This may not come as a surprise to most of you since I am obsessed with anything social media, but this "fab" new social media platform is sky-rocketing in popularity.
Pinterest is a virtual pinboard where you can organize and share images and videos you discover on the web. Pinterestis basically a place where you can "pin" web-links in one single place and place them on certain virtual "bulletin boards." You can "pin" your own images or you can re-pin images/videos that other Pinterest users post! Think of it as social network of visuals – where you can find images from other people with the same interest or use it to create your own visions.
One I first joined back in June, the site attracted people interested in using it for non-work interests, such as wedding planning, interior/exterior decorating, scrapbooking, entertaining, cooking, fashion and D.I.Y. how-to's. But now brands, businesses and nonprofit professionals are also using it to curate information related to professional and organizational topics or items in a visually exciting way.
To add to nonprofits who are starting to use Pinterest, my team at Groupon has created a Pinterest account so we can display all of our philanthropic campaigns we have featured since our beginning back in August of 2008. Take a look here. Here is a great article on the 11 Must-Follow Nonprofits on Pinterest.
Brands are joining as well. More and more seem to be popping up every day! Check out this article about 14 Brands that are on Pinterest. Do any of these surprise you? Who would you like to see on Pinterest that isn't yet?
So whether you want to look for the hottest new fashion trends or your thinking about re-decorating your bedroom, Pinterest is the place to put your "ideas" all in one place! I promise you, you will learn from being on this social media platform and you may even get "addicted." This platform is revolutionizing the way we use virtual space and organize ideas and interests. Say good bye to manila folders and email folders, Pinterest is the place.
If you are on Pinterest or when you do join, be sure to follow me! I love seeing what other people are "pinning" and how they organize their vision boards!
What do you love about this social media platform?? What boards do you have?
There is a hot new charity in town and it is zealously good! ZealousGood.com makes it easier, faster, and more meaningful to donate items to local charities.
I became a fan of Zealous Good upon discovering the organization via Twitter. After starting my job at Groupon as a G-Team Coordinator, I received a tweet from the Founder, Brittany Graunke saying how big of a fan she was of the G-Team. (This is why I love Twitter so much. Twitter is the gateway to engaging and meeting some of the most influential, creative and ambitious leaders throughout the world). Having a fan like Brittany of the work the G-Team does, really inspired me and I was eager to get to know more about Brittany and her organization.
Brittany Graunke
After a few months of getting to know Brittany through Twitter, I wanted to meet her in person to learn more about Zealous Good and see how Groupon and her organization could potentially partner together. Brittany was the exact same way in person as she is on the web. Kind, sweet, brilliant, ambitious- the whole package. Her ideas inspired me and I already cannot wait to help her in any way I can to make Zealous Good unstoppable.
So what is Zealous Good? In short, Zealous Good connects people with excess goods to local charities in need. By matching specific donations to specific needs, Zealous Good reduces the cost and effort of getting goods to charities.
Zealous Good is a Chicago based social enterprise. They make the donation process so easy and meaningful by helping people who want to donate goods and/or services and match them with specific charities in need of their donations. It is ingenious and fantastic! Zealous Good's strategy is to harness the power of the internet to change the way people donate in-kind goods for the better. Since it's founding in March of 2011, Zealous Good has matched over $100,000 of goods and services to over 35 local Chicago charities.
I know a lot of individuals have items that they aren't sure where to donate them. When you move is a perfect example of when you discover items that you A. no longer use or B. won't have a place for at your next place.
Prior to moving into my new apartment this Fall, I no longer needed my sofa and wanted to donate it to charity. The only place I knew of at the time was the White Elephant Resale Shop in Lincoln Park, that resells donated in-kind items and all the proceeds of sales directly benefit Children's Memorial Hospital. Nothing beats the feeling of doing something good for others. On top of the great feeling donating gives you, White Elephant will even send a pick-up truck to your home to pick up your donated item(s). Donating in-kind items could not be easier than that. You also can get a tax receipt every time you donate.
Another resale shop in Chicago is The Brown Elephant Resale Shop. Except all proceeds from sold items go to the Howard Brown Health Center.
We all have items that we hold onto but really don't have a need for. Instead of holding onto those items, give them another life by donating them to charity. Zealous Good and the Elephant Resale stores have taken in-kind donating to a whole new level.
Chicago is not the only city out there that is doing this. I challenge you to look for organizations that offer services like these. Almost every charity out there has a "wish list" of items they need and getting funding to purchase these items can be extremely tough. That is why Zealous Good has helped be the matchmaker for local charities here in Chicago. My dream for Zealous Good is that they will be able to expand to other cities throughout the U.S. so they can help be the matchmaker for charities everywhere!
After doing a quick research, I found a number of organizations in the U.S. that are doing this.
So I challenge you to find local charities in your community that are in need of household items and clothing. Even if you don't have any items right now, to have that knowledge will allow you to tell others who do have items they aren't sure what to do with. I try to tell people about Zealous Good and the Elephant resale shops every chance I get because I know that there will always be a need for in-kind donations.
" Philanthropy is giving something of yourself to others in need." - Belinda Alston
Macintosh, iPod, iTouch, iPhone, and the iPad. Technological devises our world has grown to love and depend on. The man behind these revolutionary devises, is Steve Jobs (Steven Paul Jobs). To many, he is an icon and an idol. His curiosity lead him to take technology to a whole new level. His products have changed the way we engage, interact, discover and learn on the go and at all times. Here is a great story about Steve and his life by LA Times.
Aside from his Apple products, he is the creator of Pixar, which revolutionized computer animation. Pixar films make you feel like you can touch the characters, capture you by their special effects, and connect you more the story. Some of my favorite movies are Pixar, like Monsters, Inc., Up, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Wall-E , and Ratatouille. Steve made animation movies fun for not only children but adults and families. I make my children watch these films so they can experience the magic each story shares. Steve Jobs gave animation a way to connect with their viewers in a whole different way.
Tribute page on Apple's Website- http://www.apple.com/stevejobs/
I found out about on Twitter about Steve Jobs passing. I was on my iPhone when I saw a tweet come into my Twitter feed. Suddenly tweet after tweet in my feed was about Steve Jobs. (I currently follow 1,326 people.) The tweets I was reading were inspiring, touching, and at times heart-wrenching. Steve Jobs was a mogul, an icon, a hero, and inspiration to SO many people. Twitter was full of people sharing their thoughts, prayers and appreciation to a man who has given so much to our world.
The world lost an incredible man, before his time should have been finished. For a man who was battling such a horrible/painful disease, he continued to put his energy, passion, and heart into his work, despite his health complications. The man never wanted to slow down and it is remarkable how much he accomplished in his life. He has changed our world and the way we function, and that is a rare thing for someone to claim.
I encourage you to watch Steve Jobs commencement speech from 2005 at Stanford University. In his speech he talks about getting fired from Apple in 1985, talks about life and death. His message in this speech is relatable to everyone and anyone.
RIP Steve Jobs. You inspire us all and has changed our lives. Thank you for all you did and what you have given to us. May your passion and curiosity live on forever.
How will you remember Steve Jobs?? Has your life changed because of his inventions/products? How do you think our world has changed because of him? I would love to hear from you...
"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." Steve Jobs
“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” Steve Jobs
One thing you may not know about me is that I happen to be a HUGE shoppanista. I love deals and finding items on sale. TJ Max, Home Goods, Nordstrom Rack, and any store I walk into, I head straight to the sale's rack first. Thanks to my mother who showed me how to be a savvy shopper and not feel weird about it!
To help savvy shoppers like myself, Groupon has come out with a more instant way to find deals around you, by using their Groupon Now phone application. You'll find thousands on Groupon Now! Deals all over Chicago (or a Groupon City) that you can use right now. Simply select what you're in the mood for — a meal, a movie, or even a massage — and they'll serve up deals nearby that match what you're looking for.
Today is Groupon Now Day and as a way to get Groupon Subscribers to download the application, they are offering $1 Deals all day today. AMAZING right?!! You may be still be skeptical let me explain how it works.
$1 pizza. $1 shows. $1 yoga. And everything in between
How It Works:
1. Enter your location and choose the type of deal you want. Options include: "Eat Something," "Have Fun,"
"Go Shopping," "Go Out," "See a Show," "Exercise," " Visit a Museum," or "Take a Class."
2. Buy the deal that's right by you.
3. Present your Groupon to the merchant within the specified time and enjoy!!
Easy right? RIGHT!!
Here is a video that helps explain the application more.
This application can be downloaded for free onto any smartphone and iphone. Groupon is taking shopping to a whole new level and I have already fallen in love with this application. I can't wait to see what Groupon will doing next!
Are you a subscriber to Groupon?? Did you buy any $1 Groupon Deals today?
Would love to hear from you! Let's get our "Group-On" together!!
Remember the days when you would sign onto AOL and you would get the modem sound. The sound you probably still have memorized and would still recognize it if you heard it today. You know the sound..... when your dial-connection goes through and the words, "You've Got Mail" come from a male's voice. Those were the days huh? Well the days back in the 90's but not anymore! Now technology has no dial-up sounds, instead we have notification sounds or images to alert us when our social media platforms have a new message. We don't have to wait for our connection to go through every time with sign on and off., instead we can stay signed-in for as long as we want. We can access and be in communication with people anytime, in any place, through multiple platforms all at the same time! How is that for system overload?
So what if I told you that social media changes people's lives? Changes lives in a way that you may not think possible? In a place, a community where you can engage, share information, and learn from people you have possibly never met face-to-face. Would you believe me or think I have a screw lose? In truth, this world/place/community happens to be called Twitterand it is forever changing the way we interact, engage and share information in today's society. So where am I going with this? Let me try to explain and show you what I mean.
Twittamentary:
Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to go see a documentary that exemplifies how Twitter is changing the world and lives of others. The film is called Twittamentary; filmed and produced by Tan Siok Siok from Singapore, China. Brilliant, talented woman who too is infatuated by the power of Twitter and wanted to capture its power through film. (Most of the stories filmed were submitted to Siok Siok via Twitter).
Director- Tan Siok Siok
So what is Twittamentary and what does that word even mean?Twittamentary is a documentary about the popular micro-blogging service, Twitter, that is crowdsourced by social medians world wide. This film shares real-life stories of how Twitter works and is intertwined in our daily lives. Twitter accelerates serendipity. Bonds are forged as a result of unexpected encounters between strangers as they share moments of their lives in real time through the social media platform of Twitter.
Have you ever heard someone say, that they have been changed? Changed by an experience, interaction, or a moment? May be you have even told someone this before. I can honestly say that I had an experience, last Wednesday that "changed" me inside. The moment that really struck me deep inside my heart was when AnnMarie Walsh, one of the main featured stories throughout the film spoke at our screening in Chicago.
The Inspiring Story:
Her story is incredibly moving and made me fully see the real impact and influence Twitter has on others. AnnMarie was homeless in Chicago for over five+ years and was determined to find a way to get herself out of poverty. She began visiting the Chicago Public Library (since it is free) to use the internet and stay abreast of news and society. After seeing articles about Twitter in the newspaper day after day, AnnMarie wanted to see what it was for herself. She created a Twitter handle called @PadsChicago and began writing tweets about her thoughts and after time, people began to follow her. She began to receive tweets from followers asking her what they could do to help her. People wanted to send her items like clothes, blankets, food. Suddenly she found herself in a world where people were identifying her as someone in need of assistance. As a result, AnnMarie created a blog that is her "wish list" of items that she was in need of so people who wanted to help her could pick from her list. (hence creating her own micro-blogging service) (Even if you are not on Twitter, I highly recommend you see herTwitter profile and read her blog).
Photo by Paul Saini- AnnMarie Walsh
I don't want to spoil her story too much, but in short, she has used Twitter as a way to journal her journey from homelessness to being taken into Deborah's Place here in Chicago. Today, AnnMarie has been on Twitter for almost two years now and continuing to use Twitter to help not only herself but other homeless people throughout the country. AnnMarie came up with the Twitter handlePads Chicago, because homeless people really don't have a word, name, or term in common and she wanted it to be something homeless people could relate too. Eventually AnnMarie decided to use the word "Pads" because majority of homeless people sleep on a Pad. A Pad that they call their own. Pads Chicago- because AnnMarie lives in Chicago on a Pad ( before Deborah's Place). This is where it really struck me and even as I type now my heart drops..... Moving isn't it?
Today, AnnMarie's blog and Twitter handle, Pads Chicago, has become a site intended to serve as a tool to the homeless community, run by a homeless person (the one and only- AnnMarie Walsh herself). Homelessness is a fast growing problem facing our country in light of the current economic crisis. Pads Chicago contains resourceful information, downloads, links, and chat, including positive and negative feedback by members regarding their experiences. AnnMarie's outlook is to let people know about these issues and encourage everyone to work in a team effort to combat the homelessness problems and related issues our society faces. By AnnMarie sharing her story in this film, she is continuing to make an impact not only on the causes she addresses but how remarkable Twitter truly is.
Photo by Paul Saini at MorningStar Chicago
Photo by Paul Saini at MorningStar Chicago
Have I motivated you to want to see the film? Imagine how I felt after seeing this film. In two words- awe struck. For those of you who know me...... ILOVE Twitter. Seriously. I have what some Tweeters call a #TwitterCrush on Twitter. This film enhanced my love obsession with Twitter to a whole new level and I am perfectly okay with it. Even my boyfriend jokingly says I am dating Twitter because I spend more time engaged on Twitter than I do with him on a daily basis. I would love to see how many people grow more infatuated after seeing this documentary and/or how many people are motivated to join Twitter themselves after wards.
One of the biggest take-away points I received from watching this film is this. "Twitter has changed the way we do story-telling. It breaks the 4th wall. It shapes our identity."- Siok Siok.
"Twitter is not going to kill journalism it is just going to be part of it!" ~ quote from film- this was another aspect of Twitter that the film touches on. They featured the man, Janis Kruns who was on the scene when a plane crashed into the Hudson River. His photo and tweet was retweeted over a hundred times within an hour before the news went live on TV and radio. Crazy isn't it? Or may be you found out like most people about Bin Laden's death on Twitter before on TV?
This is turning into a REALLY long post and I apologize. As you can see I am clearly moved, passionate, and infatuated with the film #Twittamentary and the power of Twitter.
Final Thoughts and Comment:
The other cool thing about this film is that every person who was featured in the movie, Siok Siok had their Twitter handle on the film, so people watching the film were tweeting in real-time AT the person they were watching. I actually am following everyone in the film, some of who I have been following/engaging with prior to the screening. During the film, attendees were following the #Twittamentary hashtag (hence the # in front of Twittamentary in my post) and all tweeting during the screening using the hashtag. It was SO COOL. I was having conversations with people in the screening room at MorningStar Chicago with people I have never met face-to-face or followed on Twitter before the screening. Oh the power of Twitter.
Siok Siok has talked about the documentary being shown in upcoming film festivals and should you have the opportunity to see this film- PLEASE DO! I mean it. It will change your views and opinion of social media and Twitter. I promise you- if not I will send you a Starbucks gift card for a coffee on me.
My Questions To You:
With all of this being said, I would love to know your thoughts and comments about the documentary, the power of Twitter, etc. How do you view Twitter? Have you had a moment where you were awe struck by the impact Twitter has on today's society? Do you use Twitter? If so, what is your reasons for using this social platform? What's Your Twitter Story? I would love to hear from you....
* Special thanks to Paul Saini for allowing me to use your photos and for Siok Siok for creating this amazing film.
Ever since the explosion of the Facebook, social media has become one of the fastest growing industries in the country. More and more applications and tools are being developed and created to enhance user-generated content. For most people, social media is a favorite past-time. Who hasn't felt guilty after realizing you have been on Facebook for over an hour instead of doing homework/work? Or have zoned out on google reader and lost track of time because you just COULD NOT stop reading all of the blog post's you have missed....... I am guilty as charged.
But really, isn't it amazing to think how far social media has come? I feel like I am an "elder" when I say to my sister sometimes, "I remember the day I found out about the Facebook. It was the coolest thing to be on in college!"
Now, people from all age groups, baby boomers to Gen Y are on this social network. Did you know that if Facebook was a country it would be the 3rd largest country in the WORLD?? How is that for a factoid (read more here). Facebook is just one communication channel people are using on a daily basis. There are so many applications you can use nowadays and I am constantly trying to keep up with the trends. Do you know what each icon stands for in this image? These are just a few of the applications that are available.
So as a way to keep up with the trends and how to use social media professionally and individually, I have started attending events hosted by the Social Media Club Chicago. Tonight I will be attending my third event that is being hosted by Morningstar, Inc. The event is about Community Outlook in 2011. Basically what predictions, trends, and things we can expect this year. I can't wait to find out.
As a social media guru/junky, I participate in and use a variety of applications, such as Foursquare, Groupon, Stumbleupon, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Delicious just to name a few. I just cannot get enough!! Each social media application has it own unique perks and benefits. If you are interested in becoming more social media savvy I recommend you try these applications to see what you like and don't like.
Foursquare
You may be thinking, what is Foursquare and why is it such a big deal? Foursquare is a location-based mobile platform that makes cities easier to use and more interesting to explore. By “checking in” via a smartphone app or SMS, users share their location with friends while collecting points and virtual badges. This new application is quickly becoming one of the most popular and highly used sites. People love the "game" aspect and that you can benefit by "checking" into places. I love it and am somewhat addicted. Locations have started offering special deals to Foursquare users and sometimes offer only special deals to "The Mayor" which makes you want to rank in the "visits" to obtain Mayorship. How can that not influence you to check in to places?
Stumbleupon. StumbleUpon helps you discover and share great websites. Stumbleupon uses / ratings to form collaborative opinions on website quality. When you stumble, you will only see pages that friends and like-minded stumblers have recommended. I really enjoy using this because it helps me "save" a webpage that I like, find recipes, websites, etc. that I normally would have never found just surfing the web. The best part of using this application is that you get to choose your interests so that you stumble upon places on the web that fit within your criteria. The list is endless. Some of my interests for this application include, cooking, health, working out, weddings/events, reading, and travel.
Twitter. Twitter, tweeting, tweet, followers? What are these crazy weird terms? In short, twitter is a real-time information network that connects you to the latest information about what you find interesting. Simply find the public streams you find most compelling and follow the conversations. It is sort of like the status feed on Facebook but it has it is it's own application. You have a profile, followers, people who are following you and you can recently upload a picture. A tweet consists of a message that is 160 characters or less long. A character includes a space and emoticons. You can even follow me.
Did I overwhelm you? I promise it gets easier with use and reading up on the applications. One of the best resources I use to find our information about social media is Mashable. I highly recommend this site for all technology and social media information.
Social Media is going to be around forever at this point and no signs of ever slowing down. Social Media is like the worldwide web when it first came out. People were hesitant, unsure how it works but if you don't join in on the online conversations now, down the road you will be even more behind. Social Media is becoming a huge part of the work model for corporations, organizations and foundations.
What social media applications do you use? What is your favorite or one you are currently "addicted" too? I would love to hear what you use and/or applications you recommend I try.
“Social media is like a snowball rolling down the hill. It’s picking up speed. Five years from now, it’s going to be the standard.” – Jeff Antaya, chief marketing officer of Plante Moran
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