A Product Manager’s Guide to Hot Lovin’

Posted on April 18, 2012 by CampusLIVE

Jesse Morgan had his moment as the Ladies Man. I’m here to be your Hitch.

In An Email Marketer’s Guide to Picking Up Girls, Jesse offered you his tips for dropping that perfect pickup line and that perfect marketing email. And even though he never called me (it’s okay, Jesse – they’re just feelings; they’ll heal), he was still absolutely correct.

But I’m more of a relationship guy. Some say it’s my product job that makes me think that way. Others say it’s my charm and handsome looks. I say, “Stop it, Mom, I’m trying to write a serious column here!”

So after the one-liners land, the butterflies settle, and the “firsts” are all established, it’s time to get serious with your users and gear up for the long-haul. You can’t live without them, after all, and you want them feeling the exact same way.

This one goes out to all the lovers out there…

1. Understand product-market fit.

They say relationships are about compromise. They clearly weren’t in too many relationships.

Relationships are about what SHE wants, whether you like it or not. If you want to keep her around, make sure you always consider what she wants to do first and foremost.

That means even though you’re thinking Terminator, you’re gonna sit through Love Actually tonight. That’s because, while watching Arnold destroy futuristic robots and the English language in the same movie sounds like an awesome night to you, you know one vital thing: if you don’t offer her a fun time, she won’t stick around very long. There are plenty of fish (and products) in the sea for her.

Don’t just assume you know how she thinks – make sure you actually know her, inside and out. (Alright, just settle down…I know what I wrote.)

2. Rely on feedback channels. 

As much as you may grow to hate it, always ask that simple question: “How was your day, honey?”

Open communication ensures that you always understand what she wants, needs, and loves. Plus, it shows that you care, and it makes her feel heard.

It’s true that listening to her talk about an issue she has with you or her boss (or that girl at Starbucks who was SO rude or the bartender who was totally ignoring her to talk to those younger girls who were CLEARLY underage and only allowed in the bar because they wore heels so tall they could barely walk and OMG did you hear what Jessica told Becky the other day…?!)

Whoa, sorry, got off track there. Where were we? Ah yes – although her issues may seemingly drag on, you need to carve out feedback time so you can take the most important action you can in any long-term relationship:

3. Create moments of surprise and delight.

That’s right – you need to bring flowers, especially on days where you’re not supposed to bring flowers.

You want this relationship to blossom and continue to be just as interesting and just as hot as Day One, so you need to seriously focus on the most important phrase of the Web 2.0, social-local-mobile-half-caf-decaf-mocha-chai-latte era:

“Surprise and delight.”

This means, quite simply, you must create moments of unexpected happiness.

Maybe show up with a copy of Love Actually on DVD because she lost hers and you happened to hear her complain to her friend about it. Maybe instead of flowers, you bring her that favorite brand of chocolate she loves so much. It shows you care about her and know her well and that you’re willing to make the effort.

This is key, so let’s step outside the analogy for a second.

Everyone is a broadcaster of things they know and love today. And everyone has millions of options and the attention spans of sugared-up six-year-olds. So if you don’t focus on being human and don’t deliver moments of surprise and delight, you’re just not going to succeed long term in developing a loyal base of users. Period. All the data crunching and big-picture thinking, KPIs, ROI, NWAs and BYOBs in the world won’t be worth a damn if you can’t get a single user to say to a friend, “I totally love these guys, and you should check them out.”

Ways to create those unexpected moments of happiness could be to drop a “Happy Friday!” tweet to a user, or share a link about the Red Sox with them directly because they say “Go Sox!” in their profile, or send them a little extra something when you fulfill their order, or even add a small design tweak on your site when they arrive on their birthday.

Create little moments of unexpected happiness by surprising and delighting her.

4. Use analytics and data to make the right decisions.

Fellas – ever hear this timeless gem? “No, it’s fine – go out with the guys tonight. I don’t care. Seriously! I don’t.”

WARNING! WARNING! DO NOT PASS GO! DO NOT COLLECT $200! DANGER! DANGER!

It’s not what they SAY; it’s what they DO. While it matters a ton that you talk to her every day about how she’s feeling (aka qualitative feedback and customer development), it matters infinitely more what she does (aka analytics, user behavior, build-measure-learn cycles, etc.).

So ask yourself: Are her words saying one thing but her face and tone say another?

Do a few users gripe about one of your features when in reality, it’s your most popular and fastest-growing? (Stay with me, everyone – it’s an easy column for human anatomy jokes.)

Does your girl tell you to go out with your friends but then poisons the next meal she cooks for you?

You know – relationship stuff.

It’s not what she says. It’s what she does. Build your relationship based on that!

5. Be present, be honest, and be great.

All the advice in the world wouldn’t matter if what you have to offer just plain stinks. So if you really want to get Facebook Official, have the basics on lock. Be there for her (serve the purpose you claim to be fulfilling). Be honest (if you make a mistake, own up to it and improve). And be great.

That last part sounds like something you’re born with or just pull out of thin air, but if you take time to focus on things that matter to her (perhaps five things that you happen to read on a tech blog somewhere?), being great becomes a whole lot easier.

Besides, Love Actually isn’t that bad. I mean, it’s actually kinda good. British humor is great anyway. Well at least Keira Knightley is in it so — bro, I like the movie, okay?!

Posted in Product | Leave a comment

An Email Marketer’s Guide To Picking Up Girls

Posted on April 10, 2012 by CampusLIVE

http://www.casanovanotes.com

Note: When I say “pick up,” I’m not specifically implying anything. This can mean anything from getting a number to drunkenly stumbling back to someone’s apartment to get weird. Boston guys have a bad enough rap as it is for expecting sex on the first date, and I don’t want to add to that here.

I’m not going to sit here and tell you I know anything about picking up girls. Now I hear this all the time: “But Jesse, you seem so naturally confident. Why wouldn’t the girls like you?” Please Mom, for the last time, I’m trying to write a blog post! One thing I do know a little bit about is email marketing, having built out CampusLIVE’s strategy for over two years.

Recently, I was tapping into my feminine side while working on a female-oriented email campaign. I was trying to figure out what would make a girl open this email, and then click through and start the Challenge. It dawned on me: This is no different from wooing a girl at the bar into giving me her number to hang out again. Here’s some advice for the lonely email marketers out there:

The From Line

Be upfront and honest about who you are. Why would you start off a relationship right away with a lie? (Exception: If you look like Ryan Gosling, run with it.)

The Subject Line

The most important part of an email. Period. If it sucks, then they won’t open it. Just like if you suck, a girl will tell you to get out of her face. Now, how not to suck…

For starters, your initial greeting must be enticing, attention-grabbing, and relevant. What will make them resist the urge to continue sifting through the other offers and choose to hear more?

Also, don’t come across as too aggressive or nervous. It’s important to avoid CAPS or too many exclamation points!!!, which translates into yelling or being out-of-control at the bar. The same goes for splashy promotional phrases – basically cheesy pickup lines.

Remember, subject line success depends on your company and your audience. That’s why it’s important to test, test, and test again. Figure out what works, take a deep breath, and hit send. Do I need to spell it out for you? Walk over and say hi.

The Body

Hey now! She’s digging your style, you sly pup! Don’t get cocky – you’re not in the clear yet. You still need to carry on an interesting and (at least somewhat) intelligent conversation.

Successful email bodies elaborate on the subject line. You must establish that you’re not just a one-line opener, but you have some substance in there and can back up your initial opening.

Don’t play right wing for the Bruins? Don’t say you do. It’s crucially important to represent who you are. Think you’re too boring to impress anyone? Come on, show some self-confidence. Remember, they chose to open the email. Remind them why that was a good idea. Also, know when to wrap it up (that might apply later too).

The Call to Action

You must have one crystal clear objective in your email. Wrap up your email body with exactly what you want them to do, and don’t be shy. At this point, they are intrigued enough to hear more. And hear more they will…

The Click-Through

Congrats, you did it! You are either staring at a new number in your phone (Note: Resist the urge to text, no matter how good your emoticon game is) or, even better, you are heading out of the bar with a new lover.

The Landing Page

Does anyone else call their house that? No? Me neither…

What is the picture you painted in the email? As they are waiting for the page to load, they already have an idea of what they’re about to get. Is that what you’re giving them? The landing page must be consistent with your offer.

Think about it this way: If you are offering a date with Ryan Gosling (reference #2, holla), and instead they get a date with Philip Seymour Hoffman, what do you think the reaction will be? Don’t get me wrong, PSH is a fine actor, but come on. Be consistent in your message.

The Follow Up

Good morning, sunshine! You are now in a foreign place, or at home next to a stranger, or still staring at that number in your phone. For the purposes of this post, we’ll assume you like this new person. What happens if this person doesn’t like you back?

Maybe you smell weird in the morning, or she was just looking to blow off some steam, or you text too much (what did I tell you about those emoticons?). In any event, you have to respect her decision to unsubscribe. Don’t be too hard on yourself; there are plenty of people out there that will love what you have to offer. Head back to the bar and find them!

Any questions? Email me – but remember what I taught you. Also, for the record, pickup lines totally work on me.

Jesse Morgan, aside from looking great in a V-neck, is the Online Marketing Manager at CampusLIVE. He coordinates and oversees the email marketing program as well as user acquisition. He also keeps up office morale with his witty quips and terrible jokes. Team player ‘til the end, tell a friend.

Posted in Marketing | Leave a comment

Top 10 Tips To Getting Hired At A Startup

Posted on April 9, 2012 by CampusLIVE

Hailing from Andover, MA, Ryan Durkin is the currently the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at CampusLIVE. Aside from keeping the company rolling in the direction of awesomeness, Ryan is an all out force to be reckoned with on the Ping Pong Table.  

A lot of people ask me some if I have any tips or tricks for getting hired at a Startup. Over the years I have learned a lot and I couldn’t think of a better way to put together all that wealth of knowledge than into a collection of posts from my personal blog.

Here are the Top 10 Tips to Getting Hired At a Startup:

  1. Stand in the Rain
  2. The Importance of Warm Showers
  3. Get to 98%
  4. Wear a Suit
  5. On “People Persons”
  6. Make Them Like You
  7. Carry a Bag, Notebook, and Pen
  8. Ask Who You’ll Be Interviewing With
  9. Ask ?’s
  10. Slap Interviewers in the Face With Follow Up

CampusLIVE is always looking for top talent. Do you think you have what it takes to be a part of our team? Check out or job listings or shoot us a message at Jobs@CampusLIVE.com!

Posted in Everything Else, Operations | 1 Comment

Nothing to See Here: CampusLIVE Meeting Minutes Revealed

Posted on March 29, 2012 by CampusLIVE

Meetings are meetings, no matter what you do. People get in a room. They talk. They drink their coffee, tea and water. They nod in agreement. They struggle to connect to the projector. They chew on sticky notes. A hamster rolls in. Someone starts beat boxing. A robbery occurs. Then everybody starts clapping.

Meetings are meetings. BOORRR-RIIINGGG! Right?

You be the judge….

CampusLIVE Team Meeting Minutes

8:59 AM: CampusLIVE COO Ryan calls meeting to order.

9:00 AM: Riley asks Ash to please stop beat-boxing to himself – she’s having a hard time concentrating when all she wants to do is dance. (All she wants to do is dance, dance.)

9:00AM: Ash consents but makes a motion to dubstep instead.

9:01 AM: Motion denied by the group.

9:02 AM: Jack makes a motion to deny all future dubstep-related motions.

9:02 AM: Motion passes. FAST.

9:03 – 9:07 AM: CEO and Co-founder Boris offers an update on high level strategy, investor relations, and the latest headshot he took while standing just outside the office, which he just posted to Facebook.

9:08 AM: VP of Marketing Dan makes a major announcement. Marketing is henceforth to be called “Sharketing.”

9:08 AM: Motion denied.

9:09 AM: Dan clarifies that he wasn’t making a motion but was announcing something.

9:09AM: Motion denied.

9:10 AM: Erik says to Angela, “I’m not sure anyone here knows what a motion is…”

9:11 AM: Jay says that we make too many motions.

9:11 AM: Jesse: “That’s what she said.”

9:12 – 9:16 AM: Dan delivers marketing updates.

9:16 AM: Sorry – “sharketing” updates.

9:17 AM: Amanda reaches into giant bucket of Fireball candies and eats one.

9:18 – 9:25 AM: VP of Product Blair announces several new product updates.

9:25 AM: There is much rejoicing. “Yay.”

9:26 AM: I said – there is much rejoicing. “YAYYY!!!!!!”

9:26 AM: That’s better.

9:27 AM: Amanda looks a little red in the face from the Fireball.

9:28 AM: To congratulate Blair on the updates, the team presents him with 600 packages of sticky notes – his favorite.

9:29 AM: Blair promptly consumes 12 sticky notes for breakfast.

9:30 – 9:35 AM: VP of Sales Josh tells us about the new brands we’re about to partner with. Team looks skeptical – the brands sound too awesome.

9:36 AM: Salesman Chris and CRO Tom tell the team again – we’re about to partner with a few awesome brands.

9:37 AM: Team now appears convinced by Josh, Chris and Tom and hands them all wallets in the room.

9:38 AM: Team decides: Josh, Chris and Tom are good at sales.

9:39 AM: Amanda is flapping her hand slowly in front of her face.

9:40 AM: Blair coughs up a few sticky notes. Written on them are several billion-dollar product ideas. (So THAT’S how he does it!)

9:41 AM: VP of Engineering Mike is asked to give updates.

9:41 AM: Mike declines.

9:42 – 9:48 AM: Awkward silence. People staring at Mike. Office hamster, Mr. Trump (a female) rolls through the door in her plastic ball and graciously breaks silence by tipping Tyler’s coffee mug all over Mark’s pants.

9:49 AM: Emily is now laughing hysterically.

9:50:00 – 9:50:20 AM: Mike gives “lengthy” update from the engineering team.

9:51 AM: Amanda is now BRIGHT red. And a little sweaty.

9:52 AM: Emily continues to be hysterical. No one is quite sure why she’s still laughing.

9:53 AM: Amanda furiously waves hands in front of her face. Her eyes are watering. Joe looks concerned.

9:54 AM: CTO and Co-founder Jared says something about databases. Emily abruptly stops laughing and appears completely confused about what’s happening.

9:55 AM: Amanda is passed out on the floor.

9:56 AM: Ryan announces the end of the meeting and people skip and laugh and somersault back to work.

9:57 AM: Mark dumps the Fireballs into the trash.

9:58 – 10:00 AM: Boris remains behind for just a moment to take another personal headshot with his phone. THIS one’s going out on Twitter…

Posted in Everything Else | 1 Comment

You Tell Us: What Brands Are Your Favorite

Posted on March 23, 2012 by CampusLIVE

Riley Wafful, aka North End Gina, graduated in 2011 and has been dominating at CampusLIVE since. She worked briefly as the Client Relationship Specialist before moving to the Marketing team now working to create amazing brand partnerships. 

“A trip to Miami.” ”Free coffee for a year.” ”$1,000 cash!” ”OMG”

Everyday we get emails from users asking, “How do you guys give away such amazing prizes?!” They exclaim in disbelief that they can’t believe they can actually win these things just for playing games and procrastinating. I know what you are thinking… we’ve been hammered with idioms such as “There is no such thing as a free lunch” so how CAN we actually offer you these prizes just for playing? And why do we do it?

We offer you bite-sized entertainment every single day. We are constantly on the prowl for topics, content, news, and gadgets we think you, our loyal site users, would enjoy. Ask anyone in this office if they ever stop thinking about work and the answer is most likely a “no.” Even when we all go out for after-work happy hour, we are talking about what happened at the Grammy’s and how we can turn that into a Challenge, looking around for brands young people like us are enjoying in their free time, and searching for something cool that someone has and you might want. In order to make a killer site, we constantly meet with CampusLIVE users and ask what they like. We hold countless brainstorms, and we search for partners that we think you would enjoy.

As we have grown, we have attracted more popular partners looking to connect with you. These companies have offers, discounts, and giveaways, and we want to be the ones to give them to you. We pick and choose partners that are relevant to you, so that we are able to help the world’s best brands and our students connect.

So now we’re asking YOU. We want YOUR opinion. What companies do you like? What kind of things do you buy often or use everyday? Who do you want us to partner with? We want to bring you content and brands that we know you love, and give away prizes and products we know you need.

Nothing makes us happier than knowing we brightened your day. So whether you win the grand prize or not, we want you to have fun and enjoy the content we provide you. We want you to walk away from your computer screen feeling like you accomplished something, learned something, and just might even win something. Know that we at CampusLIVE tailor our Challenges to the things that you want.

So please, reach out to us. Tweet us, Facebook us, email us, call us, or even stop by the office! We love your opinions, ideas, feedback, and are always looking for new ways to bring a great mix of content, partners, and prizes straight to your screen.

As always, thanks for using CampusLIVE… YOU ROCK!

Posted in Everything Else | Leave a comment