In the spirit of the holidays

 A Charlie Brown Ad Agency:

Google Wave and Marketing

This morning I came across this question by Darya B. on LinkedIn.com:
"Has anyone thought of any ways that Google Wave could be used for marketing and similar business purposes? Thanks"

My response:
Google Wave is a great tool for project management. Use it during every meeting to document meeting notes, brainstorming ideas, take-aways, and next steps. Use it to share and track file drafts and associated changes.

When a new person is added to the team or Wave they can use the playback feature to get up to speed on all that has been discussed and done to date. There is less feeling out of the loop, or waiting to meet with someone before you can start. Google Wave allows the delivery large files to a client and tracks client edits more easily compared to regular email.

The biggest con is the current exclusivity of Google Wave invites; however, this will change once Google Wave moves out of Beta.

Before reading this question, I hadn't thought about how to use Google Wave for marketing. Off the top of my head, I think Google Wave could be used similarly to how podcasts, blogs, YouTube videos, and Wikis provide information to the end user.

In what ways do you use Google Wave? In what ways do you want to use it?

I'm A Fan? Are you?

I am TOTALLY diggin': We're All Fans. It's a user (fan) content generated website promoting the GRAMMY Awards . Content comes from the web as well as fan submitted photos, tweets, videos, etc.

This campaign is a great example of how traditional media channels can be complemented by strong social media strategies.

We're All Fans combined with the GRAMMY Nomination TV Special (aired Dec. 2, 2009), Facebook, Twitter, print ads and more will encourage interaction with the intended audience and build anticipation that will hopefully translate into increased viewership on January 31, 2010.

Twitter for Business

I recently came across the He Said She Said blog and in volume 1 the topic of Twitter for Small Businesses was discussed. This discussion sparked the inspiration for this post.

****************************************

Since joining Twitter a couple of years ago, I have used it to become the 'virtual fly on the wall' more often than not. By doing so a business will be able to learn the good, the bad, and the indifferent regarding its brand.  The business will also be able to identify keywords, language and strategies to engage its intended audience.  In some instances, the business may also learn of a new target market it hadn't previously considered.

To learn what is being said on Twitter about your company, brand, product, service, etc. use search.twitter.com.

Also be sure to read a related post: How the Everyday Person Should Use Twitter

World AIDS Day 2009

Find a Testing Center Near YouFind a Testing Center Near You

Find a Testing Center Near You

Find a Testing Center Near You

Rubber Cement Has More Uses Than You Know

Reposted the original November 24th post again today due to technical difficulties with the embedded video. Hope you enjoy!

*******************************************

Does anyone know the agency of this clever commercial for a European maker of rubber cement?

Les-nonnes

The Truth or A Myth?

It's funny since there is some truth; however, disheartening because some people may believe all of it to be true.

Great analogy & very insightful

What brands can learn from online dating http://bit.ly/Z4Skx @PSFK

Adina Nyree / Certified Organic Debut Album

Adina Nyree is a multi-talented singer and spoken word artist whose deb ut album ‘Certified Organic’ drops on November 14, 2009. Please show her love & support.

*****************************************************

Adina Nyree combines soulful vocals with rhythmic melodies and thoughtful prose. With elements of soul, jazz, pop, and blues, she describes her brand of music as “a return of good, real (un-sampled, original) music with lyrics that mean something, that stand for something.”

'Certified Organic', the debut album, can be purchased at adinanyree.com or any live shows and will be available for sale on iTunes and cdbaby.com later this year. The first 100 people to order a copy will receive an autographed free poster of the 'Certified Organic' album cover. Ten percent of 'Certified Organic' album sale profits will be donated to amfAR, Save Dafur, Stop Global Warming and Amnesty International. For additional information visit http://www.adinanyree.com.

'Certified Organic' CD Giveaway: Go to http://tinyurl.com/Nov5AdinaNyree for details on how to win.

NYC Tri-State Residents: Come to the album release party on Saturday, November 14th at the Bassline Jazz Club an d help Adina Nyree usher in a great album of music, song and spoken word. Party starts at 7:30 PM. Advance tickets are available at http://www.adinanyree.com for $25. Tickets will be $30 at the door. Tickets include admission, appetizers and the BRAND NEW 'Certified Organic' CD.

Thank you for all your support.

~ Adina Nyree and the Band

Blog Makeover

~Before~

~After~

Today I finished giving my blog a visual makeover.

Tell me what you think.
Offer suggestions on how I can make the layout even better.
I really want to know your thoughts.

In fact if someone can tell me how to widen the body or content portion of my blog so it extends more to the left....I'll love ya forever!


P.S., I'm not the best at html, but I am a quick study.

Tell me your thoughts: Pepsi Amp

Snippet from one of my October Facebook posts. Share your thoughts...

Do you think this app is alienating to women? Do you believe this is acceptable for the Amp brand? For Pepsi as the parent brand? If you are agree with the article, do you feel the same about Dove and AXE their parent company Unilever?

http://mashable.com/2009/10/12/amp-before-you-score/?awesm=fbshare.me_Dov

JM: A man associated with the use of this application should be embarassed. If a man does not have a sister or niece he should at least think of his mother and grandmother before using it. This can potentially ruin reputations of women as users post of their exploits through this application. Those who support this childish and immature application should be shamed.

CF: Marketing at Pepsi has lost it's mind. But given the other markers in our culture, and here I mean American culture at large, it falls in line with the anything goes mentality. Won't be very cute in the hands of middle school and high school students.

A must for tea drinkers

I'm addicted to YOGI tea - very fabulous and so many different kinds to enjoy!! I stopped buying other teas a long time ago.

My long-time favorite is the Egyptian Licorice Mint. Don't add a sweetener before you taste. You'll love it!

Do you think he should be charged?

Man Caught Making Coffee Naked in His Home Faces Indecent Exposure Charges

Simply put....we all better start closing our blinds!

Mascara: Fake or Real? Does it make a difference?

Every time I see a TV commercial for mascara I can't help but shake my head. If the product really works the way it says it does, why use models with fake lashes to get the point across?

What triggers you to buy a particular mascara? Does the use of fake lashes in ads sway you at all?

Here are a couple of comments I received on Facebook when I posted the question there.

"my brand loyality is to the old school maybelline mascara. years ago on a shoot a make up artist told me that's the best one and i've used it ever since. i will try other brands if given a freebie but honestly i agree that the maybelline is the best and i've noticed that most professional make up artists use it too. i have naturally long lashes so no the ads don't sway me at all. i like to use the mascara to enhance what i already have but i do have a lot of friends who spend BIG bucks on false lashes" - SS

****************************************

"No because I know they're fake. Its pretty much a brand thing for me. I like covergirl mascara because I like covergirl make up and Queen Latifah. :-D" - SL

Post a comment and tell me your thoughts?

Cheating with Social Networks

Wouldn't this leave a bigger trail than paper?

Married people are increasingly using social networking sites to cheat.

10 mind-blowing microsites - VW Polo and Golf - iMediaConnection.com

"Sometimes you just have to keep track of recognized work. Hence the blog post."

Description

View >>

I heart Brandcenter - The documentary

Two years ago I made a decision to return to school and earn a Masters in advertising specializing in Creative Brand Management. Now it is September 2009. I have my Masters and out of the blue I am reminded that I shall be a part of the Brandcenter's architectural documentary for as long as Clive Wilkinson and YouTube remain in the forefront of their industries. You can see me at the beginning and the end of the video attached below.

As one of my former classmates said, "I heart Brandcenter." :-D

What to do in NYC: September 16 & 18th

While I am seeking full-time employment, I have been identifying projects I can work on to enhance my marketing craft. One such opportunity came to me while perusing facebook last month.

A rising star and personal friend, Adina Nyree, posted on facebook that she thought it was time for her to get a publicist. Although I have only done PR work for not-for-profits, I told Adina that I was up for the challenge and the experience if she was willing to try me out.

The plan is to share with you the new experiences I gain from this project and any others that seem blog worthy. Below you will find an image of the news release I wrote for Adina Nyree's live performances later this month. Click here to see the news release on PRWeb.


Note: A five song EP is available for purchase at live performances only. Certified Organic, the debut album, will be available for sale on iTunes, cdbaby.com, adinanyree.com and at all live shows after October 24, 2009. Also don't forget to check out Adina Nyree's official website and become a fan on facebook.

Adina Nyree

Shark Tank Commentary

If you would like to see comments I posted to the Shark Tank discussion board click here.

Shark Tank - LOVE IT!

Watching Shark Tank on ABC. Love it! Gives viewers an idea of what they need to know when starting a new business, seeking loans or investors as well as shows different presentation styles.

Favorite Quote (aired August 23, 2009)
Kevin O'Leary: "sold my company for $3.2 Billion & it was all licenses"
Seller: "Did you say $3.2 with a 'b' ?"

New fav (aired August 23, 2009)
Kevin O'Leary: "You're dead to me, you're gone. I don't even know who you are...you're a vapor."

Let's hope none of us ever get on his bad side!

******************************************************************

Updated August 30, 2009: If you would like to see comments I posted to the Shark Tank discussion board click here. Then search for 1epiphanee.

The Gratitude Campaign

The campaign is absolutely right. I haven't agreed with many of the wars the U.S. has entered, but I definitely support the people who serve us with their lives. Much love to my military family (active duty, retired, and deceased). You are always in my prayers and I so respect what you do for me and our country.

THANK YOU!

the Boyfriend - Mr. Laptop

I joke constantly about waking up with Mr. Laptop by my side, but evidently there are many others with romances of their own...

Read NY Times article

Ads I found interesting or liked....

I am going to make a better effort to start posting the types of advertisement I come across and like. Like from primarily the consumer perspective, but sometimes there may be a little marketing commentary thrown in for good measure.

Here are a couple I came across recently:

When I saw the short version (:30) I didn't care for the ad and thought the copy was incomplete and out of place. Evidently I needed the long version (:60) or simply to see the ad twice to better understand it. Once I did, I thought the concept (maybe not the execution - styling of the eras could have been better as it led to some of my confusion) of the main character walking through time to 1862 was interesting.

Bacardi Rum - Daylight (Agency: Y&R New York)

Here is another ad. This once just gave me a chuckle and that is always a good thing.

Captain Morgan Rum - Captain Icebreaker (Agency: Grey Worldwide)

Thanks to @adland for the links that brought these to my attention via Twitter.

How To Look Good Naked | myLifetime.com

While surfing the Internet for something to watch during a sleepless night, I decided to check out Army Wives a TV show my sister recommended, but while scrolling the list of all full episodes available online How To Look Good Naked | myLifetime.com won my attention. I watched the first episode from the first season (see below) and was amazed at how engaged I had become. "How To Look Good Naked" made me think of the Dove 'Real Beauty' campaign and how this TV program has simply taken that idea several steps further.

"How To Look Good Naked" selects women of all shapes and sizes not just those some may be perceived as overweight. This is GREAT for me as a person who could be perceived as underweight by societal standards. It brings home the fact that women of any size can have issues with their image by seeing things others don't.

No matter your size, shape or skin color it is important for you to learn to love yourself from the inside out. It is not the easiest thing to do. However when you do, it will illuminate through each and everything you wear....even if the only thing "on" is your skin.

Inspiration Comes From The Weirdest of Places

Today I read a MediaPost article on how social media can negatively impact small & medium businesses. Unfortunately, I felt the article was mediocre at best. Luckily, I did gain value from comments specifically the one written by Karen Renner. In summary, Ms. Renner questioned people's reluctance to communicate positive feedback as quickly as negative.

Ms. Renner has a point. I am definitely guilty of letting people know of a not-so-good situation with a brand. And although I do make a point of letting companies know the good and bad service an particular employee may have given, I rarely do the same with my social network. Therefore I have decided to change my way of doing things starting today. When a brand or company does something favorable for me, I will be certain to share it with my network, on- and off-line, because negative feedback should have all the glory.

A Positive Feedback Award goes to Layton Insurance LLC of Richmond, VA. I spoke with Ms. Summer Layton who answered each and every question I had (and there were many) with such grace and warmth. She looked up the answers that she did know off the top of her head and provided extra, valuable information so I could make the best decision for me as the consumer even if it meant she wouldn't get the sale. Ms. Layton even offered to pass on my information to a competitor insurance provider because she knew the other provider also did its best to give the most competitive rates available.

I will continue my hunt for the best insurance rate and to educate myself on the different type of policies out there. I will say GREAT customer service is something for which I am willing to pay a reasonable premium. However with Layton Insurance, it is offered free of charge AND the insurance rates quoted (home, landlord and auto policies) were the best I got so far!

Layton Insurance LLC

1308 W Main St
Richmond, VA 23220-4827

(804) 355-7444‎

Cold Feet

Early this week I was on twitter and came across a tweet from "Sandwiched" asking for LinkedIn help and talking about the agony of updating a resume. Sandwiched included a link to a blog post as well.

I read the post and realized cold feet was getting in the way of a great opportunity and decided to leave a comment to hopefully warm things up. Here is the advice I offered based on my own job hunting experiences:

Before you call: Look up the contact person and company on LinkedIn.com. See what you can learn about the person’s background that you could potentially comment on during future conversations. By searching for the company, you may be able to identify other people you could contact / get to know and it may give you a feel for your future co-workers.

Call! You have the inside scoop and should take advantage of it before someone else does it for you.

When you call introduce yourself, mention who referred you (if appropriate) and ask for more details regarding the position. Once you get the details (even if you think you know them), offer tidbits about your professional experience and skill sets that tailor fit to the roles & responsibilities provided in the details.

Close the deal by saying you would love to come in to put a face to a name and have a more detailed conversation on how you can add value.

Be prepared to send your resume before your in-person interview. If you call in the morning, let the person know you will send it to them later in the day when you have access to your files. This will give you time to finish updating it if not yet complete.

Would you do anything differently? If so, what?

A Change in Guard: it's not always a bad thing

As you may or may not know, it was announced a couple of days ago that Publicis picked up the Corona Light account. I'm excited for the agency as Corona Light is it's opportunity to reenter the beer category. One AdvertisingAge article I read about the account move was similar to others; however, the comments to the article also caught my attention.

The first comment was promoting a 16 year-old campaign for another beer.
The second comment focused on the article and the good that could come from the change.
The third and fourth comments both couldn't understand why the change was needed.

It were these last two comments that encourage me to write a comment of my own. Here is what it said:

There is more than one way demonstrate the perks of a light beer and definitely more than one scene to place Corona Light in. The change in agency is the brand taking an optimistic stance on how far Corona Light can go. Thinking the brand's continued growth is directly correlated to keeping along the same path of the prior agency's work is, in my opinion, a leap in logic. Corona Light has a higher possibility to grow, if it breaks away and stands out on its own. It is more difficult to do so under the shadow of the historically more prominent (by revenue and recognition) brand - Corona Extra.

Do you agree or disagree? Let's start a conversation.

Seize the Day

I was never a big Michael Jackson fan. I remember being in elementary school and while my one sister had posters of MJ in her bedroom, I loved me some Prince. Even so, I am deeply saddened by Michael’s death. Michael is an icon of my youth similar to how the Jackson 5 was for my parents, who are between 6 and 10 years older than Michael. It brings to the forefront how life can vanish away unexpectedly at any age. It makes me acknowledge my own age and all that is still left to accomplish.

I pray for the Jackson family especially Michael’s children. I hope he planned for the unexpected so there will not be any bitter family feuds during a time they should be rejoicing his memory. In this time, all I can do is think “Seize the Day”. Yes, seize it while you still can.

ADCOLOR Awards 2009

I want my company to sponsor my attendance at the ADCOLOR Awards. Is it too early to start planning...especially when you don't have a job? Guess that means I had better get on it!

2009 ADCOLOR® Awards in Phoenix, Arizona on October 4, 2009

American Mania: When More Is Not Enough

If you have about 25 minutes to spare, I recommend you watch/listen to the video below. The speaker shed some interesting facts on human behavior in a way that is easy to understand. One thing for certain is now I know WHY visualization is encouraged before doing something and I now know WHY I feel like I'm getting a cold many mornings when I wake up. Watch the video. You will probably learn something too.

Caption: Leading neuropsychiatrist Peter Whybrow, author of "American Mania: When More Is Not Enough," takes a neurobiological look at the instinctual and social behaviors that drive decision making.

Found at: www.The FrontierProject.com
Original Source: Unknown

Does Love = Courage?

A friend on FB wrote the following status update, "I was told that LOVE is a form of courage. Do you believe that or what?"

I was compelled enough to reply and decided to share my thoughts with you. I hope in return you will share your thoughts with me.

My Response:
Yes or at least hearing this for the 1st time it seems to make sense.
To love you must have the courage to get hurt and the courage to try again.
To love you must have enough courage to tough it out during the valleys to reach the mountain tops.
It also takes courage to love someone enough to let them go.
Yeah, that seals it. I do believe it is a form of courage.

"Found this article to be an interesting read and decided to share. Will have to think a little more about this concept to decide how strongly I agree with the idea. What are your thoughts?"

View >>

What is your Eco Footprint?

I will have to see how I can do better because I didn't think I was doing this poorly.

At least there are some ways I can actively do better especially in the transportation realm.

Why not do yours and let me know how you plan to make a change.
http://www.ecofoot.org/

It's Official....The Countdown is On!

Flash Countdown

Portfolio: Creatively Inclined, yet Business by Nature

It is with great pleasure that I offer to the world, the Internet debut of a 2009 Spring portfolio. If you know of anyone who may wish to utilize my knowledge, skills or tenacity in the form of employment (contract or full-time, leave a comment here or send me an email.

Spring 2009 Portfolio

View more presentations from Nerissa Marbury (1EPIPHANEE).

If you have any questions about the work, please leave it in the comment area. Also feel free to share words of encourage and critique. It is through these comments, that one learns and grows to become even better.

Kiss Me! It's my birthday!

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck

I was on the NAVYforMoms website and found this post. It really hit home for me given some things going on in my life right now. I hope it does the same for you.

A mover & shaker at the VCU Brandcenter

Keeping you in the loop on happenings at the VCU Brandcenter...

Kelly O’Keefe, a branding innovator who has served as a professor and director of the school’s executive education program since 2006, has been added to the leadership team as the school’s managing director. O’Keefe is one of the VCU Brandcenter’s most longstanding supporters, having joined the Board of Directors of the VCU Adcenter when it was launched in 1996 and helping to develop the school’s curriculum. (The school changed its name to VCU Brandcenter in 2008.)

The above is snippets from the April 1st press release written by Tom Gresham,VCU Communications and Public Relations. For the full press release, click here.

My Tweeples (Twitter Friends)

Just a snippet of my 250+ Tweeples.Courtesy of http://twitter.mailana.com

Part Three: A week of networking and match-making

During my spring break, I drove up to NYC from Richmond to meet with three agencies, attend two social gatherings, visit with family and network with a variety of folks within the advertising & marketing industries.

Here are my thoughts on the networking portion of the trip:

Network #5: If I believe LinkedIn is great, my sorority network is just as good especially when technology helps make the connections even easier. I've been considering client side big brand companies as employment options. However, it is always good to talk to people who have been with the company and are in the know of the "real deal". In this case, I leveraged my "crimson & cream" sorority connection and used LinkedIn to get my request for information out to the person. She was able to tell me what subsidiaries I should focus on as well as some possible obstacles I may experience during the application process.

Network #6: It is definitely a small world. I had been trying to get in touch with a Creative at an interactive agency for a while. The entire time I kept on thinking the name sounded extremely familiar. We finally talk (I got some GREAT tips and advice about the entering the digital marketing space) and he tells me how our paths had crossed in the passed. He had come to my graduate school as a Friday speaker.

Network #7: Don't know if you would count this one or not, but I do. I went to a photography exhibit of a person who befriended me on FB. We chat every now and then, but not too much. He invited me to the exhibit even though I no longer reside in NYC. However, when I realized I would be in NYC when the show was on I figured it would be a great opportunity to increase my cultural awareness. Plus it never hurts to show support to people when time permits. You never know when or how they may be able to do the same for you.

Network #8: Had a lunch date with a contact in Radio. Met this person via Facebook and instantly became interested in his background. I look forward to more interactions especially since Radio hasn't been a medium heavily talked about in my advertising program.

Part Two: A week of networking and match-making

During my spring break, I drove up to NYC from Richmond to meet with three agencies, attend two social gatherings, visit with family and network with a variety of folks within the advertising & marketing industries.

Here are my thoughts on the networking portion of the trip:

Network #1: Met with an alumna from my graduate program. We initially met via social media and communicated that route. It was a wonder opportunity to finally meet in person. I wish this alumna only the best as I am positive she is on the verge of wonderful things. UPDATE: Alumna got a job offer at a growing interactive agency. Yippee!!

Network #2: Perhaps this one doesn't count, but I spoke with a classmate about an agency internship from last summer. We spoke about the company's ethics, environment and clients.

Network #3: Another alum meeting. We stay in touch via social media as well, but it is always a good thing to touch base face-to-face every now and then.

Network #4: If I haven't said it recently I do like LinkedIn.com. I wanted to apply for an account manager role out in L.A., but didn't know anything about the company other than what I found on the website. So I used my LinkedIn network and found a current account manager at the firm and reached out to him. He responded immediately and set up time for us to talk via the phone.

Part One: A week of networking and match-making

During my spring break, I drove up to NYC from Richmond to meet with three agencies, attend two social gatherings, visit with family and network with a variety of folks within the advertising & marketing industries.

Here are my thoughts on the business portion of the trip:

Agency #1: This was one of my first interviews for full-time employment in advertising. I was nervous and don't feel I've represented myself as well as I could have especially given my time allotted was shortened to 17 minutes. Not because the interviewer was less intrigued by me, but because the flight was delayed and the interviewer arrived 40 minutes late. The good thing about this interview is it helped me sharpen my skills just in time for the rest later in the week.

Agency #2: Fabulous! The little of experienced of the work environment was great and reminded me much of what I liked about the last company I worked at - the people. Since I wasn't applying for a particular job, just an opportunity for face time and get my name in the pipeline.

Agency #3: Jury is still out on this one. I'm definitely intrigued and I believe the feeling is mutual. My primary concern is associated with the economy and how it may be effecting some of the agency's major clients. As anyone knows, if a client tanks so do the people associated with the account. Other than that I am interested in and look forward to pursuing opportunities within the social media group or on account management team.

Brandcenter students @ SXSW

Meet a couple VCU Brandcenter students at South By Southwest [SXSW]

The Update on The Hunt

I'm a little behind in providing updates on the job hunt so allow me to quickly catch up with this summary.

January: Focused on updating my resume so it reflected a newer format and optimized keywords for enhanced search abilities. Unlike in the 90's, these days it's all about will a computer find your resume attractive versus a human. Human interaction seems to be the "second line of defense" nowadays.

February: I had a very slow ramp up. The plan was to send out a blast to my network letting them know I'm on the job prowl and the type of opportunities I am seeking. Since I've received quite a few of these type of emails myself, I have been rather hesitant to send one of my own. But know it will be done sooner or later. In lieu, I have been taking more of a one on one approach and as I talk to people I do my best to let them know at that time.

February has also been the month I began applying for positions online. It is an extremely SLOW process. One that requires lots of time to find, read and match my skills with those written in the job description via a cover letter. It's the cover letter that seems to always get me....I just don't like them although they are a necessity in most cases.

The other mental obstacle is salary requirements. We are in a day where you talk money before you even talk about being the right fit for the position. I can't speak for everyone, but there have been times in my career that I was willing to go down on base salary for the experience. If the value of the experience a company or position could offer is not evident in a job description, it is extremely difficult to communicate my flexibility in numbers. And I've already come across some people who didn't want to receive only words.

March: This month is the start of my interviews and hard-core networking. I define hard-core networking because in the first couple of weeks I feel like I've spoken to 100s of people even though it was actually only about 10. I've also began have a couple of informational and real interviews. Interviews have not been for any particular position. They seem more to assess my abilities and background so as opportunities come up I can already be in mind.

Moving forward: I will continue applying to positions online and focusing on the client side of the board as well. LinkedIn will be leveraged more as well so I can try to get an inside scoop on companies and get my resume to a human sooner while going the online application route as well.

If you have any suggestions or word of wisdom, please post in the comment section. You never know....you may help me or another reader of my blog.

A little Humor on a Sunday

For anyone who comes to my blog you have the pleasure of reading a Google gadget called "Things to Ponder." When I visited my blog today this is what was displayed...
It got a chuckle out of me especially since my answer to the question was "spit". What would your answer be....or do I want to know?

Social Media is like a Wagon Wheel

Below is a comment I posted to Ad Age after reading Facebook Phantoms Don't Scare Me at All by Tom Martin

**************************************************

Tom wrote: "I'd love to show you how to actually converse versus market with Facebook and a few other social media platforms. " I couldn't agree with Tom more.

Just on Monday, I tweeted to the Twitterverse*:

This is why I have an affinity for social media.


Social media is a not a one-way, but a multi-way medium. One may start with a simple comment, but if phrased correctly, it will connect with someone and spark a dialogue that grows into a conversation with one or many participants.

I liken a brand’s use of social media to that of a wagon wheel. The core of the wagon wheel is the brand, each spoke is a line of communication and the rim is the population of social media users. If any piece isn’t fully engaged with the others, the integrity of wheel (brand equity) will come into question.

*A Twitter Word (Tword) meaning Twitter Universe

Unemployment Haiku Weekly: My Second Career

Unemployment Haiku Weekly: My Second Career

Check out the work of this dynamic creative duo. If it can't be me, somebody I like should benefit from the economy.

How to be a LinkedIn superstar - iMediaConnection.com

"I'm a big fan of LinkedIn.com. Read this article and felt it was good enough to share. It's a little slow in the beginning, but has good sound tips/advice for business users that can be applied for the individual as well."

View >>

Above is a copy of a comment I wrote about the referenced article.

Google Notebook: A hidden Gem

Google Giveth, and Taketh Away: Google Video, Notebook, Catalog Search, Jaiku, and Dodgeball to Shut Down

At first I panicked when I heard Google Notebook was being shut down, but was able to breathe again once I read it would remain functional even though additional development would cease.

Notebook is a Firefox add-on I discovered last fall. I use it A LOT! Try everyday. Google definitely has an unprocessed gem. I hope, sooner rather than later, Google will take it out of the freeze station and put it back into the incubator and help it grow.

Long Live Direct Marketing

Just yesterday someone said direct marketing isn't very interesting and nothing is really happening. Well, I disagree. Direct Marketing will always be around, but like all media channels it will have to reinvent itself or evolve to continually engage the consumer. What are your thoughts?

I've also attached an article that may spark some comments as well.

DMA: 'We Are All Direct Marketers Now'
(a subscription may be needed to access)

Learn SEO without spending a bundle

If your company plans to do most of its advertising using Google AdWords, I recommend a free, readily available route instead - the Google AdWords Learning Center.

It has easy to follow instruction as well as quizzes at the end of each topic. If you so choose you can take the Google Advertiser Professional Exam too. It costs $50 and is part of the Google Advertiser Professional Program that its own set of requirements.

There is also a free electronic textbook Google provides as well that I believe goes more in-depth.

To the point of some, you may wish to have a course that explores other marketing concepts that can be combined with SEO such as social media or PR. However if you are just starting to get your feet wet when it comes to SEO, why not go the free route and see if "free" meets your needs. If it doesn't hit all of the points desired, at least you have better idea of the type of information you prefer to know and will be able to better select a paid resource and potentially get a higher return on investment.

Are we heading to an Internet burnout?

This question was posed on LinkedIn.com by Richard Meyer.

Here's my response:

There is no way anyone is close to an Internet burnout anytime soon. Why? Because there is nothing out there (yet) to replace it. Unlike TV, which has matured but not obsolete, the Internet is still in a growing stage where individuals, organizations and companies are just now learning how to get better returns out it. That being said, there remains so much more growth to experience.

What are your thoughts? Do you think differently?