iPad Video Test in Austin

The video embedded below is one I took on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Muller Lake Park. I was really working on my skills to shoot, edit and publish a video all from the new iPad.

It's not as easy as it looks. Web writing is hard in the SquareSpace app and I'm probably going to try again using the ByWord app. Also the SquareSpace app isn't retina ready and I'm surprised they have no video embed process for writing.

Getting The YouTube Embed Code

Once I published the video to YouTube I had an awful time trying to find the embed code. However a quick search lead me to this video which explained how I could go to Tools 4 Noobs and use their Embed Code Generator and be done with the entire thing.

It's a bit ridiculous but it's a fast work around.

The Apple II In The Closet

This is how I found out. I suppose I'm a little sad that Steve Jobs has passed away. I think I'm still in a bit of shock. I've read and heard people eulogize his legacy, his work and his unique operating style. I have nothing to add to their wonderful memories.

I am, however, extremly greatful that I got to witness his keen eye, and artistic business savy, and of course for the Mac and iOs. You see, I'm proud that we are here today with the tools that we have. Steve brought us (with many others) the digital revolution. He put technology in our hands that gave us laymen the power to create.

The first time I saw a computer I was only about 7 or 8 years old. It was an Apple ][. Even at such a young age I could almost grasp the power of the personal computer revolution. It was there in Green and Black. The Apple ][ would later find it's way to my closet where it would sit always reminding me of the future that was to be.

There is still power here. Pundints mention that there won't be another "Steve Jobs" in our lifetime. I like to think that he not only gave us the tools to be the next "Jobs" he also gave us the the vision.

Thank you Steve for your vision and your leadership. As a sign of my gratitude I'm going to go out and create. You should too.

The Longhorn Network's New Business Model

ESPN isn't a sports network. It's an advertising network and the one thing ESPN needs for growth is greater niche coverage of sports. The high school + Texas sports coverage could have been very very lucrative. Enter The Longhorn Network.

Starting a new media company creates a few issues to solve. Most importantly to me TLN needs to...

Find a viable revenue stream by streaming online.

Get partners like Apple TV, Boxee and Amazon. We pay for MLB At Bat so we can watch games on the iPad, iPhone and Apple TV. I'm ready to pay. Leave those cable & satellite partners behind and explore the world of online partnerships. Tailgating fans are buying 2 year satellite agreements worth over $1000 just to watch a game or two. You can capture some of that market.

Team up with an internet provider like Clear.

Easier said than done but the results could be extraordinary. I'm enjoying watching the network so far and very excited about pitching stories around Amy's Ice Creams. We are a 27 year Longhorn tradition, after all.

Marketing Advice from Tabitha’s Salon Takeover: West End Salon

It’s true I enjoy the guilty pleasure of Bravo’s Tabitha’s Salon Takeover. Having a history of salon marketing I’m especially interested in the owners and staff’s perspective. Having a transformation experience like that is a golden opportunity and often times wasted because the change in behaviors are unknown.

If I had my way, I’d join Tabitha and spend that time educating the management about open book finance, best practices management and reframing their prespective of their business.

Everyone in the salon industry must view their craft and business and an intersection of artistry, commerce and service. All three of those engines must be constantly maintained & running as efficiently as possible.

Marketing Lessons You Can Learn From West End Salon.

1. Don’t Cheapen Your Experience with Cheap Schtick
The salon owner, Dougie, has one problem and it’s not finding clientele. It’s providing a memorable experience from the first interaction to the time they rebook and leave.

The gimmicks, the games and the wild behavior should be directionally funnelled into the sales & leads channel. If you want to be known as unique and spontaneous host events outside the of the salon like a Henna Tatoo Show or perhaps a Drag Fashion show.

Bottom Line: Don’t mix the promotional activities outside the store with the in-store experience.

2. Start Attracting The Right Customers Segmentation. Segmentation. Segmentation. Dougie needs to take every service that he has and wittle them down to the best his staff can offer. Then find out the customers segments most interested in those services. Finally create marketing communications to target that segement.

Why do salon owners feel that they need the biggest net possible to attract customers? Segmentation can help you decide to not chase after certain customers. You’ll be able to focus all that engergy on getting the “right” customers. “Right” is defined by customers who will keep you in business and help you grow. There is no one “Right” for every single business.

Dougie seems to have reverted to his old ways and he hasn’t received a meaningful positive review on Yelp or Google Place. Don’t make the same mistakes West End Salon is going through. Start attracting the right customers through segmentation and find the proper time and place to market your salon or business always keeping it out of the paying customer’s experience.

Imagine a cloudy world..

Thinking about the future of media creation.

I'm hoping that with iOS 5 you'll be able to snap a picture with your iPhone and have it upload to the cloud and come back down to the iPad. Then as you report on the news or whatnot you can add those images inline.

Workflow probably wouldn't be any easier than a computer but it would be that much more mobile. Before designing your communication strategy ask yourself

Do I (or my team) need to be mobile?