Thanks for checking out The Social Influencer. This blog was launched to connect with social influencers and share their 2.0 experiences with the world. From start-ups to personal start-overs, I hope you’ll find motivation in their collective success.
In the 90’s, a job in traditional media was both exciting and a “rocket ship” industry to be a part of. IPO’s, booming Ad-Spend and the DOT.COM boom. Fun!
By 2001, we were re-arranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Not so fun.
It was time for a change. It was time for a personal reboot. A Mark Keaney 2.0. Here’s how we did it…
I got my start in the media business working first in Boston radio, then in Los Angeles. That major market foundation propelled me to leadership roles at CBS, Viacom and Comcast until my final post in the media industry - VP of Sales for Greater Media (GMB) in Boston.
I worked with some incredibly talented people and clients along the way, but I am most proud of the work we did as a team at GMB. We were able to grow a $60M+ business in a declining radio economy with creativity; innovation; vision and teamwork. We built successful digital and event businesses, becoming branded as a true “local activation company” for global and regional brands. Together we built - GMB Live & Local.
My proudest accomplishment - being part of a team that won the 2012 CMA for Major Market Station of the Year (Country 102.5). But also as a diehard Boston Sports Fan leveraging partnerships with B’s, The C’s, The Red Sox and running the Patriots Radio Network.
I left traditional media with a singular focus. I was going to go work at Google. That was the plan. I wanted to be at the epicenter of modern marketing.
Unlike Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson’s characters in The Internship, I did not get a job at Google, but found a mentor who introduced me to a Google sponsored tech incubator and opened my eyes to the true epicenter of modern marketing - data. Through volunteering and networking I connected with the CEO of SocialSphere - a public opinion strategy firm that was leveraging social data to help a diverse portfolio of clients from the Pope to POTUS.
I became their Global Head of Sales and built a go-to-market strategy for both sales and success. It was here that I learned about the power of social media and found myself on a path to Sprinklr - a unicorn start-up and an incredible life and learning experience for me. We got Sprinklr “public ready” for an exciting IPO.
From there, VP of North American Sales at Khoros and an incredible experience with Vista Equity Partners. We did some incredible work - largest deal in company history; largest competitive take-out; and three-time club performer.
We had fun - winning!
Finally, the Dream Job. Greenfly.
I write this from our offices in Santa Monica:
“I am two weeks in. I have met with the MLB, NHL, NBA and the IOC. I am heading to London to meet with F1, The Premier League and attend the Sports_Loft Showcase. When I get back, I am meeting with World Surf League and hitting the US Open at the LA Country Club.
Do what you love and you won’t work a day in your life. Right?”
The ability to capture moments in real time and share that experience with players, teams and broadcasters - for authentic real time fan engagement is mission critical for all brands today (sports, entertainment and world's most beloved brands).
Greenfly helps our customers do just that!
Mark Keaney 2.0 complete. A complete reboot - from working in an industry that was on life-support to a high-growth, faced paced tech start-up. LFG!!!