Not invented here

Desperately seeking originality in a commoditized world? When seeking out that terrific gift for your best friend you want to find something that is new, different, original, artistic, meaningful, special. Where do you go? What do you buy?

Great ideas and originality are hard to come by. In the online world where short form communication and voyeurism are common place we are losing the meaning in thoughtful exchanges, creations, ideas. Your idea becomes my idea.
Oh, did I steal that? Can't remember.

Blogs are out, twitter is in. When and where do we express a full thought and put things in context? Self expression and original ideas are worth fighting for, protecting, honouring ..... not replicating or simplifying.

And, if you are looking to use your inventer brain check out http://www.innovationexchange.com/ a cool place to channel your creative idea energy. You may even get paid for your greatness! Companies are finally getting smart about open innovation. Ideas come from everywhere!

Blog or vlog?

Are we ready for video online? How is video adding to the social networking experience for women? As the world catches up to the concept of blogging we are now experimenting with new forms of social and professional networking with micro-updates at www.twitter.com and video-blogging.

Video adds a further level of personalization and context to the Internet experience but are we ready for it as a communication tool? For women, video adds a more visual experience to the communication mix which gives us a sense of familiarity and safety when connecting with others online. Adding video to your blog can be very effective depending on your objectives but here are some basic 101's to keep in mind;

-know what you want to communicate and why
-keep it short
-edit wherever possible to ensure a well-articulated point of view
-be honest and authentic in your delivery
-make it web-streamed, avoid downloads if you want it to be seen

We have been studying online video for three years with our www.defineyourself.ca campaign and learning about the magic formula for delivery online. Consumers will watch it if their 'equipment' allows and if you make it easily watchable.

A beautiful courtship

To promote and reach the nation, Canada in 2020 has leveraged a range of communication tools on all platforms. You can read, listen, write, watch or attend a forum. There are websites, podcasts, online vmails, blogs, newsletters, RSS feeds..... all beckon you to participate IN YOUR PREFERRED WAYS.

Tell people something interesting is going on and provide them with the right options to find out more. You hate visiting content-rich sites, no problem, how about we deliver newsletters to your door? No time to read, podcasts are here! Want to comment, rant, rave, complain....pick your options, do so in person, in our blogs, in an essay, or even leave a vmail.

Whatever pleases you, my love.

A beautifully simple and effective formula! Put yourself on the receiver side and think FOR them, work WITH them, and create a relationship akin to a good old fashioned courtship.

Canada in 2020

On 13 Sept, we held a Swing Salon on "Women and Diversity". 9 exceptional women - of various ethnic backgrounds and life experiences - and 2 hours later, we were more enlightened than ever. We unearthed and visited many issues that will impact what Canada will be as a nation.

To help create this crystal ball, I strongly recommend a visit to Canada in 2020, an online space to debate issues, events and trends that could transform Canada by the year 2020. It a joint project by the Star, LaPresse, the CBC and the Dominion Institute aimed at highlighting what Canadians think will be the single most important issue facing Canada in the year 2020.

There are many ways to learn and participate:
- Check out the latest essays
- Contribute to the wiki
- Follow the blog
- Download a podcast
- Write comments, submit essays, leave online vmails
- Subscribe to the newsletters
- Attend a debate
....and more.