I have been interviewing so many bands over the past twelve months that I tend to forget there are other folks out there that deserve attention as well. Music is not the only way you can become an artist. If you are good with painting on canvas you are an artist. Of if you can draw graffiti or even mold things from clay. But there is a new wave of artists that are starting to come full circle. I am talking about the guys that sit behind a computer all day. I do not mean the guys that are creating websites or coding the next big software to hit the market, as they are artists as well, but I am talking about guys like the one that sits with me today who saturate themselves with social media. Whether it is sending a Tweet or posting a status update on Facebook, these are guys that actually “get it” when it comes to social media. The individual that I am with today is not only involved in social media but is also a designer and owns his own business working with both design and branding. Sit with me today as I am proud to introduce to you Mr. Kyle Lacy.
So tell me, Kyle, what is it that you actually do for a living?
I own a company called Brandswag with my business partner Brandon Coon. We specialize in design, web development, and social media implementation in the corporate environment. Basically, we help people utilize social media.
What is your one favorite social networking tool?
Twitter is definitely my favorite social networking tool for more reasons than I care to mention.
How many times a week do you blog?
I try to blog 5 times a week, sometimes more.
How many followers do you have on Twitter?
The current count is around 4,800.
What is your first memory of social media?
We ran a MySpace campaign for a local recording artist, Jon McLaughlin, when I was in college at Anderson University. You know, when MySpace was cool! I loved it.
Can you generate a proven ROI (return on investment) by using social media?
Social media is a communication tool. A positive ROI is all dependent on what that return on investment looks like for the client. You can base much of your ROI knowledge in social media to that of the public relations industry. If you receive positive brand awareness from a posting, Tweet, or link (magazine article) it is a positive return.
You are the author of the upcoming book Twitter Marketing for Dummies. Tell me about that process from idea to reality.
I was blessed to be referred by a good friend to author the Twitter book. It was an interesting experience to go through the development of a book from an authors perspective. The editors were awesome over at Wiley and I had a lot of help from my good friend Erik Deckers (@edeckers)
What is the name of the company you work for?
My company is Brandswag.
Describe a typical Friday night in the Lacy house.
I usually sit alone in a dark room. Mostly it is going out with friends and hanging out with the non-work buddies. It is good to get out and not think about business, social media, or competition.
What is your favorite soft drink?
Mr. Pibb.
What would you be doing if you were not obsessed with social media?
Probably sitting alone with nothing to do. I love social media! I don’t know what I would do without it.
Describe to me your perfect dream vacation.
Europe. I have always wanted to travel for 3-6 months through Europe and experience all the historic sites and sounds. You can only get so much from 1700’s Williamsburg in the states.
What is your favorite ice cream?
Mint chocolate chip is my favorite.
How do you know Duncan Alney?
I met Duncan through social media and have experience quite a few good times with him! He is a great guy and I hope to further my relationship in both a business and personal aspect.
You have been voted as one of the top 50 bloggers in Indiana. What does that mean to you and your career?
Not much. No, it has helped with solidifying our company’s reputation in Indianapolis. It has also been good to know that the hard work over the course of 2 years has been recognized by the small (but mighty) majority of social media fanatics in Indiana.
Did you design your website?
I designed my blog. Our corporate site was designed by Stephen Coley (@srcoley) our in house developer.
Are you a fan of WordPress or Blogger?
WordPress by far.
Explain to the readers the importance of branding and how you came up with your own personal branding.
If you are in business or are looking to get into business it is extremely important to have a good brand. Branding could mean a lot of things but to me it means sticking with what you do best, and actually doing it. Be known for what you do and take advantage of the potential of growing a brand; from the ground up!
When did you write your first blog?
Well my first blogging was at Xanga where I wrote about my ex-girlfriends and life. I started blogging on kylelacy.com around January 2007 I am pretty sure.
Have you heard of Woofer?
No I have not.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I like an eclectic mix from Jay-Z to Paper Route, M83 to Shiny Toy Guns.
If you could live anywhere else but the state of Indiana where would you go?
Northwest. I love Washington and Oregon.
What kind of car do you drive?
A 1994 Cadillac sedan. It is awesome. I just need rims!
What is your connection to Smaller Indiana?
I was in a book club with the founders Pat Coyle and Douglas Karr right before they decided to start that wonderful community. The 30 people in the book club were the first members of the site.
In your eyes, does a connection online matter if you do not have a connection in person?
It does matter but a connection in person is so much more meaningful. If you can take a connection online and turn it into a connection offline you are way ahead of the game.
How do you take your coffee?
Black.
Are you PC or Mac?
I guess my question right back would be, “What do I prefer?” I prefer Mac but I am currently typing on a PC.
Please tell me you have an iPhone.
I do and it is my long-lost love.
I was not going to bring it up but you have left me no choice. How in the world did you enjoy District 9?
(Laughs) I love Peter Jackson and special effects are a secret delight for me. It was a great flick.
What famous actor would play you in the hit TV show The Life and Times of Kyle Lacy?
Don Draper from MadMen. Hands down.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to be transitioning into owning a couple of businesses in the next five years. We will see.
What do you want to be remembered for when social media is said and done? (Will that even ever become a reality?)
I want to be remembered for producing good content. I would prefer my content be remembered and rather not me personally. I am not a futurist but my guy tells me that social media will stick around for awhile. It may not be as we see it now but online communication will not die.
I always let the artists get the last word in the band interviews that I write. Why not you too? Go.
This is the best interview I have ever completed. If it were not for social media I would have not met you and I appreciate that. Thanks for taking the time!
