business development

Best Digital Practices in the Health Industry

BY David CapeceWed Nov 11, 2009 at 6:41 AM

Healthcare insurance, reform, H1N1, food contamination and countless stories that pull on our heartstrings are daily discussion topics in newsrooms, blogs and dining room tables across the nation. It should come as no surprise that many of the top 50 digital social-cause influencers are related to health. Health is clearly on the American mind. Now the question is why have...READ»

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Environment and Animals Intersect as Nature’s Cause

BY David CapeceWed Nov 11, 2009 at 6:36 AM

More and more people are becoming aware of the importance of the natural world and the human impact on our planet. This discussion is growing politically, economically and culturally. The emergence of planetary cause, inclusive of animals and the environment, is being fueled online. While United Way and the Salvation Army may lead the way in total dollars...READ»

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Introduction to the Digital Influence in Social Cause Report

BY David CapeceTue Nov 10, 2009 at 7:41 AM

Charitable giving has been on the decline since the onset of the recession. Total US gifts and pledges decreased 5.7% on an inflation-adjusted basis to $308 billion in 2008 according to Giving USA Foundation. More than half of charities are experiencing a downturn in contributions so far this year compared to the same time in 2008, according to an informal poll by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In the face of...READ»

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Examining the Digital Influence in Social Cause Report

BY David CapeceMon Nov 9, 2009 at 9:15 AM

As the audience and user-base of social media networks continues to expand in both number and age, industry sectors that previously had no presence online and now learning how to leverage these tools to extend their impact. In particular, the non-profit sector is one of these sectors to watch. It seems as if social media was made...READ»

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Top 5: Green Gadgets

BY David CapeceMon Nov 9, 2009 at 6:44 AM

How is fashion infused with history and updated with green tech? Or, how can a watch save you from air pollution? We have scoured the web to find where tech and sustainability meet to make fun, interesting and sustainable gadgets. Gadgets, in and of themselves, are an eco-hazard with dangerous chemical compounds, but Sprint has thought about a solution to that too. Here are the...READ»

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REPORT: Digital Influence in Social Cause

BY David CapeceMon Nov 9, 2009 at 6:41 AM

Established charities, such as the American Red Cross (#1), PETA (#2) and Greenpeace (#4), dominate the top 50 digital influencers in social cause, according to the The Digital Influence in Social Cause Report. The new report was released today by digital agency, Sparxoo, to explore how non-profits are utilizing the web to increase brand visibility, engage new audiences and spark social cause discussions. New entrants, such as Kiva…READ»

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Trust Agents: The Essential Startup Social Media Guide

BY David CapeceThu Nov 5, 2009 at 8:29 AM

This month, the Sparxoo team read Chris Brogan and Julien Smith’s Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust. As top social media specialists themselves, Brogan and Smith have a lot of knowledge to share, and did not hold anything back. We want to share some key points and takeaways, and encourage you to read it...READ»

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Are Brands Dead for Good?

BY David CapeceThu Nov 5, 2009 at 8:22 AM

“Brands are dead!” says marketing guru, Faith Popcorn. Consumers are asking themselves, “Why would I buy a 50 oz Tide for $20 when I could buy a house brand for $3.99?” But she is not the only one declaring a fateful decline of brands. Brand values are down across the board, according to a new study by Interbrand. When budgets are tight, are consumers thinking about brands or…READ»

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Web Design and Advertising

BY David CapeceWed Nov 4, 2009 at 7:31 AM

In the first part of our interview with Deirdre Zahl, Sparxoo’s Senior Designer, we outlined the basics of web design. We discussed the functionality of a web site, while touching upon the importance of aesthetic appeal. We also discussed the role of web designers in meeting the digital needs of customers and businesses. In this second part of the interview, we will do a deep dive on splash pages, the future of...READ»

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New Google Related Links Tool

BY David CapeceWed Nov 4, 2009 at 6:56 AM

Google recently released a new labs feature called Google Related Links. The webmaster tool is designed to increase...READ»

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Top 5 Crowdsourcing Entrepreneurs

BY David CapeceTue Nov 3, 2009 at 6:13 AM

Technology has been kind to entrepreneurs, especially during a time when startup loans are hard to come by. With just an Internet connection, entrepreneurs have access to a wealth of knowledge. One of the ways they’re using it to their advantage is through crowdsourcing, a new trend taking the Web by storm. Crowdsourcing calls upon the people’s creative ideas and brings them together to form something new. As a form of problem solving, ideas are broadcast to a large group of people who...READ»

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Web Design Basics for Entrepreneurs

BY David CapeceTue Nov 3, 2009 at 6:07 AM

When is it appropriate to hire a graphic designer? When should you use Flash animation or HTML? We are joined by Sparxoo’s Senior Designer, Deirdre Zahl, to discuss the basics of web design and how entrepreneurs can utilize design for their brand.READ»

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The Twitter Lists Feature is Live

BY David CapeceFri Oct 30, 2009 at 4:58 PM

Two-weeks after a beta launch, Twitter recently rolled out Twitter lists. The new feature enables users to create sub-streams, or categories of followers. It is a new way to organize and manage Twitter users. The bare-bones micro-blogging site strives to create a clean, simplistic...READ»

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Trend: How Whole Foods and The Fun Theory Are Changing Our Health

BY David CapeceFri Oct 30, 2009 at 7:38 AM

The healthy lifestyle trend is about appealing to the customer in a creative way, not only creating new products, but calling them to action and bringing customers together on a whole new level. As a result, we're seeing positive lifestyle changes and surprisingly, an impact on...READ»

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New Media Stars Dominate Fortune’s 40 Under 40

BY David CapeceFri Oct 30, 2009 at 6:58 AM

Recently, Fortune magazine released its annual list of 40 rising business stars under the age of 40. While there was sure to be a few media gurus in the mix, given today’s focus on social and digital media networks, 16 major players from areas of digital media and online technology are featured – making up 40 percent of the list. From Google and Hulu to Facebook and Twitter, some of business’ most...READ»

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The Scariest Inventions

BY David CapeceFri Oct 30, 2009 at 6:51 AM

In the spirit of Halloween, we’d like share some of the scariest inventions — those that make you scratch your head and ask, “What were they thinking?” For all of the successful entrepreneurs out there, there are many more that have failed to launch the next “must-have.” How is a noose-like head-rest safe? Or, who would want to have toilet-paper head? And why would anyone want to wear a bee-keeper…READ»

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What Do Glenn Beck and American Idol Have In Common?

BY David CapeceThu Oct 29, 2009 at 6:54 AM

With consumer outrage at financial institutions egregious misconduct, there has been a renewed attitude about good vs. evil. This polarization has reflected in pop culture with such films as Monsters VS Aliens and web sensations like Red VS. Blue. However, the top TV shows of 2009 illustrate that it's more complicated than just black and white, good vs. evil -- everyone has their own winner. Increasingly, we want get behind "our guy or girl" and cheer them on. The Cheers and Jeers trend is about being passionate and getting behind people...READ»

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How Apple’s iPhone and Wii’s Mii Make Non-Techies Tech Geeks

BY David CapeceThu Oct 29, 2009 at 6:48 AM

On June 29th 2007, thousands of people waited impatiently in seemingly endless lines to get their hands on newly minted Apple product. It was not just another iPod or Mac computer, it was an entirely new platform that at the time, no one could have predicted the impact it would have on the tech industry. On June 29th 2007, the iPhone was released. Since that day, Apple’s iPhone has become the #1 selling smart phone on the market and revolutionized…READ»

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American Idol and Dooce Give Power to the People

BY David CapeceWed Oct 28, 2009 at 6:22 AM

You’ve probably heard the news that American Idol garners more votes than the presidential election. While there are some factors to consider in this situation – age, number of times to vote, etc. – there’s something to be said about the power of choice given to audiences. Just a few decades ago, audience participation may have been considered yelling out to the TV, with no opportunity to give feedback or have any…READ»

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Coca-Cola and Nintendo Re-Invent Brand Image

BY David CapeceTue Oct 27, 2009 at 6:07 AM

Imagine sitting down with an ice-cold Coca-Cola, finishing up the volcano level on Mario Kart just in time to watch the Transformers. When you imagine this, what decade are you in? The re-inventing icons trend is about re-energizing cultural icons in fresh, new and exciting ways–to capture new audiences while re-connecting with the generation that grew up with them. Pop culture icons born in the 1990s, like…READ»

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Top 5: Networking Tips

BY David CapeceMon Oct 26, 2009 at 6:46 AM

Now more than ever, relationships are a top priority. We have covered the rising trend towards building meaningful relationships. Whether you are looking for a job or happily employed, it’s always a good idea to build your network of contacts. We share some tips to fuel your networking efforts: READ»

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2009 Pop Culture Trends

BY David CapeceMon Oct 26, 2009 at 6:17 AM

When bell-bottom jeans became all the rage for teens in the late 90s, parents everywhere cringed at the thought. The style that had once been popular in the heyday of the boomer generation in the 60s and 70s was once again coming back – ready to be embraced by a whole new crowd. Bell-bottoms, Ross and Rachel, American Idol, Harry Potter, and the iPod – all iconic remembrances that have made pop culture history because of the masses who embrace them. Topics and trends that spark a...READ»

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Microsoft Opens Its First Store

BY David CapeceFri Oct 23, 2009 at 8:12 AM

In addition to launching its latest operating system, Windows 7, Microsoft recently opened its first bricks-and-mortar retail store in Scottsdale, AZ. In a scene reminiscent of the iPhone launch, legions of Microsoft fans flooded the software giant’s first retail store — impatiently waiting to check out the Zune, Microsoft Surface, Windows 7 and…READ»

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Google and Bing Face Off with Real-Time Facebook and Twitter Social Search

BY David CapeceFri Oct 23, 2009 at 6:44 AM

As Google continues to topple Microsoft’s Bing in the area of online search, Microsoft showed us that they’re not backing down, and surprised the social media world with a major announcement on Wednesday: Bing will now feature “tweets” – and soon, Facebook status updates – in real-time as part of their search engine…READ»

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New Influencer: A Social Media and Blogging Classic

BY David CapeceThu Oct 22, 2009 at 7:00 AM

Thinking about writing a blog for your small business or are you a marketer looking to dial-up your clients presence on the web? Paul Gillin’s book, The New Influencer: A Marketer’s Guide to Social Media, offers practical advice for anyone, whether you’re a seasoned marketer or digital novice, to increase brand presence and capture new audiences in the online space. Nearly four years after its publication, it remains relevant and useful to industry professionals and greenhorns…READ»