creative musings

Judy R Clark: A Brand is Born! Spencer Collection - A/W 2012/13...

2012-01-13T16:46:00.000Z

Judy R Clark: A Brand is Born! Spencer Collection - A/W 2012/13...: The past few months have been non stop! Spencer clothing has taken a lot of work but I am enjoying the process immensely. From being...

Would you like an international client?

2012-01-07T04:51:00.002Z

I am now working internationally, could you be?All businesses are going to need to find ways of improving their performance over the next 12 months to ensure that they remain profitable, and to do that they are going to need to look at a range of options they have perhaps not considered in the past, and one of those will be working internationally.

As I know CCB (Cormack Consultancy Baltic) have been helping UK companies work in central and eastern Europe for the past 11 years, and have offices in Riga (Latvia) Kaunas (Lithuania) and will be opening an office in St Petersburg (Russia) in February. In that time they have helped well over 300 companies expand their businesses and have developed a way of looking at international expansion in a holistic way.

International expansion is not just about increased sales, but about looking at all the advantages of operating in a new market, this could be the outsourcing of certain elements of the business, the development of manufacturing partners, improving the supply chain through purchasing at more competitive rates, or establishing R&D and Manufacturing capability and accessing generous local financial incentives to support this, or finding safe and effective distribution into the Russian and CIS markets.

At CCB they understand all the angles for business, and know how to assist UK companies taking these first steps into working internationally. To help companies prepare for 2012 CCB are offering a free “international activity audit”. One of the CCB Directors, (http://www.ccbaltic.eu/en/nosaukums/our-people/uk-staff) will meet with your company and look at all possible opportunities for you to benefit from working internationally.

CCB will then produce a brief report highlighting thoughts on how your business may benefit, and if relevant highlight some specific opportunities in the markets we work in. CCB will also be able to provide details of partner companies if they believe that the company should not be looking at Easter Europe, but would be better in other markets like India.

Feel free to arrange an initial meeting/call and email charles(at)ccbaltic.eu

Introducing a new fashion collection

2012-01-01T09:44:00.001Z

The challenge of introducing a new brand is difficult enough, the idea of building a following for something that is an assumption based on the people involved is harder still. So I introduce the idea that those Journalists and bloggers involved in the first photo shoot for the collection will have pieces named after them.

Do you know established bloggers with a big following that can get to Edinburgh on 10th January? From 2pm there will be cake and wine for assembled guests...

You can find more information about our collection here:
Http://WWW.Spencerclothing.Wordpress.com until the website goes live.
It can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

Contact me on: cg@ socialtailor .com

(Can you tel this was written from a mobile...)

Merry Christmas for an old fart

2011-12-21T22:30:00.001Z

A girls night out out allows peace to reign throughout the house; delighting in the space and silence he finds a bottle of Gin and a bottle of Bitter Lemon bought for a party and never opened.

Christmas lights twinkle on the tree in the bay window, reflecting in the glass and on the back of the shiny leather sofa; the TV is on but largely ignored, the battery of his laptop however is burning hot on the coffee table in the sitting room as the faint smell of pine circulates the room. Christmas eve is only 6 days away and he contemplates buying his first present having spent the best part of 3 hours mulling over Facebook updates and Google searches.

The ice in his glass is almost completely evaporated as he makes the commitment to buy vouchers yet again. His Family Christmas Cards remain unwritten and he decides that this year is the last of his humbug lack-a-dasical attitude. Next year he will plan early, buy real gifts and write meaningful cards that consider a worthwhile charity with an appropriate image.

He finds his Google calendar and drops helpful hints into various October and November dates for next year... Now he's vaguely tipsy and mumbles as he writes in another hint for next year "Merry Christmas, you old fart!"

Talent versus Skill, Will Smith shares.

2011-12-19T22:03:00.003Z

An inspirational montage of Will Smith sharing his thoughts on life and the best way to achieve!

A social gag to make your business stand out?!

2011-12-10T06:19:00.001Z

Have you thought of anything recently to make your business stand out from the crowd? British Gas did this:

British Gas Orchestra from Outside Line on Vimeo.

Facebook Healthcheck

2011-10-17T17:34:00.003+01:00

I see so many businesses creating Facebook profiles that break the terms and conditions set down by Facebook that I worry the businesses don't realise all their hard work could and is likely to be deleted...

So I figured why not carry out a FREE audit and let them know what they can do to build really successful profiles... so here goes!

Too Pis**d to care?

2011-09-30T07:27:00.000+01:00

I like this campaign - this Danish night bus company have made a great attempt at "know your limits!"

Tesco do Genius in South Korea

2011-08-22T19:21:00.000+01:00

Where do your customers / clients congregate? How can you make their life easier? Are you solving their problems or are you pushing products?

When you stop and contemplate this proposition it is so damn simple and yet... get your thinking caps on people, how can this translate to your waiting area?

Wee Edinburgh Film

2011-08-16T19:38:00.000+01:00

If you know Edinburgh, you'll know most of these views - I just sat through it and loved every second - it deserves to be played in widescreen.

Finding content to write about!

2011-08-11T09:15:00.000+01:00

One of the challenges for the social age is finding content to write about that:
Show's your passion
Reveals your interests
Delivers a piece of your life
Is directed at your audience
Recognises a trend or jumps on a PR Wave
Is part of a story
Falls into synch with a bigger structure / plan

This video was posted (tweeted) by The Leith and I thought it might help / inspire...?

Rethink Scholarship at Langara 2010 Call for Entries from Rory O'Sullivan on Vimeo.

Hotel connects Facebook with tech wristbands

2011-08-02T00:11:00.000+01:00

And there was me thinking Ibiza was only good for updating Facebook...

The Tweeting Fridge by Bonafont

2011-07-30T09:29:00.000+01:00

A gimic with great intentions - The Tweeting Fridge by Bonafont

The Tweeting Fridge from Colin Gilchrist on Vimeo.

Social Media Strategy Training

2011-07-20T20:45:00.000+01:00

I am commissioned by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce to provide sessions on Social Media - so instead of looking at some tools and case studies that most people aspire to but bear no relevance to an Edinburgh SME we look at Strategy Planning.

What I mean - every business has a fairly unique way of communicating to its customers, suppliers, potential customers, internally to staff... so we look at relevant tools (not all of them - just the ones that you need and I know will work for you) and we look at businesses I have worked with over the past 5 years, or friends of mine have worked with and assess what has worked and what hasn't.

We then look at your own business and assess the best route for you to take.

In more detail:

The next one is being held Wednesday 27 July 2011 9.30am-4.30pm
We're missing out August (I need a break) - the one after:

Wednesday 21 September 2011 9.30am-4.30pm

Description
This course is for you if…

You are in senior management, marketing, PR and or customer care. It would be ideal if you had made a start with the most popular tools: Blogs, Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter – but not essential.

Benefits of attending

This day looks at real, local or personally experienced case studies, how we can apply elements to your business and the steps required getting you there. An understanding of the essentials - a social media policy for your business, a crisis plan and what to avoid, how to measure so you can track real ROI. You will leave with a better understanding of what is required and how to achieve it from someone that does it daily for multiple businesses with real world experience.

Introduction/Overview

The day is split into 2 areas – part one looks at the tools and case studies relevant to the businesses attending each specific session.

Part 2 we look at laying out a strategy – what are the requirements, who needs to be involved, how it is delivered, the tone of voice, and the best tools to monitor your activity.

Programme/Contents

The session uses presentation slides, handouts and live online examples.

A social media policy – why every business needs one and what yours should include

Before we look at tools – which ones do your customers use? Do you know who and where your customers are?
Do you know your employees – are they socially active, can they help?
The tools – with guides, examples, tips, insights and approaches for marketing and brand development and promotion

The tools for Business Development – that cold call is now almost no longer required – we also show you how to find anyone’s email address
We look at timing and the most effective time to communicate and some tools that allow you to post in numerous places simultaneously

Case studies of both Business to Business and Business to Consumer – an example of a business that in 9 years has a turnover in excess of $1 billion a year (from a standing start) who due to a specific company culture and almost entirely social approach to marketing and customer engagement continue to thrive.

The importance of having a plan, integrating existing PR, marketing and sales activities to a social media strategy – the importance of campaigns and the different approach required – sharing the real difference a customer care policy has when anyone and everyone within your business meets someone new for the first time and the impression they leave with.

Crisis Planning – the boardroom nightmare, how to avoid social media scares, how to plan for them, prepare and promote the solution when the problem starts to unfurl. The approach to take, the leverage required and who to speak to – internally and externally.

Then we look at the tools required to monitor the activity so we can quickly identify what works and doesn’t work for our organisation – how to use an analysis report to ensure we increase our ROI with every campaign and strategy approach.

Typically you will leave buzzing and exhausted – bring a large notepad and an inquisitive mind.

Funding Available
This course is approved for ILA & Skills Development Scotland funding, please contact us on 0131 221 3191 or email: jamie.lovie@edinburghchamber.co.uk find out more about funding options available.

Location
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Capital House, 2 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SU

Please note: Members may invite guests to Chamber courses and there are no restrictions (except number of available places) as to how many guests they invite to any one course.

If you'd like to look at prices and book click this link

PS. the image is Jamie Lovie who looks after your booking and keeps me in check.

Digital Professionals Wanted!

2011-07-05T23:30:00.000+01:00

Some of you will know that a certain Jill Gilchrist (wife) has set up her own recruitment business after 16 years of doing it for someone else and guess what? It's called: Gilchrist Recruitment Partnership.

It can be the making of an agency, finding that person that not only fits but can sense and grasp just exactly what the clients are attempting to achieve and take you from a four man team up to a multi £1m + agency with those clients that everyone else wanted.

So how do you do it?

Those of you that are now predominantly digital - a business in Spain has come up with an interesting approach; at the moment you check their CV, look at the languages they are using, be given links to sites they've worked on, or limited access to "example" database work, you will also look at their current location (some developers gets into a zone to crack a problem and will work and work until the back is broken) so they need to be across the road or very close (ideally). And then of course invite the top 3 or 4 for a face-to-face, provide an online test to confirm their language knowledge and ability - or take your lead guy out of a job and make him join you... This is painful at best and talk about time consuming... setting up the test is essential because there are some that blag and hope that online forums will get them through - just too time consuming.

But Spanish Masterbranch helps employers find good developers by putting open-source code contributions at the centre of their job seeker’s CV - damn obvious when you think about it - but of course how many recruiters of digital actually know what it is they're talking about?

Or the e-commerce business I spent a short time with that has an interesting way of identifying the right people - they have everyone fill out an application form - yup doesn't matter if you're the delivery guy or the new Financial Director - everyone - the form has IQ questions, psychometric questions, games and role play (they've sussed the cut and paste from the internet), from the responses they carryout 2 interviews - one from HR and another with the division, then there's a two week induction process which again everyone goes through (they have a fairly unique culture and this process is essential to get into the right mind-set). At the end they are offered a cash incentive to leave on the spot or really get behind the company - so you might think hell this would be a nightmare to facilitate, a huge investment - you'd be right, but then look at what that business has achieved - in 9 years they turn over $1.3 billion from a zero start.

So how is Linkedin working for you? Or the cheap solution that matches your brief to an advert - sending you loads of CV's mostly of no hope-rs...

Don't get me wrong as a business development tool Linkedin is the dogs - if you know how to look up the right people it's a cinch but of course that's just the start of the journey - the only way is for your Recruiter / HR / MD / Owner to actually know the business and know the role - click with the existing staff, see what it is that makes them tick, speak to them both when they're under pressure and with a glass of wine in their hand and find those warm bodies that will gel but also make everyone else want to raise their game!

Why take a pad and pen to a meeting?

2011-06-25T17:27:00.000+01:00

I am often sniggered at when I go to various tech "meet-ups" by the geeks who often whip out their gadgets and furiously tap away as conversations develop, or speakers make it clear there will no hand-outs.

Little do they realise that those of us with just a smidge of creativity have an amazing opportunity to produce something never before seen and close to impossible to being copied - and yet everything they do has been done and will be copied...

Do I mind? Not in the slightest - I just smirk at their assumptions and lack of creativity.

When I talk about my creative streak, I mean the time I spent as an artist producing work that commanded £1000's, producing for exhibitions both group and solo. Can you tell I miss it?

I have a hankering, I need to make the time... and this time I fancy pen and ink:

Image Credits

Social Media Strategic Crisis Planning - Just do it!

2011-06-05T17:49:00.000+01:00

Over the past few years I have talked to a number of groups and individuals about how to prepare for a social media crisis (clearly avoiding it in the first place is the best preparation - and that mostly comes down to training and application...).

A guy I know has put together a great presentation of Stevie Koerner (the victim) and the Urban Outfitter disaster that recently shedded $millions off their share price and all over 4 or 5 days. Scott Douglas is a PR man (ex Journo) who not only gets social media but is teaching others how to embrace it and provide a brilliant return from its adoption; his business is Holyrood PR.

His presentation:

It's Just One Little Tweet... on Prezi

Maybe Urban Outfitters didn't have a crisis plan - I'm betting sure as hell they do now - does your company?

Engage Invest Exploit 2011

2011-05-19T07:33:00.000+01:00

Wishing all exhibitors and attendees every success - I thoroughly enjoyed last year, it promises to be another cracker: #EIE11 University of Edinburgh Informatics

Inspiration from Artist Jeremy Geddes

2011-05-15T10:09:00.000+01:00

As someone that has been an exhibited artist I do sometimes long to return to a life that affords me the time to spend 5 focussed hours a day pouring over one canvas - seeing this work by Jeremy Geddes brings it more to the fore than ever.

Jeremy Geddes website - blog

Gabriel Gettman does a promo for CIRCUS - Jodie Harsh's club night

2011-05-04T15:30:00.000+01:00

A Piece of Creative Genius - highly entertaining a little bit shocking and a teency bit naughty.

Circus Promo by Gabriel Gettman from F.TAPE on Vimeo.

STV editors to outline future and opportunities of new STV Local service

2011-04-28T12:38:00.000+01:00

A panel of top executives behind the hyper local news and information website STV Local will be delivering a Business Breakfast in Edinburgh in May at which they will outline what the new service will offer communications and marketing professionals in Scotland and the future of local news delivery... I'm intrigued.

For a while now I've been banging on now about the very future of (paid for) news has to be local - there is no money in global news because we get it fed through a plethora of social media and TV Channels - local however is more difficult to obtain. It looks to me that STV are attempting that leap - if you're in marketing, in Edinburgh why not join me and find out?

Marketing Industry Network - Meet the STV Editors

The success of Facebook "Likes" at a Conference

2011-04-25T10:05:00.000+01:00

Company Video - what does yours say?

2011-04-12T12:08:00.000+01:00

Have you got a company video?
Does it include the CEO dancing and putting in false teeth?
But then maybe it's only had 100 visits and those from family and friends... this one has 35,000 and climbing

ZAPPOS, an online store that likes its customers (and staff)

Stovies, SKY, Dustin Hoffman

2011-04-05T15:17:00.000+01:00

If the brilliant actor Dustin Hoffman had been born Scottish things may have been a bit different.

Social Media Unleashed, The Lighthouse, Glasgow

2011-03-18T07:10:00.002Z

Tonight I (Digital Face) found myself sharing the stage with some amazing businesses - clearly I'm doing something right.

The event was the brainchild of Arvind Salwan at New Media Corp and Tim Wright at Twintangibles producing an amazing array of business leaders for the audience with speakers from the group above.

The real stand out speaker however was invited by Adam Gordon of Winning Work - Paul McComish the CEO of a Construction Business (the McComish Group) who has secured many £million contracts through his activity on Linkedin. One such Group is Insurance Reinstatement

The theme of the event was very strategy focussed - my piece was how to prepare for or avoid a Crisis I enclose the slides below:

Digital face social media crisis planning

View more presentations from Colin Gilchrist

If you'd like some notes on how to prepare for a potential crisis - or how to avoid it completely feel free to get in touch.

colin.gilchrist@ digitalface.co.uk

Pure gold from the genius pen of Aaron Sorkin

2011-03-14T11:17:00.000Z

Forgive me - this was shared on my Facebook wall today and I feel obliged to share it - if you're not familiar with the West Wing series you will maybe gleen a flavour of the script writing by Aaron Sorkin.

Digital Face Social Media Policy Document

2011-03-07T10:36:00.000Z

In the interests of sharing I offer the document that subsequently created our Social Media Policy:

Digital Face Social Media Policy

This policy governs the publication of and commentary on social media by employees of Digital Face and its related companies ("Digital Face"). For the purposes of this policy, social media means any facility for online publication and commentary, including without limitation blogs, wiki's, social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube. This policy is in addition to and complements any existing or future policies regarding the use of technology, computers, e-mail and the internet.

Digital Face employees are free to publish or comment via social media in accordance with this policy. Digital Face employees are subject to this policy to the extent they identify themselves as a Digital Face employee (other than as an incidental mention of place of employment in a personal blog on topics unrelated to Digital Face).

Notwithstanding the previous section, this policy applies to all uses of social media, including personal, by Digital Face employees who are Colin Gilchrist, as their position with Digital Face would be well known within the community.

Publication and commentary on social media carries similar obligations to any other kind of publication or commentary.

All uses of social media must follow the same ethical standards that Digital Face employees must otherwise follow.

Setting up Social Media
Assistance in setting up social media accounts and their settings can be obtained from Digital Face's Colin Gilchrist.

Don't Tell Secrets
It's perfectly acceptable to talk about your work and have a dialog with the community, but it's not okay to publish confidential information. Confidential information includes things such as unpublished details about our software, details of current projects, future product ship dates, financial information, research, and trade secrets. We must respect the wishes of our corporate customers regarding the confidentiality of current projects. We must also be mindful of the competitiveness of our industry.

Protect your own privacy
Privacy settings on social media platforms should be set to allow anyone to see profile information similar to what would be on the Digital Face website. Other privacy settings that might allow others to post information or see information that is personal should be set to limit access. Be mindful of posting information that you would not want the public to see.

Be Honest
Do not blog anonymously, using pseudonyms or false screen names. We believe in transparency and honesty. Use your real name, be clear who you are, and identify that you work for Digital Face. Nothing gains you notice in social media more than honesty - or dishonesty. Do not say anything that is dishonest, untrue, or misleading. If you have a vested interest in something you are discussing, point it out. But also be smart about protecting yourself and your privacy. What you publish will be around for a long time, so consider the content carefully and also be cautious about disclosing personal details.

Respect copyright laws
It is critical that you show proper respect for the laws governing copyright and fair use or fair dealing of copyrighted material owned by others, including Digital Face own copyrights and brands. You should never quote more than short excerpts of someone else's work, and always attribute such work to the original author/source. It is good general practice to link to others' work rather than reproduce it.

Respect your audience, Digital Face, and your co-workers
The public in general, and Digital Face's employees and customers, reflect a diverse set of customs, values and points of view. Don't say anything contradictory or in conflict with the Digital Face website. Don't be afraid to be yourself, but do so respectfully. This includes not only the obvious (no ethnic slurs, offensive comments, defamatory comments, personal insults, obscenity, etc.) but also proper consideration of privacy and of topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory - such as politics and religion. Use your best judgment and be sure to make it clear that the views and opinions expressed are yours alone and do not represent the official views of Digital Face.

Protect Digital Face customers, business partners and suppliers
Customers, partners or suppliers should not be cited or obviously referenced without their approval. Never identify a customer, partner or supplier by name without permission and never discuss confidential details of a customer engagement. It is acceptable to discuss general details about kinds of projects and to use non-identifying pseudonyms for a customer (e.g., Customer 123) so long as the information provided does not violate any non-disclosure agreements that may be in place with the customer or make it easy for someone to identify the customer. Your blog is not the place to "conduct business" with a customer.

Controversial Issues
If you see misrepresentations made about Digital Face in the media, you may point that out. Always do so with respect and with the facts. If you speak about others, make sure what you say is factual and that it does not disparage that party. Avoid arguments. Brawls may earn traffic, but nobody wins in the end. Don't try to settle scores or goad competitors or others into inflammatory debates. Make sure what you are saying is factually correct.

Be the first to respond to your own mistakes
If you make an error, be up front about your mistake and correct it quickly. If you choose to modify an earlier post, make it clear that you have done so. If someone accuses you of posting something improper (such as their copyrighted material or a defamatory comment about them), deal with it quickly - better to remove it immediately to lessen the possibility of a legal action.

Think About Consequences
For example, consider what might happen if a Digital Face employee is in a meeting with a customer or prospect, and someone on the customer's side pulls out a print-out of your blog and says "This person at Digital Face says that product sucks."

Saying "Product X needs to have an easier learning curve for the first-time user" is fine; saying "Product X sucks" is risky, unsubtle and amateurish.

Once again, it's all about judgment: using your blog to trash or embarrass Digital Face, our customers, or your co-workers, is dangerous and ill-advised.

Disclaimers
Many social media users include a prominent disclaimer saying who they work for, but that they're not speaking officially. This is good practice and is encouraged, but don't count on it to avoid trouble - it may not have much legal effect.

Colin Gilchrist can provide you with applicable disclaimer language and assist with determining where and how to use that.

Don't forget your day job.
Make sure that blogging does not interfere with your job or commitments to customers.

Social Media Tips
The following tips are not mandatory, but will contribute to successful use of social media.

The best way to be interesting, stay out of trouble, and have fun is to write about what you know. There is a good chance of being embarrassed by a real expert, or of being boring if you write about topics you are not knowledgeable about.

Quality matters. Use a spell-checker. If you're not design-oriented, ask someone who is whether your blog looks decent, and take their advice on how to improve it.

The speed of being able to publish your thoughts is both a great feature and a great downfall of social media. The time to edit or reflect must be self-imposed. If in doubt over a post, or if something does not feel right, either let it sit and look at it again before publishing it, or ask someone else to look at it first.

Enforcement
Policy violations will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination for cause.

Source

17 things you may not know about Online Advertising

2011-02-11T16:11:00.000Z

Fallon Brainfood: Fall0nylitics 2.1

The Daily - the future for news?

2011-02-06T17:19:00.000Z

Rupert Murdoch thinks so...

Social Media Strategy Planning and Training at Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

2011-01-28T12:08:00.000Z

I have been commissioned to deliver training sessions for the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce - one is Business-to-Business, the other is Business-to-Consumer.

Social Media Strategy Planning for Sales, Marketing and Customer Care (Business-to-Business)
Monday 14 March 2011 9.30am-4.30pm

Description
This course is designed for senior management who have some or limited knowledge in the social web, can see the potential but would like to know how to construct a plan and make it work for their business.

Course Contents

- Using the social web for marketing
- Using the social web for sales
- Using the social web for increased customer care
- Delivering a clear message on the benefits and pitfalls of embracing the social web for business-to-business.

This course is approved for ILA funding, please contact us on 0131 221 3191 or email: info@chamberbusinesssolutions.co.uk to make a booking using your ILA account.

Location
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Capital House, 2 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SU

Please note: Members may invite guests to Chamber courses and there are no restrictions (except number of available places) as to how many guests they invite to any one course.

(All prices excluding VAT)
£187.00 (Chamber members and member guests)
£237.00 (non-members)

Book Here

Social Media Strategy Planning for Sales, Marketing and Customer Care (Business-to-Consumer)
Wednesday 13 April 2011 9.30am-4.30pm

Description
Using the social web for marketing Using the social web for sale.
Using the social web for increased customer care.
Delivering a clear message on the benefits and pitfalls of embracing the social web for business-to-consumer.

Course Contents

- Using the social web for marketing
- Using the social web for sales
- Using the social web for increased customer care
- Delivering a clear message on the benefits and pitfalls of embracing the social - web for business-to-consumer.

Facebook and the best use for consumer integration by an onlilne retailer. We will look at the use of Twitter, Youtube, Flickr (and others) that are pertinent for Business to Consumer.

Strategy planning – the approach and implementation, looking at:
-Monitoring & Reporting Tools
-Timing
-Tone of voice
-Use: Sales, CRM, PR, Marketing
-Return on Investment / Time
-Protecting the brand – what to do.

This course is approved for ILA funding, please contact us on 0131 221 3191 or email: info@chamberbusinesssolutions.co.uk to make a booking using your ILA account.

Location
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Capital House, 2 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SU

Please note: Members may invite guests to Chamber courses and there are no restrictions (except number of available places) as to how many guests they invite to any one course.

(All prices excluding VAT)
£187.00 (Chamber members and member guests)
£237.00 (non-members)

Book Here

Quantum Languages want to make you smile.

2011-01-23T20:29:00.000Z

And what's more they're publishing (pushing) their language vacancies on:

Blog: http://quantumpeople.wordpress.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/quantumpeople and http://twitter.com/quantumcontact

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Quantum.Recruitment.Languages

ps. Clearly I have an interest...

Greatest short film ever made? Gamers you'll love it.

2011-01-21T21:07:00.000Z

A fight between an 8-bit superhero and a high-def boss, in a retro-gaming world.

Programmer's Note: Assaulting the senses with dazzling visual imagery and gloriously over-the-top action, this high-octane animated adventure plays with classic video-game archetypes while simultaneously concocting its own fully rendered environment. Collectively directed by Valere Amirault, Sarah Laufer, Jean Delaunay, and Benjamin Mattern, the film displays the considerable talents of all four artists in developing an atmospheric anomaly of stylistic bravado that fashions a fight between an 8-bit superhero and a high-def boss in a retrogaming world. Much appreciated for the painstaking hard work involved as well as the fast-paced clarity of the result, "8BITS" is a welcome shot in the arm for any program. We invite you to learn more about the work of these collaborators at http://www.8bitsmovie.com/.

Without Love there is nothing - Perfect Sense Movie Trailer

2011-01-19T16:19:00.000Z

A Sigma Films production, Directed by David Mackenzie, starring Ewan McGregor and Eva Green

Arianna Huffington sleep your way to the top... Literally.

2011-01-03T19:38:00.001Z

That legend Arianna Huffington of Huffington Post fame gives a talk at a TED conference in Washington in December last, saying to the ladies, to succeed, sleep your way to the top... Literally.

UK Work Flexibility

2011-01-03T08:14:00.000Z

It's a new year, so let's make good some of those resolutions we looked at last year! The prime one for many is spending more time with loved ones. I often spout about the importance of a happy stress free work environment to maximise a business through better more efficient productivity. Having a delighted work force that cherish the business they work for is difficult to achieve but one of the things we could learn from the US is the importance placed on it. Barak Obama has leant his voice to the cause.

As a boss have you asked your staff whether they would prefer a more flexible work environment? As an employee have you considered asking to work from home on occasion? Did you have a valid argument and is it possible for you?

The following film was created by the Alfred P Sloan Foundation of America, it does however beautifully portray the dramatic shift in working practices and family culture in current times.

This is not new. More and more I am being brought into companies that wish to initiate a social media marketing strategy but before I can start we have to assess the happiness of the staff, the employees could quite quickly scupper a great plan if they're unhappy or miserable - some will feel trapped and unloved and will go to great lengths to share that distaste. Social media is a great forum for it - a flexible work environment is one element that should be considered.

Product Placement becomes legal on UK TV

2010-12-22T10:35:00.000Z

This post is a direct duplication taken from my copy on The Drum

Click here to view

So we heard earlier this week (thanks Marketing Week) that product placement will become legal on UK TV screens from February 2011.What will be the impact on production values within popular TV shows? Could media buyers execute a bidding war between Fosters and Carling to be served in the bar on Coronation Street? The opportunities now available to quick thinking products, brands and media buyers… I can see a whole new specialism opening up.

I know from personal experience in the social web the benefits of “product placement” – I’m referring to the world of the blogger. I know many that write incessantly and in a positive way about particular brands with the soul intention of receiving product, or have built up such a phenomenal following that they are approached to write about or discus products – some find this distasteful but if it’s in character I see nothing wrong with it. I write for a number of blogs, one of which is fashion based (http://socialtailor.com) and I personally have received press passes (tickets) to London Fashion Week, samples of jewellery and clothing – all bar the tickets have been returned because as much as I recognise the attempt, it’s not the way I want to run that site.

So could TV production companies be tempted to start integrating products onto their shows in an attempt to chase much needed funds, rather than be successful and be approached?

Video credit Paramount and Icon for What Women Want

LeWeb 2010 - Gary Vaynerchuk, Host, Wine Library TV, Author, CrushIT

2010-12-13T22:45:00.000Z

The genius of Gary Vaynerchuk on Q&A at Le Web 2010

Fake Tan and Celebrity Choices - The Social Tailor

2010-12-11T19:05:00.000Z

We thought we’d get some advice from those Skin Care guru’s LookAbFab, who have put together an insight on who wears what… why, because we’re nosey and we want to know! Joan Robertson says:

Celebrity Fans of Xen-Tan – Heidi from the Sugababes, Olsen Twins, Holly Willoughby, Gok Wan, and Mollie King from The Saturdays to name a few. Xen-Tan is one of the new favourite celebrity self tanners. A great product because it gives a lovely instant olive colour and easy to apply an even colour without streaks! A favourite of mine due to the fragrance which is fab compared to those which give off the chemical Dehydroxyactetone chemical fake tan smell. Also contains rich moisturisers, coconut and walnut oil which enable the tan to be long lasting and come off evenly. Most other fake tans dry skin and cause uneven fading. This doesn’t happen with Xen-Tan...

The rest of the article can be read here

Marc Jacobs Bag (worth $595) Giveaway

2010-12-07T22:59:00.000Z

The Marc Jacobs bag Giveaway ends at 10:00 EST on the 17th December 2010. No purchase necessary. Open to both registered and not registered visitors. Only one entry per person. Enter by clicking the picture. Brought to you by Simply Sample Sales

Good luck!

Size 12 is the new 8 - no really!

2010-12-04T12:45:00.000Z

I make no excuses for the fact that I am a fan of the fuller figure – androgynous, heroin chic does not work for me – hell I’ve questioned before the state of some of those dreadful skeletons that grace the catwalks around the world. But get this – there’s a mini revolution happening in modelling agencies, a few are now actively looking for bigger girls and not for glamour shots but runways and catwalks… London Fashion Week was all a buzz about it this past season, will it be again? The fight has to be lead by the designers, are they listening?

The full article can be read on The Social Tailor

The image above is Tara Lynn

Scarlett Johansson influencing fashion?

2010-12-01T01:04:00.000Z

This is Scarlett working with Mango - is she influencing fashion? Let us know what you think here: http://wp.me/pDt7F-c2

The Dream Christmas Party Dress

2010-11-23T23:41:00.000Z

Saskia the Salsa Fairy (Kirsten Read) writes about her dream Christmas Party Dress for The Social Tailor: http://socialtailor.com/2010/11/23/alexander-mcqueen-lion-silk-jacquard-kimono-cape/

Kate Middleton has made it Wedding Dress Season!

2010-11-20T20:06:00.000Z

Go to The Social Tailor to read the article.

Spiderhole The Movie

2010-11-20T08:13:00.000Z

Spiderhole Trailer from Patrick O'Neill on Vimeo.

I met the Director and mate in Claridges bar when I was last in London - it was the night after the film had opened on Leicester Square - Daniel was of course waxing lyrical about his next project - which sounded kind of Blair Witch with UFO's...
Be interesting to see what people make of this one first though - his first full length piece.
http://www.spiderholethemovie.com

Zappos visits Twitter

2010-11-17T10:01:00.000Z

Twitter is not a broadcast tool!

2010-11-12T06:43:00.000Z

I was listening recently to Gordon White's Social Media Podcast - one where a panel were offering advice, hints and tips at a New Media Breakfast on: best use, the law, how to build a following and so on. A question that came from the floor by an inexperienced - but keen to learn - guy was something like "For a business I want to know the best platform to use, you all mention Twitter and Linkedin - I get Linkedin it appears to be a very professional network but Twitter seems very frivolous - What should I be doing?"

I'm not sure who responded from the panel but there was some waffle about both being great with a round up comment on Twitter saying that it was essentially a "Broadcast Tool!". The person that said this should be lined up and shot.

There are more uses for Twitter than I care to mention and hell, more blog space written on the subject than I care to list, however the best way to manage a brand and product is not through shouting, we're here, buy my stuff, aren't we brilliant... it is to listen and respond. For example Bank of America are gaining in popularity on the Twittersphere due to their help desk - they scan Twitter and offer advice, links to products when asked, conversations are taken offline to follow up in detail - essentially marketing the brand by offering help and advice.

I teach my clients that unless you are operating a "Fire Sale" stop broadcasting - listen and take part in the conversations relevant to your business and product - the best use of Twitter for a business is Customer Care - managing their expectations and pointing them in the right direction - not shouting buy buy buy!

Your business needs to set up search filters to monitor relevant conversations and join in.

Image Credits

Gordon if you're reading this look up "Social Media Podcast" in Google... I'm sure there's something you could do about that?

London Fashion Week – invitations

2010-11-07T11:23:00.000Z

Ok, so we’re starting to get invitations to cover a number of shows 18th – 22nd February 2011 during London Fashion Week – we couldn’t be more thrilled – thank you to those that have sent them so far (we like the early bird). There are a few that we’d still like to get our mits on, namely: Burberry Prorsum, Christopher Kane and of course Vivienne Westwood’s Red Label.

The full article can be seen here: http://socialtailor.com/2010/11/07/london-fashion-week-invitations/

Advertising Award season

2010-10-29T10:52:00.000+01:00

Last years film by Family a little piece of genius.

Scottish Design Awards intro film from Family on Vimeo.

Digital Publishing for the iPad Generation

2010-10-26T21:18:00.000+01:00

My latest post for The Drum magazine - questioning the lack of creativity in design applied to a failing newspaper industry and the appearance of the latest activity for the new boy on the block - iPad.

See the article HERE

Social Media Marketing Action Plan

2010-10-24T09:34:00.000+01:00

Madonna, Photo shoot May 2010

1. Target specific people - i.e. Madonna fans
2. Be a thought leader - why would you be so random to use a picture of Madonna - to provoke discussion!
3. Be authentic and transparent - Our sister blog (Social Tailor) discussed Madonna's relationship with D&G
4. Create links to other content (validate)
5. Encourage contact - Email: colin.gilchrist@digitalface dot co dot uk
6. Participate - don't post and never listen - is this part of another discussion and if so where? HERE
7. Make it easy to be found - my name is the URL - my company is name in the article - Digital Face
8. Have fun with it - can you tell what I did here?

What do you think - does this help?

Scotland’s Leading Private Companies 2010

2010-10-17T13:25:00.000+01:00

As shared on my post for The Drum marketing magazine:
http://bit.ly/bZn0SQ

Social Media Marketing by Colin Gilchrist

2010-10-14T14:18:00.000+01:00

If you are business wondering how to apply a social media strategy to your marketing activities this is the process that continues to work for me and the businesses that employ my services.

1. I research and visit the business - to assess:

The products and services,
The consumers
The staff
The business processes and activities of those involved

2. I have the staff complete a "Training Needs Analysis"
3. Meet and discuss a potential strategy with the inhouse or external marketing or advertising agency
4. Meet the HR team (or persons) to discuss a social media policy document for employee contracts or employee guidelines.
5. Construct a training programme for all relevant staff, with suggestions of a strategy plan.
6. Initiate the training - discuss the likely routes for the strategy
7. Build and develop the strategy plan from these sessions for the next 6 to 12 months
8. Deliver a Social Media Policy proforma document for deliberation by the HR team and the appointed company lawyers.
9. Implement the plan giving clear instruction to all participants
10. The marketing agency are then appointed to create buzz circulating around the business calendar of events and their existing activities to ensure all activity is fully integrated.
11. My role is to police the activity and ensure it travels on the right path - in addition to monitoring and monthly reporting on all and any activity to the Board or Management.
12. Review every 6 months.

Be aware that this activity is continually providing great results and typically the person steering it from inside your business is having trouble coping with all the added work - this usually leads to the appointment of a competent Community Manager. It should be unusual that you appoint someone from outside the business into this role unless it is a role they have fulfilled for an immediate competitor.

A Community Manager should not only know your business inside out but also the staff throughout - they are the ones in the trenches, fighting the fires and delivering short term activities with one eye on the future.

My goal is to set the process up, police it for a few months and hand it over to the business - with as I've said a review every 6 months.

I hope that clarifies any elements anyone might have?

SXSW Interactive On the Road: Hugh Macleod part 2

2010-10-14T00:06:00.000+01:00

Great advice for next years SXSW event - pee on the hydrant!

Cheers Hugh ;)

Please Teacher - may I have some more?

2010-10-11T17:43:00.000+01:00

Hells teeth lad - if you know what's good for you...

A story being retold around the country for those poor teachers and pupils bursting at the gunnels for more room - and what's the answer they're looking for: "more classrooms are on their way!"

The one business that seems to be keeping these schools operating (health and safety being what it is) is those delightful people (who should put me on a retainer after this) at "Admorspace". I've got a mate that works there - and he tells me they're firing them out - I mean temporary or modular classrooms - not the bodily functions you were thinking...

I suppose these businesses have to exist I just didn't appreciate that an operation like theirs was seen as a life saver to so many schools struggling to cope with space.

Blogworld

2010-10-10T19:51:00.000+01:00

The blog is the centre of the universe when it comes to managing a social media strategy for a business – to hell with Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin – get the blog right first. It might not be the sexiest piece of kit in the world but it’s what allows you to build a personality for your business. Instead of a facile piece of gloss that others know is purely a sales tool that allows you to beat the chest of the business.

The rest of my article for The Drum can be read here: http://bit.ly/b30IV9

Burberry bring it home

2010-10-05T13:49:00.000+01:00

Grant McCracken that legendary MIT guy who is banging on about businesses requiring a Culture Officer - which by the way I whole heartedly support (but that's for another post) reminded me that I'd commented on his article about Burberry's new CEO: Angela Ahrendts - I think a fascinating piece on a remarkable lady looking at their grasp or lack therein of culture within middle America.

Chief Culture Officer article on Ahrendts

Twitters Got Talent

2010-10-03T11:02:00.000+01:00

All you Twitter fans bursting with an opportunity to share your theatrical brilliance you now have a platform viewed by thousands - as featured on the BBC

To find out more: http://www.twittersgottalent.tv/

My Kind of Vending Machine!

2010-10-02T06:53:00.000+01:00

Linkedin - Building your personal Brand

2010-09-29T08:45:00.000+01:00

I was lucky enough to be asked to present to the Junior Chamber International on building the Personal Brand through Linkedin - it was a great session that I can honestly say I learnt a few things from myself. Other speakers included Jackie Cameron of Cameron Consulting and Yvonne Hanley from RSTO.

I've written a short piece in The Drum marketing magazine Blog about some areas of interest when it comes to making sure you get noticed before your colleague with the same qualifications...

Cyclist Lust

2010-09-24T12:05:00.000+01:00

Is that something to lust over?

I'm just thinking about the nose of the rear cyclist...

To see the full story go hear:

Specialized SHIV Tandem concept bike

Gies a Snog Doll! Eh?

2010-09-14T23:22:00.000+01:00

My latest piece for The Drum:

Picture credit

Social media marketing is not a sales pitch; it is a forum for finding your customers and courting them so they will come to love and adore you; it’s a relationship that needs nurtured and is more high maintenance than you’re used to – but you know she’s worth it.

test-image-dentist

2010-09-13T12:45:00.001+01:00

Posted via email from colingilchrist's posterous

Burberry, London Fasion week 2010

2010-09-11T15:43:00.000+01:00

Not long now and Chris Baileys latest collection will be revealed for Burberry at London Fashion week - I was not his biggest fan for the last collection. His swags did nothing for me however I should say I have a lot of respect for his vision for the brand and the injection of true character he brings to the catwalk. The world awaits...

Future Screen Technology

2010-09-09T23:42:00.000+01:00

We want this world and we want it now!

I've seen various things like this at the TED conference, not quite as slick but almost... 2006 (http://www.ted.com/talks/jeff_han_demos_his_breakthrough_touchscreen.html)

Foursquare, Burgled or Brilliant?

2010-09-08T17:19:00.000+01:00

My Latest post for the Drum Marketing Magazine:

There can be no doubt that “foursquare” is dividing the online social community – if you’ve never come across it, check it out and form your own opinion. In brief it is a smart phone application that allows its user to confirm their location whilst also encouraging you to leave a tip or message in relation to that location. You have 140 characters in which to leave the message and then the opportunity to share it on Twitter and Facebook (Foursquare automatically shares it with your friends – on foursquare).
Ok so there are those that say – “Hold on, if I publicise where I am, people are going to know I’m not at home…”; hence the opportunist Burglar that is tech savvy; – you get the drift.
Then there is the other camp – generally the businesses, like GAP, Costa Coffee, David Lloyd Clubs… are delighted that someone – obviously a fan – checks in because their shop or business premises is then put on the map and circulated around (potentially) thousands of people. (See the GAP story here)
Then there is the game element ... see the full article here

Going the Distance with Drew Barrymore

2010-08-23T00:30:00.000+01:00

There is no doubt Drew Barrymore is a gorgeous girl; I’ve been a long time admirer and hell was in the artists village with her when she was at T in the Park in 2007 with Fabrizio (Strokes Drummer). Drew’s in the UK doing the rounds promoting her latest flick “Going the Distance” which is about a long distance relationship.

The rest of the article can be read here

Admorspace Modular Buildings get a Digital Face

2010-08-19T16:44:00.000+01:00

Admorspace Modular Buildings have never before had a web presence and yet have been trading for a number of years - an unusual phenomenon in this day and age. Admorspace design and deliver both bespoke and readymade “Off-Site” modular buildings. They construct the buildings in the comfort of their own factory in Hull.

Admorspace Modular Buildings Website

Blog activity moved

2010-08-10T00:33:00.000+01:00

Hello all - just a heads up - my blogging activity has more or less moved to The Drum Marketing Magazine - although admittedly it's subsided of late :(

If you're interested in knowing what is really good at Edinburgh Fringe Festival - the following Twitter aggregator tells you!

Edinburgh Fringe Twitter reviews
Sorry you need javascript enabled to see the widget or visit www.edtwinge.com

I'm liking Digital Face!

2010-08-03T15:24:00.000+01:00

If you're wondering, I'm just testing!!

Iron Baby - the shizzle.

2010-07-05T15:53:00.000+01:00

But seriously, who's got the time... Clearly you do if you see an opportunity to promote what you do for a living 4.5 million views and counting:

The Durex Baby App

2010-06-25T12:47:00.000+01:00

Although a mock-up still inspired, not that I'm thinking about my 17yr old or anything...

Durex Baby from Peter Ammentorp on Vimeo.

Part of a lost generation?

2010-06-24T07:31:00.000+01:00

This video is doing the rounds, clever and moving.

Scottish Top Track Private Companies

2010-06-21T00:17:00.000+01:00

The Sunday Times list came out today for the UK; I always make a point of checking out the Scottish contingent - so here goes:

Arnold Clark, Glasgow, £2,139,000 - Automobiles (went from 12th place to 15th)

KCA Deutag Group, Aberdeen, £1,016,000 - Drilling Contractor (went from 54th place to 44th)
Kwik-Fit, Edinburgh, £968,000 - Car Repair Centre (went from 48th place to 47th)
Miller Group, Edinburgh, £783,000 - Housebuilding (went from 38th place to 61st)
PSN, Aberdeen, £716,000 - Oil Services Provider (went from 76th place to 68th)
William Grant and Sons, Banffshire, £598,000 - Distiller (went from unlisted place to 96th)

Last year there were 10 Scottish listed companies in the top 100, 6 this year and one of which was unlisted last year.

Make of it what you will, if I were a teacher... "Scotland, could do better."

As someone that stays in touch with entrepreneurial start-ups and investment partnerships there are some exciting businesses emerging, however our strength, financial markets have taken quite a beating...

Have you any opinions on the state our country's business?

As prepared by Digital Face using Fast Track in association with The Sunday Times

Social Media Monitoring - Future?

2010-06-18T08:01:00.000+01:00

Is this the future for businesses that want to monitor their own brand?

St Margaret's School, Edinburgh in Liquidation!

2010-06-14T18:31:00.000+01:00

St Margaret's School for girls in Edinburgh has been put into provisional liquidation by the RBS appointed KPMG - a sad day indeed.

My association with it is limited, my sister went there, some previous girl friends (ahem) and so I have some fond memories (some very fond...) but it occurred to me they were missing a trick in generating some positive PR or generating a higher intake of pupils. Over the years they've done all sorts of things, joined up with other schools, created some PR and marketing exercises but nothing that has really made them stand out.

I didn't go to Edinburgh Academy but my brother did and say what you like about them, they've produced some great rugby players, some great academics but they're latest export is this guy Alex Gardner - I've only heard of him because he knows my daughter. But I'm guessing there is a trick to be made by abusing the talent that lives in private schools to generate interest (and pupil numbers) by not the explotation but along those lines. Abuse people's fixation with Celebrity - approaching a well known local celebrity and offer them rates to send their offspring to the same school for example... Now tell me you wouldn't want to know more about the school if you knew Madonna's kids were going to it?

Update on Digital Face

2010-05-20T12:16:00.000+01:00

I thought I would bring you up to date on activities at Digital Face - it's been a while for some of you.

Website Activity:

We have just recently been commissioned to replace RB Farquhar's Manufacturing website - it will also sport translation services care of Christian Arno and his team at Lingo24 - into Czechoslovakian, Dutch and German. Their website for the operation in United Arab Emirates (UAE) will remain as is. We look forward to working with the RB Farquhar team in Huntly, Aberdeenshire. The old site can be seen here - with the new site going live at the end of June.

We have also been commissioned to build a number of small sites for an as yet to be named Leisure group in addition to applying a social media marketing strategy, through both staff training and retained support. The sites are to support a number of very well known Edinburgh Bars and Restaurants.

Marketing Activity:

I (Colin Gilchrist) recently returned from Leeds as a speaker for the Marketing Industry Network for an event organised by Caroline Lotinga for Marketing and PR professionals. There were two other speakers, Kate Wooding from Tictoc and Adam Gordon from Winning Work - the event was centred around social media, sharing our knowledge and case studies.

Also working with two Advertising Agencies and one Digital Agency as their social media support on a consultancy basis one is The Lane the others (I haven't asked their permission so wont name them).

Client side we are working with a number of FMCG businesses both training and out sourced supply of social media marketing one of whom is Go FAST! Sports, it's early days for them but some Facebook activity can be seen here: http://www.facebook.com/gofastsportsuk - go on Like it, you know you want to ;)

Social Media Policy

2010-05-18T12:13:00.000+01:00

Social Media Policy Document on The Drum!

Believe me, you'll be glad you read this my latest piece for The Drum Marketing magazine.

Michael Birch sold Bebo for £420m, would you like to know more?

2010-05-17T17:48:00.001+01:00

Michael Birch, Bebo | Smarta

Edinburgh 10's a tremendous day out

2010-05-11T13:09:00.000+01:00

Do you know an event that needs some publicity - I came across 'Chris Bain Video Productions' page on facebook - it's not the slickest production in the world, but hell they know how to make you smile!

Edinburgh Rugby 10's 2010 from CHRIS BAIN VIDEO PRODUCTIONS on Vimeo.

Great effort.

Linkedin is rude!

2010-05-09T07:17:00.000+01:00

People are now beginning to realise that Linkedin is an amazing business development tool - that cold calling is almost no longer required and compared to using an introductory email you are 25% more likely to achieve a response.

I learned fairly recently that when you approach new contacts on Linkedin the stats are largely thus:
25% will accept you whether you are a serial killer or a trapeze artist
25% will ignore you because they just don't know or like the look of you.
50% will go either way.

The automated form for connecting makes people rude (see image) and I find that people who don't change the wording are generally lazy, don't know how or are in the business of collecting names for their profile rather than considering a polite approach. So if you wish to invite a connection from an individual that you have never met can I offer some free advice: take a couple of seconds to change the text, you are likely to be considerably more successful.

Have you yet to add a profile picture? An individual who shall remain nameless did not have a profile picture for 8 months and struggled to connect with people that she knew - the minute a picture went up she was getting almost daily approaches (not just because she's hot...) people often remember faces before names - there are also photographers that specialise in creating the right profile picture for Linkedin - it's just a case of being professional and approachable. Oh yes, and using a company logo, if you are... good luck with that one (yawn), it's very impersonal.

The real success through Linkedin however is the follow-up call. If you are using it to grow a database of potential new clients can I suggest you make a note of who you have approached, follow up with another message and then a phone call (all being well).

So is Linkedin rude? No not really but it does make people rude.

Adam Street

2010-05-01T08:08:00.000+01:00

If you are ever in London, need somewhere to hold a meeting, have a bite to eat I can not recommend Adam Street enough, it's been a while since I was last there but I came across an intro vid for the club and just reminded me of the good times spent there.

It's convivial and private during the day, but they also know how to let their hair down in the evening.

Now surely that'll get me a years free membership ;)

How to appeal to Cat owners - Thanks PaddyPower !

2010-04-28T09:47:00.000+01:00

How to build a Massive online Community!

2010-04-23T17:29:00.000+01:00

How to Build a Massive online Community

The holly grail - it's the answer to all your problems - surely if you gets loads of people to religiously come back time and again, with loads of their fans, friends too - you've got it made.

Needless to say I've read screeds and screeds of how to's and none of them quite gave me the confidence that they know what they're talking about - so here we go "Social Media Rockstar" has got a great case study for you. They interviewed a guy called Joshua Dorkin who runs a blog for people interested in investing in property - he took it from 2 people to 50,000 in 3 years, but more than that, they are readers, not website hits.

The story

Hello Boys... do you like your food?

2010-04-18T14:30:00.000+01:00

As someone who's always had a soft spot for Miss Dahl I was intrigued to learn of her new direction in making a living,should we be surprised or delighted that she takes the opportunity to share her sense of taste in food?

As a long standing fan of Jamie Oliver and the TV appearances of Nigela Lawson I can honestly say - oh God, another celeb chef / cook - admitedly we are intrigued because of her previous profession but you know what she's not only a honey but has some great recipes. My favourite so far - bubble and squeak: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/bubbleandsqueakcakes_93586.shtml

Try it - believe me it's gorgeous!

Blogity blog blog

2010-04-17T11:26:00.000+01:00

Right - you've woken up, it's a wee bit earlier than usual and you think "you know what I've not written on my blog for a wee while - now's the time..." because you have the time, then you stop and think, well this wasn't very well planned, what am I going to share with my adoring public... or rather the 2 people that if bothered might take a squiz (one of whom happens to be your mother).

A couple of do's and don'ts about blogging - oh god here we go, there's loads of posts on this stuff - yes but hold on, not from my point of view!

To build trust and traction stage one:
Comment on other people's blogs that are in your industry or of interest to you - get known out-with your own network - when commenting stick to what you know and in a positive tone.

Never sell your own products, by all means endorse someone elses - the minute you push your own stuff 98% of us have lost interest.

Feature your customers - for me this week it would be the gorgeous and glamerous people at: http://www.the-lane.com/

Give useful advice away for free and demonstrate your knowlegde - that would be this post...

Keep it business like but not boring - I mean let's face it, if you write screeds and screeds of pertinent information, you wont get fans you'll get serial killers - there's a lot less of them.

Give credit where it's due - this is where I mention my old school buddy Hugh Macleod (Gapingvoid.com) and his introduction to Seth Godin and Robert Scoble...

And stop - most people have a fairly short attention span, and you have to keep them wanting more, the rules to writting a great blog I learnt from Chris Brogan - there's 28 rules in total so this is just the start...

Figured it out yet?

2010-04-14T21:15:00.000+01:00

Have you figured it out yet?

There's TV, Radio, Press, Billboards, Direct Mail, Websites... and there's Social Media - it's simply another way of communicating your message. The difference being of course - you are no longer pushing information but creating conversations with your prospects to encourage brand loyalty and a sale.

Previously (and still) it's about making people aware of your product so that when they go shopping it's yours they'll buy - whereas now the process starts earlier in the thought process - you get the consumer excited at the prospect of being associated with your product, asking opinions and building a case where there is no other choice - so when it comes to shopping it's the very reason they go.

It will soon be a fundamental part of promoting your product or services - if you haven't been yet, get some training and get to grips with it.

Nike Air - the secret

2010-04-04T08:12:00.000+01:00

It's a simple idea, beautifully executed - I want there to be a punch, the film is missing that wallop, don't you think?

LinkedIn and the restrictive covenant

2010-04-02T09:20:00.000+01:00

My latest post for The Drum questions the right for a business to protect itself when its business development team are using LinkedIn - who owns the client?

http://thedrum.co.uk/blogs/colingilchrist/2010/04/02/restrictive-covenant-for-linkedin/

RB Farquhar Bathroom Pods

2010-03-30T12:18:00.001+01:00

At Digital Face we have been really fortunate to be working with RB Farquhar. As an online design and marketing business the majority of our business has been concentrated around commercial and residential property markets.

RB Farquhar are the worlds best at providing bathroom pods for Hotels, MOD, Residential and Student accommodation developments - they significantly reduce the requirement for skilled labour on-site by manufacturing prefabricated bathroom pods. A brilliant and successful manufacturing business that is now supplying to the London Olympic village amongst many others.

in reference to: bathroom pods prefabricated for Europe - RB Farquhar (view on Google Sidewiki)

The best political party?

2010-03-30T00:20:00.000+01:00

Are you one of those people that always upsells? Everything is just amazing and clearly better than anyone would consider because clearly you are the dogs bollocks and that's just the way of it.

Or do you say it the way it is? A factual realist that er's on the side of caution, not wanting to face the consequence should you over embellish a situation or conversation...

Typically most people are a bit of both - but what of the politician? Particularly the quick witted with a big ego to feed - they need a bit of the limelight to puff themselves up a bit.

So where does this leave us? Are we going to believe them? Is the story going to revolve around each party slagging off the other without actually providing any real insight or inspirational conversation?

Honestly - I'm undecided but ultimately I will vote for the individual before the party they stand for - and yes I'm aware that a Green or LibDem (not normally my choice anyway)is possibly a wasted vote but at least I'm going to get off my butt and make a choice.

What are you going to do?

The last advertising agency in the world?

2010-03-24T07:26:00.000Z

The Last Advertising Agency On Earth from FITC on Vimeo.

I wonder - will it strike a chord or be ignored?

Have you got 38 minutes?

2010-03-22T17:43:00.000Z

My latest blog post for The Drum marketing magazine.

How hot is your logo?

2010-03-19T13:24:00.001Z

LogoToaster

Google Wave revisited

2010-03-08T18:01:00.000Z

Sharlyn Lauby at Mashable has just posted an article about Google Wave - yes I know, we'd pretty much forgotten about it.

For my tuppence worth I offer this (as discussed with Tim Barlow last Friday) - there are a number of reasons why it's not taking off or being adopted by numerous individuals or businesses.

The main reason why businesses are not dropping everything to jump all over it - because it looks unprofessional - it looks like gmail with bits - not a corporate coating of design that fits into a slick business with an apple like website, glass meeting room tables and leather chairs. - To seduce the business or corporate world give it a makeover and label it "corporate edition" - oh yes and slap a premium on it so they know it's worth something.

The public version visually is fine, hey those of you used to gmail / hotmail etc don't care that much - however usability, it's pants - you can't tell me the layout and functionality has been user tested to death! It's a simple tool with some great features made complicated by the layout.

There I've said it - I love Google but they've made a codswallop of this brilliant product.

Edinburgh Coffee Morning

2010-03-05T06:51:00.000Z

It gets lots of mentions, grows arms and legs and is a living breathing community that consistently turns up every Friday morning at 8:00am at CentOtre 103 George Street.

I haven't mentioned it for a while but a previous post can be seen here:

EdCM = Edinburgh Coffee Morning = a community of media people discussing what's new in the world of gaming, application building, iphone, G1, Android, Internet, web, SEO, PPC, Film, podcasting, advertising, PR, newspapers... you get the picture.

Edinburgh Coffee Morn Stop Frame from brandfeed on Vimeo.

200,000 visits and climbing

2010-03-03T23:35:00.000Z

My old buddy Colin Usher pointed out to me (and a few others) that a wee viral video we made a couple of years back has had over 200,000 visits and it's still climbing. Here's a wee production still of the "Two Colin's" in action - the final version although heavily edited was from the second take - not bad for an afternoon's piece of work.

You can see more of Col's film work here: http://www.youtube.com/user/colinusher1969

See what you think

Who do you know?

2010-03-01T17:18:00.000Z

Your community grows by association - who do you know?

My latest blog post for The Drum

Touchdown!

2010-03-01T07:53:00.000Z

Back from an amazing holiday - loads to catch up on.
A log cabin miles from anywhere with no mobile signal and the only internet access was going to be dial-up, only that wasn't even working (thanks BT).

Our little piece of paradise:

Dave the social media penguin made me do it

2010-02-17T15:43:00.000Z

I am already a fan of Dave the social media penguin and was delighted to be offered the opportunity to add to his blog.

My article is specifically for Non profits but is equally relevant to commercial businesses: LINK

Partner Business

2010-02-17T14:24:00.001Z

Company Net have real vision when approaching and implementing a project.
It is clear to me by the very calibre of their clients that they are a force to be recognised in the world of .Net development.
I can not recommend them enough for their sheer tenacity and dedication to the job.
I feel honored to be considered a partner business.

in reference to: Company Net - Experts in Microsoft (view on Google Sidewiki)