6 Questions with SMWi Toronto Board Member Chris Tait

6 Questions with SMWi Toronto Board Member Chris Tait

Chris Tait is the founder and creative director for Resonatorand leads our concept development teams and branding programs.  He truly believes that Resonator can change the world with what we do. Chris has created award-winning triple bottom line campaigns and programs for Resonators clients.  He’s also the author of several children’s books and plays left-handed guitar.

We’re pleased to have Chris involved in Social Media Week in Toronto on our Advisory Board. We sat down with him and pitched #6ix questions to learn a little more about who he is. Here’s what he had to say:

Q: What is your favourite social media platform and why?

A: Today, for our clients, Social Media is really a place where CSR is happening. Twitter provides an immediate area for two-way conversations and engagement around issues that matter. It’s a great opportunity to turn what can be a self-involved forum into a selfless one that can have real impact on issues like sustainability and stewardship that matter to us all. I’m fascinated by Snapchat’s recent print ads with no copy or messaging that instantly connect with a certain target and Grey’s snapchat campaign for  WorldWildLife Fund #lastselfie about disappearing endangered species http://sumo.ly/4D1O was a great example of how to harness this creatively, even though it’s a couple years back.

Q: What do you think might be the next big trend in social media?

A: The integration of connected storytelling using linked video narratives that grow through sharing and participation. It’s something that’s very much on our minds at Resonator.

Q: What brands or campaigns do you think are excelling in social right now?

A: I’m a big fan of John Oliver’s integration of social into his traditional format and his use of it to subvert and insert his perspective and his audience clout into issues. Also the #ClimateChangeisReal initiative from Purpose and Here Now for Earth. Not bad if you can get Obama, Branson and some big name brands to really push critical change and develop momentum. It’s social media delivering awareness and social proof.

Q: Who is your favourite Toronto blogger/influencer on social and why (and which platform)?

A: @torontoist, @citybyheart (full disclosure on the personal connection!) and of course, Norm Kelly who was great working with our team on the World Council on City Data initiative in London England last year and is going to raise the roof for SMWi this year in ye ole 6.

Q: Other than SMWi, what is your favourite annual event in the city? How does Social Media enhance your experience with that event?

A: I’m going to say the Raptors in the NBA finals.  Don’t tell me any different. And the social side of it is around 40% of the fun. I’m not eating any iphones though…

Q: What is your favourite place or thing in the city to photograph and post on social, and why?

A: It’s always my kids on Instagram doing something they shouldn’t off of some kind of jump at Sunnyside Bike Park (Toronto’s hidden BMX gem where you should totally volunteer to build some trails) or one of the Resonator team doing the same in an epic fail @Joyride150. We’re big into bikes when we’re not helping to save the world…