Wanelo

I needed to blog about this website called Wanelo because I have literally been on it browsing for hours now.  It combines two of the greatest things there is, social media and shopping.  Both people and stores can create accounts and post their merchandise.  Each product is categorized by hashtags.  Wanelo users can search for their hashtags of interest, or just browse the most popular trending ones.  If you come across a brand whose products you really like, you can follow them to stay updated with their inventory.  Also, if you like individual items in particular, you can save them to different lists.  It is a lot like Pinterest, only different (and better, if you ask me) in the sense that Pinterest posts ideas and concepts, while everything on Wanelo can actually be purchased.  Wanelo helps its users do exactly what their logo claims, "Find unique products and stores you've never heard of."  It also provides the opportunity for people to share their finding with friends on StumbleUpon, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, thus in turn promoting and bringing attention to the merchandise.  It really is a great website, consider myself addicted.

Wanelo-------> http://wanelo.com/trending

Country Outfitters

Lately, I have been falling victim to the tempting marketing techniques of Country Outfitters.  Country Outfitters has a website that sells western-style apparel and accessories, its specialties are the ornate decorative cowboy boots by various high-end designers.  I discovered this website via Facebook; a good friend of mine posted the link to a giveaway they were having.  These cowboy boots are absolutely beautiful, so clicked to be a contestant as well.  In order to be eligible for the giveaway, Country Outfitters requires that you do three things: 1- like their Facebook page.  2- share the giveaway on your Facebook. 3- "like" your favorite boot (the most likes will be the one given away).  This is smart marketing because it gives consumers a say in the prize and also requires them to spread the word in order to gain eligibility.  They also offer a consolation prize of $10 off any purchase of at least $75.  While this may be minute, it leads to the increased possibility of gaining business, and retains the consumers' interest in the company.

Country Outfitters -----> http://www.countryoutfitter.com
Facebook page -----> https://www.facebook.com/CountryOutfitter?fref=ts

Restaurants and Social Media

The restaurant business in one very dear to my heart.  I have been working in various restaurants since the day I got my working papers and I have had just about every position possible at some point or another.  Many of the establishments I have worked in have created Facebook pages.  They use these to post the night's specials, deals, and promotions to grow their consumer-base and retain people's interest.  Posting pictures of dishes and asking consumers what they'd like the specials to be makes the consumers feel valued, and hopefully gets them to come in.  I like what The Burger Shoppe has done with their foursquare page.  Offering free sides to those who proved they've "checked in" makes customers happy and creates more social media buzz about it.

The Burger Shoppe & other restaurants that are using social media efficiently
>>>>>>>> http://huff.to/QUYLf2

Foursquare>>>>>>>>> https://foursquare.com/

Twitter Kidnapping Hoax

Now this is something that just disgusts me.  This girl, Kara, got the entire twitter social network involved in what seems to be just a scheme to run away from home.  Kara tweeted "there is someone in my hour ecall 911," causing almost 34,000 people to retweet and about 95,000 people to follow her.  She could have been smarter about this escape plan, if you ask me.  Why would she call a taxi to her address right before she sent the tweet? Obviously the police are going to investigate the "kidnapping" of a 16 year old girl.  She was seen getting out of the taxi at a train station later on.  I am only sorry that so much effort was wasted on this girl's hoax, however, I do hope she goes home soon before something bad actually does happen to her.

click here for the full story >>>>>> http://mashable.com/2012/10/01/teenage-girl-tweet-kidnapping/

9/11

When I think of the word "anniversary," I think of happy couple's celebrating their time spent together, businesses advertising sales to commemorate their inception, etc.  However, today marks a different kind of anniversary.  It is of a day that the majority of people, Americans especially, can remember painfully in great detail.  Today, eleven years ago, the World Trade Center was struck down by two hijacked planes.  Unfortunately, millions of employees working inside the Twin Towers, as well as many brave police officers and firefighters who responded to the tragedy, fell victim to the same terrible fate.  The loss of these people left a void in not only many of their loved ones' homes, but also their hearts.  Today, September 11th, is the anniversary of a day that must not and never will be forgotten.  People everywhere have taken to social media such as Facebook and Twitter, to show respect to those who passed away that day, and those who died trying to save them.  Even the NYPD has been tweeting the names and ranks of it's fallen members throughout the day.

..:: 9/11 NEVER FORGOTTEN ::..

click to read about NYPD's tweets-----> http://on.mash.to/RI6sDL

link to NYPD's twitter page------> https://twitter.com/NYPDnews

Facebook using it's powers for good!

Social media sites such as the ever-popular Facebook are too commonly used by people as an outlet to complain about their days, boost their self esteem, post pictures, etc.  I love when I see actual positive differences being made in people's lives as a result of the online communication and networking that most Facebook users take for granted.  This man lost his cat, Zion; he put up tons of flyers and even went door to door searching, both to no avail.  Check out how creating a Facebook page and advertisements helped reunite Zion with his loving owner!

read full article here----> http://on.mash.to/S7N9Evhttp://on.mash.to/S7N9Ev

Neck Basket

Companies come up with the silliest ideas sometimes. I came across this mythical product when it was being made fun of on a television commercial.  The commercial was advertising a website that allows average consumers to get paid to give their feedback on new products, inventions, and services.  Thus enabling products, such as the neck basket, to get shot down before companies waste too much money manufacturing it.

link to the neck basket------> http://www.myneckbasket.com/
link to start giving consumer feedback------> http://www.bigspot.com/?c=nb