SMBMSP100! Pics of the Party of the Year! October 29, 2017

 

It was an All Star Social Media review at SMBMSP100 held October 27 at Union Depot in St. Paul.  Below are folks who attended who especially make @KayLoire smile!

• Arik Hanson
• Colleen McGuire
• Gabe Skelly
• Graeme Thickins
• Greg Swan
• Ian Levitt
• Jen Jamar
• Jennifer Kane
• Mykl Roventine
• Paul DeBettignies
• Ron McCoy
• Therese Boardman
• Tomasz Majewski
• Tom Pick
• Ward Tongen

From the Invitation to the Event:

Since 2008, we’ve held 99 breakfasts covering a wide variety of topics ranging from social media marketing trends to activism to food photography on Instagram.

Our events have taken place at Fortune 100 companies, breweries, churches, gyms, colleges/universities, the State Fair and the floor of Target Center.

While the number of other SMB chapters in the country varies and is generally in decline, we’re the largest active chapter and had the most consecutive events.  For our 100^th event, we’re going to celebrate!

Join us in Saint Paul for a panel discussion with some of our favorite SMBMSP alumni – local social media experts Lee Odden, Jennifer Kane and Greg Swan.

Moderated by our own Mykl Roventine, the discussion will explore how the social landscape has changed since 2008, current platform trends, and where social media might be headed next.  We’ll also take audience questions, and have a few surprises in store to mark this milestone event.

Pictures of the party of the year can also be found on Twitter at @KayLoire!

Here’s to the next 100!!!

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What I learned at MN Blog Con 2017! October 19, 2017

One of the presenters at MN Blog Con, Donna Hup, related a story of bloggers floating down the Chicago river on a tour of Chicago architecture:  all wrote posts, all were very different. Thus, this post is a take on Saturday’s events at Concordia, but a very personal take and focuses only on what popped out for me.

I had a secret mission; should I blog again?   I put my personal blog, Shareology, to sleep after 5 years.  I was in the midst of 4 years of corporate blogging; after 9 years of blogging, what did I have to say?

So, I arrived at Corcordia Saturday at 7:00 am toying with picking up my laptop and tapping away again, but doubtful about the whole rebooting process.

The first 2 speakers, Arik Hanson and Suzanne Yang Jaochico, pretty much kicked me into Go mode.  This is how they did it.

Arik Hanson is My Hero

His blog is the only one I subscribe to; he is always smart and focused. So, I was super excited to be there for his Keynote.  Several things had changed in the 8 years since I started Shareology; would he talk about them, and how would I use this in a decision?

• He doesn’t use a content calendar!
  • Granted, if you’re blogging for Target you need to plot out your Halloween and Valentine posts. But for people like Arik who are reacting to today’s events, a calendar can be overkill.
• He doesn’t focus on making money through the blog!
  • This is a big one. Huge change since I started blogging in 2009.  So Huge that this was a gigantic barrier for me.  Per Arik, do what feels right to you.  For me, that means no revenue generated by Shareology.  (Yep, I have an MBA, and I’m aware of basic financial principles.)
• He is consistent (Boy, is he ever!)
  • He publishes 2 or 3 times a week. He has consistent features which appear repeatedly.  Being consistent is a key reason he is around after 8 years.
• He is willing to Piss People Off.
  • He states opinions when he has them. You can’t make everyone happy; if you do, you are not offering your particular perspective.  Sense the freedom Arik is offering us?

Bottom line? Arik just killed off a lot of the “Ya gotta do it this way”s that were standing in my way.  Next up, Suzanne Yang Jaochico!

Utilizing Your Heart to Grow Your Blog

Suzanne really hit the core of how I blog.  Yes, I can behave in a left-brained manner if necessary. But I soon scurry back to the right-brained side of life.

• Suzanne told us how she arrived where she is now.
  • She listens to her heart. And she is willing to take a break if it is not working for her.
• To truly blog from your heart, you may have to abstain from analytics for a bit.
  • Being obsessed with analytics (guilty!) can really get in the way of listening to your heart. Wait until you nail it to then use analytics to create next steps.

 I can also highly recommend Haley Nelson’s session on 5 Mistakes Even the Most Experienced Bloggers Make with their Content.

Decision?

I’m resurrecting Shareology.  Consider this the first 2017 post.  I’ll focus on Events that interest me, and hopefully you.  I’ll include my first five years of Shareology content because some of that stuff was pretty good!

I will not be afraid to Piss People Off.  And I’m gonna be oh so glad people like Arik and Suzanne exist and are willing to share!

Kay Roseland

@KayLoire

Shareology:     https://kayroseland.wordpress.com

Happy 7th Anniversary to Shareology! July 25, 2016

I started the blog Shareology on July 26, 2009.  After the five-year anniversary, I quietly put the blog into a two-year recess.  So it’s July 26 yet again and time to say a few words in commemoration.

The topic? Networking Nirvana!

Minneapolis-St. Paul is a leading hub of technical companies and workers.  It also has an active social media community.  I’ve received two certifications in social media since Shareology began; however, my best learning has come from attending networking events here in the Twin Cities.

Here’s my salute to the organizations I currently find most educational:

1. Social Media Breakfast Minneapolis-St. Paul is closing in on its 93^rd meeting in September. That means 2017 will see the 100^th meeting of the nation’s largest Social Media Breakfast group!  http://www.smbmsp.org/  @SMBMSP

 

2. There is also the October 15 Minnesota Blogger Conference to look forward to! http://www.mnbloggerconference.com/ @MNBlogCon

 

3. Minnesota Analytics has a myriad of yearly events scheduled. I’m looking forward to the August 24 FARCON with an emphasis on Financials and Retail at the Carlson school. http://minneanalytics.org/  @MinneAnalytics

 

4. MinneStar offers MinneDemo several times a year, with my favorite MinneBar in spring. I’ve presented three times at Minnebar and love roaming the halls of Best Buy’s first floor, looking for new knowledge with geeks and nerds of every stripe. http://minnestar.org/  @MinneStar

 

5. One of the best monthly breakfast is Business Leaders Breakfast Forum. I have heard Paul Douglas, Sam Richter, Andrew Eklund and Anne Pryor at Lurie, LLP. Pam Borton is next up August 12.    https://www.luriellp.com/events/business-leaders-breakfast-forum-5/ @LurieLLP

 

6. My latest favorite is StartUp Grind held at Coco and featuring leaders of the entrepreneurial community in Minneapolis-St. Paul. https://www.startupgrind.com/events/details/startup-grind-minneapolis-presents-tom-salonek-intertech#/  @StartupGrindMN

 

Well, that’s my latest list of favorite events in the Cities.  Here’s to Networking Nirvana!

Kay Roseland

@KayLoire

I’m 5! July 26, 2014

You will notice I’m no longer writing multiple posts in a week at Shareology, since I’m publishing three times a week at Infor From the Source.

However, since the life span of a blog is approximately that of a fruit fly, let’s take a moment to look at highlights of Shareology.

The Target branding article still holds up.  Try an article or two on Ida Marie.

I broke the news that Louis Vuitton was opening in Galleria and Microsoft in Mall of American.  Use the search box to the right.

Thank you for your past and future readership.  Five is Fun!

Kay Roseland

@KayLoire

 

 

 

 

 

 

WordCamp MN 2014!!! April 28, 2014

Shareology  could use a nap and a good drying out.  In the meantime, some of my favorite images from WordCamp MN 2014:

A good time was had by all, and a boat-load of learning and rain were involved.

Kay Roseland @KayLoire

Google and CoCo and Geek Girls, oh my! March 21, 2014

If you’ve ever checked the lines for the bathrooms at minnebar, you know that men far outnumber women in the tech world.  @CoCoMSP (Coworking and Collaborative spaces in St. Paul, Minneapolis and Uptown) has decided to do something about that in conjunction with their partner Google. Last night was the kickoff event Unlea(she)d featuring Nancy Lyons @Nylons and Meghan Wilker @IrishGirl.

Geek Girls talked about their journey in life and business, which has culminated in the success of Clockwork Active Media Systems – one of the fastest growing and most respected interactive marketing agencies in the region.

Some scenes from the evening:

Don Ball of CoCo does the intros:

@Nylons

@IrishGirl

And a great time was had by all!

More information available at:

http://cocomsp.com/

http://www.clockwork.net/

Kay Roseland @KayLoire

Plan your New Year! January 21, 2014

Check out your Twin Cities Communication Events Site!

PR! Marketing! Social Media! and More!

http://gistr.com

2013 in review December 31, 2013

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2013 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 5,200 times in 2013. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 4 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Shareology checks in at Verizon’s first Destination Store! November 20, 2013

Shareology got a sneak peek at the new Verizon Destination Store at the Mall of America, near the old Bloomies on 2nd floor South. Check out the great store front! 9,715 square feet makes it 7 times as big as the previous Verizon MOA store! This new Destination Store format is the very first; next one opens in Chicago in 2014.

Marni Walden, EVP and COO of Verizon Wireless welcomed us to the store, the first ever of this new format. Check out the shoes Dorothy would have worn if she worked for Verizon!

One of the things I had complained about in the old store format was that there was nowhere to sit down; that problem has been beautifully solved!

I made a point to thank Sarah Christy, Solution Manager, for the great new seating and well-designed store. Sarah was there when I bought my Droid Razr Maxx, when I strongly noted that there was no seating in the previous store. I’m guessing the average purchase takes 30 minutes while they set up your phone; nice to now have a place to sit for a bit.

Sarah Christy and Cody Roos of Verison:

Overall, I’d say this new store fits in between Apple and Microsoft; I think you’ll find a much broader selection at Verizon, though. The store has a grand opening celebration this evening, November 20, 7 – 9:30 pm, with the first full day November 21! Check it out at Mall of America, S280!

MNBlogCon13: Images for Memories October 14, 2013

This was my 4th Minnesota Blog Conference, or rather it was Shareology's 4th. Shareology is also 4; it began on July 26, 2009. The old saying is that a picture is worth a thousand words. Not sure I could give you a thousand words today; more to the point you don't need that on a Monday. However, you may be amused by the photos below, not artfully posed, but people caught in the act of having fun:

Yeah, David’s face about sums it up….except for the clothing choices of certain folks….blue jeans were worn and the sky did not fall.

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P.S. Kate and Julio were caught this energetic at the END of the day!

Kay Roseland @KayLoire

Fast Company just gave me a new title: The Social Butterfly! September 24, 2013

Somedays it’s just random…. (thank you Julia Cobbs!)

Cruising Twitter I came across an RT of someone looking for a person who had used social media to find a new position and who was over 40…. hmmmmm.  I sent a reply to the writer, and the result can be read on Fast Company!

Click here to check out my new title!

Alphabet Bash 2013: The Last?????? August 23, 2013

Marketing Marvels from across the Twin Cities moved to Aria Thursday night for Alphabet Bash!  Biggest News?  This was the LAST Bash!!!  or not…. Bash is being redesigned:  Bigger?  Smaller?  Stay tuned!

In the meantime, let’s look at what makes Bash so great!

Shareology caught Kate-Madonna Hindes on Networking:

Who can talk about Bash without mentioning food, especially deserts!

Properly fueled, the crowd partied and networked on!

Some folks just can’t wait for the Tommie picture!!!

Above photo by Ron McCoy Media; all others by Kay Roseland.

Follow @AlphabetBash on Twitter to discover if this is the Last Bash… or not.

For the latest in Bash’s new life, click here:   More Fun Facts

Kay Roseland   @KayLoire

Happy 4th Birthday to Shareology!!!! July 26, 2013

Shareology is 4 years old today!!!!

“Overall, it is estimated that within one month of creation, 60% to 80% of blogs worldwide are either abandoned or infrequently updated. This means that the average lifespan of a blog is equal to that of the common fruit fly.” http://blog.mysquawkbox.com/does-your-blog-have-the-lifespan-of-a-fruitfly/

Shareology is wayyyy past fruit fly status! So a tip of the hat and a salute to Shareology!!!!

Check out the recently published items to the right….or perhaps the items a bit further down under Top Posts….  Happy Birthday, Shareology!

Kay Roseland  @KayLoire

The Power of the #Hashtag July 5, 2013

Today we’ve got a wonderful guest blogger, @SocialNicole, writing on one of my favorite topics!

They’ve been popping up for quite some time – on Twitter, Instagram, and have now recently joined Facebook. The beloved hashtag. But this symbol isn’t just a typo slapped onto the beginning of a word or phrase – it’s powerful, even more powerful than you might think.

                       

The hashtag or “#” is a common tool used to organize topics and discussions. Social media such as Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ and Instagram all use hashtags. Hashtags are a great way to organize topics or posts. Think of a hashtag as a cyber file folder to store all common posts. Hashtags categorize topics and discussions so users can quickly and easily connect with a group with a common interest.

Hashtags can connect businesses and individuals within an industry, so making careful and intentional choices about which hashtags to use and how to use them is crucial. On some social media sites, users can choose to subscribe to certain hashtags and receive posts with that particular hashtag. This means that hashtag use can potentially allow you to gain followers – but you can also lose connections by using hashtags incorrectly. Read on to master proper use of hashtags and learn to avoid the missteps of improper use.

Proper Hashtag Use

1. Relevancy

As fun as it is to come up with your own unique hashtags, remember that over hashtagging can become annoying to readers and distract from your intended message. Only hashtag tags that are directly relevant to your post or your industry. As a general rule, use a maximum of four hashtags per post.

2. Length

Make sure your hashtag isn’t too long. If it is, chances are the hashtag is not a popular one, meaning you run the risk of no one seeing that post unless they’re already one of your followers. Hashtags should be general, in common terms, and relatively short while still being relevant to your post.

Improper Hashtag Use

1. Do not write sentences using hashtags.

Avoid writing an entire sentence using a hashtag. This makes it difficult to read and your post will have a difficult time falling into a category or topic for discussion.

Bad example: Avoid #writinganentiresentencelikethisoneusinghashtag!

2. Do not use irrelevant hashtags.

Though it may be tempting to use a hashtag simply because it’s popular, don’t force the connection. Never add a popular tag that doesn’t support or describe your post. Using trending hashtags just to get followers can confuse users and distract them from the true focus of your post.

3. Do not get hashtag-happy.

Hashtags are really fun, but avoid over hashtagging your post. Remember the rule of four – don’t go beyond four hashtags per post.

Bad example: Today is the last day of the semester. I can’t wait for summer to begin! #summer #friends #semester #college #hangout #roadtrip #summerplans

Not only do hashtags organize the millions of posts per day happening all around the world, but they also connect us to each other. Hashtags are a powerful tool when used properly. They create networks, initiate conversation and allow you to connect to others with similar interest. If used correctly, hashtags can help your online community soar to new heights.

– See more at: www.SocialNicole.com

SMBMSP56!!! Radio and Social Media! June 7, 2013

Social Media Breakfast Minneapolis St. Paul hit #56 at Clear Channel!

Moderator:  @PrincessSushi

Panel

Chris Hawkey (@Chawk1003) Producer: The Power Trip Morning Show, Host: FAN Motorsports, KFAN FM 100.3

Dave Ryan (@daveryankdwb) Host: The Dave Ryan Show, KDWB FM 101.3

Falen Bonsett (@falenkdwb) Co-host: The Dave Ryan Show, KDWB FM 101.3

Dave Schrader, aka Darkness Dave (@DarknessRadio) Host: Darkness Radio, News Talk AM 1130

Let’s take a peek …  (Hey, we’re talking radio here!  Not usually a visual event!)

Chris Hawkey, Darkness Dave:

Falen,  Dave Ryan:

Misc. Wall Hanging:

and………. we’re out!

Kay Roseland @KayLoire

aka @DarknessKay

LinkedIn: To skill or not to skill — that is the Question! May 14, 2013

Long ago, and far away, I knew I should be listing my skills on LinkedIn.  Hey, at least I bought the Strengths Finder and listed my top 5 strengths!  Then I went on to other things….

Lo and Behold, LinkedIn added a section where others could identify your skills; little gifts from above dropped onto your LinkedIn profile.   One should really be grateful, n’est pas?  But……. I noticed that I was being given credit for skills I would never have given myself credit for.   Here comes the double-edged sword!!!

One very sharp side of the sword says never give yourself a skill you can’t defend in an interview, giving real life examples in the behavioral interview format.  If that is truly the case, about 2/3 of my skills should be deleted.   And yet…..

Perception is reality.   If others think I have these skills, then perhaps I do.  Or I could fake them until I learned them.  In the words of my darling Diana Vreeland, “Fake it until you make it”!!!!

Then skill envy took over; here’s one example.   I started out a networking queen, and added on a social layer in the last couple of years, until social networking is something I eagerly lay claim to.   And yet no one endorsed me for social networking.  What to do, what to do???

I decided to take the bull by the horns; I emailed 5 friends that I was bemused by LinkedIn’s skill system.  Would they be willing to endorse me for the following 5 skills that I truly believe I have, but that others have not yet selected for me?

So far that’s working.   Oh, and I did ask what skills they had that they wish someone (moi!) would credit them with.    So.   All better now.

What do YOU think?   Was I proactive?  Or did I game the system?

 

Kay Roseland       @KayLoire

Before, During and After Tweets: Your Keys to Event Success!!! March 24, 2013

 

Shareology notes we are thisclose to April and several of her favorite events, including #minnebar, #wordcampmsp and #Inforum2013.  So of course, you are polishing your Before, During and After tweets, n’est pas?

What are Before, During and After tweets?  Shareology is more than happy to….share…her recipe for event success.

Before Tweets take place BEFORE the event.  With only 13 days left until minnebar, now is the perfect time to be looking at #minnebar on Twitter.  Those in the Twin Cities who are leading a session are already tweeting the topics they’ll present.  Other first-timers are tweeting to introduce themselves to the group and start conversations before heading to Best Buy HQ on April 6.  Before Tweets help you meet people who you can meet IRL in just 13 days.  One of the most fun Before Tweets for me resulting in meeting a great PR guru dude in the making at Alphabet Bash.   It’s been great fun ever since to meet him for coffee and follow his career through Padilla and Target!

During Tweets are tweeted during the event.  RTs or retweets are super cool, too.  Try to pick those tweets that are insightful or funny; retweeting everything is spammy behavior.   One of the best tweets (Was it mine?  Was it another woman’s?) was at #minnebar, marveling that it is one of the few events in the world where the line is at the Men’s bathroom.   Yay for fewer women nerds and no lines!!!

After Tweets allow you to follow-up with the people you met at the event, or even better, to follow-up with those you missed and want to get to know. Very powerful!!

So if you think events are using twitter only during the event, expand your horizons and add in Before and After Tweets to your mix!!! You’ll enhance your appreciation of the event and your relationships, both old and new.  Now if you’ll excuse Shareology, she has some Before Tweets to publish before #minnebar!!!

Kay Roseland @KayLoire

Please let it be Spring! February 26, 2013

Shareology can’t be the only one who is more than a tad tired of Winter!!!  Time to dip into the archives for a reminder of what Summer and Summer bring to us!

One more from the streets of St. Paul!

Ahhhh…..Shareology can feel the warmth of Spring returning already!!!

Kay Roseland   @KayLoire

Start your New Year right with Gistr: Your Twin Cities Communication Events Center! January 15, 2013

Are you a networking fanatic?  Love to meet people and learn more?  Check out http://gistr.com for marketing, sales, public relations and social media events in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area!

Great Networkers ensure that they are using their time effectively; gistr helps you plan your networking week and month.  You can also follow them at @GistrMN

Let the networking begin!!

Kay Roseland   @KayLoire

2012 in review December 31, 2012

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 12,000 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 20 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

Return to BHP – and Tatanka! November 25, 2012

Returning to a place you enjoyed 40 some years ago can be a little….joyous.   Shareology recently returned to Paha Sapa, Black Hills Playhouse and…tatanka!!! Special thanks to JR and BD for making this possible…

whatdya mean it’s the off-season???

Best eight graduate credits EVER!!!

The theatre is still there, the snack shop is still there, the dining room is still there…and the creek still runs through it.  At least three from my season hit Broadway and one ex-BHPer still memorizes vast amounts of dialogue for audiences in New Hampshire; lucky NH!!!

Another day found Shareology wishing for views of vast herds of tatanka….and she found them:

ever been to Faulk County???

There was also deer, wild turkeys, and a big horned sheep named Curley…..

Paha Sapa lives….

• Pahá Sápa in Lakota is The Black Hills
• Tatanka is a Lakota word that literally means “bull buffalo”

Kay Roseland  @KayLoire

Teal is the New Black!!! October 14, 2012

Shareology made an easy trip to University and Raymond for the opening of a glorious new store:

The store features a marvelous selection of 50’s and 60’s decor; Shareology’s eye was drawn to the wonders of teal:

Can’t find the teal in the above?  Well, there are other looks:

Couldn’t resist one last Teal Triumph!

Follow them on Facebook or on Twitter at @MidModMen.

2401 University Avenue West
St. Paul, MN 55114-1507
– From I-94 take the Hwy. 280 exit North
– Quick exit at University Avenue heading East
– Store is on North side of street
– 1/2 block West of Raymond Avenue
– Street parking on Raymond Avenue

Every Saturday | 11 AM – 5 PM beginning October 20
Plus, special 3-day sales in November and December

Kay Roseland @KayLoire

Minneapolis-St. Paul: Land of the Free, Home of the Learning!! September 16, 2012

Ever notice how much free learning is available in the Twin Cities??? I can think of at least five all day events on Saturdays that can add to your knowledge and your networking!!!!!

In the next few weeks are:

• Minnesota Blogging Conference       September 22       #MNBlogCon
• WordUpMpls  (WordPress)                October 13            #WordUpMpls
• Product Camp Minnesota                 October 20            #PCampMN

And don’t even get me started on the glories of the UnSummit and MinneBar!!!!!

MNBlogCon is sold out, but you can still grab tickets to Product Camp at:

http://mnproductcamp4.eventbrite.com/

S0:   Get out there and learn, Twin Cities!!! (Ya might enjoy the superb networking too!)

Kay Roseland    @KayLoire

It’s Your Brand!! Don’t put it in the hands of a Brand Buster!!!! April 28, 2012

Shareology has seen too many examples lately of companies hiring unprepared college graduates and putting them in charge of social media.  Ya gotta learn somewhere, right?  They can post Facebook entries, right? They’re born with a cell phone in their hands, right?  They should be great at social media, right?

Wrong!   Assuming that someone whose recent social media activity includes uploading their latest kegger photos can be left in charge of your brand… oh, so dangerous.

The steps to fix this little train wreck?  Oh, so simple.

•  Do a Google search on the person.

Your new hire can lock down Facebook, stash all their kegger photos there, and not get in the way of being an effective brand evangelist for you.

•  Check their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.  Double check their Twitter stream.

Can they spell?  Can they construct a sentence?  Does the twitter stream consist of nothing but reality TV references?  Danger, Will Robinson!!

• Share Strategy and Tactics!

Explain to them what your brand stands for and what your strategy is for your company, your marketing, your social media. Explain how you expect them to contribute to those strategies with specific tactics.

Three oh so simple steps.  This would stop oh so horrible brand massacres. Oh, and after you hire them, read what they are saying about your company.  It’s your brand.  Protect it.

Kay Roseland @KayLoire

The Power of Networking: A Parable March 15, 2012

Shareology would like to….share….a little parable about networking.

Once upon a time, there was a princess who wanted to grow up to be a social media rock star. She wished upon a star, but alas, there was…..nothing. She knocked upon door after door; she met for coffee with every social media person in her land.

In her networking quest, she came upon an event called Product Camp. Off she went, at 7 AM in the morning to knock upon the doors of the castle called St. Thomas. Alas, the castle was locked but another princess was also looking for a way into the castle. “Come with me” Princess Networking said as she led her new friend into the unlocked front door of the building. It turned out that her new friend was speaking twice that day on social media and Princess Networking made sure to be in the audience for each session.

Later that week, Princess Networking connected with her new friend on the magic LinkedIn; she also set up a meeting for them at the castle known as Starbucks.

Still later, Princess Networking got an email from her new friend. “Would you be interested in working for my boss? She’s in need of a Princess such as you….”

One thing led to another and now Princess Networking has a new opportunity in life, because she knocked on one more door, and because she never, never, never gave up.

Thus is the power of positive networking.

Kay Roseland    @KayLoire

Leaping Lizards!!! Happy February 29!!! February 29, 2012

Four years ago, Shareology was only a sparkle in @KayLoire’s mind….so, never having had this opportunity:

Happy Leap Year/Day!!!

Use your extra day wisely…..

P.S.  Spring will come!

Kay Roseland   @KayLoire

Hive, War Room or Social Media Hub? February 5, 2012

Shareology was having lunch as part of her “Coffee or lunch with all social media peeps in the Twin Cities” campaign….when the mention of a social media war room popped into the conversation.  Shareology charmingly asked if she could take a peek, and what a peek it was!

Bolin Marketing hosted Shareology to a peek at their Hive.  It consists of 4 stations, staffed by social media whizzes with some nifty tools for tweeting and liking:

One thing Bolin is particularly proud of with the Hive is the macro view of  clients on the large wall monitors and then the micro view at desktop.

Brilliant repartee on social media followed and an hour flew by!!

The room setup allows for each to concentrate on their work, with an easy exchange of information and to see what is happening in other communities that may spur ideas for other clients.

Interested in Bolin’s expertise?

Contact Dane Hartzell at Bolin Marketing,  800.876.6264   or

check out their website at http://www.bolinmarketing.com/

Kay Roseland @KayLoire

Gistr: Your Minneapolis-St. Paul Marketing Event Center! January 29, 2012

Are you a networking fanatic?  Love to meet people and learn more?  Check out http://gistr.com/ for marketing, sales, public relations and social media events in the Twin Cities!!

Great Networkers ensure that they are using their time effectively; gistr helps you plan your networking week and month.  You can also follow them on Twitter at @GistrMN

Let the networking begin!!

Kay Roseland   @KayLoire

Ya gotta know where ya came from to see where you’re going…. December 28, 2011

The Holidays have put Shareology in a nostalgic mood…..remembering…

Images of a little girl walking up a snow bank to the top of the chicken coop…  Airplanes dropping groceries to a snowbound farm….Daddy bring in a set of toys he “found in a haystack…”

Recently a trip a few miles east of the farm revealed that The Old Place had a tough winter last year and the little house that sheltered a homesteader, his wife and an eventual 12 children had collapsed further into the earth.  This house was built after a soddy and before the house on main street that still stands.

Gabe and Lizzy — Bill, Nora and then Lena — Bud and Ida — Bruce and Barb

All lived on the land and now the land is reclaiming The Old Place…

And yet the future beckons — we wondered how to keep in touch with the nephew in Afghanistan…he figured it out on his own…his weapon of choice?  Facebook.

So on Christmas Eve, to share our celebration with him, I emailed and Facebooked photos to Afghanistan to keep the family together.  You see, the earrings and necklace below were a gift from the soldier nephew…

So Shareology was able to use Facebook to keep the 5th generation in our holiday celebration.

From Kay Roseland, Shareology and @KayLoire:

Happy New Year!!!

Gingerbread House Kits rock at Sun Street Breads!! December 13, 2011

Pre-fab houses?  Sure….especially when it’s gingerbread!!  Sun Street Breads at Nicollet and 46th in Minneapolis offers:

For more information check out  http://www.sunstreetbreads.com/about/

Kay Roseland   @KayLoire

Happy Holidays!!!! December 11, 2011

Just saw something I’d like to share, and what better place than Shareology!  Imagine the scent of this:

Happy Holidays from Shareology!!!!

Kay Roseland  @KayLoire

Indoor Maps: Google and Mall of America partner for the next step in maps: into the indoors!! November 29, 2011

Shareology was thrilled when she found  out about the latest wrinkle in Google Maps!!  Just in time for the holiday season, Google debuts maps for the indoors!  Since we are into the holiday season, what better partner for Google than Mall of America!  For now the indoors is for the Android family of smart phones; iPhones will follow in 2012.

A quick download of Google Maps 6.0 from market, and Shareology was off to the Mall of America to test this out!

One of the exciting things is that all 4 floors at Mall of America are available on Indoor maps! Just click on 1, 2, 3 or 4 off to the right, and you shift easily from floor to floor.

Before Indoor:                                       After Indoor:

A couple of tips:  once you get the map, it can zoom in for more detail.  Having issues?  Close and reload; it gets better the more you work with it.

Either a little blue dot or a blue arrow will tell you where you are on the map.

First Google Maps Indoors partners include:

• Mall of America, IKEA, The Home Depot, select Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, Daimaru, Takashimaya and Mitsukoshi locations and more.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Narita International (NRT), among others.
• JR and Tokyu Corporation

For more information:

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-frontier-for-google-maps-mapping.html

P.S.  Mall of America was a sheer pleasure to shop on Tuesday afternoon–lots of parking and decorations galore!!  Follow them on Twitter at @MallofAmerica

Kay Roseland  @KayLoire

Pioneer Press, Marty and Me November 13, 2011

Many thanks to Julio Ojeda-Zapata of the Pioneer Press for his article on “Does ‘getting away from it all’ include your iPhone?”  Special thanks to photographer John Doman for his suggestion that we take the above photo on a bench next to the sculpture of former mayor of Richfield, Marty Hirsch.  Just one of a number of fun, beautiful sculptures within a block radius.   Richfield, home of art:  who knew?  

Full article available at:  

“Does ‘getting away from it all’ include your iPhone?”  Sunday Pioneer Press story with @kayloire (also in photo) http://www.twincities.com/ci_19317335

Kay Roseland  @KayLoire

Herberger’s New Store at Southdale: Traffic, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors!!! November 11, 2011

Shareology is in a state of shock; she’s just back from a trip to Southdale’s just opened Heberger’s store. The shock is the traffic in that store on a Thursday afternoon; lines were 8-10 deep at most checkout counters!!!  It looked like traffic in a Halloween store on the morning of the 31st!!  And yes, the rest of Southdale still looks sad:

The  perennially dark Abercrombie & Fitch  is still non-welcoming and, well… dark.  The contrast couldn’t be more apparent:  next door is the light-filled, welcoming Herberger’s newly opened two days ago.  This corner was so drab that Shareology once did an article on What Shopping Center is this and included a grim shot of the A&F corner of Southdale before Herberger’s opening:

https://kayroseland.wordpress.com/2009/08/17/which-shopping-center-is-this/

A miracle has occurred; Herberger’s was full of shoppers on all three levels.  Surprise:  you now have another Micheal Kors choice besides the newly minted store at Mall of America:

Brands, brands, brands!! Michael Kors is not alone.  Shareology spotted Ralph Lauren, Coach and an imposing Calvin Klein presence:

Halston once said that the basic fashion neutrals are black, white and red.  From the look of the Calvin offerings in Southdale Herberger’s, that mantra is still going strong.  But wait, one more Calvin Klein display stopped Shareology dead in her tracks:

OMG!!!  A plus size on a mannikin!!!!!  Behind it, sizes up to and including 20!!  In the $150 price range…..  So if you’re larger than a size 0, run, do not walk, to Southdale Herberger’s!! 

Lesson:  Hell has apparently frozen over:  Shareology saw many sizes of the same magnificent red dress on store mannikins, backed up with merchandise to buy!  Happy Holidays, indeed!!

Kay Roseland    @KayLoire

foursquare: social media connector or stalking tool? November 8, 2011

I’m having reservations about foursquare.  Let me start by saying that I get the social component; if I was meeting people at bars and restaurants on a regular basis, I’d be all for foursquare.  Checking in to something like Minnebar or Product Camp: awesome, I get it. 

What I’m questioning is why people I do not know want to follow me on foursquare.   One of my 30 (yep, only 30!!) foursquare friends actually has over 500 foursquare friends!   If my Droid X made tweety sounds for the checkins of 500 people, I would send it permanently to a time out.  

I want to know who those 30 people are that I am shadowing.   Honestly, one of my friends checks into Weight Watchers on a weekly basis.  Another (I am not making this up!) checked into Sex World on almost a daily basis.   TMI, people!!!  

If you have 500 friends, how do you know one of them is not waiting for you to check into Mall of America so they can case your home for some shopping of their own? 

For my final rant, why are we telling our friends every time we check into Target or Depot?   The one nifty feature of foursquare is that you can check in but NOT tell your friends….just click NO to the share question.

Feels better to get that out on the written screen. 

When I check into Hacks & Hackers Twin Cities tomorrow night, I’m gonna love finding out if I’m the first to check in, or who I know who already is there…. So I do use foursquare.   For now.

Kay Roseland   @KayLoire

Earrings and Necklaces and Bags: Oh, My!!! November 2, 2011

Shareology’s favorite accessories store has just moved to a new location near 494 and Lyndale.  Next time you’re at Best Buy, head east in the center to Our Little Secret; it’s just around the corner from the mattress store.

Shareology spotted the absence of activity at Our Little Secret’s previous location across from Bachman’s and did a quick turn to check out the situation. The sign above meant she was off to 494 and Lyndale on opening day; after all, it is her favorite earrings store. (and bags and necklaces and all thing marvelous, marvelously priced….)

Owner Nancy Nelson offers personalized service and a wide selection of your favorite jewelry.

Shareology had one last surprise:  she met a former Miss America!!

Ms. Dorothy Benham rotates among Our Little Secret locations….so not only can you find a new pair of earrings…you can talk with one of the best stores representatives ever!  Or check out their website at http://www.ourlittlesecret.tv/

Kay Roseland   @KayLoire

What suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul offers…… October 27, 2011

this photo of Don Quixote?  and yes, that’s Sancho Panza next to him…..

so….where do you think they live???

Kay Roseland  @KayLoire

Shhhhhhh….don’t tell Facebook!!! October 24, 2011

Having lunch last week with an author, I discovered yet another person who hasn’t drunk the Facebook Kool-Aid.  She’s focusing primarily on LinkedIn, her blog and her website.  As you can imagine, when her book came out, there was spirited discussion of whether to produce a Facebook page.  Turns out, she didn’t.

Wow:  so there is more than one of me.  It is really hard to ignore 800,000,000 Facebook members. But I am pretty much doing it.  

When gistr.com was launching, as I considered the social media strategy, LinkedIn groups and Twitter were a no-brainer.  But, Facebook?  When I realized that most folks spend 55 minutes a day on Facebook, I was concerned I would never get them to leave and click on gistr.com.  Now the amount of time the average person spends on Facebook is still growing.  Five minutes ago, I had yet another Smart Brief article hit my email why we should all get social.  (This translates to spend yet more time and marketing energy on…….Facebook!)

I do find Facebook handy to keep track of nephews:  getting pictures from Peru and Afghanistan has been wonderful to keep up as they travel the globe.  When Stephan Pastis hit Minneapolis two weekends ago and posed in front of Charles Schultz’ former home in St. Paul and posted it to his Facebook page, I lit up like the 4^th of July. Yes, occasionally I do post a new Shareology item to both Google+ and Facebook.

But in general, I think it is very freeing to know you can participate in social media without being on every platform in existence.  Yes, even one with 800,000,000 members.  In my case, the primary platforms are LinkedIn, Twitter and Shareology. In the case of gistr.com and Shareology, most traffic has been generated by 1.  LinkedIn groups and 2.  Twitter.

So if never-ending changes and privacy concerns worry you, be assured you can live a fruitful, satisfying life without significant Facebook presence.  Heck, you can even drop the electronics for a few days and rediscover the beautiful of falling leaves and walks in the crisp air.  But that’s another post.

Kay Roseland @KayLoire

Boss vs. Hugo Boss at MOA: Visual Pun or Great Ad Placement???? October 21, 2011

Shareology was stopped in her tracks this week during her travels through Mall of America.  To the immediate left hand of Hugo Boss was an ad for…………….Boss!  the TV show.  Wouldn’t you just love to be privy to those conversations behind the scenes?  Does MOA tell Hugo Boss what is about to go up next to their store?   Are these ads all over the Mall and Shareology just never noticed?  Ah, so many questions….your thoughts??

Kay Roseland   @KayLoire

Think you know what Retail is? Think again – Mayo Clinic debuts at Mall of America October 20, 2011

Shareology was bemused last week to see that Mayo Clinic has opened a store on the East side 1st floor of Mall of America, just off the Rotunda.  Our MOA correspondent, Kayla Curtiss, tells us about her experience in this new example of the ever-changing retail scene:

Visit 1:

My first visit to Mayo wasn’t so much window shopping as it was a technology-based health experience in the making.

The first thing the associates had me do was enter my name and e-mail into this table with a screen in it and before I knew it, a card pops out with my name and a QR code. As I was informed, this card gives you access to various health assessments that you can take on your own at one of the several kiosks.

As a recent smart phone owner, I was verbally ecstatic to scan said QR code, but was promptly sad-faced when the overhearing sales associate (is that what they call themselves?) told me that the code doesn’t actually go anywhere yet, and that I should go to the Mayo Clinic health experience forum (also on the back of the card) to join the “online community forum”. When I’m shopping, I really don’t want to bother with things like giving my personal information for something that is “still in development” even though I just entered my full name and e-mail address into a counter top. I just want to look at stuff and see how healthy I am – that’s what Mayo Clinic is doing in the Mall in the first place, right?

Visit 2 (One Week Later):

I attempted to swipe my card at a kiosk, and the “technical difficulties” from last time weren’t resolved yet (an associate told me that I need to register my information online in order for the membership card to remember my assessment scores and stuff that I’ve watched and whatever else it is I am supposed to do. Is that lame or is that lame?). But I was able to access the tidbits of information anyway. There were different tabs that featured various videos and things to read about sleeping, relaxing, eating, and so on and so forth. There are tips on how to battle Jet Lag, snoring and other annoying health issues.

Heads Up: The videos aren’t closed captioned, which to me is a HUGE no-no at the Mall of America, especially in the Rotunda where there’s going to be all sorts of noise on any given day. Even on quieter days, hearing impaired customers, or folks like myself who just like to read what’s going on are probably missing out on the health tips. In addition, there’s no scroll bar to let you skip to the end, or back to the beginning.

Anyhow, my personal favorite feature of the Mayo store is the WebMD kiosk. You tell it your symptoms and it guesses what could be wrong with you besides “You’re carrying too much weight on your shoulders – literally. Put the shopping bags DOWN”.

In terms of actual retail, there are plenty of unique items, such as pedometers, yoga workout card decks, and of course, the Vegan Cookbook. “And there’s an entire chapter on Crock-Pot recipes!” exclaimed the associate.

There are also a few lounges with access to the mayo website. This caused me to ask: Why on God’s green earth would someone go in there with tons of shopping bags and then go online? Personally, I would make it a fancy meeting spot, Like “Ok, kids, if we get separated, let’s meet back here and check our Facebook, sound good?”

Eventually there will be occasions where health experts will be on-site to answer questions about subjects like breast cancer.  That’s the View of the Mall for now!

Wow!  Thanks Kayla!  Sounds like there is a tad of tweaking yet to do on the new Mayo store!  Shareology can’t wait to find out what you alert us to next at Mall of America!

Kay Roseland   @KayLoire

Look what’s coming to Mall of America! October 8, 2011

Shareology loves taking an occasional peek at what’s new at Mall of America.  To aid in this reporting, Shareology would like to introduce our new correspondent, Kayla Curtiss!! So Kayla, what’s new at MOA???

What a perfect addition to the newly chandeliered South.   So, Kayla, where will this new store be opening in November of 2011?

OMG, right next to the new Michael Kors store?   Shoes, Shoes, Shoes?  Has anyone told Carrie Bradshaw??? On first floor South near Bloomingdale’s?  Love it!!

What else is new at MOA?

Really?   Well, that’s easily your next story:  the changing definition of retail!!!

Follow Kayla at @KaylaCurtiss.  Check out MOA at www.mallofamerica.com/blog

Kay Roseland   @KayLoire

Minne Shines in Isles!! September 30, 2011

After her turn at the spa, @LakeCreature moved to Lake of the Isles….and it’s hard to imagine a more beautiful place to end her summer visit to Minneapolis.   Water lilies, purple and yellow flowers, and a bench to sit and chat with Minne in the sunshine!!  Be sure to take a trip to Isles to see Minne before she heads south for the winter; in the meantime, here is Minne in her beautiful setting:

I think the one with the water lilies is my favorite.  Minne is a verrrrrry savvy social media creature; she’s on Twitter at @LakeCreature, on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/LakeCreature and even has her own website at www.lakecreature.com

So, it’s a beautiful sunny day — need an excuse to visit Lake of the Isles?  Go visit Minne; last I saw her she was in the SouthWest corner of Isles.  But I heard it rumored she is enjoying the lake so much she just might be taking a swim around to check out more sections of Isles!!  That is, if she’s not flirting with @RoyTheJackalope!! 

Kay Roseland  @KayLoire

Lake Creature thrives in Northern Climes September 7, 2011

You know, the Minneapolis Parks Foundation could have just started a Visit a Lake campaign.  But no, they invented Lake Creature, thus delighting all ages with mystery and adventure.  This summer @LakeCreature started out in Brownie Lake and then moved to Hiawatha.  Today Minne is moving … and will appear in a new location on September 14.  (BREAKING NEWS:  Minne will be somewhere in Lake of the Isles on September 14!!!)  Shareology looooooves Lake Creature in person and on Twitter.  But she especially loves that marketing outside the box can be effective and fun, fun, fun!!

A few shots of Shareology’s visit to @LakeCreature in Hiawatha:

 

To learn more about Minne, visit: http://www.lakecreature.com/   or follow her on twitter at @LakeCreature

Kay Roseland   @KayLoire

Happy Birthday, Gistr!!! August 11, 2011

Gistr is a web site that showcases events for 20+ marketing, pr, sales and social media organizations in the Twin Cities, all in one place.  Today Gistr is one year old!!  So hop on over and say Happy Birthday, Gistr!!  (By the way, did you know that 33% of gistr’s traffic in year one was driven by social media??  Yay, LinkedIn groups!!  Yay, Twitter!!!)                      

                                   

Check out gistr at http://gistr.com/  or @GistrMN   

Kay Roseland  @KayLoire

Introducing: Steal Fashion!! August 7, 2011

Hi everyone! My name is Bridget Deehr, @stealfashion. I am guest blogging for @KayLoire and Shareology today. Usually you can find me blogging for stealfashion.com, which is a fashion and style site that launched in January 2008. I write about affordable fashion ideas and creating your own style on your own budget. When I hear of a good cause, I feature retailers, like Kenneth Cole, who use their influence to benefit non-profit organizations, such as Soles4Souls.

Soles4Souls is an amazing organization that collects new shoes and forwards them to those in abject poverty, while helping to raise donations to support devastated countries. You can check out their other divisions as well, Clothes4Souls and Hope4Souls.

The Kenneth Cole Foundation is partnering with Soles4Souls for a national shoe drive to help rebuild earthquake-torn Haiti. Bring your new or gently used shoes to a retail store or outlet store, and receive a 20 percent discount off your purchase as a way of thanking you for your generosity. You can also donate $10 at the stores’ checkout or online at kennethcole.com.  Visit Kenneth Cole on Facebook to purchase a limited-edition T-shirt. For every “like” on their Facebook post, the retailer will donate $1 towards the construction of a community wellness center in Haiti, (up to $15,000). The fundraising offer ends September 16, so don’t let the opportunity to do good pass you by.

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you soon!

Follow Bridget on twitter at @steal fashion or at www.stealfashion.com.  (Hot trends on a budget, indeed!!)

Kay Roseland   @KayLoire

The Nerdery Retro Summer Open House Extravaganza!!! August 4, 2011

The Nerdery is famous in the Twin Cities as a great place to work and play.  So when nerds take time out to fire up the grill and invite the neighborhood over to see the new expanded headquarters, it’s a fun time to say the least.  The retro theme referred to a bunch of games brought out of storage:  what Angry Birds???  For Shareology it broke down into games, shirts and photo booth — and away we go!!

Games:

Given the growth, both past and future, of The Nerdery, resumes were being taken on the spot.  To help spot the networker of your field of choice, nerds were wearing shirts with particularly helpful backs.  Just a few of the shirts that caught Shareology’s eye:

The photo booth immediately caught my eye.  Ya’ll gathered in front of a screen, it took 4 shots, and they appeared in the tiny, tiny printer as postcards.  Oh, yeah, and they were also sent to The Nerdery’s Facebook page!!!

Couple of last thoughts–I think the machine below is circa 1983ish:

One of the many people-friendly aspects of The Nerdery culture is that it is definitely dog-friendly.  There’s even rumors of a cat or two…

Well, there you have it.  Congratulations to The Nerdery for a great introduction to its new space!  For more information, go to:   http://nerdery.com/  or follow them on twitter:  @The_Nerdery

Kay Roseland   @KayLoire

Grain Exchange becomes Brain Exchange! August 1, 2011

Shareology went to one of the all time great parties this weekend!!  CoCoMSP opened its doors to friends and coworkers to celebrate the collaboration of Project Skyway and CoCo to open a new space for coworking and entrepreneurs in the renovated Grain Exchange in downtown Minneapolis.  Many of you have been at CoCoSt. Paul, located across the street from the St. Paul Depot, and soon to be connection on the Lite Rail Line.  Here’s a look at the repurposed Grain Exchange room in Minneapolis; the glory of it is how much remains of its great history:  (Spring and Winter Wheat:  Yeeesssss! note from former farmer.)

CoFounder Don Ball shows off the new/old space

Looks like superb working space for Shareology!!

 

 

 

cofounders Don and Kyle

 

 

Finally, the last shot is of decor in the elevators – those are grain elevators, folks!!

 

; 

 ,

The fascinating thing about this space is the homage to the old and the creation of the new, including super organized white crisp furniture and the latest in connections to the interwebs.  All in all, great to see old friends and make new ones!  For more on the party, hit #pscocoparty on twitter, follow @CoCoMSP or go to http://cocomsp.com/     Finally, thanks so much to Don and Kyle for inviting me: I had a blast!!

 

Kay Roseland   @KayLoire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Media Breakfast MSP #38 Nonprofits plus WWII airplanes!! July 29, 2011

Not only was SMBMSP 38 a fountain of info on nonprofits and social media, it took place at Fleming Field at South St. Paul  near a hanger full of WWII planes!!!!

Some sights to behold:

Planes hangin' from the ceiling!!

 

Commemorative Air Force – Minnesota Wing

@stremcha @lindsi @Vruno

 

@SocialNicole keeps us on track!!

 

@Vruno @jjmillard

 And now for the hangar full of WWII planes and exhibits!

 

 

 

 

 More on the panelists and Social Media Breakfast MSP at http://smbmsp.org/events/

or follow #smbmsp on twitter for the tweet stream.

 

Kay Roseland  @KayLoire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday! Shareology is Two!!! July 26, 2011

     

Hard to believe that Shareology started on July 26, 2009!  Even harder to believe the great people I’ve met along the way; thank you so much for your readership. Love to look back at milestones?  Here are the top 3 Shareology stories in the past 2 years:

1. Legoland reopens at Mall of America! 
2. Apple brings their Briefing Room to Uptown!  
3. Branding Opportunity or Ugly Concrete Posts? 

So what do YOU want to talk about in the next Shareology post?

Kay Roseland  @KayLoire

Hacks & Hackers Twin Cities 2: Security ‘R Us! July 22, 2011

Buoyed by the success of the 1st Hacks & Hackers Twin Cities, pri lead the group in a second event on Hacked! – Why You Should Care about Privacy in Social Media?  Opened by a panel of experts in the field, a lively discussion ensued in small groups, culminating in a final sharing of ideas!  No wonder Shareology loved it!!

The panel consisted of Kelcey Patrick-Ferree, attorney @KelcyPF,  Ron Schreiner, Pyramid Technologies,  Lukas Dickie @Gimigo  John T. Hoffoss, MnSCU, @jth, Jon Gordon of mpr @jongordon   and  moderator Michael Skoler of pri @MSkoler 

S0 what did it all look like? 

Every great event starts with yummy food and free beer!

 

Michelle welcomes Hacks, Hackers and Others

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow the twitterstream at #hhtc or @HacksHackersTC

 

Kay Roseland     @KayLoire