Watch out iPhone. Google is coming. And SNL knows it.
The buzz is about regarding a branded Google phone to be released early next year.
Yes, Google has in the past worked with T-Mobile with a phone manufactured by Taiwanese based HTC company.
But this is different.
Google is building their own branded phone that they’ll sell directly and through retailers. Although the company had hoped the phone would have been available by the holidays, the release date is now planned for early 2010. The phone will be produced by a major phone manufacturer (rumored to be HTC or LG) but will only have Google branding.
Current plans are for an unlocked phone, in which a person can join whichever cell phone company offers the best rate or the highest quality services (the software that prevents it from working with competitor SIM cards is not anticipated to be installed
Rumors are that Google is planning a big advertising push around the device. The launch of a Google Phone would give the product the kind of brand recognition enjoyed primarily by rival Apple with its iPhone, which has experienced some bad pr for product failures through the AT&T network, as seen in this past weekend’s Saturday Night Live clip:
Google’s growth is reaching the maturity stage, and this push into the hardware market is a major shift in the company’s core competencies. As one of the most powerful international brands, further transition into the hardware market is anticipated with rumors of a Google laptop in the works for 2010.
However, Google will also have to be very cautions about releasing hardware and maintaining quality standards. A failing product may its brand name, and next year we may see a roast of Google on SNL.
Kids & Mobile Technology: Parental Controls Required
Young people are seemingly born with a knowledge of how to text via cell phone and navigate the internet. They are comfortable using new technology and are fascinated by the information and imagery that can be obtained at their finger tops. In many cases, youngsters are more comfortable with these tools, offering a real challenge for parents to provide guidance.
In today’s modern society, our world revolves around a mobile device, and that age group is becoming younger and younger. A report by C&R Research, found some staggering statistics:
- 22 percent of children ages 6-9 own a cell phone
- 60 percent of tweens (ages 10-14) own a cell phone
- 84 percent of teens (ages 15-18) own a cell phone
- The report found that by 2011, 54 percent of 8 to12 year olds will have cell phones.
This month, the Federal Trade Commission released a report that indicated that although producers of violent music, movies, and video games have made some strides in blocking the access of these items to children, more needs to be done.
The report found that the music industry has blocked actions to implement rules restricting the marketing of explicit-content labeled music to children. Although music retailers and online sites were found to be consistent in displaying a parental advisory label, retailers only prevented 30% of children from buying explicit-content music. Movie theaters fared somewhat better, with a 72% turnaway rate for underage kids to R-Rated movies. However, retailers failed to enforce rules against underage purchase of R-rated and unrated DVDs.
And now the bright side. The FTC found a the highest degree of compliance with the video game industry’s marketing and advertising rules, blocking the sale of M-rated games to children, with an average denial rate of 80 percent. Granted this does not preclude Mom, Dad or a favorite uncle from purchasing the content, but it does allow an extra layer of protection against kids.
The FTC offerered a side of caution against kids and mobile technology. The growth of applications for cell phones, combined with the lack of ratings system for mobile apps is a cause for concern. A search of “free mobile games” on Google brings up countless responses on free downloads, with available titles ranging from the harmless to the adult. Although many sites have family filters in place, smart kids can easily turn this off without mom or dad’s knowledge.
So, what is a parent to do?
Although filters, V-Chips and parental controls help, they may not be the answer, as most kids will find a way to bypass such tools. As many games are free, and riddled with advertisements, parents can also make their opposition of violent games clear by online protest, or with their pocketbooks by not spending money on advertised products. Believe it or not, research still shows that kids really do pay attention to what their parents say. It’s certainly not easy, but in-person communication with your kids about may still be the best form of ”social media” after all.
Diversity Consumers & New Media: outreach for a happy holiday
With holiday season upon us, we are all scurrying to finish last-minute wrapping and shipping, baking and decorating. Retailers (both online and brick and mortar) are pulling out all the last ditch efforts to get people to spend, spend, spend.
When it comes to consumer demographics, retailers are learning a message loud and clear:
Do not ignore minority consumers!
According to a Multicultural Report by research firm Diversity Affluence, African Americans possess $87.3 billion in purchasing power, Asian Americans possess $90.2 billion, and Hispanic Americans hold $104.5 billion.
So, how do businesses reach these very different audiences?
One way of communicating is definitely through new forms of media. A 2009 report by Big Reports found that although all demographics named cell phones as the most common new media item being utilized, Hispanics, African Americans, and Asian respondents replied with higher usage than Caucasian respondents.
Minorities also have a higher regular usage rate, and are more receptive to use their mobile device to play videogames, take/upload picture phones and use instant messaging online.
In addition, minorities who are active online have been found to be more active on social media sites than Caucasian citizens.
While in 2008, Facebook was secondary to MySpace, today, the roles have reversed, and most (but not all) minority groups have reported to prefer Facebook.
The exception to preference in Facebook relates specifically to Hispanic-speaking Americans, who gravitate to social media sites with a stronger established Latin American presence. Many prefer MySpace or Hi5 (strong in Latin America, allowing Hispanics in the U.S. a better opportunity connect with family members out of the country.
What to do?
It is anticipated that usage of social networking will continue to grow among all ethnic groups. Smart marketers will recognize that there is no “one size fits all” approach for a diverse consumer mix. By creating a communications strategy based on where target consumers interact, marketers and consumers will have a happy holiday season for all.
Holiday E-Cards: A Few Simple Suggestions
With the holidays among is, now is a good time to reflect on how technology has altered even the way holiday cheer is expressed. With a troubled economy, many companies are cutting back all non-essential expenses, and sending tidings of goodwill is no exception. I have received remarkably less paper cards this year, and in lieu of a handwritten note, many, many, more electronic announcements of season’s greetings. As an extra bonus to cost savings, electronic holiday greeting cards are great as a “green” alternative to regular cards.
As ecards are a relatively new endeavor for many businesses, we have seen some great card ideas, and some that fall short. Here are examples of what not to do with an ecard, and what to do with one. And in some cases, sending no card (electronic or paper) is better than the examples you see here.
Case 1: Card with broken link.
I received this message on December 18th via email from Buffalo State College. Clicking on the link led to a different URL with a “Server not found” error, in both Firefox and Internet Explorer.
Although now the curiouity got the best me, I did actually take the time to hit cut and paste into a browser. The end result was a decent slide show with instrumental music and images from campus and student life. I was glad I took the time to click, but think of the negative perception of those who became frustrated and simply deleted the card.
The moral of the story?
Test, test and retest before hitting “send.”
Your friends at Buffalo State College wish you the very best of the holiday season. Please visit http://www.buffalostate.edu/president/seasonsgreetings/2009/ to view our electronic greeting card.
The correct link is here: http://www.buffalostate.edu/president/seasonsgreetings/2009/
Case 2: Unimaginative Communication
I received this message this year. A static message, no link, music or interactivity or tinsel. Although someone at the company’s staff level spend a good deal of time to merge all images into one Photoshop file, the end result was at best, flat. I may know at best one or two people from this office, but the images are so small, it’s hard to figure out where they are.
The moral of the story?
A dull message will be forgotten the second it is sent. Without any creative energy, the chance of making a positive brand experience for the recipient is impossible.
And what about Good ecard ideas? They use a creative approach in a holiday eCard that is entertaining and conveys a good impression of the company. I found this one online for Ad Agency Eisenberg and Associates. Allowing a choice between Christmas or Hanukkah imagery, recipients can play a themed version of “tetris” by moving images in sequence.
A link to the game is here.
Also, check out charities for their ecard capabilities. National organizations such as UNICEF, World WildLife Fund, St. Jude Children’s hospital and American Cancer Society are just a few suggestions. Or consider organizations local to your community. You need to analyze many things with your ecard strategies, and make the card parallel your business efforts. If you’re going custom, keep in mind that creative design and fees may run you a hefty sum. So if your list is not that large, a stock ecard may be better for your bottom line.
There are many, many e-card sources in existence. Vivid Greetings and Corporate E Greetings are suggestions for a corporate approach. And yes, if your clients have a sense of humor, a Jib Jab’s “Elf Yourself” is an option.
A little advance homework now, and we’ll be ready for next holiday.
Web 2.0: History in the Making
As I’ve gone through the Emerging Media Course at West Virginia University this semester, I have learned that one of the most important aspects of new media is information. Both marketers and consumers have a vested opportunity to share, communication about each other,
Web 2.0 is changing the way we share and manage our information. Virtually anyone can do this now, and over the course of time, the internet is becoming smarter. Although some of what we do is passive (i.e., clicking on a website link), programming behind the scenes allows sites to learn what is of interest specifically to you, and offer recommendations of additional products or services. (Think of Amazon.com’s recommendation list).
This fabulous video made its way around the internet waves in 2007. Although by today’s online standards what happens yesterday quickly becomes old news, something from two years ago is really old news. However, this link shows a very useful insight into the development of today’s “Web 2.0″. The video focuses on the evolution of forms ranging from HTML-based web-pages to RSS-feeds, from text to multimedia, and static web-sites to dynamic, “living” blogs and social web utilities.
Interesting to note is that creator of this film is NOT a social media guru or a modern day ad agency executive. Michael Wesch is the Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology from Kansas State University. Through is in-depth study of humankind, Wesch has created a relatable demonstration of new media’s influence on how society “talks” to each other (either in person or via technology). By watching, observing and learning how online communities will continue to evolve allows marketers an opportunity to learn new ways to communicate and engage consumers.
(Not to mention, the digital music is way cool.)
A Twitter Convert: Thanks to Keanu Reeves
I signed up for our new media class with a little bit of apprehension. Yes, I had a Facebook account, which I used with close friends and coworkers. And, of course, LinkedIn was a great tool I have used for years to connect with contacts on a professional level.
Create a blog? Never!
Twitter? Hm.
Honestly, I really wasn’t sure what to do with a thing called Twitter. Very, very few friends of mine Tweet, ditto for professionals in my circle. Although I work in marketing, it is in the professional services industry (legal). By its very nature, law firm marketing leans toward conservative measures. There are issues and concerns over adopting new media, as there are many industry-imposed ethics standards on how attorneys or firms can outreach to prospective clients, most of which vary from state to state. In many cases, the rules governing law firm marketing simply need to catch up with the trends in social media.
As a result, poor Twitter didn’t garner much of my interest or attention.
However, this month I was fortunate to be blessed by divine Twitter intervention to expand my experience.
Living in Buffalo, NY, life is great, but rather routine. It’s an older “rust belt” industrial city, and sadly, most of the industry has dried up. Other than snow, not a lot of excitement happens here. However, this November and December, it was announced that parts of a new movie would be filmed here. “Henry’s Crime“, starring Keanu Reeves (famous for films such as “Speed” and “The Matrix” series) was to be filmed downtown, directly outside my office building! Filming took place this week December 16 and 17th. On a whim, on Friday, December 11th, I posted this “tweet“:
Keanu Reeves films in Buffalo next week, directly outside my office. Stay tuned for updates.
Little did I know that I had opened up a Twitter flood gate with a simple post. Contacts started following me from across the globe. Links were shared, all kinds of links. YouTube videos, photos on TwitPics or Flickr and news clips, just to name a few. I was really surprised to see firsthand how a group of users could simultaneously engage in conversations all at the same time. What an amazing way to link ideas, break stories or find information about topics you might not think about from someone you would never otherwise meet. From conversation with fans of Keanu Reeves, I also received a lead on a product I was researching for business purposes. To me, most interesting of all was the fact that my Flickr site gained nearly 1,400 viewings within days. Amazing.
Although the obstacles in my own industry still exist, and there is a “slight” chance that attorneys may not get the same level of fan following as an international celebrity, there is a lesson here. Twitter may be one of the ultimate connection tool for rapid, real-time discussion. Through an active dialogue, contacts can share information between them selves. As a marketer, it is only logicical to get on board, and become engaged.
Thanks to Keanu, I have learned that the possibilities of Twitter are endless. If only I could thank him in person.
Career: Landing a Job Using Social Media
As we approach the holidays, it is hard not to think of countless professionals without employment. All too often, hard working individuals find themselves unemployed as a result of the economy and not as a result of a bad review or poor performance. In 2008, there were an estimated 1.2 million job losses. Fast forward one year later, and unemployment is now at 3.5 million, leading to an unemployment rate hovering at 10%. Even though many analysts are telling us that the recession is technically over, there are also predictions that employers are not anticipating a surge in hiring. Rather, many companies are determining how to “do more with less.”
Job Losses, Recent Recessions, compiled by Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Not a very optimistic prospect for the currently unemployed. Add on top of that an estimated 1.5 million college graduates, making the search for a job really slim.
With these sobering statistics, what is a job seeker to do?
The 1-2 punch of the economy and the revolution of the Internet has made a traditional employment search a thing of the past. Yes, candidates can and still should participate in employment fairs, and by all means send a thank you note for interview opportunities. And I cannot stress how important building a strong network is both in person. However, social media’s 2-way approach allows the possibility of many-to-many interactive communication in which a job seeker can be a proactive receiver and sender of information.
As much as companies spend countless resource hours on a social media presence, this approach can also help job seekers. Regardless of career, virtually everyone has a specialty of some sort that they can communicate to the world. You can become an information producer instead of just a recipient. One of the best ways to do that on the web is to launch a blog that centers around your expertise and passions. Best of all, it’s free! Check out WordPress.com, Blogger.com or Live Journal for a few ideas.
Definitely research companies that are of interest to you. Find out what they are doing online. I’m a big fan of LinkedIn by nature of its more professional tone and appearance. If you haven’t already created a LinkedIn profile, do one immediately. Importing your contacts from your email system (Microsoft Outlook, Google Gmail, etc.), is a way to research contacts (1st, 2nd & 3rd degrees) for information on their contacts for potential outreach for job searching. Follow companies of interest on Twitter to get updates and push your information out to them.
The biggest key is to this is integration of web 2.0 with the traditional approach you’ve already been using, in order to be consistent and be yourself. Recruiters do not want surprises. Be true to yourself whether you interact with them in person, on paper or online.
New Media: beating cyberbullies at their own game
With advances in technology, individuals can use it for good or for evil. An unfortunate result of online communication is cyberbullying.
Today CNN is featuring a success story in which a bulled teen was able to turn the tables by using new media aganst her attackers. A video of a student being filmed was posted on Social Media sites YouTube and CNN ireport. The video received many views, including one by a local reporter, who notified the authorities. A clip to the video can be viewed here.
Cyberbullying is a term that can relate to many things: A chat room discussion. Fake profiles on a social networking site. Unflattering video or image posts. Hurtful instant messages. These are all ways to harass, ridicule, embarrass or threaten another person.
The problem is that what used to happen on school grounds has spread to the masses. Cyberbullies can enroll other students to join in that may normally not be an active participant on school grounds. The end result that unseen people who wouldn’t normally bully don’t take it as seriously because there is an sense of anonymity behind a keyboard or mobile device. As we’ve seen in recent headlines, the end result of Cyberbulling can be deadly.
A national law enforcement survey released some alarming statistics. Their poll of children and teens found that one in three teens and one in six preteens have been victims of cyber bullying. Estimates show that more than 13 million children aged 6 to 17 were victims of cyber bullying. Read more for some additional alarming statistics:
– One-third of all teens (12-17) and one-sixth of children ages 6-11 have had mean, threatening or embarrassing things said about them online.
– 10 percent of the teens and four percent of the younger children were threatened online with physical harm.
Most alarming statistic? More than 2 million of those victims did not report the cyberbullying.
Through social media, the victim was able to use the same tools in order to report the problem. Well done.
Using social media — charity cause or bandwagon approach?
In light of social media, a laundry list of new terms have come to life. “Friending” is now a verb, and “Tweets” are much, much more than what my pet parrot Cosmo greets me with.
One of the newest terms that crossed my radar is “Slactivism.” According to the Urban Dictionary, a must-have reference these days, a slactivist is defined as one who feels a need to be politically active, but doesn’t quite know how and thereby jumps on the nearest bandwagon cause.
Without question, social media lets people connect with each other, and organizations can use these relationships to increase awareness.
However, does clicking on a charity event on Facebook really do much good? This trend has been criticized that click through activism can be ineffective, as people are just using their mouse clicks to fake awareness.
As people have limited time, would online “slacktivism” replace in-person volunteerism? Would kids be without mentors, or walk-a-thons without participants?
Can social media have a bigger impact than a bandwagon approach? The answer? Yes!
Causes, an online application for Facebook and MySpace was released in 2007. The application promotes viral financial donations charities and nonprofits. In just two years, the company has registered an impressive bank of statistics on usage and donation numbers. As of June 2009, over 70 million users registered to support more than 53,000 registered non-profit causes worldwide. In just two years, Causes campaigns have raised over $10 million dollars. Although Causes does keep 4% of the proceeds, this is still remarkably better than the 7-12% average that is spent on fundraising by other not-for-profit tactics.
According to a study by Mashable.com, the key to online giving through social media is trust, both from the organization, and from those people you connect with. By building a dialogue based on trust and openness, charities have an opportunity to effectively fundraise. But by engaging with its audience, the organization may also be able to gainer support with calls to action for an increase volunteers.
A recent example occurred in my hometown of Buffalo, NY. Hit show Extreme Home Makeover rebuilt the home of one needy family. A mass social networking campaign garnered a record number of volunteers – over 5,000 in all. With the largest volunteer turnout, volunteers gave the entire neighborhood makeover.
Yes, landscape has changed for charities. And pursuing web-based activism, the opportunity is prime for organizations to connect with a wider audience. As the message is spread from person to person, nonprofit organizations have an opportunity to raise money and bring a community together, both in person and online.
Social Networking: A new take on family dinner
Well, another Thanksgiving has come and gone. Most of us are fortunate to have been given the gift of a pre-determined social network with our families. In today’s mobile society, families tend to be scattered across the country and beyond. In these instances, a close relationship is challenging by early methods of phone call, letter or even email.
Sitting at the dinner table and listening to conversation gave a great perspective on how generations from teens to adults become more engaged with each other through social media. Tools such as Facebook and Twitter can bring individuals together by further creating an emotional bond between family members. How else would Aunt Francis know about niece Sarah’s adventures, experiences and stories at college, 4 hours away?
The beauty of social networking is that it can also bring the same closeness to consumers to brands as it has to family members. Effective branding helps create an emotional clarity about the product, service or company. Companies such as Ford, Coca-Cola and Southwest Airlines have built active social networking sites which allow a channel of direct communication to thousands daily. By doing so, these organizations have successfully accomplished three very critical items: brand familiarity, customer engagement and ultimately, brand loyalty.
Social networking tools allows marketers to develop innovative ways to make target consumers feel like they belong, making the possibility to form a tightly-knit community that bonds a group around an issue or product.
With an effective campaign, we can use social media to create a large Thanksgiving dinner table with outreach to thousands. The pumpkin pie is optional.
