Social Media gets Sporty

June 24th, 2010

When most think about sports, “social media” is not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind, but don’t be fooled. Professional sports are not immune to the cult of the celebrity, and just as with Hollywood stars, fans want to have more and more access to their favorite athletes.

Thus, once untouchable professional sports stars are gaining followers beyond traditional media as they expand their digital presence and fan base. By removing their helmets, shoulder pads and baggy shorts, their real and uncensored selves shine thru Twitter, YouTube, and the blogosphere.

Where Amazing Happens

April 15th, 2010

Being a vocal NBA fan can cause some eyes to roll when working at a tech company. That’s fine, I don’t take it personally. I know there are “better things” that I could be doing with my Monday night than going to the Staples Center to see the Clippers bench players phone it in on their way to a 23 point loss. I still find myself being extremely entertained on a number of levels- and besides, 70% off End of Season Sale on all merchandise!!

With the NBA playoffs starting this weekend, I figured now was as appropriate of a time as ever to shine a light on different ways in which some NBA players and the league itself are embracing the web and integrating new technology.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.