CMO TOP 10 Announced

[fleagle]

I even created a little slogan for him to use "Vote 10 at 10!!" Meaning to vote 10 times at 10am and 10pm (and hopefully even more than 10 votes) but at least to get people thinking, oh time for my 10am meeting...hmmm, what else do I have at 10am -- oh, yeah! Got to vote!!

I thought this idea was SOOO killer. Just think. If 20 people showed up and voted 10 times at 10 AM and 10 PM (and you know they would vote more) every day for 21 days, that is 8,400 votes, or about 10% of what it will probably take to make the Top 3.

My favorite part of this idea was the unifying quality of it. Let's ALL get together and vote. Not.. hey, show up and vote for me. But rather, let's have some fun together.

 

[AnnDisneyFan]

I am now waiting for yet another "on or about" email!

I am just SURE all of these Disney hidden messages I keep getting mean something!

The rules indicate the winners should receive an email right about now:

Potential Winners will be selected in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received during the Sweepstakes Period on or about March 7, 2008 ("Drawing Date") by Sweepstakes administrator. Each potential prize winner (his/her parent or legal guardian if a Winner resides in a jurisdiction that deems him/her to be a minor) will be notified by email at the email address provided on their Entry within approximately one (1) week of the Drawing Date. Potential winners must respond to email notification within five (5) days after its transmission or such potential winner may be disqualified and an alternate potential winner may be selected at Sponsor's sole discretion.

Hopefully, collecting all of those bobbleheads will help one of us?

 

[Justin M]

Ok, this is going to be one LONG post!

I hope that the core of what I'm saying comes through... You don't want to lose by one vote... so you have to battle for every one. I really was trying to encourage.

For dealing with local media... answer these two questions in advance for your local reporters:
1. Why should I care?
2. What can I take a picture of?/ Is there interesting video?
Answer those two questions and they'll show up.

The part about the other finalists, I totally agree with, and that was kind of my point. If you don't know what they are doing, you can either assume they are doing less than you, the same as you, or more than you. The only safe bet is to figure they are doing more than you.


There is great honor in honest competition where all involved are laying it all on the line. You honor your opponents when you give it your all. (That is absolutely NOT to imply that you are not giving it your all because I know you are.)

Not possible! Feel the love Muchoney!

Awesome advice, Fleagle. I have had decent success with the local market here in PA. I had another interview for a newspaper today (which makes 3) and in a market the size of Pittsburgh, 3 papers gets you pretty good coverage. All of the reporters were somewhat skeptical about the story at first, but after taking the time to talk to me and allowing me to explain, their interest really perked up! I even had one contact me today saying that they needed to rush a photographer out to me right away so they could get the story into the paper a few days earlier. The reporter wanted to make sure I had as much time to garner votes as possible!

I also love your other points. The ONLY safe bet is to assume that others are doing MORE. When I saw the vote total and checked out the math you and Kenny provided, I went into panic mode. That seems (even though last years group had SO MANY more votes) like a huge number and I can't run the risk of assuming I have a decent percentage of the total.

As for "Coach" Fleagle - I totally dig the part about honest competition. It really is the only fair and honorable thing to give it your all. I know winning will feel different for me if I only win because no one else tried. . .

Having said that, I do understand why the candidates are hesitant to go on new boards at this stage in the game. I'm not sure they would be warmly received.

Some of the most effective board advertising I've seen is long time members of these other boards campaigning for their favorite.

I'm also not sure some of the boards are as supportive as they should be. I noticed Justin tried to start a buzz on one board with posts in different forums, and the moderators merged all the posts into an old thread that no one seems to be reading anymore.

Justin I doubt you offended anyone by the way.

Thanks for the reassurance! I'll keep trying with some of those other boards and as soon as I have more time when I'm not working I will attempt to utilize everyone's advice to maximize my exposure . . .

Besides youtube, if you don't want to build a website on your own, there's myspace.com and facebook.com. Check out what Kenny's done with his!

Anyway, that's my totally unsolicited 2 cents.

Cat

Your 2 cents is never unsolicited! This is a forum where everyone's opinion is welcome! I know I LOVE the ideas and support that everyone is throwing out there and you have all given me a lot to think (and act) on.

I don't have a facebook or myspace page, but I've found that I can enlist the help of some passionate people who are really gifted in that area. Apparently, without any major fueling from me, there is a group on facebook of over 200 people rallying to "vote for justin" I can't verify that as I've only heard about it second hand. My goal there was to supply the people who are as crazy about this as I am with the information and let them run with it. Everyone has strengths, and learning how to enlist the help of people who are good at things that I'm not is a pretty key thing for me!

So, why don't we all try to vote for our candidate(s) a little 'extra' today. Let's enlist a friend or a co-worker (or 2) to just take five minutes and vote too. Let's give the Top 10 a nudge and a reminder that while we may have our own ideas of how, who, and what....that the truth is we all would love to be in the running still.

Let's show our support for not only them, but for CareerBuilder.com and Disney Parks and pray that they continue to have these contests to allow us each a chance to dream!

There...how 'bout those warm fuzzies with your morning coffee?

-Amy

See, now THAT is what I'm talking about! Love ya Mrs. Fleagle! When you get tired of having to put down paper for HMF (the whole potty trained thing from a few pages back) will you take me in instead??

YES! Count me amongst the "some" that really do appreciate the advice! I am not an expert in the communications arena by any strech, so I am soaking all this in like a sponge!

So there's my thought for the morning! I'm really excited at the possibilities. I feel like last night was a turn of the tide in some respects!

Have a great day everybody!

I'm so glad you are excited by the possibilities. I am too! Everyone on this forum as really captured the essence of this contest for me. THANK YOU!

Well, when I first came here, this board wasn't the friendliest to every candidate either. It just took some time trying to build some friendships and trust. You guys are all welcome to run your campaigns as you desire. I just feel that if it is a "Dream Job" that each person would be going all out trying to garner every vote possible.

Point well made, as always, Kenny!
It comes back to the relationships. If you build them, they will vote (so to speak!)

Right now the site is averaging about 10 votes per minute or 1 vote per minute per person btw.

Wouldn't it be nice if they would just show an update on each contestant once during the contest?

I love the stats you guys are coming up with. Very motivating and yet terrifying! I think I would love to see a votes per contestant update, but that might depress me even more!

Okay, time to get back to rallying votes before I have to get back to work!

Have a great day!

 

[DSNY4ever]

I am now waiting for yet another "on or about" email!

Haha AnnDisneyFan you are cracking me up...I sat pretty close to the computer last friday too...and now I am assuming someone else got the good news . Hopefully it was someone who could really use some magic in their life right now!

 

[Justin M]

Here is a totally self-centered, pat-on-the-back moment:

I, even with my very low computer IQ, managed to multi-quote without bringing about the end of our thread! (simple pleasures, people, simple pleasures!)


And again - -- - how about my pretty fly new CAT-O-TAR???? Makes me smile almost as much as the dancing banana!

 

[AnnDisneyFan]

But I wonder how many other people like me had no idea what this contest would entail.

I had a similar thought and question during the DISbate and to my recollection only Meggin and Justin answered.

My question was, "For anyone still here, TOP 10 that is, are any of you thinking this is bigger than what you expected? Kindof an "ut oh, what did I get myself into and look at the competition, I am out of my league? Are you overwhelmed with the prospect of actually making it to Top 3 or even being the ONE?"

I was so impressed that they answered, so I am including their responses below...

What a great question!! I think I'm still awed by this whole process. I am certainly impressed by the other submissions in the contest. There were some amazing videos that were uploaded to the CMO site. I also really respect the other candidates in the top 10.

You know, I have to borrow Fleagle's philosophy for making it further as a CMO. I know that I have the heart for the job, and I feel certain that I can make a difference at Disney. I truly feel like Disney would have the most loyal, dedicated, tireless, loving magic-maker they could if I had the job. I certainly think that other top 10 members would do a fantastic job at being CMO. They wouldn't be in the top 10 if people at Disney/Careerbuilder.com didn't have faith that they would do a good job. Still, I wouldn't have entered my video if I didn't think I was the perfect one for the position. I have to try hard. If I fail, I'll fail spectacularly.

Ann,

Thanks for the great question! There are a lot of layers to what you asked, and in the spirit of honest, I'd have to say I've run through everyone of those emotions and more!

I am incredibly humbled by the opportunity. It really is incredible to have met all of you, watched all of those videos, and encountered so many wonderful people. To be counted among the lucky few remaining is an awesome thing. Admittedly, when I watched several of the other videos - most of which belonged to people on this site - and had a lot of 'uh oh' moments!

As for being overwhelmed - - - no. Well, not yet anyway! I believe that I have a lot to offer and that I wouldn't be in this position if there wasn't something I could contribute. I believe that we aren't presented with anything that we don't have the tools to get through - you just have to know where to look sometimes. I've already learned a lot about myself and that just may be the most exciting part of all. This opportunity is unbelievable (I know I say that a lot!) and while my imagination is running wild with possibilities, they haven't overwhelmed me yet.

I'd like to quote Meggin in my conclusion here. "If I fail, I fail spectacularly" That is awesome. Why be afraid when the world is full of wonderful, amazing, endless possibilities and the only thing between us and them is, well, us? If we get over ourselves and focus on others, we can't even imagine what is in store! (And that's saying something considering how much we all DO imagine!)

Okay, enough cheesy inspirational guidance counselor talk for one night . . .

 

[FirstTimeCaller]

They promised you local press coverage in your market? I had kind of assumed that the reason they structured the contest this way was so that the contestants would be out spreading the word themselves.

Last year CB and Disney contacted the media on behalf of the finalists. Surprisingly, this resulting in very little actual coverage. Most of the successful coverage was a result of the contestants directly contacting the media. So, don't wait for the SPONSORS to do it for you!

That said, I don't think that TV or newspaper coverage translates into a lot of votes (but it is cool to see stories about yourself). The problem is that the readers/viewers need to take the initiative to remember the voting URL and then go to the computer and vote. The best strategy is to target the online audience -- they're already at the computer and just a mouse click or two away from voting.

 

[Justin M]

I had a similar thought and question during the DISbate and to my recollection only Meggin and Justin answered.

My question was, "For anyone still here, TOP 10 that is, are any of you thinking this is bigger than what you expected? Kindof an "ut oh, what did I get myself into and look at the competition, I am out of my league? Are you overwhelmed with the prospect of actually making it to Top 3 or even being the ONE?"

I was so impressed that they answered, so I am including their responses below...

Thanks for re-posting those!

 

[Mrs. Fleagle]

I even created a little slogan for him to use "Vote 10 at 10!!" Meaning to vote 10 times at 10am and 10pm (and hopefully even more than 10 votes) but at least to get people thinking, oh time for my 10am meeting...hmmm, what else do I have at 10am -- oh, yeah! Got to vote!!

Marshay,

I remember when Eric told me about your idea! Brilliant and so very perfect! He was going to use that for sure!

That's the way my life works....what's on my schedule next? Where am I supposed to be now? And actually looking forward to it is a bonus!
That idea gets filed away in complete certainty that it will be used at the very next opportunity! --You're one smart cookie!

 

[Justin M]

Last year CB and Disney contacted the media on behalf of the finalists. Surprisingly, this resulting in very little actual coverage. Most of the successful coverage was a result of the contestants directly contacting the media. So, don't wait for the SPONSORS to do it for you!

That said, I don't think that TV or newspaper coverage translates into a lot of votes (but it is cool to see stories about yourself). The problem is that the readers/viewers need to take the initiative to remember the voting URL and then go to the computer and vote. The best strategy is to target the online audience -- they're already at the computer and just a mouse click or two away from voting.

You and Kenny are cut from the same cloth, I see! Very sound advice!

I guess it's time for me to learn about Myspace, facebook, and a whole lot of other sites!

 

[Justin M]

Marshay,

I remember when Eric told me about your idea! Brilliant and so very perfect! He was going to use that for sure!

That's the way my life works....what's on my schedule next? Where am I supposed to be now? And actually looking forward to it is a bonus!
That idea gets filed away in complete certainty that it will be used at the very next opportunity! --You're one smart cookie!

That is a great idea. Another simple thing that I've done to help my friends and family is just to have them make www.dreamcmo.com/justin their homepage. Every single time they get on the computer they see the page and vote. Maybe once, maybe several times. Some of us have a contest going to see who can log the most number of votes during the 60 seconds that the video plays on the page. You can get a lot of votes that way, but it still only takes one minute of the persons time.

Hope I'm not giving away too much here!

WHen Kenny had posted data about page views, do we know yet if those were just to the dreamcmo home page? If so, most of my views and votes are going straight to my page. How would that alter those numbers?

Just curious!

 

[Justin M]

Alright, I have to run to a meeting! Fortunately for me it is at Starbucks! And you'd better believe I'm going there with a pocket full of my www.dreamcmo.com/justin business cards!

 

[FirstTimeCaller]

You and Kenny are cut from the same cloth, I see!

I hope not. He being a pirate and me being a butler... well, I like to think that my cloth is a little more neatly cleaned and pressed than his.

 

[AnnDisneyFan]

GREAT....now I have resorted to quoting myself!

Potential Winners will be selected in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received during the Sweepstakes Period on or about March 7, 2008 ... will be notified by email at the email address provided on their Entry within approximately one (1) week of the Drawing Date.

You are WAY more magnanimous than I , you are right, of course, that it should be someone who could really use some magic.

It does still looks like someone is still in the running for the prizes though, right? Maybe Thursday email?? Wishful thinking??

Haha AnnDisneyFan you are cracking me up...I sat pretty close to the computer last friday too...and now I am assuming someone else got the good news . Hopefully it was someone who could really use some magic in their life right now!

 

[DSNY4ever]

Hehe, okay a few more days of hope for that prize Ann, good luck everyone!

And I loved reading all of the "souvenir" stories on the CMO pages. I wish they would have something new like that on there everyday..people could check it out and add more votes while they were there.

And seeing that Meggin and David H. both got engaged in Disney, I wonder if they have any stats on how many Disney park proposals there have been- must be crazy. I am on that list too (haha my husband laughed when I didn't use that as my favorite Disney memory on my CMO application, but I said a billion other people will use a similar memory, and besides I would have said yes no matter where you asked me- he said if he had known that, he could have saved a pretty penny ...he knew I was going to say yes).

 

[HauntedMansionFan]

Goodmorning All! (HMF - get out of bed sleepy head! )

But I was having the best dream.

 

[HauntedMansionFan]

Well, when I first came here, this board wasn't the friendliest to every candidate either. It just took some time trying to build some friendships and trust. You guys are all welcome to run your campaigns as you desire. I just feel that if it is a "Dream Job" that each person would be going all out trying to garner every vote possible.

I'll agree with you on that Kenny.... I remember last year with the "Dream Jobs" that not only did I see stuff on the internet but I remember seeing articles in the major newspapers and news reports. It wasn't a constant in the media, but at least with that contest I remember seeing the actual contest announced. To me it seems that this year Disney just kind of slipped it in under the radar, almost like...... "here is another contest we are doing". And besides this board and others like it.... had any of us not known or entered the contest would we have known that a top 10 had been announced a few weeks ago? Or for that matter.... would we have known about the contest at all.

 

[fleagle]

Some of us have a contest going to see who can log the most number of votes during the 60 seconds that the video plays on the page. You can get a lot of votes that way, but it still only takes one minute of the persons time.
Just curious!

Good stuff! Fun! What's the record? I want to see if I can beat it.

 

[HauntedMansionFan]

The Dream CMO site is reporting 185,472 votes so far. So... there you go candidates. That tells you everything you need to know about whether or not you have a chance to win it.

Man that seems like an awfully low number, especially when you consider the number of individuals that have voted multiple times. It almost comes across like American Idol syndrome.... every year they tout the number of times "America" has voted and the number of people that watch the show..... and they so hope that translates into record sales for the winner..... and it never does.

 

[kennythepirate]

I even created a little slogan for him to use "Vote 10 at 10!!" Meaning to vote 10 times at 10am and 10pm (and hopefully even more than 10 votes) but at least to get people thinking, oh time for my 10am meeting...hmmm, what else do I have at 10am -- oh, yeah! Got to vote!!

But a vote 12 at 12 would have resulted in a 20% voting increase!

I have to admit when I entered I had no idea how much self promotion/time would have been required if I made it (I obviously didn't know that much about how last year's contest worked). I thought we would just submit the videos, people would pick their favorite and then there would be a lot of rules on how we could promote ourselves (and silly me, I thought people would only be allowed to vote once).

I guess a bunch of crazy, fanatical Disney fans had the chance to go crazy last year. I actually became a pirate and went pirating all over the web. I've always hoped to retire to FL one day and then work at the parks. To think I'd have a chance to be a pirate and my kids get to see was amazing!
(My little one kept saying, "Silly Daddy is a Pirate!"

I kept running into these people all over the place, strange huh?

Did I ever tell you that from our actual POTC3:AWE costumes, my hat was worn by a guy named KENNY, strange huh?

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I refused to miss out on! I'd say you take the advice given earlier and go ahead and become an online CMO, "dole"ing out advice to anyone. Just drop your vote for me in your signature and don't even mention the contest, just go become the CMO.

That is a great idea. Another simple thing that I've done to help my friends and family is just to have them make www.dreamcmo.com/justin their homepage. Every single time they get on the computer they see the page and vote. Maybe once, maybe several times. Some of us have a contest going to see who can log the most number of votes during the 60 seconds that the video plays on the page. You can get a lot of votes that way, but it still only takes one minute of the persons time.

Hope I'm not giving away too much here!

WHen Kenny had posted data about page views, do we know yet if those were just to the dreamcmo home page? If so, most of my views and votes are going straight to my page. How would that alter those numbers?

Just curious!

Great advice! My homepage is the person I'm supporting (You know who you are, just don't tell anyone!)

I believe that is counting traffic to the site, not just the homepage. It doesn't allow for a subdirectory search.

I hope not. He being a pirate and me being a butler... well, I like to think that my cloth is a little more neatly cleaned and pressed than his.

At least I get all the beauties and the treasure!