My Asian Marketing post is ranked #2 at Google Blogsearch

"Asian Marketing" is a very competitive search term. Not only that hundreds of advertising agencies and consulting firms in the U.S. try to get high ranking on the term, thousands of others in Asia want the same.

I started my "Asian Marketing" blog http://asianmarketing.blogspot.com/ when I was taking the marketing buzz class at NYU back in 2006. I was working for an ad agency where there was no blogging policy. I had to be very careful as to what I could say and not, yet still show my professionalism. It wasn't easy, so I stopped the blog a few months later.

I resumed the "Asian Marketing" blog on March 20th. I am surprised I got the second place on Google Blogsearch http://blogsearch.google.com/ so soon (less than 2 weeks). I am thrilled! Seriously, it is very encouraging. I will keep working on it. Hopefully, the blog will show up on the first page of the regular search… one day.

This blog you are reading is already on page one if you search "fanny lawren". Well, no one competes with me for my name, I guess. My other Chinese blogs will have longer way to go because I found ranking in Chinese is even tougher. Wish me luck!

The Beauty of the Garden

It is Sunday, but my Princesses woke up at 6am. They sure did not want to give Mom a break. After practicing piano and Chinese the whole morning, I figured we should get out of the house.

We first headed to Children Brooklyn Museum but found out it was still closed for final renovation. The sign – so as its web – said it would reopen in spring. Isn't it spring now?

We made a U-turn and went to the Botanical Garden. The weather was so nice. It made the green even greener. I couldn't help lying on the grass. It was so comfortable. The Princesses loved the fish the most. They tried to count and told me there were a thousand of them. Ha!

We picked up some pinecones and colored them at home. It was a fun project. It made me feel like … just for some moments … we lived in the wild countryside. How luxurious – for city worms like us!

Muscle Relaxant Turned Me Into A Sleeping Beauty

My lower back hurt so much that I went to see the doctor on Thursday. She said I should take some muscle relaxant. The pills are designed for giant American football player. Petite size like me should take half of the pill each time. The doctor warned me that even for half of the dose, I would still need to prepare to sleep for 10 hours.

Of course I could not spare 10 hours for sleep. I made it 8, and was totally disoriented the next morning. Gee, I must admit I am so much smaller than the average American.

At least the pills work. My back doesn't hurt any more. Doctor recommended me to call up the physiatrist for follow up therapy to prevent recurrence. I know I should listen. Let's see if I could find time.

Traditional vs New Digital Advertising

In marketing, traditional advertising means print, TV, and radio. Digital advertising is not traditional advertising by today's standard. But I believe very soon we will have traditional digital advertising and new digital advertising. If it is not called "new", it could be "advanced", "rich", or whatever.

In my definition, traditional digital advertising include those marketers spend most of the time doing now – website development, banner advertising, web sponsorship, search engine optimization, keyword buy, video, etc. They are all one-way communication.

New digital advertising, on the other hand, is all about interaction – posting and soliciting feedback, listening and adjusting. Instead of branding banner, how about direct response banner? Instead of same information for all, how about adjusted content, tone, color, and layout for different web users? Instead of sending e-newsletter, soliciting contributions?

In fact, none of these ideas are new. They have all been done, not just recently but a while ago. Yet they are still uncommon. Is it because it requires very high-level technology? Not really. Very expensive? Bad creative costs the same as good creative. Very time consuming? Maybe, but mostly on education.

The main reason, I think, is that marketers are just like most of the human beings. They feel safer not to make changes. They feel more comfortable to give one-way message. It is too scary to hear from consumers. Why rock the boat when you see the boat is still moving? Well, because you want to get to places you want to be faster and before your competitors.

Are Companies Listening to Their Customers?

Starbuck is launching My Starbucks Idea (http://mystarbucksidea.force.com), a social network site where consumers can post ideas on how Starbuck could improve its products and service. Consumers could also share the ideas and vote for their favorite ideas.

I suppose Starbucks' intention is to engage consumers and to prove they encourage two-way dialogs. It is pretty much like Dell's IdeaStorm (http://www.ideastorm.com) which successfully has gained many consumer hearts, and even some critics'.

Nevertheless, media coverage shows that many people do not appreciate the effort. Jim Romenesko, keeper of the Starbucks Gossip blog (http://starbucksgossip.com) told Ad Age that he believes Starbucks is just tired of all the negative comments on his site and tried to gain more control. Many echo and suspect Starbucks would not welcome all ideas openly, but filter some comments. Others simply do not think the Dell magic applies here. After all, one can talk a lot about what they want from technology but there are not much average folks can say about coffee.

Guys, let's be open mind. See how Starbuck really treat the ideas and comments first. Social site like this could strengthen or hurt a brand -- all depends on how the companies manage the dialogs. How much control Starbucks can let go? From what I see, it would be a case study of brand hijack or brand disaster a year from now.

Chinese Names

A Chinese friend of mine just gave birth to a baby. Some old friends got together visiting the new mom and the newborn today. The topic of naming the children in Chinese came up. Some believe it is meaningless since no documents would identify them in our native language. Most parents, including me, make the pinyin (English pronunciation) of the Chinese names as the kids' middle name. We are hoping it would remind our children that they are Chinese. Yet many argue pinyin does not really represent the actual Chinese characters well since each pronunciation stand for multiple characters.

For those of us that have double citizenship, one way to give our children some Chinese identification is to get them the passports of our native countries -- of course with their Chinese names. But you know what? No matter how much you do and how hard you try, your kids may still not able to identify themselves in Chinese.

I remember there was once a third generation Chinese American told me his grandfather gave him a Chinese name. He forgot how to pronounce it and could not write it, but he described it to me that "the middle character is like a long box broken into three square with a stoke on the top, the last character means success." If you are Chinese, you should be able to guess it.

Writing Diary at the Early Age

My dad worked overseas when I was little. There was no email back then. International calls were very experience. Mom asked me to write a letter to dad every week or so. I started with drawing, then a few words, later couple lines, and finally paragraphs.

Writing wasn't hard. But finding something to write about was difficult for me. Schools in where I was raised did not emphasize on creative writing. Hong Kong education was known to be "duck-stuffing" – one way only. Students only needed to memorize all the information. They were not encouraged to express themselves.

The training my Princesses receive is the opposite. They are asked to write (or draw on) journal in the class every school day. Their journals are Mom's best treasures, I think. Unfortunately, I could only read them at the end of each semester. It is no fair.

Last Friday, I found some beautiful discounted journal books at the Metropolitan Museum of Art store. I bought two for my Princesses. I asked YY who is in kindergarten to write down what she did every day. It has to be two sentences and should include at least four of the W elements – who, what, where, when, why, how. Second grader LL could write long stories already. So, I told her to limit entries to three sentences only. I wanted her to learn to summarize and eliminate zero words.

I don't have the patience to read to children. Prince Charming does it much better than me. But I love to read their writing and see how they improve each day. It is better than any gifts.

Blog Disabled

One of my blogs was disabled yesterday afternoon. It was my first time being banned and claimed I violated any Terms of Use. I was so nervous: What did I do wrong?

I followed some procedures to file request to reactivate my blog. I was then led to the Help page that explained the disabling was a result of the automated classification system marking my blog as spam. Blogger admitted because the system was automated, there would necessarily be some false positives. Once it confirms the blogs are not spam, it would put them back live. I was much more relieved: So I didn't do anything wrong.

I should have stopped right there. But I didn't. I clicked the Help Groups links provided and found people complaining their blogs taken down for 20+ days. I was so upset: What did I do wrong to deserve this?

This morning when I checked the blog, it was up again. I was thrilled: So, I was not wrong.
On one hand I appreciate the system being cautious and took care of the misjudgment so quickly. On the other, I really hate being led for a roller coaster mood.

Effective Presentations

I went to a seminar yesterday at Pace University: "The Three Habits of Highly Effective Presentations" by Tarona Lee, President of TLL Human Resource Consultation, Inc. It was a great seminar. Content was informational and organized. Presenter was knowledgeable and prepared. Audiences were engaged and willing to share.

Honestly, the three habits and other skills Tarona presented were not new at all – at least not to me. But just by watching her presenting and listening to the audience feedback, I learned a lot.

Professor Barry Miller, thank you for organizing it.

How To Be A Fair Mom

March 18, 2008 8:55pm
In Parenting Magazine April 2006, one of the advices to Moms who have infants and toddlers is “If both children are crying, tend to the older one, then to the baby. The older one will remember – but the baby won’t.”
What if you have three bigger kids? They will all remember – every moment they think you treat the others better. It is not easy to make all three think you are fair and that you love each of them the same. I am still learning and practicing. Any tips are welcome.

Princesses Going Different Routes

March 13, 2008 9:34pm
The Princesses look very alike when they were babies, but not quite so as they grow. Their personalities and interests, particularly, are going to different directions. Since I have a busy schedule, I put them in the same extra activities this school year – piano, Chinese, chess, gymnastics, and karate. But time has proved to me that this is not the right way to go. While LL loves all these activities, YY does not enjoy as much (although she asked to join all). YY likes art and dance a lot more. She regretted to quit painting and ballet after she started kindergarten. It looks like I have no choice but re-arrange all the schedules next semester. Hope I could find the summer camp(s) that both like. HH is easy… at least for now… no doubt it will change two years later. Wish me good luck!

Bear Sterns, Eliot Spitzer, Crane Collapse

March 17, 2008 9:22pm
Just a year ago, Bear Sterns was $170/share, now $2. Isn’t it scary?
Last month, Eliot Spitzer was the respectful New York Governor. Now, he is just Client #9 who no one want to associate with.
You were in a Manhattan townhouse. A minute later, the huge crane in the next building collapsed and you were stuck in rubble, hoping someone would find you before your kids lost their parent.
Tragedy happens. Wish everyone well!

"The Long Tail" And Other Books

March 11, 2008 9:01pm
I guess I wrote too much in the last two months. I felt so drained. So, I decided to take a break and READ. Somehow, I managed to finish three books so far.
1) “What Women Wants” – I bought it for Prince Charming. Then I thought I should read it first. What if I don’t agree with the content, right? It turned out that I almost totally agree with the authors. I highly recommend it.
2) “Get Everyone in Your Boat Rowing in the Same Direction” – Excellent management coaching book. The leadership principles stated are simple to understand and easy to follow through. I found the book explains why I left some of the companies I used to work with. I should send copies to few of my former bosses.
3) “The Long Tail” – It is a must read. Chris Anderson defined a now economics of Culture and Commerce. Though the book is as thorough as an academic textbook, it is very interesting. I basically couldn’t put it down. It gave me some new ideas for my new website.

James Wong 黃霑

March 7, 2008 10:06pm
Hong Kong have lost some legendary stars in the past few years: Leslie 張國榮, Anita 梅艷芳, Danny 陳百強, Roman 羅文, etc. It’s sad. The one I miss the most is James Wong 黃霑.I was working in media when he passed away. So, I got the news earlier than the general overseas public. I was shocked. I made couple calls to people who knew him well. All were speechless.
I couldn’t sleep that night. When I fell into sleep, I told James in my dream, “How could you go just that? You still owe me the autographed collection that you promised me on the stage at your show in Atlantic City.”
I wasn’t a big fan of his, but love reading his “stuff”. James, I am writing too. I don’t intend to be famous or make any big money from my work. But I love to be read, so I write. I still remember what you said and I will do my best.

Happy International Women Day!

March 8, 2008 6:09pm
I wonder how many female friends of mine celebrate the International Women Day 三八婦女節. The guys? Of course, they don’t. I have been trying to make the day special every year, but didn’t quite succeed. Today, well, I made Prince Charming take care of things at the bank, CPA firm and laundry… so I could do some reading. That’s pretty much it. Oh, I am not cooking tonight – take a day off. Maybe, I could try a movie tonight… no, not in theatre, just DVD.

Wish Joyce 欣宜 the Best

March 6, 2008 9:35pm
Since Lydia 沈殿霞 is so respectful, many of her VIP friends publicly offer help and promises to assist Joyce in her entertainment career. This is nice. But I found Jacky Cheung’s 張學友note the best: “No need to give yourself too much pressure. As long as you are a good and responsible person, Mom will be proud of you.” As a parent, I can’t agree more.

I cried when I read about Lydia Sum 沈殿霞

March 5, 2008 8:18pm
I found some time to read the old Chinese papers piled up at home. The most striking news to me was the death of Lydia Sum 沈殿霞. I was so sad that I actually cried.
Lydia was not any celebrity; she was a legend. Her laugh was an icon. It represents true happiness. I was sorry to see her go. But what broke me into tears was her story as a single mom. I am so touched by her love to her daughter Joyce 欣宜.
Years ago, I was not afraid of death. I did my best so I would not have any unfinished business if the time came. Everything changed after the first princess arrived. Now with three, I am telling you I am very afraid of dying. I cannot die soon. The princesses need me. Prince Charming can’t manage them well; he could hardly take care of himself… I could not stop the thought when I read through the coverage about Lydia.
I wish the princesses know how much I love them.

Checked on To-Do List

March 4,2008 5:27am
It is 5:27am. Just finished all the works—full time job and some side projects. It feels good to have everything on the to-do list checked. But then, that is just the to-do list for “MUST BE DONE ASAP”. I still have to file tax, sign the princesses up for summer camps, etc.Oh, it is now 5:29am. Should I go to bed for an-hour nap or just clean up the house?

Avis: " We Try Harder"

March 4, 2008 10:00pm
Got an official notice today that I did not win an important contest; but the judge panel was very impressed with my achievements and… Sigh! It reminds me the 4A contest a decade ago. My team was not THE winner; but the judge panel thought we had the best idea so they rewarded us “The Best Strategy” title… Sigh! Further back, at the beauty pageant (I know, it was ancient history), I wasn’t THE winner either, but I earned a very good reputation and a great network.
I always manage to get in the finals, but somehow do not win. Fate? Oh well, I know there are always people better than me at certain things. I will just work harder, as I have to stay in the final. :-)
I am happy as long as my princesses think I am “the best mom in the whole wild world”; Prince Charming believes I am “always the best no matter what”; my parents—and even some aunts—think I am the best daughter… who cares about the other best? Right? Right.

GIGO

February 29,2008 11:01pm
Garbage in, garbage out. If you give me incomplete data, you will not have a full analysis report. I told you the best strategy and the 10 things I need from you. If you give me only 5, don’t expect the same result as 10. When do people understand that?

Committed To A Project

March 2,2008 9:06pm
This is me. I am either not committed, or committed 120%. I will work damn hard to deliver 100% on target, on schedule and on budget. I would rather scarify my sleeping time than to disappoint anyone. To some extent, I expect my teammates to do the same, or close. If you are not this type, stay away.

Jury Duty

February 28,2008 9:43pm
Thanks to technology. We check the weather before we get out of the house for a trip. We sign up for airline alert so we know if there is any flight delay or cancellation. We could reschedule online or on the phone fairly easy.
But sorry, the court system is still at the Stone Age. They need you to stay in the central room for hours. In some courts, you may even need to sign in and out for a break to the restroom. If your case is rescheduled, they will tell you after you show up in court.
If only the court could send email alert or text to cell phones! Could they at least give jurors a pager (like those given by the restaurants)? That way, we could take a nap in our cars, walk around the neighborhood, get a coffee, or go to the library/bank?
Some courts are nice. They have computers for you (but with very short time out), wireless connection (great if you have a laptop), TV (news channel only). But most don’t. Make sure you bring along your portable DVD player, games and books if you go for jury duty.
As for me, I translated 100 pages of a book during my first two days of jury duty, i.e. the period of just sitting and waiting to see if I would be selected to serve… oh yes, I am selected AGAIN.

Buddakan Heather Yee

February 26 11:56pm
Had a very fun night with an old friend at the Pier in Atlantic City over the weekend. Met the bar tender at Buddakan—Heather Yee. She is the best! Her drinks were superrrrr! Very creative… just perfect. She is just 28 years young, but already had more than two dozens drinks of her own on menus inside and outside Buddakan. More are coming as well. Good for her!
And guess what, it is a very small world. After we chatted a little while, we found out that my friend knows Heather’s dad, mom, step-mom and uncle. Amazing!
BTW, the desserts at Continental (next to Buddakan) are sooooo cute and yummy ($4 each only). You must try.

Performance Apprasial

February 27,2008 8:54pm
Got my performance appraisal back today. Very happy! It feels good to be recognized and rewarded. :-)

Proofreading

February 20,2008 11:47pm
I had learned this long ago, but today I further confirmed it: When it comes to proofreading, every pair of eyes could find something new. Thanks to RK and LM for catching the errors on my document today.

Make Yourself Happy

February 19,2008 7:59pm
According to Gabrielle Leblance on O Magazine March 08, there are five things happy people do:
- They allow themselves to be happy.
- They avoid “if only” fantasies.
- They find their most golden self.
- They design their lives to bring in joy.
- They put best friends first.
I am proud to say that I do all the above (except that I may put my princesses before my best friends). And I am happy, very happy. I am thankful for what I have – no what-if. Yet, I keep working for personal growth intellectually, mentally, spiritually and financially. I prioritize my life duties to make sure I enjoy my life. And so should you, my friends!

Dinner with Extended Family

February 17, 2008 9:54pm
I feel old every time in such occasions. Thanks to the kids. They grow so fast, too fast.

Brainstorming

February 16,2008 10:31pm
I like brainstorming (com’on I am an ad man). But please don’t come in the room until you finish the brief and actually spend more than three minutes thinking about the topic first. If you are tired or not engaged, ask to be excused. Don’t come in ruin the fun session.
My best brainstorm-mate is dconnectb. Our meetings have always been productive, efficient, consistent and good timing. I love it!

Old Friends

February 15,2008 9:07pm
Spoke to two old friends who haven’t seen for long. Very thankful for the friendship.
Glenn, it is two way. I may have inspired you to pick up the new project. Note that you have been very supportive to me too. I am glad we have each other.
Ed, you know me too well. But I will prove you are wrong this time. Anyway, I owe you one.

Statistics & Business Modeling

February 12, 2008 8:35pm
The course wasn’t easy. I consider myself a number person. But it is hard to digest several college statistics classes in two days… especially right after an exhausting skiing trip. Almost everyone else in the room was research and analysis folk. I felt like I was an outsider. Anyway, I learned quite a lot.

Chinese New Year Eve

Let me start with this one...

Feb 6, 2008 10:22pm
Finally, we finished the big Chinese New Year Eve feast. I started cooking today at 5pm. Thank God we only do this few times a year.
Glad to have many good feedbacks on the Princess ‘07 album. How come the girls pose so well? Uh, they don’t. I just took a lot of pictures. Out of the 3000+ I took last year, those 30 were le creme de le creme. That’s all. So, here is the trick: Work Harder. Do More.

Start Over Again

Have been blogging on and off for a while. Finally, I can claim I am comfortable blogging. While I have other blogs using pen names, this one is all about me -- Fanny Lawren. Let me start by moving my Facebook blog here.