The following is a short code sample of how to clear a data extension inside of ExactTarget. This is very useful for external applications that need to clear data extensions without the need executing a query or deleting every row one at a time. It should be noted that this only applies to Enterprise 2.0 accounts and will not work elsewhere.

<!--?php <br ?--> $wsdl = 'https://webservice.exacttarget.com/etframework.wsdl';

/* Create the Soap Client */
$client = new ExactTargetSoapClient($wsdl, array('trace'=&gt;1));

/* Set username and password here */
$client-&gt;username = 'username';
$client-&gt;password = 'password';

$de = new ExactTarget_DataExtension();
$de-&gt;CustomerKey = "DataExtensionExternalKey";

$object = new SoapVar($de, SOAP_ENC_OBJECT, 'DataExtension', "http://exacttarget.com/wsdl/partnerAPI");

$request = new ExactTarget_PerformRequestMsg();
$request-&gt;Action = "cleardata";
$request-&gt;Definitions = array($object);

$results = $client-&gt;Perform($request);

print_r($results);
?&gt;

For those of us in the ExactTarget community there’s reason to be excited.  ExactTarget recently launched a game-changing, cross-channel marketing platform called the Interactive Marketing Hub - IMH or just Hub for short.  IMH is a central resource that will let you manage your content across multiple channels and provides ease of use functionality that everyone can appreciate it.  It gives marketers insight into all their campaigns, from emails to newsletters, Facebook, Twitter, Sites, mobile, and more.  It truly is an interactive marketers dream!  While providing many great functions, there are a couple things in particular that we just find so absolutely brilliant it makes us want to scream ‘hell yeah’!

The first noticeable benefit of the Hub is the Dashboard.  The UI it presents is easy to use and can take a complicated mess of data and present it an organized and usable fashion, all in real time.

The Automation Studio app presented with the HUB is ahead of itself, letting you create and manage simple or complex automated marketing campaigns with ease.  Drag and drop functionality, mixed with a variety of tools, make this comparable to the marketer’s HomeDepot.  Automation Studio will free up time and give the user advanced testing and editing capabilities from a single source.

The Campaign feature lets the user “plan, organize, and analyze the results of cross channel interactive campaigns”, seamlessly across multiple channels, rather it be on a broad or per campaign level.  It gives you the ability to assign multiple content pieces and interactions to a single campaign, letting you get down to a more micro level of analysis as to measure and engage effectiveness on each particular campaign.

Last but not least, the gadget feature lets you place interactive gadgets within your applications and dashboard for a real time view of all your marketing activities.  As can be seen in ET’s blog, the Pulse Dashboard keeps users regularly informed of recent email interactions and social stats so you know what’s happening, when it happens.

While ExactTarget’s forward thinking and innovative ideas often get our juices flowing and make us want to cheer, the IMH truly ups the ante and this is why we want to scream “hell yeah”!  Don’t believe us…checkout this interview below with Dan Heimbrock, FanMail co-founder and CEO of HyperDrive Interactive.  And if you have any questions or comments in regards to the HUB or just interactive marketing, let us know.

HubSpot recently released an eBook, 45 Amazing Social Media Charts & Graphs, that looks at the state of social media, its influences, and reach.  It examines the usage factors of the various social networking sites as well as analyzes challenges facing businesses in light of the social media explosion.  It’s a great resource with plenty of data crunching infographs, you can download the report here but there are a few compelling things I want to highlight.

The most interesting aspect of this report is its analysis of social media usage in business.  The infograph below shows the challenges facing CMOs in today’s market, with social media marketing being one of the biggest.  

As has been the trend, email marketing will continue to rise which is no surprise.  I just feel sorry for the 5% who don’t plan on utilizing any email marketing, another year of missed opportunities!!

The majority of social users seem to expect something in return by ‘liking’ or following your brand.  And with 80% of social users connecting with brands via Facebook over other sites, they expect some love in return.

Some other interesting stats pulled from the report:

• Social network users all together spend approximately 53.5 billion minutes a month on Facebook.com, 3 times as much as any other social site.
• Women between 18-34 are the most engaged in social networks.
• The 55+ category is rapidly expanding into social, especially with the usage of mobile – the times are a changing!
• Twitter and television seem to go hand in hand as many ‘tweeters’ are likely to talk about a program during or after the airing.
• Google+, LinkedIn, and Twitter are seeing some significant growth.  It’s not all about Facebook, but Facebook is absolutely dominating the world of social right now!
• Google Analytics is by far the most used metrics tool by marketers- with no monitoring at all coming second.
• Advertising effectiveness in social media still lags a bit behind the more traditional forms of video, email, and search/sponsored advertisements.
• Consumers expect, or want, communication from brands they follow on a weekly or at least monthly basis.
• Social sign-in is rapidly growing with Facebook and Google logins leading the way.
• Active social users are 75% more likely to spend heavily on music, 47% more likely on clothing, and 45% more likely to go on a date then those that don’t interact socially.  What I thought, we are the coolest!!!

All in all I don’t think anything presented here is too surprising, but it is significant.  Businesses must realize that we are in a rapidly emerging market and if you want to stay ahead of the game, email and social marketing are areas that can’t be neglected.   If you’re business hasn’t yet stepped up, its time.  Many businesses still feel unprepared to handle marketing in this new arena…something we here at FanMail realize and why we work hard to bring our clients up-to-date and make the most of these expanding outlets.  Luckily there are a lot of good resources out there on the web but if we can help you manage the mayhem, reach-out to us at www.fanmailmarketing.com or via Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, etc., etc., etc…..

One of the biggest issues facing the direct-to-fan movement in the music industry is that nobody knows who should own the fan relationship. Who is charged with knowing the data, optimizing the data, and delivering remarkable value to the fans through relevant timely messaging across email, mobile, social, and sites?  Is it the Artist? The Management? The Intern? The Record Label? The Publicist? The Drummer? The Promoter? The Venue? It can differ greatly from artist to artist and month by month. In addition to a lack of consistent responsibility, the music industry Direct-to-fan marketing initiative often lacks long term consistency in timing, messaging, relevancy, and even who does the work. It might be the Record Label for this album release cycle and the promoter for this tour, but then is kicked back to the artist or management intern after 6 months.

In every other industry it is the marketers who own the direct-to-consumer experience and are tasked with a long term strategic and metrics driven success criteria for engagement and sales. And although we are huge fans of the artist DIY evolution (or revolution) being fueled by tools like Topspin, Bandcamp and FanBridge. Let’s face it, artists aren’t by and large great marketers.  Clearly having the best tools in the garage doesn’t make a beautifully crafted piece of furniture. It is the carpenter who can bring out the shine and ensure the stability. It is the person with experience and attention to detail that makes the tools bend to their will.

The same is true in great marketing. It is the experienced craftsman who makes it sing. Management sometimes. Interns…err. Marketing firms…yes. Record Labels…yes.

My conclusion at this point is that the Record Label wins the marketing prize. As the label navigates the emerging and fast changing online world, I’m finding myself increasingly impressed with the sophistication level that some labels are operating at. After all, record labels by their nature are marketing organizations. It is in their DNA. They understand how to sell. They have both the incentive, and in some cases, the capital to invest into optimizing online and direct-to-fan marketing.

Over the past 8 years we’ve seen a wide spectrum of what works and doesn’t work in Direct-to-fan initiatives. We’ve been fortunate to have worked with both some of the most sophisticated digital marketers on the planet, as well as some god awful organizations (yes even big organizations can be awful marketers).

Which labels to watch right now in digital?

• Keep an eye on Universal Artists. Specifically Interscope who leads the way in sophistication and building integrated community focused artist systems. Lady Gaga’s new community is a great example of the bleeding edge of sophistication and technical experimentation.
• Also, Keep an eye on Roadrunner Records. They just launched their new website yesterday and have some very interesting single social sign on and integrated capabilities. They also have a very sophisticated and robust Direct-to-fan email program.

This isn’t in any way a full list of what is cool out there, just a couple of client’s we’ve had the fortune to work closely with. If there are any really sweet digital and direct-to-fan initiatives or technologies out there which we should check out (we even check out the intern’s work), please let us know.

Cheers,

David

Heavy-metal and hard-rock label, Roadrunner Records, recently released a new web site that is worth checking out.  The new site is clean, provides tons of functionality, and with the help of FanMail has new integration features with Janrain and ExactTarget that allow for an improved UI, single sign-on, and cross functionality capabilities for users between various RR artist’s websites.  While cruising the site don’t forget about the “Free Shit” section where you can get your hands on some, well, cool free shit!  Also the “SignMeTo” section is a neat feature where up and coming artists and us as fans, or “Scouts”, can help promote and propel the music we enjoy.  Click the image below and see it all for yourself!

Yahoo! recently released an interactive visualization that gives insight into how they personalize, optimize, and deliver relevant news content to fit individual user interests.  The visualization which can be found here, analyzes news content being viewed and shared throughout the US and graphically breaks down emerging trends, popular stories, and demographic related data.  The technology and interactive visualization is centered around their Content Optimization and Relevance Engine – C.O.R.E, and is what helps decide what news you will see from Yahoo’s homepage.   From Yahoo! on C.O.R.E:  “Looking at past user behavior, algorithms are combined with human editorial expertise to allow us to carry out deep personalization to our more than 700 million users, giving them “must read” stories that are interesting and relevant. This C.O.R.E. data visualization reveals some of the factors that influence the display of articles in the Yahoo! Today module. Emulating C.O.R.E.’s ability to learn from visitor behaviors and return appropriate content, this data visualization allows visitors to quickly adjust several different demographic factors and article criteria to reveal typical reader habits and patterns.”

The work being done with C.O.R.E in creating personalized content is quite advanced and seeing some great results.  It helps deliver 13 million personalized news combinations a day, generates 1.3 billion clicks a month from Yahoo’s homepage, and has helped deliver a 300% increase in their click through rates…staggering statistics and something all of us in the email and marketing industries must appreciate!  Well done Yahoo!!!

OK, so I’m crossing dangerous territory here claiming a song, or anything for that matter as being the best ever, I know this.  With Valentine’s Day approaching though I just felt I should share since it has always been one of my favorite emotionally charged and lyrically loaded love songs ever.  So if you need a good line for a card or something sweet to tell your loved one over dinner, then there are so many great lyrics here to woe the one your with.  Take a moment and read through the lyrics below, its poetic and show’s Dylan at his best.   And I know there are plenty of great love songs, just too many to share and not enough time to open up that can of worms, maybe next year…but I’d love to hear your favorites so please share below.  Much love to you all!!!

Bob Dylan’s “Wedding Song” from Planet Waves

It doesn’t matter if you are fan & artist, man & wife, parent & child, employee & employer, store & customer, CEO & board. It is about the relationships. And relationships are all about the quid-pro-quo… the tit-for-tat. You give, I take, I give, you take. That makes life fun. The equality of it. The feeling that value has been exchanged on both sides and the comfort in a balance where everybody gets what they need. Any relationship where the other party constantly gives, but never gets a return is doomed for resentment. Ask anybody who is divorced and they will tell you how unfair it all was. Ask any fan who had to overpay for a sub-par experience.

But nobody likes the expectation of reciprocity. People want to be generous on their own. The best relationships are driven where generosity and reciprocity are the undertone, not the overtone.

The challenge in every relationship and business is to create an ecosystem of reciprocity. So it isn’t about last pay check, or who did the dishes last night or the product features. It is about value. It is about that golden place where we thrive and help each other grow. It is about creating an ecosystem where both sides WANTS to give. Of course we can’t force relationships. All we can do is our best. So where can I begin?

1. Do something unexpected and remarkable every day.
2. Accept criticism and improve.
3. Give praise freely and generously
4. Be fearless to follow your bliss

Ok… now go.

Each year there are a number of deaths that ripple the music industry and 2012 has unfortunately already started off with us loosing some very notable and respected people in the biz.  I just want to take a brief moment to show our respect to those that helped shape us and the industry we work in.

Etta James (1938 – 2012)

She was a powerful force and we were all saddened to hear of her passing.  Her soulful tunes will continue to be an influence and she will for sure go down in history as one of the greatest vocalists ever.  Not much else is needed to be said here, she’ll be missed.

Johnny Otis (1921 – 2012)

Johnny Otis, a ‘white’ man with a ‘black’ voice that was able to take R&B and bring it to the mainstream audience in the days when racial tensions were high.  Songwriter, singer, producer, DJ, and much more; he was dubbed as the “Godfather of Rhythm and Blues” and without his influence, our music and culture might not be what it is today.

Winston Riley (1946 – 2012)

Winston Riley, a Jamaican born reggae artist and producer was recently found shot to death in his home in Kingston.  Riley helped bring reggae to Europe and his beats have been sampled by numerous reggae and hip-hop artists.  Most notable was his work as a front man with The Techniques as well as his production work with some of the biggest names in the biz.  His last project, “Ring the Alarm” by Tenor Saw is still one of my favorite reggae tunes, check it out:

John Levy (1912 – 2012)

Just today the news came out that bassist and longtime jazz manager, John Levy, passed away at his home at the age of 99.  Dubbed as the “First prominent African-American manager” in the industry, his artist lineup included everybody from Herbie Hancock to Roberta Flack.  A true “Jazz Master”

Warren Hellman (1934 – 2011)

Though Mr. Hellman passed in December, the news is still recent and his passing hit hard.  He was the founder and financier of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, a notable figure in the San Francisco Bay Area for his philanthropy, as well as a respected banjo player.  Pulled from the HSBF website, a great quote by Mr. Hellman in relation to his free bluegrass festival: “How could you have more fun than that?” he told Forbes. “What the hell is money for if it isn’t for something like that?”

Some others we’ve lost this year include country musician and producer Larry Butler as well as funk saxophonist Jimmy Castor.  We hate to see the passing of anyone but at-least these people have left a lasting impression and we thank them all for what they have done.  May they all rest in peace and their spirit continue to shine.

CES 2012 recently wrapped up, and we are once again presented with some of the most innovative and new technologies to be coming our way.  The 21st century just seems to be trucking along and with the technological changes we are seeing in our day-to-day lives, we are also seeing some dramatic changes in the way live music and concerts are being presented to the audience.  Live music will continue to hold its roots but the next step in the evolution of concerts is here, so lets take a look at some new technologies and engagement ideas that might just change your perception of concerts forever.

Holographic Performances

No live performers on stage, just a hologram and endless room for imagination.  As crazy as this may seem its already caught on in Japan and we’re starting to see it pop up more and more around the globe.  Japanese audiences have been helping to create and shape their fantasy star, Hatsune Miku, for several years now.  Audiences help write songs, pick outfits, and generally control the flow of the show.  While I don’t know if American audiences are ready for an animated or ‘imitation’ musician, we are seeing though many big name stars and company’s embrace it as a major marketing tool, examples being;  Celine Dion (duet w. Elvis), Deutsce Telekom and T-Mobile teaming with Mariah Carey, and the Black Eyed Peas…for some more good examples see Musion’s portfolio.  One day when we all have a holodeck in our home (StarTrek geek coming out), the in home live streamed holographic concert could be next.  The possibilities here are endless and this I see as truly being futuristic and the beginning of something I feel we will be exposed to in many faucets of our lives in the years ahead.

Live Stream

This isn’t necessarily new but it is taking on quick as many bands and festivals are utilizing the web to bring live concerts to your living room.  The Rolling Stones were one of the early adopters of the technology and started streaming live content to their fans back in 1994.  The growth is due in large to the bandwidth and CPU processing speeds able to handle this, and again as technologies advance, so will live streaming.  There are many benefits to live streaming and it turns out to be a good thing for all parties involved.  Bands find a new outlet for revenue in light of record sale declines…and fans now can watch a concert of their favorite band live, half a world away, in the comfort of their own homes.  It may not be the same experience but it does give you the opportunity to see a show you otherwise couldn’t be at, and thats pretty awesome!

 Downloadable Concert Recordings

Audience recordings of concerts have been around for quite some time, especially noteworthy are the pioneering ‘Deadheads’ who recorded and documented (and continue to do so) each Grateful Dead concert.  Many bands are now offering soundboard downloads for sale, or for free ,as soon as the show is over.  As someone who forgets concerts frequently (usually due to a beer too many), this has been a blessing to help remember and experience the show for years to come.  Look for this to become more and more popular especially with bands that perform unique live shows.  There are plenty of sites out there and many bands have their own sites now, but a couple good sources that I like are Wolfgang’s Vault, Nugs.net, and Archive.org’s Live Music Archive.

Audience Involvement and Misc. Advancements

The days of simply attending a concert and watching someone entertain you might be a thing of the past.  Audience involvement in concerts will continue to shape itself to make it a more interactive experience instead of a one-way street. Areas where this is being developed is in audience controlled lighting, such as being done by Weiv.  By taking Wii remotes and putting them in the hands of fans, Wiev is letting the audience control the shows lighting and feel more involved in the experience.

A creative use of audience interaction is with DJ and producer Ritchie Hawtin, aka Plastikman, who has been using the iTunes app ‘SYNK’ that allows the audience via their iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad to see interactive cameras on stage, live data on percussion patterns, as well as they can control lighting, visuals, and even loop feedback.

Audience picked set-lists are gaining some ground as well as many artists want to deliver the content their fans want.  We’re seeing a wide range of artists use this but two notable ones that have seen good success are Roadrunner Record’s Motley Crue and Avenged Sevenfold.

One top example of fan engagement is “The Rapture”, their tiered marketing campaign let fans pick set-lists, perform on stage, design branded merchandise, and even get a chance to hang with the band…great way to build fan loyalty and a good subscriber database!!!

The ‘concert movie’ is gaining more and more ground and yet again provides additional revenue for the bands and additional opportunities for the fan to become involved in the experience.  One upcoming release I’m looking forward to is The Chemical Brothers movie based off their last tour “Don’t Think”, which has been touted as a visual masterpiece.

SMS, Twitter feeds, and other forms of social media are being utilized to give the audience a direct voice in the concert, good example here with Katy Perry.

QR Codes, proximity locations, and other forms of live capture are taking on as it gives the band the opportunity to build their subscriber database while providing a fun form of interaction with their fans.

Along with the evolution of the concert itself, the venues are also seeing some new light.  Improved lighting, sound, and seating are just the beginning.  Many venues now offer premium dining options, other forms of entertainment, vip and box seating, environmental improvements, and the list just goes on.  AEG’s Staples Center and Orlando’s Amway Center are two prime examples.

Conclusion:

So as you can see the concert is taking new form, for better or worse.  Areas of advancement will continue to be seen as time goes on and hopefully the concert experience will continue to improve with such advancements.  We’ve touched on some big changes here but it’s really just the beginning and I’m excited to see where all of this heads!  And I know there are plenty of things I didn’t touch on here, so we’d love to hear from you on what you think the next big thing is, your experiences with new technologies and forms of interaction at concerts, if you think these are good changes or not, or just what your opinions are.  Leave us a comment here or find us on Facebook or Twitter @fancentric.