As part of our E-marketing class, I am tasked with figuring out if it is indeed possible to have a formula to make a video go viral.  While many may believe that it looks easy, in the scope of the giant internet world, actually having one of your videos go viral is an extremely unlikely occurrence.  Some videos hit and some only ever get viewed by family and friends, but there is one thing that all viral videos have and that is the fact that they entertain.

Whether it is funny, sad, heartfelt, or angering, viral videos share a common unique quality to them that captures the attention of its viewers and doesn’t let it go.  They also contain something about them that makes the viewers have the motivation to share the video.  It also must be something that not just one, but millions of people would find it worth their time to watch and share.

Another huge key to the formula is that odds of success are much higher when the video maker already has a strong presence in social media, whether they are a blogger or have a large following on twitter.  Commenting on popular users’ posts with a link to your video can also be a good way to try to get enough attention.

All in all, as I go about trying to figure out the formula of a viral video for my group assignment, I have found that there can be many ways to go about this, but it must be entertaining and conjure up an emotional response.  I have also read that videos are much more likely to go viral if they have certain emotional “memes” that, combined properly, can greatly increase the likelihood of success.

A few great articles on the subject:

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-make-a-marketing-video-go-viral.html

http://www.jeffbullas.com/2011/11/24/4-key-elements-for-a-viral-video/

Happy filming,

TLV

The baby finally came this week! This little beauty’s name is Ayva and she has been preoccupying a significant amount of my time these past few days.  I know, I know, everyone says this, but I am positive that this is the cutest baby that has ever been born.  To say that I love her is a ginormous understatement.  Many, many more pictures to come next!

*

TLV

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of walking for Tanya-Marie Design in a Charity Fashion Show.  The dresses of this Miami-based designer are beyond fabulous; I felt just like one of my style icons, Elvira from Scarface (Michelle Pfeiffer), after slipping on one of her signature backless maxi’s.  What I find so fascinating about her is that she basically has no training or official schooling in design and, yet, has come to make a serious name for herself in the sunny south.  These garments do not come cheap though, with most of her custom designs that were featured in the show running anywhere between $400-$1500.  Here are some backstage pictures of my experience; official show photos to come!

Voila; my mane was quickly worked into an exuberant french braid!

Some of the statuesque girls.

Pass the Sangria, please.

Feather lashes: all the rage.

Third outfit change of the show.

That’s a wrap, folks.

TLV

As women, when it comes to hair, I believe that we always want what we can’t have.  Due to the fact that I am a blonde by nature (further enhanced un-naturally, of course), I have often found myself fantasizing about having jet black hair or a super short, choppy do. I can’t even begin to describe my envy at those fearless girls who constantly have a new hairdo; that will just never be me.  Regardless, because of that I have found lots of tips for having long hair (with or without bangs) in a high-frizz zone.  I live in Miami, where the humidity is hot and most girls always look as if they stepped straight out of the salon.  Here are some tips that have saved me from many unfortunate hair days:

*

1.  A 2 inch curling iron is, without a doubt, the most important item in my suitcase at all times.  This size gives the perfect about of curl to have the perfect amount of Giselle, but also gives the hair a significant amount of va-va-voom.

2.  Blow dry first.  This will add to the volume without the fuzz.  Make sure that whether you are blow-drying, curling, or straightening, you do it piece by piece to get the full results.

3.  No or only light hair spray if you must.  I am a hater of hairspray.  It makes my still and eventually, seems to add to the frizz as the curl fall out.

4.  I adore hair masks.  There are many good suppliers of hair masks.  I, for one, am a fan of Pravana’s; it really gives your hair the deep conditioning that it needs.  In fact, I only use hair masks as my conditioner now.

5.  Need more volume?  Tease it.  Now, I was someone who truly believed teasing was left in the 80s until my recent infatuation with Brigitte Bardot,a  super teaser, brought the teaser out in me.  Now, as long as I know that I am not going to be outdoors for too long, I can’t stop.   Also teasing before putting it into a pony tail does wonders!

So let your hair down and enjoy,

TLV

Having recently had the pleasure to participate in a bird-cage themed shoot, it got me to thinking about our feathery friends in the sky and how they connect to us.  Birds can do what many humans imagine being able to, but are physically unable: fly.  We may have been able to buy incredible machines capable of flying, but, I for one, have never seen an actually human do the same feat alone.  Another amazing thing about birds is that they sense change and quickly jump into action by migrating.  We aren’t so quick to jump into change, even when it is necessary.  Instead, I find myself mulling over why the change must occur instead of just doing it and migrating to something new.  I’ve also read that birds pick and change mates based on what sort of unpredictability that they are facing.  They seem to realize that with change comes new views that may not match up with who they are currently with, so they just find a new bird suitor that better fits with their needs at the moment.  We all know things do not necessarily work out that way in human world.  We could be with the wrong person for years, but most of us don’t leave even when we absolutely know we should.  We wait and wait until there is no other option.

 There is much to learn from these creatures of the sky.

 This all leads me to a singular wonder; are birds the more advanced species?

Just a thought,

TLV