Friday, December 9, 2011

Meg Kerr


Meg Kerr
Social Media Integration Manager
Mosaic Experiential Marketing


This broadcast journalism and Media and Information Technoculture grad found her way into the role of Social Media Integration Manager easily as it was a position that was designed just for her - really, just for her. After identifying a need, this savvy marketing writer, planner, organizer, coordinator found herself managing online communities, moderating and strategizing for the big guys, like Coca-Cola, Diageo, Cadbury Adams, Nutella, Mattel, Rogers, and Labatt.

Social media like any communication method in marketing is about defining an objective and identifying the best way to communicate your message to your audience.

and it's kind of like this....





Social Mediums include, but are not limited to:
  • Micro-blogs (like Twitter)
  • Social networking sites (Facebook)
  • Geotagging (Foursquare)
  • Blogs (Blogger, Wordpress)
  • Video (YouTube)
I really enjoyed this video that she shared and the information it provided



4 Trends Affecting Social Media
  1. Real Time and Mobile Devices - Meaning you can access information anytime and anywhere
  2. Location Based, Services and Geotagging - introduced with GPS enabled smartphones. Here your phone can recognize where you are and update your location for you. This trend can allow incentives specifically for people who are location tagging.
  3. Privacy - people are becoming more sensitive to what information of theirs is being shared. Increased privacy settings make users more comfortable, but limit valuable information for marketers
  4. Social Media is becoming less social - We've gone from 1st and 2nd generation users being overtly open about everything to people wanting to turn inwards and be more protective of what they share and who they share it with
Based on the emerging trends niche social sites are being developed and growing in popularity among their target markets:
www.bluechipexpert.com
www.doostang.com
www.songfriends.com

Overall, Meg was able to provide valuable insight into how businesses and consumers are using social media and the perspective from "behind the closed doors" about how communities and pages are managed, leveraged and developed. From crisis management, to strategies, Meg offered valuable and helpful insight into an ever growing communications market.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

A Hidden Gem

Friday we trucked our way up to Sheridan't Brampton campus for a field trip to the Athletic Therapy Centre. Given a slightly soured personal opinion of physic therapists I honestly didn't have any expectations of benefiting from any treatment plans.

The biggest treat came with the news that we had a fully equipped gym at our disposal for a number of hours. If only I had of brought more than just comfy clothes, but actual work out attire - Sigh. Alas, it's likely for the best as my dear classmates don't need to see just how much one small girl can sweat when she truly works out.

Although I may have not been able to do a full training session I was still able to enjoy the facility and some looooong overdue physical exercise, stretching and more importantly some good company outside of our normal everyday routines.

Attempting round two of chin ups!

Core strengthening with the balance boards  - one of my favourite exercises.

A special thanks to Derek the Designer for a fully documented photo montage of the event. An extra special thanks for not sharing the photo of me struggling to get up for my 3rd and 4th chin ups as that was a bit of a mess.

As for lessons learned?
I finally cracked and sought treatment for my chronic plantar fasciatis which was incredibly relaxing. The real treat came with the trainer who was not insistent that her recommendations would magically correct something I've been dealing with for many years, but mores recently. Instead, she offered relief for the day and was on the same track as all the other professionals who I've sought help from.

I also appreciated the mini stretch session on how to take care of our limbs as desk monkeys. Although I did not manage to take a handout with me, so I have only my memory and the internet to reference for reminders on all the things I should make more of an effort to do daily.

Overall, it was a delightful experience and I'm very glad we had the opportunity to go.