It’s Been Too Long

 

Macala and I at #140conf

It’s been a whole half year since my last post. And things have been busy. But I don’t want to bore you with those details. The one major highlight that I have that happened to me was going to the 140 Characters Conference back in June. That was awesome! I met and reconnected with so many fellow Twitterati. It was pure awesomeness (to be completely techie). I hung out with Sarah Evans, also known as @PRsarahevans on Twitter. She even let me moderate #JournChat while she mingled at our VIP reception. (Yes, look forward to a lot of name-dropping in this post…I wouldn’t have it any other way ). I also met a new brand Twitter @macala who is totally rockin’ in the fashion world. If you’re a fashion brand trying to get active in social media and don’t know who she is, well, who are you anyway. (teasin’!)

 

I was able to catch up and have dinner with Chris Brogan (his book Trust Agents with @julien just launched…cop it!), Steve Garfield, and Sarah Evans. Such a nice dinner. I am still envious of Sarah’s mach-and-cheese that she ordered. Nom nom nom….so cheesy. Anyway, the conference was amazing. My favorite panel by far was the media panel. Ann Curry stole the show. She showed her passion and dedication to journalism and proved that another panelist (nameless) was a complete and total douchebag.

I have to say that meeting the New York City tech scene was definitely one of the best treats of the trip. @db and @mizcity, you two were awesome! (I really want to make it back up to the city for Social Media Week next year!) I also met @iJustine and @brett from Mashable, among a few other social media heavyweights. Heck, I went to the late night viewing with Gary Vee on the Jimmy Fallon show. I partied like an internet celeb (and totally paid for it the following days).

Ok, enough name-dropping. You can tell that I had a blast. And met some cool peeps. My main takeaway is that more brands should have been there. They should always be there. Kodak & The Roger Smith Hotel were the talk of the town for actually throwing themselves in the bunch and not being a disturbance or having an annoying, sales-y presence. That said, I look forward to the next time I meet with all the friends from 140conf! Until then, I’ll be stalking them on Twitter and Facebook.

MTV’s The City vs. Chris Pitre

OK, totally just caught that MTV’s new show “The City,” which is a spinoff of “The Hills” which is a spinoff of “Laguna Beach,” has a similar logo to my logo created in 2006. This is insanity. Don’t get me wrong. Love Whit & the rest of the characters, as well as the newcomers who I’m destined to enjoy. Just don’t want people to think that I copied versus them copying such a tastemaker as myself.

CP logo from 2006

I can’t find a logo of The City to upload at this moment. But just know that I had it first! I think I feel a little redeemed now that it’s out, and we all know the truth.

Millennial Anointing? Or Truth Teller?

Backstory
OK, with the holidays approaching, my web development company is planning its Christmas lunch for employees. A totally nice endeavor on their part, one which I am grateful for and happy to attend. However, they said it was at one of the restaurants I truly hate. I liken this restaurant to God coming down and building the perfect dining experience and sumptuous menu. The restaurant would be the exact opposite. So, anyway, I posted on Twitter (in a funny prayer) how I hoped the people who made that decision would have a change of heart. My bosses read my post and sent an email to everyone for voting on the venue (putting the blame on me – jokingly). Turns out no one else wanted to go to this h*ll hole either. Of course, I am now the scapegoat if one person doesn’t enjoy their meal (even though it was put to a vote and a unanimous decision to go). I’m cool with that.

You know me. I posted the change of venue on Twitter and got a few laughs from coworkers and friends. However, it was an IM that I got that made me think of what transpired. “You really have a lot of pull there,” is what I was sent in a casual conversation with a friend who does awesome web design work, sings one of my new favorite songs, and is possibly reading this post (so I have to make sure he gets a good ego-rub). His IM made me think. Most people would probably assume that I consented and gave myself a pat on the back. But I actually have been thinking about it a lot. Researching and reading stats and everything. I am the youngest person in the office, and my requests, which I think are demanding, are often entertained to my surprise.

Food for Thought
So back to the comment, “You really have a lot of pull over there.” As a twentysomething with no wife, kids, or major responsibility (away from church commitments), I am the last person that I would ever consider having ‘pull.’ However, as I said before, my requests and suggestions and ideas are entertained and often implemented. After reading blogs and articles over the past 2 days, I think it’s more the mentality of leadership and less ‘pull.’ Although, it would be cool to have some sort of “Millennial Anointing” that makes my older counterparts immediately bow their will to mine due to age and generational skillset alone. I might delve more into that in another post. I think that it looks like I have ‘pull’ because I actually speak up. And many times when I speak up, there’s a group of people who share my sentiment but, for whatever reason, decided to toe the line of compliance and be content with going with the flow.

Some people would consider it tacky to let someone who’s trying to do something nice and go beyond their duty know that you don’t like what it is that they are giving. I disagree. You can humorously and/or respectfully let them know that you hate (very much so, in my case) some cuisine, or ingredient, or establishment without offending them. If they get offended anyway, were they really doing it out of the kindness of their heart? I would rather you just say “thanks” than make me suffer. It also happens that in this case, more people wanted a change just as much as I did. Do they hate the place like I do? No. They just would have opted for something else. Had I toed the line of compliance in silence, it would have bothered me for weeks, and I would have sat there in front of the company and not have supped with them. That’s rude, but such is life when you’re at a place you despise.

The truth is, we should all have “pull” in our respective places of employment and social circles. Pull not being some coercive manipulation you use to always get your way at the expense of the group’s advancement. But ‘pull’ in the sense that your ideas and suggestions matter. And every now and again, maybe your way is the best way for the group to go. It’s not about being right all the time. (It’s not that I’m always right; it’s just not in my character to be wrong . But in speaking your mind and letting people know that “hey, I’m not cool with that,” you may be speaking for more than yourself. How revolutionary. We can all be revolutionaries!

The other part to ‘pull’ is, as I mentioned earlier, leadership mentality. If your management is not open to change or ideas from ‘subordinates,’ RUN!!! Ok, that might be easier said than done. But, really, you are in an antiquated corporate environment that is top-down and probably has a lot of politics. Your ideas, though valid and probably right, are not welcome. No change for you. Prayer is essential for these environments.

Well, I told that talented friend of mine from above that I had no pull but was enlightening my coworkers to the truth. Before you jump on your high horse and call me cocky, I’ll beat you to the punch. First, it was a joke. Second, it was the truth. I joke, and I’m confident. Due to that, I’m always going to appear spoiled, self-centered, and attention-whorish. Yep, I think I have already been accused of all 3. But, I think these are misinterpretations from old people who are like pushing 35. They wish they had this Millennial Anointing!

Little Known Fact

Since McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate for the presidency, Twitter and other social media outlets have been flooded with “Little Known Facts” about Mrs. Palin. While I am a non-partisan voter, I couldn’t resist the urge to contribute some random facts (completely fabricated) that humorously depict the politician picked for pity and popularity. Here are my facts that have been populated on Twitter:

1. Little known fact: Sarah Palin had 6 kids. They ate 1 during a rough Alaskan winter. Poor kid. So much for pro-life.

2. Little known fact: Sarah Palin couldn’t get a job at Alaskan Airlines and will run as VP instead. Apparently, Alaskan requires experience.

3. Little known fact: Sarah Palin has corns. On all toes.

4. Little known fact: Sarah Palin is actually 60. She had plastic surgery with Cindy McCain. Cindy got the short end of the stick.

5. Little known fact: Sarah Palin had to become a Registered Nurse to run. John McCain needs all the care – err support – on the campaign trail.

6. Little known fact: Sarah Palin shops at Chico’s.

7. Little known fact: Sarah Palin is actually from Nantucket. She moved to Alaska for the pity votes.

8. Little known fact: Sarah Palin watches Sit and Be Fit on PBS…for fun.

9. Little known fact: Sarah Palin already has her outfit from Sears picked out for the Inauguration. No one told her that the VP doesn’t go.

10. Little known fact: Sarah Palin wants to be more like McCain. She’s wearing more make-up on the face to hide the wrinkles.

11. Little known fact: Sarah Palin saved $400 million in Alaska. She spent $800 million on the solution to saving.

12. Little known fact: Sarah Palin won’t shave *there* because it would take away from her image as a feminist. Here’s to Betty Friedan.

13. Little known fact: Sarah Palin fired her image consultant when she suggested Sarah get an image first.

14. Little known fact: Sarah Palin doesn’t wash her hands after she uses the restroom. Even when she goes #2.

15. Little Known Fact: Sarah Palin was actually asked to leave Alaska. Being announced as a running mate is just a coincidence.

16. Little known fact: Sarah Palin was one of the 2 people that bought a Microsoft Zune.

17. Little known fact: Sarah Palin was heartbroken when Ravyn Simone left the Cheetah Girls.

18. Little known fact: Sarah Palin played Mr. Snuffleupagus on Sesame Street for 20 years before becoming mayor. Sesame Street let her go.

19. Little known fact: Sarah Palin buys the Great Value pop tarts from Walmart even when Kellog’s brand is cheaper.

The Answer’s Yes – Hats off to Whole Foods

Ok, so some of you know that Whole Foods sent me a gift card for $25 last week for Twittering about their breakfast bar, which does serve the bomb breakfast tacos & hot buffet. That was worthy of my lauding, but not necessarily a blog post. (Sorry @wholefoods, just being honest ). I’ve been enjoying my free breakfast these past few days though.

Whole Foods Breakfast Bar

Anyway, I witnessed why Whole Foods is changing the loyalty people have to grocers, not just by offering whole foods . But through its customer service. So, I had to go to my sister’s place this morning. She’s a part of this group called C.A.R.E.S. that plans events for residents in apartment complexes. This morning was her resident breakfast, which is a special buffet for residents on the property to get a hot meal and mingle with one another. For some reason, today’s breakfast got a record number of attendees, and the food ran out. <Gasp!> I know, right. Keep in mind that the event lasts from 10-12, and this is around 10:45 when the food is gone.

Bewildered, my sister goes into the leasing office to try and find nearby restaurants who she thinks would be able to deliver good food fast. I threw out Whole Foods at this point, but she shrugged it off. She called several eateries looking for things like kolaches, breakfast tacos, etc. Unsuccessful in finding someone within budget and who could make something in a short turnaround, my sister almost gives up. After she tells me that there’s no place that can do it, I suggest Whole Foods again, insisting that the breakfast is really good, but she should call. She’s hesitant at first because Whole Foods is not known for being affordable. Because she’s out of options, she listens and calls. She talks to one of the managers of the Woodway & Voss location, and he tells her gleefully , “Breakfast is over and lunch is out, but we’ll make you some breakfast tacos within 15-20 minutes. We started this new policy last week where the answer’s always yes to customers.”

Not only are the tacos ready in time, but they are well under budget. So, the day was saved, and the tacos were, as expected, darn good! Now, she’s already planned on using that location for future events, as well as on-the-go breakfast for her family. I wish I could say that I persuaded or gave them another customer, but it was their new “yes” policy. Imagine if more retailers and B-to-C companies adopted this policy. Brand disappointment, which can mature into a boycott, would be hard to come by. Granted, there are some situations that warrant a “no,” but I think within reason, giving a “yes” for the smallest customer requests can produce brand loyalty and evangelism.

So, I’m trying to think how my company can employ something similar. While we can’t say “yes” to everything, as it may come with a hefty price tag and weeks of redoing or undoing, there might be other avenues where our “yes” can create the same effect. I challenge you to try and think of ways where your organization or business could say “yes” more often. Especially in those critical moments where your customer is in a bind, and you can hear it in their voice. Let’s face it, you always remember who helped you out when you needed it the most. And you always want to keep repaying them.

Interactive Copywriting: iCopywriting

Ok, so I’m putting together a panel on interactive copywriting for SXSW (South by Southwest), and it’s actually more than a notion. As a copywriter myself, I know the challenges that are faced, both in content creation and in fitting what’s created into a design that may not be so forgiving. Plus, in a way, you sort of have to steer art direction to accommodate for the story you have to tell. I think many people view a copywriter’s task as to make things “sound pretty.” However, that’s an extremely parochial view. I have to think about the brand and the audience, as well as the emotion(s) that the audience needs to feel (do I want them to laugh, cry, feel frustrated, get angry, have compassion?), and I have to do it within the given design. This is even harder to do with a brand that already has an identity, as you can’t just create these things on a whim. They’ve already been established, and you have to follow suit. And then there’s the whole interactive bit (is it email? web? mobile? blog? Twitter? user guide?) So, I’ve been tossing these different points around in my head, but that’s not even the zinger that keeps sticking me as I’m trying to plan for a panel.

What’s the problem? I can’t find interactive copywriters. So, I’ve exhausted all my connections in the advertising world, which are pretty extensive. I called up some friends I have at the big Madison Avenue agencies, and I’m told, “uh, we don’t really have interactive copywriters. They pretty much write across channels. I mean, it’s all the same.” Skkkkkkkrrrrr <record stops abruptly>, did you just say it’s all the same? Yeah, ad agencies are still not ready to embrace interactive fully yet and devote the resources to it adequately. So, I’ve been making progress with the large interactive agencies who have been very receptive. Much more receptive than I thought. Since interactive copywriting is still fairly new and has never been addressed at SXSW, there has been a lot of interest on behalf of these agencies to showcase their talent.

With the pot being stirred, I think it’s a matter of time before the interactive and marketing arenas begin to learn the names of interactive copywriters. Yes, first and last names. We know designers and directors names but fail to learn the writers. I think it would be a good thing to learn the names of some of the interactive arena’s greats. It may get to the point where you can tell who you’re reading by the style, tone, and semantic make-up of the words. I know I have developed a style over time and continue to adjust and improve. Somedays, I add more humor. Others I add maturity. Every now and then I add scandal (gotta keep it interesting . With that, I tip my hats to my fellow “iCopywriters” out there who make a living writing the words that make the web go round.

Busyness vs. Business

The wrong addiction

I am amazed at how many people prefer busyness (the state of handling, preferring, or dictating busy work/meeting time that amounts to nothing or could have been prevented or avoided altogether) versus business (the state of handling, preferring, or dictating work/meeting time that actually contributes to the productivity and profitability of a person, organization, company, entity, etc.).

I know people employ different methods of getting things done, but different people work in different ways. I, for one, can’t stand inactivity when the result means more work later on, stress, and/or hurried work. If there’s something that you know a week out is due, how is that you wait until the last minute to finish your part when someone else still has to contribute. Ineffective. And inefficient. Annoying as all get out. Yet, some people choose to live life like this. Why?

My default answer to things I don’t understand is usually: poverty. I know, “how insensitive.” I think poverty is a mindset as much as it is a state of utter despair. This explains why some people who are “saved” from poverty typically end up returning to it (by choice, typically rebellion), i.e. lottery winners, entertainers and athletes, etc. Poverty is a hard cycle to break because it is a mindset, or spirit.

Anyway, back to busyness vs business. If you are causing people to be busy without being productive and/or profitable, stop. “That ain’t right.” You know you’re guilty if people avoid including you on projects and give you the strictest deadlines. And if they have to rattle off a list of disclaimers at the start of any project with you on it, that means you. In case this seems harsh (true but harsh), there’s no bad blood between you and I. I forgive you for the busyness and release you to do business from this point forward! You are healed.

Gossip Girl

I am so excited about the 2nd season. But, for those of you who’s taste is not up to par with mine, this clip of Blake Lively who plays Serena Van Der Woodsen on the show (aka “S”) is a great synopsis of the show. Starts Sept 1 on the CW.

The best part is that the narrator is a blogger! No one knows who she is, but she’s a great writer (that is if you imagine her audio to be a blog that you’re reading.)

New and Improved

Mad Men is the best show. Watch it!

So, some of you may be aware of my sudden interest and fanaticism with AMC’s new show “Mad Men” about advertising in the late 60s. Boy was that the heyday of advertising. Not so much for the ladies, but every dog has his day. Anyway, I’ve been inspired to blog about the things that really interest and inspire me, make me happy. Make me enraged. Make me so mad I want to spit (out curse words and other profanities). Not that I ever get mad, but if I did, I’m sure that’s how it would go down. I’ve been following the ad industry for roughly 4 years now and have had the privilege of watching from the outside, which in some cases is a lot better. Although I’m still in marketing, I observe the latest work, ads, etc.

I must say that Mad Men is the only show that is handling advertisers nicely. Even though Gossip Girl is great content, they’re advertisers are not getting the Mad Men treatment. I loved how they introduced interesting facts about the advertisers before their ads rolled, which was a nice intro.This being my first post, I wanted to set the stage for the topics to be discussed here. TV. Advertising. Marketing. Web stuff. Good copywriting. and Fashion. Nothing too deep or philosophical. That’s too time consuming and discouraging at times. Just a review of things that interest me.