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Twitter

4 Reasons I Love Twitter

I’m officially a university graduate now and the day after convocation, the celebration continues: today is my fourth anniversary on Twitter.

That means it’s been four years since I first tweeted “Jewellery is not a toy” after a beaded necklace that I made broke. I still have those grey beads in a ziploc bag. Today, the manager who worked at Toronto’s Bead Cafe is engaged to a family friend. As Twitter reminds us every day, it’s a small world!

To celebrate this exciting occasion, I’ve created a list of 4 reasons I love Twitter:

1. Twitter Contests

Twitter is responsible for helping me win many products and experiences. Contest prizes have included touchscreen gloves from Target Canada, an Aroma gift card, and a Rob Thomas concert DVD. More recently, I won a free hour of bowling from The Ballroom, which I have yet to redeem. The most amazing prize, however, came from MuchMusic, who gave me tickets to see Arcade Fire!

Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire

2. Job Opportunities

To apply for my current marketing role, I submitted links to my social media profiles, not a resume. And like the characters of The Internship, they hired me following an interview on Google+ Hangouts. Social media is a crucial part of the hiring process now and I’m curious to see how the relationship between social media and HR continues evolving. Twitter helps you showcase your industry knowledge and personality, so share your commentary and keep it clean!

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Amber Mac in London

Twitter is one of the best websites around. Without it, I never would’ve connected with Amber Mac.

Why is Amber Mac so special? Well, Tony Robbins explains it best:

For all things social media and technology, Amber Mac’s got you covered. So when I was reading tweets on Wednesday afternoon and Amber posted about a keynote in London the next day, I froze. “London, ON” might as well have been written in bold neon font in caps lock because that’s how much those key words stood out. A few Google searches, emails and direct messages later, I arranged to attend her presentation at London’s annual EDCO conference.

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Behind the Brand: Lenovo

It’s one thing to like an electronics brand on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

It’s quite another to learn about technology trends for the new year.

Name: John Swinimer (@jswinimer)

Position: PR & Communications Manager

Employer: Lenovo

Education: English, York University

Professional role model: John B. Challinor – Director of Corporate Affairs, Nestlé

Describe your favourite part of your job in 140 characters or less:

I’m a tech geek – what’s new and exciting for consumers. I enjoy communicating new ideas and stories. I value relationships with journalists.

How does Lenovo maintain top-of-mind awareness for Canadian consumers?

Lenovo works closely with top computer and electronics retailers to spread the news for consumers. Lenovo also has strong relationships with tech journalists who speak about Lenovo products to educate consumers about their purchases.

Favourite memory of attending the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas:

My favourite memory of CES is rekindling friendships with journalists and making new friends along the way. Bumping into Felicia Day was also pretty cool.

What is the most buzz-worthy product that debuted at CES 2013?

Not to sound too pretentious, the Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon table top PC received a lot of attention from journalists and critics at CES, and it won many awards.

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Behind the Books: Emily Liebert

Name: Emily Liebert

Best Known For: Facebook Fairytales (2010)

Education: B.A. English Language & Literature, Smith College

Current Employment and Projects: Author & TV Personality. Working on second book (first novel) and third book (second novel) set to publish by Penguin in September 2013 and September 2014 respectively. “Type A Mommy” Parenting Expert for GalTime.

Favorite Facebook feature: News Feed—including status updates and photos—I’m a total voyeur.

Professional role model: Jennifer Weiner—brilliant writer with a wicked sense of humor, who speaks her mind on behalf of Women’s Fiction authors (and she live tweets The Bachelor!)

What do you think motivates someone to share a positive story with Facebook? Gratitude

Describe how Facebook has changed your social life in 140 characters or less: It’s a blessing to be able to feel like I’m part of everyone’s lives even though we may not have time to chat on the phone or go to dinner.

How has Facebook helped you professionally? Facebook has been an invaluable asset. I’ve made countless connections which have translated into business achievements. And, through my Facebook fan page, I can share links to articles written about me, articles I write, significant videos, and important news.

Facebook Fairytales begins with an interview with none other than Mark Zuckerberg. How was that arranged?

I was very fortunate in the fact that Facebook agreed to support my book by sharing amazing stories that had been sent in to them by users and by granting me the interview with Mark for the foreword. I could spend a lifetime picking Mark’s brain, but—as you might imagine—he’s a busy guy. So it’s the kind of interview where you need to get in and get out quickly with the information you really need.

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On The Radar: Starbucks

Love struck with a Starbucks barista? You’re in luck! Soon you can show your appreciation (or affection) with a smartphone. Starbucks is rolling out a new digital tipping function for its mobile payment app next summer, as well as through Square for U.S. customers. (Source: CBC)

Starbucks has begun testing 500 sq. ft. drive-thru and walk-up shops run by only a few employees that offer the full Starbucks menu. In an effort to go green, the new LEED-certified coffee shops in the pilot program are hyper local, whereby the design materials are sourced from within a 500-mile radius. The McDonald’s at Richmond and Dundas in London has a walk-up window, but I haven’t seen anyone use it. That said, I’m sure Starbucks’ sophisticated design will make these new venues a nice addition to modern cities. (Source: Fast Company)

Eager to please their most well-known clientele, Starbucks crafted a personalized cup for Demi Lovato by writing her name inside a star resembling her new place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fans pleaded to Starbucks via Twitter, with the hashtag #putdemisnameonastarbuckscup and Starbucks responded, as seen below. Hopefully other patrons didn’t wait longer in line while baristas designed it. (Source: Twitter)