Steve: While not as cool a title as “Social Network Swami” that our own Shashi Bellamkonda has here at Network Solutions, your new job as “Social Media Coordinator” is new for Griffin Technology. What exactly do you do in role?

Dave: I’m Griffin’s online community guy. I think most people who own iPods are familiar with Griffin, they are the good people who bring us cool accessories like the iTrip and an array of awesome iPod and iPhone cases (not to mention other goodies). Griffin hired me on to help boost awareness of the brand and it’s products, interact and build community and develop promotions with equally cool partners.

Steve: Since you have been working in technology for a while and have been on the cutting edge with many social media channels (e.g. podcasts, blogging, social networks), has this helped you with your job at Griffin Technology?

Dave: It actually helped me get a job at Griffin. Shortly after I moved to Nashville, I founded the first barcamp with a friend. We were able to meet with Griffin and convince them to help sponsor the event. My relationship with the company has been a strong one ever since.

When I decided to hold a podcamp in Nashville, Griffin was quick to jump up and sponsor that event too. They have been a major player in making cool tech events happen in Nashville.

Timing worked really well for me, I had just wrapped up some client work when I got a call about the position.

Steve: Griffin Technology has made a great name for itself as the top accessory company when it comes to Apple-based products. What made Griffin Technology decide to finally dive into the social media pool?

Dave: The company already recognizes the importance of community, through their support of the local events I’ve been involved in. I have an advantage, because I live and breath social media every day, so I’m a natural fit to help keep Griffin in the number one position for iPod essentials.

They are a smart group of people who look beyond the horizon, that’s how they invent so many amazing products. They don’t just watch for new product potentials, they also watch for new marketing and promotional potentials. Did I mention they’re very smart?

Steve: I assume that one of the first things you will be launching for Griffin is a blog. Will there be multiple blogs with different focuses (i.e. CEO, Products, Customer Support) or just a primary one?

Dave: That remains to be seen. I highly recommend anyone interested in what I’m working on to follow our new Twitter profile: http://www.twitter.com/griffintech.

Steve: How do you see something like social media helping an established business like Griffin Technology that already have a great brand and growing without it?

Dave: It’s always been essential to have a strong brand, but social media allows us to take that brand several feet further (many feet, actually). A brand is a relationship between a company and its customers, so why not be personal? I think extending things by building new relationships with the people who buy our products, will be an important way to further the strength of Griffin.

Steve: You have helped many companies define their social media strategy. What are the top five things a growing or established business should be aware of before or as they leverage social media as part of their marketing/branding strategy?

Dave: 1. Be honest and transparent. 2. Keep your eyes on your brand. 3. Be creative. 4. Be personal. 5. Have fun.

Steve: Since you can’t mention anything about the cool iPhone/iPod designs Griffin gets in preparation for a new release maybe you could tell us what your future plans are for social media at Griffin and where you would like to see things in 12-18 months?

Dave: I’ve just started week two, so I’m still getting my feet wet. I’d like to be up to my knees soon, and completely submerged and swimming by 12 months. Backstroke, breath stroke, surfing, parasailing, jet skiing, I hope to have everyone at Griffin doing this by 18 months. Michael Phelps better watch his back!

Steve: As we close this interview, what do you think the social media landscape will look like in 12-18 months?

Dave: I’d love to have an idea what things will look like next month. We live in a very, very innovative world. In some cases social media can change over night.

The future is mobility, social media people need to keep on top of advances in technology, so we can all stay connected everywhere we are all of the time. You can be sure that Griffin will have a sweet case for it too

Above are Chris Pirillo, his wife Ponzi and Kat who works for Chris. They are the three that held the center tight so everything around did not fall apart. Here are some highlights of people there that evening:

Robert Scoble, meet the Robert Scoble of Network Solutions

In a funny exchange, Shashi met Robert Scoble and talked about our work on Solutions Are Power, I interjected that everyone calls him the “Robert Scoble” of Network Solutions. He jokingly said, “be careful you don’t fired” but was really glad to see a company like Network Solutions using social media to reach out to customers and evangelize what we do here. Below is a picture of the two Robert Scobles. I will leave it to you to figure out which one is the real Robert Scoble.

The two funniest guys in the room discuss social media

Dave Delaney and Chris Brogan are funny dudes. Both are passionate about social media and are very successful evangelists for the companies they work for. They are also really funny.

I met Dave for the first time here at Gnomedex 2008 and he has traveled all over the world and even to Ireland where he met his wife – who is from Tennessee. I mean, he goes all the way across the world to find and marry another American. There is a joke in there somewhere. It is the reason that he lives in Nashville and just got a job as the social media guy for Griffin, the iPod accessory people.

Chris Brogan is Social Media. As the originator of Podcamp Boston he is someone who has been at the center of the social media tornado these last few years. His personal blog ChrisBrogan.com has 8000 subscribers and his work on events for his company, CrossTech Media, allows him to put together events with serious social media angles.

Both guys were talking about the future of social media and how this year’s Gnomedex compared to last year’s. For a great perspective on this year to last year’s event, check out Chris’ post.

I am turning in early while most are still going until close. Looking forward to a fantastic second day at Gnomedex 2008. See you in the morning.