I did it. I won the battle.
It wasn't easy, it took a (ridiculously) long time. But I've come out victorious.
Ah, sweet success. What did I win? Keep looking; it's brand new and has a thumbs up. I will also be accepting personal thumbs up for this monumental victory.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
How to Keep'em From Losing Interest
Lesson of the Day: It takes a whole lot to maintain the interest of others.
BIG SURPRISE!
I was reading an article that asked the question, "Are We Losing Interest in the Oil Spill?"Sadly folks, we are. But how do we know for sure? Social media of course.
Think about it. When something big happens it doesn't take long for everyone to find out because millions of people go straight to the social media source. All of a sudden a wave of information begins to flood sites like Facebook and Twitter. In a matter of hours new news isn't so new anymore. But social media also has a reverse affect as well. When the social media sites become silent the mass media usually follows suite. And once that happens it's a major struggle to get that momentum back.
So what do you do to prevent an issue from dying a rapid death? Well I'm no expert, but...
In terms of social media this would be my plan.
DON'T: Rant! No one want's to hear it and it doesn't do anyone any good.
DO: Provide relevant content such as interesting quotes, statistics, links, and videos. If you share than likely others will too and so on and so on and so on.
DON'T: Let people forget when the event/issue took place and how long it has been going on.
DO: Focus on the time line. It's important. If an event/issue happened three months ago declare it the three month anniversary of the event. Reflect on where the issue was at the beginning and how far the issue has come.
DON'T: Let the media forget that you or your follower are still interested in the subject.
DO: Go to media's social web pages. National and local news channels and newspapers have a social network page. It is the easiest way to get your voice heard and like I said if the public is talking about it the media will be talking about it too.
BIG SURPRISE!
I was reading an article that asked the question, "Are We Losing Interest in the Oil Spill?"Sadly folks, we are. But how do we know for sure? Social media of course.
Think about it. When something big happens it doesn't take long for everyone to find out because millions of people go straight to the social media source. All of a sudden a wave of information begins to flood sites like Facebook and Twitter. In a matter of hours new news isn't so new anymore. But social media also has a reverse affect as well. When the social media sites become silent the mass media usually follows suite. And once that happens it's a major struggle to get that momentum back.
So what do you do to prevent an issue from dying a rapid death? Well I'm no expert, but...
In terms of social media this would be my plan.
DON'T: Rant! No one want's to hear it and it doesn't do anyone any good.
DO: Provide relevant content such as interesting quotes, statistics, links, and videos. If you share than likely others will too and so on and so on and so on.
DON'T: Let people forget when the event/issue took place and how long it has been going on.
DO: Focus on the time line. It's important. If an event/issue happened three months ago declare it the three month anniversary of the event. Reflect on where the issue was at the beginning and how far the issue has come.
DON'T: Let the media forget that you or your follower are still interested in the subject.
DO: Go to media's social web pages. National and local news channels and newspapers have a social network page. It is the easiest way to get your voice heard and like I said if the public is talking about it the media will be talking about it too.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Make Like a Mohawk and Stand Out
I found a new site today. It's good. One of its articles caught my attention because it had the word 'mohawk' in the title. Basically, it says that a blogger needs the attitude of a mohawk, because someone with a mohawk is automatically a little awesome. And if your blog stands out half as much as a bright green spikey mohawk, you're set. So anyways, I read it. I loved it. And now I'm passing it on. Enjoy.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
V4Men. Wait, what?
There's a store called V4Men.
That's it. No explanation, no clue as to what the store wants to sell you. They just give you a handy V4Men label, and expect you to walk right in.
So I think I'm gonna walk in. Because all I've been able to think about for a whole day is what this V stands for (ok, and Jacob Black). It's something just for men, and it starts with a V. I'm fairly certain I know what this thing may be, but I won't spoil the surprise. And I just in case, I've come up with a list of alternatives:
-Velcro 4 Men
-Vices 4 Men
-Vacuum's 4 Men
-Vapid Men
-Varicose Veins 4 Men
-Velociraptors 4 Men
Now, unless it's a velociraptor, I'm not really interested in this product. And obviously, the store isn't interested in selling it to me. But regardless, I will brave the awkward stares and the uncomfortable moment when I open the door to find rows of V----- surrounding me, just so I know. Once and for all.
So why has this store been so irritatingly present on my mind? Because the store didn't come right out and say what it was selling. It gave me a hint, a little teaser, and then left me to my own devices. Dangerous territory, but effective advertising.
The whole point is that I'm still thinking about it a day later. Had the store simply told me that it was selling Vegetables 4 men, I would have lost interest before I was done reading the title. But by leaving me with sneaky little V, the company has successfully piqued my interest. It's sort of like that godawful 5-dollar-footlong Subway song--the godfather of all annoying advertising. You might hate Subway for it, but that song is ingrained in you for life. Sorry.
Lesson learned? Find a way to keep people thinking about your product. Preferably a much less annoying one than Subway.
That's it. No explanation, no clue as to what the store wants to sell you. They just give you a handy V4Men label, and expect you to walk right in.
So I think I'm gonna walk in. Because all I've been able to think about for a whole day is what this V stands for (ok, and Jacob Black). It's something just for men, and it starts with a V. I'm fairly certain I know what this thing may be, but I won't spoil the surprise. And I just in case, I've come up with a list of alternatives:
-Velcro 4 Men
-Vices 4 Men
-Vacuum's 4 Men
-Vapid Men
-Varicose Veins 4 Men
-Velociraptors 4 Men
Now, unless it's a velociraptor, I'm not really interested in this product. And obviously, the store isn't interested in selling it to me. But regardless, I will brave the awkward stares and the uncomfortable moment when I open the door to find rows of V----- surrounding me, just so I know. Once and for all.
So why has this store been so irritatingly present on my mind? Because the store didn't come right out and say what it was selling. It gave me a hint, a little teaser, and then left me to my own devices. Dangerous territory, but effective advertising.
The whole point is that I'm still thinking about it a day later. Had the store simply told me that it was selling Vegetables 4 men, I would have lost interest before I was done reading the title. But by leaving me with sneaky little V, the company has successfully piqued my interest. It's sort of like that godawful 5-dollar-footlong Subway song--the godfather of all annoying advertising. You might hate Subway for it, but that song is ingrained in you for life. Sorry.
Lesson learned? Find a way to keep people thinking about your product. Preferably a much less annoying one than Subway.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Socializing + Stephen Colbert=Good Time
Why does everyone love social media? Let's give this a think. Oh, because it's SOCIAL. We, the humans, like to be social. We like to connect, we like to gossip. It makes us happy.
So by incorporating this social aspect into businesses, we the humans will by extension be happier.
At my company, Journal Communications, we like to be social. We like to chat, we like to hang out, we like to have a good time.
This called for a Good Times Committee, responsible for ensuring that every once in a while, we come together and, you know, have a good time. Last Friday we had an ice cream social. And nothing in the world makes someone happier than 'ice cream' and 'social' put together.
Unless they're lactose intolerant.
Now, I'm not just trying to say that JCI is brilliant and came up with this awesome idea, but really, it is kind of brilliant. They actively take measures to make sure that the company environment is more enjoyable, which a lot of places might not do. Apparently, there was dodgeball last year. At work.
So, for people that work 8-5 five long days a week, its good to know that someone actually cares that you're happy during that long day. Someone wants you to have a Good Time.
By the way, Ben and Jerry's Americone Dream will give a whole new meaning to the words 'good time'. It's that good. And it's Stephen Colbert endorsed. Yum.
So by incorporating this social aspect into businesses, we the humans will by extension be happier.
At my company, Journal Communications, we like to be social. We like to chat, we like to hang out, we like to have a good time.
This called for a Good Times Committee, responsible for ensuring that every once in a while, we come together and, you know, have a good time. Last Friday we had an ice cream social. And nothing in the world makes someone happier than 'ice cream' and 'social' put together.
Unless they're lactose intolerant.
Now, I'm not just trying to say that JCI is brilliant and came up with this awesome idea, but really, it is kind of brilliant. They actively take measures to make sure that the company environment is more enjoyable, which a lot of places might not do. Apparently, there was dodgeball last year. At work.
So, for people that work 8-5 five long days a week, its good to know that someone actually cares that you're happy during that long day. Someone wants you to have a Good Time.
By the way, Ben and Jerry's Americone Dream will give a whole new meaning to the words 'good time'. It's that good. And it's Stephen Colbert endorsed. Yum.
Turn That Frown Upside Down
It's Monday and once again I am in need of a good laugh. Luckily my colleagues are there for me.
Today I was directed to an article that claims that social media sites are more then just a way to stay connected. Did you know it can actually make you happy? I mean super duper happy! Dare I say Viagra happy ( I know, gasp!).
But turns out, it's true. Well, that is if you listen to Dr. Paul J. Zak’s and his one and only specimen. But like I said, it's Monday so I will humor the thought.
According to realistic and conclusive studies there is a chemical called oxytocin a.k.a the cuddle chemical. It is a hormone created by our brains to produce mushy gushy feelings that allows us to feel secure and trust others and all that icky love stuff.
So this is where Dr. Zak's decided to step in and test how happy we get when we are tweeting our life away. The results...pretty darn awesome! His subject experienced a 13.2% increase in oxytocin levels which was said to be a significant hormonal spike equivalent to a groom on his wedding day. But wait, there's more good news. Turns out the boy who tweeted also experienced a significant decrease in stress hormones.
So what did we learn from this? Well, not too much since it is only one test on one person. But I'm sure it is safe to say that social media is becoming the drug of choice.
If you want to learn more about the study and all it's glory just click here
Today I was directed to an article that claims that social media sites are more then just a way to stay connected. Did you know it can actually make you happy? I mean super duper happy! Dare I say Viagra happy ( I know, gasp!).
But turns out, it's true. Well, that is if you listen to Dr. Paul J. Zak’s and his one and only specimen. But like I said, it's Monday so I will humor the thought.
According to realistic and conclusive studies there is a chemical called oxytocin a.k.a the cuddle chemical. It is a hormone created by our brains to produce mushy gushy feelings that allows us to feel secure and trust others and all that icky love stuff.
So this is where Dr. Zak's decided to step in and test how happy we get when we are tweeting our life away. The results...pretty darn awesome! His subject experienced a 13.2% increase in oxytocin levels which was said to be a significant hormonal spike equivalent to a groom on his wedding day. But wait, there's more good news. Turns out the boy who tweeted also experienced a significant decrease in stress hormones.
So what did we learn from this? Well, not too much since it is only one test on one person. But I'm sure it is safe to say that social media is becoming the drug of choice.
If you want to learn more about the study and all it's glory just click here
Friday, June 25, 2010
Social Media is like Hitting a Pinata: A lot Harder than it Looks
My niece turned 7 yesterday, so naturally, we partied.
The best part? Make your own sundaes. Those never get old, no matter how old you get.
The worst part? There was a pinata, but nobody got to hit it. They took it on vacation instead, like it would somehow be more fun to play with other kids instead of a crowd of 22-62 year olds. I know, weird.
I probably wouldn't have been allowed to play with the pinata anyways. Though as the baby of the family I've been freeze-framed as a perpetual seven-year-old, so maybe they would have given me a swing, which I would have missed and it would have been embarrassing. Whew, dodged that bullet.
But when you think about it, the whole concept of a pinata is embarrassing. You stand there, blindfolded, and bat randomly at some hanging thing that just smiles and laughs at your failed attempts while your friends laugh at you in the background when you miss and hit the birdfeeder instead. And then you stand there and awkwardly laugh with them, internally crying and feeling pathetic because you can't hit the giant animal swinging in front of your face. Really, the things we put children through. No wonder they grow up and need things like the Beautiful People dating site to reinstate their self-esteem (or obliterate it completely).
The point, you ask? I've wondered a few times myself, so I'll try to make this sound semi-enlightening (though obviously I really just wanted to talk about pinatas). Finding success in an industry like social media is just like being a kid with a dream of bursting the pinata. Except its not just a kid, it's all the kids at the party. And this is a big party, we're talking thousands of kids. They're all trying their hardest to be the one to start the candy shower, but only one can do it.
So there you are, whacking blindly at the pinata (aka social media success) and no matter how hard you swing you still can't make contact. People smirk at your efforts, and sweet success dangles inches in front of your eyes, taunting you. You try to swing a different way, try a different formula, but still success evades you. Maybe that's you; maybe you're the one who gives it your all but just can't manage to break through.
Or maybe you're the one who steps up to the plate, gives it a few swings and voila! Candy and success rain down upon you. Everyone is both extremely miffed that you burst the bubble first and in awe of your triumphant attack.
The good news? The pinata has been opened. It can be done
The bad news? You might not be the one to do it, and you might need to find a new pinata. Thats okay; take all the pinatas you need.
If there's one thing I've learned in my few short weeks working, both about social media and all work in general, it's that success is hard to come by. You don't always hit the jackpot, and there's always a competing group of people fighting to find it first. But don't give up. Remember how good it felt to actually be the one to burst the pinata? (assuming that you did in fact manage to do so, if not, insert another happy childhood memory). Got it? Good. That felt great, and grown-up success is gonna feel a whole better. I hope.
So how do you become the one to best the pinata? Erm..check back in a few months; we'll see if this pinata's still hanging. I'm still swinging.
The best part? Make your own sundaes. Those never get old, no matter how old you get.
The worst part? There was a pinata, but nobody got to hit it. They took it on vacation instead, like it would somehow be more fun to play with other kids instead of a crowd of 22-62 year olds. I know, weird.
I probably wouldn't have been allowed to play with the pinata anyways. Though as the baby of the family I've been freeze-framed as a perpetual seven-year-old, so maybe they would have given me a swing, which I would have missed and it would have been embarrassing. Whew, dodged that bullet.
But when you think about it, the whole concept of a pinata is embarrassing. You stand there, blindfolded, and bat randomly at some hanging thing that just smiles and laughs at your failed attempts while your friends laugh at you in the background when you miss and hit the birdfeeder instead. And then you stand there and awkwardly laugh with them, internally crying and feeling pathetic because you can't hit the giant animal swinging in front of your face. Really, the things we put children through. No wonder they grow up and need things like the Beautiful People dating site to reinstate their self-esteem (or obliterate it completely).
The point, you ask? I've wondered a few times myself, so I'll try to make this sound semi-enlightening (though obviously I really just wanted to talk about pinatas). Finding success in an industry like social media is just like being a kid with a dream of bursting the pinata. Except its not just a kid, it's all the kids at the party. And this is a big party, we're talking thousands of kids. They're all trying their hardest to be the one to start the candy shower, but only one can do it.
So there you are, whacking blindly at the pinata (aka social media success) and no matter how hard you swing you still can't make contact. People smirk at your efforts, and sweet success dangles inches in front of your eyes, taunting you. You try to swing a different way, try a different formula, but still success evades you. Maybe that's you; maybe you're the one who gives it your all but just can't manage to break through.
Or maybe you're the one who steps up to the plate, gives it a few swings and voila! Candy and success rain down upon you. Everyone is both extremely miffed that you burst the bubble first and in awe of your triumphant attack.
The good news? The pinata has been opened. It can be done
The bad news? You might not be the one to do it, and you might need to find a new pinata. Thats okay; take all the pinatas you need.
If there's one thing I've learned in my few short weeks working, both about social media and all work in general, it's that success is hard to come by. You don't always hit the jackpot, and there's always a competing group of people fighting to find it first. But don't give up. Remember how good it felt to actually be the one to burst the pinata? (assuming that you did in fact manage to do so, if not, insert another happy childhood memory). Got it? Good. That felt great, and grown-up success is gonna feel a whole better. I hope.
So how do you become the one to best the pinata? Erm..check back in a few months; we'll see if this pinata's still hanging. I'm still swinging.
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