Skip to main content

Coffee Talk

Make introductions, meet new community members and discuss ideas. Join for an engaging conversation and make lasting connections in the Arboretum.

  • 429 Topics
  • 2,472 Replies
429 Topics
becca.alexander
becca.alexanderLevel 2
asked in Coffee Talk
Brand Ambassadors / Content Creators

Wondering if anyone has successfully created a team of local creators/micro-influencers (1,000+ followers) to promote their business regularly, almost like brand ambassadors. We’re looking into this idea to increase the UGC associated with our brand from other accounts on social and would love any insight into what worked and what didn’t!

241
melissa.carrier
C
Chelsey.StoaLevel 1
asked in Coffee Talk
Two Factor Authentication

Hello! I work for an agency and we have run into quite a few instances lately with Meta + Google needing two-factor authentication. The problem arises when we are required to add a phone number to an account to create or login. I’m curious - how do other agencies handle this? Do you have a team phone that you connect accounts to? A WhatsApp number? Thank you! 

372
raven.gill
Agency Partner
R
rababSprout Team
asked in Coffee Talk
Social Listening

What’s your favorite feature in Sprout’s Advanced Listening? How do you implement it in your workstreams? 

122
jaxn.engstrom
K
KTBrinesLevel 2
asked in Coffee Talk
What are the Top Influencer - Affiliate Conferences?

I work for an e-commerce, legacy brand and we are really wanting to increase the work we do with influencers and affiliates. What are some conferences or online webinars you’d recommend that are NOT as creator focused. Also, we already use Impact and Share-A-Sale, so hopefully one that isn’t just trying to push their affiliate marketing products.  

151
A
G
GuillermoxFLevel 2
asked in Coffee Talk
Need Tips: Managing Influencers

I have eight influencers around the country I am managing for my side business and my goal is to get them to Chicago this summer for a weekend retreat. I would love tips on how to keep them engaged with a limited budget. How can I make them feel special and do the work I need them to do?

253
G
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
Giveaway Day 6: Share Your Favorite Tool & Celebrate Week 2!Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza

Welcome to Week 2 of The 2024 Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza! We’re turning up the excitement with bigger prizes and even more ways to connect with your peers.Here’s Today’s Challenge:Reply to this thread with your favorite digital tool that makes your work easier and explain why it’s your go-to. Engage with at least two other posts to discover tools you might love too!Today’s Prizes:Two lucky participants will win a Lamicall Laptop Stand and a $150 Amazon Gift Card—a perfect combo to boost your productivity and workspace! 🎁*Laptop not included in prize package.Week 2 is packed with some of our largest prizes, so don’t miss out. Let’s make it unforgettable—start sharing below!Don’t miss out on this week! Learn more here:  

843186
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
Welcome New Members - December 9, 2024

Hey everyone! Welcome to The Arboretum—so excited to have you join us!Let's kick things off and get to know one another:🌟 Introduce Yourself: Tell us your name, your role, and what got you passionate about social media.💻 Favorite Platform: Which social media platform do you find most captivating and why?🚀 Campaign Highlight: Share a standout campaign you've either worked on or really admired. What made it so perfect?💡 Expert Advice: What’s your top tip for crafting killer social media content?🔮 Future Trends: What do you think is the next big thing in social media, and how are you getting ready for it?🧠 Learning Objectives: What are your goals for learning and achieving within our community?Your stories and insights are what make The Arboretum unique. Let’s support each other and create an incredible community! ​ @jo.zhou @isatimiraos @geishagarcia @alyssadavis @Crownshite @pamela.reynoso @maybegoodbye @maggie.karantonakis @Ruth.Clay @lizadaaniel @Benjamin01 @kelly.mclemore @dela

806
L
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
🔦 Member Spotlight – Shannon Waldschmidt, Head of Social Media Marketing at The Cigna GroupMember Spotlight

Time to meet, Shannon Waldschmidt!​@shannon.waldschmidt, our Member Spotlight for November, leads the social media marketing team at The Cigna Group – a team that’s just been recognized as a finalist for "Best Use of Social Media" by the Content Marketing Institute’s Content Marketing Awards! 👏 She’s been shaping the way social connects and engages, taking innovation to the next level. But there’s more to Shannon than you might expect from a Head of Social…From Journalism Major to Social Media MavenBelieve it or not, Shannon didn’t start her career in marketing! She’s a former journalism major with a dance minor, and she even dipped her toes into musical theater. This artsy background fuels her creative spark on social – and we think that’s pretty cool!Shoutout to @Things.I.Bought.and.LikedWhen it comes to inspiration, Shannon is all about authenticity. She loves the account @Things.I.Bought.and.Liked for its honest, no-sponsorship approach to sharing recommendations. Shannon loves th

852
jaxn.engstrom
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
Giveaway Day 3: Coffee Talk Reflections ☕️Holiday Giveaway Extravanganza

CLOSED FOR ENTRIESWelcome to Day 3 of The 2024 Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza!Today, we’re hosting our Virtual Coffee Talk at 12 pm CT. Join us for our virtual networking event, then come back here and share what resonated with you most during the session.Step 1 : Register here:Step 2:Join us at 12pm CTStep 3:Reply to this thread with your favorite takeaway, idea, or insight from today’s Coffee Talk. What stood out to you, and how will it help you in your work or approach to social media?Today’s Prizes:Two participants will win a Logitech Webcam, Arboretum mug and $100 Amazon Gift Card—perfect for leveling up your virtual meeting setup! 🎁Let’s keep the conversation going and build on the ideas we explored together during the session. Share your reflections below, and don’t forget to reply to at least two other members’ posts to spark more collaboration!

35027
julia.gross
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
Giveaway Day 2: Show Us Your Workspace!🎁 Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza

CLOSED FOR ENTRIESWelcome to Day 2 of The 2024 Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza!Today, we're celebrating the spaces where all the magic happens—your workspaces.What to Do:Reply with a photo of your workspace here in this thread below and tell us how it inspires your creativity or helps you stay productive. Is it the setup? The view? A special item that keeps you motivated? Share your story!Today’s Prizes:We’re giving away a JBL Go 4 Portable Speaker and $75 Amazon Gift Card to three lucky winners to energize your workspace! 🎁Don’t stop there—like and reply to at least three other posts to share compliments, ask questions, or swap ideas. Let’s spark some inspiration together and keep the conversation going!Also, make sure to RSVP and attends tomorrow’s Coffee talk for a chance to win 1 of 2 Logitech Webcam AND a $100 Amazon Gift Card!Learn more about our Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza, here.

900168
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
R
rileyrroseLevel 1
posted in Coffee Talk
Giveaway Day 2 - my office space

 My workspace! My fav part is the big window beside me where I can look out over the yard - especially when it’s covered in beautiful snow like today! The thing that keeps me most motivated is caffeine (not pictured as it’s in my hand not on the desk hehe).

315
R
jaxn.engstrom
jaxn.engstromLevel 4
posted in Coffee Talk
How to Get Into the "Flow" State at Home - Productivity Tip #1

As someone who works with a hybrid schedule, working days from home can get difficult. I’ve learned one trick that helps me tap into the flow state and that’s a commonly know technique called “Pomodoro.” Here’s how to use it to your advantage: Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on one task—no distractions. After the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle 4 times, then enjoy a longer 15-30 minute break. This structured focus helps your brain ease into the flow state by eliminating distractions and creating momentum (this word in underlined for a reason). Bonus tip: Use the first few Pomodoros for challenging tasks when your energy is highest! Happy working!!

171
Gina Kirby
M
MarrisaLevel 2
posted in Coffee Talk
Workspace Photo

Here’s my little office. It’s a small closet sized office, but I love it. I have worked in an office where you are stuck in cubicles and have no view of the outside world or any privacy. Despite the size I have two large windows and I have a door that I can close!   

131
A
B
Brittany TaylorLevel 2
posted in Coffee Talk
Newbie Department of 1 checking in!

Hi everyone! I’m Brittany and I’m based in the marshes of South Carolina Low Country. I lead a team of 1 (ha! hi! it’s me!) on my company’s marketing and communications efforts. Being a team-of-1 is great for fast-tracking ideas I’m excited about. But when I’m stuck or frustrated or wondering what my next best step is, having a sounding board is the best. And TBH, the sounding boards I’ve experimented with online haven’t been great. I’m hoping The Arboretum community will be The Good Place. I really truly want to find some industry friends and colleagues to bounce ideas off of, learn from, and help when I can.Are there any other marketing islands out there looking for some camaraderie and community?

40
B
Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
Welcome New Members - November 11, 2024

Hey there, new friends! Welcome to The Arboretum—we're stoked to have you here!Let's break the ice and get to know each other:🌟 About You: Share your name, role, and what sparked your love for social media.💻 Platform Crush: Which social media platform makes your heart flutter and why?🚀 Campaign Hall of Fame: Dish out a phenomenal campaign you've worked on or admired. What made it chef's kiss?💡 Pro Tip: What's your go-to advice for creating killer social media content?🔮 Trendspotting: What's the next big thing in social media, and how are you prepping for it?🧠 Learning Goals: What are you hoping to learn and achieve in our community?Your experiences and insights are what make The Arb special. Let's learn from each other and build an amazing community together!Be sure to join us for these upcoming events: @linerocha8  @MFarniSocial  @teosiang  @alyssadurr  @elizabeth.blanco  @Stacy95  @schupaska  @michael.deboer  @evefgregg  @kristen.sundberg  @ottogrl  @kath35  @Kimmer259  @mmunir

781
B
Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
Welcome New Members - September 3rd, 2024Introductions

Welcome to The Arboretum!We're thrilled to have you join us as we dive into the ever-changing world of social media. Let's start by getting to know each other better:Introduce Yourself: Share your name, role, and what ignited your passion for social media.​​​​​​Favorite Platform: Which social media platform do you love working on the most, and why?Memorable Campaign: Tell us about a standout social media campaign you’ve worked on or admired. What made it unforgettable?Top Tip: What’s your best advice for creating engaging and impactful social media content?Future Trends: What do you think will be the next big trend in social media, and how are you gearing up for it?Learning Opportunity: What do you hope to learn and gain from this community?Your unique insights and experiences are truly valued in The Arb. Let’s support each other and build a collaborative community together! 📅 Join us for this upcoming event: ​ @angelleca.holmes @iFLYworld @nicole.zikovitz @CBiddlecombe @valeriaalicea

682
K
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
November Arboretum Mentorship Network Programs Are Open for Sign-Ups!Sign Up By November 15th

Ready to build connections, gain insights and grow professionally? The Arboretum Mentorship Network is here to support your journey, whether you're looking for guidance, want to connect with like-minded professionals, or simply want to share expertise with others on social media.All programs are open for sign-ups from November 11 - November 15, with introductions going out on November 18! Remember, there’s no cost associated with joining these conversations; it's completely free! 🌐 Peer-to-Peer ConnectGet matched one-on-one with fellow social media pros to exchange insights and ideas, ask questions, and support each other as you tackle challenges together. 🔗 Sign Up Here🤝 Sprout Platform NetworkingExplore ways to maximize Sprout Social’s tools! Connect with peers who are also working in Sprout Social to exchange tips, strategies, and best practices. 🔗 Sign Up Here🌟 Mentor <> Mentee ProgramLooking to level up or lend a hand? Apply to be a mentor, mentee, or both and build mea

290
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
Share your wishlist for a chance to win!Giveaway

We want to know what’s on your wishlist this year! As we prepare for our Holiday Giveaways and a special feature on the best gifts for social media pros, we’re looking for your input! If you could pick any gift to make your workday smoother or spark creativity, what would it be? From the must-have tech to favorite desk essentials, share your ideas below!Let us know what you’d love to receive for a chance to win one of three giveaway swag packages! Terms and Conditions here.

20420
K
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
Community Giveaway: Share Your Thoughts for a Chance to Win!giveaway

After our exciting panel discussion, we want to hear from YOU!What’s the most important trend or strategy you think will shape the future of social media?Share your insights for a chance to win one of two amazing prize bundles! Here’s what’s up for grabs:First Prize Package: Arboretum tote, Arboretum water bottle notebook, Conversations That Connect by Brooke Sellas, Moleskin pen, and Arboretum planter. Second Prize Bundle: Arboretum fleece blanket, Arboretum notebook, Arboretum mug, Moleskin pen, and a DJI Osmo Mobile SE Intelligent Gimbal.The giveaway is open from 9:30 AM on October 24, 2024, until 11:59 PM on Monday, October 28, 2024. Two lucky winners will be randomly selected, so don’t miss your chance! Jump into the conversation and let’s talk about the future of social media! Contest terms and conditions are here.   

37232
L
wbu.admin
wbu.adminLevel 1
asked in Coffee Talk
What platform do you use to help pick contest winners?

Hi everyone,I’d like to have a social media contest across both Facebook and Instagram, but not sure which platform to use to help me pick a winner. I imagine we’d have several people enter the contest and I would certainly ask participants to follow us, share the post, tag a couple of friends and leave a comment, like the post, etc. on both FB & IG. Has anyone done something like this before and used an app or website to help them pick a winner for a contest requiring this many actions from the participants?Thank you!Crystal DeelWild Birds Unlimited

652
M
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
Sign Up for October’s Mentorship Programs!

October Mentorship Connections Now Open: Sprout Platform Networking & Peer-to-Peer ProgramsThe October round of The Arboretum Mentorship Network programs is open for sign-ups! This month, we’re offering both Sprout Platform Networking and Peer-to-Peer connections, and now’s your chance to participate!Sign-up period: October 21 – October 25 Introductions: Sent out on October 28 Whether you're looking to improve your use of Sprout Social through Sprout Platform Networking or dive into conversations with a peer in your field through the Peer-to-Peer program, there’s something for everyone. SIGN UP FOR SPROUT PLATFORM NETWORKINGSIGN UP FOR PEER-TO-PEER NETWORKINGJOIN WAIT LIST FOR NEXT MONTH’S MENTOR<>MENTEE PROGRAM Don’t miss out on building valuable connections that can help shape your career! 

310
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
Laura PorcinculaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
New Member Introductions & Giveaway: Share Your Story and Win!

Welcome to the Arboretum!We’re so excited to have you join our community of social media pros! To kick things off, we’d love to get to know you better. And there’s a special bonus this week… we’re hosting a giveaway! How to Enter: Simply introduce yourself by answering the following questions by Wednesday, October 9th, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of our awesome prizes!Who are you? Share your name, current role, and where you’re based. What brings you here? Tell us what excites you most about social media or what you hope to gain from our community. Fun fact! What’s a surprising hobby, a favorite meme, or your go-to TV show?What You Could Win: We’ll be randomly selecting four lucky members who introduce themselves to receive an amazing Arboretum swag bundle, including:☕️ A 12 Oz. Opal Mug 🧦 Arboretum branded socks 🖊️ A sleek Moleskine penDon’t be shy—jump into the conversation, share your story, and connect with fellow social media enthusiasts! We can’t wait to learn

936
Laura Porcincula
Community Manager
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
🔦Community Spotlight: Tristan Audet

Member Spotlight: Meet Tristan Audet, Social Media Manager at CogecoThis month, we're shining the spotlight on @tristan.audet, who’s been making big moves in social media! Tristan’s journey has taken him from the peaceful countryside of Lac St-Jean, Quebec, to building a high-performing social media team from scratch at Cogeco. He recently revamped their customer care system with Sprout Social Cases, and in less than 10 months, his team surpassed all objectives! 🎉Here’s more about Tristan:Fun Fact: Tristan grew up surrounded by nature, and now, he can’t spend much time away from trees and water. Favorite Social Account: Tristan enjoys following RingConn, a rising brand with a unique approach to influencer marketing and community support. Hobbies: When he’s not managing social media, Tristan stays active by working out, running, blogging, watching movies, playing music, and spending time with his family—especially his daughter. Work Inspiration: Tristan believes in the quote, "Creativi

1664
tristan.audet
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
Jonathan ZuluagaCommunity Manager
published in Coffee Talk
New Member Introductions & Giveaway: Share Your Story and Win!New Member Welcome

Welcome to the Arboretum!We’re so excited to have you join our community of social media pros! To kick things off, we’d love to get to know you better. And there’s a special bonus this week… we’re hosting a giveaway! How to Enter: Simply introduce yourself by answering the following questions by Wednesday, September 25th, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of our awesome prizes!Who are you? Share your name, current role, and where you’re based. What brings you here? Tell us what excites you most about social media or what you hope to gain from our community. Fun fact! What’s a surprising hobby, a favorite meme, or your go-to TV show?What You Could Win: We’ll be randomly selecting four lucky members who introduce themselves to receive an amazing Arboretum swag bundle, including:☕️ A 12 Oz. Opal Mug 🧦 Arboretum branded socks 🖊️ A sleek Moleskine penDon’t be shy—jump into the conversation, share your story, and connect with fellow social media enthusiasts! We can’t wait to le

21214
Jonathan Zuluaga
Community Manager
C
Claire.PLevel 1
posted in Coffee Talk
Should social media managers also have to be content creators (particularly for video)?

I’d love to hear people’s opinions on this!  I’m a relatively senior social media manager (7+ years) and in my last role I worked hard to educate on how a social media manager also shouldn’t be your videographer, graphic designer and content creator (especially for reels and TikTok). I reached a point where I didn’t have to film anymore and only had to edit a video every couple weeks. I developed a network of content creators and influencers to produce video content instead so I could focus on strategy. Funnily enough it was very successful, crazy how much more I could achieve and enjoyed the job when I wasn’t bogged down in hours of editing.  I’m in a new market and looking for a role and struggling to find a job where I’m not expected to shoot and edit all video content I’d be posting on social. It’s been frustrating landing interviews then finding out filming and editing is 50% or more of the role. I feel pretty strongly that a social media manager shouldn’t also have to be a conten

98013
J
The Arboretum Terms of UseCookie settings