business development

Introduction to the Digital Influence in Social Cause Report

David Capece — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:41:27 -0500

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.

Examining the Digital Influence in Social Cause Report

David Capece — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:15:07 -0500

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.

Top 5: Green Gadgets

David Capece — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:44:46 -0500

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 innovative new gadgets that are leading the way to a more sustainable future:

1. Montre Verte “The Green Watch”

REPORT: Digital Influence in Social Cause

David Capece — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:41:58 -0500

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 (#3, founded in 2005) and Charity Water (#20, 2006) are gaining momentum by leveraging social technologies to engage and inspire new audiences.

Trust Agents: The Essential Startup Social Media Guide

David Capece — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:29:24 -0500

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, too.

Total Rating

5 out of 5

Who Should Read this Book

Are Brands Dead for Good?

David Capece — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:22:28 -0500

“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 price? Studies show consumers tend to look at store shelves, not the products on them.

Web Design and Advertising

David Capece — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:31:02 -0500

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 advertising and the next frontier of design.

Several years ago, there was a lot of buzz about splash pages. What happened?

New Google Related Links Tool

David Capece — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:56:04 -0500

Google recently released a new labs feature called Google Related Links.
The webmaster tool is designed to increase website page views by
bringing relevancy to the related links section. The related links tool
can be embedded into web pages to help readers browse similar content
more easily.

Instead of relying on a search engine to find 10 different sites,
what if there is only one or two websites with quality information?
Google Related Links seeks to solve that problem.

Top 5 Crowdsourcing Entrepreneurs

David Capece — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:13:30 -0500

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 trendtaking 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 are called upon to solve them.

Web Design Basics for Entrepreneurs

David Capece — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:07:47 -0500

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.

The Twitter Lists Feature is Live

David Capece — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:58:43 -0400

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 environment. Therefore, any update creates a buzz — not only on Twitter but on other web services as well. The Twitter list feature is interesting because it touches on our exploration of reciprocity and digital influence in many ways.

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

David Capece — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:38:02 -0400

Marathon season is quickly approaching – have you strapped on your running shoes yet? Even if you’re not a fan of running, there’s no question that exercising and healthy living is a growing trend in the United States. As we try to rid ourselves of some not-so-flattering statistics, or are just working on some personal goals, signs of the healthy lifestyle movement can be found more and more.

New Media Stars Dominate Fortune’s 40 Under 40

David Capece — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:58:17 -0400

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 successful leadersare in the digital realm, and show no signs of stopping.

The Scariest Inventions

David Capece — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:51:05 -0400

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 hood in the shower? By exploring these insane inventions, we want to discover where they went wrong and how to avoid similar pitfalls.

Head Crutch

What Do Glenn Beck and American Idol Have In Common?

David Capece — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:54:26 -0400

Pop Culture Trend: Cheers and Jeers
Trend Tags: Glenn Beck, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, NBC, Harry Potter, Good Vs Evil

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

David Capece — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:48:50 -0400

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 the mobile industry.

American Idol and Dooce Give Power to the People

David Capece — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:22:49 -0400

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.

Coca-Cola and Nintendo Re-Invent Brand Image

David Capece — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:07:57 -0400

Pop Culture Trend: Re-Inventing Icons
Trend Tags: Coca-Cola, Icon, Nintendo, Wii, Re-Invent, Mario Kart, Innovation, Street Fighter

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?

Top 5: Networking Tips

David Capece — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:46:35 -0400

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. Below, we share some tips to fuel your networking efforts.

2009 Pop Culture Trends

David Capece — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:17:07 -0400

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.

Microsoft Opens Its First Store

David Capece — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:12:04 -0400

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 other Microsoft products.

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

David Capece — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 06:44:56 -0400

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 results.

New Influencer: A Social Media and Blogging Classic

David Capece — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:00:37 -0400

This month, our team read Paul Gillin’s book, The New Influencer: A Marketer’s Guide to Social Media. We wanted to share some of the key points that make this book a social media and blogging classic.

Total Rating
4.5 out of 5

Who Should Read the Book

Brand Spotlight: Hulu

David Capece — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:04:57 -0400

Beyond a product, a brand is important for establishing a company’s image in the eyes of its customers. On the Internet, it’s even harder for a Web-only brand to establish itself, considering the hundreds, if not thousands, of other sites ready to take its place. In order to get the attention of users, offering a unique product is key, while putting a solid brand and image behind it.

Debunking Myths About Gen Y

David Capece — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:20:08 -0400

Over the past few years, the media has seemingly defined Gen Y into a single stereotype. While some may fit the stereotype, there are tens of millions more breaking the mold and exceeding expectations. Gen Y is 76 million members strong, full of diversity, creativity and bursting with potential.