After reading Debra's blog post about how we are our own brand in the digital space, it really made me wonder. What am I doing to expand my brand? It makes sense what I ought to be doing, but I've been slacking. I don't have a LinkedIn account that I actively use, and I don't actively engage with my peers and superiors very often. This is going to change this semester, however. I feel the pressure of today's society to engage in this type of networking, and will jump to it immediately.
Debra's example of chronicling our progress through our school career was very interesting to me. It amazes me how far I've come sometimes, starting from being intimidated by small programs, and coming to being able to work in teams to accomplish goals I'd never imagine alone. I've made leaps and bounds in knowledge regarding Computer Science, and ought to show this somehow. This blog provides the perfect platform for that, as well.
After some research I found just how important a strong and active LinkedIn profile is. According to a study from ROI research, 59% of respondents claim LinkedIn is their most important account on social networks. This passes Facebook, Twitter, and other more 'casual' social networking websites. This is despite the fact that the average user of LinkedIn only logs in 2.9 times a month, according to the study. LinkedIn is on a pedestal in some sense, that people really respect what it has to offer, and what it can do for them. It offers a platform for individuals to show their work experience and skill sets, and network with like minded individuals. Facebook could do similar work, but the fact is that there are no alternatives to what LinkedIn does on the scale that it has risen to.
I'm working on my LinkedIn profile now, updating my resume, and thinking long and hard about my journey through my Bachelor's at San Jose State. I'm ready to show what I have to offer, and with a little help from Debra Caires, I will make it look good too!
Friday, September 20, 2013
Friday, September 13, 2013
QR Codes : Navigating the Future
QR codes may very well be a means for guiding people on the internet in the near future. They can act as digital guides to websites, coupons, and other information. You only need a computer to interpret the QR code itself, and then you're off, shooting into the internet.
Most of people's incentive to scan a QR code today is for some sort of promotion. A magazine is advertising coupons that need to be activated through the use of a QR code, or a store offers a discount on those who scan and use a QR code. They offer our smart phones new functionality, the ability to scan and read these codes in a heartbeat.
This is in contrast to reading a URL and trying to remember it, sometimes having to do vague google searches in order to find the website you forgot. With QR codes you can simply bump your phone against the code itself, and see what it has to offer. The other advantage is that QR codes offer instant feedback to both the user and the business using the code. By using QR codes a business can give a means to instantly "Like" a page, or "follow" a business, all in the real world. In order to do so all a consumer has to do is scan the code. The codes can also be used to give boosts in traffic to websites, or even build subscription lists. It's all in the code, and it's function.
It provides the perfect way for costumers to interact with your company in the digital space, physically with their phone. It creates a mental link between an action they took in person and your company. The ease of use for your customers also is a bonus!
Some links to consider,
http://qreateandtrack.com/2013/05/28/5-benefits-of-qr-codes-for-small-business/
http://www.marketingprofs.com/articles/2013/11256/how-to-use-qr-codes-in-your-print-marketing
As an example I've included the QR code I've made for my own blog. Scanning this should direct you to my blog!
Most of people's incentive to scan a QR code today is for some sort of promotion. A magazine is advertising coupons that need to be activated through the use of a QR code, or a store offers a discount on those who scan and use a QR code. They offer our smart phones new functionality, the ability to scan and read these codes in a heartbeat.
This is in contrast to reading a URL and trying to remember it, sometimes having to do vague google searches in order to find the website you forgot. With QR codes you can simply bump your phone against the code itself, and see what it has to offer. The other advantage is that QR codes offer instant feedback to both the user and the business using the code. By using QR codes a business can give a means to instantly "Like" a page, or "follow" a business, all in the real world. In order to do so all a consumer has to do is scan the code. The codes can also be used to give boosts in traffic to websites, or even build subscription lists. It's all in the code, and it's function.
It provides the perfect way for costumers to interact with your company in the digital space, physically with their phone. It creates a mental link between an action they took in person and your company. The ease of use for your customers also is a bonus!
Some links to consider,
http://qreateandtrack.com/2013/05/28/5-benefits-of-qr-codes-for-small-business/
http://www.marketingprofs.com/articles/2013/11256/how-to-use-qr-codes-in-your-print-marketing
As an example I've included the QR code I've made for my own blog. Scanning this should direct you to my blog!
Friday, September 6, 2013
Social Networking and security. . .or lack of when promoting your brand
The information era has brought on a new age of public relations for businesses The internet provides with the perfect platform to manipulate your company's image, and strengthen bonds with your customers. I'll show some examples how companies have accomplished this using various websites, as well as how they have had their images manipulated maliciously by outside parties. To begin understanding the importance of your companies digital footprint, consider these questions.
All of this information can be manipulated, for better or worse. You can improve your digital footprint, or scathing reviews from websites like Yelp can destroy it. An industry has arose from the demand for image security, where you can go for assistance in managing your digital footprint. For example,
If you type your companies name into Google, what is on your first page of results? Do you even get your company, or just some random links that vaguely shares some similarities to your company name?
What's on the next page of results after that. Is finding information about your company exhausting?
Does Google find links to consumer review websites? Are these displayed prominently on your first page of search results? How do these reviews reflect on your company?
Ultimately, by answering these questions you should get a better understanding of the information that's readily available about your business. If you can barely find your website through Google or other social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook) you ought to work on that. It's important to understand your customer, and facilitate a conversation through these services.
There are many tools that exist to manage these interactions between your company and the denizens of the internet. Such include :
There are many more that can be found, functioning on a similar premise: to help companies understand who is mentioning them, and when. This all comes down to your companies digital footprint. What's readily available online about your company, and the ease of access to information pertinent to your company.
All of this information can be manipulated, for better or worse. You can improve your digital footprint, or scathing reviews from websites like Yelp can destroy it. An industry has arose from the demand for image security, where you can go for assistance in managing your digital footprint. For example,
Digital Media Marketing is a service that professes to distinguish your company's online presence from it's competitors. This isn't a unique service, many others exist as this is a growing market.
People need to control their images online, but often don't realize that on the individual level you maintain control of your own digital footprint. Personal information you release on the internet will stay there, and the flow often comes exclusively from the individual. Every individual should partake in this online "grooming" by understanding what they post on the internet is permanent, and that nearly anything you post under your name can be found with little effort.
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