Gomez @ the Guvernment

Playing most of their songs from their new album "How We Operate," Gomez stuck to their true rockin' style - putting on a high-pumped energy-packed show.

Okay, they didn't play my favs: Revolutionary Kind, Me You and Everybody and Sweet Virginia...but that is okay...their 2-hour show had the crowd shaking. They have too many great songs - I couldn't expect them to play them all.

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Gomez, Toronto

Waxxi - The World of Web 2.0 Interactive Podcast

Waxxi's Interactive Podcast with Michael Parekh and Mike Arrington from TechCrunch.

Here are my notes...from a marketer of course:

Where things are getting exciting and what they are paying attention to:
Arrington:
- mobile applications
- mash-ups
- web applications (the popularity of digg)
Parekh:
- wireless arena
- mainstream consumers are able to absorb the new technologies
- what will consumers pay - costs and attention
- navigate through speed bump, regulations...

...1 1/2 hours later...notes not making any sense...

Although the website did not mention marketing people as part of its list of "who will participate?"...this podcast certainly has a lot of critical information marketers should know. Not only for your online strategies...but to get involved with your community...

Now go download/RSS the podcast and listen to this yourself...

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya,
waxxi, Parekh, Michael Arrington, TechCrunch, Goldman Sachs

Cluetrain Manifesto #9 in Action

Cluetrain Theses #9, "These networked conversations are enabling powerful new forms of social organization and knowledge exchange to emerge."

Put into action...The END to monster garbage cans in Tdot.

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, public space, Toronto, cluetrain

Learn about Salespeople

Seth Godin, you never fail to inspire, teach, remind and amuse me...

His lastest post on "Nine things marketers ought to know about salespeople (and two bonuses)" couldn't be more on the ball.

After working alongside several sales departments - software, corporate events, conferences and now...recruiting...this list (part of a series) outlines at least one sales moment in my past life...lessons learned...oh, if this list only came to me earlier!

Programmers...read this "Ten things programmers might want to know about marketers"

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, Seth Godin, sales

Fast Talker, Smooth Talker

A fast talker is not to be mixed up with smooth talker. I had about 3 meetings with salespeople today and all were fast talkers...I had to ask them to "please repeat what you just said," "so you are saying that xxx," "excuse me?"

Just because you talk fast, don't mean you are schmoozing me. In fact, I am getting quite annoyed by asking you to repeat yourself.

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, sales

Quiet Ride

Nobody talks to one another on the TTC. Well, unless you are with a pal or a co-worker of course. Other than that though...nobody really talks, starts a conversation.

I am one of those people. I wouldn't just, out of the blue, start speaking with the old fella beside me or the girl standing in front of me. I just wouldn't. I don't know why though...if I was in a restaurant and a table was too close for comfort, I would probably initiate a conversation with the people at the table. If I was waiting in line to buy some ice cream, I may start speaking with the fellow patrons...

It is the atmosphere? The thought that you don't want to bother someone because you don't know where they are going? What they are about to do? At least in a restaurant, you know they are there to enjoy a meal...eat an ice cream...

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, Toronto, TTC

Yoga Lesson

The Jivamukti yoga lesson yesterday was a simple one. The art of yoga is that where we can purify our bodies and minds so that we can approach all our relationships with greater awareness and compassion.

I am trying to bring this lesson into everything I do, especially my job. Sounds pretty tough eh? How about fake, hokey? I thought so too for a really long time...I thought it was impossible, I nearly gave up...not in the business world, it won't work...

As a marketer, you should know your audience/clients/customers...but how you approach them, speak to them - should be honest and true. As our markets become more transparent and The Cluetrain Manifesto becomes a reality - your relationships and how you approach and handle them, will be what leverages a company forward.

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, jivamukti, yoga

Relationship Nightmares

I had a nightmare last night. I dreamt that my best friend, JB was really mad at me. So mad in fact that she was willing to relinquish a 12-year relationship. I actually woke up really scared.

Over the last month, I have not seen JB as much as I typically do. Our relationship stats were high - two phone calls a day, get-togethers about 3-4 times a week for the last few years. But in the last few months, with me taking a new gig and her getting the Clinical Coordinator position at New Haven Learning Centre, our stats have plummeted to an all-time low...We are working crazy hours...We are living busy lives. My dream was a wake-up call.

I couldn't believe a relationship/conversationalist I claim to call myself, was letting one of the most important relationships in my life slip away...Well, okay, over exaggerating, it hadn't really slipped...But an alarm did go off.

JB did send me a lengthy email this morning, her too feeling the same way. A new commitment was made on both parts for better communication.

I am very lucky JB is my best friend and will give me the slap in the face when I fail to communicate well...But will my other communities do the same for me if I fail them? Will I recognize a warning sign if/when it comes? I sure hope so.

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, nightmare, relationships

CaseCamp 2.0

CaseCamp 2.0

Who: Marketing folks and others who are interested!
What: CaseCamp is a marketing unconference open to anyone. Presenters share case studies of their work, with the goal of creating a commons for discussion, learning and networking.
When: July 11, 2006 - 6:00 PM
Where: Brasserie
Why: Network and learn with your fellow marketing peers.

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, Toronto, casecamp

Happy to be in the Dark

I had to make a quick run over to Sobey's Grocery store for some ice for my auntie's retirement party today...I was
happy to see that the store had dimmed their lights. Actually, they only had every other aisle lighted up...why? In an
effort to preserve energy. The temperature was pretty good as well - not too cold.

They don't fit like they used to.

Have you noticed that several household items don't fit together. Companies just don't work together like they used to...

- Fancy new shavers don't fit in the shaver holder of shower organizers (the stem is too thick)
- Fun ice cube trays (check out Ikea's), don't fit in fridge ice holder/makers (they are too wide)
- DVD cassettes are not the same length as VHS tapes...which means all furniture made specifically for VHS tapes, will only hold VHS tapes.
- (Courtesy of Mark) - you can buy iPod cases, but such cases will not hold your ear buds...its the buds that are always getting tangled?
- Fitted bed sheets don't takes into consideration the new pillow-top mattresses.

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, innovation, furniture

Summer Burgers in the T-DOT

Wanna know were to find the BEST burgers in town?

Beaches:
Lick's - The Home Burger made of fresh ground steak $4.29 and Nature Burger $4.69 bring me back to my childhood. Growing up in the beaches, this burger reminds me of hot summer days as a child.

Distillery DIstrict:
Pure Spirits - House Spiced Angus Beef Burger, Aged Cheddar, Caramelized Spanish Onions, Crispy Pancetta, Smoked Ketchup, Yukon Frits $14

Financial District:
Bymark - 8 oz. U.S.D.A Prime Beef With Brie de Meaux, Grilled Porcini, Shaved Summer Truffles & Crisp Onion Rings. $36.95

Kensington Market:
Vegetarian Haven - Their grilled Organic Tofu Burger really is something to try. Served with chips and salsa, this burger is a step above many other veg burgers out there. $9

Leaside:
Smalltalk Bakery & Restaurant - A robust burger with alfalfa sprouts, crushed truffle and topped with caramalized onions. $13

Old Town:
Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar - A grilled 8-ounce U.S.D.A prime burger with seared foie gras. no really, fois gras. Delectable!

Queen West:
Gorilla Monsson - Massive burger. You can also get it topped with a fried egg! mmm. estimated at $12

Queen West, West:
Shanghai Cowgirl - They have a variety of burgers between $7 and $8.95...try their banquet burger with a side of sweet potatoe fries - YUM!..ps. the wasabi may is to die for!

St. Clair/Yonge:
Hero Burger - Comes in 4, 6 and 8 oz. and made with 100% Angus Beef. The Soul Burger (vegan) is great too! estimated at $7 or less.

YES, I am missing some part of the city...I will have to post another blog when I have found more...

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Toronto, burger

Why are Associations so expensive?

Young Entrepreneurs Association - $150
Toronto Board of Trade - Young Professionals - $200
Toronto Venture Group - $500

These prices are for young professionals or individual members (not students). Prices increase dramatically if you are a corporation. (Prices above are estimates - may be higher)

Many associations want to increase their membership base. But why aren't young professionals joining besides price?
1. Add-on price (events, dinners...)
2. There are a growing # of other associations/groups (BarCampTdot) that are free and often, better...
3. We can now connect to our fellow colleagues through online social networking - many associations still need to catch on to this...

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, Toronto, Associations

www.mishsplayground.com

To make things a little easier, you can access this blog at the new
domain address as well!

www.mishsplayground.com

Whiten Me

I walked into the Body Shop yesterday looking for a face scrub. I was pushed to buy a skin whitening cream.

She didn't know who she was speaking with...

Please read my previoius post on this topic:
Mish's Playground: Pale Asians

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, pale asians, Body Shop

Shattered at Birks

I love receiving a little blue box. I am one of those girls. The
little blue box means the giftie is from Tiffany's or Birks. I will
take anything at either. Like a little girl, I get giddy at the
thought of unwrapping the white or brown ribbon, carefully sliding the
lid off, sorting through the tissue paper and coming to a velvet-like
case holding my sweet surprise...I like this process so much, that I
will go through the trouble of wrapping a present all up again, and
going through the process another time. Heck, when I buy something
from either stores for myself, I will ask them to wrap it up all
nice...like a present.

At my lunch break, I went to Birks to search out a present for the
auntie's retirement. Because I know a blue box can say it all. I was
shocked to see how they treated their jewels. In my material world,
all jewelry was kept safe in velvet or silk boxes, carefully sorted and
organized. Not at this store. Pearl necklaces were tangled with one
another, chains and earrings were mixed together in a crumby old box or
in one huge zip lock bag. I was aghast! The sales lady tried her best
to look through the boxes, but everything was jumbled. YIKES! I
couldn't believe what I was seeing, it was like a nightmare.

The jewels she started pulling out just lost a lot of value in my eyes.
There was no way I was going to pay top dollar for a necklace or
pendant when the actual salespeople or store didn't value/treat them as
much as I would have...as much as the price tag expected one to.

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, Toronto, Birks, Tiffany's

Toronto + Canada = SNOW

I just got a sales call for a representative in Nevada.

SG - You are up in Canada right?
me - yes, Toronto
SG - To-ron-tO?
me - yes.
SG - How is the weather up there?
me - It has been really hot.
SG - REALLY? I thought it always snowed up there?
me - Oh goodness, you have got to be kidding me.

mmm...SEN5ES

I was reading a Joel on Software posting earlier today from a guy who
doesn't mind shelling out a few extra bucks for better software. Why
bother with cheap software, when for a few extra dollars, you can get
something exponentially better.

I feel this way about Sen5es. Located at the corner of Yonge & Queen Street, this cafe/restaurant/booth is where I got to get my coffee,
snacks and lunch. Ok, it is a few, couple dollars more than the other
joints near the office, but the ingredients, quality are WAY better
than most. But some people don't really like spending a few extra
dollars on food, so here are some other reasons why Sen5es is the place
to go:

1. There is never a long line up, at any time of the day. It is a
quick in/out for what I want.
2. Their menu changes daily.
3. The staff is warm and friendly.
4. They don't demand a tip (no tip jar located near the cashier)
5. They are a local chain. (Restaurant can be found at the SoHo hotel
on Blue Jay's Way)

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, Toronto, sen5es

Everyday is Father's Day

Everyday is father's day for my dad. Why? Because we all spoil him.
Mom included.

But father's day is the only day he gets to wear his "World's Greatest
Dad" T-shirt my siblings and I probably bought for him when I was
around 8 and can get away with having a glass or two of wine without
someone on his back (he is diabetic)...

You may be asking, why do we spoil him? Duh? He is our dad. Isn't
that enough?

Snobbery at Holt's

Renita and I were desperate for a pedicure yesterday. We walked up to Yorkville trying to find a salon that can fit not only us 2 but Jenny as well.

We walked into Holt Renfrew, a high-end department store for those of you who may not know...and I got, what I call "The one-two." A glace over from head to toe, of what a person is wearing or sometimes just their body. But my "one-two" was a not a, "like what your wearing." More of a "what the hell are you wearing, you don't belong here." At least that is the way the HR representative made me feel.

Ok, what was I wearing? My yoga bra from the class in the morning, a punk-inspired tank top and shorts from 2 seasons
ago...I didn't think it was that bad?

Will I go there again? Probably, but only if I am desperate. In this city, it is very rare.

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, Toronto, Holt Renfrew

Retiring from a Company

My aunt is retiring today...and nobody knows...teehee.

Well, HR knows. But her manager and fellow collegues don't have a clue.

WHY?
1. She has been treated badly by her new manager...so left it up to HR to tell her.
2. The company practices really poor communications between all departments and even within departments.
3. She is fed up with being treated so badly after over 25 years of services. She knows she deserves better.
4. The company is going downhill - in her words, "they just don't care about the people."

A Tag:

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, Toronto, communications

Friendships, Relationships, Partnerships

Aren't they all the same thing?

They all kinda have the same 'process':

New relationships:
a) Meet someone you are interested in
b) Talk about and share your interests
c) Introduce them to your network, who the person starts to belong to
d) Build upon your relationship, more of B and C...

When a relationship turns out to be one of the best:
a) You are very much interested in one another - whether romantically,
professionally or other
b) You share the same interests and are passionate
c) Your network accepts them with open arms
d) B and C just keep on getting stronger...

When a relationship goes sour:
a) You are just not interested in the person or an event occurs to
change your mind
b) You don't have any interests or your interest in each other dwindles
(due to A...and more of A)
c) Your network doesn't accept the person or like him/her
d) There are too many barriers for the relationship to grow...it comes
to an end

casecamp

The Good:
1. Great case study from the Art Gallery of Ontario (not to be mixed up with the ROM). The case was about a blogger outreach strategy for the promotion of the Frank Gehry exhibition. They basically invited and treated bloggers as equals to the rest of the mainstream media. The result? An increase in Internet and WOM marketing.
2. Enthusiastic. All speakers were very lively and showed that they wanted to be there.
3. A big turnout. I would definitely say more than 50. ;)

The Bad:
1. The venue was too small and too loud. People who came in late walked away because the room was over capacity.
2. The event started really late. 45 minutes late. (Maybe this is the event marketer in me speaking, but I just don't like it when things are really late. It means that I will be late for my next appointment) ;(
3. The other case studies were interesting, but I guess I wanted more hard numbers. More lessons learned. The bad ones are always the best ones.

casecamp vs. democamp
1. The audience at democamp are a lot more harsh on the presenters...questions and comments
2. casecamp people seemed a lot more friendly than at democamp (or maybe I was just a bit shy at democamp)
3. casecamp had names tags (even though the machince broke down right at the beginning so they all had to be hand-written)...is a nice touch.

Overall, it was a great first go. I woudl definitely go again. Looking forward to the next one. Shout out to Eli Singer for organizing this one!

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, Toronto, casecamp, AGO

Difficulties at the Bank

I am a boring godmother. Instead of toys, I give savings bonds. I just can't get myself to purchase a $50 toy that will be played with for all of 5 minutes. Especially when the money can be put towards a
bond that can be used to purchase university text books or something later in life.

Off I went to the closest branch to my office to purchase an Ontario Savings Bond 25 minutes later, after being questioned by 5 representatives who have never filled a bond form and speaking with my direct bank on the phone I came up empty handed. These bonds are supposed to be an investment in our province, but due to bad communication, no investment will be made. At least not today.
Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, Toronto, Ontario

Where to shop?

Package of Hershey mini peanut butter cups at local drugstore $3.99
CDN. At the Hershey Store in Manhattan - $3 USD.
Betsey Johnson bag found in Manhattan retailed for $150 USD. In an
Outlet Mall outside of the city - $99 USD.
Coach coin purse in Manhattan retailed for $69 USD. In an Outlet Mall
outside of the city - $29 USD.
Calphalon Non-Stick Braiser retails for $110 USD. Williams-Sonoma
online - $49.95 USD. Williams-Sonoma Marketplace $36.99 USD.

Salty Blue Ocean

Fleur de Sel, Truffle Salt, Murray River...Who knew there would be so
many varieties of salt in my cupboard?

Talk about value innovation.

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, salt, Blue Ocean Strategy

I (heart) NYC

Just got back from the big apple late last night...this is why gotham city is the place to go...

1. Yankee Stadium - hot dogs, beer and a game. For baseball lovers only!
2. Central Park - clean and green.
3. Rockefeller Center (Top of the Rock) - one of the most stunning views my eyes have seen.
4. Nolita/Soho - shop till you drop...literally!
5. Food - just about any treat your stomach and eyes crave.

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, New York City

Radiohead

I feel guilty. I somehow got Front Row tickets to Radiohead at the Hummingbird. Well, I know how I got them, but I feel a little guilty.

It all started when the tickets went on sale a few weeks ago. I sat by my computer, glued to ticketmaster. I was pressing 'refresh' from 9:58 - 10:00. I got into ticketmaster at 10 on the dot. By 10:01 all the tickets were gone. GONE! I couldn't believe it. How could the entire Hummingbird centre be sold out in 1 minute...

I went to see what other ticket agents were selling them for...and at about 10:05 - a handful had abut 10 or more...ergh...selling way over face value. From $200-$300 a pop...

I sent a feeler out to see if anyone could score us some tix. I knew it was going to be hard, but it was worth the shot.

My sister know a people in the concert biz...she put some feelers out. She had a contact or two, who thought they may be able to get tix, but we wouldn't find out until day of...fast forward to day at 3:00...I send a line out to my sis' if she has heard anything...at this point, I didn't think things looked too good.

But, boom! Not only did she get us tix, but front row tickets, centre stage - at face value. I could touch Tommy! But a part of me felt guilty. Still feels guilty. Yes, I am a huge fan, but...but...just still can't believe my luck.

As for the show...up there with Daniel Lanois, Dead Can Dance, Lhasa and Wilco...

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, radiohead, Toronto

Inaugural CaseCamp

COME! COME! COME!

Who: Marketing People
What: Marketing 'unconference' named CaseCamp. Modelled after David Crow and BarCamp
Where: The Brasserie
Why: To learn...it never ends...
How: Walk, bike, drive...plus, it is FREE

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, CaseCamp, Toronto, David Crow

Check what's inside Pandora

I first heard about Pandora a few months ago from TechCrunch. I went to check it out, but didn't really do my due diligence.

Just recently, Mark sent an email to myself and fellow music geek, Stephen Lan...let me take this moment to explain something about Stephen...he goes out of his way to bring a music list to Penguin (on McCaul) and Rotate This (Queen, west of Bathurst) because he has such a fine delicate taste in music, you can't find his style of music at the 'big' music stores...

Mr. Lan loved it! So if it is good enough for him, it is good enough for me.

I launched it this morning and it is pretty on the ball. I punched in all my favs and the recommended listening is great. Try it...play it during a dinner party, while you are in the bath, in the garden, washing your car...just try it.

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, Toronto, Pandora, TechCrunch, Rotate This, Penguin, music

Brain Dead

When my brain stops working, and I need to restart it...

I like to:
1. Play with a toy
2. Take a quick break, go for a short walk
3. Read corporate tag lines
4. Drink water
5. Meditate

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing

Shawna from Honda Called

My parent's Honda dealership called home last night. I just so happened to pick up the phone. A very sweet lady named Shawna wanted to speak with my mom. But she wasn't home. So we started to get into a conversation. It sort went like this:

M: Hello?
S: Hi, is Esperanza home?
M: Nope, she is out.
S: Are you her daughter?
M: yup!...may I ask who's speaking?
S: Shawna from Honda, just checking to see if everything with her Honda Civic is okay?
M: Oh. Why? Is there a recall?
S: No, just want to make sure she is happy. She got it a few years ago and we haven't talked to her since, so just a quick follow-up.
M: She likes the car. No problems yet.
S: That's good. Well, tell her I called and if she has any questions, concerns or just wants to talk about cars, tell her to ring me.
M: Okay, bye.
HANG UP

...I had my Alero for 5 years now and not one call from my dealership. I am calling Shawna next time.

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, Honda, Car

Angry Commuter Voices

I saw something scary today. I was standing in line to get some tokens for the subway, when this lady in front of me started yelling at the TTC attendant - at the top of her lungs. Something along the lines, "You ruined a whole day for me! f%$*ed up everything for me." She then stormed through the revolving stalls and zoomed off. The young attendent, obviously in training (she had two others with her showing her the routine), looked stunned and scared, even behind the glass wall.

70% of operators have been assaulted at some point during their career. One bus driver was assaulted by two girls this weekend. I saw another one assaulted today.

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, Toronto, TTC

Xerox Case Study

I read a good story today about Xerox. I will now retell in my short form.

Xerox - an innovative company having a hard time capitalizing on its products.
They become close to filing for bankruptcy.
New CEO comes in and incorporates new plan of action with a focus on communications.
Communication between scientists and the company grows stronger.
They form a 'community' as years go by...everyone is aligned with the business.
They are now showing a profit and have a continuous product line.

The end...or perhaps a new chapter...

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, Marketing, Xerox, Communications

Because we all WANT the $$ ka-ching $$

Yikes! Canadians are suffering from stress and mental health problems and we are burning out quick!...according to the Globe and Mail's article on Desjardins Financial Security's Poll.

Here are the quick stats:
1,500 surveyed in this poll
40% - claim long-term disability due to stress and mental health
35 million - # of LOST work days a year
40% - turnover rate due to stress and mental health claims

Out of those surveyed:
62% have regular work schedules but make personal sacrifices
83% blame wireless technology as one of the factors
44% blame money issues as as one of thte factors
21% suffered physical health problems caused by mental stress

The article goes further to point out that we are choosing work over our family and friends. We are creating a culture of seperation.

From article:
”We live in a society that pushes people away from close, interpersonal relationships — all in the pursuit of making more money,” Dr. Wolkoff said.

Tags: Mish's Playground, Tampoya, stress, health, Canada

TODAY is My Big Sister's Birthday

F1000021
Originally uploaded by **MISH**.

Today is my sister's birthday. She is 33.

What can I tell you about my sister? Her name is Christine, most people call her Maricris (not me though).

She makes great cupcakes and a mean quiche. She has too many bags and even more pairs of shoes. She is one of the most particular event planners in Toronto and gets me into some of the best gigs and invite-only shows (sweet!). She buys me great presents and often surprises me with goodies. Ah, you gotta love a big sister...

This picture is of us in Rome back in 2003...she is also allergic to oregano.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTINE!...oldie.