Social Media Monitoring

If you are anything like me, you have no clue what is all possible through social media.  Before my social media class I was clueless about monitoring and analytics, but I am catching on to all the possibilities. It is something I would definitely recommend, especially if you are a business and are trying to use social media to get your name out there.

Social media monitoring  is something every company or brand should implement in order to take full advantage of the different platforms. Through this class we are becoming familiar with Hootsuite and will become a certified Hootsuite consultant by the time this semester is over.

Even though there are many tools to use, like Bottlenose, Klout, and Sprout Social, Hootsuite is the one I am familiar with. It is a website where you can monitor all of your social media platforms in one place. You can even monitor specific topics or hashtags.  There is also an app function that allows you to monitor other platforms that are available like YouTube. While you are monitoring you can also pull up analytics to see what works and what doesn't.  You can see how many people were able to see your posts and how many responded. Adding social media monitoring to your business plan will definitely benefit you in more ways than not.

My Best Friend

While I was pondering on what to write my blog about I decided to Google ideas to blog about.  From the results I choose a blog titled Sweet ideas: 50 things to blog about which gave me some great ideas. One idea (#6) is the hardest thing you've ever been through so that is what I have decided to write about.

I met my best friend, Amber, when we were 3 years old. She took dance classes at the same studio I was at. We went to school together from kindergarten until we graduated high school.  We were inseparable most of the time and became closer after we graduated.  When we turned 21 year old we went out every chance we could and were able to experience many different things together.  Since her birthday was on Halloween we always went all out. My favorite Halloween with her was the night we went out with a big group of friends as bunnies and our good friend, Larry, went as Hugh Hefner. All night we rode around in a 1957 Chevy Bel Air Limo and were treated like royalty.

Ever since I could remember Amber was sick. She was diabetic and it really took a toll on her body. Shortly after she turned 22 she started experiencing pain in her kidneys.  The doctors couldn't find anything so they treated her for her pain and sent her home. By October 2006, Amber couldn't stay out of the hospital. She would be in for two weeks and home for one. The following March the doctors finally figured what was going on and diagnosed her with Addison's disease. This disease is very rare and it occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. You can live with Addison's disease with treatment, however, Amber had already gone so long without it. Amber left us on June 21, 2007.

My last visit with Amber was extremely special. She spent the majority of her time trying to convince me to move back to the Louisville area so we could go to 4th Street Live. She passed before we ever got the chance to come here together, but she is the reason I am here. She is also the reason I met my husband. We met the night of the 1 month anniversary of her death at 4th Street Live and have been together since.

Amber Sandlin 10-31-83/6-21-07

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

So I mentioned in my Social Consumers blog that I purchased a Samsung Galaxy Note 8.  This blog I am going to give my top reasons for buying this tablet instead of the other options. Again, I read many online reviews and asked many people their opinion in order to make the right purchase and I feel like I NAILED IT!

Image from Amazon

My number one reason for purchasing this tablet was the size and weight of it. I planned on carrying this tablet everywhere so I didn't want something that was heavy, especially with having so many books to carry also. According to Samsung's website this tablet weighs a measly 11.68 ounces.  I can fit it in my purse with ease and it doesn't add much weight to it at all. It is small enough that I am comfortable holding it in one hand when I am reading, but not so small that I can't read the screen. 

The second reason I went with the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 was that it was very easy to use.  I was familiar with Samsung's products before I purchased this because I had a Galaxy smartphone, but even those who have never used anything Samsung, like my mother, had no problems using it. In fact, my mother now has a Samsung tablet because she liked mine so much. I like that I can do all of my schoolwork on it without complications.  There are apps that I can get to make school more accessible and on-the-go. I even have all of my textbooks on it so I am not carrying much weight at all this semester.

Screenshot of PowerPoint from tablet

The stylus is definitely one of the coolest things about this tablet. With it I can write, copy and paste, draw, and cut, among many other things.  I have teachers that post fill-in PowerPoints and I find it so nice just to fill them in on my tablet instead of printing them out. When I take my notes this way I always have people ask me about my tablet. One girl even said she wished her iPad did that. It is spot on with my handwriting and can tell what I am writing whether I am writing in cursive or print. I can switch it anytime from handwriting-to-text or I can keep it in my own handwriting.

One of my biggest reason for this tablet was that I could hook my flash drive up to it and store all of my school files on it. I found out that the iPad you cannot store anything externally. Having the advantage to plug in USB cables I am allowed to attached any device that connects through a USB. I purchased the plug-in from Amazon for next to nothing and have not had any problems with it.

I truly believe this is the best tablet out there for students. I suggest to anyone I can because I feel it is a great and convenient tablet to keep yourself organized. I have my textbooks, notes, class agenda, etc., all on one tablet. I have saved money each semester because it is a lot cheaper to get e-books and this tablet allows me to do that. Check it out for yourself! I promise you won't be disappointed!

Social Consumers

     Are you one of those people that research the product you want for weeks or do you buy spontaneously? I am guilty of both, but when I am dealing with a large purchase I definitely take weeks to make my decision. I would consider myself a social consumer, which according to Wikipedia is "a consumer that participates in social commerce, social shopping, and consults with social media and social networks when making purchasing decisions. I am one to ask for opinions on particular products. The last large purchase I made was a tablet for school so I turned to Facebook to ask people the pros/cons they found with iPads and Samsung Galaxy Notes. I read the online reviews from every website I could find so when I was ready to make my purchase I already knew exactly what I wanted and only spent about five minutes total in the store.

(Image from Pinterest)

   

      I would blame my social consuming on my smartphone. It is so easy to access your social media accounts to ask for opinions or suggestions and you can look up online reviews for anything. I find myself, especially when traveling, reading a ton of online reviews. I always read about hotels I may stay in, restaurants I may eat at, and activities we may do while there. I don't know about anyone else, but being able to do this really has spoiled me. There are also times I find myself reading online reviews for entertainment. My favorite reviews to read are the Sugar-free Haribo Gummy Bears on amazon. Trust me, they will make you laugh out loud. My husband and I also have fun going to random towns and eating somewhere based on the reviews. We have gone to some awesome places we normally wouldn't have gone to because of this.

Image from Google

When I consult social media to ask about a product it is usually a large purchase.  I asked about cell phones the last time I was due an upgrade and I asked about my tablet. I chose the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 because it had the best reviews for students and I do not regret it! Since the majority of the people on my facebook page are people I know and trust I tend to ask about products on there. I have several friends that also consult Facebook friends when making purchases. I try to give my opinions when it is something I am comfortable with. If not, I keep an eye on the post if it is something I am interested in. I think everyone should be social consumers. I feel it is a new way of shopping and finding out information some places would try to hide. I like that the people are everyday people sharing their experience.

Visual Communications

Visual Communications are becoming a favorite way of sharing your life and information you are interested in. There are different ways and platforms you can access like Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and Vine.  I am just starting to use Instagram and Vine so I am still not too familiar with them, but so far I really like them.  Pinterest and YouTube I am very familiar with and use constantly.  I am going to let you in on what I love about each of these.

Pinterest  (jacklynmantooth) is a website that I never considered as a social media platform until I started this class. I have always thought of it as just an awesome place online to get ideas, recipes, and how-to guide to almost anything I am interested in.  You can share the stuff you pin on Facebook and Twitter so it allows others to view and pin things you find. I currently have 18 boards that are categorized so it is easy to find what I pin for the future. My favorite things to look for while on Pinterest on home renovation and storage, backyard/garden ideas, and recipes. I have developed a pet peeve while on Pinterest.  It really bothers me when I click on a picture to be taken to the original website so I am able to read more about it and it takes me nowhere. It makes me want to scream. People please pin what you find from the website, don't just copy and paste. That being allowed is my least favorite part of Pinterest.

YouTube is one of those websites that still blows my mind. You can find almost anything you can imagine I consider this an excellent educational tool and watch a lot of videos with my 4 year old of things she is interested in. In the spirit of the Olympics (since they are currently on my television) I went on YouTube and watched a couple videos of Scott Hamilton figure skating from the 1980s and 1990s.  It brought back great memories seeing my all-time favorite figure skater on ice again. They do a great job keeping the raunchy, inappropriate videos off and have an option to report anything that you feel shouldn't be on there. My first semester at the University of Louisville I took a music history class where the professor had our class watch youtube videos weekly to help with our assignments. It was really neat to see how he incorporated this social media platform for us to watch some of the first music videos ever made.

Mike Thompson-Dynamite This was the first video my music teacher had us watch. I love it!

Scott Hamilton-Walk This Way (1994) My favorite performance.

The Louisville Zoo

After I became a mother I was looking for activities to do that would give me a workout and be appropriate to have a newborn with me. I had been to the Louisville Zoo, but only for the Brew at the Zoo. The Brew at the Zoo is an event that brings in businesses that brew their own beer and allow you to sample them. It also has food, wine, and music to make it an event I would definitely recommend. The year Emily was born my husband gave me season passes to the zoo for Christmas and I still feel this is the best gift ever! http://bit.ly/1btOp5j @LouisvilleZoo

The Louisville Zoo is a great place to go to spend a day or just spend an hour.  There are many exhibits and activities for the whole family to enjoy. They are open all year  and offer summer camps for kids that Emily cannot wait to participate in. The train that takes you around the zoo is finally back open after the accident from a couple years ago. http://bit.ly/1eZ6lE0 They took their time in properly training the train staff and making repairs that I feel extremely safe while riding it. This is the first year it has been open since 2009.

They have play areas strategically placed throughout the zoo that are perfect to use as resting spots while the kids still play.  There are different things to do in the play area for different ages so I never felt Emily would get ran over by the bigger kids.  They also have a wonderful splash park that is open in the summers.  There have been many days I have taken Emily in her bathing suit just to enjoy the splash park. In there they have rubber mats and an area that just has a little water come up for the little ones to play.  They also have a large ship with a slide and many water squirting toys to play with. I enjoy it because the parents can play too.

One thing I really enjoy and appreciate about the zoo is that you are allowed to bring your own food in. Most places make you purchase their overpriced food, but here you can bring any food you would like. Before I go to the zoo I always go down to this little deli called Morris Deli. http://on.fb.me/LYUMkR They have the best food that is very reasonable and super nice people that work there.

Picture from louisvillezoo.org

The zoo has been going through massive changes in the past couple years and recently spent 2.2 million dollars on renovating their polar bear/grizzly bear exhibit called Glacier Run.  It resembles a giant glacier slide. My husband was contracted to work with the crew that built the polar bear exhibit and we are all still very excited that he had that opportunity. It was really neat to hear how everything was created and also makes the exhibit more personal for us. They have added a bird sanctuary that you can enter and interact with the birds where you can give them nectar, but we have to wait until Daddy is with us since I am terrified of birds. The buildings in the zoo house mainly reptiles, amphibians, and fish which include an albino alligator that I find absolutely fascinating.  He is my favorite!



The zoo really is a great place to take your family to, especially the Louisville Zoo because of everything it has to offer.  I know I can't wait until this weather changes so we can get back to it.  It has been way too long!

5 Things Every Little Girl Must Have!

As I am sitting here trying to accomplish my last blog for the week, my daughter comes to me and tells me that she wants to watch me do my homework and sits on my lap. Naturally I have decided to give you insight to what it is like to have a 4 year old little girl and a list of must haves according to Emily.

Emily is a typical 4 year old.  She loves and wants everything right now.  She is trying our patience by not listening and figuring out her boundaries in almost every aspect you can think. She is discovering her sense of humor, which is fantastic, and always has me laughing. You just never know what she is going to say.  She asks a billion questions everyday and continues to ask until you give her a proper answer. She will not settle for a typical mommy answer like "because I said so." She thinks I am magic, but is starting to figure out I'm really not. She is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me, and at the time I was pregnant the most terrifying thing also. 

 

So in all her awesomeness this is her list of the 5 things every little girl must have:

1. Glitter: What is a little girl without glitter? Emily has to have this for everything!  The more her outfit sparkles the more she loves it. The art projects from school that she wants to keep are all the ones that are glittery.  There is a problem with glitter.  It will not come off of things and is forever a part of my furniture and vehicle. I despise the stuff actually, but if it makes her happy I will suffer.

2. Disney Princesses: I really do not know a little girl that doesn't like the Disney princesses. Emily's favorite right now is Ariel, but that has changed with each new movie she has seen. She cannot just pick one. As her mom, I could not be happier about this. I grew up watching Disney movies and love all the memories that come back when I watch these with her.

 

 

3. Paint/Crayons/Markers: My child could color all day, every day. It is one of the first things she asks to do in the morning and one of the last things we are telling her to put up at night. She is an absolute perfectionist when it comes to coloring or painting and if you get out of the line she will fire you. I have been fired and couldn't help but laugh. She yelled for me to color with her for a while and within 5 minutes she said, "Umm, you colored outside of the lines. You don't have to color with me anymore because you aren't doing a good job." Yup, I am in for it when she starts getting graded on things. :)

(Emily, age 3, colored this in the car)

4. Play-doh: If Emily doesn't want to color, she wants her play-doh.  It is another thing that will keep her occupied for hours if we let it. She claims everyone needs play-doh so they can makes snakes and roll it into a ball. I love that she uses her imagination when she plays with play-doh and tries to build things with it even if it does get all over the place. http://bit.ly/1aFhYjG

5. Treats: Emily is a treat fanatic. She feels she deserves a treat after she does anything. She said only good girls need treats, but when she is misbehaving she still thinks she should get one. I asked her what type of treat every little girl must have, she proudly said, "BANANAS!"  Proud mommy moment there! I think that is one treat most parents would be happy to give their child.

Coke's Super Bowl Commercial

What do you think of when you hear it is Super Bowl time again?  Personally I think about the commercials, which one will be the best and which one will cause an uproar.  This year I believe the most talked about commercial was Coke's America the Beautiful commercial.  http://youtu.be/A8iM73E6JP8

I thought this advertisement was absolutely beautiful and it even brought a tear to my eye. I love that they incorporated many different cultures and people that America is made of. I also enjoyed it being sang in the different languages that are heard around America. Coca-Cola definitely touched on the emotional aspect of the American people, but it was not all good.

 

When I looked up the definition of American on Google it said an American is a native or citizen of the United States. http://bit.ly/1bzQURj It does NOT state an American is only white and only speaks English. The American Dream started back in the Colonial time when the British established settlements in the new world. People come to America to start a new and better life for themselves and their families. We are known as the Melting Pot. When the British settled here they were immigrants themselves and took the land from the Native Americans.  There are ways for immigrants to become citizens of the United States now and after they complete the class, they are Americans.  Many of the people I have met from other countries love America and what it stands for, but they are not fond of the people in it. So many people feel that everything should be their way or no way and they are not adaptable to change.  These people make the rest of us look bad.  It seems they tend to forget that somewhere down the line their ancestors were not from America and moved here as immigrants.

Some of the people who caused a big stink over this commercial didn't even realize that the song sung was not the national anthem. Maybe that was why they caused the stink to begin with, but if you think about it, they really are not as proud as they think. How do you throw such a public fit on social media when you clearly don't know what you are talking about? If these people were truly proud they would love that our country is so diverse and is a place others want to be.

Coke's commercial showed what people should be proud of. It showed Americans getting along and celebrating together, which is how it should be. I loved the commercial! Way to go, Coca-Cola!