I Really Like Twitter #IMEANIT

A few years ago, I was originally skeptical about setting up a Twitter account. I thought Twitter was only good for providing a platform for our narcissistic generation and their compulsion to publish every insignificant thought. See, I told you I was skeptical...and cynical. Little did I realize that Twitter was a whole lot more than reading when your friend "got the best burger EVER" or a celebrity is in the "Stuuuuuuuudiooooooooo" (Lil Wayne's tweet from today). 


I became an active Twitter user when I started my internship as the Social Media Intern for the I Back Jack Foundation. It became my job to manage the foundation's Twitter account. I quickly learned how powerful Twitter was for I Back Jack and thought how it could be a powerful tool for me as well. I follow key news source accounts on Twitter - it is a great, cheap and fast way to get the information I need. I also follow accounts that offer information on things I want to know. It is also a fun way for me to keep interact with friends. Another thing that I enjoy about Twitter is that it is witty and to the point. Every character counts. 


A tip from an article called Twitter for College Students warns students that unless protected, tweets are viewable by anyone. This is definitely something to keep in mind. The article also suggests that professors should give students their Twitter name. This way, the professor doesn't need to share his or her mobile number - something that is private and can often times be abused. 


25 Suggestions For How To Use Twitter in 2011 encourages tweeters to grow professionally, research competitors and to engage with your community. These three things are certainly why I find Twitter extremely valuable. 


My client, the I Back Jack Foundation, can rely on Twitter to interact with other organizations. These can be organizations that the foundation already converses with, or new ones that are potentially interested in learning more about working with the foundation. Twitter is a great tool for the foundation to give credit where it is deserved by mentioning donors and sponsors. It is also a fantastic way to keep followers updated and excited. 


Five accounts that I now follow as a result of this assignment are Big Shoes Network, Sheena Carey, MU Tribune, NY Times and AP Stylebook. I will continue to follow all of these accounts. I find them to be worthy of my interest. My favorite one thus far is the NY Times. I enjoy what they choose to post and how often they choose to post. MU Tribune is good too because I can stay updated on campus happenings - even after I graduate! 

Isan Litrong

"I never thought a soda bottle could brighten my home." Check this out - it's a sweet and inspirational story. 

Can't Wait to Try It

I came across this product a few weeks ago. It's just nail polish, so why can't I stop thinking about it? Scotch Naturals has me hooked. This polish is water-based and non-toxic. Quite the eco-friendly alternative to traditional polishes. Now that's polish with a purpose - sign me up.

One Long Noodle

Your imagination is the limit when it comes to advertising. Any surface can be used to promote a brand -- but the challenge is to do so in a way that hasn't been done. What will catch the passerby's eye? What will be talked about?

I think that this Mondo Pasta ad is super clever! I personally have never heard of the brand Mondo Pasta, but I'd be willing to check it out after seeing this ad! It just goes to show that creative advertising DOES make a difference!

Old Spice, You So Funny

I enjoyed the latest group's assessment of Old Spice. Isaiah Mustafa is perfect for these quirky ads. I like how Old Spice didn't take the easy way out and do a typical men's body wash/cologne advertisement. Girls aren't falling from the sky to chase after a man who has recently bathed his body in a certain scent. These Old Spice ads are different and break through the clutter.

One of my favorite quotes that one of the group members said was that Old Spice "takes its target seriously". They need a reason besides "getting the girl" to listen to the ad.

Give Me a Break!

Jenna Lyons is J.Crew's Creative Director, and MAN has she done an impressive job in the last few years. She has broght J.Crew into the 21st century, keeping its preppy style but adding a modern and more trendy twist.

J.Crew's website has a section called "Jenna's Picks" where shoppers can see Lyons' favorite items. Recently, J.Crew featured Lyons in a more up-close-and-personal ad series.

This ad shows Lyons with her son, painting his toenails. The ad has sparked a bit of controversy, asking if it is appropriate for parents to support boys participating in what is traditionally a girl's past time.

What I have learned here is that some ads can be controversial even when they aren't meant to be. We all have different values and beliefs. What I say is....LET HIM WEAR PINK!

Yes, I know my ABCs

Talk about brand recognition! One simple letter and a few simple colors equals successful branding. It is fun to see how labels and brands have infused their way into our brains.

How many can you correctly identify? Answers below...NO CHEATING!