Tabby Kokoska Author Bio & Tendenci Blog Posts | Tendenci - The Open Source AMS for Non-Profits & Associations

2012-08-31

Friday Fun! Get to Know Steve the Bear

Steve Schipul Polar Bear — Meet Steve – Schipul’s Resident Polar Bear

If you’ve perused the Schipul staff page, you may have noticed some nonhuman Schipulites in the mix. One of those such team members is Steve the Polar Bear.

Get to Know Steve!

Schipul’s unofficial mascot is the Polar Bear. And when former Operations Manager April Kyle (now April Nassi!) was looking for a visual reminder to set on someone’s desk when it is their turn to take kitchen duty – she followed suit and purchased a stuffed polar bear and named him Steve.

He has been a part of the Schipul tribe ever since.

Steve’s Many Outfits

In true Schipul fashion, we want to make sure Steve is taken care of in his time here with us. It is my duty (and privilege) to keep up with Steve & maintain his growing wardrobe, which over the years has grown to include outfits for summer, Christmas, business meetings, and of course Halloween.

Steve Schipul Polar Bear - Steve's Wardbrobe — Steve’s Wardrobe!

Steve Schipul Polar Bear - Golfing — Steve Ready for a Round of Golf

Steve’s Newest Outfit

Steve’s newest outfit is a special one. Schipul is about to celebrate our fifteenth anniversary as a company! And what is more fitting for a fifteenth birthday than a quinceanera? Appropriately, Steve’s latest frock is a mariachi outfit complete with sombrero and maraca!

2011-04-082014-11-02

Panel Dishes on SXSW at This Month’s Social Media Breakfast

Social Media Breakfast at Canopy Houston

This month’s Social Media Breakfast included a speaker panel of four folks eager to share their thoughts on SXSW interactive this year. Jerald Reichstein of Bouncing Pixes, Javier Fadul of Culture Pilot, Brian Truax of Black Sheep and Schipul’s own Katrina Kokoska all shared their experiences and thoughts on SXSW and the “next big thing” along with event organizer Kami Watson Huyse .

SXSW for Breakfast

Lots was said, the panel switched from speaker to speaker and became very interactive, which was a great way to get different perspectives and address the audience’s question. There were also some great take-a-ways for those of us who could not attend SXSW interactive.

The Next Big Thing

Brian Truax knows that the biggest “next big thing” seems to be the “game layer”. That little nudge given by brands on social media platforms that compels us to take part in a game or content. The game layer can be a very popular tool for customer acquisition and loyalty while simultaneously motivating consumers to act.

Social Media is staying put

All the panelists today agreed that some people think that social media is on its way out (yes, some of you out there think that) and the game layer will take its place. The truth is, however that the game layer is not replacing social media but only building upon it. It’s the next level of social media. The next big thing.

Brands, now, have to become accustomed to behaving within a different type of relationship online.

There is a need for businesses to pivot the direction of a brand or product based on new developments in technology, brands, or consumer needs and wants. This can only keep their brand relevant and in the public eye.

The Core Conversation sessions at SXSW were great, as agreed by some members of today’s panel, but the audience was also heeded to prepare for next year by take a list of things you want to learn. This way, if you aren’t learning them, find people who can answer them for you or stay for Q and A at the end of sessions.

Unfortunately, some companies are finding new ways to use black hat methods to increase conversion. Some facebook ads were used as examples for this.

Social media behavior was also big in today’s Social Media Breakfast. Standard social norms carry over to the social media realm as well and if a person or a business can’t conduct themselves accordingly, it can get awkward.

A company’s attempt humanize themselves in social media platforms can backfire depending on how an interaction was conducted. This is where the “game layer” comes into play. It provides a way for a brand to interact on a fun and casual level with anyone in the social media world.

It was a great panel with best of the best geek-filtered info from SXSW . Javier even brought Ogilvy notes from SXSW for everyone to see, which was awesome bonus. A video of today’s session coming soon, so anyone who couldn’t make it can soak up all the SXSW interactive they can. We’ll keep you posted.

Attend today’s Social Media Breakfast? What were your take-a-ways from the panel?

2011-03-10

Steve Ballmer Speaks at Houston Technology Center Forum

HTC welcomes the CEO of Microsoft!

A gorgeous day downtown, the great folks at Houston Technology Center and guest Steve Ballmer – CEO of Microsoft drew dozens and dozens to Minute Maid Park’s Union Station for today’s Houston Technology Forum.

The Houston Technology Center is known for affording education, insight and more to entrepreneurs needing to climb the ropes to commercialization. The topic of the day, presented by Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, was “Strategic Implications for Houston as a Center for Innovation.”

“The most grand commodity of all is information” – Steve Ballmer

High Tech Talk

Highlights included the path that technology has taken in the last decade and where it’s going in the next. Hand-held devices, resources technology and virtual worlds where business takes place with Avatars were all topics of discussion. The forum mainly, however, focused on informations technology and the important and continuing role it will play on business development in the years to come.

Steve Ballmer also spiced things up wit ha sneak peak of some great Avatar based progra ms for X-Box360 even giving away an X-Box to a lucky attendee at the end of the program.

Hugs to Houston Technology Center

Sheila Whanger did a great job organizing the event and it was wonderful to see Walter Ulrich, President & CEO of Houston Technology Center up on the stage as well. Let’s not also forget the welcoming faces of Downey Bridgwater, Chairman of the Board – HTC and Larry Kellner, Chairman of the Board – Greater Houston Partnership.

It was great, everyone. Thanks so much to HTC!

2011-03-042014-11-02

5 Ways To Convince Your Boss To Buy You An iPad2

Haven’t had the guts to ask your boss for an iPad yet? Wish you had one… um, you know, for work? It would be sweet, right? Well, even if you’re still swooning over smooth display screen and the dozens of other amazing features of the iPad, perhaps it’s better that you’ve held off.

The New iPad2 had been revealed and you have just enough time to convince your most favorite-est boss in the world that it is imperative that you have one for the good of the business. (And it has TWO cameras, just check out the specs!)

So, what’s good, iPad2?

The truth is, smart devices such as the iPad2 are great for many businesses and employees; being connected in the office or on the go makes huge differences in the way we do business. The iPad2 will be available for purchase on March 11th so here’s what you need to know.

1. Knowledge Sharing

Many consumers are huge fans of the iPad already because it is a great learning tool. Students can take notes, download reading material, put together presentations, and stay organized by being able to track project with the ipad. Hey now, doesn’t that sound like it can be used in the office?

Share notes and books/book reading apps
Share and send reports
Put together proposals
Share and distribute training materials
Set up meetings
Take photos
Keep track of opportunities and sales

All are a must if you ask me (or relay to your boss).

2. Takin’ Care of Business

I’ve got one thing to say to you, TCB. Every boss wants multi-tasking employees who can Take Care of Business. The iPad2 is a TCB rock star. Easy to use apple business apps or iWork apps are available from $9.99 each (some apps are free) and let you conduct business from anywhere, even print – all with a touch of your finger from the iPad2 . Want more reasons?

iWork: Pages, Keynote and Numbers applications
Professional: Spreadsheets, Financial Reports, Mock Designs/Sites and Presentations.
Skype: Conduct business meetings or share your screen for training
Media: Video Presentations and stunning graphs, charts, and presentations.
Email: I think we all get the importance of email in today’s work place and lifestyle.
Access: Access documents on your company network and Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync.

3. Staying Connected

What better way to help brand yourself and stay connected to work, clients and networking connections than social media; and with the iPad2, you can do this from anywhere! Respond to client inquiries, concerns or mentions on the internet instantly. Photos and updates on work related news and events can be sent out anytime, anyplace. Social Media connections also allows you to put in virtual facetime with connections as well as personalized correspondence.

Facebook
Twitter
Blogs
iTunes (want to transfer iTunes to the iPad2?)

4. Security

Your boss won’t have to worry about information security once he buys you an ipad2 either. The new iPad2 has great security features that I only wish my laptop or phone came with. Apple’s MobileMe can perform all the security functions you need from one spot.

Find my iPad App
Remote Lock
Remote Wipe

I can’t talk about security without mentioning the gorgeously geeky and functional new iPad2 magnetic cover. This thing is awesome and has more moves than a “Saturday Night Fever” television marathon (which you could watch in HD quality on an iPad2 – just sayin’).

5. Social Objects

Social objects are the reason we correspond, socialize and contact one another. What social objects do you, your boss, clients or audience share?

User Experience Stories and Photos
Quotes
Product Photos
Promotional Materials
Company Brands
Events

Share something socially, build business and create connections (sounds like a job for the iPad2).

Pretty Please?

So, let your boss know that “going forward, in order to put all of your ducks in a row, you’ll need a new iPad2 to help you think outside the box and bring your A-game. The iPad2 is already on his radar so it’s best to push the envelope and get one for you.”

For those with an iPad now, learn How to Transfer your iTunes to from an iPad to the new iPad2!

If logic doesn’t get you an iPad2, you can always try puppy eyes…

Photo thanks to Flickr user iPad_2 and .melanie under the Creative Commons License.

2011-02-24

Yay! Effective Blogging Strategies

JJ’s Top Tips For Blogging

With what seems to be about a gazillion blogs in internet land, how do you ever wonder how they started? Or how each blogger developed a blogging strategy? It can be a bit overwhelming to think about, especially to someone new to the blog world and may be looking for advice.

Schipul’s own JJ Lassberg knows that effective blogging takes strategy, focus and a fundamental knowledge of blogging basics. She has even composed a presentation on “Effective Blogging” for rookies that include her “Lucky 13” blogging tips, blog basics and methods. Check out the entire Slide Show for a really terrific “How-to” on Blogging!

Effective Blogging: Strategy & Top Tips

View more presentations from JJ Lassberg

2011-02-222014-11-02

Can your Blog Benefit from Social Blogmarking?

The world of the internet is an awesome (umâ€¦ and really giant) sharing platform; a way for everyone to share, like or favorite almost anything possible, right? And sharing is an excellent way for products, Websites and brands to gain exposure and increase their company’s following and reputation.

But what if you’re not a large company?

What if you don’t even sell anything? Many companies and personal blogs belong to a certain niche. Gardening. Watercolors. Specialty Pet Food. Business Management Techniques. The most widely used method small niche blogs like these use is social media; and social media takes time. Lots of time if you want to do it well, interact with your followers and build reputation and influence. New bloggers sometimes have a hard time with this.

Here comes Social Blogmarking.

Social blogmarking is exactly what it sounds like. Similar to bookmarking a site, social blogmarking sites allow you to write a post, submit it to a blogmarking site and allows users vote it “up” or “down” or to the front of the page depending on how well they enjoyed the content.

Blogmarking is great for niche websites.

Social blogmarking can be utilized to draw more focused attention to your blog. The traffic you try hard to target through social media may find you on their own through a blogmakring site. It is also a great way to network with other bloggers and explore possible competitors.

Many social blogmarking sites, such as Blogengage and DesignFloat have navigation menus that allow you to search other niches, read and vote. This is not to say at all that social media is better or worse. Social media works amazingly for brand building and connecting to your audience, but takes far more time and dedication than blogmarking.

Personally, I believe good results should come from good, hard work’ so more hours poured into Social Media outlets should return favorable results. Realistically, however, not everyone has just a few extra hours laying around everyday to promote themselves properly.

Social blogmarking in the end…

Using both methods of social media and blogmarking may work well for some. If you have written a blog, share it with Social Media like Facebook or Twitter! Let others spread it across the world for you and shout it from the mountain tops! And while you’re at it, submit it to a social blogmarking site.

I suggest Blockube; so far I’ve found this site to be more stylish and easier to navigate than other blogmarking sites . It’s simple to blogmark your own posts and let others vote on its relevance, content and readability (less of a popularity contest, more focused on content). Also, remember to pay attention to the votes you get; you can use social blogmarking sites to learn what you are doing right or wrong by what kind of votes you receive.

Photo thanks to Flickr users Search Engine People Blog and Chispita_666

2011-02-142014-11-02

Facebook Pages? Fresh & Friendly Tweaks Explained

So, what’s new, Facebook?

It’s no surprise that Facebook has issued another change to the hugely popular social media platform. I admit, I’m usually one of those “resistant to change – don’t touch my facebook layout” types, but I can completely get behind the recent changes Facebook has implemented. Mainly, because it gives Facebook Pages a broader reach, more options and the ability to interact with other pages and some personal users.

Admins Rejoice!

One of the key new features for a Facebook Page will make things a whole lot easier for Page owners and administrators. Basically, facebook page owners will be able to interact in ways previously only personal users could. Facebook Page owners and admins can comment on other pages as the page itself. This will increase Facebook Page interaction with users and allow a Page to make known their existence on Facebook in new ways.

Where before, a Facebook Page seemed to be just an abstract, bureaucratic company posting on various promotions, now Facebook Pages can feature their admins and put a face behind the Facebook Page. This will add depth and a personal touch will add to user interaction. Facebook Page admins will also be able to receive live notifications which will help with real-time interaction .

Page Owners will be able to “like” other pages and view their own news-feed similar to personal user pages. This will make it easier to keep current on what is going on on similar pages, pages of business partners or even competitors.

Photos and Layout. Since the new Facebook Pages layouts are similar to personal user accounts, you’ll notice that photos are at the top. This will prompt an opportunity for page admins to upload photos more often and change the scenery on their Page more often.

Since the layout is different, you’ll notice the “tabs” are now in the left margin. This does make them less noticeable to see, but the tab names will be able to be a bit longer.

Facebook Fan Appreciation

Now, when you look at a Facebook Page for a business and such, the feed automatically defaults to “Everyone”. So, instead of just showing what the Page/Organization has been up to, the new default settings show fan comments and posts as well.

The added variety and noticeable interaction lets other fans see how peers engage with your Facebook Page. High levels of interaction show an organizations efforts to be involved and how users view the organization in turn.

Hmmm…

Overall, adding personal touches to Facebook Pages will ultimately increase a page’s views, fan base and promote user interaction – these are all great things for businesses and I’m happy about the changes.

2011-02-142014-11-02

Schipul Flocks to The Houston Zoo’s Beastly Brunch

A Wonderful, Wild Sunday

Cocktails? Brunch? A live DJ? Awesome animals? Yes, please! This was the set-up for the Houston Zoo’s Beastly Brunch held on Sunday and it was marvelous. The Beastly Brunch and other such events at the Zoo are held by Flock – The Houston Zoo’s Young Supporters Group who do their best to promote public awareness and interest in The Houston Zoo with events such as this one.

Party Animals

The DJ and the reflection pool created a perfect atmosphere for a Sunday brunch and the weather was superb! Cocktail bars, coffee and Sprinkles cupcakes were set up and down the length of the reflection pool with tasty buffet of bruchy eats at the end for everyone to enjoy. My coffee was followed by a bloody mary, a mimosa, croissants, various quiches, fruit and cupcakesâ€¦ that’s right; cupcakes and mimosas at the zoo with a herd of Houston’s animal lovers. Bliss.

Cuddly Critters!

Not only did The Houston Zoo provide an amazing morning of mingling and gnarly nibbles, but they also brought out some adorable critters! I got to meet a chinchilla and a very tiny owl. I’m a sucker for fuzzy and tiny creatures and these guys were just too much cute to handle.

It was a great day…

The Beastly Brunch lasted from 12pm-2pm; so afterward we walked off all the deliciousness with a stroll through the zoo, which is always a delight, waved goodbye to our new animal friends and headed home (sleepy, but excited for the next event at The Houston Zoo).

Kudos to Flock! Want to Join them?

Flock is a group of 21 and up professionals who devote themselves to the growth and success of The Houston Zoo with unique, exciting and educational events throughout the year. It’s easy to join Flock and a membership carries with it awesome privileges including entry to some fantastic shin-digs and exclusive volunteer opportunities.

Thanks, Sponsors!

Also, thank you to the sponsors of The Houston Zoo’s Beastly Brunch! Food, atmosphere and beverages were also provided by the following:

All photos taken by our own Katrina Esco.

2011-02-112014-11-02

Schipul Pops In At The CultureMap Pop-Up Party at FotoFest

Above: Gilbert Garcin, The flight of Icarus(after Leonardo da Vinci),

[L’envol d’Icare (d’apres Leonard de Vinci)], 2005 – FotoFest.org

FotoFest: A Matter of Wit

Last night I had the pleasure of popping into the Culture Map Pop-Up Party at FotoFest. What was all the celebration about? Yesterday was the opening of a great new exhibit at FotoFest: A Matter of Wit. Featuring collective works of Gilbert Garcin, Miro Å volÃk and Colin Blakely, each visitor was surrounded by remarkable visions of whimsy, humor and ability as they navigated through the displays, friendly faces and tasty treats.

Aside gawking at some amazing photography, The Culture Map Pop-up Party at FotoFest also gave me my first taste of sugary goodness from MMMâ€¦Cupcake and an amazing twice-baked potato pocket pie from Oh My! Pocket Pies (which was adorable and delicious). The folks at MMMâ€¦Cupcakes and Oh My! Pocket Pies couldn’t be nicer (and kudos to the pie guys for sticking it out in freezing temperatures).

Another awesome turn up at the Map Pop-up Party at FotoFest was Smile Booth! I got to chat with Josh from Smile Booth and I have to say, it’s probably one of the neatest things I’ve seen out and about in Houston. A superior twist on old school instant film, a high quality instant camera with takes a few photos of you and your friends and print right out; these pictures turn out great and you can view them online the next day (just like the ones from FotoFest)!

Everyone had a blast, but if you missed the Pop-Up Party at FotoFest, don’t worry the exhibit: A Matter of Wit continues through Feb 25th. Thanks to CultureMap, the awesome food vendors, Silver Eagle, FotoFest and everyone who contributed for a great night!

FotoFest: A Matter of Wit | Gilbert Garcin, Miro Å volÃk, Colin Blakely

February 10, 2011 – February 25, 2011
Mon-Wed and Fri, 10am – 5pm, Sat, noon – 5pm,
Late Night Thursdays 10am – 7pm

Want more FotoFest?
Reserve a tour: Jennifer Ward, exhibits@fotofest.org or at 713.223.5522 ext 18.
Information and Visuals: Vinod Hopson, press3@fotofest.org or at (713) 223.5522 ext 26
Literacy Though Photography: Kristin Skarbovig, ltp@fotofest.org or at (713) 223-5522

2011-02-08

The Children’s Museum of Houston is #1 in the Nation!

Really! It’s official! This month, Parent’s Magazine announced that The Children’s Museum of Houston was voted No. 1 in the United States! Way to go and CONGRATULATIONS, Houston Children’s Museum – Everyone is so happy for you all and for Houston. We can’t wait to check out Spring Break at the Museum this year too!

Why The Children’s Museum of Houston is so awesome-

Many Houstonians, the young and the young at heart alike, already know why The Children’s Museum of Houston is such a fun place to learn, interact and play. Founded in 1980, the Museum’s mission is to transform communities through innovative, child-centered learning. The Children’s Museum of Houston is also packed with exhibits bursting with whimsy and fun that engage kids in the ultimate learning experience…plus they just have tons of cool stuff!

Want to Visit The Children’s Museum? You totally Should!

In 2005, with the addition o f another building, The Children’s Museum of Houston added 39,000 square feet of exhibition space and have continued to amaze and wow Houston with cutting-edge displays, child-based learning methods and design and one of the best family experiences any city has to offer. See what The Children’s Museum has going on right now and find out why it’s the best Museum for Children in the entire Nation!

Museum Exhibits -Over 14 galleries of action-packed exhibits and experiences!
Spring Break with The Children’s Museum of Houston –“Rock the Block” 2011 Kicks off March 12.
Mr. O – The Science Guru! – We love Mr. O! He’s got the coolest science projects ever and a really rad blog!
Free Family Nights – Thursdays are free at The Children’s Museum of Houston.

Check out The Children’s Museum of Houston’s own Mr. O!

Static Cling from Children’s Museum of Houston on Vimeo.

Remember – Next time you visit The Children’s Museum of Houston, give everyone a High-Five and a hug for being the best there is at what they do!