OK – normally people create “Best Of (insert year here)” lists at the end of a given year; Best Music Videos of 2008, Best/Worst One Hit wonders of 1993 (there were SO many!)… you get the idea. However, I have decided to make a list as of .. now, simply because I feel like it. This list will likely be updated via new blog posts with a “cont’d” extension to the title. For now, I really have the itch to mention a few of my favourite digital destinations. Disclaimer: some are PRETTY OBVIOUS! So if you are reading because you are hoping for a genesis of sorts, please forgive me.
Twitter.
I have to mention Twitter because I used to be the Anti-Twitter’er. At first I thought to myself, “Constantly hearing about what people are doing!? What an intrusion!” Albeit, people do choose to write about said “doings”, but I remember saying to a ex colleague at Critical Mass, “I do not really care to know that you farted 42 minutes ago”. However, my opinions have changed. I realized that this micro blogging phenomena was a gateway into the digital realm without necessarily having to attend seminars, workshops or social network events. You can simply network, share ideas and garner insights from fellow digital brethren globally through Twitter. An old boss of mine posted on Twitter that he was resigning from his job, surely enough, he got job offers a plenty from digital folk who have been “following” his “tweets” for months. That was the deal maker for me. I’ve always wanted to position myself as a thought leader, transforming my passions for digital + strategy into a hobby and communal affair. Now I can. Hurrah.
Threadless.
Where do I start. Want to know a genius marketing phenomena? (yes, I used that word twice now, I just irked myself) When branding and concept INDUCES need. Before Threadless, I never cared to have a closet full of t-shirts. I really didn’t. I saw a couple of friends sport a really cute and witty print t-shirt and was hooked when they introduced me to Threadless (credit: Jimmy Hsu and Jaime Chung). My first experience bought me 4 t-shirts at once!! My 2nd experience did the same. Now, when I see a fellow colleague or friend sport a t-shirt, without asking, I can tell it came from Threadless. Threadless has a brilliant business model and value prop. They are UGC (User Generated Content) based where independent designers submit their designs to Threadless. Those designs get voted on and voila, they are showcased, printed and ready to be delivered to fans who must have that print on their chest. I love it! Always unique, always cutting edge.
Zipcar
Zipcar.com is a radiating idea. Their business model is SMART!! They have basically capitalized, no, pounced, on the following trends:
Everything’s gone Green.
Everything’s gone Digital.
Wow. We live in a time where $140 a barrel is no longer acceptable, or affordable. Plus, parking’s a bitch. What to do? Sign up for a no hassle (and I mean it, NO HASSLE) $55/year (last I checked) membership that gets you free unlimited gas, insurance covered and an abundant choice of conveniently located cars – cute ones too! Get yourself a mini for $12.50/hour, a Beemer for $17/hour or a Mazda 3 for $10. Of course, the Zipcar model appeals too those who need a car for quick errands, quick trips or what have you. Day long rates are equal if not slightly more expensive that your regular Budget or Avis. Anyway, the site is very user friendly IMHO. You basically book the car of choice depending on taste or where you are located, and a geo spatial mash up appears right before your eyes, highlighting the car, the location and the time you need it. Book it and noone else can take your spot as it is programmed to read your smart card only. Brilliant! Now I mention this also because Zipcar is also available in London as it is in Canada and the US. The MacDonalds of rental cars, how the hell can you go wrong.
That’s it for now. 3 solid digital hubs that are among my fave.
