Will FACEBOOK host a new search functionality to take over Google?

WHY GOOGLE SHOULD BE SHACKING UP WITH FACEBOOK AND KICK MICROSOFT OUT OF BED!

Looking at the picture above, it seems almost natural that FACEBOOK should have a Google-like search application on our most loved social media site. This picture apparently did it's rounds at the Google office earlier this week, I can't help but giggle a little just imagining the reactions of the Search Engine Lord's over at the worlds largest web-traffic driver!. Gossip around some page's I've read point to a collaboration between Microsoft's Bing and FACEBOOK, but I think it would be foolish of Google not to take this opportunity, here's why!

• FACEBOOK hosts over 900 million objects with which people interact, the average user generates over 90 pieces of content each month [http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics]. That means the average user (excluding the 200 million mobile users which are twice as active) is active on FACEBOOK everyday. Everyday activity means an integrated search functionality on FACEBOOK keeps users on the same page for social and educational reasons. Short of adding an e-mail application (which in my opinion should have been added a long time ago) our FACEBOOK screenshots might soon be our default homes in the virtual world. 
• For the week ending 03/19/2011 Experian's Hitwise noted FACEBOOK as number one on their Top 20 Site's list, with a 10.52% visit share. Google ranked number two with a 7.74% visit share. A collaboration like this means Google would stay abreast of the search category, and FACEBOOK could expand their reach from social to search and social media- both categories which are ranked as daily cyber activity. 
• Google currently holds the number one position in search engine ranks with a staggering 65.56% searches globally, following Google is Yahoo, Bing, Ask.com and AOL respectively. If Big daddy FACEBOOK takes over that amount of the search lanscape, a collaboration between the two top ranking sites worldwide could spell monopoly for a new social/search application.

Although it makes sense a collaboration between these two web-giants is unlikely!


See this article published earlier this month- Look's like Google has big plans for integrating their 2009 launched social functionality without FACEBOOK
http://www.pcworld.com/article/221381/google_pushes_social_search_despite_facebook_gap.html

Let me know what you think?

Written by: Roxanne Marais

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BLUE Artist of the Month

INTRODUCING LOUIS NEL

I recently saw Louis play at Pandora and I was blown away by his incredible voice. You don't come across talent like this everyday. Louis is relatively new on the circuit - he has a background in Human Resources but soon realised music is his true passion. He teaches guitar at NuSong Music School and by night you can hear him perform at venues around Pretoria.

Pandora is such a great venue for an artist like this with its hilltop panoramic view of Pretoria and that 'cant-put-your-finger-on-it..are we still in Pretoria?' kind of atmosphere. It might not be everyone's cup of tea but if you can appreciate a place for its imperfections and down to earth atmosphere without getting annoyed by the smaller than usual selection of booze then you'll love Pandora as I do. No pretenses - just a good time with good people, love it for what it is. They host a range of events and the venue is available for hire.

Don't miss out on a truly enjoyable experience and possibly find a new spot to hang out when you need a break from the usual city life.

Catch Louis' next performance at Pandora on the 25th of March 2011 @ 20h00!  Click here to view the venue http://www.pan-dora.co.za/about/ . Email pandora.art1@gmail.com to book!

I know I wont be missing it...
Sam

Awareness Campaign Ethics

Greenpeace: Propaganda VS Propagation

Before you read any further, please take a look at the video above. Make up your own mind! 

Let me start off by admitting right off the bat that I am NO avid environmental crusader, in large part due to the lack of discipline I have, and in small part due to lack of communication around this sensitive topic . For both above mentioned reasons, this video really hit home for me and is in my opinion a great display of strategic and mastered communication. 

Communication effects every single person on this plant, as does Global Warming. This awareness campaign uses simple and strong communication to make us aware of an issue we could all benefit from listening to, and yet to my dismay has not received the acclaimed reaction from the viewers I was expecting. So here is my guilt-driven advocacy and somewhat passionate reply. 

Naturally after watching this video I scrolled down to read comment, only to be shocked by what can only be summed up as pathetic and juvenile banter. Epithets such as Youth Brain-washing, Eco-fascism and propaganda were words I would never have associated with a video like this. 

Brain-washing the youth; head’s up idiot's, the message refers to generations to come therefore it’s only fitting that a child be used as a medium to communicate the message- it’s precisely what makes the message effective. Did you miss the part where the child actor read a well written script and did a really good job? 

Eco-fascism; nice word, next time just use it in the right context. Global warming IS a radical environmental issue- thus when it is dealt with radically, not only does it open eye’s of people like myself, but it finally give’s a very important issue a platform for debate. Comparing this video to a group like the Libertarian National Socialist Green Party (who indecently brands themselves with a swastika on a green background- How innovative!) causes your debate to fall short of competent.

Propaganda; hmmm really? No more so that the desperate housewife removing coffee stains from her white blouse with a product that claim’s to “evaporate the stain”. Look around, propaganda has just about filtered into every communication model known to the world of advertising- and one really shouldn't be shocked to find it in NPO’s, it’s the name of the game! P.S. if it were propaganda people like you (the critics) would believe it instead of voicing your accepted yet unappreciated opinion.

Let me know what you think? 

Written by: Roxanne Marais

Research - the most important communication tool

Content Vs. Channel: Only 7% importance is put on content, whilst 93% of our communication is based on the tool/medium or channel we use. With the recent increase in mediums to communicate with it has become a fundamental ideology to see Research as the first port of call when communicating. 

Why are you communicating to your clients? Well, firstly you want to educate your client on what you can offer them, then you want to motivate them to make use of your offering and lastly you want to build a large enough client base with which to grow your business...close? NOT AT ALL! 

1. You want to educate YOURSELF about what your client wants 

2. You want to motivate your clients to engage in your brand 

3. You want to build trust by employing a 2-way communication channel 

So what does Research actually do for you? 

· It allows you to select only the suited communication channels you should be using to engage your audience. Instead of hopping on every new social media bandwagon and grasping at technologies you don’t understand, research allows you to pin point how your consumers want to be spoken to and how they prefer to talk back. 

· Instead of focusing on capital to drive your business and yield short term results, research allows you to focus on RELATIONSHIP CAPITAL... Nurturing people and responding to their wants’ and needs are what will ultimately set you apart from the one hit-wonders. 

· Once you know which specific tools to communicate to your audience through, you will be able to gain collective intelligence by collaborating the tools that work for you. You have to ask yourself do I want 4000 Facebook friends that never look at my page- or do I want 200 people that interact with my messages daily and contribute to my bottom line? The only way the latter is possible is by questioning and investigating what your clients needs are. 

· Research gives you insight into the minds of your specific consumers, you will be able to scan the environment for changes or opportunities that will affect your audience. It also gives you an exceptional advantage in knowing how they prefer communication, and what nature of communication they prefer. You are only able to maintain internal and external communication when you know what the expectancies are to keep your audience engaged. 

· Research allows you to plan with long term strategies and identify possible issues you probably never even thought would affect your business. Offense vs Defense! 

With all the communication based changes happening around us, one thing is for sure- Nothing will ever replace the interpersonal relationships you build with your patrons, and it’s the one thing that keeps people loyal to you and your brand! 

Tool # 1 = RESEARCH now more than ever.

Written by: Roxanne Marais

PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERNSHIP

Are you looking to gain some experience in Public Relations, Marketing, Website Development and Corporate Communications in general?

Our business may be new, but we are not new to the business! Our experience started with an offer much like this one and now its our turn to give back. We are looking to employ a Marketing Assistant in the next 6 months and this internship will be used as a learning tool to teach the lucky candidate the do's and don'ts of the industry, what's REALLY important and hopefully help you discover where your strength and passion lies in the communication field.  

The necessary (non-negotiable) skills you will need to be considered:

1. We will read something you've written and say "Wow! You can spell and your spacing is great! What is your favourite font?"
2. You pay close attention to detail and ask questions when you see a problem
3. You think fast on your feet while keeping a smile on your face
4. You're not shy about meeting new people and wowing them with your charm from the word "Hello"
5. You want to further your career in Communication and Public Relations
6. You happen to be awesome...

Let's face it, everyone works and needs to pay the bills, including BLUE - so we aren't asking for your full time commitment, but if you're interested in working with us once or twice a week, please contact us www.blueistheword.co.za .

This is an opportunity to gain experience, you will not be earning a fat pay cheque, neither will you receive a company car or a cellphone allowance. Get with the programme! My first PR job was cutting out magazine press cuttings and packing shoes in a cupboard and generally getting coffee for all the staff. I arrived diligently every day in my best get up and didn't get a cent for it. Those are the best memories of my life. 

Working with BLUE may very well be the best experience of YOUR life, but the difference with us is we are going to give you access to the good stuff. We're interested in more than your cutting skills. 

Get in touch!

Samantha-Clair

Resources: Image from http://thelangarhall.com/activism/good-pr/

Leaders - Communicate Powerfully!

Unshackle the “Free” Agents of Communication

As a South African, the one problem I have always had with our mentality is the inability to communicate effectively. Powerful leaders need to be powerful communicators first and foremost - someone who can step up to the plate, and involve an audience at their level. We seem to have entered a new age where instead of liberating the oppressed, we need to liberate leaders who are competent and able to talk to a nation. 

Communication Power entails 3 things: 

LISTEN: Powerful communication doesn’t equal a monologue by a powerful figure to the masses. Power lies in dialogue which can only take place when the communicator listens to his audience. It means you have to listen all the time and speak sometimes. 

CLARIFY: Without being able to convey your message with transparency, people will only hear your message without engaging in it. Messages need to be simple and structured for your audience to grasp the meaning and be motivated to respond to it. When you allow people to know the “why” and not only the “what” you connect with them emotionally and motivate with lucidity. 

ENDORSE: This entails pro-actively explaining and Parra-phrasing your message so that all recipients are able to hear, understand and engage with you on a subject matter. This ensures credibility in an audience and the power to influence on worthwhile issues. 

In a nutshell: Listen to what your audience is saying, clarify the message with the information you have heard and endorse the message to encourage action. 

Trevor Manual is an excellent example; he speaks with clarity and is able to endorse his comments with reason and intellect. Yes, he may have been schooled by the ANC for his “free agent” like communication, but he is a powerful communicator. He has stood up and respectfully communicated to his fellow South Africans whatever the motive behind his actions. With the upcoming elections some find it strange that the usually calm Mr. Manual feels it correct to make noise (that could potentially lead to coloured votes for the ANC) when he has had little to say about more pressing issues such as the AIDS denial of his previously much love president. 

Whatever the motive, and I’m sure there is one...Trevor Manual is an excellent communicator! 

Take a look at this article! http://bolekaja.wordpress.com/2011/03/02/trevor-manuel%E2%80%99s-open-letter-to-jimmy-manyi/

Written by: Roxanne Marais

Art in the WORD

As a communicator the way a message or word is portrayed has always made an impression on me, no wonder Sam and I have our own favourite fonts and with their own meaning to each of us! 

With all the clutter of brands and messages out there (most of them having no pre-determined destination) it takes a bit of magic and finely tuned communication skills to stand out of the crowd! Facebook, Twitter, Virgin and the big daddy Coca-Cola are perfect examples of typography used to create impact without clutter. Perhaps the most time you will spend on building your brand will be pin-pointing the typography that matches the idea or vision you see for your company. Our advice is - don’t over think it, choose a word that matches your vision (ours just happens to be the word WORD) and RESEARCH, research, research... www.highfonts.com is a perfect place to start. Download some free fonts you like (there are thousands) and put the Art that best describes you into your word. 

If like us, you lean towards ‘old school’ and you too believe all that you have is your word the most popular brands in the world have built their imagery on that concept alone. 

Check out some awesome pieces of Typography Art @ http://www.noupe.com/fonts/typographic-madness-30-brilliant-piece-of-work.html

Visa’s Typography Campaign - Some of which can still be seen on the M1 on the way to Jo’burg CBD- very effective.