From bulky TV’s, flats screens, HD, LED, LCD and more, American society has embraced the idea of television in its entirety. With an average of 3 TV sets per home, it’s easy to say that we all love our cable television. But with a constantly improving technological world along with internet-crazed generations, cable companies are nervous that they will become obsolete in the years to come. But, would you ditch the classic setup and settle for your computer screen if it meant the end of cable television?
Category Archives: SocialMedia
Goldfish Goes Under for Tumor Removal
Meet George, a 10-year-old goldfish whose owners decided for him to undergo surgery last week to remove a tumor bulging from his head. The tumor removal was performed by Dr. Tristan Rich of Lort Smith Animal Hospital in Melbourne, Australia where he resides as head of the exotic and wildlife veterinary team.
SEO & Social Media
Aside
When people approach the Internet and work toward maximizing exposure and other issues, the focus is often on number of hits, place in searches and other issues but one cannot forget the Facebook page that someone likes and never looks 
at again. The like does not result in that user going to the company’s website or further engaging with the firm or brand. Use of the Internet and social media has progressed to the point that people are recognizing that there is a finite amount of information and positive consequences related to how adept web designers are at ensuring that the website will be first viewed in web searches and other Search Engine Optimization (SEO) goals. Utilizing social media and the Internet in general has become more sophisticated and real efficacy requires discernment in the type of traffic companies wish to bring to their websites and how this impacts the overall branding of the company or product. Conversely, there are realities that require that SEO is an integral component of any firm’s advertising and marketing strategy because more than 60% of users only click on the first search engine results page (SERP) and fewer than 10% of users click on results beyond page three (Malaga 2008). From the standpoint of social media, the webpage that social media should point to is the most important component of the equation. It is the webpage that will be linked to even if a customer is accessing the company from Twitter or Facebook.
What is true for the webpage is also applicable to social media. Research to determine the way the market appears to be structured and the keywords that bring up competitors or ancillary businesses help inform the best keywords for a company or industry. Site structure should be based on not only the way the company wishes to be viewed but what will differentiate it specifically in Internet searches, page titles, tag lines, URLs that are easy to search, and simple navigation assisted by an adequate site map (Kruger 2012). Content is important because it not only helps users navigate a page but is what the search engines will connect to consequently unity in images and text are important. A good story is more important in selling and branding than one might believe in terms of rates and rankings (Pozin 2014).
Additionally, inbound links, people who come to the site from another, are exceedingly important because this is the word of mouth recommendation via the Internet (Kruger 2012).
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ilyapozin/2014/09/15/8-biggest-mistakes-in-hiring-an-seo-company/
This is similar to product reviews or the number of transactions conducted by a third party vendor on Wal-Mart or Amazon. People feel safer taking the “word” of a book vendor about the condition of the item if the company has had over ten thousand transactions with Amazon versus another company with only a few hundred customers rating service. A good primer is available from Google http://static.googleusercontent.com/media/www.google.com/en/us/webmasters/docs/search-engine-optimization-starter-guide.pdf
Apple Launches the iOS 8 Operating System
Wednesday, Apple launched the ability to download the iOS 8 operating system to all apple products.
The new software, which happens to be available before the issue of the iphone 6 and iphone 6 plus, is rumored to look and run just like a brand new iphone without having to purchase a new phone. The device is expected to feature home and health apps, have the power to answer calls from a Mac computer, have a third-party keyboard, along with many other advanced capabilities.
Does Apple’s New iPhone 6 Plus Make iPad Mini Obsolete?
After months of anticipation, Apple finally introduces us to the largest model in the iPhone family. The iPhone 6 Plus, featuring a 5.5-inch display, showcases a Full HD screen and an enormous battery life. But I can’t help but wonder, why would someone buy an iPhone 6 Plus when it seems to do the same thing as the latest version of the iPad mini? Continue reading
Apple Pay: The Reason to Upgrade
Will Apple Pay change today’s society? Forgetting your credit card or debit card will no longer be a problem with this new feature offered on both of the i-Phone 6 and the Apple Watch. Apple is always finding new ways to persuade consumers to upgrade their phones. This time it’s collaborating with several credit card networks and banks such as: Chase Bank and American Express to make people’s lives easier. However, will people be willing to buy a new phone just for this?
2014 InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival
The 2014 InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival festivities began this morning at 6:00 a.m. at the Southfork Hotel with a quick media and pilot briefing before heading to Oak Point Park. The media spectators were fired up with excitement as the hot air balloons began to inflate!
Musical Glove
Imogen Heap, famous English singer-songwriter and composer has an exciting new project that will forever change the way music is made. Imogen Heap has created a musical glove. She is working with a team of musicians, artists, engineers, sciences, and wearable devices company, Mi.Mu, to create a glove that will change the way music is made.
Mi.Mu’s goal is to steer musicians away from dials and computer screens and lead them to the creation of music with gesture control.
DC Schools Allows Cell Phones in the Classroom
As of the first day of school, August 26th, Prince George’s County Public Schools announced their change in cell phone policy by allowing kids to use cell phones in the classroom.
The DC schools decided they would take a more relaxed approach to the use of cellphones. They would allow the kids to use them not only in the hallways and cafeteria, but also in the classroom.
Social Media Strategy, Customize the Approach
Social media is a tool just as other advertising and marketing mechanisms have been used to facilitate branding and company growth. A social media strategy can be somewhat effective even if poorly implemented but firms that really exploit all of social media’s advantages need to do their homework to remain current and to implement knowledge about who uses what social media and why in determining how best to use various components of the social media community. Is the client’s Facebook page being created as a destination with interactive features and regular updating and other use or is it to be used primarily as a conduit funneling customers to the client’s comprehensive and interactive website? Do Twitter accounts make sense in certain industries with little information to Tweet? More is not always better consequently it is important for firms to determine the type of social media vehicles are valuable to them and then create a message that is consistent throughout the tools used.
Like traditional media, using social media to its greatest advantage requires research and planning. The target audience can help firms determine which messages are best suited for Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets. Successful social media strategies develop a comprehensive strategy that uses different types of social media and particularly when two-way communication is encouraged. Clients or PR firms should retain control of content posted on a company or client’s behalf and set targets in order to measure whether use of various social media is successful (Chaturvedi 2013).Increased followers is considered a sign that social media is working but companies must also determine whether this is window dressing or if the likes evident on a Facebook page translate into customers and clients or merely people who for some unknown reason liked the page and never returned to it again. Conversely, a high number of likes lends legitimacy to companies consequently some benefits may be achieved without necessarily being evident. Other measurements a company may use to evaluate the efficacy of social media is whether there are improvements in sales, customer service, and efficiency (Chaturvedi 2013).
There are so many different tools available for companies that want to better utilize social media in order to improve their businesses. ProCon.org was created in order to evaluate the pros and cons of numerous issues and includes a very informative page on social media that provides statistics for how people use social media and other important information that can be of assistance to firms that want to maximize their advantages from using social media. Social media is a double-edged sword because while memes and videos can go viral with good information that is valuable to a company it can also as quickly destroy a brand if the wrong type of information spreads as quickly on the Internet. Social media can be most positive when everyone involved in its use is geared toward ensuring that the cohesive message remains intact and is only positively impacted by its use.
References
Chaturvedi, M. (April 22, 2013). Effective social media strategies—four tips, four benefits. Profit Magazine, 1-2. http://www.oracle.com/us/corporate/profit/big-ideas/042213-mchaturvedi-1937903.html.
Social networking pros and cons. (September 2014). ProCon.org, 1-2. http://socialnetworking.procon.org/.
Spirit Airlines Takes Advantage of Celebrity Photo Scandal
Apparently teasing the celebrity leaked photos scandal is not only funny, but also a great way to promote a company, or so Spirit Airlines thought. The Florida based airline decided to take advantage of the scandal to promote its “bare fare” low cost flights. They sent out an email last week that titled “Our Selfie Leaked Too…” together with a photo of a cartoon woman covering only her chest.
Bring on the 4D, Ralph Lauren
September 8th marked an overwhelming day for Ralph Lauren: the opening of the Polo flagship store on Fifth Avenue and the “groundbreaking fusion of fashion and technology.” Look out NYC, the Ralph Lauren runway has gone 4D.
Dives of Deep Ellum
The dives of Deep Ellum are best found with an open mind and an adventurous friend. Continue reading
Life’s a Beach with Gray Malin
Oh, how I love Gray Malin’s ability to transport us to far away destinations at a bird’s eye view.
Social Media Strategies
As the world becomes increasingly evolved into an age of technological advancement, our daily lives become overwhelmed with more and more digital communication. It seems as if all aspects of our lives, from personal relationships to business strategies, are turning to social media. It has quickly become a relied upon tool to instantly communicate relevant information, keep the population well-informed on current events, as well as to gather support and awareness for a organization or cause. While social media can have a vast amount of success, it can in turn pose detrimental repercussion if it is not executed appropriately. Social strategies are required in order to achieve the organizational purpose and use of social media.
Graduation Reflection
Graduation reflection.
Have you really accomplished what you set out to do? Did you pick the right major? Do you have any regrets? While of course you have your doubts and your insecurities, these last four years have been the most eye-opening.
Here are a few of my personal greatest lessons:
- Pick a major you LOVE. I started out as a Biology major, I didn’t love biology but since being a doctor runs in the family I assumed this was my natural choice. I cannot be happier that I changed my mind to Communications and eventually, Public Relations as well. When you’re waking up everyday hating going to class this is NOT a good sign and you are doing school completely wrong. Find your passion, whether it be your major or job, and go for it!
- Make a balance! Sure it’d be easy to lock yourself in the Fondren dungeon with blinders on to the world. OR be that “guy/girl” that is out every night. It’s all about finding that balance.
- Your body loses its high school metabolism quite rapidly in college. Between Greenville Pizza and Jimmy John’s late-night delivery it’s not hard to imagine why. Get in a workout routine. Now is when it starts to matter. You’ll appreciate it at your high school reunion.
- Go on a group trip with your friends. Going on a trip with your friends pulls you out of the SMU bubble and bonds you in a new way. Whether it be Vegas, Cabo, or a trip to New Oreleans or Austin. Do it! Make memories.
- Join a group. I’m not saying you have to be in a sorority or fraternity. (though I loved mine with all my heart) Join a group and meet people. Become something bigger than yourself!
- Give back. There are a million ways to give back to your community. Do it! Whether its Habitat for Humanity or Relay for Life.
- Study Abroad. This is the most amazing and pivotal change you can give yourself in college. When I studied in Spain for a semester. I not only made/met incredible people and saw incredible things but, I feel in love with a whole new culture. Leave that comfort zone.
- Aspire to find a true mentor. While at SMU I had professors who I will remember until I die and professors I couldn’t even recall their class if my life depended on it. I was lucky enough to have been blessed with three amazing professors, Dr. Duhe (who I aspire to be), Professor Lee (who showed me your job and passion can be the same thing), and lastly Professor Salinas (who showed me humor is key). Though keep in mind your mentor does not have to be a professor!
My four years at SMU have had ups and downs and everything in-between. However, I would not trade this experience in for anything.
My School Year
August 26th was the first day of classes and this year I was determined to start the year off right and stay on top of my work and studies from the start. I organized my school stuff into my backpack with colored folders, labeled notebooks, and plenty of pens and pencils. Within the first week I quickly got behind in some of my readings and my expectations of staying organized quickly failed. Junior year right from the start showed to be much more difficult than sophomore year.
It’s Easy To Say The Best 4 Years of My Life Were at SMU
I will admit that SMU was not my first choice when applying for college, Tulane was. However, looking back, being deferred was the biggest blessing in disguise. Continue reading
How Time Flies- My Years at SMU
As Graduation Nears, I Look Back on My Time at SMU
I don’t know if this is the norm or not, but the first time I set foot on SMU’s campus I knew it was where I was meant to spend the next four years of my life. The campus was beautiful, the city is amazing and SMU was far enough away from home but close enough for comfort.
Looking Forward to My Senior Year
As all of the seniors are embarking on their final week of school, reminiscing about old memories, and frantically solidifying their after-graduation plans, now is a good time for me to reflect on my three years at SMU and look forward to my senior year.
This is usually the time of year that I am stressing out about exams, haphazardly packing up all of my belongings to put in storage and dreaming about tanning all summer long, but next year it won’t be. Next year I’ll be saying goodbye to all the friendships and memories I have made at SMU and worrying about entering the real world.
I am not a typically nostalgic person, but I have spent the better part of this week listening to my peers a year older than me being sentimental about their SMU experiences. I’ve heard them say how sad it is that this is their “last college class ever”, or wish they had gone out more thursday nights because it really is so worth it, or even say they should have gone to more chapter meetings because they’ll never have anything like a sorority again. It’s so funny to me because I know that they truly feel this way now, but how many times did they skip classes, or stay in and watch movies on Thursday, or complain about what a waste of time chapter meetings were? They’re all looking through graduation goggles right now.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m absolutely guilty of all of these things too. I skip class, stay in on nights when I should be out and I’m guilty of missing a sorority meeting or two. So how do I make sure that when my graduation time comes around next year I look back with my graduation goggles on and think “I’m sad to be leaving but I’m happy about how I spent my time here.” I’m making a resolution right now to take advantage of all the opportunities I have right now. I’ll still study a reasonable amount and intern to get good work experience and boost my resume, but I also want to enjoy the time I have left in college. I vow to go to all of my classes next year (let’s be real honest, that’s gonna be the first one I break), to take advantage of all the fun opportunities – be it parties, concerts, formals, or just crazy nights out in general, and to make an effort to spend as much time as I can with my sorority sisters and all my friends before we all head our separate ways after graduation.
This time next year I want to be able to say “I’m so glad I did” instead of “I wish I had.” So in true form, I won’t be nostalgic and sad about the things I didn’t do, but I’ll be able to be one of the seniors sappily reminiscing on the great memories I did make.