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Posts Tagged: Mobile Technology


4 Social Marketing Tips Learned From Shopping with Teenaged Girls

Shopping with the Schrecklet (my 14-year-old daughter) can be torture sometimes.  She has to try on 1,700 pairs of jeans from 350 different stores in 5 or 6 malls and still isn’t sure if she likes anything.  Of course if I say, “Oooh, I like the way those look on you” she will correct me, pointing out 17 things that I should have known such as “The stitching is not bold enough” or “The zipper shouldn’t stick out 2 millimeters like this.”  I have no credibility when it comes to teen clothing.

Social Shopping, Social Media for business, social marketing for business, Gina Schreck, Technology

Social Shopping!

Now if I drop her off at a mall with four of her friends, she will come home with several bags filled with treasures as if she had been shopping for weeks.  The difference?  Social shopping with peer feedback.  Social shopping will begin to take off this year with sites like Fashism (Ashton Kutcher is one of the main investors in this company) and GoTryItOn, both providing customers the opportunity to try on clothes, take a picture with their cell phones and upload it to these sites for immediate feedback.  If you can’t decide which outfit to wear for that special date or first interview, you can send a photo of yourself wearing each and ask the crowd!

Some of you may be wondering why anyone would want the opinion of total strangers online, but if you sit for 10 minutes outside a women’s dressing room, you will see that it happens all the time.  If people shop in groups (or packs as in the case of teenaged girls…scary packs) they will buy more and make decisions faster.

So what can you learn from this wild pack animal behavior?  If you can create social environments where people talk about you and your brand, the pack will sell more for you than you and your slick brochures ever will.  Here are 4 tips to get your social pack working for you:

  1. Build the community. Just like budding teen relationships, this takes a bit of time and nudging, but if you encourage your current customers to engage with you on your Facebook and Twitter accounts, many will join in.  Don’t forget to talk about these connection tools in your email signature lines, marketing materials, websites, billing inserts,  receipts and newsletters.
  2. Identify your champions. Watch a pack of teens (there are probably mall safaris you can find in your city).  There is usually one or two who will tell the others what looks good and what doesn’t.  The others are easily convinced.  Every brand has those cheerleaders and champions who love to share their experiences online.  Encourage them to post photos, videos or stories of themselves interacting with your brand.
  3. Use contests and promotions whether through Facebook Deals, Foursquare, Gowalla or something unique that you can offer.  If one teen sees that there is a “Buy-One-Get-One” sale, watch how fast they will convince the pack to pool money and get matching tops!  People will rally their troops when there is money to be saved or prizes to be won. Never underestimate the power of healthy competition!  (Even I have been known to take out little grannies to win sample packs of eye-make up!)
  4. Appreciate participation. Always be listening to the social-vine… and not just for trouble.  When someone gives your brand a shout out, be sure to thank them and let them know they ROCK!  Remember, behavior that is recognized and rewarded gets repeated…and occasionally it works when the dishwasher gets unloaded!

How can you use SOCIAL SHARING and SOCIAL SHOPPING to build your business this year?  Share your ideas with us… the pack is waiting for your opinions!

Gina Schreck, Technology Speaker, Social Media for Business

Gina Schreck

Gina and her team at SynapseConnecting can help you engage your community with strategic programs.  Let us connect you to your world!

Check out the GEEKY tips on our Facebook Page or follow Gina on Twitter!

Gina Schreck
President & Chief Hooligan at Synapse 3Di

@GinaSchreck

January 9, 2011 | Filed Under Brand Management, Facebook, Facebook PAGES, Social Marketing, Social Media, SOCIAL SHARING | 1 Comment 

Tech Trends for 2010: What Had Us All Talkin’?

In the world of social media and technology this year, there were many tools that stood out, or commanded lots of our attention, but we took on the top 5 that we felt really impacted business or had many of us trying to figure out how to be more strategic and effective with them.

Donna Gilliland, of MOST Training, and I managed to keep our chat under an hour.  (Hard to do if you know either one of us)  We broke it down into 5 segments with each under 10 minutes.

TREND 1: MOBILE FOR BUSINESS

Sometimes referred to as the THIRD SCREEN, our mobile phones, and now tablets and other mobile devices, have made it easier than ever to work from ANYWHERE.

 

TREND 2: FACEBOOK FOR BUSINESS

Facebook made headlines, it seems like, every day!  From ever-changing privacy settings, to the movie, The Social Network, Facebook became more than simply a virtual high-school reunion.  From the annoying Farmville gamers to every news station and retail store telling us to connect with them on Facebook.  We end the year with a move that just may be the end of email as we know it.

 

TREND 3: CLOUD COMPUTING FOR SMALL BIZ

While most people still do not know what this term actually means, cloud computing and the apps that many of us use without realizing they are cloud based, have begun to change the way we do business.  From storing our photos and slideshows, to sharing and collaborating on documents in the cloud, these tools are saving us time, money and lots of frustration.

 

TREND 4: VIDEO FOR BUSINESS

The pocket video camera and the 5-year-anniversary of the launch of YouTube have changed the way we search for and share information.  We no longer need expensive video production crews to create and share content.  This trend is great for business!

 

Trend 5: iPADS, READERS and TABLETS

2010 was truly the year of the iPad, but overall, the readers & tablets have changed the way, and the frequency in which we consume content.  Business is being done on the go and consumers want content they can take with them with ease.  We will continue to see these “Magical” devices appear in our work environments for years to come!

 

What do you think were the top tech trends of 2010?  What did we leave out or put in that you don’t agree with?  Share your thoughts and predictions with us!  Did you notice that the word “Twitter” was not mentioned?  It’s still going strong and growing faster than ever, but nothing of great note happened in Twitter Town in 2010 (In my not-so-humble-opinion!).

 

 

Gina Schreck, Technology Speaker, Social Media for Business

Gina Schreck

 

 

Gina Schreck

Gina is a Social Media and Technology FREAK!  Her and the team at SynapseConnecting can help you make sense of today’s technology and use it to build your business and manage your brand!  Give us a hollar if we can help- 877-978-0887 or of course on Twitter @GinaSchreck

 

 

Gina Schreck
President & Chief Hooligan at Synapse 3Di

@GinaSchreck

December 14, 2010 | Filed Under Facebook, Gettin Geeky, Gettin Geeky Video, iPad, Mobile Technology, Social Media, Technology, YouTube | 2 Comments 

36 1/2 Ideas for QR Codes and MicroSoft Tags in YOUR Business

QR Codes for business, QR Codes for learning, Social media for business, Gina Schreck, Technology Expert

QR Code

According to Wikipedia: A QR Code is a matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code), readable by QR scanners, mobile phones with a camera, and smartphones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data.

Common in Japan, where it was created by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave in 1994, the QR code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. QR is the acronym for Quick Response, as the creator intended the code to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.[1]

I like to think of QR Codes as Hyperlinks on our physical world!  They are no longer just black and white and Microsoft Tag has come along and added a few more features that make the little codes even more flexible.

QR codes, Gina Schreck, TechnologyI have been seeing more of the colorful Microsoft tags on the backs of cereal boxes and around town.  These require a separate scanner app from Microsoft (free download on any smart phone-look for Microsoft Tag Reader) and can be customized into pictures that are very cool.

Microsoft Tag can provide data on how often and where the tag was scanned.  You are also able to change the data source without having to change the tag.

Here are a few scanner apps that people have voted as their favorites for QR Codes (be sure and share yours in the comments):

Android Platform: BarCode Scanner (I use this and find it to be the fastest); QuickMark for Android (Both FREE); Google Goggles works for QR codes as well (FREE)

iPhone: Optiscan for iPhone (known as fastest for iPhone -$1.99);  NeoReader (Free); QR Reader (Free); Google Goggles work for scanning as well.

Blackberry: ScanLife Barcode Reader (Free); QR Code Scanner Pro (vibrates when code connects AND Free); NeoReader (Free)

QR Code, Gina Schreck,

QR Code Made From Lego (by LarryStraining)

Here are my favorite QR Code Generators:

ZXing: I like this one because you can embed content (memo), a URL, Contact info, and even a calendar event!

Kaywa: Like above you can choose to embed a URL, text content or contact information, but UNLIKE ZXing, you have to choose one.

TIPS: The more information you put into your QR code, the more complex it will be. The geometric pattern will be denser, and could be more difficult to accurately scan and interpret.  Shorten your URL using a tool like bit.ly to add some analytic features and see how many people are going to the site you sent them to.

36 1/2 Creative Uses for QR Codes or MS Tags:

QR codes for business, unique uses for QR codes, Gina Schreck, Technology expert, social learning, mobile

Sweet Code

1. QR Code on food products to take you to nutritional information.

2. QR Code on produce to tell you where the product was grown.

3. QR Code on items that need assembling taking you to a website with detailed instructions and a video!

4. QR Code inside a book taking you to a website where updates are available.

5. QR Code at zoo or museum to bring up videos or additional information on subject.

6. QR Code at conferences for handouts, exhibitor information and more.

7. QR Code on T-shirt taking prospective clients to your website, Twitter page or a video link for a fun surprise.

8. QR Code on business cards instead of cramming more info on there!

9. QR Code on health club door taking you to a site with great healthy recipes or trainer tips

10. QR Code on paper products with quick and easy recipes for families obviously on the go!

11. QR Code on sticker for laptops, phones, & other important gadgets that get left behind with your contact info.

12. QR Code on a rubber stamp for envelopes, stationary or even your forehead taking people to special promo pages on your site.

13. QR Code at the end of an article taking people to a bonus video.

14. QR Codes providing clues for a treasure hunt.

15. QR Codes around a school yard taking students to learning content (while they play!  SNEAKY)

16. QR Code on art piece taking you to artists portfolio.

17. QR Code at the end of a video on YouTube taking viewers to more fun content.

18. QR Code on wedding invitations or favors taking guests to online photos of the couple.

19. QR Code hidden in product or on raffle tickets – most go to fun content site and one goes to YOU’VE WON page!

20. QR Code on a bus stop bench with links going to car dealers website or eco-friendly sites.

21. QR Code on a grave site to take you to a page telling about the deceased.

22. QR Code on clothing tags taking you to designer websites or sites to provide styling tips.

23. QR Codes around an organization that take you to videos revealing the history or story of a company.

24. QR Code hidden in posters or marketing material that takes you to a special discount code.

25. QR Code on fingernail art taking you to a Facebook page or a nail salon website.

26. QR Code on dog tag taking you to a video sharing dog’s contact info or dog’s Facebook page :) )

27. QR Codes on plant stakes to provide growing tips, plant origins, and coupons to fertilizers or gardening supplies.

28. QR Code on belt buckle taking you to your contact info or website.

29. QR Code on cupcakes or cake taking people to a special page with photos or videos featuring the guest of honor.

30. QR Code on car windows at dealer lot to allow shoppers to see video of car features when dealer is closed, or if they want to browse on their own. 

31. QR Codes on menus taking people to a video of chef explaining the unique ingredients used.

32.  QR Codes on mailers that are sent out to take prospective customers to a video of you telling them why they should work with you.  

33. QR Codes at the end of proposals that take people to a video of you addressing the potential client by name and giving the benefits of working with you.

34. QR Codes at the end of each book chapter with bonus audio or video content.  

35. QR Code on business cards taking people to a white paper or free product to download.

36. QR Code on accountant’s business cards taking people to forms they need. 

36 1/2. QR Code tattooed on your child…If lost, please return to… OK maybe not!

Now that I have your brain engaged here, what other ideas can you add?  What are creative places and uses you have seen?

Gina Schreck, Technology Expert, Social Media for business, QR Codes

Gina Schreck

Gina Schreck
President & Chief Hooligan at Synapse 3Di

@GinaSchreck

November 8, 2010 | Filed Under Education, EVENTS, Future, Marketing, Mobile Technology, Social Learning, Social Media, Technology | 6 Comments 

QR Codes out of Legos…Let YOUR Imagination BUILD SOMETHING

Thanks to Paul Simbeck-Hampson for sharing this fun video and to Phyllis Khare for passing it along.  Social Learning at its BEST!

See how technology and toys can lead to fun customer engagement and higher sales.  What will you embed in your codes?

QR Codes are like physical world hyperlinks!  You can add them to anything and let people discover clues, trivia, and more!

To get started:

1. Download a FREE scanner app on your smartphone by searching your app store for BARCODE SCANNER or SCANNER.

2. Go to one of these sites to create your code for FREE!

http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/ (This site lets you add additional information aside from your website URL.  Type in a message like I did on the code below.

QR codes, Gina Schreck, Technology speaker, social media business, Getting Geeky

Scan This

http://QRStuff.com   (This site is fun because it allows you to create a QR code from a URL, text, a Vcard with your contact info on it or even a Google map with a specific location pinpointed! When you create your code you can order fun merchandise like hats, shirts, coffee mugs, and more)

TIP: To add some analytics to your QR Codes, create a short URL over at  http://bit.ly  or http://Goo.gl and then use that link to create your codes so you can track the numer of clicks and more.

Where can you put these fun codes?  Where will you take people?

Have fun playing and learning~

@GinaSchreck

Gina Schreck, Technology Speaker, Social Media for Business

Gina Schreck

Gina Schreck
President & Chief Hooligan at Synapse 3Di

@GinaSchreck

October 13, 2010 | Filed Under Marketing, Mobile Technology, Social Learning, Technology | 1 Comment 

Mobile Dependency

I left home to go pick up the Schrecklet from school the other day and after leaving our neighborhood, I realized I left my purse at home. Without any hesitation I kept driving…without my license…without my credit cards…without my lipstick!

Technology speaker, Gina Schreck, Social Media for business, mobile technology

Mobile Dependent...& LOVIN' IT!

It is a one hour round trip and I knew I wasn’t planning on stopping at the store so no worries.  I would drive safely or ditch any police officer that tried to pull me over-HA.

After another minute went by I wondered if I would have turned around if it were my cell phone that I had left behind.  ABSOLUTELY I would have.  An hour without connectivity?  Egad! I am finding that more and more we are dependent on these mobile devices, from making reservations on the fly, looking up show times for movies or finding the definition of a word to win the debate on what LUCIFUGOUS means. (You’ll have to click to look it up yourself.)

Even a year ago I wasn’t as dependent on this mobile life-manager as I am today.  Now my calendar is here, my business email, I take lots of photos and store them here (temporarily before sending them to my computer, Facebook or someone else), get directions and navigational help to get to my appointment, and so much more.

Now the million dollar question for our business is, how can we capitalize on this mobile-dependent trend?  What are you doing now to reach your community with products, services, or content?  Can it be delivered to a mobile device? Does your website have a mobile format? If it is too text heavy with buttons that are too small to click on from a mobile device, customers may get frustrated.  Are you using all of the functions of your own phone to streamline your own life? If you are still carrying around iPods, cameras, CDs, etc you may need to learn to use your device more effectively (see my last post for more ideas).

I used to say, “people will not leave home without these THREE things- wallet, keys and phone.”  Now I have to say it is down to TWO!

How about you–are you more dependent on your mobile device than ever?

Gina Schreck, Technology Speaker, Social Media for Business

Gina Schreck

@GinaSchreck

Let us help you explore ways to capitalize on the mobile-dependent society we live in.

Gina Schreck
President & Chief Hooligan at Synapse 3Di

@GinaSchreck

September 30, 2010 | Filed Under Future, Geolocation, Mobile Technology, Technology | 1 Comment 

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