Last week the Gap announced a social media promotion for the holidays: the brand’s Facebook fans can send their own photos as real, printed postcards to their Facebook friends – for free. The Gap is the first brand to use startup Sincerely’s new “brand-centric service” Postagram Direct, which launched last week. The Gap’s Facebook fans can each send up to two free postcards, which are delivered with a pop-out square photo and the user’s message. The cards usually cost $0.99 MORE >>

The following post is a follow-up on the ongoing discussion about the recent changes in Edgerank algorithm  affecting Facebook reach and engagement. We find the subject to be of great importance to brands, which is why we keep you up-to-date and share the most relevant news on the matter. Here is a summary of the main points: Organic Reach. According to the paper, prior to the Edgerank algorithm changes, brands had an average reach of 16 %. Today, the percentage of users that see an organic post by a brand they like has dropped with about 38 %. Engagement. After this change, nearly 4.3% MORE >>

Whether you have a great app or a good idea, mobile startups need solid advice to map out winning strategies and build a serious business. This is why this year’s ForumOxford (taking place this Friday — November 23 —in Oxford, U.K. is sharply focused on providing attendees the tools and insights they need to take their ventures to the next level. The one-day event (priced at GBP250 for MobileGroove readers) brings together a balanced mix of subject matter experts and successful entrepreneurs for a day of casual networking and brainstorming. Real mobile insights. Why attend ForumOxford? MORE >>

Image by Sabrintha Linda. You know the old glass is half full metaphor. Well, that applies to the way we talk about and critique others. We can support the strong points someone offers, or we can tear them up. This is particularly true of teams , communities and other group activities. Harvard Business Review ran a great piece by Rosabeth Kanter a few months ago about creating a positive culture of respect. “Winners can maintain high aspirations and act generously toward others,” said Kanter. ” This struck me. I’m not a good manager of people. MORE >>

Data clearly shows the benefits of an engaged workforce. However most organizational leaders are missing the benefits due to their own leadership inadequacies. Most companies have driven costs out to the point where there is little opportunity for further reductions. Now it seems organizations are awakening to the benefits of employee engagement and its dual promise of targeted retention coupled with enhanced innovation, productivity and performance. Every organization,  no matter what size or scope, could materially benefit from a more engaged workforce. Chasing Engagement Using Bad Practices. MORE >>