Jun 142009
 

As I wrote about recently, my firm Strategic Communications Group has helped a lot of clients implement their social media strategies. Many times, this includes the launch of a company blog. But for a blog to contribute to the business goals of the company, it needs to build up traffic fairly rapidly. “Build it and […]

May 062009
 
Pizzeria Paradiso Still Just That

Pizzeria Paradiso has been a favorite of mine for many years. But I haven’t written about it until now, which just isn’t right. The restaurant has consistently delivered for years, and I’m giving it its due tonight.  Maybe the news the restaurant is moving a few doors down P Street to a larger space was […]

Apr 262009
 
Quality Blogging -- It Aint Easy

At my firm Strategic Communications Group more and more of our client work is in the social media arena. Usually a piece of the strategy involves helping the client launch a company blog. This can be a very valuable tool for thought leadership, spurring conversation and awareness and eventually for producing leads that support revenue […]

Apr 102009
 

This Thursday I attended a meet the media event put on by BusinessWire in Tysons Corner. These events bring together local reporters and editors and give them a chance to share their view of trends, how they like to be contacted, and the kind of stories they are looking to cover. While these discussions and […]

Mar 242009
 
A Positive Car Insurance Experience

Last month driving home from Silver Spring on a Friday night I was side-swiped by some guy in a minivan. The hit wasn’t major, he gave me a glancing blow as he cut me off in traffic. But it looked horrible, with damage and scratches down the back two thirds of the driver side. I […]

Mar 152009
 

Last week Gabriele and I enjoyed a get away from the daily hustle and bustle. We rented a well appointed cabin in the Shenandoah valley and brought our own supplies, including of course some wine. We also visited two Virginia vineyards, Rappahannock Cellars and Fox Meadow winery. The big winner of what we brought was […]

Feb 162009
 

Microsoft reached back to the days of the Old West last Thursday to battle an online worm that has infected millions of computer worldwide. It put out a bounty and assembled a “posse” to catch the bad guys. Microsoft announced a $250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the author(s) of […]

Feb 082009
 

The economic news continues to be bleak, and as a result many people are naturally watching expenses. In times like these, wine lovers are less inclined to pay big money for a wine based only on a brand name, a waiter’s recommendation or a “staff favorite” card in the store aisle. I’ve enjoyed some enjoyable […]

Jan 222009
 

Tuesday was an amazing event, as anyone who was in DC or watched on television knows. Two special, long-time friends were in the city for the Inauguration festivities, and Gabriele and I met them for dinner after a thrilling and busy day. They brought some local friends we had not met before (and who we […]

Jan 152009
 
SMC DC Event -- Government 2.0

Last night the Social Media Club of DC organized a Government 2.0 discussion in downtown DC. They put together a great panel of speakers that tried to define exactly what 2.0 is, what the government should be doing in social media and how quickly the Obama administration can really foster change. The event was held […]

Jan 122009
 
New Fog Bulbs -- Easy DIY

When owning an older BMW, it’s smart to discover the small maintenance items you can take care of yourself. Of course, what is easy for one person isn’t necessarily easy for another. In fact, it’s wise to approach with caution many projects some guys on the online boards say are incredibly “easy” to do yourself. […]

Jan 052009
 
iPhone for the Win -- The Story of One Household

Earlier this year I posted on the battle in the smartphone market between Apple and RIM, makers of the Blackberry. It took a macro level look at the market and the players: http://tinyurl.com/55vutc Today I’m posting on the totally micro level — my household. A few weeks ago my wife Gabriele and I both upgraded […]