Thursday, December 11, 2008
FIR Interview: Scott Monty, Head of Social Media, Ford Motor Company
The Ford Motor Company is one of America’s iconic brand names recognized worldwide: one of the so-called ‘Big Three’ US automakers – the other two being General Motors and Chrysler – all presently embroiled in US government actions to support the industry with a proposed $14 billion bailout, without which General Motors and Chrysler say they risk ruin with Ford saying it may need funds in the future.
While this business backdrop sets the scene for mainstream media headlines and reporting, Ford continues to communicate and engage with its stakeholders and other interested parties, employing the full spectrum of tools and channels as appropriate.
It’s the area of social media and communication that is the prime focus of this FIR Interview with Scott Monty, Head of Social Media at Ford’s worldwide headquarters in Dearborn, USA.
In this conversation with FIR’s Neville Hobson and Shel Holtz, Scott talks through the events surrounding a Ford fan site and alleged counterfeit Ford parts, how criticisms of Ford’s legal moves blew up across auto-enthusiast and other websites and blogs in a 24-hour period, and the key role Twitter played in enabling Scott to rapidly defuse and help to successfully address those criticisms.
Scott also talks about The Ford Story, and offers five critical tips for any communicator embarking on deploying social media in the enterprise.
Listen to this podcast now:
Get this podcast:
About our Conversation Partner
Scott Monty is currently the head of social media for Ford Motor Company, where he holds the title Global Digital & Multimedia Communications Manager.
While his role is based in the Corporate Communications area, he is a strategic advisor on all social media activities across the company. From blogger relations to marketing support to customer service to internal communications and more, social media touches many facets of Ford business, and Scott is there to ensure it is consistent across all of them.
Previously he was Consigliere for crayon, LLC, serving as the primary point of contact for clients, representing their interests. But his role elevated his connection with the client beyond a typical account service role, counseling clients with a firm understanding of their industry, a breadth of knowledge of the landscape of new marketing, coupled with a personal approach to deepen the relationship.
Scott joined crayon after three years with PJA Advertising + Marketing, a BtoB shop that specializes in the high tech and health sciences industries, where he helped clients with integrated brand campaigns and led an e-newsletter practice for a major client. Previously involved in the managed care and biotech/pharma/medical device consulting space, he has served in a variety of sales, marketing and communications roles.
In addition to his marketing background, Scott is an active blogger and podcaster. He writes about issues relevant to the intersection of advertising, marketing and PR at The Social Media Marketing Blog and also writes The Baker Street Blog, a literary undertaking. Scott has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, has guest-hosted the podcast Marketing Over Coffee, has been interviewed on numerous marketing podcasts, and is a recognized thought leader in the marketing industry.
Scott received his Master’s in Medical Science from Boston University’s School of Medicine concurrently with his MBA from BU’s Graduate School of Management. He lives in the suburbs of south-eastern Michigan with his wife and two young sons, golfs all too infrequently, and has a hidden talent for voice over work.
Share your comments or questions about this podcast, or suggestions for future interviews, in the FIR FriendFeed Room. You can also email us at fircomments@gmail.com; call the Comment Line at +1 206 222 2803 (North America), +44 20 8133 9844 (Europe), or Skype: fircomments; comment at Twitter: twitter.com/FIR or at Jaiku: fir.jaiku.com. You can email your comments, questions and suggestions as MP3 file attachments, if you wish (max. 3 minutes / 5Mb attachment, please!). We’ll be happy to see how we can include your audio contribution in a show.
To receive all For Immediate Release podcasts including the twice-weekly Hobson & Holtz Report, subscribe to the full RSS feed.
This FIR Interview is brought to you with Lawrence Ragan Communications, serving communicators worldwide for 35 years. Information: www.ragan.com.
Podsafe music - On A Podcast Instrumental Mix (MP3, 5Mb) by Cruisebox.
The Hobson & Holtz Report - Podcast #405: December 11, 2008
Content summary: FIR Interview with Guillaume du Gardier, Ferrero, posted, two more interviews and book reviews coming; discussion: Forrester’s report on rethinking your corporate blogging ideas, which will be the focus in next FIR Live on BlogTalk Radio on Dec 19; Dan York reports on the value in social media to let you tell the story, video podcasting, recording remote video podcasts using Skype, and a mini-rant on Feedburner; the Media Monitoring Minute with CustomScoop; News That Fits - bailout drives search efforts for automakers and advocacy groups, 7 tips for company layoffs; listeners’ comments discussion; music from Paul French; and more.
Listen to FIR Now:
Get FIR:
Messages from our sponsors: FIR is brought to you with Lawrence Ragan Communications, serving communicators worldwide for 35 years, www.ragan.com; Save time with the CustomScoop online clipping service: sign up for your free two-week trial, at www.customscoop.com/fir.
For Immediate Release: The Hobson & Holtz Report, for December 11, 2008: A 63-minute podcast recorded live from Concord, California, USA, and Wokingham, Berkshire, England.
Links for the blogs, individuals, companies and organizations we discussed or mentioned in the show are posted to the FIR Show Links pages at The New PR Wiki. You can contribute - see the show notes home page for info.
Share your comments or questions about this show, or suggestions for future shows, in the FIR FriendFeed Room. You can also email us at fircomments@gmail.com; call the Comment Line at +1 206 222 2803 (North America), +44 20 8133 9844 (Europe), or Skype: fircomments; comment at Twitter: twitter.com/FIR, or at Jaiku: fir.jaiku.com. You can email your comments, questions and suggestions as MP3 file attachments, if you wish (max. 3 minutes / 5Mb attachment, please!). We’ll be happy to see how we can include your audio contribution in a show.
Join the FIR Discussion Forum and extend your conversations with the FIR community. You can also join the FIR Facebook Community and become an FIR friend.
So, until Monday December 15…
FIR Interview: Guillaume du Gardier, Ferrero
Ferrero is one of the world’s largest chocolate producers, the owner of brands such as Ferrero Rocher chocolates, Nutella chocolate-hazelnut spread, Tic Tac mints and Kinder.
Like many consumer products companies, Ferrero has traditionally been a big spender on TV advertising in its various markets. The company is also moving its marketing footprint onto the web: last month, for instance, the company relaunched its online presence in France with a more contemporary approach to engaging with consumers online and more effectively highlighting and promoting its brands.
In this FIR Interview, Guillaume du Gardier, New Media Manager at Ferrero France, discusses his approach to online marketing and advertising, shares some thoughts regarding Ferrero’s use of social media by employees, and offers some timely advice on project planning when considering the use of social media.
Listen to this podcast now:
Get this podcast:
- Download the MP3 file (10.47Mb, 22:47)
- Get the show on iTunes
- Subscribe to the FIR Interviews RSS feed
About our Conversation Partner
Guillaume du Gardier is the New Media Manager at Ferrero France. His role is to help the company integrating the change brought by the digital and social media world in all sectors of its business, from marketing to corporate or internal communication and sales.
Previously, du Gardier was employed as the Director of Online Communications Europe at Edelman. There, he was responsible for online marketing and PR and has worked on developing online campaigns for multinational corporations. As the first French PR blogger, he is a regular speaker at various online communication and social media events.
Guillaume du Gardier blogs at Roue Libre and is active on Twitter.
Share your comments or questions about this podcast, or suggestions for future interviews, in the FIR FriendFeed Room. You can also email us at fircomments@gmail.com; call the Comment Line at +1 206 222 2803 (North America), +44 20 8133 9844 (Europe), or Skype: fircomments; comment at Twitter: twitter.com/FIR or at Jaiku: fir.jaiku.com. You can email your comments, questions and suggestions as MP3 file attachments, if you wish (max. 3 minutes / 5Mb attachment, please!). We’ll be happy to see how we can include your audio contribution in a show.
To receive all For Immediate Release podcasts including the twice-weekly Hobson & Holtz Report, subscribe to the full RSS feed.
This FIR Interview is brought to you with Lawrence Ragan Communications, serving communicators worldwide for 35 years. Information: www.ragan.com.
Podsafe music - On A Podcast Instrumental Mix (MP3, 5Mb) by Cruisebox.
Monday, December 08, 2008
The Hobson & Holtz Report - Podcast #404: December 8, 2008
Content summary: FIR Interview with Bob Pearson, Dell, posted, two more coming plus book reviews; Michael Netzley reports on blogging in Vietnam and Iran; the Media Monitoring Minute with CustomScoop; News That Fits - what can Google Friend Connect do for you?, is Pepsi Motrin done right?; listener comments from Keith Childs, GM Europe, and Justin Hayward, Telnic.
Listen to FIR now:
Get FIR:
- Download the MP3 file (28.4Mb, 1:02:02)
- Subscribe to the RSS feed
- Get the show at iTunes
Messages from our sponsors: FIR is brought to you with Lawrence Ragan Communications, serving communicators worldwide for 35 years, www.ragan.com; Save time with the CustomScoop online clipping service: sign up for your free two-week trial, at www.customscoop.com/fir.
For Immediate Release: The Hobson & Holtz Report, for December 8, 2008: A 62-minute podcast recorded live from Wokingham, Berkshire, England, and Concord, California, USA.
Links for the blogs, individuals, companies and organizations we discussed or mentioned in the show are posted to the FIR Show Links pages at The New PR Wiki. You can contribute - see the show notes home page for info.
Share your comments or questions about this show, or suggestions for future shows, in the FIR FriendFeed Room. You can also email us at fircomments@gmail.com; call the Comment Line at +1 206 222 2803 (North America), +44 20 8133 9844 (Europe), or Skype: fircomments; comment at Twitter: twitter.com/FIR, or at Jaiku: fir.jaiku.com. You can email your comments, questions and suggestions as MP3 file attachments, if you wish (max. 3 minutes / 5Mb attachment, please!). We’ll be happy to see how we can include your audio contribution in a show.
Join the FIR Discussion Forum and extend your conversations with the FIR community. You can also join the FIR Facebook Community and become an FIR friend.
So, until Thursday December 11…
Sunday, December 07, 2008
FIR Interview: Bob Pearson, VP Communities and Conversations at Dell
One of the pioneers in using social media to engage with customers and others is global technology firm Dell. During the past few years, Dell has been lauded for its transparency and engagement in how its social media channels like Direct2Dell and IdeaStorm have provided avenues for customers to engage directly with individuals within Dell which has also helped transform the company’s image and reputation in customer service.
Late last month, SmallBusinessAdvice.tv was launched in the UK by Dell in conjunction with Intel and the British Chambers of Commerce. This new web TV channel is designed to address the needs of small businesses in the UK by offering expert commentary and advice to business owners in areas like accounting, financing, marketing, HR and technology.
In this FIR Interview, Bob Pearson, Dell’s VP Communities and Conversations, explains some of his thinking behind the new web TV channel and discusses what may be behind the rise in blogging by small businesses, Dell’s two billion customer interactions each year, Dell’s use of Facebook, Twitter and other aspects of social media, and offers a useful tip to every small business owner.
Listen to this podcast now:
Get this podcast:
- Download the MP3 file (8.7Mb, 18:55)
- Get the show on iTunes
- Subscribe to the FIR Interviews RSS feed
About our Conversation Partner
Bob Pearson serves as vice president of communities and conversations for Dell. As a member of Dell’s Communications team, he is responsible for digital media activities, ranging from customer resolution to management of IdeaStorm, Direct2Dell, StudioDell and other digital initiatives.
Before joining Dell, Mr. Pearson worked for Novartis Pharmaceuticals as Head of Global Corporate Communications and as Head of Global Pharma Communications, where he served on the Pharma Executive Committee. Prior to Novartis, Bob was President of The Americas for GCI and was responsible for creating and building the firm’s global healthcare practice. He was previously Vice President of Global Public Affairs & Media Relations at Rhone-Poulenc Rorer (now Sanofi Aventis) and worked at CIBA-Geigy in both communications and field sales. He has more than 20 years experience in executive corporate communications and public relations.
Mr. Pearson graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a degree in communications and completed his MBA at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He has served on the boards of Cancer Care and The Huntington’s Disease Society of America and currently serves on the boards of The Dell Foundation and The Association for Multiple Impaired and Blind. Bob is also a member of the executive committee of Dell’s Political Action Committee and he serves as the Vice-Chair of the Emerging Technology Committee for the State of Texas.
Share your comments or questions about this podcast, or suggestions for future interviews, in the FIR FriendFeed Room. You can also email us at fircomments@gmail.com; call the Comment Line at +1 206 222 2803 (North America), +44 20 8133 9844 (Europe), or Skype: fircomments; comment at Twitter: twitter.com/FIR or at Jaiku: fir.jaiku.com. You can email your comments, questions and suggestions as MP3 file attachments, if you wish (max. 3 minutes / 5Mb attachment, please!). We’ll be happy to see how we can include your audio contribution in a show.
To receive all For Immediate Release podcasts including the twice-weekly Hobson & Holtz Report, subscribe to the full RSS feed.
This FIR Interview is brought to you with Lawrence Ragan Communications, serving communicators worldwide for 35 years. Information: www.ragan.com.
Podsafe music - On A Podcast Instrumental Mix (MP3, 5Mb) by Cruisebox.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
The Hobson & Holtz Report - Podcast #403: December 4, 2008
Content summary: Neville on proctoring IABC accreditation exam candidates; Dan York reports on Twitter identifiers, the new dot tel domain, and more; the Media Monitoring Minute with CustomScoop; News That Fits - asking the Le Web community for the interview questions, Ford launches Ford Story, differing opinions on ‘driving to DC’, law firms at the cutting edge of internet tools, Google’s view of PR from Richard Edelman; listeners’ comments discussion and Friendfeed FIR Room round-up; music from Allison Crowe; and more.
Listen to FIR now:
Get FIR:
- Download the MP3 file (28.3Mb, 61:50)
- Subscribe to the RSS feed
- Get the show at iTunes
Messages from our sponsors: FIR is brought to you with Lawrence Ragan Communications, serving communicators worldwide for 35 years, www.ragan.com; Save time with the CustomScoop online clipping service: sign up for your free two-week trial, at www.customscoop.com/fir.
For Immediate Release: The Hobson & Holtz Report, for December 4, 2008: A 62-minute podcast recorded live from Concord, California, USA, and Wokingham, Berkshire, England.
Links for the blogs, individuals, companies and organizations we discussed or mentioned in the show are posted to the FIR Show Links pages at The New PR Wiki. You can contribute - see the show notes home page for info.
Share your comments or questions about this show, or suggestions for future shows, in the FIR FriendFeed Room. You can also email us at fircomments@gmail.com; call the Comment Line at +1 206 222 2803 (North America), +44 20 8133 9844 (Europe), or Skype: fircomments; comment at Twitter: twitter.com/FIR, or at Jaiku: fir.jaiku.com. You can email your comments, questions and suggestions as MP3 file attachments, if you wish (max. 3 minutes / 5Mb attachment, please!). We’ll be happy to see how we can include your audio contribution in a show.
Join the FIR Discussion Forum and extend your conversations with the FIR community. You can also join the FIR Facebook Community and become an FIR friend.
So, until Monday December 8…
Monday, December 01, 2008
The Hobson & Holtz Report - Podcast #402: December 1, 2008
Content summary: Happy birthday Lee Hopkins!; FIR #401 and feeds; Neville reviews the Barcelona conference; the Media Monitoring Minute with CustomScoop; Michael Netzley reports from Singapore; discussion: vision statements; News That Fits - social fundraising, why banks won’t do social media; listeners’ comments discussion; music from The Free Press; and more.
Listen to FIR now:
Get FIR:
- Download the MP3 file (28.2Mb, 61:33)
- Subscribe to the RSS feed
- Get the show at iTunes
Messages from our sponsors: FIR is brought to you with Lawrence Ragan Communications, serving communicators worldwide for 35 years, www.ragan.com; Save time with the CustomScoop online clipping service: sign up for your free two-week trial, at www.customscoop.com/fir.
For Immediate Release: The Hobson & Holtz Report, for December 1, 2008: A 62-minute podcast recorded live from Wokingham, Berkshire, England, and Concord, California, USA.
Links for the blogs, individuals, companies and organizations we discussed or mentioned in the show are posted to the FIR Show Links pages at The New PR Wiki. You can contribute - see the show notes home page for info.
Share your comments or questions about this show, or suggestions for future shows, in the FIR FriendFeed Room. You can also email us at fircomments@gmail.com; call the Comment Line at +1 206 222 2803 (North America), +44 20 8133 9844 (Europe), or Skype: fircomments; comment at Twitter: twitter.com/FIR, or at Jaiku: fir.jaiku.com. You can email your comments, questions and suggestions as MP3 file attachments, if you wish (max. 3 minutes / 5Mb attachment, please!). We’ll be happy to see how we can include your audio contribution in a show.
Join the FIR Discussion Forum and extend your conversations with the FIR community. You can also join the FIR Facebook Community and become an FIR friend.
So, until Thursday December 4…
Navigation
Home | About Us | Archives | FIR Book Club | Press | Subscribe | Contact Shel | Contact Neville
Search This Site
We want your feedback
Email comments with or without audio attachments (5 MB/3 minute limit) to fircomments at gmail dot com.
North America Comment Line:
+1.415.895.2971
Europe Comment Line:
+44.20.3239.9082
Skype: fircomments
FIR Shows
Podroll: Other PR Podcasts
- Jaffe Juice(Joseph Jaffe)
- Voices of Public Relations (from PRSA)
- Online PR Podcast
- PR and Other Deadly Sins
- Cafe2Go from IABC
- Steve Lubetkin's Podcasts
- Jay Baer's Social Pros Podcast
- Donna Papacosta's Trafcom News Podcast
- On the Record Online (Eric Schwartzman)
- Six Pixels of Separation with Mitch Joel
- Inside PR with Gini Dietrich, Joe Thornley and Martin Waxman
- PRWeek Podcasts
- Marketing Edge from Provident Partners
- Marketing Over Coffee with John Wall and Christopher S. Penn
- Media Bullseye Roundtable
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Email Policy
Our email policy is simple. We send no email, so you'll never receive any from us. Not spam, not a personal note, nothing. We receive listener comments at this domain, but we both use our personal email accounts when we reply. The only thing to subscribe to here is the RSS feed. Visit our site without worry. We're email free.
Special Thanks
The FIR logo image shown at the top of this page was specially designed for us in October 2005 by Effective Edge Communications, Inc., Elmira, Ontario, Canada. Check out their podcast.