Join Geno as he talks about how “People are the Killer App” in his presentation on How to Grow Word of Mouth Movements.

What are you freakin’ waiting for? Register now.

Straight from the website:

What does it take to build a movement of loud and proud brand ambassadors? More social media applications? Faster technology? Geno Church teaches you the seven lessons on how your brand can build and grow a movement, starting with how to treat people like fans, not customers, and how to allow your fans to share brand ownership. Learn the difference between a movement and a campaign, as well as how to measure ROI. Hear about word-of-mouth case studies, including the Fiskars Brands “Fiskateers” movement, which now has more than 5,000 members worldwide, and the Effie award winning Rage Against the Haze youth anti-smoking initiative, which has more than 7,000 active teenagers involved despite a complete state program budget elimination.

You will learn:

• How to turn product conversations into passion conversations.
• How to build and grow a word-of-mouth movement.
• How to encourage your customers to be brand ambassadors.
• How to measure word of mouth ROI.
• How to allow your fans to share brand ownership.

Cleaning out some old folders on my computer, I ran across this gem from the Brains on Fire archives. From the stamp, it looks like it was made in April of 2001. What for? I have no idea. I don’t even know who on the Brains on Fire crew made it. But I like it.

Megan sent me a great article this morning from the New York Times. It was an interview with Teresa Taylor, COO of Quest.

Like Teresa, listening is a skill I am constantly trying to improve and master. (Can anyone really become a master at listening?)

Hmmmm…

I am always intrigued when leaders admit that they struggle with listening. After I have a conversation with someone I actually ask myself. Was I listening? Do I understand what this person would like me to do — or maybe not do? It’s an interesting thing to study and question.

Here are some things I have learned. Okay, pretty basic stuff but worth saying out loud as we head for a shiny New Year.

Sometimes listening is simply observing. Sometimes it is repeating back what another person has said. But like Teresa I have learned that it is also a zen like interest in the messages others are sending you. You have to stay totally present in the moment.

Geno has a phrase he says out loud once every so often and I love it. It is a part of his crazy, simple brilliance. “Work on being interested, not interesting.” That single mindset is what makes him a remarkable speaker, thinker and listener. (Although I have to say those cranberry chinos do make him pretty interesting to look at some days.)

But back to my question?

The real point of interest for me in Teresa’s interview is this: When asked if there is anything unusual about the way she runs meetings, she said the first thing she asks everyone is “Do we all know why we are here?”. She goes on to say that so many people will actually answer “No, I was just invited.”

She also ask these simple questions: “Are you going to ask me for something at the end?” And “Does everyone need to be here?” Often people, after understanding the real reason and the expectations for the meeting, will politely bow out.

I love that. Love that!

Here’s to making the coming months useful, purposeful and magical. Believe it. I do.

In the well known Christmas Carol, “O Holy night,”  we sing “’Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.”
Day after day, we devote our talents and energy to helping bring a little of that spirit to our world as we help companies reveal their soul and feel its worth. Its worth measured in something far more valuable than just quarterly profits and market share, it’s measured in friendships. So to our friends near and far, Happy Holidays and here’s to making 2010 the best year of our lives.

The Brains on Fire Mad Men Christmas Party was incredible - everyone dressed the period to the best of their ability. Drinks were poured, snowflakes were projected on the ceiling, we had a white christmas tree and Cordell gave a tear-jerking speech about the Brains on Fire family. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the year.

Dapper Ram, ladies and gentleman. Yes, that is a white jacket and black bow-tie.

Spike literally studied the Mad Men era to prep for the party. You did well, sir. Very well.

Our amazing friends at Table 301 provided us with spirits and eats.

Kim and her beau - notice Kim’s ghost looking at the camera…spooky!

Nothing says classy like white gloves and a martini.

Our courageous president - thanks for fearlessly leading us through another year, Robbin.

Pappy van Geno, as some like to call him.

I usually only get one or two pics taken of me at the parties. I almost forgot what I looked like.

Toasting goodbye to a great year.

And more toasting.

Cordell also studied to prep for the party - I think his outfit was the best of the guys.

We believe that Megan’s smile is medically diagnosed as contagious.

These were all gone at the end of the night…

Aren’t they beautiful?

Ramsey and Morgan.

Happy Holidays from Brains on Fire.