Independence and Liberation (3/3)
By · CommentsToday is a day of liberation in several countries and for thousands of people around the world. Particularly of those in bondage, repressed or under siege.
- Tsar Alexander the 2nd emancipated the serfs in Russia in 1861.
- The United States banned the importation of slaves in 1807.
- The Austrian Civil war ended in 1409
- The University of South Carolina opens to all races.
We always have a choice in life and it typically comes down to “one or the other”
Go or Stay – Live or Die – Surrender or Take Stewardship
No matter the odds! Whatever the challenge! To take a stand and say “No More!”
That is real bravery! It is uncommon. It is for but a few. A happy few!
Island Adventure Fitness Hawaii Trip
By · CommentsWhoa! This was an incredible vacation/work trip/exploratory/research assignment.
I got to go as part of the team but you could actually win this trip by registering (for free) with micro-Business Fanatic!!!
Thank you Jayson Orvis of www.microbusinessfanatic.com.
Doubly Disturbing Also Viewed.
By · CommentsCheck out the “Hug Me Pillow” at Overstock
Yes an Arm/Torso pillow is a great gift for lonely women or people really into slasher flicks. But here is the interesting part. Look in the bottom right under (also viewed items) and you will find the Ex 5 piece Knife set.
What does this tell us about cross marketing, analytic modeling and pattern development online? What can we conclude about the shopping preferences of people into half torso, arm pillows? It stands to reason that other pillows would be “also viewed” but why the knifes and more specifically, why the knife set sticking through a man shaped holder?
Yea, it’s funny. Its way funny. It’s also a great example of what I call Pre-search. Any online store that shows “also viewed” items is a great place to start your marketing research.
Dogs earthquake sense
By · CommentsIs this evidence of a dogs heightened senses.
God bless and look after the people of Haiti. Please consider making a donation. Here is a list of organizations.
Google Docs and Common Craft
By · CommentsToday’s post is all about two things l use and love.
I love Google Docs and I use it for just about everything. It has more or less replaced MS Office for me. My favorite and most used feature is collaboration. I can create a document or spreadsheet and collaborate with others. I can allow them to edit and view or just view. If I allow them to edit, I can track all changes either of us has made. It’s extremely useful for project management, working with clients, scripting a story, drafting post and anything that benefits from collaboration.
Check it out at docs.google.com or watch the video below that perfectly explains Google Docs and coolly segways to my next favorite pick.
My next fave is Common Craft (www.commoncraft.com)
They sell explanations. Yea, explanations and they are awesome. The best I have ever seen.
Here is one of my favorites.
Common craft is also a great example of what I consider an organically grown business. A husband and a wife with a talent for explanation.I don’t know all the details but I would be willing to bet big money they did not go the
They make the videos by hand in stop motion. Check out their blog post that explains the process. Oh yea, they also use Google docs.
Interesting Links
How A Husband And Wife Built Common Craft, A Company That Sells Explanations – with Lee LeFever
How Good Things Really Are!
By · CommentsYea, I love this! It truly is incredible to think about.
Progress of Communication
By · CommentsWhere do we go from here?
- Speech gave us communication.
- Language gave us structure and identification.
- Writing gave us a the ability to transfer knowledge through time.
- Printing made the whole thing faster and easier.
- Computers gave us non tangible data.
- The Internet gave us access to just about anything.
- Social networking gave us community and the ability to share.
- Mobile gave us “Now”
Whats next?
Upper Deck Social Media Ranked #1
By · CommentsIt’s always nice to get recognized. It’s great to show off a little. Most importantly, its an excellent example to learn from. Upper Deck was ranked #1 for social media presence beating out Topps, Tri-Star, Razor and others. I played a significant role in the social media strategies utilized at Upper Deck but it took a team of dedicated, passionate people to create visitor interaction and a presence that gets noticed. The simple lessons to take away.
- Blog often.
- Engage your visitors.
- Show up where people already are.
VOC covered the most important aspects of social media engagement that any company can follow.
Google Chrome for Mac (Ready for Download)
By · Comments
Like you really need a new browser. Well, maybe, for your Mac, OSX, 10.5 or later, and your cool with beta. Actually, it looks pretty good and supposedly is much better than the Windows version.
Some notable features.
- Loads fast. Really fast!
- Opens pages quickly
- Incognito mode.
- Easy search (Omnibox)
Check out the Google Chrome Blog
Download it for Mac ( You have to have 10.5 or later)
Buyer 2.0
By · Comments“The Prosumer” or “Citizen Marketer”
In a time of drastic change it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists.
Eric Hoffer
The Internet continues to change the world of business at a feverish rate. New technologies such as social media and mobile devices have created an entirely new type of buyer. (Buyer 2.0)
This new buyer is unique in the history of commerce.
- He has access to tools that can tell him everything about your product, your company and your reputation in an instant.
- She is more comfortable buying from her computer than from a brick and mortar store.
- He makes buying decisions based on reviews and reactions from your current customers.
- She can talk about your company and your products to 1000’s of people.
- He spends money where he spends time.
- She is empowered to tell you want she wants to buy.
- He craves authenticity.
- She is on the rise.
- He is eventual.
The Future of Magazines
By · CommentsNewspapers too for that matter. Perhaps. It’s easy to see the advantages of this platform. The device looks very Mac to me. I wonder if its a prototype of the Apple Tablet.
Very Cool!
How to list your business on local search directories and maps. Google, Yahoo and MSN Live Search
Getting listed on local directories is not complicated and only takes about 45 minutes. It’s well worth the time and effort and best of all, its Free. Learn how to submit your business to Yahoo, Google and MSN.
7 New Features in Google Analytics
By · Comments
Yes, yes. I have been waiting for a few of these. This is exciting stuff.
(I am aware of how nerdy this makes me sound. I am embracing it.) 
I consider these new features as proof that Google monitors feedback. Several of these new features position Google Analytics with the top level (not to mention expensive) “Enterprise Class” programs.
