If you've been around these parts for a few years, you might remember some of the work I did around the ability of Twitter to change brand perception and on a larger scale, the ability of social media to alter brand perception. Both of these projects centered around the idea of leveraging virtual exposure via social media to change the perception of Mardi Gras from "Girls Gone Wild" to "Family Friendly Fun."
In both cases those were marketing research driven activities that resulted in some amazing social media marketing data proving statistically that yes, social media can be used to alter embedded brand perception -- at least around a tourism destination and/or festival or event like Mardi Gras. And while I'm not planning to continue that work this year, I will none-the-less be at the parades and thought why not invite you to join me?
So, starting tonight around 7pm CENTRAL Time, watch my tweets over @TomMartin and I'll show you my Mardi Gras -- and if you've never been -- well you might just be surprised.
Now most folks don't know that Mardi Gras is not a day but two full weeks of parades... so if you want the full-on experience, be sure to stay tuned through Fat Tuesday (February 21) for pics, vids, etc of this year's Mardi Gras.
Just pay attention to my Twitter avatar -- when you see that I've changed it to the one above, you can know you're about to attend your first virtual Mardi Gras! Just be carefull not to yell "Throw me something Mister!" outloud -- well unless you want to scare the hell out of those around you.
Think this will be a lot of fun? Why not invite a friend to join you? Just tell them to Follow @TomMartin