I’ve read over 1,000 presentations this year. That amazes me. Because there’s maybe only 50 I can actually remember. Of those 50, here are the 10 that I reference, re-reference, and consider to be amazingly helpful. The only requirement for this list was that the presentation needed to be available on Slideshare.
1. Everything you always wanted to know about Google, but were afraid to ask: Just a real eye opened for me. It’s rare that I come across something that makes me say WOW. And this deck did it.
2. Obama and Social Media: I’m not even an Obama supporter and this presentation rocked. Who says a person can’t be a brand? Who says Social Media can’t amplify a message? This deck proves the power people have in carrying a brand and a message…when it’s something they believe in.
3. Widgets 101: I can’t even remember the number of times I’ve referenced this presentation to clients and agencies folks. The presentation does a fantastic job of breaking down the industry and explaining what widgets can do…AND should do.
4. Starbucks Tribal Knowledge: Slides 15 – 18 make the whole presentation. It makes you wonder how a brand that knew itself so well could have fallen so far from the path?
5. Universal Mccann International Social Media Research Wave 3: Fantastic research. You will be referencing the data from this presentation for months to come. I want a Wave 4.
6. Discovery Is The New Cocaine: Are you sick of using the term engagement? Yeah, me too. I hate referencing engagement as an end goal. This presentation will help you evolve from engagement. You’ll feel better about yourself when you stop using the “E” word.
7. Modern Brand Building: Paul Isakson is really smart. His presentation is great. If only we could get everyone to drink the Kool-Aid from this deck. Compaigns are designed for short term gains…like political campaigns. Campaigns are not long term enablers of success. If you want branding, don’t campaign.
8. What’s Next In Media: Neil Perkin created a masterpiece. I love slide 21. I’ve referenced it often. He talks about social media in REAL marketing terminology. Yes, the information is actually applicable and not just “Web 2.0″ B.S.
9. Big Spaceship’s Manifesto: Every single agency should have a deck that explains who they are so simply. This presentation offers sharp and often overlooked thoughts like “hire to be the dumbest person in the room.” If more companies followed that thought instead of hiring old pals they’d be better off.
10. Creativity & Innovation: I’ve seen a lot of the information before, but never served up so well. Everyone from strategists to copywriters should read this.
Interactive marketer, innovator, boat rocker, continuous learner, movie lover, risk taker, dad and all around good guy. I'm always up for a spirited conversation. These are my thoughts and ramblings, not those of my employer.
GREAT list. I saw two more this year that I’d add:
David Griner’s (http://www.thesocialpath.com) “The Tao of Twitter”:
http://www.thesocialpath.com/2008/12/griners-intro-guide-to-twitter-for-business-.html
Advergirl’s (http://www.advergirl.com) social media handbook (pdf). This is more of a guide and less of a presentation but still worth mentioning:
http://www.adrants.com/images/PRSAConf_Social_Media_Q%26A-1.pdf
Honored to have made your list and thanks for the kind words.
Looking forward to more conversations in 2009.
Also honoured to have made your list. Thanks for the big up…
Great list, thanks. One to add? Gareth Kay’s Planning’s in need of planning: http://www.slideshare.net/garethk/planning-needs-some-planning-presentation/
Neil Perkin’s other presentation Goodness and Happiness is, I think, the best presentation/thinking to come out of 2008 http://bit.ly/xAfB
Regarding the third presentation in the list and widgets: Bob Garfield had what I thought was a very good article on them–complete with case studies–in the December 1st issue of Ad Age. If you do a search on http://www.adage.com for “widgets” it’s the first thing that pops up.
Very pleased and honoured to be on top of your list! Pierre