This past week in San Francisco, Stewart Alsop of Alsop Louie-Partners moderated a Geo-Loco panel which included the founder of Mapquest Perry Evans (now the CEO of Closely), Blair Swedeen of Placecast, Rob Lawson of Brightkite, Rahul Sonnad of Geodelic and Kent Lindstrom of PlacePop.
Stewart asked the panelists what was the number one thing they have done to engage consumers that they are the most proud of?
Swedeen says, “since we offer an opt-in marketing solution for marketers, we have gotten people to opt in and give people the ability to reach anyone through any phone, whenever they’re nearby a store or a venue. So for example, we can deliver content on urban hiking trails while you’re near a trail.
Lindstrom says, “providing virtual loyalty cards to businesses.
Sonnad says, “if you’re on the Hollywood hall of fame where all the stars are, the star you are closest to will show up right away while you’re there.”
Evans says, “to win with a consumer app, you have to save them time or money or get them to EGO or FUN. Foursquare appeals to your ego – ego is why a lot of people tweet or check into Foursquare.”
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored over 90, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity. She is also the founder of the Magdalene Collection, a jewelry line dedicated to women’s unsung voices and stories, and the award-winning author of the bestselling book Magdalene’s Journey
She is founder of Blue Soul Media and co-founder of Blue Soul Earth as well as the producer and host of the award-winning Blue Soul CHATS podcast, that bridges science, technology and spirituality. Renee also founded Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
