Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode 32 Pilate and the Cross Pt 1

PONTIUS PILATE

''Pilate therefore went forth again and saith unto them, 'Behold, I bring him forth to you that ye may know that I find no fault in him.'" John 19:4

Pontius Pilate was procurator of Judea under Tiberius Caesar in 26 AD. He was a product of early Roman society. He was a military leader, tactless, skeptical and arbitrary. Almost from the first day of his arrival in Judea there existed an implacable hatred between him and the people he ruled.

Twice before the trial of Jesus he had been forced to yield to the will of the people or risk rebellion that would cost him his position. The first time occurred when he brought army standards bearing the likeness of the Roman Emperor to Jerusalem that profaned the holy city. After five days of uproar he removed them. Next he was forced by the Jews to remove a set of Roman votive tablets from Herod's palace which he occupied in Jerusalem.

Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent. He had secret spies among the people who reported daily on the Nazarene's activity. There was good reason to believe his wife, Claudia Procula had met Jesus and was a secret follower. During his trial she sent a message warning Pilate to 'have nothing to do with that just man.'

But, "'when Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude saying, 'I am innocent of the blood of this man...'" In the most critical decision of his career he became fearful and bowed to the shouts of the factious bloodthirsty mob. Tradition says that he never forgot this tragic hour. A few years afterward in exile, wearied with misfortunes he killed himself.1

• Welcome to Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #32 Pilate and the Cross Pt1
• Scriptures within the message are:
  
  • Matthew 27:11-26
  • Mark 15:2-15
  • Luke 23:3-25
  • John 18:29-40
• Pilate and the Cross was originally recorded August 6, 1989
• Running Time: 1:11 File Size: 65.5 MB
• Your Hostess with the Mostest Jeanine coming to you from Spirited North Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
• Music-TimeLife Flower Power-Groovin- 'The Beat Goes On' Sonny and Cher
  
• Make an Audio Comment the number is 1-715-808-0318 I would like to hear from you.
• Send your comments, questions and suggestions to me, jeanine.at.pastorpaul.org
• Make a comment at the Blog-wwwpastorpaul.blogspot.com (no dot after the 3W's). Your comment will be posted.
• Join the community at http://www.pastorpaul.org/. Connect to the Blog, flicker, the Podcast, the Store, and twitter. You will find those interactive links at the top of the homepage.
  
• Pastor Paul's Mission food distribution to needy people is located in the historic Mikro Kodesh synagogue in North Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
• Send your check or make a US tax deductible donation on the homepage. Thank You!
• Special links referred to:Bum(er) Mission House Teeny Boppers (Millennials) Costco Food Prices

Download The Podcast Here
Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #32 Pilate and the Cross Pt1

Sunday Listen to Episode #33-Pilate and the Cross Pt 2
Two Episodes Weekly in March to Celebrate Easter

1 Jesus Loved Them, Sam Patrick and Omar Garrison pg 53

Shop.org 2007 Annual Summit

New this Year-Shop.org TV Interview
with Craig Danuloff, President, Commerce360

At this year's Shop.org Annual Summit, Scott Silverman, Executive Director, in his Welcoming Introduction of Keynote Speaker Kelly Mooney, President, Resource Interactive, said that 6 years ago 200 people attended the Annual Summit compared with 2,000 this year, September 17, 2007. This is 10 times the number of people increasing by 1000%. In the video above Craig Danuloff, President, Commerce-360 states that search is critical today and technology has changed dramatically. New thinking and new tools must be used today. The purpose of the Shop.org Annual Summit is to bring together the new tools provided in the industry showcasing technology in an educational environment with the experts in their field such as Commerce-360 and Resource Interactive with e-commerce.

I took an early morning Sun Country flight from Minneapolis to Las Vegas. At the airport my Dad's cousin Charolette Richards, who has resided in Las Vegas for more than 50 years, was waiting for me at the Baggage Claim area. Well known for her 'World Famous Little White Chapel' she is instrumental in the developing lucrative wedding industry in Las Vegas. She is an intuitive marketing visionary. Greeting me with her sunny smile and warm hug, I had arrived on Sunday, a day early, looking forward to church with Charolette, relaxing in the sun and shopping before the Shop.org Annual Summit.

After getting my bags we went to her beautiful home. I met her son Ronald and we caught-up on family business. On our way to church, we picked-up her chauffeur Curt. We headed to Starbucks talked about the changing wedding industry and went to the Word of Life Christian Center where the church service was very spirited. Charolette introduced me to Pastor David Shearin who is the founding pastor celebrating 25 years of ministry in North Las Vegas. He was interested in hearing about Pastor Paul's Mission Free Food Distribution. We also talked about the plight of the homeless in the desert heat and the bitter cold. After dropping Curt home we went to lunch.

Lunch at the Cafe Belagio was superb as we enjoyed the enchanting botanical gardens and conservatory. Afterwards we visited the adjacent shops Via Fiore, Essentials and then to the Cafe Gelato for dessert while watching the ceiling to floor chocolate fountain. We said our good-byes. The Mandalay Bay Resort where the Annual Summit was held was full, so I reserved my room at the Luxor. It turned out to be a great 2nd choice because I could take the tram to Mandalay Bay in minutes. I thought the idea of staying in a pyramid was very cool too. It turned out that I was able to navigate the hotel in record time daily visiting the Starbucks, Backstage Deli, Sundries Shop and incredible pool area.

The next day I relaxed by the pool and read 'Punk Marketing' by Richard Laermer and Mark Simmons. By the time I was finished, I was ready to get up off it and 'Join the Revolution' but first I needed to get my conference materials and go to Expo Hall Grand Opening Kickoff Reception at Mandalay Bay. It was unbelievable with 66 speakers including David Weinberger and 139 Exhibitors. I walked through the Expo Hall just checking out the exhibitors.

I stopped by the 'FiftyOne by E4X' because they hired a magician who called me over to participate in his act. He was trying to gather a group. I probably looked like just the participant he needed to dupe the group. 'Who me?', I asked. Yes I would answer three questions that would decide whether or not four others would get $50 dollars each or not. (the pressure was on). I looked at the others apologetic before we started as if to say, 'Don't get your hopes up girls.' We were playing something like the hand is quicker than the eye and how many sponge balls do I have in my hand? As long as he didn't try to hypnotize me we would be alright. If you saw the 'Hypnotist Act' in Woody Allen's 'Broadway Danny Rose' you can appreciate this word of caution.

He asked me the first question; it was correct, the second question was correct, which surprised all of us including 'Larry the Magician' and the girls looked hopeful. The third question he asked, 'How many foam balls do I have in my hand?' I said, fiftyone (the name of the software). He said, 'FIFTYONE', how could I possibly have that many balls in my hand? I looked him in the eye and said, 'You are right, it must be one.' When he opened his hand lots of foam balls rolled over the counter. I asked him, 'How many are there?' He said, 'Too many to count.' Next, I went to Fashion Show Mall to Macy's to buy black Jones New York clothes. That $50 would have been nice.

The following day in the morning I listened to the opening Keynote Speaker Kelly Mooney. She talked about the intersection of eCommerce and social media she referred to as 'The Open Brand.' This intersection is where the consumers are involved with the brands they love by interacting with them. She presented '5 (R's) Reason's to Open Your Brand'; 1)Revenue 2)ROI (Return On Investment) 3) R&D (Research & Development) 4) Relevance 5) Relationships. 1-Revenue will grow faster by gaining access to larger audiences 2-Media costs are reduced by spending dollars more effectively 3- Consumer ideas help to develop products 4-Participating consumers keep pace with the digital age 5- Consumers are your best allies.

She introduced the iCitizens who combines commerce, culture, community causing a massive shift in power. The iCitizen millennials are a distinct group with these attributes; perpetually connected online, productive multitasking, filter for immediacy and control, expressive and assimilative, optimistic and self-entitled. Once interested they turn to the social network, people they trust. They share their experience either good or bad.

She described the Open Brand and its levels; Conducting is frictionless, efficient and functional. i.e. faster page refreshes and alternate forms of payment. Connecting is aligning emotional relevance and sampling storytelling. Sharing are exchanges between the brand and consumer creating the community. This includes worthy content, consumer generated content, reviews polls, and clubs with exclusive privileges. 'Owning' the brand by the consumers because they feel they have power to influence it. Kelly Mooney's presentation about the intersection of social media and eCommerce was persuasive.

Next up was Keynote Speaker Donna Hoffman, Chancellor's Chair and Co-Director, Sloan Center for Internet Retailing. Sitting next to me was Liz Polk Lynch, Site Experience Lead QuickBooks.com, Intuit, we listened intently while she described the research the Center does that includes; Consumer Generated Media, Virtual Worlds, Search Marketing, Online Consumer Experience, Pricing, Trust and Competition in the Online Marketplaces, and the Online Purchase Process. The research helps eCommerce businesses understand emerging trends. Retailers can improve and stay ahead of the emerging trends leveraging in advance opportunities for growth.

Donna confirmed that Social Networks are about the 'Evolution of Customer Experience.' Just as the web has developed the future of eCommerce has gone from, Web 1.0-Web 2.0-Web 3.0. She stated that her research found consumers passionate about brands and 'Co-Creations' generate consumer insights. She called consumers 'Brand Ambassadors'. Social Networks optimize brands and this is measurable. There are endless frontiers with all of the Social Network applications like; Digg, Technorati, flickr, myspace, facebook, and Linkedin to name a few.

So full of ideas and completely inspired, I needed to see what was happening in EXPO Hall where I could enjoy lunch and take a break. The food is always excellent and the networking valuable. The products and services covered by the hundreds of exhibitors for the Shop.org Annual Summit is comprehensive. Here is a listing of them categorically; Affiliate Marketing, Content Management, Customer Service, Delivery Services, eCommerce Systems, Email Marketing, Fulfillment Services, Order Management, Payments Processing, Performance Monitoring, Research Studies/Books, Researchers/Consultants, Returns Processing, Search Engine Marketing, Supply Chain Solutions, Web Analytics, Web Design/Hosting.

These are some of the exhibitor's I talked to; Mike Harnish-commission junction, Andrew Keenan-Baynote, Michelle Kim-PriceGrabber.com, Christopher Robin-cheetahmail, Udayan Bose-NetElixir, Clark Harmon-popularmedia, Navisha Shibchurn-Shopping.com, Matt Riccio-pronto, Jeff Watts-Bazaarvoice, Otis Kimzey-Cleverset, Bill Kern & Brian Young-Virid, Joseph Smith-E4X, Michael Salata-RichFX, shippingPAL, Liveperson, iPerceptions, MyBuys, Google, Yahoo, and PowerReviews.

In the afternoon I attended two Roundtable Discussions. The first was facilitated by Pinny Gniwisch, Founder and EVP Marketing, Ice.com, titled, 'Generating Positive ROI Through Blogs and YouTube'. A lively discussion that was relevant to Pastor Paul's Blog that just started in May 2007. We hope to post videos on YouTube. I heard many insights on the effectiveness of these New Media channels and how other retailers use them. The second Round Table Discussion was facilitated by Jeremy Hanks, Co-Founder and CEO of Doba.com, titled, 'Product Sourcing Strategies to Support Merchandising'. Pastor Paul's Club uses Doba's product sourcing, so it was great to meet Jeremy! His blog, adventures in entrepreneurship is very informative. During our discussion I met Angela Hsu, Vice President Internet Marketing, LampsPlus.com. We talked about Pastor Paul's Club and her lighting products. Combining the two, we liked the tagline, 'Let Your Light Shine.' We looked forward to talking more at dinner.

Later that night at the Dinner at TAO, I also met Ben Vixcon, Online Merchandising Manager, REI, Recreational Equipment, Inc and his team. We were joined by a retired business executive from Montreal. I did not get his name. I think he said he was with the Rotary Club. We had a very interesting conversation about how they distribute food to their community's poor during the holidays. It was a huge effort very similar to our historic Holiday Giveaways.

On Wednesday the final day of the Annual Summit, I decided to go to the Advocacy & Policy Breakfast Meeting at 7:45am in the Expert Arena of Expo Hall. At the meeting was an opportunity to learn about the new policy efforts made by the Policy Advisory Group comprised of Online Retail Executives to identify potential issues for online retailers and provide guidance in advocacy efforts (Provided by the Program Guide Addendum Event Updates). A small discussion by Steve Pfister, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, National Retail Federation, Liz, the Policy Attorney, Scott Silverman, Executive Director, Shop.org, others and myself. I listened as they discussed their efforts to address; Spam, Retail Associated Spyware, Online Privacy, Data Security-State Laws Breached, Consumer Groups, Credit Cards, Retailers Education, Bankers Association, Merchant Payment Coalition, Interchange Fees, Banks, Gift Cards, and Dormancy Fees.

I was particularly interested in Gift Cards because last year I watched a televised Minnesota Senate committee hearing about Gift Cards. In March 2007 the committee members were hearing testimony about unused or expired gift cards. The Senate Bill SF69 and House Companion Bill HF0512 regulates gift certificates and gift cards and makes it illegal for anyone to sell a gift certificate that has an expiration date or a service fee of any kind. It was approved and filed by Governor Pawlenty on May 21, 2007 and became law. I was interested in how other state laws were dealing with this issue and how online retailers would be affected.

After the meeting I had a conversation with Scott Silverman about eCommerce growth and opportunity.Listen Here

Next Ken Eisner, VP Marketing and Sales, Shop.org, who is always a source of encouragement introducing like minded members to network and share ideas. He updated us about the ongoing mission of Shop.org and introduced this morning's Keynote Speaker Sucharita Mulpuru, Senior Analyst, Forrester Research. She gave an excellent detailed presentation that started by comparing the incredible growth of Las Vegas and amazing growth of eCommerce. Las Vegas has 93% hotel occupancy vs National Average of 63%. The visitors are 81% returning while Las Vegas ranks 4th in the US gaming revenue. As of 2006 eCommerce has grown into a 220 billion dollar industry expecting to climb.

While this is good she said that online retailers still have not nailed down the basics compared to Las Vegas repeat business for example. She gave us 5 Truths about eCommerce; 1) Online shopping is still not easy a) Sites are not always available b) Key information is often missing c) Package delivery is a sore spot d) Retailers are not asking customers, 'How are we doing?' surveys 2) Online marketing is inefficient a) Paid search is biased using branded terms b) Suddenly the value is questionable c) The lack of a standard definition of ROI does not help and leads to differences d) Retailers focus on customer acquisition while most online shoppers are not new e) Customers often shop online at competitive sites 3) We watch customers instead of listening to them, a) Retailers are more likely to take heed from the competition 4) Online retailers are not managing assortments well a) Online is not what it should/could be b) Tools to provide more relevance are under leveraged 5) Retailers still have not truly embraced multiple channels a) This creates some tension. She asked, 'What are the Solutions?'

Sucharita Mulpuru, Senior Analyst,of Forrester Research gave these possible solutions; 1) incorporate standards on product pages, site availability and deliver ability 2) Think more broadly about interactive marketing 3) Heed the voice of the customer 4) Use RSS as a retention vehicle (since 69% do not use it) 5) Think about what is relevant to the customer 6) Rethink the independence of the web channel. Finally, she said cannibalization is a reality between online and non-line sales but likewise so are cross-channel sales.

Speaking of RSS and cross-channel sales, later in the afternoon I attended a Shop.org eCommerce Clinic Session where you can interact with experts in a small interactive 'clinic' setting. I chose 'Moving To Mobile Commerce: 10 Tips To Ensure Success' The panel included leaders who had first-hand knowledge of what it takes to launch a commerce site on the Mobile Web. They discussed the rapid evolution of Mobile Commerce and how to integrate eCommerce and mCommerce, as well as, the challenges to be aware of when marketing. I was very interested in this form of commerce as a cross-channel for Pastor Paul's Club.

The statistics of the wireless subscribers market globally of 2.7 billion is staggering with 95 million in Japan and 236 million in the US. The mobile web users globally was 1.8 billion with 52 million in Japan compared to 35 million US. The mCommerce users was 1.6 billion globally with 27 million in Japan compared to 7 million US. The mCommerce revenue was $63 billion globally with Japan already at $10 billion compared to $480 million US. The average transaction size in Japan was $50 and $130 in the US. These statistics were discussed by the panel regarding the mCommerce reality about how momentum is growing. The research was as of 2007 and provided by Juniper Research.

New this year were the Shop.org TV interviews as seen at the top of the page with Craig Danuloff, President, Commerce360. They were produced and sponsored by SilverDock an online video production company. As I walked by their staging area, I was asked to do an interview. I had quite a time talking about Pastor Paul's Mission's efforts to raise revenues with our eCommerce Pastor Paul's Club. Video as seen by YouTube is definitely an important tool and will be used by Pastor Paul's Club in one way or another. Finally, I stated that a highlight for me was next on the agenda.

I was looking forward to hearing Keynote Speaker David Weinberger. And I soon found out after hearing him give a very energetic presentation, he is very inspiring. I found this presentation below that is similar, however, it is not the same as seeing him give his presentation in person. What happened during lunch was even more exciting than watching his presentation...It was a 'Close Encounter Of The Same Kind.'

Finishing lunch, I am ready to leave, then David Weinberger walks by my table. His lunch in his hand he sat in the seat behind me at a near empty table. Sitting back to back with David Weinberger, after enjoying his entertaining presentation, I could not leave. I had to at least acknowledge him. The only thing I knew about him was that he was a great inspiration to Mitch Joel and was named on his Six Pixels of Separation Podcast and had written some books. I had only glanced at his bio that was in the program. Before he had a chance to take a bite of his lunch, instead of standing up I turned my chair a little sideways and turned around in my chair. I told him I really enjoyed his presentation. He turned a little sideways and thanked me. We awkwardly turned our chairs from back to back to side by side talking about his presentation, his slides and audience reception. He was so nice. I was completely interrupting his lunch. He did not seem to mind. H e listened and intermittently took a bite of food here and there. I introduced myself and gave him my card. Right away he read it. Then he gave me his card. I put it in my bag without looking at it.

We continued, or I should say, I continued and continued and continued, to talk while he listened. I told him about Pastor Paul's Club becoming a member of Shop.org. He asked what products we had and using my best pitch I said, 'a little of this and a little of that'. It was at this point when I looked in his eyes and I could see we were alike in one way. At this time I confessed to him, as if to a high priest, (he listened so intently) 'I do not even like shopping.' He did not say a word. I knew he was not a shopper either. There you go, two birds of one feather. At this point we turned more like a 3/4 turn facing each other-true bonding.

I remember thinking his lunch is getting cold. But, I kept on and on and on. I told him that I was the 'Hostess with the Mostest' of the Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast. I asked if he had a podcast. He said no. He was quiet and tried to eat his lunch.

Then I remembered, I still had the M-Audio MicroTrack Recorder in my bag from this morning when I recorded a conversation with Scott Silverman. I also remembered that I was so new at using it that I could not remember how to turn it on. Only after 2-3 awkward minutes I finally remembered. I had to do it. I asked him if he would like to do a recorded conversation. He asked if the podcast was a religious podcast. I had to think about it for a moment and answered yes. The word 'religious' confused me. He said he had to decline. In a way I was a little relieved because I knew I had to re-read the user manual on the M-Audio. I didn't want him to feel bad. I told him I completely understood. I started to describe the podcast.

The way he presented was very similar to the way Pastor Paul presented his messages which are on the recorded podcasts. Then I began to name them one by one; 1) Both tell you they are about to finish and then keep going (however David warns you about this at the beginning of his presentation whereas Pastor Paul warns you that he has had 4 hour messages with no potty break) 2) Both are energetic and never boring (no need to worry about your eyes glazing over-Hallelujah) 3) Both can talk extremely loud (scream if you should get distracted) 4) Both use humor to make a point fun. I am sure I could find other similarities if I saw them side by side.

I told him I wanted to start another podcast where I could interview people who were passionate about something. I was going to call it, 'Hearts of Fire' jeaninecheri Podcast. He liked the idea. I liked him.



About This Video taken from AtGoogleTalks
Author David Weinberger discusses his book 'Everything Is Miscellaneous' as part of the Authors@Google series. David Weinberger is the co-author of the international bestseller 'The Cluetrain Manifesto' and the author of 'Small Pieces Loosely Joined'.

The Mean Kitty Song

I am still working on the 2007 Shop.org Annual Summit Blog Post.

Why is it taking soooo long?
The story is in the song...

Mean Kitty

Andy Nulman Keynote Speaker Shop.org

Andy Sernovitz Interviews Andy Nulman

Arriving at the beautiful Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Universal Orlando Florida, I first saw Andy Nulman standing in the lobby. I recognized him from the Shop.org Strategy and Innovation Forum pre-registration information. He was one of the Keynote Speakers. The purpose of the forum was 'Where Internet and Multichannel Retailers Plan the Future', taken from the program guide. Leaving Minneapolis Minnesota, 'Arctic Blast' sub-zero temperatures, I was ready to go to my room and retire my AK Anne Kline, black leather pull-on riding boots with upper stretch fabric panel with buckle and strap detail. You could say, I would be pulling myself up by my own bootstraps, but then again, that would be so tired and cliche'. At this point, I was very energized anticipating a warm reception.

While talking to Mitch Joel at the Opening Reception that evening at the Wantilan, an exotic outdoor garden event area, Andy Nulman joined us. True to the program description 'young in spirit and snappy in dress' it was fun to meet him. Later I learned he creates media projects, co-founded the world renowned 'Just For Laughs Festival', co-founder of Airbourne Entertainment North America's 4th-Fastest Growing Tech Company in Deloitte and Touche's Fast 50 ranking. Later I recognized he was an engaging speaker.

Before Andy gave his Keynote Address on Thursday, I had the opportunity to join his Round Table Discussion on Wednesday afternoon titled 'Mobile Marketing: Right for You? Right for Who?' With the table over crowded, about 12-15 of us discussed Mobile Marketing while Andy facilitated the discussion. It was a lively discussion at times as Andy talked about how mobile marketing was used in other countries around the world such as Japan. For instance the phone is used to scan purchases, discounts, and gift cards. Upon entering an event your ticket information is in the phone and it is scanned instead of using a ticket. The phone is more of a utility tool using the information it contains directly for commerce solutions. As we were breaking up to move to the Expo Hall, I asked what effect the mobile phone would have on computer use in the future. He did not think that it would replace the computer, but will be used more extensively in mobile marketing and commerce solutions like in other world markets.

During the lunch break in the Expo Hall I had a chance to meet Daniel Taras, Vice President, Business Development with iPerceptions. Previously, at the Shop.org Annual Summit I met Daniel's colleague Jonathan Levitt where I received a white paper by Jim Sterne titled 'We Know What You Did Last Summer But We Don't Know Why' sponsored by iPerceptions. Their company is a web focused customer satisfaction and experience research provider capturing the voice of actual online customers using metrics to turn learning into customer lead decision support. I also sat with Katrina Lane, Vice President Of Channel Marketing with Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. She gave me some ideas about Pastor Paul's Club becoming a 'filler' in Banner Advertising Tests. She said the Banner tests are very expensive. A company will pay for them and will need an alternate 'filler'. It would be a no cost opportunity and exposure for Pastor Paul's Club. Networking is always good.

On Thursday January 24, 2008 I was seated next to Eric Nadler, Vice President, Sales Operation and E-Commerce, Danskin, Inc. We were front and center ready for Andy Nulman's Keynote: 'One Hand In Their Pocket: The Constant Mobile Connection To Your Customers.' An energized, Mitch Joel introduced Andy with some very endearing comments as he told about their friendship and previous work relationship at Airborne. Then quickly, it was a POW-Right Between the Eyes (Andy's Blog) MOMENT, Mitch claimed Andy fired him! At that point I was ready to stand and cheer, even better yet, he asked everyone of the 800 people in the the room to turn on and hold their mobile phones in the air to salute the 'Boss of Mobile'-'King of Text Message' (my titles) and we did. Andy flew through the air to the stage and did not skip a beat. He held the audience attention as he presented detailed innovative mobile marketing strategies.

There was not a quiet phone in the house. I remember gazing at my iPhone, I named iLoveu, thinking: You are not only beautiful you are the future.

To commemorate their 15th Anniversary, I will be blogging about my experiences with Shop.org and about some of the great people I have met at the conferences and workshops. Please join this conversation with some of your comments or experiences with Shop.org. The next blog will focus on the Shop.org 2007 Annual Summit in Las Vegas Nevada.

Scott Silverman, Executive Director, Shop.org

Scott Silverman Introducing Andy Sernovitz
At the 2008 Strategy and Innovation Forum

Pastor Paul's Club became a member of Shop.org in July just prior to the Online Merchandising Workshop on July 18-20, 2007. I was confident that by becoming a Shop.org member, I would gain the insights in e-commerce that I needed to build Pastor Paul's Club into a successful business. By understanding marketing, merchandising and the online business environment, I could make the right decisions about the actions I needed to take to reach that goal. My first experience at the first workshop, although challenging, offered the networking, expertise and vision I needed. The first 'take-away', a term I became familiar with, was the importance of 'new media' online marketing encompassing many avenues. I would start with blogging and podcasting.

On Pastor Paul's Blog, I first posted 'Retro Blogging March 16th-May 16th less than one month after the Online Marketing Workshop. The Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Introductory Episode #00-Friends aired May 23, 2007 on Pentecost one week later. I recognized that I received exactly what I needed at that workshop to add to our online presence, www.pastorpaul.org and Pastor Paul's Club Store. I am somewhat familiar with audio files because Pastor Paul's archived taped messages are available to download and are streaming. A weekly podcast would be sent by RSS feeds sent to subscribers. It is no longer necessary to listen to a streaming message at a computer. The files can be sent to the subscriber's choice; a computer, iPod, phone or cd. The blog is just such an important communication tool. It is interactive and an attribute of all social networks. It is important for people to discuss issues and make comments. Social Networks such as Digg, twitter, flickr, Linkedin, technorati, and del.icio.us. to name a few, are another avenue of 'new media'. I have profiles in these while I have been focusing on blogging, podcasting and twitter.

I arrived in San Diego, rented a car and headed for the Glorietta Bay Inn across from the Hotel Del Coronado. The Shop.org Online Merchandising Workshop was sold out. This workshop was focusing on metrics, basing merchandising decisions by analyzing data. By learning to analyze the website data future actions can be made to create a more effective customer friendly environment that will produce more profitability. In other words, find out what is working and what is not by reviewing the data, then make the needed changes. First, I checked in and went across the street to the Hotel Del Coronado to the Opening Reception at the Commodore Ballroom.The hotel did not have a Commodore Ballroom and had no information about the workshop. When I registered for the workshop the hotel was full to capacity so I found the Glorietta Bay Inn across from the Coronado Hotel. Could there be a mix-up? Yes in fact there was. The workshop was taking place at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort. By the time I found the Commodore Ballroom it was empty. Thankfully I would know how to get to the correct hotel the following day.

Counting my blessings, I decided to go to the grocery store pick up some French bread, cheese, fruit, walnuts, juice, water and cherry coke. I went back to the Glorietta Bay Inn and stocked the refrigerator. I looked forward to relaxing. I had quite a bite to eat. Getting ready to relax and review some materials I felt something like a small stone in my mouth. I took it out and examined it. It was a little square white piece of something hard, but it wasn't a stone. I happened to be in front of the vanity and looked in the mirror. To my horror, it was the front of my tooth. One of my front teeth had a large square piece missing. I could not believe it. I just looked at it and could not believe it, could not believe it, could not believe it-HAD TO BELIEVE IT! The front of my tooth was gone. It was too late to find a dentist. I actually considered not going to the workshop.

I had to talk to myself and convince myself that going to the workshop, networking with new people, talking in intimate round table discussions, going to dinner, meeting with exhibitors and everything else involved in this workshop, would not be adversely affected by the fact that I needed emergency dental work that I could not get, and that it was messing with my head. I had some serious internal conversations about vanity. Then I considered keeping my mouth shut for the entire time. I knew I could go without eating, but smiling and conversations, I might as well be dead. How would I handle it? I would try to ignore it. If it was necessary, I would tell what happened on a need to know basis. Nothing was going to get my attention except the workshop. God help me!

Arriving at the workshop I saw Nicole Edmund, Shop.org Membership Director. I smiled at her. She smiled back. I told her what happened to my tooth. After I told her what happened she looked a little upset and said she did not notice. I believed her and told her how I was going to handle it. She agreed. Next to the Commodore Ballroom to hear the Opening Keynote, Avinash Kaushik, Author, Blogger, Google Analytics Evangelist. He spoke about Trinity Strategy; Behavior Analysis, Outcomes Analysis, and Experience Analysis. The bottom line was that 'Customer Relevancy Improves Conversion.' An excellent presentation. Later in the day he sat next to me and we talked and exchanged cards. I did not recognize him until I read his card. I was thinking more about what he was saying than what he looked like. I hoped the same was true of me.

Lauren Freedman, Author, President, e-Tailing Group gave another morning Keynote Address presenting 10 takeaways about 'Metrics Driven Merchandising and Measuring the Art and Science of eCommerce.' A very in depth presentation with a 15 page handout and contact information to refer back to later. I have talked to Lauren and we both have gold plated Space Pens on chains. Later that morning I joined a Round Table discussion facilitated by Brett Hurt, Founder and CEO, Bazaarvoice, 'Protecting Brand Concerns When Featuring Customer Reviews.' User generated content is important and customer reviews that are negative can be used to improve products or merchandising. It is better to know what the customer thinks than to try to protect a brand that may need improvement. Customers rely on consumer reviews. To have customer reviews helps conversion rates. Later in the afternoon, I joined the 'When to Redesign' Yellow Round Table, 'Realigning vs Redesigning: An Overview with Kathy Wahlbin, Director User Experience, Mindshare Interactive.

Later in the afternoon were Concurrent Sessions with panel discussions from various speakers. I attended the 'Role of the Manufacturer in Retailer Merchandising Efforts. The speakers included: Jed Alpert, Vice President of Marketing, WebCollage, Inc., Sam Taylor, SVP, HP Direct, Wen M Yuan, Director Online Sales and Marketing Western Europe and North America, Phillips Domestic Appliances and Personal Care, and Don Nelson, Senior Marketing Manager, Sam's Club. The discussion centered around how the manufacturer works with the retailer to insure that the customer is getting the correct and necessary information in order to make a purchase. This increases the retailers profitability, the manufacturers credibility, and the consumers satisfaction by a knowledgeable purchase.

On my way to the Dinner and Reception held at the Excursion Dock, I met Karin Miller, President Consultant, Miller Merchandising currently working with Teleflora. I did tell Karin about my tooth. We actually laughed about it. Dinner was fantastic and we were joined by Elaine Rubin, President, ekrubin, inc and 1-800-Flowers, who helped found Shop.org in 1996 with Scott Silverman, it's Executive Director. We talked about nutrition and especially our love for bread. I referred to one of my favorite books 'Eat Right 4 Your Type'. We discussed how people are connected by blood type and that we are 'biochemical' individuals. It was an interesting conversation not related to retailing. I was sitting between two 'FlowerPowers' (not related to this link!)

The next day I caught up with Scott Silverman, Executive Director, of Shop.org. As always he is very busy overseeing everything, introducing Keynote Speakers and talking to everyone. He is so kind and really sets the tone for the conference by his involvement. I have talked to his team and they are all involved in different aspects of the workshop to insure that everyone's needs are met. The many speakers are experts in their respective fields and represent many Fortune 500 Companies. You take away so much valuable information that helps you to make informed decisions for the direction your business can take to reach your goals. The varied panel discussions are lively and interactive. The round table discussions are a way to meet other like minded people and facilitators who are experts in their field. Many varied exhibitors who are friendly and informative answer questions and many times offer help for follow-up conversations. The hotels, dinners and receptions are always the best. Scott's leadership is reflected in the success of the events, although, more important is the fact that you leave the event inspired, educated, connected and ready to make informed decisions that will directly reflect the profitability of your business whether it is large or small.

At the end of the second day of the Online Merchandising Workshop, I had a conversation with Scott. I did tell him about my tooth. His reaction was reserved but concerned. He said he too was suffering from his own malady, laryngitis. I brought my M-Audio MicroTrack II for on location interviews/conversations. I had not used it at this point. I asked if we could record a conversation about the workshop. Veterans to the end, here is this conversation:

Listen to this conversation with Scott Silverman, on July 20, 2007 at the Online Merchandising Workshop at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado Bay, California.

To commemorate their 15th Anniversary, I will be blogging about my experiences with Shop.org and about some of the great people I have met at the conferences and workshops. Please join this conversation with some of your comments or experiences with Shop.org. The next blog will focus on Andy Nulman, President and Chief Marketing Officer, Airborne Entertainment Keynote Speaker at the Strategy and Innovation Forum.

Retro Blog- Shop.org Workshop April 18-20, 2007

I wrote this on May 16th, 2007 after the Workshop. It was my 2nd Retro Blog. It was not posted until now with minor editing. I wanted to show how great the initial contact was with the Shop.org Team who provided valuable networking to an unfamiliar newcomer. It starts with the call...

'I need some information please...'
I called Shop.org and talked to Nicole Scruggs, Sponsorships Sales, initially who was very friendly and referred me to Nicole Edmond, Director of Membership. She informed me about the benefits of membership. I was very interested (although I have had no sales at this point). I wanted to know if my not knowing anything would be a problem since it was an intimate workshop with about 250 in attendance most of which would be marketers. Not just average marketers, the list of attendees were the elite in their field many companies with billion dollar sales 'online.'

I printed an enormous amount of information before I made the call:
The Exhibitor List, The Agenda, The 'A' List of Company Members,The Speaker's with Bios, a link to The National Retail Federation Bookstore (listing 11 must-read E-Commerce & Marketing & Sales Promotion Books). I would be prepared. Nicole thought I should talk to Larry Joseloff, Director of Content, about the actual agenda. He convinced me that I would learn so much and meet other marketers. He would be at the reception. I should look for him, a man with red hair and a beard. One piece of advice that Larry gave me that was significant, 'Sometimes you just have to jump in'...future internal conversations were primed. I could not wait to go...Planes, Hotels, and Cars and remember the red-beard...It was a breeze to register online. I booked a flight with American Airlines, reserved a room at the Holiday Inn in Hollywood, FL, and rented a car with Avis.

The Opening Reception-Poolside at the Seminole Hardrock Hotel-I have arrived...Greeted by, Larry Joseloff, Nicole Edmund, Terry Young, Director of Events, and Joan Broughton, Content and Education, of Shop.org. Next, I was introduced to Andrew Rodrigues SEO Manager of Geary Interactive. Then, I met Richard Last, VP, Director with JCPenny.com. Poolside, great appetizers good attendance. Time to say goodbye and get ready for the first day of the Online Marketing Workshop But first dinner. I asked Larry about the restaurants and he said the BluePoint Ocean Grill was incredible. After having dinner I agreed, it was the best!

The next day's agenda includes: Opening Remarks/Keynote: Mitch Joel, President, Twist Image. Titled 'Six Pixels of Separation', he discusses social networking, blogs, podcasts and search engine marketing increase consumer loyalty and resulting in positive ROI-a term I will hear repeated almost obsessively by speakers, attendees, etc. For me ROI is a puzzling acronym...defining my experience. I sat next to Brian Dunn, Manager, Online Marketing for Toshiba and Dacy Yee, Web Content & E-Commerce from Toshiba. Our next speaker was Al Bessin, Partner, Lenser. He introduced us to analytics and accountability, 'heavily flavored by the industries best practices'. At this point my own type of analytics kicks in and my focus is on my inability to understand what in the world he is talking about.

Next the intimate Round Tables...I stagger to the Blue Table (they are color coded by topic)...The Topic I chose is the Affiliate Programs, Anthony Bajoras, Founder, Move Marketing is the facilitator. The discussion gets underway and I am tuned in to 'Working with Search Based Affiliates While Protecting Your Key Words'. Out of nowhere appear Darrin Keene, Search Manager Online Apple Store and Ethan Holland, E-Commerce manager, Jewelry Television. This discussion is so over my head that I start to observe facial expressions and mannerisms because I am feeling mute. It was quite incredible something about affiliates and keywords and protecting them. I had only wished I knew what they were talking about, but, still I was rather intrigued by their vigor.

In a far off distance someone said lets break for lunch and it was all over. I headed directly for the lounge chair by the pool and waterfalls. I had no appetite. I needed to recharge my soul-it was time for the 'Dead Man's Float'. (I will explain later). And I did.

This week to commemorate their 10th Anniversary, I will be blogging about my experiences with Shop.org and about some of the great people I have met at the conferences and workshops. Please join this conversation with some of your comments or experiences with Shop.org. Tomorrow on Friday our Focus is on my interviews with Scott Silverman, Executive Director of Shop.org at the Merchandising Conference and the Annual Summit.

Super Tuesday with Mitch Joel

Andy Sernovitz interviews Mitch Joel
at the Shop.org Strategy and Innovation Forum in Orlando, FL on January 23, 2007. Later in the day Mitch Joel, President of Twist Image, co-presented with Carrie Johnson, VP and Research Director of Forrester Research, about Social Shopping: How to Learn to Stop Worrying and Love Customer Control. The session focused on customer engagement. 'With consumers self-mobilizing for group discounts and adding their own feedback through tools like reviews and comments, online merchants need to do a better job at engagement,' taken from the program guide.

Mitch is such an energized speaker. He is very engaging with his audience. His slides and videos are either thought provoking or simple to understand never dull or confusing. It is so inspiring to see him speak from the passion he feels for social networking, blogging and podcasting. At the end of the day you walk away with a clear picture of his vision of the importance of new media in marketing today. I knew that podcasting and blogging were vital to Pastor Paul's online presence offering great opportunities at the grass roots level that we understand so well.

The first time I heard Mitch speak was at the Shop.org Marketing Workshop on April 19, 2007 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. He was the Keynote Speaker. His address titled, 'Six Pixels of Separation', the name of his weekly podcast, 'discussed the cutting-edge marketing channels like social networking, blogs and search engine marketing and how they result in increased customer loyalty and positive ROI,' taken from the program guide. While I listened, I had no idea what ROI was, but somehow I was convinced that it had to be good and that was how you archieved it. This had to be a faith based initiative for sure!

Later that evening I arrived late to the Dinner and Reception at the Tequila Ranch. Because I registered so late, I stayed at the Holiday Inn instead of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel. You can read more about the confusion about my hotel reservation in 'Retro Blogging March 16th-May 16th'. It is very awkward arriving so late to dinner especially when you do not know anyone and everyone is seated and finished eating. So I scanned the room quickly for an empty seat. I found myself at quite a table next to Dawn Deal, QVC, Brian Platter, Peet's Coffee and Tea, Darrin Keene, Apple, Ken Eisner, Shop.org, Scott Silverman, Shop.org and Mitch Joel, Twist Image.I started my conversation with Dawn Deal who was very gracious and made me feel right at home. I noticed Brian Platter's name tag that said Peet's Coffee and Tea. I was looking forward to meeting him because my family's name is Peet. So we talked about the Peet heritage and their progressive online store. Then Scott Silverman, Shop.org's Executive Director asked me, 'How I was doing at the Workshop?' To my surprise, as I am sure to their surprise, I blurted out, 'I feel like I am drowning.' There I had said it the truth was out, I was truly overwhelmed by all of the complex information that was so unfamiliar to me. I was in over my head. Not to mention that I had been in a very different place with very different people for a very long time.

I needed to change the direction of the conversation at this point and started to talk about my experience registering for the workshop through the hotel inquiry. I learned about the workshop by searching 'online marketing' and found an article promoting the event's Keynote Speaker, Mitch Joel. Later I lost the information, inquired at the hotel, they would not give me the information, finally I got it, and registered late, and was staying at the Holiday Inn. Somehow this translated into the cause for me being late for dinner for dinner, I think. Scott asked Mitch if he had heard my story so I told him and he said we should record it for one of his future podcast episodes. I said sure, and thought to myself, he has no idea. Finally, it is time for the memorable bull rides. The brave Nicole Edmund, Director of Membership, Shop.org volunteered first to ride the electrical bull. I laughed so hard watching so many take such incredible falls. I knew exactly how they felt.

Later that night, I thought about what I had said about drowning. And then for the first time since it happened, I remembered when I almost drowned when I was 10 years old. One summer my Mom and her friend brought her children, my sister and me to the lake. I was always the oldest so I wandered off toward the 'Big Slide'. There were two slides, a small slide in shallow water for children who could not swim and a 'Big Slide' in deep water that was surrounded by people lined up to go down the 'Big Slide'. So I started out to the 'Big Slide'.The closer I got the deeper the water. The line was longer than I thought. Rather than to go back, I started to bob up and down trying to keep my head above water. The technique worked for awhile but not for long because the water took me farther than I could bob to touch the bottom. Now I was under water completely. I could hear people talking and laughing all around me but I was invisible. I was under deep water and I was drowning and I knew it. I do not remember panicking. I think I was praying.

The next thing I knew I was lifted up out of the water like a rocket up into the air and a man's voice said something like, 'She's drowning', and then to me, 'You should not be out here if you don't know how to swim.' I think I coughed up a bunch of water and tried to explain my failed bobbing technique. He wasn't listening to it, and said, 'You should not go swimming alone.' Feeling more embarrassed than scared I left the water in a failed attempt to go down the 'Big Slide.' I told my Mom that I had almost drowned, she yelled and told me it was a really stupid thing to do, no sympathy here.

I remember sitting in the car angry and pouting thinking, they were right, I will learn to swim. I did learn how to swim, but, most importantly before I learned to swim, I learned the 'Dead Man's Float'. This is when you surrender all your fear laying on your back in the water perfectly relaxed with your face up toward the sky and try not to move except ever so slightly to keep yourself floating. It is like meditating in the water.

The next morning I decided to give breakfast a try. I was sitting alone when Mitch Joel asked if I wanted to sit alone, or join him, and he invited me to his table where I sat across from him and next to Anne Marie Cianfichi, President, Butterflyfactory.com whose company offered personal wardrobe shoppers online. I quickly reviewed my attire and became very uncomfortable because I was still a little discombobulated from the night before laughing hysterically at the electronic bull rides and then later evaluating my near death experience.

My clothes clearly reflected my mental state; a brown Bob Dylan t-shirt with orange and gold lettering (I bought the night before in the Hard Rock Hotel's-Hard Rock Store feeling a little homesick), a short cropped jean jacket, and bright tangerine slacks to match the faint orange and gold lettering on the t-shirt. At the time my salsa arrives special order to drown my scrambled eggs, Mitch moves next to me to record for Episode #48 of Six Pixels of Separation, his podcast. He is really nice and shows me the M-Audio recorder, (I never asked him if he sensed fear at this point). I thought it looked quite harmless. I pushed the eggs aside and we began. It went really well. He made it seem so easy. I think we talked about a Pastor Paul's Podcast using Pastor Paul's 1,200 taped messages. He said he would send me some information. I was quite inspired.

Now it was time to move to the Auditorium to hear the Keynote Speaker, Sucharita Mulpuru, Senior Analyst, Forrester Research. I was learning how to swim through 'Improving ROI Of Paid and Organic Search, Introduction To Analytics, Maximizing Performance of Online Affiliate Programs, Best Practices For Portal-Retailer Relationships, Understanding Multi-Channel Metrics, Best Practices in Email Analytics, and many intimate Round Table Discussions'. I was aware that I was not swimming alone but, during lunch I decided to go outside by the pool. Positioned in the 'Dead Man's Float' in the sun by the pool on a comfortable lounge chair, I surrendered my fear once again. Feeling energized, I went for an Earl Grey Tea where I met Andrew Hirsch, Chief Executive of the John Brown Group in the UK, he was ordering coffee.

As we waited in line I talked to Andrew about the conference. I had remembered that he grilled Mitch Joel with some very hard questions after his Keynote Address the day before about 'clearing the clutter' on the web and it's future. As we were talking a Mrs. Shawnee, a Tarot Card Reader (not with the conference), said she liked my shoes and gave me her card. She said she she saw good things in my future and I should call her. I told her I thought the same thing and gave her one of my cards. On the way back to the auditorium, we saw Mitch Joel and I told him he had to interview Andrew for his podcast because he was from England. He also remembered Andrew. He muttered something about me 'pimping his podcast' (I think it is an industry term), and then proceeded to interview Andrew. How exciting! I was the guest on a podcast in the morning and pimped my first podcast by noon. In the next couple of weeks, I listened to both Episodes #48 and #49 of Six Pixels of Separation, his weekly podcast. Andrew and I were quite remarkable, as was Mitch Joel.

As it turned out Scott Silverman had introduced me to Mitch Joel, who lifted me up out of a sea of information to show me just what I was looking for 'cutting-edge marketing channels like social networking, blogs, and podcasts.' Come in the water is fine...

This week to commemorate their 15th Anniversary, I will be blogging about my experiences with Shop.org and about some of the great people I have met at the conferences and workshops. Please join this conversation with some of your comments or experiences with Shop.org. Tomorrow on Wednesday our Focus is The Shop.org Team and the Marketing Conference and Annual Conference.