Remember America Online? At eight years old, my first screen name was “lilsis90.” I grew up with the Internet and watched the nature of online platforms, like AOL and Facebook, go from areas for conversational, personal branding to crucial places where businesses must be active to thrive as a brand. We are no longer just updating our friends and family with a lifestyle play-by-play, but rather, consumers are sharing opinions and experiences about brands and products. These consumer-based conversations are happening on platforms where businesses can make an impact.

Below I break down the top reasons why businesses need to have a social media presence, right now:

1. Connect with Customers – Whether your company is on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram, YouTube or any other popular channel, it is an opportunity to connect your brand with your target audience. Fans will inform you about product likes and dislikes, inquire about future products and promotions, and share customer-to-product experiences. Social media will keep your brand translucent, which allows consumers to understand what you do from the inside out.
2. Promote Products and Promotions – Social media also allows you to promote the latest products and promotions. Customers like to hear about a new product announcement, the newest promotion, a mid-season sale or even a sneak peek at what your company will be releasing in the coming months. Announcing product-related news on the company’s social media platforms allows customers to feel like they are in the know with their favorite brands
3. Share Industry News and Content – A social media platform is a great way to share industry news or even produce content! Whether your company decides to share articles from outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal or even produce its own integrated marketing articles on a company blog, sharing news and tips is a great way to show customers your company and its leadership are industry thought leaders and experts.

Are you ready to connect with your fans? It’s time to blossom your company into a social media powerhouse! If you are as excited as we are, learn more on our “What We Do” page or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

By Ali Nudo. As the PR Account Coordinator at lotus823, Ali supports the agency’s integrated marketing and PR practices for a variety of lifestyle, consumer electronic and music industry clients. Ali offers team help through media relations, social media strategy, and execution of strategic public relations and marketing planning. When not focused on work, Ali enjoys running, blogging, and shopping! You can follow her on Twitter, at: @lotus823_Alison! Read other posts by Ali Nudo.

Monday Mantras from an Integrated Marketer’s Perspective
By: Jessica Guida
Follow Jess on Twitter: @lotus823_Jess

Have the Monday blues got you down? Let social media lift you up! Indulge in Pinterest quotes, make Monday ‘my day’ on your Facebook page and shout out #HappyMonday on Twitter.  http://www.lotus823.com/20130401-monday-mantras-from-an-integrated-marketers-perspective/
_________________________________

Want an Integrated Marketing Internship at the New Jersey Shore this Summer? lotus823 is Hiring!
By: Lisa McDonald
Follow Lisa on Twitter: @lotus823_Lisa

Are you looking for a marketing internship in New Jersey this summer? Intern with a group of friendly and creative marketing savages at lotus823: http://www.lotus823.com/20130405-want-an-integrated-marketing-internship-at-the-new-jersey-shore-this-summer-lotus823-is-hiring/
_________________________________

An Integrated Approach to Lunchtime in a Search Engine Marketing Environment
By: Ali Nudo
Follow Ali on Twitter: @lotus823_Alison

Feeling guilty when breaking for lunch at work?  You shouldn’t!  A lunch break is important for your mind and body, plus it’s a great way to network!
http://www.lotus823.com/20130410-an-integrated-approach-to-lunchtime-in-a-search-engine-marketing-environment/
_________________________________

Thomas Jefferson Day
By: Lisa McDonald
Follow Lisa on Twitter: @lotus823_Lisa

In celebration of one of our founding fathers, who drafted the Declaration of Independence: http://www.lotus823.com/20130413-thomas-jefferson-day/
_________________________________

The lotus823 Integrated Marketing Language? Teamwork.
By: Alecia Shaver
Follow Alecia on Twitter: @lotus823_Alecia

Teamwork makes the dream work. Always encourage, give proper recognition and have fun with it!
http://www.lotus823.com/20130422-the-lotus823-integrated-marketing-language-teamwork/
_________________________________

3 Ways Bacon is Like Content Marketing
By: Heather Hewit
Follow Heather on Twitter: @lotus823Heather

Bacon does make everything better! See why it can help not only your hunger the next time you think about content.
http://www.lotus823.com/20130425-3-ways-bacon-is-like-content-marketing/
_________________________________

[STUDY] Facebook Photo Browsing Can Improve Your Mood
By: lotus823 interns
Follow our Interns on Twitter: @lotus823_intern

Next time you’re feeling a bit down, just open up Facebook for a mood-boosting effect.
http://www.lotus823.com/20130426-facebook-photo-browsing-can-improve-your-mood/
_________________________________

Looking through old pictures can bring back a lot of memories. With Facebook reaching its tenth year in 2014 (!), it has never been easier to find nostalgic pictures from your past. Seeing what clothes you once wore might be embarrassing and coming across a picture of someone you used to be close with might bring on some emotion, but a recent study suggests that these older pictures can actually have a positive, mood-boosting effect.

Researchers at The University of Portsmouth found that browsing through old pictures on Facebook “promotes positive reminiscing and self-soothing feelings.” (http://allfacebook.com/study-facebook-reminiscing_b113354?sf11055433=1)

Out of 134 Facebook users polled, 76 percent said that looking back at their old posts and pictures improved their mood. Seventy-three percent of those polled also said looking at photos that their friends posted to their timelines improved their moods.

While Facebook is still relatively young and online behavior changes frequently, researchers at The University of Portsmouth plan to continue their studies, stating, “although this was only a small study, we will go on to study larger groups to see if the results remain consistent.” (http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/health/facebook-good-for-mental-health-285041.html).

Hopefully, the research will enable us to find more ways to look through old photos on Facebook which will ultimately help improve our mood and make us happy (and not just for finding a great #ThrowbackThursday photo). After all, a picture isn’t just worth a thousand words, it can also make you feel happier… and that is priceless.

Check out our Facebook photos here https://www.facebook.com/lotus823/photos_stream, hopefully it helps improve your mood.

By the lotus823 Interns. At lotus823, our interns support the agency’s integrated marketing efforts through their work on public relations, social media and search engine optimization initiatives. These students manage the intern Twitter account, craft creative social media content and draft engaging blog posts for a variety of consumer electronic and lifestyle clients. Follow the lotus823 interns at: @lotus823_intern. Read other posts by the lotus823 Interns.

I would be happy to attempt to inform you, with a naïve zest, that we’re foodies here at lotus823, but if you happen to follow our blog, I’m certain you’ve figured it out.

We love food.

In fact, if I had to choose to name only two of my greatest passions, they’d be food and what I do. Thus, if there’s any way I can find correlations between the two, I’m all about it. Here goes a tribute to two great loves: bacon and content marketing, inspiration courtesy of PR Daily.

3 Ways Bacon is like Content Marketing

As I discussed in The Honey Mustard Connoisseur Chronicles: Why Honey Mustard is like a Successful Social Media Presence, the quest for the ideal condiment can sometimes be challenging. However, the great thing about one of my favorite foods is that it is pretty much always great. Bacon is pretty fantastic.

1. Bacon is nostalgic. “Bacon can evoke emotions of a fuzzy, golden heyday of our past. The aroma might bring back memories of newspapers crinkling and bacon frying on the stove. Your content can take your audience on a trip down memory lane, too. Remind them of a piece of pop culture and relate it to something current. A marriage of interesting and useful content is a winning combination. Nostalgia is a fantastic way to connect with your audience on an emotional level.”

2. Bacon inspires. “Bacon inspires people with new, creative ideas…your content should follow a similar philosophy. Creating remarkable content your audience finds inspiring will empower them to repurpose your original idea and a link back to the source.”

3. Bacon makes everything better. “Have a problem with a boring, or less-than-flattering marketing message? Just as bacon can make even a water chestnut taste delicious, a good piece of content can makeover any lackluster integrated marketing campaign. Push the boundaries of your content, try new things, and see how far you can push your core message outside of your initial reach.”

“Take a cue from bacon when you think about your next piece of content. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries beyond what’s traditional. You will soon discover new ways to surprise, delight and inspire your audience. Isn’t that the key to killer content in the first place?”

How else can bacon inspire your social media content or blog? Leave us a comment below and let us know what bacon teaches you.

By Heather Hewit. As the PR/SM Assistant Account Executive at lotus823, Heather manages the agency’s integrated marketing and PR initiatives for a variety of consumer electronic and lifestyle clients. Heather offers support to her clients through media relations, materials development, social media content creation and community management, and the development of creative giveaway strategies. Outside of the office, Heather enjoys eating, ballet, and watching Lifetime. Follow Heather on Twitter, at: @lotus823Heather. Read other posts by Heather Hewit.

lotus823, an integrated marketing agency with offices in N.J. and Fla., is proud to announce the addition of two innovative companies to its client roster. lotus823 welcomes open ear headphone creator AfterShokz and pioneering product developer No. 8 Brands to its continually expanding lineup of integrated clients in the consumer electronic and digital lifestyle space.

AfterShokz brings patent pending bone conduction technology, initially developed for military special operations and law enforcement by Voxtech in 2001, to everyday sport, mobile and Bluetooth headphones. Unlike conventional headphones and earbuds that use the eardrums to transmit sound, AfterShokz transmits sound through the listener’s cheekbones to the inner ears, bypassing the eardrums completely. To increase and improve AfterShokz’s online visibility and to drive traffic to AfterShokz.com, lotus823 will execute a comprehensive blended search engine optimization and social media optimization campaign.

No. 8 Brands provides global distribution, sales strategies, logistics, supply chain management, product design, sourcing and production management along with other critical business functions. The company is a gateway to product success with a spectrum of services covering the entire supply chain end-to-end for its strategic partners. To increase awareness of No. 8 Brands and its broad portfolio of innovative products, lotus823 will implement a strategic communication strategy combining thought leadership principles, public relations and social media.

“This continued growth is a real testament to our agency’s strength in providing impactful results through thoughtful campaigns and targeted search engine marketing, social media and PR services,” said David Hernandez, managing partner of lotus823. “We’re excited to add these prominent organizations to our client roster, and expand the creative work we do throughout our integrated practice.”

lotus823 was founded in 2010 as a full-service integrated marketing agency. Combining creative genius, smart thinking and analytical acumen, the executive team at lotus823 developed a new communications model using a cross-platform approach to create an immersive experience for brands and their publics. By building powerful connections across multiple channels, the integrated agency delivers engaging business solutions with measurable results.

lotus823’s work in the digital space was most recently recognized for its use of search engine optimization techniques when the integrated marketing agency was named a finalist for “Best Use of SEO” in PR Daily’s inaugural Digital PR & Social Media Awards.

Here are the things I’ve learned, in terms of teamwork, during my time at lotus823:

1. Give Proper Recognition… It’s Deserved and Appreciated!

When you receive an email offering appreciation and gratitude for a job well done, and realize the person behind that particular task isn’t in copy, what do you do? Steal their limelight or give proper recognition? At our firm, we give credit where credit is due (even if it leads to quoting basketball players!) For example, take the following email passed through after compliments were given on a blog post theme:

“Yes, you go girl and go team!!!!! Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships. – Michael Jordan. Awesome collaboration!” – Allison Hernandez, lotus823 Managing Partner

And then, even on the busiest of days, an email can go out to offer kudos, titled “Horn Toot!” You read right, “horn toot!” Sometimes our social media services garner PR-oriented results even when PR isn’t the client’s primary service (this happens when a team is composed of integrated-minded people!). Unexpected, sure. Results worth celebrating, OF COURSE!

“I will send to toot a horn of amazingness!” – Jessica Guida, lotus823 SEM/SEO Manager & Strategist

2. ‘Team’ Extends to Our Clients, Too!

Teamwork doesn’t stop at our office doors. We welcome our clients and contacts into the lotus823 family to grow and succeed with one another. With our services, we take an integrated marketing approach. This carries over to our relationships, too! We represent our clients’ products as if we invented them ourselves. Our passion and dedication goes deeper than a short-term contract. It’s a commitment and perseverance unlike any other, and its something that our client testimonials speak to (something we like to ‘toot our own horns’ about ). Just the other day, we received the following from one of our beloved clients who’s been with us since the very beginning:

“Thank you so much, team, for all your work on our behalf. We appreciate you and the time you spent getting our name out there! Best of luck to all.” – Mary Beth Campbell, www.boomboomcards.com

3. Have Fun With It (Inside Jokes)

On the dark side (I’m talking about the search engine optimization team, of course), we do it our way. We work crazy hours, constantly have to reign in our OCD tendencies, and let absolutely nothing get in the way of reaching the goals at hand. Sometimes, this cannot be done alone. Thus, we reach out to fellow ‘dark side’ team members in humorous ways to keep things moving in the right direction. You guessed it! We motivate each other via Skype chat icons and the use of ridiculous hashtag chants when the moment calls for such…

#BOOM!  Go #SEO Team! #SEO Team!

Or, one of my favorites:

After all, it’s not only about working together, it’s also about achieving together!

There’s No ‘I’ in ‘Team’

What I do know is that ‘teamwork’ has an entirely different meaning to me today than it did during a solid round of tug-o-war back in Elementary school. At lotus823, it’s the language we speak, it’s the food we eat, it’s the way we function and it’s why we’re accomplishing the things we are day after day. To my lotus823 team, I commend you (and adore you!). Thank you for making each day bright, manageable and successful!

Have your own stories to share on teamwork? We’re all ears. Leave a comment below to let us know what ‘teamwork’ means to you!

By Alecia Shaver. As the Senior SEM/SEO Account Executive at lotus823, Alecia manages the agency’s integrated marketing and SEM/SEO initiatives for a variety of lifestyle, luxury and consumer electronic clients. Alecia helps clients achieve their goals by blending creativity and hard work, providing support through optimized content creation, blog management, website SEO, social media optimization (SMO), and development of creative marketing and giveaway strategies. Out of the office, you can find Alecia masterminding crazy recipes in the kitchen, laughing hysterically with family and friends, and snuggling her two pups, Ginger and Freddy, while curled up with a good book. Follow Alecia on Twitter at @lotus823_Alecia. Read other posts by Alecia Shaver.

Celebrate the birthday of one of our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, who drafted the Declaration of Independence.

“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.”  ~Thomas Jefferson

The fast-paced environment at lotus823 has the team looking forward to our lunch hour to recharge, caffeinate and rejuvenate for the afternoon, along with having some good laughs together. I recently came across this article on PR Daily about how most marketers spend their lunch hour. Not only was I surprised but also dismayed by the number of PR and marketing professionals who scarf down lunch at their desk. I believe, and I know my teammates would agree, lunch is the most important hour during our work day. It is one hour you can step away from your desk and refresh your mind in preparation for the afternoon!

Below is a break down of the top three reasons why I break for lunch, everyday!

The Lunch Break Guide:

1. Mental Break – It’s important to step away from the computer from time to time. Continuously focusing on the computer screen staring at the same pitch, the same media list or scrolling through spreadsheets can make you go stir-crazy. Taking a mental break from the glowing screen can improve work productivity and generate new and creative ideas. Another alternative is take a few minutes to read a book or industry trade magazine to give your eyes a rest from the computer screen. Taking a break from your assignments will make you perform better!
2. Recharge – Your body physically needs food to fuel up. If you don’t snack during the day than a bigger lunch is a must! I personally like to gradually snack my way to lunch, usually a yogurt or piece of fruit does the trick. If your stomach is growling for some grub then your mind is not solely focused on your tasks. Take a break! The integrated marketing strategy you are working on will be waiting for you when you get back, I promise!
3. Network – Taking a lunch break provides you the opportunity to network with colleagues and other professionals within the industry. Chatting with peers allows you to discuss current events, industry trends or even celebrity gossip! If you feel the urge to work during lunch, plan a lunch brainstorm to make the hour productive.

The next time the clock strikes noon, don’t worry what others doing. Step away from your desk and indulge in your delicious lunch hour, work free! Your boss, clients and most of all – your stomach – will thank you.

How do you spend your lunch hour? Let us know by commenting below!

By Ali Nudo. As the PR Account Coordinator at lotus823, Ali supports the agency’s integrated marketing and PR practices for a variety of lifestyle, consumer electronic and music industry clients. Ali offers team help through media relations, social media strategy, and execution of strategic public relations and marketing planning. When not focused on work, Ali enjoys running, blogging, and shopping! You can follow her on Twitter, at: @lotus823_Alison! Read other posts by Ali Nudo.

NJ Integrated Marketing Internship Benefits, Tasks and Specifics

Check out our infographic outlining the benefits and marketing services you could be doing!

We accept resumes on a rolling basis for the Fall, Spring and Summer terms. All lotus823 internships are available for course credit only. In addition to learning PR, SEO and SMM, our internships can give you the skills for effective time management, professionalism, attention to detail and strategic thinking.

This is an excellent opportunity for you to learn multiple aspects of an integrated marketing agency and to be a part of a dynamic team in a positive working environment.

We’re truly looking for the best and brightest interns to join our team, so please be sure to submit your cover letter and resume to biz@lotus823.com if you are interested in having an incredible internship experience this summer!

By Lisa McDonald. As a Senior SEM/SEO Coordinator at lotus823, Lisa manages the agency’s integrated marketing while focusing on search engine optimization and social media for a variety of lifestyle, consumer electronic and software industry clients. Lisa offers support to her team and clients through social media strategy and execution of strategic search engine marketing planning. When not focused on work, Lisa enjoys traveling, WWE wrestling, and spending time with her three dogs! You can follow her on Twitter, at @lotus823_Lisa! Read other posts by Lisa McDonald.

Infographics For An Integrated Marketing Strategy: Fun February Facts
By: Lisa McDonald
Follow Lisa on Twitter: @lotus823_Lisa

February is not only the shortest month of the year, but it’s also the last full month of the official winter season.  In celebration of February and all of its interesting traits, we created an infographic just for you: http://www.lotus823.com/20130301-infographics-for-a-integrated-marketing-strategy-fun-february-facts/
____________________________________

5 Social Media Tools to Enhance Customer Service
By: lotus823 interns
Follow our Interns on Twitter: @lotus823_intern

We hope our integrated marketing knowledge and tips have helped you. Is there something you want to know more about? Comment on it below or connect with us on the following social media sites: Facebook and Twitter.

Quote it Out. Are you the type that simply loves a good old plain text quote? We got you:

For your Facebook page:

Dear Monday,
Thanks for having the word “mon” in you. That’s French for “mine,” in case you weren’t aware, Monday, but it makes me think of you more as “my day,” and frankly that sounds like a much more promising start to the week. ~Anonymous

Tweet these out throughout the day:

The week starts on Monday so suck it up and have a great day. It is your chance to seize the week. ~Livin3.com

You don’t need a new year to make a change…all you need is a Monday. ~FitTwinCities.com

I survive Mondays with coffee. ~Anonymous

Mondays…nothing a cupcake can’t fix! ~Anonymous

Happy Monday. See why people are shouting out #HappyMonday on Twitter (and jump on the bandwagon by sending out a Tweet through the widget below—maybe one of those Tweets above?):

Tweets about "#HappyMonday"

Happy Monday,
Jess

By Jessica Guida. As the SEM/SEO/SM/IRM Manager & Strategist at lotus823, Jess oversees the agency’s integrated marketing, with a specialty in the management and implementation of innovative SEM/SEO, SM and IRM initiatives for a variety of international, national, and local lifestyle, luxury, and consumer electronics clients. Jess has a persistent, results-driven approach laced with a true passion for client success. She prides herself in making unique online marketing strategies come to life so the clients under her care can take the digital space by storm and dominate online in their industry. Out of the office, you can find Jess playing field hockey, traveling, being a foodie and taking over whatever sound system is in her general vicinity to play electronic dance music (EDM)! Follow Jess on Twitter at @lotus823_Jess. Read other posts by Jessica Guida.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a phrase I have heard numerous times throughout my college career. However, I only somewhat understood what it meant and had no idea how to put it to use. Ultimately, I knew it meant getting a website more views and higher rankings on search engines, but sadly, no professor ever taught me how to make that happen.

While interning at an integrated marketing agency like lotus823, I’ve learned about several helpful tools regarding SEO. Following are just a few things I’ve learned about SEO during my spring internship at lotus823:

The first SEO tool I learned about was link building. I discovered handfuls of directories that allowed me to submit a website to increase the amount of back links to that website. It is such an easy and useful tool that my college marketing classes left out. The same goes for social bookmarking. This activity allows users to bookmark links on popular sites such as Delicious and StumbleUpon.

As a public relations major, I’ve written many news releases for the classes and campus organizations I am involved in. Unfortunately, my classes never taught me how to optimize those news releases. Luckily, as a lotus823 intern, I was able to learn and gain an understanding of using keywords for search engine optimization to make content more visible online. I learned simple practices and tricks that make complete sense now that I am aware of them.

These are all great best practices for SEO but there is one last thing that most of us use on a daily basis and don’t think twice about it: social media. You or your company’s social media presence and reputation can equally help your search ranking. Being active on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. puts your foot in the door when it comes to search engine rankings. If you’re not active on social media then you are not giving yourself a chance. Quality shares, “likes” and follower engagement are certainly going to help your website rank in the cyber world.

As graduation slowly creeps up on me, having this added knowledge of SEO gives me more confidence and hopefully, an edge on my fellow graduates. I don’t consider myself an expert – yet – but I do consider myself extremely lucky to have obtained an internship that has been so beneficial to me.

Hey, fellow interns! Have you learned a new marketing service at your internship that you didn’t expect to? Let us know by commenting below.

By Erin Cunningham. As an intern at lotus823, Erin supports the agency’s integrated marketing efforts through public relations, social media and search engine marketing initiatives. She manages the intern Twitter account, crafts social media content and drafts engaging blog posts for a variety of consumer electronic and lifestyle clients. Outside of her internship at lotus823, Erin is a senior at Monmouth University studying public relations and enjoys working, shopping and her Pomeranian, Lucy. Follow Erin during her internship on Twitter at: @lotus823_intern. Read other posts by Erin Cunningham.

Twitter is everywhere and more and more people are using it every day. The problem with Twitter is that it’s public, and unless your account is totally private, anything you say can be read by anyone with access to Twitter. Because of this, getting an account hacked can be a very serious problem. One bad tweet can ruin a person or a company’s credibility and reputation. Twitter accounts get hacked all the time. No need worry, you’re not alone! Check out these three Twitter security tips to keep your account secure:

1. Use a strong password. A strong password is very important, use a mix of symbols, lowercase and uppercase letters. Make sure that your password has at least 10 characters, the longer the password the better.
2. Make sure you’re on the real Twitter. There are plenty of websites out there that try to look like Twitter to steal your password. Make sure you are really on twitter before entering you information by checking the URL. If there is anything before the first “dot” in www.twitter.com, you found yourself an imposter!
3. Don’t give your password away to a third party. Twitter will never ask you for your password beyond the login stage, so don’t give it out. There are plenty of scams out there that will try to take your password.

If you think your account has been hacked or compromised, contact twitter at https://support.twitter.com and they can assist you with changing your password. Twitter is a great tool to use, but just like anything else, it has its downsides. Avoid getting your account hacked by following these three easy tips to Twitter security bliss.

Do you know an additional tip for keeping your Twitter account secure? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

By the lotus823 Interns. At lotus823, our interns support the agency’s integrated marketing efforts through their work on public relations, social media and search engine optimization initiatives. These students manage the intern Twitter account, craft creative social media content and draft engaging blog posts for a variety of consumer electronic and lifestyle clients. Follow the lotus823 interns at: @lotus823_intern. Read other posts by the lotus823 Interns.

In lieu of sounding like a Carrie Bradshaw gospel (and having to send a lifeboat out to our One Man Army), I’ll relate this pursuit to that which I know a little more about than men: social media.

3 Reasons Why a Successful Social Media Presence is Like Good Honey Mustard

1. It Knows Who it is and What it Stands for: A good honey mustard is good. Plain and simple. When I ask for honey mustard, and the initial response is “Well…,” I’m immediately doubting its integrity. A good honey mustard is a dipping sauce and a salad dressing. It’s fun and functional, as social media should be. Your brand’s social media presence can and should be both entertaining and informative. As soon as you start boxing yourself into what you think you should be or what you think people want you to be, you’re limiting yourself. As a good honey mustard and a brand with a solid social media presence, you can be everything you are and want to be, as long as you know who that is.
2. It Doesn’t Try to Be Something it’s Not: “Sure, we have honey mustard.” “Ok, great!”… And, alas, a milky concoction of what seems to be buttermilk and Dijon mustard seeds. I’ve been set up for disappointment. It may indeed be the reason I prefer another restaurant. (Yes, seriously.) It would have been much better if they had simply said: “No, I’m sorry, we do not have honey mustard.” (I guess…) I think honey mustard is great, but again, I do have very high standards. Not everyone can make the best honey mustard. We’re all a little picky about something and, hey, some people do prefer blue cheese. When it comes to condiments and social media, unfortunately, you can’t please 100 percent of the people 100 percent of the time. However, what you can do is be honest about whom you are and what you have to offer. When all else fails, honesty and humanity take the cake. (And they eat it, too.)
3. It’s Multi-Generational and Everyone Can Enjoy it: I may indeed own good honey mustard. (Well, of course I do.) Even still, I’m always on the pursuit for pure perfection. When I’ve got something good I share it, both literally and figuratively. My favorite honey mustard is like a golden ray of sunshine – both in terms of color and sensory delight. People who like spicy mustard enjoy it. People who aren’t mustard fans enjoy it. I used it in seventh grade for chicken fingers and I’ve even sold my 60-year-old father on it. Honey mustard with horseradish, spicy honey mustard, lemon tart “I’m too fancy for you: honey mustard – forget it.” In regards to honey mustard and your social media presence, you should keep all audiences in mind. You aren’t too fancy or spicy for the mainstream, although you can complement those foods and please those audiences. Good honey mustard and successful social media is something I’ll enjoy and share with my father. Sure, he may not enjoy it as much as me, understand the extent of its awesomeness, or enjoy it on the daily like his honey mustard connoisseur, social media addict daughter, but if it’s something I can share with him from time to time, it must be something pretty good. Long story short: you don’t have to be fancy or spicy to be successful – it may indeed work against you. Both good honey mustard and a successful social media presence aren’t too exclusive. They’re something we all can delight in from time to time.

To be a delightfully delicious honey mustard and have a successful social media presence: be both entertaining and informative, know who you are and be you, don’t be too cool for school, and be something I can share with my father. And, I guess this applies to men too. Until next time…

PS. In case you’re wondering…

BAM:

By Heather Hewit. As the PR/SM Assistant Account Executive at lotus823, Heather manages the agency’s integrated marketing and PR initiatives for a variety of consumer electronic and lifestyle clients. Heather offers support to her clients through media relations, materials development, social media content creation and community management, and the development of creative giveaway strategies. Outside of the office, Heather enjoys eating, ballet, and watching Lifetime. Follow Heather on Twitter, at: @lotus823Heather. Read other posts by Heather Hewit.

Initially this might not seem like a good place for customer service because it is a public platform and other customers can read a complaint. The advantage is that businesses can respond publicly to the customer and directly address their needs. By addressing a customer on a social media networking site, a business can make a quick response and potentially save a customer that would take their business elsewhere, while at the same time showing potential customers they respond quickly.  According to Time Magazine, “Nearly half of social media users have sought customer service via social channels, and 71 percent of those who have a positive experience are likely to recommend the brand or company, compared with just 19 percent who get no response.”

Are you a brand looking to enhance your customer service with a social media strategy? Here are 5 social media tools to help improve your online customer service:

1. Salesforce Social Hub
2. LiveOps Social
3. Social Dynamx
4. Social Media Spaces by Moxie Software
5. Conversocial

Customers like their problems to be addressed directly from a company. A quick and well-informed response will make the customer happy. And those tools will be sure to help you do just that!

lotus823 gets a front row seat to this type of interaction through their integrated marketing services which includes internet reputation management practices that we put into place for our clients. It’s clear that good customer service has never been more important!

Do you have another social media tool that is a great for customer service? Tell us below!

By the lotus823 Interns. At lotus823, our interns support the agency’s integrated marketing efforts through their work on public relations, social media and search engine optimization initiatives. These students manage the intern Twitter account, craft creative social media content and draft engaging blog posts for a variety of consumer electronic and lifestyle clients. Follow the lotus823 interns at: @lotus823_intern. Read other posts by the lotus823 Interns.

JB’s Lessons from the Trenches: 2013 CES “I Have Never Been This Tired” Edition
By: Jessie Barrett
Follow Jessie on Twitter: @lotus823_Jessie

First time attendees had a lot of CES planning, scheduling and marketing to do in preparation for CES 2013. Check out Jessie Barrett’s tips for first time attendees at CES 2014 and beyond, here: http://www.lotus823.com/20130201-jbs-lessons-from-the-trenches-2013-ces-i-have-never-been-this-tired-edition
_________________________________

Social Media Lit Up During Super Bowl XLVII Power Outage
By: Katie Foley
Follow Katie on Twitter: @lotus823_Katie

This year’s Super Bowl power outage lit up social media even as the Superdome power failed. Brands from Oreo to Tide to Calvin Klein jumped at the chance to post on social media sites about the Superdome lights failure while still promoting their brand. Read all about it, here: http://www.lotus823.com/20130204-social-media-lit-up-during-super-bowl-xlvii-power-outage/
_________________________________

My Work-Life Balancing Act
By: Ali Nudo
Follow Ali on Twitter: @lotus823_Alison

A public relation professional’s work-life is a balancing act. Check out Ali Nudo’s top three tips for work-life balance success, here: http://www.lotus823.com/20130219-my-work-life-balancing-act/
_________________________________

Not Sure What to Do with Your New Product? Launch.it!
By: Alecia Shaver
Follow Alecia on Twitter: @lotus823_Alecia

lotus823 announces an agency partnership with Launch.it, a new product launch marketing company! Learn more about the product launch platform, here: http://launch.it/http://www.lotus823.com/20130222-not-sure-what-to-do-with-your-new-product-launch-it/
_________________________________

Don’t Let Your Integrated Marketing Job Kill You!
By: Craig Capron
Follow Craig on Twitter: @lotus823_Craig

Don’t let your integrated marketing job kill you by keeping you behind the computer too long. Check out Craig Capron’s tips to break unhealthy desk job habits, here: http://www.lotus823.com/20130225-dont-let-your-integrated-marketing-job-kill-you/
_________________________________

We hope you enjoyed reading this month’s blog posts as much as we enjoyed preparing them! Be sure to call out your favorite post in a comment below or let us know via Facebook and Twitter.

lotus823, an integrated marketing agency with offices in N.J. and FL, has added iconic electronics brand RCA to its growing client roster. lotus823 will implement monthly social media services as part of a year-long strategy to improve RCA’s online brand visibility, social media presence, and increase social media engagement among relevant fans and followers.

Social Media Marketing Starting for RCA

RCA is one of the most recognized names in the electronics industry, delivering innovative and reliable technology that has been entertaining families for more than 90 years. Consumers throughout the world depend on the RCA brand to provide products and services that feature the latest technology and design, are easy to use, and deliver the highest value and longevity.

“It’s always a thrill to work with a company like RCA that has such a rich history in the electronics industry,” said David Hernandez, managing partner of lotus823. “By combining their iconic brand with our robust social media services and strategic approach, we will help them connect and engage with their consumers in a new way, strengthening brand recognition and building loyalty among consumers old and new. We look forward to working with them.”

lotus823 was founded in 2010 as a full-service integrated marketing company. Combining creative genius, smart thinking and analytical acumen, the executive team at lotus823 developed a new communications model using a cross-platform approach to create an immersive experience for brands and their publics. By building powerful connections across multiple channels, lotus823 delivers engaging business solutions with measurable results.

lotus823’s work in the digital space was most recently recognized for its use of search engine optimization techniques when the integrated marketing agency was named a finalist for “Best Use of SEO” in PR Daily’s inaugural Digital PR & Social Media Awards.

Check out our infographic on some fascinating facts about February.

Integrated Marketing and Infographics

Infographics, also called information graphics, are graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge intended to present complex information quickly and clearly. Infographics have been around for many years, however, more recently infographics are becoming very popular and are spreading throughout the world on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Businesses are using infographics as an essential tool in their integrated marketing strategies. Infographics can be used as a great way to gain social media exposure through posting and engaging on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest because of their visual nature. Additionally, they can be beneficial to one’s SEO campaign thanks to the link building that occurs when infographics are embedded on other websites. Therefore, it is valuable to offer an embed code option alongside your infographic when you are promoting it to fans.

Embed our infographic on your site:

<a href=”http://www.lotus823.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Month-of-February1.png”><img style=”max-width: 100%;” src=”http://www.lotus823.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Month-of-February1.png” title= “Infographic: Fun Facts About February” alt=”integrated marketing and infographics” border=”0″ /></a><br /> Via: <a href=”http://www.lotus823.com”>lotus823, an Integrated Marketing Agency</a>

We, here at lotus823, <3 infographics! Check out our favorite infographics on the lotus823 Pinterest board, ‘Impactful Infographics’: http://pinterest.com/lotus823/impactful-infographics/

Do you love infographics as much as we do? Let us know how you use infographics or share a link to one of your favorite infographics, below.

By Lisa McDonald. As a Senior SEM/SEO Coordinator at lotus823, Lisa manages the agency’s integrated marketing while focusing on search engine optimization and social media for a variety of lifestyle, consumer electronic and software industry clients. Lisa offers support to her team and clients through social media strategy and execution of strategic search engine marketing planning. When not focused on work, Lisa enjoys traveling, WWE wrestling, and spending time with her three dogs! You can follow her on Twitter, at @lotus823_Lisa! Read other posts by Lisa McDonald.

lotus823, an integrated marketing company, offers a mix of search engine optimization and social media services to its newest addition, Old Barn Star. lotus823 will use a comprehensive cross-platform approach, combining search engine optimization and social media, to increase and improve Old Barn Star’s online brand visibility.

Old Barn Star is a leader in the creation of custom-made reclaimed barnwood furniture. Old Barn Star works with the local Amish craftsmen to construct unique pieces to adorn every room in your home and each piece will be crafted especially for you!

“We are thrilled to be working with such a delightful company like Old Barn Star,” said David Hernandez, managing partner of lotus823. “We are prepared to bring a fresh new approach to the custom-made barnwood furniture industry by boosting Old Barn Star to the top through social media and SEO services.”

lotus823 was founded in 2010 as a full-service integrated marketing agency. Combining creative genius, smart thinking and analytical acumen, the executive team at lotus823 developed a new communications model using a cross-platform approach to create an immersive experience for brands and their publics. By building powerful connections across multiple channels, the integrated agency delivers engaging business solutions with measurable results.

lotus823’s work in the digital space was most recently recognized for its use of search engine optimization techniques, named as a finalist for “Best Use of SEO” in PR Daily’s inaugural Digital PR & Social Media Awards.

Recent studies and statistics show that sitting for six or more hours a day has many negative effects on the body, even if you exercise regularly. According to a recent infographic published by medical billing and coding (linked below) the negative effects of sitting are many: electrical activity in the legs shuts down, the body completely stops burning calories, HDL cholesterol production drops by as much as 20 percent, and the risk of diabetes increases by as much as 24 percent.

The majority of our careers most likely tie us to desks, and while recent studies may not be very promising, it’s no reason to give up hope. There are options:

• Ask your company to invest in a standing workstation.

This is a new trend in most open-minded workplaces. If all else fails, see your doctor and have a note outlining the health benefits.

• Stand whenever you can.

When not sitting at your desk, get up and move! Don’t waste your precious downtime burning time on the Internet. Walk around the building if necessary, and take a walk outside if weather permits!

• Hold standing meetings

These not only provide a health benefit, the chances are the meeting will finish quicker, saving you time.

Because sitting isn’t the only risk factor of working long days at your desk, I’ve included some bonus health tips that will benefit anyone who spends time sitting at a desk.

• Stay hydrated at work

Staying hydrated keeps your mind sharp, your energy up and your metabolism efficient. Don’t settle for less than eight large glasses of water a day. Drinking a lot of water gives you more opportunity to get up and stretch your legs, too.

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule

Eyestrain is a huge contributor to office fatigue. Staring at a computer all day takes a toll on your eye. Every 20 minutes move your eyes away from the screen and look at something roughly 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will help relax your eyes and keep your working with less fatigue.

• Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful nerve condition that results from compression on the forearms from typing and using a mouse for extended periods of time. There are ways to prevent this painful condition:

• Invest in ergonomic computer peripherals like a vertical mouse that inverts your hand during use.
• Practicing Yoga can have a major impact on preventing and even reversing effects of Carpal Tunnel
• Take frequent breaks and stretch your hands and wrists during the workday.

With a proactive mindset, the negative effects of sitting in an office all day can be erased. When armed with the knowledge of how to prevent detrimental habits and how to stay healthy at work, you can help contribute to an overall healthier lifestyle (something we’ve encouraged before in our post on Work-Life Balance).

What unconventional things do you find yourself doing to stay active at school or work? Weigh in with your comments and suggestions below!

By Craig Capron. As an Account Coordinator at lotus823, Craig supports the agency’s integrated marketing initiatives for a variety of lifestyle and consumer electronics clients. Craig offers team help through social media strategy, media relations, and the execution of strategic PR and SM marketing planning. Outside of the office, Craig enjoys surfing, photography, and moonlighting as a bartender in the summer months at the real Jersey Shore! You can follow Craig on Twitter, at: @lotus823_Craig. Read other posts by Craig Capron.

It’s not only public relations and search engine marketing companies that have to adjust to the ever-evolving world of viral promotion, it’s also entrepreneurs that need to get on the bandwagon when looking to endorse new products. So, what’s the perfect hub for announcing fresh-off-the-press product news? If you ask us, it’s Launch.it!

“If it’s new, it’s here first.”™

At lotus823, we are thrilled to announce our agency partnership with Launch.it! Check out the super cool product launch platform, here: http://launch.it/

The folks at Launch.it believe that all new products and services should be easy to find, discover and share. Thus, they strive to bring you the latest news on innovative brands without the gatekeeping of the complicated mass media all while providing a platform designed to discover and engage new products and services from the moment they are introduced! Sounds pretty fascinating, doesn’t it?

Launch.it is creating the largest searchable database of all things new. Will your product be leading the pack? Show the world what you’ve got by launching your story at https://newpr.launch.it/register/admin, today!

Remember, “The power of unlocking “the new” can quite possibly change the world.”

By Alecia Shaver. As the Senior SEM/SEO Account Executive at lotus823, Alecia manages the agency’s integrated marketing and SEM/SEO initiatives for a variety of lifestyle, luxury and consumer electronic clients. Alecia helps clients achieve their goals by blending creativity and hard work, providing support through optimized content creation, blog management, website SEO, social media optimization (SMO), and development of creative marketing and giveaway strategies. Out of the office, you can find Alecia masterminding crazy recipes in the kitchen, laughing hysterically with family and friends, and snuggling her two pups, Ginger and Freddy, while curled up with a good book. Follow Alecia on Twitter at @lotus823_Alecia. Read other posts by Alecia Shaver.

Top 3 Tips for Work-Life Balance

Below are the top three things that have been helping me balance my life post-graduation:

1. Get in early to leave on time. Although this concept does not always apply to weeks like CES or assignments surrounding big projects, I arrive at the office before 9:00 a.m on most days. I like to go through my e-mails and iron out my to-do list before my manager arrives and begins assigning me new public relations pitches to craft or media lists to develop. It gives me the sense of organization that my type-A personality thrives on.
2. Schedule everything. Like I mentioned above, I thrive on highly organized to-do lists and pro-actively scheduling every aspect of my life. When I leave the office each night, I know exactly what is in store for me from 7:00 p.m. and beyond. Whether it is hanging out with my boyfriend (who lives in a different state), working out, getting my nails done or simply catching up with my friends over the latest Bachelor episode (Yes, my guilty pleasure!), I have exact locations and specific times of where I need to be and with whom. Call me crazy but it works!
3. Check e-mail on the weekends. I recently began checking my e-mails on Sunday afternoons. It makes my Monday morning less hectic and allows me to catch up and recharge my creative mind for the week ahead.

Throughout my career, I am sure I will create different routines, but as I work my way through my rookie season of brainstorming client brands, pitching media, engaging with company Facebook fans and honing in on time management skills, I believe I have been finding my balance through this crazy thing we call life.

For reasons not known just yet, a massive power outage meant 35 minutes of near-darkness at the New Orleans Superdome during the epic showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers.

Social media on the other hand, immediately lit up and gave brands that reacted quickly the opportunity to show-off their super social media prowess to the world.

• Oreo Cookie (@oreo) immediately tweeted: “Power out? No problem,” linking to an image stating: “You can still dunk in the dark.”

• Tide (@tide) told fans, “We can’t get your #blackout, but we can get your stains out. #SuperBowl #TidePower”

• Audi (@audi) took a jab at competitor Mercedes-Benz (as in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome) tweeting, “Sending some LEDs to the @MBUSA Superdome right now…”

• And, Calvin Klein (@calvinklein) took the opportunity to use Vine, tweeting a video of a male model, “Since the lights are still out… http://vine.co/v/b1iiiiUz5uq #SB47”

Being nimble is one of the keys to a good social media program. Whether it is Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or one of the many other social networks out there, the brands that are the most successful are those that work in real-time and take note of what their fans are saying.

According to the official Twitter blog, the outage generated 231,000 Tweets per minute, making it the most talked about moment of the game.  Other notable moments included the 108-yard kickoff return for Ravens TD by Jones for 185,000 Tweets per minute, when the clock expired and the Ravens won for 183,000 Tweets per minute and when Jones caught the 56 yard pass for Ravens TD at the end of 2nd quarter for 168,000 Tweets per minute.

What was your favorite social media moment of the big game?

by Katie Foley.  As the PR Account Supervisor at lotus823, Katie manages the agency’s integrated marketing and PR initiatives for a variety of lifestyle, consumer electronic and music industry clients. Katie offers support to her clients through media relations, strategic planning, brand and reputation management, social media strategy, messaging and materials development and event/tradeshow coordination. Read other posts by Katie Foley.

For weeks leading up to the show I could barely sleep due to equal thirds of excitement, anxiety and mental planning. I wondered: How will I survive? Will we get enough media for clients? Will this cold ever go away?

I guarantee you that no amount of worrying or planning can prepare you for your first CES. Las Vegas, swarming with a sea of nerds, media, smooth talkers, gadgets, technology and nametags, is pure madness. After staying afloat and running around like a headless chicken, I have created a short list of what I learned as a CES newbie:

Get in shape. I hate exercise with the passion of a thousand, fiery suns. However, CES requires miles of walking (especially from the elevator to your room, in our case) and being on your feet for at least 12 hours each day. Next time, I plan on hitting the gym, sleeping as much as I can and physically preparing a few weeks before the show. Since CES typically begins a week into the new year, being out of shape from all of that holiday joy definitely came back to bite me day one of CES.

Stay hydrated. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and flurry of the day and forget to do the simple things, like eat and drink. Long flights, jet lag and running around in the middle of the desert are a perfect recipe for dehydration. If someone offers you water, take it.

Have fun. Because I’ll be a thousand times more prepared next time, I plan on having fun. Whether it’s seeing a fabulous show or planning an extra day to drive out to the desert, getting balance and time away from fluorescent lights and technology might be any CES attendee’s saving grace.

Lastly, don’t freak out when you see people wearing these:

CES 2013 has been over for more than a week and I’m still processing everything I saw and everything I learned. Are you a CES veteran? Do you have secret weapons for conquering the King Kong of tradeshows? Tell us in the comments section below!

By Jessie Barrett. As a senior account executive at lotus823, Jessie manages the agency’s integrated marketing and PR initiatives for a variety of lifestyle, consumer electronics and music industry clients. Jessie offers day-to-day support to her clients through targeted media relations, materials development, event/tradeshow coordination, and the execution of strategic public relations and marketing plans. When not in the trenches, Jessie can often be found enjoying live music and avoiding the gym. Read other posts by Jessie Barrett.

1. Quality. In order for your blog to be successful, you need to write about a subject people will be interested in. The first step to gaining a base of followers is to make sure people will want to read your blog. Choose a theme and don’t deviate from it too much. From there, make sure to do your research, proofread and stay relevant.

2. Variety. It’s great to have a blog about a specific subject, but make sure you add variety within your posts. Try to include every possible point of view. Are there conflicting arguments? Are there competing products? Try to talk about every aspect of your subject and readers will be inclined to come back and read more posts. Remember, you’re a citizen journalist now!

3. Visual Media. People enjoy reading blogs, but your blog can’t just be a bunch of paragraphs and short essays. Add videos and pictures relating to your post frequently. Readers will enjoy a change of pace and it will help keep their attention.

4. Promote. It seems obvious but it’s an important tip. If you want your blog to become popular, you need to promote it. Use Facebook and Twitter to get the word out about your blog. You can even let people know about your blog in certain forums, just don’t spam websites (it will more than likely turn people away from your blog).

5. Respond. You need to have a personality if you want to gain dedicated followers. Answer questions and listen to constructive criticism. Respond to your reader and let readers know you care about their input and they likely return.

6. Quantity. Obviously quality comes before quantity, but if you want your blog to be successful you need to post often. To have a base of dedicated followers you need to have a lot of content for them to read. Make sure you add quality and variety and you should gain loyal readers.

A dedicated base of followers is key in any successful blog. These are a few important tips to help you get readers to return to your blog. If you have any other tips, please leave a comment below!

What Is Instagram?

Instagram is a free mobile photo-sharing app. There are more than 80 million users and counting. Recently, Instagram was acquired by Facebook and launched a redesign on iOS to include a new “Explore” tab feature. There are even rumors that Facebook is developing a web presence where users can see photos online.

Instagram is a great way to showcase your brand.

Promote Your Business on Instagram in Three Simple Ways

1. Office Culture

People are always asking me “what is it like working at an integrated marketing agency?” Just like I am sure you have wondered what it’s like to work at one of your favorite brands you follow on social media. Instagram is a perfect way to show off your office culture and give people the sneak peek they want!

Having a brainstorming meeting? Have a decked-out desk? Lunch with other employees? There are countless opportunities here, so post photos that give a glimpse of day-to-day life at your office.

lotus823’s Jessica Guida enjoys a laugh as she hops on a massive roll of packaging wrap.

2. Employees

There is nothing worst than finding a new brand and tuning into their social media channels to see robots taking over. Fans want to follow brands and business run by humans, so what better way to prove that than introducing your fans to your company employees on Instagram. Spotlight an employee to have them enjoy a few seconds of fame or use group shots to give fans a chance to see a variety of roles within your company.

A few members of lotus823’s team are all smiles for a lunch outing!

3. Behind the Scenes

Give your fans and followers a treat with an exclusive behind the scenes look at the hard work within your business. Instagram is a great way to share photos you wouldn’t see anywhere else!

Getting ready to launch a new product? Promoting a new service? Having a photo shoot? The opportunities are endless!

Members of the lotus823 team working and eating. (what a great combination!)

Check out the lotus823 Instagram page and be sure to follow us!

Do you follow fun brands on Instagram? What creative uses of Instagram have you seen from your favorite brands? Leave a comment below.

By Lisa McDonald. As a Senior SEM/SEO Coordinator at lotus823, Lisa manages the agency’s integrated marketing while focusing on search engine optimization and social media for a variety of lifestyle, consumer electronic and software industry clients. Lisa offers support to her team and clients through social media strategy and execution of strategic search engine marketing planning. When not focused on work, Lisa enjoys traveling, WWE wrestling, and spending time with her three dogs! You can follow her on Twitter, at @lotus823_Lisa! Read other posts by Lisa McDonald.

Here are a few quick tips to help bring views to a video or channel:

1. Have a unique title. This step is usually overlooked but an intriguing title is an important step to getting a video noticed. It will encourage viewers to click on the video.
2. Pick the proper tags. Using the proper keywords to tag a video will help get viewers that are interested in the subject of your video. It will help the video show up in organic search.
3. Upload the video to bookmarking websites. Websites such as Reddit, Digg, Stumbleupon and Twitter are great platforms to help a video get noticed.
4. Embed the video. Embedding a video in a blog related to the subject will help get views. Viewers that are interested in the blog will most likely be interested in the video.
5. Use forums and discussion boards. Posting a relevant video in a forum or discussion board will compel viewers to click on a video. It’s a great way to reach a target audience.

These are just a few ways to help bring views to a video, but they’re important ones. There are other techniques that can help bring views to a video, if you have any tips or suggestions please leave a comment below!

And be sure to check out our YouTube channel and subscribe to see our latest videos! http://www.youtube.com/lotus823marketing

Getting caught in the crossfire of furious chat about calories, boyfriends and shopping can sometimes feel like this. Photo courtesy of: Leslie Joy Centeno

It’s a Learning Experience

Being surrounded by intelligent and well-spoken professional women for eight hours a day has been nothing short of an eye opening experience, and I mean that in the best possible way. So far, my tenure at lotus823 has been educational in so many ways. Besides learning best practices and sharpening my skills in an industry that changes daily, I’m learning the art of listening. I consider listening to be a lost art, that in my opinion, my male peers have dropped from their repertoire long ago. I know from experience that men are more apt to “handling” and “dealing with” women, but not really listening to them. I know this because I have been and still am guilty of doing the same from time to time. No one, man or woman, wants to be “dealt with” or “handled.”

The real “learning” comes when I’m involved in a conversation where I have quite literally nothing useful to add, as I can’t relate to the topic at hand. When a group of women start chatting about something they are all passionate about, the conversation erupts into a fury of comments and opinions that inevitably ends with contagious laughter. Meanwhile, I’m standing by, barely able to keep up, and wondering to myself “Wow, I should be taking notes?” Seriously, there are things men absolutely need to know about women, that can’t be learned in any other way

Being the lone male in a female dominated workplace is fun and different, and I wouldn’t prefer it any other way. I absolutely enjoy the people I’m surrounded by and it is a privilege to be working with them. On a side note, I’m considering starting an advice column for men – where men seeking advice about women can turn to me. It’s not that I know so much about women, I just happen to have seven resources surrounding me. That however is just an idea…for now.

By Craig Capron. As an Account Coordinator at lotus823, Craig supports the agency’s integrated marketing initiatives for a variety of lifestyle and consumer electronics clients. Craig offers team help through social media strategy, media relations, and the execution of strategic PR and SM marketing planning. Outside of the office, Craig enjoys surfing, photography, and moonlighting as a bartender in the summer months at the real Jersey Shore! You can follow Craig on Twitter, at: @lotus823_Craig. Read other posts by Craig Capron.

David Hernandez, Managing Partner at lotus823, poses with Mr. Bicep, Bruce Pechman at CES 2011.

Account Supervisor at lotus823, Katie Foley, at the Hercules booth at CES 2012.

Jessie Barrett, Senior Account Executive at lotus823, having some fun at CES 2013.

Share some of your Throwback Thursday pictures from CES, below!

People have become so involved in social media and online gaming, which they are often unaware of the amount of data they are using. I confess to be one of those people myself. For several years, I have had a smart phone, but I just recently made the switch to Apple’s iPhone. When purchasing my phone I was informed that once upgraded, I would lose my unlimited data. This took me by complete surprise. I have been with my service provider since my first cell phone in 2003. I thought as a loyal customer of almost 10 years, I would be grandfathered in. I thought about switching my provider until I realized that most of the cell phone companies are now taking away their unlimited data plans.

Fortunately, there are companies that are trying to help customers who are losing their unlimited data. A little research can go a long way. I read an article this morning on CNN’s website by David Goldman (http://money.cnn.com/2013/01/08/technology/mobile/google-wifi/), which stated that Google has announced free Wi-Fi to the Chelsea area of New York City. Google will be starting in Chelsea as it’s where their local offices are located. I’m sure this is only the beginning of something huge to be delivered by Google.

Optimum is also helping out their customers by providing Wi-Fi in certain areas. If you use Optimum in your home, you have a username and password that can be entered into any smart phone. Any place that you visit, if they use Optimum in their business, home, etc., you can access their Wi-Fi. To assist in making it even easier, an app is available that tracks all the free Optimum Hotspots in your area.

This could possibly be a new trend that other companies will begin to follow. Let’s hope! Free Wi-Fi will be in high demand as more people upgrade and lose their unlimited data. Stay tuned for future announcements from carriers of what’s to come next.

Are you still on a plan with unlimited data? Did you lose your unlimited data with your new cell phone upgrade? Let us know by commenting below!

In the public relations, search engine marketing and social media industry, everything moves at the speed of light. So, we knock back our triple espresso in the morning, turn on the “Pretty Lights” station on Pandora, and whip our way through each day… But where’s the balance?

PRNews recently shared the following “5 Steps for Finding a Balance in PR Work and Life.” You remember ‘life,’ don’t you?

On the days that you’ve forgotten your right to have a life, come visit us here for these five steps, and we’ll remind you that balance is also one of the core keys to success!

1. Think Before you Hit Send
   1. Respect each other’s time, and if a client or colleague is on vacation or out of the office, think twice before sending that note through. Ask yourself, “How urgent is this question about online brand visibility, really?”
2. Be Accessible, But Respect Office Hours
   1. Improve your odds of preserving nights and weekends by setting some general guidelines. If you can’t follow the traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. availability window, at least aim for a 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. window which gives you and your team a “much needed reprieve after each day’s work.”
3. When You’re Gone, You’re Gone
   1. “Vacation isn’t just for the person who is out of the office, it’s for everyone left in the office, too.” This time presents opportunities for junior integrated marketing agency staff members to rise up, and for mutual appreciation and recognition to develop throughout the team.
4. Put the Phone Down
   1. It’s called unplugging! In today’s day and age, being unplugged is almost a totally forgotten concept. Technology allowing such easy access no matter your location is a blessing and a downfall. “Even a 10-minute break from technology a few times a day is a good thing for balance.” Try it on for size!
5. Remember the Bigger Picture
   1. Life is not only about what you do, it’s also largely about who you are. When that overwhelming feeling sets in, take a deep breath and think of all of the things in your life that drive you and keep you grounded. Remembering the bigger picture is a constant source for refreshment and inspiration… Don’t lose perspective, and balance is all yours!

Do you think PRNews missed a great work-life balance step on the above list? Tell us what you would add, and how you manage to keep true balance in your world by leaving a comment, below!

Cheers to balance!

By Alecia Shaver. As the Senior SEM/SEO Account Executive at lotus823, Alecia manages the agency’s integrated marketing and SEM/SEO initiatives for a variety of lifestyle, luxury and consumer electronic clients. Alecia helps clients achieve their goals by blending creativity and hard work, providing support through optimized content creation, blog management, website SEO, social media optimization (SMO), and development of creative marketing and giveaway strategies. Out of the office, you can find Alecia masterminding crazy recipes in the kitchen, laughing hysterically with family and friends, and snuggling her two pups, Ginger and Freddy, while curled up with a good book. Follow Alecia on Twitter at @lotus823_Alecia. Read other posts by Alecia Shaver.

Here at lotus823, we’re big on caffeine. Or, at least some of us are. My average day consists of three cups of coffee, two diet cokes, one green tea, and often, a red bull. According to WebMD, moderate amounts of caffeine (300mg or about three cups of coffee) should do you no harm. Caffeine improves alertness, concentration, energy, clear-headedness, and feelings of sociability.

At high levels, however, (more than 744 mg per day), caffeine may increase calcium and magnesium loss in urine, cause a slight, temporary rise in heart rate and blood pressure, and, of course, keep you up at night.

Had your three cups today, but still feel the need for a mid-afternoon boost?  Try one of these five natural scents to energize you, courtesy of FitSugar:

Oranges: “Oranges are not only good for us to eat, but their aromatic properties are also considered very energizing in the aromatherapy world. The scent of orange essential oil is said to be both antidepressive and calming.”

Peppermint: “While wintertime and peppermint go hand in hand, this powerful fragrance works throughout the year! Its menthol scent opens up the sinus passages, helping you breathe easier all day long. Peppermint has also been proven to relieve tension headaches and improve alertness.”

Lemons: “Lemon gives off a powerful aroma that is both energizing and uplifting. This fresh scent is used in aromatherapy for its calming nature, which can aid with mental fatigue, exhaustion, and nervousness. It is said to refresh the mind by promoting alertness and concentration.”

Eucalyptus: “Even if you don’t live like the koalas in Australia, you can reap the energizing benefits of eucalyptus leaves from their essential oils. While it’s long been linked to treating aches and pains, eucalyptus oil also has energizing benefits. It has been shown that brain wave activity increases when people breathe in eucalyptus oil, alleviating both mental and physical fatigue.”

Grapefruit: “With similar properties to lemons and oranges, the smell of grapefruit can leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Inhaling grapefruit vapors may combat stress and depression. In some natural medicine circles, the oil is said to have an aroma that creates a more positive outlook on life.”

How much caffeine do you consume each day? Find out here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/AN01211

Are you a caffeine fiend? Leave us a comment below and let us know how you stay alert and focused throughout the day!

By Heather Hewit. As the PR/SM Assistant Account Executive at lotus823, Heather manages the agency’s integrated marketing and PR initiatives for a variety of consumer electronic and lifestyle clients. Heather offers support to her clients through media relations, materials development, social media content creation and community management, and the development of creative giveaway strategies. Outside of the office, Heather enjoys eating, ballet, and watching Lifetime. Follow Heather on Twitter, at: @lotus823Heather. Read other posts by Heather Hewit.

So far, the news of the Pope creating a twitter account has sparked more questions than answers. Will the Pope answer the questions himself or will it be another member of the Vatican answering the questions? Greg Burke, the Vatican’s media advisor has stated, “All the Pope’s tweets will be the Pope’s words.” Starting December 12, the Pope will occasionally answer questions live but won’t continue tweeting every day.

Many people in the Catholic Church are skeptical when it comes to the Pope having a Twitter account. On one hand, it is a great way for the Pope to connect with everyday citizens, but Twitter can also be quite challenging. Every day accounts are hacked, and if the Pope’s account were to be compromised it could cause problems for the Vatican. Regardless of the possible consequences, the Pope’s first tweet went out on December 12 saying:

“Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you from my heart.”

So what do you think? Will you ask the Pope a question or just read his latest tweets? Go to https://twitter.com/Pontifex and check it out then let us know what you think!

The difference between balancing classes, internships and clubs is astounding in comparison to balancing a full-time job, relationships, and life in general. Below, I break down the disparities of the PR world through my intern perspective vs. my professional perspective!

I hope the career lessons I have quickly learned over the past few months will help and inspire  emerging graduates that are eager, stressed and confused about the future that lies ahead:

Intern Media Relations vs. Career Media Relations

Media Relations is a huge part of the PR industry. However, my experiences in media relations as an intern are extremely different to the media relations experience I am embracing as a nine-to-six professional. As an intern, I was responsible for organizing and welcoming media members to events, ensuring they were seated properly and receiving the correct event results or guidelines from start to finish. As a professional, the practice of media relations is more focused on building a relationship with media than organizing documents.

I now need to understand their platform, who they are as individuals, and build a trustworthy relationship that will bring proven results for my client, their product and my company. A rapport cannot be built in a classroom and it most certainly cannot be built overnight. Looking in on the industry from the outside, media relations is glamorous, fun and exhilarating. However, as a new professional, it is a challenge, and oftentimes stressful. New professionals can cope with these challenges by being consistent, striving to understand the platform and pitching it wisely. If young professionals adapt to these techniques, success will be waiting for them in the end!

Class vs. Work

The struggle for a full time student is unique for sure. I thought waking up for a 10:00 a.m. class was difficult, but waking up Monday through Friday is a total adjustment! However, the real adjustment is trying to apply what I learned in my classes to what I am actually doing at my desk. The transformation from learning out of a PR textbook in the classroom to actually practicing the PR technique is something that cannot be taught in a lecture hall. Pitching, writing press releases, participating in meetings and engaging in client calls are all skills I have been trying to pick up from coworkers, my bosses and endless blogs I read on a daily basis. I hate to say this (and I am sure my father will cringe if he ever knew this) my college classes were kind of a waste of time! Sorry Dad!

My career in PR has been a true gift so far! Every day, I am learning new ideas and strategies to make me more adept at my dream profession. I am also lucky enough to have found an agency that has welcomed me with open arms! My supportive team is allowing me to learn and bloom as I transition from intern to professional. It sure is a big one, but if you find your niche and enjoy the learning process, you’ll become a successful PR pro in no time!

By Alison Nudo. As the PR Account Coordinator at lotus823, Ali supports the agency’s integrated marketing and PR practices for a variety of lifestyle, consumer electronic and music industry clients. Ali offers team help through media relations, social media strategy, and execution of strategic public relations and marketing planning. When not focused on work, Ali enjoys running, blogging, and shopping! You can follow her on Twitter, at: lotus823_Alison! Read other posts by Ali Nudo.

Unusual Christmas Traditions Celebrated Today:

1. In Catalonia, families gather around the “caga tio”. The “caga tio” is a hollowed out log that features a cartoon face. It is stuffed with candy and treats starting on December 8 and ending on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day the “caga tio” is put in the fireplace and beat with a stick until the candy comes out. “Caga tio” literally translates to “pooping log”. Catalonians’ sing a song that, when translated into English, says, “If you don’t poop, well, I’ll hit you with a stick.”
2. In Austria, children have a lot more to worry about than just getting coal in their stocking! Many European children fear Krampus, a beast-like creature from a folklore of Alpine countries, often referred to as Santa’s evil twin. Krampus is thought to capture and punish bad children, while Saint Nicholas rewards nice children with gifts. Krampus’ job is to punish all the children who have misbehaved throughout the year. On the evening of December 5, Austrian men dress-up in scary demon costumes and run through the streets chasing children with rusty chains and bells. They have also been known to carry bundles of birch branches and, occasionally, use them to swat at children.
3. In Japan, Kentucky Fried Chicken is very popular during the Christmas season due to a very expensive ad campaign. In 1974, the fast food chain started promoting the catchphrase “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” (Kentucky for Christmas!). Statues of Colonel Sanders, known as Colonel Santa during the Christmas season, are decorated in Santa costumes. The custom of eating KFC for Christmas is so popular, that Japanese citizens make reservations or order their buckets a month in advance at their local KFC for Christmas day, or risk standing in line for hours starting on December 24.

These are just a few Christmas traditions that Americans might find strange. There are many other ways that people celebrate Christmas, leave a comment below to share any strange holiday traditions you may know!

Much research has been done on the topic of music in the workplace, with varied results. Some say music is a distractor while others report that music in the workplace actually helps boost productivity. Here at lotus823, we strongly believe the latter. Music helps us get through our day. In addition to helping us get our work done, music helps lower loti stress levels and makes our office a more fun and enjoyable atmosphere to work in.

Other Reasons Why We Find Music Motivational:

It’s an attitude booster: Having a rough day? Music can help! Whether you need some energy or need to calm down, listening to your favorite tunes can help set a new tone for the day. What’s on our positivity playlist you ask? Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves of course!

It helps block out distractions: Need to get in the zone? When you are working on something that needs your full attention, music can help you tune out the chaos around you. So turn it up and tune out! The loti team turns up Jammin (Benny Benassi Remix) by Bob Marley and The Wailers when we need to focus.

It inspires creativity: Need some mental stimulation? Music can help get you in the groove. According to The Mozart Effect, slower Baroque music, such as Bach, Handel, Vivaldi or Corelli, can create mentally stimulating environments for creativity and new innovations. While the classics might help inspire some, our team’s pick for boosting brainwaves is Steppin’ Razor by Sublime.

What songs motivate you to stay positive, focused and creative at work?

by Katie Foley.  As the PR Account Supervisor at lotus823, Katie manages the agency’s integrated marketing and PR initiatives for a variety of lifestyle, consumer electronic and music industry clients. Katie offers support to her clients through media relations, strategic planning, brand and reputation management, social media strategy, messaging and materials development and event/tradeshow coordination. Read other posts by Katie Foley.

According to NASA, you don’t have anything to worry about on December 21. Of course you’re going to believe what you’re going to believe, but I encourage you to check out all of the great information NASA has shared with the public to understand the facts before you give in to the idea that doomsday is fast approaching. It’s using a pretty great multi-channel online approach to inform you, and ease your fear.

Informative FAQs Content Clears Up Phony Forecasts

Second order of business, you’re going to want to check out NASA’s “Beyond 2012: Why the World Won’t End” Frequently Asked Questions and Answers list. In this list, the fantastic scientists at NASA cover the following topics to explain why the world will not be ending on the 21^st (Pressed for time? Look at the handy dandy info in parentheses for a takeaway of what you’d read at each topic link):

• End of the World (I repeat—“The world WILL NOT end in 2012.”)
• “Prediction” Origins (NASA is now accepting submissions for the next date to be dubbed “Doomsday” when Dec. 21 is a bust. Basically, predictions of the worlds demise are cyclical, with doomsdays moved forward when predictions fail.)
• Mayan Calendar (Let your kitchen calendar be a friendly reminder—just as the calendar you know and love keeps on after Dec. 31^st [its end date] each year, so will the Mayan calendar keep on after Dec. 21, 2012 [the end date of the Mayan long-count period].)
• Total Blackout (Look towards the light—A blackout is not being predicted by any scientific organization in existence, including NASA.)
• Planetary Alignment (Get ready for the show…in 2040—There aren’t any scheduled planetary alignments for the next few decades. But, even when the next one scheduled for Sept. 8, 2040 occurs at 7:30 p.m., when Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and the crescent Moon align, it will be an event of no consequence, just an incredible sight!)
• Nibiru/Planet X/Eris (So, as I’m sure you’re aware, it’s December and last time I checked there aren’t any large planets looming in the sky—if any of these “planets” were a threat, they’d be visible to the naked eye by now. Think about that!)
• Polar Shift (Very simply—it’s impossible!)
• Meteor Strike (Stop watching Armageddon—big hits are very rare, like that which killed the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, and yup, you guessed it, there are no threatening meteors gunning for us. New discoveries are posted openly and daily here.)
• NASA Science (And the verdict is—there is no scientific evidence that supports an unusual event taking place in December 2012!)
• Solar Storms (Everything appears to be normal on this front as well!)

Still worried? Keep reading!

NASA’s Social Media Strategy to Stop Soothsaying

As you may imagine, NASA has been receiving countless letters of worry asking about the so-called apocalypse scheduled to occur on December 21. In an effort to ease the minds of those who cannot seem to look past 12/21/12, NASA hosted a Google+ Hangout for social media users on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 to discuss the rumors propagated across the Internet featuring a panel of experts. If you missed the “Beyond 2012: Google+ Hangout with NASA,” you can view it via the video below:

Beyond 2012: Google+ Hangout with NASA

Integrated End of the World Marketing Tactics

Now that you’re mind is eased as far as the end of the world happening in 2012 is concerned, let’s take a moment to reflect on the multi-channel online marketing strategy NASA carried out to inform the public.

From its website to its social media front, NASA implemented a few tactics that any company can start to put into practice today, tactics that will be beneficial even as Dec. 21, 2012 comes and goes. Here are two social SEO tactics that you can start executing now:

1. Create informative, easy-to-share website content. Take a lesson from NASA and the FAQs page it created. The webpage was easy to read, easy to navigate and easy to share. Take a look at the image below, you’ll notice there are social media share buttons present at the top (check out those share counts!), a bulleted index for the content on the page (great for people to get right to the info they want to read), and a link to the Google+ Hangout that NASA hosted.

2. Host a Google+ Hangout to inform your customers and fans en masse. Just as NASA used a Google+ Hangout to get the facts out about how the world will not be ending on Dec. 21, so too can any company creatively use a Google+ Hangout to provide its customers with valuable information. For example, companies can use a Google+ Hangout to host:

• a customer service session on a common problem or FAQs.
• an online rally to gain supporters for a cause/initiative.
• a customer loyalty/customer appreciation event.
• an event where a big announcement from the CEO is communicated.
• training sessions on how to use a new product, interface, etc.

If you have any questions about the above tactics inspired by NASA’s end of the world integrated marketing strategy or need assistance getting started, please do not hesitate to leave us a comment below. Additionally, if you appreciated the information in this post, please take a moment to share this post with your friends via our convenient social media share buttons below!

One last thing before you go: Do you think the world will end on December 21, 2012? Leave us a comment to state your stance!

By Jessica Guida. As the SEM/SEO/SM/IRM Manager & Strategist at lotus823, Jess oversees the agency’s integrated marketing, with a specialty in the management and implementation of innovative SEM/SEO, SM and IRM initiatives for a variety of international, national, and local lifestyle, luxury, and consumer electronics clients. Jess has a persistent, results-driven approach laced with a true passion for client success. She prides herself in making unique online marketing strategies come to life so the clients under her care can take the digital space by storm and dominate online in their industry. Out of the office, you can find Jess playing field hockey, traveling, being a foodie and taking over whatever sound system is in her general vicinity to play electronic dance music (EDM)! Follow Jess on Twitter at @lotus823_Jess. Read other posts by Jessica Guida.

Perseverance, fortitude and a serious dose of flexibility are the make or break traits for an often unforgiving industry.

Allow me to put my existentialist hat on and ask an outrageously bold question: Why am I still doing this? Now bear with me just a second. You should know that I absolutely love my job. I’m proud of the work my team does every day and working at lotus823 is among the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in this industry.

That said, there comes a time when every PR person asks that question, because it’s darn hard out there.

This is an industry that, if you let it, can chew you up and spit you out. As someone who’s seen a few more downs than ups during my first few years of agency-life, I’d like to offer the little bit of advice I can to the young guns, pit bulls and dreamers out there hoping to survive a career in PR.

Words to come back to when the long days and hiccups leave you asking “why?”:

1. Don’t take things personally. Develop thick skin. You’ll meet all kinds of people with all kinds of opinions working at PR and marketing agencies. Everyone has something to teach you, whether through your own mistakes or from theirs. Constructive criticism is one of the best ways to learn. Keep an open mind and consider feedback from every angle. For more on this topic, I suggest reading the second agreement in Don Miguel Ruiz’s classic, “The Four Agreements.”

2. Be your CONFIDENT self. Fake it until you make it – sort of. Sometimes the only way to move ahead is to jump. Take on challenges and don’t be afraid to do something you haven’t done before. Ask questions and become BFFs with Google. Believe in yourself, because the only way to get to the next level is to try, and I promise you if you don’t think you can do it, no one else will either.

3. Remember to breathe. The long hours and demands of working at an agency have the potential to bring anyone down. Sometimes the only thing you can do is close your laptop, take a deep breath and come back to it tomorrow. I can often be heard saying “It’s PR not the ER!” (Because we’re not saving lives.)

So, when that dreaded “why?” question enters your mind, try to remember that you’re still doing this because you learn new things every day, you challenge yourself every day, and there’s never a dull moment.

This has been the first installment of Lessons from the Trenches (let’s call it LFTT from now on). I look forward to shining a light on this subject again in the future but, in the meantime, please share your PR agency survival tactics in the comments below!

All for now – JB

A music instructor can be quite expensive, especially because it can take a long time to master an instrument. With utilization of the Internet and social media, there are cost effective alternatives to paying for an instructor.

Learn to Play an Instrument with Social Media

David Hernandez, Managing Partner of lotus823, strumming on his guitar!

There are tons of websites where novice musicians can pay instructors to teach them. Online lessons are typically cheaper than one-on-one in-person lessons and allow the user to have a more flexible schedule. You can also contact teachers that are from other parts of the world, allowing music students to expand their horizons. Even though this is an appealing alternative to traditional music lessons, there are still even more cost-effective ways to learn.

There are countless tutorials for instruments on social video websites like YouTube and Vimeo. It’s easy to find lessons for any type of musician, beginner to master. Even less popular instruments can be found on YouTube. While the student may not have direct access to the instructor, they can still learn the instrument using this technique and – it’s free!

The Internet is a melting pot for all sorts of musical information. It can make learning a new instrument a lot more manageable, financially and mentally. It can be used as meeting place for a teacher and student to interact, or it can be used as an alternative to hiring a teacher altogether.

Have you ever used social media for learning to play a musical instrument? Please let us know, by commenting below, what’s worked best for you!

Advantages to Using Twitter for Business

1. Connect with customers. Twitter enables a business to communicate directly with its customers, allowing a company to quickly and efficiently address questions or promote a product. A business can even find out what’s popular and what’s trending on Twitter!
2. Globalization. Twitter is one of the best ways to get a product promoted across the world.  A business can reach customers in places they wouldn’t normally be able to find with traditional advertising.
3. Build your business. When a company is just starting up, Twitter can be extremely helpful. It’s a cost effective way to drive customers to a business or website.
4. Receive constructive criticism. With Twitter, a business can share its ideas with anybody, and anybody can share their ideas with that business. This allows the business to receive feedback directly from customers, other businesses or anyone engaging with the brand.
5. Increase Sales. Typically, the main reason a business chooses to engage in any type of social media is to help increase sales. Twitter lets businesses drive traffic directly to its website, allowing easy access to information and products. Sharing links on Twitter has a direct effect on search engine optimization, which can also make it easier for a customer to find the business.

Twitter is a great way for businesses to reach customers on a daily basis. It is cost-effective and efficient when used properly. Even with these great benefits, many companies remain hesitant to sign up for the social networking service. Rest assured, as social media becomes a part of consumers’ everyday lives, if you’re not using Twitter your brand will soon be forgotten.

Do you know other reasons why businesses should use Twitter? Leave a comment below and let us know!

It’s difficult to find somebody nowadays who doesn’t have a Twitter or Facebook. Most people are connected to social media in one way or another. Many people are emotionally invested in social media websites. It has become an extension of their social life, allowing them to stay in contact with offline friends, online. But, like anything else, social media has the ability to be overused and abused.

Many people today may be addicted to social media. The average Facebook user spends 75 minutes per day on Facebook and logs in 6.1 times. Seventy percent of users log into their profile every time they start their computer. Studies have even found that heavy social media users feel less happy about their lives, yet, continue to use the websites regardless. It would seem that these social media websites are habit-forming.

While there are conflicting arguments in the medical community debating whether social media is actually addictive, one thing is certain: Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms in general are becoming more popular everyday. They are gaining more users by the minute and making it easier to keep in contact with other people. Social media is a helpful tool that can be used by anybody. It just needs to be utilized in moderation, just like everything else.

Biscotti is a leader in high-definition video calling products for the home and business. Providing real-time, unlimited free calls to anyone, anywhere, Biscotti TV Cams give everyone the ability to interact and connect with real life TV camera picture and sound.

“We are incredibly excited to be working with Biscotti,” said David Hernandez, Managing Partner, lotus823. “Our fresh approach is a differentiator for brands looking to reach the next level in PR, social media, and SEM services. We look forward to bringing a new energy to Biscotti, helping the brand to dominate in the video conferencing space and surpass business goals.”

lotus823 was founded in 2010 as a full-service integrated marketing agency. Combining creative genius, smart thinking and analytical acumen, the executive team at lotus823 developed a new communications model utilizing a cross-platform approach to create an immersive experience for brands and their publics. By building powerful connections across multiple channels, the integrated agency delivers engaging business solutions with measurable results.

lotus823’s work in the digital space was most recently recognized for its use of search engine optimization techniques, named as a finalist for “Best Use of SEO” in PR Daily’s inaugural Digital PR & Social Media Awards.

It’s our turn to show Sandy who’s boss! GlobalTech East (GTE) Inc., a design and marketing company located in one of the hardest hit shore towns, Toms River, NJ has started a campaign to ‘Restore the Shore.’ The GTE team is selling uniquely designed Jersey inspired t-shirts and hoodies, donating all proceeds to local shelters, emergency workers and non-profits that have been set up to help those affected by Sandy. You may purchase a t-shirt or hoodie by visiting the GTE website, which also offers detailed instructions on doing your part to ‘Restore the Shore,’ here: http://www.globaltechnj.com/restore.php.

Sandy can rip through our favorite communities but she can’t break down our Jersey-strong spirit or attitudes!

See you this summer, at the Jersey Shore!

Let us know how you’re taking part in ‘Restoring the Shore’ by dropping us a line below. We’re honored to be part of such a resilient community, and look forward to hearing from you!

Integrated marketing agency, lotus823, is pleased to announce that it has recently brought on service management software company, Clear Computing, to its roster of clients. lotus823 will be executing an integrated strategy that focuses on promoting Clear Computing through social media and search engine marketing campaigns.

Social Media and SEM Services are Beginning for Clear Computing, Now

Clear Computing’s service management software, Clear Computing Online, is the perfect solution for a number of service businesses including biofuel (yellow oil), medical waste, recycling, portable restroom rental, commercial waste, roll-offs, and more. Clear Computing Online offers cloud-based features that assist in understanding customer needs and help manage everything from operations and billing, to dispatch.

“Clear Computing offers an all-in-one resolution for your service management software needs,” said David Hernandez, Managing Partner of integrated marketing agency, lotus823. “We’re thrilled to assist Clear Computing in building their social media and search engine marketing presence to complement their longstanding reputation of success in providing management software solutions to service delivery companies.”

For information on the social media, SEM, and SEO services that lotus823, integrated marketing company, offers, please visit: http://www.lotus823.com/what-we-do/

Connect with lotus823 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lotus823 and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lotus823.

lotus823 is extremely excited to announce its been named a finalist in PR Daily’s Digital PR & Social Media Awards 2012, in the category of “Best Use of SEO.”

The Digital PR & Social Media Awards 2012 recognizes outstanding digital achievements among firms across the nation, providing recognition for companies that have taken tremendous strides in utilizing the marketing opportunity that presents itself with digital communication, establishing the industry benchmark for excellence across all areas of PR. The award for ‘Best Use of SEO’ recognizes agencies that demonstrate improved searchability for their client’s website through the use of outstanding Search Engine Optimization tactics.

“We are truly thrilled to be named a finalist in PR Daily’s Best in Digital PR for Best Use of SEO for 2012,” says David Hernandez. “This impressive honor is a confirmation of the outstanding work our team executes for our clients everyday.”

Here at lotus823, PR Daily’s recognition adds even more fuel to our fire for continued excellence in all our integrated client strategies.

Learn more about our SEO services recognized in PR Daily here: http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2012/10/25/500102/10009955/en/lotus823-SEO-Services-Recognized-in-PR-Daily-s-First-Ever-Digital-PR-Social-Media-Awards-2012.html

Our Social Media Strategist role is an excellent opportunity for a creative individual that will run social media campaigns and be involved in proposals and creating strategies. If you excel in and are passionate about social media, this is your chance to shine. Our integrated marketing agency is growing rapidly and provides opportunities for career advancement.

We are looking for a creative individual who will thrive in a dynamic and changeable atmosphere but value work/life balance. We work with a wide range of clients such as consumer electronics, music technology, mainstream lifestyle, luxury and sports products.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years working in an agency handling multiple Social Media networks including: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube, Tumblr, etc.
• Must have experience developing, launching and managing innovative Social Media marketing campaigns, identifying and significantly growing customer audiences, monitoring accounts and managing/engaging with consumer brands’ social media communities
• Possess a strong knowledge of industry trends with the ability to rapidly adjust tactics
• Advanced and extensive knowledge of creative social media tactics, including online promotions, social media events, and giveaways utilizing multiple giveaway themes and tools, as well as creating the social media strategy
• Experience creating and scheduling Social Media initiatives with solid writing skills, with a knack for writing engaging content, including blog writing
• Experience utilizing Social Media Software tools and Social Media Analytics tools required
• Must be self-motivated and analytical with ability to effectively multi-task, prioritize deadlines, in a fast-paced environment
• Solid Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Knowledge of SEO and PR a plus
• Four-year degree in Public Relations/Marketing/Communications/Journalism preferred

If you would like to join our team of driven, passionate, and talented individuals, please send your resume and cover letter, which includes salary history to biz@lotus823.com.

Apple has added a ton of new features into their already popular iPod touch; it’s no surprise that so many people have already purchased the product. With the addition of Apple’s new EarPod headphones, Apple promises audio quality equal to earphones costing hundreds more, making the new iPod touch’s overall experience right out of the box seem very promising.

Additionally, with iOS 6 the new iPod touch delivers Siri, FaceBook and Twitter integration, Maps, and Passbook.  Finally, with AirPlay you can share whatever is on your iPod touch screen to your HDTV via Apple TV.  That means Photos, Videos, Safari, Music – even games you’re playing will stream live to your HDTV as you’re playing them!  With the new design and features the iPod touch is quite possibly poised to give other handheld entertainment devices a run for their money.

Did you purchase the new Apple iPod touch and have tested the new features? Share your thoughts below!

The new iPhone 5 has a much sleeker design then its predecessors. It is 18 percent thinner than the iPhone 4S measuring only 7.6 mm thick. It’s also roughly 20 percent lighter weighing in at 122 grams. With the size and weight cut down, one would think that it would have a much smaller display. Instead, Apple went a different direction and added an even bigger screen to the device. The iPhone 5 now has a 4-inch widescreen display with a resolution of 1136 x 640, which is big enough to add a new row of icons to your home screen.

Apple claims the iPhone is the most popular camera in the world. Well, if that’s true then the iPhone 5 camera will keep it there. The new camera now can shoot high-resolution panorama shots (up to 28 megapixels and 240 degrees). Other improvements include 40 percent faster photo capture, better low-light performance for those less than ideal lighting situations (think restaurants, clubs, outdoors, etc.). If that wasn’t enough, video recording is now 1080p HD and FaceTime can work over cellular connection as well as wi-fi. Last but not least, the front facing camera not only takes pictures but can also shoot video in 720p HD.

The iPhone 5 is also a lot quicker than the previous generation of iPhones. Apple claims the new A6 CPU is two times faster than the processor in the iPhone 4S. With the addition of 4G LTE to the phone, browsing online will also be a lot quicker.

Even with all of the upgrades Apple has made to their iPhone 5, they still managed to make it more energy efficient. The new phone has up to 8 hours of talk time before the battery dies, and up to 10 hours if you limit your data usage strictly to wi-fi.

With all these new features it seems as if Apple has hit a homerun once again and with the iPhone 5 launch having the biggest pre-orders of any iPhone including double of the iPhone 4S, clearly smartphone buyers agree. They continue to progress the smart phone community with their innovative ideas. Apple has set a standard for smartphones everywhere, and will continue to do so as long as they release ground breaking devices like the iPhone 5.

Will you be buying the new iPhone 5 on September 21? Let us know!

Writing a blog can seem very overwhelming. Taking that first step and getting started writing is by far the most difficult part. Here are 5 tips to get you on your feet and off to the races:

1. Keep the ideas flowing. Always work on more than one subject at a time. Writers block is more common than you might think and it helps to be able to go back and forth between subjects. Don’t spend too much time on one sentence. If you’re stuck on one idea or thought, skip it, and come back to it later.
2. Create content for your audience. Typically, your blog should not be about “you”. The point of your blog is to engage the reader. You want the blog to entice the reader by either being informative, offering help in solving problems or to be a form of entertainment for the potential reader. (Don’t be afraid to show your personality!)
3. People like pictures. The content in your blog is very important, but it’s also appealing to the reader to have some sort of visual media that is relevant to your post. Whether it’s photos or a video, people love visual-aids. Links can also be very helpful, if they direct your reader to a website that is relevant to the subject you’re writing about.
   

   Source: http://bloggerbacklinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/successful-+-blogger-+-tips.jpg

4. Remember less is more. Keep your posts between 250 and 500 words. You want to keep the readers interest from beginning to end. Try to draw the reader in with a clever headline to try to ensure they finish reading the entire post.
5. Lists make it clean and simple. Lists make blog posts much more attractive and provide a neat format that helps the reader move through the content swiftly. It also helps you as the writer with writing the blog, as it keeps your thoughts focused while writing. (Bullets or numbering works well)

So take that first step, think of a few subjects you’d like to write about and get started!

Do you know some more tips on blog writing? Comment below with your tips!

In an article written by David Hernandez, managing partner of lotus823, he discusses the ways in which you could best combine search engine marketing methods, social media techniques and traditional public relations campaigns for a successful integrated marketing strategy that will increase your virtual brand!

Check out the article in “The Great Business Project” magazine, here:

If you’re getting tired of the same old Facebook layout, this app could be the perfect solution. The Pinvolve app allows you to view your Facebook photo posts in a Pinterest-like style. You can also pin directly from Facebook to Pinterest, a feature that could never be done before!

Brands that are looking to increase and optimize their images on social media should take advantage of Pinvolve. It’s a different way to connect your Facebook fans to a more personalized side of your company through your Pinterest boards. Whether you’d like to drive more traffic to your Facebook or Pinterest, Pinvolve is a great marketing tool that can benefit your brand image.

Read more about the Pinvolve app here: http://techcrunch.com/2012/04/09/pinvolve-converts-facebook-pages-into-pinterest-pinboards-increases-repins-by-150/ or, just head straight to the site and create one for yourself! http://www.pinvolve.co/

Then see all our images on the lotus823 Pinvolve app here: http://www.facebook.com/lotus823/app_188240811277030

Let us know! Are you using Pinvolve and what do you think of this app?

Why did it grow so fast you may wonder? Was it the fixation that started with photo-blogging? Maybe it’s something as simple as wanting to share our pictures with the world or maybe we all have a secret desire to become professional photographers? While no one is a 100% certain on why Instagram is growing so fast, we do know how to spot a fellow Instagram-er!

“How to Spot an Instagram Junkie”

If you feel like you are severely addicted to Instagram and may need help (like we feel at lotus823), have no fear! There are more of you than you may think. The below infographic gives you all the details of how to spot a crazed photo taker, like yourself.

Source: http://dailyinfographic.com/instagram-addict-infographic

We Support Your Instagram Addiction

As an “Instagram Junkie,” we’re sure you can pinpoint with ease one of the best Instagram photos you’ve published to-date. We’d love to see some of your best photos and for you to take full advantage of this blog post to showcase your work. Simply leave us a comment below with a link to your best Instagram photo!

We look forward to seeing the product of your addiction!

Check out the new lotus823 Instagram page and follow us!

Learn more information about Instagram here:

• http://instagram.com/about/faq/
• http://dailyinfographic.com/instagram-addict-infographic

Integrated PR, SEO, and SM Services for Duxiana to Begin

lotus823, an integrated marketing agency based in Tinton Falls, N.J., is pleased to announce a new partnership with leading luxury bedding manufacturer, DUXIANA®. As agency of record, lotus823 will support the DUX North America brand through a blend of public relations, search engine marketing and social media services.

DUXIANA, best known for creating advanced technology in sleeping, is one of the highest quality bed manufacturers in the world producing the most comfortable and technologically advanced luxury beds, bedding and accessories for over 85 years. Through a combination of research, the finest natural materials and the expertise of four generations of Swedish craftsmen, DUXIANA has blended the science of healthful sleep with the ultimate in comfort, providing a sleep experience like no other.

“lotus823 is thrilled at the opportunity to work with a luxury brand like Duxiana,” said David Hernandez, Managing Partner of integrated marketing agency, lotus823. “With lotus823’s strength in developing brand visibility for consumer products intertwined with DUXIANA’s reputation for making the finest handmade beds, together we are poised to wake up the marketplace and media to a better way to sleep.”

Photo from: http://www.amusedbybooks.com/

Love Oprah’s Book Club? Check out these books to suit any mood from “O’s 2012 Summer Reading List”:

• “Tell the Wolves I’m Home” by Carol Rifka Brunt
• “A Small Fortune” by Rosie Dastgir
• “The Age of Miracles” by Karen Thompson Walker
• “Kingdom of Strangers” by Zoe Ferraris
• “Shout Her Lovely Name” by Natalie Serber
• “Heading Out to Wonderful” by Robert Goolrick
• “When We Were the Kennedys” by Monica Wood
• “Imperfect Bliss” by Susan Fales- Hill
• “The World Without You” by Joshua Henkin
• “Gone” by Cathi Hanauer

See the full list of titles in Oprah’s Summer Reading Guide.

Always searching for good finds on Amazon? Check out the ‘Editors’ Picks’ from Amazon’s Summer Reading List:

• “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
• “Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy)” by Deborah E. Harkness
• “The Age of Miracles” by Karen Thompson Walker
• “Fooling Houdini: Magicians, Mentalists, Math Geeks, and the Hidden Powers of the Mind” by Alex Stone
• “The Red House” by Mark Haddon
• “Diamond in the Rough” by Shawn Colvin
• “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk” by Ben Fountain
• “Amped” by Daniel H. Wilson
• “Gold” by Chris Cleave
• “Shine Shine Shine” by Lydia Netzer

See all books listed in the Editors’ Summer Reading area on Amazon.com.

Looking for even more options? Check out some favorites from the lotus823 team:

• “Spirit Junkie: A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles” by Gabrielle Bernstein
• “Fifty Shades of Grey” by E. L. James
• “The Lucky One” by Nicholas Sparks
• “Game of Thrones” by George R.R. Martin
• “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson
• “Twilight: Breaking Dawn” by Stephenie Meyer
• “Amy, My Daughter” by Mitch Winehouse
• “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
• “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen

Tell us: What’s the next book you’ll be ‘checking out’ during the summer months? Comment below or continue the conversation on our Twitter at http://twitter.com/lotus823 and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lotus823.

Integrated Marketing Services to Begin for The BidSpot

lotus823, an integrated marketing agency that offers a blend of public relations, search engine marketing and social media services is pleased to announce the addition of The BidSpot to its family of clients. lotus823 is preparing to launch a cross-platform approach to promote The BidSpot brand in the U.S.

The BidSpot is an online auction website presenting brand new products that range from iPads® and flat screen televisions, to a variety of gift cards and seemingly everything in between. The BidSpot offers a fun and exciting platform for members to win a selection of brand name, premium products with an exceptional customer service guarantee, and the fastest shipping in the industry.

“We are very excited about our new partnership with The BidSpot,” said David Hernandez, Managing Partner of integrated marketing agency, lotus823. “Since 2011 The BidSpot has become much more than just an online auction site, expanding its offerings to include a Rewards Program for dedicated customers, and beyond. We’re thrilled to help The BidSpot tell their online auction site story.”

Viddy is a simple way for anyone to capture, beautify, and share amazing videos with the world. Capture key moments of your life, morph them into beautiful video, then share with those who matter most. Viddy is an app similar to Instagram, but leverages videos instead of pictures.

Thousands of people have downloaded the app and are already enjoying the many features Viddy offers. Get familiar with the features, below:

• Instantly create visually stunning clips using cinematic production packs:
  • Similar to Instagram filters, these production packs can help you make your videos into beautiful, realistic cinematic experiences that are worth watching.

• One-click sharing to the social web, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube:
  • After creating a video, it is ‘as easy as a click’ to share it with your friends on various social networks for everyone to see.

• Meaningful feedback from those who matter most – friends, family and more:
  • Once posted, the video can receive comments and feedback from any of your family and friends across the web.

• Real-time video discovery and exploration from a vibrant community:
  • You can view other popular videos from around the world on the Viddy website and leave comments, read comments, and like your favorites!

• An endless source of creativity, inspiration and personal expression:
  • An easy way to express yourself, share moments of your life, get creative with your videos, and be inspired by others. Hey, you might even inspire others yourself!

Snapshot of the Viddy App

For you techies out there, here’s what you’ll want to know about Viddy:

• App Size: 19.0 MB
• Available in Five (5) Languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish
• Gadget Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later.
• Price: Free from the Apple App Store, here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/viddy/id426294709?mt=8&ls=1

A newer version, 1.6.0, is already available for download and includes new features including the ability to change each video description, camera enhancements, and improved push notification support. Learn more at http://viddy.com/.

Let us know! Do you Viddy?

Google Drive is the much-anticipated service that Google has always wanted to incorporate into its ever-popular Android OS. Personal Google Drive storage is easy to use and super efficient with its personally manageable storage accounts.

First of all, you should know that Google Drive for Android is not entirely new. Truly, it’s the old Google Docs application with a few tweaks and improvements to provide ease of use for Android devices.

Google Drive allows you to use a phone, tablet, or other Android device to browse your files over the cloud. You can edit your Google Docs files directly from the app itself, download files to your phone, select individual files to synchronize, and you even have the option to make a file available offline.

Google Drive Key Features Discussed

• Access Your Files Anywhere: Just like Google Docs, whether you are using a Mac, PC, or mobile device, there is a single place to store all of your files, allowing access from anywhere. No matter what the file type is, Google Drive can store it and provide an efficient access point.
• Bring Your Files to Life: Google Drive gives you the ability to share entire folders or single documents with anyone you grant access. These can be your employees, co-workers, or personal friends; it’s entirely up to you! No matter the situation, Google Drive makes sharing files effortless.
• Buy Your Storage: Although users are given 5 GB of free storage to start, if more storage is needed, users can pay for up to 16 TB of storage starting at $4/month.
• Enjoy Security: Google Drive allows you to be worry-free with your files because with a built-in disaster recovery, sharing controls, and data encryption, your files will always be safe.

Would you like to learn more about Google Drive? We’d suggest reading the following articles which are chock full of information on the new storage service:

• http://mashable.com/2012/04/24/google-drive/
• https://www.google.com/enterprise/apps/business/products.html#drive

Now that you’ve educated yourself on Google Drive, we want to know what you think! Leave us a comment answering this: Which Google Drive features you are most, or least, looking forward to?

“GetLunched.com is leading the way in the new trend of location-based networking. The new ‘social networking site’ will allow people to search and meet with people in their local area for a value exchange over lunch.” ~ PRweb.com

What is the GetLunched Social Networking Site?

Getlunched.com is built on the idea that everyone has a skill that could be valuable to someone they haven’t met yet. It’s about connecting people in close proximity to help them build new social engagements, and since people are more likely to want to help others when given a reason… lunch is a great incentive!

Who Can Use GetLunched?

Everyone! It can be used for business, inspiration, friendship or dating! It’s meant to be a social ‘action’ network with the goal of providing a reason to meet – therefore providing the opportunity for face-to-face meetings.

How Does GetLunched Work?

GetLunched is a network designed to help people get back to social networking face-to-face by letting users discover local connections and giving them a reason to meet up… lunch!

For example: Mary Smith may be interested in meeting with Joe Doe and would like to connect with him, so Mary and Joe agree to meet via getlunched.com. They then can choose between “my treat,” “your treat,” or “50/50 lunch deal” – whichever one suits their situation. Time to meet, and eat!

What’s Next for GetLunched?

The site is currently only available in London but since it has already attracted over 500 users, a U.S. launch is in the near future. With a growing interest in the site, it seems like GetLunched knows what their audience wants – a user friendly, social networking site that will soon enough have a mobile app so they can find each other for luncheons on the go!

Tell us: Will you be testing out this new social networking site when it comes to the U.S.? Let us know what you think about GetLunched!

Recent studies show that social media is addictive by nature. In fact, according to a 2011 study by an online security firm (Webroot), 54% of those who use social media networking sites feel some sort of addiction towards sites like Facebook, Twitter and most recently, Pinterest. Sometimes the addiction is so strong that a person would prefer to check their social media accounts rather than sleep or have sex.

Photo Source: http://ow.ly/avNrj

How can you tell the difference between being addicted and being an average user? We’re glad you asked. Check out our social media addiction breakdown below:

You might have a Twitter addiction if…

• You take a bathroom break, send a Tweet, get back to your desk and realize you forgot to use the bathroom.
• All your news comes from someone on one of your many lists. If they didn’t Tweet it, you don’t know about it.
• You say something in conversation like this: “That was awesome! Hashtag cool beans.”

You might have a Facebook addiction if…

• Most of your conversations start with “Did you see [insert name]’s [insert one of the following: picture, status, wall, comment, other] on Facebook from [insert number] minutes ago?”
• You have Facebook open in one tab, open a new tab, and instantly open up Facebook again.
• As soon as you log on to a computer, you automatically open up an Internet browser and type in Facebook.com.

You might have a Pinterest addiction if…

• You start pinning in the afternoon and the next time you look up it’s dark out.
• You buy dozens of mason jars for all the innovative DIY crafts you pinned.
• You have very specific boards for your future wedding, house, and nursery, but are currently happily single.

Did you pass the test or are you addicted to social media? If you can you think of any other ways to tell someone is addicted to social media, be sure to leave us a comment to let us know!

1) New Facebook Timeline for Pages

Facebook provides brands, companies, and organizations with a new and improved page as part of the “timeline switch.” Several new tools for complete page optimization will be included as well as a unique cover photo area. Who doesn’t like having a cool, unique image to represent them?

Also, Page admins can easily manage activity, including such things as answering messages from the top of the page and “pinning” a post so that it appears at the top left of the timeline for 7 days or until another post is pinned.

2) Permissions & Messaging

Messages from fans, including their recent posts to the page, can be controlled through the new “permissions” section. Admins now have the ability to determine the specific content that shows up on the page, including fan post visibility.

3) Tabs

Tabs have been relocated from the left side to underneath the cover photo. This allows for more space. Only 4 tabs, which can all be chosen by the admin, excluding the Photos App (which can’t be moved or hidden from view), will be visible to fans. All other tabs are hidden from view, but can be easily viewed by clicking on a drop-down menu to the right of the tabs.

4) Widgets and Applications on the new Facebook Timeline

Widgets and applications will run as usual, however they will be less prominent as they will be located at the top of the page.

Check out the new lotus823 Facebook Timeline page! We would really like to hear from you, so drop us a note to say hello!

Will Facebook Timeline for pages be successful? Are you loving or hating the change? Tell us your thoughts and share with us your experience with the new Facebook Timeline!

Learn more information about Facebook Timeline here:

• http://www.facebook.com/about/pages
• http://mashable.com/2012/03/01/facebook-timeline-brands-guide/
• http://learning.hubspot.com/blog/bid/126757/Get-Ready-For-The-New-Facebook-Timeline-For-Brand-Pages

The new iPad had its official unveiling, March 7. The big reveal was made at San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, where Apple also launched its two prior iPads. The new iPad is now available for sale in the United States.

The new iPad’s biggest distinction (besides its lack of numerical assignment) is its awesome quality 9.7-inch retina display. However, Apple also made a few other tweaks in terms of design and display.

What are the Biggest Changes on the New iPad 3?

1. Retina Display

Apple outdid itself with the super high-resolution retina display on the new iPad. Containing 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, which is one million more than a 1080 HDTV, makes the screen have 44% better color saturation. According to Mashable, Apple claims the new iPad has “the best display ever made for a mobile device.”

2. iSight Camera and 1080p recording

Integrating the optics of the iPhone 4s’ camera, with five megapixels instead of 8, allows the new iPad to capture brilliant photographs. With a backside-illuminated sensor, large f/2.4 aperture and automatic image stabilization, the quality of photos and videos is greatly amplified. Additionally, the camera can also record in 1080p, an improvement from the 720p on the iPad 2.

3. More battery power

Although new features like these, especially the retina display, require more power, the new iPad has the same battery life as the iPad 2. How, you ask? Because the new iPad’s battery is rated at almost double what the previous model was. The bigger battery lets you work as you did before but on a higher quality display.

To learn more about the new iPad, from Mashable, please visit: http://mashable.com/2012/03/08/new-ipad-features/ and http://mashable.com/2012/03/07/ipad-hd-2/

Share with us the iPad accessory you are most looking forward to getting for your new iPad! Leave a comment below and let us know!

Photo from http://bravotangotees.com

We’re an integrated Public Relations and Search Engine Marketing company achieving results for our clients by creating brand visibility and establishing brands as industry leaders, utilizing both mainstream media and social media, while providing our clients with progressive strategies for success. (Not to mention, we’re conveniently located in Central Jersey near the Jersey Shore!)

We’re looking for outstanding intern candidates who are eager to learn alongside expert PR and SEM/SEO professionals. Interns will gain experience about the different avenues involved in integrated marketing, including Public Relations, Search Engine Marketing/Search Engine Optimization and Social media strategies.

We have a number of New Jersey Marketing Internships available!

Public Relations, SEM Summer Internship 2012 Tasks May Include:

• Media Monitoring via Media Research Software and Google Alerts
• Building Media Lists
• Social Media Creation including Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, and Pinterest
• Social Bookmarking
• Blog Post and Video Blog Creation
• Google SERP (Search Engine Results Page) Monitoring
• Marketing Research

Like what you’ve heard so far? So did our past interns! Check out what they had to say about their internship experiences here at lotus823:

“Interning is a great way to gain experience in your field of study. At lotus823 I gained exactly that, while working alongside a fantastic team of helpful people that are passionate about what they do.” – Casey Reilly

“Interning at lotus823 has truly been a remarkable experience! It has given me a taste of what agency lifestyle is all about and most importantly it taught me that it is important to love what you do. My passion for PR has grown tremendously over the past semester all because of lotus823!” – Alison Nudo

This is an excellent opportunity for you to learn multiple aspects of an integrated marketing company and to be a part of a dynamic team in a positive working environment. For more information about a summer internship at lotus823, please see our internship opportunities page!

Please submit your cover letter and resume to: biz@lotus823.com if you are interested in having an incredible internship experience this summer!

Basically, Pinterest.com is a unique social media website that gives users a “break” from other popular sites, like Facebook and Twitter. It’s simplicity and organization draws users in, while still giving them the benefit of connecting with others.

The site has a large amount of active users and it’s user-generated content keeps them coming back for more. Users are encouraged to expand their personal online collections, which is fascinating to people since currently there is no other popular site with this type of feature.

Who can use “Pinterest?”

Everyone – just embrace it! The ability to pin images and create new boards is appealing to the imagination and simple. Pinterest has a very user-friendly online platform, where newbies and advanced users alike can use their imagination and experience something new with each sign-in. Pinning can take place on Pinterest.com, through the Pinterest iPhone app, or externally from the site using the “Pin It” Bookmarklet. (Get the: iPhone app and “Pin It” Bookmarklet!) You’ll find Pinterest to be very convenient based on how you prefer to pin.

Another perk of using Pinterest is seeing the images that you’ve uploaded on the site’s front page. All newly uploaded images appear on this page, so everyone has the opportunity to be a little famous!

Check out this addictive Pinterest infographic and tell us: How many hours a week do you spend on Pinterest? Are you a #PinterestAddict (you’re not alone!)?

As Pinterest Addicts ourselves, we’d love if you’d take the time to follow lotus823 on

To view the Mashable article that inspired this blog post, please visit: Why is Pinterest So Addictive?

Photo: http://ak.buy.com/PI/0/1000/219976839.jp

While these new features look great on paper for streamlining your television and computer needs into one device, the truth of the matter is that these features are actually raising privacy concerns among experts and consumers alike. The reality is that there is no way to turn off the camera or microphones manually.

Yes, Samsung says you can download software to disable these devices, or one can manually adjust the camera to face the ceiling, as opposed to facing viewers. However, there is no way to indicate to users whether or not the devices are in use, such as a red light near the camera, which makes the camera appear to be one big privacy concern to many.

With Samsung not exactly making disabling these devices user-friendly, there is concern that Samsung or Samsung-affiliated companies, or worse, third party hackers using apps, will have easy access to watch and listen to everything happening in your living room.

What are the biggest potential privacy and security questions the Samsung TV poses?

1. Is it possible for people or companies to listen to or watch you through the microphone, camera and Internet connection?
2. Does Samsung combine separate piles of information? For instance, do they match a user ID or a facial scan to warranty registration information to more personal information, like your name or address?
3. Through the built-in Facebook app, can the TV access your own Facebook account to match other viewers to their pages, thus collecting even more personal data?

What can Samsung do to ease worries?

1. Reveal what operating system these Smart TVs use and how safe it is against hackers.
2. Clarify any outside entities (those not in your home), if any, who have access to use the camera or microphone.
3. Inform users if any of the data collected is encrypted.

To check out the original article from Techlicious, please visit: http://www.techlicious.com/blog/is-your-tv-watching-you-latest-models-raise-concerns/

But, before you go, think about this and let us know your thoughts in a comment below: Would you feel like your information and identity would be secure using these new Samsung TVs?

1. Social Bookmarking

Brands can gain more exposure and a bigger audience by joining one of the newest online trends: social bookmarking! Social bookmarking includes features that allow users to upload, tag, and follow products they love. Some websites that feature social bookmarking include Twitter, Tumblr, Delicious, StumbleUpon, Reddit, WeHeartIt and Pinterest. Out of those, we find it quite intriguing that Pinterest, the 5th largest social bookmarking site on the web, is driving more people to 3rd-party websites than Google, YouTube, and LinkedIn combined, according to the infographic by CheapSally.com! Not on the Pinterest bandwagon just yet? Get a feel for what it’s all about by checking out the lotus823 Pinterest page!

2. F-Commerce

Many brands use F-Commerce, also known as Facebook Commerce, to connect with their audience by offering exclusive sales and items for customers who are active on their Facebook page. Studies show that almost 25% of all online activity is conducted on Facebook alone. Who is doing f-commerce right? Oscar de la Renta! Through Oscar de la Renta’s Facebook page store, fans can purchase fan-only items, sold solely through Facebook, direct for the runway. Talk about a Facebook fan exclusive!

3. Digital Coupons

Nowadays, many brands use digital coupons to incentivize potential customers to visit their social media sites and become a ‘fan’ and/or “follower” of them. When incentivizing in this way, it is important to make it very easy for your target audience to obtain your coupon codes online, in an effort to provide them with instant gratification. Interestingly enough, the popularity of digital couponing has caused at least 1/3 of America’s population to no longer look through the Sunday paper to find deals.

4. Mobile Photo Sharing

Another way that companies and brands are gaining exposure for their brand is through instantly sharing ‘behind the scenes’ photos with their audience. Once these photos are shared, fans can interact with the brand by liking, commenting, and/or sharing the photos. In 2011, the amount of people sharing photos by a conventional camera decreased by 52% since 2010, making mobile photo sharing one of the most popular ways brands can relate to their audience and gain a following. Instagram, a popular mobile photo-sharing app for iPhone, is now being used by over 200 brands – wow! We definitely suggest checking it out, if you haven’t already!

5. Gamification

Gamification is the concept of applying game-design to non-game applications to make them more exciting and engaging for the audience. In 2010, companies spent an estimated $100 million on gamification alone, and that number is expected to rise to $2.8 billion in 2016. Gamification has gained popularity because many tend to think people are more inclined to do something if there is something of value in it for them (i.e. get 2 of your friends to buy this promotion and get your item for free).

Are you already using one or more of these 5 essential tools for branding success? Share your favorite with us or tell us which you are looking forward to trying!

Why Online Customer Service is Important:

• 53% of customers who shop more than once a month deem customer service extremely important
• 31% of customers purchase more from retailers after a positive shopping experience
• 7.8% of abandoned online transactions could have been converted into sales with better service

What Will Make Better Online Service?

Customers Want:

• The ability to track shipments with either a computer or mobile device
• Online customer service chat or instant messaging
• Videos that explain installation or assembly

Preferred Support Methods:

• 58% of shoppers said email
• 22% of shoppers said phone
• 20% of shoppers said live chat

Online shopping is slowly becoming just as popular as shopping in brick and mortar store. Online retailers need to consider the importance of customer service to keep customers coming back. Do you have any recommendations for retailers who offer online services? Let us know your thoughts!

View the full article here!

Here are the top trends of 2011:

1. Group buying (groupons)
2. Geolocation Apps (i.e. Foursquare)
3. Tablets (iPads, Kindles, etc.)
4. Cloud-Based Productivity Apps (i.e. Google Docs)
5. Online Video in Enterprise (i.e. YouTube)
6. Online Q&A
7. Crowdfunding
8. Mobile Photo Sharing Apps (i.e. Instagram)

Interesting Facts about these Top Tech Trends:

• 47% of online consumers redeem online coupons in store or directly through a website in 2011
• Total amount of tablets shipped worldwide in the second quarter of 2011: 18.7 million.
• By 2013, more than 25 percent of content consumed by workers will be dominated by videos and audio.
• The number of Crowdfunding sites around the world rose by 68 percent from 2010 to 2011.
• After 13 months from its launch, Instagram picked up more than 13 million users.

Anticipated Tech Trends for 2012

Not only will all of these trends continue to expand throughout 2012, there are three other areas of technology that are expected to become more popular.

1. Data Boom: IBM reported that 90% of data in the world today was created two years ago. Digital information is doubling every two years. Using this volume of data could make this a $300 billion industry.
2. Internet TV: A new U.S. broadband policy objective calls for about 100 million homes to have access to download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 50 Mbps. This will help develop the online TV experience.
3. Mobile Commerce: It is expected that mobile commerce will become a $31 billion industry by 2016, which will be composed of nearly 10% of all e-commerce.

View the full article and other facts here! What are your predictions for the Top Tech Trends of 2012? Leave us a comment with your thoughts!

Pinterest.com is a new social media website that has primarily consumed the interest of those familiar with other social networking websites.

How does “Pinterest” differ from other sites of its kind?

This outlet provides its users with a way to connect through the use of sharing various types of image collections.

Although created in December of 2009, it wasn’t until late 2011 that the website started getting popular and gaining people’s interest. Today, Pinterest is listed under several categories concerning top social media resources on the Internet.

Pinterest content is mostly dominated by interest in crafts, fashion, food, and home décor. The site uses some similar techniques from other online social media such as the ability to blog, reach out to other users, and “pin” a specific image, which is essentially marking them as being “liked.”

The amount of users actively involved on Pinterest has made its popularity increase in just a short time frame. The site is ranked No. 5 in social networking sites driving the most referral traffic, beating Google+ which ranked at No. 9. Females between the ages of 25 and 44 accounted for 58% of site visitors towards the end of 2011. The many people that choose to share their image collections via Pinterest will inspire others to do the same. We will likely continue to see Pinterest listed as a popular social media site.

Check out our Pinterest page and follow us to see everything we love: http://pinterest.com/lotus823/

Are you using Pinterest? Let us know what you think of your experience!

A fan’s admiration of this move found the term “Tebowing” and created a website with some friends with uploaded pictures of them replicating Tebow’s signature move. Founder, Jared Kleinstein, thought it would be something for his friends. But his original idea exemplifies how powerful the Internet and social media can be.

Two days after Kleinstein posted the website, Tebowing.com, it had 350,000 unique visitors. Since late October, the website has received photos from over 75 countries and the website has continued to grow into much more (containing different categories of pictures and an interactive portion).

Then, Tebow made social media history again after the first round of playoffs. After Tebow’s 80-yard overtime touchdown to win the game, he made twitter history with 9,420 tweets per second. This event is now number two on the most-tweets-per-second.

Top 10 Most-Tweets-Per-Second List:

1. Anime movie Castle in the Sky was televised in Japan (25,088 tweets per second)
2. Tim Tebow’s overtime touchdown (9,420 tweets per second)
3. Beyonce’s pregnancy confirmation at the MTV Video Music Awards (8,868 tweets per second)
4. The execution of Troy Davis (7,671 tweets per second)
5. FIFA Women’s World Cup – Both Games (7,196 and 7,166 tweets per second)
6. Steve Jobs Resigns (7,064 tweets per second)
7. New Year’s Day in Japan (6,939 tweets per second)
8. The award confusion between Rihanna and Chris Brown at the BET Awards (6,436 tweets per second)
9. UEFA Champions League (Barcelona vs. Manchester United) (6,303 tweets per second)
10. Steve Jobs passes away (6,049 tweets per second)

Are there any events on this list that surprise you? Leave us your comments!

View the full articles here:
http://mashable.com/2011/12/16/tebowing/
http://mashable.com/2012/01/09/tim-tebow-twitter-record/

“This bill expands the ability of U.S. law enforcement and copyright holders to fight online trafficking in copyrighted intellectual property and counterfeit goods” as stated by mashable.com. The U.S. Congress is considering legislation that could lethally damage the free and open Internet.

What does that mean exactly?

Tech specialists are saying that any sites that have links on them, even if they are submitted by users, are subject to be taken down by the government. Wikipedia is one of the largest encyclopedias in human history that was created for users to add information about particular topics.

Today, January 18, 2012, many tech companies are blacking out their websites as a warning to show what would happen if SOPA passes. This “blackout” is a way to get the two bills into the public’s eye in order to show people outside the tech industry how their everyday lives could, and would, be affected by the bill.

BBC News.com says the US news website Politico estimated that 7,000 sites were involved by early Wednesday morning. Check out the list of websites that joined the fight against the two bills and participated in the blackout to the right.

What effects do you think SOPA could have on the Internet? Leave us a comment with your thoughts!

A Need for YouTube for Schools?

Many schools have banned YouTube access because they believe that it provides too much of a distraction for students. In addition, teachers have expressed their desire to employ a variety of educational videos to help enhance lessons but worry about possible classroom disruptions.

YouTube for Schools solves this problem by eliminating all of the possible distractions. This program allows schools to only grant access to educational tools. It does not provide related video recommendations or allow students to comment on videos.

Teachers can also create individual playlists to share with their classes, as well as provide comments and suggest playlists to further integrate YouTube for Schools into the classroom.

Why Is YouTube for Schools Important?

The development of YouTube for Schools demonstrates how technologically advanced society has become. Before this program, teachers felt that not having access to the Internet site was hurting their lessons. A major reason why is that the way in which children learn continues to evolve. Today, students live in a world where technology dominates, and the classroom is the perfect place to learn how to apply it properly.

YouTube for Schools provides yet another example of how social media and the Internet have merged to improve yet another segment of society. Do you think that YouTube for Schools will benefit children in the classroom? Leave us your thoughts!

View the full article here!

lotus823
on Google+

• Adding People to Circles: You can’t add a person to a brand page’s circles unless he/she has added your brand page to his circles first.
  • To see people that have added you, go to the “Circles” tab and click on “People who’ve added you.”
• Remove Unwanted Tabs: If your brand’s page does not use videos or photos, you can remove them to clean up the page.
  • Go to your profile page, click “Edit Profile” in the top right corner and then click on either “Photos” or “Videos.”
• Lock Posts to Prevent Sharing: Google+ offers the ability to lock posts within a circle.
  • Before you share your post, click the drop down arrow underneath the four icons on the right. Here you can “lock” the post so it can’t be shared further.
• Hide Your Follower Count: While you’re building your brand’s presence on Google+, you might want to hide your low follower count.
  • On your home page, click the “Change who is visible here” option.
• Add Useful Links: You can add links to your “About” page on Google+.
  • To add links, click on “Edit Profile” when you’re on the “About” page and then click “Recommended Links” to open the edit options.

The complete list of tips and tricks on Google+ Brand pages from Mashable can be found here.

Efforts to Give Back

Many organizations are giving to charities by donating their time or making donations during the holiday season. Here are some examples of businesses giving back:

1. eBay is pairing up with Toys for Tots. Anyone can make a donation through their website. However, if you are in the New York or San Francisco areas, you can visit their holiday themed window displays for an interactive experience through an app that will lead to a donation.
2. Kraft Food’s donates meals to Feeding America after fans of their Facebook page interact via trivia and survey questions.
3. Coca-Cola changed the symbolic red cans to white this holiday season. App users can scan the cans and earn points to help the company make donations to Arctic Home, the campaign for polar bear preservation.

See how other companies are giving back this holiday season!

lotus823 Gives Back

We understand how important it is to give back, especially during this time of the year. On behalf of our clients, we will be donating funds to Community Food Bank of New Jersey this 2011 holiday season. This food bank donates to nearly 1,500 non-profit charities throughout New Jersey. The Community Food Bank lists some facts and tips here to get you started.

Getting Involved

Local food banks are established all across the U.S. and fight hunger and poverty by distributing food and groceries, providing education and training, and developing new programs to help local people with low incomes meet their basic needs. A great way for companies or individuals to give back is through a food drive and donating time or money to a local food bank. Food banks are always in need and gratefully accepting donations.

Instead of giving conventional gifts this year, why not make a donation to a worthy cause? How will you be giving back this holiday season? Spread some holiday cheer and let us know!

Check out this short special Thank You video we received from the Food Bank of New Jersey.

• The total number of likes on your page
• The number of people who are friends with your fans
• The number of people talking about the Facebook Page
• The number of people that your information reached
• A detailed break down of your audience (including age and gender)

Where do you find Facebook Page Insights?

On the left-hand column of your page you will find a column of choices. There is an easy-to-find Insights tab that you click, which will bring you right to your page’s status break down.

What are the benefits of Facebook Page Insights?

At lotus823, we understand how important it is to know your audience while trying to reach them with social media. This is an easy way for businesses to learn about their audiences and use this to their advantage when reaching them through social media.

Want a tour of Facebook Page Insights? Click here and find out more! http://ads.ak.facebook.com/ads/FacebookAds/Page_Insights_en_US.pdf

Source: http://a.abcnews.com/images/Technology/ht_new_twitter_design_nt_111209_wg.jpg

What’s New?

• Twitter has been reorganized into four categories, both on the website and mobile apps.
  • Home: Your feed will be more consistent across platforms, be able to view photos and videos right in the tweet instead of a side column, and see information about the tweet
  • Connect: This is where you can find all of your replies and mentions
  • Discover: An advanced search function in which you can identify stories and trends based on your connections, locations, and language
  • Me: Your information will now appear, on the left, bigger and neater
• You will be able to embed individual tweets on your website. Viewers of the website can retweet, reply or favorite the tweet without leaving the page.
• Companies can have brand pages which allows for more interaction with followers and a customized look.

What’s Gone?

• You can no longer translate tweets
• You can no longer mail, repost or save links to Instapaper

Most users have reported to like the new Twitter design and capabilities. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and share with us!

View the article on Mashable for more information!

Twitter is definitely trying to keep up with Facebook and Google+ and we think they will succeed.

The new brand pages are only available to a limited number of companies but will be rolling out more in the coming weeks. We will be getting one when it’s available, will your company? Leave a comment to let us know!

Follow @lotus823

Today, HubSpot launched Marketing Grader, which analyzes 30+ measurements compared to the 9 Website Grader uses.

Type in the URL of your company and any 2 competing company’s websites and Marketing Grader will evaluate performance and improvement areas. Marketing Grader looks at all aspects of your marketing activities from your ability to be found through search engines to blogs, social media and mobile devices.

Marketing Grader Evaluates

• Top of the Funnel: ability to generate new interest and traffic
• Middle of the Funnel: whether traffic converts into prospects, leads and customers
• Analytics: measuring and comparing your marketing activities

Marketing Grader is live and available for all users. Test out your company’s marketing effectiveness at http://Marketing.Grader.com now!

Our Reaction: We would definitely recommend Marketing Grader and love the new mobile section as well as the upgraded social media section. Website Grader pulls up social media accounts differently than Marketing Grader. Website Grader allows you to see your Twitter grade and the number of Facebook likes but lacks active interaction analysis. It is important for us to see how our fans and followers are engaging so we can engage with them. Marketing Grader allows just that!

Most notable difference for us: Large dip in grade from Website Grader to Marketing Grader. Marketing Grader is analyzing more measurements and we have noticed that in the dip from our 91 grade on Website Grader to our 69 grade on Marketing Grader.

Will you be using the new Marketing Grader? What do you think this means for SEO companies? Leave a comment to let us know!

7 Billion: The App

There is a free app for the iPad available on the App Store. National Geographic is running the information-heavy app for the next year. Its main focus is releasing information on what this now means for the Earth that we have a population of 7 Billion. The app also provides readers with fun facts like it would take you 200 years to count to 7 Billion out loud. Have you downloaded http://mashable.com/2011/10/31/what-does-7-billion-people-mean/ app yet? We would love to know your thoughts!

So What Does 7 Billion Mean?

- Every second 5 people are born
- Every second 2 people die
- The average life span is now 69 years old
- In 1975, there were three mega-cities (cities with 10 million or more people)
- There are now 21 mega-cities

Want to see more? View the National Geographic YouTube video about the 7 Billion series!

View the full article!

Will you be downloading this app to find out more? What does it mean to you that we reached 7 Billion people? Share your thoughts with us!

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com

What is Google Music?

The service, much like iTunes, will allow customers to buy tracks or full albums. The customers will be able to save these songs on servers, or what they are calling “cloud accounts”. Google said, for now, they will have 13 million songs for sale.

What is Unique About Google Music?

The company is going to integrate both Google Music and Google+. Customers will be able to offer their friends one free listen to any purchased track through Google+. The service is also going to sell music through Android. This will allow customers to store songs on servers and listen on any device. The service is an expansion of Music Beta, which was released in May.

Are you a Droid owner? If so, do you plan on taking advantage of Google Music on your phone?

What does this mean for Google?

By adding this service, the company put itself in direct competition with Apple, Amazon and Facebook. Most specifically, by working with the Android Market, it helps Google compete with the iPhone. Also, music companies might see Google as a powerful partner with the addition of a music service.

What are your thoughts on Google Music? What do you think this means for competing music companies? Leave a comment to let us know!

For more information, check out the rest of the article! http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/16/google-opens-a-digital-music-store/?ref=technology

http://twitter.com/MLB

Online Sports Media

Fanatic sports fans can yell and scream at the T.V. all they want, but no one hears their thoughts. Twitter and Facebook are giving fans the chance to root for their own team and interact with other fans. You can show how dedicated you are without even leaving your home. The biggest effect this can all have is on the sports franchises. Interacting with fans in this way can help improve fan-team relations or even improve sales of tickets and merchandise.

Facebook Vs. Twitter

Facebook gives great overall updates for fans that want to check on pre or post game information. Twitter, however, allows fans to communicate with other fans, sports commentators or writers, the actual sports franchises, or even players during the game. Sports writers, MLB baseball clubs and fans alike were using social media sites to tap into the  2011 World Series content during these last few weeks of October.

Were you following the 2011 World Series via social media? What are some other personal hobbies you follow using Twitter or Facebook? Give us your feedback!

See the rest of the article for information on the World Series social media sports sites! http://socialmediatoday.com/ashley-ray/379109/social-media-guide-2011-world-series?ref=headline_rotator

Image Credit: http://money.cnn.com/2011/10/10/news/economy/occupy_wall_street_protest/

What Media is being used for Occupy Wall Street?

• Live streaming of demonstrations
• Publishing a professional newspaper to document efforts
• Vibe, a new free social media app, which is somewhat similar to Twitter

Vibe: The New Form of Social Media

Hazem Sayed created Vibe last May. This app allows people to ask questions to each other in a specific location. Vibe lets its users share anonymous messages within an area as small as 150 feet to as large as 300 miles. We believe this can be a great new opportunity for businesses. Companies trying to sell products/services can reach a more specific, location oriented audience. Companies even have the ability to choose the location in which they are reaching. Are you already using Vibe? We’d love to hear how (leave us a note)!

How is Vibe affecting Occupy Wall Street?

This new form of social media is keeping the protestors updated and informed. While it was not originally planned to have a political focus, Sayed is embracing the direction Vibe is taking. He attended the protest a few times and projected the current messages on a wall or a sheet. Within the last few weeks, Vibe has gone from having 1,000 users to about 12,000.

Do you think Vibe has the potential of becoming as popular as social media sites like Facebook or Twitter? Give us your feedback; leave a comment below!

See the full article at NY times: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/12/anonymous-messaging-app-vibe-gets-boost-from-occupy-wall-street/?scp=3&sq=pr%20firm%20occupy%20wall%20street&st=cse

Credit to: http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/9704.aspx

A study released on PR Daily showed that 70 percent of hiring companies have rejected potential employees due to content on their personal social media sites. Companies listed reasons for rejecting these applicants from examples like posting inappropriate photos to presenting poor communication skills.

At the same time, 68 percent of hiring companies said they have hired possible employees due to positive qualities portrayed by their social media profiles. Some of these qualities included an impression of their organizational lifestyle or their creativity in the communication field. Social media has become such a prominent aspect in our society. You can definitely work these sites to your benefit with a little bit of effort. To get your personal social media presence in order, we suggest starting with the following sites: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn (Some companies, like us, will go even further to check out your Flickr, YouTube and Blog sites; so those are good to get in check as well!)

What do you think hiring managers deemed as inappropriate? How could you use your personal social media sites to impress a future employer? Give us your thoughts!

Have a social media presence that you feel would impress us? Please feel free to send your resume to us at biz@lotus823.com. We’re always looking for new social media savvy people to join our team. Thanks!

For the full article see PR Daily: http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/9704.aspx

Image Credit: http://www.apple.com

Because of his bold vision and innovations in the world of consumer electronics, he gave birth to great products that in turn spurred other creative minds to create new genres of accessories, products and more, based around the Apple aesthetic. Truth be told, this blog post is being written on a MacBook Pro and millions of people found out about his passing on their iPhones – now that says something!  We can truly look at our technology a little differently after reading the previous line!

His life’s work has touched so many people, maybe even everyone. Can you think of someone in your life right now that hasn’t been impacted by the technology that he has brought to our world?

When we lose such an insightful and brilliant person in our world, you can’t help but look back on some of the most impactful speech remarks.  Here is a quote from Steve Jobs at the Stanford University commencement address in 2005:

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

Is there a specific question, memory, moment, etc. that is coming to mind about Steve Jobs right now, after reading this? Leave us a comment; let’s start a discussion in Steve Jobs’ honor!

WHY? Well Then Why Social Media at All?

It’s been proven that Social Media is one of the best ways to get your message in front of, and to interact with members of your target audiences. Also, it gives you the ability to hear and see what other people are saying and writing about your brand. So far, to ensure a quality social media presence the most common sites to be on are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and blogs. And now, Google Plus, which is already on the rise, with an estimated 10 million users in its test stage!

Need More? Why Google Plus For Businesses?

Google recently published a screenshot of what your pages may look like, using Starbucks as an example, and they look pretty cool.

Credit:http://ow.ly/6hGBG

Not only will they show your fans, but you can also showcase your employees. In addition, it’ll be possible to add more than one location for a business by incorporating Google Maps and Places, and you can use Google Offers to include specials for fans and customers. You’ll also have the ability to use Sparks (a place where users can easily find things they are interested in) as a tool to get out the most recent information about your brand. Ford Motor Company has had a chance to craft a Google Plus test page; you can check it out to see some of this great stuff in action.

Need More Business-Type Reasons To Use Google+?

• +Research – Google Plus business pages integrate your Google Analytics and Google AdWords to assist in making research easier.
• +Meetings/Communication – “Business Hangouts” are ideal for meetings, as they provide the ability to organize, record and archive phone, text and video conferences among as many as 10 people. Meeting invites can be sent out via Google Calendar, email or Google Chat, and attendees can make and share notes on a virtual “whiteboard”. All of these meeting features are really great to have as more and more employees work virtually.

So, with all of the specialized Google Plus tools for businesses to use and the fact that Social Media is key for a fully integrated and effective marketing plan, we say: “Go for it, sign up as soon as Google Plus business pages launch.”

Get Ready NOW for Google Plus

It’s true that not every new social media platform has held water in the past; however this one looks like it’s going to stay afloat. So stay tuned to claim your business and to be able to choose a great page name before they are all taken. In the meantime you can:

Credit:http://ow.ly/6hLUb

• Add Google +1 social media buttons to your website on your homepage, key landing pages, key product pages and blog posts.
• You should create a personal account on Google Plus to start getting used to the social network. Best to get the learning curve out of the way now, so you are prepared when Google Plus launches for businesses. Plus, it’ll give you a leg up on your competition, which may be waiting to dive into Google+ when business pages launch. Don’t wait!
  • You = A business owner, key executives and employees of a company, especially those involved in the marketing and customer support initiatives for the organization.
• Put up a blog post about Google Plus to let your customers and clients know that you will be keeping tabs on the new social network and plan to implement new strategies to have a presence on Google+. In addition, invite customers/clients to use the new Google +1 buttons on your website to share content with their friends, to link up with your company’s key executives/employees, and ask that people search for you as soon as the news hits that Google Plus for businesses has launched.

Finally, the last reason why you want to take the time to get Google Plus for your business, in the words of so many of us here at lotus823 “I mean, come on, it’s Google!”

You can read more about Google+ here, and then let us know if you’re ready to dive in ASAP, or if you need to know more. Have a Google Plus oriented question or idea? Leave us a comment; let’s start a conversation about this!

Premier PR and SEM Services to Begin

iWatchz selects lotus823 for integrated PR and SEM services. The public relations agency is set to launch a public relations and SEO strategy to familiarize the U.S. market with the iWatchz brand.

iWatchz creates stylish watch straps that pair with the unique iWatchz clip system. This ingenious combination allows any 6th-generation iPod nano® to easily transform into a fashionable iPod nano watch.

“The iWatchz collections are chic, affordable and designed with a clip system that provides a secure fit for a nano. Apple iPod nano users will love keeping track of time and playing their favorite tunes while wearing any of these sleek watch bands,” said Michelle Knox, CEO of public relations agency lotus823.

Search Engine Marketing Company Provides SEO and PR Strategies

Search engine marketing company lotus823 has been selected to provide integrated SEO and PR strategies for Alto Professional, a leader in live performance reinforcement.

Alto Professional is renowned for creating portable, sturdy, powerful, and affordable live performance equipment for all types of musicians and live sound reinforcement engineers.

“Alto Professional products increase the natural energy of a live performance by allowing the music to be heard as it was meant to be heard. The equipment provides incredibly clear sound that is full enough to encompass any-size venue,” stated David Hernandez, Managing Partner of the search engine marketing company lotus823.

SEM Agency Offers Services to Promote DJ Equipment

PR and SEM agency, lotus823, announces that they have been selected to provide integrated SEM, SEO and PR services for Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ equipment.

lotus823 will strategize and execute public relations and search engine marketing campaigns for the Numark Industries brand and their suite of world-class products. Numark is known for producing DJ equipment that changes the landscape of the DJ world, including gear that leverages the power of Apple’s iPod, iPhone and iPad to advance the capabilities for DJ’s.

Managing Partner of the PR and SEM agency lotus823, David Hernandez said, “Numark is fulfilling a key market demand by creating world class equipment that meets the need of every type of DJ. We look forward to this ongoing relationship that will extend the reach of their innovative suite of products.”

Integrated PR Consulting and SEO Services Begin 

SEM firm lotus823 has been selected to provide search engine optimization and PR consulting services to Alesis, the world’s leading manufacturer of professional audio recording equipment and studio electronics.

Providing a wide range of advanced and affordable equipment, the Alesis product lines include analog mixers, electronic drums, and computer audio interfaces and controllers. Every product strives to provide the most innovative and inspiring professional audio gear to all levels of musicians, producers and engineers.

“It is wonderful to work with a company that is so loyal to its clientele,” said David Hernandez, Managing Partner of the SEM firm lotus823. “Alesis manufactures affordable, world-class studio and recording equipment that allows artists to create high-quality work.”

PR and SEO Firm Provides SEM Strategies

The PR and SEO consultants at integrated SEM and PR firm lotus823 have been selected to provide public relations strategies and SEM solutions to Akai Professional.  For the last 20 years, Akai Professional has been a well-respected and influential manufacturer of music production equipment.

Akai Professional continues to innovate and manufacture cutting-edge music production equipment for all types of musicians. Its MPC sequencing samplers have changed the way modern music is created by giving beat makers the ability to sequence their own samples like never before.

“Akai Professional is committed to providing artists with essential yet innovative and high-quality products,” said David Hernandez, Managing Partner of the SEM and PR firm lotus823. “The company’s devotion to superior music production shines through with every new product it creates.”

SEM Strategies To Be Implemented By PR Company

New Jersey SEO and PR company lotus823 has been chosen to provide ongoing public relations, social media, and search engine marketing strategies for ION, a leading manufacturer of consumer electronics and entertainment technology.

lotus823 will strategize and execute public relations, search engine optimization, and digital marketing campaigns for ION-branded consumer products that simplify advanced technologies. ION has a history of innovation with music products like the USB turntable, which has reconnected millions of people with their vinyl record collections.

Michelle Knox, CEO of PR company lotus823 said, “The ION products make understanding and utilizing today’s technology easy. It’s exciting to see how consumers can use their products to convert VHS tapes into modern digital technology or even learn how to play a new instrument.”

Premier Public Relations Services to Begin

lotus823, a premier public relations firm, has been selected by American Audio & Video to provide PR strategies for the rCube, manufactured by Arcam the award-winning designer of Hi-fi and home cinema equipment.

The rCube is a revolutionary portable music system that works with the iPod®, iPhone®, and iPad®, delivering hi-fidelity sound, with wireless audio streaming capabilities.

“Created in the UK, the rCube’s sound and functionality are far superior to other premium speaker systems on the market today. We’re delighted to help AA&V tell the rCube story to U.S. consumers,” stated David Hernandez, Managing Principal of lotus823, the public relations firm.

First Class SEM Company Provides SEO Solutions

lotus823, a PR and SEM Company, has been picked to develop and execute an integrated strategic Public Relations, SEO solutions, and Social Media strategy for SimpliciKey, LLC, creators of the  SimpliciKey™ Remote Control Electronic Deadbolt.

SimpliciKeys’ electronic door lock solution provides consumers greater convenience and enhanced security.  The electronic deadbolt can be activated using a remote control key fob, keypad or standard key. Three finishes are offered to ensure that the keyless entry lock enriches both the architectural design of any home, as well as provides additional safety.

“Their focus on simplifying everyday life, by creating products to specifically meet those needs, is inspiring,” said Michelle Knox, CEO of lotus823, PR and SEM Company. “With lotus823’s proven success in developing brand visibility for consumer products, SimpliciKey will soon become a household name.”

Search Engine Marketing Services to Begin

Bluw Toys has selected lotus823, a search engine marketing and PR agency, to help launch the EggBods™ brand in the US.  The creation of an integrated SEM and PR plan for Bluw Toys builds on lotus823’s strength in developing brand visibility for consumer products.

EggBods are the new mix n’ match collectible characters from Bluw Toys.  The collection includes a broad range of ‘egg’ characters for boys and girls including Captain Hardboiled, Fireman Scramble, Eggalina Ballerina and Tinkershell.  Each character includes an interchangeable head, arms, and accessories so kids can create their very own EggBod.

“EggBods are a fun and retro wind up toy that parents and kids will absolutely love,” said Michelle Knox, CEO of lotus823. “We are going to have an ‘eggscellent’ time working with them.”

EggBods are entertaining and adorable wind up, collectible egg toys that have traveled to Planet Earth from Planet Egg. There are currently eight EggBod characters that you can mix-n-match to continue the fun with! Now that they’re being sold in select Michaels stores, who wouldn’t want to document their trek on film?

We had so much fun creating this pitching video and it turned out great! The EggBods escape from their boxes and find themselves frantically attempting to find the local Michaels Store. Find out if Crack Commando, Captain Hardboiled, Eggbot, Fireman Scramble, Tinkershell, Eggalina, Nurse Eggwhite, and Eggs Factor ever accomplished their mission!

If they made it, then you’re in luck! If you purchase 2 or more EggBods from Michaels Stores now, and send your receipt to eggsbods@bluw.com, you’ll receive a free EggBod! Visit www.eggbods.com/where-to-buy to find an EggBod-carrying Michaels near you!

Check out the Eggbods YouTube channel and watch the adventure unfold:
http://www.youtube.com/eggbods#p/a/u/1/F1LNzsaYHts

For those reasons above and many more, social media is becoming a business’ best friend. Have you and social media been acquainted yet? No? Let me introduce you, to Facebook and Twitter!

I’d Like You to Meet:

Facebook

Engage with over 500 million potential customers (which includes many of your current customers) on Facebook, as they stay in touch with friends, upload an unlimited number of photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet everyday. Here’s how to get started:

1. Create a ‘Personal Profile’ for yourself, a.k.a. The Business Owner (using your name, not the name of your business). Doing this step will allow you to “friend” all of your current contacts, in an effort to suggest your “Official Page” to them in the future. Go to Facebook.com and fill out the “Sign Up” form.
2. Set up an ‘Official Page’ for your business. http://www.facebook.com/pages/create.php This is where you will use the name of your business. An “Official Page” on Facebook is similar to a mini website, where one can describe their business, post news, etc.
3. Get people to ‘Like’ your page. Reach out to friends, employees, and colleagues, using the personal profile you set up plus other methods like email, to create an initial base of ‘Likes’.
4. Check out Facebook Help. Facebook’s robust Help section is great for beginners.

Twitter

Connect with your customers in real-time and quickly share information with people interested in your business via the 140-character Tweet. Twitter offers businesses a chance to reach an engaged audience, using little words. Here’s how to get started:

1. Think of a 15-character Twitter handle, or name for your account. On Twitter, your handle is what defines you, so make it professional and make it memorable. It’s also beneficial to keep your location in mind when creating a handle, especially if you are a local business owner – think state abbreviation or the city you serve.
2. Create a Twitter account for your business, using the handle you just came up with. Go to Twitter.com and “Sign Up”.
3. Check out Twitter for Business, for basics to best practices. http://business.twitter.com/

Now is the perfect time to jump on the social media bandwagon. Don’t get left behind! The truth is that many of your competitors may already have a hand, or both, in the social media scene, so it’s vital for you to jump on board to stay competitive. Or better yet, gain a competitive edge if you can be the first on the scene in your market. Just keep in mind that spending time on Facebook or Twitter can be a time suck if not planned out properly. Therefore, it is important to establish your goals and identify your target audience before becoming a social media power user.  So get acquainted and establish a plan in an effort to start creating some social media buzz about your business!

If you have questions about how social media can help your business or need assistance creating a social media marketing plan, contact Jessica Guida at jessg@lotus823.com. She can also be found on Twitter www.twitter.com/lotus823_Jess.

About Jessica Guida

Jessica Guida is a Search Engine Marketing Strategist for lotus823, specializing in social media marketing strategies for local and national businesses. lotus823 is an integrated Search Engine Marketing and Media Relations firm that offers a wide range of services to develop brand awareness, secure media coverage, and optimize online presence. Founded in 2010 with offices in New Jersey and Florida, lotus823 works with clients nationwide in a variety of industries, developing customized strategies to produce measurable results. Visit www.lotus823.com for more information. Connect with lotus823 on Twitter (http://twitter.com/lotus823) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/lotus823).

What do the yellow brick road, your heart, and a leader all have in common?  They all have followers!  So does Twitter – one of the most popular social media sites of the current media age.  Twitter is the fastest and easiest way to stay updated on all of your interests from the latest celebrity gossip, tech news, and your favorite business promotions.  So how do you flock followers to your Twitter page?  Let us explain how to gain more followers, and once you do – what it can do for your company.

The “Monkey-See-Monkey-Do” Theory

Credit: http://ow.ly/4cxfS

Gaining a substantial number of Twitter followers for your business is as easy as following them yourself. Once you click the +Follow link on someone’s Twitter account, they will notice their number of followers have increased, confirmed by an e-mail notification, with you as the latest follower. They could click on your page, and in turn, follow you.  The exposure of your business is not only priceless, but also absolutely limitless.  In essence, “You scratch my back, I scratch yours” – so get to scratching – there are over 50 million Twitter-ites out there!

Make A Donation

People love a good cause, especially companies with social responsibility towards them.  Get followers motivated to join your site – encourage them to follow your page and with every new follower, donate to a charitable organization.  Do it for a short amount of time, anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days to entice people to act fast.  A positive image of your company will resonate from this – and increase your followers exponentially.  Make sure you link your Facebook and LinkedIn Accounts, to achieve maximum exposure.  Karma is a wonderful thing, help the world, and she will surely raise your number of Twitter followers.

Prizes?! I LOVE PRIZES!

Credit: http://ow.ly/4cA6m

Who doesn’t like free stuff?  Your customers surely do.  Motivate them with an e-mailed exclusive offer when they follow you on your Twitter page. Anything simple from free shipping to a free small gift makes the customer feel special and important – increasing their level of satisfaction.  Positive word of mouth is sure to follow in the form of, “Oh My Gosh!  Look What (insert your fabulous company here) Sent Me!”  A little dance of excitement and joy may follow, along with a new swarm of jealous friends.

The number of Twitter followers you have can be a certified criterion for how well known your company really is.  Be sure to be an active poster and have lots of followers, update and manage your account frequently.  Once you have a large Twitter audience, you’ve made it to the big leagues!

For help establishing your Twitter page, be sure to visit the lotus823 web page.  Follow us on Twitter, and watch the “Monkey-See-Monkey-Do” theory in action!!

“We are excited to be working with Innovez™, a company on a mission to protect and sustain the environment, while inspiring all of us to do the same, through their products,” states David Hernandez, Managing Partner, of lotus823.

Innovéz™ CEO, Roimon Hepburn, explains, “It was important to us to work with a firm who understood that not only would they be promoting our biodegradable iPhone cases, but they would be promoting our mission, as well. David and the lotus823 team not only understand that, but believe in our mission.”

To learn more about Innovéz™ and its complete line of biodegradable iPhone cases, please visit www.innovezcases.com.

The business world is all about who you know – so take advantage – tell EVERYONE about your business. With LinkedIn, a networking platform launched by CEO Jeff Weiner, you and your company can be a part of the largest network of professionals on the Internet. Why is LinkedIn awesome for showcasing your company? For reasons such as, featuring your company’s blog posts; having your company’s Tweets streaming live and showcasing all those individuals linked to your company (employees, company followers, etc.).

It all comes down to constructing a page, and then properly using it to optimize success. Let’s get started!

Create, Stimulate, Originate

Begin by heading to the main page to start creating your LinkedIn business page.

• On the top tool bar, hit Companies
• Head to the top right – click on Add a Company.
• Fill out the information, once you’re done, hit continue.
• Check your e-mail for a confirmation.

Once logged back in, start by filling out the information on your current employees – LinkedIn will create the other half of the profile, key statistics, pulled from the current employees’ profiles.

Questions? Need help using LinkedIn? – This link will bring you to the help section of LinkedIn, where all your questions can be answered.

Utilize, Popularize, Socialize

So, you and your company are now on LinkedIn – congratulations! Look forward to worldwide networking capabilities, opportunities for expanding business and an easier way of finding the most qualified employees. Thousands of notable companies have already begun utilizing LinkedIn’s beneficial and user-friendly features to find everything from business advice to the next big account. Now that you’re all set up, start right here.

1. Link your social media sites together.
Make it easy for your company fans to find you on all of the informational, social and networking sites you have a presence on. Placing social media buttons on the homepage of your website, linked to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media sites encourages web-browsers to dive into all aspects of your company, only a webpage away. The convenience will surely be appreciated, and each site will become more and more active. The more inter-connected your web assets become, the more traffic there will be to those sites and, as a result, the more likes, followers, connections, subscribers (you get the point) you will have in the end.

2. Target your efforts.
Every social media site will help you to reach your business’s full potential with customers, promotions, and marketing abilities. Customizing your sites to work in conjunction with your target audiences and business goals is a sure way to optimize their use. The same reason why our tooth brushes and hairbrushes, both great tools for grooming, are functionally designed to take care of two different aspects of the wake-up morning routine. Hence, a plaque fighting, teeth whitening, stinky breath eliminating brush along with a sleek and styled hairbrush make for an excellent looking person. Use your LinkedIn page to develop a more in-depth, professional side of your company, targeting business advice and professional networking with a 25-55 year old audience in mind. Use sites such as Twitter and Facebook, to capture the younger sociable audiences. Together, you have the perfect package.

3. Incorporate LinkedIn in your signature.
Sure, your name, phone number, and e-mail address are great to have in your signature at the bottom of an e-mail, or discussion post. You now have the opportunity to include your LinkedIn link for people to browse, and if your e-mail recipients are smart, they will make the swift addition to their signature as well. Your voicemail also may serve as a place where your LinkedIn link can be found, as long as it is spoken clearly and concisely. Make it pertinent for employees as well to utilize this function in their signatures, voicemails, and business cards to put everyone on the same page.

Incorporating LinkedIn to your business will be the most productive decision you make in today’s socially mediated world. Don’t let yourself miss out on a link-up, get the mobile app for LinkedIn. Now, put your education to practice – tweet, share, and post about your newest social media knowledge!

Start Connecting!

Connections start right now! Join the networks of lotus823 including our LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter pages! Click the “Follow Company” link on the lotus823 LinkedIn page and don’t be shy – link up with the lotus823 team.

lotus823 will execute a strategy for Tekkeon that incorporates traditional public relations outreach combined with key search engine marketing tactics, including social media management, search engine optimization, and optimized content creation. “We are delighted that Tekkeon has selected our team to help them promote their line of mobile power devices,” said Michelle Knox, CEO of lotus823. “Our combination of industry experience and passion for what we do is the perfect match for a client like Tekkeon,” added David Hernandez, Managing Partner of lotus823. “We look forward to increasing Tekkeon’s brand awareness through our efforts!”

René Williams, Director of Marketing for Tekkeon, commented, “We look forward to seeing the results of the integrated approach that lotus823 will be executing for us. We feel their expertise in both mainstream public relations and search engine marketing will truly make an impact when it comes to creating buzz for our distinctive mobile power products.”

To learn more about Tekkeon and its complete line of mobile power devices, please visit http://tekkeon.com.

Sonomax Technologies and SOUNDCAGE™

Sonomax is a leader in the research, development and licensing of IN-EAR TECHNOLOGIES, which are designed to protect hearing and improve listening, and software driven solutions for validating earpiece performance. Based in Canada and publicly traded, Sonomax holds over 50 patents worldwide.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the team at Sonomax and help them promote SOUNDCAGE™ earphones,” said Michelle Knox, CEO of lotus823. “SOUNDCAGE™ earphones have been nominated for Last Gadget Standing and selected as a CES 2011 Design and Engineering Award Honoree,” added David Hernandez, Managing Partner of lotus823. “We can’t wait to join Sonomax at CES, where we know their exciting new technology will take the show by storm.”

To learn more about SOUNDCAGE™ earphones, please visit http://soundcageworld.com.

SOUNDCAGE™ and lotus823

Nick Laperle, President and CEO of Sonomax Technologies, commented, “We chose lotus823 because they have the right combination of industry experience, passion, and expertise in both mainstream public relations and search engine marketing. We feel that this integrated approach will generate lots of buzz about our SOUNDCAGE™ earphones.”

To view the integrated marketing services we provide, please see the following page: http://www.lotus823.com/what-we-do/.