20 Top Tips For Your Facebook Business Page
Facebook business pages are an important part of your company’s online identity. Unlike websites, Facebook pages have the ability to update those who take an interest in your organization almost instantaneously – making them a powerful way to communicate and provide support to your customers.
From promoting your posts, to making sure your messaging is on point – it’s important to apply the appropriate amount of time, effort and skill to maintaining your page. After all, Facebook may be the only touch point that you have with your consumer – as many consumers will not be visiting your website on a regular basis.
With this in mind, the people at lyubcho.com have put together a spectacular INFOGRAPHIC outlining 20 of the most important tips to keeping your Facebook presence in check. Have a look below:
#FilmFriday: Celebrities Embrace Insta-Video
Have you ‘embraced’ Insta-Video yet? Well our celebrity friends certainly have! Check out the compilation of videos that flooded Instagram this week. From Justin Bieber to Lebron James, Insta-Video is taking over, overshadowing Vine and Keek (the lesser known of the two) who were the main source for short videos. However, unlike Vine, Insta-Videos do not repeat, so there may still be hope for the people at Vine!
There are several brands jumping on the bandwagon hoping to engage consumers with short 30 second videos. Lululemon (as seen in the video posted), Michael Kors and General Electric are among the first brands to participate.
What do you think? Will you be using Insta-Video this weekend?
#WeeklyDisruptor: Inspiring Filmmaker & Actor Michael Reventar
Each week at Embrace Disruption we introduce you to an influential person in the digital, blogger, arts, culture, film, or media world! Every Thursday, you can check back at EDPR to find out who we think is particularly amazing at ‘embracing disruption’ within their respective industries.
This week, we’d like to introduce you to inspiring filmmaker & actor, Michael Reventar!
What’s your official job title and where did you go to school?
I am a filmmaker and actor. I have the joy of getting to write, direct, and compose music. I messed up high school, only graduating because my Royal Conservatory Grade 8 Piano Certificate from when I was 13 counted as my last needed credit! Escaping family disgrace, I conquered Seneca’s Business Admin Program, graduating with honors. Redemption! I’ve studied acting with Toronto’s renowned David Rotenberg (of ProActor’s Lab), and out of the Michelle Danner Acting School in L.A.
Describe yourself in a nutshell (or sea shell, or any shell for that matter).
I believe anything is possible. ’Nuff said.
Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?
When I turned 30, my lovely wife said to me, “The worst thing in life is regret.” So I decided it was time for me to do what I was born to do. At the time I was working an office job, and her words had maximum impact as she just lost her father to brain cancer.
I was born to be creative. Thinking outside the box was how God wired me. I didn’t choose to be like this.
I love the creative process! I could talk all day, with anyone, about all things creative. Call me… 
What is the best part of your day-to-day?
Nothing is defined for me! I get to explore each moment, helping to shape that with which I put my hand to. I don’t take that for granted.
What’s the most challenging?
Living off passion versus money. It’s not easy but I would rather feel alive, doing what I love, then be a dead-man-walking, working for a paycheque.
If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for yourself?
Help the world fall in love with Toronto. Why? Because a city that celebrates ‘difference’ is a needed light to the rest of the world.
How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life?
I know it’s extreme, but disruption saved my life. No joke! I would be dead, if not for a few individuals who disrupted my life of self-destruction. At some point, we all need to have our thinking and actions challenged, unless your name is Mr. Perfect.
What is the most memorable moment in your career?
Spending the 18th straight hour in studio working on the soundtrack for my film and having this beautiful thought flood my fatigued mind – “I LOVE THIS!”
Do you support any initiatives or charities?
I’m blessed to know great people. My wife and I help support two dudes I grew up with who have dedicated their lives to others. One works in an orphanage in Mexico, the other started a music school for children in Honduras. Selflessness is a beautiful thing.
Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old.
Daily stretching. And having tea with world leaders.
Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what would it be?
An APP that would remind me if I were forgetting this rule – ‘Where you are, be all there.’
Be sure to follow Michael on Twitter to keep up-to-date on his latest project, a short film entitled ‘Mighty Tongue.’
The 9 Best Toronto Activities For Rainy Days
Raindrops raining down on your parade? Why not make the best of it. Inspired by the many wet days we have been having, we brainstormed a few things to do in Toronto when the weather just isn’t cooperating.
Yoga
Grab your yoga mat and indulge in the relaxation of your body and soul. Turn down the lights, light the candles and let the sound of the rain be your background accompaniment. Whether you choose to do yoga at home or in a studio, you will find yourself in a peaceful bliss. There are yoga studios all over the city, but here are a few to get you started!
Image Source: The Yoga Lounge
Location:
103 Church St., 3rd Floor
Website: http://theyogalounge.net/
Image Source: Elle Canada
Locations:
Thompson Hotel, 3rd Floor
889 Yonge St.
Website: http://889yoga.com/
Max out the mall photo booths
Photo booths are classics. Go to the mall with a few friends and go crazy with the duck faces! (We won’t tell.) Don’t forget that stores like Aritzia or Urban Outfitters have their own photo booths as well!
Image Source: Emilythepemily
Yorkdale Mall
Location: 3401 Dufferin St.
Unleash your inner book worm
Snuggle up and immerse yourself in a good novel. If you don’t want to stay home, pay a visit to the World’s Biggest Bookstore, right here in Toronto! With 64 000 square feet, you’ll never run out of books to get into.
Chapters – World’s Biggest Bookstore
Image Source: Toronto Mike
Location: 20 Edward St.
Website: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/home/storelocator/storedetails/200/
Drink and play
Can’t decide between nuzzling in a café and challenging your friends to a friendly tournament? Drinks and entertainment fusion cafes are popping up all over the city and we couldn’t be happier. Snuggle up with a hot chocolate or beer and laugh the day away!
Image Source: Blog TO
Location: 600 Bloor St. West
Website: http://www.snakesandlattes.com/
Image Source: Jessica Nakanishi
Location: 461 King St. West
Website: https://toronto.spingalactic.com/
Get on a boat
Even if the rain is coming down, take a tour out on the waters! If it’s not too much rain, the precipitation will only add to the experience. Look out at the Toronto skyline, waterfront and Toronto Islands under the soothing rain. Romantic much?
Image Source: Matthew G.
Location: 145 Queens Quay West
Website: http://www.harbourtourstoronto.ca
Root for your favourite team
Watching a sports game is rain-proof. Whichever day you go, you will always be surrounded with devoted sports fans!
Image Source: Images by the Hamiltons
Location: 1 Blue Jays Way
Website: http://www.rogerscentre.com/
Get the best of food + entertainment
Dinner theatres are an experience in and of themselves. Enjoy a delicious dinner while watching a live performance in front of your table!
Mysteriously Yours… Mystery Dinner Theatre
Image Source: Food Junkie Chronicles
Location: 2026 Yonge St.
Website: http://www.mysteriouslyyours.com/
Shoot your friends
If you are going to put yourself in front of marble sized paint bullets, what’s a little rain? Relieve some of your stress by paintballing and taking it out on your friends! (That’s what they’re here for right?) With both indoor and outdoor arenas, you can do this rain or shine!
Image Source: Deal of the Day
Location: 3550 Victoria Park Ave.
Website: http://www.defconpaintball.com/
Last but not least…
Image Source: Fox News
FRIENDS MARATHON! Enough said.
The Best Social Media Spec Cheat Sheet [INFOGRAPHIC]
Navigating your way through designing fully branded experiences for your numerous social media accounts can be a bit overwhelming. Specs constantly change, and placement of each detail in your creative needs to be plotted with a certain air of expertise.
Now more than ever: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+ (among others) are the dominant place for consumers and advocates alike to engage with your brand. It’s so important that these destinations fully reflect your company in a seamless way, and maintain the consistency of your current web and offline materials.
Lucky for us, tentsocial has put together a blueprint that outlines almost all of the specs you’ll need when designing creative for your social-sphere. Have a look below, and be sure to bookmark this post – you never know when you’ll need this helpful infographic again!
Film Friday: Justin Bieber First Celeb To Instavine
The title really says it all. After Facebook’s big announcement (which we’re not going to repeat because it seems like it’s EVERYWHERE!), Justin took to Instagram to share this message with his followers – and the rest of the world.
Will you be using Instagram’s video option, or will you stick to services like Keek or Vine?
#WeeklyDisruptor: Rising Star of The Canadian Opera Company, Charlotte Burrage
Each week at Embrace Disruption we introduce you to an influential person in the digital, blogger, arts, culture, film, or media world! Every Thursday, you can check back at EDPR to find out who we think is particularly amazing at ‘embracing disruption’ within their respective industries.
This week, we’d like to introduce you to the incredibly talented rising star of the Canadian Opera Company ensemble, Charlotte Burrage!
What’s your official job title and where did you go to school?
I am an Opera singer, specifically a Mezzo- soprano (FYI a mezzo-soprano is lower than a soprano.) I am one of the newest Ensemble members of the Canadian Opera Company. I have been studying music since I was 8 years old, participating in private piano, voice and theory lessons, as well as several professional choirs. I went to the University of Toronto for 6 years completing an Opera Undergrad and a Masters in Voice Performance. I continued at the University of British Columbia and got a Diploma in Opera. Even with 8 years of University some of my best education happened with a glass of wine and a great recording or watching a life changing performance.
Describe yourself in a nutshell (or sea shell, or any shell for that matter).
I am a classical singer who loves languages, philosophy, travelling and Sons of Anarchy. I think Opera is alive and learning to thrive in a new habitat. I am thrilled by edgy new companies that are bringing opera into the 21st century but I feel like if people just took the time to understand Opera, they would realize they can already relate. I feel the same way about sports as most people feel about music. I like sports that offer instant gratification, like basketball but please don’t make me watch soccer (I don’t understand the different plays and strategies of the sport so I get bored watching them run back and forth even if they are incredibly sexy looking). I am passionate about people following their passions and consider myself an advocate for Opera in my everyday life. I love cooking and hosting dinner parties. Wine and cheese nights with my girlfriends is a favorite past time. I love any water related sport, specifically rowing. I enjoy reading and I am a frequent visitor of the Art Gallery of Ontario. Breakfast is my favorite meal and I love eating it for dinner. That is me in a nutshell.
Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?
I have been studying classical music most of my life. I don’t know if I have always loved it or if I grew to love it but once I understood why I was spending so many hours practicing I couldn’t imagine spending that much time doing anything else. Most of our lives are spent working or thinking about work and I cannot imagine caring about something more than opera.
What is the best part of your day-to-day?
The best part of my day is that I get to do what I love. I never wish time away and I am always surrounded by people with passion. Every day is different and I always feel challenged. I recently did 40 shows of Cosi fan tutte by Mozart and I never got sick of it. When the overture starts every performance is exciting, you never know what is going to happen on stage because there are so many elements and variables in constant motion. As magical and mysterious as the stage is, the process of preparing a show is the real reward. There are many things to consider when tackling a new opera that include both musical and non-musical component s; language and libretto (usually Italian, French, German or English), which are often associated with an era, a country and its history and politics, which usually effects the musical nuances, style and orchestration. Keeping all of that in mind you must also grasp the composer’s interpretation of the poet’s text, the conductor’s interpretation of the composer’s music and the director’s overall vision that he creates through sets, lighting and costumes. After all of that, you still need to apply good vocal technique (operas are long; if you sing poorly you will never make it to the end of the show, let alone a run), musicality, and your own personal inspiration to develop your character. Opera is a complex web of philosophy, history, exoticism, nationalism, politics, make-believe, passion, tragedy, love and anything else humans experience. It involves dance, art, fashion, theatre, acting and all the eccentric people that go with it. How could you not LOVE it!?!?! What was the question again?
What’s the most challenging?
The most challenging part of being an opera singer is “the unknown.” Opera singers for the most part work on a contract basis. It is impossible to see the future and there are no guarantees. You have to travel a lot and live out of suitcase, often missing important family events and experiencing amazing moments and milestones alone. There is also the obvious stress of reviews and critics. You cannot make everyone happy; the only way you can survive is by staying true to yourself. Oh and presumably you have vocal chords of steel and you never get sick.
If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for yourself?
The crystal ball shows me a two year contract with the Canadian Opera Company, wine gums, wine, cheese, and the rolling hills of the country side because those are the things I can’t live without for long. Other than that your guess is as good as mine.
How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life?
An opera career is one big disruption and I embrace it by loving what I do. I live in the moment and never let my ipod stray too far from my side. You never know when you might need to tune out the world and tune into Patsy Cline (my go- to stress reliever). Sometimes the best thing to do is check out altogether and have a “Fast and the Furious” marathon; keep doing your thing Justin Lin!
What is the most memorable moment in your career?
Singing in the COC ensemble competition in November was a surreal experience. Performing at the new Four Seasons Centre, for the best Opera Company in Canada, in front of some of the most important people in my profession was a dream come true. It was life changing. It justified all of my hard work and validated that I have something to say, or rather to sing. The result of the competition was a position in one of the most prestigious young artist programs in North America. I will never forget that night and how it changed the course of my future.
Do you support any initiatives or charities?
I have been involved in several ‘Opera in School’ programs, which promote Opera to young people all over Canada. Giving young people the opportunity to experience something new and different has been a highlight in my career. At the end of the Opera all of the singers stay on stage and answer their questions. Music in school is absolutely necessary, whether it is classical or not. Opera is not readily accessible in most parts of our country, so touring companies are crucial for Opera awareness. I am an advocate for Opera and for following your dreams in the arts. I am currently getting involved with a new mentoring program at the University of Toronto. There is no right way of starting a career in the arts. I was really lucky because I have always received an abundance of support from friends and family. As someone who has experienced the good and the bad of following your dreams I want to be there as a guide for the next generation. It can be a lonely road even when you have a support system.
Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old.
When I am 65 I imagine I will have stopped singing professionally, although Judith Forst is still killing it on stage (one of the perks of being a well-trained mezzo soprano is vocal longevity). I have always said that the organ would be my retirement hobby. I will still be engrossed in music, attending operas and concerts as much as I can (in better seats though, I hope). There are so many different ways of being involved in the opera world that even when my voice finally retires I will look for new opportunities like, teaching, directing, researching new music or specializing in a particular musical style.
Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what would it be?
I am a “renaissance woman” so a lot of technology gets lost on me. I am sure there are many amazing apps that I have not discovered, however, there are two that make my life significantly easier; the voice memo app (which involves the uncomfortable task of listening to myself sing but it is an amazing tool for lessons and rehearsals) and the Google Maps App with GPS because I travel a lot and I actually don’t know how people got around before the iPhone.
Be sure to watch for Charlotte hitting the COC stage later this year, and follow this rising star on Twitter.
Client News: Canadian Supermodel Stacey McKenzie Visits Cityline
We were thrilled to take Stacey to the set of CityLine to chat with the beautiful Tracey Moore! Check out the interview below:
Embrace Disruption PR’s Best Toronto Patio Guide
Patio season is what makes spending the summer months in the city so amazing. One of our favorite things to do is grabbing a drink with friends outdoors; complete with clear blue skies overhead and the gorgeous city view as backdrop. We have put together a list of must-visit patios around Toronto to make your summer planning a little easier. Whether you’re looking for cheap drinks or rooftop views, you’ll be sure to find something here. Although we haven’t visited every single patio on this list, we will keep you posted with reviews throughout this summer as we make our way through this selection.
LOOKING FOR A SCENIC PARADISE?
Image Source: Toronto Life
For an incredible view of the lake, Against The Grain is your best bet. Located in Harbourfront and right next to Sugar Beach, it’s within walking distance from downtown Toronto, but the slow waves and glistening sand in the distance will take you away from the stress of the city.
Image Source: TSEvents
Visit Le Papillon on the Park if ever you want to unplug and unwind after a busy day. Inside, you will find a cozy yet modern atmosphere, which is perfect for after work. Their rooftop patio is lined with rows of greenery and is complete with a full bar.
Image Source: BlogTO
The celebrity-favourite Roof Lounge on the 18th floor of the Park Hyatt hotel is more for the classier, martini-sipping crowd. Located in the heart of Yorkville, their patio offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline. The Roof Lounge is also home to a legendary bartender who has been serving drinks at hotel for over 50 years!
LOOKING FOR A SUMMER HANGOUT?
Image Source: Restaurant Guide Toronto
Wish is a hidden gem tucked away on a quiet street just minutes away from the busy Yonge and Bloor intersection. Walk a little too fast and you will already have missed this quiet getaway. Their petite but unbelievably cozy patio is perfect for an intimate dinner for two.
Image Source: Toronto Life
This old-fashioned restaurant has the warmest and most homey atmosphere. Draped by century-old willow trees overhead, it almost feels like you are relaxing in a friend’s backyard. Visit Allen’s for the overdue catch-up sessions with your best friends!
Image Source: Trip Advisor
The bright and spacious setting at the Hot House Café is great for people watching. Sip from their extensive wine selection while sneaking peeks at what your neighbouring tables or passerbys are doing! (We’re only half joking..)
NEED TO WET THAT WHISTLE?
Image Source: BlogTO
Java House is a city favourite; a must-go summer hotspot amongst Torontonians. The secret? Their fine blend of cheap drinks and welcoming atmosphere. But then again, who can complain about $4 pints?
Image Source: BlogTO
The Only Café is the secret hangout for students, artisans, self-proclaimed hipsters, and most importantly, beer lovers. With 24 in-house taps of Canadian-made goodness, this place is a must for those who enjoy the refreshing taste of a cold brew. On a side note, they are expanding and will be serving beer from their very own in-house brewery, 7 Minutes Fast, very soon!
Image Source: Dine Here
Get this: 12 bars, 5 patios, over 50 TVs, live entertainment all under one roof! Need we say more? Besides, their usual crowd of university undergrads is an unquestionable sign of good and cheap drinks!
Microsoft Office Makes Its iPhone Debut (Finally)
What’s the one task that professionals haven’t been able to do on their iPhones until now? Edit and create Microsoft Office documents, of course. The once annoying quirk has been fixed at long last, with a ‘free’ version of Microsoft Office appearing in the iTunes App Store.
This version of Office will mean that iPhone users will be able to open and edit existing Word, Excel and Power Point documents; perfect for any last minute tweaks before a big presentation or handing in a report. Not only will people using the iPhone app be able to edit existing documents, they’ll be able to create new Word and Excel documents as well and send them to their peers.
Now this app sounds like the big answer to our Microsoft Office-less smart phone void but if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The iPhone app, although free, will only work for those who subscribed to Microsoft Office 365 service; this service has a price tag of approximately $100/year. An advantage of having the app linked with the Microsoft Office 365 service is cloud storage. All documents opened/created/edited using the app will be saved the 365 Cloud, ensuring there is only one central version of the document with all up-to-date changes.
Another not so favourable feature of Microsoft Office for iPhone is its incompatibility with iPad. Now from strictly a user-friendly standpoint, making Microsoft Office available on the iPad (and iPad mini) seems like a much more logical choice. With an iPad, the screen is bigger making everything easier to see, work with (for spacing of a Power Point) and type on. Additionally, iPads can be used with wireless keyboards making them like lightweight laptops.
But as Jill Duffy from PC Mag pointed out, Microsoft Office has been around forever and probably could have convinced more iPhone users to adopt Office for iPhone had they introduced the app a few years ago. Now users have found different word-processing suites that are smart phone compatible to use (such as Google Drive) or even ‘work around’ app suites that they are used to using.
Download the app here.
Sources:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2420509,00.asp
http://gulfnews.com/business/technology/microsoft-office-for-iphones-1.1198470
http://mashable.com/2013/06/15/hands-on-with-office-for-ios/
