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Adventures in Invisalign
After months of deliberation, dental impressions and consultations, I’m finally getting my Invisalign tomorrow. In addition to the other random things I post here, I’ll be documenting the process. I get them first thing tomorrow, so I’ll likely post a video soon after I put them on.
If you unaware of what Invisalign is, it’s basically a form of clear braces that are more like mouth guards that you can take out to eat and brush your teeth. You get new ones every two weeks, and they progressively move your teeth to where they should be. The idea being you don’t look like a metal mouth, and you can practice better oral hygiene.
I originally decided to get it to straighten my teeth, and after my consult realised it could close the gap between my teeth in the side of my mouth (see bottom right shot of my teeth below). I’m getting it done at a place called RiteBite, by an amazingly friendly and efficient orthodontist named Dr. Luis. Many people have documented their journey through this process in blogs and on Youtube, and I felt since I’m a social media guy and had a blog already, I should too. Look for future posts talking about the cost and answering other main questions people have.
Welcome to my journey.
For the record, I’m not being paid or compensated in any way for this blog.
Blog Neglect
I’ve been neglecting this blog lately, and it shows. The reason? My true passion: Theme Park Canuck.
It’s my passion project. Reporting on news and views from the theme park world.
So if it seems like I’m not doing much here, it’s because I’m putting all my energy into that blog.
Thanks for understanding, and I hope to find more social media & marketing insights and advice to showcase here soon.
Brad
11 Wicked sources to stay updated on Social Media
There are way too many places to get information these days, it’s overwhelming. In order to stay on top of the game and know what’s going on in the world, it’s really important to read as much as you can about your industry. Mine happens to be social media, marketing and advertising. My last post detailed some tips about how to consume information, now I’m going to focus on the sources I use to be the most up-to-date person you’ll ever meet. I spend hours each day reading anything I can get my hands on. Not only about my industry, but things that are completely unrelated. It helps my personal brand, at work and even when I watch Jeopardy! I’m going to reveal some of my sources,but remember this is the tip of the iceberg.
Here is the list of some of my favourite sources to get the latest & greatest information about marketing, advertising, social media and business:
This site was cited at Social Media Week as the most important source for any person new to social media. They do post a lot of fluff, but if you can wade through that, it’s a valuable source for social media and tech news.
Great daily articles about the social media world, but beware it’s very sales oriented towards their success summits.
A great newsletter that grabs the most important headlines of the day and brings them to your inbox.
A homegrown podcast on CBC Radio about marketing and advertising. with Terry O’Reilly as its host. The most informative half hour of my week. New episodes every Sunday.
Another tech blog, great for coverage of the newest technologies and apps.
Information and inspiration about the world’s biggest brands and idea makers.
Videos from the super expensive and exclusive TED Conference. They range from design to business and marketing. All very informative and inspirational.
Great articles on startups, business strategies, tech, marketing and ton’s of other things.
The advertising industry bible. A must read to keep abreast of the latest campaigns, strategies and ideas
The Canadian version of Ad Age, a great overview of Canadian agencies and accounts moving around. It’s nice because most of the other trade magazine focus on the U.S. budgets and statistics, where this gives Canadian stats.
Focused on public relations, with articles about writing, spelling, grammar and other related topics. Great source for social media crisis management.
As I said before, it’s a lot of work to stay updated with these sources. The payoff is worth it: you’ll be better at work, and more importantly with your personal brand. Look for my next article detailing what that is and how you can manage it. Remember, things change very quickly and news breaks fast. These sources are a great start, but there are many more. Now that I’ve shared some my sources, what do you recommend I add to the list? Comment below and tell me!
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10 Ways to stay up to date with Social Media (and other things)
In my previous post, I talked about how constant learning is key to survive in the social media realm (and really in an industry). As there are millions of sources for information, it’s difficult to organize everything and keep up to date. I’m going to share some tools I use to digest as much information as I can in the most efficient way. A future post will focus on sources I use to keep updated about my industry, in the meantime here are some tools you can use to stay fresh in yours:
A great app for the iPad and iPhone. You can add all your social streams like Twitter, Facebook, blogs, plus Google Reader (see below). You can also subscribe to content within the app from Conde Nast, TechCrunch, and many others. It’s great because it takes all that information and presents it like a magazine you can flip through. Kind of a one-stop-place for all your important sources of information.
Google Reader
A simple place to subscribe to RSS feeds of blogs and websites to keep track of what you’ve read if you don’t have an iPad to use Flipboard.
Google Alerts
Simply pick keywords you want to know about, and receive a digest of activity related to that keyword from across the web. Especially good to set one up for your own name to monitor your personal brand (a future topic).
Twitter and Facebook Streams
Simply follow or Like brands and pages you want updates from, and while you see what your friends are up to, you can see the breaking news about social media as part of your stream. I find Twitter is great to uncover content I may miss, I pop in a few times a day to see what’s going on.
Newsletters
The good ones amalgamate various sources to produce a great overview of high quality content you can digest quickly. The bad ones (and you can tell) are very sales oriented and provide little information that’s useful to the reader. I hate those and quickly unsubscribe. It’s really easy to subscribe to a few newsletters and find yourself with inbox overload. I say pick 2 or 3 at first and make sure you read them. If not, move on to the next.
The hottest site on the web these days. It’s visually based, making it a breeze to skim and get excellent information, infographics and inspiring images. Still in Beta, you can email me for an invite if you want to join the site.
Read in the bathroom
Seriously, how much time do you spend sitting there just doing your business? Why not utilize that time to learn a few things. Take a book you’re reading, magazine, heck, even your iPad. People may judge, but you’ll be smarter for it! Trust me.
Magazines & Industry Publications
Print is not dead. Sometimes it’s nice to read something printed on paper. Our agency subscribes to a million different publications and I will skim them as I chow down at lunch. Another opportune time to grab some information. If you don’t get the print editions, visit the websites. Most of the content is the same, even expanded on the sites.
Blogs & Websites
An obvious one, but still worth mentioning. Tons of information is available on everything you can think of. Great for late breaking news & multiple viewpoints and opinions.
Podcasts
In the shower, on your commute to work, while your working out. All great times to listen to marketing, advertising and social media podcasts. There are lots out there, many of varying quality. Find the ones you like and subscribe to them in iTunes so they can update automatically.
Needless to say, I’m ALWAYS absorbing information everywhere I go. I feel like the only time I’m not learning is when I sleep. You may call it information overkill, I call it staying competitive and on the ball for my career.
These sources are what work for me, but may not be optimal for the way you digest information. Let me know how you stay up to date in your industry in the comments below.
The key is to find out what works for you by experimenting. Also, realize that someone else will always know more than you and that’s ok. The key is to be well-rounded and able to have a conversation.
Make sure to check back for my next post featuring a cheat sheet of sources to stay up to date.
What do Social Media people do all day?
Many people wonder what working in social media is all about. You can’t visit a blog or read a newspaper these days without hearing about this social media stuff. There are many facets to social media. Right now I’m going to give a high level view of what I do and a few things to consider. This is the first of many posts where I’ll be sharing my experience in the world of social media.
Take into account that while I know a lot about SM, I am not claiming to be: a guru, evangelist, strategist, expert, wizard or whatever else social media people call themselves these days. It’s an evolving trend that keeps me on my toes because it changes so often. No one is an expert. While I do spend a lot of time on Facebook and Twitter, it’s not like I’m playing Farmville or tweeting at Kim Kardashian all day long.
As with any form of advertising and marketing, strategy is key. Part of my job is to determine why a brand would need social media as part of an integrated strategy. BUZZWORD ALERT: Integrated simple means it’s consistent with the rest of the marketing and advertising. Think TV, Print, Outdoor, Radio etc. Most people would assume that if you’re getting lots of fans and followers, you are doing well. WRONG! Engagement is the most important aspect of any social media plan. Why invite 500 people to your party if no one will be talking about it afterwards?
Engaging: If you for one second think that Britney Spears herself is sending all those tweets and replies, you’re kidding yourself. Just like companies, celebrities are brands too. They have people to take care of their brand voice, and respond accordingly. This is called engaging. Social media allows a 2 way communication between the brand and the people. Doesn’t get more social than that!
Listening: Believe it or not, at this point many brands have people like myself that spend a lot of time scouring the web for mentions of their brand. If you tweet or post a blog about a company, you best believe that someone at that company will be reading and taking action. Well, the good companies do that. This is one of the reasons social media is so powerful. If you have an issue, you can tweet it to the world and most likely that brand will contact you to solve your problem. Preferably within 24 hours or so.
Writing Content: No one likes to go to a party where no one is talking. So I spend a great deal of my time researching, writing and editing content for my brands to post on their social platforms. There are really no rules, except that content must be within the guidelines of a brand. So Martha Stewart won’t be posting about the MTV Movie Awards anytime soon.
Reporting: This part’s for all the MBA’s and suits out there and is the most unglamorous part of the job. At the end of the month, we prepare an overview of mentions, engagement, impressions and lots of other number based stuff to send off to our clients. This in turn helps them prove that there is some form of ROI (return on investment.) The key here is determining what you goals are from the start, and understanding that SM is an evolving medium, just like everything else.
Learning I spend a lot of time during my day, both at work and home, scouring the web for the latest and greatest information related to marketing, advertising, design, social media and many other topics. I watch webinars, attend conferences such as Social Media Week and basically sleep, eat and breathe social media. The more rounded I can be, the more effective my work becomes for my employer and clients. As I said at the beginning of this post, it’s an ever evolving medium. I’ll admit it’s a lot of work to stay updated on this stuff, but it can be done. Look for my next post for tips on how to devour the amount of information it requires to keep current in this crazy world of social media!
Remember each day is different (cliché statement, but true) and this is not a complete list of what we, the social media people, do for our careers. It’s too much to list here, and differs depending on the workplace and/or clients.
Challenge for you: Since most people are so keen on criticizing the smallest fault with brands, why not say something positive? Mention the brand in a blog post, tweet or Facebook update (if you profile is public, otherwise they can’t listen because your posts are private) and see what happens. Comment below and tell me how it went.
Tips for staying motivated
It’s just under two weeks into my epic journey of health and I feel great. One of the hardest things I find is staying motivated with most things. I generally get excited about something new and shiny, then move onto the next about 5 minutes later. My health is one thing that I can no longer forget about. While I love hopping on my treadmill after work and getting that boost of endorphins, it helps to have some good music playing. Since running in the same spot can get boring, I watch music videos instead of simply listening to the songs. I find pop and dance music has a great beat to keep me pushing myself. Here’s a couple:
Yes, Nsync. Don’t hate. 
LMFAO is great for brisk walking.
Really good beat to run to.
A few other tips for staying motivated:
1. Constantly challenging myself
I make myself deals while I’m running. Such as telling myself I’ll slow down once a verse of the song is over, then I convince myself to keep going a bit further. Works every time.
2. Visualization
Just thinking about the coming days, weeks, months and how much better I’m going to feel is such a great motivator to keep going when I get tired.
3. Psyching myself up at work
About midway through my day (when I’m losing steam), I think about how excited I am to get home and exercise. It helps me stay focused at work, and gives me something to look forward to when i get home.
4. Talking with others
I’m quite the open and honest person, so I’ve made sure to tell anyone and everyone I can about my new goals. Just talking about it helps me want it more, and also hold me accountable when people ask how it’s going. Blogging is a great way to document my journey, so that if I hit that unavoidable wall, I have something to reflect upon to keep going.
I’m still adapting to the changes I’ve set in motion for myself and I couldn’t be more excited. It has not been an easy journey to get here. It’s taken a LONG time for all of this to set in and make sense. I’ve has many false starts and half assed attempts, and then realized that I’m the only one who is accountable for this to happen.
So now I pose a question to you: How do you stay motivated and focused with your eyes on the prize? Comment below and let me know. Until next time
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Goodbye fatty….my journey to a healthier lifestyle
It's too bad eating grilled cheese doesn't help with losing weight.
I’ll cut straight to the point….I’m a fatty. Not the type that needs to be taken out of my house using a crane, just a bit fat. My weight has crept up on me after many, many late nights binge drinking, eating low quality (but delicious) fast food meals and simply not taking care of myself. I’ve never worked out or been in amazing shape, but it dawned upon me as I looked at photos from my recent trip to Florida that I have packed on the pounds these few years. Look at my photo from Summer 2005 and compare it to now:
Carefree days of eating whatever I wanted....
Now 35 pounds later....
It’s really fun and easy to pack on the pounds, but not so much to take it off. The thing I’ve realized (and it took so long) is there is no easy way to get in shape. It takes hard work and perspiration. No magic pill or crash diet will work. I don’t get why we all think it will. Deep down inside, I believe we know the truth. We just like to think the pill is going to work because it requires no effort.
Right now, I’m starting with 45 minutes of intensive jogging/running and some light weight lifting. I get home from work and get right to it. No excuses. I read one of the best ways to stay accountable is to mark an “X” on your calendar the days you work out, so that you have a visual representation of when you didn’t. I must say, such a simple motivator and yet it works. As with most things, keep it simple. I’m not going to do some crazy cleanse, crash diet or take some magic bullet pill. I’m not going to weigh myself that often, after all it’s just a number. I’m not even going to change the way I eat at first. I mean, yes I am eating better, but I LOVE McDonald’s and I will not stop having the occasional lunch there. I figure once I get the exercise portion under control and imprinted in my habits, I will slowly change other aspects of my life. If you jump in too far, you may give up too quickly. I’m guilty of this, hence small changes. For the record, I started this adventure at 217 pounds. I’m sure I’ll know when I’m losing weight with increased energy and endurance.
As always, I’ll post my progress and struggles right here. Comment below if you have any tips/words of encouragement for me. In the meantime, I’m headed out for beer and wings. Happy Friday everyone
Look at that body. I work out!
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New Year, New Adventures
As I sit down to write my very first blog for 2012, there is so much happening behind the scenes in my life. At this point, I cannot discuss in detail. But give me a week or so and you’ll know exactly to what I’m referring to. I’ve been attempting to stay sane after being home for just over a year now. The urge to pack up my life and take another grand adventure seeps out of my pores 24/7. I’m happy to FINALLY be working in advertising and getting experience with social media. A few years ago if you told me I’d be getting paid to be on Facebook and Twitter all day I would have laughed in your face. At times, I truly feel there is an unseen force guiding me in the direction I’m meant to be. Two years ago the job I’m doing right now didn’t even exist, and 2012 is going to be a year of massive change for companies and the way they use social media. It’s a good career to be working in, with lots of prospects down the road. Other than finally getting a job, 2011 was a tough year for me. But for every part of 2011 I didn’t enjoy, I did learn and grow a lot because of my experiences, so it wasn’t a total write off. And I do remind myself that at the end of the day, I’m better off than 99% of the world, so I’m very thankful for that. Here’s a very quick recap of my 2011.
I was unemployed for a bit and applying like mad to advertising agencies, I got a few calls and interviews. Interview A was for an internship at a really shady web marketing firm. I told them thanks but no thanks. Interview B was for another internship that I bombed in the interview mainly because the person interviewing me didn’t really click with my personality. Odd considering I can get along with almost anyone. I then had two interviews for real jobs at BIG, MASSIVE, advertising agencies in downtown Toronto. The first was for a media assistant position, which I knew was totally unqualified for, and went to the group interview for that. Had to talk about myself to the group and write a geography and math test. Ended up not getting that to no surprise.
I had forgotten I applied at Apple Retail while still in Florida, and they gave me a call in February. I went on a group interview (very similar to Disney), followed by an interview with the store manager. I got hired, went through 4 days of Apple Brainwashing and started at Apple Square One shortly after. I only lasted 2 months until I decided it wasn’t for me. Needless to say, I didn’t enjoy getting screamed at in person and over the phone because people’s products didn’t work. this was 85% of the job. This coming from someone who has worked at Disney and Shoppers Drug Mart and has been in almost every possible crazy customer situation. I met with the store manager and told her why I wanted to leave and she was great and fully understood.
During the time at Apple, I got an interview for an account management position. I had 5 different interviews: Human Resources, 2 Account Managers (separate), another Account Manager who flew from NEW YORK CITY to meet me! And finally the Account Director on the phone from NYC. After the excruciating wait to find out my future, they went with the other person. Mainly over a bit more experience. To say I was crushed is an understatement, but I got over it.
I decided to head out to Calgary for the summer and try working out there. I packed my car, drove across the U.S. and Canada and arrived at Craig’s house. The living room became my bedroom, and we spent a great deal of time drinking, laughing and having a great time. Sadly, I couldn’t find work out there, but did apply for an advertising agency here in Ontario and ended up getting hired there. After 6 weeks in Alberta, I packed up again and drove home. I’ve been here ever since and am glad to be working in the advertising industry. My life isn’t that exciting at the moment, but I know it’s just a lull. Everything goes in cycles, and I’m in the part where it’s just about to reset.
I’m headed to Florida in a week to see some of my best friends and have 9 days of adventures. I also started a blog, Theme Park Canuck, to showcase my blogging skills and passion for theme parks. It helps keep me busy, creative and inspired.
I’m not sure what’s in store for me in 2012, but signs point to awesome.
P.S. Something I want to start doing is a recap of the notable events each week. Mainly because I’m lazy and bullet points are faster
Highlights of my week:
- The return of my favourite blog ever, The World According to C-Mac. A great friend of mine took a tiny break (a year and a half to be specific) from writing her fantastic, hilarious and inspirational blog. Even if you don’t know her personally, it’s a great read.
- Planning my Florida adventures. I leave on Saturday and couldn’t be more excited to visit great friends, have some awesome adventures and be in my happy place.
- Discovering the television show Shameless when I was sick this week. So good I watched 13 episodes in 3 days. It’s about a totally F-ed family that shocks after every turn. Starring William H. Macy as the screwed up dad.
- Secret project in the works. Please stand by.
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Bannock: What Le Cellier at Disney could be
Yesterday, my friend Steph took me out to lunch at a brilliant gem in the heart of downtown Toronto called Bannock. Right on the corner of Queen St. and Bay St., it’s in a former corner of the Bay store. The first thing I mentioned when I saw the menu was that this is what Le Cellier in the Canadian Pavilion at EPCOT should be. Don’t get me wrong, I love Le Cellier. It’s just that now the whole “Disney Parks” thing has taken over, it’s lost much of the authenticity it once had due to corporate homogenization. Bannock on the other hand is pure authentic Canadian food & drink. We’re talking Chinook Salmon, PEI Mussels, Alberta Beef, Butter Tarts & Canadian Wines. I mean they garnish their Caesar with maple glazed bacon! You don’t get more Canadian than that.
Bannock Menu
Described as “part grab-and-go café, part coffee shop, and part dine-in restaurant. The architecture reflects the menu – eclectic and approachably Canadian – featuring antique pine and hemlock reclaimed from one of the Queen’s wharfs that sat under the waters of Lake Ontario at York Street for over a hundred years. Bannock’s honest approach to food is rooted in familiar, wholesome ingredients that are reflective of Canada’s rich regional and cultural diversity, delivered in an innovative and playful way. Everyday classics are revitalized as the Chefs pay homage to traditional Canadian comfort foods, putting our cultural favourites front and centre. Bannock breads are integrated throughout the entire menu including sweet breakfast bannocks, artisan sandwiches and pizzas. Bannock garnishes are also added to soups, salads and main courses.”
Bannock Bread Basket
Bannock Caesar
We started with the Bannock bread basket, which has a garlic-goat cheese spread at the bottom to dip the artisan breads into. Very tasty and not too overwhelming in size. I had the Bannock Caesar made with vodka, sherry, clamato, salsa and a candied bacon garnish. Steph had the HBC, which was a concoction named after the Hudson’s Bay Company made with vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, peach puree and fresh lime. For her main, she had the Mac & Cheese, which she said was fantastic and much too big to finish. I had the Free Run Turkey Burger with heirloom tomatoes. It was garnished with a dill mayo, onion ring and avacodo spread. While a bit too salty at times, overall delicious.We also shared sweet potato fries with dill mayo. Also delicious.
The HBC
Mac & Cheese
Turkey Burger
While the decor may be a bit too city-chic for the Disney crowd, the food on the menu would definitely please. This menu was inspired by Canada in every aspect. Maybe Le Cellier can learn a thing or two about how to showcase authentic Canadian food in a fine-dining setting. Overall a fantastic experience that I will be sure to visit again. What do you think of Le Cellier compared to real Canadian cuisine? Leave a comment and let me know! Also, check out Yelp for reviews on the rest of the menu.
Wine List
