LivingSocial like the rest of us

Groupon has some competition from LivingSocial.

I wouldn't really say competition because people can sign up for both of them, but Groupon's business model is spreading.

LivingSocial works just like Groupon in that you receive daily e-mails about steep group discount deals in your area and have a limited amount of time to snatch them up. It even has a similar layout.

However, there are some advantages to being second in existence for improving that business model.

Livingsocial includes deals of the day for areas around you in your e-mail and supplies a Googlemap for the deal of the day's location(s).

It also has LivingSocial Family Edition so parents can do fun things for cheap with the whole gang.

Possibly the best perk though, is the possibility of a completely free deal.

I think this is brilliant because then OF COURSE people are going to share their deals with other people doing some advertising for the business AND LivingSocial.

There is also an Escapes LivingSocial that packages a discount weekend getaway in some pretty cool locations.

LivingSocial takes "finding the best places in your city" to the next level. They have a "356 things to do in ___" list for major cities.  Users can comment on that choice supporting or refuting that claim while recommending somewhere else that is better. It's a cool forum for people to share and discover the cool things in their city.  

Now if only LivingSocial and FourSquare could combine, think of that social media network...

Let me know if you sign up and get any great deals!

A Tumblr full

Ok, so you like taking pictures and blogging and tweeting — what you need is a Tumblr.

A tutorial for your learning pleasure. (p.s. this kid will have my job one day because he's so ahead of the game!)



Its a microblog with a RSS feed like Twitter, but is super easy to update from phones and has much more space than 140 characters. You can upload pictures very easily and essentially have a blog on the go.You can even do an audio post from you phone. How cool!

Here are Tumblr's reasons for Why Everyone Loves Tumblr.

A Tumblr account is called a Tumblelog and people post pictures, re-blogged content, original prose, artwork, music and editorial writing. Also, everything is customizable so your Tumblr is uniquely yours. So if you're a web designer you can create your themes for others to use and get credit for it

It also acts as its own social media aggregater by allowing users to update several social media venues at once. It will automatically import to your Tumblr if you update on another site such as Youtube or Wordpress. It also will link a Tumblr update to your Twitter.

And if you're already an avid Tumblr user, here are 5 Tumblr Extras.

Evidently you can Meetup with people via Tumblr (they're taking advantage of the GPS mapping trend too).

Many people us it as a sort of portpholio for displaying their art, photography or videos.

Let me know if you have a Tumblr what you use it for!

No Deal for Google

Groupon decided to reject Google's offer of $5.3 billion.

According to Chicago Breaking Business, Groupon is considering going public but not until 2011 if it does indeed happen.

Groupon's presence in 35 countries worldwide with more than 3,000 employees and an annual revenue of $500 million is an impressive thing for a start-up business.

Google could have really benefited from these lucrative local/interpersonal advertising clusters all over the world. It also doesn’t have to create its own carbon copy of the deals site. Thirdly, it can ride Groupon’s instant brand recognition.

There are several reasons why a company might not want to sell out. The founders of Groupon have discovered a new flourishing working model and could want to see it all the way through regardless of how much money is dangled in front of them. Or they could just be holding out for a higher number.

But Groupon is expanding and hiring more employees this year, so whatever happens, Groupon is not going away.

G(oogle)rupon Update

Forbes magazine named Groupon the fastest growing company ever. Again, no wonder Google wanted it.

Evidently the bid for Groupon has increased to $5-$6 Billion and Groupon is "considering it." That means they have other offers. This company is making sure it picks the best offer because they've already brushed off Yahoo's earlier $3 billion offer.

But neither party is talking so right now everything is mere speculation. I'll keep you updated when more surfaces.

For your entertainment, here is an article from PaidContent.org explaining "Why Google Buying Groupon Is a Bad Idea."

A Different Kind of Bump: Bump.com

Also known as "Facebook for your car" by James Madison University's The Breeze.

Essentially Bump.com allows you to register your e-mail to your license plate.  And they advertise that if you say, leave your lights on, or your meter is about to run out, or some cute girl/guy thinks you're cute, they can e-mail you.


Welcome to BUMP.com from BUMP on Vimeo.

You can send a bump to their account on the site, to an e-mail, and even texts with smart phones. Of course you can also connect your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Bump.com is bringing your car into the mix of social media as a way to identify yourself. It is still in the testing phases, but is making some waves.


Here's a video from Bloomberg News about Bump.com


Bloomberg Report on BUMP.com 2, October 18, 2010 from BUMP on Vimeo.


I think this is a baaaad way to go.  Road rage is a real problem, and imagine if people could now really express how they feel instantly after someone cuts them off.  This is just looking to make more stalkers without any privacy settings. People are more likely to rant than warn about an empty meter.

If you can get an invitation to be in the trial, let me know how it works though!

Bump IT

If you want to share information from your iPhone or Android, the free Bump application can do that.

Synching schedules? Want to be friends on Facebook or Twitter? Done in the simple motion of "bumping" your two phones together.

Video tutorial- How to Bump IT

There are other apps that use Bump to share information. Here are some of the favorites from the Bump blog.

-Pick a top 100s Radio Song Pack and Bump it to a friend
-Love wine? Share your knowledge and Bump your favorite wines to a friend 
-Create a stick it note on your iPhone then Bump it to a friend! 

...just to name a few. Here are the rest of the top 10. There are also hundreds of other apps that can utilize Bump.  

 I don't have quite that smart of a phone, but if you do, try Bump and let me know how it goes!

Groupon's Been Googled.

It's been rumored that Google just bought Groupon for $2.5 billion.

It is estimated that Groupon is worth $1 billion and grossing $50 million per month for its venues. This is quite an accomplishment for a business that has been open only two years. No wonder Google wants them.

There have been Groupon copycats such as BuyWithMe, Qponus, LivingSocial and many others. 

This acquisition would separate Groupon from the rest of the copycats while also making GooglePlaces, which is designed to help local business owners gain an edge in search engine marketing, a database for venue choices.

But I ask, what about the little guys? Why do all start-up businesses need to be bought out? Why does Google need to own everything?  I'm not a fan of how these brilliant innovative ideas are being gobbled up by now corporate conglomerates.

Foursquare ain't no hopscotch

Would you like to check in on Foursquare?

No, it's not a game, it's a geographical locater social media application.

This way you can see if your friends are out on the town, at home or in the little cafe you happen to be passing. Businesses communities can utilize it too seeing where people are at conventions or events.

Say you check in at a restaurant and really like the calamari appetizer, you can "leave a tip" about that restaurant for your friends, recommending that dish. Same goes for stores if you've had a good or bad service experience and what's a "must see" at that convention.

Or maybe you're checked in at the grocery store and your mom, who happens to be on Foursquare, needs you to get something, boom, she knows you're there and can make sure you get those eggs she needs.

You search for your current location, and "check in." If you don't find it, you can always add a venue. 




 It's really meant to be used with smart phones, but can be used with regular computers too, it's just more difficult to plan ahead to where you're going. 

Video tutorials- CNN Tech Team and Howcast 

 To find friends (because this really only works well with lots of people participating) you can link to your Google account, Facebook or Twitter.

If you check in at a venue the most, you become "mayor" of that venue. You can also get "badges" dreamt up by the creators of foursquare for things like regular workouts at your gym or being a local at your neighborhood coffee shop.

Many businesses will also leave "tips" which are discounts or deals for Foursquare users who check in at their location. (Good marketing!)

Some people think that posting where you are all the time is crossing the personal-information-on-the-internet line. I don't think so.  I think that if it becomes as popular as Twitter (which also has a locater option), then it could really be a valuable resource of recommendations and a way to keep up with friends in a more convenient way.

LinkedIn with Your Peers

LinkedIn is a social media site for professional networkers. Again, none of this Facebook shenanigans. 

Instead of having "friends" you have "connections."
These can be in the categories of:
friends
colleagues
classmates
partners
group members

You can upload your resume and the site will automatically create your profile that includes education, previous jobs and your current job. You can also request and display recommendations on your profile, and have a personal summary.

You can link other social networks like Twitter or Facebook.

Just make sure to keep your profile updated just like a resume — except people can see it all the time, and you never know who will be looking.

Parental Poison? Parents are on Facebook!

New trend in Facebook — the average age of users is increasing.

Parents and even grandparents are taking over news feeds.

According to Inside Network's (an independent market research forum for the Facebook platform by Justin Smith) Inside Facebook statistics, the fastest-growing demographic on Facebook is women over 55 — nearly 1.5 million more of them every month.

Check out these graphs using Facebook's data. They're a little old, but you can see the trend.

Then here is the increase in percentages in less than a year. That probably means the numbers are even higher by now. 

Does this mean all the 20-somethings should abandon Facebook??

Of course not! 
a) Most 20-somethings will eventually appreciate the friendly hellos from family once they move out permanently.
b) Be glad older generations are figuring out social networking.
c) Maybe this will teach people not to post every little thing on the internet ... privacy settings are important to protecting your interests whether it be Mom or a future employer.

What does this mean for Facebook and businesses advertising there? 

I means that they need to switch gears and realize that they are marketing to a whole different crowd than the "hip urbanites." The same marketing techniques will simply not due for 80-year-old grandpa.

Facebook has already realized this I think by responding to the overwhelming call for more privacy settings. Older generations are usually more careful about what they post online, which is something we 20-somethings can learn from.

Lets Skype!

Skype is pretty hot right now with the 3G or 4G capabilities of Droids, iPhones and iPads which enable real time video chats via mobile devices. We're talking about walking around video chatting with people who could be thousands of miles away. You can even video chat through your TV. Skype has successfully made the world a smaller place.

How it works:
Sign up as a user with a user name and password. There is calling, video and messaging capabilities with Skype. You can call skype-to-skype, skype to phone, phone to skype, conference calls, group video chats and instant messaging that allows you to transfer files, text message and even link up to your Facebook news feed. You have your list of contacts and can see when they are online or not.

And the best part, anything Skype-to-Skype, be it video or texting, is all free! Of course you can subscribe or just pay as you go to call phones from Skype, but its a much smaller fee than long distance phone bills.

You can pay per minute, per month or with Skype credit.

This is revolutionary for relationships, businesses and families particularly overseas where affordable communication is limited.

However, because the information is flowing through the internet and NOT encrypted, there could be some security issues with sensitive business information. Just FYI.

I used Skype all the time when I studied abroad for a semester. I would call my parents and the computer would ring through the house just like a phone. My dad thinks it's well designed because even computer-challenged people can use it, not that he's computer-challenged, but not everyone in the Garegnani household is so blessed. He thought it was great when I was abroad because my parents would have never heard from me otherwise, but I got to talk to them several times a week without spending a lot of money or waiting for untimely letters.

Skype is the only video chatting/calling program that has a free option thus far and dominates its market with its intuitive design that even grandparents can use.

Can Ipad or should I Kindle?

First things first, I love almost all things from Apple, so of course I'm all about the iPad. But to give the Kindle from Amazon a fair shot (it did come out first), here is a comparison of the two.

 









Price: iPad=$500 Kindle=$139

Size: iPad= 24 ounces(1.5 lbs), 0.5 inches thin and 9.7 inches measured diagonally
Kindle= 8.5 ounces, 4.8 by 7.5 inches 

Battery Life: iPad= 10 hours with Wi-Fi
Kindle= 1 month without Wi-Fi

Internet: iPad=Wi-Fi and 3G networkup to 7.2 Mbps
Kindle= Wi-Fi and free 3G wireless

Abilities:
iPad= can synch with all of your other Apple products like iPhones, iTouch, Apple computers and even your Apple TV. Your weekly schedule or whatever you need from your i Pad is always at your fingertips and automatically stored in your other devices. Remote locating is possible if you forget it somewhere too. It does e-mail, iTunes, photos, videos, games, maps, notes, e-books and thousands of apps.

Kindle= holds 3,500 e-books, can be read in bright sunlight, automatic archive back up of contents online, can read out loud to you, built in Twitter and Facebook integration to share passages you're reading. There is also no eye strain in trying to read their "electronic ink" because it is not a back lit LCD screen.

Also according to a recent survey from Nielsen, 31% of U.S. children ages 6 to 12 want an iPad over any other electronic.

So it seems the iPad wins by the mere factor that it has more functions.  Kindle is best suited for an avid reader who potentially travels a lot.

Twitter Alert

Twitter Analytics are on the horizon!

Finally Twitter users who do more than tweet about what they're having for breakfast can access data about their account.

Right now it is just a select group of users that get to test the product. Its official launch should be at the end of 2011.

Twitter’s analytics solution will show you which tweets are spreading and which users are influential in your network and who has "unfollowed" you.

A bar graph over 6-hour increments shows you mentions, follows and unfollows, for example, and you can filter tweets by categories that are defined as “best,” “good,” and “all.”

Twitter is growing....

A few Twitter facts (updated September 14, 2010)

• We have 175 million registered users.
• 95M tweets are written per day.
• We have 300 employees and we're hiring.

Corporate Groupon

Lets talk about the other end of Groupons: the businesses offering the deals.

This is how it works.

Companies that use Groupon don't have to shell out money for extensive advertising. Groupon only makes money from a portion of each Groupon sold. They work on commission and want you to succeed so they can succeed.  Statistics graphics.

Businesses can know how many people received the Groupon, how many people opened the e-mail, how many people bought the Groupon, and how many people came in to use the Groupon.

Making a Groupon deal is very lucrative. It profiles a company or local business directly to 17,500,000+ Groupon subscribers' e-mails. A one day promotion hooks customers in with a fantastic deal and then keeps them hooked if they like your service and voila! you have a new faithful customer base. A new customer base called "hip urbanites with money to spend." That would be the 18-30 age range...a HUGE coveted demographic that most companies and advertisements try to capture. 


Subscriber demographics:

By advertising via Groupon deals, you're more likely to get business.  We're also a competitive bunch us "hip urbanites" so we like the challenge of getting our Groupon in time and saving a little money for another Groupon. Its a good way for us to socialize and see what our city has to offer, which is you!


Groupon grantees you automatic new customers. I suggest if you're a business owner, you take them up on that.

GroupON it

Groupon: the mighty power of group discounts.

I had my first experience with Groupon this weekend.

What is a Groupon you ask? It is a group coupon through a forum that alerts users of group discounts in their area.  Here is what a daily Groupon looks like in your inbox. Deals include restaurants, spas, museums, art galleries, theater tickets and even laser hair removal in your city (plus anything else you could think of).

The catch is that you only have a certain amount of time to buy the Groupon. Note the "Time Left To Buy" countdown. There is also usually a liberal amount of time for you to redeem the Groupon after you purchase it.

You decided you'd really like this deal so you purchase it. There is, however, a catch. A minimum number of people have to buy the same Groupon before anyone can actually redeem it. It's a different minimum number depending on the deal and sometimes there is a maximum number of Groupons available. Note the little check mark that says "The Deal is on!" that means enough people have purchased it to be valid.

If you get the Groupon, your credit card will be charged and you will receive an e-mail sharing a link to your Groupons. You can print out your Groupon from your account on the site. If you don't get the Groupon, your card will not be charged, but you also don't get that great deal. Its a little risky...I like that.

Print out your Groupon or, get this, you can even pull it up on a mobile device and have them scan it from there (way to be green!) and you're good to go!

I used a Groupon for $10 entry fee into the Newseum in Washington, D. C. when the regular entry fee is about $20.  (Factor in parking and the metro, and that's an expensive trip, but I saved $10 which could translate into 1/3 tank of gas or groceries)

View from the 6th floor of the Newseum

Me and my news!

The Groupon is a great idea and even if you delete most of the daily deals, you're sure to find something that you want eventually. You can also buy Groupons gift cards for people to buy their own Groupons that tickle their fancy (and no shipping). I also like that you don't have to redeem your Groupon right away and usually have a few months to use your Groupon at a convenient time for you.

You can find deals in more than 150 cities and 23 countries. So if you plan ahead, you can even purchase Groupons for cities and countries you are planning to visit! So sign up and start discovering some awesome deals.

Path: the "antisocial" social network

We just discussed the importance of Twitter. Now here's something for people who like smaller social circles.

Based off of Oxford psychology professor Robin Dunbar's conclusion that a person can not have more than 150 social relationships, Path limits users to 50 friends. None of this 7,000 Facebook friends nonsense.

 Launched yesterday, it is being promoted as a personal network where "you can be yourself" because only people you really know are seeing what you publish.

You can use it on your browser but is only available in an iPhone app so far.

Its founders are pretty well known in the social networking/online media world comprised of former Facebook senior platform manager Dave Morin, Macster co-creator Dustin Mierau and Napster co-founder Shawn Fanning.

It functions like this:
It's basic photo sharing like Tublr but you also publish context: people, place, thing. There is a catch. Path is socially exclusive and does not let you "like," comment, or share your photo on another social network.

There is, however, a "see" function. It is a feedback function that you can see which of your friends have seen the moment you just posted in real-time.

Personal opinion, I think this is going to be a big hit now that people are valuing their privacy more and more online

Whats's the point of Twitter?

Lets talk Twitter.

I was very reluctant to ever get a twitter, however, I now have two and think its one of the greatest things since sliced bread. That being said, lets address why people may be opposed to Twitter.

Lots of people don't like how quickly social media is moving. Literally and figuratively.  The short, fast-paced tweets are not how some people like to communicate, also some people think Twitter is just a laundry list of what people are doing at that exact moment. Not so, my friends!

Twitter is a micro blogging tool, which means it's for short, concentrated posts. It's very different from the conversational style of Facebook.  You only have 140 CHARACTERS, so choose wisely what you want to say.

Because you have such limited space, there are several link shorteners available like bit.ly or ow.ly if you do want to share something. You can post pictures through Twitpic, and even MP3s through Tinysong or Twiturm.

Here's a list of tools useful to twitter users: Twitter Toolbox

Ok, so starting a Twitter is easy. You log in, create a unique user name, pick a picture or icon to represent your unique user name, and boom, you have an account. Next it will prompt you to find people to follow. These are the users who will fill your feed with tweets, so again, choose wisely.

There are several ways to execute a Twitter account: as an individual to keep up with news or friends; (most large media sources have Twitter accounts and tweet breaking or big new stories) a professional; (following peers and organizations in your field to stay current) as a business (posting updates and spreading chatter about your product or company or creating online specials). These are just a few ways to utilize Twitter as an effective communication resource.

The point is that there are multiple ways to use Twitter for your needs. It takes trial and error to figure out what works for you.

Mitch Joel of "Six Pixels of Separation" puts it this way,
It's not planned. It's not perfect. It's human. It's a living organism. Living organisms that change, evolve and adapt based on who is putting what into it and how the content is being collaborated on and extrapolated.