Patrick Byers: CEO of Outsource Marketing & the Man Behind the Responsible Marketing Blog

Posted by admin
May 22, 2009

Responsible marketing: two words that seem like unlikely partners in today’s modern marketing world. But if our next featured profiled member has anything to say about it, that will be changing.

Please meet Patrick Byers, the CEO of Outsource Marketing and the man behind the Responsible Marketing blog and an upcoming book by the same title. The other day, I had the great opportunity to speak with Patrick in his Bellevue office and we had a very enjoyable conversation on a variety of topics, ranging from his love for social media, to his blog, to his presentations on “social media for social good,” and everything in between.

Thank you again, Patrick, for giving me the opportunity to come talk with you. It was a pleasure.

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
Patrick Byers

2. E-mail?
patrick@outsourcemarketing.com

3. What is your occupation/company?
Founder of Outsource Marketing, purveyor of the Responsible Marketing Blog.

4. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area? (if applicable)
Spokane, WA. A promotion brought me to Seattle in the early 90’s.

5. How can people find you on the web?
Outsource Marketing
The Responsible Marketing Blog
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn

Social Media:

6. Why do you like social media?
So many things to like, but here are my three:

With social media, we can deliver the promise of IMC better than ever.

7. How do you utilize social media?
I really like to listen and learn, so I follow and have built online relationships with some exceptional people. A lot of my best blog posts have been inspired by the folks I know online. They provide me with such good stuff, I feel it’s my responsibility to share the things I find interesting, mostly having to do with responsible marketing, social media, and social good.

A happy byproduct: Social media is like an idea lab for my blog and book. I’ve definitely learned what people like, as well as the things they simply aren’t interested in.

8. What is one thing that mainstream population should know about social media?
While you’ll probably hear about the people that have oodles of followers and friends, the real name of the game with social media is engagement.

Whether you have 50 friends or 50,000 friends matters not; all that matters is if you are able to give and gain from the relationships you develop.

Only you will know your sweet spot.

9. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
Most would expect me to tweet on responsible marketing, social media, and social good, so I try not to disappoint. But I do throw in an occasional joke, video, or a picture of one of my kids that I can’t resist sharing.

10. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Collaborative, caring, and white hot.

11. Do you have a good social media success story or “wow” moment?
I was prepping for a talk, “Using Social Media to Create Social Good,” for PodCamp Seattle last summer. I had some great case studies, but I wanted more and decided the best way was to reach out to a few folks I’ve gotten to know online and ask for examples.

While my network yielded some great ideas, when Guy Kawasaki and Chris Brogan helped spread the word, I received over 100 examples in less than 24 hours.

I found it ironic that my research became another piece of evidence proving the incredible power of social media has for creating social good.

12. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future you would like to let people know about?  Please include dates, locations, etc. Where can more information be found?
The Northwest Federation of Career Colleges, Recognition Roundtable, the Clark Nuber Governance Conference, and the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants, to name a few. Unfortunately, all are only available for members of their respective organizations.

Several other sessions are in the works, but dates are still TBD.

Just For Fun:

13. What are your hobbies?
Skiing (thanks to my wife) and baseball. But the fact is, I have a four and six year old at home, so when I’m not playing Legos with my son or stuffed animals with my daughter, we’re running to baseball, t-ball, soccer, piano, dance, skiing, and swim classes.

14. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
Honestly, I don’t have one. I like to experience new places whenever I can. I’m excited the kids are old enough that we can travel overseas again.

15. Favorite restaurant in Seattle? Favorite food?
Either Café Campagne… or Gorditos.

16. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Take the kids to the beach and/or get out on the water.

17. Most embarrassing CD you own?
Milli Vanilli—I picked it up for 25¢ at a yard sale. Girl, you know it’s true.

18. Any hidden talents?
Making very realistic water drop sounds. Predicting birthdates for babies.

19. What would you like everyone to know about you?
My colleague Eric once asked me, “Are a Dave guy or a Sammy guy.”

I’m a Dave guy.

Patrick Byers Links

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  • This is a great video. Thank you for sharing the transcript of Patrick's interview too. I have to agree that Twitter is one of the best ways to do marketing online. Not only are a lot of people using it, but it is very interactive - which will be a good thing for you and your business as people will become more familiar with it.
  • Very insightful interview. It's very interesting how tapping social networks can provide better information than Google.
  • thinkmaya
    This was great - it was really good to learn about Pat!
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