TIGblogs - Mish's TIGBlog http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us Bevie Wednesday: Gatorade http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/525217 Gatorade reminds me of my bball days. Yup, I started playing basketball at the tender age of seven, up until the end of high school. And, there was nothing like the taste of an orange gatorade during a time out, halftime or after the game.

Back then, for me a least, a Gatorade was a game day drink only. Heck, it took a good chuck of my allowance afterall. But why Gatorade and not water or a juice box? Because I wanted to be like Mike. Or because Mike + gatorade = brilliant basketball...and that was what I was trying to achieve.

There was no online site to sell me, only seeing Mike drink gatorade during games and of course, the commercial. That was it. That was enough to sell a little girl trying to be a baller.

So now what? More than a decade later with more advanced marketing and advertising and it is tough harder, tougher to find a sports figure like him. Some one to sell me the drink.

Or maybe there is are too many selling the drink, but they are also selling clothes, cologne, shoes, watches, cars and who knows what else. Marketing has advanced but the market has also become saturated with too many stars...to many hero's...to many messages. It becomes harder and more confusing for us to choose...so we/I don't. I have seen some strategies lose their focus, don't know their audience, or can't decide who their audience is...so the message gets lost.

How do you make sure your startegy stays on course? How do you make sure your 'Mike' reaches and touches your audience in a valuable way?


]]> Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:11:00 EST http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/525217 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Film Friday: Bloodshots 2008 http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/514125 I had never heard of Bloodshots until my pal Wes Salter sent me a link to his entry.

Now, I am a true horror fan (yup, love the blood!) so was disappointed that I didn't hear about this earlier.

For those of you not familiar (like me) it's a Film Festival that was created to quench the thirst of all the wacky horror film fans out in the world. Each of the 25 participating teams are given a horror package, Wes' included:

a) Weapon - Poison
b) A Horror Sub-Genre - An Old Dark House
c) Prop - A 45 RPM LP
d) A Line of Dialogue - "That picture looks strangely familiar!".

The teams have 48 hours to shoot, edit, score and submit a short film between 2-7 minutes in length.

Although the festival itself is really a word-of-mouth festival with a growing cult culture, it remains that the entrants really have to use all their resources to get their word out.

But, with online tools today like facebook, myspace youtube and ol' skool email - it is a lot easier to get things moving.

Do a quick search on 'bloodshots canada' and you will see the power of social networking and SEO.

Happy Halloween!!!!!


]]> Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:10:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/514125 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 1984 http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/510211 It has been a super duper busy last few weeks. Between work, work and more work, I have been finding it hard to blog, read my RSS feeds (which is now was over 1000), listen to my favourite podcast and well...socialize (aka Facebook).

However, after a quick note to my bro on Facebook, I noticed his oh so funny profile picture which he generated from yearbookyourself.com.

So I couldn't help it. I had to create one on my own. This is me in 1984 (although I would have been still a week thing then). Try it. It will generate a few giggles I am sure.

The site was created by a company called Taubman, a retail property firm focused on high-end malls. So what's the connect? Look at the name of the pictures and the name of their malls. What else? Where else did you like to hang when you were a teen?

Ah, now if only my hair could actually do that...


]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:10:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/510211 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Obama Runs Ads in 'Madden' http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/503549 Obama Runs Ads in 'Madden'

Posted using ShareThis


]]> Tue, 14 Oct 2008 04:10:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/503549 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Rituals http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/488481 post on Rituals by Church of the Customer really stuck with me.

Yes, it caught my eye because I am a Steeler fan...but also because it sparked some inspiration into understanding why people act the way they act around a product launch or an event.

Rituals are about belonging, being a part of the greater story. As the post describes "They are the shared experiences of a group. They create emotional glue."

So when Huba asked "For your business, have you devised rituals for your customer evangelists? What shared experiences allow them to build a worshiping foundation?"

Here is how I worked on figuring this out for old, current and new projects:

1. How are your customers interacting with your product? When, how, where and why? What is a 'tradition' vs. a new wave?
2. Are there patterns? Do they differ by personas?
3. How can you enhance existing interactions or make them more feasible? Online and off. Can you help spread existing rituals? How?
4. Can you develop new rituals that will bring your customers together?

Remember, rituals always start with your evangelists, whether it be one person or a group of 1000. It has to start with believers.

Here are some examples.

- Dressing up for the premier of a new Batman movie.
- Period Parties - coming back strong!
- Back to school shopping
- Frosh week
- Old school tupperware parties
- Food rituals around the Holiday's and Thanksgiving

How about everyday and weekly rituals?

- Drinking your morning brew. Is it Starbucks, Timmy's?
- Commuting to work. Esso? Shell?
- Are you showering using Dove or Khiels?


]]> Sat, 27 Sep 2008 01:09:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/488481 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Help Kids Help Phone http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/484133 I haven't tried to raise money since I was a kid selling chocolate almonds.

Yes, for a few years, I volunteered at Human Rights Watch - but that was more to raise awareness of human rights violations here in Canada and around the world...not to necessarily raise money.

So in comes BMO's boo-la-thon in support of Kids Help Phone (NOTE: I do work for BMO Financial Group).

I have to admit, that the main reason why I volunteered to take part was because I like to dress up for Halloween and this was just another chance.

But, as I read into the service more and spoke with friends and family - I realized that quite a few people I know have used this service and it meant a lot to them to have someone to speak with.

And then I remembered what it was like to be a kid and how lucky I was/am to have a great support group and still do...I can't even image what I would do without my friends and family.

What would I do? Where would I turn to for help?

Kids Help Phone is just that service kids can turn to when they are in trouble - online or offline.

If you can, I would greatly appreciate it if you can pledge me in support of Kids Help Phone.

AND, if you are on Facebook, join our group and help spread the cause.

PS. I sure am bowling as Cat Woman!


]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:09:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/484133 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 What should my UFC name be? http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/484135
Matt Serra Vs. Georges St.Pierre - UFC 69
Originally uploaded by serrabjjI bet you didn't know I watch UFC.

I do and I love it - in all its bloody octagon glory.

I was watching it the other night and realized that most, if not all fighters have nicknames.

- My Favourite - Georges St. Pierre is RUSH or GSP
- Tito Ortiz is Huntington Beach Bad Boy
- Randy Couture is The Natural

hm. What would mine be?

What do my actions, words and surroundings say about me?


]]> Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:09:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/484135 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Bevie Wednesday: Gramercy's Lemonade http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/481197
Gramercy Tavern - window
Originally uploaded by yiuyI am craving the tart and tangy lemonade I had at Gramercy Tavery in NYC this past weekend.

Considered one of the city's best lemonade's - this is definitely a taste I won't soon forget and hope to experience soon again.

So...what does lemonade have to do with online marketing?

A lot actually.

Like most foodies I know, before I go to a restaurant I do some quick google searches. I don't necessarily go into too much research as I don't want others to sway my opinions prior to going in. But, I do like to see how well it was rated.

Gramercy Tavery is one I always wanted to go to, so I did very little except for an online resy.

So, after such a great experience - I was back to the foodie boards and searches for recipes and insight into the workings of the restaurant.

This is key you see. A great experience = great feedback = wonderful conversations. Offline - but online.

You see, in a place like NYC where there are a zillion fantastic resto's to choose from and it being a touristy hotspot - conversations matter. Reviews matter to those whose time is limited and a good experience is key.

People talk...about food especially. Because heck, the majority of us like to eat.

Sound obvious? Probably.

But apply this to other examples, other resto's and quite possibly other services and it is not so obvious...

PS. Gramercy knows customer service. They provided us with delicious apply crumble muffins to continue our great experience the next morning...yum!


]]> Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:09:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/481197 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Busy tone at Nobu = frustration http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/474223
I have been to NYC several times and have eaten at some amazing places, but this time 'round, I wanted to go to Nobu New York. Although not the most famous of Nobu properties (London is the one that gets all the hype) - I have already been to Nobu Next Door and loved it...so wanted to try something new.

A lot of restaurants still don't take online reservations and Nobu is one of them. Their website says they don't take resys by email or fax either. So at 10:00 (when they start taking reservations, I start to dial...busy...again...Busy...again...BUSY!

I think I tried about 10 times before I decided to email them to make sure the number was correct. In a matter of 10 minutes, I got an email back stating yes, indeed it was the correct number and that they experience a high volume so keep on trying.

And I did...another 10 times or so before I gave up.

Why so frustrated?

- In the age of online resys - I was able to make a reservation on Open Table for Gramercy Tavern within minutes. They are also a premiere restaurant.

- Nobu restaurants are found all over the world - I am surprised they don't have a centralized call centre or at the very least, an answering service.


]]> Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:09:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/474223 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Film Friday: TIFF 2008 http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/471557
It is about that time of year. Back to school, subway packed, frosh week...and TIFF.

I have posted about the festival in the past since I used to work on publicity...but as an outsider this year, and as Film Friday post, I will review TIFF's online presence.

Website: The website is fine. With a target audience ranging from pure cinema lovers, sales people, publicists and well...the talent, the site has to provide all the information that their range of audience needs. And it is all there. But that is it.

The problem though is navigation. Unless you really know the festival and/or the site, it is hard to find the information you are looking for. If you are browsing, it is extremely easy to get lost.

Blogs: The site does have over a handful of interesting blogs with decent content, but again, it is very hard to navigate. You have to continuously 'click' to read more of the post toggling between blogs is onerous.

One main feature they failed to implement quite easily are RSS feeds for their blogs. Yes, they have them other key areas...but not for their rich content. :Z

Star Gazing: A big part of the festival are its stars. There is nothing like being in Yorkville and seeing a famous movie star right in your backyard. So, how about engaging the community and having them send in their celebrity photos. Heck, in the age of camera/PDA phones, this is a free be.

I guess a main reason is because they have the Holt Renfrew Gallery - but one photo a day seems worthless particularily since the photos picked are the same ones we see on the front page of the papers anyway. Come on! You run the festival, give us regular folk an inside look.

Pump up the volume: One item I do like this year is TIFF's use of YD square for music and special events. This expands the festival beyond Yorkville and Scotia Theatre. However, nothing is really being done online as an outreach to the public to get them out to these events.

TIFF related, but not TIFF owned:

Facebook Application - now this makes sense. An application that allows you to organize with your friends the movies you are going to watch.


]]> Fri, 05 Sep 2008 05:09:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/471557 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Bevie Wednesday: Bombay Sapphire http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/470071 Bevie Wednesday's is the real deal. It all started last year when a bunch of pals and I wanted, yet another, 'established' drinking night.

You see - Thursday's in the T-dot is the known bevie night, Friday's is a little more lax since the working folk are typically tired from the week - but the 9ish bevie is doable. Saturday is all-day bevie day and Sunday...well Sunday is afternoon bevies (afterall, you have to work in the morning).

So where is this going...bevies...online marketing...a post?

I have already designated Friday's for Film...so to keep with the true bevie night, I will focus my posts on Wednesday's on...well...bevies.

So to start things off right. And just like starting a night out right...I will have...oops, I mean write about Gin (yup, I love me some GT's).

Bombay Sapphire.

Branded Content: I really liked what the site has to offer. From recipes to their advertising to their design competitions - there is a lot of interesting reading that is true to what their brand represents. The videos are great and the ambassador speaking in it stays true to their high-end voice.

Look Feel: I didn't care for much for how the site looked. Yes, Bombay is all about the blue - but there is just way too much blue for my eyes. It made it difficult to read the content and became distracting when viewing the design work.

Social: The site offered some social features like sharing the page to facebook, delicious, email and digg...but nothing more community focused like, sharing your favourite recipe or your blue design.

Search: A quick google search on gin and tonic doesn't turn up Bombay Sapphire on the first page. Since this is the drink that put them on the bevie map...you would think?

PS. Bevie Wednesday's are in full effect. So, interested in a bevie and it happens to be Wednesday...drop me a line.


]]> Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:09:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/470071 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Film Friday: Death Race http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/466579
I don't need much convincing to watch a movie with Jason Statham in it.

Bad reviews? Bad marketing? I will take the risk.

So far, what I see online isn't too bad.

Site: At first glance the site offers the necessities, wallpapers, downloads. What I really liked was the race experience. It gives me a rundown of the track and car details.

I am not a car or racing enthusiast, but to support the movie - it works and is interesting to play with and get engaged.

Game: They have a simple racing game that lets you challenge your friend. Although the game is really bare bones, it is good enough to go viral.

Bad Search Results: I did a simple search on the movie and the site was at the bottom of the first page. Some simple SEO, SEm and third party buy could have fixed that - even if the buy was just for the first month the movie is out.


]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:08:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/466579 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Intimate Reinforcement http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/464917
My two best friends are Behaviour Analysts - so this is an apology to them if I get this all wrong.

Renita made a freudian slip last week and said the words, Intimate Reinforcement. I forgot what she was supposed to say but that phrase stuck with me.

Intimate Reinforcement - I am going to loosely define as the change in response due the addition or removal of an emotional (maybe unknown, like flirting) response.

For example, the doorman at Holt Renfrew always greets me with a smile, so I always feel welcome at the department store.

The ladies at Beestung Lingerie call me by my first name when entering their store, and I feel welcome and my trust level with them and their service increases.

For the online world, an example could be entering a site, going through a series of strategic pages and it giving me a great offer due to my path. Or, being an online brand contributor and getting 'perks' for being a fan...

This is still a thought-process in progress so let me know what you think.


]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2008 06:08:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/464917 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Bell + Starbucks = Free Wifi http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/463797
I know, I know...I blog a lot about Starbucks. I have a love/hate relationship with that brand.

I can't help it. There are six locations for me to choose from by my home and four by my office.

Around my home, they are advertising their latest offer - free wireless Internet access at more than 650 Starbucks stores in Canada! For Bell Sympatico Internet customers.

You get unlimited access by using your Bell ID to login to the Starbucks wireless access points. There's more information at www.bell.ca/wifi (currently that page doesn't seem to redirect properly in FireFox but works in Internet Explorer).

Starbucks customers get more limited access but that still amounts to 2 hours of free Wi-Fi per day by using your Starbucks Card and entering the number on the back to login.

So today, I love them.

Why?
- I am also a Bell customer. This partnership fully supports Bell's new branding to be recognized as Canada's leading communication company. As a customer of Bell - I win.
- I occasionally visit Starbucks with my laptop - so I win again!


]]> Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:08:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/463797 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Film Friday: The House Bunny http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/461349
Rumer Willis and cast in scene from quot;The House Bunnyquot;
Originally uploaded by beastandbeanSorry I missed last week - it has been a few crazy days.

I don't have an inclination to watch The House Bunny but absolutely love their poster of Anna Faris with the contorted face and cute pink bunny ears. Classic.

After a quick look at their online campaign, I was pleasantly surprised with what they had to offer. For what I thought to be a B rated movie, they have definitely pulled together a decent web campaign filled with all the necessities to match the playfulness and silliness of the movie.

Website - Interactive with lots of fun content that makes sense to their audience. Nothing is too long, items are easy to find.

Facebook and MySpace pages are nothing spectacular but presence is enough to start things going - take a look at the number of friends are on them to see.

Mobile - Although nothing more than wallpapers and ringtones - I forsee this being a popular place once the movie is over and fans have their fave line from the movie.


]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:08:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/461349 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 A Brief Guide About Bridesmaids http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/458525 Darcy Miller's.

Even though the wedding is done, I still read her blog for good ideas on other items relating to design and just learning about the online initiatives in the crazy bridal industry.

Here is a great one from Dessy.com - an online bridesmaid dress store - Dedicated of course, to JennyB.


]]> Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:08:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/458525 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Film Friday: Twin Peaks http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/451189 When Mr. Lan gave me/us the fabulous Twin Peaks box set, I was overjoyed!

A. I have finished season one of Mad Men.
B. I am having a difficult time finding something to watch on tv.
C. I love a good season
D. Twin Peaks actually brings me fond memories of watching a 'forbidden' show
E. Twin Peaks introduced me to the world of David Lynch
F. Twin Peaks introduced me to what film and tv should be...and expect nothing less.

So, like an excited little girl - I went online to see if there was anything going on online. I suspected there wouldn't me much since David Lynch has many a new projects and well...the show was done in 1991. A time when, well, having a computer in ones home was a luxury.

Website:
The site itself is what I expected - a 90's website that offers past reviews and other typical press materials. There are a few links to purchase items like music but no big promo for their box set. This surprised me.

Fans:
After conducting a Google Search on the show, I couldn't find the fans?

Social Search:
Ah ha! Here you all are.
- You Tube results - 2,130
- Flickr 'Twin Peaks Show' - 523
- Google Blog Search for 'Twin Peaks and David Lynch' - 12,788
- Facebook Fans - 28,149


]]> Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:08:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/451189 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Design the World a Coke http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/450599


I know quite a few people who love the Coca-Cola brand. In fact, I have a few small vintage items which include a poster from the 50's and a straw container.



So when I came across Design The World a Coke - I was excited, then confused.



The mission of this campaign?

"As the Olympic Games come to Beijing, China this year, we are inviting youth from around the world to express themselves creatively through our Design the World a Coke digital experience and share with the world. We're psyched for you and your friends to be a part of it!



It is our hope that by participating in our design community, each of you will have the opportunity to share your ideas, aspirations and creativity openly with one another. This experience is about individual self-expression, but at the same time, it's also about learning and understanding about one another across cultures and geographies too. So what you say and create counts! As we're a planet of nearly 6 billion carbon-beings,…"




My thought-process:

I initially thought that this campaign was for the coke advocate who loves the brand soooo much that they would want to design their own bottle and be well, the evangelist and then be able to purchase a case (trust me, this would be a popular item at weddings) - similar to personalized MM's.



Second thought - the advocate/evangelist would probably contribute anyway, so no need to focus on them.



Third thought - where does the Olympics come into play here? I realize it is about diversity and expressing your culture - but should there still not be a tie in to what most think about the Olympics? Most of the initial designs I came across in both the gallery and tool didn't allude to what I think of in regards to the 'the games'? I am missing the connection?



Fourth thought - the site itself has a lot of great functionality and interactivity and is great for a lover of coke - but if you are not a fan? Then what? Does your 'Creator' audience change?



Fifth and final thought - Coke is already an international brand so this makes perfect sense. Is the message lost though with the connection to the Olympics or is it just a timing thing?





]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2008 06:08:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/450599 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Film Friday: Choosing a URL (yes I know it ain't no movie...again) http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/444461
Space Chimps
Originally uploaded by Dheebak KumaranLast night, Eden told me about a great site that fit just in time for Film Friday.

Bill Sweetman's- Hollywoozy. Sweetman is a domain expert and former movie critic - so it only make sense that he rates movie URL's.

Movie URL's may seem quite obvious to you. The new Dark Knight would/is www.darknight.com (Sweetman gives this 5 stars).

How about Space Chimps? The obvious would be www.spacechimps.com right? But they went with www.spacechimpspower.com (Sweetman gives this 2 stars). I am sure you can see the issues with this URL.

You get the gist. I recommend you check out Hollywoozy and Bill's site for domain consulting...because sometimes it may not be so obvious.

BTW, Space Chimps does not render well in my FF. Although the site looks like it is packed with good stuff...I have to give it ** (out of 5)


]]> Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:08:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/444461 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Film Friday: Mad Men (I know it ain't no film) http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/438341
After watching some of the Mad Men marathon on AMC last Sunday - I became totally addicted.

It is SEXY. The men, women, clothes, cinematography, dialogue...everything is sexy.

I don't remember the last time I watched sexy? Perhaps Twin Peaks? Maybe that was sultry. Regardless, after three episodes of season one - it was enough. I was sold.

It wasn't until today that I did some searching online. Afterall, season two comes out on Sunday and I need to be prepared.

1. Website: I typically don't love show sites that are part of network sites - but what can you do? Although this one feels very plain, there is quite a bit of content. Some fun downloads and a very good forum.
2. Blog: Although not one of the best, the content is also great and enough to push me back to the site.
3. Flickr - The marketers behind the show did a good job of uploading and tagging pictures of the show with great lines from the show.


]]> Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:07:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/438341 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Toronto Life...please help a girl out here http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/437735 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.


]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:07:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/437735 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 I'm Walken, All By Myself http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/438215 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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]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:07:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/438215 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Colour Your World http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/436945 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'


]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:07:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/436945 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 Film Friday: The Dark Knight http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/428647 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.


]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 06:07:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/428647 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 McKinsey Quarterly's Facebook Page http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/427441 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?


]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:07:00 EDT http://mtampoya.tigblog.org/post/427441 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667