Sessions at SXSW Interactive 2012 about Business on Saturday 10th March

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• And I Am NOT Lying at SXSW: From Basement Burlesque to the Boardroom

  Storytelling is both the second-oldest art form and a hot "new" form of entertainment — thanks to This American Life, The Moth's podcast and live shows, and tons of shows cropping up around the country, storytelling's making a big comeback. It's making a comeback in the boardroom, too. And if we are honest with ourselves, it's just about to join "leverage" in the marketing d-bag's haggard sack of buzzwords. "Leverage storytelling to activate your customers," "learn story techniques," — you're going to hear a LOT of that at SXSW this year.

  You know what you're not going to hear anyone else talk about?

  "What makes a great story?" or "How would I know a good story?"

  Good stories are a little like good porn: you know ‘em when you see ‘em. But we're going to peel that hood back together and examine what makes a story good — and how to amplify and condense that.

  Join an interactive discussion with storytelling experts from across a wide range of disciplines – from NPR's This American Life, NYC storytelling show producers and accomplished solo performers with The Moth, Story Collider, TOLD!, Real Characters, And I Am Not Lying and other shows, as well as an expert in organizational narrative – and hack through the marketing hype to find out what really makes a good story.

  • Business
  • Customers
  • Entertainment
  • Storytelling

  At 11:00am to 12:00pm, Saturday 10th March

  In Colorado, Palm Park

• Apply the Lessons of Open Source to Any Business

  by Ruth Suehle

  “Open source” was once a way to describe software code and a collaborative model for its development. It's now a business model, an education model, and the future of government. It's changing our lives through its principles: Openness. Transparency. Collaboration. Rapid prototyping.

  It's also the best way to get your ideas heard, make the world a better a place, and still turn a profit. No matter what business you're in, you can take a lesson from open source.

  Do you or your company apply open source principles like collaboration and transparency daily? Many are, and the old habits are cracking. New business methods are taking root. Schools are turning to open source to improve education. Even governments are embracing openness and sharing more.

  Learn how the principles that made open source an innovative software development model can stimulate innovation and make the world a better place--in any part of any business anywhere. Simply put, the future is openness.

  • Business
  • Collaboration
  • Open Source

  At 11:00am to 12:00pm, Saturday 10th March

  In Room 9ABC, Austin Convention Center

  Coverage audio clip

• Manage With Care: Employees Are Your New Clients

  by Allison Hemming

  Every leader obsesses about building a star factory, but the sad truth is you'll never keep all your best talent. While they're working for you, worry less about losing them and instead influence their thinking. Turn them into evangelists for the way you do business and be brave enough to set expectations about what it means to be a good alumnus of your organization. Invest in a strong foundation, unlock their potential and then help them get to the next level -- whether it's inside or out of your company. You'll not only have more empowered employees but you'll gain loyalists who'll turn into clients long after they leave.

  • Business
  • Clients
  • Employee Engagement
  • Management

  At 11:00am to 11:15am, Saturday 10th March

  In Texas Ballroom 4-7, Hyatt Regency Austin

• More Smart, Less Stupid: PR for Better Business

  by Bob Pearson, Gary Stockman, Kathy Cripps, Mark Stouse and Melissa Waggener Zorkin

  Panelists use “ripped-from-the-headlines” business cases to spur debate on the essential truths of corporate reputation and brand management. This session is sponsored by the Council of PR Firms.

  • brand management
  • Brands
  • Business
  • Corporate Reputation
  • Public Relations

  At 11:00am to 12:00pm, Saturday 10th March

  In Room 415A, Hilton Austin Downtown

• Nicole Ozer Book Signing

  by Nicole Ozer

  Nicole Ozer signs her book ‘Privacy & Free Speech: It’s Good for Business’ at the SXSW book store.

  ‘Privacy & Free Speech’ analyzes what companies have done right – and wrong- and offers hands on tipsand analysis of how startups can save time, money, and reputation by baking in privacy and free speech protections into the business development process.

  • Book Signing
  • Business
  • Free Speech
  • Privacy

  At 11:00am to 11:15am, Saturday 10th March

  In Ballroom G Foyer, Austin Convention Center