2 Years in the City: A Recap of the Adventure, So Far

January 21, 2013 ~ Nicole Monahan ~ 1 Comment

Today marks my 2nd year in NY. It feels only like yesterday my cat shoved himself into my luggage bag.

Before I knew it I was face to face with snow for the first time in my life.

“New York forces you to grow up fast,” a friend said to me this weekend. He couldn’t have been more right. Every single day you’re given a new challenge that makes you think faster and learn quicker than you ever thought possible. Changes are made daily; you need to learn how to adapt.

I’ve learned quite a bit over the past 2 years. Here are a few secrets I’ll let you in on:

1.) It will never get any easier. Ever. There will always be snow, rent, tourists, homesick-ness, and everything comes at a cost because lets face it, it still annoys me that you have to pay for the beaches here.

2.) Ignore the haters. Inevitably someone will cut you in line (and never apologize), no one will ever give up their seat for you, and you may face a time when someone will throw you under the bus. Hear me out. The truth is there’s far too much competition here. Everything needs to be fresh and fast, simply because there are too many talented people here. Everyone wants to be seen. My advice, ignore the haters. Master getting people’s attention without excuses, without sacrificing someone at the cost of your benefit. They may think they’ve accomplished something, but in the end they are still the same — mediocre at best.

3.) Stop questioning the city. At some point you will eventually learn to accept it for who it is – Like a pain in the ass family member, who in the end you love regardless of all their faults. Because the reality is this place changes you. I would never have had the opportunity to do 2% of the things I’ve done here back at home. Looking back I’ve been a part of some amazing companies, made some good friends, and with all the things I’ve been able to experience I feel truly blessed and lucky.

There is really nothing like taking that leap into the unknown and knowing you will probably fail. The key is to fail harder again and again. Because those who have it easy, those that are so naturally successful aren’t nearly as interesting as those that fail, learn, get up, and tries it all over again…. (Look at Kim Kardashian, she’s got to be the most boring celebrity ever. As Grumpy Cat said it best, “I wish I had her talent of having no talent, and getting paid for it.)

This journey has been both exciting and terrifying. But there is nothing quite like that feeling of figuring it all out – The Uncomfortable Zone. I’m not sure what’s in store next but I do know that I’m excited about the adventure. And I do know I want to continue to write it all down, whatever it might be so I’ll never forgot.

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It wouldn’t be a true Nicole post without lots of photos so here is a #2yrRecap:

Working at the Guggenheim Museum #2yrRecap

Rockfeller Christmass Tree #ChristmasinNY — Christmas in NY, always a good time #2yrRecap

Webster Girls Adventure in Brooklyn — Any Webster Girl Adventures #2yrRecap

Lomography Trips and Work — Lomography Trips & Work #2yrRecap

Improv Everywhere 2012 MP3 Experiment #2yrRecap

Moustache School Bus — Any time this happened #2yrRecap

New Yorkers at their best — Or this. #2yrRecap

Me and Dad in the city — Any time Dad came to visit. #2yrRecap

Regis and Kelly Show — Finally seeing Regis #2yrRecap

Jazz-Age Lawn Party with Friends #2yrRecap

Flavorpill Art of Yoga — Flavorpill Events and Worklife #2yrRecap

Central Park Bubbles — Exploring Central Park #2yrRecap

Irish Family Facebook Reunion — Meeting my Irish Family for the first time #2yrRecap

Social Hashtag Series #2: #AboveMe

Social Hashtag Series #AboveMe Instagram Photos: NYC Flatiron Building

January 17, 2013 ~ Nicole Monahan ~ Leave a comment

This month’s hashtag was # AboveMe. I thought I’d keep my head up instead of down. There are certainly some interesting perceptive up there.

Next month’s theme will be, store front chalkboard signs and messages.

In other Instagram related news, I’ll be shooting from NYCbaton‘s Instagram account on January 30th, 2013. Enjoy the day in the life of me. Any ideas of interesting people or places to shoot in the city, please let me know!

Oh yes, you could always be my Instagram friend now. It’s never to late to be friends.

NYC Winter Trees in Union Square. I got lost for a moment up there… and attacked by squirrels. It was a good day.

This is how some weekend markets decorate in the city. Just re-use Christmas lights.

C.O. Bigelow’s Pharmacy in Greenwich Village. I hadn’t been in this area in quite sometime. It’s probably one of my favorite signs in NYC.

Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Sea Cruise. The detail in this piece is just ridiculous.

Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Sea Cruise – Chandelier in the dinning room. Pinky up, fancy.

Backside of the Flatiron Building. Because everyone takes pictures of the front side.

Winter in Florida consists of warm and happy Nicole.

5 Apps to Check Out This Week: 1/15

Apps to Check Out This Week Post by Nicole Monahan

January 15, 2013January 15, 2013 ~ Nicole Monahan ~ Leave a comment

I’m always trying to switch things up. Usually, I’m on the look out for what brands or campaigns caught my eye for the week. Yet, my first week back in the city was filled with an overflow of self-improvement and New Years Resolution filled articles and apps. I thought I would be a guinea pig this week. Here are a few of my favorite iPhone apps that will promote a digital streamlined workflow and help you stick to your New Years Resolutions.

Cue (Free):

Keep up with work, life, and the daily events you care about. Cue turns the accounts you depend on, like email, contacts and calendar, into an intelligent snapshot of your day. Cue surfaces the right details at the right time, so you’ll always be one step ahead.

I’m enjoying this app because it can link to Facebook and all of my contacts and calendar accounts giving me a snapshot of my day. My only real problem was that I never use my Google or iPhone calendar. I’m old school and use a planner. This may not be a bad thing though because it will force me to streamline my scheduling efforts. The app itself definitely reminds me of events/birthdays and connects all my contacts so I could email someone immediately if say I was running late for a meeting.

Pocket (Free):

When you find something you want to view later, put it in Pocket.

Pocket is a classic favorite of mine. I have it linked to my Twitter account and added the Google Chrome plugin to instantly store articles I want to read later. Then I’ll pull them up on my iPhone Pocket app and read them while I’m on the subway.

Lift (Free):

Lift helps you track and achieve habits through data visualization, streaks, and community support.

I’m so in love with this app. Mostly because there’s a set of habits I’ve joined (gym, read more, write, be grateful for someone or something) and I can open the app and “check in” to everything I did today. For one it reminds me of what I forgot to do, for example one habit is talk to at least one stranger. The other day I was like I’ve been neglecting this habit and finally I just did it. I asked a guy in line at Trader Joes about Bikram yoga. So silly but it really made me feel better, like I was making process. The other amazing thing about the app is users can write back to you on a check in or comment that you made, creating this whole support system/community.

Good news: I can now also cross off blog post and write something today!

LaLaLunch (1.99 iPhone)

LaLa Lunchbox is an iPhone app that provides you and your hungry little monsters with a fun, easy way to plan and pack lunch.

I honestly haven’t test drove this app because I don’t have kids. But for those that do, it’s a simple way to plan and organize what’s for lunch. A bonus is the design work, simple and lovely.

TeuxDeux (Currently Free!):

TeuxDeux is a simple, designy, free, browser-based to-do app.

This is a personally favorite of mine. I love how elegant and easy it is to use. It’s also quite a thrill to cross things off your daily lists.

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I’m obsessed with productivity, workflow, and apps with good design in mind. I’d love to make this a monthly thing, so if you have any favorite apps of your own let me know so I can include them in a future post! Thanks for reading. 🙂

Pick Yourself.

January 8, 2013 ~ Nicole Monahan ~ Leave a comment

Just before take off I hear “you can always come back home” on the radio station. Right before the Jetblue TV’s cut off to the flight attendants giving their instructions. I’m grateful for these signs, leaving Florida and my dad is always the hardest part of any trip. On the one hand Florida is safe and familiar – it’s what I’ve always known. And then there’s New York – stressful, difficult, uncomfortable.

Reflecting on the future, as many do this time of year. I remembered when I first moved here. I remember being picked up by the Guggenheim because of my laid back attitude, my confidence. I need to get back to that place. I need to stop worrying and start thinking positive, and more importantly not let my surroundings beat out the person I am. Realistically, NY is always going to be a pain in the ass. It’s never going to change, so I shouldn’t let it change me.

Of my many resolutions for the new year. It is clear to those that know me that I want to find my dream job. To come to work everyday and know I’m doing work that matters. I had an interesting conversation with my dad before I left, about how we’ve started to hire few and hire those that will do more for less. In turn quality ultimately gets compromised.

As another resolution of mine (to read more, at least a half hour a day and/or on my commute) I’m currently reading Seth Godin’s new book The Icarus Deception. Just recently reading this:

Our cultural instinct is to wait to get picked. To seek out the permission, authority, and safety that comes from a publisher or talk-show host or even a blogger who says, “I pick you.”

Once you reject the impulse and realized that no one is going to select you – then you can actually get to work.

Once you understand that there are problems waiting to be solved, once you realize that you have all the tools and all the permission you need, then opportunities to contribute abound. The opportunity is not to have your resume picked from a pile but to lead.

When we take responsibility and eagerly give credit, doors open. When we grab a microphone and speak up, we’re a speak closer to doing the work we’re able to do.

No one is going to pick you. Pick yourself.

Last year I was waiting to get picked. This year I’m picking myself.

Social Media Monday + Tattly

December 18, 2012 ~ Nicole Monahan ~ Leave a comment

Social Media Campaigns I’ve loving this week:

1.) Patron’s Cocktail Share:

Love this concept and cocktails.

2.) GiltCity: #LoveYourCityMore Instagram

Amazing way to connect their community with their brand by asking fans to share photos on Instagram using hashtags #LoveYourCityMore and #NYC. I’m also loving how they highlight members on their Facebook Cover photo:

3.) Here comes the Advent Calendars:

The Yield 2012 Meme Calendar:

If you’re into Memes.

Wildfire by Google: Social Media Advent Calendar

If you’re into facts.

4.) Tasting Table’s: Food Fight Debate

Tasting Table gives their fans the chance to vote for the ultimate food debates and then throws an amazing party to reveal the results.

And the results:

5.) Foursquare’s 12/12/12 Robin Hood Relief Badge

Combining an opportunity to partner with Samsung Galaxy around the 12/12/12 Concert for Hurricane Sandy Relief.

6.) SiriTalks Instagram:

Creative finds-love this idea.

Bonus: My part-time gig at Tattly.

I was so fortunate to spend a few days at Tattly last week. Dream gig come true, I am the biggest Swissmiss fan girl- ask anyone I know. Over the week I ended up learning way more than just how these temporary tattoos are made and produced. The whole experience went above and beyond my expectations. I was initially dreading having to deal with the hour commute to Dumbo each day but the more I stayed the more I loved it.

Everyone was so sweet and welcoming. Daily coffee and lunch trips together were a must, then we would gather our food and eat together back at StudioMates. All this actually made me realize how miserable I was at my last job. How much I despised office politics, eating at your desk, and everyone only talking to you when they needed something. More companies should have the Tattly mentality. When you communicate and do things together is creates a much better working environment. Personally, I’m sick of working along side of people who are willing to throw each other under the bus — This was an epiphany. An epiphany of what I am and am not looking for in my next job.

Additionally, in my short time there I’ve learned a good chunk more about design then I ever had prior to walking in there. This is a piece of what I am looking for in my next job. I must be surrounded by creative and passionate people. The wealth of ideas was overwhelming.

Finally, I ran into mini celebrities. I don’t know the ‘who’s who’ in the design world, but many designers came in… so did author Jonathan Foer… and wandering photographer named Shantanu Starick who is on a journey around the world while spending no more, everything he gets is based on trade. It was quite an amazing story and definitely encourage everyone to check out his trades.

Many thanks goes out to Swissmiss and the amazing people at Tattly and StudioMates! You not only made my job dreams come true but you showed me there are amazing companies out there doing amazing things. I know now I want to be apart of that.

Social Hashtag Series #1: #ChristmasInNY

Toy Solider NYC Christmas #ChristmasInNY

December 5, 2012January 11, 2013 ~ Nicole Monahan ~ Leave a comment

My new hashtag series sparked from a number of different places…

Beginning in October, I had the pleasure to doing 2 Instagram Meetups. One with NBCU’s Health Week. Another was an Instagram walk in Central Park with Estee Lauder using the hashtag #mysimplepleasures as the theme. Both had sparked my love for events, exploring, photography, and social media.

Another huge inspiration goes out to Jimmy Fallon’s #latenight hashtags. #IGotCaught is a personal favorite.

And finally, meeting with many people for informational interviews. The last one I conducted was with Monica Lo and Megan Nuttall who’s advice to “Do things that matter” has stuck with me ever since. Starting this series matters to me. I love creating new ideas and sharing what I’m most passionate about, social media.

Above all, lets just say I was recently left discouraged from doing the things that I know I’m capable of — there is nothing greater than proving people wrong and since then I am left with this reminder:

“The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.”

And with that I will leave you with my first of many #hashtag series. Enjoy!

#ChristmasInNY

Rockefeller Christmas Tree NYC 2012 #ChristmasInNY

Holiday Shopping NYC Christmas 2012 #ChristmasInNY Bust Craftacular

Unicef Snowflake NYC Christmas #ChristmasInNY

Hurricane Sandy and Responding Through Social Media + Bonus Relief Events

November 8, 2012 ~ Nicole Monahan ~ Leave a comment

For the past few weeks, my absence has been the cause of: bridesmaid duties (never again), vacation, and hurricane Sandy. This post is specifically geared towards two brands who’s social responses stood out to me over the past week and a half.

The key players I’m thinking of here are airlines, as my vacation last week was a near miss. At no fault to the airline under such circumstances, these are two examples of a social crisis plan in action and one that’s not:

Jetblue wins for my customer loyalty and I wasn’t even flying with them. Through Twitter these notifications consistently kept me updated:

Then Jetblue updated its Twitter, Every. single. day…

And even in Spanish:

I also received 2 emails with updates.

On the contrary was the airline I had booked a flight with… Delta.

What was in their crisis plan you ask? 0 emails (except notifying me my flight was cancelled), and these 2 updates on Twitter, below. The real icing on the cake was a tie between, being on hold for an hour only to be hung up on + having to go through 3 people to get to a supervisor.

The New Social Crisis Plan of Action:

Good rule of thumb: Situations, conflicts, complaints should never get to the point of a supervisor. That’s like giving the other team the ball and getting out of their way to score a touchdown. Here are a few other tips for brands/company’s to tackle crisis situations.

Every member of the team should be on the same page. Given a message that stays consistent.
Have a clear understand of the situation, and stay on top of current updates.
Be trained to give a clear response to the situation, with empathy.
Have the tools, courage, and power to take control of the problem on their own.

A small part of me knows this is a bit of a rant. But this experience has also helped me realize how important it is to have some sort of crisis management plan for your company, especially around your social. It’s many peoples go to source for information and updates because now a days it takes so much longer to get approvals and press releases out. Think about it.

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Hurricane Sandy Relief Events I’m Diggin’:

Flavorpill + Absolut

General Assembly: Fundraiserpalooza

Airbnb

Eventbrite NYC Newsletter

Social Marketing Finds: Classes, Contests, and Partnerships Oh My!

October 16, 2012 ~ Nicole Monahan ~ Leave a comment

The week started off with a class themed overload, just forewarned, but these contests, partnerships, and content finds just couldn’t be ignored. However, there’s more than just classes, I promise.

Here’s a few examples of partnerships and contests from my favorite brands, in addition to extra goodies I wanted to share with you all. Enjoy!

Of A Kind + General Assembly: Get Schooled Giveaway

I was first introduced to Of A Kind a few weeks ago, when I found out they were having an event at their limited time only Pop-Up store. While checking out the company I fell in love with the concept. It felt exclusive, like buying something truly unique. I saw this back to school set on the site before, which I loved and seemed like the only reasonable thing I could afford. However, I’m also one of those indecisive buyers. That’s why I’m glad I found this, and this is such a great partnership.

General Assembly: Private Class Giveaway

I’m not sure what the reason is for so many giveaways with General Assembly but I’m not complaining. Who wouldn’t want a private class. Keep ’em coming. You have my attention. I’ve enter to win both. Pick Me Please!

3rd Ward Brooklyn: Creative Speed Networking

Why must 3rd Ward be so far away. I’m in need of more class based companies in Astoria. This image instantly caught my attention first and then I looked at the description. Now that’s a creative event concept, especially since I don’t really like networking. This is a great solution; it’s quick, easy, and if it’s awkward you can move on in a few minutes.

Warby Parker Class Trip + American Express

This is simply well executed. More than anything, I love A.) A creative campaign or event and B.) Attention to detail. Check out the full site to get the whole experience. My personal faves: Their Facebook Class Rep Video Contest & the on the road blog. Now I’m super bummed I missed out on NYC- I’m due for a new pair of glasses. These old ones need to get off my face immediately!

ModCloth: Awe & Order Contest

This contest works because it makes me realize how much I need to spruce up my space and put more order in my life. These entries provide great visual examples of organizing your space while putting my apartment to shame. Then it hooks me into ModCloth– Could they be the answer to my clutter? Now I’m on their site…again. Brilliant. Just wish there was more buzz and promotion on it. As you can see I caught the tail end of the contest and I’m not the only one, they only had a handful of entries.

Seamless: It’s Raining

Clever, funny, simple, and doesn’t have to go too far on the design to get its message across.

Orbitz & 5 Gum Micro Pack – Freebies

Hustler Tip: Stick around Midtown for awesome street promotions and marketing ops, like these free micro gum packs I scored. I tend to avoid Midtown (and Chinatown) like the plague but I forgot about the freebies. I may need to rethink this.

Enjoy the rest of your week! Share your favorite social media brand posts, contests, partnerships, freebies, anything at all, in the comments.

Creativity Comes In All Industries: My Love for Creative Mornings NY

October 12, 2012October 13, 2012 ~ Nicole Monahan ~ Leave a comment

Creative Mornings NY

Anyone who knows me at all knows I’m a regular at Creative Mornings NY. I have been going for almost a year now and have been to:

December 2012, The Audience Takes The Stage” with Larry Legend, Prescott Perez Fox, and Catherine Mulbrandon
January 2012, Girl Walk All Day Screening
February 2012, Simon Sinek, Author of Start With Why
March 2012, Benjamin Salka, CEO of Story Pirates
May 2012, Bre Prettis, Founder of Makerbot
July 2012, Kelli Anderson, Artist & Designer
September 2012, Anne Frederick, Director of Hester Street Collaborative
October 2012, Maira Kalman, Artist, Illustrator, Product Designer

Now what is the reason for this post?

As I attended my regular monthly Creative Mornings today — or as the speaker today put it “The Breakfast Club”, which I love, (both Creative Mornings and the Movie of course.) I realized what I truly love about this community is the speakers. Recently I’ve noticed that I’ve been sticking to industry related meetups, talks, classes, and networking events. As much as I love social media and digital, it’s wearing on me. Back in high school and college I would attend at least one concert a week. I was a film major watching countless of movies from all genres and regions of the world, and when I first moved to NYC there was never an event or corner I wouldn’t explore — from cooking lessons to comedy shows to photography group scoutings. Life is full of culture and I wanted to taste it all.

Point being is I miss mixing it up. And frankly, that’s the best part about Creative Mornings, when it comes down to the event I simply don’t have to think. I am always guaranteed an amazing speaker that will be at the peak of creativity in their industry. Whether that industry be film, illustration, design, art, science, tech, business, inspiration, or imagination. These mornings force me out of my usual social/digital comfort zone to explore the creative approaches to so many different fields. This is what I truly love about it.

Thanks SwissMiss!

P.S. If you know me at all, even when I can’t remember the date for the next Creative Morning, I always seem to have this six sense as to when the next one is coming. True Story. I also have a strategy when it comes to sign-up — which I can not reveal at this time.

Random Creative Mornings NY Photos:

The Art and Science of Making Things with Seth Godin

October 3, 2012 ~ Nicole Monahan ~ Leave a comment

Last weekend I made my way to the New York Hall of Science for the annual Maker Faire. Now with 2 years under my belt it is definitely an event worth checking out. This year I was particularly giddy to get the chance to see a presentation from one of my ideals Seth Godin.

Here are a few of my key takeaways from his speech:

Learn by doing things wrong.

The guy who invented the ship, also invented the shipwreck.

In schools, particularly in science classes, we are programmed to show that we know how to do the steps done by scientists 40 to 400 years ago. And when we try to test something new or do something different we get in trouble and get marked down.

Rembrandt had assistants, yet we don’t know who they are because they did exactly what Rembrandt wanted them to do.

If you’re doing something that might not work, you’re making — and that’s risky.

If you’re not willing to fail you’re not willing to innovate.

Even at the Maker Faire you see people buying these science kits to do at home. We do this because we naturally want something to work. We’re programmed this way, otherwise it feels uneasy to us.

With the internet, social media, and technology, we now have the ability to connect. We also need to get better at connecting and not being afraid to share things we’re working on. Instead, what we should be saying is: “I made this, what do you think? How can I make this better?”

We naturally connect to those that are doing work that matters.

Start asking yourself:

What is school for?
If you are a maker, what have you made recently that you failed at?
What have you made that was interesting, why haven’t you shared it? You should be sharing — it’s the connecting that helps you get better at it.

This was a visual interpretation of Seth Godin’s speech. To hear the full version of his presentation — you can view the full talk here.