From the Desk of Bill Yanek, CEO
The Wisdom of Bruce Springsteen
“There was 57 channels and nothin’ on.” — Bruce Springsteen
As Connex continues its Road to 2023 and beyond, we are working diligently to deliver to you — our Connex FM community — content and resources you can use to navigate the FM world of today and tomorrow. Selecting that content is becoming increasingly complex and important if Connex is to remain “The Multi-Site Facilities Network” of record. We know your time (and bandwidth) are in short supply. So what we share and how we share it are crucial.
Curating what we share. Late last year, senior Team Connex leaders spent a day at VaynerMedia Headquarters. VaynerMedia CEO Gary Vaynerchuk is literally always on, and on the surface, it appears that Gary Vee shares all. Although he comes as close as any human could, we learned there is more happening than meets the eye. Each video he releases is initially edited for conciseness, but then his team posts even smaller segments of the videos to reinforce his message consistently across social media channels over time.
The content Connex shares is developed after careful consideration of member feedback, consultation with industry experts and Connex staff analysis. Content volume is not the ultimate priority for Connex — quality and relevance drive our efforts.
Diversifying how we share. Connex content is delivered 24/7 on connexfm.com and in numerous other formats, like Connexus magazine. The Connex National Conference will always remain the lynchpin of Connex content. To provide Connex content throughout the year we must rely on local live formats (e.g., The Connex Roadshow, Local Connexion one-day events) and media tools available through connexfm.com. This year, we are adding another stop on your Connex Road: our YouTube channel. We would love to see you subscribe!
Learning from The Boss. Which brings us back to Bruce Springsteen. Nearly 30 years ago, Bruce sang about how he “switched ‘round and ‘round ‘til half-past dawn … There was 57 channels and nothin’ on.” At the end of the song, he destroys the TV out of frustration. (The idea of 1990s cable with “only” 57 channels seems so quaint!)
With countless more media channels today, the frustration that comes with searching for meaningful content is even more palpable. With so many content options available today, Connex must remain vigilant in prioritizing our live content formats, nationally and in your local markets. Then we must supplement those experiences at connexfm.com and our other media delivery channels, enhancing those live experiences and catering to members unable to see all that we have to offer in person.
Focusing on thought leadership. Inside every Connexus issue, you’ll find thought leadership. This issue focuses on the role and impact of restaurants being added to retail. This subject is important to Connex Multi-Site Retail FM members, because when food is added to the equation, it requires a strategic mind shift.
Let’s Connex. I’d love to hear your thoughts on our brave new world of Connex. Follow me on Twitter at @byanek, or email me at byanek@connexfm.com.
Bring It!
