Five Blondes » marketing

What would you change about your cell phone plan?

Leah — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:13:40 +0000

I have found this really cool website that has been created by a company in Canada that will be starting to provide cell phone plans. The way they have chosen to do their research is interesting – by opening up an online forum called “Wireless Soapbox” as a way for people to get their likes, dislikes and ideas concerning their current cell phone plan, and offer input as to what they would like to see in an ideal cell phone plan.

Think there’s a better way to do wireless?

Welcome to the Wireless Soapbox, a forum for people who believe that cellular can be done better. Have a complaint? Air it. Have an idea? Share it. Ask a question. Start a discussion. Whatever… it’s up to you. Choose a topic and get involved.

Whan an innovative way to do research! Essentially, their only expense was to create this website, it was advertised via ways of media interest, and pay a couple people to monitor it and BOOM – you have loads of free informtation coming at you right from the consumers themselves.

I, currently, have not yet contributed to it as I have not put a lot of thought towards what I like and don’t like about my cell phone plan. A popular topic I have noticed is the “system activation fee” and how people don’t like to see it on their bill every month, they would like to have it dissolved into their other fees. I agree with that one, I am charged $6.75 (or so) every month by my current provider, but that seems like something that should be included with my $25/month plan!

Would you contribute to this website (even if you aren’t Canadian) to get your ideas across? Canadians, this is your way to get the cell phone plan you really want. I am so intrigued to see what ideas and plans do come out of this Wireless Soapbox!

Cashing in on the $0.16 Timbit

Erica — Mon, 12 May 2008 03:29:02 +0000

By now, you’ve likely heard the story of the woman who was fired because she gave away a $0.16 Timbit. That event happened here in our city of London (where are about 10 Tim Horton’s stores on every block). I’m completely sick of seeing the story everywhere (it’s still one of the most popular stories on Reuters.com) and it seems that I can’t even escape while I enjoy a game of Scrabulous:

Yup, that’s Nicole holding a timbit. Also, you can see the edge of my Scrabulous game. I’m winning. Anyway, I like clever marketing like this. It’s possible that she’s seen this ad because she does indeed have a Facebook profile. Not much on it but she has written a few posts on her wall and joined her own support group. Not to be rude but she may want to spellcheck everything she writes as it is nearly illegible.

Everyone and their timbit-eating-toddler has been weighing in on this issue so I might as well put in my $0.02 worth. Hey, look! My opinions are worth less than a Timbit.

Do I think she should have been fired? Hard to answer without knowing her performance history at this job. Also hard to answer as I don’t know Tim Horton employee policies. I truly can’t answer this question.

Do I think that Tim Horton’s customers should be rude to the employees? Heck, no! I understand that this has been an unfortunate reality at many TH locations in London. The people behind the counter have nothing to do with the decisions that are made in the manager’s office! Why take your anger out on people that have nothing to do with what happened? Contact the store manager or, better yet, the corporate office. Customer service can be emailed at: customer_service@timhortons.com.

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Joined the Wave of Bloggers at Entrecard

Erica — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:42:37 +0000

About a month or so ago I read an article somewhere about Entrecard, a sort-of business card feature for your blog. I also noticed the Entrecard widget on some big name blogs like Problogger and Tyler Cruz (I love his card!). But did I sign up? No…I put it off like the fantastic procrastinator that I am.

Then yesterday Darren interviewed the creator of Entrecard, Graham, giving him more great exposure and Darren’s stamp of approval, so to speak. At that point, it would have been stupid of me not to get FiveBlondes in on Entrecard, especially considering our re-launch at our new domain.

But we need a card…

What to use?

At first I went with a boring black card with our title and tag line. Not very eye-catching or effective. Sadly, I don’t have Photoshop (though I am lusting over it…) and do not have the means to make our own card. Guess how I found help? Through Entrecard! Jason at DatMoney.com is doing our card for the bargain price of $1.

As Elle Woods would say, “Snaps for Jason”!

Jason has the task of downsizing this photo into a 125 X 125 square:

Good luck, Jason! We’ll be thrilled with whatever you come up with.

For our visitors who don’t know what Entrecard is, just visit their site. It’s like a business card for a blog. Also, for reference, a 125 X 125 square is the size of the image in our right hand sidebar (currently a funky monkey doodle – great site, just click!).

Also, to our new visitors who have arrived via Entrecard, thanks for reading. I’m always sure to read a post (or many if I’m liking it!) on blogs I visit through E. We appreciate your comments! Cheers!