One of the fastest growing social media trends is mobile photo sharing. Instagram, founded in October 2010, is now on 40 million mobile devices and was just purchased by Facebook for a whopping $1 billion. At first glance it may seem like a glorified Twitter with images instead of text, but it may be even deeper and personal than Twitter is.

Instagram allows users to take and upload photos with their iPhone or Android powered smartphone, upload and edit them with filters, and add captions complete with hashtags so users can search and connect with one another via keywords. It not only makes you feel like a professional photographer, but it’s also quite addicting. Celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Drake and Floyd Mayweather are avid “Instagrammers” and now companies and even news outlets are starting to take notice and join the trend.

It’s obvious that if used correctly, social media can be a powerful marketing tool – and Instagram is no different. There are a variety of ways to use Instagram to promote your company and ultimately connect with and learn more about your consumers.  Bergdorf Goodman’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Southwest Airlines, Tiffany & Co., Starbucks and many more have Instagram accounts and tens of thousands of followers that enjoy getting a personal peek inside the businesses. Larger fashion companies like to post photos of new clothing that is being release or on sale, hotels and nightclubs publish pictures of suites or famous DJ’s that may be playing. Less established companies can use Instagram to increase business. Brooklyn Bowl, a bowling alley/club in Brooklyn, NY is encouraging people to take photos at the club and tag them #brooklynbowl for a chance to win 2 free tickets to a show. The hashtag feature allows businesses to see who is mentioning them and why, and adds another dimension to social media marketing efforts.

As a communications agency that loves to think of innovative ways to market and position companies, Slice Communications has been experimenting with and enjoying their Instagram experience. Like many, we believe that we are just scratching the surface of social media and social business, and it’s important to evaluate all channels of marketing when trying to grow your brand.

Follow me on Instgram @MattSorrentino

On March 28^th, 2012, more than 400 business leaders gathered to be informed on the topic of cloud computing and how it can advance entrepreneurs’ companies. They received lectures on cloud technologies from some of the most recognized and innovative figures in the industry, as well as dozens of successful CEOs of cloud-based companies. Keynote speakers, Peter Coffee, Nick Carr, and James Staten, entertained the crowds with witty cloud-based humor and educated the eager-to-learn entrepreneurs with insightful answers to their questions. (For those who don’t know, cloud computing is the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices as a utility over a network. (Source: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing)

There are countless numbers of companies that utilize and supply cloud-based services. Each of those companies uses the technology differently. An example of those differences is the Phorum Philly’s Demo Pit. The Demo Pit featured early-stage companies providing cutting-edge enterprise solutions. Companies like UXFlip (www.uxflip.com) provide native mobile app user interface management software, helping companies accelerate and enhance their mobile business. Another Demo Pit participant was ReadySetWork (www.readysetwork.com) which provides a comprehensive, web-based scheduling platform, which facilitates communication between the manager and employee via text, e-mail, or the website itself. And another, eMaint, (www.emaint.com) is one of the first CMMS providers to develop a completely web-based SaaS model for more rapid implementation at a lower total cost of ownership; just to name a few. These companies are proof that cloud computing has seemingly endless possibilities.

SLICE COMMUNICATIONS also utilizes cloud-computing technologies. The Agency uses a number of web-based systems and services. One is SpringAhead, a web-based platform that tracks employees’ time and expenses. After every business day, everyone is expected to input his/her time as well as each client serviced and task completed during that time. Cloud computing also enables SLICE COMMUNICATIONS to follow in the footsteps of companies like Kraft by instituting a BYOD policy – that’s Bring Your Own Device. (http://www.smartertechnology.com/c/a/Security/BringYourOwnDevice-Policies-Improve-Worker-Productivity-Happiness/)   That goes for interns like me too.  During my internship, I am working to earn the laptop computer I need to do my job.  And when the internship is complete, I will be able to take my laptop with me.

Cloud computing is also an integral part of Hopeworks.  We use Salesforce.com, which is where Peter Coffee works, to manage all parts of the non-profit organization.  We communicate, share Google Docs files, and have access to tracking and reporting.  We’ve gotten so good at it that now other organizations are hiring us to help them administer Salesforce.com and train them how to use it.

The sky is the limit for cloud-computing technologies and the companies who utilize them.

By: DJ Brown, Intern

April 19, 2012 (Philadelphia, PA) – Kinecthesia, a belt-mounted navigation device for assisting the visually impaired, was awarded the Grand Prize at the 7^th Annual PennVention competition for student inventors and innovators at the University of Pennsylvania’s Weiss Tech House. The final Innovation Fair is part of a yearlong PennVention program with in which students walk through the start-up process.

“The 2012 PennVention finalists were some of the most innovative and promising companies that we’ve had in the history of the Innovation Fair,” said Weiss Tech House Director Anne Stamer. “The spirit of American entrepreneurialism was evident in the hard work and dedication of our students.”

The team, consisting of UPenn juniors Jeffrey Kiske and Eric Berdinis won $5,000 to continue the development of Kinecthesia. Kinecthesia is an affordable, portable, user-friendly device that allows users to navigate any room or area without sight using sensors and vibration motors for feedback. Kinecthesia also won the PennVention manufacturing award.

This year’s second place prize of $2,500 was awarded to Invisergy. Team members Ryan Marschang, John Foye, Rishabh Jain, and Steven Shimizu explained Invisergy’s technology, a breakthrough design modification for luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). Invisergy envisions every window contributing to a sustainable energy future. The Campus Rep took home the third place prize of $1,000 with its already-launched website that is a solution for students looking to be representatives and for brands looking to increase student outreach.

Other prizes awarded in this year’s competition included:

• The Global Latrine – Social Innovation Prize: $250
• NewSence – Achievement Round Honorable Mention: $250
• BodyWars – Nursing Innovation Prize: $500
• Firefly – Dr. Chris Mader Award for Information Technology: $1,000
• Kinecthesia – Design Circle Inc Award: $3,000 in-kind
• SizeSeeker – RJ Metrics Business Software Award: $6,000 in-kind

Open to all Penn students, the PennVention competition teaches students how to turn a good idea into a commercial product through three distinct rounds.  Participants can access the feedback and guidance of more than 40 industry experts as they learn about patenting, product design and manufacturing.

About The Weiss Tech House

The Weiss Tech House is a student-run hub of technological innovation at the University of Pennsylvania that encourages and supports students in the creation, development and commercialization of innovative technologies. The 3,000 square foot facility offers student meeting space, computer labs and other resources for student inventors and entrepreneurs including our in-house Innovation Fund, PennVention inventors’ competition, educational workshops, speaker series, and business mentoring programs. For more information, visit http://www.tech-house.upenn.edu

According to Reuters, the video sharing website YouTube, is planning to revamp their functionality to include increased integration across social media platforms. While the Google-owned YouTube is an immensely popular site with around 800 million unique users every month, it is not social in nature in its current form.

“YouTube has been lacking great social features. Commenting and sharing have been part of YouTube, but the experiences could be much better than they are,” Tom Pickett, YouTube’s global content head told Reuters.

He is right. YouTube’s comment section is a mess (seemingly at times just a platform for those with YouTube accounts to get in cyber arguments with one another) and does not allow Twitter or Facebook users to comment from those accounts. As Google+ somewhat faltered out of the gate, look for Google to take advantage of the YouTube’s popularity by incorporating Google Plus functionality in an ongoing attempt to challenge The Social Network.

From Tom Kolesk

David Carr of The New York Times recently wrote an article on the effects social media is having on activism. In the past few months, it seems that there is a new cause trending on Twitter and Facebook every week. Stories such as the Susan G. Komen Planned Parenthood controversy, the Joseph Kony 2012 phenomenon, and most recently the Trayvon Martin tragedy spread like wildfire on Facebook and Twitter. The trend of causes being viewed, absorbed, and spread through social media deserves some examination. Is liking or re-tweeting an article about an issue enough to make you an advocate in 2012?

As a social media agency that represents some non-profit organizations this is a subject that our staff discusses on a weekly basis. There are thousands of great causes and organizations out there, and getting the word out about them is easier than ever these days. We believe it is important to truly get to know the causes you support on social media. If we are simply sharing before learning on social media we run the risk of turning these platforms into a worldwide game of whisper down the lane, where the message gets lost along the way.

It is our point of view that social media should never be a satellite and exist on its own. Instead, it should be reflective of and connect with real-life interactions, as well as online ones. Get to know and get involved with the charities you support beyond liking a re-tweeting. There are a number of charities that we support as an agency and we invite you to check them out both on and offline.

-       The American Diabetes Association

-       Hopeworks ‘N Camden

-       Tree House Books

We also encourage you to read David Carr’s commentary that examines the benefits, limitations, and social implications of digital activism. You can view the article here.

From Brian Loschiavo

I was recently watching a segment on Rock Center with Brian Williams that took a look at a new trend some theatres are experimenting with called “tweet seats.” These seats are sectioned off from the rest of the theater for people that want to engage in tweeting throughout the performance.

This new revolution can be experienced at the current revival of Broadway’s Godspell, along with some other shows across the country. The producer of Godspell, Ian Davenport spoke about how his ultimate goal is to bring Broadway into the 21^st century.

Some other goals in experimenting with “tweet seats” are to spread the word about the show. Live tweeting is a great marketing tool for organizations to get people talking about different campaigns and events. There is a chance that this information will reach people that may not have otherwise known about it.

Another goal for producer Davenport is to embrace a new generation. The average age of a Broadway theatregoer is 44.The average age of those tweeting at the show is 21. In implementing “tweet seats” the producer is hoping to attract a different type of audience than it normally sees.

As I’m sure you would anticipate, there are many mixed reviews. Many people feel that there is no room for social media in the theater. Others feel that like anything, there needs to be some type of evolution with the times.

When I saw this segment I thought the idea of “tweet seats” was very innovative. I think it is a great way to market and to give show-going a different dynamic. It is amazing the way social media has become a part of every aspect of our society, even with something as old and traditional as theatre.

Here at Slice Communications we believe that in order to create a strong cohesive brand, social media needs to be incorporated into your strategy in new and inventive ways.

People of all demographics need to get used to the fact that social media and new technology will continue to evolve and become even more integrated into our every day lives. The only question that I have is, what’s next?

From DJ Brown

I had another great week last week at SLICE COMMUNICATIONS that began with my mid-term review with Alaina, the Program Manager at Hopeworks, and my internship supervisors, Cass, and Staci. The purpose of my mid-term review was to report on my performance and my progress as an intern at SLICE COMMUNICATIONS. Naturally, I was nervous about this meeting related to my progress between all of my supervisors. That nervousness increased greatly when Cass had an incoming call from Alaina informing her that she was downstairs. I took the elevator down to greet her at the door. We had a short conversation on our ride up to the 4^th floor. When the elevator doors had opened, I introduced Alaina to all the people in the office. After the greetings and a quick tour of the office, it was time for the meeting.

Alaina, Cass, Staci, and I proceeded to the conference room and closed the sliding stained glass door. We all sat down around the long, wooden, rectangular table in our black leather chairs with metal trim.  Alaina then handed Staci and Cass a packet with questions that had blank lines next to each of them. Alaina asked Cass and Staci to grade me on a scale of 1 to 10 for each question. Some of the questions were, “Do I show up on-time and ready to work?” and “Do I meet deadlines for projects?” among others that were listed on the packet.

After minutes of discussion, my nervousness diminished because I received such positive feedback from Cass and Staci – although I do have some room to grow. After some time the review meeting was over and Alaina departed, but not before giving me a celebratory high-five. I then walked her to the door and went back to work.

The next day when I came into the office, a new face greeted me. It had slipped my mind that it was Brian’s first day at SLICE COMMUNICATIONS (our new team member). We introduced ourselves and conversed for a moment and went back to work. Cass came into the office after a meeting and invited all of us to Yogorino for some frozen yogurt. After we finished our treats, we headed back to the office to go back to work. Just another sweet ending in the life of a SLICE COMMUNICATIONS intern!

From Tom Kolesk

As a 26-year old who works for a public relations and social media agency, I sometimes forget that not everyone understands Twitter. On a weekly basis, my colleagues and I use the popular social media platform to lead conversations with our client’s customers and business affiliates, run contests, field customer service questions, and integrate an overall marketing strategy. In my personal life, I use Twitter for a plethora of reasons: getting the news, gaining insight into the lives of my favorite athletes and celebrities, and making (hopefully) witty comments about the world around me.

Perhaps this is why I am shocked to see a lot of businesses underestimating the reach and scope of Twitter. While I sympathize with old school marketing types that may not grasp the concept at first, as a professional it is your job to either adapt and figure out how to utilize it or hire an outside agency who can (see: Slice Communications). If you were around when Henry Ford invented the automobile, you wouldn’t continue to ride around on a horse and buggy because you didn’t know how to drive. You’d figure it out or hire a chauffer.

Of course this is a bit of a dramatic comparison. The point is that social media has changed the way businesses can communicate with their clients and customers, and Twitter is a big component of that change. Here is some advice for you if your business does not have a Twitter presence at this point:

1)   Create a personal account where you can familiarize yourself and get comfortable with the functionality of the tool

2)   Begin following your competitors to see how they use Twitter to their advantage. Make a note of what you think works and doesn’t

3)   Speak with social media experts to see how you should align your Twitter messaging (and your existing social media platforms) with your overall marketing plan

4)   Make a decision as to whether your business can successfully implement a social media plan itself or should seek outside help

For B2B companies, Twitter has created yet another avenue for thought leadership and spreading great content. For B2C companies, it has created another avenue to connect with customers for feedback, customer service, and spreading new product and company information. Six years ago this March, Jack Dorsey created Twitter. As with Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook, he may not have realized at the time how beneficial his creation could be to businesses. He certainly realizes it today, and so should everybody else.

From DJ Brown

Another great week at SLICE COMMUNICATIONS started with Cass walking into the office with a blue cardboard box in her right hand. With excitement in her voice, Cass told me that she had the business cards we have been waiting for. She extended her arm and handed me the box and I proceeded to open it. I saw the card with its bright yellow background, and a white triangular shape with light gray text that read, SLICE COMMUNICATIONS. I flipped the card over to see a gray background and my full name in the upper left corner in yellow text along with my contact information. I was so proud to have my name associated with SLICE COMMUNICATIONS and so anxious to begin exchanging cards with business people at networking events and meetings.

Actually, I didn’t even wait to participate in my next meeting to begin to hand out my cards. That same night, after a small amount of bragging, I gave each one of my housemates a card. Later on in the week, I went to my first business meeting outside the office. Cass, Tom, and I had a short ride to City Line Avenue to meet with the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Our meeting with the ADA was short, but I learned a wealth of information. Diabetes has two different variations: Type 1 is genetic and Type 2 is caused by progression of unhealthy lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes is 95 % of the diabetic population and it is completely preventable. I learned facts such as 50% of Hispanics born after 2000 and 33% of people, in general, would have diabetes. In addition, diabetes is the second leading cause for amputation only after war. We also discussed new and creative ways to raise awareness on this subject, which can be completely prevented. At the end of the day, all those statistics echoed through my mind and I can’t wait for another day to go to work to assist ADA in pursuing their mission of curing and treating diabetes.

From Matt Sorrentino

Pinterest launched in March 2010 as a pinboard-style photo sharing website. Their mission is to “connect everyone in the world through the ‘things’ they find interesting.”  The website allows its rapidly growing user base to organize and share all the great things the web has to offer by pinning photos to their pinboard. It also allows users to browse pinboards created by other people. When a photo is clicked on, it can bring you to the website it originated from and allows users the ability to comment. This raises the question, can and should businesses utilize Pinterest in their marketing initiatives? The answer is absolutely – with careful research and planning.

The first important step is to analyze Pinterest’s demographics to determine if your business can gain a following in the network. According to Visual.ly, Pinterest has 12 million users in the United States, 83% of them female. As we dig deeper into Pinterest user’s interests, we find out that crafts, gifts and special event items, hobbies and leisure, interior design, and fashion are the most popular. Therefore, it is a great idea for clothing retailers and designers, home goods companies, wedding planners, hospitality companies, and restaurants to consider joining. Bergdorf Goodman and West Elm are just two of the many well-known companies using Pinterest to connect with their audience and enhance their marketing efforts.

Businesses interested in initiating a Pinterest campaign should build relationships with those that have quality “pins” and follow the big names on Pinterest. It is crucial to connect the loop between Pinterest, your website, and other social media efforts. To accomplish this, businesses should link each pinned photo back to their website. Additionally, it’s possible to add a “Pin It” button to each product on a website, allowing a user to simply click the red-and-white “P” icon and have it added to their personal Pinterest page.  Another important fact is to make sure that your businesses’ page is not entirely self-serving. Pinterest users can be turned off by pins that are entirely product-related and obvious pitches to make a sale.

Pinterest is the latest and greatest social media trend with no signs of slowing down. If your business aligns with the demographic and interests of its users, it makes sense to at least consider a Pinterest campaign. It can be a fun, insightful, and best of all, free way to engage your audience.

Read more about brands using Pinterest here: http://mashable.com/2012/01/10/pinterest-business-consumer-engagement/