They blog, make a mean spreadsheet, laugh at our jokes, and tweet like there’s no internet tomorrow.  They are our interns!  Mitch and I are lucky enough to have team meetings with these two hard working individuals, and it’s time for you to e-meet them for yourself.

Damir

Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, he is a recent graduate of SFU’s Beedie School of Business Marketing and Human Resource. Damir is a self-described “big car junkie”; he enjoys dining out, snowboarding and shopping. Particularly interested in Marketing Strategy and Branding.

Rachael a.k.a The Curatress

She’s a recent graduate from SFU’s Communications and Contemporary Arts programs who is pursuing additional education in Art History. Aside from being the never ending student, Rachael is a food snob, yoga lover, and social media enthusiast with a special interest in community management and blogging.

In celebration of their 400th SUBWAY® location in British Columbia, the SUBWAY family took to the streets to help feed the people of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Stationed at Oppenheimer Park, the SUBWAY® team handed out hundreds of sandwiches, hot coffees, cookies, hearty soups, and lots of smiles to some very thankful people.

Filmed by Alicia Quan of Capital Q Creative
Song by Blind Pilot – We Are The Tide

Twitter’s recently released video sharing app has been getting a lot of buzz lately but what exactly is Vine? This iOS app allows users to create 6-second looping videos and then share them with their various social media networks. The GIF-like nature of the app makes it feel like instagram in motion. Through these short clips, many users have been able to use the app as a means of effectively story telling, as with Khoa for some stop motion animation or through the #vineart stream.

This rapidly growing app, however, does not come without its flaws. Vine has a bit of a porn problem. Last week, a pornographic clip deemed the badge of Editor’s Pick, a selection of videos promoted on the app for their creativity. As some nsfw content flooded user’s homepages, the lacking privacy settings quickly became apparent and a backlash ensued. While this new app works out issues, one may want to explore hashtags with caution or ease into it with social media crowd pleaser of cats.

By @rachaelkrystina
Social Media Intern Extraordinaire

Photo source - here.

With Christmas coming just around the corner (one week away, eep!), we know it’s crunch time for those of us who still haven’t finished our gift shopping. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s hard finding the time to trek from mall to mall in search of the perfect gift. At Capital Q, we want to make it easy for you – we’ve compiled a list of five of our favourite online shopping destinations that you can visit in the comfort of your own home. Trust us – you’ll be able to find a gift for even the hardest person on your list to shop for!

Fab.com (http://www.fab.com)

Fab.com offers a plethora of unique little trinkets and gadgets at a discounted price, for all your gifting needs. From the tech head or design junkie to the homebody in your life, you’ll be able to find something for everyone. The only problem? You might end up doing all the shopping for yourself! The deals typically change every so often, so you’ll always have new items to browse.

Etsy.com (http://www.etsy.com)

Etsy is your one stop shop – or should we say shops – for the person in your life who loves DIYs and supports small businesses. It’s a collection of tiny online boutiques that the most creative people in the world have created. You’ll find jewellery handcrafted with love, vintage items from your giftee’s favourite era, and even supplies for the person who’s always itching to get crafty!

Thinkgeek.com (http://www.thinkgeek.com)

This one’s for the guy or gal that loves all that technology and the web has to offer.  They’re always up to date on the latest internet memes, the hottest new smartphone apps, and geeky must-haves. On Thinkgeek.com, you’ll find apparel from their favourite TV show or a collectible from their most frequently played phone game. There’s no doubt you’ll find an entertaining thing or two!

Gilt.com (http://www.gilt.com)

Gilt.com is where you’ll want to shop discounted designer brands for the fashionista (or fashionisto!) in your life, but act quick – the sales are timed and won’t be around for long! You’ll find the latest and greatest styles in apparel, bags, and even home decor. Can’t find anything they might like today? Check again tomorrow, and new items will be available that could be just right!

DaWanda.com (http://www.dawanda.com)

If you’re not quite sure what to stuff those stockings with, visit DaWanda.com for great deals on smaller, unique handmade goodies. Most of the items are one-of-a-kind – a quirky pair of earrings or a fun journal just might be what your loved ones have been looking for. On DaWanda.com, you’re sure to stumble upon gifts that you won’t find anywhere else!

There you have it! Five foolproof online sources for you to peruse on your last minute gifting escapades. And who knows? You might be able to find a little something for yourself along the way – after all, you deserve something after knocking holiday shopping after your to-do list! Happy gifting, friends!

Great opportunity to gain work experience!

We: Are two Vancouver boutique social media companies – Ballentine Media and Capital Q Creative- who have recently joined forces together.  We’re hoping to add to this growing team of hard working entrepreneurs.

You: Are a fresh, bold, and creative marketing enthusiast who knows your way around all major social networks.  You have an endless supply of online marketing ideas and are eager to learn how to make them happen.

We’re currently looking for an individual with experience in social media, whether it’s personally and/or professionally.  This ideal candidate is familiar with (and active on) Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Hootsuite.  Blogging and/or writing experience is an asset.  Ideally, this individual is proficient in Photoshop, indesign, illustrator, as well as Keynote, and possesses professional communication and writing skills.

Job tasks may include (but are not limited to):

• Social Media Management; such as content creating, account monitoring, and active engagement
• Hootsuite Management; such as list building, keyword searches, and post scheduling
• Online research including industry trends, client
• Working with the team in support of social media strategies for both in-house and client projects
• Actively participate in Creative and Marketing brainstorming meetings
• Blog writing and strategising
• Establishing, writing, and processing various company documents
• Assisting the Social Media Director and Strategic Director with any other necessary tasks

Traits you’ll need to possess to succeed:

Analytical thinking
Creative
Deep understanding of marketing principles
Hardworking and a teamplayer
Flexible
Dependable, responsible, respectful
Self starter

This is a multi-faceted position that will let you demonstrate all of your abilities. We are looking for applicants who are very self-motivated and looking to work hard to see results. The successful candidate should be comfortable working independently, as well as in a collaborative setting.  Meetings will be held at our Gastown office, which is a fun, bright, and modern loft layout. No sea of cubicles, we’ve got an open and social room.  This is a great environment to learn and gain industry experience.  Our teams often work remotely, and you will largely be given the flexibility to complete many of the tasks in the environment of your choosing.

Time commitment: 10 – 20 hours per week. Flexible based upon the availability of the right candidate.

Compensation: The successful applicant will gain first hand experience working with two growing agencies, and be able to contribute to and learn within a variety of projects and settings. Although there is no monetary compensation for this intern position, there is the possibility of future paid employment with the team.

About us:

Ballentine Media and Capital Q Creative have recently joined forces to create a brand new super social media team.  Ballentine Media is a boutique marketing agency focused on helping entrepreneurs and local businesses reach their business objectives. Ballentine Media specializes in two of the most public facing components of a brand’s existence; branding, and social media.  Capital Q Creative is a boutique social media company, providing a unique and personalized client experience.  Offering effective ways to build, manage, and grow your online community.

How to Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to alicia@capitalqcreative.com {subject: Intern posting} by Friday Nov.2nd, 2012.

Wash and blowout by both Angie and Sarah at TRiM Hair Salon

Located in the oh-so-trendy Main Street/Mount Pleasant area is your new favourite hair salon, TRiM.  Featuring a beautifully decorated interior, complete with exposed brick walls, stunning chandeliers, cozy black leather chairs, and lots of fresh greenery.  You are always treated as a part of the TRiM family, and each visit is spent with some really great company.  Call for an appointment today and get set up with a stylist that’s perfect for you!  You absolutely won’t regret it.

3851 Main Street, Vancouver

(604)867 – 2118 to book an appointment

Tweet @TrimHairSalon | Facebook /TRiMHairSalonMain

For the past few months, Capital Q Creative volunteered their social media services to the Easter Seals Drop Zone Vancouver. The 20-storey rappel was on Tuesday September 11th, at 999 West Hastings. Along with an amazing team of Superheroes, volunteers, and sponsors, we helped the Easter Seals Vancouver Drop Zone raised $239,000 for children with disabilities in BC!

Easter Seals Drop Zone Website || Twitter || Facebook

Launching a website for the Capital Q kept getting put on the back burner.  With a never ending list of client projects, it was tough justifying the time it would take to brand Capital Q Creative.  The ironic thing is, that’s the exact reason why I started this company.  Small Business owners struggle to find the motivation and time to establish their online presence.  The operational side of the company often trumps social media, website updates, planning events, etc.  But, we completely understand and that’s precisely why we do what we do.

On that note, we’d like to e-wave hello and say WELCOME to capitalQcreative.com!  As well as a big heartfelt thanks for reading, from our online community to yours!

 Follow us on Twitter || Facebook || Pinterest

 Grab a cup of tea and snuggle up, because you MUST check out the rest of the September Issue of Framework Magazine in all its wonderful glory!

{Photography} Kale JF Photography
{Hair + Makeup} Jessica Noujeim
{Styling} Alicia Quan
{Model} Emma of NEXT Models

Thinking about starting a Twitter account?  Here are 5 quick tips to keep in mind.

1) You DO have content

People often say they want to start tweeting, but they feel like they’d have nothing to tweet about.  That is miles away from the truth.  It all comes down to your interests.  Are you into politics, sports, fashion, beauty, marketing, cars, current events, food,  etc.?   You can discuss these topics such as your thoughts on political speeches, links to news articles, places you like to eat, tv shows you’re currently watching, items on your wishlist.  The possibilities are endless and thinking in tweets will get easier with time.

2) Nobody likes the egg

Once you’ve signed up for an account, upload a profile picture (also called Twitter avatar) asap.  Add a short bio, ideally listing your interests.  Some people include their job title, and others just have witty quotes.  There’s also an option to add your location.  This can be useful when you’re looking to talk to local people, and also helps businesses connect with their demographic.

3) Follow the leader

Now that interests and location have been narrowed down, start searching for people you’d like to follow.  There’s a whole lot of possibility, such as your friends, other people in your city, celebrities, events, brands, and businesses.   The more people you follow, the more conversation you could be having!

4) Sometimes less is more

The internet can seem anonymous, but we all know that it’s really not.  Keeping offensive, rude, and negative tweets to yourself is for the best.  Your Twitter account is ultimately a representation of you.  Try to keep it clean, kids!

5) Start Talking

Get the conversation going!  It’s not necessarily just about writing everything that comes to mind (though that’s fine once in a while).  For instance, instead of just saying “I’m eating a sandwich.”  It would be more useful to your followers if you said “Mmm I love the Meatball Marinara sandwich at @SUBWAY_BC!  The perfect lunch.”  You can also make connections by retweeting some of your favourite tweets.

Twitter is a really fun and exciting social media platform.  If you have any questions about these tips or any other inquiries about getting started, feel free to contact me alicia@capitalqcreative.com

Happy Tweeting!