatever they want about the event so long as they use the hashtag. They can tweet about the date and time, venue, sponsors, presenters, food and drink, prizes. This gets a large flow of original tweets out to the volunteers’ twitter networks. Even just 2-4 tweets a day from 10 volunteers can create a twitter presence.

9. Create a sharing memeDevelop a fun reason for attendees to share event information with others. For the Raleigh Twestival, we created the #RTMe hashtag and encouraged everyone to invite five people they follow on Twitter. It was a good excuse to meet someone you admire and see them at the event. RT stood for Raleigh Twestival and re-tweet, but it was another way to ask people who had decided they we coming to make sure others knew about the event.

10. Tweet your press releaseCreate a post on your blog that is an official press release for the event. Share it with journalists either with @ or DM, but also put it out in the general stream. People will read this as another piece of information about the event and may pick up some details that they missed elsewhere. They will also re-tweet a press release to help distribute the official event information.

11. Watch for tweets about the event or hashtagKeep a tab open in your browser with twitter search at all times so you see references to your event, including the use of the hashtag. You can respond to people who ask questions or discuss with their friends if they want to go. Engaging with potential attendees and giving them specific details will encourage them to attend. You have already succeeded in the first step by making them aware of the event, now you need to get them to attend.

These are things you can do on twitter to generate awareness for your event, but unless you event is only geared towards twitter users, you will want to do all the usual event planning activities like following up with press release recipients, getting listed on all local calendars (online and print), joining groups to share information about the event (online and in person), and telling everyone you talk to that you are planning an event.

digitalpapercuts.com

Don't be left behind...

Half of MySpace users will be on mobile in two years, official says

SAN FRANCISCO -- Just about every application is going mobile, as Apple Inc.'s iPhone App Store has shown with its 1 billion-plus downloads.

Banking, gaming and messaging are among the broad categories of applications available on mobile devices, so it's no wonder that creators of social networks are gravitating to the mobile world as well.

MySpace Inc. is no exception, said John Faith, general manager of MySpace Mobile, during a keynote address at the GoMobile 2009 conference here.

When MySpace first began creating a mobile presence more than two years ago, the challenge was finding ways to pare down the MySpace social networking Web site so it would fit on smartphones and other small-screen wireless devices.

But a number of updates have given mobile users more of the desktop-type MySpace -- and more mobile advertising. "We run a profitable business off mobile advertising," Faith said.

MySpace learned that it has to convince advertisers of the value of mobile ads, which are best suited for the "end user who is away from a PC but [wants] something there and now," according to Faith.

"It's a great time to work in the mobile space, and we have seen 450% year-over-year growth in mobile [subscribers]," he said. "The time of the mobile Internet is now."

Faith didn't say how many users are connected to MySpace Mobile, but he did predict that half the traffic on MySpace will be from mobile devices in the next two years.

Of the top 25 mobile devices contacting and using MySpace, 11 are smartphones, nine are smartphone-like devices with QWERTY keyboards, one is a gaming console and four are multimedia- and music-capable phones.

www.computerworld.com

Twadio

The other day I was listening to the radio, and the Air Personality back announced three songs, and then talked about what the artists who he just played were doing on twitter.

He then prompted the listener to tweet in their requests and comments, without mentioning a telephone number, gave the station outro into the commercial set. Soon (by this summer) the commercials will end with Rick Party saying "@sosoandso on Twitter.

If the DJ had real twitter game...he would do tweetups and make extra $$$. 

#CORE10 ---> Core DJs RETWEET

The SXSW Festival damn near took over Twitter with their #SXSW hag tag...You can do the same thing this upcoming Core DJ Retreat in Atlanta.

If you are going to the event, thanks in advance for posting tweets, pictures and video from the retreat...if you're not going to the 10th Core DJ Retreat, make sure you follow the #CORE10 hash tag (using services like tweetchat.com) during the event to stay up on whats happening at the event!

The #CORE10 hash tag can also be used by Tony and his crew to remind remind attendee's of events, send links of maps to venues, any unforseen last minute changes, etc, etc.

I  have to hold down the fort here at home until the end of the school year, so I won't be able to make it to the 10th Core DJ Retreat...but I'll be at the first Core DJ RETWEET! 

Peace to all the Core DJs, and every DJ crew thats keeping the game popping and the culture strong!

How to search on Twitter...and why.

When it comes to search, I'm starting to like Twitter more than Google. 

Why? When I search on Google, their software tries to guess what I want, sometimes it works GREAT, and sometimes I have to spend 15 minutes searching for something that should be super easy to find.

When I use Twitter to search for something, I am connected to a PERSON that recommened or wrote/made/recorded something I want. I can tweet with them, email them, call them, video chat, IM, exchange notes on social networks...whew.

Twitter decentralized the internet. If you use Twitter right you can connect with whatever you want.

WHY should you know how to search on Twitter?

As more people use Twitter, as a brand you need to be ahead of the curve. Start reading more than just my blog is step one. Experiment with sites like www.daymix.com/coredjs so you can familarize your self with user trends and search techniques.

Here's some Twitter search examples:

My family is trying to decide on getting either a Doberman or Rhodesian Ridgeback when we move to MIA this summer. I wanted more info so I searched Twitter for both dogs, to connect with actual owners!

Let's say I was a ummmm DJ. A DJ that was having a party in Chicago. I have a urban clothing sponsor, and a vodka sponsor. I would use http://search.twitter.com/advanced to get these results.

As a DJ or Event promoter, you can use Twitter to contact people directly. If you communicate using regular communication protocols, not sounding all spammy you can not only get followers, but develop real business and social relationships.

Why do I do this? Because we are launching one of the hottest mobile projects you have seen in the near future, and I want to show and prove that I enjoy what you do, I appreciatate what you do, and I am in your corner.

Empowering the DJs and Event Promoters is one of the things we need to do to keep culture alive. If we leave it to the corporate bloodsuckers, they are going to continue to pervert the culture. Imagine if a DJ could break a record from an independent label, and promote a premium mobile widget, acquiring 20,000 customers paying $2.99 a month, with tons of fans on the different social networks. The artist then does tours to the venues in the network that was set up using twitter, etc (kinnda like the chittlin circuit back in the days). You can ask cats like Fab and Planet Asia. A record deal is not a pre-requisite to success, sometimes a record deal can hold you back.

If you are already a successful DJ or Event Planner, you already have a social network of real people that enjoy what you do, and trust you to be the person that tells them whats cool, and whats not. You are the Alpha Tastemaker of culture. There are people out here that MUST HAVE every mixtape you make, want to know about every party you DJ, every remix you produce, etc. The question is how do you make a comfortable living from digital media? I'll give you a hint...it's not by selling music. Its all about selling your brand.

I'll be dropping jewels regularly on how you can make moves using web based services, all questions and comments are welcome. I don't pretend to know everything, if you have suggestions or would like to contribute a guest commentary, please contact me.

WTF is a # for on Twitter?

The hash mark (#) before a word in a post allows you to tag that post for that word. By tagging a word, you make it easier for people to find your tweets using services like: www.search.twitter.com, www.asktwitr.me and tons of other twitter search engines.

Here's an example of how you can use the # mark in your posts:

#party allnight #saturday in #ATL!!! #Club Freekydeeky 123 W. Hotmama Rd LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

If your #DJ crew used a hash mark like #CORE, #APHL, #TJSDJS, #HVHTR, #SVL #HTMN, #BSQ, #PTBL it would be waaay easier to monitor your crew's tweets! 

You can also tell your followers to subscribe to any updates that contain your tag by posting “follow #tag” (without the quotes) in Twitter.

PLEASE TAKE OVER THE GAME!!!!! Corporate America is trying to destroy Hip Hop and Music like they destroyed the Banking Industry!

Peace!

Twitter tips for DJ's and Promoters!

Peace! 

You know I got your back right? Well, I got your front too! I got you on BOTH sides my Twigga!

I wanted to share a few twitter tools with you that you might want to use to promote your brand and events to potential clients and partygoers...

First up is one of my favorites!

Hootsuite 

http://hootsuite.com

Hootsuite is the shit...from their website

"HootSuite is the ultimate Twitter toolbox. With HootSuite, you can manage multiple Twitter profiles, add multiple editors, pre-schedule tweets, and measure your success.

HootSuite lets you manage your entire Twitter experience from one easy-to-use interface.

Creating an account is easy. Enter your Twitter username and password, and add a profile for each Twitter account you wish to manage. Got more than one tweeter per profile? Add multiple editors.

Then get going! Post live or pre-schedule tweets. Check stats and analytics right from the dashboard. Search Twitter for keyword information. Reply @ and Direct Message the folks in your conversation. Do all this and more from one fantastic interface."

**********

My favorite feature is the "send later" functionality...I can create tweets in the morning and send them out throughout the day, and get an email notification when my tweet is sent! I also like how HootSuite lets you track how many clicks your links get...Check it out, HootSuite is a real time saver.

Here are a few other VERY powerful Twitter tools to use to search tweets for what and who you need to connect with, and also is a super powerful tool to use for managing your brand across the internet.

http://AskTwitR.com   (Real Time Twitter Search & Reputation Management)

http://TwiTR.Me          (Cross Social Network Messaging Bus)

http://TwebEX.com     (Twitter Based Online Web Conference Platform)

http://TweetUp.ws      (Twitter based  MeetUp service)

Let ne know how you work out with these...If you have any questions, get at me my Twigg!

the response has been tremendous...

...and I'm frustrated. VERY frustrated! We won't be launching for a couple of months here in the US. 

The cool part is, we earned a provisional patent, and are close to a full patent of our technology. No one can move in on our territory without our permission, which is VERY cool.

When we DO launch...My job on the team is to provide effective service to all the heavy hitters using our innovative mobile tools.

So until then, keep the mixtapes, singles and party info coming! I will update this blog regularly with news and analysis of mobile technology and how it applies to you.

Speaking of you...you should check out my list of followers and people I'm following in Twitter - If you want to connect with tastemakers from the US and Canada. I only follow DJ's, Promoters, and Event Planners. I am not a Twitterer that follows anyone they see, I specifically put the mobile_tickets twitter account together to communicate with the backbone of the entire entertainment industry.

Check out this Old School DJ Battle:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Orj1wSJehec

More coming soon!

 

Free hustleroids

The mobile game is one of the major industries world wide. There are twice as many mobile phones in the world than TVs, MP3 players, video game devices, and computers combined.

In this modern era, I feel funny calling my mobile device a "phone". My mobile device has replaced my laptop and my MP3 player. I communicate with people worldwide via phone calls, sms, twitter, mobile social networks, email, and VoIP calls (Skype mobile). I compose and edit contracts, proposals, and other business documents on my mobile.

I am a power user obviously...most people here in the US haven't had a reason to use most of the incredible capabilites. Thats where you and your events come in. 

The people that come to your events, come because you're cool. If they come to your party or event, that means that they are cool too - in their mind anyway. They spend money on clothes, hair, cars, health clubs, etc. just to look good when they come to your event. Oh yeah...they also have expensive phones.

Your customers spend quite a bit of money to show up at your events, to have fun and be cool. If you had a special line for people flashing their mobile phone at the bouncer at one of your events, that would be very cool.  

You can stand out from your competition, and help your users stand out in a crowd with our mobile ticket service. You can also sell more tickets faster and easier to your users. We have a number of offerings in store for you, with a number of different service plans. Two of our service plans are free, and the third service plan charges a nominal fee that is inconsequential for those qualified to use our top level service plan.

Imagine selling mobile tickets to your parties and events via flyers, txt messages, blogs, social networking sites, twitter, radio and TV commercials, mixtapes, and word of mouth.

The customer sees your offer, and buys a ticket like buying a ringtone. They can pay via credit card, PayPal, phone bill, or Twitter.

You not only get a customer, but you are able to retain that customer via mobile marketing to your future events!

We are also seeking aggressive and qualified affiliates here in the US. 

Sick right? What's up with some feedback...can a brother get some feedback? This service is for YOU, if you have questions, suggestions, love or hate - let me know!

Coming soon to a club near you!

I have been in the mobile game since before you probably even heard of ringtones. I remember trying to explain to some people how big the ringtone market would be in the near future. 

I actually remember some people saying, "Who would want a song on their phone?" 

What are the next big things in mobile? Twitter is big. That's probably how you got here. They thought that mobile video would be big, but no one was smart enough to produce video that takes THE MUCH SMALLER SCREEN of mobile devices into consideration, or consumer usage habits! They thought that a phone was like a little TV. If you wanted to watch TV you would what? Watch TV!

They think that social networking is the next big thing...but they forgot that you already have a social network on your phone. It's called a contact list.

The next big thing for mobiles is mobile tickets and mobile coupons.

Most of the people on the planet have cellphones. Studies have shown that most people here in the US will use mobile tickets. They're already doing it in Europe.

Don't miss the boat this time.

Imagine this...

...you send your people a text msg that they click to buy a ticket to your party or event. The ticket is secure, and cannot be forwarded. On top of that, the DUMBEST person you know can validate the ticket at the entrance to your event without using any external hardware!

Here is a little info about mobile ticketing from pfj.co.uk:

5 January 2009 14:17

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A report from ZDNet.com has stated that, despite the predicted recession, the mobile marketing sector will nevertheless grow during the year ahead.

The report also highlights ten predictions for 2009 which could be valuable to many companies hoping to expand in the sector in the next 12 months.

Some of the more interesting predictions are that SMS and Bluetooth marketing will grow in 2009, as email marketing takes a dive. MMS will also grow but it will remain a niche form of marketing, the report states. 

One crucial prediction for many businesses is also the prediction that mobile ticketing will increase in popularity.

"One example of a form of ticketing is the mobile airline check in being offered by British Airways," reads the report.

"This delivers the 2D barcode that is on web tickets and boarding passes, but offers the advantage of not requiring a print out. If it's safe enough for airports then it is easily safe enough for any type of event. The barcodes will have to be delivered by MMS of course."

Businesses hoping to weather the storm in 2009 will do well to maintain recruitment levels in order to ensure an influx of new thinking remains constant, to keep ahead of competition.

_________

We work with one of the leading mobile ticketing services in Europe and are in stealth mode (patent pending even!) here in the US and Canada. If you want to stand out in a crowded market, and capitalize on the hottest thing since ringtones and mobile phones...stay tuned.