Those of you that read my blog or my twitter stream are probably well aware of my somewhat addiction, okay, perhaps totally legal obsession, with the Zappos way of doing business. I have always been boggled why more companies do not listen to their customers. Maybe it started for me in kindergarten when my teacher said “treat others like you want to be treated.” I think like most things I might have taken that too literally. So when I have a company that is solely focused on getting new customers and not keeping the ones they have, or even worse, not willing to do what the customer so clearly states they want, to get them in the first place, it becomes clear to me that they do not really want to succeed.

Here is where Zappos comes in. Granted they stole my heart back in 2007, which I will write more about in another post, but it was their can do attitude and their willingness to make the customer experience a positive one that has always set them apart from so many. Fast forward to today, when I was beyond thankful to find the new Delivering Happiness book waiting for me at my doorstep. I can’t wait to dig in and read all it’s goodness, and I promise a post as I make my way through.

In the mean time, I came across this presentation from Zappos CEO, and Delivering Happiness author Tony Heish, and wanted to post here to at least get the creative juices flowing in thinking about what you can do today, right here, right now, to bring your customers and your employees happiness.

Starbucks started with one coffee shop in Seattle and created a coffee revolution. But this brand powerhouse did not get to where it is today without some struggles along the way.

Just a few years back Starbucks was scrambling to make sense of how their coffee lost in taste tests over McDonald’s coffee. Than in 2009 they introduced instant coffee called Via, and once again people found themselves a bit skeptical. Whatever their pitfalls have been, they have had great success along the way and built a brand which has become synonymous with the coffee experience.

Utilizing the same approach they did by starting with one single coffee house, they have now created one of the most succesfful brands online with social media. Starbucks has about 7 million fans on Facebook, and regulary uses networks from Twitter, to Foursquare, to YouTube to promote the business. Here is an interview from the Social Media Examiner with Alex Wheeler, Director of Digital Strategy at Starbucks talking about the path to this social media success. One of the most important things to take this interview is how being “scrappy” and rolling with the punches, while thinking fast on their feet has allowed for this success. Social media is growing at such an exponential rate that it can be tough to keep up, it’s key to remember that thinking outside the box and being flexible can make the difference between success and failure. And also, being willing to test the waters as you go.

Starbucks from Michael A. Stelzner on Vimeo.

Facebook has been taking a lot of heat recently for its new privacy issues. Twitter is consistently blowing up with protests and questions about the impact of these privacy issues and the outcome of the choices Facebook has made.

Today an article came out on Mashable about a group of Students at NYU that have raised more than $100,00 to come up with a Facebook alternative. Whatever the outcome, what’s clear is that experts in the social media industry and beginning to take a second look at the future Facebook’s success, but in the mean time Facebook’s success has skyrocketed beyond a level I think many thought was possible. So whats your vote? Do you think we have no worries on privacy and are still willing to partake both personally and professionally? Or maybe you are willing to utilize Facebook for its brand building capabilities but not personally?

Follow me on Twitter to continue the conversation.

Here is a great Infographic from Mashable showing The Facebook Effect.
[Source: Online PhD Programs for MashableMashable.com]

There is a lot that can be said about social media, it’s the hottest topic for everyone from high school kids to Fortune 500 business’. But what is it’s impact? Here is a great video from Mashable showing the impact of social media. Are you surprised? Where do you think it will go next?

Maybe I should start with the sheer fascination I have always had with office products. Growing up I loved the time of the year when we went shopping for schools supplies, the fresh pads of paper, the modern styled pens, everything new and ready for my mind to create.

When I was a junior in high school I spent a semester abroad in England. And here is the thing about going to school in England, I got to buy school supplies in England, and well, simply put… they ROCK! Maybe its the original A4 paper size, or the way that their pens seem so refined. But every single thing about the school supply shopping experience, totally outweighed my arriving at school each day looking like I had just stepped out of the shower drenched from my walk there. I coveted them and when I returned to the States I made sure to bring a bit of a stockpile with me. Ever since then I have scanned small stationary shops here and there with hopes of finding some of those long lost treasures.

So you can imagine my THRILL when I was reading through The Week; we must pause for a moment, as it must be said, this magazine is HANDS DOWN the best weekly out there, all the info you need from the news around the world, from wait for it… the week. I digress, so I am reading through the week and I see toward the back where they suggest up and coming services a company called Moo.com.

full size business cards displayed in their awesome case

Moo is the BRILLIANT printing house that started in where else, England and recently brought their proper printing style to the States.

But its not only their BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE printing quality (they print on 16 point paper and all images are beautifully coated and every person that gets one raves about them), its also their amazing customer service that keeps me coming back for more and referring them any chance I get. Moo is the Zappos brand of printing. From a brand perspective they know how to keep their customers happy and referring. Check out an example of their consistent follow-up emails from Little Moo, the tireless print robot:

“Hello
I’m Little MOO – the bit of software that will be managing your order
with us. It will shortly be sent to Big MOO, our print machine who will
print it for you in the next few days. I’ll let you know when it’s done
and on its way to you.”

And what if there is an issue with your order? Have no fear because Little Moo is here! After ordering a batch of mini cards and receiving confirmation that they were about to be shipped, I got this email:

“Hello Little MOO here again – the bit of software that manages your order with us. We spotted a problem with your order, and because we want to it to be perfect, we’re sending it back to Big MOO to get printed again. We’ll put it at the front of the line, but there will be slight delay before you receive it. Sorry about that.”

But they still send along the box they felt was incorrect so you still get all the ones that may be even a bit imperfect, as seen here:

mini cards for photography business

Moo has the option for uploading up to 100 different images on to the back of either their mini business cards or their full size business cards. I ordered these for my photography business and people love collecting them! AND they come in these awesome boxes that you can totally keep them in for display with “mine” and “yours” tabs to make sure you can keep your favs.

mini cards for client that wanted cloud variety, uploaded via flickr

During a time when companies are cutting back on their marketing and customer service efforts, Moo consistently goes above and beyond. With more and more brands disappointing rather than inspiring, Moo is a brand I am happy to support for everything from their quality of printing, to their customer service, to their effective tireless print robot.

Go Little Moo!

all images jordan benshea photography

If you are local business looking to increase your business, local search is a key part of your marketing strategy.

Part of brand marketing is making sure that your brand is reaching your target audience. In general when people are looking for a service they tend to start with what they know, and what they know is their surrounding area. So whether you are a locksmith looking for new business, a restaurant that serves new cuisine to the area, or a doctor’s office looking to take more patients, local search can give you that extra boost you need.

It may come as no surprise that Google has a great free tool to get your business started with local search. Google Local offers a business center where  you can input your location, description, and contact information. If you are a restaurant and you want to highlight you weekly specials, there is an options for easy updates as well as coupons.

Have fun and enjoy the increased business!

Every week I like to grill chicken on my cast iron pan and have it around for fast and easy meals. These Farmers Market Chicken Baja Tacos are a fast, healthy, and really good go-to-meal.

I simply LOVE Mexican food. Growing up in Southern California I have had the opportunity to experience some really great Mexican food and given the opportunity I will usually chose it over any other cuisine. In general I buy everything I can from the local Farmers Market, and make the rest of the ingredients organic and of the best quality. But when money is tight and you are buying whatever is on sale, the freshness of this meal will be good no matter where you get the ingredients. All the ingredients here are either organic or from the local Farmers Market.

Start by warming up the grilled chicken and tortillas in the in the Toast-R-Oven, quick sidenote – totally use the Toast-R-Oven for everything,  probably something I have inherited from my grandmother who takes one with her wherever she travels. While the chicken and tortillas are warming up, start dicing up the tomato and white onion. Than chop up some cilantro and slice up some avocado. Once the chicken is done chop it up and than simply pile it all on. I like to squeeze between a half to whole lime on top.

Images jordan benshea photography

My brother goes to school thousands of miles away, so I am always keeping my eyes peeled for good recipes that can make the 3 day travel without spoiling. I tried a healthy version of rice krispy treats, but those were not given high scores because they easily crumbled. The favorite recipe right now is my Banana Chocolate Oatmeal muffins.

Please excuse the rusted pan, since I use muffin liners I have a tough time justifying a new one since it works perfectly

The idea for this recipe started from a search for the “Best Banana Muffins” and directed me here to a great start point at All Recipes. From there I used a strategy learned from my mother and mixed and matched from various recipes to get a simple Banana Chocolate Walnut muffins.

But as you can see in the photos here, there are rolling oats on top of the muffins. The feedback recieved was no nuts and to possibly add some oatmeal so the immediate gulping down of five muffins would seem a bit more health. So alas we arrived at the current recipe.

I am happy to report that I think we have hit a jackpot with these and they were thankfully enjoyed in multiples and requested again.

Jordan’s Banana Chocolate Oatmeal Muffins
I use organic ingredients whenever possible.

1 ½ cup all purpose white flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 bananas, mashed
1 egg
⅓ cup butter
¾ cup white sugar
½ cup oats
¾ cup chocolate chips

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line pan with muffin liners for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set to the side.
3. In a larger bowl, combine bananas, sugar, egg, vanilla, and melted butter in a large bowl.
4. Fold in flour mixture, and mix until smooth.
5. Add the chocolate chips and oats, folding them in.
6. Scoop into muffin pans.
7. Bake in preheated oven. Bake mini muffins for 10 to 15 minutes, and large muffins for 25 to 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick and when it comes out clean they are finished.

NUTRITION FACTS
Servings: 16
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 191
Total Fat: 6.41g
Cholesterol: 23mg
Sodium: 187mg
Total Carbs: 30.36g
Dietary Fiber: 1.85g
Sugars: 16.10g
Protein: 3.29g

Images jordan benshea photography

I am very happy to announce the new SkyView Projects website. Offering exceptional brand development and social media specialization, SkyView Projects is focused on giving fresh ideas with direct results.

Marketing your brand efficiently is key to the success of any business, whether you are making widgets, introducing a new product line, promoting a travel website, or looking to make an impact in your community. I have worked with clients near and far and love the process of marketing a good brand by utilizing great content. No more than ever content allows brands to get places they only dreamed of before, between blogs, Facebook pages, and Twitter accounts, getting the word out is the easiest its been, especially if it is done right.

Check out the new site and let me know what you think, and please pass along to your friends and colleagues.

Cheers!

California is known for not having seasons, so when we get a storm it is a big deal. Our local networks stories splash breaking news headlines StormTrack! StormWatch! One of the main benefits to the California storms are the increased wave size, making it a surfers dreams. Since storm are so rare here, I try to make an effort to get out and take some shots while we are on.. STORMWATCH! These images are from Malibu and Ventura:

Images jordan benshea photography

You can view the whole set here.