When was the last time you drove off a cliff, hit Continue, and just tried again? If you played video games as a kid, you know the drill. You get stepped on by a giant thing. You crash into a cow. You try again. We had no idea what was around the corner back then. If we died, we didn’t freak out. We didn’t say, “The whole world is falling apart.” We just went again. Because it was fun. That’s what I want to bring back. Right now so many marketers are freaking out about what’s around the next corner. A lot of us are operating from fear instead of opportunity. So here’s the announcement: the theme for Social Media Marketing World this year is retro. We’re taking the ‘90s and gaming and applying it to the modern era of AI. A few ways we’re bringing it to life: → Badges with a ‘90s video game look → A Mario Kart station where you can fly off cliffs together (yes, I know it’s not the ‘90s) → An opening keynote with that same vibe I think we’re at a precipice. We can choose to have fun and embrace change, or we can be scared and do nothing. My hope is that injecting fun into an age of uncertainty gives us room to build things, break things, and figure out new ways forward. Now I want your ideas. How would you bring a ‘90s game theme to a marketing conference? This is Mike’s Thoughts from the Porch. Drop your ideas in the comments 👇 #SocialMediaMarketingWorld# #AIinMarketing# #MarketingConference# #SocialMediaExaminer#

Ten people a day. Every day. For seven months. That’s the math I’ve been avoiding. That’s not light math. That’s heavy math. Brick-heavy. 3,000 minus 933, divided by seven months. More than ten a day. That’s the goal for Social Media Marketing World. And “every day” means every day. Mondays. Tuesdays. Holidays. Here’s what the math did to me: it’s not going to be one big idea that moves the needle. It’s going to be lots of ideas, working together, to get this done. But here’s what I know. We’ve had well over 3,000 people at this conference before. It’s not impossible. I know it’s possible. I also know I’m going to need help. So if you missed yesterday’s video, here’s the deal: → Drop one idea in the comments, starting with “I’d...” → See an idea you’d back? Reply “yes” under it → The ideas with the most yeses are the ones I try first What can we do to move the needle on this conference? Let’s do this. This is Mike’s Thoughts from the Porch. Let me know what you think 👇 #SocialMediaMarketingWorld# #FounderLife# #MarketingTips# #SocialMediaExaminer#

Social Media Marketing World hasn’t had 3,000 people at the conference since before COVID. I have 7 months, 933 people committed, and no idea how to fill the gap. So I’m coming to you. I met with my director of marketing this week, and it became pretty obvious we need to try something different. Then it hit me: some of the wisest marketers in the world are watching this series. Why not just ask you? So here’s the favor. If this were your conference and you wanted to get to 3,000, what would you do? → Leave one sentence in the comments, starting with “I’d...” → Read the other ideas, and if you like one, reply to it with the word “Yes” → Friday I tally the results And to make it a little fun: if I use your idea and it actually moves the needle, I’ll take care of your ticket and your hotel. I’ll be talking about the winners, and all the great ideas, right here on the porch. This is Mike’s Thoughts from the Porch. So, what would you do? “I’d...” in the comments below 👇 #SocialMediaMarketingWorld# #MarketingTips# #FounderLife# #SocialMediaExaminer#

Businesses are going viral right now holding signs that say, “I will not use AI to promote my business.” The irony? AI algorithms are the reason anyone sees their post at all. 404 Media just reported on this trend — bars, cafes, libraries, hair stylists, all holding up hand-drawn signs saying they refuse to use AI. Stoic faces. Cardboard and marker. Tens of thousands of likes. And I’m sitting on my porch thinking, this is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. You’re literally using AI to promote your business right now. Instagram’s algorithm — powered by AI — is the thing pushing your little protest sign to thousands of people. You created something designed to spur a reaction, get reshared, and you’re hoping people scroll through your carousel to discover you have a restaurant. But here’s the truth: it’s magnesium marketing. One bright flash, poof, and it’s gone. They don’t care about your business. They care about the concept you’re standing for. And you don’t even mean it. If you’re a marketer, you’re already using AI — you just might not realize it. I used AI to help me come up with talking points for this video. And I didn’t read any of them. AI is your friend. It’s not here to hurt your business. It’s here to help it. Is this trend smart, or is it crazy? Tell me in the comments 👇 #AIMarketing# #MarketingTips# #SocialMediaMarketing# #SocialMediaExaminer#