Mish's Playground

I'm Walken, All By Myself

2008-07-24T16:07:00.004-04:00

With a cooler summer and work a tad bit closer to home...I've been walking home a lot more these days. If I don't walk, it is still a bit of a walk from the subway to my home.

And, for whatever reason (well, I was contemplating eating a cake), I got to thinking about how much I actually do walk on any given day?

So, to Google Maps I go and VOILA! - They now offer Walking Directions (in BETA).

By Car - about 10 minutes (in reality, a lot more because this doesn't consider traffic patterns)
Walken - about 1 hour and 7 minutes (in reality, if I can make it home without going into a store, it is about 45 minutes).

I love this. I can see myself using this a lot when I go to other parts of town I may not be familiar with or going to another walkable city.

The other cool thing is that if you choose the Satellite and Photo's version, you get a marketing engine. That's right.

For all you small businesses out there - make sure that you add your company/store photo to Panoramio, the engine driving the photo's. Cause 'hey', if a user is looking up an address and sees a photo of your store, it may be just that, that makes them go inside when they are in your hood. Or for a nicer user experience, for those looking for your store, it is a way for them to know exactly where it is.

Can't wait for this to work on my mobile.

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Toronto Life...please help a girl out here

2008-07-24T06:00:00.003-04:00

I go through my email really quickly. If the subject line or sender don't catch my eye, I delete it. Once opened, if it's from a business and the header isn't interesting, I delete it...

However, I always had one exception to this email rule - Toronto Life. They are the only company who I put up with. They blast me with their newsletter, promo's and offers (many I have absolutely no interest in)...and yet I still open every single one.

I do admit, I like the content. I like the bourgeoisie-focused content with great reads on food (which you all know I love).

But, how long can I expect to do this? I have been reading ugly emails for years now, visiting a very non-interactive site??? How much longer?

I suspect a lot of other magazines suffer from this. Can't get out of the old...and bring in some of the new.

Yes, they did incorporate some little tactics like Chatto's blog and social sharing functionality...but it is still a static site. Hard to find content, hard to read content. Bring this site to life.

Colour Your World

2008-07-23T10:45:00.007-04:00

When I see these bag colours, I think of...

Pink Bags = Holt Renfrew
Green Bags = Whole Foods
Blue Bags = Recycle
Brown Bags = Holt Renfrew Cafe
Black Bags = UPC Boutique or Pusateri's

Colour can increase brand recognition by 80%! If you have done your job colour branding - make sure to bring it online (obvious, yes - but always done? Not so much).

1. Whether it is the logo, background colour or box frames - use your colour branding to create design integration between online and offline pieces.
2. Use the colour branding in email messages too. Whether it is a newsletter or business email, think of how to incorporate the colour.
3. Play on your colour - When adding interactive elements to your site, think of a play on words or a 'play on colour'
4. In your social networks - represent yourself with your colour. Your Second Life avatar could be wearing a shirt that is the colour of your brand. Your Facebook profile can be your logo. Or your community name can be 'companyname_colour'

Film Friday: The Dark Knight

2008-07-18T06:00:00.003-04:00

I have been waiting a really long time for this movie.

Why? Because of the online hype.

It all started last year when I saw the trailer prior to I am Legend...and pushed me towards checking out what they were doing online. I have to admit that I couldn't keep up with all the viral tactics, but here are a few examples:

- I believe in Harvey Dent
- Online clues goes offline
- Several carefully released trailers to continue momentum.

Now with great reviews in the NYTimes and Rolling Stone - this movie is a MUST SEE.

McKinsey Quarterly's Facebook Page

2008-07-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

I don't go onto the McKinsey Quarterly site often, but their email about their new article "organizing for value" peaked my interest so I clicked through to read it.

But, like the DADD person that I am - I clicked elsewhere and came across the little banner directing me to their Facebook Page.

And this sparked something in me. I read a lot of research on online marketing from leading research firms and some...don't have leading edge online marketing strategies (at least ones that I am aware of - Forrester is the exception).

I guess you don't necessarily need to 'participate', 'collaborate', 'co-create' - but really? Not learn and implement some of which you are reporting on?

So back to the Facebook page - yes, I was certainly happy to see it, but after the look, was disappointed in the effort put into it. After reading some of McKinsey's past articles on online marketing I thought they would be a little more cutting edge or daring...or even fun?

Coming Together - Canada and Olympics 2008

2008-07-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

I probably know more about the controversies around Beijing hosting the Olympics than the Canadian Olympic team.

Truly. I don't know one athlete competing in this year's Olympics.

Okay, so if I stand back and think about it for a moment - here is why:

1. There is no sense of urgency with learning more about it either online or offline - none of the online papers I read (due mainly because of RSS) are highlighting any upcoming events.
2. The Canadian team has very little online presence. Do a quick search and you will more likely get a link to the winter Olympics in 2010 that Vancouver is hosting. Heck, CBC's site came up as the only real related link.
3. There is very little offline presence (yes, I do pay attention to this too).

So now what?

- I know that the Canadian team has a hard time getting budgets, but if the central committee gave it a life online like the Americans and Great Britain - you can really start building a sense of community. Heck, you have the whole country!
- Athletes should start communicating online through blogs, podcasts - any athlete in training, parents and friends would surely participate.
- Community = $ (donate now! send money)

Online is a great way to bring us all together to root for our home team. But it is kinda hard to if we have no vehicle to get together.

Last Minute Golfer

2008-07-13T14:43:00.001-04:00

DSC02672.JPG
Originally uploaded by **MISH**

Playing golf requires some type of coordination. You gotta check the weather forecast and try to figure out a day it won't pour on you. If you are playing with friends with families or significant others, they may need to juggle around their schedules. And, once that is all done, find a course, tee time and location everyone can agree on.

Getting a booking may take awhile as prime times go fast and courses by the city are hard to get on and can take a long time to finish.

So, in comes this great site we use often called LastMinuteGolfer.com - which, you may not think you are...but if you are booking within a week of when you want to play - you probably are.

The site is great in that you can setup your profile, look up tee times for tomorrow and forward 7 days. The deals are really good, which for most golfers who play a lot, is what you really want as the hobby starts to add up. It can calculate your handicap and show you course reviews from other golfers who use the site.

The one item it doesn't accommodate are true last minute golfers. Those of us (which was me today), that wake up and decide 'today, I want to play'...or those who start watching Sunday golf and get instantly inspired to swing. My guess is because it is not connected to their golf partners POS systems or email...which I understand...but a girl can wish.

Film Friday: Hellboy II

2008-07-11T06:00:00.003-04:00

I am going to be upfront about this and tell you that I don't even remember Hellboy I. But, with all the hype - subway posters, subway murals, commercials (yes, I have been watching tv), and billboards - who doesn't know about this movie...and who doesn't know that its from the dark director from Pan's Labryrinth.

So I expected everything from their websites. After a super quick search, I found that they have two sites (they could possibly have more depending on country) - One for .com (US) and one for .ca (CAN).

The .com website offers a lot more than the .ca with great cuts of video from the movie (which I love) and some simple flash to bring simple visuals to life. It goes a long way and is not obtrusive. The sections are well laid out and each page keeps you well engaged to wanting you to continue to explore. The one section that I thought would be really buzzing would be the message board - but so far, it is not as busy as I expected.

The hype continues in the blogsophere with close to 300,000 posts mentioning 'hellboy 2' and close to a million people viewing the trailer on YouTube since January 1.

With great sites and lots of great blogosphere buzz - I definitely have to see this on the big screen. Hope the actual movies lives up to all the hype.

Pauline and Me: WOM on a big island

2008-07-06T11:09:00.001-04:00

DSC02682.JPG
Originally uploaded by **MISH**

Everyone in Souris knows Pauline.

Danny, the nice man at the Myriad View Distillery in Rollo Bay recommended Pauline as the place to go to find the freshest of fresh lobster.

"Everyone knows Pauline. She is at the yellow shack by the wharf. She only charges a dollar more per pound to cook the lobster for you, cooked right there in the salty sea water and then cooled in the salty sea water. You don't get any better than that."

Danny was right.

After a call into Pauline (she requires 24 hours notice as she catches the lobster the next morning) - I have 5 lbs. for pick up.

The next day, we were on the hunt to find Pauline. All I knew was that she was by the wharf.

But, every person and place that we stopped knew Pauline. "By the wharf in the yellow shack...the fresh lobster, yeah, by the wharf." The whole town knew her. It was amazing.

So after a few twisty turn...there she was. Pauline, with a big smile on her face and tongs in hand, "You must be Michelle."

She handed me a box full of lobster and off I went, back to my hotel room 30 minutes away in Spry Point.

Back at Spry Point, we had the chef making us a side order or scallop potatoes (which, btw, was one of the reasons we went back to this particular hotel) to go along with the lobsters. And, with the excitement of it all, I felt the need to tell every worker there where exactly they came from...and even gave a few to the chef to try for himself.

It isn't hard to spread the word when you have an excellent product, price...and service with a smile.

Film Friday's: Tell No One

2008-07-04T06:00:00.003-04:00

As many of you know, I am a big fan of the cinema. I am a lover of most, if not all genres of film. So, to spice things up a bit, I am going to put a little twist on my blog postings on Friday's. I will TRY to review the online strategies and/or tactics of films I want to see or have seen. Afterall, that is typically what I do. I visit the site to get background information on a film prior to watching it OR, if the film is brilliant or I want more information post-viewing, I will try to locate it's URL.

Tell No One

I didn't know much about this movie until I read the review in the New York Times - a critic's pick at that. For those that haven't read the review or don't know the movie - it is a mystery thriller that the NYTimes quotes "is the kind of conspiracy-minded mystery almost no one seems capable of creating anymore, except David Lynch in his surreal way". Any review that compares a film it to the brilliancy of David Lynch gets my money.

To the web details:

Although for film sites, I like to see a little fancy flash presentation I do like how they have decided to stick to the DVD announcement date for their entry page. Because afterall, if you do not live in a major hub or live in a region where a distributor bought the rights to sell - you probably won't see this film on the big screen. You will be left to purchase or zipit.

Once you enter the site, you are brought to a quick cut of a desperation scene which is really engaging...in fact, enter any one of their many areas and you get a glimpse of a part of the film that really showcases the look and feel of the movie and the tempo and action you will be engaged in. As you go deeper into the site and see more of the scenes, you get really pulled in. It leaves you trying to understand what is going on, just like the premise of the movie...something very few sites, previews, ads have accomplished.

Site review **** (out of 5)

Rebranding yourself when you are a new MRS.

2008-07-01T15:12:00.002-04:00

I am no Seth Godin or Jeremy Owyang, but I like to think that I have branded myself as an 'digital marketer' on this organized yet tangled web.

With a unique last name like Tampoya, it was pretty easy to be at the top of the list when doing a simple Google search on my name. A love for networking online only made things even more the better and easier to locate me.

So when marriage presented itself last year, that was one of the first questions people asked; Will you change your last name to Stewart?

The thought crossed my brain a few times but it wasn't until after June 21st, actually today - did I feel the need to decide. If I decided to change, one of the biggest effects will be online. Because after all, building your reputation online takes time. For this blog, over two years.

So how would I go about rebranding myself online if needed?
- Do online research on a 'Michelle Stewart'
- Change online profiles on the many sites I play on (this would take
awhile)...then play, play, play.
- Write a post on my name change (extra link love doesn't hurt)
- Try and get a URL with my name and redirect to this one
- New Moo cards required
- Start the writing and let google...and the long tail go into effect
(this too, will take awhile)
- Get 'linky' with it
- Spread the word - online and off. Increase your traffic.

PS. Still haven't decided.

Good Bye Scotiabank, Hello BMO Financial Group

2008-06-04T20:27:00.002-04:00

Yup, it is true, I left my job at Scotiabank and am now working at BMO Financial Group.

The decision was a tough one, but I think I can do a lot for BMO and hopefully make an impact on their online strategy and of course, end user web experience.

My new role is working within Online & Enterprise Strategy, Corporate Marketing ebusiness. So far the projects sounds exciting and I can't wait to get my hands dirty.

However, I want to make a big shout out to the teams at Twist Image and Ariad who I worked with oh, so closely and had a LOT of patience dealing with me as a client...and of course the Scotia team - you know who you are.

It was definitely hard to leave MyVault and GetGrowingforBusiness, two projects I strongly believe in...but, it's time to say adios.

PS. New office is at Bay and Bloor so if you wanna grab a snack at Holt's...lemme know.

Let them fly on Yonge Street

2008-05-14T09:40:00.001-04:00

Yonge Street
Originally uploaded by neuroticjose

I try and walk home, or partly home a few times a week...or whenever the sun is in the sky.

My walk home yesterday, was just like every other day...full of people, weaving through crowds and traffic and me saying a polite 'leave me the damn alone' to people handing out flyers. A few of the flyers caught my eye - most were irrelevant. Here's the rundown.

NOTE: I am walking North on Yonge starting at King Street.

Adelaide
Sick Kids - There are usually 2 workers, 2 on each side of the street. They hold binders with the Sick Kids logo on them. IRRELEVANT - they are there 4 of the 5 days of the week. There is nothing compelling about giving to them via this mean verses just donating online.

College
Psychic Reading - POSSIBLY RELEVANT - With days going as they are...it would be nice to see a happy ending in sight.

Isabella
Scientology Kills - I have to admit, having about 8 anti-Scientology protestors outside of the Church of Scientology, all wearing masks (many very scary) shouting at the top of their lungs 'Scientology Kills' caught my attention. RELEVENT - only because I saw parts of the Tom Cruise/Oprah interview a few days ago.

Isabella (a few more steps north)
Yonge Street Fitness Club has someone standing at the corner giving out their flyers almost everyday. They have a $15 offer going on right now...but doesn't every fitness club on Yonge? IRRELEVENT - only because I don't do the gym thing.

...and then I jumped on the subway at Rosedale.

Is Execution defining your Strategy?

2008-05-07T11:29:00.002-04:00

Crumpled Frustration
Originally uploaded by Aaron Jacobs

I have seen this far too often.

A launch date is set in stone so everyone works backwards from there. A quick and dirty strategy is developed with hard-to-reach deadlines and misunderstanding of deliverables. Tactics are taken off the list and the strategy weakens...communication breaks...

So what do you do in this circumstance? Do you continue and launch what you got?

Here are some quick tips that can help (or have helped me).

1. Take a step back and reassess your priorities
2. Regroup and layout a plan to reach your goals for launch
3. Have a second, post, phase 2 launch
4. Workback schedules
5. Connect with all partners and determine new roles
6. Always reassess your customer value proposition and make sure it is still relevant
7. Reassess your measurement goals
8. Set lists of To Do's
9. Strengthen communications amongst all partners
10. Breathe

What do you do?

Branded Cities

2008-05-02T09:50:00.002-04:00

My girlfriends and I just got back from Vegas on Monday (was supposed to be Sunday, but that is a later post). We went to celebrate my best pal's dirty thirty.

The funny thing about Vegas is, it's NOT for girls. Not for women...and definitely NOT for ladies. Truly. I mean that.

We had tonnes of fun (mind you, you can put us in the middle of nowhere and we will find our way into some shenanigans)...but there was something not quite fitting about the city for us...(NOTE: I am not saying this is necessarily a bad thing)

How Las Vegas has branded itself as the playground for the testosterone pumped male:

1. The "Your Vegas is Showing" campaign clearly focuses on the infamous and tiresome "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" mentality - a hook for most men.
2. The Mayor is proud of the 'Sin City' image and has opened up the debate on legalized prostitution
3. The workers - Las Vegas is about the risk taker, the dreamer, the thrill seeker. That is heard, seen, felt by those that work the tables, serve your drinks and entertain you.

Other branded cities at the top of my mind:
Paris - for lovers
Rome - also for lovers
NYC - the city that never sleeps

Happy Birthday Jenny Beaker

2008-04-30T00:01:00.002-04:00

For those that know me well, you know about my best pal Jenny Barbie aka. Jenny Beaker. Well, today is her dirty thirty birthday so please join me in wishing her all the best! Love ya girl!

Beauty Meme - my secrets revealed

2008-04-23T13:31:00.001-04:00

Juana
Originally uploaded by dollcreator

Bargainsta tagged me today about revealing my *cough* beauty secrets...so here goes. (Hope you make-up companies are reading or following these memes. I am super low maintenance so this should be a quick one.

My Foundation: none

My Mascara: L'Oreal Voluminous - using since I was a teen (will not state when that was)

My Blush: Since my best friend Renita introduced me to the wonders of brush (truly wonders!), I have quite the stock of them. On rotation - Nars, Smashbox and Clinique

My Eye Shadow: none

My Day Cream: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer
My Lipstick: none, unless you consider lip balm lipstick?

My Beauty Product Brand: Kiehl's

My Essential Beauty Product: Eyelash curler!

My Favorite Makeup Product: Eyelash curler!

My Perfume: Allergic.

My Nails: Same as Bargainista - salon uses Essie and OPI products. Right now the colour is 'thigh high'

My Feet: none

My Hands: Khiel's hand cream.

Three Products to bring on a deserted island: If you haven't already guessed: Kiehl's lip balm, my eye lash curler - and because it is a sunny island - some Kiehl's sunscreen

Women I admire for their beauty: where do I begin? Pretty much every women I see!

Woman with the Best Sense of Style: To each there own - if you can pull it off - do it!

My Ultimate Dream (but I do not believe in selling my soul to the devil for it): ?

How Do I Define Womanhood: If you feel like a woman, then you are one.

My Favorite Fashion Publication: Vogue

Who has some explainin' to do? Non-blog:
Renita Applebaum
Jenny Barbie
Hola Barbie

Account Transfer

2008-04-21T19:24:00.004-04:00

I expect a lot when a company I interact with online, asks me to do something that is out of the ordinary.

I want the user experience to be:
1. Simple
2. Fast
3. Convenient

When I received an email from Future Photo, Future Shop's Online and offline store, that they will be closing - BUT, had partnered with Kodak Gallery - I expected an easy transition - particularly from two great online e-commerce sites.

1. Simple

Yes, their email was clear and the buy-in for the partnership was easy with a clear benefit of giving me 100 Free 4x6 prints when I transfer my account over.

2. Fast

It was very fast. I filled out my login details, confirmed the details on the new site - and I was in. It took about 30 seconds for the entire procedure.

3. Convenient

Um, not so much. After I transfered my account details over - I got this pop-up message after the fact:

"If you have requested that your photos be transferred to Kodakgallery.ca you will receive an email when your transfer is complete. You may login to your Kodakgallery.ca account while photos are being transferred.

April 16, 2008 update: Due to the volume of photos being transferred this process may take up to a few weeks."

What they could have done to alleviate the bad user experience? Manage my expectations by telling me prior to the account transfer that it would take a few weeks to transfer the photo's over.

Customer, member, client expectations - if you can manage them, be upfront and straightforward - you can save yourself a lot of heartache - and your base will appreciate you for it.

Your Ideas = Cash !

2008-04-17T11:27:00.003-04:00

I don't know who Michael Ho is - but I got an email from him today regarding the BETA version of Techdirt Insight Community.

Typically, I delete these messages but the email was simple and to the point. He explained what Techdirt was easily and the CTA was straightforward - signup.
"Techdirt matches up knowledgeable and insightful professionals with companies that are looking for advice. We just act as the marketplace that brings them together. Based on your experience with Internet marketing strategies, we have a match for your expertise."

When I logged into the site, I was really engaged. Although in BETA, the site has 5 Challenge Cases - all intriguing and actually...inspiring (bet, you didn't think that!). The best part is, if they like your insights, you will be rewarded. Right now, cash rewards range from $100 to $12,000.

Why else do I think this community will work?

As a case study:
- You are getting insights from marketing professionals from all industry sectors and are not exclusive to your 1 or 2 agencies that your company may or typically look to.
- You set the cost.

As a participant:
- You can get inspiration
- Get insight on how others are relooking at their strategies
- Get money for your hard working brains
- Keep you brain moving outside of your industry

Bite me!

2008-04-09T18:00:00.001-04:00

Side view of my spine, jaw and face.
Originally uploaded by thecameo

Apparently high amounts of stress can cause your jaws to snap, crack and lock and you can also suffer hearing loss. Who knew?

I found this out today. I am clenching so hard that my jaw muscles are sore, a pain I thought would only happen if I chewed on a tough piece of steak. Muscles are so sore, that they are moving against the ear, causing on and off again hearing loss (Heck, I just thought I was congested).

Before taking the plunge to the dentist, I did the obvious. I googled my problem. Stress, jaw pain, ear infection, etc. I went on forums, yahoo answers and ping'd pals who are in the field (kinda). So prior to today's dentist visit - I kinda already knew.

And my self diagnosis was right.

So, what does this mean?
1. Should I do this all the time, and if the diagnosis isn't too bad - not go see a specialist?
2. Always see a specialist no matter what?

Time for some painkillers.

Put a Ban on Hand Guns!

2008-04-08T13:46:00.002-04:00

Pop Gun
Originally uploaded by Jocko B.

I never liked guns. Actually, the sheer presence of them make me shudder. So, when this link rolled around from my girlfriend, I stopped what I was doing and signed in.

Sign the petition to put a ban on hand guns in Canada!

To connect this to what I like to write here - I have to say that I do like the way the City of Toronto is using social media and automating processes.

In the old school ways, we would have to write a letter to our MP's or PM, add the stamp and send it. Today, I like the instantaneous easy-to-use form for sending such letters.

Video, you gotta love the video with the URL clear and concise. There is no messin' around.

Hope you sign it.

Bakugan!

2008-04-06T20:42:00.001-04:00

Bakugan!
Originally uploaded by onecrazyweasel

I rely on my 7 (almost 8) year-old nephew for the 411 on what's in, in the playground. Afterall, how would I know?

So after a quick chat last weekend as to what he wanted for his first communion and what all the kids are playing - Bakugan was it.

A week rolls around and there I go, to Toys R Us - only to get a sigh from the customer service rep that they are all sold out again. I jaunt over to another store TOYS TOYS TOYS, and they too are sold out. Bakugan was clearly on the hot list.

Humpf! This isn't good. Party rolls around and I have no Bakugan in hand - but the nephew forgives me anyway (half-heartedly I am sure).

So, now what? What does an auntie do when a child makes a request for a toy and I just don't know how popular it is - afterall, you ask me for a wii and I will know that is probably not doable.

I can't believe I didn't do this to being with - go online. I shouldn't known...

1. ebay probably would have helped.
2. The 'no show' on the toys r us page would of given me a hint.
3. The forums with q's on "where to buy" would have clued me in.

like duh!

hello, i love you won't you tell me your name

2008-04-02T20:48:00.000-04:00

It has been a weird week so far. Yoga class was cancelled half way throguh due to building ventillation - so half of the body is stretched.

I am sitting on my cough blogging via a blackberry as well as twittering, texting and IMing - all thing I really don't do (please see last day I blogged).

And last but not least, remembering why 'Glass Castle' bothered me so much - she made forgiving sound too easy.

Birthday Wishes

2008-03-16T17:42:00.004-04:00

This is a late post (by two months), but thought is was worth writing about.

I thought it was pretty funny that I still got a birthday card from my car insurance company - State Farm. I have been getting them every year since I started using them, but still..really?

I don't get them from my dentist, health insurance company (surprise surprise - talk about an up sell opportunity), nor from the grocery or my favourite shoe store where I probably spend more money at every year.

Heck, the card is even signed (in pen!). I don't know what to make of it but I like it. In the age of personalization, me, moi, I...this is a great, simple marketing tactic to know (think) that they really care.

Online Cheating

2008-03-13T13:06:00.001-04:00

WOW! Do not cheat on your wives
Originally uploaded by steviebreech

I didn't know much about Eliot Spitzer until he had an affair. Since his announcement of his call girl zing, I still don't know much about him - except that he cheated with a pretty 22 year-old and it wasn't his first time.

So, like any People-magazine, Hills inspired girl, I am, for whatever reason drawn to the crack-like drama of it all...but I was led astray when I read the G&M article on Emotional Infidelity.

- Due to the connected world, we can have more emotional affairs (many of them being women)
- Emotional affairs are worse than one night stands - apparently harder to heal
- The Internet age of easy online communication encourages people to seek and find emotional outlets outside their marriages

interesting...what else can I blame?