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11/03/2013 by
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Tout’s Shaquille O’Neal Seeks Start-ups At SXSW

NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal announced his retirement via his start-up Tout. At SXSW Shaq is looking for a next big start-up.

Tout's Shaquille O’Neal Seeks Start-ups At SXSW

First we will take a look at the trend called micro-video marketing.

Next we will explore Shaq’s first start-up Tout and why the “slam dunk millionaire” is hoping to score a new big start-up at SXSW.

Micro Video Marketing
In 2011 we explored the trend micro-video in marketing.

True branding is about great storytelling, inspiring and motivating people.

Giving them a voice and about conversations that matter and unlocking pieces of progressiveness.

See our previous story on ViralBlog: How micro-video can unlock your brand storytelling?

If you have read the story above, you’re now up to speed with micro-video marketing.

About Start-up Tout
Tout is like a Twitter for video instead of words.

With Tout people can capture life’s true moments and create 15-second video status updates captured on their smartphone, tablet, or webcam.

In this SlideShare presentation, Mindshare Social is showing the facts around Shaq’s start-up Tout:

We think you will now understand why big man Shaq has invested in Tout and is looking for next start-ups.

Twitters Vine
Meanwhile, a lot has happened. And the war between Instagram / Facebook and Twitter occurred. Twitter decided to launch its own video service called: Vine.

The service might be embraced by several brands now; in the beginning we felt Vine was not so fine.

Read the story about Twitter’s Vine here on ViralBlog.

A New Shaq Attack?
At SXSW, Shaq will be reviewing 15-second “elevator pitches” submitted by SXSW attendees.

Next he will select one company to do a face-to-face presentation. Done right, the start-up could walk away with O’Neal as an advisor – or even as an investor.

“I’m a big tech geek,” O’Neal, who graduated from Cole High School in San Antonio, told the American-Statesman. “I’m a nerd. I’m always looking for the next big thing.”

Known for his social media savvy, O’Neal was among the first big-name celebrities to start using Twitter, which introduced itself to the world at SXSW 2007.

Shaq has now over 6.6 million followers on Twitter.

My Opinion?
Looks like Shaq has a passion for technology, a new purpose and belief.

Tech is in his DNA he says.

It’s great for the entire marketing and technology start-up scene that a star like Shaq is passionate about technology.

Bill Gates used to say: Be nice to geeks, you might end up working for one.

Both Shaq and Bill are bright, so they could be right.

What About You?

What is the geek inside you telling you? What start-ups would you invest in if you were slam dunk millionaire Shaq? I’d love to read your ideas in the comments below.

Follow & Share
Want more stories on breaking with the status quo? Browse our category Trends & Innovations, follow Igor Beuker on Twitter, grab our RSS Feed, join our Facebook movement or subscribe to our weekly e-mail newsletter.

About the Author
Igor Beuker was CMO at 3 listed companies, chairman at the IAB, jury member at Webby, AMMA and Esprix awards, founder of 3 digital agencies (sold to WPP) and global chief social officer at Mindshare. Now he is ‘freejack’ consultant and a sought after keynote speaker.