Finding Influencers – Module 7

Since it would be impossible for me to wait six months for data to compile, I’m going to run a simple search across Google, Yahoo, and Bing to search for blogs that follow KDP’s steps, which are:

   1.     Search for blogs that mention you or your marketplace frequently

a.     Some of the blogs I found that “fit the bill” were:

                                               i.     Our own blog – A Taste of General Mills

                                              ii.     Our CMO’s blog at markaddicks.com

                                            iii.     Zacks.com (an investor site).

                                            iv.     NOM Blog

                                              v.     CityPages Blog

                                            vi.     Human Rights Campaign Blog

                                           vii.     NASADQ Analysts Blog

                                         viii.     Motley Fool Blog

                                            ix.     Minnesota Star Tribune Blog

                                              x.     BusinessWeek Blog

b.     I chose these top ten because each of the above blogs frequently mention GMI, a GMI product, or contain GMI company information. Additionally, they could potentially influence both public and private perception of our brand, our company, and our products at home and around the globe.

   2.     Verify the important blogs/bloggers

a.     I would argue that each of the blogs heralds some importance to GMI, but the ones I would note that seem most important based on mentions, comments to posts ratio, and search rank would be:

                                               i.     A Taste of General Mills

1.     This blog is part of our marketing arm, and is a direct interface with our company and customers. This is a direct example of us influencing public perception of our company on our own.

                                              ii.     Zacks.com Blog

1.     Investors key into this blog and site to see how the company (and their investment) are performing. Since we are a publically traded company, it is important that we constantly and consistently deliver shareholder value. Positive feedback on this blog can be one of several factors that help to ensure a continued financial future for GMI and its employees.

                                            iii.     Minnesota Star Tribune

1.     Since the MST is one of our home states largest newspapers and news outlets, their perception of the company is important – not only because we’re based in Minnesota, but also because we compete with 42 other Fortune 500’s also based in MN for that positive press. Constant feedback here shapes our image at home and around the country – and ensures that we get an adequate “share of ink.