Dan Christian - Founder StrategySaturday.com

Time to give back…Strategy Saturday 2.0

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 05:48:00 +0000

Leading the overall digital development and marketing for the world’s largest Travel Company continues to be very successful.

Major new projects have launched, teams have been built, marketing strategies have been transformed and awards have been won.

As our success continues though, it’s time to take a moment and return to an important initiative and give-back.

A few years ago, I finally had the opportunity to introduce 'Strategy Saturday', a concept that am deeply passionate about.

The idea was simple - bring together a range of digital talent to transform the online strategy for a deserving non-profit organization. The initial team, comprised of some of the most talented people I’ve had a chance to work with globally over the past decade, was assembled. Together, we selected, reviewed, analyzed, and put together a comprehensive plan for the chosen organization. Thanks to everyone that stepped forward, the entire initiative was immensely beneficial and rewarding.

Since then, I’ve been planning to take Strategy Saturday to the next level. Now it is finally time

Introducing - Strategy Saturday 2.0

Shortly, a new team will be assembled for a much more comprehensive initiative. This time we will look to completely transform the digital and social reality for a deserving organization. More to follow.

Thanks in advance for your support.

Gearing up for Canada 3.0

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:31:00 +0000

On May 4th, we're going to be leading a session on how to 'Develop Your Digital Roadmap' at Canada's premier digital conference, Canada 3.0.

We will be bringing together the following excellent panel of industry colleagues to discuss how to optimize your digital media strategy.

Harry Moxley, Vice President – Digital Media, Discovery Channel
Michael Litt, Co-Founder, Redwoods Media
Lynn Sutherland, Vice President, VRStorm

The areas we are going to specifically focus on will include, creating a content pipeline, harnessing the power of social media, and determining the right technology solutions.

Be sure to join us if you're attending Canada 3.0, our session is on May 4th at 1:15pm.

More details here - http://www.canada30.com/Media_Entertainment.html

Back from SXSW

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:25:00 +0000

I have just returned from one of the world's largest and foremost Digital events, South by South West Interactive. This event, originally a music festival that dates back 25 years in Austin, Texas, has come to be the annual pilgrimage for all the players in the tech sector to be present, discuss strategy and launch new products. (Facebook & Twitter being two recent examples)

To give you an idea - check out what our boardroom table looked like after I emptied by laptop bag.

It was not only an opportunity for me to catch-up with industry colleagues but more importantly it was an opportunity to validate our approaches to the latest digital marketing strategies.

Here are a few images from the past several days in Austin, Texas.

A well groomed and organized machine begins...

Main Stage Talks & Keynotes (Tim Ferriss pictured)

Interviews and Discussions with industry leaders (Barry Diller featured)

Panel Discussions with Q&A (Living Social Founder, Daily Candy GM and Yipit Founder)

And yes, there is such thing as a Free Lunch at SXSW

Everyone rolls in for this - Tony Hsieh from Zappos, but also Conan, Kanye and Ashton

CNN descends and launches it's own restaurant

Not just free lunches, also free limo rides (provided you tweet 'em)

Small group Interactive Sessions (Urban Spoon, Facebook, Groupon)

Followed by nightly parties - in this case Google's Party like it's 1986 bash

Guerilla marketing abounds with App teams doing personalized demo's

Many funny custom t-shirts

Thankfully there is some British civility amongst the madness - in this case a Tweet gets you a lovely pot of Tea

Next level digital marketing abounds during the festival

Impressive drawings inspired designed during sessions

Meet your favourite author (they're all here )

Impressive Presentations - sometimes years in the making

And what festival wouldn't complete without a T-Shirt to remember it all by

'Strategy Saturday' Article - Bridging the Digital Divide

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:25:00 +0000

It was terrific to read about the impact 'Strategy Saturday' is having on non-profits.

A huge thanks to Melissa Tait for writing an excellent article that really captured what we were trying to achieve with 'Strategy Saturday'.

Full article here: http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/496104--bridging-the-digital-divide

'Digital Roadmap' Presentation

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 21:07:00 +0000

Last Thursday I had the chance to share the 'Digital Roadmap' developed for Yellowbird with over 50 non-profit organizations at the Communitech Hub.

This experience and the feedback certainly made the entire effort very worthwhile. I've included a few comments below.

Thanks to Jennifer at Capacity WR for organizing the talk and Steve Currie at the Communitech Hub for hosting the event.

A few comments:

"Your 'Strategy Saturday' group sends an inspiring message to others and you should be commended for their efforts."

"Your presentation really puts web strategy into focus for those without a digital background like myself, and that’s what makes it so poignant today. It is really user friendly and easy to follow. Thank you again"

"Wow, so practical. It really resonated with me. Thank you"

"Very informative and the information I received was invaluable."

Presenting the 'Digital Roadmap' to Yellowbird

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:18:00 +0000

Last Thursday, I finally had the chance to present our detailed 'Digital Roadmap' from 'Strategy Saturday' with the Yellowbird Foundation.

It certainly was an extensive process to get here. From the initial nomination and selection process, through the detailed preparations for our full day session in November, and finally the extensive reviews and revisions.

Our intention with this 'Digital Roadmap' was to conduct a 360 review of their digital strategy and provide as much valuable insight as possible but most importantly make it practical to implement. The final presentation was focused on 6 Core-Strategies that were each detailed in a What, Why, How Format.

I took Paul Leon from Yellowbird through the presentation in great detail. Best of all, he didn't just appreciate it, he really got it.

Paul commented that the team "really understood their organization and the challenges they faced, and had provided them with the plan they need to be successful over the long term".

I am now revising the 'Digital Roadmap' so that it can be shared more widely. Once I modify details that are specific only to Yellowbird we will begin providing this to other non-profits so they can realize many of the same benefits.

This week, we also have the privilege of sharing the complete 'Digital Roadmap' on Thursday at The Communitech Hub. Over 50 Non-Profits have already registered to attend so we're really looking forward to the wider benefit that this initiative will have. A few "experts" from the team will be on-hand to share their expertise.

I'd once again like to thank the entire 'Strategy Saturday' team for making this happen - Greg Hayes, John Warner, Huan Tran, Jonathan Wong, Ian Berkowitz, Chris Atchison, Glenn Wilson, Kevin Moore, John Ryan and Adam Clark. I appreciate all of you dedicating your time and knowledge and for noticing things like a few "crazy capital letters and a rogue apostrophe" in the final presentation. (Nice one John Ryan)

Here's to a terrific outcome for Yellowbird from our first ever 'Strategy Saturday - Annual Summit'.

Thanks for all the support with this initiative.

Developing a Digital Roadmap for your Non-Profit

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:20:00 +0000

Join Communitech and Capacity Waterloo Region on January 27 for an informative presentation by Dan Christian, Founder of Strategy Saturday

Dan will present a how-to session to help you develop and implement an effective web and social media strategy for your organization.

Tips from ‘Strategy Saturday’

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 03:17:00 +0000

Over the course of the day, a number of the contributors referenced websites or online videos while presenting on their areas of expertise. We thought we’d share a few of those that might be helpful for you.

Jonathan Wong shared a these great examples of how powerful web videos can be for non-profits:

Charity Water

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rphhfy4qCfc

Free the Children

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH25_5-v2dc&feature=channel

John Ryan drew everyone’s attention to this site, that helps you understand what words are used most frequently in your copy.

www.wordle.net

Adam Clark utilized this excellent resource for reviewing the code on your website.

http://www.websiteoptimization.com/

'Strategy Saturday' - A Great Success

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 05:19:00 +0000

The team came together fully prepared and ready to dive right into developing a new Digital Roadmap for the chosen organization 'Yellowbird'. What an incredible day it was! The team really delivered.

After a series of excellent presentations, the team began drafting plans for the new website experience. We hope that today's event is going to have a huge impact on Yellowbird and benefit many more non-profit organizations.

Following are a few highlights of a day spent collaborating with the an exceptionally talented group of industry experts:

Welcoming the Crew to The Communitech Hub - Kitchener

The team checking out the 3D Virtual Meeting Simulator

John Ryan kicking off with Content Strategy from Melbourne

Jonathan Wong reviewing Creative Direction

Adam Clark discussing his Code Review

Ian Berkowitz reviewing Search Engines Optimization

John Warner discussing Positioning and Partnerships

Greg Hayes presenting on Web Analytics and Social Media

Chris Atchison looking at PR 2.0

The all-star 'Strategy Saturday' Team, plus John Ryan (AUS), Glenn Wilson (AUS) and Kevin Moore (US) not pictured here

Immediately putting ideas and concepts into concrete action plans

Beginning to draft up the new homepage for Yellowbird

Comparing the present with future potential - it looks bright!

We will now begin to develop the complete Digital Roadmap and prepare to sit down and share this with the Yellowbird Foundation.

A huge thanks to Steve Currie and the crew at The Communitech Hub, in Kitchener-Waterloo, for hosting the first ever 'Strategy Saturday'. Your facilities are world class.

A massive thanks to the impressive team that came together for 'Strategy Saturday' - Huan Tran, John Ryan, John Warner, Greg Hayes, Jonathan Wong, Adam Clark, Ian Berkowitz, Chris Atchison, Glenn Wilson, and Kevin Moore.

This whole process was everything I had hoped for; a terrific team, a deserving organization, and a powerful plan to drive them forward. We're very much looking forward to the lasting benefit this should have on 'Yellowbird' and hopefully many other deserving organizations.

The day before 'Strategy Saturday'

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 18:31:00 +0000

I have to tell you, I am pretty excited for tomorrow. I have been very keen to develop a concept like 'Strategy Saturday' for some time now.

Like myself, many of the contributors that are volunteering their time to participate have worked in larger organizations, so they know the impact a digital transformation can have on a businesses bottom line. Now it is about taking that expertise and applying it to a good cause.

It has been powerful to hear the need that's out there for non-profits from all the organizations I've spoken with in the past few weeks. From Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Save a Child's Heart, G.R.O Canada, to Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough, the Simcoe Community Centre, and Tiny Paws Dog Rescue Centre. There is a real need here.

I must say, it was one of the finest moments I've experienced when I let colleagues know what I was planning to do, and such a talented team lined up so quickly to help. Within a week, many of the most gifted people I've had the priviledge to work with - Huan Tran, John Ryan, Kevin Moore, Greg Hayes, Ian Berkowitz, Adam Clark, Jonathan Wong, Glenn Wilson, Chris Atchison, and John Warner - all stepped forward and asked to be counted. Impressive stuff.

And now here we are, less than 24 hours away, from the first ever "Strategy Saturday".

I am really looking forward to introducing everyone tomorrow and having and incredible session. It means a lot to me, but much more importantly it will mean a lot to many organizations that will be able to share this with. Thank you.

Inspiring Responses to 'Strategy Saturday'

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 15:12:00 +0000

Since announcing the organization chosen by the Contributors on Monday, I have been touched by all the responses I've received from the rest of the nominees.

In preparing for the session this weekend, the team and I have been working to ensure that what we create is relevant and beneficial to other non-profit organizations. Once the presentation is complete, we will make it accessible to any non-profit organizations.

Here are a few of the responses we received this week:

Though we were not the chosen charity, we again want to extend our gratitude for the kindness of you and your team in helping a fellow charity. We know that the leadership you provide will support them on their future endeavours.

Thank you for organizing this event and for all of the people who have volunteered their time and expertise to help organization.

Thank you for the opportunity to be considered and hopefully we can benefit from your work in the future.

Although we are disappointed, I'm sure the worthy organization will benefit greatly from the team's contributions!

'Strategy Saturday' Hosted at The Communitech Hub

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 22:24:00 +0000

Thanks to Steve Currie, Jacqui Murphy, and the team at The Communitech Hub for hosting our 'Strategy Saturday' initiative.

http://www.communitech.ca/world-class-group-of-online-media-philanthropists-to-meet-at-hub/

Charity Chosen for ‘Strategy Saturday’ Session

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:16:00 +0000

Event to be held at The Communitech Hub

The Communitech Hub - Conference Room

After three weeks of nominations, the 'Strategy Saturday' team made their final decision today on which deserving organization would benefit most from a complete review of their online presence. The team has chosen ‘The Yellowbird Charity’.

“It was a very difficult decision for the contributors, as they were many compelling organizations” says Dan Christian. “It really opened our eyes to how big a need there is to connect non-profits with the digital community. Many non-profits had such a limited understanding of the online space, at a time when it couldn’t be more important. "

The Yellowbird Charity's (www.yellowbirdfoundation.com) stated mission is to “help improve the conditions for local education in the Caribbean by fostering an environment for structured and highly beneficial academic learning that stresses responsibility, respect, trust, and communication.”

The talented team - comprised of designers, developers, copywriters, social media experts and online marketers—will meet Nov 27th for an intensive 1-day review and analysis of the charity’s overall online presence. The goal of the summit will be to provide detailed insights and recommendations that will have the most beneficial impact on the organization's ability to achieve its goals and objectives.

To ensure the greatest benefit of ‘Strategy Saturday’ for nominees and deserving organizations, the final presentation will be made available online.

This industry first event will be held at Communitech, the impressive new technology centre and digital hub in Kitchener-Waterloo.

The Communitech Hub

Communitech is the regional hub for the commercialization of innovation in Waterloo Region, creating economic prosperity by removing barriers to the creation and growth of tech companies. For more information about The Communitech Hub, go to: www.communitechhub.ca

'Strategy Saturday' Team - Book Suggestions

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:04:00 +0000

From blogs to books, our 'Strategy Saturday' crew has put forward their recommendations for Business, Marketing and Technology books that you should check out.

Here they are: (links to Bookstore for reference only)

Usage and Abusage by Eric Patridge

Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

Six Pixels of Seperation by Mitch Joel

Tribes by Seth Godin

Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore

The Long Tail by Chris Anderson

Wikinomics by Don Tapscott

The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman

Blue Ocean Strategy by W Chan Kim and Renne Mauborgne

User Stores Applied: For Agile Software Development by Mike Cohn

'Strategy Saturday' Team - Favourite Blogs

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 22:00:00 +0000

In an effort to share their expertise, the Contributors for 'Strategy Saturday' have put forward their top blog choices for expanding their digital knowledge.

Here are 6 blogs worth checking out:

CRM - Kevin Hillstrom - MineThatData - http://blog.minethatdata.com

Web Analytics - Occam's Razor by Avinash Kaushik - http://www.kaushik.net/avinash/

Marketing - Seth Godin's Blog - http://sethgodin.typepad.com/

Social Media - Erin Qualman - http://socialnomics.net/

Content/Copy - Brain Traffic Blog - http://blog.braintraffic.com/

PR - PR Breakfast Club - http://prbreakfastclub.com/

'Strategy Saturday' Team Complete

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 01:19:00 +0000

The team of Internet Marketers and Specialists—comprised of designers, developers, copywriters, social media experts and online marketers—that Dan Christian, Founder of Strategy Saturday, sought to assemble for the inaugural has come together in just one week.

“Once the digital marketing community learned about Strategy Saturday, I was truly humbled by their support and willingness to participate,” Christian said.

‘Strategy Saturday’ is a new initiative aimed at helping a non-profit organization or small business develop a digital roadmap to improve their charitable or business performance metrics. An esteemed panel of specialists will use a one-day session in Toronto on Nov. 27, to review the chosen organization’s existing digital marketing plan and optimize it based on their needs and goals. Christian’s ‘Strategy Saturday’ vision was born of his desire to give back to the community, after more than a decade in the online space, and his recognition of the lack of digital understanding and awareness common to many organizations.

The highly-skilled team features a diverse range of experts including:

· Adam Clark, producer, Electronic Arts

· Kevin Moore, director of marketing, Discovery Communications

· Glenn Wilson, senior business analyst, Lonely Planet

· Ian Berkowitz, product manager, Workopolis

· Greg Hayes, national marketing manager, Trafalgar Tours

· Jonathan Wong, award-winning creative director, JHR

· John Ryan, content guru, director of Sitegeist

· Chris Atchison, founder, Shockwave Strategic Communications

· Huan Tran, Leaking Faucet Studios

· Dan Christian, Founder, Strategy Saturday

Nominations for qualifying organizations are currently being accepted and will close on Nov. 19. Each member of the team will review the list and nominate their choice of a company or non-profit which could benefit most from a digital-marketing strategy overhaul. The chosen organization will be announced on November 22^nd.

For more details or to nominate a deserving organization, please visit:

www.strategysaturday.com

'Strategy Saturday' Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Christian) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:08:00 +0000

Internet industry experts unite to help small businesses, charities.

‘Strategy Saturday’ event will provide organization with critical digital roadmap

For more than a decade, Dan Christian has watched an all-too-common problem unfold— small businesses and charitable organizations that repeatedly fail to realize their full potential due to a lack of understanding of the digital space.

To address the problem, Dan began formulating a plan to organize some of the scores of talented business services professionals with whom he’s worked on past online projects to give back to their communities by providing critical digital consulting services to organizations that need it most.

The result is Strategy Saturday, a dynamic one-day brainstorming session to be held in Toronto on November 27^th. The event will benefit a small business, non-profit organization or community project in need of a coherent digital strategy and other professional services to achieve its revenue or fundraising goals.

“The lack of a digital strategy can severely impact the ability of these organizations to survive, especially in tough times,” Christian said. “This talented team is going to select one business or charity and help them realize their full online potential.”

The talented panel of industry experts will be drawn from Christian’s extensive network of contacts and will include Web developers and designers, online marketers, and social media specialists.

Panel members will select one of the nominated organizations—to be announced November 21st—based on their ability to positively impact its digital strategy. The team will then dedicate the full day to review key components of the selected organization’s online presence. The goal of the summit will be to provide detailed insights and recommendations that will have the most beneficial impact on the organization’s ability to achieve its goals and objectives.

To nominate a small business, non-profit organization or community project for the inaugural Strategy Saturday, visit www.strategysaturday.com. Nominations close November 19, 2010.