Top 40 Under 40 and Industry Newcomer of the Year!

I'm honored to be a member of the 2010 Baton Rouge Business Report's 40 Under 40 list of rising young professionals and Baton Rouge Women in Media's Industry Newcomer of the Year!

It's Decision Time for Les Miles and the 2010 LSU Football Team

Picture from www.Tigerdroppings.com by user jwall3.

I am arguably the biggest LSU Football fan this side of the Mississippi! Ok, so I'm sure I would be challenged on that front, but I am a huge LSU Football fan. Since the 2000 season and the emergence of my favorite (hottest) football coach Nick Saban, I have faithfully followed the LSU Tigers. I'll admit, when Nick said he was leaving for Miami I cried. Sad day...

Fast forward Monday, October 2005. After experiencing the worst hurricane/natural disaster in our countries history as a young freshman, I entered LSU's Tiger Stadium to take my place not only an LSU Football fan, but now as a student! Teachers canceled classes and tailgating traditions were altered to fit a Monday Night in Tiger Stadium. It would also be Les Miles's first game in Tiger Stadium. Les and I were the true freshman that night. He learned a tough lesson that in the SEC you go for jugular every down and I learned that my favorite Tigers would lose every now and then.

Fast forward to 2010. After a successful run and win at the 2007 BCS National Championship Game in New Orleans, Louisiana (I was there), we have arrived at the crossroad, intersection, diversion canal, whatever you would like to call it but it is DECISION TIME. After numerous errors, time clock management issues and failure to ignite the most talented offense in the country, this weekend will determine the future of LSU Football under Les Miles. Rumors are swirling that Les is done anyway after this season and the alumni have raised the funds necessary to sever his contract. Whether this is true or not, the LSU vs. Florida game will either provide LSU the platform to emerge as a team that's just been struggling to put it all together or a weak team with even weaker leaders.

Florida will come out for blood after their disappointing performance in Bear Bryant Stadium and unfortunately our Tigers will be on the receiving end of their frustration. All I can do is strongly advise Coach Miles to let the quarterback call the plays (these kids are talented let them play ball) and somebody put the biggest fricking clock in the world on the LSU sideline and have it synced to the stadium time clock.

Or better yet, I like the idea of Les Miles's new Asst. Coach!

Coastal Social Wrap Up

Coastal Social 2010 has come and gone, but the memories of Baton Rouge's first social media conference will last a lifetime. What started as a wild idea from @Cajun_Mama , turned into a one-day social media blitz that attracted over 300 people from around the country.

Big shout outs to our distinguished line up of speakers including @TomMartin , @JasonFalls , @Julien , @JayBaer , @RickBurnes (they made the speaker post trip). Social media in Baton Rouge is moving forward and our community is energized because of you! Thanks.

We will start looking towards 2011 in the near future and determine where Coastal Social goes from here. In the meantime, we would love to hear your thoughts and comments from the conference. Since it was our first event, we are looking to you to help make it better the next time around. Be on the lookout for a full conference survey coming soon.

I am not the perpetual blogger that I should be, but stick around the most fun is the journey getting there.

Here are a few news clips from the 2010 Coastal Social Conference:

http://businessreport.com/archives/daily-report/latest/

http://www.wafb.com/global/Category.asp?C=195952&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5154858&flvUri=&partnerclipid=

Here is a full transcript of tweets from the conference:

http://filesocial.com/ghxl5e8

Julien Smith, Galatorie's Executive Chef and Me!

Who would you like to see speak at Coastal Social 2011?

Facebook vs. Twitter in 500 Words or Less!

My dear friend @lizanndunn recently asked me, “What’s the difference between Twitter posts and Facebook posts?” The first key difference is I could not respond to that question in 140 characters or less, thus a blog post was necessary.


Note: this post is based on my experiences both professionally and personally with Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook

Facebook is the most inclusive social media platform I have experienced. From video and photo sharing capabilities to direct communication with consumers, Facebook does it all (except, location… yet!) A Facebook post serves as a means to communicate new information and generate customer conversation. Most people check their Facebook news feed. Posts that catch their eye or spark an interest usually can draw attention and interaction. I use the rule of limiting Facebook posts to important information, specials, current events and others that I deem appropriate. Facebook posts should be limited to 2-5 posts per day depending on the interest level in your topic, fan page, group, etc. Too many posts on Facebook from one account is like cluttering someone inbox. And let’s be honest Facebook is probably the next task on the to-do list after checking email. (you know it’s true even if you don’t want to admit it!) However, with Facebook you can jazz up your posts by instantly adding links, video, pictures. While you can do these on Twitter as well, on Facebook the presentation and appeal is much cleaner and attractive!

Twitter

If your home page to your website is the front of your business/personal office, then Twitter is bar across the street that you hang out at after work. Welcome to the world of non-stop communication and conversation in a comfortable atmosphere. In Twitter, like Facebook, you have the power to listen to who you like and shut off whoever talks too much. Unlike Facebook, however, talking too much usually does not hurt you or grant you the dreaded “unfollow!” With Twitter you have 140 characters to effectively communicate information to your list of followers. This helps you get your message across quickly. The goal of a Twitter post is to provide relevant and interesting information to those who follow you. If you are a Chef, talk about a new ingredient or dish you are preparing. Usually, your followers will be culinary enthusiasts wanting to learn more from you. That’s just one example though. Everyone has their niche. Find you audience and speak to them. Just remember in Twitter it is an ongoing news source of information you’ve asked for by following certain people. With the news you receive, you should share with others and make comments. With the news you provide, you should respond to comments and encourage others to share.

What would you add to Facebook vs. Twitter?

An Open Letter to CEOs and Management from a Millennial!

Dear Business CEO, VP, HR, (whoever else deems themselves mid and upper level management!),


Hello from the Millennial generation. Hope this letter finds you doing well. For some of us we are very excited to be entering the workplace and look forward to learning a lot from you.

With that out of the way her are a few things some of us 20-somethings have been talking about lately.

About three weeks ago I met Maggie Richardson at a Baton Rouge Social Media Club meeting. She politely came up to me and introduced herself saying "I'm here to meet you." We briefly discussed her upcoming article about examining the the generational gaps in the workplace. I was very excited to see Baton Rouge Business Report take on such a timely topic.

In the article, out on newsstands today, I mentioned “Our generation is the one where no one really gave us the box to fit in; they just said build the box in a different way." Think about. Millennials were not given a typewriter and told "learn to type 60 words a minute!" Instead, we were given a computer and told to develop creative presentations and flashy images. The one factor I find that separates Millennials from any other is the influence and stressed importance of the arts and creativity in our education. From music to art and a world wide web, we learned that fitting into a box would not meet our serious attention deficit needs. Thinking back on it, I begin to feel claustrophobic at the mere thought of my self expression, creativity and wit being constrained by an authoritative figure.

I shared with Ms. Richardson a situation that many newcomers to the workplace experience early on. "This is the way we've always done it, so we'll keep doing it this way." This attitude that is carried in many workplaces, in my opinion, is a sign that change and the thought of a better and newer way of accomplishing a goal is scary. I've found that this attitude can prevent an organization from staying relevant in today's society and stifles their own growth.

With every generation comes its high points and low points. My uneducated sociology opinion would suggest that every generation, even you, once held a sense of optimism and youthfulness. We were all young once! The difference, at least at this point, is Millennials have not conceded to the box that some have put before us. Instead we attempt to find new ways to shape the box or work around it. No only means "find another way."

While I truly believe other generations have built their philosophies based on their experiences, I contend that their experiences do not have to shape the future and philosophies of the Millennial generation. I believe Millennial have the passion, drive and motivation to press forward and reshape the workplace as we know it today.

Tomorrow's consumer is today's Millennial. The fact that we grew up with a computer in our bedroom and Google giving us instant results should serve as a hint into how we will work, live and play. To some it up, we multi task without great ease.

My biggest advice to any CEO or mid-level manager working with Millennials in the workplace today, "take us seriously. We have the knowledge that your organization needs to succeed. We are not here to replace you. Most of us honestly have great ideas and opinions that may not have thought of and will take you very far. Just because it has not been done before does not mean it can not be done."

Sincerely,

A Millennial.

Learn more about the generation gap in the workplace in Richardson's cover story in the June 29th issue of Baton Rouge Business Report "Here Come Millennials!"

@wbreaux
@brsocme
Friend me on Facebook
Check out my website

What are some of your experiences working with Millennials? Or as a Millennial, how do you feel about the workplace today?

Why #BRSocMe? Why Now?

If there's one thing I've learned in life, it's that LOYALTY is priceless and withstanding!

My Past?
The last 22 years (yes, that's how old I am, I think) of my life have been spent living, breathing and believing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I attended East Baton Rouge Parish Schools for elementary, middle and high school. I then went on to bleed purple and gold at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

Throughout this time when others were negative and slammed the BR (a/k/a Big Raggedy... and more) I attempted to uplift a city with soo much potential. Think about! Baton Rouge gave us Raising Canes (ohhh, i love the sauce), we're the International home of tailgating (thanks to SU and LSU) and when tragedy strikes this city comes together.

Now more than ever is the perfect opportunity for Baton Rouge residents to stand up and GO BR or be #BatonRougeProud! I look around me and remember a city that didn't have a downtown anything. In my hayday Citiplace and College Drive were consider downtown. I see the diversity, development and determination in the eyes of our leadership and say "WOW, we are headed in the right direction." I am so proud to be a resident (and now taxpayer) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

@VisitBatonRouge

When I interviewed at VisitBatonRouge.com, I told my soon-to-be boss "Baton Rouge has given me alot. A free education, a safe place to grow up and the confidence that I can do anything. So working here @VisitBatonRouge would be easy. Instead of selling the city, I'm able to share my personal story and success in Baton Rouge!" I've carried that attitude to work with me everyday. My friends and family are probably sick of hearing me say "I'm able to make a difference and impact people's perception of Baton Rouge, and I didn't have to get elected to public office to do it!"

#BRSocMe evolved from a meeting I hosted at VisitBatonRouge with the goal of bringing bloggers from around the Baton Rouge area to meet and network with each other. The goal was to increase the discussion of the city I love in the "blogosphere" and in #SocialMedia!

Why Me?

Instead of waiting for someone else to take the time to build the organization, I did it at my desk one morning and ran with it. It was important to me that social media users and professionals in Baton Rouge have the opportunity to meet, network and continue their development and education into the ever-changing world of social media. I wouldn't accept no for an answer. I may not have the most Twitter followers and my blog may be a newborn (*note: I've been on Facebook since 2005!), but I have the passion and heart (and time) to make #BRSocMe happen.

Where #BRSocMe is Headed?

Today, #BRSocMe is comprised of 140 members and growing. I am honored to serve this organization with five Board Members who share my enthusiasm and passion for BatonRouge Stephanie Sander (@stephsandy), Jay Ducote (@biteandbooze), James Fox-Smith (@countryroadsmag), Shannon Lane (@Cajun_Mama) and Lisa Stansberry (@louisianafoodie). We are determined to see Baton Rouge truly establish itself as the "Creative Capital of the South."

Our first full club meeting is April 29, 2010 at the Louisiana State Museum. Lunch is being provided FREE of charge by JimmyJohn's. Not only will we bring Baton Rouge social media users together, but we will have the opportunity to tour one of the unique treasurers in downtown Baton Rouge.

On September 29, 2010 Social Media Users from around the Gulf South will descend upon Baton Rouge for shared learning, networking and excitement as we host "#CoastalSocial 2010!" For more information visit http://www.coastalsocial.com/. We are updating the website daily with new speakers and conference information.

So... now if you wanted to know why... you know! Will you join us?

Louisiana Politics: Bill to Ban Cyberbullying

The Huffington Post ran an article today overviewing a bill moving through the Louisiana House of Reps that would make it a crime to harass someone via Facebook (whitneybreaux) or text message. While http://www.twitter.com/wbreaux grew up in a time where cell phones were cool if you had a flip phone and snake was the game everyone was trying to win, these days the harassment endured by teens is scary. I remember being in and out of the cool crowd and even what it felt like to bully and harass someone else. Some people pass it off as a phase, and maybe in 2004 it was just a phase. But these days the harassment extends beyond the boundaries of in your face or at school tormenting. Imagine it going on 24/7.

I applaud the Louisiana Legislature for taking a step on this issue that has attracted much national recognition lately.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/20/cyberbullying-bill-advanc_n_544937.html

#SoFresh STL Wrap Up by @wbreaux

Now it's time to say goodbye to all your friends, well twitter followers at least.

Social Fresh 2010 in St. Louis was a wild success in my opinion. Yet, another opportunity to meet up with like minded people and discuss the ever-changing world of social media. Although I'm not a graduate from an Ivy League school on the east coast and no I don't operate a mutli-million dollar start up in Silicon Valley, my GRITS (Girl Rasied in the South) attitude proved well.

I would liken my experience at Social Fresh to my brain being put through a series of rat mazes and finished off with a grueling training session on the hamster wheel. Social Fresh successfully stuffed thousands of hours of research, study and practice into less than 12 hours. From corporate blogging to SEO comprehension and back round again to social media marketing.

I did win a free set of Griffin earphones by racing to the front of the room. I beat out @rshrum75, sorry girl!

My takeaways:

• "Discounts are the must sought after information when your audience visits you in Social Media." Some companies are using coupon downloads as a way to measure success in social media.
• I learned the term "c-suite!" Oh and "CYA" cover you badunkadunk! @ambercadabra
• "I'm the mayor of my pants" @jasonfalls
• 80% of corporate blog traffice comes from 1st time visitors. via JasonFalls with http://www.socialmediaexplorer.com/.
• "Social media emerged because marketers got out of hand!" @jasonfalls
• End every blog post with a question/call to action. Heard this more than once!
• "Zombies" @ambercadabra Zombies include: ROI, why should I be in social media, etc. very cool presentation.
• New ROI = earned-spent/# of leads = cost per lead!
• "With blog outreach, quality is better than quantity" @daniellesmithtv
• "Submit your blog info to Digg and other feed sources." Reem Abeidoh
• Shorten your "Contact Us" form and offer something useful for the consumer via Mark Roberge, HubSpot
• You're extremely stupid if you don't take advantage of http://www.websitegrader.com/ and http://www.twittergrader.com/. Both are great tools from HubSpot that gives on point advice to get your website higher search engine results!
• Get the whole low down by following the hastag #sofresh on Twitter. http://www.socialfresh.com/ will have video on their website from the conference on their website n June!

Somethings I'm sad I missed:

• The entire @JayBaer presentation!
• The #SoFresh Pre-Party @EnjoyMosaic
• The #SoFresh After-Party at Millennium Hotels RoofTop
• When Jay Baer said "Linkedin(wbreaux) is who you should know, Facebook (wbreaux) is who you've know in the past, http://www.twitter.com/wbreaux is who you want to know!"

Things I'm Looking Forward to:

• www.socialfresh.com/cruise! I've been saying all year I need a vacation and this will be it! Leaves out NewOrleans on my birthday December 2, 2010! Happy early birthday present Whitney.
• Following new and amazing people on Twitter and being friends with them on Facebook!
• Hope to see some faces at http://www.coastalsocial.com/ 2010 in BatonRouge September 29th! It's time for the DeepSouth to make its presence known in social media world! It's a loosen your tie and roll up your shirtsleeve kinda party. As we say in Louisiana, "we work hard and play harder

Shoutout to #SoFresh sponsors:

Blue Sky Factory (@blueskyfactory)

HubSpot (@hubspot)

Radian 6 (@radian6)
STLTweets (@STLTweets)

People I met at #soFresh that you want to follow:
@cnmoody @JasonFalls @bestofjess @CScottCrider @shawnmcpike @jaybaer @kristingumper @DanielleSmithTV

Check out http://www.coastalsocial.com/ for more info on the GulfSouth regional conference coming to Baton Rouge, Louisiana September 29, 2010.

Are you #sofresh?

WB

Great First Day in the 314!

After starting the day at 4:30am in Baton Rouge, I am beyond exhausted. So much for the #sofresh pre-party. But these are the life and times of a Mom, MBA student, communications specialist and social media junkie!

Highlights of the day:
1. Finding out about the MetroLink. After seeing this I am determined to build a rail transportation system for Baton Rouge. To see people of all colors, creeds and socio-economic classes was a truly humbling experience. If it's done here it can be done in Baton Rouge!

2. The Gateway Arch. Walking up to this monumental structure that use see growing up was amazing. It's an obvious stop on any trip to St. Louis.

3. Getting completely lost looking for a BBQ restaurant in downtown St. Louis. I don't know what I was thinking, but I had this thought that St. Louis BBQ was on my agenda. Special thanks to @STLconciergeGuy  for the recommendation in downtown @SmokingJoesBBQ is on the list for tomorrow. SHHH know one tell my trainer!

Here's to a good nights sleep and an early morning workout and then heading out to http://www.socialfresh.com/!

WB

Louisiana Political Update

The Louisiana House of Representatives has launched a new website dedicated to keeping their membership and public informed about what's going on in the legislative session. This is yet another success of the Tucker Speakership. Tucker has remained committed to exploring new ways of providing information to Louisiana citizens. His weekly updates are useful and informative.

I'm slightly curious who in the House of Reps has been successful in changing the mindset about using social media and other forums to connect with citizens.

Smart move!

http://www.house.louisiana.gov/pio/openhouse/

Social Fresh, St. Louis - AM Sunday

Top of the morning to ya!

Up bright and earlier to board a flight leaving out of Baton Rouge Metro Airport, then to Memphis for a layover and onto St. Louis. Very excited about what the next few day holds. Can't wait to meet some like-minded social media enthusiats.

In other news, it's quite hilarious to watch CNN while in the airport talking about Spirit Airlines new policy on carry on luggage.

Dear Spirit Airlines, you've made the dumbest move in aviation history. ~WB

It must be true that Baton Rouge is doing well economically, because there are tons of people in the airport this morning. Looks to be business and liesure travelers.

GO BRing It!

Moving Baton Rouge Forward in Social Media

Life's been more than crazy, but I've found a new passion that is taken me to new heights. During my day job I work for the Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau a/k/a Visit Baton Rouge. As the Communications Specialist, I'm able to promote city I love dearly to the entire world (@VisitBatonRouge) via social media.

With the start of SocialMediaClub Baton Rouge (@BRSocMe), we now bring #CoastalSocial 2010 a social media conference for the Gulf South.

Stay tuned for more as we bring the best and brightest minds in #SoMe to Baton Rouge September 29, 2010!