Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Growco New Orleans: Michelle and Sir Richard Branson
Posted by Lyndsi | Filed under On The Ball, Uncategorized
If you’ve never been to an Inc Magazine event, it’s a must attend. Growco, specifically, is a great way to grow your business by networking and by executing the plethora of knowledge given by an entrepreneurial, expert panel. This years panel, held in New Orleans, included the likes of John Mackey- Co-Founder/Co-CEO of Whole Foods, Johnny Earle-Founder/Head Chef of the quirky, not-a-bakery Johnny Cupcakes stores, Alexa Von Tobel-Founder/CEO of Learnvest.com, Norm Brodsky-Founder Citistorage, Baratunde Thurston-Author on “How To Be Black”, along with many others.
However, the most significant speaker and “THE” Entrepreneur to see was Richard Branson. As he did an interview-style session with Eric Shurenberg Editor-In-Chief Inc., we were enthralled, intrigued, and motivated by his words of wisdom on his beginnings, his failures, his philosophy of his own businesses, and giving back. Sir Richard shared that you do not have to have any money to start a business, the biggest asset of any business is the people, and his philosophy is to have FUN!!!!!! The most anticipated part was the Q & A and the thought of being able to have a conversation with the coolest guy on the planet. Well, I wanted more than a conversation, I wanted a photo. I was the second person chosen to ask a question and when my turn came, I confidently spoke believing I would get my wish. I kept thinking of one of Sir Richard’s sayings, “Screw it, Just do it” (which I am glad I did and didn’t listen to staff that said I probably wouldn’t get what I was going to ask for, I mean who knows when I would have another opportunity and it was staring me in the face) and I proceeded to ask my question; “Hi, my name is Michelle Esposito and I live in South Florida. My best friend does the PR for the British Virgin Islands. She has met you several times and has a photo with you. My question is ‘Can I get MY photo with you?’” To my avail, he smiled and waved me forward so I went running and smiling, while everyone watched in amazement. As I stepped on stage, we posed for the camera and the next thing I knew I was surprisingly in Richard Branson’s arms. According to Steve Nudelberg, he had picked me up and posed for the room like I was the prize!
Good thing I listened to my gut and followed my passion,which are two of the most important characteristics of a successful entrepreneur.
So, what is LinkedIn? And how does one use it?
Posted by John | Filed under Uncategorized
The folks from LinkedIn answer that question in this video:
Happy Thanksgiving
Posted by John | Filed under Uncategorized
From your friends at On The Ball!
How Apple and Google have changed the Social world
Posted by John | Filed under Uncategorized
Twitter and Facebook are widely known as the “leader” of the social media world. Almost everyone you meet will say “look me up on facebook” or “follow me on twitter”.
However the social media platforms have always been more of a PC way of communicating. Think back for a minute, were you on your Nokia black and white text phone sharing on facebook?
As far back as I can remember there was not much on your cell phone. At one time it was huge to have text messaging on your cell. However, that changed and with it came a whole new approach to social media.
Apple introduced the iPhone, a machine which allowed you to do more than just text, call or make instant messages. This is the first phone to have a desktop class web browser. Now, you can “tweet” about an event that was happening in front of you rather than snap a picture and post it when you get home. You can add that person who you’re sitting next to on facebook and instantly learn everything about them.
A huge change in how we did things occurred after Apple’s iPhone. The invention of Foursquare, an application built off being mobile, allowing you to “check in” at local establishments. Eventually this turned into a full blow business model for these establishments by offering coupons for checking in or becoming the Mayor of the place for the most check ins. (When you check in at an establishment frequently during a month and you acquire the most check ins, you’ll become the Mayor of that establishment on Foursquare.)
Of course other cell phone companies attempted to copy this concept Apple introduced, but the only one who stuck out was Google. They created the Android operating system, a system that is similar to windows programming. Android allows phone companies to build off this operating system, creating major competitors to the iPhone such as the HTC Evo 4g (Sprint)/HTC Thunderbolt (Verizon) and the Motorola Droid.
Both systems are similar and different depending on how you like your phone to act but, they both open the channel for instant online communications. Applications are being built on a daily basis for instant mobile communications through the web.
Just a few years ago text messaging was the biggest option for your cell phone. Now there are millions of options with Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and Foursquare being the largest used applications. Social media will never be the same. You don’t have to go home on your pc, just post with your phone. Truth is, instant mobile communication is on the verge of becoming the largest form of online communication in the world.
So enjoy that tweet about the bird sitting in a tree or that new friend you’ve added at the bar, but remember to give thanks to the pioneers who opened the door.
Linkedin…A powerful tool for you
Posted by John | Filed under Uncategorized
On The Ball is working hard to help their client’s learn the ever growing ever amazing linkedin. Team members have been teaching clients about the ways to set up their profile, connections, engagements and learning how to do the six degrees of separation with warm leads. Here we will share some of that valuable information with you as well. Remember, this is only a small amount of details. If you want to learn more or help increase your business potential, contact On The Ball as soon as possible. We will help get you “On The Ball” with linkedin and many other digital marketing media tools.
- Profiles: As many understand, a profile is your first main key for connecting clients to who you are and what you do. When you set up your profile for the first time, always be sure the information is the most up-to-date and the content makes sense when you read it to yourself. When a client goes to your profile for information on your company and you have missing details or incorrectly worded information, they are more than likely going to move on to another business.
- Connections: Part of connecting to people in the social media world is connecting with them online. Sure you can search for the type of cliental or business people you want to be associated with, but there are secrets to using that search tool to get the exact people you want. Remember to always make your connects meaningful. It is not a numbers game!
- Six degree separation with warm leads: Do you know how to contact the CEO of Anheuser Busch? Well, when you train with On The Ball we specialize in getting you the correct knowledge of linkedin’s professional connection system, where within six steps, you’ll be talking directly to that CEO or whomever without the heavy red tape. That makes a huge difference in your business succeeding and falling behind.
On The Ball stands behind its clients, teaching, strengthening and helping them prosper. If your business could use the help of Linkedin, or many other types of social media connections, contact On The Ball and let us help you get your “home run” in the digital marketing era.
Creativeness Is Everywhere
Posted by John | Filed under Uncategorized
It is just unbelievable the things you can do with communicating. Below are some photos of buses where the idea has been painted on the bus in the way that makes it feel like it’s happening right at this moment. Take a look and see what you can conclude from these images.
Truth is, working in this style can really lead to new ideas. It really gets you thinking as you imagine the photo on the buses to be real.
Photo Sharing
Posted by John | Filed under Uncategorized
It takes more than two to Tweetup
Posted by Jonathan | Filed under Uncategorized
So what is a Tweetup? It is a gathering of Twitter users in one location. The original concept came about as a way for Twitter users who never met in real life to connect offline.
On the Ball has recently helped several of our clients host their own Tweetups. By inviting influential Twitter users to their venue and offering them a fun experience, they have made a name for their businesses online. Here are two examples of what we did for the Florida Panthers Hockey Team, and the Miami Comic-Con:
On Saturday January 15th, twenty six of South Florida’s most influential Twitter users joined us for the inaugural Panthers Tweetup. Guests met on the JetBlue tarmac at 6:00pm, where they check-in and were given “Panthers Tweetup” t-shirts. The group was then escorted to the Everglades room inside BankAtlantic Center for introductions. They were then visited by the Panthers Ice Dancers and Stanley. The guests then broke up into three groups of ten. Each group visited section 2 in the lower bowl, the ADT Club, and the press box for one period. Following the game, the three groups reunited in the Everglades room. As a surprise, guests were given prizes for: the best tweet in the lower bowl, the best tweet in the ADT Club, the best tweet in the press box, the best picture posted to Twitter, and the best video posted to Twitter. The rest of the guests were given goodie bags. Following the gifts, guests were invited to take slap shots on the ice.
On Saturday February 26th, approximately 25 of South Florida’s most influential Twitter users joined us for the inaugural Comic Con Tweetup. The guests met on the red carpet at 9:00am, where they checked-in and were given press passes. After seeing various celebrities and entertainers, the group was then escorted to the Green Room to meet half a dozen celebrities. The guests enjoyed breakfast in Green Room before breaking up into individual groups to tour Comic Con. Complimentary passes and a breakfast were given to the guests. Most of the Tweetup guests purchased lunch, drawings, autographs, photographs, and memorabilia during the Miami Comic Con Tweetup.
Between these two events, On the Ball was able to generate over 600,000 impressions and over 500 tweets about their brands.
OTB Locker Room: Meet Some of Our Star Players!
Posted by Andrea | Filed under Uncategorized
Meet Sandy Goldman, Director of Marketing
Sandy handles marketing activities and business development for On the Ball, as well as client management for a variety of clients. He has over 20 years of experience guiding business development, branding, internet and marketing.
Previously, Sandy was VP of Global Marketing for Money4Gold, helping the public company grow from zero to $29 million in sales its first year via DRTV and the internet. He has also held senior management positions at The Trump Institute, SkyMall, Turner Broadcasting and Actmedia.
Meet Kathleen Bernard, Senior Account Director
Since jumping into the industry over 6 years ago, Kathleen has developed and maintained a passion for marketing and client relations. Driving results through the development and implementation of strategic planning is Kathleen’s primary focus as Sr. Account Director at On the Ball.
Through the years, she has developed a strong foundation and understanding of what it truly means to service clients with the highest care and concern for growing their business. In turn, she’s developed proficient oral and written communication skills, and strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Kathleen’s co-workers and clients rely on her strong project management and account service skills in order to meet overarching brand and business goals.
Her history has given Kathleen the opportunity to work with a variety of brands including: Imax, BankAtlantic Center, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Business Development Board of Palm Beach, HearUSA, Lynn University, Max Planck Florida Institute and Bal Harbour Stores.
Meet Alex Chinsky, Brand Strategist
Alex joined On the Ball in February as a Brand Strategist and member of the client services team. Prior to working at On the Ball, Alex worked as a project coordinator at Livingston Builders, a high-end construction company in Palm Beach. In this position Alex was responsible for managing all aspects of construction projects, from plans to execution and also managing client relationships.
Previously, Alex has held numerous positions in legislative affairs, including working at Morford Drulis Associates and for the State of New Jersey General Assembly. Within these positions, her responsibilities are focused on communications, constituency issues, and media output.
Alex attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies and Political Science. After graduating in the spring of 2009, Alex received a scholarship from Oklahoma State University to pursue her Master’s degree in Political Science. While studying at Oklahoma State, Alex was also a Research Assistant and an Instructor of American Government classes. Alex will graduate in May 2011 with a focus in American Politics, with specializations in political participation, socialization, and social media communication.
OTB is Drinking the “Cool-Aid!”
Posted by Andrea | Filed under Uncategorized
Since the establishment of the eyelash growth category, many cosmetics companies have been bringing non-prescription alternatives to Latisse to the market. In 2009, OTB Principal Steve Nudelberg and partners Byron Dennis and David Lucoff formed PureSuasion, Inc, a company with well established principles and a passion for developing new products in the professional beauty industry. Built upon a solid philosophy of delivering excellent results in a healthy fashion, PureSuasion has seen great success and continues to stand out in a hot category. The company is operated in-house at OTB with an external product innovations team. Entrepreneurs at heart, Steve, Byron, & David along with their team enjoy working with organizations that are hungry to grow and succeed, much like them! The good news: in the past 18 months, the company has made a significant market impression and is experiencing substantial growth! Right-on, team!
With the introduction of its first product, Cilea Lash in late 2009, PureSuasion has differentiated itself as being one of the top two companies distributing a product that is scientifically proven to grow and thicken eyelashes and eyebrows. Through rigorous clinical trials conducted by AMA laboratories, the product is proven to be safe and effective at increasing length and density by 83% in just 4 weeks! More so, Cilea is the only product made with all-natural ingredients, has no reported risk of side effects, works in less time and retails for half the price! The product is the perfect choice for today’s beauty consumer seeking sexier, fuller, more beautiful lashes. The secret? A revolutionary blend of proteins, B vitamins, and natural extracts working to condition and fortify the junction where eyelash growth occurs.
PureSuasion is fully engaged in a breakthrough marketing program for Cilea utilizing social media and various distribution channels to spread the word about the product and “plump” up the crowd! “We love interacting with our fans and customers directly, and social media provides a dynamic real-time channel through which we can do that,” said Byron. Perhaps the most influential move was bringing Vicki Gunvalson, star of Bravo TV’s “The Real Housewives of Orange County”, on board as VP of product development. A remarkable businesswoman and firm believer in Cilea, Vicki empowers women to feel confident in who they are and reminds them that looking fabulous doesn’t have to be expensive! She embodies the target market and the brand with intelligence, sophistication, fashion sense, and ambition. Being an actual user of the product and seeing incredible results, she passionately raves about Cilea on the show (season 6 premiered on March 6th), makes promotional appearances, and has an impressive social media following. In addition to Vicki’s contributions, Cilea has a growing fan base on Twitter and Facebook and the blog and YouTube channel are updated regularly with content that appeals to the audience. Currently, Cilea is being distributed on 5 major airlines and in salons, spas, and physicians offices nationwide.
Stay up to date with the latest Cilea talk & trends: Follow @CileaLash on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook! For more information please visit www.cilealash.com.
