As a passionate traveler and freelancer who can work from any wifi hotspot, why not combine the best of both worlds? That’s exactly what Megabus has done. Hubbed in Chicago, the safe, convenient, low cost, daily express bus service in the U.S. and Canada is right up my alley. Departing from Union Station and arriving at a multitude of destinations within hours is an enjoyable, fun way to travel that is still conducive to completing my day-to-day tasks and assignments.

Each bus offers free wi-fi, at-seat plug ins, panoramic windows and a green alternative way to travel. I simply hop on (preferably secure the top front seat on the double decker), power up my computer, put in some head phones and I’m ready for business for the day. Next thing I know, I’m crossing things off my daily planner and arriving at a new exciting destination.

Since launching in April 2006, megabus.com has served more than 15 million passengers throughout more than 70 major cities in the Midwest and Northeast of the U.S. They offer so many seats on each bus at $1 plus a reservation fee of $.50. Megabus recently gave away 200,000 bus tickets using the promo code GOFREE. I took advantage of the offer and booked a ticket to Minneapolis. With Megabus, I’ve been able to explore new cities, save on gas and even meet new people.

They just announced the new app with service advisories and the option to purchase tickets. I’ve already downloaded the app to my iPhone and am planning my next Fryeday trip. Next on the list: Memphis, TN.

What a difference a couple of years can make. Only on page 10 of Vogue magazine and already five out of ten ads include Quick Response (QR) codes. It’s interesting to think that these QR codes have been around for more than a decade, but are just now increasing in popularity. Invented by Toyota in 1994, QR codes were strictly used for tracking and packaging automobile parts.

But now with millions going mobile everyday, advertisers are taking advantage of this new strategic marketing tool. Not only are the codes used for ticketing purposes, the latest trend is mobile couponing.

From high-end marketers like Bloomingdales to Maserati, it seems as though a variety of industries have delved into the craze. They’ve become wildly useful for realtors reaching potential home buyers with ease (see the one pager below that I developed for my client MoMark media). Even retailers like Clinique are featuring these codes in their magazine ads.

Now, if everyday were a Fryeday, I’d be browsing for the best deals around on my morning commute or during a lunch break. As a brand strategist, I know that companies must assign a specific and interesting call to action for the campaigns to be worth the time and money. And the question must be asked if QR codes are here to stay. As a consumer will I simply become too busy with the pace of everyday life to stay truly interested? It seems as though only time will tell.

As an avid traveler and Hollywood movie buff, one campaign in particular caught my eye: New York City’s Central Park QR Code Experience. Here, you can tour Central Park and at each QR Code destination, you’ll be linked to any TV shows and movie footage shot in that location. You’ll also get interesting facts about that exact location and be able to view photos all on your handheld device.

For more information on how their QR code campaign works check out this video.

Step aside Facebook and Twitter, a new social media site has just stepped up to the plate. For those of you who haven’t heard, Pinterest is the newest way to connect to people via photos. It is basically an online bulletin board where you have the ability to “pin” photos to different categorized “pinboards”. From there, followers can comment and share pins through Facebook and Twitter.

It seems as though the company has found a niche and is here to stay. In January, more than 11 million visitors logged onto Pinterest and most spent more than an hour on the site. The concept is surely inspiring people to start projects or dream up new ideas. Personally, every time I log on, I take out my journal and write down a variety of home décor projects that I’d like to start.

Even businesses are starting to pick up on this new trend; using the site as an easy way to connect to their target audiences. What better way is there to sell your products then by having followers “pin” and “re-pin” pictures of them on the web. By creating these unique bonds and connecting with the people who have interest in your product, your business will surely grow. Many small business owners say it is the best way to connect, organize and share ideas. By combining social media with visual content, Pinterest has definitely caught my interest.

Here’s a couple of projects I’ve pinned:

Letter photography signs

Upcycled wine bottle hanging candles

For more information check out this article.
To get started, visit http://pinterest.com.

I Dabble!

I recently took a class at Dabble on how to pay your rent by being a freelance writer. For those of you who
aren’t familiar with the Dabble concept, it’s an easy way to try something new or share your passion through
one-time affordable classes. It’s been a great way for me to explore Chicago, meet cool people and expand my
network.

With a degree in journalism and a professional career more closely focused on public relations, I found this
class to be particularly exciting.

For the past couple years, I have been perfecting the art of pitching to various media outlets such as NBC Today Show, ABC World News, MSNBC, Entrepreneur Magazine, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and a list of others. I’m always trying to find innovative story angles on behalf of my clients and connections that readers will find interesting and worth their while.

Until this class, I never really thought about the possibility of selling myself as an ongoing freelance contributor for a specific publication. The first step for me in this process has been to look over the magazines and organizations for whom I might be interested in writing. I’ve found Writer’s Market to be a valuable tool – listing numerous publications that pay for freelance writing.

I’ve since made a list of target publications, and Technori is at the top of my list. Passionate about the startup community in Chicago, I’d love to put my firsthand experience working within various industries to good use. Some of these experiences have been success stories and some life lessons, but nonetheless relevant entrepreneurial experiences in my quest to spend my Fryedays as a freelance writer. I’ve been able to identify some of the necessary steps to making this newly discovered interest a reality.

1. It’s all in the pitch. With a catchy subject line, the right contact person and the ability to sum up how your proposed story fits within the front of the book section, you’re one step closer to making your ideas go as far as possible.

2. Network, network, network. While the phrase “it’s all about who you know” is somewhat cliche, it’s also very true. I’ve been joining groups and researching others such as the Association of Women’s Journalists and the National Writer’s Association. It’s always helpful to volunteer to help organize events and try and meet some the guest speakers.

3. Know your worth and do the research on the standard rate per word. You’ve got to be your own advocate. If you can’t get the rate per word up, try and wiggle with the length of the story.

4. Market to a very specific audience. As a journalist, it’s pertinent to know who you’re writing for and who is reading your work. Write in a voice that the editor likes and is looking for.

This class shed light on a possible career direction that I hadn’t previously considered. It’s amazing what you can find and rewarding when you do.

For more interesting information check out:

Media Bistro
The Renegade Writer

I often ponder the idea: “What if every day were a Fryeday?” I think about how things would be different. Would your attitude change? Would you be more positive? Would you be more driven? How would you spend your Fryedays?

For this blog I’ve adopted this idea. I’ll make new decisions, try new things and start things I’ve had on my to-do list. I’ll celebrate famous Fryedays and bring in some influential guest bloggers to weigh in on these ideas. And to bring us back to reality, I’ll provide tips to help get you through the week until Fryeday actually arrives.

Who doesn’t love Fryedays? It’s that carefree, upbeat day that comes in to sweep you off your feet. It’s the day of the week that feels most like summer, and the day I try to wrap up all my projects and responsibilities so I can try and take it easy and enjoy myself. Fryedays are no doubt important days at work and it’s important to stay focused. But it’s also important to rejuvenate and give your brain a rest so you can engage in full force the following week.

I’m glad you’re here. Thanks for stopping by. Now, it’s time to kick off my shoes, put my toes in the sand and start living as if this were the case.