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Firstly, Foursquare – Ever heard of the term, ‘location, location, location’!? Well this is a location-based social network/gaming application that is gaining ground. Members or Users “check in” at local businesses and earn rewards for frequently visiting participating establishments.
Currently, the site is receiving greater than 1 million check-ins per week. Business owners can get value out of Foursquare by offering incentives for users to check in, such as special offers for repeat visitors. There is also the ability to be crowned Mayor of an establishment!
i.e: What is the definition of a deal? One example, is a a free drink or appetizer or starter dish for the Foursquare user who checks in the most (Its the user who is called / hailed the Mayor).

Interestingly, this company has signed major partnerships with TV network Bravo and restaurant guide to functionality and usage.

In the video above, you can see Dennis Crowley, co-founder of Foursquare. Here he discusses the goals of this location-based social networking application.

Gowalla – According to Wikipedia: Gowalla is a location-based social-networking game created by Alamofire. Users ‘check-in’ at Spots in their local vicinity, either through a dedicated mobile application or through the mobile website. As a reward users will sometimes receive items from check-ins. Items have developed to become a promotional tool for the game’s partners e.g. Incase. As of March 2010 there were approximately 150,000 active users.

Rummble – Similar to the latter, the concept of trust and ratings is introduced. For example, their website suggests:

It is a bit like your social network, but based upon trust (or lack of) in peoples recommendations so you can discover cool stuff from thousands of people, not just friends or immediate trusted connections. Rummbling is really easy online or from your mobile phone. Its the best to Rummble when you’re actually at a place you love or loath, then you can add a photo & if you want, share it straight away on Twitter, Facebook, Bebo or more…

Loopt – This is another location-based social service. It aims to connect its users with their friends by visually displaying their location and availability on a localized map. Users can connect with friends in the area, see reviews and recommendations of restaurants, and find events in the area that might be of interest. Businesses have tapped into Loopt’s location data to offer targeted promotions. Loopt is already accessible on more than 100 mobile phones and currently used by about 3 million people, giving it the widest distribution of any of the location-based services.

Blippy – Blippy aims to connect people around the purchases they make. I guess people will need to be very careful about what they say or what could be misconstrued! Blippy publishes the amount and location of customer purchases, with user permission -that the rest of the community can then react to.

Groupon – This site offers “collective buying power” by providing deals to groups of people who buy products and services in bulk from participating retailers. The site uses social networking to get users to share offers with their communities, in order to reach the target number of customers the “Groupon” requires to activate.

Businesses could gain exposure and new customers by making offers on the site—if Groupon develops a large following. However, one observation is to take advantage of group discounts you will have to find members with the same interest first. While the revenue from the purchase is helpful, exposing a large group of customers to your product is even more valuable.

This is by no means an inclusive list, only 5 exceptional companies striving to change the social media landscape with fresh ideas.

Which up-and-coming social application are you most excited about? Who did we leave off the list that should have been included? Please leave a comment below…

Other new services include:

http://www.Intent.com
http://www.akoha.com/
http://www.traxo.com/
http://www.socialight.com/
http://www.communike.com/Messages.aspx
http://www.yoink.com/

http://www.wombeat.com/

What about linking Social Media to Augmented Reality!?

The following articles are also fascinating, i.e:  The future of social networking – a concept investigation with Augmented Reality & http://imod.co.za/2009/10/01/social-networking-and-the-future/

NB The following mock-up images from the latter, say it all!

Westmister Council are an award winning organisation that leads the Westminster Education Business Partnership.

This was in preparation for the school’s enterprise project. The presentation was aimed to guide 13-14 year old students through different forms of marketing, looking at how times are changing from posters to shorter tv / virals ads. Dr Savi also covered the importance of blogging and how the world of webpresence is moving from Search Engine Optmisation to Social Media Optimisation. He outlined the the pros/cons.

Interestingly, a short survey with the students revealed that they (the students) had no objections for giving up personal information in exchange for say, a SMS text message leading them to a free cup of coffee!?

Dr Savi also worked with the audience to highlight what makes a good brand and the impact of managing multiple international social channels.

The session was attended by 40 students. Interestingly, a quick poll revealed that many used Facebook but only 6 used Twitter. Their use of the latter was to view links rather than use its trending features,

Previously, in February 2011 Dr Savi gave 6 lectures on Social Media in Business at Gray Coats School in Vaxhall again as part of the Westminster Education Business Partnership. During the  Q and A session, the attendees confirmed that the use of Facebook was high, yet the take-up and effective usage of Twitter was very low. For example, from 180 attendees only 4 stated that they were on  Twitter, quoting their main use was for following celebrity action.

Dr Savi has presented at BBC Radio 2 and various satellite channels.

The presentation can be viewed from here:

Today their clients can enjoy online bookings, great hints and tips on keeping fit, a more personal interaction in terms of achieving goals and dynamic content updates through the content engines that support their online presence.

In addition, by developing an aggregated news channel we were able to provide the company with the best Health and Fitness news from around the world, channelled through their web, Twitter and blog.

It is important to Elemis that for every new product launched and every spa-therapy performed, they address specific skin and body conditions using potent formulations that dynamically treat the skin with powerful results.

The iPhone App has a number of functions: A Spabus schedule – Mass-up locator with Google Maps, Product range listing and links to purchase on-line and links to auto-dial and arrange treatments.

We’ve been involved in the latest update and will be working with them on future updates and releases.

In addition it uses the MOBAD engine that we have developed to send exclusive vouchers. Users can also send emails and contact information requests to become a member of the channel.

The approach we used for the project was to initially develop a prototype and then progress the project with confirming functionality through each development stage. Testing was completed with online collaborative tools and stress testing.

• Techniques to engage the viewer
• Message construction and scripting,
• Use of consistent images
• Advice on brand impact
• Rapid editing techniques with professional level software tools and
• Using high quality filming & rendering equipment.

Combine the latter with skills with social media and their need for multiple formats for online access, for example, podcasting, dedicated website hosting, effective streaming techniques and website integration you have the potential to reach a good number of potential viewers, many that could be potential clients. At the end of the day you want your clients to be impressed. Furthermore, outsourcing your corporate video will save time and cost too.

Here are some general tips that we have developed over the years.
The tips assume that you have a clear remit and agreed project brief supported by a work-order with objectives for success with your client.

Location, Location, Location
Consider that part of your corporate video will include an interview with your CEO, management team or section manager. We recommend a RECCE so that you can be more aware of the environment where filming will take place, together with health and safety and associated logistics.

From a filming perspective, is the location too noisy, too bright/dim or simply too squashy. If you wish to project a professional image, the devils in the detail. The last thing you want your clients to see is your CEO or interviewee sitting with a backdrop of a bookshelf full of untidy accounting folders and a crowded desk.

In addition, if the location is a busy office environment, allowances will need to be made to book time to record and retake.

In terms of lighting, a RECCE can confirm the need for additional lighting needs. Avoid Avoid placing your subject in front of a window as cameras are unlikely to handle the contrast and no one can control what is happening through the looking glass!

Framing of the subject is important, for example, when filming a headshot leavw sufficient space around the top half of a subject being recorded.

Audio – Is the message clear ? What do you really want to say or portray?

Use a clip on microphone and check on the sound quality coming into the camera by using headphones.
It is best to do this before any recording takes place. Its certainly terrible when a great interview or recording has taken place with actors with the visuals looking great but with inaudible or distorted sound.

In terms of 1:1 interviewing, let the speaker finish their sentences by avoiding interuptions and something that can really help during post production is to get the interviewee to repeat or rephrase the question that is being asked. Shots taken of the interviewer and interviewee can also help break-up the video and aid with enagement.

Try not to respond out loud to the speaker, for example by saying ‘yes’ or ‘uh huh’. It takes the focus away from the subject and will make the corporate video look amateur. Instead try to nod and don’t talk while they’re speaking where possible. Give them time to finish their sentences before moving on to the next question, and ask them to rephrase the question in their answer as this will provide context when it comes to viewing the online video.

Scripting

Effective scripting is essential. It is not a question of ‘no suprises’ but planning for the core message to be relayed with great sentiment that creates a connection. For example, if a client is being interviewed for a testimonial, providing some general pointers on what to mention can help assure context and relevance to the main theme of the video.

Scripting can also help establish the timing of a video and whether too much or too little is being included.

Branding

• Use of consistent images, colours and fonts helps to support a professional organisation being presented.
• Other areas include:
• Getting a good mix of company particpants
• Assuring a good theme – remember what you find funny may not appeal to others.
• Use of other company products
• Colours and tones of images and backdrops throughout the production.
• Use of fonts or typography – typeface
• Expiry date of featured promotions

Although we’re talking here more about a Corporate Video, to a certain extent using a Flip or handheld HD/VGA video camera can be great to capture everyday corporate video blog footage. We suggest that you use this content with common headers, footers and fonts. Even better, develop a template that can form a consistent communication wrapper for all company associated content.

Back-up of all recordings, images and audio – All your assets!
Many of us put this aside. During recording, everything should be copied and clearly labelled.
It’ll certainly be embarressing and expensive to return to the scene!

What we have outlined above is a set of general principles we have documented and now implement when we take on video production projects.
Ultimately, it is all about good Project Management!

We hope they will give you confidence to consider our experience and services.
Please Click here to learn more about our services together with more FAQs on how to develop good corporate videos here.

Mobile apps for business are emerging as the fastest way to relay information to your customers as their lives and projects demand a greater level of responsiveness and information.

It follows the same logic as a voice call, for example: you have received a bill from your telecom supplier and it is incorrect. Would you rather wait in a telephone queue proceeded with a long conversation based on looking up your account. Or, be in control by using a mobile app while you are on the move to look-up and query your due amount.

This level of interactivity and dynamic response is what we expect in order to focus on our main tasks. The responsibility is also now on businesses to communicate their commitment to service. If a broadband service is not available or slow, then a web posting with justification from the Internet Service Provider helps to understand any difficulties. From a positive perspective, if customers have a close relationship with specific personnel, then it is great to view company insights or even formally about future product developments or enhancements to existing one. Hints and Tips on complex products can be summarised and conveniently imparted. Social channels are great for posting such information. However, aggregation and ‘publish once but view on many channels’ will become a challenge for companies. Aggregation tools such as Mobpresence can help ensure consistency and contribute to client branding, especially if loyalty based vouchers or offers are only available from this outlet.

What are the key trends that appear to be catching on with mobile applications?

1. Accessing sales data. For example, information in sales systems and real-time data on customer accounts such as order status and shipping data is key for field staff. The use of such dynamic customer facing data is also an opportunity to optimize processes and control or even reduce costs.

2. Continuing on the theme of client orders or managing inventory the use of Barcode scanning and delivering data back to a central depot can help to assure the continuity of  supply chains.

3. Access to medical data is key to support critical decisions and patient safety. Monitoring and analysis of inline (patient connected) data can save lives.

Finally, why would a client not simply open up their netbook and access the same data?
The reason is because the need for access to decision data has greater dynamic need than others.

O2. Essentially …

When the consumer moves within a set distance of the store – passing through a so-called geo-fence – the voucher is sent automatically via a text message to their phone.

The idea has echoes of the film Minority Report in which Tim Cruise was recognised as he passed a Guinness billboard and a personalised greeting was played to him.

Starbucks and L’Oreal have signed up to a six month trial. Others will join soon and, eventually, most stores on the High Street could use the system to entice custom. This shows an interesting innovation but also assumes that people have ‘Opted in’ to take advantage of deals / offers in almost a semantic manner.

There are also some great applications such as Gowala and FourSquare that encourage check-in’s, badges and awards. All of this is good for encouraging interactivity and a social side to spreading the word about the best service and value for money. The interesting aspect of this article is that it appears that many people are prepared to trade their personal data for a swift return. We hope that it will not result in intrusion if over done or without greater quality behind the type of offer being suggested.

KHL Interactive have developed their Voucher Phone offering through their MOBAD server. This server controls the start, expiry, terms, membership extended offers, multiple offerings and mash-up functions for location search. Future releases are already planned where the consumer is in control in terms of accepting or rejecting the collection of the redeemer information. For example, many voucher schemes rely on registration or online interaction.

NB The application also offers a ping option  through the use of requesting rather than sms based targetting and pre-registration. Therefore, control is retained by the consumer especially as data protection or privacy is questioned by many in our world today.

Distributor / Dealer network
Imagine you are a distributor of computer hardware. Consider the scale of product information you will have to communicate.
For example:

• Product specifications and training guides
• Case Studies and pricing scenarios
• Video insights from the manufacturer
• Product enhancements or addons
• Industry development News for dealer

and probably most importantly, Special Offers or discount vouchers

You may already have this on paper or on your website.
You may rely on your dealers to view this information on their laptops.
However, with our easily customisable mobile App you can offer a rapid and efficient portal.

Let us consider another example, say a:

Restaurant / chain:
With your very own App you will have the ability to:

• Show your YouTube videos, for example: Food preparation, client testimonials or Chef insights
• The latest menus and opening hours
• Special offer vouchers via our optional easy-to-use and manage Mobile Ads engine known as Mobad
• View Feedback from social websites
• View Twitter comments and follower trends
• Post news, including nutrition tips and hints

Mobpresence enhances the ability of your business to inform your clients in a dynamic and personal manner.