Patrick Moran, CMO of Mzinga, is not only a friend, he’s my former manager (for a couple of months anyway). Upon first meeting Patrick, I liked him immediately, mainly because he and I have a similar sense of humor (check out his Twitter stream to see what I’m talking about). While Patrick is self-admittedly not a prolific blogger, he’s a madman on Facebook and Twitter and can throw down a blog comment like nobodies business.
While Patrick qualifies as one of the pithiest interviewees in the Experts in the Industry: 45 Interviews in 45 Days, the “quality” of his comments easily made up for what he lacked in “quantity”:
In one sentence, please describe what you do and why you’re good at it.
I am an accountable story teller with persuasive intent. (Aka marketer)
How did you get into the world of online community, social media or social marketing?
I am an introvert by nature, so participating in online activity is a safe way to be social. Turns out I am not alone. I left “traditional” marketing to help turn social media into… traditional marketing. I’ve been in the collaboration world at WebEx and Cisco, which is actually relevant to this space – sharing and communicating online.
If you had $10 million to invest in one company and one company only based on their use of “social,” which company would it be and why?
My old stomping ground — Cisco – A+ for effort, C- for execution, but the point of this space is experimentation, right?
Which business leader, politician or public figure do you most respect?
Barack Obama. He built a massive brand in record time.
Would you join a toothpaste community? Why?
No, and I still refer people to your post about it here – some of your best thinking.
Freeform – here’s where you can riff on anyone or anything – good or bad. Or just share a pearl of wisdom.
Social media is a fishbowl that needs to be shattered so all us little fish can mingle with the rest of the marketing fish. Let’s stop eating each other’s algae and go take over the ocean! I can hardly breathe in here!
I heart Patrick. No seriously, Patrick is a great example of someone in the space who doesn’t have to be in “the space”. I appreciate his creativity, work ethic and most of all, his honesty. Best part of the interview: his last answer. It completely epitomizes his world view and sense of humor. Love it. Mzinga’s lucky to have him.
Hi Aaron — I’ve been traveling and then sick, so haven’t responded. I forgot what I wrote for these questions, so it was good to get to know me again. Alexa, I heart you too.- Patrick
Good entry… short and packed full of good info. I'll join the heart-fest and agree that Patrick has a good sense of humor. :-)Question for either of you… what B2B company have you seen do a good job in social marketing & why?