If you have spring flowers on your desktop, this means it’s definitely time for a change. One of the most therapeutic things anyone can do is to refresh the space they work in. And this includes your desktop wallpaper.

You’ll find many people saying that you have to de-clutter your icons, throw away old files and stop using paper notes. Yes, yes and yes. But the one dramatic thing that always says I’m ready get creative is changing out my wallpaper periodically. It always bugs me when I see a user’s desktop wallpaper, and see the same the following year. It’s unacceptable folks!

So, in the spirit of change, with great taste in mind, allow me to forward over some of my favorite wallpaper websites. Happy papering!

Smashing Magazine Blog (beginning of every month, search for earlier entries)

Veer

Desktopography

Old favorites…

If a photo shoot is not a possibility we find ourselves searching voluminous stock photo libraries for the perfect image. This can be a difficult and daunting task. However, sometimes after hours of searching with four of us huddled around a computer screen about to pull our hair out–we come across some amazing gems. Gems that may not be useful for our project – but gems indeed. Former Ameba, Ray Sensenbach (Ray$), and I decided these WTF iS images are too good not to share with you.

So I was wondering, is the tradition of mailing out holiday cards obsolete and passé? Are they a tacky, environmentally-unfriendly thing of the past?  Is mailing holiday cards something only our parents and grandparents do? I questioned my social media savvy coworkers and their response was a unanimous and resounding “NO.”

It seems that nothing makes one feel more warm and fuzzy than receiving a real, tangible card in the mail. Of course, being as hip and trendy as the Amebas are, they pointed out some earth-friendly options for holiday cards. Now, we can share a little holiday magic and feel good about the environment.

Check out plantable cards at Botanical Paperworks! Seeds are actually embedded into the paper. When you plant the card, wildflowers will grow. Magical!

Snails Pace Paper offers FSC-certified, 100% post-consumer fiber using soy-based inks

Pear Tree has a line of festive recycled cards

But what exactly is “civil unrest” and who gets to decide? Would people still be able to protest; rally; lobby; or simply organize themselves publicly?

There is no doubt that social media, like Facebook and Twitter, are powerful mediums for grassroots-style mobilization – Look at Egypt! But should it be something to fear? Is there a darker side to social media that needs to be monitored?  Is there an underlying, ominous potential for mass criminal organization? Should Facebook and Twitter be censored?

1. Know your audience

The Holy Grail of rules. Everything reverts back to this rule. Every rule hereafter has “exceptions to the rule” based on rule #1, so pay attention. Communicating with your boss is different than communicating with a guy at the bar (or it should be, and if it isn’t, well we’ll save that for another blogger to tackle, preferably someone with an M.D.) Use judgment – and if you lack judgment – ask the opinion of someone that you respect you know others widely respect.

2. Smile

Smile when you greet someone. A huge bright smile can make others feel welcomed and at ease. This gets you off to the right start to having your audience be receptive to your message. Also, smile when you answer the phone; people may not be able to see you, but they will hear your smile through your tone.

3. Direct eye contact, but don’t forget to blink

Unless you are communicating in another country, such as Zimbabwe (see rule #1), where it is rude to maintain eye contact – look at your audience! Look at your audience when you are speaking and most importantly when they are speaking to you. Get your ADD under control because it’s offensive if you’re eyes dart around the room. Eye contact denotes confidence and confidence will make others stop and think, “Hey this guy/girl knows what they are talking about – I should listen up.”

4. Engage your audience using questions

Don’t just ramble on about yourself. Ask others questions. People love to share about themselves and feel good when they think you are interested. Also, if you feel awkward about having the spotlight on you – deflect by asking someone, how their dog is? Their kids? How was their commute? Their last meeting or project?, etc.

5. Listen

Asking isn’t enough – you need to listen too. Remember something special and follow up. On second thought, scratch ‘special’ – just remember SOMETHING.

6. Share a personal fun story … but easy on the humble brags

Humble brag:  a form of self-promotion where the promoter thinks he is, almost subliminally, bragging about himself in the context of a humble statement or complaint. Everyone listening thinks he/she is a jackass.

“I am exhausted from my two week vacation to Hawaii. I need a vacation.”

[source: Urban Dictionary]

7. Find common ground

Everyone has something in common. Find it. And if you really don’t— the weather and traffic will always be a good trusty default.

8. Laugh at their jokes unless the jokes are obnoxiously offensive. If that is the case then man-up and put the jerks in their place.

If someone tells a stupid joke it won’t kill you to laugh.  However, as much as I am all for making others feel at ease, comfortable and good about themselves— I’d like to remind you of the quote, “Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.” If someone makes an off colored joke that is rude and demeaning– don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself or others.

9. If you see someone more than once a week – ask them their name.

If every week you see your receptionist, cleaning lady, dry cleaner, barista, deli-guy, etc. – introduce yourself and ask them their name. When you see them again say, “Good Morning, John” or “Thank you, Jane.”

10. Don’t be overbearing …

As always, revert back to rule #1 – know your audience and don’t take these rules to the extreme– moderation is key, my friends.

http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

Oh did that question reach far in the Ameba office. We all had our guesses. Some were spot on while others took time. In the end the office was buzzing with smiles, laughs, and dreams of things to come.

King Manuel: Wired Magazine
Been around since January 1993
“The rolling stone of technology”

Annie Eddey: Forbes Magazine
Been around since 1917
“The Capitalist Tool”

Sarah Schmidt: Oxygen Magazine
Been around since 199?

(Read about King on the cover of Wired and the rest of our picks here.)

…and for the top 25 U.S. publications, here you go:

See larger chart here

Researchers are currently conducting studies that may just validate what marketers have suspected for decades – the power of branding does influence consumers’ beliefs, behaviors and actions. In fact, products that people perceive as being “quality” in terms of label, appearance and in some cases, craftsmanship, not only influence how valuable certain products are to consumers, but it may also influence how well they physically perform.

Better Brand Equals Better Performance?

Researchers from my alma mater, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, analyzed whether people’s visual and auditory and performances improved with the use of “prestigious,” “quality brands.” Two groups were asked to read a list of unrelated words while sitting in front of an aluminum lamp. They were tested for speed and accuracy in identifying the words. One group was given a pair of Ray-Bans, a well-known, fashionable brand of sunglasses. The other group was given a pair of Mango glasses, an unknown brand. Both pairs of glasses have proved effective in helping to block the glare of light. In fact, they’re the exact same sunglasses, with one major difference: they don’t have the same label.  Researchers discovered that simply because the glasses carried a specific brand name, members of the Ray-Ban test group identified more words correctly than the group with Mango glasses. This group even identified the words in a faster time than the Mango group!

The same was true when researchers gave the groups an auditory test. Subjects were given earmuffs that were designed to filter out background noise, but allowed wearers to hear spoken words more clearly. Wearers of the earmuffs that were labeled, 3Ms, a well-known and respected brand, were able to hear more words correctly than those who wore the exact same earmuffs, but were labeled, Etkes, an unknown brand.

Every marketing professional has always known that pricing, perception and image are essential to any product or service’s success. But now, thanks to studies like this one, we have the proof that, not merely perceptual, but actual physiological placebo-effects are achieved through strong branding. Based on fascinating studies like this, can anyone deny the power and impact of well-established brands?