PLN Reflection

The objective personal learning network somewhat prepared. From my summer internship, I did a social media audit as pro-bono work for Mason Zimbler. The non-profit organization I got to evulate was Austin Children Shelter. I think that having to narrow the project down to one specific topic is somewhat unless for the future. I did learn about other social media bookmarking tools – which I do not think I will use after this class. Usually, I bookmark websites and articles that I find most interesting on my Google Chrome account, Evernote or Pinterest. I want always want to keep up-to-date on current topics and issues. Before entering this class, I was and still am a active user on mutiple social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterst, and LinkedIn.

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Later on in the future, I don’t think I’d make list on Twitter. I follow certain people and influencers that are relevant to me – so that would be fitness, food and fashion. On the other hand, I still use social media to follow those that are influencers in the ad and tech world just so I can grasp what these people are talking about and how I can learn from them. Working with a “real-world client” can always be challenging because both teams have to work in the middle and accommodating each other’s happiness. I think in this situation, working in a group and collaborating with each other is the hardiest part.

Mother’s Day is Coming Up

This morning, I was watching a video on AdWeek and it was the cutest thing ever. Watch below before you keep on reading.

The company, American Greetings, hits the spot with this ad. With Mother’s Day coming up on May 11, 2014 and students gradually looking for jobs – our mothers sometimes are not on top of our priorities. I think the commercial captures what mothers really do and how we often times forget they do more than what’s asked of them. It’s funny to see how the interviewers react to the interview because the requirements seem so outrageous for a non-paid job. To tie off the interview, the ending is the icing on the cake. The interviewers find out that this job listing is actually describing what mothers do. So sweet yet so simple – let’s all be thankful for all the wonderful mothers out there in the world!

This is an example of how a video can go viral in a few days with the help of social media. The video was posted on YouTube just today and has gotten over 130+ views but I think it will get over 100,000 views by the time Mother’s Day comes.

Hot Pockets – A Beefy PR Crisis

Hot Pocket recalled by Nestle over substandard beef concerns. Oh shit they said. Nestle voluntarily recalled some of two varieties of Hot Pocket: Philly Steak and Croissant Crust Philly Steak and Cheese. Apparently, the meat deemed unfit for human consumption. I’m just glad it wasn’t the Ham & Cheese Hot Pockets cause those are my fav.

The food maker said Tuesday that it is recalling an unspecified number of Philly Steak and Croissant Crust Philly Steak and Cheese Hot Pockets in certain sizes. Nestle says the product may have been affected by a meat recall by Rancho Feeding Corporation that was announced last week. Rancho is recalling more than a whopping 8.7 million pounds of “beef” products after regulators said that it processed diseased and unhealthy animals without a full inspection. Yikes.

 

Through Facebook, their statement is incredibly vague and unsympathetic. In their post, they haven’t actually apologized for the inconvenience. With already 119 shares and 56 comments in 2 days, Hot Pocket has responded back with generic comments such as below:

 

In times of brand crisis, people just want an honest and open apology from brands. No bullshit really. What’s even worse is using FDA terms like “diseased” and “unsound” in online conversations. But of course, it’s easier said then done. I think the best thing for Hot Pocket to do is focus on apologizing and emphasize on the good things that Hot Pocket can deliver.

#selfie

A new study conducted by Dove revealed about 82% of women believe social media is influencing how we define beauty today.

Beauty that was once idolized in glossy magazines of celebrities and models is now having less of an impact on youth, thanks to social platforms such as Facebook and Instagrem according to the study, which was conducted among 1,000 women between the ages of 18 and 64 in the United States. In fact, 63% of women surveyed believe social media has a greater impact on how we define beauty than print media, film and music.

The findings were featured earlier this week in a seven-minute short film shown at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. The film, called Selfie, follows a group of teenagers and their mothers who are asked to take photos of themselves that highlight their insecurities about their appearances.

Social media is closely linked to how we perceive beauty because it is such a visual medium. We are seeing thousands and thousands of images posted to these sites every single day at a relatively fast pace. It impacts beauty because there is an opportunity to redefine it. For the first time ever, we are finally taking our images and actually owning, controlling and sharing them the way we want to. We are finally shaping, sharing and owning our beauty stories.

It’s a 80s Throwback with RadioShack’s SuperBowl Ad

As a Strategy Intern for GSD&M, hearing and watching the buzz before and after RadioShack’s ad was seriously one of the craziest thing I’ve seen around the office in Austin, Texas.

RadioShack’s Super Bowl ad raids the ’80s with Hulk Hogan, Alf, Chucky (ya know the scary red-headed doll), and more. Although I was born in the 90’s, this spot clearly knows how to spark social buzz online. The ad has been able to drive traffic to their social media sites on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. The new ad is part of the chain’s efforts to revitalize its business under new leadership.

RadioShack makes fun of itself in the commercial ad and has already generated more than 2 million views on YouTube. Not only that but AdAge crowned them the #1 spot for the 2014’s Super Bowl commercials. But in all seriousness, RadioShack launched their #InWithTheNew campaign right after the spot that poked fun of their dated image by including a “totally rad” ’80s-themed prizes ranging from a Cabbage Patch dolls to a 1987 Porsche 924s.

Check it out:

 

Behind the Grammys’ Tweets

The 56th Annual Grammy Awards rocked the Staples Center on Sunday, January 26, with collaborative performances from Beyonce, Macklemore, Kendrick Lamar and Lorde. There was notable headwear, notable absences and even head turning outfits on the red carpet. But most of all, there was a undeniable present of tweets about the #Grammys.

Lindsay Gabler, the Grammys’ sole social media person, told Mashable  she focuses on the strategy as well as day-to-day voice. The story of the Grammys is celebrated not just one day but 365 days a year. Artists social awareness have helped increase Lindsey’s way for pushing out content on the Grammys’ profile on Twitter. Live tweeting provides content, stories and conversations to the fans of music.

Numerous brands including Mastercard, Secret Deodorant, Degree, Walmart, and even Gain Laundry did join to the Grammys bandwagon. One of the most sought out ways to become humorous was through Pharrell’s huge brown crumpled hat. Arby’s, the roast beef fast food chain, felt the hat looked all too familiar, and couldn’t help but speak out about it.

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Many users cracked jokes about what the hat looked like, and some speculated over what Pharrell could possibly be hiding under it. Naturally, chatter over the hat resulted in a parody account — if not multiple.

The opportunity to use the Grammys as an outlet for brands to take advantage of social media has helped gain exposure  as well as leverage for current and up and coming artists.