Mobility & the Enterprise

The growth in the mobile device market is no longer a secret. But how is it impacting companies? This infographic by [x]cube LABS does a good job of displaying why enterprises are adopting mobility, what technology they’re using to support it and how they are benefiting from it.

Infographic by Enterprise mobile consultants at [x]cube LABS

Custom Facebook Tabs & Pages

Wondering how to build that great looking landing page for your company Facebook page or how to create a custom tab that highlights one of your products or services? If you don’t have programming experience or a developer in-house start with this article, Top 10 Facebook Apps for Building Custom Pages & Tabs, written by Andrea Vahl.

If you want to give it a shot on your own start off with these two HowTo articles:

• How to Create Custom Tabs for Facebook Business Pages
• How to Build a Facebook Landing Page with iFrames

Still confused on how to get started? You can always call us to build them for you

SOPA / PIPA Blackout

Is the proposed SOPA and PIPA legislation a threat to a free and open internet? Learn more about why the major internet sites are blacked out today, the proposed legislation and how you can voice your opinion at Google – End Piracy, Not Liberty or WikiPedia – Imagine a World Without Free Knowledge (among many others).

Best Street Art of 2011

Street Art Utopia recently shared their list of the most beloved street art photos of 2011. Definitely worth a look. There are more than 100 images. Thanks for the tip Not Zombies. Here are a few of my favorites:

Online Trends – Sharing & Information Sources

I recently read Technorati’s annual recap of blogging trends and online behavior, State of the Blogosphere 2011. As we plan marketing efforts for 2012 there were two sets of results that stand out. Hopefully these insights into consumer behavior will also be helpful to you try to decide where to focus efforts and budget in the upcoming year.

Which Information Sources Do You Typically Use?

The good news is that verbal communication is important to us; actual conversations take the #1 spot. Yes, we still talk to each other despite all those cryptic IMs and text messages. I was a little surprised to see magazines and newspapers on the list. But I have a feeling that tablet versions of both may factor into this result.

My take is that it is still critical to establish a social media presence and get your customers talking about you on those channels. But it is just as important to have a relevant product and strong customer service so those word-of-mouth (#1 on the list) or word-of-Facebook (#2 on the list) referrals continue to flow.

Where Do You Share Information?

The thing that stands out here is that email isn’t even close to dead as a means of “sharing”. In fact, it is the #1 place where people share information. But the other obvious social media channels are right at the top of the list.

Let this graphic serve as a checklist of where you should establish an ACTIVE online presence. Then you can engage the people who are (or should be) talking about your company. Share their Facebook posts, retweet them, like their video, +1 em and comment on their blog posts. It will provide additional visibility for your company and help build online relationships with your influencers.

One other takeaway – if you haven’t enabled “share” buttons for your online presence now is the time. Add them to your website, your blog, your news section and any other pages where your offer dynamic content.

Getting Started with Google AdWords

If you are considering Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising in the upcoming year one obvious resource is Google AdWords. You can always hire an agency to help you setup that first campaign. But if you are interested in trying to get started on your own check out the AdWords Beginners Guide or visit the AdWords Online Classroom shown below.

Answer Your Shellphone

I’ve always liked the commercials for Royal Caribbean cruises. They remind me that I need to start planning our next vacation They recently launched a new campaign, The Sea is Calling – Answer it Royally. The commercial is a lot different than the ones for the Get Out There and Nation of Why Not campaigns. But I like it. The “staged spontaneity” of the different phone calls is a simple reminder that we all need to switch gears every once in a while. Check it out.

Holiday Gift Guide

It is better to give than receive…right? With that in mind here are a few of our picks for great gift ideas for your favorite marketer, designer or entrepreneur:

Portable Sound

There are a few nice options for listening to your MP3 player at that backyard BBQ or while tailgating at your favorite game. Altec Lansing’s Orbit MP3 offers a ton of volume and clarify for its size (powered by 3 AAA batteries). If you would prefer a built-in, rechargeable lithium battery check out the AYL portable system pictured below.

Custom E-Reader Cover

Everyone has a tablet at this point and they all look the same. So you need a cover for that iPad or Kindle to express your individuality and show everyone just how edgy you really are. Check out this Etsy page for a bunch of options like the Lina’s Stitch design featured below.

Video Streaming

There are plenty of ways to watch your favorite movies and shows on TV now. Most require hooking up your laptop or game system to the TV. The Roku LT is a small and inexpensive device that connects to your TV for access to your favorite Netflix movie or Amazon video library (among other services). It also comes with a remote control. Who doesn’t love more remote controls to lose in the couch?

A Read About Content

Creating online content has become a daily activity in both personal and professional life. It doesn’t matter if you are posting a video to YouTube for your friends to see or writing a blog post that you hope will get a few comments from your customers. Content Rules by Ann Handley and C.C. Chapman provides a great overview of the fundamentals for creating content that is engaging for your stakeholders. If you’re looking for ideas to improve your blog posts, video, webinars or ebooks this is the place to start.

Create Your Own Cloud

Speaking of content…you’re surrounded by it. So how do you create a single spot to access all of your multimedia and work files then collaborate with a few trusted family members or co-workers? Try creating your own cloud with the Pogoplug. It allows you to aggregate multiple hard drives, stream video. share files and remotely access the info from your SmartPhone.

Pull on Your Virtual Digits

Watching people try to text from a late-season Steelers game in the snow always cracks me up. When try to do the same thing with my fat fingers it is even more laughable. So touch screen gloves are a nice idea to keep you loved one a little warmer as they scroll through Facebook updates in sub-zero weather. If you still need that tactile experience check out the Etre Touchy, cool designs and cutouts for the thumb and index finger.

No need to head out to shop for this stuff. It is all available online so click and give and be merry!

The Marcellus Network

Welcome to one of our recent clients, The Marcellus Network, a premier logistics provider for the Marcellus / Utica. We recently developed a social media marketing strategy for them and launched Facebook and Twitter accounts to support it. In partnership with the crew at Group 2 Design we also built their new website that launched last week. Check it out to learn more about how they support the needs of the energy industry through our exclusive network of local business partners.

Your Logistics Partner

Startup Saviors

Congrats to our client, C-Leveled. They are featured as the cover story for the most recent issue of TEQ Magazine. The magazine, published by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, focuses on the technology, business and entrepreneurial communities in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Check out the article, Startup Saviors, using Interactive TEQ or view the text version.