Lost in Found: Alona Fromberg-Elkayam

Embracing Web3 and Building Brand Communities

Welcome to another captivating episode of Lost In Found, the podcast that wanders deep into the world of creative marketing and explores new avenues for connecting with audiences through compelling content. In this episode, your host, Catch+Release ECD Tom Christmann, engages in an insightful conversation with Alona Fromberg-Elkayam, the mastermind behind Far From Timid (farfromtimid.com)—a brand and social commerce agency “where legends are made" through brand strategy, expression, and virtual and IRL experiences. Listen as we embark on a fascinating journey into the future of brand engagement.

In this episode, we explore the paradigm shift taking place in the marketing landscape, where forward-thinking brands are venturing beyond traditional platforms like Facebook and Twitter to build their own communities on the blockchain. Alona sheds light on this exciting development and shares her expertise on topics such as the metaverse, omnichannel strategies, and the role of AI in shaping brand experiences. Key Discussion Points:

1. The Rise of Web3: Discover how modern brands are embracing the web3 era and exploring new opportunities in decentralized technologies.
2. Building Brand Communities: Explore the concept of brand communities on the blockchain and their potential for fostering deeper connections and engagement with audiences.
3. Real-Life Examples: Uncover fascinating case studies, such as Links Dao—an online community that united to create their own physical golf course exclusively for members—and how it exemplifies the power of decentralized communities.
4. The Game-Changing Potential: Delve into the transformative impact of web3 on brand strategies, customer journeys, and the overall marketing landscape.
5. Navigating the Metaverse: Gain insights into the metaverse and its implications for brands, along with the opportunities it presents for immersive brand experiences.
6. The Role of AI: Discover how AI is revolutionizing brand experiences, from personalized interactions to predictive analytics.

About Alona Fromberg-Elkayam:

Alona’s award-winning career has been dedicated to creating and amplifying mission-driven brands of the future with delightful omnichannel experiences and ground-breaking campaigns and content. She moved Marriott from a hotel company to a travel company, helped Doctors Without Borders rewrite food aid policy, launched America's first Japanese pod style hotel–The Pod Hotel, and helped IBM reach a new generation.Far From Timid is her second successful entrepreneurial endeavor, where she guides clients through strategic decisions about the metaverse, omnichannel, and AI. She has been invited to speak at events like NFTNYC, NFTLA, Soho House, SXSW, InternetWeek, In-House Advertising Federation and Advertising Week. As a woman and the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, her leadership, work, and character are grounded and powered with love, truth, equality, and humanity.

From Consumer to Community with Alona Elkayam

Insights from the founder of Far From Timid

The marketing and brand building landscape is forever changing. Some get overwhelmed by it. Some get energized. Alona Fromberg-Elkayam falls into the latter category. Recently, Catch+Release Executive Creative Director Tom Christmann sat down with the visionary founder of Far From Timid, a brand and social commerce agency, on the Lost In Found podcast. Alona is a true brand alchemist, transforming companies and revolutionizing the way we think about brands. She shared her insights on how Web3 will redefine the brand/audience experience, turning consumers into communities.

Where Legends Are Made

Alona created Far From Timid to be an extraordinary strategic platform where brand legends are made. Alona and her team harness the power of collaboration, imagination, and strategic thinking to create immersive brand experiences for clients. With a diverse range of solutions that cater to different brand “adventures”, Far From Timid empowers marketers to think outside the box and create memorable connections with audiences.

In the episode, Alona and Tom discuss the pivotal role of community in brand building and how Web3, the generation of the internet currently being built, will revolutionize the way marketers engage with their target audiences, enabling deeper, more interactive experiences. Alona's visionary outlook and profound understanding of this evolving landscape shed light on the immense potential for modern marketers who are ready to get personal with their customers.

A Community Of Makers

Far From Timid is even making a community of its own. According to the website, member of the Legend Makers community “will gain access to a network of like-minded individuals, industry experts and thought leaders in design, art, brand, marketing, tech and culture who will propel your dream forward.” The idea, according to Alona, is to “defy expectations, challenge norms and help people awaken and nurture their own Legend within.” Members will also get exclusive benefits, like entry to exclusive get-togethers at global events in Cannes, SXSW, and NFT.NYC, discounts and giveaways from the Far From Timid Lifestyle Collection, plus sneak peaks at new products and services from the world’s most beloved brands.

Not for the Timid

So, what kind of community could you imagine inviting your customers to join? What benefits could you offer? Getting more personal with your customers could lead to new innovations and stronger connections. But once you build it, and they come, you have to keep adding value. This is not the kind of thing you set and forget. One thing is for sure. Community is definitely not for the timid.

PRO TIP: An easy way to tap into a community of creative people (including some of your most creative customers) is to check out the Catch+Release Creator Community. Build a curated collection or just browse our expertly curated galleries where you'll find authentic, human-made content that can be easily licensed for a brand campaign that resonates with real people better than stock ever could.