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Obama Teaches Internet Marketing Courses

by Muhammad Jalloh
30 replies
Hello Warriors,

I had just signed into my Yahoo! email inbox when I was greeted with Yahoo! News' "Top Stories" tab. I clicked on one of the "Obama selects VP" links.

But that was not what motivated me to pen this post.

It was another link on that page that got my attention that made me do it. It has always been obvious that Sen. Obama is one of our most "technology-oriented" politicians. But this one made me think a little more than I usually do.

It was a video from CBS aptly titled "OMG! Obama Texts VP Pick" which really aroused my curiosity. Did Obama actually send a text message to his VP or what? Well, the title did its job: I clicked over to watch the video.

One statement by the narrator of the video stunned me and had me thinking.

The contributors noted that there was actually some wisdom in what he did.

Here were a few observations...

  • He delayed sending out the VP notification for a week so that more and more will sign up for the notification message.
  • His reasons for choosing text messaging as a medium was to gather email addresses and phone numbers of potential supporters (read that "list members")
  • He would be able to reach one of the largest segments of the population who have been supporting him-the text-writing, PDA-fanatical younger generation.
  • Access to some few million phone numbers and email address will help tap new sources of support and funding for his campaign.


Maybe there were a few more reasons, but I think these directly concern Internet Marketers.

Could we use "mass text messaging" as our next marketing tool? How would and should we go about that?

Your suggestions and input are highly welcomed.

Yours,
Muhammad Jalloh

PS: Don't you think that was an insightful course for IMers from him? By the way, you can visit ABC News: Online news, breaking news, feature stories and more and watch the video here by scrolling down to where it says "ABC News Programs" and click on "OMG! Obama Texts VP Pick." Disclaimer: I am not a politician.
#courses #internet #marketing #obama #teaches
  • Profile picture of the author Tirmizi
    very interesting post , obama is not gonna be like the " old school " politician , he's young , energetic and well versed about technological advancements
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    • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
      Yes text and mobile phone marketing will be huge.

      There are more mobile phones in the world than television sets or computers.

      That's a startling statistic to any marketer.

      And now many phones have the ability to interface with a live web page (you can go online with your cell phone).

      Kindest regards,
      Andrew Cavanagh
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      • Profile picture of the author Solidsnake
        Banned
        Here in Philippines, there are already some ads in text messaging... ads from providers in exchange for free text..
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        • Profile picture of the author Mark Riddle
          Yes there are many things about Obama's Text messaging that can relate to IM, there are also some un-planned drawbacks.

          There is now a List, but its a pre-launch announce list...

          Now Read that again, Its a PRE - Launch Announce list.

          Once the announcement is made:

          The Reason they subscribed was TOTALLY FULFILLED...

          So that large list has become worthless for any other purpose.

          ALL Additional Messages are now considered SPAM to the very same people that were originally interested.

          This is WHY you never build an Announce Only List...

          An Announce only list is good, if all you are planing on doing is "Just A Launch"

          If you are wanting to have a continuing relationship with your list, announcements can not be the focus of your list. Included in your messages Yes, but not the focus.

          Also consider what Media you choose reflects on the value of your message.

          The weight or importance of your message, has to match the weight or importance of the media you are choosing to distribute your message.

          A hand delivered, hand written note shows more importance than a form letter send via bulk mail.

          This is why understanding: media is part of your message, This is so important.

          He has delegated one of his most important choices in showing leadership, to the realm dominated by Teen Agers, Glitter Tags, and Gamers.

          Mark
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          • Profile picture of the author Phil Jacobson
            Indeed, net savvy Obama is truly impressive!

            Here in Japan there are some phenomenal advancements with mobile phones and an array of marketing tools that would probably impress even the most advanced IMer. Things such as QR codes and Mobile Mail Magazines are gaining popularity at a frightening speed. The need for small, medium and large corporation to have a mobile phone site is increasing.

            Japan is perhaps the most advanced country in the world for Mobile Phones.
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            • Profile picture of the author freedom40
              Let's not forget the man Ron Paul, who used the internet to raise 26+ million!
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          • Profile picture of the author Muhammad Jalloh
            Originally Posted by netmalls View Post

            Yes there are many things about Obama's Text messaging that can relate to IM, there are also some un-planned drawbacks.

            There is now a List, but its a pre-launch announce list...

            Now Read that again, Its a PRE - Launch Announce list.

            Once the announcement is made:

            The Reason they subscribed was TOTALLY FULFILLED...

            So that large list has become worthless for any other purpose.

            ALL Additional Messages are now considered SPAM to the very same people that were originally interested.

            This is WHY you never build an Announce Only List...

            An Announce only list is good, if all you are planing on doing is "Just A Launch"

            If you are wanting to have a continuing relationship with your list, announcements can not be the focus of your list. Included in your messages Yes, but not the focus.

            Also consider what Media you choose reflects on the value of your message.

            The weight or importance of your message, has to match the weight or importance of the media you are choosing to distribute your message.

            A hand delivered, hand written note shows more importance than a form letter send via bulk mail.

            This is why understanding: media is part of your message, This is so important.
            Thanks for that insight, Mark.


            He has delegated one of his most important choices in showing leadership, to the realm dominated by Teen Agers, Glitter Tags, and Gamers.

            Mark
            Is that niche politicking?
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            • Profile picture of the author Keith Gilbert
              Obama does have quite good marketing. Sadly, most people only look at that and do not investigate his stances on political issues, which leave much to be desired, to say the least.
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              • Profile picture of the author Muhammad Jalloh
                Originally Posted by Michael Ellis View Post

                Well... when you take into account that there are significantly more democrats in the US than republicans, and a good portion of those democrats are youngsters, it makes much mores sense to target the Facebook, Myspace, etc. crowds. It's not that the republicans are not technically advanced; it's just not their audience.
                Yeah, most democrats (especially Obama supporters) are the tech-savvy youngsters that has the Web 2.0 landscape as their home.

                On the other hand, most republicans are probably the "baby boomers" (and some modern conservative younger people) So, products and services promoted through conventional media forms such as the papers, television and radio may reach them better and faster.


                Originally Posted by Keith Gilbert View Post

                Obama does have quite good marketing. Sadly, most people only look at that and do not investigate his stances on political issues, which leave much to be desired, to say the least.
                I won't disagree with you Keith, because I am not particularly politically active, but I would prefer a Democrat in the White House to another four years of "Republicanism"
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                • Profile picture of the author testaccount1234567
                  Hmm sounds cool. We don't really get this type of stuff in Oz from our politicians. Prob because they are all waaayyyy to old
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                  • Profile picture of the author Muhammad Jalloh
                    Originally Posted by Tristan Bull View Post

                    Hmm sounds cool. We don't really get this type of stuff in Oz from our politicians. Prob because they are all waaayyyy to old
                    Take my advice.

                    Create an "Obama Nation" down there.

                    Or run for President yourself. If they say you are too young, change the constitution. I will tell my Aussie friends to vote for you.

                    ~Muhammad
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                    • Profile picture of the author Luisc137
                      That's something I never thought about. At the same time though, I can see people running into a bit of trouble seeing as how it doesn't cost anything to receive an email but it does cost some people money to receive a text. Interesting read nonetheless.
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                      • Profile picture of the author Muhammad Jalloh
                        Originally Posted by Luisc137 View Post

                        That's something I never thought about. At the same time though, I can see people running into a bit of trouble seeing as how it doesn't cost anything to receive an email but it does cost some people money to receive a text. Interesting read nonetheless.
                        I don't think the cost of receiving a text message will be a problem to most people, if you consider that the SMS-loving subscribers are mostly youngsters.

                        This is because, almost all of them text like crazy, as most of them already have probably unlimited text messaging service as part of the monthly mobile plan.

                        So, it probably wouldn't be costing them any extra dime for them to receive another text message, even if it from a marketer.

                        ~Muhammad
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                    • Profile picture of the author testaccount1234567
                      Originally Posted by Muhammad Jalloh View Post

                      Take my advice.

                      Create an "Obama Nation" down there.

                      Or run for President yourself. If they say you are too young, change the constitution. I will tell my Aussie friends to vote for you.

                      ~Muhammad
                      Alright sounds like a plan. I'll run for president! Well Prime Minister actually but same thing.

                      I'll get to work on the campaign now
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                      • Profile picture of the author Muhammad Jalloh
                        Originally Posted by Tristan Bull View Post

                        Alright sounds like a plan. I'll run for president! Well Prime Minister actually but same thing.

                        I'll get to work on the campaign now
                        And don't worry about the Queen.

                        I am pretty sure that she won't mind anyway.

                        ~Muhammad
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                        • Profile picture of the author testaccount1234567
                          Originally Posted by Muhammad Jalloh View Post

                          And don't worry about the Queen.

                          I am pretty sure that she won't mind anyway.

                          ~Muhammad
                          Na not worried at all, me and her are tight so it's cool

                          I'm on it Pete don't worry i'll secure your vote
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                          • Profile picture of the author jhongren
                            Could we use "mass text messaging" as our next marketing tool? How would and should we go about that?
                            Hi Muhammad,

                            I love this post.

                            It shows Internet Marketing is more common that we think it is.

                            As for text messaging, I am sure it is.

                            Just build relationship and JV with major telcos and they can have the most powerful marketing machine in the world. Not forgetting that everyone is the "targeted customers" and the list in this case is really BIG.

                            Most people have mobile phones nowadays and most hold on to it almost all the time. Most importantly, when a new text message comes in, most cant resist the temptation what is the new message about.

                            Cheers,
                            John
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                            • Profile picture of the author Muhammad Jalloh
                              Originally Posted by jhongren View Post

                              Hi Muhammad,

                              I love this post.

                              It shows Internet Marketing is more common that we think it is.
                              That's right, John, Internet marketing is more common that we think it is.

                              But it the "real know-how" of doing it right is like a pyramid with very few of us at the top of it. Most "regular" people still think Internet Marketing is just "Web Design" in a new skin.

                              But life is a pyramid anyway, so choose your place in it carefully.


                              As for text messaging, I am sure it is.

                              Just build relationship and JV with major telcos and they can have the most powerful marketing machine in the world. Not forgetting that everyone is the "targeted customers" and the list in this case is really BIG.

                              Most people have mobile phones nowadays and most hold on to it almost all the time. Most importantly, when a new text message comes in, most cant resist the temptation what is the new message about.

                              Cheers,
                              John
                              Hot idea right there!

                              I know that I check my text message as soon as it comes in, faster than you can say "hello!"

                              But what if you decide to create an SMS portal of your own, much more like a directory of products and services targeted to different markets. Each category would then have its own SMS "opt-in" page.

                              Then, you just send them a mass text message of your products, services, offers, OTOs, etc.

                              I know it may seem like a crazy idea. But it is realistic and doable.

                              Don't you think?

                              ~Muhammad
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                          • Profile picture of the author Muhammad Jalloh
                            Originally Posted by Tristan Bull View Post

                            Na not worried at all, me and her are tight so it's cool

                            I'm on it Pete don't worry i'll secure your vote
                            Good.

                            Now, go work on it!

                            ~Muhammad
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                            • Profile picture of the author jhongren
                              Then, you just send them a mass text message of your products, services, offers, OTOs, etc.
                              Wow, OTOs.

                              Maybe something like that can be done.

                              "Grab Obama's limited edition cap and free only for the first exclusive 100 customers. Meet at 10.30am at Place X Today!"

                              Maybe there can be some party members there to shake hands with them and garner support.

                              Just a thought :p

                              Cheers,
                              John
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                            • Profile picture of the author testaccount1234567
                              Originally Posted by Muhammad Jalloh View Post

                              Good.

                              Now, go work on it!

                              ~Muhammad

                              Haha will do.

                              Hmm now I need to come up with a cool campaign slogan...
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                              • Profile picture of the author Scott Lundergan
                                The text messaging campaign was no doubt GENIUS! On college campuses all across America, Obama has the vote with the help of web 2.0/Social Marketing and let's not forget many of the groups that support him are also VERY internet saavy and has created mass backing such as MoveOn.org: Democracy in Action.

                                Best,

                                Scott
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                                • Profile picture of the author Jelasco
                                  Amazing that people would sign up for those text messages when anyone with an IQ over 80 would know that the VP candidate's name would be all over the news immediately. I heard the name a few hours before the text went out.

                                  But then, if they had an IQ over 80 they probably weren't that interested in the news anyway.
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                                  • Profile picture of the author Muhammad Jalloh
                                    Originally Posted by Scott Lundergan View Post

                                    The text messaging campaign was no doubt GENIUS! On college campuses all across America, Obama has the vote with the help of web 2.0/Social Marketing and let's not forget many of the groups that support him are also VERY internet saavy and has created mass backing such as MoveOn.org: Democracy in Action.

                                    Best,

                                    Scott
                                    I think he realized that if he is going to create a momentum, bypass "conventional" political rules and gain popularity, he has to stick with a new generation of people who are "rebels" of the old ways.

                                    He knows that to be the best shepherd, he has to first graze with the sheep. And so he did by tapping into technologies and arenas where they already are-mobile communications and the Web 2.0 landscape.

                                    Originally Posted by Jelasco View Post

                                    Amazing that people would sign up for those text messages when anyone with an IQ over 80 would know that the VP candidate's name would be all over the news immediately. I heard the name a few hours before the text went out.

                                    But then, if they had an IQ over 80 they probably weren't that interested in the news anyway.
                                    Well, you just have to come to terms with the fact that most people (youngsters, especially) would rather wait for manna than go to the kitchen. Plus, they are very excited, in this case.

                                    And about that IQ thing that you talk about, we have come up with ready substitute-technology and the web.

                                    ~Muhammad
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    • Profile picture of the author Muhammad Jalloh
      Originally Posted by Tirmizi View Post

      very interesting post , obama is not gonna be like the " old school " politician , he's young , energetic and well versed about technological advancements
      Yes, he is.

      And if anyone doubts that, they should check out Facebook (that is, if you are not already there). He is the only candidate right from the primaries who has been branding himself in the minds of the youth by distributing his free "Vote Obama" buttons.

      That is what I call "tapping into the power of social networking."

      ~Muhammad
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Ellis
      Originally Posted by Tirmizi View Post

      very interesting post , obama is not gonna be like the " old school " politician , he's young , energetic and well versed about technological advancements
      Well... when you take into account that there are significantly more democrats in the US than republicans, and a good portion of those democrats are youngsters, it makes much mores sense to target the Facebook, Myspace, etc. crowds. It's not that the republicans are not technically advanced; it's just not their audience.
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      • Profile picture of the author seasoned
        Originally Posted by Michael Ellis View Post

        Well... when you take into account that there are significantly more democrats in the US than republicans, and a good portion of those democrats are youngsters, it makes much mores sense to target the Facebook, Myspace, etc. crowds. It's not that the republicans are not technically advanced; it's just not their audience.
        You know, it is interesting. The number of democrats is not REALLY known! Between those wanting certain things, involved with certain things, etc... They may sign up for the democrat party just like Germans signed up for the NAZI party in WWII!

        SO WHAT if he texted, etc?!?!?!? HOW does that say he is "technologically advanced"!?!? As for using the phone over the TV, that is not really that bright! SOME might have trouble reading it(if text), the system could get overloaded, some messages cost money, etc... There is a lot to consider.

        One idiot on TV even made a big deal about how obama was on 5 popular sites, and started a 6th that was similar(probably with an opensource package he bought!), and Mccain only had 4 of those sites. And they spoke of how obama had more "friends". Well DUH! How many were kids that couldn't even vote? How many were duplicates? How many just wanted to be in the loop to get his VP pic? They'll never know. Besides, the 5 sites were simply social sites. Anyone on the internet for a week that is interested in such things probably knows about them, and they aren't the only ones. So using their use as an indicator of technical interest really isn't meaningful and a count of users really means little.

        In any event, my father is SURROUNDED by democrats! FRIENDS, his wife, etc.... They voted for (gulp) CLINTON! BTW they aren't exactly poor!(Read as FAR FROM IT) They tow the democrat line, etc... Well, they DID anyway! THIS YEAR!?!?!? They apparently want to vote for MCCAIN! And some of the stuff about Obama is pretty damning. I'm surprised they don't talk about most of it on TV. They MIGHT before the election though.

        Obama is like those figures in the comedies and cartoons that have a heavy rock or weight placed precariously over them. Some people are looking on wondering if he will get out of the way before it falls! I have alluded to it in the past, but now find it is FAR larger and closer than I would have imagined. The closest they have come to it on TV, that I have seen, is talking about "Jeremiah Wright". Barack must be a bit scared to denounce him so. And HE knows it is damning. Still, they are pretty quiet. And Wright is literally like a flyspeck compared to what is waiting in the wings.
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