social media

Start Your Week Off Right

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This weekend was a nice and quiet. I was coerced into watching the Niners vs Giants game yesterday (the first football game I’ve seen in years) and it was a close one. I’m not a football fan, but I had to root for my city, San Francisco.

It’s too bad the Niners won’t be in the Super Bowl. I was looking forward to baking a red velvet cake for our annual Super Bowl party. Now I wonder: will there be any famous spouses or significant others in the audience that I can look forward to seeing?

I like starting off my week by reading or watching something inspirational or happy. For example, I once posted this video about the power of positive thinking.

Here are some inspirational words that have caught my eye on Pinterest.

Hope you all have a great week ahead!

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GoodReads

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I enjoy keeping up to date on all the trends and latest happenings in social media. Last year I blogged about Pinterest. My most recent obsession is GoodReads.

What is GoodReads exactly? It is a social network for bookworms, like myself. On GoodReads, you can share what books you’ve read, your reviews, and what you are currently reading. Have you ever been in one of those instances where you’re at a bookstore and you can’t remember the name of the books you’ve wanted to read? (I’ve been there. Many times.) GoodReads has that covered with a handy “to read” list.

And best of all, this is a social network so you can add your friends and their lists! Think the book that your friend is reading is interesting? Add it to your list!

There is also an app for the iPhone and Android. So if you’re at a party discussing books (what? that doesn’t happen to you? ) you can quickly jot down the names.

Check out my GoodReads shelf here!

Are you on GoodReads?

From Blogger to Business

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I am always in awe when I read stories about people who have taken their blog and made it into a full-time business. With so many blogs out there, it makes me wonder why certain blogs succeed. But I realized that there is no formula (I wish it were otherwise!).

The blogs below have a few key things in common: they target a niche, and provide fun, innovative content every day.

Here are some of my favorite blogs, who have turned their hobby into a full-time job and in some instances, much more.

Cupcakes and Cashmere – Emily started her blog while she was working at Teen Vogue. It became an instant hit with posts about fashion, recipes, home decor, and more. She has since left Teen Vogue to focus solely on her blog. She has designed a Coach bag and even has a book coming out later this year.

MissMalini – MissMalini is touted as India’s gossip girl. Her and her team basically get paid to attend events and hobnob with Bollywood’s finest. Sounds like the best job ever right? MissMalini is taking branding to a whole new level. Here is an article the Huffington Post did on her just last week.

Sugar– Sugar is a San Francisco based online global network geared just towards women. It started as a blog (created by Lisa Sugar) about all things entertainment and pop culture.  Lisa and her husband took it to the next level and now they have 130 employees!

What do you think about blogs turned into businesses? I’d love to hear your comments!

The Human Factor and Social Media

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I often shake my head when I see companies not taking advantage of social media. This doesn’t mean they don’t have a social media account..they do. But rather all their posts sound mechanical and one-way. Social media is all about engagement. Engaging with your followers and hopefully creating a loyal following for your brand.

This article really shows why the human touch is absolutely required when handling social media. People want to feel like they are conversing with an actual person. Just as you would behave in person with a client is exactly how it should be done over social media.

Not sure what I mean? Take a look at Zappo’s Facebook page. They are building engagement and answering customer service queries in a timely manner..using social media to the fullest.

What do you think about the article? What are some companies that you think are doing a great job with social media?

Speaking of the human factor, if you are South Asian and haven’t signed up on the bone marrow registry- what are you waiting for? I signed up on Be the Match, will be getting my swab kit at home, which I can just mail back. Easy peasy and you can possibly help someone in need!

Also see  how Amit Gupta, who is suffering from acute leukemia, is using social media to help find a bone marrow donor here.

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While brands and companies are focusing on social media as it reaches a wide audience for virtually no cost, I don’t think print media should be dismissed as a valuable marketing strategy just yet.

I’ve always felt that the best ads are ones that are creative, funny, and/or useful and educational.

I came across this interesting article on Adweek that showcases 10 great magazine ads. My favorite was the ad for the advocacy group, Reporters Without Borders because it also includes a QR code and the use of an iPhone. It’s an ad that intertwines all the elements of marketing, both new and old,  into something simple and sleek, all while restating the non-profit’s brand.

What are some of your favorite ads? Why do you like them?