Using Social Media to get IKEA's Attention

I would definitely LOVE to have an IKEA Store in Western, NY. Rochester would be great, but I would settle for Buffalo as well or somewhere in between.  

Currently the closest IKEA store is in Hamilton, Ontario - which is a few hours drive, accross the border and somewhat a pain in the neck.  When I go to IKEA in Canada, it is an all day trip to get across the border both ways, add in the driving distance, and of course the gas expense (especially now) and the time required to browse at an IKEA store.  Something I have complained about for years - every trip taken to IKEA requires much advanced planning...

A co-worker (@fuyukogratton) of mine has a passion for IKEA, and to that end created a blog and online petition in April of 2008 to try to gain signatures and capture the attention of IKEA so they would pity us and build a store in our area.  This online petition currently has 119 signatures (I was 118), and I have been spreading the word about this through my online social activities and face-to-face.

Time to put my creative social media energies to work to raise more awareness - so I have yet another place to shop in Upstate New York.  I love IKEA!

I sense another social media experiment coming on...  If I can find 300+ artichoke lovers in just a few short weeks, I should be able to connect with IKEA lovers out there to help my friend with her blog and petition!

Take a second to sign Fuyuko's petition!  We thank you, and Western New York will thank you!

Random Thoughts: Social Media & Stuff

I am getting old... As confirmed by a friend of mine today.  I had the perfect idea for a blog post, and from the time I went to bed last night - I cannot remember what it was about.  So I'm left with random thoughts which I will share.  Random thoughts on Social Media, Careers and more...

Random Thought #1:  24x7 Connectivity is Cool.

Social Media totally cool because I can connect with people all over the world any time of day or night and be mentally stimulated about all things.  I can get feedback about a work project or personal thought in a matter of seconds in real time.  That's pretty powerful.  I'm not talking teenagers in a chat room, I'm talking professionals with expertise in all areas all looking to share information and insights.  Ten years ago it was finding a "30 something" chat room on AOL and weeding through to find someone of value to talk to.... Not so much like that anymore - much easier to find real and valuable connections.

Random Thought #2:  People really do connect!

I have made 100+ new friends because I love artichokes.  Now that to me is excellent!  I have yet to really get to know many of these folks, and fully intend to do so because through something as simple as a food interest, I have made these connections.  I don't know yet what these people can offer me, or I them, but my guess is there is something for each one.  I will spend much time reviewing profiles for all new connections and getting to know everyone.

Random Thought #3:  New Month's Resolutions

I decided yesterday: February 1, 2009 that I would be making new resolutions for the month, though actually, they could be "new week's resolutions" or even "new day's resolutions".  January was a challenging month for me and I've really managed to learn how to live my life ONE DAY AT A TIME.  This applies to my career, my personal life and my relationship with God.  Today I am resolved to live only for today and make it the best day possible for me and for every person I come into contact with.  Remember - smiles are contageous and actions speak louder than words.

Random Thought #4:  What is your Dream Job?

Someone asked me on Friday night if I could do any job in the world, what would it be?  My answer was simple - I love what I do, and I cannot imagine having a different career than internet marketing.  So in conjunction with Random Thought #3 - I am resolved to make each day the most I can at work and provide the best level of service to my clients.  I am resolved to find creative solutions to making their online presence the best it can be.  I am also resolved to spread the passion for what I do...

Random Thought #5:  Totally Random Thought...

I love my best friend, through thick and thin - good and bad.  I will love my best friend today, for who he is today - and not worry about who he'll be tomorrow.  I hope my best friend has a great day today, knowing he is truly good at what he does (because he is truly passionate about it) - and doesn't worry so much today about what's on his plate tomorrow.  I want my best friend to know that the elephant is not really an elephant...

Everyone should have at least one person in their life they feel this way about and are passionate about - if you do - please tell that person you love them today.  Don't wait until tomorrow.  That's my passion point to ponder today.  

Artichokes & Social Media

Artichokes!  I could eat them every day of the week and never get sick of them!  

I am passionate about artichokes and will eat them no matter how they are prepared.  (Though my favorite is simply steamed and served with lemon butter.)    I must brag... I make a mean artichokes french!

I even have artichoke plates - and I don't believe in single-use appliances or things that are frivolous and take up too much space to be used twice a year.  And - I do use them often...

Social Media Experiment:

So... I got to thinking - I've been working with Social Media a bit and expanding my knowledge on ways to network - so I created a silly page on Facebook dedicated to Artichokes.  It was really just something I tried for fun, and I just created it last night.  

But I'm interested in testing out my networking capabilities and expanding my network of friends through a common interest.... artichokes!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Artichokes/46316484818?ref=nf

13 fans in 24 hours!  People really do love artichokes, and they are finding my new page!  How exciting!

Not really a work related post, but it will be a great exercise in the power of social media and how people with common interests find each other.  If you know someone who loves artichokes - then pass it on!

Bon Appetit!

~~~~~~~~~~~ Follow Up ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's been about 48 hours since I created the artichoke page (not quite yet), but I'm averaging about 1 new fan per hour which is cool.  Hope to keep it up.  Connecting with folks all over the world.

Here are the 3 ways people are finding the page so far:

- Through the game applications I added to my page that I know are high traffic applications (Hatchlings and Scavenger Hunt) - Since my Artichoke page is just for fun, I thought this might be a great way to drive some traffic and hit a few artichoke lovers along the way.  (I was right!)

- People are seeing it on their friend's walls after they become a fan and coming and checkin' it out!  (And I'm making new friends left and right!)

- And... believe it or not -people are actually searching in Facebook for "Artichokes".  Well how many people would really do that?  I did, and all I orginally came up with was a band called "The Artichokes" - so I decided to create my own.  I guess there are other people out there as goofy as I am about this unique food.

I am enjoying this project - it's a nice diversion... and something fun to test out.