Monday's Morning Java | Daniel Monday on Marketing, Media and Life

Knoxville, TN: America's Best Business Address

2010-01-31T17:37:00.004-05:00

I'm excited to be living and working in Knoxville, TN, a city poised to become America's Best Business Address. This initiative is being led by the Knoxville Chamber, of which our company, Slamdot, is a member. I think the concept is great, and I know it's possible. I also think it can happen somewhat quickly, given the natural beauty of the area, it's centralized location at the crossroads of major Interstates connecting a majority of the U.S. population within a day's drive, and the excellent resources, from Oak Ridge to the University of Tennessee, along with the presence of many large companies such as Pilot, Bandit Lites, Regal Entertainment, Bush Brothers, Sea Ray Boats, TVA, HGTV and so on.

The focus is on broad issues like infrastructure, transportation and more, along with tools to help businesses diagnose, analyze and find resources for inefficiencies or possible fallacies in multiple areas, from accounting and marketing, to technology and HR. If these are all improved drastically, along with education in the area, then we can easily become a top location for businesses and families to relocate and grow. There are signs and existing proof that we're already in progress towards that goal, and have been for a few years now.

Get engaged and involved by joining the Knoxville Chamber Facebook Fan Page as a fan, and following Knoxville Chamber's Twitter updates.

Good luck Knoxville!

Great Tips for Cutting HVAC Costs and Saving Energy from Rocky Top Air

2010-01-30T15:06:00.003-05:00

One of our good customers, Rocky Top Air, is a Knoxville heating and air company that provides a lot of great money-saving tips and advice for cutting your winter heating costs and helping save energy. If you own a home and want to maintain your HVAC system, keeping it working year-round and getting the maximum value from it, then I would highly recommend their Rocky Top Club program. This is a no-brainer for all the benefits you receive at such a low price. The quality of your indoor air, and the necessity of heating and cooling from season to season, definitely requires that you get regular check-ups and take the necessary steps on your own to get the most out of your system. Or determine if you simply need to replace old equipment!

The Rocky Top Air blog is a great resource, from learning about programmable thermostats to the reasons why a humidifier might be good for your home.

I would definitely use their website to learn all you can, and call them when you have a need for anything related to your home or business' indoor air!

New Slamdot Website Launched!

2010-01-16T17:22:00.004-05:00

To kick 2010 off right, we recently launched the new Slamdot website, with focus on our company, our website design packages and our painless web hosting. We look forward to using the new website to make it easier than ever to stay connected with us and provide our customers with more resources and expertise.

We appreciate the support of our friends, family and clients over the last 4 years, and look forward to a great 2010!

Turn Signals Are Not An Options Package

2009-05-09T13:44:00.003-04:00

The lack of turn signal use by other drivers has always bugged me, but 3 identical incidents at the same intersection coming out of my neighborhood in the last 3 days prompted me to write something about it.

First of all, turn signals are not optional on a vehicle these days. You cannot request the model without them, because that model never came off the manufacturer's assembly line. Why do you think a standard dirt bike isn't "street legal"? Because it doesn't come with turn signals, among other things. So, anyone who thinks they're optional equipment, they're not.

Secondly, why aren't they optional? Because with so many cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, XUVs, hybrids, motorcycles, mopeds, tricycles, semis, and other vehicles on the roads today, we all need to be aware of what the next person over plans on doing. Turn signals were not installed on vehicles for our pleasure or enhanced driving experience, they were installed to safely alert other drivers of your intention so they can make wise decisions while on the road.

It's common sense - the hundreds and thousands of drivers around you need to know what your next move is so they can plan their next move accordingly, otherwise we get stupid, avoidable accidents occurring left and right.

So, I implore those of you who fail to use turn signals, and use them properly, to start doing so. Consider it the next time someone pulls out in front of you and cuts you off, or randomly turns off a highway when you're not expecting it and you have to slam on your brakes, or, what happened to me lately: you're waiting to make a turn, and an oncoming car plans on turning down the same street but never signals so you have to wait that much longer when you could have been halfway up the street.

Boy do I welcome comments on this one if you've got 'em.

Slamdot Founder Wins Young Entrepreneur of Year Award

2009-05-02T15:55:00.005-04:00

Sean Christman, founder, owner and CEO of Slamdot, Inc., won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Knoxville Chamber Pinnacle Business Awards.

Sean started Slamdot back in 2005, when he got back in touch with me to join him in the venture. In 2007 we made the move to Knoxville where Slamdot would call home. We've experienced tremendous growth in the last two years thanks to Sean's leadership and look forward to hitting many more milestones throughout the coming years. In addition to web hosting, we also provide out-of-box website packages for small to mid-sized businesses who want a full-featured, yet cost-effective web presence using the latest standards.

Share the Road

2009-02-14T18:39:00.005-05:00

Ok, I've been wanting to rant (briefly) about this for some time. A recent incident finally ignited the spark to do so. It has to do with bicyclists and the concept of "sharing the road." Let me explain.

Bicyclists, that is, true "hardcore" bicyclists who are decked out head to toe and have a bike with the same look, would like those who drive cars to "Share the Road" with them. That's fine, since it's obviously legal to ride a bike directly on the street as you would a car. However, the bicycle enthusiast who commutes regularly in this fashion needs to follow the same laws and rules as someone driving a car, and therein lies the issue: many of them have no concern for traffic laws.

So, the bicycle rider wants us car drivers to obey all traffic laws while treating them as fellow [equal] users of the roadways. Yet, I always see people riding bikes on the street who get to a red light, then proceed to run it! So, us cars have to sit and wait, although "the coast may be clear," while someone riding a bike is above the law and can keep right on pedaling through the intersection. To reiterate with a scenario: we've cautiously passed a bicycle, only to approach a red light shortly after where the bicycle comes pedaling up alongside, and even ahead, of us to the traffic light. And then they continue going if there are no other cars (or bikes) coming. After a short wait we get the green light, and have to pass them yet again.

Any thoughts on this? It doesn't make sense for us to treat bicyclists as equals on the roads while we obey all traffic laws, and for them to do as they please, when they please, without regard for the laws that affect us - BOTH of us.

I welcome your comments on both sides! That's my rant, and I'm sticking to it! Of course, until someone can argue against it and put my mind at ease ; )

Slamdot article in local Knoxville paper

2009-01-25T22:30:00.002-05:00

Our company, Slamdot, was recently published in a local Knoxville community newspaper called Shopper News Now. It's our first local press coverage, and we're thrilled to have had the publisher on the newspaper write this article up about us! Please check out the article in PDF format online.

Slamdot launches SlamdotSites.com

2009-01-21T22:02:00.003-05:00

Our company, Slamdot, has launched a new website for our web design packages called www.SlamdotSites.com. These packages are affordably-priced for the small to mid-sized business, with a quick turnaround, lots of features, clean layouts and everything a business needs for their website to effectively bring in additional business online.

You can view some examples, take a look at a brief features list and read a few testimonials. Please take a minute to visit the new web page and contact us if you're interested in a web presence for your business or organization!

On Twitter Now

2008-11-18T23:54:00.004-05:00

I haven't posted here in just under a year. That's terrible. Fortunately, I have something worthy of sharing. I'm now on Twitter! The bad news? Haven't quite taken advantage of my account and really immersed myself in it. One day, I'll be a blogging, twittering machine, though, just wait and see.

In the meantime, follow me on Twitter so when I do say something it won't be missed!

Oh, and Go Heels!

Great Radio Ad for Buckley's

2007-11-28T12:18:00.000-05:00

I heard one of the best radio ads in a long time yesterday, and it was for Buckley's Cough Syrup. I can't remember it word for word, but the concept was plain as day, and brilliant from a marketing standpoint.

Basically a guy calls up what equates to the "Buckley's Customer Service Center," and starts complaining about how awful the cough syrup tasted, likening it to all kinds of disgusting things. The support person agrees, and fully acknowledges it. She said that their cough syrup certainly does taste horrible. Then she asks the man about his cough, to which he replies he hasn't coughed since he took the medicine. Point made.

This is a classic example of great branding, because the company explicitly says that it's cough medicine isn't supposed to taste good or even "not that bad," but that it tastes extremely awful. However, the point of the medicine is to stop your cough, not taste good. So they demonstrate that perfectly with this ad, and with their entire campaign. They have television spots, too. They even have a Buckley's MySpace page that, although I'm not a fan of MySpace, was executed fairly well.

I will definitely keep this brand in mind the next time I get sick and have a bad cough. I just have to see how bad it really tastes! And also see if it works!

New Social Network That Pays

2007-10-03T23:53:00.001-04:00

Alright, so how about this for a concept?

A social network is created and is built around paying its users for the activity they generate on the website. They make money from advertising, and advertisers spend money for all the users they're reaching and the clicking around that they're doing, so why not share that ad revenue with the users at the end of the day? I think they're on to something here.

What company is doing this? Well, it's called Yuwie, and the growth it's experiencing right now is phenomenal, considering it just launched back in May and it's still in beta.

Check out the cool videos explaining how it works, then sign up and try it for yourself. If you sign up after clicking on that link then you will automatically be added as my friend. Visit www.justyuwie.com to check it out.

There is much more to come regarding this social network, and you can only expect good things!

New eBay Ads

2007-09-19T09:56:00.001-04:00

I must say that I really like new TV commercials for eBay, and the overall message they're sending. They really positioning the online auction site as a competitive shopping destination.

The idea is that with other e-commerce sites, you're just picking out something and buying it outright. Where's the fun in that?? Why not compete against others for the bid to purchase something, and win it in the final moments. In the end, you're "Shopping Victoriously," as the new commercials put it. Quite frankly, buying items through an auction is simply competing against others for the goal of ownership. What a great way to differentiate.

I know the next time I'm in need of competing with someone else to spend my money, I will end up on eBay. See you there, too...and may the best bidder win!

Wal-Mart's Tagline Refreshed

2007-09-12T22:56:00.000-04:00

I just saw this short snippet from Brandweek about Wal-Mart dropping its "Always Low Prices" slogan in lieu of the new "Save Money. Live Better." I believe they're trying not only to improve their overall image, but creep into Target's brand territory by claiming both low prices and high quality. I think it will take some getting used, with heavy advertising and marketing behind the revamped slogan, but I give them credit for making the change and understand why it was done. Now if only the store experience could be improved! More at Yahoo!

Reactivating the Knoxville Carolina Club

2007-08-31T10:25:00.001-04:00

Since I've recently moved to Knoxville, I attempted to contact the acting chair of the Knoxville Carolina Club to get more details. Unfortunately, the local Carolina alumni club for Knoxville has faded and is no longer active.

So, I took it upon myself to reactivate the Knoxville Carolina Club, and hope to make it as successful as ever. We've officially come out of dormancy with myself at the helm, but it may take a little time to build up a strong foundation of members and start planning some nice events in the area. I will post updates here on my/our progress!

Slamdot Reviewed by Dev Shed

2007-07-18T15:46:00.000-04:00

Our web hosting company, Slamdot, was recently reviewed by Terri Wells of Dev Shed. We truly appreciate their interest in what we're doing. Check it out!

CareerBuilder with Wieden & Kennedy now

2007-06-04T14:44:00.000-04:00

As a follow-up to my previous post, CareerBuilder has chosen Wieden & Kennedy for it's $60 mil creative account, according to a recent Ad Age article. I'm happy for Wieden, but hope that CareerBuilder doesn't judge the work they do based on a one-time viewer's poll without looking at actual results. I guess we'll have to wait until Super Bowl XLII...

"24" will be back!

2007-05-18T13:32:00.000-04:00

As the season six finale of Fox's 24 approaches, it's been announced that the show will be back for two more seasons through 2009. To me, and countless others, this is great news. I was having doubts that the show would be back, but now I can relax. Considering this is the only TV show I watch regularly, I'm a pretty happy camper. The 24 website has more if you're interested in the series.

"Cavemen" Airing on ABC This Fall

2007-05-16T12:59:00.000-04:00

It's been decided. The sitcom that was in the works about the Geico Cavemen has been picked up by ABC to debut this fall. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I can't wait to see what they do with it. Something tells me it will be well-liked, but that's only my personal speculation. The Richmond Times-Dispatch's inRich.com story has more.

New Company, New City

2007-04-11T13:10:00.000-04:00

In the month since my last post, I have started full time with a web hosting company called Slamdot, and, as of this past Monday, I have moved to Knoxville, TN, because of it. I'm excited about the opportunity and the new city.

I hope this new career in technology and the Internet will allow me to post more regularly than I have been. Any ideas on how to get into the habit of consistent posting would be appreciated, as I'm still very new to the scene.

Loyalty Done Right At Sprint-Nextel

2007-03-13T23:19:00.000-04:00

When I called recently to take advantage of a special 15% discount on my Sprint-Nextel bill, I also found that I was eligible for an automatic 10% discount on my monthly bill and a $150 credit towards a new phone just for being a loyal customer!

Sweet deal to me. I've had great service and support since I've been with them, and I definitely need a new phone, so now I can keep them for a while longer and get 10% off my regular monthly bill, and finally upgrade from my 2003 phone (yikes!).

Voicemail to Text with SimulScribe

2007-03-10T11:27:00.000-05:00

As I was reading the latest print version of Business 2.0, I jumped back in amazement as I read about SimulScribe, which takes voicemails and turns them into text, in "The Next Net 25" feature. Ok, I didn't "jump back" (does anyone literally do that?), but I did have a "HOLY COW!" moment. The reason? I had thought of this idea exactly one year ago; I even remember it was this day, March 10, because I was out watching the ACC basketball tournament that night when I thought about it.

That evening, I had received a hilarous voicemail from a friend of mine, and thought, wouldn't it be cool to save priceless voicemail messages in a text format, as a sort of keepsake? It was more of a B2C idea than B2B. When I got home I jotted it down as one of my [only] "million-dollar ideas." Sure enough, this company is getting $5 million in funding for the idea and the business they've developed around it. Congrats to the founders, James Siminoff and Mark Dillon, as well as Jess Wachtel. Good luck guys!

A Geico Caveman Sitcom: Genius

2007-03-05T13:45:00.000-05:00

Ad Age reports that The Martin Agency is in talks with ABC to run a pilot sitcom about the Cavemen icons that Geico has made famous. As a huge fan of the cavemen commercials, I can't wait to see how they transition from the 30-second spot to the 30-minute show. The "Cavemen" sitcom would be a great way to extend the brand and break through existing ad clutter.

Even if this doesn't pan out well on regular broadcast television, there is a great opportunity online with the broadband video surge, and companies creating a market for it like YouTube. Or, they could create their own web content portal like Anheuser-Busch's Bud.tv.

Regardless, I love the ads because they use humor while effectively conveying the brand message - Geico insurance is easy. And there is a huge following, with a lot of buzz around the cavemen, including the website for Caveman's Crib.

I recently made a conscious effort to track down the song from the airport spot when the caveman, Joe Dyton, was going past the Geico ad on the moving floor. The tune, Royksopp's "Remind Me", got stuck in my head and I had to get it. So personally, this campaign makes me want more; I'm always hoping to see the next "episode" in the series of ads, and hopefully now there will be full-length episodes that are just as entertaining...and valuable.

How To Not Measure Super Bowl Ad Success

2007-02-23T18:31:00.000-05:00

It's CareerBuilder vs. USA Today Viewer's Poll. The victor? The poll, of course. Why wouldn't it be? It's probably the greatest measure of advertising success ever created, right?

Ok, let's put sarcasm aside for a moment. A recent Ad Age story confirmed that CareerBuilder is going into an agency review as Cramer-Krasselt has resigned the account after the "disappointing" Super Bowl advertising that CB is claiming. Although, it's a little naive to think that being in the top 10 most liked ad spots for the Super Bowl equals advertising success. I would look at that metric last. What do you think?

I think it's bologne, and totally agree with Cramer-Krasselt's president Peter Krivkovich that CareerBuilder's reliance on the USA Today viewer's poll as a measurement of success is plain ludicrous. Adweek has more.

Furthermore, the poll used 238 adult volunteers to weigh in on the ads during the big game. Wait a minute, what if the 238 adults all had jobs? Even more, what if they liked their jobs? Then, they wouldn't give two flips about a commercial aimed at those who ~~hate~~ utterly dislike their jobs and want more from a career. Go figure.

The funny thing is, I remembered the CareerBuilder commercials better than any others. Not only was the message clear, but the humor alone got my attention.

So, it looks like CareerBuilder wants to win a popularity contest instead of having true business success - seems like high school drama to me.

2007 Super Bowl Ads

2007-02-08T21:50:00.000-05:00

AdAdge.com has put all the 2007 Super Bowl ad spots online. They also have the ones from last year. I'm probably late learning about this, but I think it's really nice to be able to go back and watch them. CBS Sportsline also has the Super Bowl commercials, by quarter and by advertiser. Pretty neat.

NCAA March Madness On Demand is Back!

2007-02-07T12:18:00.000-05:00

Yep, when I checked my email this morning I had a message from NCAAsports.com with the same title above, "NCAA March Madness On Demand Is Back For 2007!" You can't even guess how excited I was. That means I can watch all the other NCAA basketball tournament games outside of my viewing area again, online, for FREE! If you're bewildered at this point, check out the March Madness On Demand post from last year. It'll explain my hype.

So, now I can get my VIP pass to have faster access to the games. What a great feeling to be "ahead of the game," so to speak - no pun intended. I'm so glad I signed up to receive their email notification. This proves that there are some emails worth opting in for, if the interest is right up your alley.

Go Heels!