Posts Tagged ‘ linkedin ’

Sustainability: Bike Simple

May 8, 2012

Bike lights, big city

Get to know the Slow Bike movement if you care about livable cities and sustainability. Clean-tech innovation is exciting and important. But the beauty of this movement is its elegant simplicity. Like an iceberg, there’s more to it than you think.

Sure, biking is healthy. You’ve seen cyclists on open roads with precision touring bikes and flashy outfits. They’re usually in great shape. But city bikers are commuters, shoppers and explorers. They come in all shapes and sizes. They reduce traffic and noise, cut carbon emissions, spur greater interest in cityscapes and buy locally. A bike is cheap to operate and burns fat; a car costs lots of money to run and creates fat.

Employers are responding with storage areas for bikes. It’s a competitive advantage and keeps healthcare costs in check.

I just got back from the NYC Bike Expo and I’m here to report that New York is gaining on Copenhagen and Amsterdam when it comes to this powerful new movement. It has big political implications; Mayor Bloomberg is firmly committed. There are separate bike lanes on streets and avenues, not to mention paths that circle Manhattan.

There’s further anticipation surrounding the NYC bike-share program. It’s not for tourists, there are rental services for that. Privately funded, it’s a self-service system that offers 10,000 bikes in 600 stations for quick, easy transportation.

One simple definition of sustainability is “improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting eco-systems.” That’s reflected in a city of bike-riders. But sustainability is also a call to action, a task in progress or “journey” and therefore a political process. This requires the reconciliation of environmental, social and economic demands – the “three pillars” of sustainability.

The Slow Bike Movement may seem as simple as an upright bike. But it means big things for livable cities.

Bloggable Hours

April 20, 2012

“Don’t ever get your speedometer confused with your clock, like I did once, because the faster you go, the later you think you are.”
― Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

Ipswich River Media and kayaking

And you’re wondering “what’s with the blog here?” I know, every day you stop by, hoping for some new pithy communications bits. But things get busy. Typically, it’s my clients that get all the good thinking. They each have their own blogs, and Twitter feeds and websites that require work. That’s not to mention the media relations and other communications stuff.

For example, yesterday, it was Save Energy Systems that deserved my attention. This smart cleantech start-up has a very pragmatic approach to energy use – and a promising future. Mass High Tech agreed. There are also two NY tradeshows this month for another client. A particular marketing strategy for another.

On top of all that, there are 29 hungry minds to be feed. I enjoy teaching an electronic media class – one is plenty – at Endicott College to future communications pros. And I have a blog there too.

Sometimes I even get a few minutes to update the Sustainability Forum blog. I’m the chairman for that active membership group (you’re invited to join us by the way).

So, it seems I never get enough time to stop here at the IRM blog for illuminating updates. I apologize. I’m sure you understand. If not, catch me on Twitter @ipswichmedia and we can discuss further. Or go for a good kayak run?!

And Free T-shirts, too! (Just wanted to see if you’re still reading).

December 23, 2011

Happy holidays out there!

Pericles & People

November 18, 2011

Having knowledge but lacking the power to express it clearly is no better than never having any ideas at all. — Pericles

I think knowledge is on the upswing. That’s invigorating. I have some terrific opportunities to see behind-the-scenes. Lately, I’ve been impressed by some outstanding new technologies and the companies behind them. There are pressing global issues and it seems that American ingenuity responds well to pressure.

There’s more than just technology, of course, looking for clear distinction. In fact, we like to keep our hands in the consumer market, too. And our eyes open. It keeps us sharp.

It turns out that sophisticated businesses are actually people too. They read articles, watch YouTube, scan blogs, Twitter, Google … and strive to do their jobs better. Clarity and consistency are more important than ever before in this bountiful age of info.
Communicating to people requires engagement and relevancy. Working in the consumer market helps keep us on our toes in the B-to-B space.

One particular consumer client has some great ideas, real American ingenuity, and the audacity to buck the industry-wide’s reliance on overseas workers. They’re supporting the bike movement in cities and are imbued with a sustainable outlook on life. It’s an important value today.

So, that’s why we were in Manhattan last week at the Corduroy Appreciation Club. It was a smart strategy for that particular client to connect with important (albeit quirky) influencers in Manhattan. Amy Sedaris was the keynoter. Film maker Wes Anderson was recognized and a corduroy messiah was anointed. There was also a fashion show segment that we managed to wrangle into.

We were there in NYC last week as a duty. Ok? In case my wife asks.

Serious Corduroy Communications

October 28, 2011

It’s not like I had some unusual affinity for corduroy. Yet, when I stop and think about it – maybe it is my favorite fabric. It’s warm and comfortable, great for New England. Sure beats wool. You can’t just brush up against someone in corduroy. No, there is an arresting lock when cords meet cords, which might explain its “friendliness.”

They say it’s “the King’s cloth,” a proud fabric. In fact, if denim is the fabric of the working man, then maybe it’s corduroy that suits the thinking man. Perhaps I do have this affinity for corduroy.

The Corduroy Appreciation Club is already casting its spell over me. Next month, in Manhattan at the Desmond Tutu Center, they’re holding a very important gathering. It’s on Nov. 11, the date that most resembles corduroy (11/11/11). Three corduroy items are required. There’s talk that Bill Murray or Wes Anderson may be recognized for their appreciation. I’m slated to go for a client.

“I’d rather belong to a corduroy club, and wear corduroy than belong to the Shriners and have to wear one of those red fezzes.”

I’m a communications guy, which is primarily why I’m going. This event promises to expose my client to an array of important influencers. But I’m impressed with the C.A.C.’s efforts to nestle into our greater consciousness…and their vilification of velvet (apparently corduroy’s evil twin). The C.A.C. has been covered in The New Yorker, the NYT, plenty of fashion press and more. Even their video speaks to me. As the Financial Times said: “Corduroy is a funny thing. People do get a bit serious about it.”

I’ll let you know how it goes.

Stressed?

October 18, 2011

Remedy:

1) Launch kayak;

2) Get lost in salt marsh;

3) Bring beer.

How To Be a Know-It-All

June 9, 2011

There is a torrential downpour in my office and I’m soaked in wonderful information. I’ve got insights into South Korea’s cleantech industry; Oprah stats; breaking news, overviews, and wrap-ups. I stumble into Boston.com and… wheeee I’m shopping (there’s that $31B online advertising market MediaPost Tweeted). It’s Ferris Beuller’s anniversary, #Weinergate’s still trending and I’ve got Gene Kelly on the brain.

If information is power – then we are The Incredibles!

Meanwhile, my marketing colleagues are churning out lush, bountiful lists of handy tips. How to Perdy Up Yer Facebook… Five Things You Can Do with Twitter in the Shower…What Your Brand is Doing Behind Your Back…and What You Don’t Know About SEO This Morning!

I’m watching a webinar at 3 with Hubspot on how to get people to watch webinars.

Content is King, ladies and gentlemen. Just wait til that iCloud releases its cleansing Monsoon of tropical exabytes.

But before you dash off, I just wanted to suggest you download my podcast on “I’m Viral, You’re Not.” Just kidding. Don’t click that.

Seriously, wait til you get the good news about Comcast’s secret Xcaliber – TV anywhere and everywhere, even in your underwear. Ok, ok, I’ll stop. Don’t go.

I want to say that there is hope. There is a ray of sunshine out there. If you have any intention of capturing at least a smidgen of market share, or publicizing the excellent work you do, or just reaching some good ol’ fashioned customers…all you have you to do is scan this secret QR code:

Or click here.

Practical Clean-Tech

June 6, 2011

The snow finally melted this spring but last night it was about 40°. That comes with the territory though. Mark Twain said “I reverently believe that the Maker who made us all makes everything in New England but the weather. I don’t know who makes that, but I think it must be raw apprentices in the weather-clerk’s factory who experiment and learn how…”

So, New England weather leaves a lot to talk about. But that could be said for just about everywhere these days. Most scientists think that weather patterns are changing. They call that global climate change. The bigger debate surrounds the influence of all our CO² production.

Regardless of the climate change argument, we know that our current energy situation is untenable. We need clean-tech innovation. That much is clear. If it turns out that all our billowing CO² has nothing to do with it, then at least we’ll have a better environment, physically and geopolitically.

Nevertheless, it remains a big challenge to build a clean-tech industry. There are new ideas and technologies. But investors remain allured by other shiny things (see LinkedIn’s big IPO).

Ipswich River Media is working with a new tech incubator designed to foster development and attract investment. We’re also serving as the co-chair of the Sustainability Forum to attract and educate the broader publics necessary to support this burgeoning new industry. We’re looking for practical solutions.

Today, for example, there’s news from a team of researchers down the road at M.I.T. They’ve succeeded in reinventing the rechargeable battery by creating a liquid-flow design, suitable for electric vehicles that can be recharged as quickly as simply pumping gas. The new batteries involve a semi-solid, liquid electrolyte material which holds suspended positive and negative electrodes that provide needed electricity. When all the energy has been released simply replace it with fully charged “goo” – as quickly as you fill up at the pump.

And if that’s not enough to get you excited, consider this breakthrough idea in solar technology: a sun-powered bikini capable of charging all your remote devices.

You Too Can Be a Star

May 26, 2011

As a communications consultant I keep a close eye on trends. I organized a summit in NYC last month that included some of the biggest cable operators and TV networks in the world. The line-up included Comcast, Verizon, Virgin Media, MTV, BBC, Turk Telecom, Liberty Global, Vodafone, France Telecom. To keep the discussions lively we had moderators like the Wall Street Journal’s Jessica Vascellero and David Lieberman of USA Today (now with Deadline.com).

It was a global all-star cast who were there to figure out what TV means today. If it makes you feel any better, they’re really not sure where it’s all going. It’s complicated. You, the viewer, are using all sorts of other media applications that didn’t exist just a few years ago. You and 500 million others spend a lot of time on Facebook. You download 3 billion videos from YouTube, every day. And you’re watching so many movies on Netflix that its consuming more broadband traffic than other site today. There’s a massive advertising market at stake here.

There are plenty of good ideas. They’re not sitting still. Interactivity is taking off. “Freemium” is the watchword and everything will be on-demand, regardless of the device you use. They’re considering whether you want Facebook “Like” functionality on TV, if you want to share pics and chat. Ads will become increasingly targeted. They’ll know when your car lease is up, or perhaps if you’re considering a little Rogaine for that receding hairline. Your TV will soon be just as smart as your…well, your smartphone.

The point is that it all trickles down. Technology, media and communications are changing at such a furious pace that no one really has a handle on it all. Yet, at the core it’s still about the content. How do you create a compelling story? How do you reach your audience amidst a sea of alternatives? Granted most businesses don’t enjoy the same access as Jersey Shore or American Idol. But the good news is that the barriers to entry have been lowered. You have more compelling ways to reach your audience than ever before. You just need to figure out how to take advantage of it.

That’s why we helped a technology company organize that summit. They got a lot of great visibility for their brand. And a lot of good content.

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