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Google + My Thoughts

Posted By Vanessa Mentor as communications, on the web

Posted 07.12.2011

This past month Google launched the much anticipated Google+, the social networking site that is said to finally be competition for Facebook. As with most Google products Google+ is currently invite-only during this initial launch. Like most people who are into this sort of thing I was (impatiently) awaiting an invitation. Saturday morning I finally got it. These are my initial thoughts on the new kid on the block.

Sealed with a K.I.S.S. – The look and feel of this site is very simple and clean. The Keep It Stupid Simple principle is most certainly applied. With social networking the content is driven by users whose content cannot be anticipated. Keeping the site design simple allows the website to avoid looking cluttered.

Easy Catch – The usability of the site is also pretty intuitive. The different sections on the site all have catchy names that make it easy for you to associate them with their purpose. All your updates and friends updates can be found on the Stream, Your friends can be found and grouped together in the Circles section, conversations happen over in the Huddle, and Spark is the section dedicated to showcasing and discovering things that interest you – a strategic repurposing of Google’s all powerful search. Finally if you need some face time with a friend or two head on over to the Hangout section for video chatting.

Seamlessly Annoying – Since this is a Google product naturally the site seamlessly integrates all your Google accounts into your profile. No need to upload pictures. Your Picasa (soon to be Google photos) automatically feeds into your Google+ account. As much as I enjoy having one less thing to do this ended up being even more of a hassle as I had to go into my Picasa account and change the visibility settings to a ton of my albums.

Out of Business – If you are wondering how and if your company should set up a Google+ account the only answer is no. Google has yet to open up the new site to businesses and brands and in this early stage most users are just familiarizing themselves with the network and are more focused with building their personal circles.

Even though Google+ isn’t a place for brands just yet I think Google definitely has the clout to make this a top contender in the social networking scene which in the future could lead to a new venue for online advertising. I encourage you to bookmark the site and keep your eye on it for future marketing opportunities.. In the interim take note on Google’s simple, clean, and catchy approach to social networking which is a + in my book.

Tags: blue daring, blue daring consulting, business, chicago, Creating a buzz, creating buzz, facebook, google, google+ for business, marketing, social media, social networking, usability, Vanessa Mentor, vmentor
Posted in communications, on the web | No Comments »

Internet Celebrity

Posted By Vanessa Mentor as communications, on the web, strategy

Posted 01.13.2011

There are thousands of people everyday trying to make it “big” in the world. With shows like America’s Got Talent and American Idol the thirst for stardom is very apparent. Thanks to the internet and viral videos there is a new breed of stars, the ordinary people who were NOT trying to become famous at all.

Prior to 2010 if I said ‘Hide your kids, hide your wife” most people would probably go into a panic and assume danger was lurking. Now this phrase brings a smile to faces as they recall the viral “Bed Intruder” video. Antoine Dodson became an internet sensation when believe it or not, his sister was attacked in her home and the local news came to interview the family. Antoine was very upset and quite animated. The folks over at schmoyoho took his interview added a catchy beat and vocal effects which catapulted Dodson into the hottest thing on the internet. Since the video has gone viral Antoine has appeared on countless talk shows. The parody is actually sold on iTunes and with the profit Antoine and his family have plans to buy a home.

Most recently another unintentional celebrity has merged from the web. Ted William better known as “The man with the golden voice” is someone who had fallen on his luck. Ted was once on air radio personality who gave into his addictions to drugs & alcohol. Eventually his vices (which apparently he is still battling with) cost him his career and he has been homeless for quite some time. A local newspaper filmed him for their YouTube channel and the video was such a hit that in the matter of 4 days Ted William got a haircut, a home, reunited with his mother, a slue of TV show appearances, and what he wanted the most a job.

Your business could become a hit on the net as well. A flip camera, creative idea, and good marketing plan can result in an excellent web video. Although it is important to think outside the box don’t forget to stay relevant to your products and/or service. Trying out new marketing techniques could have a great payoff. Even if your video doesn’t quite reach viral status, your organization will be sure to have star power in the eyes of potential clients.

Tags: antoine dodson, bed intruder, blue daring, business, creating buzz, man with the golden voice, marketing efforts, social media, ted williams, Vanessa Mentor, viral video, vmentor, web videos, youtube
Posted in communications, on the web, strategy | No Comments »

It Takes Work to Look This Good

Posted By Vanessa Mentor as branding, communications

Posted 08.04.2009

My sister is all about working out these days. She is pretty fanatical about the gym and if she misses a day of working out I can read the panic all over her face. I’ve never been much of a gym rat so I always give her a hard time about it. “It’s just one day what’s the big deal?”, I say. This always triggers her to go into a whole shtick about the importance of consistency in a workout plan; as the younger sister I hate to admit she is right.

I’ve mentioned before how a company’s identity is much like a person. Imagine then that a company’s brand is the equivalent of a person’s physical appearance. In either case, time is invested to ensure that the appearance of said person (or company) is reflective of the person within. Let’s assume for Company X; this means professional, efficient, and intelligent. Great. Now let’s say an employee of said company sends a customer a proposal. They aren’t quite sure how to futz with the formatting on Word and send over a document with a logo thats been distorted just out of proportion. It’s just one document; they can fix it tomorrow, right? WRONG! Although the document can be fixed tomorrow, the impression made on the customer cannot. A strong brand identity means being consistent; no exceptions.

No matter how small, inconsistencies ruin a brand’s integrity and more importantly a company’s credibility. A company that shows a lack of detail and consistency in its own matters, is evidencing to its customers that it wouldn’t do much better with theirs. Further, with companies taking advantage of social media and the Internet (two channels that can easily run uncontrolled), setting guidelines to how your brand is represented cross media, is of even greater importance. Similar to missing one day in the gym; a company that fails to convey its brand consistently risks a wasted investment and even a risk. To you look good (and be successful); you have to work (consistently!). Doing so will give your brand power and a positive perception that is sure to differentiate your company from the rest.

Tags: blue daring, blue daring consulting, brand integrity, branding, business, chicago, identity, image, logo, marketing, people, social media, twitter
Posted in branding, communications | 2 Comments »