You remember the way CNN covers New Years Eve celebrations around the world, don’t you? First, it’s fireworks down under at Sydney harbour. Then, it’s the South Pacific… then Russia… then India, Europe, South America, North America… around the world we go. Well hold onto your party hats, kids, because you’ll see the same kind of thing happening today as the Social Media community here on Earth celebrates Worldwide Social Media Day… (More…) Continue reading “Happy Worldwide Social Media Day!”
Forbes Goes Social Media
You’ve heard of it. Heck, you might even aspire to be ON IT someday. What am I talking about? The infamous Forbes Magazine list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Celebrities. But there’s a twist to this year’s verision… the addition of Social Media rankings. For the first time, the editors at Forbes have taken a celebrity’s presence on Twitter and Facebook into account.
Drum roll please… Even though Oprah Winfrey topped the overall ranking with the highest annual income (315 million dollars), the queen of the Social Media ranking is, yes… pop music sensation Lady Gaga. (More…) Continue reading “Forbes Goes Social Media”
Facebook – The Movie
You knew it had to happen. Eventually, all good stories hit the silver screen. Hollywood steps in, works a little movie magic, and voila – a blockbuster. And the story behind the creation of Facebook is no exception. This Fall, “The Social Network” will be hitting a theatre near you. Written by Hollywood heavyweight Aaron Sorkin (“The West Wing”, “A Few Good Men”), it promises to dish the drama and the dirt behind the most successful social networking site of all time. Why should you care? Let’s talk… (More…) Continue reading “Facebook – The Movie”
Social Media and Feeling the Earth Move
Thousands of Canadians felt the earth move this week. No really. The earth moved. If you didn’t feel the rumble, you sure heard the media – and your friends – talking about it. A quake measuring a healthy 5.0 on the Richter scale rolled through southern Ontario. The epicenter was in Ottawa, but thanks to Social Media, it was the shock heard round the world. People across the province were tweeting and texting and Facebooking their hearts out. It’s a great example of the way SM comes into play when people are either afraid or facing disaster. Let me explain… (More…) Continue reading “Social Media and Feeling the Earth Move”
The G-20 Summit and Social Media
Folks in Toronto, Canada are gearing up for the mother of all upheavals next weekend… the G-20 Summit. Already, politicans, police and protesters from around the world are descending on the city and throwing residents into a tailspin. Not surprisingly, Social Media is in the spotlight, too. Let me tell you why… (More…) Continue reading “The G-20 Summit and Social Media”
Music and the Power of Social Media
His name is Justin Bieber. You know who I’m talking about… the 16 year old singing sensation from Stratford, Ontario, Canada. The kid is a pop phenomenon who’s taken the MTV crowd by storm over the past year or so. He’s also a pretty clever guy who knows exactly how to use Social Media to fuel his career. One tweet from Justin Bieber to his frantic fans is enough to inspire hysteria. Now, a group of high school students from Justin’s hometown are hoping it might be enough to inspire fame and fortune for themselves… (More…) Continue reading “Music and the Power of Social Media”
iPad Mania
I was up too late for my own good last night, flipping back and forth between Letterman and Leno. Leno was talking with a 20-something actress whose name I didn’t catch, but who was likely one of the stars of Twilight. (Aren’t they all?) The conversation turned toward the iPad. She actually had one. And boy, did she love it. Let me tell you… Apple got a peach of a free commercial on national TV thanks to her. And another thing… (More…) Continue reading “iPad Mania”
Social Media and Word of Mouth
Noticed something interesting on Facebook last night. One of my friends posted a question to all of HER friends… asking their pick for the best pharmacy in the city — the one with the cheapest dispensing fee. Within the space of a day, she got a handful of replies and a consensus: Costco. I’ve never filled a prescription at Costco, but I will now… all because of that recommendation. In the old days, you would have been talking about this over a cup of coffee at your friend’s kitchen table. With the advent of Facebook, HUNDREDS of friends are in on the conversation… and that’s the wonder of Social Media. (More…) Continue reading “Social Media and Word of Mouth”
“Please Don’t Jump!”
Let’s face it. The controversy over Facebook is never going to end. With half a billion users now, the issues surrounding privacy, security and safety are even more of a concern than ever. But once in awhile, a story comes along that encourages you to consider the mammoth networking website in a new light. Case in point… A Canadian woman has started a Facebook page called “Please Don’t Jump!”, which apparently has become an internet sensation. The story not only involves some raw emotions, but politics, too. Let me tell you more… (More…) Continue reading ““Please Don’t Jump!””
Lululemon and Social Media
Great story in Canada’s national newspaper, The Globe and Mail, this morning about athletic wear phenomenon Lululemon and the way in which it uses Social Media. Seems the company is so plugged into its followers on Facebook and Twitter that constant feedback comes its way day and night about styles and sizes and which designs merit more production. With some 127,000 followers on FB and 32,000 on Twitter, company execs don’t have to go far to read what customers are talking about — and to figure out what they want more of or less of. Why is this such a big deal? Let me explain… (More…) Continue reading “Lululemon and Social Media”