Get to Know… Carsen!
What is your role at Vovia?
I am a Project Manager and Digital Marketing Specialist but, when I first started, I was the Office Manager. When I’m not devising killer campaigns for clients, I am providing tender love and care for our agency as a whole.
Tender Love and Care?
Haha, yeah. Perhaps I draw too much pleasure in taking care of the little things around here… but SOMEBODY has to do it!
What is your favourite part of the job?
Social has proved to be an incredible leap for business communication as a whole. I love when a social project hits critical mass and witnessing the community melding with a brand. There is never a dull moment in this industry because it changes so frequently. I also love the people that I work with. A more supportive, fun and friendly work environment, I have never experienced. It is a privilege to be a part of such a dynamic team.
What are some common misconceptions about social media marketing?
It confounds me that some businesses still believe that it is enough to simply “plug in” to social media. It takes time, attention and proper utilization to benefit from social activity. Social media is an incredible resource for connecting directly with your market; however, if you’re not there to build the relationship with your clients, you can bet someone else will be.
It also drives me batty when businesses just want to use social as a broadcast platform. If you inhibit your audience’s ability to participate with your social activity, then you might as well just send out a newsletter. For the first time in history, marketing has become a two way street. We marketers finally have a direct channel to our consumers and this should be embraced with open arms.
What do you do in your spare time?
Other than being a social media junkie, I have a great love for travel and electronic music. So, whenever I can, I am on the road to take in a great show or festival. When I’m in town, I like to longboard, play shortstop on my kickball team, or just chill out and play video games with my friends.
If you were a video game character, who would you be and why?
Definitely Link from the Legend of Zelda. I mean come on! He owns the “Master Sword”, plays a mean ocarina and always gets the girl! Plus, I look pretty good in green.
We heard you have an LED clothing business. What’s up with that?
My business Night Envy produces and provides high quality, hand crafted illuminated clothing and accessories to party people across the nation. And, just for the record, we use electro-luminescent technology not LEDs. Night Envy is a little project that I started in university, sort of like creating your own summer job, but we actually gained decent traction in the festival scene. I love Night Envy and, even if it never makes me rich, I sure have a lot of fun doing it.