Thursday, May 17, 2012

Let's Talk Discussion Group Etiquette for LinkedIn

We hope that after all the posts made about LinkedIn, you have made the decision to join the world of professional networking. If you are already a member you may have joined a few groups and may even received a few emails notifying you that there a new discussions in the group. Besides getting industry relevant information, it is also a great opportunity for you the take part in the discussion! Participating in group discussions are a great way to share your expertise, learn from your peers, and grow your network.

With LinkedIn discussions, you are able to view discussion threads, add a comment, start your own discussion,  or share links with other group members. Before joining the conversation it's important to understand the etiquette in participating in LinkedIn discussions.

First, understand what is acceptable for each group. Each group has its own tolerance for promotional content in group discussions. Some groups encourage its members to share links to their own websites, blog posts, or any other group relevant material. However, other groups all that type of posting in moderation. In other words you should use discretion when make a post. The point of the group is not about self-promotion. Before adding your own commentary, review the group's profile for posting guidelines. You can also read existing posts to assess what is acceptable to the group.

Focus on demonstrating your expertise and knowledge about industry relevant topics. The best way to participate in LinkedIn groups is to focus on intelligent, meaningful posts that add value to a discussion. Share relevant information that will benefit other members. Demonstrate your expertise in the industry by answering questions from other members. Whether you are looking for a job or potential clients, sell yourself by showing you expertise rather than posting overt sales pitches or pleas for employment.

Use the promotions tabs for sales pitches. LinkedIn groups offer a "Promotions tab where members can post announcements related to products, services, and events. If you have something to sell, it is preferable to post it on the "Promotions" tab.

There is also a "Jobs" tab. If you want to announce a job opening, talk about the current job market, ask a job related question, or  post a career discussion do it under the "Jobs" tab.

Bottom line, you should be an active LinkedIn user. Make the most of your time on LinkedIn!


Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Color Forecasting in Real Time

Is it possible to forecast color trends in real time around the world? Pimkie Color Forecast thinks it is. They show you in real time what people are wearing in Europe's fashion capitals.


 High definition cameras were installed in Milan, Paris, and Antwerp (Europe's fashion capitals). The cameras are connected to Mac Mini's with color tracking software developed by Pedro Cruz


The software analyzes the passing colors and shows in real time which colors are worn most. A ll colors are then complied in nice infographics, so you can follow how the cities evolve and how trends change.


 What is even more fascinating Pimkie even suggests clothes to purchase based on the current color trends. You are just one click away from being  on trend when it comes to color.


There is even an archive of the past color trends that where seen from the previous day or month. This is a unique concept for retailers and color forecasting. 


You can even take your color forecasting on the go. Download the app on iTunes here.


Check out how it works...

Source Vimeo

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Design Milk on Parsons

Design Milk is a modern design blog and magazine sharing contemporary art, furniture, architecture, interior design, style, technology, and home accessories. Recently Design Milk has made a post about Parsons The New School of Design. Parsons is located in New York City and is made up of five schools that bring together undergraduate and graduate programs including art, media and technology, art and design/history and theory, design strategies, fashion, and constructed environments.

Parsons has been considered a pioneer in art and design education since 1896. They have cultivated their students into becoming outstanding artists, designers, scholars, business people, and community leaders. Parsons is the only integrated school of architecture, interior design, product design, and lighting design in the United States.

To a student tools make all the difference in the world. Parsons has its own signature Design Workshop. The students are able to come into the workshop to design and construct projects for non-profit clientele. The goal of the school is equip students to use the keytools to solve problems with design everyday.



Photo by Bill Handelman

To read more about Parsons click here. If you are a student interested starting your journey in the design industry, Parsons is a great school to consider to get your education.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Pantone + Gap

Pop up stores have become a popular trend in the retail industry. Last year, Gap and Pantone partnered together opening a pop up store on 5th Ave. Combining the iconic and popular Gap t-shirts with the vibrant hues, created a energetic color filled t-shirt shop. Who doesn't love color? The store featured Gap's upcoming spring collection in the true Pantone Colors, including a limited-edition tee in Mimosa (Pantone's color of the year 2009). 

“We wanted to create an explosion of color and bring some warmth and optimism to our customers,” said Patrick Robinson, executive vice president of design for Gap Adult and gapbody. “Mixing Pantone’s vibrant colors with Gap’s signature t-shirts gives everyone an opportunity to find the perfect tee they can mix and match for their own personal style.”

“We are thrilled to be working with Gap to bring PANTONE Colors to life in such an accessible way,” said Lisa Herbert, executive vice president of Pantone’s fashion, home and consumer division. “We recently selected Mimosa as the 2009 color of the year because yellow, more than any other color, best expresses hope and reassurance. During this time of economic uncertainty and change, we are excited to bring optimism and joy to consumers by offering products in this imaginative color at the Gap & Pantone T-Shop.”

 Source Lintcoat 

 Source Lintcoat

 Source Lintcoat

Source Lintcoat

Saturday, May 12, 2012

A New Form of Job Hunting

With the ever changing job market the way you search for a job will change. Path.To has a new outlook on searching for a job. They mission is to connect the right people to the right job opportunity. Path.To sets out to accomplish this by creating personalized recommendations that deliver the best compatible matches for talent. Path.To calls themselves the "e-harmony for jobs." Path.To features the "Path.To Source." This is a personalized system that analyzes to unique characteristics of each job seeker. This is used to develop a sense of compatibility between job seeker and business. Path.To even asks questions like your preference of dress code, benefits, and company size. To further the personalization of your job search you are able to "like" or "dislike" the job openings that have been found for you. 

Check out Path.To's blog or follow them on Twitter


Source Path.To

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Tires Made High-End

When you think of luxury high-end jewellry, do tires come to mind? Tires a commonly associated with cars, trucks, bikes, and all other things using wheels. It may boggle the mind that tires could be considered luxurious and glamorous, however, not to Studio Kattentidt. Studio Kattentidt was given the ultimate challenge of converting an old shop beneath the S-Bahn rail line that connects East Berlin to West Berlin into an innovative store concept. The goal was to create an interesting, entertaining and inspiring environment that is appealing to both customers and professional buyers.

Keeping the character of the rough brick and arches of the existing structure, Studio Kattendit created a pared-down gallery atmosphere. The studio avoided the typical sleek and glossy imagery of high-end designer boutiques by turning to using recycled tires.

Three impressive chandeliers are made from large lorry tires, construction lamps and oversized crystal are suspended from the ceiling. Tires are stacked and groups throughout the showroom. The fixtures a lit with LED lamps to illuminate the jewelry.

The accessories and leather products are placed on platforms and are lit by the frosted glass surface. Clothes rails and reconverted bike stands are suspended from the walls, along with cabinets made from tyres 
that have been cut in half and topped with glass.



Source The Cool Hunter


Source The Cool Hunter

Source The Cool Hunter

Source The Cool Hunter

Source The Cool Hunter

Source Gooood


Source Gooood

Source Gooood

Source Gooood
To check out more photos of bow.berlin click here.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Should You Apply?

When looking for a new job, there can be a sea of possible job opportunities. What happens if you stumble upon a position that you may meet all the stated requirements? You may ask yourself, "should I apply?" The answer is, YES! Here's why. Most people conducting an interview don't know exactly what they are looking for. 

After reviewing the overall job description, stating the amount of years of experience required, and the tools and skills needed to perform the job; you would think that the employer knows who they want to hire. After all they were the one who created the outline for the position in great detail.

The job description may have been written by someone by someone in human resources, not the person who is interviewing you. Even if it was written by you potential boss, what is stopping you from applying? Interviewers have a broad sense of what they are looking for in a potential employee.

Don't limit yourself, apply for that job!