I recently attended the Canada e-connect Conference, billed as e-tourism strategy focused. Among the sessions, some of the same themes were repeated. One that struck me was this:
It's 1999 again.
Remember back to 1999, people were just starting to sign up for email addresses. Businesses were fussing and fretting over who would answer all these emails, where would the personnel come from? What would you say in an email? What was the optimum response time?
Well it's 1999 again, only instead of getting an email address, it's time for you to start promoting your business online via face book, twitter, blogging, and including customer forums on your website.
Again we're faced with personnel issues, response times, and managing risk.
And just like when we first got our email addresses and learned how to make that modem work - we will learn how to leverage social media.
We will prevail !
Beth
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
e-connect
Canada's e-tourism strategy conference, Toronto, January 22 and 23, and guess who is attending?
That's right, me.
As one speaker put it "Consumers have seen the economic headlines and now expect to see the deals. 2009 has been proclaimed the year of the travel deal"
I'll be hanging with my friends at TIAC.
I'll be learning how to engage the tourist via e-tourism, and many other exciting things which I will be sharing with you over the coming posts.
So have a great week, and I'll see you again at our usual Friday post.
Regards,
Beth
That's right, me.
As one speaker put it "Consumers have seen the economic headlines and now expect to see the deals. 2009 has been proclaimed the year of the travel deal"
I'll be hanging with my friends at TIAC.
I'll be learning how to engage the tourist via e-tourism, and many other exciting things which I will be sharing with you over the coming posts.
So have a great week, and I'll see you again at our usual Friday post.
Regards,
Beth
Friday, January 9, 2009
And so 2009 begins
Greetings all,
I hope that the New Year is treating you well so far. As for myself, I spent a great holiday with my family, only to be taken down by a cold the first day back to work. Ironic - yes.
And so the first post of the year which should be full of fresh ideas and tidbits is going to be short and sweet...I'm too wiped out to look up anything new and exciting for you.
If you didn't do any of the following at year end, what better time then year's beginning to complete them:
Back up your files. Back up, back up, back up ! And put a reminder in your outlook or day planner to do it every week (that way you'll at least do it every two weeks !)
Clean out your email clutter, learn how to creat folders in outlook and move stuff around. Delete your deleted items. Clean out your sent items.
Go through last year's planner and find projects that are not finished. Move important dates into your new planner - such as my birthday July 15
Organize your sticky notes...and stop using sticky notes, it's not environmentally friendly, create a task list in outlook - much better.
Curl up and read those books you've been putting off. Winter days are perfect for that...this should not interfer with your casusal web browsing time that I recommended you do about 3 posts back :)
And so I leave you with this pearl of wisdom:
A smile is a curve that sets everything straight - Phyllis Diller
PS - My calendar is wide open for January and February if you would like to get together for a website mentoring session visit here for more information
I hope that the New Year is treating you well so far. As for myself, I spent a great holiday with my family, only to be taken down by a cold the first day back to work. Ironic - yes.
And so the first post of the year which should be full of fresh ideas and tidbits is going to be short and sweet...I'm too wiped out to look up anything new and exciting for you.
If you didn't do any of the following at year end, what better time then year's beginning to complete them:
Back up your files. Back up, back up, back up ! And put a reminder in your outlook or day planner to do it every week (that way you'll at least do it every two weeks !)
Clean out your email clutter, learn how to creat folders in outlook and move stuff around. Delete your deleted items. Clean out your sent items.
Go through last year's planner and find projects that are not finished. Move important dates into your new planner - such as my birthday July 15
Organize your sticky notes...and stop using sticky notes, it's not environmentally friendly, create a task list in outlook - much better.
Curl up and read those books you've been putting off. Winter days are perfect for that...this should not interfer with your casusal web browsing time that I recommended you do about 3 posts back :)
And so I leave you with this pearl of wisdom:
A smile is a curve that sets everything straight - Phyllis Diller
PS - My calendar is wide open for January and February if you would like to get together for a website mentoring session visit here for more information
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Season Greetings
A sincere wish for a Happy and Prosperous Holiday Season !
Just a reminder, the TIANB office will be closed starting December 22 and will reopen January 5th, 2009 !
Take care
Drive carefully
Enjoy
Feast
Be silly
Laugh
And even cry !
See you in 2009
Beth
PS if you see Santa, tell him I've been really really good this year.
Just a reminder, the TIANB office will be closed starting December 22 and will reopen January 5th, 2009 !
Take care
Drive carefully
Enjoy
Feast
Be silly
Laugh
And even cry !
See you in 2009
Beth
PS if you see Santa, tell him I've been really really good this year.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The non-importance of content
So, I haven't blogged in a while, 2 weeks... I've been remiss.
And when I did pencil it into my schedule for today, I really had trouble coming up with content.
And then it hit me, blogs do not necessarily have to have exceptional content !
Readers just want to know you're out there and relatively current, within a month between postings in the off season.
So even though this is meant to be a mainly technical blog, if I rant on about my Christmas shopping woes, it will be amusing and timely content. People who read my blog will know that I have not dropped off the earth. That I do still care about their virtual experiences on my blog.
Even random comments about the weather, as Canadians are known for doing, is acceptable blog content during the winter - OK any time of year !
Blog on, and when you need a "cheater" post, talk about the weather or your grand kids.
Beth
And when I did pencil it into my schedule for today, I really had trouble coming up with content.
And then it hit me, blogs do not necessarily have to have exceptional content !
Readers just want to know you're out there and relatively current, within a month between postings in the off season.
So even though this is meant to be a mainly technical blog, if I rant on about my Christmas shopping woes, it will be amusing and timely content. People who read my blog will know that I have not dropped off the earth. That I do still care about their virtual experiences on my blog.
Even random comments about the weather, as Canadians are known for doing, is acceptable blog content during the winter - OK any time of year !
Blog on, and when you need a "cheater" post, talk about the weather or your grand kids.
Beth
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Bill Clinton
On Tuesday the entire staff went to hear President William Jefferson Clinton speak in Moncton (Thank you Management !).
While his talk mainly focusing on economics - you can be sure I found several relevant tourism technology references !
1. There were 5000 attendees, and since it was general admission seating we all arrived early. I couldn't help but notice how many of us were on the phone, or "blackberrying". In fact the person behind us was giving his colleague a lesson on his new Samsung Instinct. I wondered how many were surfing the internet ...perhaps looking for a place to have lunch after the speech.
2. President Clinton mentioned the recent election campaign several times. He eventually referred to the amount of money that both candidates raised over the internet. Perhaps this is the first time that large amounts of campaign funds have been raised over the internet - not sure. This year the internet did contribute to the change in voter demographic. US residents from all over America felt like they were a part of the election, even though they didn't live in an urban centre and were no where near a rally site. Blogs, websites, chat rooms, and internet sponsorship allows Joe Public to feel a sense of ownership in the process.
3. He focused mainly on the economic crisis in the US and the interdependent world we live in. Whether good or bad, this is how our world has evolved and we have to live in it. So my advice to you is to be positive, and start using the cheapest and broadest based advertising available to you - your website !
While his talk mainly focusing on economics - you can be sure I found several relevant tourism technology references !
1. There were 5000 attendees, and since it was general admission seating we all arrived early. I couldn't help but notice how many of us were on the phone, or "blackberrying". In fact the person behind us was giving his colleague a lesson on his new Samsung Instinct. I wondered how many were surfing the internet ...perhaps looking for a place to have lunch after the speech.
2. President Clinton mentioned the recent election campaign several times. He eventually referred to the amount of money that both candidates raised over the internet. Perhaps this is the first time that large amounts of campaign funds have been raised over the internet - not sure. This year the internet did contribute to the change in voter demographic. US residents from all over America felt like they were a part of the election, even though they didn't live in an urban centre and were no where near a rally site. Blogs, websites, chat rooms, and internet sponsorship allows Joe Public to feel a sense of ownership in the process.
3. He focused mainly on the economic crisis in the US and the interdependent world we live in. Whether good or bad, this is how our world has evolved and we have to live in it. So my advice to you is to be positive, and start using the cheapest and broadest based advertising available to you - your website !
Friday, November 21, 2008
Clever thoughts
No, I didn't think of these BUT they did make me think ...
The old approach to websites where we leave them hangin' for more information so that the customer will pick up the phone and call you, no longer applies. The customer will simply move on.
Your website is your full time dedicated sales person. It talks to more potential customers then you do in a day and all night !
If a potential traveller is sending you an email you can bet that all your competitors got the same email. Who will respond first? Who will respond best? The location that resolves the inquiry quickly and accurately will end up with the sale.
Just like your voice on the phone when talking to a customer, your website needs to be fresh, easy to understand, and provide timely information.
If you have timely advice that you would like to share, drop me a line at beth@@tianb.com
There's another tip for you, faking out your email address on the Internet avoids spam crawlers
beth (@)tianb.com
beth [@] tianb.com
beth at tianb.com
The old approach to websites where we leave them hangin' for more information so that the customer will pick up the phone and call you, no longer applies. The customer will simply move on.
Your website is your full time dedicated sales person. It talks to more potential customers then you do in a day and all night !
If a potential traveller is sending you an email you can bet that all your competitors got the same email. Who will respond first? Who will respond best? The location that resolves the inquiry quickly and accurately will end up with the sale.
Just like your voice on the phone when talking to a customer, your website needs to be fresh, easy to understand, and provide timely information.
If you have timely advice that you would like to share, drop me a line at beth@@tianb.com
There's another tip for you, faking out your email address on the Internet avoids spam crawlers
beth (@)tianb.com
beth [@] tianb.com
beth at tianb.com
Friday, November 14, 2008
Commonalities
What do Australia and Atlantic Canada have in common ?
Besides the obvious - coastal lands, culture, diversity, and a cloudy British heritage.
We are both desperately trying to educate our Tourism Operators about the benefits of being online !!
The National Online Strategy Committee funded by the the Australian State and Territory Tourism Office offers the same program as Tourism Technology.com funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
So ask yourself - Why am I not taking advantage of this program?
We're not on the leading edge of this issue, we're in the running with all the other nations of the world.
And so you say to me - Well I'm not trying to lure tourists from Australia?
Correct. You're not. But imagine I went to Australia, I live in Nova Scotia and I went to Australia. I booked my entire trip online. It was great, and easy.
Now I want to spend the Labour Day weekend in New Brunswick.
Since I could book Australia online - surely I can book my "backyard" online.
Only I can't. I can't even find your website. And when I do, I can tell it's outdated.
How do I feel about that? I feel the stereotype that Atlantic Canada is behind the times creeping up on me. I feel that whomever I do find on the Internet deserves my business.
How do you feel ??
Besides the obvious - coastal lands, culture, diversity, and a cloudy British heritage.
We are both desperately trying to educate our Tourism Operators about the benefits of being online !!
The National Online Strategy Committee funded by the the Australian State and Territory Tourism Office offers the same program as Tourism Technology.com funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
So ask yourself - Why am I not taking advantage of this program?
We're not on the leading edge of this issue, we're in the running with all the other nations of the world.
And so you say to me - Well I'm not trying to lure tourists from Australia?
Correct. You're not. But imagine I went to Australia, I live in Nova Scotia and I went to Australia. I booked my entire trip online. It was great, and easy.
Now I want to spend the Labour Day weekend in New Brunswick.
Since I could book Australia online - surely I can book my "backyard" online.
Only I can't. I can't even find your website. And when I do, I can tell it's outdated.
How do I feel about that? I feel the stereotype that Atlantic Canada is behind the times creeping up on me. I feel that whomever I do find on the Internet deserves my business.
How do you feel ??
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
What's in a name?
What do the following have in common?
Road Runner
Copper
Bluehome
Earthlink
Probably the last one gave it away - they are all American internet providers.
There are thousands of internet providers out there, each with their own proprietary email domains.
When you receive an email from a prospective tourist, you don't need to know their email to reply to them, the computer does it for you. I bet you don't even glance at it.
However for them to send you that email, especially if they type it manually, there's plenty of room for errors.
Just because you know how to spell "sympatico" doesn't mean you're average tourist does.
Just because you know that "nb.aibn.ca" is a common extension for Aliant business clients doesn't mean they know that.
Sign up for a hotmail.com email and forward it to your Outlook client.
Get a gmail.com account too.
Get a yahoo.ca and a yahoo.com
They are all free, and all easier to remember then the one you have now.
Even my mom knows Gmail :)
Road Runner
Copper
Bluehome
Earthlink
Probably the last one gave it away - they are all American internet providers.
There are thousands of internet providers out there, each with their own proprietary email domains.
When you receive an email from a prospective tourist, you don't need to know their email to reply to them, the computer does it for you. I bet you don't even glance at it.
However for them to send you that email, especially if they type it manually, there's plenty of room for errors.
Just because you know how to spell "sympatico" doesn't mean you're average tourist does.
Just because you know that "nb.aibn.ca" is a common extension for Aliant business clients doesn't mean they know that.
Sign up for a hotmail.com email and forward it to your Outlook client.
Get a gmail.com account too.
Get a yahoo.ca and a yahoo.com
They are all free, and all easier to remember then the one you have now.
Even my mom knows Gmail :)
Friday, October 31, 2008
Friday is a great time for ...
Every person has their favorite time of the week...we also have our least favorite times (Monday mornings !).
Friday is a great time for website updates, or just plain internet surfing. Strategic internet surfing.
For example, starting with the Travel Mole newsletter has lead me to
getsatisfaction.com
technorati.com
geckogo.com
What I'll do with the information gleened from those sites, I haven't decided. But I've made some notes, and organized them in my favorites.
Perhaps they will have their own blog post, perhaps they will go out in a Tourism Technology participants update...perhaps I will just sit on them for a while.
The point is today was a great day for doing that kind of stuff.
Pick a time of the week that is great for you and do your own internet browsing.
*Google your industry
*Wikipedia is another great starting point
*Haul out all those e-newsletters and start clicking
And take a journey of bits and bytes!
Beth
Friday is a great time for website updates, or just plain internet surfing. Strategic internet surfing.
For example, starting with the Travel Mole newsletter has lead me to
getsatisfaction.com
technorati.com
geckogo.com
What I'll do with the information gleened from those sites, I haven't decided. But I've made some notes, and organized them in my favorites.
Perhaps they will have their own blog post, perhaps they will go out in a Tourism Technology participants update...perhaps I will just sit on them for a while.
The point is today was a great day for doing that kind of stuff.
Pick a time of the week that is great for you and do your own internet browsing.
*Google your industry
*Wikipedia is another great starting point
*Haul out all those e-newsletters and start clicking
And take a journey of bits and bytes!
Beth
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