Everyday, undoubtedly, somebody is asking me about Pinterest - whether to do it or not. Being in the field I am now, of course I tell them to go for it! What fun it can be to share photos of your favorite products, places and foods, and organize them neatly on specific boards for your viewing audience to enjoy. The organizational aspect of it (which is still lacking in some social-media worlds) is enough to make me want to pin.
My colleague, Leni, wrote a lovely post the other day about why to pin and, yes, even why you might NOT want to pin (ahem, check out the possible legal problems). It's particularly worthwhile for those whose brands (whether personal or professional) are colorful, visual, and people-oriented.
Check out Leni's take on Pinterest and how it can help you.
Happy pinning!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
It's Been A While & That's Not My Style
So, I admit, I've been away for a few months. Summer came and went, fall flew by, and here we are in the middle of winter and I've yet to give you a fresh musing or two. See, I've been busy at my day job at @solidcactus, keeping up with some other personal chores, and undertaking a new venture most recently: guest writing for BitRebels.com. With nearly 4 million monthly visitors, the technology/social media/geek blog is a great place for me to share more musings and tidbits on topics I'm interested in.
It's great contributing to a blog that's fresh, update-to-date, and witty. The posts range from truly unique and innovative informational pieces on anything "geek" to "how to" guides for the world of social media, a place which has given me a lot of pleasure the past several years during my time in the media and now as an Internet marketer.
That said, I'll try to keep this page active going forward, with a post or more a week.
And, if you have some free time now, feel free to check out my first two pieces on Bit Rebels:
"Why Twitter Keeps You Up At Night" http://bit.ly/yludeI
"Words With Friends: An Award Winning Crossword Puzzle Game" http://bit.ly/xrHgx3
Oh, and happy Hump Day ... or night.
It's great contributing to a blog that's fresh, update-to-date, and witty. The posts range from truly unique and innovative informational pieces on anything "geek" to "how to" guides for the world of social media, a place which has given me a lot of pleasure the past several years during my time in the media and now as an Internet marketer.
That said, I'll try to keep this page active going forward, with a post or more a week.
And, if you have some free time now, feel free to check out my first two pieces on Bit Rebels:
"Why Twitter Keeps You Up At Night" http://bit.ly/yludeI
"Words With Friends: An Award Winning Crossword Puzzle Game" http://bit.ly/xrHgx3
Oh, and happy Hump Day ... or night.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Hump Day - check
By the time Hump Day is over, I feel like a fish dragged out of sea and onto shore. Well, OK, not REALLY. But, it's a bit relieving to think of the work week 60% of the way over. While I love what I do (Pay-Per-Click marketing for various online clients), when you're in an office all day long, undoubtably a person can get a little restless.
I'm lucky, because I get to work with a variety of industries. I have clients in retail, service and gift industries, all of whom require different kinds of keywords to bid on, a different set of ads tailored to that specific market, and a different set of platforms to target the ads to, whether it be Google's regular search services, Google's Display Network, Yahoo and Bing search engines, mobile devices, etc.
Basically, my days are different every day.
While I enjoy the variety of the job and the various day-to-day duties, I certainly do like getting one step closer to the weekend. That just means we should all work that much harder on Thursdays and Fridays, because, after all, when we work like crazy, the day just flies by, right?
I recall a conversation I had with a co-worker in the media a few years back. He said how he longed for a career where he could work a 9-5 Monday through Friday. He wanted to travel more, plans things more, just basically DO more (besides work). Ironically, I'm the one that left the industry for the 9-5 job (although down the road who knows what kind of schedule I'll be on!), and he's still there, plugging away on weekends, nights and any other time a story demands he be on scene.
I often think who is better off? He has a crazy, hectic job that pulls him every which way all day long and basically all year long. I have a set schedule, with a somewhat structured life.
You have to have worked BOTH type schedules to appreciate both. And believe me, there are positives and negatives to each which I appreciate.
But, for now, I'm just happy to have a regulary scheduled Hump Day. Every week. Happy Hump!
I'm lucky, because I get to work with a variety of industries. I have clients in retail, service and gift industries, all of whom require different kinds of keywords to bid on, a different set of ads tailored to that specific market, and a different set of platforms to target the ads to, whether it be Google's regular search services, Google's Display Network, Yahoo and Bing search engines, mobile devices, etc.
Basically, my days are different every day.
While I enjoy the variety of the job and the various day-to-day duties, I certainly do like getting one step closer to the weekend. That just means we should all work that much harder on Thursdays and Fridays, because, after all, when we work like crazy, the day just flies by, right?
I recall a conversation I had with a co-worker in the media a few years back. He said how he longed for a career where he could work a 9-5 Monday through Friday. He wanted to travel more, plans things more, just basically DO more (besides work). Ironically, I'm the one that left the industry for the 9-5 job (although down the road who knows what kind of schedule I'll be on!), and he's still there, plugging away on weekends, nights and any other time a story demands he be on scene.
I often think who is better off? He has a crazy, hectic job that pulls him every which way all day long and basically all year long. I have a set schedule, with a somewhat structured life.
You have to have worked BOTH type schedules to appreciate both. And believe me, there are positives and negatives to each which I appreciate.
But, for now, I'm just happy to have a regulary scheduled Hump Day. Every week. Happy Hump!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
What Is Success?
I'm the first to admit sometimes we all get a little too caught up in day-to-day life. We rush to work, run errands on lunch, get stressed trying to accomplish too much in too little time, barrel down grocery-store aisles after driving through rush hour, attempt to spend time with friends, and pray for the weekend. The weekend comes and then it goes, leaving many feeling as though they've accomplished far less than they'd hoped.
But, really, does it matter? Lately I prescribe to the philosophy that every little daily accomplishment is a win. We need to give ourselves more credit for the little feats in life. They lead to bigger accomplishments, and ultimately, to success.
So, what is success? Ralph Waldo Emerson had the answer in the 1800s. It's about time we all started listening to him.
What Is Success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
But, really, does it matter? Lately I prescribe to the philosophy that every little daily accomplishment is a win. We need to give ourselves more credit for the little feats in life. They lead to bigger accomplishments, and ultimately, to success.
So, what is success? Ralph Waldo Emerson had the answer in the 1800s. It's about time we all started listening to him.
What Is Success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Lohan Makes News ... Again
When I think back on times I've publicly embarassed myself (and boy, there have been a few that I'll share down the road in this space), I've reacted. Not by doing more of the same, but by actively reflecting and, yes, hibernating, until I've come to terms with how to handle myself better in the future.
I've talked to and know many people who aren't afraid to make mistakes in the public eye, but work hard to correct their mistakes and pick themselves back up. They keep going. They forge ahead. And they make things right.
Poor (if that's the right word) "Mean Girl" Lindsay Lohan has not, and all I can think is what a shame. Here is someone who has what many young people can only hope for: fame, looks, money - basically, enough of everything.
To think that, yet again, she's in the news for stealing a $2,500 necklace from a Venice jewelry store is troubling and saddening because Lohan, who is the same age as me, clearly knows no limits and takes no responsibilities for her actions. Whether or not she took the necklace is still not clear, although it's being reported that Lohan was the last person seen wearing the necklace and one of her associates took it back to the store once news broke that it was missing.
I can only wonder if the "Mean Girls" and "Parent Trap" star will still have a following when she returns to acting. By now, everyone knows about her drug problems and the assault charges currently filed against her. So, can fans or just average movie goers in general turn a blind eye when supporting her in the theaters? I think I'll be able to because I believe in second chances, redemption and all that other stuff that makes us human.
I can only hope she - and those troubled, like her - can pick herself back up and genuinely strive to change the course of her life. After all, she has many years left, let's hope she makes them worthwhile.
I've talked to and know many people who aren't afraid to make mistakes in the public eye, but work hard to correct their mistakes and pick themselves back up. They keep going. They forge ahead. And they make things right.
Poor (if that's the right word) "Mean Girl" Lindsay Lohan has not, and all I can think is what a shame. Here is someone who has what many young people can only hope for: fame, looks, money - basically, enough of everything.
To think that, yet again, she's in the news for stealing a $2,500 necklace from a Venice jewelry store is troubling and saddening because Lohan, who is the same age as me, clearly knows no limits and takes no responsibilities for her actions. Whether or not she took the necklace is still not clear, although it's being reported that Lohan was the last person seen wearing the necklace and one of her associates took it back to the store once news broke that it was missing.
I can only wonder if the "Mean Girls" and "Parent Trap" star will still have a following when she returns to acting. By now, everyone knows about her drug problems and the assault charges currently filed against her. So, can fans or just average movie goers in general turn a blind eye when supporting her in the theaters? I think I'll be able to because I believe in second chances, redemption and all that other stuff that makes us human.
I can only hope she - and those troubled, like her - can pick herself back up and genuinely strive to change the course of her life. After all, she has many years left, let's hope she makes them worthwhile.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Twitter Addiction - You Have It?
I posted a link to an article by Diana Adams (@adamsconsulting on Twitter) earlier today because it's one that really resonated with me. In it, she is open and honest, concise and to-the-point, and happy to offer some great insight into the world of Twitter.
You can read the post here: Bit Rebels Blog
She confesses that she, like so many of us, is a Twitter addict. She's one of those people who wakes up during the middle of the night and checks her phone that's strategically placed underneath her pillow so that she can stay up-to-date on her Twitter feed.
For me, someone who's learned to love and really embrace the Twitter world over the last year or so, I completely understand what she's saying. You become somewhat addicted to checking your Twitter feed, staying up to date on the trending topics and seeing what breaking news is happening all over the world.
Many people out there since don't "get" Twitter. It's not because it's so difficult to understand; it's because they don't want to get it. Sometimes, people are far too afraid of the unknown. Twitter is a great way to share information, connect with people of similiar interests and stay up on pop culture or news from the industry in which you work.
Every time I get an RT, I'm thrilled. Every time someone DMs me, I try to respond as quickly as possible. And every time someone @ mentions me, I remember it. Weird, I know, but it's just the wonderful world of Twitter.
I'm happy to have it.
You can read the post here: Bit Rebels Blog
She confesses that she, like so many of us, is a Twitter addict. She's one of those people who wakes up during the middle of the night and checks her phone that's strategically placed underneath her pillow so that she can stay up-to-date on her Twitter feed.
For me, someone who's learned to love and really embrace the Twitter world over the last year or so, I completely understand what she's saying. You become somewhat addicted to checking your Twitter feed, staying up to date on the trending topics and seeing what breaking news is happening all over the world.
Many people out there since don't "get" Twitter. It's not because it's so difficult to understand; it's because they don't want to get it. Sometimes, people are far too afraid of the unknown. Twitter is a great way to share information, connect with people of similiar interests and stay up on pop culture or news from the industry in which you work.
Every time I get an RT, I'm thrilled. Every time someone DMs me, I try to respond as quickly as possible. And every time someone @ mentions me, I remember it. Weird, I know, but it's just the wonderful world of Twitter.
I'm happy to have it.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Chaos In Cairo
Anderson Cooper. Katie Couric. Christiane Amanpour.
They're among the well-known journalists in Cairo reporting on the horror happening right now in Egypt, where more than 300 are reported dead and thousands injured. Anderson Cooper and his CNN crew were punched and kicked for about five minutes Wednesday morning, virtually every news outlet known-to-man has reported. And Couric and Amanpour have been on the scene anchoring for CBS and ABC respectively about the troubles there, with the fighting and violence playing out right behind them.
I had to ask myself, "What if I was a part of one of these journalists' families?" It's a selfish job - going to a country in the middle of a violent uproar to see it firsthand, tell the story and bring it back to viewers who sit in the comfort of their own homes. But, someone's got to do it.
The New York Times is reporting that, in fact, journalists from all over the country have been attacked.
In an interview with The Huffington Post, Cooper said "A man jumped out of the crowd and tried to push us around. It sort of allowed other people in the crowd to focus on us. Other people came out of the crowd. Somebody punched me in the head, and from there things escalated quickly."
Crowds followed them, hitting and cursing them as they scrambled for safety. Anderson admitted this was the first time he'd ever been attacked when reporting in such a setting and vowed not to go back to the area where they were attacked. He told The Huffington Post it's not safe for any journalist to be in Tahrir Square.
Too bad it took four blows to head for him to come to that conclusion, but fortunately, he and his crew are OK.
Imagine being the child or the spouse of a newsperson like Cooper or Couric or Amanpour right now (or any newsperson - producer, cameraman, etc - there). Knowing that your loved one is so close to harm's way is surely an unsettling feeling. I can only hope these newspeople are able to communicate to their families back home, let them know they're alive and well and continue on their mission to safely bring the world the unfolding news from Egypt.
God bless them.
They're among the well-known journalists in Cairo reporting on the horror happening right now in Egypt, where more than 300 are reported dead and thousands injured. Anderson Cooper and his CNN crew were punched and kicked for about five minutes Wednesday morning, virtually every news outlet known-to-man has reported. And Couric and Amanpour have been on the scene anchoring for CBS and ABC respectively about the troubles there, with the fighting and violence playing out right behind them.
I had to ask myself, "What if I was a part of one of these journalists' families?" It's a selfish job - going to a country in the middle of a violent uproar to see it firsthand, tell the story and bring it back to viewers who sit in the comfort of their own homes. But, someone's got to do it.
The New York Times is reporting that, in fact, journalists from all over the country have been attacked.
In an interview with The Huffington Post, Cooper said "A man jumped out of the crowd and tried to push us around. It sort of allowed other people in the crowd to focus on us. Other people came out of the crowd. Somebody punched me in the head, and from there things escalated quickly."
Crowds followed them, hitting and cursing them as they scrambled for safety. Anderson admitted this was the first time he'd ever been attacked when reporting in such a setting and vowed not to go back to the area where they were attacked. He told The Huffington Post it's not safe for any journalist to be in Tahrir Square.
Too bad it took four blows to head for him to come to that conclusion, but fortunately, he and his crew are OK.
Imagine being the child or the spouse of a newsperson like Cooper or Couric or Amanpour right now (or any newsperson - producer, cameraman, etc - there). Knowing that your loved one is so close to harm's way is surely an unsettling feeling. I can only hope these newspeople are able to communicate to their families back home, let them know they're alive and well and continue on their mission to safely bring the world the unfolding news from Egypt.
God bless them.
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