I wear daily disposable contacts. Every day, I get a fresh pair of eyes; a poor man’s Lasik! Last week during my morning routine, I put my contacts in. I could sense that something was wrong, and sure enough, my left eye was blurry. I thought maybe it was a faulty contact, so I removed it and popped another one in. Still blurry.

As I walked to work, I blinked, squinted and obsessively compared the vision of my left and right eye, surely looking like a lunatic. Upon arriving at my desk, the blurriness had still not improved. So, I googled “sudden loss of vision in one eye.” Unwittingly, I had opened the floodgates of fear and promptly learned that sudden vision loss can be the result of a stroke, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, brain aneurysm and/or tumor (the list went on and on).

In a mere 10 minutes, I read countless tales of woe on message boards, WikiAnswers and merck.com, all of which began with sudden unilateral vision impairment. I diagnosed myself with one of the less scary scenarios: a detached retina. I would need laser surgery or cryotherapy (freezing), which the Internet promised would be painless.

I called VisionWorld and explained my symptoms. The receptionist sounded concerned, and fit me into the doctor’s schedule right away. At this point, my co-workers overheard the conversation, and looked at me with apprehension. I quickly walked over to VisionWorld, my shoulders heavy with my new self-diagnosis. I filled out the paperwork, and was escorted to the exam room. Prior to entering, I was asked to remove my contacts. After I took out my left contact, I blinked, and sure enough, I could see perfectly! And then it all became clear. Too clear. I had put two contacts in my left eye.

I turned to the doctor, and explained my inane move. Laughter ensued, and I sheepishly left, my shoulders now heavy with embarrassment. But as I walked back to work, relief began to shower over me. I would not need eye surgery! (Brain surgery, maybe.) Overall, this nerve-racking morning reinforced what I already knew: 

Do not try to diagnosis yourself on the Internet. Had I gone straight to the doctor, I would not have wasted an hour worrying. Laughter and clarity would have come much sooner!

Read more blogs at SCG’s 41 Stories.

-Joy Wagner

A few weeks ago, I experienced Southwest Airlines for the first time on a flight to Chicago. Right from the gate, I discovered a bizarre world exists in the monotonous airline industry. Typically, one carrier blends in with another, only to be differentiated by pretzels vs. peanuts. Southwest, known as a no-frills budget airline, definitely stands out. Its promise: “To get you to your destination safely and comfortably with a laugh or two along the way.” The result: An aggravating experience for this first-time Southwest flier. 

As the majority of airlines have introduced baggage fees, Southwest has boldly done the opposite. Their current marketing message, “Bags Fly Free,” is both direct and enticing. The medium on which they advertise also sets them apart. Fifty of their aircrafts have giant stickers with the slogan, “Free Bags Fly Here,” and 1,000 of their luggage carts boldly state, “I Carry Free Bags.” This is great placement. While you are awaiting takeoff on a competitor’s flight, you are reminded that you could have checked your bags at Southwest at no extra charge. For me, the beauty of free bags meant that there would be an abundance of overhead space for my weekend carry-on, making boarding a breeze. Or so I thought.

Which brings me to the second point of difference on Southwest flights: there is no assigned seating.  At the check-in kiosk, I was offered a $15 upgrade for “priority seating” and a free beverage. Not realizing the value of this offer, I declined. When my boarding pass said “No seat assigned. Group C-8,” I assumed I would get my assignment at the gate.

I arrived at the gate and soon realized that seating on Southwest is a glorified melee. Feigning order, Southwest asks fliers to line up alphanumerically. The majority of fliers are in Group A, having purchased the upgrade (this was later confirmed by all the drink coupons being redeemed). Group B consisted of people who had checked-in electronically many hours before departure. And Group C was comprised of myself and a handful of other people, who had naively checked in upon arriving at the airport. 

This is where Southwest’s no assigned seating concept FAILS, especially on a full plane. People began to file onto the plane with singles opting for a window or aisle seat, leaving many lone middle seats available. People traveling together obviously wanted to sit together, so they kept walking until they found two adjoining seats. As people passed open seats (usually the shunned middle ones), a bottle-neck effect was created. Everyone had shuffled to the rear of the plane where there weren’t any seats left so the whole line had to back up the aisle. At this point, my bag and I were stuck going backwards. As one of the last to board, all of the overhead bins had been snapped shut, and I was stranded with no place to stow my bag. Finally, after desperate searching, my carry-on ended up above row 28, and I was in row 7.

Finally, I was seated, albeit sweaty and agitated. Then the strangest thing happened. As the flight attendants began their oratory on exit rows and oxygen masks, I heard them rapping. On the intercom system. On purpose. This is another way Southwest sets itself apart. During the obligatory safety summary, the flight attendants tell jokes, sing songs and rap. Maybe due to my bag-separation anxiety (I realized that I would have to wait for everyone to deplane before we would be reunited), I found the “comedic” presentation far from funny. But, from a marketing perspective, I had to give them kudos for doing the unexpected. In the five minutes that passengers usually tune-out, Southwest had engaged their audience and created a brand experience.

Overall, Southwest is doing some very novel things which set them apart from competitors. Having survived the chaos, I will give Southwest another chance.  Now prepared, I will splurge on the upgrade, and I will have my iPod handy if I’m not in the mood for a rap. And, maybe this bizarre Southwest world WILL make me laugh and calm the cranky traveler in me.

Have you flown Southwest? What do you think of their seating and schtick?

Read more blogs at SCG’s 41 Stories.

-Joy Wagner

EXTRA POLL: Do you think the disgruntled JetBlue flight attendant, Steven Slater, should get his job back?

I am originally from Iowa; Waterloo, to be exact. My co-workers constantly (though playfully) tease me because of this. But, I don’t mind. I wear my Iowa pedigree proudly because I know a secret: Iowa is one of the most charming and wonderful places to both live and visit. When I drive there for a weekend with family, an immediate calm washes over me as I cross the border via I-35. Suddenly, the pace changes; everything slows down and I get a chance to relish rather than rush.

Even though Iowa borders Minnesota, it is often overlooked as a destination of choice. Countless times, Minnesotans “head north” for the weekend. I think going south into America’s heartland should be the new vacation destination.

Here are 10 reasons Iowa should not be ignored (or made fun of):

1. Political Prowess
Iowa holds the first presidential caucuses, making it the starting point for choosing the Republican and Democratic presidential candidate. The Iowa caucus serves as an early indication of which candidates will get nominated.

2. On the Waterfront
Iowa is not landlocked! It is the only state with east and west borders that are 100% formed by water: the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

3. World Travel
Iowa is home to such exotic-named towns including Cancun, Geneva, Jamaica, Luxembourg, Madrid, Norway and Panama.

4. Iowa Sweet Corn
The BEST sweet corn comes from Iowa. Iowa Sweet Corn even has its own Facebook page, with over 87,000 fans.

5. Inspires Invention
The first digital computer was developed by Professor John Vincent Atanasoff and graduate student Cliff Berry in 1937 at Iowa State College.

6. Hollywood of the Heartland
Iowa is the birthplace of many esteemed actors and entertainers including Johnny Carson, Ashton Kutcher, Cloris Leachman, Donna Reed, Elijah Wood, Lara Flynn Boyle and John Wayne.

7. Ahead of Its Time
Riverside, Iowa is the future birthplace of James T. Kirk, the captain of the Starship Enterprise. His entry into the world is just around the corner: March 22, 2228.

8. Iowa Ideals + a Department Store
Von Maur, the most fantastic department store in the land, is based in Davenport, Iowa. Perks like an interest-free credit card, free alterations, gift-wrapping and shipping make Von Maur’s level of service legendary.

And last, but certainly not least…Iowa gave us the two most delicious sandwiches of all time, each of which are reason enough to give the state some respect:

9. Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Legend has it that the breaded pork tenderloin came out of the Czech/Bohemian community in and around Cedar Rapids, Iowa and is decended from the central European breaded schnitzel.

10. The Maid-Rite
Created by a butcher in Muscatine, Iowa, the Maid-Rite consists of a special cut/grind of meat combined with secret spices. Basically a Sloppy Joe without tomato sauce, it is also referred to as a “loose meat” sandwich.

Okay, fellow Iowans, speak up!  What are your favorite Iowan claims-to-fame?

-Joy Wagner

I have a Facebook Page, a Twitter account, a Google Reader and I am on several email lists. I frequently check for updates, eavesdrop on wall chats and delete promotional emails without even reading them. These social media tools are informative, entertaining, addictive and overwhelming. 

But, my favorite Web tool by far is what I call “RSS Mom.” A mother knows her child like nobody else, so when I see my mom’s name appears in my inbox, I immediately perk up and wonder what news/video/podcast/query she has sent my way. It could be a simple joke, a request for an opinion, or maybe a 4-page article about recycling.

I save all the emails from her and file them in my “RSS: Mom” folder. Just reviewing the subject lines warm my heart and reinforces how well she knows me:

FW: Miracle Thought: The Beauty of Discipline

FW: Simple Yet Astounding Ways to Relax When You’re Overwhelmed

RE: Jacket Update (contained a link to a coat I had suggested for my brother)

What one do you like best? (contained three possible poster candidates for her apartment)

Fearless Flyer Items (a list of items that she had picked up at Trader Joe’s that afternoon)

And finally, this:

Emailing: The Most Beautiful Seatbelt Ad – WGN Radio (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjWufx3fenc&feature=player_embedded)

I find this last email exchange the most interesting. She was listening to talk radio, heard about a commercial, watched it on the WGN site and then sent the YouTube link to me. Radio, TV and web were all vital to the process of relaying information. This goes to show that even in this digital age, all communication channels are still effectively at work. And a link that I may have ignored from another source was clicked on and viewed.

Overall, “RSS: Mom” is handpicked, just for one lone subscriber—a much needed respite in a world of mass followers, friends and fans. And, it has an open rate of 100%. 

Is there a way to replicate this feeling of “uniqueness” in Social Media? Or would that in fact make it Anti-Social Media?

-Joy Wagner

A tip to fellow apartment dwellers: When throwing your trash down the garbage chute, do not hold your cell phone in the same hand as the trash bag. It is quite likely that as you release the trash bag from your grasp, you will also let go of your phone. And, if you happen to live on the 12th floor, the phone will probably not survive the fall.

Sadly, I was the subject of this scenario last week. As I sheepishly approached the building manager, and asked if my phone could be rescued from the incinerator, I was naively optimistic. I had visions of my phone softly floating down 12 stories, and ending its journey on a soft garbage bag pillow. But, when the unlucky custodian returned with two broken pieces of plastic, reality sunk in and I realized my phone had been destroyed by my own hands. Sniff.

This event forced me to enter the world of cell-phone marketing. Previously regarded as white noise, cell phone commercials suddenly became important to me. I took notice of cell phone stores in the skyway and read their signs with interest. As coworkers excitedly debated what phone I should buy, I realized that my clumsiness had created an opportunity. I could buy something totally cool! Apparently, when I wasn’t paying attention, an Android had landed. And, although I dislike the name, I was intrigued by the possibilities.

So, as a satisfied T-Mobile customer, my first stop was a kiosk at the mall. Again, I was optimistic, and had visions of a heavily discounted smartphone for one of their best customers.  I told the salesman that I accidentally threw my phone away, hoping to gain some sympathy. I further explained that I recently switched my phone plan. He shook his head and said, “Don’t say you switched to the Even More Plus Plan.”

“Why, yes I did!” I answered. It was a no-brainer, as this new plan offered unlimited calling with fellow T-Mobile customers, as well as unlimited weeknights and weekends. It would be almost impossible for me to run out of minutes. A brilliant choice, I thought.

The “salesman” said that it was the worst possible plan I could have. He said he would never advise anyone to switch to that plan. (I wonder if that was corporate-approved messaging?) His obvious disdain for his employer’s offering was unsettling, to say the least. Upon further investigation, I discovered this fine print for my not-so-fine plan:

If you purchase an Even More Plus (no annual contract) plan, you will not be able to switch to an Even More (2 year contract) plan in the future.

Phone/device discounts are not available with Even More Plus (no annual contract) plans.

Basically, there is no discounted phone in my T-Mobile future, and I am not allowed to switch back to a contract. Also, I learned that if a “smart” phone is purchased through T-Mobile, there is a mandatory $30 data plan. Whoa.

At this point, I was weary of cell phone shopping. A friend had loaned me a very old mobile phone, so all I needed was a new SIM card to get me back on the grid. I asked if I could have a SIM card replacement, and the salesman said it would cost $25. For a little piece of plastic for a long-term customer? Determined not to give T-Mobile any money that day, I asked, “Doesn’t T-Mobile ever replace SIM cards for loyal customers? I intend to buy a new phone, but….”

The representative finally gave in, and activated a new SIM card for me, but not without a little haggling.

Overall, this experience has somewhat tarnished my opinion of T-Mobile. I entered the mall a very satisfied customer, and exited ready to switch providers. I was unimpressed with the customer service and surprised to encounter such lackluster, even negative, corporate messaging in an industry fighting for customers. I would think that with all the competition, T-Mobile would be doing everything to keep a customer, rather than giving them reasons to leave. At the very least this should include clear written communications – no tiny type surprises – and appropriate employee training. . Without this most basic commitment to customer support, can T-Mobile really expect the rest of their marketing program to help them compete effectively?

For now, I am still weighing my options. And proudly communicating via an oversized Motorola Timeport, pictured below!

-Joy Wagner

NutshellMail is an application that allows users to track updates from a myriad of social networking sites, including Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace and Twitter, in one primary email inbox.

A few weeks ago, NutshellMail debuted a clever feature on Facebook. The Email Newsletter application gives Facebook administrators constant contact with fans by emailing a synopsis of the fan page using the existing feed. Bonus: The application is free and once installed requires no additional work for Facebook administrators. 

In just four steps, Facebook page administrators can add an Email Newsletter to their page:

1. Click “Add to my Page” in the NutshellMail Application
2. Add the application
3. Add the Email Newsletter tab
4. Promote the Newsletter with a wall post

Once signed up, fans will receive email summaries of the activity on the page, per their delivery preferences.

This is great on many levels. Now that Facebook has a Live Feed option, it is quite possible that fan page activity may get buried beneath Farmville crops and Mafia Wars crossfire. Rather than relying on fans to come to the page, administrators can invite fans to receive a summary, and determine how often an email newsletter is sent. Also, the email itself is interactive, with live links to the activity on the page. So, if the reader wants to get engaged, all it takes is a simple click.

-Joy Wagner

Thanksgiving is upon us! It’s time to pile our plates high with turkey, yams and pumpkin pie.  But before we do, we asked ourselves, “What are you thankful for this year?”  Here’s how we replied…

Steph is thankful for her clarity and sanity.

Whitney is thankful for her family. “They can always make me laugh and have given me such unwavering support throughout this year.”

Trevor is most thankful for “my beautiful, healthy baby girl Luella. I am also thankful for how stinkin’ happy she is all the time!”

Joy is thankful that, “even though my family lives in three different states, we will all be together for Thanksgiving!”

Patricia is thankful for the trust our clients have placed in us during this challenging 2009.

Patrick is thankful that our agency was able to withstand the economic downturn and that our clients have generally weathered the storm very well.

Carol is so thankful for Makarei, her little granddaughter. “We get up at 4:30 in the morning to get ready for work and school.  On Saturdays she has piano lessons and choir practice.  She goes with me to Lay Organization and Missionary Society meetings and stays in a separate room dancing and singing.  Makarei is the joy of my life and I am so happy to have her in my life.”

Chad is thankful for his family.

Randy is thankful that his cousin Trent returned safely from Djibouti, Africa, after spending a 7-month tour of duty in the Marines.

Jenny is thankful for the small group she joined recently through her church. “We meet each Sunday night for a time of faith, fun and fellowship. It has already been such a gift and a wonderful way to start a new week. And our host is truly Rachael Ray Jr. so I leave each week with lunch for Monday!”

Jeron is thankful the economy has reminded him (and certainly many others) how much more valuable family, health and friendships are than material items.

Jane is very thankful to have a wonderful, big family that surrounds her with love and support. “I am also thankful that both Dan and I are employed and that our family is healthy and happy. And I am thankful to have been fortunate to have adopted such an amazing, loving dog to add to our family…we are so blessed to be able to share every moment of Lily’s life.”

What are you most thankful for this year?

We hope you enjoy your holiday with family, friends and those closest to you. Happy Thanksgiving from all of your friends at SCG!

Bing, the new search engine from Microsoft has entered the playing field quite loudly, thanks to a reported $80 million to $100 million marketing budget. Advertised as a “decision engine”, Bing (formerly Live Search, Windows Live Search, MSN Search) hopes to overtake some of Google and Yahoo’s popularity and become the search engine of choice. It promises to be “…a search engine that finds and organizes the answers you need so you can make faster, more informed decisions.”

It has been hard to ignore Bing’s arrival. Bing has become a nightly guest in my living room, via commercials and hardcore product placement. Without mentioning either Yahoo or Google, the television commercials attempt to characterize the woes of searching with engines that do little more “than point you to a set of links.” More interesting (and annoying) than the commercials, though, are the unapologetic product placements. In NBC’s The Philanthropist, the Bing interface shows up countless times, both in the show’s storylines as well as bumpers between the show and commercials. Similarly, a commercial during The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo showcases Rachel and her husband trying to find a place to eat dinner. “Let’s Bing it,” Rachel matter-of-factly states, in an attempt to conjugate Bing into a verb. Hmm…sounds familiar.

Bing does seem to have some interesting features, including a “visual search” that lets you browse results by pictures rather than text. But, it is hard to break the habit of googling, especially when the Google search window is built into your browser. I have, however, made the effort to give Bing a chance. One cool tool that allows you to directly compare Bing to Google is called Bingle (http://bingle.pwnij.com/). This search engine, created by Joshua Buss, a 26-year-old Unix administrator in Chicago, produces and displays results from both Google and Bing side-by-side.

Like many search engine users, Buss was curious about Bing, but knew that his Google habit would hinder any Bing experimentation. He told The Wall Street Journal, “When I first heard about Bing and how good it was supposed to be, I knew I should make something that would let me use it at the same time as Google. Otherwise, my reliance on Google meant I’d never give Bing a fair shot.”

So far, the fight seems to be between Google and Bing, with Yahoo losing ground. According to Nielsen Online, Bing’s share of the web search market in August was 10.7 percent, up from 9.0 percent in July (22% increase in total number of searches). Also in August, Google’s market share increased to 64.6%, and Yahoo’s dropped to 16%

Now you have more options. Will you google it, bing it or bingle it?

-Joy Wagner

* Acronym of BING created by marketing expert Seth Godin
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/05/the-next-google.html

Growing up in Iowa, a trip to the Farmer’s Market usually occurred on a Saturday morning. My mom and I would venture out around 8 am with a fistful of cash. Local farmers would line up their pick-up trucks, showcasing bushels of their prize produce: sweet corn, beefsteak tomatoes, beets, beans, snap peas, apples, etc., all homegrown and picked by hand. Farmer’s wives would line card tables with baked goods. Cookies, bread, cakes beckoned to be purchased; fresh homemade apple pie could be bought for less than $5.00.

So, when I moved to Minneapolis more than 10 years ago, I was ecstatic to hear that there was a Farmer’s Market every Thursday on Nicollet Mall. How convenient! I could peruse garden fresh delicacies over my lunch hour, planning my evening dinner based on what vegetables looked the best.

My first visit to the Downtown Weekday Farmer’s Market was a huge disappointment. To my dismay, Dole bananas were being sold! You could not find a tomato that did not have a sticker on it. Yes, Bushel Boys are great, but they belong in the grocery store. Aside from bison jerky and cinnamon almonds, there was nothing handmade. There was not a farmer in sight! So, even though I worked downtown, I ignored Thursday’s farmers market for many years. Aside from picking up a last minute onion for a recipe, or sampling a cinnamon almond, I boycotted Minneapolis’ Market Sans Farmers.

Last week, the sun beckoned me from my desk. It just happened to be a Thursday, so I came face to face with blocks of tables filled with fruits and vegetables. As I began my walk down Nicollet, I politely ignored the giant “Big Box” stands that featured bananas in bags and strawberries in plastic containers. But, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed some smaller stands that begged investigation.

First, lured by a sign that said “Free Samples” I encountered Deena’s Gourmet Hummus. I only intended to sample, but after one taste of the Roasted Red Pepper and Feta ­Hummus, I was quickly handing over my $4. This is, hands down, the best hummus I have ever tasted. It is made fresh every week in St. Paul, without the use of preservatives or tahini. It is so good, I could eat it (and I do) with a spoon! Deenasgourmet.com

Next, I passed a stand that hailed from a farm in Wisconsin. It had a gorgeous display of both homegrown beefsteak and heirloom tomatoes. Once again, a sample lured me in: a deep red tomato chunk, dressed with only salt and pepper. As I placed the sample in my mouth, I felt like I had just taken my first bite of summer. I quickly snatched up a pound of tomatoes, with visions of BLTs dancing in my head. This stand also sells fresh eggs and greens.

Finally, I passed the Dehns Garden, which grows all its herbs and flowers in Andover, MN. Aside from selling herbs you can plant, they also sell generous bags of cilantro, rosemary, chives, etc. I picked up a container of basil for only $2 that has already garnished four meals, with a generous handful left!

At this point, I was out of money. So, I had to forgo the frozen tamales, fresh pickles and honey butter until next time. But, I know that this Thursday, I will be searching for even more locally grown produce, as well as trying additional handmade products.

What is your favorite Nicollet Mall Farmer’s Market find this year? Has anyone tried the tamales?

-Joy Wagner

Last week, a new website was launched called MatterMeter.com. MatterMeter promises clients “a single location from which to rate any product, service, or person.” The data collected will help companies evaluate consumer satisfaction with their own brands and their competitors.

MatterMeter cuts to the quick with this simple question, “If [insert person, place , or brand] no longer existed, would it matter?” Patterned after Twitter, the site offers a live feed of the recent MatterMeter activity, and you can follow members or be followed.

Topics range from Starbucks to hot dogs to Hello Kitty to Home Depot. Just this morning, new discussions were initiated about Lucky Charms, Poptarts and Apple. It seems as though users “matterize” based on experiences, both good and bad. For example, breakfast food makes the most appearances in the morning while home improvement store mentions surge over the weekend. Co-creator Tessie Ting says “Now that consumers are behaving in new ways, it is time to develop a new technique to capture those behaviors. MatterMeter is uniquely poised to listen to consumers.” By seeing all the things that matter to a certain member, lifestyle segments can be inferred.

I became a member in order to join the conversations, and found that it is very easy to use. I have “matterized” twice (Diet Cherry Coke and Ovolmaltine Crunchy Cream), but no one has weighed in on my discussion. Yet. To “vote” if something matters or not, you must leave a comment explaining why, so there is a wealth of public opinion on the site. The live feed appears to have steady traffic. I think the concept is strong, and if membership experiences exponential growth, MatterMeter.com could become a key barometer of brand influence.

Have you rated anything on MatterMeter.com yet? If so, what did you rate?

-Joy Wagner