How Did He Know That?

Ever wonder how those TV mediums know so much about people? Well, it does not take psychic powers... just internet access and a little time. Here's the proof. 

Behold, the Social Media Experiment! 


Just remember, more people besides your friends are reading your posts. Be social, but don't be naive.

Facebook Behavior in Real Life

Things You Do Online That'd Be Creepy In Real Life

So Much for That

An Instagram Is Worth a Thousand Words & Lyrics

Here a great song about Instagram that has some fun with a Nickleback song. Hopefully you'll find this tune playing in your head the next time you take a picture of an appetizer or a cloud.

Look at this Instagram

Facebook: A Love Story

Social media has brought a new dimension to dating and relationships and Facebook is a big part of the equation. Let's take a look at FACEBOOK: A LOVE STORY.

 

You Tweeted It, But Did You See It?

You may not hate Twitter the way Louis C.K. does, but he does bring up a good point about how our new “mobile” culture witnesses live events through the view of our smart phone screens. Sometimes we need to stop being a reporter, videographer or photographer and simply enjoy the moment. 

Louis C.K. Hates Twitter - Conan on TBS

Sweet Music About Facebook

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you...
Facebook - The Musical.

Soxial Media Explained

This really sums up the major social media platforms well. Plus, it talks about bacon, which makes it better... because everything is better with bacon. 

Photo via Tribal Cafe.

Technology: 1993 vs. 2013

Recently, my father was talking about slide projectors and 8mm film and how everything thing he used to use to view pictures and movies on was now obsolete. Even actual photographs are a rarity these days, which is funny since there are more pictures taken now than ever. If you are not on Facebook or Instagram, you may ever even see most pictures people take. 

Then I saw this picture called 1993 vs. 2013 and I had to laugh. It is amazing how many things that little device in our pocket can do. For me, it has even more meaning because back around 2004, I helped a market research technology company develop a mobile recording and streaming unit to use for in-home and remote interviews. 

This mobile unit consisted of a laptop that was equipped with our special software that enabled the interviewer to bookmark significant moments in an interview so they could quickly recall them upon review. There was also video editing software to let you create video clips with just a few clicks. The laptop was also built to stream video, as long as a strong enough internet connection was available.

The mobile unit also included a video camera, with an external mic mounted to it, along with a tripod, extra batteries, cords, power strips and an instruction guide. It all came, encased in foam rubber in a small steamer that could fit in an over head compartment or be checked or shipped to a location. It was portable, but it was certainly bulky and a bit heavy for one person to lug around along with their other bags. We'd even send out a technician to run the equipment if the client wanted some help with their project.

The mobile unit was cutting edge for its time and was quite popular with several of our clients. We saw interviews done in bars, stores and homes and it opened up a a lot of new possibilities for ethnographic research. I am very proud of it, but I am also amazed at how quickly it came and went. Now the idea of that steamer trunk is almost laughable.

Think about it... you can shoot video from a device that is smaller than a pack of cigarettes. This device can also take pictures, keep your calendar and connect you with the world via the phone, web and email. Heck, it was only a couple of years ago that Flip video cameras were all the rage, and those have pretty much gone the way of the dinosaur. It really is amazing how quickly things evolve.

I wonder what things will look like in 2023. Where can they go from here? iPhones with built in light sabers? Time machines? Flying cars?

Although I do miss gathering around the 8mm projector with the whole family to watch our home movies, and there was something fun about opening that envelope of film to see how your pictures came out, I can't wait to see what's next.

You May Ship Your Pants After Seeing This

I discovered this video thanks to a couple of different people posting it on Facebook. I don't know if I will ever need to ship my pants, or anything else from K-Mart, but now I know I have the option. More important, here I am sharing their commercial on my blog. I am sure there are a few people who might, that will end up seeing this because it has been shared on one of their social media accounts. 

So I may not end up as a converted lead for K-Mart, but I sure did enjoy their video and I couldn't wait to share it.  The funny thing is, there is not a K-Mart near me, so I would not consider myself a customer or fan of the brand, yet here I am celebrating one of their commercials. I am telling you, this social media stuff works.

And now that I know I can ship, maybe I will be more likely to take a look at their web site next time I am shopping for something they sell. 

Come to think of it, I do need a new pair of jeans. Perhaps this is a chance for me to ship my pants. 

Alaka-Spam!!

Okay, my Spam is just getting weird now. I am used to mountains of non-relevant, useless and potentially malevolent emails clogging up my Spam folder or finding their way into my inbox. Get rich quick scams, male enhancement solutions, snoring cures, auto finders, loan approvals... you name it, I've seen it, blocked it and deleted it all.

But this was a new one. A Love Spell. Wow. My Spam has suddenly taken a mystical turn. 

I have one question. Are the voodoo dolls, cauldrons and "eye of newt" included or do they cost extra? (That's how they getcha.)

I wonder what other sorcery my inbox might conjure up next... Invisibility? Super strength? X-Ray vision? All I have to do is have the courage to click on that link. 

Problem is, I don't think there is an incantation powerful enough to ward off all of the evil pop-up ads, viruses and scams that I am sure will magically appear on my computer once I let that first Love Spell rabbit out of the hat. 

Sorry Love Spell people, I am using my magic cursor and making your Spam disappear.
Alakazam!!!

Elmore Leonard on Writing - Enough Said.

If you haven’t read an Elmore Leonard novel, you are probably still familiar with his work and recognize his name as a great American author. His works have been made into such movies and TV shows as Out of Sight, Get Shorty, Be Cool and Justified. Two of his characters in particular have emerged as household names, Karen Sisco from Out of Sight and Raylan Givens of Justified.

One of the trademarks of Leonard’s work is great characters. They are compelling, layered and always interesting. I have read a lot of “how to” articles and books on the subject of writing, but I may have just learned more from this quick video from Elmore Leonard. The biggest thing I walked away with was the importance of your characters. You may think that’s an obvious point, but listen to it the way he explains it. It will take on a whole new meaning.

Whether you are just starting out as an author or a seasoned pro, I highly suggest checking this out. Then go read Elmore Leonard novel, for goodness sakes. (And watch Justified... it's one of the best shows on TV.)

A History of Content Marketing

Here is a cool video that takes us through the history of content marketing.  It's the opening video from Content Marketing World on "The Power of Story".



















This video comes via the Content Marketing Institute web site, which is a source of a ton of great content. No surprise there.

Use the Internet, Luke

Sure, light sabers are pretty cool technology, but it may have been better if Luke simply had a computer.

Can You Build Empathy With Experiential Research?

A blizzard is moving in on the Northeast and most of us are hunkering down for the next couple of days. To help you pass the time in a constructive way, I thought I'd post this video from a presentation my friend Mike Carlon recently delivered to the Market Research Association. Mike is the owner of Vertigo Partners, a marketing consultancy that helps clients uncover and apply consumer, shopper, and cultural insights. 

Mike is not only a very knowledgeable researcher, he's also a great presenter and a pretty funny guy. I promise you'll learn something from this video and probably laugh a few times too. One thing is for sure, after you watch this, if you run into him at the supermarket, you'll know a great way to ask him where the eggs are.  

Here's Building Consumer Empathy Through Qualitative Research: Parts 1, 2 and 3.

Part 1


Part2

Part 3

The Internet Marketing Song

C'mon and be an Internet Marketer. I love it. 



To meet the guys behind this catchy tune, check out Silver Web Solutions.

What Will Be Your Space Jam?

You've just been Pep Talked!! Or at least you will be once you watch this amazing video.

I've read dozens of self-help books, listened to countless motivational speakers, counselors and clergymen, but I have seldom heard an encouraging word delivered better than this one by the Kid President.

This video is making it's rounds today and I had to stop everything and share it with you. I am not entirely sure who the Kid President is, where he comes from or who elected him, but I do know he's funny, charming and he's got a great message.

A couple of key takeaways for me, in a sea of good takeaways:

It's like that guy Journey said, "Don't stop believing. Unless your dream is stupid. Then you should get a better dream."

And in regard to Michael Jordan's perseverance, and how if he had given up we never would have had the movie 'Space Jam'. You have to ask yourself, what will be your 'Space Jam'? 

May this video entertain you, encourage you and inspire you to do something today that's not boring. 

What will be your Space Jam?

Beware the Facebook Police

Thinking of taking a break from Facebook? Think again.

The Content Marketing Game

How to Play the Content Marketing Game
Here's a great infographic about a subject near and dear to my social media heart; content marketing. This is from the good folks over at HRmarketer.

Not only do I think quality content is vital to any social media marketing strategy, but I also think infographics are some of the best and most fun types of content. Check it out and then go create some content, generate some leads, increase your visibility and convert some visitors into customers... and raving fans.

The Facebook Focus Group

Ever wonder where Facebook gets all of their wonderful ideas? Let's sit in on one of their focus groups. 

License to Tweet

How many times have you heard your "non-social media" friends complain about Facebook and Twitter? Why do I care that you are at Starbucks? Do I really need to see a picture of every meal you eat? Or know about every song you are listening to? Okay, I get it... you go to the gym. Or you have kids. Or you have strong political or religious views. Enough already!

Sure, they may not "get" social media like you do, but they do kinda have a point.
 
Well, Tina Fey, on a recent episode of ASK TINA, addressed a question regarding her feelings about Twitter. Her answers are humorous, and like most good comedy, are also brutally honest.

Her lesson is a simple one for Twitter or any social media platform. Don't be boring. 

Tina says it better than I do, so check it out. 

Are You Really L-ing O L?

When you LOL, are you really laughing out loud? And do you ever actually roll on the floor?
This diagram shows what's really going on behind that keyboard. 

Thanks to my friend Susan Roth and Jaelyn for this amazing social media observation.