Britt McHenry Needs To Take Her Own Social Media Advice!

Just because your Twitter feed is nice and sweet, doesn't always mean you are.

That is my biggest take-away from this week's Britt McHenry scandal.  If you haven't heard, yesterday, a video went viral of ESPN's reporter Britt McHenry berating a parking lot attendee.  Britt, who happens to be an beautiful blonde bombshell, goes off on this woman, insulting the woman's appearance (her teeth and her weight), her education and her lifestyle.  Britt's language makes her look anything but beautiful.  The video was leaked by the attendant, who was working at the tow lot where Britt's car had been towed, and has been watched hundreds of thousands of times.  Britt has since been given a week suspension but the Twitter-sphere does not think that's enough.  Hashtags including #FireBritt have been trending since the video went viral. 

There's irony in this, as Britt has been known to tweet about kindness and post Instagram pictures with quotes like "If you can be anything, be kind."  (Update: Britt just made her Instagram private!)  Well, Miss McHenry.  You need to take your own advice!

You know what is even more strange to me?  Had Britt made these comments as posts on Twitter or Facebook, she would probably be fired.  As we have seen so many times (and I write about constantly in our #DeathByTwitter series), when people make a Twitter-error, they get fired!!  Isn't it more offensive if you are rude directly to someone's face?

Look, I get that people lose their tempers.  We all say things we don't mean.  But you don't need to insult someone at that kind of personal level.  And using your news-status as a way to act better than other people is just gross.

Have you guys watched the Britt McHenry video?  What do you think of it?  Should she be fired or is a week suspension enough?

What's Up With All That Ice!?

I'm always up for a challenge.

And from the looks of my news feed, I'm not alone.

Yup, I'm talking about the Ice Bucket Challenge.  The viral video challenge that is leading people across the nation to, well, dump a bucket of ice over their heads!

If you haven't read into it, the concept is pretty simple.  Kinda like a big game of truth or dare, except the dare is always a bucket of ice and if you don't take it, you pay up.  For a good cause, though, $100 to ALS- commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.  

The challenge has helped spread awareness of ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) which is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.  There is no known cure for ALS, but creative efforts like this challenge help lead the charge for research.

I love this type of use for social media.  It reminds me of a large scale, modern version of a chain letter.  Remember the kind you had to send off to a certain number of people?  That's exactly what happens here - after finishing the chilly challenge yourself, you name three others who then have 24 hours to ice up or pay up!  And even those finishing the challenge find ways to give, often offering a dollar for every like or view their video receives.  This combines social impact, viral videos and social media! Amazing.

The challenge started and has spread from everyday Americans to celebrities and TV personalities.  Check out videos of Martha Stewart, Lance Bass, Matt Lauer, Elizabeth Banks, the list goes on and on! 

Even if you haven't yet been challenged, you can donate to ALS here.  Every donation counts!

Online Engagement + Offline Action = Branding Win

Everyday, brands strive to create authentic, meaningful interactions with their customers.  Social Media has helped brands to do this on a larger scale.  But sometimes there is no comparison for good old fashioned, hitting-the-streets!  Creatively weaving off-line engagement into a campaign can create amazing results. 

Drum roll, please, for the best example I have seen of this- probably all year.

WestJet's Christmas Miracle Video.  I hadn't even HEARD of WestJet before today.  They fly mostly in Canada but also throughout the US and Mexico.  But this creative campaign of theirs found a direct route to my heart.  And not just mine!  The video has been viewed almost 2 million times in less than 48 hours.

If you haven't seen the video yet, the airline has an engaging online "live" Santa Claus that asks customers for their Christmas wishes as they approach the gate.  Within the time of the flight, WestJet pulls a Christmas Miracle and delivers the desired gifts to the passengers once they reach their destination!  The online/offline hybrid campaign has been a huge success for WestJet and the company's followup through Twitter has been equally impressive.  The company Twitter handle (@WestJet) is personally replying to tweets referencing the great ad and also coming up with the wittiest sayings to promote the video.

What a clever, fun and smart use of an advertising budget and Holiday campaign!  It's my favorite of the year!

Do you have any other favorite holiday campaigns?  Tell us below!

Pep-Talk to Perk up your Monday!

If you are entering the day with a "case of the Mondays", take ONE minute and watch this video.
In literally 60 seconds, you will learn a powerful new technique on how to pump yourself up to face the day!

Did you watch it?  If so, you are among 13 million that have now been encouraged by "Jessica's Daily Affirmation".

How great is THAT!  I love that she just lists random things to like... my aunts, my Allisons, my haircut, my house.  So funny.

So the crazy part about this viral hit is that it was filmed YEARS ago.  Seriously, look at this video and Jessica is now almost a teenager!  So all this was, really, is a dad going through his old family videos and putting up one he thought was funny.  Strange that what used to be an "America's Funniest Home Video" is now a viral media sensation.

I guess it goes to show you that a good, positive pep-talk never goes out of style!

Have a great Monday and remember... you can do anything better than anyone!