4 main points to making a successful Vlog

Here are the 4 main points to making a successful Vlog.

I decided to make these helpful hints because as I was doing research on vlogging, I found there to be very little helpful information out there.  So, after 43 attempts at a decent vlog (none of which have made it onto the internet, thankfully), I had come up with my own short list of Vlogging rules.

4- Choose an appropriate background, as well as minimize any distractions.

3- Don't ramble.  Keep your message clear and concise.

2- Keep your message and video theme appropriate to the industry or topic.

1- Have a Point or Message!!!


These are the points that I have believe to be the most important when making a vlog.  Whether you are a first time vlogger, or daily pro, these are applicable each and every time.  These rules also apply to any and all industries.  If you find differently, please let me know by leaving a comment below.


Watch my first Vlog as I explain these points in more detail, by clicking on the link below.

4 Main Points to Making A Successful VLOG - Link to video on YouTube.

Pushing the boundaries

Here is a guy who has started his own website which is called www.nimportequi.com and his motto is "C'est en faisant n'importe quoi, qu'on devient n'importe qui", which in English means "It's in doing anything, that we become anyone".

It is a comical website full of videos of himself doing ridiculous and funny things in public.  Below is a short video of him going into a movie theatre, and exaggerating a problem that many people face when in a theatre.  What would you do if he did this to you?
You may get upset at him, however, if he was actually this tall, you wouldn't be able to.  You may suggest he slouch, however in this case, he is doing it on purpose which would quickly bother anyone paying to see a movie.

Enjoy this short video clip and the rest of his website.

Top 10 Creative Ads

Hey, there you are!  Good to see you.

I'm glad you stopped by, because there's something I've been meaning to show you.

I just created my Top Ten most creative Ads list.

I have chosen some that are Bold, while others are more subtle.  I have both large and small ads.  Not all are expensive to do, however, they are all CREATIVE!!

Enjoy.  

Starting us off at number 10 is this smart watch ad.  Talk about engaging advertising.  You are literally trying on their product!  Compared to the other ads on the bus, these are quite small, however, I guarantee that they will be talked about more than the others.

Number 9 is very clever.  The best kind of marketing is done by effectively (and creatively) using the opportunities and environment you are given.

8 on the list works on the same line as the last one.  Place it in the incorrect spot and it wouldn't make any sense, but correct positioning and this ad is sure to get noticed and make someones day!

Ok.  We're moving along nicely here.  Starting to warm up yet?  Well, I'm going to start throwing it at you BIG now.  Number 7 is the largest and probably most expensive ad on this list.  This one isn't only creative, but also eye-catching, and probably a pain-in-the-neck to put up and take down.

I like number 6 because it takes what could have been an ordinary "Quit Smoking" ad on the back of a bus, and turned it into a memorable and effective campaign by thinking creatively and using what was available to them.

We have become immune to billboards, bus ads, tv commercials etc.  Because we are constantly bombarded with ads and information, we have learned to tune them out.  Advertisers now have to be much more creative in grabbing our attention, which is why I like this next one so much.  The advertisers, instead of using the Billboard as a platform to present their advertisement, decided to use the Billboard as part of the advertisement.  Fantastic!  Number 5.

Number 4 is not a large Billboard or an intricate and expensive ad campaign.  In fact, they (yes, I am putting in 2) are just simple shopping bags that you would have your purchases put into.  They both demonstrate what they do, but in a way that is subtle and will catch you off guard.  One will likely make you say to yourself "Oh, that's clever." while the other will make you scream "HE'S GOT A GUN!!!".  Either way, gaining attention.  Just look, these 2 simple shopping bags have me talking about them!

Alright, another 2 in for third place.  Two, because they are very similar, I figured I could bunch them together.  Wow, this top 10 list is turning into a dozen pretty quickly.  Lucky you!

These two are probably better off without any commentary.  Enjoy.

#2 is not so eye catching.  In fact, it is the only one that really goes against the grain, in that it is the only stand alone "Ad".  You could put it on a billboard, in a magazine or at a bus stop.  But I did appreciate the subtlety and finesse in its execution.  It is a permanent marker, in case you can't read it.

You've finally made it to the coveted number 1 spot!  Ok, it's not so coveted, but here is my favourite.  Starting with a standard Billboard advertisement, then adding a little creativity, gives you this eye-catching, jaw-dropping, impressive paint ad.  It brings a basic and boring Billboard ad to life!

Well, that's all I've got for you today.  What do you think?  Do you have any you want to add?  Maybe I can make a bonus list?

I've got to go, but thanks again for stopping by.  See you later?

There is such thing as "Sidewalk Rage"!

An interesting article by the Wall Street Journal about "Sidewalk rage", which is very similar to "Road Rage".
Symptoms and signals include muttering, bumping into others and aggressive walking.  Researchers say that these can cause "intermittent explosive disorder", a now known psychiatric disorder.

This is a growing phenomenon plaguing busy streets in New York and London.  Do you notice these symptoms in others?  In yourself?  Or are you a slow walker?

Alright, I admit it, even I notice myself occasionally getting frustrated with slow walkers.  I don't have a problem when someone walks slowly, however, I do have a problem when there are 4 of them in a row, hogging the whole sidewalk, walking slowly.  

Apparently it is getting to be such a problem amongst people now that they have named a disorder for it!  This is incredible!  On a sidewalk!  What is next?  Painting lines on the sidewalk to guide traffic?  Slow lane on the right?  Then we would have little turning lanes so you could turn into a store and what not?

When I was in Madrid and Cadìz Spain, during my vacation, I would wander the streets, just taking it all in.  I was in my relaxed, vacation mode.  Slow and calm with nothing to do until later that evening.  However, I still found myself stuck behind people on the sidewalks in downtown Madrid.  I was looking to pass them, but for what?  I wasn't in a rush.  I just have a quick walking pace I suppose.
My point is that it is a cultural thing for the Spanish to take things slowly.  They are the most laid back people that I know of, so far.  So why is it different here?  All that I see is a difference in culture.

How will you react next time a tourist is walking slowly in front of you?  Maybe even stops to take a photo?
Please try to be friendly, because they are paying to see our beautiful city, we want them to enjoy their stay, and hopefully tell others about the friendly Canadians!  In fact, their wonderful tourism tax dollars help to pay for the very sidewalks that you are rushing on.
Maybe we should all take a tip from these strollers; relax, smile and enjoy the day!

Here's the original Wall Street Journal article.

iTunes App Store hacked!

Somehow, the iTunes Store has been hacked by an App Developer.  The hacker somehow got access to iTunes users accounts, and with them, the hacker has purchased his Apps enough times to put them on the Top Apps category.  In fact, the hacker has done it so many times that he currently has 40 of the top 50 Apps.
Many iTunes users have complained of having their accounts hacked and having hundreds of dollars spent on Apps that they did not purchase.

As a firm Mac lover and believer, I know they will resolve the issue quickly.  A number of customers have already been given refunds, however, this goes to show that no one is ever completely safe on the internet.  Even our most secure sites get hacked.

Read the original article here.
Read Apples statement here.

As a new member of Digg.com, I found this article and dugg it, because it is important news that consumers and customers need to be aware of.  The growing popularity of iPhones and iPads and their millions of Apps make this a very large issue.

I still have faith in Apple, and will continue to purchase Apps, movies and songs from the iTunes store, however, I will keep a close eye on my account.

Embracing and Refusing Technology

As a child, we are cared for and taught life lessons by our parents and elders.  We learn math and science from our teachers.  Always looking up to adults for guidance and insight.  This has been true in every aspect of life, until now, where the tables have turned.

It used to be that you had to be a scientist to operate computers and certain types of technology.  Now if you have a problem or technology question, you no longer call a specialist or technician.  You will turn to the nearest thirteen year old for help.  It seems that being a teenager is the only requirement to completely understanding any and all forms of technology these days.

We are spoiled as a society to experience the amazing technologies that we have.  If we use television as an example, things used to be so much simpler.  Going way back to when TV was first introduced into the house, there was no remote.  If you wanted to change to the only other channel, you got your kid to get up and change it.  Nowadays, we need "Universal" remotes to activate all aspects of the entertainment experience.  We have to turn on the 50" HD TV, then the amp that controls the 8 speaker surround sound.  Next you have to turn on your Blu-Ray player, if you still use that outdated piece of technology.  That's right, outdated!  Everything is done on computer now.  So you plug your laptop into your TV to watch movies, or even your favourite shows now.  In addition, you will have hundreds of channels either via satellite, digital cable or one of the other many options.

My point is that as our wonderful parents, and the rest of the Baby Boomer generation ages, they can find it difficult to keep up with all the changes.  As the frustration grows, they reach a point where they have to make a decision.  This week, I witnessed a great example of both possible choices.

Option 1:  Baby Boomers decide to accept the new technology, learn it, embrace it and enjoy it.  My friend Allison is a wonderful example of this.  She has not only joined in the social media craze, but has become a power house in this new sector.  As a member of Facebook, Allison is actively engaged with her kids while they are at different Universities across the country.  She is also a proud user of Linked-in, and I bet that she'll read this blog too.  Another friend, Eliane, is also a great example.  As, a small business owner, she has recently discovered that Social Media is a powerful and necessary tool in marketing her business.  Not really knowing what it was or how it worked, she was previously not interested in learning about it or using it at all.  However, as she has begun to use Facebook and Skype to keep in touch with her travelling daughter, Eliane has become more interested in its opportunities and possibilities.  Speaking to Eliane about it the other day, I watched her get excited just talking about it.  She has now added Social Media marketing to her overall marketing strategies.  These are just 2 examples of Boomers embracing change, and using technology to further enrich their lives.  When accepted and understood, technology can be a wonderful tool to help people (or businesses) connect with others.  It is, as you know, a great resource for information as well, which leads me to Option 2.

Option 2:  Refusing and rejecting technology.  Not completely rejecting any and all types of technology, but definitely not keeping up with it.  A friend, Paul, who is a successful businessman, still does not have internet at his house.  He doesn't even have a computer at home, in fact.  And he doesn't want one.

He was having a conversation the other day, and the other gentleman brought up the point that no one uses the phone book anymore.  Paul replied "I still use it."  The gentleman asked "What did you use it for?"  Paul very comically but honestly replied that he used it to look up a typing school.  

There are those who don't feel the need for more confusion or devices.  These people are quite happy to use the resources that they are used to.  Paul has made a choice, and is much happier to be engaged in conversation rather than being constantly bothered by an iPhone beeping, alerting him that Ellen has tweeted that she has found a new funny YouTube video.  These people are content to enjoy the silence, and find beauty in the small things in life.

I think that we need to incorporate a bit of both of these examples into our life.  Technology can be a huge time saver, but it can also be a big time waster.  Technology is the way of the future, and will always be with us.  Embrace it, enjoy it, engage in it, but balance it with a healthy dose of outdoor activities and time spent with friends and family.  Maybe the next time you have dinner with family and friends, make it a device free zone?  

Dogsled Damage

What has happened recently in Whistler is a horrible tragedy to the animals and businesses in Whistler.
There have been rumours of boycotting all outdoor Whistler adventure companies.  This is EXTREME!
Why boycott the ZipLine company?  They did not destroy a hundred harnesses!  What about the ATV company?  They didn't murder their snowmobiles or ATVS.
I don't mean to make a mockery of this whole ordeal, as what happened is truly upsetting.  However, I don't believe taking it out on unrelated businesses is fair.  If anything, we should be supporting the companies that don't participate in this sort of activity.
I believe that a sort of MOB mentality has sort of taken over, as everyone is outraged over this, and we all want to make a difference.  The damage is already done, so we can't stop it, but we still want to make an impact.  Stopping all outdoor activities will not fix this problem.  I think it just makes us look ridiculous.

I can only imagine what other countries are saying as they watch this happen.  It is as if Coca-Cola, had put poison in their cans, and we all decided to never drink anything ever again!  We would all die!
It makes no sense.

My second thought on the matter, is we should all be looking to make a positive change, not a negative one.  Instead of boycotting, we should be supporting the SPCA, or other animal shelters.  We should be supporting those companies that do a good job of loving their animals.

By giving them business, it will show the other companies to also do a good job of maintaining their animals, so that they can avoid a situation like this again in the future.

I will briefly comment, that I believe that the dogsled company has tried to do a good job, and maintain transparency in this matter.  I do appreciate it.  As much as I believe that they wouldn't do it normally, and that they are just doing it for their benefit, I thank them.  The public wants to know.  I do not trust the company but do like that they are at least trying to appear positive and honest.  Because really, I have no idea who said what to who behind closed doors.  But I do like to be kept in the loop as they try to find out.
They did a good thing by posting daily updates of the investigation on their website.  I also think it was smart for them, because this way they are able to control the messages that they send out.  Well played.
http://www.adventureswhistler.com/media

Downtown jogging with coffee?

I spotted the most peculiar thing today while walking downtown. Well, I found it bizarre, but it went unnoticed to those around me.  Am I the odd one in this situation?

It was rush hour.  Right about 5:30pm on a tuesday night as 2 people ran past me.  At first I didn't notice anything odd, until they reached the intersection.  They had to wait the entire red light, and then wait even longer for the advanced green arrow to finish before they could cross and continue their run.  As I watched, I noticed that they were dodging other pedestrians crossing the street in the opposite direction.  I now thought they would run off towards the seawall and have a delightful sunset run.
But I was wrong.  They turned at the corner and waited for the next light.  Best of all, they both had coffees in their hand!!!!
I had never seen this before, so double checked to see if they were just perhaps late for something.  But NO!!  They were both wearing shorts and running shoes!

They really weren't taking the running all that seriously. I guess they weren't training for a marathon.  They looked as if they were perhaps coworkers chatting away.  I was wondering what the relationship was.  Judging by what I saw, I assumed that it was a first or second date?

But this still does not explain the coffee!!  I've heard of running to a coffee place, enjoy it, then turn around and start your return.  Or I would understand if you needed the caffeine to get you started on your run, but running with coffee in hand?
Do you know how hard it is to drink while running?  Especially with hot liquid?  And if I were her, I wouldn't want to spill the coffee down the white dry-fit shirt she was wearing on this possible first date.

My other general observation for this, is that running through downtown, especially at rush hour, is probably the least efficient form of training.  All the stop and go, dodging pedestrians, cyclists and blind drivers. It just seemed ridiculous.

My suggestion; if you want to go for a run downtown, run towards the water, and then run along the seawall.  It is a calmer and more scenic location to run, especially for a date.


Before I go, the most amazing thing about this, was that no one around me seemed to notice!
Is it possible that it isn't that unusual anymore?  Or that coffee is such a large part of our society, that it goes unnoticed? Or was everyone else around me too busy texting and holding their own coffee?  Perhaps.

Maybe I'm the weird one.  Or should the next time someone invites me out for coffee, I bring my runners?