Wires and Paper

There was a time when all I had was a stack of printed papers in a notebook that I has written or typed.  I never would have imagined that I could accumulate so much paper. Along with speed comes the ability to produce paper rapidly. I think I have printed out more pages of information in a year than I have typed in 5 years and the paper continues to grow.  In addition to that, I have wires everywhere. For example: wires for my cell phone when the battery is low and I still need to use it;wires for my laptop; wires for the powerstrip to plug in, and wires for my headset because I don't like the bluetooth delay.

There is a solution to the paper. I will have to choose what needs to be printed and discard pages once I know I can retrieve it, if necessary. I can store the information in a cloud and have access at anytime or I can e-mail it to myself.

As for the wires, I'm still working on that.  Some of them will never go away like the usb connection for my portable hard drive or ac adapters that charge the different devices. I can tie them and make them easier to manager.   

Senior Citizens and Social Media

Social Media for most of the senior citizens that I know is taboo!  The negativity that is heard is frightening to them and I understand that.  I've started a small support group of senior citizens to help with some of their concerns.  My reason for doing this is simply to help social media be a tool.  If there is a complaint, the telephone is the first option for a senior citizen.  This will result in frustration because of the automatic answering service.  It is a good chance that the complaint will not be made and the senior citizen will be further frustrated.

The small group has an opportunity to explore social media at an individualized level.  The group can ask questions, see a projected view on a screen, and hear some of the positives about social media.  It's a rewarding venture for me because at each session a light bulb will go off and someone understands a bit more about Facebook etc.  I meet once a week and give homework assignments.  I recommend helping a senior citizen out at his or her own pace, which may take a little time. Just know that helping a senior citizen who struggles with social media will add to their independence.

Plainfield YMCA

YMCA is a well known organization from the past. However nowadays, the "Y" is not just a place to stay (many do not have that option anymore). Its more of a place of overall health and fitness of mind, body and spirit. I think that the Y has evolved to become a place where people of all ages comes to improve their overall well-being. I think that they have improved for the better, but are costly. While I know that there is no cost for those who cannot afford to pay, for the average family its a costly venture.

You will not be disappointed with the facilities, just be prepared for the cost and crowds.

Panera

I really enjoy going to Panera stores. Its an odd mix for me. I look at Panera as a place that's somewhat trendy yet has a menu of food that is comfort food.
When you go to Panera, you have a sense of "healthy" options and yet when you add the calories and carbs, its not so good for you.
I do think that Panera has great coffee. Panera also promotes some items that have great ingredients, and unusual combinations that leave you with the impression that you are wanting healthy food, yet you need to pay close attention to what iss actually in your food.

Also its an expensive trip each time so it should really be considered a treat.

Starbucks

If you are a coffee lover like myself than you are more than likely at Starbucks, Dunkin, or any other coffee shop at least three times a week when you aren't making your own coffee. Personally I cannot get through my morning without my cup of iced coffee. I usually make my coffee at home, but when I don't feel like it you can find me at Starbucks either getting an Iced Coffee or Iced Caramel Macchiato. 

Starbucks is doing a great job at at marketing through social media, in my opinion. I personally follow Starbucks on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and have their app on my phone. 

Their Instagram is mostly to show off their drinks:

If the question is if their Instagram page is working based on Marketing techniques, then the answer is yes. Just looking at these pictures makes me want to go and get myself a drink.

Their Twitter is great, they share tips on how to make Starbucks replicas at home with you. 

Not just that, but they share deals with you.

And like their Instagram they share delicious looking drinks that make you want to run to Starbucks.

Starbucks Facebook page is much like their Twitter and Instagram where they share drinks with you, along with specials. 

But I think my favorite Social site from them has to be their Starbucks app. It helps you keep track of your stars and how many more you need to get a free drink. And best of all they are constantly sending you specials. 

Overall Starbucks is doing a great job with their current Marketing.

Airing (Portable, Disposable CPAP Device)

 

Airing is using Facebook for product awareness and for funding to create a wireless, cordless CPAP device to help people with sleep apnea. Millions of people around the globe refuse to use a CPAP device because of the hassle of wires, cords, cleaning effort and wearing masks.   The hope is that those who need such device will get a better night’s sleep and live a healthier life.  The frequently post information in a Q & A fashion to keep product information in front of those that follow or “like” them.  The end result is product awareness, but more importantly funding.

The look of the design of the product itself reminds me of a pacifier however it has two soft “tubes” that are secured in your nose. The device is meant to be disposable, so no cleaning necessary.  A batter will last one night.  Because there are no hoses or wires, you can freely get out of bed for that midnight bathroom run.  A target of $3 each was mentioned in the campaign.

 

This campaign is very interesting.  They clearly have a product that is needed.  They describe the reason on why the product was invented, the target customer base (those that need a CPAP), and why this is so much better of a product.  They even go as far as explaining how this was actually an accidental invention.  The graphics they use show a varied demographic age bracket of potential users.   The thing that lacks is enough explanation as to why they need the funding to create the product.  What is truly stopping them from going to production?  Why not use another form of social media in the form of the TV show “Shark Tank” to get a real investor to help them?  They clearly could instantly help get them to market much faster.  Do they know for sure people would be willing to pay $3 each for a disposable device?  Product cost seems high, especially since you can get a traditional device for a few hundred dollars that will last on average for 5 years.

 

On a personal level, I know so many people that either already use a CPAP or refuse to use one for the very reasons they state.  I think there is a need for the product but I wonder if the demand will be there for them to actually produce it. I would purchase the device however I hope that they could get the product cost down closer to $1 per day so people could afford it.  It seems more practical for use as a travel mechanism with such a high cost.  I do applaud the inventor for taking a failed attempt at a different product and finding a demand for it that otherwise was not intended.  Overall, it is a nice campaign on Facebook, however if they really want to reach the public, they need to go beyond the internet.  I am sure there is a large number of older generation adults that could become potential customers but don’t use computers, the internet or social media (in my opinion a key demographic for them). 

To learn more about Airing and its campaign, check out their website: http://www.fundairing.com/#first-ever-micro-cpap