via NYTimes
It’s safe to say that all “knowledge-worker” professionals know that we must always be focusing and planning for the future. In finance (401k! long-term savings!) in health (get those annual checkups!) and other aspects of our lives.
It always comes down to time- where can you make trade-offs? How can you get more things done with an ever-decreasing amount of time and/or money?
Sometimes we cut corners – maybe it’s reading the “cliffs notes” (or even the movie) instead of the book version. Or maybe it’s just reading Mashable instead of delving deep and putting together our own opinions on things instead of rephrasing what someone else said.
In college I worked for the Dean of Research at Syracuse University for all 4 years of my undergraduate career and learned a few things:
1. Read! Then read some more!
How can you form a true opinion on something by just reading a few paragraphs? You can’t make an argument without reading what’s out there.
2. Define your (own) interest area
Writing about something just because [insert blog here] picked it up doesn’t make you relevant (ahem G+ Brand Pages.) Look beyond the obvious and create something new. Find your voice and overall goal for what you want to communicate and be willing to constantly evolve. And don’t be afraid to ask for help and feedback while doing so.
3. Find a sounding board
Not everyone has a sounding board for their opinions and ideas. But we all have the Internet. I started this blog as my outlet for continuing my interest in research after my time as a true “researcher” ended. It’s never too late to pick it back up again and fine tune your skills using a platform that fits your goal area.
4. Get Inspired
Keep tabs on what inspires you by creating a Pinterest, or even a Tumblr of your favorite ideas, photos, quotes (and everything else!) as a place to return when you feel uninspired.
JewelMint, ShoeDazzle, & Birchbox: My Fascination with the Monthly Subscription Model
Birchbox, a monthly curated box focusing on beauty products
I admit, I’d love to have a personal stylist/shopper.
But what about the masses? Especially groups that are far-removed from great shopping and lean on the Internet to help them stay stylish and current on new products and trends?
Although I live in a shopping mecca, I find myself wishing I had a stylist to keep me up to date and help cut the lines and crazy crowds.
These reasons (in addition to curiosity) led me to sign up for Birchbox (beauty), JewelMint (jewelry) and Shoedazzle (shoes).
The Breakdown
Birchbox ($10/monthly)
JewelMint ($29.99/monthly)
ShoeDazzle ($39.99/monthly)
Although different in product offering and price, each service follows the same model:
1. Take a Quiz or “Style Profile”
Answer questions and choose from a variety of visual options, which determines your “style profile” (conservative, trendy, wild, etc).
2. Sign in Monthly
Each month, you will receive a curated selection of products that meet your “style profile.” However, there is always a chance to request different items, or purchase items that do not show up in your selection.
3. Make a Decision to Buy, or Get Charged
The situation here is that you MUST login each month to either buy something, or decline a purchase – or else you will be charged that month.
Why I’m Fascinated
Social Shopping = The Future?
Finding a way to showcase relevant products that fit what your consumer is looking for (and save time browsing through pages of products) is amazing, especially when it comes to Fashion. Obviously Amazon does this incredibly well, but then again, it’s Amazon.
The Products are Awesome
I’ve had great results with the products I’ve purchased. Birchbox has introduced me to killer products I wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Great Customer Service
Twitter and Facebook have resources watching and responding to questions from buyers.
It’s Social
Each monthly subscription service has a model built around gaining referrals through social means – full integration with Facebook, Twitter, and the like. It’s made very clear how leveraging your social networks can get you free stuff.