StoryTeller Media & Communications | Public Relations | Marketing | Video Production
Minneapolis/St. Paul Marketing and PR agency and video production company|StoryTeller
Archive for April, 2009
Social Media Listening is Good for Your Business
About a year ago, I was interested in measuring satisfaction levels of a customer group. My hunch was that our client was underperforming in meeting the expectations of their customers. In an effort to create a baseline by which we could measure future progress I suggested we conduct a survey to see what their customers thought about their return on investment. My client was opposed to the idea of the survey and stunned me when he said, “I always say, never do a survey unless you really want to know what people think.” Let me reiterate, “never do a survey unless you really want to know what people think.” Can you stand it?
One Shining Moment is Always a Winner
When I first started StoryTeller four years ago, I thought, “wouldn’t it be cool to produce ‘One Shining Moment’ type videos?” Obviously, we went in a slightly different direction, but ultimately, what I appreciate most about this annual montage of NCAA Tournament moments is what I love about our work. It makes you feel something. Every time, year after year, the CBS piece that closes out their coverage of March Madness, practically brings me to tears.
Online Video is Exploding, but Don’t Let Yours Blow Up
At the start of the year a number of interactive media sources predicted a significant jump in online video viewership. One publication stated, “2009 is the year online video will explode.” We are seeing this come true and that’s good news for those of us who are in this business, but there are warnings.
Cyclists Gear up for Road Construction Season
A new season is upon Minnesota: road contruction. This year, with traffic snarled due to I-35 construction, local bike retailers expect to see an increase in customers looking to outfit their bikes for commuting.
Pat Sorenson, owner of Penn Cycle, is ready for the influx in two-wheeled commuters. “Last summer’s gas prices got more people on their bikes,” he said. “We expect that this year’s major road construction – combined with concerns about the economy – will generate even more interest in biking to work.”
To help its customers navigate around the spring and summer construction, Penn Cycle is giving its customers free maps that show quicker routes in and out of downtown. Sorenson also expects to see an uptick in maintenance checks as people get ready to ride again.
“It’s important to have bikes serviced after being stored away for the winter,” Sorenson said. “Everything from tires, rims and spokes to bearings and pedals should be checked to ensure a safe ride.”
Gearing Up
In addition to having bikes in proper working order, the right gear can make the cycling commute much more enjoyable. Penn Cycle recommends the following products that allow for a safer, smoother ride.
- A new line of bags, called Detour Bags, feature a rubber bottom, allowing the bags to stand up. Great for biking to work or for trips to the store.
- For the early morning or late evening commuter, nothing’s more important than lighting. Two new products – the Blackburn Flea Lights and NiteRider MiNewt Commuter Light – are rechargable, super bright and high quality. In fact, the Blackburn Flea Lights can be fully recharged from seemingly old batteries around the house.
- For confident riding in all conditions, the Bontrager Hardcase Tires feature all the grip a rider needs as well as triple puncture protection, so commuters can spend more time riding and less time on the side of the road.