new punishment

iPhone - Next Generation!

2010-04-20T10:15:00.004-03:00

I would like to think most people are Mac-Fan-Boys/Girls, sadly this is not always the case. However, if you haven't heard the buzz regarding the new iPhone "prototype" which was mysteriously "found" after being "left" at a bar in Redwood City, California. Here is a quick revision: http://gizmodo.com/5520438/how-apple-lost-the-next-iphone

I am (as always) kinda skeptical about this.

At first I was excited to hear the news - wow a new iPhone model has been discovered, nice! After seeing images of the phone I was a little disappointed. It didn't look like an iPhone. It was kinda Droid-like. Square. No rounded Apple corners.

Hmmm - I call internet hoax!

But many bloggers and like-minded Mac-Fans have been covering this story. Could this be the real deal? I mean the person who "lost" this phone has a name: Gray Powell. He has a job: Apple Software Engineer working on the iPhone Baseband Software. He left a digital trail. This has to be an honest mistake, right?

This is so un-Apple. Apple doesn't lose stuff. Apple relies on Steve Jobs in his standard blue 501 jeans and black polo-neck sweater on a stage revealing the new Apple product. This is so Un-Apple - it must clearly be an Apple guerrilla marketing ploy!

What's your take on this? Too soon to call, or an open & shut case?

http://halifax.twestival.com/

2010-04-20T10:05:00.003-03:00

Quick (although late) follow-up:

The Halifax Twestival participants helped raise CDN$751.00 for Concern Worldwide, which was used to help Education development in countries around the world!

Thanks for all your support - and I hope you're keen to be involved next year with the Twestival 2011!

Twestival Halifax 2010

2010-03-21T13:10:00.003-03:00

This Thursday: Attend Halifax Twestival, & be in the Draw to Win a $200.00 Flight Centre travel voucher! More details at the official Halifax Twestival site - http://halifax.twestival.com/ #twestival

Twestival 2010 coming to Halifax, March 25th!

2010-03-12T09:40:00.002-04:00

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

2010-03-12T09:23:00.001-04:00

News on mobile phones is growing; Newspapers get second chance

2010-03-04T11:44:00.004-04:00

I think it would be true to say that most newspapers -sorry, news providers- appreciate the need to modernize their medium. Mobile news is certainly the most efficient source of "on-the-go" news to replace/enhance paper. News providers really need to embrace rich media, along with quality editorial content and user input/customization.

The real movers and shakers have done this already utilizing mobile and iPhone apps (ie: BBC, CNN, NYTimes, USAToday, Globe&Mail, etc.) however, on a smaller "local" level, news providers need to create quality/media rich local content - while still providing a portal to national/international news.

Making your local site (be it .com,.ca or .mobi) the starting point for the users day - is key to providing news consumers with the full media content they crave, while also providing the options for display/content customization.

Social Media will never replace great Advertising/Marketing

2010-02-23T16:08:00.003-04:00

I have just read an article explaining the 'push-back' on Social Media spending which was based on lower TV & Print advertising to capture the Social Media market. My first reaction is to point out that Social Media will never replace solid marketing/advertising campaigns. Rather develop a 'brand collaboration' that will create a tribe of brand advocates - based on a great product and ground-breaking marketing/advertising. Individuals may re-Tweet interesting links, video or articles - but don't expect them to go all AMWAY on you and start selling to friends and family - 'cause that isn't the point of Social Media.

.... or am I missing something?

.

9 Things you are doing wrong with Social Media

2010-02-20T08:31:00.010-04:00

If my 10 years broadcasting on air in the radio industry taught me anything, it was that as social creatures, human beings need to communicate. The lessons learned in radio transfer almost seamlessly to on-line Social Media - Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

To be social you need to communicate.
To communicate you need to listen to the other people.
To communicate effectively you have to be authentic & engaging.
To be authentic - you need to be yourself.
And to be engaging you should ‘include’ your audience – not exclude it.

... oh, and a little humour can help. A lot.

So really, social media is a conversation. Although - you’re typing/broadcasting your side of the conversation online.

9 Things you are doing wrong with Social Media

1 - "To all you twitter people out there..." Keep the conversation One-to-One. Always speak in the “first person”. People are normally reading tweets by themselves and conversely you are not presenting to a room full of people huddled around a computer monitor!

2 - "The Blog Trilogy" Keep it short – word economy. On Twitter you have only 140 characters; you don’t need to use them all! If you need more space write a log post ... not a novel.

3 - "One time - in Band Camp ..." Keep things interesting & keep your followers attention. There’s a reason they followed you – keep it coming. You have your audience – they want more!

4 - "No reply required" Keep answering the phones – well, on-line that converts to replying to tweets/direct messages. Also, be sure to thank Blog responses - even if you don't agree with their comments, this is a conversation after-all.

5 - "That's all I got" Keep giving stuff away – online, this can be information (article links), or even links to free pdf/mp3 downloads, etc.

6 - "You don't wanna know" Actually, we do. Keep it human – human nature is universal, if you are impressed/offended by something, chances are so is someone else.

7 - "Oops I messed up. I gotta go now" Keep on going. If you make a mistake or screw-up, just keep on going. It’s natural to make mistakes & your followers will recognize/forgive this.

8 - "My opinion on Irish politics ..." Keep it local – doesn’t always apply on-line, but if you can type with passion about a local event, that will certainly ad value to your social media impact.

9 - "OK, disregard that last post!" Keep being you. Don’t go changing - while your trending topics may change, unless you have a life changing experience, it doesn't make sense to pull a complete 180 on your own opinions.

Video Blogs ... Vblog.

2010-02-19T16:07:00.003-04:00

All the kids seem to be doing them - so why can't I? In reality, video blogs are often a preferred blogging medium for small to large businesses, especially if you have a dynamic front man/woman. Hopefully I can pull it off - and I wanted to mess with my HD Camera - Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D), so I was able to create a deepr creative YouTube channel. We'll see if I can find compelling subject matter - and if people can understand my Kiwadian accent.

Blaming 'the system' ....

2010-02-06T13:52:00.017-04:00

When you are part or a large NGO or Non-Profit Organisation, and you are trusted with access to funds for use 'at your discretion' - a small part of your brain/consciousness/pyshe kicks-in. If you are an honorable, honest type of person you normally defer the using this 'public' money for it's pre-determined use. If you have any doubts as to whether your spending is subject to any error, you would normally seek some form of clarification from superiors or peers.

If, however your peers have an unspoken (or even spoken) agreement that, as there is no recourse for any actions you make in utilizing this funding for any means necessary, you are welcome to spend this money for our own uses, often submit the same expense more than once, or disregard any guidelines provided ... well, the group mentality prevails.

Under this 'premise' you can use the funds for items/services you see fit. Now, with the common understanding that "everyone else is doing - so why shouldn't I" you become comfortable living the lie that what you are doing is okay. And by "doing" - I mean embezzling public money. Or theft as a public servant. Which in most organizations results in instant dismissal and even legal action.

But, wait a minute. Once your spending is audited/investigated (or if it makes you feel better we can call it "reviewed") and you and MANY others are blatantly caught stealing/lying - you can easily cry that it was all just a silly misunderstanding. The guidelines were "confusing". You didn't realise it was inappropriate, and immediately offer to refund the money that was spent "out of your own pocket".

Bravo.

Now, we've cleared that up let's move on to the bigger issues, like supporting a Bake Sale for Haiti.

You would think and MLA (member of the legislative assembly) the body of people elected in each province and territory to make and pass laws - would have a firm understanding of right and wrong.

I feel VERY STRONGLY these MLAs should be charged as petty criminals - stealing public money to furnish (sometimes literally) their own lifestyles - at the expense of the people that are expected to represent.
-
It's pretty simple really - it's the LEGAL SYSTEM after all - and people elected in our community to make and pass laws should know - and fully expect - to be held accountable for their actions, then face the consequences of the Canadian legal system!

Even the Chronicle Herald Editorial on the subject (The Chronicle Herald) gets resounding approval from local Nova Scotian readers.

Shame on you all: Deputy Premier Frank Corbett, Agriculture Minister John MacDonell, Yarmouth MLA Richard Hurlburt, Former Tory MLA Judy Streatch, Speaker Charlie Parker, Rodney MacDonald and Liberal MLA Wayne Gaudet.

.... MLAs MUST PAY!

....

Podcamp Halifax (#podcamphfx) KeyNote

2010-01-25T11:47:00.002-04:00

I recently attended/presented at the 2nd annual PodCamp Halifax ... well, it was yesterday. Great chance to re-connect, meet new local people with shared interests, absorb some great knowledge/opinions, or just geek-out!

The Keynote by McLean Greaves @mcleangreaves (http://nsb.com/speakers/view/mclean-mashingaidze-greaves) in the Alderney Landing Theatre was certainly enjoyable and enthusiastic, however, it was a shame to see several 'podcampers' chose to leave early, just to secure a lunch seat. Regardless - McClean has extensive experience with digital, broadcast and print media and provided a well-rounded review of current shifts and made several predictions.

The prediction the created the most murmurs (although it has been circulating on-line for the past week) was the eagerly anticipated unveiling of the Apple tablet (possibly named the "iPad" or "iSlate") possibly on Wednesday this week.

As Mclean noted, people were previously very excited by the creation/release of the iPhone, as this integrated 2 necessary business tools, and allowed them to drop one piece of hardware (ie: Mobile Phone & PDA). Now, with the release of the "iPad" Apple appears to be filling a new market fueled by the success of the Amazon Kindle and other eReaders.

But wait a minute - isn't this new larger screen iPod just creating yet ANOTHER piece of hardware to lug around?

It's like a Mac Air meets iPod Touch ... I know it will be a very cool piece of hardware (it is Apple after-all) but is it really necessary? Even the iPhone provides several ebook reader options - all for free. (eg: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2008/08/using-the-iphon/ )

So for the advantage of a wider screen I would expect Apple is going to have to include some sort of "iPhone Killer" app - or is it obviously that much better than the current Apple products that am I missing something?

With the addition of WIFI could you use the "iPad" to make Skype calls (via a headset) and put your iPhone into retirement?

Please let me know what key piece of information I am missing.

The Gift of giving …

2010-01-18T11:03:00.002-04:00

When is being “seen” to donate better than an anonymous donation? Are you a better or worse supporter if you don’t broadcast – or at least share your recent sharing? Do you “wear the ribbon”? If so, how long?

Is the reason that you chose to donate even matter - as long as you donate? Do you even need to have strong sociopolitical views to justify giving time/money/resources to a cause?

If you don’t constantly remind people that you have given to a current cause/reputable charity, will you find yourself subjected to public/on-line ridicule?

Wait – doesn’t this contravene your own privacy settings?

On-line movie tickets sales ... we have a problem.

2010-01-08T06:48:00.005-04:00

Just quickly - On Tuesday I bought tickets (on-line) to Empire Theatre's 3D IMAX screening of Avatar to enjoy on Friday night. Problem was, soon after I realised I had purchased these for Tuesday night. I contacted Empire Theatres via an on-line form, requesting a refund, but as I was desperate not to miss the movie (I was told it often sells out, and I had a baby sitter booked) I purchased tickets (again, online) for the Friday night screening.

I was informed (via email) that I would have to refund my ticket at the theatre no less than 30 mins before the screening. I drove madly out to Bayers Lake to claim my refund, only to be informed I could not get a refund, only a re-issue of the ticket to the same movie. I asked for a gift card/certificate, as I already had purchased tickets for the Friday night screening. "No, sorry as a gift card is considered a refund." I was asked to leave my details for the manager who regularly handles these requests for refunds and was told they they would be in contact.

I was kinda thankful that I wasn't the only person who had made an error purchasing on-line. But, at the same time - it's 2 days later, no call from the manager, no refund to my account, and when you think about it - if Empire Theatres are going to make it so easy to purchase tickets on-line - shouldn't they make it just as easy to get a refund?

I'll keep you posted ...

*** Folllow up: I was contacted by Empire Theatres, who provided me with comp. tickets and $3 off my next popcorn purchase. Still dosen't solve the problem of easy refunds for on-line bookings (they have fraud issues) but I still feel that if I can easily purchase tickets on-line (ie: spend my money) Empire Theatres should have a quick and easy way to refund my money, on line. ***

SPEC is still a bad word.

2009-12-23T11:26:00.004-04:00

I recently had a work request handed to me for the design of an animated "leaderboard" – you know, those flash ads you see at the top of the Chronicle Herald web site. The word that really caught my eye was “Spec”. This innocuous little word was tagged at the base of the sheet … I’m sure the sales representative included this as a courtesy to the designer. But the added meaning for me was like a slap in the face. What did this mean? The client didn’t really want the ad? We were just making this to see if they wanted to advertise? Does this mean I have to make it extra special to grab the client’s (or their customer’s) attention? Or did I just make a “quick and dirty” ad, because it really had no value to them?

The added meaning is the deciding factor here. To me, SPEC means “speculative”. In a design situation, this means the client isn’t going to pay for it – unless they like it. Or a non-profit group wishes for a designer to create the work as a “donation”. Worst case scenario is that the client has opened up the design process as a “competition” in which the “winner” will receive credit/exposure/a free coffee for their work, while all others who submitted their creative ideas, which they worked many hours to create, based on extensive education/talent/research … will receive nothing. To be clear: Everyone loses with Spec work.

As a student of the NSCC and a (past) member of the GDC I was made aware of these issues (http://www.gdc.net/newsletter/index/articles732) which not only devalue your work, but devalue the work of designers as a whole. I mean locally, nationally and internationally. There are other movements that strive to educate designers and clients about the evils of Spec work – including NO!SPEC (http://www.no-spec.com/)

I really could go on and on … and on ...
But, to surmise my point/rant: design is the only industry where clients feel they can request the research, design, and creation of a final product – then decide whether they will actually purchase it.

Spec Work. It devalues our industry and it devalues your talent, skills and education.

... For the record: This blog post is really written in relation to designers who are freelance/self-employed or independent design consultants. In the context of a large design agency or a newspaper where the designer is on a salary, spec designs are often a standard requirement and a valuable tool that can help complete a sale. Spec designs can allow a current or on-going client to visualize the advertisement they have already booked or is included in their advertising budget. It's when independent designers are asked to create Spec work with only the possibility of being compensated for their time/talent that spec is a bad word.

Hope that puts my Spec rant into some sort of context. If you disagree, please leave a comment ...

How web sites killed retail ... signage.

2009-12-04T13:29:00.011-04:00

It's Christmas at the Halifax Shopping Centre as busy shoppers hurry to secure the perfect gift for someone special.
Then they see signs like this. Seriously? You think I have time to pop back tomorrow to look around your store for new arrivals?
I blame the Internet. Or, more specifically sites which insist on asking you to " ... check back regularly for new features/content updates/additions .."
I don't have the time, energy or incentive to come back ... unless you provide (or at least offer/hint) at a benefit to me returning.

It ain't gonna happen this year, sorry.

“Be careful what you tweet for”

2009-11-27T22:53:00.008-04:00

So, recently I was working at the computer , well a Mac Book Pro – ‘cause I’m creative (see: www.27bslash6.com ) and I realized it was Thursday. Nothing exceptional about that, except it was a "pay" day kinda Thursday–and I had bills to pay. To express my joy with my close knit group of personal friends, I shared my joy in the form of a tweet. It went something like this:

“Oh, thank g0d it's payday today .... #onceagainworkin9to5beatsthefreelance “

Soon after, another local designer (running what I consider to be a very successful company) wrote an emotional blog post entitled “I don’t want a real job” reliving his hard earned road to success, out-lining his personal/professional struggles/successes and reasons why he would rather be “freelance”—although he did concede: “I get why people don't want to freelance and instead prefer the pay cheque and easy salary of a nine to five.”

I can only assume he actually meant “I don’t want a real job – other than my successful Business Lifestyle”, as he currently has several talented full-time employees at this point in his business career and is certainly not living what I would describe as the typical “freelance” lifestyle (by which I mean ‘struggling between design contracts’). But rather, facing the daily struggles of any business owner. Obviously, after previously facing the struggles of a solo freelance designer.

To open this blog post, he felt compelled to include my tweet (see above). I get that. It sparked his blog concept. The only problem I had with my name being included was that;
a) It was taken out of context
and
b) His blog post could have been interpreted as a counter response to a declaration that freelance designing/being a business owner was ‘wrong’ – while a career as a 9-5 design employee was ‘right’.

We all have many obstacles we face - and conversely, many successes we enjoy in life. I don’t mean to devalue anyone’s experience, be it good or bad. I have had to overcome some difficult periods in my life/career – which, incidentally – I don’t feel compelled to share, as I am not trying to justify how I feel. Or, should that be how I felt —at the time I posted my celebratory tweet.

But, I do want to put my Tweet in context.

In 1999 left a reasonably successful and enjoyable career in New Zealand as a radio broadcaster (On air announcer, copy writer, promotions guy and aspiring Programme Director) to immigrate to Halifax with my wife of 2 years.

In that time I took a reputable design course, not NSCAD – but rather NSCC, which would allow me to get into the work force as soon as possible. I registered my own business in the last year of my course, realizing I would need some platform to launch my new design career. Luckily I was offered a 12 month web design contract (designing an on-line nurses course) at the conclusion of my work placement at Dalhousie School of Nursing. Over the past 10 years I have had various roles as a jnr. designer, in-house contract designer, business partner, freelancer and ... well, more freelancing. I had never held a full-time job (with benefits) since arriving in Canada.

I recently became a father and gained full-time employment at The Chronicle Herald as a graphic designer for print and web. I was (and remain) extremely happy about both of these successes.

I have kept one freelance contract – as designer for a bi-monthly 64 page publication, which requires working weekends and early several late night/mornings. I design/lay-out everything including; provided advertising and articles, sourcing stock photography, importing and colour-balancing photographs, and making all/any corrections prior to up-loading the final file to the printer. I (almost) have full creative control, which as any designer will tell you, is rare.

So, context is: emigrating to Canada away from friends/family and my entire social network, struggling as a “freelance designer” for 10 years, being consistently supported by my beautiful wife of 12 years, recently becoming a father and being employed as a print & web designer (my goal for the past 10 years) and finally being able to contribute (regularly) to the family income and provide some form of security for my (then) 22 month old son.

Incidentally, as anyone I business will appreciate, income is often dictated by your client’s ability to pay on time.

So. I was still waiting on payment from my previous work on the past magazine issue, several hours after a 3am start, working on my ‘freelance’ magazine project, also prior to starting a day my 9-5 day job, which allows me to contribute to mortgage payments, car lease, daycare and pay down personal debt.

My wife and son were sleeping soundly in their beds. I was exhausted, relieved and joyfully happy. I’m currently working freelance and holding a 9-5. It was then that I realized it was the day I would receive my “pay cheque and easy salary of a nine to five”.

”Oh, thank g0d it's payday today .... #onceagainworkin9to5beatsthefreelance”

That’s the context.

Considering this digital era in which we live, ironically it took an actual analogue telephone conversation for us to clarify our personal points of view, to confirm we considered each other as friends and for me to profess that I found his business success to be inspiring and certainly admirable.
Thankfully, no hard feelings.

All this from one "innocent" tweet. Be careful what you tweet.

I think there's a lesson in that for all of us, don't you?

...

Social Media Marketing

2009-11-15T15:18:00.009-04:00

Recently, I have read several blogs/articles/postings and how-to’s in relation to the current “hot” career prospects as a Social Media Marketer (including, but certainly not limited to: http://thebrandbuilder.wordpress.com and http://altitudebranding.com/. Which really make some good points and generate some great questions/comments on Social Media in regard to how ‘Big Business’ monetizes this new medium, how businesses advertise for people to fill these rolls, and why people would want to market themselves as ‘Social Media Experts’.

Obviously I haven’t read enough (or been formally educated) to consider myself a Social Media Expert or even an On-line Marketing Guru, but I can tell you what I have learnt working 10 years in the a primary social media (Radio broadcasting) and during my transition into design for print & web for the past 10 years, and what I think. It goes something like this.

“It ain’t always business – but it’s often personal.”

Radio was a brand. People identified with the personality of that brand, and felt compelled to put stickers on their cars, school bags and often on public property. They woke up, got dressed, ate their breakfast, laughed, and went to work with them in their cars. They stayed-up late at night, listened to the on air announcers, called them, requested they dedicate songs to their wife’s, lovers or high school crushes. Often they called the announcers because they were celebrating - or lonely and after spending many years doing homework, cleaning the house, driving around town, or partying while listening to their radio station, felt they had a special bond with this station.

I personally had a call from a teenage girl from a phone booth, who had run away from home and was threatening suicide. Then while that conversation was unraveling, had a call from her worried parents on the other line asking if I knew where she was. So as you can see, the teenager had a strong personal connection with the radio station, her parents obviously knew that, then as a result we (the radio station) became the first line of inquiry – for both of them.

So. Radio was a brand – but the music was the medium – and the personalities who were the glue (that filled the gaps between the real business, which was selling advertising) became, literally, the voice of the brand. So, when you told them you had a great deal – they believed you.

Working in the business of graphic design & web design/development, the term marketing somehow manages to become mixed in there. For the record, I do not have a marketing degree. But, several (many?) local design firms somehow manage to incorporate the term ‘marketing’ in their graphic design business names … or somehow include this in their range of services. Are they qualified? I guess the results are the only real gauge – and that’s what we all want, right?

In radio it was ratings. In web it’s often confused between a selection of really diverse terms, including (but not limited to): “monetization”, “web-presence”, “ROI”, “click-throughs”, “page views”, “brand positioning”, “Web analytics”, and my favourite: “incorporate captivating social networking features into design templates”.

I get it. Most companies want to make a profit.

In relation to evolving a companies on-line profile in the new realm of Social Media to make a profit, I have read the terms “tactic” and “strategy” - which seem to make the most sense to me. That implies that it’s more the intent of the message, rather than the final measurable result that is important. Create a strategic connection and you're likely to gain a loyal follower/customer.

One of the first lessons I was taught in my early radio career was “Radio is a personal medium. You are communicating one-to-one with your audience – always remember that.”

Again, “It ain’t always business – but it’s often personal.”

Movember is here ...

2009-11-04T09:25:00.001-04:00

Many Halifax Bros are supporting Prostate Cancer Research/Awareness and changing the face of cancer this Movember!

Here's a chance for all contributors to the http://ca.movember.com/ event to meet, share shaving stories, describe their plans for the 'Stache, console each other on the upper lip scratchies and of spurned kisses from significant others. Plus, it's at Your Fathers Moustache - so we gotta have a few Wings & Beers, right?

The "Mo's-we-Grows" Bros Movember Meet-up

Movember

2009-11-01T23:27:00.003-04:00

I don't normally do things like this, BUT I'm supporting Prostate Cancer Research by growing a moustache during Movemeber!

Do your bit to help fight prostate cancer which strikes 1 in 6 men. It's not too late to either:

A) join my team: http://www.movember.com/r/49046

or

B) show your support with a donation at: http://ca.movember.com/mospace/251372

I'll post photos to show my progress at: http://tweetphoto.com/user/DarrinSearancke

thanks,
Darrin

PS: My wife thinks this is/was a really bad idea already.

Social Media – you’re doing it wrong.

2009-10-20T23:16:00.003-03:00

Okay, let's assume for a minute you (or your business) have your own Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Second Life, Skype, Vimeo, YouTube, StumbleUpon, Hi5, Bebo, MySpace, Flickr or perhaps one of many other online social/business networking account(s).

But are you doing it right?

Twitter is a new medium – so that means we are all new to Twitter, right? So what makes one user an expert and another a mere amateur? Over 300 followers? Over 1 thousand? Total amassed quantity of Tweets – 500 or 5,000? Is it the quality of the content? The RT’s vs. Original Tweet ratio (or RTVOTR as we like to call it)? The helpful links you share? Or the number of times you thank new twitter followers “for the follow”. Do you Auto-Follow – or Auto-Reply? Is this just good manners or bad web etiquette? Is your waking thought each morning: “What are you doing today Twitterverse?” Do your closest friends only refer to you by your “Twitter name”?

Do you really need a Facebook “fan page” to build your business – or your low self-esteem? Is it really okay to have your Mom/Boss/Pet as your Facebook friend? Did you create a Facebook profile for your pet? (Do you even need to own a pet?) Do you “tag” friends personal photographs, in the hope others will see their misjudged decisions at the beach, office Christmas party, or during the entire 80’s decade?
Do you have the strange disconnect (similar to bumping into an old college friend at the line in your local Grocery Store) when you actually get an e-mail from your LinkedIn profile? Or even better – wonder who the hell gave you that glowing reference and is begging you return the favour.

If you answered a meek "Yes" to any of the previous statements, or even paused to think – then (as far as social media is concerned) yes, you are doing it wrong.

How then do you drag yourself out from underneath the weight of being a Social Media Outcast? (or SMO). As with any personal dilemma – you must hire a professional! I mean, you could just try to stumble through your SM issues utilizing current technology via the tried and trusted method your parents taught you of “Trial and Error” - but that’s so Web 1.0! Forget reading “Social Media Expert” blogs, Googling The Top 10 Twitter Mistakes, or buying every copy of any Seth Godin book you can locate on Amazon.com. No, you are already losing potential followers by the second and your closest High School friends wouldn’t remember you if they saw you in a police line-up!

You MUST hire a Social Media Expert – or SME 2.0 - to compose your next; Tweet, Facebook Status update, LinkedIn Profile, upload photo’s to your Fickr account, AND entire blog post, or better still, post-dated blog posts covering the past 5 years.

After-all, it’s Social Media - what makes you think you can do it yourself?

iTangle ... a lot.

2009-09-15T21:44:00.010-03:00

iPod/iPhone earphones/earbuds - before you use that little box of joy from Apple, you gotta organise that mass of tangled wires to get the sweet sounds to your ears ... well, in most models. You see it everyday - hell, most of us do it everyday! Talk about a learned behavior - it's just an accepted routine, or even an eagerly anticipated procedure! But, what if there way a way around this - no delays, instant aural gratification!

I wonder. Would you ever be unfaithful? I'll be the first to admit, I tried it once. It seemed easy, 3rd party wireless headphones via ebay. I paid instanly, via Buy Now, no silly 7 day watch & wait - I had to have them! And it felt great! No tangles! No wires to rip the earbuds from my ears with one swift ill-conceived motion! I was wire free and kinda lovin' it. The sound wasn't too good. Outside noise crept into my playlists. They were a little flimsy. Then they snapped. I felt annoyed. I felt remorse. I felt dirty! I had cheated on my beloved Apple brand and now I was paying the ear-tarnished price! So I ran back to Apple .. well, Best Buy. I feverishly purchased my Apple in-ear Earbuds, swore I'd never leave them, and they sounded great!
But what had I learned? Never to try things that could make my life easier? That the known and trusted product or procedure is always the right way? Should I never try new brands or services? Or should I watch what my colleagues/peers are doing and follow suit? Should I be a follower or a leader?

Lets be honest - society encourages that type of behaviour. Businesses do what they feel is safe, or what works, or what they trust. Often, it's hard to convince clients/superiors to take that leap of faith. Hell, we teach ourselves that making new choices and failing is evidence not to try again. "Look what happened last time!" "Remember how you screwed-up?" "Everyone will laugh."

"Forget that!" I say.

Learned routines may have saved our prehistoric brothers and sisters from a bloody saber toothed tiger related death, but we need to strive for the possibility in our personal & business lives. What new achievements can we initiate? How can we create positive change? How can we use technology to create a new and improved procedure, thought, or iPhone App?

Now that sounds good to me! Or did you just want to keep twiddling with your tangles wires?

The grass really is greener!

2009-09-05T16:15:00.005-03:00

Hey Freelancer Designers (whom I shall from this point on referrer to as Independent Design consultants, or IDC’s) I am employed as a Graphic Designer (Print & Web), working 9-5, in a cube farm, with a supervisor—and guess what? The grass really is greener over here!

During 2001 in the last months of my design course, I registered my own company with the registry of joint stocks (head_injury_design) and—while ignoring the acknowledgment it would obviously take huge amounts of hard work, unorthodox hours and endless networking/client manipulation—gleefully imagined the bohemian lifestyle I would enjoy during the years to follow my graduation … and I waited, and I waited. Then, after sitting in my underwear, drinking my 3rd pot of coffee that day while trying to extract a logo provided in a Microsoft Word 97 document, I began to question my vision. Was this lifestyle really all that I imagined it would be?

Let’s be honest, Freelancing really means just that—freelancing. Let’s put aside the “benefits” of being an IDC which include; working from your own home/office, unlimited coffee, going on vacations for as long as you wanted/could afford, having no-one to answer to, being able to pick your clients, being able to pick your hours, and being able to pick whether you wear pants today, or just work in your underwear. (I mean, who’s going to see you, right?) Now, let’s review the disadvantages which include; having to chase clients for work/payment, a lack of holiday pay/sick leave, fluctuating income, no benefits, no people to interact with on a daily basis (well, apart from your pets and retired neighbours) plus, not being able to spend your free time being, well—free. To be completely honest, as an IDC you are always working, even if you aren’t in front of your computer, desk, or a client!

Fast forward 8 years - I was “freelancing” as Principle/Designer at my company (deepr), Art Director for a local magazine (OptyMYz), while … trying to extract logos from Microsoft Word 2008 documents!

Admittedly, over the previous years I had worked for a small firm (in an actual in-house design firm), started 2 partnerships (what they say is true—never go into business with your friends), worked as an in-house designer for a local firm (this just gets far too confusing and the lines just become painfully blurred) and “freelanced” for a few months (yes, in the true sense of the word—see above).

I have gone full-circle on the freelance vs. full-time employment debate.

I don’t mind having set hours. I enjoy being in an office environment. I love getting pre-determined/regular income. I relish watering workmates plants while they are on vacation. I am still struggling with ironing/wearing pants however —but trust me, I am learning to live with this.

10 years is a long time.

2009-07-12T09:26:00.005-03:00

That’s all I can think to write. It’s 5:32am on a Sunday, I have been composing this blog entry in my head for—I don’t know how long—and that’s now all I can think to write. For the past 10 years I have been repeating to myself: “I’m X years old and I‘m not where I expected to be in my life” … now suddenly I am.

It’s like the lines from the Talking Heads song “Once in a Lifetime”:
And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack
And you may find yourself in another part of the world
And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful Wife
And you may ask yourself-well...how did I get here?

I was never a huge Talking Heads fan. You’d think I could quote lyrics from a band I held in higher stature to relate my current status. I worked in the radio industry for 10 years for god’s sake—but, that was a long time ago.

I remember hearing “Once in a Lifetime” on the wallpaper that is commercial radio, as a teenager and musing to myself: ‘I guess that sums up the term Mid-Life Crisis I’ve heard about. Accumulating assets, living the life that is the projected ideal, and thinking – now what?’.
But now, for me, the huge realization is that everything I have been looking for is already here. Perhaps that’s the point of a mid-life crisis?
I wouldn’t know, I’m only 40.

Wait a minute …

I know your job/career shouldn’t justify your life. It makes me wince when I over-hear people ask: ”What do you do?” It’s almost asking: How do you contribute to society and in a way that justifies your existence? It’s human nature. People judge you based on your job. I judge myself, based on what I do.
And I have had some interesting jobs: Radio Announcer, nightclub deejay (sic), SCUBA Dive Master, Worksite Labourer, Bicycle Courier, Barman, Junior Designer, Self-employed Visual Strategist, etc.
At the time I enjoyed them all. I believe that I provided a valuable service while in those positions, earning the funds required to live the life I wanted at that time. But it was during a period in my life that suited that job—and as a result, it was eventually time for a change.

I have been living in Canada for 10 years.

I am living in my own house (ok, I have a mortgage), I am in another part of the world (Canada, obviously), I am behind the wheel of a large automobile (well, Honda CRV), I have a beautiful wife (Kelly), a beautiful son (Owen), and I am just realizing I have always been surrounded by talented and amazing people (including those recently introduced to me via Twitter) who I am finally able appreciate!

I am extremely happy. (Insert dream cliché’s here: Feels like a dream. Somebody pinch me. If this is a dream – I don’t wanna wake up, etc.). At the point in my life when I really needed to realize my career goals, I have recently landed, what I would describe as, a dream career job: Graphic Designer (Print & Web), with the Chronicle Herald, Halifax. This is where the next phase of my career begins.

It doesn’t define who I am—but it was a dream 10 years in the making.

*Credit for giving me the ‘inspiration’ to write this post includes, but is not limited to, the following people for various reasons and in no particular order: Gail Lethbridge (@giftedtypist), Joel Kelly (@joelkelly), Lola Augustine Brown (@lolaaugustine), Trevor Delaney (@trevordelaney), Kimberley Walsh (@aliasgrace) and all the Twitterers with whom I recently interacted at Henry House & Freeman’s, on the evening of Friday 10th July 2009.

Measurable Results

2009-06-25T10:46:00.010-03:00

Anyone who follows my tweets (@DarrinSearancke) may have noticed that I regularly make early morning visits to the gym. Nothing groundbreaking about this information, many people do the same thing – but with variable results.

Personally, I found the most noticeable results (initially) while working out at my gym in New Zealand, with my good mate, Lee Hunt. Not only did Lee help organize my workout routines, and motivate me to add more weight/push more reps – he also regularly monitored my growth. While in Canada (without a workout partner) after a couple of years I wasn’t seeing the expected growth and was losing motivation. I knew that I really should record my progress and try to build on that with each workout, but who wants to carry around a pen & paper at the gym? Luckily, the iPhone app revolution spills over into the iPod Touch, which is a regular attachment in my gym workouts! Enter: Gym Buddy!

Gym Buddy has proven to be much more than a memory helper. With this tool I can not only monitor the weights used, repetitions, etc. but I can also track my progress via numerous charts and history functions included with this handy little iPod App. In business and personal growth, the use of tools to monitor measurable results is often under appreciated. Whether you set profit goals or track units of products sold, all transactions should be monitored.

My question has been:
Why don’t businesses see the huge value in monitoring the use of their web sites?

Your company website can provide so much more information then mere “hits”. Even if your site is a static “brochure” site that doesn’t actually allow the user to purchase/order your product – your website can provide you with a wealth of information, vital to developing your business, via many on-line tools. For an example let's use Google Analytics.

Where did your (potential) customers come from (referring sites)? How long did they stay? Where are they located (in the world, country, province)? Where did they leave your site? Did they follow your preferred conversation funnel to: contact you, read about your new product/service, sign-up for your blog/e-mail newsletter? How about monitoring results of your current advertising budget, or anticipating the services or products that your customers really want?

The potential is all there - utilizing Google Analytics – and putting in a little effort to monitor/respond to this freely provided and accessible research information.

Talk about measurable results!

Marketing, design and the art of washing dishes!

2009-05-25T11:19:00.004-03:00

While on a lunch break during the Mobile Tech 4 Social Change event in Halifax on Saturday, I unintentionally and unexpectedly decided to share my experience of washing the dishes … I know. What? Well, it was more like an epiphany while washing the dishes really, and here’s how it occurred: while filling the sink with water, I nonchalantly began squirting in the detergent (in this case Ultra Palmolive Alpine Purity Oxy Plus) and although the bubbles appeared, I wasn’t seeing the actual liquid go in – so I did what any red-blooded male would do, I squeezed harder! It was then I realized that only the bottle was purple, while the actual liquid detergent was clear! Aaah, ok.
Now, while I shared this information with my bemused and now slightly concerned associates over lunch, I launched into the pitch that while I knew that no colouring was obviously better for the environment and sea life in Halifax Harbour, it did seem almost as if the manufacturers were trying to deceive me into using more product, because obviously I couldn’t see any liquid going into the sink water! Which we all chuckled about (well, I did – it was my riveting story after all) and mused about detergent companies trying to rip-off the unknowing consumer under the guise of providing “eco-friendly” detergent. Until someone changed the subject to more digital media-esque conversation and I realized my conversation skills needed more work – either that, or another pint of Guinness.
However, this morning the real message came to me – while doing my breakfast dishes. Usability! What did I expect to see happen when using dish detergent? Coloured dish detergent and bubbles. What did I get? Just bubbles. This was confusing because I had an expectation of the visual prompts I would receive – and I wasn’t getting them! While reading a brochure, business card, website, or John Grisham novel, obviously you know what to expect. When you don’t get that, you are either confused … or really really excited!
So. How do you make your product, service or promotional message exciting,rather than just the plain old cliché – without being completely confusing?