Posts tagged with "Business"
Even Reality TV Values IP Strategy
March 10th, 2010
I was recently hooked on a reality television show called “Shark Tank.” I know, I know! Before you go judging me, just hear me out. And yes, this somehow relates to intellectual property (IP) matters.
For those of you that do not know, the show, which is a remake, offers a fascinating look into investment negotiations between hopeful entrepreneurs and potential angel investors. The show is obviously over-dramatized and keenly edited to show some sort of tension. Entrepreneurs pitch to a panel of five veteran investors, to artificially create an environment of out-bidding and competition between the sharks. Needless to say, most of the fun with the show stems from watching crazy ideas fall flat on their face and, on the upside, cheering on novice businesses as they make a dream deal.
My 5 Favorite Career-Specific Sites
March 8th, 2010
We find that many of the folks (folks such as yourself) come to visit our site in search of jobs. While software is our game, our team members themselves bring a wide-range of job experience to the office every morning, reflecting that we have a unique blend of personalities on our team who have a many of passions and pursuits. Some of the other jobs of our team members have included, just to name a few, film producer, online video director, military soldier, smoke-jumping fireman, doctor (pending), open source guru, lifeguard, dock worker, business manager, real estate agent, TV studio page, concert security guard, financial analyst, stand-up comic, artist, blogger, screenwriter, machinist and baseball vending barker. Clearly, we all have a wide-range of interests and pursuits.
How OK Go and Ignite LA blew my mind
March 2nd, 2010
Last night I sat in a room with at least one hundred other people for Ignite LA. If you’re not familiar Ignite LA is a series of presentations by people who are passionate about something. Each speaker has 5 minutes, 20 slides and 15 seconds per slide. This event takes place in multiple cities, so definitely take the time to see if it’s near where you live.
At the beginning of the evening, we were told that by the end our minds would be blown. I wasn’t so sure. The first couple speakers were really great, but I wouldn’t say I was blown away. But I spoke too soon.
What in the world is Lomography?
February 25th, 2010
My experience with photography is very limited. I spent a couple of years buying disposable cameras in college before finally picking up one of the cheaper digital cameras I could find. The words, “alright, on 3” usually preceded the pictures that were generally taken so we had proof of being somewhere. You just never know when the insurance company might follow up on a claim (only kidding).
I read about a movement in the world of photography called Lomography last week and learned that there were workshops for beginners/novices taking place down the street from where I lived. Armed with a good excuse to get out of the house on a sunny day, I decided to head over to the Lomography shop to see what it was all about.
Don't Fear The Tweeter
February 23rd, 2010
I have immersed myself in the world of social media. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t tweet or check Facebook. Even when I try to have a technology-free day and disconnect, I’m still scheduling tweets and blog posts on the conversation calendar in my brain. It’s become so natural now; it’s a part of my routine. I wake up, check networks, go through Google Reader, search for and share interesting tidbits and start all over. It’s a viciously wonderful cycle that rarely ever leaves zeros on my alerts.
Because social media is such a big part of my life, I sometimes let my jaw drop when I learn that someone isn’t using it. Sure, I’m caught off guard when someone tells me they’re not on Twitter, but that isn’t what causes my jaw to hit the floor. We have been using social media for years, we just haven’t had a name for it until now.
The Monetization Challenge for Internet Based Companies
February 18th, 2010
One of the most complex problems that Internet based companies face is how to sustainably generate profits.
Having a huge user base has proved not to be a guarantee of becoming profitable. Some of the great players in the market have had trouble doing so, even when they have strategic relationships with marketing agencies, vast amounts of cash to advertise their products and experienced business developers. The cases are well known, You Tube, Facebook, Twitter. The increasing pressure from stockholders to bring in cash has pushed their business developers along with the engineering teams to look for more creative ways to translate usage into money. When it comes to generating revenues there are currently two ways to go:
Where's an app for that
February 16th, 2010
As many of you (presumably) are, I am also paying about $50 too much for a ‘smart phone’ that makes calls and checks e-mail.
‘Don’t forget about the apps,’ you say?
Apps are indeed one of the major selling points for these phones and have enabled that flimsy devise of ours to do much, much more than simply make or receive a phone call—they are essentially what we’re paying for.
However, I’m sure the App Store was once some happy place where folks found useful applications that actually made our lives better; but it has now become that (sometimes, not so) wonderful place where we get to fill up our phone memory and prepare our thumbs for countless right to left, page-turning motions to go through the seven seas of apps that we end up never using.
Creating A Social Balance
February 11th, 2010
Last week I wrote about networking events and stepping outside of your comfort zone.
On Monday I had another chance to do that and boy did I step far outside of my comfort zone. I attended Social Fresh in Tampa, FL with our Strategy Analyst. Anyone having anything to do with marketing, no matter how indirectly, should attend Social Fresh. We probably didn’t need to fly across the country for this event, but the list of speakers were too good to pass up.
Should the CEO be worried? (Part 1)
February 9th, 2010
Napoleon was a prototypical CEO, one could argue, and I am sure many people secretly see themselves as his modern counterpart. One of the things he used to do (it was said) was to go amongst his soldiers disguised as one of them, to hear their conversations and observe their morale. I, of course, cannot disguise myself (or … can I?), but I do try to spend time with my “troops,” and sometimes I … see things. I thought I’d share some of these with you in my new Series “Should the CEO be worried?”
Make It Work, For You
February 4th, 2010
I’m a big fan of Project Runway, the reality TV show where fashion designers create a new look and fashion piece every week with a limited amount of time and materials. I admit that I’m not a fashionista like the show’s host, Heidi Klum, but I do have ‘girly girl’ tendencies like an insane love for accessories and shoes. However, I’d like to think that my girlish ways aren’t the only things that contribute to my obsession with the show. I consider myself a fan because I enjoy watching the creative process each designer goes through. To witness the inspiration behind an idea and then watch it evolve and come to life is intriguing.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
February 2nd, 2010
One of the scariest things you can do is put me in a room full of one hundred strangers and tell me to mingle. You probably wouldn’t guess that if you met me, but I’ve once been described by a friend as the most social anti-social person they know. I like to stand back and take in the room, observe people and eavesdrop on as many conversations as possible. That doesn’t mean I don’t like people. It’s just that I get extremely nervous, turn red and stumble over my words when people look at me. Hence my unhealthy love for Twitter.
Old School
January 28th, 2010
Let me start by saying, I’m With CoCo. To those of you who have been living in a bunker below Mount Whatthewhat for the past month, Conan O’Brien is no longer the host of The Tonight Show. To those of you who have been living in a bunker below Mount Whatthewhat for the past year, Jay Leno is still the host of The Tonight Show. I’m not here to breakdown the parties involved, as that has been done ad naseum.
However, I did want to take pause to recognize how Conan ended his reign as host of the most storied franchise in television.
How a fish became a girl...
January 26th, 2010
Taking risks is scary. Every day, we analyze costs, risks, time, potential success, and a host of other variables, to balance the analytical and the creative. But, every once and a while, you see things that seem so insane, you’re not sure how they got past the number crunchers and risk analysts.
For me, that’s the movie Ponyo.
No Headphones Thursday
January 22nd, 2010
Fun fact: I moved to Los Angeles from Chicago for a job that I couldn’t tell people about.
As you can imagine, I get asked about my job a lot. Most people are naturally curious. Family members just want to make sure I didn’t run off and join a cult. My tech-savvy friends are especially interested, hoping they get first dibs. No matter the person, I always answer with “I love my job.” And I do!
When you are in the dark, you can see the stars
January 21st, 2010
I would be highly surprised if I had any new information to add to the Internet.
But therein lies the principle of this entry. What if the point of this entry was to encourage others to subtract from their ever-expanding body of knowledge?
What Makes You CL!CK?
January 12th, 2010
The Internet’s head nearly exploded yesterday with all the hubbub about Facebook’s privacy shenanigans. If you were one of the many people tracking that story, or playing with your new Google Nexus phone, then you probably missed out on some pretty exciting news. Here’s a hint: It’s awesome. What could be more awesome than a brand spankin’ new Nexus? Well, a shark with laser beams on its head for one. I sent a letter to Sea World and everything! Could you imagine…? Shark Week: With Lasers! Ahem, anyway. This week’s news involves LEGOs. Yes, those wonderful magical toys that can keep any kid (or adult) entertained for hours upon hours.
Born 2 Clown
January 7th, 2010
I was able to travel during the holidays this year and decided to take a trip up and down the West Coast. After ringing in the New Year in Seattle, it was time to hop in the car on New Year’s Day and make the 12 hour drive from the Emerald City to Oakland. That drive on New Year’s Day sparked something in me, while relatively simple; I will keep in mind as I start the New Year.
Stay Classy Internet
January 5th, 2010
If 2009 has taught us anything about social media, it’s that it is way too easy to become overwhelmed and lose sight of goals. New tools are popping up every week and the network has become better, stronger… faster.
Favorite Songs 2009 (Noise Bleed)
December 23rd, 2009
When I told Jenn I was going to write a blog post about music she rolled her eyes. In the office/life I seem to go on prolonged rants about music. I guess I get a little excited talking about this stuff. So I thought I actually write some of them down for you nice folks!
Holiday-itis
December 22nd, 2009
Originally I was going to share a post about transparency, privacy and everything in between, but with the holidays so close, I decided not to bombard you with life-lessons, how-tos and to-do lists. What can I say? Holiday-itis has set in! Instead I wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday season…
The Human Aspect of QA Testing
December 17th, 2009
When it comes to software quality, technical testing is not enough. You have to let a real human try it out, see how it works. This will assure your product to comply with the highest standards.
How hard is it to vanish in the digital age?
December 15th, 2009
If you could disappear and reinvent yourself completely, would you? Before you answer that, let me tell you about Evan. Evan Ratliff is a freelance journalist and feature writer for Wired magazine. On August 14, 2009, Evan was officially on the Lam. No one knew Evan’s plans; not his girlfriend, family or friends. If he was discovered, it would be because of his own mistakes. You see, Evan wasn’t dropping off the radar to hide away in another country. His intentions were to drop his life and pick up a new one. If found, you were to say the password, “fluke,” and take a photo. Upon confirmation you would be awarded $5,000.
Towers of ‘Babble’: a Tale of International Marketing Mishaps
December 10th, 2009
In today’s day and age, where advances in technology seem to be growing at an exponential rate and the force of globalization is at no foreseeable slow-down—we have collectively been introduced to a new socio-cultural and economic paradigm in which our interaction with other cultures and languages has become a part of our daily lives.
Tear Down Those Cubicles!
December 8th, 2009
There’s not a moment during the day that I don’t become a little stoked by the many impressive personalities that surround me here at Border Stylo.
Honestly, I don’t like to dwell on it much because then I begin to think I’m too boring. But then I remember that I’m a movie trailer junkie who listens to mariachi love-ballads from the 1940’s and 50’s.
March of the Wooden Soldiers
November 23rd, 2009
As a kid, my family used to watch “Babes in Toyland” every Thanksgiving morning. Contrary to what the title might indicate, this movie was never featured on Skinemax. Instead, the film is an early comedy classic that’s replayed on our local syndicated TV station every year.
Food For Thought
November 19th, 2009
LA is known for people making big statements, after all our malls look like theme parks, but that’s not where our quirkiness ends. There’s an interesting phenomenon in LA that some people love while others only hate (I’m a lover, not a hater), and this phenomenon is the ‘gourmet’ food truck.
Pardon Our Dust
November 17th, 2009
You might have noticed that things have slowed down a bit here at Border Stylo. Well, they have. BUT (there’s always a but, right?) I can assure you that doesn’t mean we’ve slowed down inside the office. In fact, I think we’re busier than ever right now.
Hungry? Try GrubHub
October 13th, 2009
Being from a city that is known for its pizza and hot dogs, it should come as no surprise that I like to eat. I’m also used to working long hours, skipping lunch breaks and avoiding long lines. Then I was introduced to GrubHub.com. GrubHub allows you to discover who delivers in your area and order your food online (or by phone.)
A Small Victory
October 6th, 2009
Fun Fact: I’m moving to Los Angeles in less than a month.
Not So Fun Fact: Apartment hunting is both killing my sanity and inbox.
Customer Support Scoreboard
September 22nd, 2009
I admit it. I’m a bit of a customer service snob. If I’m paying for a product I expect to receive good service in return. If the service isn’t up to par, I will question my future with said service. I hate to admit that AT&T is an exception, but I’m a slave to the iPhone. Don’t judge me. A wise man once said that customer support is the engine that makes the company go.
Pack a Parka
September 17th, 2009
I like the internet. I love all the stuff on it and how it is constantly changing.
I RSS, I follow, I friend, and I surf.
But I have to wonder, why is it still called surfing? I’m done being pushed back to shore. I’m going to call it Sherpa-ing cause it seems to me that we’re all looking for a way up the internet mountain. I want to know the best line to take. Where are the best blogs and the most entertaining videos? And how can I avoid the angry yetis of the internet?
PAX: More Than Just Long Lines & Video Games
September 15th, 2009
Recently I attended the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) with another Border Stylo team member, Lindsey. I’ve been to conferences before, but never something gaming related. And never as part of my job. Most of the conferences I’ve attended have been blogging related and I was there mostly to catch up and meet other bloggers, not necessarily for the topic/content provided.
Team Building 2.0
September 10th, 2009
With companies hopping on the “Web 2.0*” train these days for the marketing, recruiting and customer service needs, you’d think they’d apply that knowledge to their team building strategies.
Spelling Bees and Street Lights
September 3rd, 2009
After I turned in a decent performance in my grade school spelling bee, my mom had the dubious, gas-guzzling honor of driving my brother, sister, and me an hour and a half so I could compete in the bee the next rung up the illustrious competitive spelling ladder.
I was prepared. I was a word wizard. I was eliminated in the first round.
Gen-Y: Underrepresented?
September 1st, 2009
After attending a number of blogger-related conferences, I noticed a lack of twenty-something representation or even acknowledgment. Why are we still under-represented in these blogger and social media circles? Our generation wields $150 billion in buying power (Info from 20SB blog). And let’s not forget peer influence.
Surreal Comfort: What’s in a name?
August 27th, 2009
Border Stylo. That is the company’s name.
Geez, were all the good names taken? Some wonder…
First of all, it is pronounced Border Steeeelo. As the FAQs say, it is supposed “represent our heritage.”
Pet Peeve: Being On vs. Being Active
August 25th, 2009
A few minutes ago I received an email from an organization I am a part of. After reading the preview on Gmail, I decided that I wasn’t going to open it. Not because it was spam or because I’m lazy, but because instead of writing “Dear Jennifer,” they went with the ever personal “Dear Full_Name.” Companies, if you’re going to use a form letter, make sure to write in the correct name. I realize that using form letters save time, but I hate that so many people use it as an excuse to be lazy.
If You Offer Cupcakes, They Will Come
August 20th, 2009
Last week the Border Stylo team said goodbye to Laura, who was helping with our College Outreach Coordination. She’s off to Germany to study abroad and send us postcards. We made sure to give her a proper send-off.
Customer Support: The Engine That Makes The Company Go
August 13th, 2009
What’s the engine that makes the company go? Is it the initial investors and their capital? Is it the engineers who design the product? Is it the team that promotes the product here and wide? The iPod is a magnificent bit of synergy, on these fronts: the money was invested by Apple, the people who designed it came up with a novel- yet intuitive- interface, and the marketing team came up with a brilliantly a-la-Thunderball promotional environment. But think a bit- have you ever seen a product with all of these factors in play that went nowhere? Sure you have. Why, then?
Community Manager Introduction (and Pigasaurus Rex)
August 6th, 2009
I just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself to everyone. My name is Jenn and I’ve recently joined the BorderStylo team as a Community Manager. Before joining the team I was an active member of the Twenty Something Bloggers community as well as a freelance writer and stick figure doodler extraordinaire. As the Community Manager I’ll be available to our readers on our blog to talk to, and more importantly, listen to all of your suggestions, questions and feedback.
Border Stylo and the Con of 2009
July 31st, 2009
Being a tech company, we like to think we’re good at “geeking out”, so who better to hook up with Glass Swag than our fellow geeks down at San Diego Comic Con. On Thursday, we made the trek down to the whale’s ______ with t-shirts, waterbottles, buttons, and stickers, in hand, to give away to the lovely patrons of the Con and good times were had by all.
Border Stylo Site Launches!
July 21st, 2009
When I was in high school, I learned about B.F. Skinner. Skinner was a psychologist who believed that all activity, animal and human, boiled down to instinctual responses to stimuli.
Building cities, making art, falling in love — all were explained by complex sets of stimulus-response, like Pavlov’s dogs hearing bells and salivating.