Students don't fool me. I know I'm doing their homework when they ask for my "opinion" on projects.

I was "reviewing" a promotional program written by a group of college students. It looked like they were incorporating every social media platform they could think of to get the information out. "What about email?" I wondered. They wanted their promotion to feel more "progressive," so they left it out.

Well there's progressive. And there's practical. When you create a promotional program with direct communication, you want your members to feel special. They should always be the first to know. Will the progressiveness of social media always guarantee this?

• Twitter. I may like the brand, but don't assume I'm a follower.
• Facebook. Again, like the brand, but I might not be a fan.
• Foursquare. Must I tell everyone where I am to appreciate the brand?

I'm all for progression, but it's not reason enough to forgo the tried-and-true. Nearly everyone online has an email address. Sure you can argue mailboxes fill up and items get lost (and they did argue that). That's why marketers invented follow-up emails.

They still thought I was dragging the program back to the 20th century. So I suggested text and rich media mobile messaging. People opt in and get the message sent directly to them that could have been in the email. Problem solved. Cue the chorus. That made them happy.

Ironically, this entire review took place over emails.

I expect at least a B+ on this project.


Image courtesy of stock.xchng.

Now to the shameless self promo:

Professor Ad Man is a finalist in the MyDomain Brand .Me Contest for best career branding. I'd appreciate your vote. Just go on the site and click Clifton Simmons . No sign ups. No spamming later.