Mix, Mingle & Mold

Ahoj! ?? This week's ZN edition is brought to you by Michal Bene? , editor of your (now) bi-weekly Zeitgeits News, based out of the city of a thousand towers that everyone flocks to in summertime - Prague.?

Meet the MEPs class of 2024-2029!?

The official list of MEPs for the 2024-2029 term has been released! A warm welcome to all new and returning MEPs at the European Parliament???

Now that the list of new MEPs is out, it's time to dive into their digital presence. Are you curious about who they are and what they do online? Our team has meticulously tracked their activity across platforms like X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads. ?

Our analysis of MEPs' presence on social media – divided by country and political party, offers unique insights into their digital influence. However, we also looked at their interests, political affiliations, and committee roles, and we plan on exploring much more.

We are equipping our clients with an exclusive and comprehensive data set that provides a strategic advantage with the most detailed understanding of MEPs' online activities.?

Does that sound interesting? Check out our post-election toolkit for a full plan to keep you #OneStepAhead and stay tuned as we continue to analyze the digital footprint of Europe's decision-makers.

Mingle, Don't Monologue?

Ever wonder why just posting on social media doesn’t cut it? David Rojas , our go-to Project Manager and Strategic Planner, has a fresh take on that. Social media is a two-way street, and it's time we started treating it that way!?

David’s big on active community management. It’s not enough to just throw posts into the void - nope, you need to chat, comment, and engage with your audience. Think of social media like a party. You wouldn’t just talk to people, like at a university lecture; you’d mingle, right??

Online Advocacy, Done Right?

You have a cause you are passionate about, and you want to change the world... good! But what's next? Michal Bene? brings you tips from his time in Brussels and other capitals on how to achieve a meaningful change with your cause, be it a policy goal, petition or a simple change of someone's opinion in BXL.?

Advocacy Checklist:?

• Be realistic. You just came to Brussels, nobody knows you, and you want to change the EU legislation in a year? That is probably not going to happen (exceptions do exist though!). Be realistic about what you want and how you go about it, building the brand of your cause will take time.?

• Understand your stuff. You can have the best cause in the world, but if someone finds out you don't really understand what you say, you will lose all respect and, most likely, never get it back. Do your homework.?

• Evaluate often. You started your campaign, sent out questionnaires, spent a lot on ads, and still nothing? Maybe you are doing it wrong. Don't be afraid to pause your efforts and do it all over again, it’s all about trial and error.?

• Identify and mobilize allies. You must know that there are probably dozens of other organizations trying to achieve similar things like you. Partner with them, the more connected you are, the higher chance for you to succeed.?

• Improvise, adapt, overcome. You did all you could, but you still failed? Don't get demotivated, it's normal. Be ready to learn from your mistakes, ask for feedback, adapt your strategy, and shoot!

#ZNLive with Brandon Mitchener tomorrow!?

Join us tomorrow at 14:00 for a chat with Brandon Mitchener hosted by our COO Jesús Azogue and CEO Philip Weiss . We'll discuss Brandon’s personal journey from journalism to advisory roles, his crisis management advice, and trends in post-pandemic policy and public perception. Don’t miss it!?

#ZNLive with Tom Moylan and Adriano Rodari #Episode 385

?? Community is Key! ?? ?

In the latest episode of #ZNLive, hosts Philip Weiss and Marsela Ivanova had a chat with Tom Moylan , Director at Moylan Communications and Community Organizer at restless.brussels, alongside Adriano Rodari , Community Manager and Board Member at restless.brussels.

From Brussels, Tom and Adriano shared their take on boosting civic engagement with restless.brussels, which is one of the initiatives working on informed local participation. Both agreed that LinkedIn and Instagram are key to amplifying civic messages, showing how digital platforms unite voices for a stronger community, not just in the EU capital. ?

?? Recommendations: ?

Tom recommends "Movement: How to Take Back Our Streets and Transform Our Lives" by Talia Vepceda and Marco de Brommelstraat, highlighting its profound influence on urban perspectives and social equality.

Marsela shares "The New Happy" on Instagram for practical tips on mental well-being and mindfulness. ?

Phil suggests "The Rest Is Politics US,"?a political podcast that dives into Democratic Party dynamics and current events and is hosted by British journalist Antonia Scaramucci. ?

Did you miss?#ZNLive?Last Friday? Tune in to the full episode for more ????

In focus?

Are You Ready for A Brave New EU? #EUinfluencer 2024 is coming! ???

Get ready, movers and shakers! ?? #EUinfluencer 2024 will showcase the remarkable power of digital influence in shaping discussions within the EU and beyond. ?

This year, we're asking: Who will lead the charge in 2024? Join us at the 8th annual #EUinfluencer event, where the brightest minds influencing the EU's future will converge.?

Event Details:?

• ?? Date: September 20, 2024?

• ??? Time: 18:00 – 19:30?

• ?? Location: Cardo Brussels, Avenue du Boulevard 14, 1210 Brussels.

Don’t miss out! Secure your spot for the online event and request an exclusive invite to the in-person gathering here!

?? Mark your calendars!

A special thank you to our sponsors and supporters for making this event possible: visitbrussels ASSOCIATIONWORLD . BestinBrussels.eu Cardo Brussels Audio Visual Support

VoteBrussels: Sign up to vote for October’s local elections?

Get ready to make your voice heard in the upcoming Brussels Municipal Elections on October 13! This is a vital opportunity for international residents to shape their local community's future.?

?? Date: October 13, 2024?

? Deadline to Register: July 31, 2024?

Who can vote:?

• EU Citizens: Residents of Belgium can vote in the municipal elections but need to register beforehand.?

• Non-EU Citizens: Those who have been living in Belgium for at least 5 years are also eligible to vote but must register.?

Don’t miss out on your chance to influence the decisions that affect your daily life. Need more information? Check out the website.

Register here for the local elections:

Win the Web!?

As we gear up for the #EUinfluencer2024 on 20/9, we dare you to dive into our latest e-book for insider tips from top EU influencers themselves on how to become an EU influencer.?

Discover how Jon Worth , Dave Keating , and others are acting the social media game by engaging with their followers and juggling multiple platforms at once. Turning every digital challenge into their next big win, check it out here!?

P.S. Register now for this year’s event before it’s too late!?

Digital News and Trends?

Meta’s AI Influencers: One Too Many??

Meta has launched AI Studio, enabling Instagram creators to craft AI versions for audience interactions through private messages. These bots, clearly marked as AI, mirror the creator's style and are able to have basic interactions with fans. Mark Zuckerberg shared this innovation alongside future AI plans, stressing transparency. Thoughts on AI mimicking humans? More here.?

Meet the #ZNetwork?

Michal Bene? is a PR geek of multiple hats based in Prague, and with a Master's in International Relations from Danish Aalborg University and Chinese University of International Relations. Aside from convincing others of the importance of humanitarian development aid and editing this very newsletter, he lives many lives in his free time. Be it as a traveler who hitchhiked from Oman to Czechia, a martial arts trainer, or an Indian cuisine cook in training.?

Don't miss out – join our community today and stay?#OneStepAhead?by subscribing to our newsletter. We value your thoughts and would love to hear your take on the topics we've discussed. Comment below and let's keep the conversation going.?