Krystyl's One Letter Of Truth

Jumping Frogs

Posted on December 19, 2010 by Krystyl

Not everyday that you can say you Jumped a Frog, let alone got a ribbon for it.

It’s also not everyday that you can say that the town you grew up in has a festival for this every year.

Since yesterday’s blog post talked about jumping frogs, I figured I would elaborate on this crazyness.

Every third weekend of May each year, the small town known as Angels Camp, has a Frog Jump Jubilee.

Yes, this is a town.
No, not a camp.
Yes, it is called a Jubilee.
Why? Rednecks are crazy, thats why!

I grew up in this crazy town, and never once jumped a frog. Never wanted to get my fingers on one. Never wanted anything to do with this thing that people considered a sport. You’d think since the first guy I dated had been a frog keeper, I would have been subjected to those rubbery things at an early age, but nope. That is until I decided to go home for the first visit in 5 years in 2009.

There is a Guiness Book of World Records entry for the longest jumped frog from a team in Oregon. They don’t mess around up there in the sticks.

The current world’s record was set in 1986 by Rosie the Ribeter. Rosie jumped 21’ 53/4”. The cash prize for breaking the world record is $5000.

Just look at 2010′s Winners and how happy they are about their frog jump (they are an arm wrestling team too)

They didn’t win the world record though. Guess they’ll have to try for next year!

How to jump a frog?

If you are in it to jump it, then you can be provided a frog and hope it jumps the farthest.
If you are in it for the competition, you can provide your own frog which will under go testing to make sure it has not been provided with steroids (ok I made that last part up, but it may be in the rule book)
Best to dress the part like I did – city barbie with a country twist – check out those boots! (my hometown locals had no idea what to expect)

You then take your frog to the designated lilly pad. A starting point on jumping stage.
Next, you do everything in your will power to get the frog to jump - *tip – don’t jump on frog – automatic disqualification – see photo below for proof

Also, avoid kissing the frog. He really does NOT turn into a prince like all those fairytale movies told us as children (my childhood clearly was based on Disney movies lying to me) – Again, see photo below for proof.

After your frog has made its glorious 3 jumps, the judges will measure the distance and let you know how well you and your frog did. Don’t worry, you’re still given a certificate and ribbon in the end even if your frog sucked.

BUT after all of that is said and done, remember that someone had to go out to the local pond to catch that frog. That person is someone I once dated. You are welcome for this story.

You can now carry on with your life.

Apply for a date with me at http://www.datingkrystyl.com

Posted in Blog | Tagged Angels Camp, certificate, frog, frog jumps, jumping frogs, world record | View Comments

Obvious Questions with Obvious Answers

Posted on December 2, 2010 by Krystyl

*Disclosure – I contract at MogoTix

Actual conversation:

Question asked of me just a few short moments ago: “why do you keep posting MogoTix to your facebook page?”

To which I replied “why dont you post MogoTix to your page?”

His response “Because I dont work there, if I wanted to post a company, i’d post my own”

Posted in Blog | View Comments

How To Get Event Sponsors

Posted on November 6, 2010 by Krystyl

Everyone’s always asking “Krystyl, how do you get so many sponsors for your event?”

I always look at them puzzled, and say “Because i’m awesome.”

I say that smugley because if you can’t contact someone yourself to get a sponsor, then you have failed at being awesome.

It doesn’t take much to achieve the simple task of doing 1 thing:

Just Ask.

All you have to do is ask the potential sponsor to be a part of what you are doing.

Whats the most they are going to tell you? No?

So what if they do. Move on and go to the next one.

Rejection is tough. Whether it be business or personal.

The company that turns you down is not the only company out there that could be a part of your event. They are not a road block to your events success, and they certainly arn’t the ones that are going to make or break your event.

There are millions of other potential sponsors out there, and that one company isn’t going to hurt you.

Sure, being successful is a struggle. The word ‘No’ always makes you feel like you’ve failed at something. Always look at “no” as the person who is pushing you to work harder and get what you want.

Yes, you may have wanted Donald Trump and his empire to sponsor your event, because, well as we all know, who doesn’t want the Trump empires to be involved? But if they say no, then who really cares?

How do I get sponsors? Easy. Just ask.

Use your resources.

Social Media has become mainstream, so ask your potential sponsor on Facebook or Twitter. Tell them what you are doing and see if they want to be involved. A sponsorship doesn’t always have to be money. It can be in-kind. Taking an in-kind sponsorship from a large, well known company, can sometimes be better than a financial contribution from a no-name company.

By taking an in-kind sponsor that is a large brand name, that can lead to more attendees when they see that someone they are familiar with is going to be there.

So i’ll finish this post with this: Just remember, everyone can get anything they want. All you have to do is ask, and keep on trying. The more you do, the more you learn and the more successful you and your event will become.

Posted in Blog, event, Featured, sponsor | Tagged event, facebook, how to get a sponsor, knowledge, Marketing, potential sponsors, social media, sponsor, twitter, web 2.0 | View Comments

Levi’s CurveID

Posted on September 15, 2010 by Krystyl

Here’s an example of a press event that got it right.

Levis for the new CurveID line.

They invited a handful of select women journalists, bloggers, and average woman to come and check out their new line of jeans that are made for the shape of every woman.

Not only were they invited, BUT they were also given a pair of Levi’s that fit them correctly and properly for them to take home, enjoy and tell their friends about.

The Senior Vice President of Merchandising was there to explain that all size 27 womens waist’s are not the same. Yes, they are size 27, but no they are not shaped equally. So that means that girl with the size 27 waist that has the jeans to die for is not a skinny bitch. It just means she’s not shaped like you. And yes, your size 27 is correct, you’re just in the wrong jeans!

The jeans are based on your shape, not your size. Its jeans that are specifically for ‘us’. Those oddly shaped women who can’t fit into every jean made for ‘your size’.

CurveID comes in many styles, from the skinny jean to flaire.

I’d definitely recommend checking these jeans out, along with any other fashionable attire that Levi’s may be offering these days.

Any other product releases should take note on how to properly do a launch of a product. Make sure you get your product into the hands of those you’ve invited. You want them to be talking positively about you in the future. You never knew who they may know and influence in the future.

You can get your own pair of Levi’s this Friday in Union Square in San Francisco by exchanging an old pair for a new pair. Here’s the details!

Thanks for the invite Levi’s!

Posted in Blog, Fashion | Tagged Fashion, levis, pants, press | View Comments

SF Giants Tweetup!

Posted on September 10, 2010 by Krystyl

Earlier this season, the SFGiants hosted an amazing tweetup that hosted some of the top social media influencers in San Francisco.

On September 29th, they will be hosting another fun filled night. You will get tickets into the special “Twitter 140 section” of the ballpark. You’re ticket will include a special “Pre-Game” Tweetup in the Scoreboard plaza from 5:15-7pm. and 1 complimentary drink at the party. There will be a DJ, Cash Bar, and some amazing giveaways that you won’t want to me!

Join me at the @SFGiants Tweetup on September 29th 5:15-7pm, DJ, Giveaways, and more! First 250 get a tshirt! Get your tickets now!

Make sure to use the #SFGTweetup hastag during the event!

Posted in Blog, event, Featured, twitter | View Comments

Last Minute Screening for Buried

Posted on September 8, 2010 by Krystyl

Hey Everyone!

I’ve got another fun gift to share with you this week.

To keep up with the movie fun of the summer, we’ve got 30 tickets to see the movie Buried with Ryan Reynolds (He’s a hottie! damn that Scarlett Johanson for scooping him up)

The first 30 to click this link and get the tickets, will be able to see a sneak preview on 9/14 at AMC Van Ness in San Francisco.

BURIED

Opening Date: In Select Theaters September 24

Specs: Rated R, 94 Minutes

Starring: Ryan Reynolds

Official Website: ExperienceBuried.com

SYNOPSIS

Paul Conroy is not ready to die.

But when he wakes up six feet underground with no idea of who put him there or why, life for the truck driver and family man instantly becomes a hellish struggle for survival. Buried with only a cell phone and a lighter, his contact with the outside world and ability to piece together clues that could help him discover his location are maddeningly limited. Poor reception, a rapidly draining battery, and a dwindling oxygen supply become his worst enemies in a tightly confined race against time, fighting panic, despair and delirium, Paul has only ninety minutes to be rescued before his worst nightmare comes true.

Buried is a Versus Entertainment production in association with The Safran Company and Dark Trick Films, a Rodrigo Cortés film.

Posted in Blog, Contest | View Comments

New Adventures

Posted on September 6, 2010 by Krystyl

The start of a blog post is always the most difficult. So this one will be no different.

Since August of 2009, I have managed and coordinated the life of Brian Solis. One of the leading new media experts out there today. Taking the position was an honor as Brian came to me with an offer (through a DM on twitter no less).

It has now been a year, and its time for me to broaden my horizons. My run with Brian has been a great one.

Brian’s success is still growing and will continue to soar within the next year, as he has several more tricks up his sleeve. I congratulate him for all that he’s accomplished thus far.

Starting September 1, 2010, I will be passing the torch of Mayor of Briantown onto someone who will be just as awesome if not better at managing Brian’s crazy schedule

I look forward to many more encounters with each and every one who has supported me over the years, and hopefully will continue to do so on a new venture.

As of this week, I’m joining HootSuite as the Director of the HootSuite Learning University.

My vision is to make HootSuite University into a place where students can gain knowledge from peers and pros and become knowledgeable about using HootSuite specifically, and social media tools in general.

Additionally, I plan to help the graduates of the HootSuite Learning program maximize their certification with business development opportunities and increased exposure. With so many companies using social media to outreach and listen to their customers, HootSuite grads can help set-up the tools for their clients and share advanced tactics for successful campaigns.

I couldn’t be any more excited to begin the venture with Ryan Holmes (@invoker), and the rest of the HootSuite Owls. It is going to be a lot of fun and a big challenge – but I’m up for it!

See you all on the interwebz!

Posted in Blog, Featured, twitter | Tagged adventure, beginning, blog, hootsuite, job | View Comments

Interviewing @Ev From Twitter

Posted on September 4, 2010 by Krystyl

KickLabs San Francisco recently hosted a GirlsInTech event and I was able to snag an interview with 1 really awesome CEO.

There were over 100 people in attendance. Lots of great food, and watching Claire Cain Miller interview Evan Williams the ceo of Twitter was no let down.

Thanks to Landini Media for doing the video and helping create and edit this video!

Check out the interview and make sure to follow @kicklabssf @krystyl and @ev on twitter!

Posted in Blog, event, Technology, twitter | View Comments

Engage? Exactly!

Posted on August 29, 2010 by Krystyl

Yeah don’t worry….we’re all thinking the same thing. Who the hell am I supposed to Engage? Why is this word tossed around like a bad salad?

Forgive me, i’ve been up for 2 days and am a little delusional this Sunday morning, but the word Engage is over used and underrated.

Why?

Well lets start by doing a simple Google search for the word Engage. Now i’m not quite sure what your search results came up with, but half of my first page was from blogs talking about social media and a few folks talking about their engagements on the 2nd page results.

I also went over to the Google images – what came up?

A craze’d lol cat
The image that I am using in this very blog post
Star Trek
Some guy raising his fist to his computer

Reason for those search results? Nobody knows what the hell “Engage” really means or the context to put it all in.

I read 2 great blog posts this morning. The first one – Social Media Bashing is Boring As Hell and Why Social Media Guru’s Should be Trampled By Elephants. Both providing some great points that every company should read.

The one thing in the last year that I have learned, and would advise any companies to do the same is the following:

Research Who You’re Hiring

The person you’re hiring may claim to know social media because they’ve figured out that 140 characters can get them a large amount of followers. But if you research said person, you may notice that they don’t have anything else relevant in social media. Using 1 social media tool does NOT make you a ‘guru’

Do they have a blog?

If they have a blog, does it show up in Google search results? What are the topics that they write on? Do they talk about themselves, or their clients? Perhaps they talk about the trending topics that are in social media? You want them to be focused on the trending topics that are relevant to the times, and to their clients, and less about themselves

Find out ‘who’ they are

What are the topics they like to discuss, who they discuss them with. Who their target audience is, has a great impact on those who they attract and where their demographic is as well.

Are they publically known or internet famous?

Now this is a tricky question. Being in social media can make you a public figure, but only in the tech/internet space. Anyone in the “real” world may look at you and think you are stupid when asking about said person. Finding out how well known they are will have a great impact on the work that they will do with you in the future.

Hiring someone well known

Has its downfalls. The more infamous they are in both tech and in the real world, the less likely they are to have the time to work with you and your company. Ask them how much time they have available. And if you can set up regular meetings with them so that you know you will be guaranteed the time with them, and not pawned off to another employee in the company.

Ask

When hiring said ‘guru’ – ask how many people are in their company. Do they hire contractors. If they do, what is the reason for doing that. How often will you be working with the outside sources as opposed to internally. How often will you get to interact with the guru vs the other team members.

Engage

The first thing that everyone talks about is Engage. What does this word even mean? Interaction! It can’t get any more simple than that.

This does not just mean on your Facebook, Twitter, and Blog. This also means internally.

What are you doing internally to encourage your team to interact with anyone outside of your office? You want your employees to believe in your product, so you want them to interact with others in hopes they will discuss your product. Treat them well, make them happy and encourage improvement to allow them to talk about how great you and your company is. This is a small itty bitty amount of word of mouth marketing that everyone does without realizing it. Its the first step to making something bigger and better.

When your employee’s are praising you on their social networks, you’re company will be off to a good start to Engage!

Posted in Blog, Technology | Tagged encourage, engage, facebook, hiring, social media, social media guru, think, twitter | View Comments