Self-serve(ing): Best of Boston® iPhone App
August 6, 2010 by Anita Tandon · View Comments
We’ve got a lot of foodies over here at Holland-Mark, which means that every meal decision is a big one. Whether it was the ponderous process of sorting through user reviews or skepticism about the source content, we decided something needed to be done. And thus our first technology innovation was born – the Best of Boston® iPhone app.
Working with our friends at Boston magazine, we developed an iPhone application that allows consumers to search and access content from the magazine’s highly regarded annual Best of Boston® issues. Best of Boston® is the go-to resource for the expert-selected winners in over 70 categories, from suits to sushi.
Through the app, you can access Best of Boston® winners from the last five years, searching by location, keyword, and category. You can even share what you find and save your favorites.
It simply and effectively gets you what you want: the best from the people that know what’s best. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, it’s ideal for navigating Boston.
We developed the app as part of our newly formed Venture Branding practice, spearheaded by partner Mike Troiano. The Venture Branding model has two facets: we have great ideas and take them to market or others have great ideas and we help take them to market.
Our work with Boston magazine on the Best of Boston® iPhone app is an example of the former; our work with Chris Lohring on the creation of Notch Session Ales, an example of the latter. Whichever way it works, we get to play with smart people and create viable brands and businesses. What could be better?
If you want to check out the Best of Boston® iPhone app (just in time for the weekend), click here. And let us know what you think.
“How to Build Buzz Around Your Brand”
June 21, 2010 by Anita Tandon · View Comments
If you haven’t heard, MassChallenge is an inspiring organization that supports early stage entrepreneurs. By providing resources and key elements like networking, training, and support, MassChallenge has infused the Greater Boston entrepreneurial community with a new sense of opportunity in spite of a rocky economic climate. Mike Troiano will be joining MassChallenge for one of their great events next Wednesday: “How to Build Buzz Around Your Brand.”
Mike will not be alone — he will be sharing his knowledge alongside other influential speakers: Jay Wilder (Brainshark), David Hauser (Grasshopper), and Kipp Bodnar (Hubspot). Jay will discuss how solo entrepreneurs (or those with small teams) can overcome the obstacles of making your personal feel and passion scalable. David will show how he has achieved success building relationships and creating value (aka the New PR). And Kipp will demonstrate how creative content should be compelling in order to attract customers to one’s business.
Mike will focus on “How to Take your Brand from Interesting to Imperative,” a critical challenge for any business owner. He will walk through what “imperative” really means, and how getting back to the basics of product, communication, and engagement can be a business breakthrough.
Since MassChallenge is one of the hosts, the event should be quite “buzzworthy” and a hot topic for Boston and its growing entrepreneurial and start-up community. We hope it will coax you into dropping by and seeing what these four gentlemen have to share regarding marketing and brands today. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Date: Wednesday, 6/23/2010
Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Microsoft New England Research & Development Center
One Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA









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