By: Dennis Maurice Dumpson
 Teacher, Ms. Brooke Harris, was fired from Pontiac Academy for Excellence in Michigan for helping her students organize a fundraiser for Trayvon Martin's family. Most of my blogs have a marketing twist, but this one has nothing to do with that at all. In light of Trayvon Martin's death, case, and questions of justice; one teacher tried to teach her students how they can be part of the conversation. She knew how important it is to give students opportunities to bring real-world experiences into the classroom. Her mainly African-American students wanted to know more about Trayvon Martin’s death, and Ms. Harris seized the teachable moment. Many would think this would be a good thing, but no, she was fired. Brooke Harris was fired from the Pontiac Academy for Excellence in Michigan after helping her students organize a fundraiser for Trayvon Martin’s family. Yup, that's the same face I made... PISSED ME OFF. I'll explain. *Note: I kind of 'GO IN' on this blog...but I give no apologies. CLICK READ MORE Below.
By: Dennis Maurice DumpsonHey Friends! So do you remember that blog I wrote about the McDonald's Hash Tag Fiasco some time back? Well, seems that our friends over at CBS MONEY WATCH took notice! I know, kind of major, right! I'll explain... Back in January, I shared my marketing expertise with all of you as it pertained to the McDonald's #Hashtag fiasco -- later named #McFail.Click here to read the original blog!This was actually my first blog in just under 3 years! It was a spur of the moment urge to write my thoughts. I saw the story and immediately had ideas about what McDonald's could do to maximize their social media outreach. Well writer, Erik Sherman, saw my op-ed/blog on the story and included a quote from me, as well as some other wise marketing & social media experts. I was clearing out e-mail and saw that I was quoted in the article, but I found out almost 2-months later!!! AHHHHH!! But I don't care, I am still on a high! This is a testament to the power of blogging. I had something to say. I said it to my contingent of blog followers. Someone else shared it with their followers. It just so happens that, "that someone else..." was CBS NEWS! Check it all out below!See my original blog article here:http://www.dennismaurice.com/1/post/2012/01/mcfail-what-big-companies-need-to-remember-about-social-media-campaigns.html
See the full CBS NEWS article here:http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505124_162-57367245/how-mcdonalds-twitter-campaign-fell-into-the-fire/
To say that I was excited when I saw this (and mind you it's a short quote, but that made no difference at all) is an understatement! I have been working in marketing, social media, digital development, and communications for about a decade now, so it makes me a bit hungry to do a little more to share my brand of branding! I smell something fabulous down the pike! Dennis Maurice Dumpson, you're gonna be a star...lol! OK, enough boasting, but just know this... there is more to come. I'll explain!
By: Dennis Maurice Dumpson
"He may not come when you want him, but he'll be there right on time. He's an on time God, yes he is..."
 _On Saturday I was intensely enamored with watching Whitney Houston's Funeral/Homegoing ceremony all day and I must admit I expected to see a traditional, HOLLYWOOD funeral likened to that which we've seen with greats like The King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Indeed Whitney Houston's mother, Cissy Houston, could have gone the route of doing a huge service at one of New Jersey's prominent venues (NJPAC, etc.), but would have been authentic to her values? Not at all. So she laid her daughter to rest the only way she knew in a true homegoing service. I appreciated the service, personally, because it has all the aspects of church services I have seen my whole life. There was a freedom in the spirit of the homegoing that reminded me of Whitney's spirit as seen in her concerts, via TV, etc. , but also of what cultivated that spirit in her -- the Lord. I watched every moment of Whitney Houston's funeral via BET, CNN, and the Associated Press Online and I was reminded of something I'm a little ashamed that I forgot -- I forgot celebrities, like her, are people...they're human. #Epiphany! During Whitney's funeral I noticed something; people referenced the voice, of course, but more importantly her faith and the roads she traveled in her faith as a person like you and I. Another thing that became very apparent to me was that all these years (and I have been listening and lip syncing to Whitney Houston songs for about 20 years!) that she was preaching. Whitney had been giving out a word and I never noticed until she was no longer able to sing it anymore. Check out this video and I'll explain.
You Don't Need a Pulpit to Preach!
However, although we all tuned to pay our virtual respects to Whitney, if you listened and observed closely and for long enough you saw that the true headliner of this homegoing was our friend, Jesus! This easily could have been surrounded around Whitney's love for the music, her brilliant instrument, and amount of accolades she's gathered over her three decade run as a performer, but instead God intervened and as we say at my church "Had his way!" And it was done just as Whitney had delivered it her whole life through an approachable presentation that everyone could feel regardless of differences. Now many may say that Whitney was another singer and essentially I guess she was, but what makes her different is her ability to be used. You see, many people have talents, but refused to be used, so many times they/we wonder why can't I excel, why is all my hard work not paying off, why am I not as successful as I believe I should be; and more than 90% of time I will bet you it is because they're not allowing their gifts to be used for something greater than themselves. Those that knew Whitney reinforced this by mixing contemporary, popular, unifying themes and music and adding the message in, ever so inconspicuously. Check out what I mean as Kim Burrell uses the popular classic by Sam Cooke, "A Change Gon' Come," while inserting important points about the spirit of Whitney and the grace of God.
OK. Before I go any further let me share that every blog I do has a merge between marketing and public relations (because they line up with my profession) so that the reason for the reference to brands and public awareness that you will see throughout my blogs.
Jesus is the best Publicist Around
Whitney could no longer sing her song, preach her word (if you see it that way), or share her gifts...so the Lord stepped in, intervened and made the message clear. What do Publicists do? They make sure people know how good you are and give you good 'press' and God made the world take attention to how good Whitney was...he's the best representation around!
So what's my point? Well, hire a Publicist, Marketer, or Outreach professional, but if you do not have substance beyond "the brand" and connection to something greater than superficiality of fame you will never go beyond being a talent that nobody truly connects with. I know that's a huge statement, but it's what I believe! Get some great PR and be in a magazine for a month or on a TV for an evening; but get you some God (whatever that may mean to you!) and ensure some longevity that people believe in are unafraid to hold onto.
Never would I have thought that I would have such a deep and pivotal epiphany about God and my relationship to the Lord through Whitney Houston, but this just reminds me that we can learn, grow, and rejuvenate ourselves through the gifts of each other. AMAZING! Thank you, Lord!
I hope you enjoyed this and I know it's heavy, but here's a little smileage for you *yes, SMILEAGE...like mileage, but with smiles!* Thanks for reading!
By Dennis Maurice Dumpson
It's so ironic that I just did a blog about how Roland Martin could learn a thing or two from Wendy Williams and today Wendy goes right ahead and proved my point on topic of Whitney Houston. I said in my blog, if you remember, that we do NOT have to comment on every single topic and provocative moment in history and time. I also wrote in that same blog that Wendy follows a format and doesn't detour from that too much. Today she showed us that she can say it as she means it, but also has a level of integrity in her profession. I'll explain. More below. Note: I recently got back into blogging again, I promise this isn't a Wendy Williams tribute blog, just a coincidence that she is in two blogs in a row!
_Integrity...How Many Of Us Have It?
Today, Wendy showed why integrity is so very important. On her syndicated talk show, The Wendy Williams Show, she covered what she knew of Whitney Houston's death and then said she would not cover Whitney's death any further after today's show. She also said, if you want to hear something about her death go to The View or Entertainment Tonight, because she's out (as it pertains to Whitney's death and the details still uncovered). Wendy knows her issues with drugs and has always been upfront about them and in the end that's why so many love her. I really respect Wendy's position on this topic. Granted Wendy has "Said It Like She Means It..." in reference to Whitney's struggles with substance abuse, etc. However, if you look below she's approached it from a sisterly perspective -- having been a former substance abuser herself. See a previous conversation Wendy had about Whitney and her hopes for her sobriety (in a way that only Wendy could pull off). Now some would say, "Wendy hasn't done anything but talk about her issues and joke about it." I don't see it that way. I think Wendy tried to keep it light, because that's the sensibility of her show, but I see her plea to Whitney. Which made her feelings and sentiment in the video below that much more honest and heartfelt -- which is Wendy's brand of Authenticity and "Say It Like You Mean It."
_I cried after seeing this, because Whitney was so iconic and I love her and I am sad that she passed so suddenly and in a very tragic way, but also because Wendy's transparency was so beautiful. Whether Whitney succumbed to drugs or this was all an accident, does it really matter? She is a woman...a woman whose songs have been part of the soundtrack of our lives. Greatest Love All: My cousin and I singing I believe the children are the future at church. I wanna Dance with somebody: My family reunion back in the day. Shoop Shoop Shoop: Seeing Waiting to Exhale on bootleg with my mom and her girlfriends and listen to their conversations about life and relationships. Whitney gave to the world and that's what we are here for. I think Wendy had a breakthrough on camera about her own journey and it was just beautiful to watch and no other journalist will take this stance...TRUST ME!
My Little Marketing Insight... I can't help it!
From a marketing perspective (I can't help it!) She set herself apart from others that will dive in on this story and I realize it's because it's personal for her, she let people into something a little deeper. Wendy is unassuming and she's calculated, but not calculated in a bad way, but she's done the math before hand. She knows that as long as she is herself and she sees herself in all she does that it will always ADD UP in her favor and I like people (especially folks of color) who know the power of being clear on who you are and where you stand in this world and in any industry.
Remembering the Legacy: It was Worth the Toll.
What are your words worth? We all have an opinion...I enjoy opinions and perspectives, but after all of those words what do you have left...nothing if you weren't clear on what you were saying. Whitney always had a clear message...try your best to love yourself. Listen to the music, the theme is consistent. Many people think I always refer to branding because I am a marketer, but that's not it. When I see people who are consistent in their messaging I appreciate it. Doesn't mean you can't fall, make mistakes, or missteps, it just means on everything you shared you were HONEST in what you believed. Want to know when someone is spitting bull? Listen to them talk for an hour...if they sound like four different people...don't trust it! Whitney always sounded the same to me and words were consistent and that is WORTH it's weight in Solid Gold or Platinum (music pun!). After all is said and done, Whitney, I hope the journey was worth the toll. I feel that it is -- I have been touched. Sad that I see how deeply in your death. However, see someone who knew her well talk about her faith and her resilience. This will gives fans and friends clarity that Whitney is in a great place with the Lord. This I am sure...no I didn't know her, but I feel that and I believe what I feel.
_Miss and Love you, Whitney! R.I.P. Here's Whitney singing about what I feel she always sang about...LOVE!
By Dennis Maurice Dumpson
Recently, CNN Political Analyst & Pundit, Roland Martin (who I am a fan of by the way), posted a tweet during Sunday's Super Bowl (#GoGiants!) that the folks at GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) and other gay rights organizations found offensive and supportive of bullying and violence against LGBT persons. (See Roland's thoughts here.) This seems to be a sad case of what I like to call: NotStayingInYourLaneism. I'll explain. See the tweet in question from @rolandsmartin below.
I personally think that Martin meant no ill-will when he tweeted his statement. It seemed like it was his attempt at trying to be current to what was trending (i.e., the super bowl and super bowl commercials). CNN, however, after a push from GLAAD and others, felt otherwise and chose to suspend Martin in an effort to protect THEIR brand. Since then he has accepted an invitation to meet with members in leadership at GLAAD and shared a public apology stating that he is "sorry for any offense my {his} remarks caused." Rest assure that this will all blow over soon, Martin will watch his mouth (and tweets) more than ever and be back to sharing the news as he has been, and GLAAD will be fine with having brought attention and awareness to another case of defamation to the Gay & Lesbian community. Everyone wins...sort of :-/There's A Message in this...The big question here is: "What can we learn from Martin's Tweet Fiasco?" Simple, everything we think, every issue that arises, every provocative moment happening does NOT need to be commented on, tweeted, facebooked, blogged on Tumblr, instagramed, etc. Rule Of Thumb: STAY IN YA LANE! There's no need to be a voice on things that have nothing to do with your brand, unless they improve your public perception.What Wendy Williams Can Teach Roland MartinRoland Martin is most well-known for his political commentary. However, you're suspended from your work as a Political Analyst, not because of your comments on International policy or the GOP debates, but rather because you choose to comment on the Super Bowl, well actually a commercial about men's underwear during the Super Bowl no less -- something that has absolutely nothing to do with the essential parts of your brand? (Yes I know he was suspended for homophobic comments, but I am referring to context of his comments.) When caring for the integrity of your brand an important thing to remember is where your lane ends and begins. If you're a cultural critic or a pop culture enthusiast, stick to the Beyonce & Jay-Z's baby name controversy and Demi Moore's Divorce from Ashton and alleged addiction to Whip-It's. Take Wendy Williams for example, there are so many things that she could talk about on her daily, syndicated, talk show, The Wendy Williams Show...but she keeps it limited to Hot Topics, Celebrity Happenings, Twinkies, & Television. You won't catch her spouting off about Newt Gingrich's comments about Welfare & Government, because she knows her brand, she knows her audience, and she stays in her lane. Had Martin took some notes from Mrs. Williams-Hunter he might not be dealing with all this mess today. Now, I'm not saying he can't tweet or comment on anything other than politics, but I do think he needs to embrace where he shines and leave the other discussion to the other folk.
Just my 2 cents! Lata, Folks!
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By Dennis Maurice Dumpson
The late, great, Etta James passed away earlier this month and her home going ceremony was held a few days ago. I am a fan of "At Last" the phenomenal classic delivered by the late songstress and at her funeral, Christina Aguilera did her justice. Take a look below! #WOW #SANGCHRISTINA #RIPETTAJAMES
By: Dennis Maurice Dumpson
How many of us are searching for success; looking for a breakthrough; or trying to find your niche? I can feel everyone's hands lifting! Mine sure is! I was so inspired by what Tyler Perry said in this post and truly it is nothing but the grace of God that will allow us to be one with our purpose and live our dreams. Check out Mr. Perry's words and be inspired!
_By: Dennis Maurice Dumpson
Earlier today, I saw the video posted below and it made me see so clearly some of the major issues we face when fighting for progress -- Divisive, Bull-Headed Folks. The video below is about Spike Lee's new film, Red Hook Summer, but he touches on Tyler Perry a little and then on the controversy George Lucas faced putting out Red Tails. See the video below and then my views are below. Full Q&A from Sundance's Red Hook Premiere (Part in question at 15:30)
I, personally, find Spike Lee to be a great filmmaker, but extremely bitter, condescending, divisive, and self-defeating (and not just from this vignette, but from a myriad of things he has said in the past on a wide variety of topics). While I know George Lucas' issues with funding Red Tails (a film about the Tuskegee Airmen featuring a predominantly African American cast) are not new in the world film-making, this presented an opportunity for Directors like Lee, Singleton, Gray, Perry, etc to truly unite using the press that Lucas was able to acquire and expose the issues of race, exclusion, and diversity (lack thereof) in Film. Instead, we get "This isn't new..I've been saying it for years..." or "Why does it take a white man to have issues for there to be change..." Does it really matter? Capitalize off of the momentum and passion that is building today, but instead you let all that die out with your timid squeals of disapproval shared in the closet of Black America. In my opinion, the smarter suggestion is to use this opportunity to advance the mission (Shout out to President Obama's State of the Union address last night) and not complain "I've been saying this for years!" Use the opportunity to say it while it has the ears of so many folks who never listened before (from all races). The power of the voice of African-Americans is not in our complaints or theories of corruption, but our voice is most powerful when it is combined with our thought. So many others are smart enough to capitalize off of the African-American experience and dollar, but we have yet to come to grips with the fact that we are using our voice with little thought behind it. We are getting angry, showing passion, but our head and voice is not in the game. We need to focus on getting our way and being extremely intelligent in how we do it. #WeCallThatDiplomacy...
Life and death is in the power of the tongue, I feel like we've been killing ourselves, instead of breathing life into our businesses, communities, industry, and people. In reality we have to think beyond "Why?" It is now bigger than why did this happen or why did George Lucas have to say something to bring attention to the plight of Black films, instead use this as an opportunity to capitalize off of the attention & energy, just as Lucas will benefit (whether that is his intention or not) off of the ticket buying power of African Americans who went out in droves to support the film (which is AWESOME by the way!).
Now, we need to say: "Look George got some attention...let's capitalize off the moment (smells like the perfect time to create a movement to me! Now that's revolution...)" and HOLD Lucas accountable to be part of the conversations that happen moving forward concerning the appreciation of black films. We have to work Hollywood like Hollywood has worked us for damn near a century...with intelligence and diplomacy.
Granted he is probably frustrated, but now your frustration is received as being bitter and people are not trying to hear you. All that voice, all that passion, is now misinterpreted and Red Hook Summer and your next movie, too are still funded straight out of your pocket. Well today work smarter not harder, is my message to Spike... don't get lost in your emotions so much that you can't remember the mission! Your voice and the voice of African-American film makers is needed TODAY...let's make that our focus. The topic of quality African American film being widely distributed is not old hat it's happening right now, in front of our faces, therefore, use the impression that Red Tails is making to strengthen the point, galvanize communities, and alert people of color about what they truly are supporting when they give their dollars to a movie theater. I just feel like Spike can drive progress in this instance, especially because he is one of the best directors of our time, use all these variables to make a difference...and to ensure your work hasn't gone in vain.__
By: Dennis Maurice Dumpson
McDonald's recently made an unsuccessful attempt at trying to strengthen their allegiance with customers across the country by asking for stories, #McDStories to be exact. McDonald's made a huge mistake in asking people on twitter to share their McDonald's stories without directing the conversation appropriately. So what is a company to do when they want their customers to share their positive stories? Well for starters, make sure you control the conversation -- quite honestly that is where McDonald’s went wrong. This is your brand...protect it! Unless McDonald's plans to create a spin-off of what has worked famously for Domino's Pizza --- sharing your flaws and customer discontent and making changes accordingly in the face of the public --- this was a huge #McFail. Here are a few tips on what McDonald's and companies of the like can do to avoid Social Media tragedies.
1. Research, Reach Out, Reward
Reach out to people who have been faithful supporters. The biggest mistake people make with social networking is that they become delusional and think it’s as simple as: I post, people rave, we win --- NEGATIVE! You start all good marketing efforts by reaching out to people and gathering a team of people who support you --- we call that Buy-In. Research your Twitter mentions, do a search to find people who really have had great experiences with your company; in essence do your research. Once you've found people from across the country send them a Thank you DM (Direct Message) or an inbox message, maybe even include a free coupon thanking them for being a loyal customer. Chances are they will probably be so thankful for the thank you and coupon that they will share it with their friends and their friends will want a piece of the free coupon action, too --- don’t be afraid to reward your customers! Also, research organizations with huge social media communities to share their great experiences. I am sure McDonald's has supported organizations, community programs, etc. and now is the time for you to reach out to those organizations asking them to share why they go to you for support. They will be more than happy to help since you’ve awarded them support in the past.
2. Build Deeper Relationships & Be Clear
Make those great supporters your leading social media ambassadors. They've already said favorable things about your company, now continue to cultivate a deeper relationship with them (Yes, even McDonald's can build DEEP relationships!). Engage those supporters, send a retweet of a quote they’ve sent out. They’ll be so excited and impressed by your attention that they’ll have a smile every time they connect with you. In addition, a better option instead of asking for #McDStories would have been to share those stories you’ve researched from your company profile with a hashtag that is clear and shares what you want people to know about your company --- #ThatWasGood or #TheyreLovinIt --- #McDStories is too open-ended and leaves room for people to write good or bad stories (and we all have seen the route people have traveled). I know this may still be a bit superficial in terms of true "connecting," but let's face it, you've connected and built something more personal than you had; and the quality of interaction has increased, because you directed the conversation appropriately.
3. Encourage a Celebration
McDonald's participated in what I like to call, LSMM - Lazy Social Media Marketing! You've asked millions of random strangers (and be clear they are strangers, they have no connection to you outside of their digested McRib from last week) across the country to share their stories... And what did you expect to come of this again? There was no direction on how this benefited the customer or why it was important to your company. Maybe if McDonald's approach was "We want to hear from you! Share your positive stories and your story and twitter name maybe featured on an upcoming commercial, our website, or in select McDonald’s restaurants.” they would have seen a greater, more favorable response. Some simple Quid Pro Quo works wonders --- McDonald's forgot the power of a good back scratch! Now you've given people a reason to write favorable comments or experiences --- this doesn’t mean that people will not still be snarky and rude, but it will surely even the playing field of negative and positive comments.
Many think that companies like McDonald's shouldn't do e-marketing or social media campaigns, but I do not agree. I believe there is more work that has to be done before you jump into the pool of public opinion and start connecting with followers, fans, etc. Outreach is essential, doing that initial research can benefit your brand in great ways. Secondly, build relationships with your followers; word of mouth is still the best form of marketing around, so give them a reason to support you. And last but not least, people love to celebrate give them a reason to embrace your brand and let them know that everyone WINS when they support you! Simple planning, good research, and thoughtful connecting could avoid your next #McFail!
_
It's only been about 14 months since I last posted something on this blog--did you miss me? :-)
Well let me tell you about what has happened since I last blogged. The book is finally done! I refined the website completely, adding videos, audio poetry, a buy now section, links to my family at Black City Magazine, where I am a writer, YouTube and Facebook pages...wait...let me tell you about this before I go any further. So youtube is awesome, it is consistent, my videos are available, it does the job and well, however, facebook (I love it, but LAWD the flip flop kills me) is just a mess. I had a fan page, worked on really hard on it too, but now facebook is changing their facebook fan page to regular profiles...and it is SUPER ANNOYING. I know most of you are like, ok, that means nothing, but the old fan pages were so cool. This new stuff is UGH, BLAH, Whatever. But anyway search me out on Facebook as Dennis Maurice and look me up on YouTube as Dumpson83. If you want to buy the book, What My Colored Eyes See: THe Words of a Decorated Child, go to the BUY section of my website.
Well, I think that's it...I plan on blogging more often, so see you soon!!!
Peace,
Dennis Maurice
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