Sunday, January 30, 2011

My Social Media Personality

Hi everybody!  I say everybody, but I specifically just mean you!

This week I was given a topic for my blog by my instructor.  The topic is describing my Social Media Personality.
Interesting question to give so quickly.  Since I have only blogged 3 times so far, I find it a little difficult to pin it already.  And I might not get it right, or it may even change throughout my online career.  But that's ok, because we all change anyways.

I guess I would describe my online personality as your awkward friend who looks at the world differently from the rest of us.  However, you do like him.  I hope to make you think, laugh, at least smile but probably not cry.  If I do, let me know.  You can count on me to have a thought or question of the week.  Hopefully I'll be someone you visit to see things differently.  The quirky friend?

I will be here for you enjoyment.  Maybe a nice sunday read?  Or a quick drunk laugh before falling asleep?  It's up to you...

I will tell you this though.  I know you come here to read, but I encourage you to post comments yourself.  I love to hear from you!  Share ideas, start a discussion.  Whatever you'd like.

By the way, you look really good today!  Did you do something different with your hair?  Really fantastic.


Anyways, let's move right along and get on with the good stuff.

I'm still doing research on the effect of not turning around in a crowded elevator.  I have discovered that there are many factors that will change how people react.  For example, are there doors on either side of the elevator?  What happens when there are 4 of us who walk in and don't turn around vs. just one?  Are people more likely to turn around themselves?  If you are face to face in a crowded elevator will they start conversation?  What happens when you do?
This is an ongoing task for me and I hope to get back to you with answers soon.

HOWEVER... I do have a question for you!

How do you choose a restaurant??  Do you base your decision on food or ambiance?  Which is more important?  
Would you rather eat at a very nice restaurant with average food, or an average restaurant with fantastic food?  Given that prices are the same, and they are right next to each other.
Ah ha!  I see you are thinking about it!!!

Let me know!

Nice chatting with you today.  See you next time?

Oh wait!  Sorry guys, but I forgot I have to add a link to a company that is similar to myself in social media personality.  The best I came up with is the worlds second largest total grossing company in the world, and is constantly making a splash in the media with new products.  This company is very creative and constantly looks at ordinary products with a different point of view, and that is why they are so popular.  The company name is Apple.  http://www.apple.com/ca/
Yes, I am writing this on a Mac.  And I love it!

That's all.  Thanks again.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Staying "logged-in"

So this week, I was sitting in one of my classes and the instructor begin the lecture.  About 15 minutes into it, her powerpoint was interrupted by a Skype call.  She immediately declined the call and continued with the lesson.  A couple of seconds later, she received another call.  She declined again, and then accessed the Skype application to what I assumed would be to "sign-out".  However, she chose just to change her status to "Do not Disturb", but remained logged in to Skype.

I immediately asked her why stay logged in at all.  By "Do not Disturb" people still have the ability to call her if they choose.  Her response was that she is "here", but she does not want to be disturbed.  She then opened up the status bar and was trying to decide what to change it to then.  She then selected the "Invisible" option.

I again immediately questioned her choice.  Her response was that this way people can't see that she is online, so they won't be able to call.  I agreed, but asked why she hadn't just signed off completely?
Her answer was that this way, she would be able to see who else is online.  I asked if she would be checking it throughout the lecture?  She said no.  "So, why not sign off completely?" I asked.  She had no response.
She eventually saw my point and signed off from Skype completely.  In the end, it did not matter to me what her status was, as long as my learning wasn't interrupted.  I'm sure "Do not disturb" or "Invisible" would have worked just fine, but I was just trying to make a point and also figure out what the decision making process behind it was.

I think this brings a valid point forward of how people function today.  The internet allows them to constantly be connected.  Even when they don't want to be disturbed.

Most people will check their Facebook or Twitter accounts daily, but people are more and more leaving them on.  They want to receive the news right away.
I understand that these are a an effective and direct means of communication, especially to large markets, however, it can and does distract you.
You are constantly being pulled away from your work or studies to see what important or interesting news your friend has posted.  Next thing you know, 30 minutes has passed and all you have done is looked at pictures of your friends new puppy!

A number of companies have put restrictions on work computers to block Facebook and Twitter websites.  I don't necessarily believe this is a good idea.  I do believe this can improve productivity, however, it does eliminate a new communication tool.

If your company has not restricted your internet web browsing abilities, you should think about setting restrictions on yourself to only check it twice a day.  Once when you first arrive in the morning, and again in the afternoon, for any messages that may have arrived during the day.  Limit yourself to the messages and posts that are work related.  Those puppy photos will still be there when you get home.

You are at your job to work.  That is why it is called "Work".  Try to log off, and focus on your task at hand.  Your boss will notice the difference, as your work improves, and that of your co-workers diminishes, as they continue to tweet.

Only Log-on when necessary.  Of course there are exceptions.  And I am not here to be your mother or Police the internet, but these are suggestions that should be taken with a grain of salt.  For progression at work, and with those that you are with, learn to be engaged with them, and online when you are alone.

There is nothing worse than watching a first date, and both of them are on the phone, texting or changing their status to "first date going well so far", while still sitting at the dinner table.  Trust me, I've seen it.  And they both said that they enjoyed the others company and would go on another date.  I was flabbergasted!

Just think of why you are leaving it on?
Why change your status to invisible?
The Log-off button is there for a reason.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Empty Parking Lots

It was 9:30pm on a monday night, as my friend and I pulled into the Canadian Tire parking lot to get him some oil for his car.   Since it was so late, the parking lot was close to empty, however, I noticed him pull up right next to another car.  He got up and ran inside, while I stayed in the car.

I decided to watch, to see if he is a one of a kind, or if people in general will park directly next to each other just to be one stall closer to the door.  He wasn't a one of a kind.

There would be an empty stall between 2 cars (because one had just left), and I observed someone pull in, reverse, attempt it again, re-adjust and finally park it dangerously close to the car next to him.  Having to squeeze out of his car, so as not to damage the other vehicle.

Why go through all this work, just to be a stall or 2 closer to the door, when you can park sooner and ensure a safe and ding free vehicle by parking slightly further across the lot?

Tip of the day:
As I used to be a Valet for restaurants and hotels, I know a thing or 2 about parking.  My tip of the day, if you are parking in a parking garage,  go up or down an extra level.  It will leave you car alone on the floor, ensuring it won't get dented by others, and then you can also park closer to the elevator doors.  You might have to ride the elevator for an extra floor, but you will walk less, and there will be less general traffic.  Anyone that would be up there would be skilled drivers who utilize their brain.
The only downfall I can think of to this method is that some people may be afraid of a greater chance of break-in.  So please know the neighbourhood you are in, and I hold no liability for any break-ins due to you using this information.

Try it next time.

Keep your eyes and your mind open out there, and don't be afraid to challenge the "norms".


mrktgmike

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Welcome

Hi everyone and welcome to my new Blog.
I will be writing about social behaviour in everyday situations.  I will be posting situations that I have seen, as well as stories about how I have gone against them, or unbalanced them in some way.

I would love to hear stories from you guys or suggestions about other ways that I can go against the grain.

Just to be clear, I am not doing anything to upset, hurt or endanger anyone, just to catch them off guard by doing an everyday activity in an unusual or slightly different way.

  An example would be when you walk into an elevator, and everyone turns around and faces the door, without speaking.  Then you walk in and keep facing the same direction that you have walked in.  Perhaps start a conversation with the person now in front of you?  Or just observe how people react.  Do they turn around, or do they awkwardly try to avoid your gaze, even though you are right in front of them?

Enjoy.