Build a Better Team: Team Building Activities For An Improved Team Dynamic

Do you want to improve office morale and employee motivation as well as build teams that function more productively, with active communication and trust? Team building may be the way to go. Gone are the days of goofy games that were designed to foster “natural” strengthening of a team, and in their place are activities that can actively change how your teams work together.

Escape Room

Work together to solve a puzzle, beat a timer and escape a situation, whether it’s a zombie, a nuclear bomb or stealing a priceless painting. These rooms are all the rage right now for families, friends and corporate events.

Ropes Courses

Face your fears and overcome these obstacle courses! From ziplining to climbing, these courses are often physically and mentally challenging.

Battle of the Bands (or Air Bands)

If you have a lot of musical talent in your team host a battle of the bands. Break into small groups and host a performance for the rest of the company or even for family and friends.

If you have a lack of musicians, host a battle of the air bands! Break into groups and lipsync, play air instruments and put on your dream concert. For both options, costumes and props can be encouraged.

Mini Golf

Challenge your team to a game of mini golf and foster some friendly competition. This is something that can be done year-round, at either an indoor and outdoor course, and many courses also feature other activities that can make for a whole day of entertainment.

Trivia Night

Trivia is a great way to learn about different non work related knowledge your co-workers have. Many restaurants are now offering weekly trivia nights, so if your team is up for evening activities this is a great option, but if this isn’t a possibility, set-up office trivia in a way that works for your team. Whether it’s one weekly question that gets posted on a whiteboard, or lunchtime trivial pursuit games, this is a great break and lets everyone’s talents shine.

Community Service

Do some good in the neighborhood and get involved with volunteering. From working with organizations like Feed My Starving Children, or Habitat for Humanity to adopting a roadway and doing a monthly garbage pickup, volunteering makes you feel good and brings your team together.

Canoeing or Kayaking

Physical activity and working towards a mutual goal are all ways that you can build a functional team. Try placing some competition in with a race and see how well team members function together.

One Night a Werewolf

This strategy based card game is app moderated, so everyone can participate. For groups of 3 to 10 people, you must work together in your secretly given roles to discover who the werewolf terrorizing your fictional village is.  No game is ever the same, so each round makes everyone work to be heard, and even more importantly: believed innocent.

Mealtime

Perhaps the easiest way to foster positive team relationships is simply to host a lunch, dinner or happy hour event. Food and drinks are a natural way to encourage conversation, bonding and learning about the people you work with.

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Marketing Trend: User Generated Content

What is User Generated Content?

User generated content or UGC is when a brand uses content created by their community as an endorsement. UGC has been shown to increase customer loyalty and engagement as well as prove brands to be genuine. Think of UGC as a new branch of influencer marketing; users can post about a product and their peers and followers are not only exposed to the brand but get a firsthand review of products, services and brand ability.

UGC is coming up as one of the top marketing methods in 2017, and there are many big name brands that are using this method in addition to using their traditional marketing strategies. There are many successful examples of UGC in today’s market, but these are some of the most prevalent examples of UGC so far.

Apple

Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” campaign brings the stunning photos taken by iPhone users to the world by placing them on billboards all over the world. The reach of this campaign even inspired the tech company to create their newly minted Instagram account, sharing even more “Shot on iPhone” images.  

Coca-Cola

The slogan “Share a Coke With” started in 2011, and has quickly become synonymous with the soft drink brand. Coke drinkers are sharing images of drinks with their names on them, sharing messages and more. The craze hasn’t slowed down after 6 years, especially after the introduction of the personalization option on Coke’s website.

Glossier

Emily Weiss’ makeup and skincare brand has had a cult following for the last few years and with each new product the community grows even bigger. Glossier’s social media features their customers wearing and using their products, reviews and discussions,  the lifestyles that their customers lead and many posts show off the brand’s signature “millennial pink” color.

GoPro

Action camera company GoPro is known for their stunningly cultivated Instagram page. But the amount of images on their page credited to members of the GoPro community far outweighs the images added by the brand itself. The company hosts giveaways using hashtags to track engagement with social media followers and does user features, where their instagram page is taken over by one group or person that posts their GoPro adventures for that day.

La Croix

This sparkling water brand had been around since the 1980s, but is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Social media accounts are full of posts from La Croix fans, and the craze even goes as far as Etsy, where you can find embroidery patterns, pins and other merchandise. There has even been a music video made that delves into the love for the sparkling flavored water.

Lay’s

One look at the Lay’s brand Twitter and you can see what the fans bring to the table. The “Do Us a Flavor” contest has been a yearly staple since 2012. Fans submit flavor ideas hoping theirs will be the winning flavor and earn $1 million. This contest has added to fans engaging and a community following that rallies around the unusual (and oftentimes delicious).

Starbucks

Instagram worthy drinks are just the beginning for the Seattle founded coffee company. Customer designed cups, “regrams”, and even the occasional customer designed drink all create a brand that is inclusive, creative and fun.

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Twitter is Dying, and Other Social Media Rumors

Social media gets a bad reputation for promoting the spread of fake news, but even the sites themselves get rumors spread about them. “Twitter is dying” has been a phrase that has been tossed around for years. The social media superpower has over 300 million active users, and more than 30 offices, so it certainly doesn’t seem like it’s dead. Find out what’s true and what’s false in the list ahead.

TWITTER

Twitter boasts a huge global reach and influence, but the reason people say it’s dying is because there have been numerous problems that have come up over the last few years. From issues with abusive users to leadership that makes decisions users dislike there seems to be a large disconnect between corporate decision makers and the users on the site. From a move to an algorithmic timeline (which introduced #RIPTwitter) to the potential introduction of a 10,000 character limit from the original 140 characters, taking away the core of what Twitter started out as, there is a general agreement that there is an inherent issue with how the platform works with those using it.  Twitter isn’t dead yet, but there have definitely been moves made that could cause a decline in use and eventual exodus from the microblogging platform.

VINE

The 6 second video sharing app and twitter go hand in hand. Twitter purchased Vine in October of 2012.  The short videos matched the short text posts perfectly, and the creativity began almost instantly. But the magic couldn’t last forever. In October of 2016, Vine announced that it would be phasing out its mobile app. This decision made users not only question Vine, but the longevity of Twitter as well.

FACEBOOK

No stranger to the rumor mill, Facebook and CEO Mark Zuckerberg are under constant scrutiny.  There have been numerous claims that the platform will start charging for having a profile (untrue, but continues to come up), or that privacy and ownership of content rules will be changing (the site released a statement in 2012 saying that their policies have been and will continue to remain the same as they have always been), and most recently the rumor that Zuckerberg will run for president in the next election (which he denies).

SNAPCHAT

Snapchat is one of the most popular photo sharing apps, and as such has been in the news for all sorts of reasons, good and bad. New features, the whispers that the introduction of Instagram Stories has hurt the quick sharing app, an IPO which many are calling a flop, and the rumor that the apartment spaces the company was using as offices in LA were not being lived in, not complying with regulations. Snapchat is known for secrecy, but when the entire world is online, no one is immune from rumors.

What social media rumors have you heard over the last year?

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Wearable Technology For Health and Wellness

Constantly evolving technology is changing how we live our lives. From managing our schedules and social lives to tracking health and wellness, the average person in the 21st century relies on smart devices to help run their life. As technology improves, the features that are available to us today become more and more useful.

Technological improvements are not only making strides for better functioning devices, but also for better health. This article from Positive Health Wellness discusses eight ways that modern technology can help make you healthier, from the doctor’s office to your own personal health.

But what can you do to ensure that you are tracking your health and fitness effectively on a personal level? Of course there is the Apple Health app but there are other downloadable apps that specialize in tracking your health like Myfitnesspal for logging food and exercise, Couch to 5K to get new runners up and moving and Sleep Cycle to log sleep patterns.

Even though it’s simple to keep track of your health and fitness patterns with your phone and corresponding apps, perhaps the easiest and now one of the most popular ways to track your habits is through wearable technology in the form of a fitness band or smartwatch. These 6 wearables can change the way you live, workout and more!

Fitbit

Synonymous with fitness tracking, the Fitbit comes in many styles, each with distinct features and designs for whatever activity you are trying to track. Some have screens, others are just a simple band. But all of them are powerful, and track your fitness progress.

Find your match here.

Apple Watch

If you are looking for more than a fitness tracker the Apple Watch is a logical move. Consistent with the style of iPhone’s iOS, this smartwatch pairs fitness with smartphone technology, allowing you to respond to messages, phone calls and other notifications right on your wrist.

Check out the Apple Watch 2 (the most recent model) here.

aHealth Watch

The newest product from Mobile.Net is the aHealth watch. This fitness tracker has unique features that you will be hard pressed to find elsewhere. The aHealth watch can not only monitor activity and sleep, but also blood pressure and blood oxygen levels.

Learn more about the aHeath Watch on Mobile.Net.

Xaomi Band

This colorful and simple band helps you to understand your daily activity without becoming overwhelming. With vibration and light notifications, ability to unlock your phone and a low price point, the Xaomi Band is a great start for those looking to try a wearable that aren’t sure they will like or fully utilize a tracker with more functionality.

Get started with the Xaomi Band here.

Huawei Watch

A smartwatch that looks like an analog watch is exactly what the high powered business person needs. High class, beautiful construction, and a highly effective fitness tracking ability. You are also able to play music offline, utilize Google Assistant and make one touch payments with NFC mobile payments.

See more about the Huawei Watch here.

Technology and health now go hand in hand. How do you integrate tech products or other innovations into your personal health and fitness?

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11 Instagram Accounts To Follow For Post Inspiration

GoPro

The activity-ready camera brand’s page is as versatile as their cameras. From skydiving, to scuba diving, and surfing to snowboarding, GoPro’s showstopping photos and videos take you into another world where any adventure is possible.

Nike

The iconic athletic brand takes their “Just Do It” slogan to heart, showcasing photos and videos that prove not only what it means to be an athlete, but what it means to overcome.

Warby Parker

Do you need glasses, but have terrible flashbacks of being called four-eyes? Don’t worry, because with Warby Parker, wearing glasses is cool. Their retro themed images and iconic eyewear shapes make nerdy chic happen. Their home try-on is revolutionizing the industry, and for every pair purchased, a pair of glasses is donated to someone in need.

Sharpie

Sharpie was known for making permanent markers, but now they’re known for their artistic ability, versatility and ability to personalize anything, from backpacks, to journals, to graduation caps. Their posts are relevant to everyday happenings and show the brand in use by people thinking outside the box.

Starbucks

Coffee giant Starbucks’ social media is more than just holiday themed cups and pumpkin spiced lattes. Their posts have turned Starbucks into a lifestyle brand, showing how coffee, food and other brand products fit into your life.

IKEA

Known for their build-it-yourself furniture, the Swedish home retailer’s Instagram is full of more than just individual pieces. Design tips and ideas, before and after room makeovers and contests fill this page with color, aesthetically pleasing images, and lots of inspiration.

Adobe

Creator of Photoshop, Illustrator and more, Adobe’s page posts great examples of content created with their products, showing how each can be used to create eye catching and exciting work.

Playdoh

This modeling clay isn’t just for kids anymore. See what everyone is creating with the colorful compound and even take note of how brands like Jeep and Nesquik use Playdoh to advertise their brands. Let creativity flow and see what Playdoh can do.

National Geographic

Already world renowned for their incredible photographs, what better way for National Geographic to expand their audience than by using Instagram? From nature to the many facets of human civilization, National Geographic is the pinnacle of world vision.

H&M

Celebrity cameos, colorful photos and a focus on fashion are key for the H&M brand’s page. The page description calls out the purpose of the page as beauty and fashion inspiration, and the photos do inspire, though absolutely for a specific demographic and lifestyle.

WeWork

Coworking spaces company WeWork posts images that speak to the brand’s slogan: “Make a life, not just a living.” Showing off the different locations, types of work and people that use WeWork spaces, your world view can grow just be seeing the possibilities these spaces provide.

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Become a Master of Public Speaking

Public speaking becomes part of daily life when you run a successful business. Whether you are addressing employees, pitching a new product, being paid to speak at an event, or even recording a video of yourself; speaking to a crowd can be daunting, no matter how much experience you have. There are ways to improve your public speaking skills, and practice is important, but there’s more to public speaking than just rehearsing and memorizing. Want to get better at public speaking? Use these tips and see how your speeches improve.

Movement and Posture

Body language often says more than speech can. Used correctly, body language can punctuate your speech and portray expertise. If you are speaking at a podium, some of the rules will be different than they would be for a speaker without, but the most important guidelines are the same.

• Stand up straight (this will not only how improve you look, but how you speak as well).
• Avoid making any wild gestures; but don’t be afraid to use your hands to emphasize where it feels natural.
• If you are using a podium don’t lean on it, and if you aren’t, don’t just stand still. Shift your weight, walk around (sparingly), and use the space you have. Be mindful and keep your movements natural and deliberate.

Avoid Technical Jargon (Keep It Simple)

You are the expert on your topic, and though your audience may be familiar, they are here to listen to you and glean your knowledge. Avoid terms that are too technical, but don’t speak down to your audience. The key to a successful speech is taking information that is high level, and sharing it in a way that can reach the general public’s understanding.

Embrace Stress

It’s perfectly fine to be nervous. Public speaking isn’t something that comes naturally to many. In fact, it’s cited as one of the top fears for Americans. Stress and anxiety can be difficult to overcome, but the extra energy you have coming from a place of panic can easily be used to get excited and bring energy to your presentation. You have the power to reinterpret the signs of nervousness and change them into excitement.

Be Thoughtful With Facts

Even if you are an expert on what you will be speaking about, when planning to do an extended presentation you will have done some research into your topic. Make sure the facts you are saying are truthful, stated in a way that is clear and easy to understand, and remember to cite your sources. Giving credit where credit is due will not only keep you from plagiarism, but expand your personal credibility as well.

Avoid Upspeak

Generally a trend associated with female speakers, all speakers should try to avoid upspeak, or the tendency of vocally ending a sentence or word on a higher pitch than the rest of the sentence. This can make your statements come across as questions, which can break down your credibility. This video shows an example of upspeak (in this example it is called uptalk), versus speaking without it.

Reiterate Your Main Point

Your speech is about a certain topic, so the obvious first step is to state your main point. What may not be so obvious is the idea of revisiting that main point and restating it at the end of your speech. And if there are questions afterwards, come back to that main point again before completely wrapping up.  This leaves your audience with a clear understanding of what you are trying to say to them, and allows them to recall each point you brought up within the right context.

Slow Down

Don’t rush. Speak at an easy conversational level that gets your information across without speeding through and confusing your audience. It is easy to get wrapped up in excitement, but take a deep breath and make sure your words are clear, deliberate, and spoken at a level (of both speed and volume) that isn’t overwhelming for your listeners.

Build Drama

Pauses build anticipation and tension. Building drama and suspense keeps your listeners engaged in what you are saying. Pausing where it feels natural also allows you to catch your breath, figure out what to say next and get organized. It‘s unnatural to talk without any breaks, so to calm yourself down and also to make your speech seem effortless; as well as interesting and well thought out; a correctly timed pause is an excellent tool.

The best way to learn is to do, so go out and speak. Try out these tips and see how your audience responds to what you are saying. Who knows? You may even start to enjoy your presentations now!

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Why Email Marketing Shouldn’t Be Forgotten

Since the beginning of the internet, email has been one of the top ways we communicate. Regardless of the inception of chat apps, texting, and social media, email usage consistently grows each year. Despite these statistics, email marketing isn’t the main focus of many businesses, which is a shame for many reasons. With email marketing you can grow your business easily. Not convinced? Check out these reasons why email marketing should be a part of your marketing and sales strategies.

Mobile

Email can be accessed in a number of ways, and with at least half of US cellphone users accessing their email on their phones along with the ability for email to be accessed on tablets and other mobile devices, email can reach customers on a much larger scale that incurs less cost than SMS marketing.

Coupons and Bargain Hunters

Sending special offers and coupons to customers through email can cause a hesitant buyer to go through with a purchase. Driving engagement with customers is one of the most effective ways that email drives sales. Free shipping, and “buy one, get one” offers are shown to be the most attractive to customers, and with these offers you can increase conversion even within time constraints.

Versatility

Because email marketing is such a customizable marketing tool, it is extremely easy to not only use it for multiple purposes but also to combine it with the rest of your marketing tactics. Creating an integrated marketing strategy with email is one of the easiest ways to maintain the strength of your marketing efforts.

Investment

A recent study found that 85% of US retailers consider email marketing one of the most effective ways to reach customers. With the ability to reach gigantic numbers of customers for a very low price, matched with the effectiveness of this tactic, it’s no wonder that businesses feel that email marketing is worth so much. If doing email blitzes on your own sounds daunting, there are many tools that you can use to develop a highly effective email campaign. These are some of the top resources on the market.

1. MailChimp
2. Constant Contact
3. HubSpot

How have you used email marketing to grow your business? Do you have tools to make it easier? Let me know in comments!

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