Category Archives: Innovation

How Goo.gl is Changing the Game of Characters with QR Codes

4th October 2010

Earlier today, Google released a new site for the Goo.gl URL shortner, and although the actual shrotner has been around since last December, there are a few updates to pay attention to and take advantage of:

1. Extensions for Chrome and Firefox making sharing even easier. not officially designed by Google, but great add-ons that feature social integration.

2. Analytics within your Google Account. I’ve blogged before how simple Google makes my life, and I love how the URL analytics are tagged with your personal account keeping all of your data in one place. It should be really interesting to see how they add to this tool in coming months.

And my favorite addition brought to my attention by a friend of mine…

3. QR code availability. This may be by far the coolest feature I have seen. Simply adding “.qr” to the end of any code automatically translates the code into a QR barcode for you. See this example with my blog below:

As characters become prized realty, shorteners have become increasingly vital. It’s also important to note however, that they have not been without spam and virus issues. Do you think these features and the Google brand will help to launch it as a shortener of choice over ever popular bit.ly? What about for brand and client use?

Share your thoughts (and links) in the comments.

Social superlatives: Where do networks belong?

29th September 2010

Recently my boss, Jeff Hilimire, wrote a blog post about the idea of transferring his blog over to Tumblr and the idea sparked a lot of healthy debate among the DIG group.

The ideas presenting really got me wondering, with the social media overload we are all facing (especially when it’s your job as well as your day-to-day life) what purpose does each social network serve?

I’ve set a few boundaries for myself and my many networks. Here’s a sample of some of my favorites:

Facebook: Most Popular – Everyone you know is on Facebook, from your best friend in preschool , your college roommate and even your parents. For me, this is my “personal” site. Photo tagging, event updates, brand relationships, and people I only know and care about are here.

Twitter: Most Outgoing – Twitter has become my personal RSS feed. Why subscribe to a billion blogs when I can follow them, get updates and read at my own will. I try to keep sharing to a professional and news worthy level, but spur of the moment “what are you doing?” updates fly.

Linked-In: The CEO – Linked-In was my go to source fro job hunting. A message here to a colleague of mine actually led to my new job at Engauge. Staying on top of connections, who’s viewed your profile, or who you may know are all key to keep networking ongoing after that tweet-up.

WordPress: The Brains – Well, you’re here, and hopefully you can see for me this platform helps me think outside of 140 characters and discuss new emerging media topics.

Blogger: Gossip Girl – I used blogger for my 365 day photo project and found it great for informal blogging, for those who take blogging more seriously, I feel WordPress has bundles of extra tools.

Foursquare: Jetsetter – This one can get spammy and creepy quickly if you’re not careful, but it can also lead to some great deals and tips. I always check out tips led by other users when trying out a new restaurant, only sharing via Twitter if I feel it adds to the conversation.

Tumblr:  Class Clown – I’ve tried this one a few times, but since finishing my 365 photo blog, I’ve been looking for a new way to blog casually and this one seems to be a great answer. I really enjoy the re-blogging feature and sharing the content of those around you.

So, of the many choices out there, what are your favorite social networks and what purpose does each serve for you?

Turn Your Business Card into a Text Message with Contxts

24th September 2010

Have trouble remembering your business cards or even creating them in the first place? I’m a big fan of networking events and it’s always part of the conversation – so here’s my card. When you’ve forgotten your, or even worse – don’t have one with you – responding that you can reciprocate can be a terrible feeling.

In a recent mobile media summit, I learned that nearly 80-85% of the US market currently does not own a smartphone. BUT more than 5.5 trillion text messages are anticipated to be sent in 2010. Text messaging is much more likely behavior for reciprocation as opposed to some of these very cool smartphone apps. Why not make your business card into a text message?

Thanks to the insight of a few of my team members, Tessa Horehled and Joe Kaufman, it’s possible with Contxts. It’s not a new service, but definitely worth a second look, Mashable even covered it last year.

Contxts allows users to create a username for new contacts to text to 50500 and receive their contact information instantly. The best part is what information that person receives is customizable through their online interface and if you’re wondering who has actually texted and requested your information – Contxts has that covered.

They will automatically send you an SMS as well providing you with that person’s phone number, and if they have registered with the service, their name as well. All of this information is stored on the online site as well, saving a historic record of anyone who has ever requested your information – a digital rolodex in essence.

Give it a try by texting Kaitlyn to 50500, or creating your own here. It could be your lifeline at that next mixer or even a great addition to liven up a powerpoint during your next presentation!