In our last class, we discussed how brands such as Red Bull and Dunkin Donuts have capitalized on social media platforms to connect with their customers. Many companies have taken to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to interact with their fan base and create a sense of community. Just as Chris Anderson says in The Long Tail "We are turning from a mass market back into a niche nation, defined now not by our geography but by our interests." The most successful brands are those that have stepped outside of the box. Take for instance, the Louis Vuitton Facebook Page which has 1,888.829 "likes." The page is equipped with a "Mon Monogram" app allowing fans to design their own handbag, share it with friends and even have it produced! How cool is that?! Though this app and similar ones exist on the internet, even on company websites (LV's website included), these platforms have provided a way for people to engage and distribute as well as receive quick, real time information.
I must admit that the majority of the time, I find my news and information on Twitter and Facebook. This includes everything from hard news, entertainment, fashion, etc. One of my hobbies is trying out new restaurants. Though I could spend hours googling "cool restaurants" or checking out reviews on Yelp, I often get ideas from friends that post food pictures and statuses about where they're eating. Last week, my friend Samantha posted a picture of a dish she had ordered at an Italian restaurant called Acqua al 2 in Capitol Hill, with a caption "Blueberry and Balsamic Steak sampler. Just as good as Firenze." Blueberry and steak?? Being a foodie, I was immediately intruiged by this odd combination. I later asked her about it and she said she couldn't explain it and that it was just utterly amazing. I browsed their website and found out they were awarded "Restaurant of The Year" in 2010 and only had locations in DC, San Diego and Firenze, Italy. So with all these exciting tidbits, I booked a reservation for my boyfriend and I for our Valentine's Dinner, 3 days later.
Assaggio di Secondi- Balsamic Steak, Steak topped with Parmesan, Blueberry Steak
The verdict? Ah-mazing. Great food, generous portions, good service and a laid back atmosphere. This past weekend was the first plan-free weekend in a while, so this place was ideal for a comfortable, chill but nice dinner. I've definitely added it to my list of favorites.
That's the power of social media. If it weren't for Sam posting the pic, I probably wouldn't have known about Acqua. Anderson also says "We are gregarious species, highly influenced by what others do." I'm definitely influenced by my friends and their opinions and are more inclined to trust them than random Yelpers. Through my blog, I'm able to capture and share my experiences and use multimedia as icing on the cake. Though I'm still finding ways to leverage the various tools, I have started a Gold Rushed Facebook page to engage with my family and friends. I could easily pick up the phone and tell them about my new blog but encouraging them to visit the page and see it for themselves makes it better. Visuals are more fun! Once they "like" the page, updates will appear in their Newsfeed as it becomes available. I have also used my personal Twitter account to update my followers whenever I have a new post.
The earlier part of last Saturday was spent perusing the Natural History Museum. I've been a couple times before but it's one of those places that you can't really get tired of, especially when you haven't gone in a while and there's plenty of new exhibits to see. Who knows, maybe after reading this, you'll be dieing to try some Blueberry steak or even inspired to take advantage of these random 70 degree February days and venture out to the Smithsonian... ;)
Pretty cool.
Butterflies and Plants- Partners in Evolution Exhibit
Butterfly hatching!
Meet me at "The Elephant"
Orchids: A View From The East Exhibit- now until April 24th
Perusing.
