There has been a large amount of buzz, articles and info. on businesses getting into mobile. In the last couple of weeks I have personally attended two conferences that had mobile as one of their key topics of discussion. My thoughts come from an article that I just read and will include with this post – about the fashion business and how that industry can make the most of mobile commerce. Coming from the fashion business as my first career it triggered some thoughts.

Most of us, even those of us who still do not have smart phones own phones that provide cameras, texting and email. We take those phones with us everywhere and use them as a beacon to stay connected, informed and give us the answers to the info. we need immediately. This simple deduction makes mobile a key player in how we live our lives day to day. For those that have a smart phone such as myself – apps are a key way to get information from brands, products and services we use and evangelize and keep customers  informed. In some cases these apps allow the purchase of products from a mobile device, other apps provide updates about sales, events, promotions and new product launches. It makes sense in the retail world that finding ways to leverage mobile commerce should be high on the marketing budget and strategy list. Read the rest of this entry »

Hi Everyone,

I have not abandoned our blog and thought that I should send out another note to let people know that we are still here. As I mentioned earlier in the summer, I have been one of the main care givers for an aging father – who has encountered a time in his life where unforeseen medical issues have popped up one after another. As like many of you, one never expects the amount of time or effort that this support can demand and I am happily yet juggling all of the additional planning needed to fulfill both my personal and growing business commitments.

The amazing thing is that there are so many of us just entering into this transition of supporting our families and maturing parents – as we all continue to move on in years. Since I posted my last note – letting you know why we had lapsed on our regular posts after all these years – many of you have come forth to share your stories of the support you too – are also giving to your families and how you have worked to make room in your lives for these added adjustments and responsibilities. I thank you for those that have come forward and encourage others to share their stories with us.

I have been able to keep up posting on Twitter and Facebook as I can post from my iphone easily via Tweet Deck and hope you will continue to engage with us there as well.

Work is ways there but your health is a precious gift to which nothing is more important.

Looking forward to connecting again with you all in October!

Best Nicole

I read a great article today that I am going to SHARE with you at the end of this post. It talks about brand promise vs brand experience. Social media as we all know – has now broadened the net for reach and allows not just a brand, but anyone to SHARE anything their hearts desire and have it spread like wildfire by leveraging social media tools. Many businesses are finally waking up to the power of these tools and better yet -  it is the customer that is now driving much of the power – by being able to clearly articulate and SHARE with those that will listen, to their wants, needs and benefits of doing business with them. In return the business in question must be able to not only listen – but stand tall on what their brand promise, product, service and value is and stay true to their word. Read the rest of this entry »

After all this time it is now common knowledge that I began my career in the fashion business. One of the great things about fashion is the SHARING – of trends, styles, colors, fabrics, brands, prices and price points, purchases, retailers etc. Long before technology was a basic daily necessity – fashion was one of those products that was spread via print, tv, radio and of course – most of all word of mouth. Samples sales in New York City were the name of the day and in the many years I spent there – that hot information came via word of mouth. No texts or emails – maybe a phone call from a landline with a cord attached (lol) – but it has been a long standing industry where the SHARING of its many facets – help build many of the top brands we all know and love today. Read the rest of this entry »

I had a personal experience this past week that I thought wonderfully demonstrates the power of social media. I hope that businesses will read this post and think twice about how they can easily repair circumstances just like the one I am about to SHARE. Read the rest of this entry »

When is the last time that you left your house or office without your cell phone? Or went throughout the entire day leaving your cell phone behind on purpose? For me, my cell is my personal and business lifeline all wrapped up into one. It houses my contact list—the days of remembering a phone number are long gone. My calendar, my email, texts and the internet are all at my finger tips should I need to search something. My social media feeds are there too so I can Tweet and update Facebook as I move throughout my day. My alarm for the morning resides on the phone as well, and yes—it stays by my bed at night when I am asleep!
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Last night, one of my close friend’s 14 yr old daughters messaged me (via MSN) with links to the much hyped, “Kardashian Reality Show Wedding”. As far as I know, the show has yet to air here in Canada (but I stand to be corrected on this). As fast as it was promoted—via word of mouth—I found out where I could watch the show online right now. She provided me with a couple of options and  the link I picked was via Youtube.
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Almost everyone out there in the world has sent or received a postcard at some point. The traditional postcard is 100 years old. That being said, some of the best ideas come when you blend the old with the new. Technology moves so quickly that it’s hard to keep up, difficult to catch on, and by the time many businesses make a decision to hop on the digital band wagon, the idea they finally commit to is old news and something else is now the next big thing.
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In this new economy, online retailers have been able to hold their own and are out performing other business sectors. And now that women are seen as a clear target for marketing, understanding their economic power and the fact that they are key shoppers in the web world has opened up opportunities for bricks and mortor businesses to get on board. I wrote a few posts back that Zara, the successful fashion retailer, is now adding an online ecommerce piece to their business and so has Lulu Lemon Athletics.
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As I am sure many of you know, my business background began in the fashion industry. Just like Natalie Massenet, I dreamed of being in the fashion business from the time I was a little girl. After realizing my dream of going to FIT and working in the fashion industry for 16 years (before moving on to use my skills of brand strategy to build our business today), I am still incredibly passionate about fashion to this day.
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