Research & planning

I go back through my bookmarks and see how the New York Times story played out in blogdom and I add a few more bookmarks . Why bother bookmarking socially? I do it to see who else is bookmarking, and possibly talking about, the same stories. Follow other bookmarkers, find other sources. Them's my theory.

Next I create a Google Alert for the keyword "upyourbudget". Google will now automatically email me whenever the term crops up on the net. Following that, I subscribe to the Technorati RSS feed of blogs mentioning "upyourbudget". These two simple steps - that take just a couple of minutes to do - allow me to follow all - OK 'most' - of the developments on the story without the need for further legwork.

Then I compile a rough working list on paper - so freakin' quaint - of players and agencies.

With the basics out of the way, it's time for the gym/sauna. I often formulate questions and ideas in the sauna. Think it's something to do with how the heat and steam affects my brain. I either dictate thoughts into my phone apres sauna or, like today, I write more notes in the locker room.

Back in the office, I stick something non too abrasive on my my iTunes, re-browse bookmarked material, re-read my notes and decide who I need to contact.

• BL Ochman - Campaign brains
• Susan Mcgowan - Budget PR
• Hugh Macleod - Campaign cartoonist
• Henry Copeland - Owner of BlogAds
• Chris Hill - from Cravens, UK advertising agency
• Steve Hall - Marketing blogger
• Steve Rubel - PR
• Adriana Cronin-Lukas - Blog consultant
• Brian Clark - Audi/Levis blogad strategist
• Leo Burnett - Ad agency
• Saatchi & Saatchi - Ad agency

Then I jot questions into a text editor. When coming up with questions. I keep referring to the Editor's brief - can't do that too often, in my opinion. I decide to stick with my initial list.

 

Technorati Tags: journalism, blogs, upyourbudget, advertising, marketing