I’ve moved! Visit me at EdenSpodek.com

Hey everyone! It’s been a while since I blogged here and wanted to let you know I launched a new website and blog on my own domain. I hope you’ll join me there. Please visit at EdenSpodek.com.

Thanks for all your encouragement and support over the years.

Eden

Social Media Goes to College at Social Capital Conference

Social Capital Conference is taking place in Ottawa May 31 and June 1. It’s an event I’ve always oogled over but never been able to attend due to a recurring scheduling conflict. Three times lucky they say because this year they moved it up a month. I’ll be there, not only as an attendee but also as a speaker. Diane Bégin, Susan Murphy, Martin Waxman and yours truly are presenting “Social Media Goes to College” – a panel discussion based on the session we tested out at PodCamp Toronto last February.

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Calgary Zoo takes a big risk and produces 2012 annual report on Instagram

Calgary Zoo, Instagram and Annual Reports

What do these three things have in common? Not much until now. Believe it or not, the Calgary Zoo ditched a more traditional annual report format for their 2012 Annual Report and produced an Instagram-only version, including financial statements. Yes, you read that correctly. It looks like they posted the report over a four-day period with 55 photos, each one includes a detailed description.

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Blogger relations: PR dinosaurs need to retire or get with the program

I wasn’t planning to write another blog post about blogger relations so soon and then this showed up in my inbox this morning.

 
It pretty much sums up why it’s critical for PR people to stay current, build relationships with bloggers and do their research.

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Social media goes to college at PodCamp Toronto 2013

After five wonderful years and having the pleasure of working with a stellar and dedicated group of volunteers and supportive sponsor partners, I’ve stepped down from the organizing team. I’ve remained a contributing member of the PodCamp Toronto community.

For those of you who don’t know, PodCamp Toronto – is a free unconference for content creators and other digital media enthusiasts – taking place February 23 and 24.

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The value of disclosure in social media

It’s never too late to talk about disclosure in social media so I thought I’d share a post I wrote back in October for Food Bloggers of Canada.

The value of disclosure in social media

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Image credit: Melissa Hartfiel for Food Bloggers of Canada

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Jack Astor's gave me reason to blog

Our bill from Jack Astor’s

And just when we thought we’d have the makings of another Applebee’s disaster on our hands, Jack Astor’s scored a big customer service win for Diane Begin and I the other night.

It was late. We’d just finished class and we were hungry. While Diane ordered fries and guac, I asked if I could have a chef salad with grilled chicken added. The server implied that wasn’t an option and suggested I order the California Grilled Chicken Salad instead. I reluctantly agreed.

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The threat of a tweet

Ewww!

All was going to do was tweet “Ewww!” with a photo. Nothing more needed to be said. You probably would have looked and seen that little ugly hair on my plate.

I had no intention of naming the neighborhood eatery where we were having our weekend brunch. And then, just as I was snapping the photo and my husband said “Don’t tweet it! You don’t have to tweet everything, you know.” Or something to that effect, I was caught smartphone-handed by the restaurant manager. I had just snapped a pic and he seemed to have heard every, every word except for the “I had no intention…” part.

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Twitter bird icon credit: Bruno Maia, IconTexto

PodCamp Toronto 2011: Feb. 26-27, 2011

Once again this year, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a stellar and dedicated group of volunteers busily getting ready for PodCamp Toronto 2011 – a free unconference for podcasters and other new media enthusiasts – February 26 and 27.

PodCamp Toronto is less than one week away and almost 1,000 people have registered to attend. There are more than 80 sessions covering a wide variety of topics that will appeal to almost everyone and their grandma. Whether you’re new media curious, a dedicated online storyteller or a seasoned pro, there will be lots to keep you busy.

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Marketing to women – it’s not about free stuff

If you build it they will come may apply in baseball but not when marketing to women as confirmed by my recent experience attending two conferences* aimed at influential women online, primarily mommy bloggers.**

She’sConnected Conference built a foundation supported by the strength of relationships with brands and an online community platform. It promised to “connect top brands with Canada’s most influential and powerful digital women” for a one-day conference and yes, there’d be swag, lots of swag because that’s what these women want – free stuff. Really?

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Wanna spend some time with Steven and Chris?

On Tuesday, as part of a studio audience filled to the brim with other women lifestyle bloggers, I attended a taping of CBC’s Steven and Chris.

I’m not an avid watcher of daytime TV, although I’ve been a fan of Steven since his DIY segments on CityLine. I loved watching them on the original Designer Guys but I haven’t had much of chance to watch Steven and Chris – until now.

So, when the personalized note and invitation arrived for me and a guest to attend a special taping, light lunch and Q & A, I accepted.

The lengthy wait to get into the studio provided an opportunity to meet other women, whom I’d only known online and the option of having our make up done by make-up artists.

The show was jam-packed with segments about home entertaining and decor, DIY projects, cooking with Chef Rodney Bowers (who’s pulled pork sandwiches were delicious, the recipe should be posted soon) and special guest, Jenny McCarthy who was on a whirlwind book tour. (My initial reaction when I heard she’d be on the show was “ugh!” but I have to admit her interview with Chris was entertaining and she came across as intelligent, funny and approachable. Why she has made a career of being a bimbo is beyond me. However, I have the utmost respect for her autism activism Generation Rescue.)

Lunch, prepared by Chef Bowers, was yummy. (Yes, I ate pulled pork.) He and Strombo (Yes, that Strombo, I have pictures) mingled with the crowd and obliged us with conversation and photos. Steven and Chris mingled for a few minutes before the post-lunch Q & A session (sorry I missed this part).

Before I left I spoke with Deb McCain from the show’s PR agency. I wanted to learn why they held this event. To paraphrase, she told me they recognized the influence women online now have – bloggers in particular – and their importance in helping to build an online community around the show.

You can watch the episode on CBC tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET, set your PVR or catch it online. You can also catch Steven and Chris on Twitter and Facebook.

Now for the giveaway...
I have two gift certificates for groups of four tickets [updated] of Steven and Chris tickets to give away, and one gift certificate for a gallon of Para Ultra White Flat Ceiling Paint from Para Paints. For a chance to win, leave a comment telling me why you want to see Steven and Chris and/or the secret ingredient in the pulled pork sandwiches, by Wednesday, October 27. Winners will be chosen at random.

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I won’t accept money for writing reviews. Period.

Working on both sides of the blogger relations’ equation full-time for the past year or so has really been an eye opener as far as the challenges facing bloggers, brands and the agencies that represent the latter.

Over the past few months in particular, I’ve been exposed to a few situations where the concept of paid reviews and/or pay-to-post has been the subject of discussion. It’s something that I grapple with frequently and when it comes to how I govern my own blog and my relationships with agencies, brands and retailers, I’ve drawn a clear line as far where my comfort level and leanings lie.

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Bargainista interviews Marta Nowinska from SwapSity

As you may know, I've been intrigued by local swap parties. Last year when Marta Nowinska approached me about promoting her swap meet on Bargainista, I was happy to help. Last week when Marta emailed to let me know she was launching SwapSity – an online consumer barter community – I suggested we do an interview.

What inspires you?

I love bringing my ideas to life and building exciting initiatives from the ground up. The creative process, along with the challenges it brings, fuels an entrepreneurial flame within me. Dialogue and idea-sharing also bring me new insights and spark my creativity.

Where did you get the idea for SwapSity?
Often, my best ideas come in flashes of insight, which was the case with SwapSity. The thought of swapping things crossed my mind one early morning in 2005, while on the way to work. Market research revealed clear potential for consumer barter in Canada. The idea was also fresh and unique, so I set out to create SwapSity.

Are you planning on holding swap parties in other locations besides central Toronto?

We started out with swap meets for downtowners and if there is significant interest, we will definitely consider expanding our events to other locations.

What would you like people to know about your approach to swap parties? How are they different from others and how will they integrate with the SwapSity brand?

Our brand offers the option of both an online and offline swapping experience. The swap meets have a variety of themes depending on the season. To date, we’ve organized a general garage sale and a book-movie-music swap. Upcoming events may include toy swaps for parents, clothing exchanges and arts and crafts fairs. Our events are open to everyone, including those who are not SwapSity members.

You’re on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr and have a blog, how are you using social media to help build SwapSity?

Our social media presence keeps growing. We share our swap meet photos on Flickr, tweet daily swap listings on Twitter and feature interesting items on Facebook. Recently, we have also started highlighting success swap stories on our blog.

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Announcing PodCamp Toronto 2010

Perhaps you’re wondering why I’ve been so quiet lately. I haven’t disappeared. Like the rest of an amazing group of volunteers on this year’s organizing team and sub committees, I’ve been busy helping to put the pieces together for PodCamp Toronto 2010 – an unconference for podcasters and other social media enthusiasts – February 20 and 21.

Our new website launched Sunday night and already almost 250 people have registered from all over Eastern and Central Canada as well as the United States, to attend this free event. Sponsors have been incredibly supportive and without them to cover the costs, PodCamp Toronto would not be free.

But one piece is still missing: the sessions. If you’re passionate about something or you have a unique point of view you’d like to share with the community, consider presenting. A session registration form will be added to the website soon, promise. And if there’s something you’d like to see me speak about, leave your suggestions in the comments.

What?
PodCamp Toronto 2010
It’s the largest unconference for podcasting and social media in Toronto.

Have something to share?
Consider presenting. Sign up will be available soon.

When?
February 20-21, 2010
You can register by signing up here.

Where?
Rogers Communications Centre
Ryerson University (map)
Toronto, ON

How much?
FREE!

Stay informed:
• Check out the website
• Subscribe to the blog
• Follow @PodCampToronto on twitter
• Join the Google group

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Help raise money and set a Guinness World Record to #BeatCancer

For my October series of weekly posts to raise awareness for breast cancer in honour of my friend Andrea, here’s something we can all do to help… and it’s so simple.

I'm helping to raise funds to
#beatcancer, by blogging, tweeting
and posting Facebook status
updates.

Click here to join me!

All you need to do is Tweet, update your Facebook status or write a blog post including the hashtag “#beatcancer” until noon EST today and eBay/PayPal and Miller Coors will donate 1 cent to cancer research. It’s part of a campaign to raise money and awareness to beat cancer. Lend a helping hand and be part of this social media experiment to try and set a Guinness World Record for the most social media mentions in 24 hours (yes, I know, this post is a bit late but there’s nothing like the present for a good cause.)

There are four charities listed on the #BeatCancer website where you can make a direct donation. For us Canadian folks, you may prefer making a donation to a local organization. I’ll be making one to rethink breast cancer today.

Announcing TO Social Media PR Events Wiki

Okay, so shoot me. Tonight’s post may be a bit off topic but on Blogger’s 10th anniversary and the eve of the season opener of Third Tuesday Toronto, it seemed only fitting that I give something back to a community that has done so much for me.

Lot’s of people in communications, marketing and PR whether they be part of the local fishbowl or not, have asked me to keep them informed about local events. This may surprise some of you who know me but I don’t go to them all. I don’t even know about some of them and as much as I’d like to have the time to keep you all in the know, I’m just not that scalable. ;-)

So, I’ve started a Toronto Social Media PR Events wiki (feel free to suggest a better name). I hope you’ll help keep it up-to-date with local events and/or events of interest to the local community.

If you’re looking for something more, Say Yeah maintains a more comprehensive event calendar.

Why you should buy Six Pixels of Separation - the book

Some of the best things in life are free – some things you buy are even better.

Yesterday I returned from our family vacation aka Spodek Road Trip 2009 where we drove through to the U.S. Midwest and spent five glorious days in Chicago. The drive seemed incredibly quick. Why? I took my friend Mitch along. Well, actually I took a complimentary galley copy of his new book Six Pixels of Separation: Everyone is Connected. Connect Your Business to Everyone, along for the ride. I was engaged the whole time and the drive flew by.

Several years ago, when I started reading blogs and listening to podcasts on a regular basis, I started reading Mitch Joel’s blog and listening to his podcast. I learned a lot from him for free. To this day, he continues sharing his wisdom and those of other digital marketing thought leaders for free. You can also read his regular column bi-montly in both the Montreal Gazette and Vancouver Sun.

And why should you bother?
Well, through his personal experience building his own personal online brand and Twist Image, his successful digital marketing business he shares the secrets of his success. He also shares real-life stories of other successful businesses and entrepreneurs who used the power of social media to get ahead. (I admit it, I’m somewhat biased because Mitch is Canadian. He refers to Canadian examples plus he talks about events I’ve attended like geek dinners and podcamps. Update: I was thrilled when I saw he included Kate Trgovac’s wonderful Squidoo lenses too.)

Like many other fans, I wondered what else I could learn from the book that I couldn’t get for free. I learned a lot and that I’d want my own copy even if I had to buy it and here’s a little secret – it’s even better than what Mitch gives away for free.

If you have a business big or small and your looking for ways to “Burn the Ships” or stand out in the crowd, Six Pixels of Separation: Everyone is Connected. Connect Your Business to Everyone provides a wonderful overview with great tactical advice to help you navigate your journey in easily digestible chapters. Best thing is, Mitch explains how you can connect yourself and/or your business to everyone – your customers and potential customers – without having to understand technology or be a geek.

If by chance you’re interested in purchasing multiple copies, Chris Brogan has a special offer. Trust me and trust a Trust Agent, if you’re an entrepreneur with a blog or about to launch one, here’s another great way buying Six Pixels of Separation will help you gain exposure.



Did you read any good books this summer? How will they help connect you or your business better?

Check out my interview on FinalFashion

Shortly after Bargainista began, some awesome and very connected members of the fashion blogging community contacted me and invited me to join them for the second Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch, started by none other than the incredibly talented and articulate Danielle Meder, the woman behind finalfashion. She’s a brilliant fashion illustrator too. (Thanks Danielle for letting me include one of your illustrations.)

Danielle interviewed me this week for her interview series, fashion blog karma where we discuss the intersection between the fashion and shopping blogger communities and public relations. Have a read. I’d love to know what you think.

Bargainista interviews MeghanT

I’ve never met MeghanT in person. I follow her on Twitter and I’ve been impressed by her jewellery design and the way her love of life comes through in her both her craft and her tweets. I wanted to learn more and thought you might too, so I asked her a little about her business. Handmade artisan jewellery creations for the discriminating collector.

As a special gift to you...
MeghanT is offering you a 10% discount until the end of August. All you need to do go to www.MeghanT.etsy.com and click on ”contact” and send her a note quoting the “Barganista” code and the item you’d like to buy. Meghan will adjust the price on her site and create a reserved listing for you so you can make your purchase.

What inspires you?
Designs [are] inspired by the Caribbean and my inner musings, Featuring gold, silver, gemstones, crystals and original organic material found in my travels around the globe.

When did you start designing jewellery?
I experimented with jewellery design when I was a little girl, but I was more into drawing and painting growing up. Everyone thought for sure that I’d be going to college to study the arts and were shocked when I did an about face and pursued a career in Psychology. I didn’t start designing jewellery until a few years after I graduated from university with a B.A. I felt like I had neglected a very important part of myself during my studies, and was yearning for a creative outlet once again. I started by training at a school in Toronto for makeup artistry. I got certified, but it wasn’t the right niche for me. It opened up my eyes to the world of photography and fashion though, so I was grateful for the experience. Shortly afterwards I began sketching jewellery designs. As I learned new techniques I was able to tackle more complicated projects and my passion and enthusiasm for design just grew and grew.

Tell us about your experience on Etsy.
Etsy gave me a chance to show my creativity to the world for the first time ever. I have always supported handmade artists and was looking for a way to make online purchases and not wait for the yearly art shows I was so fond off. Initially I was content to purchase other artists work in lieu of going to the mall, but slowly I began working on my own shop, and listing some of my favorite creations to get feedback from the public. Etsy gave me a way of showing my work to people all over the world – an audience I would not have had initially were I to try this all on my own.

What inspires you?
All my creations are motivated by something powerful moving through me. I am a lover of life and I’m constantly compelled by the things I see and feel on a daily basis. I spent many years of my life as a teen on the island of Grenada and go back yearly for extended vacations. The island is chocked full of bright, vibrant, compelling imagery and instead of painting what I see – I create jewellery. It’s hard not to develop an eye for rich bold color after living in the Caribbean.

What would you like people to know about your approach?
I look at my handmade jewellery designs as opportunities to create wearable art. My canvas is the human body and I am creating “paintings” to adorn it. I believe that there is a certain energy that goes into handmade work and it calls to one specific person for whom that item was intended. When my creation meets with a person who is in sync with my artistic vision, magic happens. A lot of my jewellery designs have individual stories paired with them because I want people to know what I was thinking and feeling during the items conception. I think this really helps customers with their selection process.

Art really is what sustains me and feeds my soul. If I don’t get the opportunity to create for several days I can feel a nervous sort of energy build. When I work in my studio I am motivated by a certain theme, feeling, or image held in my minds eye. I have my gems, crystals, and metals sorted out by color, so I am able to work just as if I were working off a palette on an oil painting. Sometimes I start off with a quick sketch, and then I begin experimenting by bringing certain colors, forms, and materials together. Often times, I get saturated by ideas and it’s hard to reign in my enthusiasm and not have several different projects going at once. I pour a lot of myself into whatever I am making, and when the fervor to create is over, I know that the jewellery design is perfect.

Why Twitter? Blog?
In this day and age taking advantage of social media is very important. It helps you connect with a targeted audience, meet other people in your industry, and forge new friendships. I love that I am able to chat with my customers online and I thoroughly enjoy connecting with other creative souls who offer ideas, feedback, and educated opinions.

Check out MeghanT’s Facebook fan page and her new shop on ArtFire.

Tip of the week: using Twitter to win prizes

This week’s tip comes from Adele McAlear or @AdeleMcAlear as she’s known on Twitter.

Here’s her tweet:
I’ve saved you the work and done the search. In the time it took me to write this post, there were 160 new tweets with the word “win” with links to all kinds of contests. If you’re really savvy, you can even subscribe to the RSS feed. If you do try this out, let us know if you have any luck.

Thanks Adele!

Have a tip to share? Email or tweet me and maybe I’ll post it here.