Confession # 88

Motor oil is motor oil, right?


My confession is...  I spent almost a solid 30 seconds at another car trying to get in it, before I realized it wasn't  our car.   


Granted, ours is a new car (month or so old) and it's not my primary car.   The twin car I tried to take home with me was the same color, had four doors, four wheels, a sunroof, a windshield.  How could I have confused it?  


I know diddly squat about cars.  I'm also the same girl who thinks Pacers and Porsches  look a bit alike... with their wide bottoms and all.  Now, if the new car looked like this, there wouldn't be a problem.  I'd just have to park it and position it like this every time I got out.

I Say West, You Say Side!

I recently had the rough assignment to live tweet at the Snoop Dogg & Ice Cube concert for Voodoo Lounge in Harrah's Casino, North Kansas City, MO.  Can you smell the sarcasm?  I was thrilled!  I'm a concert fanatic!

I love all kinds of music, but admittedly, I'm not a rap fan.  Short of Sugar Hill Gang's "Rappers Delight" and some goofy Will Smith stuff like "Parents Just Don't Understand", I am ashamed to admit I am not well versed in rap.  However, I do know a potentially good time. What wasn't going to be fun about this show?!   It had fun all over it from the git go!

I learned several new curse words, met rapper/actor Ice Cube, had a great time chatting it up with the entourage from both artists, opening DJ's, the site photographer Jeff Knights of Snap the Moment , the DJ at intermission JT Quick , security, the Voodoo staff, the cops and all the while, my husband who does like rap, and graciously joined me.

Here's a recap of the show from my perspective:
I'd been pumping the show on twitter for a few weeks before July 30th.  The pre-show tweets on Twitter are always interesting and people get excited...

People were jammed up to the stage from the moment the doors opened. There were no chairs on the main floor, thank gawd.  Unless you're Yanni, I will never understand why an artist would want seating on the main floor for their show.  If a person is standing, more than likely they will dance, at the least a little.  Sway.  That's far better than a bump on a log.  A.K.A.: a person in a chair.

I was backstage as Ice Cube was preparing to take the stage.  He was charming, funny, gracious, all smiles... just the way I wanted him to be.   As he was holding the microphone in his left hand, at the bottom of the few steps leading up to the stage, I said "Ice... one more before going on" and held up my camera phone. In what I guess is typical celebrity behavior, he struck a "bad ass" pose.  It's not indicative of the guy we were just talking to, but it really is a great shot.

This is a pathetic pic of he and I.  I was hot, sweaty and well... a little overly giddy.  Ice on the other hand looks like a baby doll.  I shouldn't even put it up, but it's too funny not to.

Those with "media passes", like  moi', could stand between the stage and the barrier/wall o' fans, and take pics, touch the artists shoes, get some sweat flung on us... and boy did we!  LOL!!!

Ice Cube was difficult to take photos of because he was always moving so fast. He was full of energy and so were the guys in his "crew" er "band" er, whatever you call them.   I did however, get a sweet shot of his sparkled glittery shoes each time he stood in front of me.  My 8 yr old daughter gave this a big thumbs up.  Ice Cube saw me snapping this shot and gave me a wink like "I know. They are so cool."   It's all about the BLING baby.

Ice did a full show. Truly... it was longer than most opening acts and the crowd was really engaged with him.  Ice Cube's energy and audience interaction made his performance, for me, the best of the night.

Right after he was done, a DJ from Hot 103 Jamz, TJQuick entertained the crowd.  I love how the computer and the turntable are so portable and he was amazing!  Kept the audience upbeat despite being jam packed to the stage waiting for Snoop Dogg.. (photo via Jeff Knight)

JT Quick is a super nice guy, confident and charming.  He was notified that afternoon he would be doing this intermission set and he did it like he had been planning for a month.  He also did the same thing Ice Cube did for me.  When I asked for a pic, this sweet faced smiley guy went from that .. to "Bad Ass"

It was getting warm and it was one of those days earlier with a heat of index of 110 degrees and humidity at 110%.  The security and cops came out and tossed out cases of bottled water to the concert goer's who started out boo'ing them... then realized what they were doing and cheered for them.

I didn't get to visit with Snoop Dogg like I did Ice Cube. He was M.I.A. backstage and the green room and when it was time for him to go on stage, BAM! There he was!  He was however, much easier to photograph. He doesn't sprint or jump across stage.  He uses his swagger to get from one side to the other.

Check out  his "ring" that says "Snoop Dogg". At least, that's what I think it says.  It's like a set of brass knuckles... really.   (via Jeff Knight)

He struck a lot of poses for the gazillion camera phones in everyone's hands... the crowd loved it!

and the crowd adored him! I mean really adored him!  And connecting gestures like shaking hands only fueled their love and frenzy for wanting to be closer to him...

Don't you love where I got to take photos from?   I know!!!!   The tweets from concert go-ers during and after the show were dynamite!  I love how social media can put even those who weren't there, almost there.

You can find more great photos from the club photographer, Jeff Knight,  HERE and you can find my tweets and photos HERE for date July 30th.   The best part of the evening was watching the crowd. They were so happy and diverse and you could feel the good mojo coming from everyone of them.

You can follow Voodoo on Twitter at @VoodooKC and HERE on Facebook.  You can follow me on Twitter at @AlexisCeule too.

Next blog.... on the incredible Los Lonely Boys concert the night after this one took place!  Same assignment.   I'm one lucky girl.

There's Granny Throw'n Out a Knuckle Bump

My son and I played a wicked game of tennis at the Prairie Village municipal city courts over the weekend.  It was already 85 degrees by 10AM when we got there, but that didn't stop the 25 or so senior citizens we saw playing each other in doubles.  They were laughing and having a great time. Some in wife beaters and sweats, others in Fila and matchy matchy outfits.   Some were even using the old wooden Wilson rackets from back in the 70's (probably still in my parents garage too).  Nonetheless, we had to stop for a moment and watch.  The fun was contagious.

A particular match we were watching left me wondering if the couple was in their late 70's or early 80's.  This is significant because... as the couple we were watching scored against the other couple... they approached each other, smiled, and gave each other a confident knuckle bump.

Wha?  My 12 yr old son and I darted a look at each other and laughed out loud. That was awesome!!! And no matter where these old folks learned the knuckle bump, the fact was, they were using it.  And looking like they'd been doing it every score for the last several decades.  It looked natural because they embraced it.   I bet they have done that all their lives... rolled with the punches, tried new things, embraced change because Lord knows it's the only thing we can count on.

It gives me hope for the 50, 40 and 30 somethings who tell me they don't understand social networks or up to date technology, so they don't use it.   Get in the game friends...  EVOLVE before you get so far behind you won't be able to catch up!  Times are changing. Embrace green. Embrace technology. Embrace change.
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I love these seniors using Wii to get back in the game at their retirement communities!

I'm Evolving

What a difference a year makes in social media and digital technology for the Social Media Mamapreneur!

I've gone from simply researching via social networks for clients to tweeting and Facebook updating for them, to live tweeting at events and now preparing to live stream video and tweeting from concerts.  Wow!  I'm having a blast, if you can't tell.  I really appreciate my clients willingness to try everything and anything through social media.  Every time I think this new industry has kicked into warp speed, I'm blown away by the clever new ways to use it.

If you haven't already, check out the Old Spice campaign and their online video blogs that respond to what some people tweeted to their @OldSpice account and to what bloggers have been saying about them.   It almost brings a tear to my eye how well they are utilizing social networks.  Smartly, they aren't overdoing it... it's coming to an end, but you can still view the numerous responses on the Old Spice Youtube page.  It's out there, forever.

Current accounts I'm fortunate to work with and who are willing to let me try whatever I can through social media are:  @SantaFeTow and on Facebook too, @JohnnysTavernPV (represents all 8 locations though and all 8 have their own Facebook page too), @HarrahsNKC , @VoodooKC and keepin it going for @BigSlickKC  as well as Facebook, as next years event is already being worked on.  2 new not for profit events are on the calendar.

I haven't been blogging due to time constraints. I'll try to remedy that, because there's tons to share right now.

Today is Your Day...

If you're seeing this blog, you're either reading it as a subscriber, a stumble upon'r, via Facebook, or searching the web...

HAPPY SOCIAL MEDIA DAY! 

   
For the simplest of online users to those who write code... it's your day.  Thanks to the volunteers at the Social Media Club of Kansas City for organizing and promoting the event and now the dual and new members of the Social Media Club of Johnson County (KS) for getting the word out too.

I'll be celebrating in Kansas City at Johnny's Tavern on 119th and Metcalf, with other like minded social media fans, at 6pm this evening. Join us in raising a few glasses to an industry we're appreciating and enjoying very much.


*cheers!*

Of All the Things To Do This Summer...

I'm really looking forward to doing a lot of this...

A little bit of this...

I want to see a lot of these...

I know I'll be found here...

I'll catch a handful of these... hopefully these guys (Train) too...

But most of all, I'm so happy the house will be filled with sounds of running, laughing, jokes, probably a few tears, and chitter chatter from these two monkeys...

Thanks to Jaime Jensen for her photo of the beer, poolside with me the first week of summer.  As well, the "Flying Squirrel" photo is of a high school friend and which one escapes me... I'll have to find out.

Fly On a Wall

I recently had lunch with two of my favorite people in and out of social media ... Zena Weist (H&R Block) and Christine Hamele (Parris Communications).  We met up at Smashburger in Leawood.  It was a lovely day and one of the few over the last two weeks that wasn't raining.   Some how, some way, these two wonderful Kansas City ladies had never met.  It was my pleasure to introduce them.

Right away through regular ol' conversation, they rattled off a half a dozen names of people they had in common and had worked with.  Over the course of the next hour and 40 minutes, they engaged in some wonderful social media/marketing/public relations related conversations that left me feeling crazy fortunate to witness.   Of course they were inclusive with me during these discussions, but I didn't want to muck up the quality.  So I was the quietest I may have been in a very long time.

These are two great minds sharing ideas, experiences and opportunities...   would I have looked ridiculous taking notes?  I really wanted to.  I smiled ear to ear, like the village idiot and soaked up all the goodness they were providing. I was the happiest fly on a wall.

If you want to meet some great minds in Kansas City too, the Social Media Club of Kansas City has done an incredible job of pulling like minded folks together.  It's FREE... check them out.

Thanks Christine for treating us!  Here's our delish spread at Smashburger...

Just What I Needed "An Unexpected Delight"

A friend of mine, Jennifer, recently said "I love how women take care of women".  I had one of those lovely moments a week ago.  I had just taken my husband to the airport (San Fran bound) and he'd be gone for a week.  I asked my children after he left, "Did Daddy have anything set up for me for Mother's Day?"  They blankly looked at me and then each other, shrugged their shoulders and said "No".  Hmmm...  really?   Crap.  I thought maybe he'd hand them a $20 and tell them to take me out to Sheridan's for ice cream.... or something.  My daughter said she made something at school and my son said he had something of his own too... and that's wonderful!  I was also hoping for something a little "grown up".  Does that make sense?

The day was fully under way and by noon, a knock at my door by a lovely delivery woman holding a large box, smiled and handed it to me saying,  "Looks like a winner to me."   

I hesitated opening it thinking for a moment it came to the wrong home.  The box was so beautiful and besides, the driver quickly drove away. I couldn't resist.  So I tore into it.  Lots of beautiful tissue paper (only a woman would appreciate that, right? LOL) and the first thing I pulled out was a gorgeous green etched glass pitcher!

Wha??  Certainly this isn't for me.  Who is this from?  I found a gold card with a hand written note from my friends via social media (and one from SME too) Christine Hamele and Kelly Cooper of Parris Communications.  "We wanted to recognize all of your efforts as a social media maven and Mamapreneur.   Hope you enjoy the exceptional gift experience from Cambria Cove!".   I had to sit down.


I was so excited and so happy they did this for me... just when I was feeling on the verge of neglected... and they saved the day!  I didn't open anything else but instead went right for the phone to thank Christine.  I was gushing, talking too fast and I hope she could tell just how appreciative I was.  Keep in  mind, I hadn't even seen the rest.  LOL!   Here is the jackpot they sent me... 

A wonderful candle in a pink ceramic container, WITH lid.  A gorgeous set of notecards that remind me of Amy Butler fabrics.  A gold and white zenia patterned journal that has a nifty built in pocket in the back.  Christine never could have known, but I love that stuff!  I tuck things away all the time ... now I have a spot with my journal!  Brilliant.  The two white doves are soap!!!! They came in the cool bird nest and there's a white ceramic little bowl they are sitting in too.  

Now look at this gorgeous bracelet!  KABLAM!  There's my Mother's Day jewelry I always secretly want!  Bonus: It's silver!


I am thrilled to the core with my unexpected gifts.  They were just what I needed.  You have no idea.  Well... maybe Christine and Kelly actually did.  I have been online with Cambria Cove this last week and on their Facebook Page which looks relatively new... so "like" them if these type of goodies are right up your alley.  The website has great ideas for Father's Day... calling them "Handsome gifts for dashing dads".  Love it!  


Thanks again Christine and Kelly for your timely thoughtfulness.   You are a shining example of people doing things right...  making someone feel valued.   MWUA!  XOXOXOX  

I'm a forever fan of Christine and Kelly. I'm a new fan of ...

They Have Far Exceeded My Expectations

I love a great sale and I adore great customer service. 

Give me what I want and based on that, give me something more that you know I'll need soon.   Convey to me you are the expert I will need when I have a question about your industry.  Leave me uttering the words "Wow".  Make me smile the entire conversation because you've not only fixed my challenge but cut another one off at the pass... one I didn't even know was looming off in the distance.   Leave me with the sincere impression that you care about my business and how I can help the businesses I care about too.  Actually give me the inspiration to write your name and direct number/email down when you offer it up unsolicited.

Then... two days later, send me an email you're having a 2 hour FREE seminar 5 miles from my house in the same month on the same issue I was contacting you about.

OMG...  Constant Contact.  I love you.

OMG! The Sun Has Risen in the West!

As you know I love social media and social networking.  I love the people, the nature of engagement, on my terms, on my time.  So when I meet people who don't "get it" and don't see the value, I can't help but feel a little sorry for them.  For them and the boat they have turned their backs on and are now missing. 

My twin brother, Owen, (the blonde toehead on the far right) is an excellent example of this resistance. He says he doesn't have time to sit there and "chit and chat"... "I hardly have my time to do my work and then I go home and do THAT stuff... it's a full day."   OK, I get that.  But all work and no play make Owen a dull and bitter boy.  You have to engage with other people about things you like... hobbies, passions, movies, music, etc...   There are a million ways to connect and it can be as little or as much as you want.  Staying connected makes us human again. It raises our awareness and compassion. If anything it's good for a really good laugh, at least once a day.  

Owen is a sales manager for Neal Harris Heating & Air Conditioning & Plumbing & Duct Cleaning & Frontal Lobotomies & Dry Cleaning...  the last two are jokes, but they actually do a lot and have been servicing Kansas City since 1953.  I know!!!  1953!  They were bought out by a national brand a few years back but maintain their hometown personalized service.  The "Mother" brand has allowed Neal Harris to keep their longstanding name as a distributor of their products.   I can't help but think with their history and the national brand behind them, that no way do they not have a fan page on Facebook at the very least! 

I've been encouraging Owen for the last 9 months to get Neal Harris in the game.  He'd probably call it hounding.  It's pretty clear that times are changing and his business needs to evolve.  Go where your customers are when they are there.   It seems so easy... because it is... more than ever now!  Then I got the ... "our customers are older. They aren't on computers." (our 81 year old father is... I rest my case)  My comeback for that flim flam excuse is... "Your customer base is dying off and you don't want new customers?  Younger customers (65 and down) who can be loyal to for the next several decades?  You don't want those people?"   You'd be surprised how many people with businesses, I have had that casual conversation with and that is their defense for not changing what they do.   Unless you're selling Geritol or Depends, you should be reaching out to qualified demographics for your product or service, don't you think?  Incredibly discriminatory and naive to think younger adults don't have heating & a/c problems.  On the contrary... they are probably buying older homes that come with those exact kinds of problems.  Who are they gonna call?  They are going to ask their friends on Facebook and Twitter for suggestions and their personal experiences ... they are going to Google and Yelp for local businesses doing a good job.  They are going to ask their peers, who they trust, to help them decide.  Where would Neal Harris fall into that discussion?  Neal Harris and other non evolving companies have marketed the same way for years... doing the same things and getting the same responses.  No wonder they have the same database. 

Owen tells me it's not his decision. It's corporate's, out of Dallas. (since when was he such a rule follower?!)   I like the school of, you don't get anything unless you ask for it AND it's easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.  "Owen,  ask for the Facebook fan page or start your own, but do it now before this window of opportunity shuts on your fingers as you're peering in from the outside!"   I dread the extra work companies will have to do to catch up with those who were more willing to look at and do things different earlier in the game.  As for Owen and Neal Harris...  It was a no go. I'm not saying ditch traditional advertising and marketing, I'm suggesting adding on to it.  Social networking is FREE... today.  It might change.  Alas...  The status quo of snail mailed newsletters/postcards and a little email marketing to former customers... will continue.

I called him this morning to visit and prepare to post this blog.  Right away he sounded chipper and excited!  Low and behold, THE SUN HAS RISEN IN THE WEST!  Neal Harris started a fan page... TODAY!   I was the 28th person to "LIKE" it!   It's not being updated and managed by his office at his location, but it's up damn it and I couldn't be more thrilled for them!   Being a sister, I had to bring up "Owen, if you'd been on Facebook the last year, you'd more than likely have a few hundred local friends... and that's without even posting on a regular basis.  How nice that would have been for you to suggest to your friends your new company fan page to 'like' if they were inclined.  They care about you... they'd join.  SOCIAL BRANDING & MARKETING.  SOCIAL BRAND RECOGNITION.  WORD OF MOUSE!"


This is a big step and I realize it.   I suggested he become an administrator on his page, so he can see the insights provided by Facebook and the demographics of the fans who are engaging with the page and of those who have joined.  It'll tell him by age group and what sex the fans are of Neal Harris on Facebook. It's huge information as they begin their brave new world of social marketing!   I am so proud of them!  Now if I can just get the sun to set in the East and get them on Twitter, so they can see real time, who needs their services, locally!


Good job Owie!