I am a mini-me. No, I don’t suffer from being vertically challenged (though I do wish I was taller), I just am an apparent copy of a professor of mine. Dr. Robert E. Brown is a Communications master and has been a close friend and mentor. I like to think I’m his ‘mini-me’ because we have a lot in common: love meeting people, have great in-depth conversations, gain knowledge through intense reading, and we both like to think we are funny. Well, I am anyway...

I am going to be presenting my website to his class next week, showcasing some of the tools I used to create everything on here. I am hopeful that I can answer some questions for the students, so maybe I’ll direct them to this post and have them reply in the comments. Don’t be afraid to comment, you can use multiple sites to login: even Facebook!

Dr. Brown is very savvy to the publicity scene and has been teaching at Salem State, Emerson and Harvard Extension School. He has been part of large corporations and has several published works. One of his newest ventures is his blog, which I highly recommend. Suffice to say, when he talks, I listen!

(Everyday attire for us at SSC)

After I was encouraged to enter the Twitter world from a few different people, I was at first hesitant. Why would anybody care about this information? Then I found out about the amazing community features: @replies, hashtags and re-tweets are now common vernacular. I was especially pushed on to the scene when I found out Dr. Brown had a Twitter application on his Blackberry (TwitterBerry). After he showed me, he tweeted, “Talking to Squiggy. Oh Lord, he's terrified of the big Meltdown!”

I thank Rob for his insistence on getting a Twitter application on my phone. My weapon of choice? Tweetie. Simple and nicely integrated, it allows me to post pics, geo-tags and more from my iPhone!

Lesson? Embrace relationships that are obvious connections. Dr. Brown will always be a close friend and I have gained so much knowledge from him outside of the classroom. Make sure you always get to know the people who you think can help you. Rob helps me when he sends me articles to my email, just for informational reasons, like this recent NY Times piece on secondary tweeting, or as it was worded by Brown, ‘Ghost Tweets: The Controversy (Duh DUMMMMM!)’

Tags: Robert Brown, mentor, publicity

Just a quick note tonight. I’ve already had over 1,200 hits in a little under two weeks! All I have to say is, wow! It just goes to show that with some dedication and vision, people can really go far. I also know that my ‘catch chris’ on the right sidebar has been boring people - nobody clicked it once! That’s why I’m changing up some sidebar content; check out the new share button and the new tiny badges.

A stock Goole Analytics image showing all the wonderful data I’m getting!

Hey, how did I know all of this information anyway? Well, my website software was kind enough to include Google Analytics to be easily integrated. Best part? It’s free! Being able to measure audiences in such a close manner is typically portrayed as evil, corporate and tactical. Yet this information can make products and services better, so it is truly a slippery slope. I promise to use all my behind the scenes information for the good of man - scout’s honor!

Tags: google analytics, website traffic

This website has been something of a working experiment. I have studied communications for several years, yet there is something uniquely special about creating your own website. I am solely responsible for everything on here, from the top down. Sure, I got plenty of help from various programs, but this site is unique to me. Another huge source has been the Communications faculty at Salem State College. While I have been given input, this blog will never be an endorsement or advertiser.

So, what’s all this fuss about anyway? I was delighted to have my chairwoman ‘tweet’ asking others to check out my blog. I was disappointed to find the following comment though:

“so wait....your top ten jobs are at the top 10 advertising agencies and the government!! original!! zzzzzzzzz”

Eek! My first comment wasn’t so hot it seems. At least they are sleeping now, so let’s talk about a few different factors here (quietly of course!). First, gain humility. I am always open to comments and criticism, no matter how harsh (as long as it was warranted). In the above case, I don’t know the person, so it’s hard to judge the situation appropriately. But again, I will take into consideration their concerns. That isn’t to say one should just push over upon the first sign of criticism, quite the contrary. Truth rises to the top and in this case, I was being called for my lack of originality. Perhaps, but I honestly would KILL to be at any of the places I previously mentioned - and that is a fact.

I think the comment was meant for me to take bigger chances with my expectations, so here’s another shorter list of companies that are looooooooooooong shots:

1. Silver Cup Studios

Located in Long Island City, this studio is home to my favorite show on television, ’30 Rock.’ I would love to follow Tina Fey as she write, produces, acts or directs while on the set. At least I get to follow her on Twitter. Small wins...

2. Saturday Night Live

I used to think I was funny. Then I tried stand-up. No, it didn’t go THAT bad, but comedy has always been a passion of mine. I love to laugh, but I love making others laugh even more. Those who know me best know of my crazy and opinionated ways. The next Mike Myers? Well, I’m not Canadian, but why not?! Always leave ‘em laughing!

3. Nintendo

Since I was but a young lad, I had an obsession with Nintendo. No, not all video games, NINTENDO! I subscribed to Nintendo Power and eagerly awaited the next big Mario game. Having any creative role at Nintendo would be mind-blowing.

4. Adult Swim

This network has revolutionized the late night scene and is responsible for several hit shows that I can’t get enough of. Aqua Teen Hunger Force? Classic! Robot Chicken? Insane! Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job! Well, I think the name speaks for itself there...

5. Engadget

I have to visit this blog at least a few times a day. If I don’t, I might miss out on that new processor chip announcement! Or I might even miss *gasp* a Steve Jobs keynote! Ahhhh!

Tags: adult swim, nintendo

In my last entry, I spoke about the brand strength of Apple. Loyal fans line up at store openings and fans clamor for the latest product. But even though Apple has built up a cult-like following, large corporations are not the only beneficiaries of devoted customers. Stephen Colbert recently made news when his fans nominated ‘Colbert’ to NASA for the new name of a room on an international space station. Stephen Colbert certainly has corporate backing, but by no means does he have the same coffers as Apple. Ultimately, Colbert has a strong brand in a unique character that allows him to access a group of fans that are just as eager to create some fun.

Super fan Todd Lockwood created this art for Stephen Colbert, an example of an effective personal brand

Developing a personal brand is not only creative, its necessary. Today’s economy shows a competitive market that is only getting more intense. If one is to succeed, one has to harness the power of individuality. Organizing a strong, positive impression will not only help in the short term, but a mature and developed brand will create brand loyalty. In the case of Stephen Colbert, he just has to harness his ‘truthiness’ (another Colbert PR success story unto itself!)

Tags: Colbert, apple, Brand, Cult