Smart Product Design: Detroit Red Wings Scarf

I'm a BIG Detroit Red Wings fan. I was lucky enough to snag some tickets to the upcoming Winter Classic against the Chicago Blackhawks. I realized that I needed some Red Wings gear that could not only keep me warm, but also proudly display the red and white colors in bold fashion. In addition to a hat, I came across this scarf.


I love the design. The built in zipper can hold keys and money while the fleece will keep my neck warm.

GO WINGS!


My Big Whoops! - A Lesson in PresentingRepeat the Question Before You Answer It

Yesterday, I joined other folks and gave an 18 minute presentation at the SPARKt conference. My topic: Putting the Active in Interactive.


The focus of my chat was on the importance of community and transparency in condo buying. I shared my story of my condo purchase, along with the ups and downs (mostly downs) that happened after I moved in. An increase in assessments, new construction woes and other things I wished I knew to look out for before moving in. Those and other reasons are why I created CondoPerks.

RSS Feeds Are Like a Shopping Mall:All Of Your Sites in One Place

I've given a bevy of Web 101s and always include the full list of social media tools that are available for a new user to explore.  One of these tools is Really Simple Syndication, aka RSS.


It still baffles me that the typical Web user doesn't understand how RSS feeds can not only make their web browsing more efficient, but minimize the clutter of multiple tabs being open, forgotten, lost, etc.

After a few tries of explaining RSS feeds, I began using the following analogy: RSS Feeds are Like Shopping Malls

Multiple stores exist under the ceiling of one shopping mall. Oh sure, there are outdoor shopping malls, strip malls, etc, but the concept is the same: multiple stores housed in one place. This is the same idea behind RSS Feeds - all of your favorite SITES in one place. The difference is, the user dictates which feeds exist in their mall. Bonus. 

RSS Readers to consider (as supplied by fellow Twitter users)

So, the next time you are attempting to explain RSS to someone, try the Mall Analogy. The clarity that you'll see from your pupil will make your day:).

Details About My New Job with Edelman..and How Twitter Spread the Word

I've enjoyed 'growing up' in the digital space since 1998. 


I've seen the beginnings for user navigation standards, eCommerce shopping carts,  search engine marketing, display advertising, the Pop-Under phase, spyware, performance marketing and all of things that led to the Web 2.0 strategies used today.

Part of my daily activities in 2008 involved research with 'who is doing social media well'. I read up on brands, campaigns, trends, success stories, mistakes, etc. and made note of those companies that did a fantastic job with all of the above. One of those companies is Edelman. Living in Chicago, I've grown to know a good portion of the Edelman team. Smart people, passionate about their clients and an overall fun bunch  

I discovered a fantastic opportunity with Edelman's Social Media team and will be joining the group, effective January 2009! I will be helping to build out the social media strategies in the Consumer Brands division, working closely with Danielle Wiley. In a nutshell, she rocks. 

It took me a while to hone in on the type of work and company that not only fit my background, but excited me with the idea of going back to the corporate environment. Social media evolves on a daily basis and assisting clients with the ins and outs of how these trends is right up my alley.

I announced my acceptance on Twitter. Within minutes, Marshall Kirkpatrick posted an article on his blog. A simple Tweet to my friends, colleagues and fellow Twitteri resulted in a press release.

Now that's what I call Twitter at its finest:).
 

Cities Need a Social Media StrategyChicago Should Take The Reins

It’s no surprise. Global tragedies as of late resulted in the heightened use of social media tools like Twitter.  People that were trapped in the Taj Mahal hotel used Twitter to keep their family and friends abreast of what was going on minute by minute

Jeremiah Owyang’s recent article on the ‘how-to’s for municipalities to use social media was spot on.. 

With the local and national media covering these tools on a daily basis, what are cities and municipalities doing to create their own social media strategies? I live in Chicago, where a slew of newspapers, PR companies, television stations and other information sources have Twitter accounts: @ColonelTribune @SunTimes @gapersblock @windycitizen, @nbc5streetteam  - to name a few. 

To the Mayor, Deputy Directors, Aldermen, Council members and whomever else makes decisions in our fine city, it’s time to throw  back the curtain, take a deep breath and let us know a little more about who you are, what makes you tick and what developments are  happening in your worlds.

Sears Selling Army ApparelA Navy Man Weighs In

My uncle served in the Navy. My grandmother has his military gear, but I could never imagine asking her if I could wear it. Though, I did get a kick out of trying on is jackets. :)

My high school friend, Matt, continues to serve this country as an Army man.

I married a Navy man this year.

I remember reading about the Army/Sears merchandising deal this summer, but a recent trip to my hometown Sears took me by surprise. A whole section of 'official looking' Army merchandise, complete with the label '1st Infantry Division', was ready for purchase (and on sale, to boot).

I had my camera in tow and decided to ask my husband what he thought of Sears' marketing move. His sentiments mirror those of other military folks. What do you think? As for me, I'm in the mindset that I shouldn't wear the patch unless I served. 

Thoughts?

Grocery Store Baggers Should Be Trained Cutting Down on Plastic Bags

I lived in France for a month and appreciate the way people grocery shop. Town folk bring their own bags and carts to their local markets, stock up, pay and pack the items themselves back in those bags.

I am fortunate to live in a neighborhood of Chicago where a major grocery store is conveniently located across the street.  I could take my husband’s car for those days I completely restock our cupboards, but I tend to shop in spurts. Certain days are staple purchases and other days are pre-meal shopping moments. 

Today’s grocery store excursion called for a fresh supply of ‘standards’: laundry detergent, canned goods, chicken stock, bread and other staples.  I made an effort to get up early and hit the store before the weekend rush hit. Living so close to the store, I use a foldable cart, bring my own bags and place items in the bags as I shop - similar to my counterparts in Lyon.

Sure, this takes a bit more time. For example, I go right to the soda aisle to pick up my box of Fresca first. The rest of the bulky items are place in my cart, followed by everything else placed in the fabric bags I bring with. In theory, I should be able to place the items on the conveyor belt, have them packed (as best as possible) in the same bags in which I packed everything, pay and be on my merry way.

15% Discount at SPARKt ConferenceChanging Chicago's Real Estate Industry

On December 10th, a unique real estate conference will take place in Chicago. SPARKt aims to change the way the real estate industry is shaped in Chicago. Join yours truly and speakers from Zillow, Blockshopper, NAR, Apartments.com, NeighborHuddle and other notable companies as we flip real estate on its head.

Because you are a friend and read this blog, feel free to use the code blahgeetsa1208 for 15% off your conference registration. :

See you then!

We Live in a Box of BoxesWhere Did the Community Go?

I was a panelist at last weekend's Association of Condominium, Townhouse and Homeowners Associations trade show. I joined other real estate folks and talked about ideas for how associations can earn additional revenue for their communities, aside from the assessments they currently receive monthly from unit owners. 


The need for additional revenue is the reason why I developed CondoPerks, but at the same time, I wanted to bring my own 252 unit complex closer together. Oh sure, there are some buildings that are closer than others. The use of message boards, forums and template based web sites help delineate rules, regulations and important documents,  but where did the 'Can I have a cup o' sugar' mentality go?

No one forces us to live in condos or other types of homes that are in close proximity to your neighbors. It's one thing to live in a city and be forced to live in an apartment buildings, but when it comes to OWNING a home, I truly believe that the mentality needs to change. Knowing your neighbor and taking care of your building should be a requirement of condo living.

Surely, I'm not saying we must get along with our neighbors and knit socks together. What I am saying is that being on a first name basis with your neighbors is a good step towards creating a sustainable living environment for years to come. Here's why:

The Blogging is Back

I took a break from including my take on web marketing, social media, living in Chicago, small business ideas and any other day-to-day topics that I think could benefit you. Why did I decide to pick things up again?

I do write quite a bit on a daily basis. Between Gals' Guide, NBC Chicago, Chicago 2016 Channel and other projects, my fingers are constantly tapping away on a keyboard or on my iPhone. As I hop from office building to boutique to salon to phone meetings to coffee houses, I continue to hear the same pain points around what Web 2.0/Social Media is. Some of the top questions I hear on a weekly basis:

  • How can I diversify my current base of corporate clients and bring in new customers?
  • How do I continue the relationship with my salon customers?
  • How do I grow a 'fan base' of people that love the story of how I started my XYZ?
  • Why doesn't my web site get the traffic I want?
  • I paid XYZ for a designer, developer and media buyer - and not seeing any results. Now what?
  • Can I manage my brand online myself?
  • What the heck is Twitter?
  • Do I really need to blog?
  • Can I hide certain parts of my life online? Is everything exposed?

So, I'm back. I'll be sharing my ideas on these questions and more, along with letting you know when I'll be speaking at an event or visiting your hometown.

Next up, I'll be visiting the students of Marquette University on November 18 and conducting a Web 2.0 chat.