There is no holiday more visual than Christmas. There is nowhere you can go without seeing the obvious signs of Christmas. From the lights, to the decorations, to the many Santas promising kids their Christmas wishes. Christmas also inspires logo and branding design. Here are some for you to take a look at.

Credits

Singing Santa by Double A
Christmas Odyssey by rbesigns
Creative Squallidays by Creative Squall
Meu Melhor Natal by nilothiago
Kids Santa Letters by elle-creations
Santa 2.0 by SamDeMastrie
Happy Holidays by Matto
Ornaments & Things by ilovedesign
The Present Project by crave10
Perfect Puds by Blesseville

The mobile phone wars can be ugly sometimes.With 87% of the world having a phone in their hands, mobile companies are desperate to get a large share of that. Sometimes the ads can be direct hits at well known competitors.

“The next big thing is already here”

Instead of crawling into a corner because of the hoopla surrounding the iPhone 5 release, Samsung’s commercial for their Galaxy S III capitalized on it. The ad hit just two days before the big iPhone 5 release. The commercial features what is assumed to be iPhone loyalists waiting in a very long line for hours to get the newest release. While they wait in line a few Samsung users walk by inadvertently showing off the features of their phone. The iPhone users marvel at what they see and wonder if their new phone will have those features as well. The waiting consumers also mention features of the phone in a way that makes it obvious to the viewer that these are features that should have obviously always been included or features Samsung has always had.

The funniest and most hard hitting jab at iPhone has to be when a young man who already has a Galaxy S III is holding a space in line for his parents. A snide way of Samsung to say that iPhones are for the not-so-cool older generation.

Whether you are an iPhone or a Samsung user you cannot deny the effectiveness of the commercial. Samsung simply took facts about the new iPhone and used them to their advantage. While it was an obvious attack on Apple nothing was done to skew any facts or exaggerate Samsung’s features.  Ironically, the direct hits against the competitor is reminiscent of the Apple’s Mac vs PC ad campaign.

What do you think about this ad campaign. Does it help you to understand Samsung’s features?

In the spirit of Thanksgiving here are a some logos that feature turkey images in their design. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy.

Credits:

Turkey5 by GraffixRabb
MEATWEET by michaelspitz
Happy Thanksgiving by lak16
Galina by kidknowsbetter
Continuous Turkey by Hayes Image
Purple Turkey Logo by KateMorris

Wonder Bread, Ding Dongs, Ho Hos, Honey Buns and of course the all famous Twinkie. These aren’t just snacks but a tasty piece of American History. They are a part of childhood memories. The quick snack in a bag embedded itself into our pop culture for decades and satisfied our sweet tooth.

But now, Hostess, the company responsible for providing us these sugary snacks is no more. Because of struggling sales and labor disputes, after 82 years, Hostess has shut down their doors.

According to the Associated Press (AP):

Hostess Brands Inc., which makes Ding Dongs, Wonder Bread and other snacks, filed a motion Friday with U.S. Bankruptcy Court seeking permission to shutter its operations. The move comes after the company said striking workers across the country crippled its ability to maintain production.

The closing would mean the loss of about 18,500 jobs. The company said employees at its 33 factories were sent home and operations suspended Friday and its roughly 500 bakery outlet stores will stay open for several days to sell remaining products. (11/16/12)

 

There’s a small piece of all of us that dies a little when a company so nostalgic disappears. What this teaches us, though, is that popularity dose not always equate to success. While the products under the Hostess umbrella were recognizable to us all, it was not enough to combat slumping sales. Hostess first filed for bankruptcy in 2004 while operating under the name Interstate Bakeries but after some restructuring came out of it in 2009, changing it’s name to Hostess Brands Inc.

So what makes an iconic company like Hostess end up in the corporate graveyard? I cannot say for sure because I am not a Hostess insider but I do have some possible reason for the Hostess demise.

Lack of Innovation

When a company first starts out, the excitement of creating a product that everyone attaches themselves to is incredibly intoxicating. What a lot of companies fail to do is duplicate that same excitement as times, thoughts, ideas and tastes change. Hostess was able to develop a nice cult following with their loyal fans over the years but was unable to grab new consumers. Not much has changed with Hostess as far as packaging or product development. Innovation is not just a term used for technology companies. All businesses must learn to innovate at least in some small way in order to survive.

Poor Marketing

I’m sure Hostess products were very popular with the 40-something office worker looking for a quick snack to eat at their desk because he/she grew up on them and was very familiar with the delicious taste of a Golden Cupcake. What about the younger consumer? They depend on the internet and television to tell them what to eat and without ads consistently being drilled into their head it is not likely they will choose a product simply because it is there. Correct me if I am wrong, I have not recently seen an advertisement for Hostess products. While some products can survive without heavy marketing or product placement it was possible that Hostess had outlived it’s ability to do that.

Not Paying Attention to Competition

There’s no greater competition then in the snack industry. It is impossible to be a snack distributor and not realize the amazing amount of competition surrounding you. I am not saying Hostess ignored others who did what they did but it could be a case where they did not take them as serious as they should have. If you go into any mini-mart, grocery store or any other place that sales snacks, you will have the choice of a multitude of snacks to choose from. A company in the snack industry cannot afford to minimize the threat of competition.

Hostess does have plans of selling off their product lines. If successful, we could see our favorite snacks under a new corporate umbrella. So don’t cry too soon for golden sponge cake with cream filling. You may see it again soon enough.

Why do you think Hostess failed?

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In the real world, to be comfortable following, being a friend of or joining someone it may require knowing some things about them. Who do they hang around? What do they do? What kind of things do they like to do. Do you have anything in common with them?

Well, whether you know it or not, social media is the real world. The method you use to deal with people is different but the rules are still the same.

So what are some of the simple rules to live by when building your online persona.

Be Authentic

While it is much easier online to be someone you’re no it is isn’t a good idea to exercise this freedom. People are drawn to other people they feel they can trust. There is no easier way to gain trust than to simply be you. Authenticity is the most valuable gift you can give your followers. It builds loyalty and helps your followers know what kind of person they are following.

Be Transparent

You may be thinking that this rule conflicts with what I said in an earlier post about never getting too personal. Well, you can be transparent without revealing your most personal inner self. Being transparent means you’re allowing your followers to know where you stand. A follower won’t know the level of your authenticity if he or she is unable to see what you are about. Your personality, expertise and knowledge should shine through. Just make sure to do it without being arrogant or overbearing which brings us to our last rule.

Be Humble

There is nothing less attractive than arrogance. Let us not confuse arrogance with confidence. Confidence is usually revealed through silent action while arrogance is tossed in the face of others with unsolicited and brutal force. People will care little about your accolades if you force-feed them. Your accomplishments will mean very little if your followers feel belittled just by seeing you post. If you are the superstar I know you are people will see your shine  with little effort from you.

These are very basic rules that will help you with your online engagement and attract people to you. Implementing these rules cost you nothing but are incredibly valuable to your business and personal brand.

Are there other important social networking rules you can think of for better engagement?

I know from personal experience that good computer virus protection is vital. Lurking in the darkness of the internet and emails are deadly viruses that could wipe out your computer’s hard drive with no remorse. It is no laughing matter to see months of work disappear to a land of no return.

With all the other expenses entrepreneurs have to endure it is good when you can find a reliable product to protect your computer at no cost. Microsoft Security Essentials does just that.

What Is Microsoft Security Essentials?

Microsoft Security Essentials module screenshot

Microsoft Security Essentials is an antivirus software used to remove malware such as computer viruses, spyware, rootkits and Trojan horses. The software is freeware meaning it is offered by Microsoft at no cost to the user. It runs on Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

How Does It Work?

Video Created by: Digital Meld

Features*

• Comprehensive malware protection
• Supports Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP
• Available in 33 languages
• Simple, free download
• Protects you quietly in the background
• Automatic updates

*Source: Microsoft Windows website

From my experience this antivirus software works as good (and in some cases better than) paid software. Windows 8 has a version of Microsoft Security Essentials already built in.

What type of virus protection do you have on your computer? Have you ever used Microsoft Security Essentials?

With today being election day, how the votes are collected and counted is as important as the vote itself. We all want the most efficient, reliable and stable process possible which will hopefully produce the most accurate results. In order to achieve that, innovations in the equipment used to vote is very important. From the paper ballots to the electronic voting machines, we have come a long way in America when choosing our political leaders

Paper Ballot

D.C. Board of Elections Paper Ballot, 1964

Originally called the Australian Secret Ballot, Massachusetts became the first state to use the paper ballot in statewide elections in 1889. Approximately 1% of registered voters still use the paper ballot.

Mechanical Lever Machine

Mechanical Lever Machine (source: Smithsonian)

The Mechanical Lever Machine introduced the punch card process. It was first used in 1892 in Lockport, NY and gained nationwide popularity between 1930-1960. In 2008 6.7% of registered voters were still using this type of method.

Punch Card

Punch Card System (source: Smithsonian)

The punch card system requires a voter to punch a hole next to the corresponding candidate of their choosing. It was first introduced in 1965. This process was at the center of the 2000 Presidential election controversy when many of the ballots created a voting discrepancy with “hanging chads”.

Marksense Optical Scan

Proposed Optical Scan Ballot (source: Design for Democracy)

Better known as the Catscan sheet, the Optical Scan was originally used in the standardize test arena. It made its political debut in 1962 in Kern City, California.

Direct Recording Electronic (DRE)

DRE Voting Machine (source: Smithsonian)

The latest voting technology is the Direct Recording Electronic or the DRE. The DRE is an electronic, touch-screen voting device. It was first used in the State of Illinois in 1975. By 2000 only about 12% was being used. That was before the Florida election controversy.

What voting technology is currently used in your precinct?

The way people do business is becoming more and more mobile. With that in mind it was only an obvious solution for PayPal® to get in on the game. Just like the Square, the PayPal Here™ card reader allows any iPhone or Android phone to handle mobile credit card transactions. The only difference is that the payment is able to go directly into you PayPal account.

What is PayPal Here™?

PayPal Here™ is the world’s first global mobile payment solution that allows small businesses to accept almost any form of payment. It’s designed to help those merchants make more sales and grow their business with confidence. And it gives them choices. They can accept payments by swiping cards with a fully encrypted thumb-sized card reader, or use a phone camera to scan and process cards and checks. It also allows them to invoice directly from the mobile app and, of course, accept PayPal in a brand new way. – David Marcus, Vice President of Mobile, PayPal® (PayPal Blog)

How Does It Work?

Features

• Free Apple and Android app and card reader for credit card payments
• Flexible multi-user settings let others collect payments for you
• Ability to accept checks and PayPal® payments, plus email invoices
• Comes with debit card with 1% cash back on eligible purchases
• Ability to access funds in minutes

PayPal Here™ is not anything new, (Inuit and the previously mentioned Square both already had a similar device and app) but it is the only only one that allows direct deposit into your PayPal® account. The app’s interface is very simple to use and read. The PayPal Here™ card reader is a great way to make your business transactions more efficient and for a small business to make a great impression on a client.

Have you used a mobile card reader for your business/organization before? Would you use PayPal Here™?