tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393216386739177372024-02-03T00:09:18.926-08:00Fresh + SqueezedEntrepreneurial Thought.You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-71900847218537705452007-04-18T19:42:00.000-07:002007-04-18T20:04:18.594-07:00I've seen the futureThis exciting video was recently released by the brains behind <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umpc">Intel's Ultra Mobile PC</a>. Since Microsoft personal home kitchen project, this is the most progressive, sophisticated multimedia technology I've ever laid eyes upon. Goes to show how effective, well-designed technology can truly enhance our life experiences without being too overwhelming.<br /><br />So, this is what my day will be like as CEO of a next generation business. Pretty cool, huh?<br /><br />Thanks, <a href="http://gregverdino.typepad.com/greg_verdinos_blog/2007/04/bright_and_shin.html">Greg Verdino</a>.<br /><br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HrzeiUvDZog"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HrzeiUvDZog" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-68384971285232304042007-04-13T18:32:00.000-07:002007-04-23T14:52:51.921-07:00Ready to make history?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXme_-avraf3q1-tvCwk-xf82vTOrs37en6VkHRrpAOuOjoHXYUiodR-VtKm1POZMHRTbTXuKnyaiMYoDRVjY6gx9DoyvUFPpTUZImSgpRuOz1Ont_Is3gu8yfdBHTfqSvejwZG-pfu3gK/s1600-h/step.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXme_-avraf3q1-tvCwk-xf82vTOrs37en6VkHRrpAOuOjoHXYUiodR-VtKm1POZMHRTbTXuKnyaiMYoDRVjY6gx9DoyvUFPpTUZImSgpRuOz1Ont_Is3gu8yfdBHTfqSvejwZG-pfu3gK/s400/step.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053100980308762258" border="0" /></a>Tomorrow, on April 14th, I will be in Ann Arbor, MI in conjunction with the University of Michigan to "assimilate" during the nationwide <a href="http://stepitup2007.org/">Step It Up 2007</a> campaign. Start by Bill McKibben of Burlington, Vermont, Step It Up 2007 will hold over 1,300 sites filled with people urging Congress to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the year 2050. According to the word on the street, Step It Up promises to be the single largest global warming urgency rally since Earth Day in 1970. The campaign has even been featured by BusinessWeek.<br /><br />Over the last year, global warming has become an issue dear to my heart, and I wish to make considerable energies towards alleviating this problem. In addition to Al Gore's incredible efforts, John Doerr has really convinced that global warming must become apart of our social and environmental conscious. Not to mention that global warming = green business = lots of green.<br /><br />On another green-related note, here are some awesome sites that I have visited, plenty of times. I've even subscribed to some of their podcasts:<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.grist.org/">Grist</a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://www.treehugger.com/">TreeeHugger</a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://www.worldchanging.com/">Worldchanging</a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/">No-Impact Man</a></li></ul><br />So, check out the site, see were the closet Step-It-Up locations is from you, get there, and do the earth some good. You'll be glad you did it!<br />-AK<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-28774100848118204492007-04-13T17:30:00.000-07:002007-04-23T14:54:54.910-07:00Back from Aspen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tW4Dbzjoq6wUrfytzKseHmO8s9WE5opT05qQFZQ62Ck-ZRvA3GW7gNY1HHCdL-1fxaiwq-6ojbBXH_wEvTkdlkxdBgxVjuNeBju3UCmBsy5xYeXpcTLPcZ_uX4vYqzXpdgC2YbU9BaOz/s1600-h/tom+scott.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tW4Dbzjoq6wUrfytzKseHmO8s9WE5opT05qQFZQ62Ck-ZRvA3GW7gNY1HHCdL-1fxaiwq-6ojbBXH_wEvTkdlkxdBgxVjuNeBju3UCmBsy5xYeXpcTLPcZ_uX4vYqzXpdgC2YbU9BaOz/s400/tom+scott.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053089212098371074" border="0" /></a>Yeah, so... I was gone; gone to Aspen. I went skiing, did some fine dining (<a href="http://www.theskyhotel.com/">SkyHotel</a>), walked around town, enjoyed a few cups of <a href="http://www.inkcoffee.com/homepage_content.html">Ink! Coffee</a>, saw John Legend perform at the <a href="http://www.bellyupaspen.com/home.html">Belly Up Aspen</a>, and meet some real incredible people (entrepreneurs). I must confess that I fell in love with Aspen. Gosh...my ultimate dream would be to buy a place out there (10 years from now?).<br /><br />So, I apologize for the week-long intermission between postings. I assure you that I'm well-rested, energized, and ready to dish out some great content!<br /><br />But, here's what's been on my mind...<br /><br />While in Aspen, I stayed in a condominium that provided a local cable program called <a href="http://www.plumtv.com/">Plum TV</a>. Before visiting Aspen, I was partially familiar with the station, but it wasn't until I started watching the footage that I was transformed, and compelled to discover the story behind this great, entertaining channel.<br /><br />For those who are uninformed, Plum TV was started by young entrepreneur Tom Scott, founder of <a href="http://www.juiceguys.com/">Nantucket Nectars</a>, who envisioned a niche local station that would exclusively cover major vacation spots in the U.S., such as Nantucket, The Hamptons, Martha's Vineyard, Vail, Telluride, and Aspen, highlighting the events, styles, activities, and people surrounding these great sites. Tom graduated from Brown University and went on immediately to start a general store called All Serve in Nantucket with his friend Tom First.<br /><br />But what I found most fascinating was his ability to get a "jump start on things," right out of college knowing that he wanted to start a business, whatever it would be, with the explicit intention of never wearing a tie (or being an ivy-league, corporate sell-out). Instead, he took the unconventional route, followed his passions, had fun selling juice (in his little red sail boat) around Nantucket Island, and later established a well-respected, and profitable brand.<br /><br />Tom Scott also provides a great example of why an entrepreneur's career isn't limited to just one successful business. Being an entrepreneur allows you the chance to make a business out of any of your interests or passions. As soon as Tom had grew Nectars into a viable business, he decided to reach further and start a new-age television channel. In essence, Scott was always open to growth.<br /><br />This has lead me to realize my true calling, an entrepreneur: one who thinks differently, takes risks, create new ventures, and starts early. In the pursuit of my dreams, I'm about to take an unprecedented risk in the coming week. Once plans are finalized, I will announce it on my blog.<br /><br />Stay tuned.<br />-AK<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-59039128210833980712007-04-05T09:16:00.000-07:002007-04-05T09:52:09.520-07:00World-wide conference call<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjakAxCkuI7DdbzQ_BGxqMlCtNXDXpBIINGyXc71rfIE4wQU_T77qgUwsmcTLQTuv8mKRNsu0oGRNJ7Hy40WZJwwtGyEv5Zl2UYMHE_mccECY7l-QEGDEkps1GCudvx18tBV3Wxi6UOJN7/s1600-h/jimmy_small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjakAxCkuI7DdbzQ_BGxqMlCtNXDXpBIINGyXc71rfIE4wQU_T77qgUwsmcTLQTuv8mKRNsu0oGRNJ7Hy40WZJwwtGyEv5Zl2UYMHE_mccECY7l-QEGDEkps1GCudvx18tBV3Wxi6UOJN7/s400/jimmy_small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049985481653658850" border="0" /></a>Today, at 1:30pm, I'll be taking it live with CEO of Wikipedia, Jimmy "Jimbo" Wales, during a Waxxi interactive podcast. As mentioned in Kevin Hylant's<a href="http://freshnsqueezed.blogspot.com/2007/03/waxxi-new-generation-of-podcasts_13.html"> earlier post</a>, Waxxi is the service offering a totally radical way to participate in podcast conversations. By registering in advance, you can guarantee one of the 500 participant spots that are available. From what I've heard, registration was closed within two weeks prior to the event.<br /><br />Waxxi works a lot like "one big skype conference call." It's exclusive, but it allows you to chime in your thoughts at any time, be it with Jimbo, the Waxxi staff, or other listeners.<br /><br />Eventually, when I start up a podcast of my own (this summer?), I would like use Waxxi my model. But, for know, I urge anyone to <span style="font-weight: bold;">send me your dying questions</span>. Keep in mind that, Waxxi will soon release a downloadable version of the podcast via iTunes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here's the e-mail I received on Tuesday:</span><br /><br />Hi, Austin!<br /><br />Thanks for signing up to participate in Thursday's (April 5, 2007)<br />interactive podcast with Jimmy Wales. As a reminder, it will begin at<br />1:30PM EDT. To see who will be participating in the conversation, go<br />here: <a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://www.waxxi.us/jimmywales/" target="_blank">http://www.waxxi.us/jimmywales<wbr>/</a> (only those who have given us<br />permission to post their information are listed).<br /><br />For Thursday's event, here are the three things you'll need to know:<br /><br />1. Your Code<br />In order to take part in this exciting event you will need to use<br />your unique event code which is:<br />********. Only one person can use that code: you! It acts as your<br />ticket to join the event, so please keep it in a safe place.<br /><br />2. Chat/IM<br />In order to enjoy a true, interactive experience we invite you to a<br />simultaneous chat/IM session: <a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://waxxi.us/jimmy.html" target="_blank">http://waxxi.us/jimmy.html</a> You'll see a<br />chat room, where you can personalize your ID/screen name and say<br />hello, ask a question, comment on the conversation or just hang out.<br /><br />3. Dial in Number<br />You'll also need a number to call into in order to ask Jimmy Wales a<br />question by phone:<br /><br />Toll free (within the US): .1.800.976.0840<br />Direct dial (International): + 1.404.920.6336<br /><br />In order to ask a question, simply press the star key and the number<br />one (*1). You will then be placed in line, indicating you are raising<br />your hand.<br /><br />If for any reason you'd prefer to have us ask Jimmy a question on<br />your behalf, simply email your name, city, country and question ahead<br />of time to <a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="mailto:hello@waxxi.us">hello@waxxi.us</a><br /><br />Talk to you soon!<br /><br />Cordially,<br /><br />Team Waxxi<br /><a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://waxxi.us/" target="_blank">http://waxxi.us</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-60820447313207817172007-04-04T19:03:00.000-07:002007-04-05T09:05:48.425-07:00Money To Be Made<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXOjmucjA3OH7V6uTgw7AmyBY0D3sBFOidX11r7RW6cBxcfYqboeKIUV3zP-LQpKvt9QG4pyvLzes5I9IcEAbiM-6kideyp_zl-qJxaxkEPgh3vV2m8HlKWt1nBORLhOPQB8q03cMC2QL/s1600-h/C.K.-Prahalad.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 110px; height: 129px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXOjmucjA3OH7V6uTgw7AmyBY0D3sBFOidX11r7RW6cBxcfYqboeKIUV3zP-LQpKvt9QG4pyvLzes5I9IcEAbiM-6kideyp_zl-qJxaxkEPgh3vV2m8HlKWt1nBORLhOPQB8q03cMC2QL/s400/C.K.-Prahalad.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049779709770507474" border="0" /></a>On Tuesday, I made a visit to University of Michigan Ross School of Business to hear a special lecture given by long-time business professor and consultant,<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C.K._Prahalad"> CK Prahalad</a>. A legend and "guru" for so many years, (even when my dad had him in class twenty years ago), CK has devoted the later part of his years in developing new strategies for doing business with the poor. In February 2006, CK published <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780131877290&itm=1">The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid</a>, a widely-popular source on how to alleviate poverty through profitable new business ventures.<br /><br />While I got lost in some of CK's professorial terminology, I found CK's speech to be, overall, quite fascinating. It definitely widened my perspective on how big money can actually be made through businesses that are geared to the world-class poor, and the obligation for big-businesses to be pro-active in developing new products and services, while maintaining social responsibility. So for companies willing to take the challenge, I think they ought to start-off by initiating their own in-house departments that are specifically geared to this new market. i.e. "Team for the Emerging Poor."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">But, here's what I found most illuminating:</span><br /><ul><li>The traditional question to globalization asks, "Is globalization good or bad for the poor?"</li><li>This question should now be re-phrased to,"How do we make globalization work for the poor?"</li><li>At the Bottom of the Pyramid (world's lowest poverty level), the unrealized market potential $5 trillion.</li><li>In Asia, it's $95 billion.</li><li>Companies that have shown success at B.O.P:</li><ul><li>Frito Lay - In India, regular packaging, yet flavored with local curry powders</li><li>McDonalds - Low cost, veggie burgers</li><li>BP - new village cooking stoves<br /></li></ul><li>The "normal" business model views business as: "price minus cost equals profit."</li><li>The "new" business model views business as: "price minus profit equals cost."</li><ul><li>By fixing your projected profit, products such as the <a href="http://www.laptop.org/">$100 MIT laptop</a> can be made feasible.</li></ul></ul>Lastly, I thought it would be appropriate to include a 2005 TedTalks video featuring Jacqueline Novogratz, who is the CEO of the Acumen Fund, a third-world venture capital program that is putting a lot of CK's teachings into practice. (CK also mentioned that the other top pioneers of social change were: <a href="http://www.gatesfoundation.org/default.htm">The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation</a> and <a href="http://www.google.org/">Google.org</a>).<br />-AK<br /><br />Check it out:<br /><br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8k_XH-ajLo0"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8k_XH-ajLo0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object><a href="javascript:void(0)" onclick="return false;" tabindex="7"><span></span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-66876329710389655402007-03-31T23:01:00.001-07:002007-04-04T20:36:21.839-07:00Juicy Joost<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBHLB_KWuKHWAe-c0seZZpz_oVXJ3hFKGG4GyoC2BIa56U09dbBKx5DIBF_WQQthpHU0jhSw0conYBQ_V7QNI97wE9GbOwi2gBTcPHK3NwAWppxeXdHR48nMOt1QjrCvqOeoumbck_PuS/s1600-h/joost.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBHLB_KWuKHWAe-c0seZZpz_oVXJ3hFKGG4GyoC2BIa56U09dbBKx5DIBF_WQQthpHU0jhSw0conYBQ_V7QNI97wE9GbOwi2gBTcPHK3NwAWppxeXdHR48nMOt1QjrCvqOeoumbck_PuS/s200/joost.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048611274434194066" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.joost.com/">Joost</a>, the pioneer of online television, is creating an experience more profitable for advertisers and more enjoyable for viewers. The company is bound to attain unprecedented success with its <span>new </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">free</span> technology which puts the viewer in charge of the experience by allowing him or her to choose from an entire days worth of shows at any single moment, except of course from live shows. In addition, its interface allows for easier navigation than the conventional TV remote.<br /><br />Joost is a dream for advertisers and a tremendous catalyst for online and viral advertising because commercials would be far more effective in getting the viewer to visit their website because it is only a mouse click away for a viewer sitting at his or her computer as opposed to the inconvenient "trek" from the couch to the computer room which most would currently have to endure. This means companies must construct interesting and interactive websites which would captivate the consumer and hopefully persuade him or her to buy or at least learn about their product.<br /><br />Joost is also currently developing compatibilities with other technological products. For example the <a href="http://www.apple.com/appletv/">Apple TV</a>, a device which links one's iTunes video library to his or her television, is partnering with Joost to develop a means of linking Joost to one's TV in order to preserve the comfort of a family viewing experience, providing the best of both worlds.<br />-KH<br /><br /><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p><object height="350" width="425"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/D22aJk2IEmc" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/D22aJk2IEmc" height="350" width="425"></embed></object></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-46908963919130958152007-03-28T22:17:00.001-07:002007-03-28T22:17:50.076-07:00Steve Job Speaks:I've lived by this speech. From the time when my mother handed me this transcript to the day when I sat down with my Jesuit teacher, Mr. Schreiber S.J, to discuss its principles; I've read this speech so many times. I read it at night when everyone was asleep, making highlights and jotting down personal notes. I even read it during church service.<br /><br />Steve Jobs offered me a religion, in a sense. And so this speech has forever changed my life.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish."<br /><br /></span><span><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D1R-jKKp3NA"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D1R-jKKp3NA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-34580608898174066152007-03-27T19:22:00.000-07:002007-03-28T21:56:24.023-07:00GotTime to play?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTObt_DQ_E_t1W5mWh-y4vqONcHUFSYmhOKAjs4zRjSPWYnyB9_U4tpRiaVswx78eSoNFZPE7xRyLMyYDtSvxEnxFtn8LHciAt10OVcguK20xG66D_K1TMDASi1psxq0mrcs0G7khM07KM/s1600-h/gotmilk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTObt_DQ_E_t1W5mWh-y4vqONcHUFSYmhOKAjs4zRjSPWYnyB9_U4tpRiaVswx78eSoNFZPE7xRyLMyYDtSvxEnxFtn8LHciAt10OVcguK20xG66D_K1TMDASi1psxq0mrcs0G7khM07KM/s200/gotmilk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046813628757355138" border="0" /></a>Probably not. But in any case, <a href="http://www.goodbysilverstein.com/main_site/main.html">Goodby Silverstein and Partners</a> makes it's it pretty compelling not to spend a few minutes trying out their latest GotMilk ad stunt, <a href="http://www.gettheglass.com/">GetTheGlass</a> online board game. While Joseph Jaffe has a strong affinity towards the <a href="http://www.myspace.com/roaminggnome">Myspace Travelocity Gnome</a>, GotMilk has now become my own personal favorite. The site's visuals are incredibly crisp and clear, and the overall entertainment factor is off the charts (for anything of it's kind). This just proves the importance of good storytelling combined with stimulating graphics -- both of which Goodby does immensely well. Just for comparisons sake, check out Easy Jet's latest online <a href="http://www.ugoto.com/games/the_ningotiators.html">game</a>, and notice the contrast in quality of experience.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">*One is out to directly sell promotions. The other is out to share a good experience*</span><br /><br />I should also mention that the experience is sustained throughout the game, for hours literally. Darryl Ohrt, over at <a href="http://www.viaworldwide.com/">Via Worldwide</a> and Brand Flakes, claimed to have spent his entire afternoon playing the game. He does lament on the downloading times, however.<br /><br />But like anything in markteing, it all comes down to reach. After reviewing the latest Alexa.com statistics, it appears as if the site has witnessed a mere 80% boost in traffic, a lot driven in Europe (not bad for new launch). Thus, Goodby continues to push the envelope, and makes a strong case for the development of online branded games. I just hope that GS+P would share their new expertise with their other clients and brands who don't only advertise milk.<br /><br />Two thumbs, way up!<br />-AK<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-41089209628327808542007-03-25T20:48:00.000-07:002007-03-25T20:49:18.684-07:00Follow-Up on TwitterSince Thursday's post, Twitter has been featured a number of times. However, Twitter seems to be taking a break from its recent proliferation. Appears that a lot of the naysayers are out to spread their own impressions. I agree to some extent. Remember, it's only the beginning. As for now, check below:<br /><ul><li>BusinessWeek article (<a href="http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_14/b4028052.htm">"Twitter: All Trivia, All The Time"</a>)<br /></li><li>Joseph Jaffe rant on <a href="http://www.acrossthesound.net/">Across the Sound</a> Podcast #73</li><li>Mitch Joel's spin on <a href="http://www.twistimage.com/downloads/podcast/SPOS_44_-_Twitter_Comments.mp3">Six Pixels Of Seperation</a> Podcast #44</li></ul>And here's a Youtube video that basically sums it all:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BgeiaK1lh2I"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BgeiaK1lh2I" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-40916550679423788262007-03-22T21:23:00.000-07:002007-03-23T20:16:24.400-07:00Is Twitter Worth It?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kglNne3_wguS7ixibaMdRJPI_ll8fEEsI1wLTj8udyV3m2tV7x1VeFIRayUnObvHUFwUY34NqSLy6k1Out_-woT7AThELJ5CNeOgVz4Nsfw45m3iBXn7ip9RzkXh3yDE0cVxzJcz3fZV/s1600-h/twitter.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kglNne3_wguS7ixibaMdRJPI_ll8fEEsI1wLTj8udyV3m2tV7x1VeFIRayUnObvHUFwUY34NqSLy6k1Out_-woT7AThELJ5CNeOgVz4Nsfw45m3iBXn7ip9RzkXh3yDE0cVxzJcz3fZV/s400/twitter.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044985638903077698" border="0" /></a>Twitter is here, and it has arrived in full-force, making converts out of big names such as <a href="http://twitter.com/JasonCalacanis">Jason Calacanis</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/mitchjoel">Mitch Joel</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/paulmcenany">Paul McEany</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/Armano">David Armano</a>. Intended to ask the question, "What are you doing?" Twitter is also being used to chat, organize, and inform. With a Twitter name of my own, I found Twitter to be an excellent networking tool that also enables me to easily blog on the go.<br /><br />In only two weeks of using Twitter, I've made friends with over 35 of the world's most influential businesspeople. Through Twitter, I've discovered that people really enjoy cultivating new connections. As a blogger, it's just another great way of joining the conversation. Case in point: I was able to call <a href="http://scobleizer.com/">Robert Scoble</a> one night after he sent out a "Twitter" saying that he was driving home from San Fransico, and that he was open to any phone calls.<br /><br />Yet some people find Twitter a waste of time, and believe that better sources of creativity can be found elsewhere. <a href="http://blog.creativethink.com/">Roger Van Oech</a> firmly believes in this notion. David Armano, thinks otherwise, and contends that Twitter is on the verge of something great. Consequently, RvO and DA have decided to initiate a little <a href="http://blog.creativethink.com/2007/03/reading_books_o.html">experiment</a>.<br /><br />While Twitter can also be used a ideal means to procrastination, I think it largely depends on the content/conversation that is being generated. Besides providing constant updates on one's status, Twitter could be used as an outlet to creative ideas. Since a lot of brilliant ideas are often conceived spontaneously, Twitter could be used to allow professionals to quickly review other people's ideas, build on them, irrespective of location.<br /><br />So, the question is: What kind of impact has Twitter made on you? Has it been worthwhile of your time?<br /><br />If you wish to be my Twitter friend (click <a href="http://twitter.com/freshnsqueezed">HERE</a>).<br />-AK<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong></strong></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-36326111550327331652007-03-20T22:28:00.000-07:002007-03-28T21:01:19.982-07:00Join the Conversation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpPaoVsth317dWik6InDbydQDBuevaG4U1pRExRcO8YgnMCIo7ypYnsqc0mnLHwfRZxlipjBSWAsQ_3pVCsSdVyXR2Ctxi8XRFOf4ejpoLeR2J9KeiOGtdsDTHKgg1LGf9NARW_AFbJ9j/s1600-h/jaffej.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpPaoVsth317dWik6InDbydQDBuevaG4U1pRExRcO8YgnMCIo7ypYnsqc0mnLHwfRZxlipjBSWAsQ_3pVCsSdVyXR2Ctxi8XRFOf4ejpoLeR2J9KeiOGtdsDTHKgg1LGf9NARW_AFbJ9j/s400/jaffej.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044254321936685874" border="0" /></a>Joseph Jaffe, author of the best-seller "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Life-After-30-Second-Spot-Alternatives/dp/0471718378/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9151961-3118439?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174456630&sr=8-1">Life After the Thirty Second Spot</a>" and Chief Interrupter of <a href="http://www.crayonville.com/">Crayon</a>, will release a new book in Fall 2007 titled "Join the Conversation: How to Engage Marketing-Weary Consumers With The Power of Community, Dialogue and Partnership." According to Jaffe, "JTC" will carry on from where "LA30"<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><em></em> left off. In others, it will be light years ahead; completely different, focusing on the power of dialogue, community and partnership.<br /><br />In the spirit of "joining the conversation," Jaffe opened up two unique ways for others to contribute. The first was a contest in which people could submit their own book designs. Over a dozen cover designs were submitted and the the winning photo of <a href="http://www.2kbloggers.com/photo-montage/?photo_order=orig">2,000 bloggers</a> was recently selected. The second option was to contribute to Ch. 10 of Jaffe's book titled, "Why are you so afraid of conversation?" Writing and editing was done through a community <a href="http://www.jointheconversationwiki.com/pmwiki.php">Wiki</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So, I choose the second option, and here's my essay/blurb... Enjoy!</span><br /><br />"When it comes to Web 2.0 and joining the conversation, marketers are too concerned over the amount of responsibility and maintenance required to initiate and monitor consumer dialogue. Call it complacency, but marketers worry that by joining the conversation, they have eternally wedded themselves to their consumer. In a space eminent for immediate outbursts and widespread consumer havoc, marketers worry about the representation of their brands, and don't want to deal with the myriad of consumer sensibilities. <p class="vspace">In addition, marketers struggle with what to say and how to conduct conversation. Before the advent of Web 2.0 and new media outlets, marketing was primarily a one-way communication device. Commercials, print ads, and others mediums were all forms in which marketers could creatively employ their own messages. Today, marketers can more effectively persuade through two-way conversation. However, this form of communication requires marketers to have something important to say on a regular basis. Meanwhile, two-way conversation tests a marketers ability to listen. If attention isn't placed on the consumer, all conversation and ideas are thereby lost. Under this new model, then, marketers must become facilitators of new ideas with the understanding that "the consumer (always?) knows best."</p>Yet in order for marketers to establish a stronger, more intimate relationships with their consumer, marketers must take advantage of these new technologies. In the process, marketers must gain a better understanding of this new medium and must create smarter methods of monitoring conversation. By investing time and efforts towards providing earnest conversation, marketers will have grown more transparent and open to consumer needs.<br /><br />Any Comments??<br />-AK<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-80555872577224655902007-03-17T21:57:00.001-07:002007-03-19T17:45:33.303-07:00We celebrate you, Zingerman's!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTtuNE2WvhJ-G2gC6tNoTkvwIzoD76dh70kCn25DE0Yo9RHA_no7UOqszbQYy866bfJ33bzRVPtWzq4xr5KZVZdrZmSq7UHn3krK-OJEuohI_IxSr50IxrHbVLHARe3L7JuM5yR3GZRgr/s1600-h/zingerman's+25th.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTtuNE2WvhJ-G2gC6tNoTkvwIzoD76dh70kCn25DE0Yo9RHA_no7UOqszbQYy866bfJ33bzRVPtWzq4xr5KZVZdrZmSq7UHn3krK-OJEuohI_IxSr50IxrHbVLHARe3L7JuM5yR3GZRgr/s400/zingerman's+25th.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043119906002907202" border="0" /></a><br />This week <a href="http://www.zingermans.com/">Zingerman's Community of Businesses</a> celebrated the <a href="http://www.zingermansdeli.com/zing25/">25th anniversary</a> of its flagship business, Zingerman's Deli. Started in Ann Arbor, MI by the dynamic duo of Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig, two pals from University of Michigan, Zingerman's Deli grew rapidly to become world-famous for its signature Grilled Reuben sandwiches. Over the past 25 years, Zingerman's has grown beyond corned beef to include new food-related businesses such as Zingerman's Bakehouse, Catering, Mail Order, Coffee, and ZingTrain (food consultancy).<br /><br />Today, the $30 million dollar food juggernaut is considered to be a among the most innovative small companies in America. In 2001, Zingerman's received the recognition of being <span style="font-weight: bold;">"The Coolest Small Company in America"</span> according the Inc. Magazine, as well as a "Small Giant," after featured by Bo Burlingham in his book <a href="http://www.smallgiantsbook.com/index.html">Small Giants</a>. In 1989, Zingerman's establish <a href="http://www.foodgatherers.org/">Food Gatherers</a>, the largest non-profit food distributor to the hungry (in Washtenaw County).<br /><br />To celebrate the occasion, Zingerman's hosted a day-long street fair in the Kerrytown quarters of downtown Ann Arbor, MI. As part of its potent guerrilla marketing tactics, (as well as just sheer benevolence), Zingerman's rolled back sandwich prices to rates used back in 1982 during its first year of business. So, the regular #2 Rueben was discounted from $11.50 to just 5 dollars. As a result, loyal Zingerman's customers piled outside the store for hours just to get a chance to purchase a bite of history. Zingerman's sold over 3,000 sandwiches that day, setting a new company record.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaP34NWFZQqgg9jN8MY0kzD8mS4D0Jl-LmhgFpVqabe9fnARWm3nzj8FPuSjrPmUiVLGfGRw_IHnteSHKii6BCkPW1VqpSbIHhmpcFtp_rzZlEA9JwVjf1q0PTLhl_tc_YAtRg6WVPljh/s1600-h/wblu.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaP34NWFZQqgg9jN8MY0kzD8mS4D0Jl-LmhgFpVqabe9fnARWm3nzj8FPuSjrPmUiVLGfGRw_IHnteSHKii6BCkPW1VqpSbIHhmpcFtp_rzZlEA9JwVjf1q0PTLhl_tc_YAtRg6WVPljh/s200/wblu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043120206650617954" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />In addition, Zingerman's just received the honor of being among <span style="font-weight: bold;">"The Most Democratic Workplaces in America."</span> This award was granted this month by <a href="http://worldblu.com/">WorldBlu</a>, a new network that examines innovative, "democratic" business cultures. Its recent 2007 list featured 34 remarkable small businesses, with names such as Linden Labs, Dancing Deer, Threadless, and Honest Tea. After receiving countless e-mail notes from Paul Saginaw mentioning that he was in the process of applying, I know this recognition means a lot to Zingerman's.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Click (</span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://worldblu.com/">HERE</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">) for the WorldBlu List 2007.</span><br /><br />Dislaimer: I work at Zingerman's and share in providing a truly unique experience, everyday. Undoubtedly, Zingerman's is one of the greatest places to work.<br />-AK<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-84976070210981768552007-03-14T20:06:00.000-07:002007-03-15T20:59:26.389-07:00Damn Good MagazineToday I happened to stumble upon "one gem of a magazine." The publication is called <a href="http://www.goodmagazine.com/">Good Magazine</a> and it was started last September by 26 year old entrepreneur, Ben Goldhirsh. The magazine explores topics as wide-ranging as politics, media, and consumer spending habits. The writing is completely fresh and provocative, but what's even more astonishing is that Good Magazine is entirely non-profit. So, when you subscribe for one year, you subscription fee is transferred as a monetary donation to any charity of your choice. The magazine offers some really great charitable options, such as <a href="http://www.roomtoread.org/">Room to Read</a> and <a href="http://www.donorschoose.org/homepage/main.html">Donors Choose</a>. So far, Good Magazine has raised over a quarter million dollars. After ten minutes of navigating the site, I was compelled to buy in.<br /><br />While the bulk of Good Magazine's content is print, the magazine also has a great video production team. The following short video was recently featured at the South by Southwest (<a href="http://2007.sxsw.com/">SXSW</a>) festival this week -- really helped to answer a lot of questions I had about advertising.<br /><br />Do yourself a real service and check out the magazine, pronto.<br />-AK<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Za_ra3VBuE4"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Za_ra3VBuE4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-60791082349998690122007-03-13T20:00:00.001-07:002007-03-15T21:02:18.882-07:00Waxxi: A New Generation of Podcasting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.techcrunch.com/wp-content/waxxilogo.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 167px;" src="http://www.techcrunch.com/wp-content/waxxilogo.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Tracy Sheridan distinguishes herself as a fascinating entrepreneur in the world of podcasts with her creation of <a href="http://waxxi.us/">Waxxi</a>: a live scheduled podcast in which people can participate via telephone or computer. I really like the idea because it's yet another tool that pushes listeners out of their normal role as solely listeners<span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span> and makes them active contributers by <a href="http://www.jointheconversationwiki.com/">joining the conversation</a>. Shel Israel and Robert Scoble, the authors of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Naked-Conversations-Changing-Businesses-Customers/dp/047174719X">Naked Conversations</a>, were guests on its inaugural podcast on May 20,2006 at 10:30 AM PST. Even Jimmy Wales, the creative mind behind Wikipedia, is scheduled to be a future guest on the program. While this live podcast is taking place, Waxxi will also have a simultaneous chat/IM running with the podcast. With up to 500 participants taking part in the podcast, it might be difficult to get a chance to ask all your questions, but it's certainly allows you to become involved.<br />It's easy to participate. Just visit the <a href="http://waxxi.us/">Waxxi homepage</a> and you'll receive a participation code and a tool free number. Waxxi is definitely something worth keeping an eye on for I believe it is yet another way for the consumer to get involved -- much like blogging has been over the past year.<br />-KH<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-16902431065316902232007-03-10T18:00:00.000-08:002007-03-12T13:05:55.951-07:00Ad(s) of the Week<a href="http://www.heineken.com/usa/WOH/SplashPage/SplashPage.aspx?ReturnURL=">Heineken</a> just reported record sales this week. The company has really been on a tear of lately, investing wisely in some great branded marketing and advertising. Aside from its bold taste and clean finish, a lot of Heineken's success should be accredited to creative ad agency, <a href="http://www.strawberryfrog.com/sf/">Strawberry Frog</a>. The New York and Amsterdam firm has done a great job of promoting the brand internationally, with spots such as "One big game" and "James Bond Casino Royale" (posted below). I've always admired their work (definitely a company I would want to work for someday).<br /><br />Here's to the power of advertising, done right. Cheers Strawberry Frog!<br />-AK<br /><br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_E77QPzsbsc"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_E77QPzsbsc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></object><br /><br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1CB1iY0yeWc"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1CB1iY0yeWc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-42551013239507541212007-03-08T17:00:00.000-08:002007-03-12T13:07:02.631-07:00College<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJEVjzZB1kJknaqCyJavNfFIWR6KiRf1uCSBofixxZ7ASvEucq35EJWyZOTZ_bhVUFxxGmaEZ0f9hwRTYwSArpNSL9chaT835xLg-nYZW5z8AnkDSUAjYpZ3Q-3HgQ8q8EuumvfGk8XpD/s1600-h/undergrad_wide.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJEVjzZB1kJknaqCyJavNfFIWR6KiRf1uCSBofixxZ7ASvEucq35EJWyZOTZ_bhVUFxxGmaEZ0f9hwRTYwSArpNSL9chaT835xLg-nYZW5z8AnkDSUAjYpZ3Q-3HgQ8q8EuumvfGk8XpD/s400/undergrad_wide.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039787917619310642" border="0" /></a>Today, BusinessWeek posted its official rankings for the 2007 Best Undergraduate Business Schools in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>. In its second year, BusinessWeek has featured in-depth coverage on this increasing trend, and has used smart methods for scoring each school, relying more heavily on areas such as student and recruiter sentiment, coursework, and starting salaries.<br /><p class="MsoNormal">For years now, I knew that I would always pursue an undergraduate business degree. <span style="font-style: italic;">Reminder</span>: I'm still a junior in high school. It just makes sense, especially when you're focused on a career in business. For me, the incentive is that I can major in Finance (the one business subject that really isn't taught outside the academia), build a strong business foundation, and then move on with starting my own business/ventures -- all in four years. Keep in mind that a business degree is absolutely NO predeterminer for future entrepreneurial success (as noted by Reid Hoffman, CEO of LinkedIn). Therefore, I intend on focusing more heavily on internships, job experiences, and outside motivations.<br /><a name="top20"></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Undergrad Rankings 2007</span> (click <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/07/undergrad/index.html">HERE</a>)<br /><br />One notion of mine is to move out west (<st1:place st="on">Silicon Valley</st1:place>) after college, work for design firm or study briefly at a design school before jumping into the business of venture capital. Moreover, I think it's important that I don't become fully transformed into a prototype Wall Street executive, but that I make time to cultivate my inner creative engine.<br /><br />Which brings me to my belief that: <b>the culmination of design thinking and business foresight will ultimately drive the most innovative businesses of tomorrow.</b><br /><br />As for now, here's my list of schools I'm most likely going to apply:</p> <ol start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><st1:placetype st="on"><b>University</b></st1:placetype><b> of <st1:placename st="on">Michigan</st1:placename> (<st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Ross</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">School</st1:placename></st1:place> of Business)<o:p></o:p></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on"><b>University</b></st1:placetype><b> of <st1:placename st="on">Pennsylvania</st1:placename></b></st1:place><b> (Wharton)<o:p></o:p></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><st1:placetype st="on"><b>University</b></st1:placetype><b> of <st1:placename st="on">California</st1:placename> - <st1:city st="on">Berkeley</st1:city> (<st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Haas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">School</st1:placetype></st1:place> of Business)<o:p></o:p></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><st1:placename st="on"><b>Indiana</b></st1:placename><b> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype> (<st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Kelley</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">School</st1:placename></st1:place> of Business)</b></li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal">Any suggestions??<br />-AK</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-46831660619732580282007-03-07T17:00:00.000-08:002007-03-08T21:07:21.240-08:00Big Shot in Cannes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.dexigner.com/images/content/news/10394.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 131px; height: 131px;" src="http://www.dexigner.com/images/content/news/10394.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Everywhere you look from the Super Bowl to the Oscars you can find user generated content in television commercials. Now <a href="http://www.yahoo.com/">Yahoo!</a> is trying to instigate a new type of user generated content in which the user would create online advertisements. Yahoo has dubbed this operation <a href="http://www.dexigner.com/graphic/news-g10394.html">Big Shot in Cannes.</a> In this contest, participants have to create an online advertisement which promotes basically any "green" subject and the three people who create the three advertisements that Yahoo! believes would most likely inspire someone to get up and work to make the planet a better and more healthy place to live. The prize is an all-expense-paid trip to the prestigious annual <a href="http://www.canneslions.com/home/index.cfm">Advertising Festival in Cannes</a>.<br />I think this is an extraordinary concept which will yield extremely positive results. Two of my friends, <a href="http://www.thetakedown.blogspot.com/">Max Katsarelas</a> and Austin Kronig, are even participating in the contest and are excited about the idea. Who wouldn't want the chance to be able to pick from a massive pool of advertisements for an extremely low cost?<br />-KH<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-61448370207247852352007-03-06T06:00:00.000-08:002007-03-07T20:04:17.260-08:00Lookout TED 2007<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WT89QOXi6GjMhHEnYnApP_Zt23L7YHel3ynRE-hWKN3NCYneHdwSmChK1A291penGihqcjpuWFia08APSsrDnmKdMmY5quIIJDdKyEI6e3WpzTkbORU_s0l6ip3bRqJ-HhF8s1B5jBtj/s1600-h/ted.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WT89QOXi6GjMhHEnYnApP_Zt23L7YHel3ynRE-hWKN3NCYneHdwSmChK1A291penGihqcjpuWFia08APSsrDnmKdMmY5quIIJDdKyEI6e3WpzTkbORU_s0l6ip3bRqJ-HhF8s1B5jBtj/s200/ted.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038672748864250178" border="0" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.ted.com/ted2007/">TED 2007</a> conference begins Wednesday, March 7 in Monterey, California. According to BusinessWeek, the three and a half day session has become more popular than even the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. But it's not all hype. Just take a look at the agenda of speakers (Al Gore, Richard Branson, Paul Simon, etc.). While the event is certainly costly ($6,000), it's value is worth millions considering that businesses like Google.org, Wired Magazine, and others owe their creations to the conference. In effect, some people have made claims willing to donate their organs in exchange for admissions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Agenda for TED 2007 (click <a href="http://www.ted.com/conference/flashpage.cfm?conferenceKey=2007">HERE</a>)</span><br /><br />What's really nice about the event is that each individual's TED presentation will be available to non-attendees via videocasts. The last five years of TED's have been archived on-line, allowing for a great at-home viewing experience. Sure, you'll miss out on the plenty of opportunities to network, just make sure next time that you're ready to fire up your American Express Card in time for the TED 2009 sign-up. You'll only get a three-five day notice.<br />-AK<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Business Week article on TED 2007 (click </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_11/b4025086.htm?chan=innovation_innovation+%2B+design_top+stories">HERE</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">)</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-88263471371184764072007-03-03T10:00:00.000-08:002007-03-04T11:01:33.471-08:00Ad of the WeekEach week, I will begin awarding my favorite ad, commercial, or viral video. Sort of like a marketing rendition of VH1's Best Week Ever (or a weekly Cannes). I won't be applying any specific grading rubric to the ads, only because ads are too often scrutinized for copywriting and art direction and not appreciated for their social interactions and extensions of brand experiences.<br /><br />So, the first award goes ceremoniously to Apple and their recent iPhone commercial. The TV ad debuted appropriately during the Oscars last Sunday, and I recall viewing it a couple times during Monday's 24. After viewing it for the first time, I couldn't help but smile. The ads left a sense of purpose, believability, and even community.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ron Elizando said it best on his blog <a href="http://brandcurve.com/">Brand Curve</a>:</span><br />"I think it’s brilliant. They’re pushing and clicking the right buttons on consumers minds. First off, just by making an ad for this new product under their “Apple” brand they’ve already captured the attention of millions, many of which are die-hard fans that will instantly connect to it. <p>And then, to take it all to the next level they show some of the best and most memorable “phone answering” moments in TV and cinema history. They’re straight-up playing with out hearts and minds. People tend to fall deep in love with TV/movie story lines, characters, and images; so by starting off the commercial with this attention hook they’re making sure all eyes (and minds, and probably many hearts) are into the ad 100%.</p> <p>I think this is what all TV ads should be like. Well thought of, well executed, and most of all: excellent serving for the brand they’re promoting.<br /></p><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OXhLE0drUTA"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OXhLE0drUTA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-86651555256909462007-03-02T17:00:00.000-08:002007-03-02T16:41:24.911-08:00How to Empower Entrepreneurs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4ch8wdD2I8YYMDwmPD39Z-fdo5vqemClSpWg64KSk6hWgfRiyhQ_wLVYjVpMYf6ghQ6_B8urcPypPZgYqkGZtu5ziZWumBRr5iZQ-jmwrypHEh-6JlMd2Tp-GSMyjZjGugDFq3IUgVGW/s1600-h/guy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4ch8wdD2I8YYMDwmPD39Z-fdo5vqemClSpWg64KSk6hWgfRiyhQ_wLVYjVpMYf6ghQ6_B8urcPypPZgYqkGZtu5ziZWumBRr5iZQ-jmwrypHEh-6JlMd2Tp-GSMyjZjGugDFq3IUgVGW/s200/guy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037490477415051218" border="0" /></a>Currently I'm down with a cold, and while off school and at home, I spent some time browsing the blogosphere for some new inspiration. One of my favorite stops was at Guy Kawasaki's ultra-popular blog, <a href="http://blog.guykawasaki.com/">How to Change the World</a>. Founder of the Silicon Valley V.C. firm, Garage Ventures, and former "software evangelist" for Apple Computers, Guy is an affable, "cut-the-bullshit" kind of guy. In a video post dated a few months back, Guy presented on his new book, the Art of the Start, a self-guide handbook to starting up any business imaginable.<br /><br />Given that I'm in the process of starting a business of my own, there were a few ideas that really grasped my attention.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Make Meaning over Money.<br /></span>Without meaning their is no business. If your intention is to solely based on making money in an untapped industry, you will be destined to fail.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Out with Mission Statements, in with company Mantras.</span><br />To often companies waste exorbitant fees on setting up their own luxurious off-sites, hoping to create the perfect, most emblematic mission statements. The result: broad and worthless statements that are completely uncharacteristic of the company itself. With mantras, companies are able specifically define (in 3 or 4 words) the purposes they serve.<br /><br />Best Examples:<br />Fedex -- "peace of mind"<br />Target -- "democratize design"<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ask the questions: Who is my customer? And how do I get MY Money out of her purse?<br /></span></span></span></span>The two fundamental questions of any business plan. Be specific. Any further questioning in unnecessary. Get started immediately afterwards.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Once completed, have a WOMAN review your business plan.</span><br />By nature, men are vigorous, demanding, critical, and out-spoken. Women, on the other hand, tend to be more responsive, open-minded, and honest. Women are believers, so trust their advice, first.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"You need a soul mate."<br /></span>Some of the greatest start-ups have been created by partners. For instance, Larry Page and Sergey Brin of Google helped to compliment each other's strengths and weaknesses. They provides strong reinforcement and allow partners work more creatively.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Hire people who love your company.<br /></span></span></span></span>Guy was hired by Apple not because of his proven business experience, but because he held a unbridled enthusiasm for the Apple brand and what it represented. Find people who share that passion and they will be your most productive and devout employees.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-41507766718707010742007-02-28T06:00:00.000-08:002007-03-05T21:11:23.592-08:00Cristo Rey Network<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP546kVzJvBQJBZ-YjTjilccaleYupu62lAr343RKAilbAU5EJtY8mzNU3lKOzpL-sod4dn_ZhecxGXPuwBYo_ipt-_a4mdlJScRIWcZj_megoYitZ2v8VLl1HKUsB9Few81Es6xihfnlS/s1600-h/cristorey1.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP546kVzJvBQJBZ-YjTjilccaleYupu62lAr343RKAilbAU5EJtY8mzNU3lKOzpL-sod4dn_ZhecxGXPuwBYo_ipt-_a4mdlJScRIWcZj_megoYitZ2v8VLl1HKUsB9Few81Es6xihfnlS/s200/cristorey1.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036436167212991698" border="0" /></a>During our trip to Chicago, one of the most rewarding visits was not to a corporate headquarters, but rather to an extraordinary Jesuit high school called <a href="http://www.cristorey.net/">Cristo Rey</a>. Located in the Hispanic quarters of Chicago, where the area is overridden with gang-violence and experiences a 75% high-school drop-out rate, Cristo Rey offers a tution-free education that allows students to pay off their tuition fees by working one day a week. As part of the program, students are assigned to work for major companies and firms in Chicago; corporations like Deloitte, Chicago Board of Trade, USA Soccer Association, and Univ. of Chicago Hospitals. What's more is that 99% of graduation students end up going to college, typically sponsored by an affiliate Jesuit College. Given the incredible success of this school, model schools have been created under the provision of the <a href="http://www.cristoreynetwork.org/">Cristo Rey Network</a> in cities such as New York, Boston, and Tucson.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2668P7PQUtsjUYbat0NfwOCe5tpTmfxekIeL5sAztanZoZaif68obBb7mUZGaWSMZBExglhbcZ8gmLWr1kSoHwdneXjqs8q7krzapcg52B3kg1wLTpYhyphenhyphenkP91aWorVPotUv1KhFyKodjG/s1600-h/cristo.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2668P7PQUtsjUYbat0NfwOCe5tpTmfxekIeL5sAztanZoZaif68obBb7mUZGaWSMZBExglhbcZ8gmLWr1kSoHwdneXjqs8q7krzapcg52B3kg1wLTpYhyphenhyphenkP91aWorVPotUv1KhFyKodjG/s200/cristo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036436725558740210" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />From a business perspective, here's what I found most interesting</span>:<br />-Before establishing Cristo Rey Jesuit H.S., Rev. John Foley consulted with a major Chicago business firm to help create a viable business model.<br />-Cristo Rey dedicates an entire sector of its school in helping recruit new companies and building new partnership.<br />-Cristo Rey was able to raise large pools of capital from the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation as well as from a major venture capitalist.<br />-After graduating from college, graduates from Cristo Rey are usually offered high ranking positions from the companies that worked for during high school.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lessons to be learned</span>:<br />Too often we see many failed attempts in improving the state of our inter-city schools. The best hope for non-profits is though the application of business practices and approaches. The ideal situation is the perfect fusion between big business and non-profits. Instead of solely donating funds, big businesses can make more meaningful impacts on their communities by consulting their advice and resources.<br />-AK<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-91154168518568303152007-02-27T06:00:00.000-08:002007-02-26T21:23:31.655-08:00Back from the Windy City<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrtfjYp9S1lYSs1USNpFvOjf8I4Bsq_xX7m0CKSmyVI9mxO6spLBU7fYWGOLxIgwCJRfHS68nonfEbrYCXSJ4bLwol4DwhpA-9-WxN30PgOJPe15hva4nMX7MLdO3tHWCiIvJLMKnvgVd/s1600-h/chicagob.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrtfjYp9S1lYSs1USNpFvOjf8I4Bsq_xX7m0CKSmyVI9mxO6spLBU7fYWGOLxIgwCJRfHS68nonfEbrYCXSJ4bLwol4DwhpA-9-WxN30PgOJPe15hva4nMX7MLdO3tHWCiIvJLMKnvgVd/s200/chicagob.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036079105106838690" border="0" /></a><br />Sorry guys for the lapse in posts... once again, I happened to be gone on a business sabbatical.<br /><br />As part of my Jesuit high school's Business Club, a.k.a. "the b.club," (started by myself and Kevin), we arranged a trip (with 18 student members) to Chicago to visit Loyola University and to make several corporate visits. This year, we met some truly inspiring people, all holding different business backgrounds and positions. Here's a sample agenda from our trip, and over the course of this week, Kevin and I will chronicle each stop that we made and its significance. We will also try to include some photos that we took along the way. Fun times.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttpey-TlJ1D0RAKpjtmTGcg_-xD5caTXp-29UjC6p-t7iXR0ZYapQZw6w-nCc2p7l5bplERXXk5ZsnkheVWjCqqkq3nCZ-2AIGPh2sLn-twa_hUD4f0j5nYRgYpx1HKFKvZgO7yOsS22Q/s1600-h/chicago.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttpey-TlJ1D0RAKpjtmTGcg_-xD5caTXp-29UjC6p-t7iXR0ZYapQZw6w-nCc2p7l5bplERXXk5ZsnkheVWjCqqkq3nCZ-2AIGPh2sLn-twa_hUD4f0j5nYRgYpx1HKFKvZgO7yOsS22Q/s200/chicago.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036079268315595954" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Friday, February 23</span><br />-Chicago Board of Trade<br />-Leo Burnett<br />-Cristo Rey Jesuit High School<br />-Meeting with Loyola Dean; tour of Loyola Business School<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, February 24</span><br />-Deloitte and Touche<br />-Catalyst Ranch<br />-Vosges Chocolate<br /><br />*Stay tuned for more tomorrrow. Hop on and ride with us*<br />-AK<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-1960182651626323902007-02-16T17:00:00.000-08:002007-02-16T21:13:09.461-08:00Google Presents: It's Own Advertising Campaign?What I love about Google is there unabashed willingness to experiment, explore, and create. Sure, they have a lot of money to play with, but without trying new things, innovation cannot be realized. So, with the acquisition of Youtube, Google thought they ought to try filming their own licensed videos. The result was the creation of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YUugB4IUl4&mode=user&search=">Gmail Theatre</a>, a four-minute Youtube series, broken up into four one-minute commercials. <br /><br />Released just a few days ago, the series is part of an effort to promote Google's ever-so-sleek e-mail service, Gmail. According to Don Tapscott, author of <a href="http://www.wikinomics.com/index.php">Wikinomics</a>, the estimated cost for these low-tech commercials amounted to a few thousand dollars, practically penny change. And if the response rates to Google's commercials reach levels comparable other popular Youtube videos (approx. 250,000 hits), the ROI potential looks quite promising. Pretty entertaining stuff, simple while carrying a lucid message. Hopefully, this is just the beginning.<br />-AK<br /><br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uBbmiQhuAhU"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uBbmiQhuAhU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-48743008892988906122007-02-14T17:00:00.000-08:002007-02-14T19:05:13.391-08:00Time For Change?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://jaffejuice.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/altoidsleo_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 214px;" src="http://jaffejuice.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/altoidsleo_2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Just last month Leo Burnett of Chicago lost their long-held Altoids account to San Francisco's Hal Riney. Burnett has done an excellent job in the past, but the executives at <a href="http://www.wrigley.com/wrigley/index.asp">Wrigley</a> felt change was in order and they have certainly done so, not only with their <a href="http://www.altoids.com/index.do">advertising</a>, but also with their product. Recently, they introduced <a href="http://www.chicagoist.com/archives/2006/11/01/candy_sales_up_chocolate_altoids_meh.php">dark-chocolate-covered mints</a>. The curiously strong candies come in peppermint, cinnamon and ginger flavors. They even allow you to personalize your own box of these new mints so you can send them to your valentine. This new product has proven successful and the company looks like its on its way back to success after a brief slump last year. Their new website possesses a similarity to the Guinness beer commercials. I liked this image for Guinness, but I do not particularly agree with this new appearance for Altoids. It looks like they did not spend much time with the website's construction due to its brevity and lack of creativity. When I went to their newly structured website for the first time, I was a little disappointed. Although I don't particularly love the work of the new advertising company, I still love the product.<br />-KH<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339321638673917737.post-91799198797852841402007-02-13T17:00:00.000-08:002007-02-14T10:37:53.024-08:00Every journey needs a Journal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPdqqz2dC5PYxWO1QJ5_Uz2fwHnPwbVekemGkpHEPqP54PJpLREbQS7vHwW0VZUn36mlPKVR95NXjwbbIQUAHWUA1tJWqMsV4QasbCls1LRqaPvaalul-R7OTpSqC1BlPq_K-LVQ2aQeX/s1600-h/wsj.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPdqqz2dC5PYxWO1QJ5_Uz2fwHnPwbVekemGkpHEPqP54PJpLREbQS7vHwW0VZUn36mlPKVR95NXjwbbIQUAHWUA1tJWqMsV4QasbCls1LRqaPvaalul-R7OTpSqC1BlPq_K-LVQ2aQeX/s200/wsj.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031262542417327842" border="0" /></a>In one of Katie Kempner's latest podcasts from <a href="http://www.webmasterradio.fm/episodes/index.php?showId=36">The Hook</a>, she sat down with Judy Barry, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for <span style="font-style: italic;">The Wall Street Journal</span>. During their discussion, they talked about the new efforts the Journal has taken to distinguish itself as the world's top business news publication. Among the most notable improvements, <span style="font-style: italic;">the Journal</span> completed its January 2, 2007 re-design debut, featuring a smaller paper with bolder text and vivid pictures. In addition, the Journal is making strong headway towards offering a better, up-to-the-minute business news service through its <a href="http://www.wsj.com/">WSJ.com</a> site. In its Weekend Edition, <span style="font-style: italic;">the Journal</span> is focusing on offering more leisure articles pertaining to entertainment and executive lifestyles. So, clearly <span style="font-style: italic;">the Journal</span> believes that print media is far from being a dead business.<br /><br />According to Judy Barry, it appears that readers are liking the new changes. I would agree, especially with revived marketing efforts such as its latest <a href="http://journey.wsj.com/">journey.wsj.com</a> ad campaign. For the first time, <span style="font-style: italic;">the Journal</span> seems to really get it. It's evolving its brand image, and it understands its present/future role in the lives of its everyday reader. Serving up videos of major business/popular moguls, its new campaign gives <span style="font-style: italic;">the Journal</span> much more personality as well as consumer interaction (reminds me a lot of the American Express "My Life, My Card"). As part of the deal, <span style="font-style: italic;">the Journal</span> is asking devoted readers to submit their own stories of how the <span style="font-style: italic;">Wall Street Journal</span> has played an inspiring role in their own personal successes.<br /><br />Check it out. I chose the Jake Burton video because I liked it best:<br />-AK<br /><br /><object height="246" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://journey.wsj.com/blogplayer.swf?journey=burton"><embed src="http://journey.wsj.com/blogplayer.swf?journey=burton" wmode="transparent" height="246" width="380"></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="vertical-align:middle;border:0"/></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FreshSqueezed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></p></div>You're Here!http://www.blogger.com/profile/02450332156121389177noreply@blogger.com9