SubscribeRinging in the New Year with List of 12s for 2012!
Happy New Year! 2011 was amazing! And I’m excited for what 2012 has in store. For my first post of 2012 I’m sticking with the “new year” theme!
I love making lists. To-do lists are the most common for me. I make these daily to stay on task with both my personal and professional life. In fact I’ve even added things to my to-do list after I already accomplished them, just so I can check it off. C’mon I know I’m not the only one who’s done this before! Fess up if you have!
Instead of resolutions, I shared with my network that 2012 means making “Lists of 12s”!
I’m working on lists of 12 new restaurants to try, 12 new places to go, 12 marketing goals for my business and first list I made is of course related to tech and social media: 12 tech/web/social media related things I’d like to accomplish in 2012!
1. Pinterest- We all know about my food porn addiction. I recently joined Pinterest and wow, it’s any food porn addict’s DREAM! I have 2 boards related to food. My Sweet Tooth is filled with gorgeous, mouth-watering sweets. Rather than just look at these images and drool, in 2012 I’m going to actually make at least 2 desserts I’ve pinned on Pinterest. (Give me food and I’ll cook but please note I have virtually zero experience when it comes to baking sweets so this is something new for me!)
2. Facebook- Part of what I do for my Marketing clients is work with them to create customized social media profiles that are cohesive with their brand and website. You know the old saying “The Cobbler’s children have no shoes”? I spend a lot of time helping clients create a marketing strategy that effectively integrates social media and Facebook is one of the main tools I use. However, even though I help clients with this, I personally haven’t had an opportunity to customize my own Facebook page. In 2012, I’m going to redesign my Facebook Page so it’s cohesive with my website and brand.
3. Yelp- Write a minimum of 12 new Yelp reviews in 2012
4. LinkedIn- I’m grateful that I’ve received so many positive recommendations from my colleagues, clients and partners on LinkedIn. I’m truly humbled by reading the things people who have benefited from my work. I’ve been meaning to create a “Testimonials” section on my website by transferring many of my LinkedIn recommendations. In 2012 I’m going to create a “Testimonials” section on my website based on my LinkedIn recommendations.
5. Gmail- I’ve created folders and filters for many emails, but not all. I have thousands and thousands of unread messages in my inbox. I’ve trained myself to skip over unimportant emails such as ones from newsletters I don’t recall signing up for or emails related to people connecting with me on a social network but this still means there’s clutter in my inbox. In the past few days I’ve already unsubscribed from about 15 email lists and removed over 4000 messages from my inbox. I have over 8000 to go! In 2012 I’m going to get my gmail inbox down to zero, for the first time ever!
6. Foursquare- I’m a total Foursquare lover! I was traveling internationally in 2010 on Foursquare Day (4/16) and still manged to organize and host Foursquare Day in Hong Kong! In 2011 I hosted Foursquare Day San Diego in America’s Finest City! I’m currently a Super User- Level 2. The highest Super User Level is 3 and I’ve read that it’s virtually impossible to become a Level 3 Super User but my wordplay mind gets turned on because in the word “impossible” I just see the words “I’m possible” so in 2012 I’m going to become a Foursquare Super User- Level 3!
7. Evernote- While Evernote helps me stay organized; my Evernote itself needs to be organized. Whenever I forward an email to my Evernote the email doesn’t get categorized into a folder immediately. This is the main ways I update my Evernote so I definitely have some cleaning up to do. In 2012 I’m going to clean up my Evernote account.
8. YouTube- I’m not a regular YouTuber but I’m currently working on an awesome Social Media related video that will be published soon. My goal is to get at least 1 million views on this video. I know that sounds extreme especially since my current YouTube videos have views only in the hundreds. I’ve got a good feeling about this video and in 2012 I’m going to get 1 million views on my social media related YouTube video.
9. Twitter- All of my Twitter followers were gained authentically through people finding my page and being interested in topics I tweet about. I’d like to continue being a resource on Twitter but also build up my Twitter following with more people who are engaged in conversation and content I post. In 2012 I’m going to grow my Twitter following to over 5000 while keeping in mind this must be done authentically through just being me!
10. Phone- My Droid 2 just isn’t cutting it! Rather than continue to complain about how my phone is slow in 2012 I’m going to get a new phone!
11. Laptop- My laptop and all the information it contains is literally my most valuable possession. It contains photos, music, confidential documents etc. It used to be backed up on the cloud but my subscription ended and I haven’t had a chance to renew. Whether on the cloud or on a hard drive, in 2012 I need to make sure I back up my laptop again!
12. Blogging- My last in my list of 12s is something that will keep me accountable for 1-11 on this list! And that’s to write a follow up blog post in 6 months and then right before on 2013 on what items have been checked in on this tech/web/social media list of 12!
Wishing everyone the best of the best in 2012! Thank you to everyone who reads my posts. I’ve really appreciate the comments, tweets, Facebook Likes, Subscribes and emails! It makes me happy to hear from you so please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time!
Celebrating #4SqDay with San Diego’s Favorite Foursquare Specials!
Happy Foursquare Day! I’m honored to host Foursquare Day San Diego at R Gang Eatery tonight! Even if you can’t make it, you can still celebrate Foursquare Day and the spirit of Foursquare each time you check in somewhere! To make Foursquare a tool that’s even more valuable I’ve asked my network their favorite Foursquare Specials. Here are some great specials people have shared with me. Please note, specials change periodically so you’ll have to check with the actual venue before going to see if the special is still valid.
Other resources to find Foursquare Specials include: 4SquareOffers.com. You enter your city, street or zip code to find offers near you. The Foursquare Blog also keeps up to date on many nationwide specials.
Bubs- There are 2 locations in San Diego: Pacific Beach and the Gaslamp. Both locations offer Free Tator Tots with your check-in and first round of drinks bought!
Cafe Coyote- Receive a free Mexicana Quesadilla Tortilla Appetizer with check-in and entree or cocktail purchase. The Mayor can ask the manager for additional specials
Chili’s Bar and Grill (Multiple Locations)- Check-in and receive a free order of Chips & Salsa! The more the merrier; Check-in with 3-or-more friends and receive one free appetizer for your table!
Currant- Free Popcorn of the Moment or a $.10 Sangria or well cocktail on your 3rd check-in.
Del Mar Racetrack – Mayor receives a VIP paddock tour, four clubhouse admissions, their name on the tote board and will watch a race from the Winner’s Circle.
Double Deuce- Complimentary signature Double Deuce Welcome Shot when you check-in!
Harney Sushi- 50 cent small hot sake with check-in and purchase
Hotel Del Coronado- Check-in and buy a flight of wine to get a free flight of cheese or chocolate at ENO Wine Room. Valid after 5pm, Tues-Sat.
Pastalini Miramar (Multiple Locations) - 10% off your order w/ every check-in + free soda for the Mayor
Ra Sushi- Check-in and get a free order of Edamame or a Miso Soup.
Red Pearl Kitchen- Free Appetizer + 50% off all bottles of wine every day with check-in
Souplantation (Multiple Locations) – 15% off your bill with check-in
Sports Authority (Multiple Locations)- Spend $100 and get a $25 Cash Card. Check-in to unlock this offer.
The Tipsy Crow- 50% off your tab for every fourth check-in! Foursquare Mayor gets their tab 50% off anytime.
Wavehouse Bar and Grill- 10% off your bill with check-in. If you’re the mayor, you get $3 wells.
West Coast Tavern- 20% off on your total order every 3rd check-in!
There are many other great Foursquare specials offered around the city and nationwide. I’ll continue to update this list so if you know of other specials, please share them in the comments!
Marketing Melodie Presents Foursquare Day San Diego
In March of 2009 Foursquare entered the Social Media space and was seen as a tool that even Social Media Pioneers and Early Adopters were wary of but nevertheless began using while the rest of the population wondered what they heck we were doing by “Checking In” somewhere?! The Foursquare phenomena didn’t take long to sweep Social Media Enthusiasts by storm and has now transformed the way business owners create promotions and customer loyalty rewards programs. In 2010, Foursquare experienced an astounding 3400% growth and the numbers continue to soar. A little over 1 year after Foursquare’s launch, 4/16/2010 (4th month; 4 squared=16) was declared the first ever Foursquare Day. An addition to geek holiday calendar, it’s time to Move over PI Day (3/14) and Star Wars Day (5/4 May the Fourth be with you!), Social Media savvy geeks now have 4/16!
On Foursquare Day, cities across the globe organize their own celebration including a list of various Foursquare specials offered by local restaurants and stores, Foursquare day parties and last year Foursquare users had the privileged of unlocking the Foursqaure Day Badge!
During Foursquare Day 2010, I was invited to speak at a conference in Hong Kong. While I was sad to miss Foursquare Day in my own city, it was no excuse to miss the celebration so I partnered with Hong Kong’s Social Media Enthusiasts and hosted Foursquare Day in Hong Kong. This year I’m thrilled to be in my hometown, San Diego and am hosting Foursquare Day San Diego. I have the honor of presenting the event with two of San Diego’s most well known Social Media Socialites, Downtown Rob and Sugar Jones!
The Foursquare Day San Diego event will take place at R Gang Eatery, a place for Food and Fun! Their menu is filled with a plethora of comfort style food prepared in an eclectic and upscale (but not pretentious!) way. Additional details for Foursquare Day San Diego are still in the works, but attendees can RSVP on Foursquare Day San Diego on Facebook. Please stay tuned for exciting updates on Foursquare Day San Diego! I look forward to “checking in” with you all very soon!
Glimpse of a Real Live San Diego Earthquake on Social Media
Duck and Cover? No way! Tweet and post a Facebook update? This is our first instinct!
Another earthquake hit San Diego this evening and it’s evident that Social Media has revolutionized the entire earthquake experience. Rather than making sure we’re safe with the good ol’ “duck and cover” routine, the first thing on our minds was to socialize with others experiencing the earthquake and to make sure and let people know that we “definitely felt that one”. Read more
Marketing Melodie’s Adventures in Hong Kong
I’m happy to report a safe return to sweet home San Diego from my first international trip to Hong Kong. Although I’ve been back for over a week now, I’m slowly but surely recovering from the unexpected Jet Lag. I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who generously offered me travel advice. As soon as I announced that Marketing Melodie brings Marketing Expertise to Hong Kong, everyone stepped up by giving me invaluable tips which significantly increased the quality of my overall travel experience. Read more
Marketing Melodie brings Foursquare Day to Hong Kong
I recently made an exciting announcement about taking my professional speaking career to an International level at the INET Asia Regional Conference in Hong Kong. My trip is from April 10th-18th. Foursquare Day on April 16th happens to be during my trip. While I’m sad to miss the San Diego event, I won’t let distance prevent me from celebrating my Mayorships and earning more badges! Read more
