I'm most definitely not done blogging. But I am going through a hectic time with work and such.
So while I get my OWN COMPANY's website up and running, this blog gets the short end.
Aww. I know. I miss writing.. but I'll be back at it in no time.
Promise ;)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays
Just about to take off from the office, and I thought I'd drop a line here to wish everyone the very best this holiday season.
I got a few good books to cuddle up to until January (Seth Godin's "Tribes" and another about the science of buying), got my fuzzy socks (curtesy of DL) and will be surrounded by amazing company.
Me and 14 of my closest, are going to Mont Tremblant to ski and cause some havoc. Should be good. I'm just looking forward to relaxing in the hot tub and sleeping in. 2009 is sure to be one busy & eventful year, so gotta recharge in advance.
Hope you guys have some time to chill and see you all in '09!
XoXo
D.
I got a few good books to cuddle up to until January (Seth Godin's "Tribes" and another about the science of buying), got my fuzzy socks (curtesy of DL) and will be surrounded by amazing company.
Me and 14 of my closest, are going to Mont Tremblant to ski and cause some havoc. Should be good. I'm just looking forward to relaxing in the hot tub and sleeping in. 2009 is sure to be one busy & eventful year, so gotta recharge in advance.
Hope you guys have some time to chill and see you all in '09!
XoXo
D.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
you're too young when
Here's how you know someone in your office is inexperienced:
1. smiles too much
2. is too nice and avoids stepping on any toes
3. bends over backwards, at his own expense
4. doesn't know how to cover his ass
5. lacks tact and ends up offending ppl
6. is too shy to be assertive
7. assumes anyone older knows what they're doing
8. dresses like in school
If you can identify with any of the above, don't worry. Focus on improving your skills and keep your ear to the ground. If you're genuinely dedicated, it will be noted by those that matter.
~*~ the only way out is through ~*~
1. smiles too much
2. is too nice and avoids stepping on any toes
3. bends over backwards, at his own expense
4. doesn't know how to cover his ass
5. lacks tact and ends up offending ppl
6. is too shy to be assertive
7. assumes anyone older knows what they're doing
8. dresses like in school
If you can identify with any of the above, don't worry. Focus on improving your skills and keep your ear to the ground. If you're genuinely dedicated, it will be noted by those that matter.
~*~ the only way out is through ~*~
Monday, December 8, 2008
male and female brains
This has got to be one of my favorite topics of discussion: male/female brains.
I've often been told I have the mind of a guy (a construction worker, to be precise). I think I'm just staying balanced. Being both feminine and masculine.
Here are some things I've learned that might help other gals understand the male brain.
1. He has no idea how much your blouse is worth. He only sees you as 'well-put-together'. Men don't spend a 10th of the time we do in malls, so they don't notice the invisible price tag. If you just look elegant and clean you'll get a split-second 'thumbs up' in their mind.
2. He thinks 'macro'. If he's dusting the house, it will be half-assed in your opinion but that's because he doesn't see detail like you do. Appreciate the gesture and tidy up later. This 'macro', see-the-big-picture mindset is probably due to evolution (men hunting, fighting wars, etc) and biology (ie. phylogeny, testosterone, etc).
3. He's blunt and to the point. Very rarely do men exchange pleasantries, or talk about a gourmet sandwich for more than 30s. They like to find solutins and move on. No point whining and dwelling on on the issue. Also, most guys will call it as it is and not think about how 'it sounds', or the 'way it was said'.
For ladies today, climbing the ladder requires thick skin and a proverbial pair. There are many strong and successful women out there, and all have managed to balance their femininity (and society assigned roles) with their careers. So it can be done.
I've often been told I have the mind of a guy (a construction worker, to be precise). I think I'm just staying balanced. Being both feminine and masculine.
Here are some things I've learned that might help other gals understand the male brain.
1. He has no idea how much your blouse is worth. He only sees you as 'well-put-together'. Men don't spend a 10th of the time we do in malls, so they don't notice the invisible price tag. If you just look elegant and clean you'll get a split-second 'thumbs up' in their mind.
2. He thinks 'macro'. If he's dusting the house, it will be half-assed in your opinion but that's because he doesn't see detail like you do. Appreciate the gesture and tidy up later. This 'macro', see-the-big-picture mindset is probably due to evolution (men hunting, fighting wars, etc) and biology (ie. phylogeny, testosterone, etc).
3. He's blunt and to the point. Very rarely do men exchange pleasantries, or talk about a gourmet sandwich for more than 30s. They like to find solutins and move on. No point whining and dwelling on on the issue. Also, most guys will call it as it is and not think about how 'it sounds', or the 'way it was said'.
For ladies today, climbing the ladder requires thick skin and a proverbial pair. There are many strong and successful women out there, and all have managed to balance their femininity (and society assigned roles) with their careers. So it can be done.
Friday, December 5, 2008
5 things millennials want
Millennials/Gen Y's (those born between 1975-2000) spend about $172 billion per year in US. No wonder companies are scrambling to attract this target market!
We're just entering the workforce with new ideas, new demands and new expectations. For advertisers, I have two tips:
1. We have too many things to keep track of, so be brief and attach a picture. No one has time to read pages filled descriptions, so give me the general idea, the link and let me make my own deductions.
2. We want to experience whatever you're selling. A product may do what it's suppose to do but if I can't associate a certain feeling or experience with it, I won't recognize it on a shelf (ie. Fiji water)
For employers, here are my top 3 tips:
1. Minimize the corporate BS. Being human goes a long way today. It's okay to share your personal life if you want to, and it's okay to talk about your salary. Pretending to be 'all-righteous' seems fake and uninterested. If you have a beating heart, drop the empty suit.
2. We want meaning in our work. I'm not satisfied with just punching in and out. I want to know that a third of my life is going towards something meaningful. I'll work for your company if I like the 'mission statement', and if I can see a fulfilling, life-balanced future.
3. We want to work to live, not live to work. Like many other Gen Y's, I'm always interested in additional revenue sources. We're not as interested in climbing the ladder and developing ulcers, as we are in keeping healthy and happy. For many of us, being self-employed can give us that freedom.
Things are going to change in the workplace in more ways than one. The end of voicemail, dress code and 'TPS reports'.
Millennials want to be interconnected with stories, blogs and opinions. We want to be engaged in conversations, not just talked at. Above all, we want to live a long, healthy life, and will expect future employers to understand that.
We're just entering the workforce with new ideas, new demands and new expectations. For advertisers, I have two tips:
1. We have too many things to keep track of, so be brief and attach a picture. No one has time to read pages filled descriptions, so give me the general idea, the link and let me make my own deductions.
2. We want to experience whatever you're selling. A product may do what it's suppose to do but if I can't associate a certain feeling or experience with it, I won't recognize it on a shelf (ie. Fiji water)
For employers, here are my top 3 tips:
1. Minimize the corporate BS. Being human goes a long way today. It's okay to share your personal life if you want to, and it's okay to talk about your salary. Pretending to be 'all-righteous' seems fake and uninterested. If you have a beating heart, drop the empty suit.
2. We want meaning in our work. I'm not satisfied with just punching in and out. I want to know that a third of my life is going towards something meaningful. I'll work for your company if I like the 'mission statement', and if I can see a fulfilling, life-balanced future.
3. We want to work to live, not live to work. Like many other Gen Y's, I'm always interested in additional revenue sources. We're not as interested in climbing the ladder and developing ulcers, as we are in keeping healthy and happy. For many of us, being self-employed can give us that freedom.
Things are going to change in the workplace in more ways than one. The end of voicemail, dress code and 'TPS reports'.
Millennials want to be interconnected with stories, blogs and opinions. We want to be engaged in conversations, not just talked at. Above all, we want to live a long, healthy life, and will expect future employers to understand that.
Friday, November 21, 2008
neuromarketing and group mentality
While studying at the University of Toronto in 2004, I was picturing a new branch of neuroscience that would apply neuroscience findings to marketing and advertising. Even the chair of psychology at the time told me it's probably a fad, and raises too many ethical questions. My interest was not how to brainwash the masses, but how can we advance the field so that me(and all consumers) can understand why we're so easily manipulated.
I was fascinated with the idea, and at the time, I had no one to talk to about this. No one in Toronto, at least. After almost 5 years of marketing work, I came back to the question and to my surprise, there were others out there who shared my ideas and pushed them forward.
Buyology conducted a massive fMRI study in 2004 (when I was too busy to lift my head from the text books) and companies like Salesbrain and NeuroFocus were already capitalizing on the idea!
Sure, it's absolutely amazing that they're out there, and I can still be a pioneer in the field.. but I can't help but wishing that I was born 10 years sooner, as to be at the very forefront. What I wouldn't give to meet Dr. Gerald Zaltman or Dr. Robert Knight and ask my a million and one questions.
I was born curious about this field, and I really believe neuromarketing will take off. Now I just have to be sure I'm part of it.
To go further back in time, in 2001 at King City SS (North of the Greater Toronto Area) while the other high school kids were presenting on sports and fashion, I'd talk about Lenin and Stalin. "Ok everyone, check this out! PROPAGANDA." Silence fell. *blink blink*
*sigh*
Nothing was more interesting figuring out how these dictactors message resonated with a MASS of people, and the techniques they applied still work today! What was about their marketing campaign that clicked? Or Jesus's for that matter? They all used a combination of timing, and key words that reached everyone subconscious. After all, a large group of ppl is always easier to control than an single individual, thanks to what I like to call the single common denominator. Imagine an elevator ride with co-workers. It's either quiet, or the conversation is very bland and 'comprehensive', so as to include everyone.
Interesting how that works, isn't it. What do you think? Wouldn't you rather know why you're being drawn to purchase an item, vote for a politician, or follow a particular religion? The same area of the brain is stimulated in all three cases. What does that tell you?
I was fascinated with the idea, and at the time, I had no one to talk to about this. No one in Toronto, at least. After almost 5 years of marketing work, I came back to the question and to my surprise, there were others out there who shared my ideas and pushed them forward.
Buyology conducted a massive fMRI study in 2004 (when I was too busy to lift my head from the text books) and companies like Salesbrain and NeuroFocus were already capitalizing on the idea!
Sure, it's absolutely amazing that they're out there, and I can still be a pioneer in the field.. but I can't help but wishing that I was born 10 years sooner, as to be at the very forefront. What I wouldn't give to meet Dr. Gerald Zaltman or Dr. Robert Knight and ask my a million and one questions.
I was born curious about this field, and I really believe neuromarketing will take off. Now I just have to be sure I'm part of it.
To go further back in time, in 2001 at King City SS (North of the Greater Toronto Area) while the other high school kids were presenting on sports and fashion, I'd talk about Lenin and Stalin. "Ok everyone, check this out! PROPAGANDA." Silence fell. *blink blink*
*sigh*
Nothing was more interesting figuring out how these dictactors message resonated with a MASS of people, and the techniques they applied still work today! What was about their marketing campaign that clicked? Or Jesus's for that matter? They all used a combination of timing, and key words that reached everyone subconscious. After all, a large group of ppl is always easier to control than an single individual, thanks to what I like to call the single common denominator. Imagine an elevator ride with co-workers. It's either quiet, or the conversation is very bland and 'comprehensive', so as to include everyone.
Interesting how that works, isn't it. What do you think? Wouldn't you rather know why you're being drawn to purchase an item, vote for a politician, or follow a particular religion? The same area of the brain is stimulated in all three cases. What does that tell you?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
market research says: pack light
A few things have puzzled my usually logical mind.
Last time I travelled for work I overpacked and since then, I've been having all sorts of irritating dreams about it. I dream I'm stuck in an airport, with 5-6 bags around me that are coming undone. People forming lines behind me, attendants charging overweight taxes and me constantly misplacing key documents.
Did I prebook this? Did I pack that? Where's my $#@%$ passport?!
I was so embarrased, dragging around my giant suitcase, filled with clothes and shoes I never got to wear. I felt like a total knob, hence the (sort-of) nightmares I've been having about it lately. I know it's not a big deal, so I don't know why it's still on my mind.
My advice (for myself as well) is to always pack light. You can usually purchase what you forgot from where you are. You'll be in a better mood because you're not dragging a hippo behind you. Plus, no one likes people with too much baggage.
Another strange occurence happends when I check the time. It seems it's always either 9:11 am or 9:11 pm. No matter what I do. Be it morning or evening. It was 9:11 last night, when I asked DL, and it will be again at least 1 more time this week.
Very, very wierd.
On the work-front, I'm trying to conduct research for about 3 projects moving forward. It can get quite confusing if you're not well organized and divide your bookmarks into folders. You can get easily distracted and side tracked. Like when I started researching home care providers in the states, and ended up reading about some vitamins that add 5 years to your life. About as interesting as it was useless.
Putting together a proper marketing plan (20 some pages) takes a massive amount of reading, compiling, deleting and reading some more. Sometimes it's easier just to put together campaigns. Divide into tasks, assign individual roles and due dates. Now GO execute. Simple and actionable.
Marketing plans are detailed and complex, and they can be a difficult exercise for impatient and easily distracted folk, such as myself :)
Last time I travelled for work I overpacked and since then, I've been having all sorts of irritating dreams about it. I dream I'm stuck in an airport, with 5-6 bags around me that are coming undone. People forming lines behind me, attendants charging overweight taxes and me constantly misplacing key documents.
Did I prebook this? Did I pack that? Where's my $#@%$ passport?!
I was so embarrased, dragging around my giant suitcase, filled with clothes and shoes I never got to wear. I felt like a total knob, hence the (sort-of) nightmares I've been having about it lately. I know it's not a big deal, so I don't know why it's still on my mind.
My advice (for myself as well) is to always pack light. You can usually purchase what you forgot from where you are. You'll be in a better mood because you're not dragging a hippo behind you. Plus, no one likes people with too much baggage.
Another strange occurence happends when I check the time. It seems it's always either 9:11 am or 9:11 pm. No matter what I do. Be it morning or evening. It was 9:11 last night, when I asked DL, and it will be again at least 1 more time this week.
Very, very wierd.
On the work-front, I'm trying to conduct research for about 3 projects moving forward. It can get quite confusing if you're not well organized and divide your bookmarks into folders. You can get easily distracted and side tracked. Like when I started researching home care providers in the states, and ended up reading about some vitamins that add 5 years to your life. About as interesting as it was useless.
Putting together a proper marketing plan (20 some pages) takes a massive amount of reading, compiling, deleting and reading some more. Sometimes it's easier just to put together campaigns. Divide into tasks, assign individual roles and due dates. Now GO execute. Simple and actionable.
Marketing plans are detailed and complex, and they can be a difficult exercise for impatient and easily distracted folk, such as myself :)
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