Interview with Brian Fanzo, Social Media Top Dog

By Nancy E. Hassel, American Pet Professionals
Recently traveling to Altanta to attend the social media conference for the pet industry, BarkWorld, my 4th, I had the pleasure to interview one of the top dawgs in social, Brian Fanzo of @iSocialFanz.   I met Brian last year at the Periscope summit in NYC, and have been a fan of his and watched as he has traveled the world speaking about social media for brands. 
 
His style is much different than anyone else’s, and he’s not afraid to be himself – which is refreshing to see and hear.  

Brian Fanzo of @iSocialFanz speaking at BarkWorld
Brian Fanzo of @iSocialFanz speaking at BarkWorld

I am a big fan of social media for pet businesses and have always strived on bringing new information, ideas and education to our members of American Pet Professionals.  Since social is always changing, you have to stay current with what is happening – and Brian had great information on the everchanging landscape of social media in his keynote.    
I am also a big fan of getting out from behind your phones and computers to and going networking events, conferences and meeting people in your industry and stretching yourself to meet others in industries you may not have thought would help your business. 
Some of the points Brian made, take aways if you will, during his keynote at the conference were:

  • Brian said, “Social media got easier for me, when I was just myself.”  – 
  • “Perfection is a fairytale and control is an illusion” – in regards to being perfect on live video on social media.  I asked him about this in the video.
  • “Start thinking about the why and how your audience should care.” About your product, your brand, your service.  Are you #ThinkingLikeaFan.  
  • “Social video is an equalizer to every brand.” < Love this, but not everyone is realizing this, I also asked him about this in the video. 

Brian was also kind enough to do a Live Facebook video with me, as I asked him about how pet professionals could be better at Live streaming video and utlize it for their pet businesses or animal rescues.   You can see that video below.  It’s funny because a couple of the keynotes that are in the pet world didn’t want to do a live stream interview…maybe they need Brian’s advice! Check out our video below and would love to hear how you use live video to help your pet business. (Thanks Brian!)
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