I Love Rock N’ Roll
by Bernard Ablola
Apr 23, 2007 Bernard, MSN, Microsoft, Search Engine Marketing, Seattle
Today Steve Berkowitz, the Senior Vice President of Microsoft’s Online Services Group led the discussion of Microsoft’s vision and goal to become the leader in the online space. The Ex-CEO of Ask.com discussed the innovative ways Microsoft will deliver the best products and services to our customers. Berkowitz was also the keynote speaker at this year’s Search Engine Strategies (SES) conference in New York earlier this month. Excited about the upcoming vision the executive panel answered pressing questions from the audience. Being an analyst it was exciting to hear Berkowitz discuss the data. As a former accountant Berkowitz understands that the truth is in the numbers.
Of course in Microsoft tradition we work hard and also play hard. After the group meeting we were escorted to a private concert with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts in Seattle’s WAMU theater. Joan Jett is best known for the hit “I Love Rock N’ Roll.”
Here is a few pictures of the concert and the Zune I received.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts at the Online Services Group Company Meeting.
Microsoft Zune
Tags: Microsort
Next Week Season Finale of The Apprentice
by Bernard Ablola
Apr 17, 2007 Bernard
Bernard R. Ablola and James Sun - Downtown Seattle, April 15th, 2007. (Photo taken with my Tmobile dash)
So we are down to the final four. On tonight’s episode everyone was a winner. Donald Trump gave the remaining contenders a week pass to go home and spend time with their family and friends before next week’s finale in Los Angeles. James, the owner of the internet company, Zoodango, impressed the Renuzit executives and has a strong chance in the final boardroom scene with the Donald. James is vocal, excited and has proven to be a successful project manager in several occassions on the show. Good luck next week, you will do great! Looking forward to next weeks finale in LA.
Tags: Apprentice, James Sun
Good Bye Gary
by Francis Ablola
Apr 11, 2007 Copywriting, Direct Response Marketing, Internet Marketing, Marketing
I got an email this morning from John Carlton’s subscribers list titled, “Its John Carlton about Gary Halbert.” The first sentence, “We’ve lost one of the great men in advertising today.” You can read more on John’ blog.
While I’ve never known Gary personally, through his legendary copy, I’ve always thought of him as a marketing mentor. And while I’ve only had one opportunity to learn from him in person, I can honestly say no one has influenced my passion for marketing more. His legend and his masterpiece copy will live on.
Tags: Copywriting, Direct Response, Gary Halbert
Technology and Hip Hop, From Jay Z to Bill Gates
by Bernard Ablola
Apr 7, 2007 Bernard, Microsoft
It has been 1 year at Microsoft. I wanted to reflect on 2006, since 2007 is happening so fast. What an amazing year! I haven’t had the time to soak it all in. Below are a few pictures of the events, interesting people and places of last year.
During the adCenter launch, Microsoft delivered with all the corporate parties, celebs and execs to celebrate the occasion. I was fortunate to be a part of it all. From Bill Gates to Jay Z, flights to Florida’s Disney resort, private concerts with Jewel, Universal Studios and Mariners Stadium for employees, Microsoft know how to celebrate. As they say, work hard, play hard.
These photos are from Donny Deutsch’s Big Idea with Bill Gates and Jay Z. Lights, Camera, Action. What an interesting event. I admire both men for doing what they love to do, and their passion shows.
Hitting a few balls at the Seattle Mariner’s Ballpark.
A private performance by Jewel at Universal Studios for MS employees.
Malcolm Gladwell, author of Tipping Point and Blink during Microsoft’s Marketing Symposium.
Bernard Ablola, and Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple during Steve’s lecture on his new book Iwoz.
Tags: Adcenter, Bill Gates, Jay Z, Microsoft