So, it's the first day of the 2008 Experiential Marketing Summit and Ric Peeler and Bryan Rhoads from Intel gave a presentation on some of the reasons Intel uses Social Media and their approach.  I thought it was informative - from learning a general overview (via case study examples shown) to helpful analytics (via industry data cited - such as people are 6x more likely to buy product vs. direct mail) and just plain 'ol fun terms like "Google-juice", "link-love" and "color commentary conversations, not copy"...the latter being an important phrase to keep in mind since your goal is to create a relationship, not a marketing brochure. 

 

Ric and Bryan's passion for Social Media is evident, and is probably what helps drive the authenticity of their campaigns.  Clearly Intel has enjoyed much success with some of their campaigns - CES in particular comes to mind as I've personally experienced a couple of them.  However, what I also liked about their presentation was their honesty about what didn't work so well ... that often they couldn't engage customer in dialogue in their space.  

 

I'm curious, how do YOU find success with nurturing this balance between corporation and inspiration, yet provide that organic atmosphere where your customers engage in the conversation?