Local Blogging  Community  seeks support on their craft 

Local Bloggers in Singapore have gathered to ask the general public to support their craft by sharing their publicity video and to sign an online form.   A cause #SupportSGBloggers has been created to let Singaporeans show their support and appreciation for the hard work of Bloggers in Singapore. 

The image of bloggers has suffered due to recent controversies on bloggers demanding freebies from merchants such as restaurants or salons, etc.  The job as a blogger has always been a difficult and thankless one. To bring the softer, up-to-date and important news to the general public, it demands time, effort, passion and determination to curate & perfect the content. 

The campaign hopes to encourage Singaporeans to say 'YES' to the work of bloggers and to recognise the value of blogs and microsites in helping them make their day-to-day important decisions.  

Hong Peng, a blogger who blogs at http://hpility.blogspot.sg/, and a director for the publicity video ‘We are Bloggers’ opined ‘This is a very timely and meaningful movement to get Singaporeans’ support on our craft. I have been blogging since 2007 and I take pride in attending events and launches, and bringing up-to-date information to all my readers. I see my job as an important one as it affects my readers’ decisions in all areas of their lives. I blog to see things differently and I hope Singaporeans can see the hard work we put in as bloggers’. 

Wee Heng, a popular blogger who blogs at  www.aspirantsg.com said, ‘Participating in this video has allowed like-minded bloggers to come together for a common goal, and simply, to share our joy and love for blogging, as this unique craft has been widely misunderstood. All of us have a deep passion and mission for blogging and we ensure our blog entries are professional. We hope Singaporeans can come forward to show us their support in this regard’. 

Singaporeans can access  "https://www.causes.com/campaigns/70778-raise-awareness-on-the-craft-of-blogging-in-singapore" https://www.causes.com/campaigns/70778-raise-awareness-on-the-craft-of-blogging-in-singapore to give their support. The campaign, which has a target of 1000 signatures, ends 31^st Jan 2014. 

This initiative is spearheaded by The Influencer Network, the fastest Influencer PR Agency in Singapore. 

Ways to support this cause:

1) Share the Publicity Video on Facebook and Social networks 

2) HashTag #SupportSGBloggers on Twitter and Instagram 

3) Sign the cause at  "https://www.causes.com/campaigns/70778-raise-awareness-on-the-craft-of-blogging-in-singapore" https://www.causes.com/campaigns/70778-raise-awareness-on-the-craft-of-blogging-in-singapore

Key Messages in the Publicity Video ‘We are Bloggers’: 

1) Bloggers love their craft 

2) Bloggers want to be treated professionally 

3) Bloggers keep up to the latest trends and happenings 

4) Bloggers help customers by spreading meaningful word of mouth 

5) Bloggers allocate time in between busy schedules to attend launches and events. 

6) Bloggers take pride in their work 

7) Bloggers just love to blog 

8) Bloggers don't demand for freebies 

9) Bloggers ensure their blog entries are professional

Bloggers featured in the video ‘We are Bloggers’

Joey Ong /  www.iisjong.com

Siti Nurul Hudah /  www.sitinurulhudah.wordpress.com

Samantha Chan / www.dressingmissluxe.blogspot.com

William Tan / www.onlywilliam.blogspot.com

Kenny Tang /www.boyz86-simplicity.blogspot.com

Tiffany Yong / www.tiffanyyong.com

Zoe / www.mypeaceofheaven.com

Yeo Hong Peng / www.hpility.blogspot.com

Natalie Ong / www.natalieoyq.blogspot.com

Jing Ru / www.loves-jing.blogspot.com

Wee Heng / www.aspirantsg.com

About The Influencer Network

The Influencer Network is a leading social media and PR influencer agency that connects brands to a diverse and engaged audience through the power of their network and social influencers.  

The Influencer Network provides services in areas of Marketing consultancy, Influencer Marketing, Public Relations, Social Media engagement and Special Projects.  

The Influencer Network manages East Centric Lifestyle Media, EastieBrekkie Print Magazine and "http://www.EastieBrekkie.com" www.EastieBrekkie.com

Feet Haven Reflexology opens 2nd outlet in Serangoon Gardens

Feet Haven Reflexology opens 2nd outlet in Serangoon Gardens 

Popular boutique Foot Reflexology brand, Feet Haven Reflexology opens its second branch in Serangoon Gardens, 4A Maju Avenue on 5th December 2013. The new outfit which boasts a total size of 1300 sq feet, is located above popular eatery Cedele and opposite MyVillage Shopping Centre.

 Feet Haven Serangoon Gardens will have three luxurious rooms catering to patrons who opt for a therapeutic and relaxing body massage after a stressful day at work. Patrons can choose between traditional body massage which focuses on pinching and pressing at acupressure points or Swedish massage which comprises of long and flowing strokes.

 Foot reflexology fanatics will have their desires satisfied with six spacious reflexology chairs placed in their 400 Sq Feet main hall. The treatment ranges from a 30 minute foot massage to an ultra-long session of 120 minutes.

Feet Haven Reflexology, which was established in April 2011 in Katong, has made heads turned, literally, as the shop garnered more interest and support from residents staying in Joo Chiat, Marine Parade, Katong and all over Singapore.

 Feet Haven Reflexology was awarded the Best Foot Massage by Harpers Bazaar Spa Awards 2013 and In a recent Smart Shopper Road Test conducted by Simply Her March 2013 Edition, Feet Haven was rated the highest 8.5/10 out of four other Foot Spas and was given the title 'Best Value Simply Her Foot Spa'.

Centre Manager, Wendy Toh said ‘Opening a second outlet has always been in the wish list of the Feet Haven’s Management team. The first shop has received rave reviews and a lot of our customers, aka ‘Feethavenatics’ have suggested that we open more shops around Singapore. A lot of our customers like our unique and ‘boutique-like’ concept where it is not just a foot reflexology business, but a brand which embodies healing and art across our spirit, mind and body.’

 The opening of the second outlet marks the expansion plan of reaching 10 outlets in the next ten years. The company welcomes any potential franchisee keen to build their own massage haven.

 With this new addition, Feet Haven Reflexology now owns two Foot reflexology outlets: Katong branch located at 136 East Coast Road, and Serangoon Gardens Branch located at 4A Maju Avenue. The Foot Reflexology brand also owns a sister Manicure & Pedicure brand, Absolutely Nails.

How We turned Feet Haven Reflexology into a Social Brand

How We turned FeetHaven Reflexology from this:

To this:

Feet Haven Reflexology is now one of the most social foot reflex brands in Singapore.

Feet Haven Reflexology was awarded the Best Foot Massage by Harpers Bazaar Spa Awards 2013.  In a recent Smart Shopper Road Test conducted by Simply Her March 2013 Edition, Feet Haven was rated the highest 8.5/10 out of four other Foot Spas and was given the title ‘Best Value Simply Her Foot Spa’.

Feet Haven Reflexology was also featured in popular magazines like 8 Days, Cleo, Mother & Baby, Young Parents and Eastie Brekkie.

More than 20 bloggers have reviewed the brand and gave very positive feedback and comments about the Brand.

However, these  achievements did not come easy. It was a case of God’s blessings, hard work and strategic marketing, in my opinion.

let me recount the process…

Together with my sister and my business partner TL, we acquired Feet Haven Reflexology in early February 2012.  I wanted to start a foot reflex business as I was always interested in Entrepreneurship and have subscribed to my ‘Rich Dad’, who was always telling me to create a business  early for myself and not to work for an employer for life.

Since switching to academia, I am always on the look out for potential business to buy over or to start a new business. In the month of December 2011, I saw a business takeover ad online and after doing some research on the location & business, I immediately arranged to meet up with the owner and went through many rounds of negotiations and discussions.

My instinct was to buy over the business immediately. Obviously there were many factors involved.

1) The location was perfect. Being near to then the newly refurbished shopping mall, i12, it presents bountless of opportunities for this shop.

2) The takeover fee was reasonable.

3) The demand for foot reflex, in my opinion, is rising considering the stressful environment we all live in.

The rest was history. The early months were difficult as we did not have enough experience managing a foot reflex shop. No doubt, we really learnt through the hard way.

However, we worked really hard as well. I remember working non-stop every weekend to manage the shop and to promote the services ourselves. We even have to go to the extend of giving out leaflets right outside our shop to draw people in.

Fast forward many months, Feet Haven Reflexology  is now one of the most recognised Foot Reflex spa in the east region.

Our weekends’ slots are mostly packed! And we been getting alot of positive praises from our customers.  Praise the Lord.

In my opinion, I attribute the success to many factors;

1) Sheer Hardwork

My business partner, Wendy and myself worked really hard to build this business. We were dedicated to the business and determined to build Feet Haven as a lifestyle brand and symbol, a place where people can find rest and relaxation for themselves.

2) Blogger Engagement

Part of our marketing strategy was to target all the bloggers in Singapore.  I believe a strategic way to build buzz and word-of mouth online is to target the influencers and early adopters. These bloggers will help to amplify positive messages through their social networking spaces. so far, we have more than 20 bloggers reviewing our services.

We hit a total of 23.9k unique visitors for the past one year.

Here are some examples:

Chevonne Cheng
‘I hereby declare with honesty that it was undoubtedly ONE OF THE BEST, or should I daringly say best, traditional back and foot massages that I’ve EVER tried so far – and trust me, I’ve tried alooot, locally and overseas. And I’m not just saying that because it was sponsored! I’m looking forward to even bringing my mum there next time’!Find the post here..
http://www.chevonnecheng.com/2013/04/advert-feet-haven-reflexology.html

Tammy Oh So Fickle‘I have done TONS of foot reflexology in Singapore and NONE, i repeat NONE, was as good as Feet Haven’s. I dare say the foot reflexology at Feet Haven’s the best in the East’!!!
Find the post here..http://ohsofickle.blogspot.sg/2013/04/feet-haven.html

Only William‘It is definitely an extraordinary experience.” Feet Haven. It’s the place for the younger generation as well as the old’.

Find the post here..
http://onlywilliam.blogspot.sg/2012/05/feet-haven-reflexology-singapore.html

Cuisine Paradise‘Upon entering the shop, I am captured by its luxurious ambience, calming fragrance and soothing music as well as their friendly greeters. And the place gives me a very smooth and relaxing feeling which i am comfortable with’.

Find the post here…
http://cuisineparadise-eatout.blogspot.sg/2012/05/feet-haven-reflexology-east-coast-road.html

BeriShiok‘He was kneading my shoulders and unnoticely I fell asleep but could still feel he working through the aching areas on my body. Upon waking up, I felt totally refreshing and lighter shoulders and tiredless back’.

Find the post here…
http://berishiok.blogspot.sg/2012/08/feet-haven-reflexology-at-east-coast.html

Ju Ann‘After the whole massage, my whole body felt damnnnn good. My calves still hurt a little but it felt a lot lighter! My back was heavenly. All the knots were gone. Shiok’.

Find the post here..
http://myfatpocket.com/judging-me/feethaven-a-massage-haven-for-tired-feet/

Aspirant SG‘The perk of having a masseur working on your feet is that they are able to customise to your personal preference and reach areas that mechanical feet massager can’t access’.

Find the post here…
http://www.aspirantsg.com/travel-holidays/feet-remedy-for-katong-foodies-shopaholics/singapore

Y-uhao‘Beside massaging, you can enjoy the nice soothing music and calming aromatherapy scents which helps in promoting relaxation and lifting everyday stress’.

Find the post here..
http://yuhaoooo.blogspot.sg/2012_05_01_archive.html

MoonBerryAnd while I was at Feet Haven, I couldn’t resist not getting some pampering so I went for the Yawn Medley treatment: 45 min foot reflexology + 15 min neck and shoulder massage at just SG$38!!! I totally needed it after too many hours of slouching while producing my Avian Project artwork. Hee.

Find the post here..
http://blog.moonberry.com/avian-project-2013/

Some pictures of bloggers enjoying their treatment at Feet Haven Reflexology

3) The last reason, of course was because of God’s grace.

God is good all the time & God has been exceptionally good to me in 2013.

The Feet Haven today is a boutique foot reflexology that has received much support and interest from customers living all over Singapore.

There are plans to open a second shop in early february 2014. So stay tuned for more updates.

The Scoot Recipe by CEO of Scoot™ Pte Ltd, Mr Campbell Wilson

The Scoot Recipe by CEO of Scoot™ Pte Ltd, Mr Campbell Wilson

The man behind the Scootitude™ 

 

MIS is honoured to have the CEO of Scoot™, Mr Campbell Wilson, the man with the Scootitude, for an interactive and insightful discussion during the upcoming marketing guru talk on 4 July 2013.

Mr Campbell Wilson was appointed the founding member of the airline on 18 July 2011, prior to his appointment with Scoot™, he worked for SIA group for more than 15 years.  Together with Mr Campbell Wilson, Ms Sharon Koh, Marketing & Communications Manager, will be sharing the stories of Scoot, its brand differentiation from other low cost carriers and how they lead this young and vibrant airline to where it is today within such as short time span.

As successful marketers, they will also be passing on some marketing tips and suggestions to the avid marketers. There was a lot of talking about the term “Scootitude’’, what it really is and how is it linked to the values and expectations of the airline.

Mr Campbell will be answering any marketing related questions asked during the discussion.  

Details of the event:

Title: Marketing Guru Talk – The Scoot Recipe

Date: 4 July 2013

Time: 6.30pm to 9.00pm

Venue: MIS Executive Club, 410 North Bridge Road #01-00 Singapore 188726

Speaker: Campbell Wilson, CEO, Scoot Pte Ltd

The Crab Feast is Back at PARKROYAL on Beach Road

The Crab Feast is Back at PARKROYAL on Beach Road

Are you craving for crabs? From 5 June to 31 August, Plaza Brasserie will be offering the sumptuous Crab Feast under its popular Best of Asia themed from Mondays to Sundays. Choose from our range of appetizers: Dijon Crab Cakes with Coriander Paste, Chicken Salad with Pesto, Tang Hoon Salad, Spicy Tuna Salad, Bread Crab Claw, Mini Crab Meat Samosas, Olive & Potato Crabmeat Balls with Pesto, Crabmeat Paste, Baked Whole Salmon with Spicy Dip and a variety of Dim Sums.

Besides the popular Chilli Crab and Black Pepper Crab, you can look forward to savouring Chef Jackson’s new crab recipes, Crab with Tang Gui, Baked Crab, Nonya Curry Crab, Butter Crab, Stirred Fried Crab with Egg Yolk, Salted Egg Crab and XO Crab

At the Noodles Section, take please in our selection of Curry Noodle with Soft Shell Crab Mee Poh Noodles with Soft Shell Crabs and Laksa with Soft Shell Crabs and much more.

Enjoy their hot varieties that include Stir-Fried Squid with Celery in “XO” Sauce, Oatmeal Prawns, Nonya Curry Chicken, Eight Treasure Duck, Steam Fish in “Hong Kong” Style, Fried Baby Kai Lan and Crabmeat Fried Rice, Crispy Soft Shell Crabs and Braised Sea Cucumber with Roast Pork and Mushrooms.

If you have a sweet-tooth, savour our range of delicious desserts ranging from Sweet Potato, Water Chestnut, Bubur Cha Cha, Mini French Pastries, Chocolate Truffle and Cheese Cake, Assorted Ice-Creams, Fresh Fruits, Almond Beancurd, Chin Chow, Rice Pudding with Vanilla Sauce, American Cheesecake, Chocolate Fondue served with Fresh Fruits, Dried Fruits and Marshmallows.

Sumptuous Crab Feast at PARKROYAL on Beach Road

Date: 5 June to 31 August 2013

Dinner (Mondays to Thursdays): Adult $55 Child $33

Dinner (Fridays to Sundays): Adult $58 Child $35

Prices are subject to10% service charge and 7% Goods and Services Tax

For enquiries or reservations, please call Plaza Brasserie at 6505 5710.

A new Blogger Management Agency in Singapore : The Influencer Network Communications Pte Ltd

TIN's Blogger Management Arm, The Influencer Talent aims to make blogging more mainstream and professional

Sheena Phua, Lifestyle Blogger

Tricia Koh, Lifestyle Blogger

Nich Tan, Lifestyle Blogger

Wee Heng, Owner of Aspirant SG

Lifestyle Blogger Benjamin Tan

• The Influencer Network Communications currently has more than 100 influencers and digital artistes
• The Network agency hopes to make blogging more mainstream and professional 
• Agency will embarked on key boost initiatives to empower and train their TIN bloggers. 

According to a recent Nielsen Report, “Global Trust in Advertising and Brand Messages” there’s exciting growth in consumer attitudes toward word-of-mouth recommendations. The study, published in April 2012, found that 92% of consumers around the world now say they trust word-of-mouth or recommendations from friends and family, above all other forms of advertising, an increase of 18% since 2007.

Such a finding highlights the importance of brands adopting a more social approach toward marketing & communications.

The Influencer Network is a an Integrated Social Media & PR Influencer agency that connects brands and organisations to a diverse and engaged audience through the power of social influencers.
The network’s substantial social reach can be invaluable to brands or organisations wanting to target people of all ages online.

By harnessing the influence of semi-celebrities or bloggers,brands and organisations gain access to a leading cross-platform media network specifically designed for men and women of all ages.

So far the agency has signed on more than 20 influencers and Digital Artistes. These influencers, which include celebrities, models, talents, sportsmen entreprenuers have a very high social influence in their own sphere.

Some prominent names include Nich Tan, Sheena Phua, Benjamin Tan, Yeo Hong Peng, Wee Heng, Renfred Ng, Wendy Toh and many more.

For more information, log on to www.influencersg.com or facebook.com/TheINetwork

For the official Site: Log on to www.TheInfluencerTalent.com

Nail Spa at Marine Parade Central

Feet Haven Reflexology launches sister brand, Absolutely Nails located at Marine Parade Central

Feet Haven Reflexology launches sister brand, Absolutely Nails located at Marine Parade Central


SINGAPORE, 10 March 2013

Popular Foot Reflexology Spa Feet Haven Reflexology located at 136 East Road has launched a sister Brand, Absolutely Nails, which is a boutique Nail Spa, located at Marine Parade Central, opposite the famous hawker centre.

Absolutely Nails was previously named as Nailcoholics and has been around since early 2010. The name change was a result of the acquisition and also in a bid to stay current and relevant to its customers.

The services include Classic/French Manicure & Pedicure, 2D/3D Nail Art, Acrylic/Gel/Extension, among others.

Upon stepping into the Nail Spa, customers will be pampered by the lush and cosy space, jazzy music and smell of aroma scent.

General Manager of Absolutely Nails, Wendy Toh, and an actor of Serangoon Road cast by HBO Asia said ‘We are glad to be able to launch a second brand after one year of managing Feet Haven Reflexology. We have received a lot of positive feedback for Feet Haven and we hope to model this success to the Absolutely Nails brand as well. With the acquisition, we are committed to provide good quality beauty and healthcare services to our customers staying in Katong, Marine Parade, Joo Chiat and Siglap area’.

Absolutely Nails is open every day from 10am to 830pm (Mon to Fri) and 10am to 8pm ( Sat/ Sun/ PH).

Customers can check out www.absolutelynailssg.com or www.facebook.com/absolutelynailssg for more information about the nail spa.

Tapestry strikes 12 at Feet Haven Reflexology

Tapestry strikes 12 at Feet Haven Reflexology

The first Midnight community and interactive play was staged at Feet Haven Reflexology on 22nd February 2012, After 12. Some 30 playback fanatics and feethaven's customers gathered at 1145pm to share their personal stories and moments after 12.

After 12 explores the whimsical dreams and fantastical encounters that people encounter after midnight. Based on Tapestry's rendition, the performers will re-enact the scenes for the story teller to reflect and relive those moments. Apart from the usual After 12 activities like checking facebook, watching HK TV dramas, sleep disorders and supper at famous eateries, some other unusual stories include a recollection of After 12 Army Days where recruits were all scared of going to the toilet but found camaraderie peeing together and an unusual dream of a long-lost dad who re-appeared in his daugther's dream telling her that everything is going to be alright.

After 12 was jointly organised by Tapestry Playback theatre and Feethaven Reflexology and this event is organised in conjunction of Feet Haven's 2nd year anniversary. This is also part of their initiative to support the local arts and entertainment.

After 12 at Feet Haven

Anyone keen to attend this community and interactive play staged at FeetHaven, 136 East Coast Road?

Details: 22nd February 2013, 2359 till 2am.

Free Admission.

Email tapestry.register@gmail.com or SMS Wendy at 93369155.

Eu Yan Sang Lunar New Year TVC

I had fun modelling for Eu Yan Sang earlier this year.

above clip for your enjoyment.

Dennis Toh

Power Up your Influence Factor on Facebook

Power Up Your Influence Factor on Facebook

Facebook is a social networking site that has been used widely in our daily lives. We access our mobile facebook app almost every sec simply to be in touch with our little world and community.

Facebook is now like our mini-television. We used to watch free-to-air and cable television religiously every night, watching serials and comedy & with the advent of technology, in particular social media and mobile phones, we are seeing ourselves gluing into our little phones, tablets for entertainment instead.

As we are wired into this social media community, it is inevitable that one needs to manage his or her own reputation. What we post online, whether pictures, words, videos would have implications to our online persona.  In today's world where things and stuff we said become permanent and unretractable online, what we say or how we portrait ourselves might bite back on us, if we don't manage our online persona well.

Remember, perception is more important than the truth. Managing perception of yourself, in the eyes of your stakeholders is very important. Your stakeholders, like close friends, relatives, business associates, fb friends are all watching you as they check their facebook all the time. Inevitably, they will form an impression about you.

Based on my observation, I have coined 3 Dos and Don'ts which I think you should adhere to, when conducting yourself on Facebook.

Top 3 Don'ts

Don't keep posting information about what you are doing.
'I am now having lunch at Northpoint shopping centre'. 'I am just done with my meetings and going for my dinner now'. Such postings are OK. But if you do it excessively, you are not adding value to your audience.
Mundane postings are very much like the trashy commercials you watch after 12 midnight. They are uninteresting and pollute the air on television. Remember everyone is a content producer. We are subconsciously providing entertainment content to people connected to us on Facebook.

Don't keep posting advertising content
If you are a blogger; people want to know more about you, your life, your views & opinion. Posting product information, campaign details, reviews excessively will certainly bore your audience. Your audience want you to add value to their social networking space. They do not want to see overt advertising content in your daily updates, blogs or tweets. So be very selective about becoming a mouth piece for brands. You do not want to be seen as constantly endorsing brands and becoming a mouth piece for them. I think ocassional endorsement is good. It shows brands are interested in you and your value to them. But be very selective. You should align yourself only with big brands that reflect the stature of your personality online.

Stop the negativity
Social media connotes freedom of speech and expression. With Social media, it has open doors widely to bountless opportunities and possibilities. Social media has broken down barriers between the rich and the poor, the haves and the have nots, the political elites and commonmen, and empowered people to have a strong voice for change. The last thing you want is to inject fear, negativity and pessimism on Social Media. The traditional media thrives on sensationalism and negative news. So let positive news live on Social Media.

Top 3 Dos

Be part of the change
Social media has been used widely in campaigns, & injecting social and political change in our society. Social media has been used to empower individuals, groups, companies and given us a platform to raise a point, rally changes and to better our lives. Brands, non-profit groups, individuals, organisations have all used social media to effect good changes to our society. Campaigns like "Save the Earth', 'Aids Awareness', 'Love yourself' have all used social media as a tool to spread some good messages. If you believe in such noble causes, I think we should be part of the change; helping to spread the word, campaign, pictures to our friends through sharing or commenting on our facebook page.

Be a thought leader
If you want to be influential and be seen as a positive figure in the eyes of your stakeholders, perhaps you should starting posting statements or pictures that are profound and can uplift & challenge the minds of people. We all know powerful words and statements can evoke a sense of action and inspire us to challenge our status quo and situations. Do try to upload positive statements ( whether copied, or original) to make our social media space alot more uplifting and magical. As the saying goes, 'The truth will always reveal itself'; When everyone adds on to the process of searching for truth, the truth will find itself.

Be Humorous
One fundamental requirement for anyone to engage others online is to be simply, humorous. Humor sells and interesting jokes or anecdotes could be used to tell a story, or state a point. Do not be too afraid to make yourself look stupid on Social Media. Often times, when you are true to yourself, even to the extend of putting yourself down, you are being seen as authentic and real. In a world filled with stress, structures and seriousness, a little bit of humor might just do the trick.

Positioning yourself on social media goes a long way. It starts with being strategic in your updates and actions on Facebook always. Once you find the right way, you will realised that powering up your influence factor on Facebook is as easy as updating your Facebook status.

Dennis