When I talk about Social Media

Recently I was talking to a friend I have known for a really long time. She is not on Facebook, Twitter, or any social network besides LinkedIn.  In discussing Social Media with me- she says these things that really irk me. “When grandmothers started blogging it was over- who cares about reading blogs” “this Facebook, Twitter thing is just a fad” – you get the gist. Oh no- this is another occupation where you say what you do and people look in disbelief and say something like “Oh you tweet”?

I went to school for Graphic Design and being from the southern family that I am from people would say “what does Rhonda do” ? It was easily described as ” Oh, you makes the signs that hang in the pharmacy?  Always feeling like I take out a box of markers and poster board to do this.

My husband also is a culprit-something will happen like a discussion about replacing the toliet paper – he will say “oh, are ya gonna tweet that” ? I always say I should but don’t want to be “angry man-hating tweeter”, and “I would get a lot of support on this issue but you don’t tweet”.  I will share something amusing about Twtter- like Kanye’s tweets and the response. He also will say “don’t these people have jobs? Argh! This is a person who went to school for Marketing and International Business- and has no interest! It kills me.

I can’t explain to my close friend why social media is important to businesses, relationships and also how important her LinkedIn profile can be and feel believed. I thought I had converted them when they both went to see “The Social Network”  and liked it.  They both had tons of questions about Facebook, but not enough to actually sign up and see what happens on it.  I have became the person that I know they roll their eyes about and say “She facebooks” behind my back.

Test Driving Blogger, Tumblr and Wordpress

Ok just when I get the hang of something I was told to take Blogger, Tumblr and Wordpress for a spin  and compare.  So, here's what I think. It depends on what my goal is.  I am still thinking about the work the blog I'd like to start would take.

To me Tumblr seems like a social community to me, rather than something personal. I also like to see people's icons who follow the same blog I do- Tumblr doesn't have that. The idea of "Tumbularity"  based on your site activity makes me nervous. (the pressure). It does have some nice layout designs, even ones you can purchase which is interesting- the themes and audio work well.  I just wouldn't be using the site they way it was meant to be used. I would not integrate My Twitter and Facebook accounts into it. Also the other Tumblr pages seem to have some graphic photos. The Tumblr community feels like " facebook combined with blogging". I feel the topics I'd want to cover would probably fit better elsewhere.

My experience with Blogger has been good, the integration with my Google email account and other google features is handy. But downside is the individual page layout.  The storage is 1 GB compared to Wordpress who has 3GB. I like the gadgets sidebar, the access to Google Analytics, its all convenient. I also like the archive- you can see posts from a couple years ago. The layouts are clean - it seems like they recently added some - but..

Wordpress seems to be the most versatile for a blogger.  You can easily import your current blog, it has 3GB of storage for FREE! It also has multi-page capability.  I like some of the templates, but Wordpress is also pretty html friendly-  I think it would look more like MY website.

I'm not sure I would move my current Blogger site to Wordpress- I do however like the site for the blog site I have been thinking about. I think Wordpress would really work well and might be worth a shot. It seems the most versatile- I probably will not be posting audio, or too many videos, so I think its a good solution for my needs.

After I worte this I found an article on a blog I follow- Its instructions on how to use Wordpress and get your website done in a weekend... cool!
http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/06/biz-ladies-get-a-website-in-a-weekend.html

Google Docs- Impact on the future?

The thing about Google products is that they work well. Google seems to listen to customers and makes improvements in its services, always streamlining and making things easier.  I think Google Docs and the programs like it signify a big change in work flow and the way people work.

I have used Google docs to convert some Word and Text files for a corporate newsletter I am designing.  I send the client a pdf of the document- and request the photos for the newsletter be uploaded to an online photo site. I grab the photos off the site- just using it as a storage place.  I don't have to meet with the client to exchange information. Once finished, I ftp the document to the printer and its done.  I don't have to print out tons of copies and route it around, mail it or send a disc of artwork, everything is streamlined to being done online. I can make easy changes and have the client see work instantly. My client can also work from home or office.   It has made my life easier as a freelancer.  I can work on stuff anywhere (coffee shop) and be reachable, while not being glued to a desk. 

This online process and having the "cloud"on the Internet where you can work and collaborate has made it possible for people to get together and be located in many different locales. The idea that a group project for school can be worked on in real-time online is amazing.  No more worrying about five people getting to the library!  You can also get information to co-workers who might not be in the office such as salespeople. It also spares the expense of software and IT service for small businesses.  The idea that you could work from your own personal computer at home and send things into work and not have software issues or having your employer provide you with a computer might make some companies consider telecommuting in a more favorable light.

I think this type of advancement isn't embraced by the masses so readily, my hardcore PC addicted friends don't see the point in Google Docs.  I was excited about not having to worry about formatting my resume in Word anymore.  I also didn't have to spring for Microsoft Office when I only use it to open information sent by clients. It's nice to have a bunch of stuff I use available online where I can reach it using someone's computer, my laptop or my IPhone. It changes the way I think about work. It also has given me the ability to work with  a company in Amsterdam with out having to travel there.

I think it takes a while for the masses to overcome their issues about security and privacy and to embrace the freedom of "the cloud".  It's going to eventually happen- and its going to get even better.

Method® - one of my favorite brands

One of my favorite brands is Method. Method makes cleaning products using natural ingredients  that biodegrade as opposed to toxic c˙hemicals. You can find almost the whole line of products at Target. The  core of Method's business  philosophy is the Cradle to Cradle design philosophy. It says that it's OK to use high-tech materials, products, and gadgets that make our lives better, we just need to design products so those materials can be infinitely re-used.

Method's look is very unlike most cleaning products. Many of the containers are designed by renowned designer Karim Rashid.  The packaging is cool- and you don't mind if you leave them out accidentally.The scents are original- and they change them frequently.

Since Method was started by two guys in their twenties- the company really uses a lot of out-the box- thinking when it comes to marketing. Their advertising  often drew attention with a naked man with a strategically placed mop bucket.  They have had "pop - up" shops across the country- one of which was in Chicago for a month.  During this time they also had  4 "house parties" in Chicago to introduce people to the brand.  One of the parties was at my house. I got to invite 30 friends- it was nicely catered (I had servers!) They positioned products around my home for a photo shoot.  The idea wasn't to sell products- it was to make my friends aware of the brand- the fact that they are sustainable, and safe for your family.  They didn't hit anyone over the head with the "brand" - it was a fun night- and the people from Method were so much fun.  They gave my guests swag bags with t-shirts-and products. It was such a good experience, but I had already loved the brand. My party made some of my friends aware of Method.

Method uses tons of social technology.  They have their customers sign up to be product "advocates" and have a spot on their website where they can interact.  They send out emails to their advocates announcing new products and sending them coupons. Occasionally they send some products out also.  They are in touch with people who blog- examples: Mom's who suggest products on their websites, People who have "living green" websites. They also reach out to a fan based website www.methodlust.com where some customers comment on their products.  The company uses Facebook and Twitter to keep in touch with their customers. They have contests to win products  by asking for suggestions or asking how people clean,, favorite scents and other easily answered questions.  They make it fun to participate.

I like Method for the fact that I can clean my house and not have red skin afterward in reaction to chemicals. I also feel like the products - while not the cheapest - are environmentally responsible.  I feel good about the design of the products since I am a graphic designer and a fan of cool design . The company is always coming up with something interesting, its fun to watch.  Since I am involved with learning about social media, following this company is useful and interesting.

Method's website is www.methodhome.com

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