Geolocation is an interesting thing: for some it is about communication and sharing; for others, fear of being tracked or monitored. No matter your view of Geo, foursquare is a great app that can help you have fun anywhere. Scavenger hunt anyone?
Use your current city or town, college campus, vacation or day trip spot as a playground. Set up teams, choose check-in possibilities, and go. Capture each location with a picture and share with the other teams via twitter.
Give yourself a new perspective of familiar surroundings or sightsee in a whole new way.
Cheers,
Toby
For more foursquare ideas, join the #4SqCHAT on twitter
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
10 Years, Hard Memories
It will be 10 years tomorrow.
If you are blessed with a child or children, hug them tomorrow at breakfast; hard and deeply. There were many that day who we not hugged.
Remember how you felt.
Remember how you wanted to put America first and do anything you could to help your neighbor or a stranger who needed you.
Remember.
If you are blessed with a child or children, hug them tomorrow at breakfast; hard and deeply. There were many that day who we not hugged.
Remember how you felt.
Remember how you wanted to put America first and do anything you could to help your neighbor or a stranger who needed you.
Remember.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Are you getting the most out of Social?
How is your property engaging with current guests, marketing to new ones, and getting those who love you to share their experiences? There are certainly excellent marketing opportunities available via social media.
1. Facebook
2. Twitter
3. Foursquare
Facebook
Not only can you talk about your property, but guests can join your page to share their stories and photos - think of this as an on-line version of your resort. Who is more believable than your satisfied guests?
Twitter
The reach of Twitter is vast and it is a quick way to communicate information as well as an in-road for guests. As guests check-in, they could be reminded to "Follow" your resort on Twitter to receive updates on daily activities as well as the concierge's tip(s) of the day. Twitter will also allow guests to talk about their experience(s) in real time - are they happy with their room, service, meal, accommodations, etc? Once they leave, the problem cannot be corrected.
Foursquare
Foursquare is based around locations, there could be a virtual scavenger hunt where guests (or their smartphone-toting children) can earn points by visiting places around the resort as well sites that surround your property. An example could be a prize for the guest who visits the most lighthouses during a week. Foursquare also shares information with Facebook and Twitter – as guests "Check-in" to your events or locations, they can share these experiences with other users (nothing like free advertising).
The biggest investments are planning your strategy and setting up your Facebook page - the beauty is once things are up and running, the guests do the rest. Get creative and have fun with Social.
Cheers,
Toby
1. Facebook
2. Twitter
3. Foursquare
Not only can you talk about your property, but guests can join your page to share their stories and photos - think of this as an on-line version of your resort. Who is more believable than your satisfied guests?
The reach of Twitter is vast and it is a quick way to communicate information as well as an in-road for guests. As guests check-in, they could be reminded to "Follow" your resort on Twitter to receive updates on daily activities as well as the concierge's tip(s) of the day. Twitter will also allow guests to talk about their experience(s) in real time - are they happy with their room, service, meal, accommodations, etc? Once they leave, the problem cannot be corrected.
Foursquare
Foursquare is based around locations, there could be a virtual scavenger hunt where guests (or their smartphone-toting children) can earn points by visiting places around the resort as well sites that surround your property. An example could be a prize for the guest who visits the most lighthouses during a week. Foursquare also shares information with Facebook and Twitter – as guests "Check-in" to your events or locations, they can share these experiences with other users (nothing like free advertising).
The biggest investments are planning your strategy and setting up your Facebook page - the beauty is once things are up and running, the guests do the rest. Get creative and have fun with Social.
Cheers,
Toby
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Goals - Is everyone aligned?
My mentor, Don Anderson, introduced me to this excellent video by Stephen Covey. You may be a manager, parent, or coach - this is a must watch and reflect.
Have you ever put together a wonderful plan for success only to be let down because of execution shortfalls? Maybe goals were not aligned or understood.
Here are questions Don asked me as well as my answers:
1. What is one thing that especially resonated with you - what’s your take away?
Regardless of planning, if goals are not properly communicated and the front lines do not understand how they (can) contribute, the goal will not be achieved.
2. What is one thing are you inspired to do differently?
Always check in to make sure my efforts and passion are aligned with the company’s goals.
3. What may be an obstacle for you in successfully achieving this one thing?
Staying focused on goals rather than fire-fighting.
Please give this a view and share your thoughts.
Cheers,
Toby
Have you ever put together a wonderful plan for success only to be let down because of execution shortfalls? Maybe goals were not aligned or understood.
Here are questions Don asked me as well as my answers:
1. What is one thing that especially resonated with you - what’s your take away?
Regardless of planning, if goals are not properly communicated and the front lines do not understand how they (can) contribute, the goal will not be achieved.
2. What is one thing are you inspired to do differently?
Always check in to make sure my efforts and passion are aligned with the company’s goals.
3. What may be an obstacle for you in successfully achieving this one thing?
Staying focused on goals rather than fire-fighting.
Please give this a view and share your thoughts.
Cheers,
Toby
Saturday, April 9, 2011
The Struggle of Community Managment
Being part of a community management team has been one of the most rewarding (and at times frustrating) things I have done. As all community managers know, there are some you just can't reach: they have good ideas, but always seem to be drinking from a half empty glass.
Sometimes I look through my John Hughes lens and figure that with more personal contact, they can be reached. Ultimately, I know this is not the case.
For the community managers out there, how do you reach the unreachable? When is it time to let them go?
Thank you,
Toby
Sometimes I look through my John Hughes lens and figure that with more personal contact, they can be reached. Ultimately, I know this is not the case.
For the community managers out there, how do you reach the unreachable? When is it time to let them go?
Thank you,
Toby
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Why I Coach Hockey
Coaching hockey is something I deeply love: I not only have great times with my own children, I take great pleasure teaching a skill and watching a child "get it." No matter what sport or activity you choose, take some time and make a difference. Coaches DO make a difference.
Had a great conversation with one of the kids in my Skills clinic today:
"Did you have fun @ the game today?"
"I didn't score a goal."
"If you could only pick one, would you rather score goals or have fun?"
A big smile... "Have fun."
...I guess I am doing something right
Had a great conversation with one of the kids in my Skills clinic today:
"Did you have fun @ the game today?"
"I didn't score a goal."
"If you could only pick one, would you rather score goals or have fun?"
A big smile... "Have fun."
...I guess I am doing something right
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The Magic White Bean Stew
Man, it is cold out there - comfort food calls.
As you cook this, and each time thereafter, feel free to play with your timing and ingredients (it did not start with veal).
Have fun with it and give me a shout with any questions. This will yield dinner for 4 with some leftovers.
Tools:
Tongs
Wooden spoon
Heavy saute pan with cover
Ingredients:
Olive oil
Fresh Sage
Fresh Rosemary
S&P
(4) Pork Sausages - sweet, hot, combo - your choice
(1) Good size veal chop or shank
(1) 15.5oz can of white beans (Goya) - remove from can, rinse well and hold
(1) 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
(1) large red onion - diced
(2) Shallots - chopped
(4-5) cloves of garlic (you may roast a hole head ahead of time)
Red Wine
Method:
Put your pan on the stove top and coat the bottom with oil and get hot
For the Veal: S&P and fresh chopped Rosemary
Brown the veal in the pan - do not cook through - maybe 2 min on each side. Remove from pan and set aside
Brown sausages in the pan - do not cook through - Remove from pan and set aside
Add the onions, shallots, and garlic to the pan and cook till tender (add a bit more oil, don't let them burn)
Add the White beans and cook a few min
Add the meat (Veal whole, sausages cut into bite size pieces), tomatoes, nice blast of wine, and the sage.
Cover and simmer (maybe just below a simmer).
Season as you go
It will be ready in an hour, but if you go low and slow, the veal will stay tender and fall off the bone.
Again, play with it and have fun - don't forget the crusty bread...
Cheers,
Toby
As you cook this, and each time thereafter, feel free to play with your timing and ingredients (it did not start with veal).
Have fun with it and give me a shout with any questions. This will yield dinner for 4 with some leftovers.
Tools:
Tongs
Wooden spoon
Heavy saute pan with cover
Ingredients:
Olive oil
Fresh Sage
Fresh Rosemary
S&P
(4) Pork Sausages - sweet, hot, combo - your choice
(1) Good size veal chop or shank
(1) 15.5oz can of white beans (Goya) - remove from can, rinse well and hold
(1) 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
(1) large red onion - diced
(2) Shallots - chopped
(4-5) cloves of garlic (you may roast a hole head ahead of time)
Red Wine
Method:
Put your pan on the stove top and coat the bottom with oil and get hot
For the Veal: S&P and fresh chopped Rosemary
Brown the veal in the pan - do not cook through - maybe 2 min on each side. Remove from pan and set aside
Brown sausages in the pan - do not cook through - Remove from pan and set aside
Add the onions, shallots, and garlic to the pan and cook till tender (add a bit more oil, don't let them burn)
Add the White beans and cook a few min
Add the meat (Veal whole, sausages cut into bite size pieces), tomatoes, nice blast of wine, and the sage.
Cover and simmer (maybe just below a simmer).
Season as you go
It will be ready in an hour, but if you go low and slow, the veal will stay tender and fall off the bone.
Again, play with it and have fun - don't forget the crusty bread...
Cheers,
Toby
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