Oh I do like to be beside the seaside

I was thinking about the new season coming up and it seems according to the Emmy’s and who are we to argue with the top designers that the ‘Grecian Look’ is going to be all the rage and that brought me to my next find of the bandage dress or could it be more suited to being called the ‘Band Aid’ look, I guess we could say it’s for a Yummy Mummy!.

Band Aid or is it a Mummie?

The next dress I saw has to take the biscuit, as you know I live 34 floors up and I thought this could come in handy if the rent man comes along and it’s a day when I have just bought  another pair of Jimmy Choo’s. It is in fact a parachute although I think when I hit the ground it might leave me naked could get me in to more trouble!

Fly me to the Moon

I think the next dress has to be my kind of dress, although really this is a head dress, I mean I spend most of my day with my head in the clouds so it’s a perfect fit I guess.

It's all a bit Fuzzy

Yesterday I wore what I consider a bit of a wacky outfit, A bright yellow dress with a pair of leopard leggings and I felt that I kinda fitted in to the New York Fashion pack (I did say kinda!) and then I saw this outfit. I am not to sure about covering the face, but I am sure some would agree it’s a good thing!

Snow Leopard or Sugar Plum Fairy ?

I have to finish my daily fashion finds with the great American flag. I love Red, White & Blue but I think this could have been fitted better. I am not sure Scarlet O’Hara would have ever been the same again in ‘Gone with the Wind’ in this outfit. I think her classic line would have been fitting ‘My, I think I am having a vapour’!

Tomorrow is another Day !

Enjoy….

So after the trauma of trying to understand an application form I ventured out to the office. Big mistake Huge! 93degrees and humidity like no other, I mean how do you describe that you are walking to work wearing cling film or food wrap I have no idea what the Americans call it. Fortunately I had just washed my hair and covered it in a bottle of Hydrating Creme thanks to Hair Rules and my good friend Dickey. I stress this point because otherwise I would have looked like a poodle on Crack! oh and 3 people tweeted me the answer cling film Brits in the US is called Saran Wrap, yep me, too no wiser.

Well anyway I have digressed but I am on Broadway crossing over 37th to 36th when I see parked in the street (Sorry Americans Sidewalk) this window dressers dummy dressed in a glass dress. I thought maybe she was Super Man’s girlfriend and really it was a case of Krypton.

SuperMan's girlfriend in Kryptonite

I really thought I was having sun stroke when I then noticed there was yet another dummy on the street (Sidewalk) and she had a Concrete Brick Dress… that literally takes the biscuit! I mean who can walk in a Brick Dress ?

IS this taking the Biscuit, wearing a House Brick

I am really needing to lay down in a dark room and I really believe that maybe I will be walking myself into the Betty Ford Clinic and saying ‘I give up, help me’ when I walk into Tiger Woods, I mean tell me who walks around New York with his gold clubs? Only Tiger Woods on a mission to find a hole in one! or a man hired by the mafia to take someone out right?

Mom's lock up your daughters Tiger is on the loose

You see I am definitely going to have to call a friend or go 50 - 50 on this one (Americans this is a TV show who wants to be a Millionaire!) me Me ME oh sorry the heat has really finished me off. Is it only 9am, umm therefore no way I can ask the intern to get me a glass of Chardonnay then!

I actually went home at lunchtime and thought it best to work from home in the afternoon because the office really did not believe the morning I had had. For those of you who really do not believe all I say (Actually does anyone anymore?) here is proof that I do work on the balcony.

Working Girl

As the day cooled down I went to meet two New York tweeters that I met of course on Twitter, @tishacakes and @bridalease and we had a couple of cocktails and I told them about my day. I haven’t heard from them since so not sure if they are still trying to call Betty Ford on the bar telephone but Tisha left me with two very lovely birthday cakes, one of which I devoured on the way home, so say no more. Check her out!

The Best tasting birthday cake ever

Before I go I have to tell you about today I met with Celebrity Make Up artist Gregg Hubbard and we went for lunch at the Market Cafe in Hells Kitchen. We talked all lunch and I think my salad even turned warm, he is such a doll and re told me so many secret stories that had me laughing out loud in the restaurant. Especially the one about the celebrity who chased a burglar whilst butt naked over two 10foot walls… Who was that? well that is my secret.

Just because I am worth it he left me with this little goodie bag from Bobbi Brown. Gregg I love you but what do I do with the Bonfire Palette?.

I just love Bobbi Brown

I feel really privileged  to know Dickey he has styled Michelle Obama’s hair, Estelle, SJP and now me!

First Style With Dickey

Well this week we were going to a really big Fashion event in Bryant Park called ‘Picnic in the Park’ with the Accessories Council. They had sent out to various designers a picnic basket and asked them to fill it with goodies. I was so impressed with some of the baskets, by Kate Spade, Nine West, Hair Rules and my good friends at JW Maximal Art who had only put one thing in the basket, but of course it was a Tiara fit for a Princess…. well that would be me then!

John Wind from JW Maximal Art with a Princess

Slightly suntanned looking I felt that my new Body Con dress did not look too bad especially as it was cream, what do you think?

Anyway I bid on lots of the baskets as all the designers had nominated a charity for the monies raised to go to. I thought that was great as they were all different and therefore lots of charities would get something. Unfortunately I did not bid enough on any of the baskets but it was a great evening and a great cause.

Here is a lovely picture with izzi and I think it is the first time I have looked at a piccie and felt we look totally healthy and relaxed in a while. (Shame I did not move my arm so you could see my Ostrich Skin Tigi Bag)

Anne Agoren & izzi

The week just became busier and I got a little sad as our intern Casey left us on Friday I am truly not sure what we will do without her sense of humour and willingness to do anything we needed. She told the whole office every single day where the sample sales were going to be and believe me the office was normally deserted about ten minutes after her shout outs! I can’t count the times that she ran errands in the rain and the sweltering heat and I will sadly miss her but she is going back to Penn State to finish her schooling and I wish her every success in all she does. Clearly this picture was taken outside of the office - noted by the glasses on the table, water it was only water honestly! I know that because here in New York it is really not on to order a glass of wine at lunch time and a bottle is unheard of. I am sure the Americans think we Brits are total lushes. Well I am here to tell you that it is not true, well not on a day with a Y in it, the other days they do not count. I have no idea who the other person in the picture is! of course I do that is Debs everyone’s girl Friday, she is a total Gem.

Casey's last day at the office

Then of course it was off to the event of the weekend at Dickey’s, my hair stylist, sounds great to say that, he is a great friend actually and always tells me when my hair looks dreadful and how to put it right.  In fact on Saturday I did not have time to get to him before his BLOG HER event as I was busy working. I jumped into the shower using Hair Rules daily cleansing cream, followed by quench ultra rich conditioner and the curly whip. As I ran out of the door after trying to fight izzi to get in front of the bathroom mirror I ran some hydrating cream into my almost dry hair and this below is the result. Dickey said I look so much younger with curly hair ummmm.

Anne & Dickey

Sunday came and went far to quickly for me but that was taken up with all those horrid chores I hate doing as well as spending time on some much needed catching up of paper work. Have a great week and remember that some days are so worth the make up…

Robert Verdi Tweet This Travel Journal

How fortunate was I that the Tweet This party with Robert Verdi was all about Travel items? The day before I left for St Maarten, Robert invited me to his twitter party and the tips were all about things you need for a great holiday. The Dapper Traveller  should never go away without a non iron Supima Shirt, eco chic and dies not need to be dry cleaned - Brooks Brothers has to be a stop before jetting away. The shirts are less than $90 so a bargain.

Robert & the Brooks Brothers Shirt

The Savvy Traveller cannot go away without a Spacepak by Flight 001, I was totally amazed at just how much you can get into one of these if you pack them correctly. Now here is a woman who takes everything on holiday, including 20 pairs of shoes for a week,  but using these awesome Spacepaks allows all garments to undergo double compression and organisation with one side for clean laundry and one side for dirty. (Hopefully you will not get the two mixed up!) Prices range around $46 but I know that with the careful packing I can take so much more!

Flight 001

The Trend Setting  traveller has to have a Bright Lites carry on from Samsonite, I am the biggest fan of hard side suitcases. Since you all know just how much I travel they are a must, they can be thrown around at airports and nothing ever gets damaged. They come in lots of vibrant colors but I had to have the Hot Pink of course, what is great is that they are on 4 wheels and just glide along. They are not cheap so bit your lip at $280, but believe me they are worth it.

Now I am not sure how I can tell you about the next item and keep a straight face, it is a bikini made by Le Tarte. It really tickled me to think I am wearing swimwear that is called Le Tarte. I am of course joking because these chic Maui - based styles are perfect for a Caribbean Holiday and come in all shapes to suit any body shape. They are priced between $170 - $180.

The Gourmet Traveller has to have a Red Envelope all - in - one tailgating cooler and grill set. For someone that lives in an Apartment This is a great idea it comes complete with a water resistant cooler that comes out of the main bag.A charcoal grill with all the tools you need to cook a fine BBQ on the beach and even a lid to keep the food hot. I think at a $149 this is a steal.

Picnic Time

Well until next time I am now off on my vacation fully loaded with all my fine goodies…..

Robert Verdi & Anne Agoren

Anne & izzi from izzi bag

We met some great people at the party, Jason Binn from Niche Media, Fred Devito from Core Fusion,  Donna D’Cruz (DJ) John Melfi the Producer of SATC, who spent ages swapping stories with me. I told him about the time I went to Buckingham Palace and met the Duke of Edinburgh and what he said to me Shush it’s a secret, you are not supposed to tell the world what the Royals say to you, it is seen as very undignified!

Anne with Richard Ash & Donna D'Cruz,

The Rain came and went and everyone still turned out to wish the WellNEST Store well, I drank far to much of the Organic Avenue Coconut Milk (I was driving) and izzi drank far too much Champagne (Say no More) but we had a lovely time and I want to live in Sag Harbor now.

Donna D'Cruz & Anne

I wish my good friends every success with their new business venture and I look forward to seeing just how much weight I loose on my diet plan. Did I mention that Doc has developed a new wholesome meal replacement ? 5 hours of satisfaction and sustained energy. Each serving provides potent protein, whole nutrients and beneficial fiber, it is called Nutritious & Delicious. I can honestly say I wish I had this when I was travelling on that dreadful airline last week. So needless to say I shall be taking the powder with me wherever I travel.

So before I post this blog I am actually about to shout from my balcony that yes finally I am having a vacation (Holiday) I am going to be very old next week and izzi is taking me to St Maarten. Our first holiday in 2 years and I am staying in a hotel on the beach. I really cannot wait and I promise to post pictures of the trip. So no mentions of my birthday in the comments please, it’s one to be forgotten as quickly as possible!

So the next day was a big day for us since deciding to uproute our life and move to the USA as we were summoned to the US Embassy for our visa interview. We trawled into central London on the tube, I have to say I had forgotten what the experience of commuter tubes was like. No Air Con, no seats, no polite people and finally the dreadful smell of yesterdays gym kit oozing from most of the bodies, take me back to civilisation I thought. I was minus my handbag, cell phone (See how Americanised I am) in fact everything except the bare essentials as izzi had read the instructions ! this should have been a warning sign that I should have checked myself. So we get to Grosvenor Square and everyone in the Queue is carrying ruck sacks, huge handbags, well everyone except me! The process was fairly painless and the agent tells me all is good to go I am now officially allowed to stay in the USA. Hallelujah !

When we got home I called KLM (Name and Shame here) to reconfirm our flights and to advise them that I had 6 pieces of baggage and to check the cost of the excess I was going to have to pay. The agent on the line tells me one bag each is free and the others will be charged at 50euros per bag. So the next day izzi and I turn up at London City Airport with the said 6 pieces of luggage to be told ’sorry it is 50 euros the first bag each and then 200 euros there after’ I was on the point of  hitting the floor with either a fainting fit or a hissy fit, I am not sure at this point which. I of course exclaimed that I was refusing to pay that much but was told ‘Well you have a choice’ oh I do thank heavens for that I thought, ‘Yes madam you have a choice it’s called take it or leave it!’.

I have to say the Service agent was obviously sucking on a lemon as she informed me of my choice, I reluctantly paid up and boarded the aircraft, to be told that the choice of food was garbage or garbage which did I want to eat? I have to say that you guys all know that I travel a lot and the airlines are just getting worse.  The Hostess or Host, it was difficult to tell, I am sure the said person who was wearing a skirt had more than a 5 o’clock shadow was the most offensive waitress ever. When I asked if it was OK for me to have another Coke I was just ignored. The service on KLM was the lowest of the lowest and the food was not fit for human or canine consumption. I guess the moral of my little escapade is buy your own airline or stay at home!

Funnily enough it worked and now someone that had been following me, @tishacakes became my saviour, she sent me a tweet advising there is a dentist of all dentists called @Sinkinfeeling well I tweeted and I tweeted this guy and guess what the next morning his office called me and told me to come right over! by the time I got there I was  a nervous wreck and 8lbs lighter as no food had passed my lips what ever else was going to happen that day this was probably the best bit. So after taking x rays he informed me that unfortunately the tooth had snapped clean in half and was loose, it had to come out! NOOOOOoooooooo I was now having to be strapped to the chair (clearly not really) I was palpitating and thinking what excuse I could make up not to have to come back the following week, the world might end, I need to stock the dishwasher, the dog cannot stay home alone, I mean he doesn’t know that we actually do not have a dog right?

So the weekend came and went and the dentist Michael Sinkin called me three times to check I was OK, do you believe that? in the UK my father had major brain surgery and the doctor told us he was going on holiday the next day and surely my dad wasn’t going to be alive when he got back but that is life! sorry to use that comparison my dad actually eight years later is in fact still alive, but you get the gist here. Doctor Sinkin if you ever read this know that I will send anyone to you who has a tooth ache, you not only treated me but you actually cared about me as a human being not someone who wrote a cheque.

Needless to say I did go back on Monday for the tooth extraction and a crown, this was not the best experience of my life as I have the worst fear of dentists as I mentioned earlier.However I was watching the world cup on the TV and Doc talked me through the whole procedure as he carried it out, too much information for me but no pain at all. At 3.30pm I left the surgery numb and dribbling, not a pretty sight but the best is yet to come. I was invited to a premier of RED LIGHT, yes you got it a red carpet event, of all the days by my good friend Rachael Ann of Red Rover Style. I got home, showered changed into my lovely LBD and even brought the naughty shoes out of their box Michael Kors you are forgiven and off I went. Flash lights everywhere and I had this awful vision that I was dribbling and talking like a nutcase with a droopy mouth. As I got to the Red Carpet photographs, I told this very rude person who told me she just had to go before me as she was melting and it would not do for her to not look her best! excuse me ‘Do you know who I am’? I had a real flash back of the ‘Shorty Awards‘ I am really not a diva, no really I am not but did this twiglet not know that I just had major tooth surgery and that I too was melting. Clearly not as she pushed me out of the way again. I am not one to name names, but just know that I do not like rude blond models! if I had been feeling myself I may have overlooked this but not on this day Humpf!

Anne with Red Rover Style

Photograph courtesy of Arthur from arthur@nyarthur.com

A little information on what the film is about in the words of Wikipedia as I could never have written this down, it was the hardest movie I have ever watched and I know that if you take nothing from my blog then please try  to find a way to give your time to help this cause, if you do then I will have achieved something.

The Redlight Children Campaign was inspired by Guy Jacobson’s personal experiences backpacking in Cambodia in 2002. While traveling in Phnom Penh, a group of young girls, some only five years old, began to aggressively solicit him for prostitution. Although he refused several times, they revealed to him that they would be beaten by the brothel owners if they returned empty-handed. After Jacobson gave them some money and left, he was motivated to create Redlight Children.

Shortly thereafter, Jacobson decided to utilize mass media as a vehicle for social change through his film production company, Priority Films. He teamed up with Israeli actress Adi Ezroni to create the first phase of the Redlight Children Campaign, the K11 Project. They went undercover in Cambodian brothels using espionage equipment and secret cameras to research the plight of child trafficking victims.

At one point, the International Criminal Police Organization contacted Jacobson to warn him to flee the country because the Chinese, Vietnamese, and Cambodian mafia had hits taken out on his life. Jacobson, Ezroni, and their team of filmmakers were also blackmailed and extorted for money, one of the producers was held hostage for two weeks when the rest of the team had left, and they had to hire bodyguards to protect themselves and their research.

Jacobson’s and Ezroni’s work on the ground level provided the education and foundation for them to address the issue on a larger scale. After they established RedLight Children, they created a comprehensive legal manifesto of action items to decrease the demand of child sexual exploitation with the aid of a team of international lawyers.

Jacobson and Ezroni have also been honored as Global Heroes by Condoleezza Rice in the Trafficking in Persons Report 2008.

Guy Jacobson

Please go and see the movie, it is imperative that the world knows what is going on, only with people like us talking about it will this stop.

So I want to end this blog post on a lighter note and I want to say that I am now on the road to recovery from my tooth surgery and that is all thanks to Doc Sinkin. I am back on the straight and narrow with my journey to health thanks to Richard Ash MD and I am sure that I have lost some weight not sure how much as I have not been on the scales that is being saved for next week.

It is really amazing that I have met two really awesome people in New York and found them via Twitter, God Bless Twitter. What is really scary is that they are both Doctors. Dr Sinkin and Dr Richard Ash MD you are really very caring special people and I want you to know this would not have happened in the UK I would just have been another number in their Bank paying in book.

Robert Verdi & Anne Agoren

John Bartlett Tees which are really cute, they all come with a picture of John’s muse Tiny Tim who he rescued from the NSAL. The 3 legged dog he rescued became his design inspiration and company logo. A percentage of the cost of each shirt goes to the NSAL so what better gift to give your dad and to know that a man’s best friend will benefit.

John Bartlett Tees

Jonathan Adler Hot Pop candles were the next gift idea, now I love candles but this one has got to beat all others as they come in the most bizarre smalls ever, Grapefruit, Cilantro and Tomato Vines. I am not sure that my mom would really like my dad burning a candle that smells of the greenhouse in the lounge, but the grapefruit I can see would be a different matter. The candles are $38 each so go by the website and check out a retailer near you.

Jonathan Adler Pop Candle

Now the next gift is awesome Kenneth Cole Vintage Black Fragrance, anyone who knows me knows that I have a rather unhealthy addiction to fragrances. This is one apart, fresh citrus woody that blends effervescent citrus with masculine woods and soft skin musks. I would recommend you check this out and at only $70 I think it is a must.

Kenneth Cole Vintage Black Fragrance

John Allan’s Grooming Services was one of those items I was really not sure was going to be any different from any other hair salon, how wrong was I ? The full service experience is in the atmosphere of a private club with a full grooming service outpost for men. The busy dad only needs to take 30 minutes out of his busy schedule to take advantage of a scalp massage, shampoo and conditioning with a hair cut, full manicure and shoeshine, it even includes a beverage. You can get a gift certificate with a travel kit of goodies for only $65

John Allan's The Full Service

Rowenta just launched a new First Class Travel Iron and I have to say that at 1.65lbs in weight and folding to 7.8″ it is a must for the travelling, jet setting dad. So even when Dad is away he has his own personal mom in his suitcase to keep him looking pristine.

Rowenta First Class Travelling Iron

I loved the next gift Hugo Boss Aviator sunglasses and I can actually see my brother stealing these before my dad gets chance to wear them. I loved the fact that dad can even change the lenses to his own prescription lenses.

Hugo Boss Aviator Sun Glasses

Joseph Abboud for JCPenney came up with a really super idea and that is to give your dad a voucher to get a new suit, think about it every time he wears it he will think of you and at $180 this is a bargain. I took a look at their website and these suits are really chic and modern styled.

Joseph Abboud Suit for JCPenney

At $145 I thought this Skagen Watch is for the dad that deserves more of life’s little luxuries and it is really stylish and tastefully designed. Affordable luxury which looks like a million dollars and is made from high quality materials.

Skagen Watch

The next gift Stoner Solutions invisible glass cleaner is a must for every car enthusiast dad at only $30 this is sure to keep him amused for hours. He will have the best shiny car on the street. Tell mom that when he is done shining his car he can come into the house and clean her tables and mirrors. Just spray on wait until it evaporates and then wipe off without leaving streaks.

Finally my last and favorite gift has to be the Leatherman Skeletool, this is multi functional combining style and function into one design, it has won numerous awards. It weighs only 5 ounces and can easily fit in dad’s pocket, complete with a blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip and bottle opener.

Leatherman Skeletool

Anne Agoren, owner of UK / NYC based izzi Bag, shows how to build a brand over Twitter. Lauren Parker finds that life is indeed tweet.

Tweeting her way to success here’s a story a little bird told us:

izzi bag on Twitter

Out of the 17 million users on Twitter, 250,000 were nominated for the Shorty Awards—an international “Oscars” for those who live their life out loud on Twitter in 140- character blurbs. Of those 250,000 nominated, a year-old,  little-known English handbag company named izzi Bag made it to the top six in the “Brands” category—the only fashion brand nominated. izzi was up against brands like Whole Foods and ultimately lost to Sesame Street. Heard of them? Here, izzi Bag owner/designer Anne Agoren—who wisely moonlights as a social media strategist—tells Accessories her David and Goliath tale.

‘Are you listening? Because your competitors are. You need to join the conversation— because it’s going on with or without you.”

@accessoriesmag: So how did you get into the top six? Do you have 86,000 followers like Sesame Street? Or 4.7  million followers like Ashton Kutcher?

@izzibag: I have 2,000 followers and was nominated by one of them. You aren’t allowed to nominate yourself.  Actually, I did lose some points after showing someone via Twitter how to nominate me since he was having trouble and asked for help.

AM: You only have 2,000 followers?

AA: That’s one of the biggest misnomers for brand promotion. More is not better. It’s  about quality, not quantity. I have 2,000 of the right followers. They spread my word to their followers. There are lots of sites where you can buy 50,000 followers but they’re not relevant to your brand. Don’t do it. You’ll start getting spam and your important—and legitimate—followers will stop following you. Protect your brand reputation.

AM: How do you get started using Twitter?

AA: My techie husband pushed me into it to help build my budding brand. I was so resistant to Twitter—saying I didn’t understand it, that I didn’t have enough time, and so on. Now I’m a Twitter addict. I use it to promote my blog (blog.izzibag.com), to talk about things that are happening to me, and to strategically promote the brand. I realized the power of Twitter early on—I ran a Twitter competition where the first 10 people who went to one of my retailers on Bond Street got a $40 keychain. Suddenly, a rush of people went to that store. It was apparent it was working.

AM: Did you launch your brand and tweet about it simultaneously?

AA: I launched izzi Bag with no customers, no retailers, no e-tailers. So I used Twitter and the blog to find those small stores that I wouldn’t even know about. The goal was to get retailers talking about us. To build that buzz.

AM: Do you think that too many brands don’t take Twitter seriously enough?

AA: You need to join the conversation—because it’s going on without you. The most important thing I say to companies is  ‘Are you listening?’ Because if you’re not, your competitors are. On Twitter, you can read every tweet that mentions your brand—good and bad—and respond if you want. It’s important to join the conversation.

Bag Lady -Anne of izzi bag

AM: What do you tweet about?

AA: I come here a lot so I write about my life as an English person in New York. I write about the journey of building izzi  Bag. Yes I’m a brand but I’m also human. People want to relate to you. It makes them want to buy your product.

AM: Do you use Twitter to show your bags?
AA: I use Twitpic to upload images, but often I link a Twitter entry to my blog so people can see more there. There are so many tools that are all free, from Twitpic to Tweetdeck, which helps you manage Twitter better.

AM: Do you tweet all day?

AA: No, but my followers are passionate! When I slow down, they start with the ‘Where’s izzi Bag?’ ‘Did something happen to izzi Bag?’ They miss me! I’d say 60% of my tweets are relevant to my brand. The rest are relevant to other people — recommendations of things to check out, or I pass along information I read on Twitter.

AM: Ah, so you’re a re-tweeter?
AA: In many cases, yes. You can retweet (i.e. RT) something that one of your followers post. It’s good will and keeps the conversation going.

AM: Did building buzz on Twitter in the U.S. and UK give you immediate international cred?

AA: I was able to simultaneously connect with retailers worldwide—all for free, and all with the power of social media.

AM: Has Twitter gotten you free publicity?

AA: The Australian news show equivalent of “60 Minutes” found me on Twitter. They sent a crew to New York and filmed me for a day-long documentary. Later, they flew the reporters back to New York to get additional footage because they wanted to extend the segment! That publicity didn’t cost me one cent. And although it aired in Australia, I was able to post it on my blog and tweet about it, and still get local (and worldwide) exposure. Again, for free. Take a look at the video SundayNight Live.

AM: How does a brand prevent a tweeter from posing as them and saying something bad?
AA: It’s important to control the conversation. You can be verified by Twitter (celebrities do it), and you’ll get a blue check next to your brand’s name/avatar. That way the Twitter community knows it’s authentically you.

AM: But it must be a little bit tempting to bash your competition on Twitter…

AA: Never do that! If you report another company for spam, for example, the Twitter police will shut them down while they investigate, so you really must follow business ethics. I will unfollow people if they don’t “keep it clean.” That’s my one rule.

AM: What about companies who say they don’t have time to tweet? Or skimp on the resources to hire someone who can?

AA: Social media should not replace your existing business structure, but it must be integrated with what you have in place. Just as a brand has a PR, branding and advertising budget, it must have a social media budget.

AM: What if the company owner, or designer doesn’t want to tweet personally?
AA: The person doing the tweeting or blogging must have a passion and understanding of the brand and its objective. They should write in the “voice” of the brand.

AM: What are some great Twitter branding anectodes?
AA: There were some people in the Empire State building tweeting that it was so hot and they wished they had ice cream, but they were too busy to run out and get some. An ice cream truck picked up the conversation on Twitter and sent over a truck to give them free ice cream! The story got picked up on the international news. You can’t buy that sort of publicity!

AM: So what were the Shorty Awards like?

Shorty Awards Diva Fit - No Sesame Street Here !

AA: First of all, I pulled a Diva moment and while walking the Red Carpet I refused to be photographed with some of the puppets from Sesame Street. Then they beat me!

June 2010 - Accessories Magazine