ZackBrandit

Social Media State from a Lemurian Perspective:

name.nospam@nospam.example.com (Laurent) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:32:00 +0100

More and more people are using it. We often complain about it as a fundamental waste of our time or of how it trespasses our privacy, therefore, we can now officially pronounce Social Media as mainstream. Yes, it is part of our daily life, during the good and the bad times, and due to globalization as well as the increase in household internet connections, we start sharing the same experience worldwide. And yet, do we all use it the same way?

ZackBrandit being located in Belgium, is in the center of a cultural crossroad. The country has 3 official languages as well as Germany, UK, the Netherlands, Luxemburg and France as neighbors - each one with its own language, communication and entrepreneurial culture. Belgium developed Netlog, The Netherlands brought Hyves and the others introduced their own set of social networks and other media.

When Brian Solis, a prominent new media thought leader, introduced the Social Media Prism, most of the brands that were included were from US based start-ups. In the meantime new prisms were created for other countries such as Germany, Japan and China while international start-ups were added to the original one.

In February 2010, Brian Solis wrote a blog post about
the state of social media around the world where he uses a study by TrendStream to explain that although Facebook dominates the market in most countries, social media usage can vary from one place to another.

For a complete analysis I invite you to read Brian’s blogpost. What interests ZackBrandit the most is the evolution of the blogosphere. Projections of the research show us that in most western countries we mainly use social media to upload pictures and manage a social network profile. Only 10% of people who have internet access (average of 50% of the population) write their own blog. On the other hand, if we go to Asia or Latin America we notice that blogging has a predominant position; often much higher than social networking; yet, rates of internet access remains proportionally much lower (except for South Korea and Japan).

Most social media technologies originated in western countries; which also means they mature faster in western societies. Whereas Asian and Latin cultures, where life isn’t as fast-paced, show that online communication is also evolving at a slower speed.

At first glance this may not sound alarming, but we may expect a further decline of blogging in western countries and probably also in the rest of the world on the long run.

Larger and more influential social networks will start looking to expand beyond their virtual borders. It has already started with Facebook Connect, but with time we may anticipate much more interaction between the different existing platforms.

This also means that companies with a business model revolving around social shopping, affiliation and online marketing will start to see local and international shifts in their communication strategies. Thus, can we start talking about glocal online communication?

How does this influence ZackBrandit’s model?

Though we originally developed the Zilhouette and our affiliation model for bloggers, we value being active on different platforms. This of course demands a lot of energy; priorities must be established. When we decided to create ZackBrandit about 5 years ago, we expected to see Europe follow the US lead in social media. With time we realized that cultural and perceptional differences were telling us otherwise. This complexifies ZackBrandit’s model and its goal to push conversation forward.

So, where are we going to? What direction will social media take?
We can only guess, but we expect to see standards and interconnections popping-up.
Language remains a strong barrier; however automatic translation is also improving.
Server costs can be very expensive and partnerships to reduce them are also viable.
3D, virtual and augmented reality will become even more immersive. Today we connect to the internet; tomorrow the internet will connect with us.
Indeed, social media is still in its infancy…

Eclat Cacao

name.nospam@nospam.example.com (Laurent) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:26:00 +0100

When I say Belgium you think…

1. Frites (Belgian fries)
2. Beer
3. Politicians
4. Waffles
5. Chocolate

Belgium is indeed quite well known for its many culinary marvels and today’s post is about Belgian Chocolate.

There are many chocolatiers in Belgium. Some of them with their names echoed all over the world, while others prefer to keep a low profile and enjoy producing quality artisan pralines.

The ZackBrandit team is multicultural but we all have one point in common, we love chocolate! That is why we’re looking to promote these delicious wonders.

We recently discovered Eclat Cacao in Brussels and we’re all sold!

Meet David and learn more about his new chocolaty venture. Discover how pralines, bars and easter eggs are made. You can really taste the passion in his work!

All these chocolates are of course available on the ZackBrandit platform, fresh and delicious directly from David’s shop.

1000 Posts! It’s time to celebrate!

name.nospam@nospam.example.com (JeanPaul) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:01:00 +0100

You have of course heard of this little word during your visits to our website or during our various interactions on different platforms where we are active: The Zilhouette!!! The Zilhouette is one of the services provided by ZackBrandit.

ZackBrandit offers the Zilhouette as a reference tool where bloggers can find out how their blogs are perceived by their readers.In popularizing this tool with both the practical and fun aspects, a couple of months ago we asked bloggers on BlogCatalog to take advantage of this free profiling tool.

This effort was a huge success! Today, our discussion is one of the longest and most followed on BlogCatalog with more than 1000 posts. More than 400 bloggers participated in this discussion. They are pleased to see that their blog has personality and how it is being perceived.

Here are some examples of feedback we received:

Acostaki

Blog: http://katrina-fashionistadiva.blogspot.com

Profile as seen by ZackBrandit: Admonisher

"Wow, thank you so much for your review! You are too kind!

I am very much a perfectionist and am somewhat unhappy with my blogs inconsistency. I am still learning the whole blog lingo, but trust when I say I will perfect my art...soon enough!

Thanks again, you've given me great confidence!"

Econtatto

Blog : http://lookartv.blogspot.com

Profile as seen by ZackBrandit: Idealist

"Perfect, exact, accurate, strict, correct,true!!!

Thanks a lot and for what regards the affiliate program....well everyone have to live somehow!! hehehe!

Thanks so much again"

Our 1000^th post was written by Vikasiiit.

Blog: http://www.guptacounsell.blogspot.com/

Profile as seen by ZackBrandit: Opportunist

About Vikasiit's Blog:

His blog is focused on a variety of topics relevant to everyday life.

He even has stock market and weather widgets for the information of his readers!

Still skeptical? Don’t you want to know how your readers perceive your blog? It as easy as, signing up (free of charge) on ZackBrandit’s website, putting the widget on your blog, then asking your visitors to share their feedback with you.

Join ZackBrandit’s Fan Page, join a community of bloggers and internet surfers.

Jean-Paul

Reaching the customers where they are located

name.nospam@nospam.example.com (JeanPaul) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:42:00 +0100

It’s all about the placement.

The customer has become the main focus for brands. Like the term “Customer-centric” says, it’s the customers, and more importantly their wants and needs, which initiates product development. In short, the customer is KING.

The success of any business during this troublesome economy requires a lot of originality and creativity. Being able to establish a relationship of trust, and especially on a long-term basis, is the challenge of lasting success. For this, we have to know the customer and really take into account his/her environment. Brands today don’t hesitate to go to where the customer is located: social networks, blogs, forums, etc. to find out what they are saying and what they are thinking.

“Reaching the customers where they are located”; this is a popular strategy. To know and be there where the customer is found will help well-known brands, as well as small companies, get closer to their customers and to listen to them. To not take such an approach could be fatal, especially in a system where everything is rapid. Furthermore to be capable of listening to the market via widely used social media platforms leads to knowing what is said or could be said about a brand or a product. To reach the customers where they are, also means to be able to step in for its cause and acquire supporters.

Nevertheless, all businesses in their strategies of conquest don’t necessarily adapt this vision and yet they succeed well or sometimes even better than those who have in mind “customer centric”. They are uniting large communities around their products and services that are more than just faithful. This provides us with a tricky question and leads us to address the customer in a more specific way.

So isn’t the key to this question being inventive, proactive and to know how to match the product offer with the customer demands?

To be present on different social network questions is not a luxury, but more like a necessity. This is also a reason for which ZackBrandit establishes a strong long-term relationship with its clients (Brands, Brandits and Netizens) via social media like Facebook, and LinkedIn (social networks), Twitter (microblogs), Flckr, Youtube and SlideShare (Content Sharing websites).

Did you know of cases where businesses knew that they should focus on the customer as the center of their activity?

How would you explain the success of these business that function by their own way and don’t completely accept the idea of centering their businesses activities on the customer?

Visit us often and share your opinion and suggestions with us on our forum.

See you soon!

Eclat Cacao: a Marvel Made for your Mouth

name.nospam@nospam.example.com (ZackBrandit) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:02:00 +0100

Bunnies, bells, chicks and eggs, what would Easter be without chocolate? And artisanal, delicate, fine chocolates at that.

David decided to open his own chocolate workshop, Eclat Cacao, with his wife Valerie after 20 years of working for reputable companies in the Belgium chocolate and pastry business. With Belgian chocolates, being the most acclaimed for quality and finesse in the world, David has explored and applied multiple techniques in order to produce delectable and delightful truffles, bars, figurines and pralines.

Everyone from small to tall will enjoy these sweet treats from Eclat Cacao. And for the more gourmet taste, the chocolaterie offers flavors of orange, caramel, almond, speculoos, and that's just the beginning.

Although Eclat Cacao specializes in Chocolate, David and Valerie have come up with another petit pleasure: real-fruit flavored gourmet marshmallows. In passion fruit and raspberry, this will be sure to satisfy your little sweet tooth.

ZackBrandit is proud to offer you a product of such distinction. This is a must-try for everyone, especially something special to share with your friends and family.

Special Easter Discovery Pack

Enter the Legend with the New HTC LEGEND

name.nospam@nospam.example.com (ZackBrandit) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:05:00 +0100

Let’s start with a little riddle.

I am a spartphone, I am multi touch, and I operate on Android 2.1 with a unibody design. People say that I am elegant with a brilliant AMOLED screen, and I have a metal finish. I want to be a “Legend” in for my generation. Who am I?

Introduced for the first time at Mobile World Congress 2010 in Barcelona, the HTC Legend, the answer to this riddle, made an outstanding impression. Equipped with an extensive selection of widgets, the HTC LEGEND allows you to personalize almost anything, and therefore lets you bring out the best in your phone.

Super connected in social media, the HTC Legend will help you stay in contact with different circles of friends, or colleagues. The new widget, “People Widget” makes your life easier by enabling you to create a group on your phone and direct your calls, messages and social media updates to them.

Explore in a blink of a second the technical description of this HTC jewel. It is currently on sale at ZackBrandit.com; you’re just a click away!

Become a part of the Legend too!

Zack

Jewellery from Art’emi: Jewellery that will last you a lifetime.

name.nospam@nospam.example.com (ZackBrandit) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:33:00 +0100

Make your loved one feel special with a precious gift; combining originality, refinement and simplicity, this is the worthy challenge that Art’emi, the Belgian jeweler has assumed.

In taking the time to browse its collection, we find ourselves amazed and appreciative in front of these works of art. For those who are looking for something to go with various styles, in specific occasions and something simple, the collection “bijoux en argent” will surely be your answer. This collection of rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings in silver combines elegance and discretion at the same time. You will certainly be delightfully surprised when you receive this wonderful gift.

Let’s not forget Art’emi’s jewellery is not just for women; there is a collection for the little ones too. This collection named “Petit Chéri” features mini silver pendants.

In addition to all these accessories designed to make someone feel special, Art’emi is innovating by letting its customers personalize their jewellery. They just need to specify what they want engraved, the style, the color of the cord and voila, it’s ready to go. To ensure that the engraving will last, Art’emi uses a diamond to create your design.

Whether spoiling yourself or a loved one with a piece of jewellery from Art’emi, you will be ultimately supporting innovative entrepreneurs who manifest determination and the will to succeed in their creations on a daily basis.

Word of Mouth… Return to the Sources Part 2

name.nospam@nospam.example.com (JeanPaul) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:14:00 +0100

In our previous blog post, we talked about the importance of word-of-mouth marketing and the difficulties related to its implementation by small companies. It is undeniable that word-of-mouth has considerable advantages when it is mastered and used well. However, it seems that the word-of-mouth strategy itself has a relatively weak impact; its potential is much greater if we combine it with other techniques.

Following the example of various innovative start-ups, ZackBrandit created a model that aims to take into consideration the human behavior and its need to interact and share with others. This will is reinforced by the Social Media “Spirit”; for in reality, that’s what it’s about: integrating the human dimension of clients in our strategy in order to become closer to them and create a meaningful long-term relationship. It is about transforming customers into partners and no longer considering them as just customers.

ZackBrandit’s mission is to make its users into long term partners. In addition to its base model, which is online sales, ZackBrandit integrated a number of Marketing tools. These tools include Affiliation Marketing and Social Shopping, based on the common sense concept where ZackBrandit users (Brands, Brandits and Netizens) communicate with each other to develop and improve product information, prices and consumer advice.

These business models have already proved themselves in the rise of the neteconomy. At this time when we talk about an integration strategy, it’s in the interest of PMEs to know how to combine them, develop the advantages and to broaden their client databases.

Thus, a business specialized in e-commerce could, for example, integrate an Afilliation Marketing strategy to its commercial strategy in order to make its sales grow. And if the company wishes, why not integrate into its online sales platform, multiple tools to share information in order to optimize its user experience.

The customer, the business’s partner in growth, is the key that permits these companies to make themselves known and counter threatening competitors. After all it is the customer that spreads the voice of the business to their own networks, thus turning them into future customers as well. A satisfied customer attracts another and so on. It is necessary then to put themselves in the shoes of the customer, feel what they are feeling and do what you can to become friends.

If you like this article or have other points of view to share, don’t hesitate to the comments!

New Additions to ZackBrandit’s Facebook Fan Page

name.nospam@nospam.example.com (ZackBrandit) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:31:00 +0100

We really want to serve you better, so we are adding new sections to our Facebook Fan Page! We want to better inform you and develop a closer connection with you – our best asset.

Four new features will be added to our Zackbrandit Fan Page:

Your Store

Info Booth: Follow ZackBrandit’s activity and discover how to get in on Zack’s exclusive deals. Find out more about our vision, our mission and our way of promoting brands and entrepreneurs alike.

Your Store: This new feature will show you the new promotions we just added to our platform and update you on our non-profit initiatives like supporting low-income entrepreneurs via Kiva.org.

Info Booth

Zilhouette: You have no doubt already seen our little, cute characters. Aren’t they so adorable? And this section is dedicated just to them! It’s about showing you the power that’s behind Zilhouettes and the Zystem (rating system for blogs partly based on the MBTI) as well as its added value for bloggers.

Contests: Win numerous prizes from ZackBrandit and our partner brands. Send your photo in to Zack’s Fun Photo Contest today! We are waiting…

For the moment, two of these features have been uploaded onto our Facebook Fan Page: Info Booth and Your Store. The others are coming really soon!! :D.

Click here to check it out and become a ZackBrandit Fan!

Looking forward to your feedback!
Zack

Noble Tendresse - all the tenderness of homemade biscuits

name.nospam@nospam.example.com (ZackBrandit) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:14:00 +0100

In the small town of Yvoir, on the banks of the Meuse in Belgium, Stephen Destrée helped us discover a wide variety of mouthwatering biscuits from Noble Tendresse.

Noble Tendresse's biscuits take us back to the real taste of homemade baked treats. They are designed and prepared in the manner of fine art: with passion and perfection. A subtle mix of everyday ingredients and flavors to tantalize our pallets and take us on a journey.

Everyone will find his or her paradise with this wide range of products offered by Noble Tendresse. Let's start our trip to tastebud utopia with some chocolate: Intense Chocolate,
Intense Orange Chocolate and Chocolate Moke are the delicious cookies made with the divine ingredient.

We will continue our journey with speculoos biscuits: a unique combination of ginger, cinnamon and other spices. Taste this pure Belgian product once and you will never forget it, guaranteed. The Speculoos and the Speculoos of Hasselt biscuits will never let you down.

By indulging in these Beligan speciality products made by Noble Tendresse and offered by ZackBrandit you will be supporting the initiatives of innovative entrepreneurs and artists with diverse products. We hope that Noble Tendresse flourishes and develops even more flavors and delectable treats!

Enjoy them yourself or share the deliciousness with your loved ones...