tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72933000392659275282024-03-13T08:16:31.904-07:00The Flat World StudentA Business Student's thoughts on Marketing, leadership and entrepreneurship.
<br>"Where all think alike, no one thinks very much."- Walter Lippman</br>Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-51653514144728892812008-10-28T11:48:00.001-07:002008-10-28T12:00:09.425-07:00The New Place to Read!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/2633524302_09db929e7a.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/2633524302_09db929e7a.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I've been asked why I've stopped blogging, the answer, I haven't. I've just changed places. The sun has set on Flat World Student and is rising on a great new blog!<br /><br />So if you've been following this blog, you will totally want to subscribe to my latest and greates repository of excitement!<br /><br />The newish blog is SocialSquared.com (<a href="http://www.socialsquared.com/">click here to visit</a>) where I write on business, marketing and social media.<br /><br />I would love it if you would subscribe, you can <a href="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=2031879&loc=en_US">click here to subscribe by email</a> or <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/SocialSquared">click here for Rss</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Check out my top posts at SocialSquared.com to see what it's all about. </span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.socialsquared.com/3-online-marketing-campaigns-that-show-the-amazing-power-of-internet-marketing/">3 Amazing Online Marketing Campaigns</a><br /><a href="http://www.socialsquared.com/traffic-are-people/">Traffic are People?</a><br /><a href="http://www.socialsquared.com/obama-proves-social-media-you-get-it-or-you-dont/">Obama Proves Social Media: You Get it or You Don't</a><br /><br /><br />Thanks for following!<br /><br />As always you can follow me on twitter <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twitter.com/thattallguy">www.twitter.com/thattallguy </a><br />Find me on Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=305200116&ref=profile">Jess Sloss</a><br />or my new favorite Flickr <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsloss">www.flickr.com/photos/jsloss</a>Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-68930377006709317802008-04-20T14:10:00.001-07:002008-06-24T10:33:43.122-07:00In the newsSo I haven't posted here for a long time. I blame it on life's externalities. Apologies.<br /><br />I've been involved in founding a non-profit organization Watch for Change and writing at Social Squared, a <a href="http://www.socialsquared.com">social media and marketing blog</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_RxySHrYhqq4/SAu0R0QsdkI/AAAAAAAAADU/TkoYHloq0mU/s1600-h/WFC_splash.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_RxySHrYhqq4/SAu0R0QsdkI/AAAAAAAAADU/TkoYHloq0mU/s200/WFC_splash.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191441213654070850" border="0" /></a><br />We help companies gain exposure, charities raise money and internet users make a difference through online video.<br /><br />We've had a bit of press lately, first in the <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080321.wlngobrat21/BNStory/lifeMain/home?cid=al_gam_mostemail">Globe and Mail </a>and then most recently in the <a href="http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/subscriber/westview/story/4159896p-4746730c.html">Winnipeg Free Press</a>. The later was a not so encouraging warning to all of us starting charities. Have a read, its entertaining.<br /><br />I wrote a letter to the editor to clarify our existence and oppose some of the ideas that Mr. Longhurst suggested in his piece. Since it may never get published I thought I would post it here.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Letter to the Editor </span><br /> <p class="MsoNormal">I am writing in regards to John Longhurst’s April 13<sup>th</sup> article, “Anarchy of Altruism”. <span style=""> </span>My name is Jess Sloss and I am the executive director or<a href="http://www.watchforchange.com/"> Watchforchange.com</a> a non profit organization that helps charities raise money using online video. Our organization was referred to in this article and I have some thoughts I would like to share.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I appreciate the point that Mr. Longhurst not so bluntly states, established charities are often the most effective avenue for making a difference around the world. They have the resources, personnel and experience that make them invaluable.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I do not agree, however, with his premise that innovation and enthusiasm are something to squelch and run from.<br /><o:p></o:p><br />There is a growing distance between the way things have been done and the way we are able to do them now. New Technologies, communications channels and media consumption options are revolutionizing the way people interact. The times are changing, and strategies need to change too. <span style=""></span><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Watchforchange.com is a fundraising source for established charities. We use our knowledge of social media, video and the web to help charities raise money. We are not in the kidnapping business or into religious zeal. We provide a way for internet users to make a difference.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Innovation and a desire to do better has been key to all great things that man has achieved. I welcome everyone to do something for those less fortunate than them. You can start by visiting watchforchange.com. Mr. Longhurst, I suggest you visit the site too. </p> </blockquote><blockquote>Best Regards,<br />Jess Sloss, Executive Director<br />Watch for Change<br /><a href="http://www.watchforchange.com/">www.watchforchange.com</a><br /></blockquote>Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-60890200844214697882008-02-14T21:07:00.000-08:002008-02-14T21:23:04.185-08:00Groupthink - Well sort of<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://faculty.css.edu/dswenson/web/TWAssoc/groupthink2.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 429px; height: 347px;" src="http://faculty.css.edu/dswenson/web/TWAssoc/groupthink2.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of the biggest killers to success in groups is "Groupthink".<br /><br />Groupthink is <span style="font-size:100%;">"</span><span style="font-size:-1;"><span style="font-size:100%;">the tendency for members of a cohesive group to reach decisions without weighing all the facts, especially those contradicting the majority opinion."<br /><br />Throughout business school we're taught definitions, warning signs and remedies to groupthink. I think they should just show this video.<br /><br />Candid Camera from back in the day - The elevator</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.metacafe.com/fplayer/914321/elevator_candid_must_see.swf" wmode="transparent" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="345" width="400"></embed><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/914321/elevator_candid_must_see/">Elevator Candid, Must See...</a> - <a href="http://www.metacafe.com/">Watch the top videos of the week here</a></span><br /></span>Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-88321517161772857052008-02-11T17:43:00.000-08:002008-02-11T17:49:02.730-08:00Hey Monkey Brain: Check me out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_RxySHrYhqq4/R7D6zTEcM9I/AAAAAAAAABo/uhO90q4uF88/s1600-h/header-monkeybrain.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_RxySHrYhqq4/R7D6zTEcM9I/AAAAAAAAABo/uhO90q4uF88/s320/header-monkeybrain.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165904531793130450" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I just finished my first lens on squidoo. They just launched a really cool idea, called <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/monkeybrain/hq">Hey Monkey Brain.</a><br /><br />It's a site that allows you to easily start an argument online and makes it even easier for people to post their ideas, arguments or points on your topic.<br /><br />My lense can be found here, <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/socialmediamarketingismoneywellspent">Social Media Marketing is Money Well Spent!</a><br /><br />Check it out, interact with it, make your own and send it to me.Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-53829207535316655672008-02-07T16:09:00.000-08:002008-02-08T08:34:33.545-08:00Bloom off the Social Network Boom: Time to Look Closer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/uploads/facebeookmsftdeal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/uploads/facebeookmsftdeal.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">*Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.techcrunch.com/">Tech Crunch</a><br /><br /></span>Business Week just ran an article titled "<a href="http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_07/b4071054390809.htm">mySpace Generation Fed Up</a>" , the article infers that the bloom is of the social network boom.<br /><br />Citing comscore stats show "the average amount of time each user spends on social networking sites has fallen by 14%", the authors argue that users may be getting bored of their pages or annoyed at all the ads. They go on to show how dismal advertising effectiveness has been, "marketers say as few as 4 in 10,000 people who see their ads on social networking sites click on them, compared with 20 in 10,000 across the Web"<br /><br />I have a few thoughts on the subject.<br /><br />While user interest has dropped slightly, social networks have become a main stream place to be on the web. The problem is that advertisers still look at facebook or myspace as display advertising plays. The true value is found when companies are able to encourage user interaction with their brand inside the social network. No other area on the web provides easier access to groups of people to spread and grow their ideas.<br /><br /><br />Social sites require a different approach than standard advertising, even traditional web advertising. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.allfacebook.com">All Facebook</a> posted an article <a href="http://www.allfacebook.com/2008/02/are-socialads-less-effective-then-search/">comparing facebook ads to google adwords</a> and came up with the conculsuion that facebook ads suck. While that appears true, it is more the fault of the marketers than the platform.<br /><br />When I use Google, I am looking for something. When i use facebook I'm entertaining myself. Google and advertising are a good pair, Google's adwords provide relevant information that makes my use of the service more valuable, advertising on facebook does nothing for me.<br /><br />Social networking needs to be apart of a social media marketing effort, one that searches out, engages, interacts and ads value to the consumer.<br /><br />Come on marketers, it's time to show that creativity, there's a world of opportunity out there.Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-11336895895602581022008-02-05T16:38:00.001-08:002008-02-05T18:56:42.598-08:00Permission Marketing, An Introduction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_RxySHrYhqq4/R6kI63e8bNI/AAAAAAAAABg/JN-m1J-WkyM/s1600-h/permssion+marketing.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163668255176158418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_RxySHrYhqq4/R6kI63e8bNI/AAAAAAAAABg/JN-m1J-WkyM/s320/permssion+marketing.JPG" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">What is it?</span> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Permission Marketing is a type marketing campaign where an individual has given a company their consent to market to them, usually through email.<o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:130%;">Origin</span><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>The term was first defined by Seth Godin in an article for <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/14/permission.html">Fast Company</a> in March 1998, and later a book titled <a href="http://www.sethgodin.com/permission/">Permission Marketing</a>. Godin’s argument is that traditional marketing is loosing effectiveness and that permission marketing is and will continue to increase in value.<o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:130%;">Basic Premise</span><o:p></o:p></b></p><p>Godin described permission marketing as “the privilege (not the right) of delivering anticipated, personal and relevant messages to people who actually want to get them.” He goes on to note “It recognizes the new power of the best consumers to ignore marketing. It realizes that treating people with respect is the best way to earn their attention” </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:130%;">Permission Marketing vs. Traditional Advertising </span><span style="font-size:+0;"></span></b><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The antithesis of permission marketing is interruption marketing, also known as traditional advertising. Interruption marketing aims to interrupt potential customers with a message, T.V. commercials are interruption marketing, so are magazine ads.<o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The problem with interruption marketing is that consumers have stopped paying attention. It was at its greatest when communication channels were limited. In the 1950’s most households had a choice of 3 to 6 TV channels, all without remotes. Advertisers could expect to impact a large portion of consumers with a standard T.V. commercial.<o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In recent years, the number of communication channels has exploded. Consumers have the choice of hundreds of T.V. or Radio channels and millions of websites. In order to compete, traditional interruption marketers have increased the frequency and loudness of marketing messages, creating a cluttered marketing landscape that consumers have become experts at ignoring. <o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">According to estimates, consumers targeted with between 3000 and 5000 advertisements a day, though these numbers are rough estimates at best.<o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:130%;">General Rules of Successful Permission Marketing</span><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Opt-In</span><o:p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> </span><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opt_in_e-mail">Opt-in</a> means that the prospect is given the choice to be apart of the marketing campaign. Permission marketers usually ask consumers to enter their email address and then confirm that they had given the email address prior to their entrance in the marketing program. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><o:p></o:p>Real Permission vs. Permission</p><p>The difference between real and not so real permission is an important concept for would be permission marketers. As Godin notes on his blog,<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span></p><p style="FONT-STYLE: italic">“Just because you somehow get my email address doesn't mean you have permission. Just because I don't complain doesn't mean you have permission. Just because it's in the fine print of your privacy policy doesn't mean it's permission either.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">Permission marketing requires an authentic desire by the consumer to be engaged in a marketing campaign for it to work. In essence, the consumer exchanges his or her attention for something of value, usually a personal, relevant and anticipated message from a company.<o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Keep your Promises</span><o:p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> </span><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Trust is the cornerstone of any permission marketing campaign. This means that marketers must treat the information they collect like gold. This means no selling, renting or giving away of emails or personal information. Further, marketers must stay true to the initial promise they made to the consumer. Consumers granting permission to send them information on cat health may not want to hear about child health care. Messages must be relevant to the initial deal.<br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Give Them a Reason</span><o:p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> </span><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Permission marketers and consumers should see themselves as entering into a direct bargain. In exchange for value, be it information, a chance to win, a discount, entertainment etc, the consumer is willing to give permission for a company to engage in communication with them. To be successful, marketers must make overt and valuable reasons for consumers to partake in the campaign.<o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The First Date: Get to Know the Permission Granter</span><o:p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> </span><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Permission marketing is a long term process. As Godin writes, <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">“Permission is like dating. You don't start by asking for the sale at first impression. You earn the right, over time, bit by bit”</span>.<o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The value in having a long term connection with a consumer is two fold. First, the longer the connection between consumer and company, the stronger the relationship becomes. <span style="font-size:+0;"></span>Second, marketers are able to learn more and more about consumers through the communications. Through gaining information, communications can be personalized to the individual thus adding value to the relationship and increasing the potential for earnings.<o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Interruption Marketing on it’s Death Bed?</span><o:p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> </span><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Interruption marketing is not going anywhere soon, in fact is will become more and more prevalent. With the increased <span style="font-size:+0;">prevalence</span> will come higher customer acquisition costs and decreasing effectiveness. This trend should lead more companies to drive value out of every customer inquiry, something permission based marketing has at its’ core.<br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Tools of the Trade<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">The internet is the great enabler of permission marketing. The drastic reduction in costs of communication from technologies such as website and email allow permission marketers to prosper. The key technology in use in online permission marketing is know and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autoresponder">Auto-Responder</a>. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:130%;">Real World Examples</span><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><b>Online<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Yoyodyne, worked with clients - which include AT&T, H&R Block, MCI, and Volvo - to create these new relationships. All of its campaigns used the Web, email, and other online media. All of them are built around game shows, contests, or sweepstakes. What do game shows have to do with permission marketing? Consumers give a company permission to send them messages in return for the chance to win prizes they care about. Godin <a href="http://www.news.com/2100-1001-216555.html">sold this company</a> for $29.6 million worth of Yahoo stock in October, 1998. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.sethgodin.com/permission/">Permission Marketing Blog</a>- Godin offered customers 1/3 of his book, Permission Marketing, for free in exchange for their email address. Sales soared. You can still get part of the book <a href="http://www.sethgodin.com/permission/">here.</a><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Off line</span><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Save on More Card – Offers discounts in store in exchange for allowing Save-on Foods to track and data mine consumer spending habits. Promotions are then geared towards customers in a personal way<o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Milk Man – You agree to pay the bill, the milk man agrees to put milk on your stoop every few days. </p><o:p></o:p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:130%;" >Further <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Reading</st1:place></st1:city></span><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.sethgodin.typepad.com/">Seth Godin’s Blog</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/14/permission.html">Fast Company Article</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.waller.co.uk/permission.htm">Overview of Permission Marketing</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt"><span style="font-size:+0;">References</span></p><ol><li><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/01/permission-mark.html">http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/01/permission-mark.html</a></li><li><a href="http://www.waller.co.uk/permission.htm">http://www.waller.co.uk/permission.htm</a></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permission_marketing">Wikipedia - Permission Marketing</a><br /></li></ol><span style="font-size:85%;">This post was written for your enjoyment, as well as course credit for </span><a href="http://www.zenchannels.com/courses/BMKT405-Spring2008/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Marketing Projects in Industry</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.capcollege.bc.ca"><span style="font-size:85%;">Capilano College</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-76911756865638399312008-01-28T23:37:00.000-08:002008-01-28T23:53:47.643-08:00Facebook Developers Garage Vancouver<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://vanajax.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/f8-vancouver.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://vanajax.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/f8-vancouver.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>I had the opportunity to attend the Vancouver Facebook Developers Garage this evening. I have a few projects on the horizon that could benefit from Facebook, so I decided to head down, learn more and meet some industry types.<br /><br />A live blog of the event can be found at <a href="http://www.miss604.com/2008/01/facebook-awards-developer-and-design-garage-live-blog-tonight.html">miss604.com</a><br /><br />It was an interesting experience. Saw a lot of pointless applications<a href="http://www.miss604.com/2008/01/facebook-awards-developer-and-design-garage-live-blog-tonight.html"> </a>(10 Friends Notes, Mixx Maker, I'm Reading, ) , one with real promise (These Are my Kids) and one guy who left me feeling uneasy of the path he is leading many developers down (Super Rewards).<br /><br />Interesting.Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-41565457418641287072008-01-24T18:06:00.001-08:002008-01-26T00:01:02.342-08:00What does the plastic cover say about you?There are two types of people in the world, those that leave the protective plastic cover on their electronics and those that don't. This is a post about the former.<br /><br />People who leave the plastic covers on, I will refer to them from now on as "Plasties", come from all walks of life, in fact you probably interact with them on a daily basis. It is my firm opinion that <span style="font-weight: bold;">All </span>of these people share similar traits.<br /><br />Plasties are:<br /><br />1) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Stubborn </span>- They leave the plastic on despite being constantly reminded that they have left it on and that it is supposed to come off when they start using it.<br /><br />2) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Custodial </span> - They have a freakishly overbearing maternal drive that leads them to protect the shiny finish of a device from the harsh reality of the world around it. Kind of reminds me of a Mama Grizzly Bear, the most custodial animal in the world.<br /><br />3) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fastidious </span>- Not only do they leave the cover on, they ensure it is firmly attached after every use and that the plastic cover itself stays as clean as it was on day one.<br /><br />4) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gainfully Employed</span> - Plasties are not a drain on the economy they have good jobs that are filled with monotony, and offer a safe and steady income. Hip hip hooray!<br /><br />5) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Trustworthy</span> - Plasties are great friends. Their protective nature is not limited to electronic devices and usually carries over into personal relationships. That is as long as their friends aren't dirty, blemished, scratched or in anyway disfigured.<br /><br />If you are a Plastie, please re-read this post and put "not that there is anything wrong with that" after every point, thank you.<br /><br />For those of you who think my science is off? Leave a comment, are you a plastic cover on or off kind a guy or gal?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">* my thanks to <a href="http://thesaurus.reference.com/">thesaurus.com</a> for help with most of the above words!</span>Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-42384235047773848612008-01-24T15:24:00.000-08:002008-01-24T15:38:00.412-08:00Typeroom; Content Management for Dummies?<img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Jess/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /><br />Just a quick post about one of the cooler web services that I've checked out recently. I just received an invite to the initial beta of <a href="http://www.typeroom.com/main.php">Typeroom</a>, the latest in website content management.<br /><br />Though I haven't had the chance to play around with it in detail, I think the concept is a solid one. Essentially, Typeroom allows anyone to easily edit any website (that they own) in a matter of seconds. Check out the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLRcqKBrdqA">Typeroom video</a>, it explains the process better than my words will.<br /><br />For those of you who have website, but aren't comfortable editing them, this could be the tool for you.Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-17438760835695459812008-01-20T16:02:00.000-08:002008-01-20T16:09:07.240-08:00Opinion and Comment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.employeevacationplan.com/images/leftsideemployeeimage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 406px;" src="http://www.employeevacationplan.com/images/leftsideemployeeimage.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The purpose of a manager is to enable each of his or her employees to reach their maximum potential.<br /><br />What do you think the purpose of a manager is?Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-29704831493193478792008-01-14T19:35:00.001-08:002008-12-07T23:03:09.425-08:00Don't Eat the PukeHave you ever been puked on?<br /><br />All of us have. No, not the baby throw up or the friend who drank too much and couldn't make it to the bathroom kind of puke. No this puke is far more hazardous.<br /><br />I'm talking about the emotional throw up that is hurled onto us in all sorts of situations. Maybe it's a boyfriend or girlfriend or maybe it's an unhappy customer, maybe its your boss.<br /><br />A great teacher of mine put it simply. She said, "Jess, in life, people will walk up to you a puke all over you."<br /><br />They'll throw up their feelings of anger, resentment, self consciousness, being wronged and inferiority until it's dripping down your shirt. You will be covered, from head to toe, in other peoples regurgitation.<br /><br />Now you have a choice.<br /><br />You can either look down at your drenched attire and recognize the slimy mess you are covered with as it's true self, other peoples puke, their emotional entrails. Or, you can pull out your spoon and start eating it. Start identifying with all the mean, vile and hurtful things that you have been covered with. Start feeling that you aren't good enough, you can't do the job right or that you're not appreciated."<br /><br />It's a colourful story with a great message; we can't control what other people think, say or do. We can, however, control how we react to it. So, next time you find yourself in a vomit covered situation, envision the throw-up dripping off of you, maybe even give it a little wipe.<br /><br />Whatever you do, don't eat the puke.Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-60579232125327000792008-01-08T14:20:00.001-08:002008-01-09T17:39:23.179-08:00Honeyshed: Another Mass Media Mistake<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.stanford.edu/%7Ejianbo/Xanga/confusion.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.stanford.edu/%7Ejianbo/Xanga/confusion.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.honeyshed.com/">Honeyshed.com</a> confuses me.<br /><br />Brought to you by Publicis, Droga5, and Digitasand (a representation of the biggest advertising conglomerates in the world), Honeyshed is described as "MTV meets QVC".<br /><br />In my opinion, if we're in the mood for acronyms, WTF comes to mind.<br /><br />The website is based around using, as Business Week describes, "a mix of live programming and character-driven sketch shows ", to sell products. The bet is that consumers love brands so much, they will -<br /><br />1) invest their time in watching paid actors fake their interest in the product and<br />2) eventually buy that product.<br /><br />I don't think so. Honeyshed is a mix of mass media era ideas shaped into a square peg that is trying to insert itself into the round hole of reality.<br /><br />The internet provides a medium for detail, for niche, for micro topics. I don't visit the Life network's web page to learn about financial management (even though I have a closet admiration for To Debt do us Part), I go to Google. Google will provide me with access to all the information I need.<br /><br />Thats where Honeyshed misses the point. Consumers are looking for products, information and entertainment, on their own terms. As internet users, we have plenty of options for online entertainment, and we aren't about to waste our time, our attention spans don't permit it.<br /><br />Even though it's obvious that I don't like the idea, I had a hard time being confident in my initial reaction.<br /><br />Video is on it's way to redefining the way we interact on the internet. Even though Honeyshed misses the boat, it is an innovative attempt at using online video to interact with customers. Shangby, a company I wrote about a few weeks back, is another such company(see <a href="http://flatworldstudent.blogspot.com/2007/12/home-shopping-network-gone-right.html">Home shopping Gone Right</a>).<br /><br />I like Shangbuy, its a niche market that offers cheaper products, in an innovative environment with a personal touch. Honeyshed offers mediocre entertainment and no value real value proposition to the consumer.<br /><br />There is an opportunity here, exactly what it is has yet to be defined.Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-31372950042250471622008-01-07T18:41:00.000-08:002008-01-08T19:33:26.776-08:00Good vs. Bad (customers that is)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://condoprincess.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/air-canada-motto.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://condoprincess.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/air-canada-motto.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Bad customers, the ones that complain, yell, demand and cause a ruckus, usually get what they want. Good customers, those who may have had one bad experience, usually don't make a fuss. They just leave and never come back.<br /><br />That's the problem with the way most companies deal with customer complaints. They reward bad customers, and don't properly satisfy the good ones.<br /><br />Luckily, there is a solution. Provide a venue for open interaction with your customers. Start a blog , post customer comments (good and bad) on your website, with your responses to them.<br /><br />At the very least you will have a great resource for other customers. More likely, you'll end up with less complaints and more valuable feed back. You might even see customers defending you.<br /><br />Open interaction with your market will build trust, support and success.<br /><br />Oh, and Merry 2008!Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-20699971749032426082007-12-24T22:07:00.000-08:002007-12-24T22:22:57.437-08:00Flat World Student Recommended by Santa!One of the leading batte<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.manbottle.com/pictures/santas_little_helpers.jpg" border="0" alt="" />ry manufacturers has a radio ad touting Santa's endorsement of it's batteries. It seems there is no limit to what products Santa is now pushing.<div><br /><div><div>I am pleased to announce that Santa now officially recommends this blog. Tell your friends, tell your family, it's Santa Approved!</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Merry Christmas </div><br /></div></div>Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-62805272601365021452007-12-20T23:00:00.000-08:002007-12-21T00:07:30.192-08:00The Home Shopping Network Gone Right<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.digital-web.com/images/articles/push_my_button_image_5.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 178px;" src="http://www.digital-web.com/images/articles/push_my_button_image_5.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Technology has disrupted the way that the way many high profile companies do business. The music industry, Hollywood and newspapers are struggling to adapt to the new digital environment and it's just the start. The way we interact with media is continually developing and most businesses are blissfully unaware of the impact that its going to have on them.<br /><br />Many industries are going to feel the change, and the companies who profit from this change, aren't going to be the ones you and I are familiar with today.<br /><br />That's why I like <a href="http://www.shangby.com/">Shangby</a>. Talk about a remarkable idea.<br /><br />Shangby brands themselves as "International Shopping without the Jet lag" . The company lets shoppers at home in North America (or anywhere else in the world really) shop with merchants in Shanghai in real time. They can ask question or even haggle with the sales person. I can't really describe the whole scene so check it out <a href="http://www.shangby.com/how">here.</a><br /><br />I like small companies, with different ways of thinking.Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-7741198918760752502007-12-15T12:00:00.000-08:002007-12-15T12:35:43.888-08:00Scarcity of Abundance<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.gapingvoid.com/Moveable_Type/archives/zzzzzz7654126.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 144px;" src="http://www.gapingvoid.com/Moveable_Type/archives/zzzzzz7654126.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Diamonds, gold, oil and honest politicians, all scarce and all valuable. Conversely, MP3's, rolled oats and information are all abundant and therefore worth next to nothing.<br /><br />In economics, we're taught that scarcity can lead to business success. If supply outstrips demand, such as the case with <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10909618/">SuperBowl Ads</a>, the iPhone or the <a href="http://www.gotickets.com/concert/spice_girls.php">Spice Girls concert</a>, there is room for enterprising people to make a buck.<br /><br />As a mindset however, scarcity has nothing on abundance.<br /><br />We see this in Seth Godin's use of his blog, free e-books, giving away free books and answering each and every email that is sent to him. He treats his time and knowledge, things that could be held as scarce, as something he can share with everyone. He's wildly successful because of it.<br /><br />The Wallstreet Journal and Universal Music treat their knowledge and information as scarce, they try to charge a fee for it. Both businesses have been loosing ground because of it.<br /><br />An abundant mindset can also be seen in countless non-profit ventures such as <a href="http://kiva.org/">kiva.org</a>, <a href="http://www.roomtoread.org/">Room to Read</a> or the Causes application. When we are able to let go of being tied to an end result, such as profits or fame, we are able to achieve great things.<br /><br />Abundance opens your mind to possibilities. It means you will have access to situations that a scarcity mindset would scoff at. It's not something that traditional business will be easily able to adapt to, leaving room for entrepreneurs like you and me to fill the void.<br /><br />What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(illustration credit : <a href="http://gapingvoid.com/">Gaping Void</a>)</span>Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-59055431734543286752007-12-13T21:39:00.000-08:002007-12-14T09:11:45.827-08:00What? No is?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://res.sys-con.com/story/oct07/450728/Facebook_logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://res.sys-con.com/story/oct07/450728/Facebook_logo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />You know the power of a website when removing two letters is being talked about. Facebook has allowed users to remove the "is" from their status. I guess this is a boon for creativity. In truth, I don't fully grasp what the big deal is.<br /><br />What I do know, though, is that Facebook is huge. For the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics">58 million users</a> (growing by 250,000 every day) it has become a significant part of their lives. For all of us, it represents a huge business opportunity.<br /><br />The business world, for the most part, has just grasped email and is now working on understanding blogs. The knowledge gap that exists between where most businesses are with online marketing, and where social media marketing is going, is huge. Gap in knowledge=Opportunity.Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-62108160443857264062007-12-11T13:00:00.000-08:002007-12-11T17:01:40.560-08:00How Do You Take Your Shirt Off?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.twenty-twenty.ca/images/questionmark.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.twenty-twenty.ca/images/questionmark.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The internet knows all. Which is scary for someone who often thinks he knows everything....such as myself.<br /><br />I had this point blatantly rammed into my face just the other night. I was unfaltering in my point of view, no argument to the contrary made logical sense. A quick Google search put an end to my confidence.<br /><br />Little did I know, I am in the minority when it comes to taking off my shirt. A group of Singaporean High School Students completed and not so scientific study that has opened my eyes to the <a href="http://www.science.edu.sg/ssc/detailed.jsp?artid=3162&type=4&root=108&parent=108&cat=133">multitude of ways to take off ones shirt</a>.<br /><br />Who knew there could be so many ways, so much creativity in the simple task of taking off a shirt. The whole experience has made me question my knowledge, my understanding of undressing and even my existence (not that that is anything new). Even the most referred to fact on dressing, the certainty that everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time, may be in question!<br /><br />So I thought I would ask you all a question. How do you take your shirt off? For email and rss readers <a href="http://flatworldstudent.blogspot.com/2007/12/how-do-you-take-your-shirt-off.html">click here to see the poll</a>. A full description, including pictures of the options can be seen <a href="http://www.science.edu.sg/ssc/detailed.jsp?artid=3162&type=4&root=108&parent=108&cat=133">here</a>.<br /><br />If you have a way other that what is listed, leave a comment, share your undressing ways with the rest of us. It's time that this information be public!Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-35845573281666201032007-12-05T20:52:00.000-08:002007-12-06T21:11:47.538-08:00Fido Conclusion.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tms.co.nz/in-touch/images/issue10/cartoon.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.tms.co.nz/in-touch/images/issue10/cartoon.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I promised I would keep you up to date on this. I posted on a customer service experience with Fido <a href="http://flatworldstudent.blogspot.com/2007/11/fido-broke-my-heart_28.html">here</a>. That post made it's way to Fido's head office (<a href="http://flatworldstudent.blogspot.com/2007/12/fido-update-un-break-my-heart.html">read about it here</a>), last Monday I received a call from Fido's Head office in Montreal.<br /><br />The gentleman seemed genuine, and sincerely thanked me for the feedback. He listened to my comments and I felt he was interested in what I had to say.<br /><br />Then he gave me a free long distance package and took $10 of my bill each month for the length of my contract (2 more years to go).<br /><br />So I guess the lesson here is, speak up. Oh, and have friends like Paul who like to pass your words on to someone who can influence the situation ( I owe you a beer Paul) .<br /><br />Fido has unbroken my heart, and returned to its rightful place in my mind (right next to ICBC and my dentist, known as the borderline disdain quadrant of my brain)<br /><br />Thank you for listening Fido, it was fun.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(image from <a href="http://www.tms.co.nz/">Team Management Services</a>)</span>Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-79744939770028713252007-12-04T21:11:00.000-08:002007-12-05T00:12:31.440-08:00Reader Response: We're All Marketers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pool.cream.org/pics/cartoons/optimism.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pool.cream.org/pics/cartoons/optimism.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Chris wrote me awhile back regarding my post <a href="http://flatworldstudent.blogspot.com/2007/11/were-all-marketers-it-all-starts.html">We're all Marketers</a> .<br /><br />He writes: <span style="font-style: italic;">"I have a problem that marketers exploit the fact that people will buy ANYTHING. </span> <span style="font-style: italic;">They buy things that are good for them occasionally, but mostly buy into a bunch of products or spend energy on ideas that don't really do anything or are straight bad for them. There's so much crap out there based on pure marketing. Is it necessary? Or am I just increasing people's propensity to consume everything in their path? Sometimes I feel guilty about being a marketer, not because I am marketing bad things, just because it is necessary to be one."<br /><br /></span>I agree. It's necessary to be a marketer, <a href="http://flatworldstudent.blogspot.com/2007/11/were-all-marketers-it-all-starts.html">we are all marketers</a>. The difference is some of us know it, and others are oblivious.<br /><br />Sometimes we, as consumers, are mislead or told half truths about products or services. Far more often, though, we are to blame. We don't think about the total cost of what we buy, only the immediate satisfaction . We are sold on the feeling, but that feeling isn't reality.<br /><br />When we know this, we have power and the actions are no longer subconscious.<br /><br />The saving grace is that we have a choice. We can choose which products to buy, what services to recommend, or how spend our free time . We can start discussions, ask questions and spread ideas. When you know you're a marketer, you know you have power and responsibility. You know you can influence the storyline.<br /><br />-Jess<br /><br />If you're looking for a great gift this Christmas, support the great work that Kiva does, through <a href="http://kiva.org/">Kiva.org's gift certificate's.</a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-26379818483608209212007-12-02T14:35:00.001-08:002007-12-11T21:28:49.879-08:00Fido Update: Un-Break My Heart?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mattwardman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/cartoon-gapingvoid-network-ms2126.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 354px; height: 222px;" src="http://www.mattwardman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/cartoon-gapingvoid-network-ms2126.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">My recent post, <a href="http://flatworldstudent.blogspot.com/2007/11/fido-broke-my-heart_28.html">Fido Broke My Heart</a>, received a fair bit of attention.<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Paul, (thank you Paul) ended up sending the post to a friend of his at Fido, who sent it to the Fido Head Office. I received the following message as a reply.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-style: italic;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Dear Mr. Sloss,</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-style: italic;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-style: italic;font-family:arial;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:130%;">I am writing concerning your blog about your most recent <span>c</span>ustomer <span>s</span>ervice experience with Fido.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-style: italic;font-family:arial;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-style: italic;font-family:arial;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:130%;">I did want to express my apologies on behalf of Fido’s Management team and would also like to thank you for your genuine feedback.<span><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-style: italic;font-family:arial;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-style: italic;font-family:arial;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:130%;"><span>This being said, </span>I would personally wish to speak with you<span> regarding this matter</span>.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:130%;">Kindly provide me with your Fido number; otherwise, I can be contacted at 1 866-***-**** ext. ****</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" lang="EN-CA" >Enjoy your weekend<span> - t</span>hanks and regards<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Blog posts provide an excellent opportunity for companies to communicate with customers. Through commenting, or contacting the blogger, companies have the ability to transparently address genuine concerns.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm very interested in seeing what Fido has to say.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I'll keep you posted. (Update: </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://flatworldstudent.blogspot.com/2007/12/fido-conclusion.html">Fido Conclusion</a><span style="font-family: arial;">)</span><br /></span>Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-85339210471820616482007-11-28T23:55:00.000-08:002007-12-01T20:08:23.610-08:00In Rock-Paper-Scissors what wins, Authenticity or Fear?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.orangeside.org/img/vigilancia.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.orangeside.org/img/vigilancia.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Privacy on the internet has been a concern since Netscape was king. Lately, fears over the depth of information that sites like Facebook and Myspace collect, have heated up. Like this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wogtTQs8Kzw&feature=related">video</a>.<br /><br />Maybe the problem isn't the web defiles privacy. Maybe the problem is <a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2004/02/the_problem_wit.html">anonymity</a>, like Seth Godin posts:<br /><br />"Virus writers are always anonymous. Spam is anonymous. eBay fraudsters are anonymous too. It seems as though virtually all of the problems of the Net stem from this one flaw, and its one I’ve riffed on before. If we can eliminate anonymity online, we create a far more civil place"<br /><br />Or maybe people are are worried about privacy because they lack authenticity.<br /><br />Authenticity is something so close to each and everyone of us, yet often hidden out of sight. We live as if we are scared of ourselves, scared our boss might see the drunken picture of last Friday, or that girlfriend #1 will see girlfriend #2's post on our wall and freak out.<br /><br />Solution: Don't violate the trust people have in you. The web provides an immense opportunity to show who you are to more people in a broader context than was thought to be possible.<br /><br />This blog is one way I do it.Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-76660816340933917452007-11-28T18:28:00.001-08:002007-12-04T23:06:56.293-08:00Fido Broke My Heart<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/153/395614444_f808ca51dd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 169px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/153/395614444_f808ca51dd.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(<span style="font-weight: bold;">Update </span>- Check out Fido's response to this post <a href="http://flatworldstudent.blogspot.com/2007/12/fido-update-un-break-my-heart.html">here</a>)<br /><br />Thank you for the call Fido Customer Service Rep. #50975621. I really appreciate that you appreciate my business. You called me at dinner time, but I agreed to talk to you because you said that you wanted to reward me for being a long time customer.<br /><br />Then you broke my heart.<br /><br />You told me that my reward for being a customer for over 5 years, was that I could add another line to my account, a line I could give to a friend or family member. My reward is that I can recommend you to a friend? Gee thanks.<br /><br />Why the sales pitch? If you truly valued my patronage, why don't you add a small credit to my account, offer to upgrade my phone early or even send me a thank you note? I would be far more likely to recommend you to my friends if you did. You had a great opportunity to impress me, and you blew it. Oh and by the way, it's Mr. Sloss, not Floss, though I doubt that it matters to you.<br /><br />Signed<br /><br />A disappointed, but not surprised, customer.<br /><br /><br />P.S. I am really looking forward to the added competition in wireless markets, as reported by the CBC <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/11/28/auction.html?ref=rss">here.</a><br /><check href="http://flatworldstudent.blogspot.com/2007/12/fido-update-un-break-my-heart.html"></check>Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-35951062275507848872007-11-27T13:23:00.000-08:002007-11-28T15:41:29.296-08:00We're all Marketers: It all Starts Somewhere.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.gapingvoid.com/0711exploding.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 377px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 226px" alt="" src="http://www.gapingvoid.com/0711exploding.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In Seth Godin's latest book, <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/meatballsundae">Meatball Sundae</a>, he provides an excellent definition of "marketers".<br /><br />A few weeks back I had the opportunity to sit in on a webcast hosted by Godin, and as a gesture, Seth sent all of us who participated a copy of a his new book. Like his others, Meat Ball Sundae doesn't disappoint.<br /><br />Seth writes, "<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">What do marketers do? </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic"></span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">We spread ideas. </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">We tell stories people want to hear and believe. </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">We translate emotion into action. </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">We close the sale. </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">We make things people want to buy. "<br /><br /></span>He goes on to write, "<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">marketers run things. They always have. Sometimes, though, the people running things don't realize they're marketers."</span><br /><br />Marketers are in a privileged position to enact change. It reminded me of the most eye opening documentaries on marketing and the consumer that I have seen. <a href="http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-2637635365191428174&q=century+of+the+self&total=1118&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0">Century of the Self</a> is a BBC documentary that examines the origins of public relations, and the impact that Edward Bernays had on marketing and the use of emotion to sell. Very eye opening.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">It All Starts Somewhere</span><br /><br />It's important to remember that ideas, such as businesses, politics, social structure or cultural identity, aren't as they are just because. They are the result of the direct action of individuals, and often happen over a small period of time.<br /><br />Edward Bernays , Martin Luther King, and our local David Suzuki, have worked many hard years to have an impact on our society. In the rear view mirror of history, though, the changes they've helped bring about will have appeared to have happened swiftly.<br /><br />So the next time you get caught up in the way things are, remember, we all can make a difference. We're all marketers.Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293300039265927528.post-33076766308258533982007-11-26T09:10:00.000-08:002007-11-26T11:09:58.533-08:00Compassion is More FunEverything in life is interconnected.<br /><br />In this video <a href="www.http://www.bobthurman.com/">Bob Thurman</a>, talks about "forging of mass awareness" that may be an eventual result of connections and access that the internet is increasingly giving us.<br /><br />He goes on to comment that awareness and knowledge of problems such as hunger, violence, discrimination and other injustices are not enough. The power of his words are well worth the listen as Bob Thurman discusses compassion - it's more fun!<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/h5cZITQDTrE&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/h5cZITQDTrE&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object>Jess Slosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109281234915344645noreply@blogger.com0