This article marks the beginning of a new series on the weekly presentations made by Lifeblue’s team members as a part of our LB University program. LB University gives the members of Lifeblue the opportunity to practice their presentation skills by sharing their expert knowledge on a topic of their choice.

LB’s newest team member, Derek Odell, recently took us through the world of geolocation in a presentation he called “Geolocation and You.” As someone who uses geolocation features often via iPhone applications like Facebook Places, Google Maps and Runmeter, I realized that I knew very little about this program that has become a part of my daily life. But Derek’s lecture provided a thorough explanation of how this extremely useful feature operates to power apps like the ones I and many others use to make our lives simpler.

Geolocation is defined by Derek to be a device that provides “the identification of a real-world geographic location of an object” and determines “where it is in the world.” As of right now, only the United States and Russia have launched satellites that support fully operational geolocation systems, but China does have an operational system that’s very antiquated. The Chinese are currently launching their updated satellites and were recently in the news for getting their first new generation satellite into orbit and online. Other countries like India and those of the European Union are working to embark on their own systems for the near future.

Microchips that work under these systems can be found in everything from cell phones to automobiles to missiles. Essentially, geolocation technology is becoming extremely omnipresent in all we do. Optional equipment used to support geolocation includes assisted GPS and local positioning systems.

Assisted GPS uses a network to ask a server to interpret limited location information, so that it doesn’t have to process the info itself, while local positioning systems use known, fixed positions such as cell towers, radio towers or wifi hotspots to determine location.

Google is responsible for the first popular geolocation system, which it placed under the name Google Gears. While Google Gears achieved the objectives, it was feared that this would cause software makers to create separate and incompatible geolocation systems for their products, thus what had already been created for Google Gears went towards the development of the W3C’s Geolocation API, the version that is used today. The W3C’s Geolocation API is device agnostic and compatible with everything. Now the de facto standard, the Geolocation API can operate with a very small, single line of code, or complex multi-file algorithms.

The common person uses geolocation often via applications like Yelp, Urbanspoon and Foursquare. With its unique ability to pinpoint the user’s location, this feature creates new opportunities to connect with users on a whole other level, whether it is through providing navigation and information on locations and events nearby or by helping users meet up and connect with each other. Geolocation is an undoubtedly useful feature when it comes to enhancing the value of user’s online experience.

It also provides an interesting view into the future of how brands will market to and reach new and existing consumers. Predictive analytics that could be used as a result of geolocation based information and other data could make things like “Siri” even more powerful. Imagine the idea of your phone and it’s “personality” being able to take historical geolocation based information and develop algorithms based on past information and calculations and then cross-reference with something like weather data (as an example).

Imagine if you will…you live in Manhattan in a high rise, every day as you leave the building for work you “check-in” to the lobby at around 8:15AM and again at the subway entrance at 8:30AM, except on the days it is raining…on those days you ring XYZ cab company. With predictive analytics and geolocation based information and technology, your friend “Siri” could have that cab waiting for you at 8:16AM without any interaction from you, keep track of the awards program that the cab company offers and allow you to pay via your mobile wallet as you exit the cab. Too invasive? Or super cool? Either way, this technology has the power to change the way we all do business.

Next time you pull out your phone to fine directions to the nearest Chinese restaurant or look for deals online in your area, give geolocation some credit for making searches like these possible and keep in mind how cool the future of these services could become.

Where in the world is Derek?

Photo courtesy of ars technica.

source: digby.com

This week, we asked everyone at LB to share the website they visit to learn, get motivated and be inspired. These included everything from sites that showcase innovative graphic design to those that provide top-notch news from the world of the web.
Check them out—you might just make some new bookmarks.

Behance

Creative professionals from across industries use Behance to create multi-media portfolios that showcase their work within the Network. Millions of visitors — including top creative companies, recruiters, editors, and more — come to the Network to see the incredible work and find talent to hire.

Through instant and efficient promotion of work, ready access to a global pool of top talent, and a constant stream of the best creative work from around the world — the Behance Network is revolutionizing the way creative professionals manage their careers and companies find talent.

The 99 Percent

The 99% is Behance’s research arm and think tank. Taking its name from Thomas Edison’s famous quote that “genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration,” the 99% includes a daily web magazine, an annual conference, and the best-selling book “Making Ideas Happen.” Through articles, tips, videos, and events, we share best practices that help creative professionals move beyond idea generation into idea execution.

Dribble

Dribbble is show and tell for creatives. Designers, developers and other creatives share shots—small screenshots of the designs and applications they are working on. Once uploaded, content can be found, followed and shared by viewers of the site.

Mashable

Mashable is the largest independent news source dedicated to covering digital culture, social media and technology. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world.

Mashable’s 20 million monthly unique visitors and 4 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Numerous studies and leading publications have declared Mashable the most influential online news outlet and a must-read site.

Gestalten TV

Gestalten specializes in developing content for aficionados of cutting-edge visual culture worldwide. The company is best known for the more than three hundred and fifty books they have published that document and forecast vital design movements.

Especially created for an international audience and to offer even more inspiration to satisfy your creative hunger, Gestalten.tv serves up Vanguards, Rogues, Legends, Performers, and Players. Since 2007, they have produced and delivered beautifully-shot, biweekly film portraits on innovators and leaders who dare to change today’s creative landscape with a bold vision.

Smashing Magazine

Founded in September 2006, Smashing Magazine delivers useful and innovative information to Web designers and developers. Their aim is to inform readers about the latest trends and techniques in Web development. They believe that the most remarkable yet overlooked aspect of the design community is its friendly, enthusiastic spirit.

A List Apart

As the site that boasts to be made “for people who create websites,” A List Apart Magazine explores the design, development, and meaning of web content, with a special focus on web standards and best practices.

Fast Co. Design

Fast Co. Design believes that a company’s most important employees aren’t its bankers or management gurus, but rather the graphic, industrial, and interface designers who design the things a company actually makes.

Thus, they cover breaking news about new products, business ventures, and wild ideas, as well as controversial ideas and publish essays from some of today’s leading designers. All of these are intended to start new conversations, and inspire new ideas.

Do you have a really good website you visit? Share it with us!

Inspiration doesn’t always come easy. In the midst of our personal lives, professional pressures and our own expectations for ourselves, there come times when we all feel overwhelmed and as if that spark of creativity is short-circuiting. But all is not lost. Sometimes the best thing to do to help your work is to stop working.

Now don’t necessarily turn off your brain, but instead, find that thing that you do or that place that you go that clears your thoughts and gives you a new perspective. Everyone has their own way of doing this, but sometimes you can find what works for you in looking at what others do. This week I examined some of the different methods out there for getting inspired, including what some of our own LB team members do when their brain needs a breather.

Again, there are a vast variety of ways that people get inspired. Some involve “getting away from it all” in a quest for solitude while others focus on surrounding oneself with more people of which to feed off. It’s all about what works best for you.

LB designer Justin Miller says that for him, “it’s all about getting away from the computer and getting outdoors in the fresh air.” He achieves this by simply going outside and taking his dog for a walk around the neighborhood or jumping on his bike and cruising the streets while taking in the scenery. Getting design off of his mind leaves room for ideas to enter his head that have the potential to lead to new designs later. There can be times when the issue with your work isn’t doing too little, but rather doing too much.

Justin isn’t the only one who finds the outdoors to be stimulating. Others have similar muses like the ocean or the sunset or restart their brain by doing outdoor activities such as running or driving. Surrounding yourself in an environment that starkly contrasts with your usual workspace can put your mind in a different place that allows for new thought and inspiration. Physically taking yourself “out of the box” can lead to the kind of out-of-the-box thinking that inspirational ideas are made of.

For LB developer Chad Davis, music does the trick when his creativity needs a kick-start. “It can be live music or playing music or even just listening to music on my headphones,” says Chad. One of the great things about music is its power to transform a situation and have you look at your environment differently. Even better, if you aren’t in the position to leave your desk, music creates an escape that involves no physical movement (but feel free to dance a little). Also, it’s up to you which tunes you choose to set your desired mood.

Inundating yourself in the creative work of others can foster your own creativity and inspiration. Looking at art that already exists helps you build on what is already out there; it’s like a jumping point. Consider the fact that those artists probably ran into walls during their creative process too, but they got through it and so will you.

As for me, I like to surround myself with people and just watch. Observing others can be invigorating and reminds me that there are so many other ways of doing things. We all have the tendency to get lost in our own lives and forget that insight can be found by examining the lives of different people. People watching can happen just about anywhere that there’s… well, people. Malls, airports, parks and concerts are all great places to see strangers in their element. Inspiration often happens when you take some time to look at the world through the eyes of someone else.

These are just a few ways people find inspiration, and maybe one of these could work for you, too. Just remember that when you run into a wall, don’t give up. It’s important to make time to let inspiration develop naturally by doing what it is that frees your mind from the stresses of work and gives you time to think.

Find what takes you there and get inspired.

By Savannah Harper

At the core, QR codes help convert a moment of consumer discovery into one of action. But, are people using them?

According to comScore, Inc in a recent study they performed, 14 million mobile users in the U.S., representing 6.2 percent of the total mobile audience, scanned a QR code on their mobile device. The study also analyzed the source and location of QR code scanning, finding that users are most likely to scan codes found in newspapers/magazines and on product packaging and do so while at home or in a store. 

“QR codes demonstrate just one of the ways in which mobile marketing can effectively be integrated into existing media and marketing campaigns to help reach desired consumer segments,” said Mark Donovan, comScore senior vice president of mobile. “For marketers, understanding which consumer segments scan QR codes, the source and location of these scans, and the resulting information delivered, is crucial in developing and deploying campaigns that successfully utilize QR codes to further brand engagement.”

So ideally, QR codes are just another great tool to add to your marketing mix if appropriate for your target audience to bring an offline experience online.

Recently Mashable had a great blog post from Matthias Galica, CEO of ShareSquare and he outlined mistakes that can be avoided as you develop marketing strategies that include QR code elements. I agreed with his ideas and have provided a summary of his great information in our blog below:

“Consumer-facing QR codes are hitting mainstream America hard this summer. Despite the idea that a rising tide lifts all boats, many well-intentioned marketers are crippling their campaigns with simple mistakes.

This is a big reason why QR codes still get a bad rap from some folks. QR codes by themselves are fundamentally neither good nor bad, they’re just a means to an end: an offline-to-online delivery mechanism. It’s what’s beyond the code that usually determines whether the experience will delight or disappoint.Unfortunately, many early adopter marketers aren’t yet fully versed in the best practices or optimal use cases. It’s the adventurous consumer that suffers from the growing pains.

Mistake 1: Not Testing the Code

Common sense right? Until you’re able to read a QR code just by looking at it, you should always test the proofs with a variety of smartphones and scanning apps before you release a campaign.

Mistake 2: Getting Too Fancy With Text

If your goal is to get people to a mobile web experience, you should only ever encode a short URL. Don’t include any plain text, since many barcode scanners (even gold standards like ShopSavvy) won’t tease out the link. If you’re hoping a user will copy/paste on a mobile device, don’t bet on it.

Think of the QR code as a physical hyperlink that every barcode scanner should be able to immediately “click.” If your QR code requires the user to do much more than point and scan to arrive at the intended content, you’re probably doing it wrong.

Mistake 3: Serving up Non-Mobile Pages

Your QR code scans successfully but you’ve pointed the user to a standard desktop website, when 99.9% of QR codes are scanned by a mobile device. Fail.

Mistake 4: Putting QR Codes Where There’s No Data Signal

Where your ad will run is just as important as how you implement it.

Tesco’s recent QR code “grocery store” in a Korean subway worked great because those platforms have Wi-Fi. This is not the case in the U.S. Placing QR codes in locations without Internet access is a sure way to make your audience upset. Make sure you know where the ads will be, and if possible, run tests to make sure they are visible and will still work.

Mistake 5: Not Offering Enough Value

This point is highly subjective but also probably the most important. The proper mindset is to reward the user for scanning your QR code. This “reward,” however, will change depending on what you’re trying to promote.When coupled with a clearly articulated call-to-action near the QR code, we’ve found the most compelling campaigns tend to offer one or more of the following:

•  Exclusive rich media, videos and photos
• Exclusive or time-sensitive access
•  Free downloads or swag
• “Instant Win” contests
• Special offers, coupons or gifts
• “Secret” information
• Deep integration with social media to activate viral loops”

QR Codes are rapidly showing up everywhere, almost as a trend. I recently saw one embedded in a 15- second broadcast TV Spot…now let’s face it…it would take a savvy DVR user to stop the TV, get close enough with your mobile phone, capture the image and then click through to the page…FAIL.

As always, know your audience, know your medium and then use this as yet another great digital marketing tool, when and where appropriate. We look at it as another fun way to provide moments of delight for your end users.

And for the record…Our QR code in this blog goes to our Facebook page – we are shameless and we want you to “like” our page.

My name is Savannah Harper, and I play the role of Marketing Intern here at LifeBlue. Upon joining the LB team six weeks ago, I started what I consider to be my first “real” job. At that moment, I was no longer just a student being prepped and trained for the conceptual real world, nor a waitress working only to pay the bills— I was a young woman beginning her career. I had finally been given the opportunity to practice my passion professionally.

But now that I am officially a part of the “real world” workplace, I am finding that there are some things that they just don’t teach you in college. But perhaps these things require experience in order to be effectively learned. Let me explain.

This past weekend, the LB team attended the Big (D)esign Conference in Addison, TX, and this was of course my first appearance at such an event. Surrounded by hundreds of professionals in my field, I knew that this would be a great opportunity to network. I stocked my shiny new cardholder with as many of my business cards that would fit and remained hopeful that by the end of the weekend, it would be empty.  

However, contrary to my expectations, I did not exchange a single one. Not only that, but I didn’t even meet anyone. What happened? My confidence borders on overconfidence, and I am not one to be lost on words.

How did I miss my chance to make connections with people with whom I obviously share an interest? And more importantly, how do I ensure that I do not make this mistake again?

I spoke to Russel, LB’s own “Backboard,” for some insight on this issue. I told him that I was self-aware enough to admit that I did feel a bit intimidated being faced with seasoned professionals that all appeared to know one another (even though I know that’s not necessarily true). What could a budding intern with no real connections offer such people? Russel responded with some good advice that I had not before considered.

His first point was to never view networking as an accumulation of cards. A business card from someone you don’t know or remember is meaningless to the possessor. What someone like me— or anyone for that matter— can offer is conversation.

“Ask questions,” he said— everyone enjoys talking about what he or she knows. If conversation leads to a business connection, then great. But if not, engaging conversation can be just as valuable; you now have the potential to be recognized and acknowledged in the future as a result of the interaction. And besides, building relationships is one of the main goals of good business.

Russel warned me, though, that initiating an interaction would not always be easy. It seems as if it should be as simple as walking up to a person or group and introducing yourself, but we all can relate to that fear that often prevents us from following through on such a bold move. The truth is that everyone, no matter how outgoing he or she may seem, is at least a little nervous about meeting new people. Besides, those that are considered “outgoing” are most likely just more experienced in taking the initiative to break the barrier.

For something a little less terrifying, Russel pointed out that someone sitting near you or standing next to you in line can be a perfect candidate for conversation— but that still doesn’t mean it won’t feel awkward. But hey, that’s something we all have to get over if we want to connect with people, and Russel promised me that this would become more natural over time.

So what about my box full with almost a thousand business cards? How will I ever get these off of my desk and into another’s wallet?

As Russel said before, this should not be the end goal of an interaction, but rather something that will present itself if the opportunity is right. Ask for the other person’s card if you want it; he will do the same. If he offers up his, feel free to offer up yours, but don’t force the exchange and turn what should be a friendly conversation into a selfish business situation.

So now what? Many sites that offer advice on networking emphasize the importance of follow up. With social networks like LinkedIn and Twitter, it’s easy for anyone to digitally connect with others. It shows an interest in that person and a desire to continue developing the established relationship. Also, email is always a classic means of contact.

But with any further interaction, Russel reminded me that the main focus should remain on the relationship and not on the “what can you do for me” mindset. People like to do business with people they know. Become a friend, not a business acquaintance, and in doing so, you will become a much more valuable contact.

This all seems so simple that I feel a bit foolish for not considering all these points before, but at least now I can say that my next opportunity to network has increased potential for success.

Wish me luck.

Also, I’m open to additional advice anyone might have to offer, so I’d appreciate any helpful feedback on this topic.

We are looking for good people to join our team.  We are building a talented and creative team here at LifeBlue and we are looking for amazing people to work with us. We recently brainstormed why we like to work at the LB. We decided to have some fun with it and held a Campfire chat (even though we were within 10 ft of each other, we just wanted to play with our new toy)…here is what we came up with – director’s cut, extended version, no edits:

Welcome friends -  greetings! - are we supposed to start listing our reasons? -  Not yet, minor technical difficulties waiting for everyone to login - i’m here. - Welcome Ben. - Is anyone else joining out there? - this makes me laugh - I’m not out there. - This is good because we will have instant transcription – cool - i think we are all here now.  - Alright, I think that is everyone  - before we start I will lay some ground rules- This is intended to be sort of a mind map format where we can branch off great ideas with the ultimate goal to create a plethora of content that we can then determine what sticks the most. - what is…interactive?- Keep in mind this content is primarily geared towards a recruiting perspective. - I am not looking for fluff or BS, simply truthful, concise reasons why working at the # is the bomb.com.  - Once the conversation starts, let’s limit the jokes and focus on the task at hand. The idea is to just write and we can tweak it later. - Any questions? - Nope – nope - nope - quad nope - Let the fruits of your mind, unwind…Commence! - so, this may sound cheesy, but i think one thing that makes working at Lb great is that we all aspire to greatness.  - we have an opportunity here to build our dream company to work for. - We are game changers for our client’s businesses.  - Ok for me it is the atmosphere and how we all seem to be very forward thinking and not thinking of the past or present but of the FUTURE - i like the passion/purpose mentality - We are all grown-ups which translates into limited micro-managing and reflects the ability to have a results oriented work environment. - Flexibility, agility, willing to experiment (things like that) - Everyone has a desire to contribute to the goal(s) at hand - We are experimental - i think there is a hunger here that is nice to be a part of. we know what we are capable of basically, it boils down to a couple of things - love, passion, and integrity. - We all have a voice.  - quality over quantity - We have the ability to communicate opinions in a highly productive manner - Adventurous thinking..how can we do things better by thinking outside or the norm. - results driven - trust in each other to be accountable, professional, and that we will always give our best effort. - We have become more and more organized with clients and has shown in the end result - We have people from all different types of backgrounds. - This all wraps around the results only mentality. We reward intensity, excellence and passion rather than basing our work on meeting arbitrary HR guidelines. - An environment that nourishes knowledge and personal growth. - We don’t suck.  - We all become better each and every day.  - we are cool.  - Lifeblue Employee != Robot  - honesty - hopefully we all can be honest with each other, with our clients, and with where we are as a company. - FYI we can have some light hearted ones similar to ” We don’t Suck”  - PANDORA  - We smell good  - I also like the diversity of interests/experience within our team, I think it adds to our creativity  - lol - For instance my ping pong skills have increased 10 fold - I feel awkward. - you’re welcome russel - geek is a term of endearment here - Free use of dry erase markers during meetings. - feeling awkward - that’s a good one. “come to work at LB - you’ll feel awkward.” - loverboy is respected – amen. -  and journey - especially journey. - this is going a bit off topic? - and phil collins - hey, russel asked for it. - i don’t think so…these are VERY important to me - Our music compilations are insights into a world of schizophrenic madness - tarot reader in-house - nice - super cool - We have more collective tattoos than a Sturgis bike rally - wow - chili cook-off - not bad. - have you been to a sturgis bike rally? lol - Cinco de Mayo - LUNCHTIME - we have a cool office, and we all have input into how it looks and feels. oh and btw, our walls right now are pretty much a blank canvas. - No, but I can only imagine. - That’s killing you isn’t it ben - Where else can you get company branded shoes? - Apple versus PC - the desks are tall…- Book club isn’t just for dorks;) - be careful with the pc thing, we don’t want to scare off too many talented professionals - CUSTOM desks HHHAAA - No, we can advertise that we have frequent Mac vs PC cage matches. - UFC Style - We’re freaking friendly - We have enough caffeine reserves to kill a small animal - We are freaky - btw, if we’re going to have more tattoos than a stergis bike rally, you guys need to step up to the needle. i’ve done my part. - Endless supply of Dubble Bubble  - And it’s free.  - actually, double bubble almost gone. - crap. - thank goooooodnesss - we have sodie pop in the fridge and free water - We have fresh water - Design Thinking driving our business model (iterative, experimental) - our office is above victoria’s secret….that just sounds cool - working here will up you game, make you better at what you do/challenge you. - I’m glad one of the girls said that. - There is no trivial position in our organization - There are no cubes - just pinwheels - no trivial position…but we do have trivial pursuit in the fun room. - there is a toaster oven - and wits and wagers in P! office - You can do your Christmas shopping on your lunch break 2 days before Christmas - you are free to belch out loud. - really? - you mean you havent heard? it’s all justin. he’s rude. - missed it i think - We might be the funniest people in existence - true. - we share lots of odd food stories… - Food is a common topic - we are all married…which is a little unique - Potential is rewarded with opportunity. - whoa whoa - not to each other of course - ha! - 99% of the people here walk around with no shoes on. oh wait, that might actually be a deterrent to recruitment. – hilarious! - I’m only 1%? - /CRY - sorry justin…your close enough to being married - no, you are .5%. i’m the other .5% - amen - almost…almost - i’m not wearing shoes now - trust me, i am aware. - neither am i - again - aware. - nix what i said about us smelling good - Some of us wear paper bags on our head - for long periods of time - Creepy paper masks are optional - LB gave me a sketch book - hopefully this forum can replace actual verbal communication.  - we have fake grass on our walls - We have had neighbors check in on us because we were having too much fun - hmmm - We embrace change and thrive on new tech. - LB Blocks let us work on rocking internal projects (a little bit like Google’s 20% Time). - that’s a good one! - I like LB University - “Blocks” in general offer a nice change of pace (and we make videos) - We are very picky with whom we work with - We strive to walk the talk for ourselves and our clients - we are encouraged to learn - we are forced to smell the glove. - and bring new ideas, thoughts and opinions to the table - …and smell the glove. - Pearl - oh yes…Pearl… - Nuf said, that’s the do all end all - We have a mascot - a beautiful mascot - well educated mascot - a matriarch - Just post Pearl on the recruiting page, that’ll be all you need. - is planking on the list anywhere? - a picture won’t hurt - it is now! - We have a fold out couch - we do? - wait that folds out!? - So how about collaboration? - I think so, at least the back is supposed to lay all the way down - Collaboration is more than a buzzword - We play nice with each other. - maybe this has been said already, but we all have a say in who we are. being with a small agency like this means you have a chance to make a real impact and get unique experience. - Alright folks…that ends our session, like the room description suggests feel free to come back and add anytime you feel like it. Thank you for all the comments, I think there is a lot to work with? Lunch anyone? - i like lunch. - go big or go home! - more lunch  

As you can see we came up with a long list. But we think it all can be summarized in a few words. At the LB you have the opportunity to be intentional and passionate about your role. The details matter and your voice matters. Whether that means choosing the exact typeface in a design or using PHP to build sites that are super dynamic or using CSS3 to animate a logo. We talk about things like progressive enhancement and graceful degradation and everything in between. Details matter. Our clients matter. You will matter. We work hard and we play hard.

Convinced yet?  Check out our current job postings.