So one of the things we love about our work is introducing cool new products to the world. Invented by Dr. Ben Yoo, an urgent care physician, BANa packs a lot of rehydrating power in one chilled bottle. It’s become really well known among elite athletes, and word is spreading. Have you BANa’ed today?

Another thing we love is the power of video to help reach people. This four minutes from the Cooper River Bridge Run in April is about all you need to know if you are dehydrated. Oh: and here’s what else you’ll be glad to know:  all BiLos and numerous SC Piggly Wiggly’s carry the elixir.

In addition to positioning their authors as thought leaders, blogs have other positive qualities. We love their Google-worthiness. Touchpoint has recently helped two clients launch their new web logs, and we’re delighted to see them developing a loyal following AND improving their SEO.

Darryl Cobb of Charleston-based Cobb Architecture is musing about great design on his architecture-oriented blog.

And Sean McLernon, CEO of STEALTH, is taking a leadership role in the wireless industry with his frequent posts, videos and links to all things “concealment” on the STEALTH blog.

Check out this gorgeous, glossy new book: The Photographers Guide to Charleston, Savannah and the Coastal Islands by Jeff Dodge. It’s part how-to for photographers, part travelogue, and a whole lot of information and beauty. Published by an imprint of Workman Publishing, the book hits news stands June 6. Dodge will be doing signings around the Coastal area; give a shout if you’d like more info!

We were really proud to bring home two trophies from the recent SCPRSA Mercury awards.

That’s because they signify what we already know: we have the extraordinary good fortune to work with the best clients around! As a result, our social media/Facebook campaign for Cupcake took home a Silver Wing Award, and our collaboration with JMC Charleston on the fundraising premier of Dear John for Carolina Autism netted a Mercury Award.

In the end, our rewards come every day, in the form of our clients’ improved business performance.

Raising a glass to Peter Shankman today, who just wrote a very cogent treatise on why anybody who claims to be a social media expert should be shown the door.

Why? It’s like saying: “I’m applying for this marketing job because I’m really good at writing headlines.” Oh sure, headlines are important. But what about all the other stuff that goes into creating and executing a winning marketing plan. Social media – like headlines – is only a part of it. Doing it well is important. Understanding the rules is key. Check out Peter’s take. Then share yours!

Our company strives to be pretty green. We seriously limit printing, turn off computers and lights that aren’t running and recycle (a lot!). And we’re always excited to work with like-minded companies.

We’ve been having lots of fun lately with Charleston Naturally, an online e-tailer that recently bucked the trend by opening a bricks-and-mortar site in Mount Pleasant. If you missed their Grand Opening at 918 Lansing Drive, don’t despair. They’re offering frequent sales and specials, in-store and on-line, and have an ever-evolving mix of products.

Hint: Charleston Naturally is THE place to go for wedding, shower, graduation and baby gifts. Just sayin’…

We have been working with Smoke Free Lowcountry Coalition (SFC) to ensure that Summerville workers have the same protection from secondhand smoke exposure on the job. The bill passed at the first reading on Dec. 8, and a second and final reading is scheduled for Jan. 12. The public is invited to share their opinions during the public hearing period at the beginning of the Town Council meeting. Dorchester County is also introducing a smoking ordinance on Jan. 18.

Here are some facts about smoking ordinances:

• A successful smokefree ordinance in Summerville will bring the total to 38 municipalities and cover more than 1,400,000 South Carolinians.  Locally, Charleston, Sullivan’s Island, Mt. Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Hollywood and Ravenel are covered by smokefree laws
• Currently, 74.1 % of Americans are covered by some kind of smokefree workplace ordinance.
• There are 3,173 municipalities that have passed laws that restrict where smoking is allowed
• 22 states have a law in effect that prohibits smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars

Count on 2 story: ABC News 4 story:

Live 5 News story

CARTA is now offering three downtown routes for FREE! I originally thought this would be a great option for tourists, but I’m now thinking about the ease of hopping on a trolley for lunch meeting that’s too far to walk. This effort by the city is aimed at reducing the number of cars downtown and making travel easier.

Ever review a stack of resumes where the applicants’ previous job titles seem to sound painstakingly similar to one another? Or been in that stack as a prospective hire, feeling as if your credentials misrepresent you as the average Joe because titles like “manager” and “account coordinator” can only depict so much? Well, not these guys. Business Insider recently compiled a quick list of “Completely Ridiculous Tech Executive Titles,” and it inspired me to dig around the web and find a few more.

1. Chief Ninja – SCVNGR CEO

2. Chief Rockstar – SCVNGR COO

3. Clue Shredder – SCVNGR Lead Game Designer

4. King of Bling – SCVNGR _____ (no one knows what this title equates to in everyday-America-terms!)

5. Pixel Czar – SCVNGR Direct Architect

6. Chief Yahoos! – Yahoo! Co-founders

7. iCEO – Apple CEO (big surprise here)

8. President of Revenue – Twitter CFO

9. Cheezburger and Tofuburger – ICanHasCheezburger.com Co-Founders

10. Tech Monkey – Gilt Groupe Tech/Support Analyst

11. CE-Yo – Stonyfield Farm CEO

12. Random Engineer – Quora Software Developer

13. Grand Poo Bah – Cranium CEO (Too out-there? Debatable.)

14. Professor Profit – Cranium CFO

15. Viceroy of Toy – Head of Cranium Toy Department

Notable mentions include Director of First Impressions (receptionist), Resident Futurist (brand strategist), and Firestarter (business developer).

Would you ever want to hold a position with an off-the-wall title? Or could you take someone seriously who did? There are definite perks to having unusual traditions like these in a company—a strong corporate culture, for one—but from the outside looking in, it’s certainly a cause for curiosity..

Looking for advice on how to establish and maintain a successful social media campaign? This interview with new media guru Brian Solis just might be your answer. For similar clips and stories, click here.