People, people, everywhere! Have you ever wanted to go somewhere, but decided not to because you thought it would be too crowded? Living in a large city means constantly competing with others to participate. And when you have little kids with you, it makes that competition a bit more challenging. By planning ahead and using these insider tips, you can still enjoy all San Diego has to offer with fewer crowds to battle.

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most kid-friendly and fun ways to spend your days. Kids love watching the new baby gorilla,  exploring the Discovery Playground in Discovery Outpost, and especially riding the Skyfari ride across the park.To steer clear of the crowds, arrive when the Zoo opens at 9 a.m. and leave the weekends and special events to tourists. October is a crowded month since admission is free for kids ages 3-11. We suggest sitting out that month, and enjoying less-crowded times like January and back-to-school September. And if your kiddo is at a "wearable" age, go for it and avoid maneuvering a stroller through the park.

2920 Zoo Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-231-1515
online: zoo.sandiegozoo.org

What are some ways you and your family avoid the crowds? Tell us your insider tips in the comments below!

— Brooke Hausman

Photography by Brooke Hausman unless otherwise noted

We’re Hiring: Sales Marketing Manager

Red Tricycle is looking for a bright, optimistic, hard-working “idea person” to join our team as a Sales Marketing Manager based in Sausalito, CA.

In this role, you will report to the VP of Sales and partner with our local and national advertising sales staff to drive revenue growth for our brands. We need an enthusiastic strategic and creative thinker who has a strong understanding of how to translate the long term business objectives of advertisers into solutions.

Your duties will include:

  • ”Big” Idea generation and media program development – you will work with advertising sales, editorial, ad operations and customer acquisition marketing teams to create compelling solutions-based marketing programs involving eNewsletters, web, mobile, social media and native in response to RFPs, multi-sponsor marketing programs and proactive media pitches.
  • Lead tactical “kick-off” meetings, brainstorming and investigatory/ idea meetings to foster collaboration among sales team and other departments.
  • Developing and writing compelling, strategic proposals and category pitches that effectively communicate program concepts, benefits and requirements to advertising partners
  • Responsible for the development of digital marketing collateral, media kits, sales materials and implementation of general projects, campaigns/promotions, proofing and more.
  • Partner with visual designer in maintaining the voice and creative look and feel, across all sales marketing materials, presentations and proposals
  • Produce and manage timelines for execution and success of custom digital programs and events
  • Managing on-site logistics and activations at events
  • Responsible for client and category case studies and program recaps
  • Ensuring marketing program results are tracked and shared with reps and internal groups
  • Keep abreast of current trends in pop culture, technology and digital innovation to constantly optimize digital and social marketing programs
  • Evaluating competition and ensuring advertising marketing materials effectively communicates our position versus the competition
  • Assist in evaluating advertising marketing partnership opportunities
  • Understanding revenue/cost implications of advertising marketing plans and proposals that make strong financial sense
  • Work with VP of Sales to train sales team on marketing materials and programs available to/for selling.

 

DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

  • Four years of direct experience working in marketing/sales development for a digital media publisher
  • Enthusiastic, energetic, focused individual
  • Highly detail oriented and able to thrive in deadline-driven environment
  • Exceptional proposal writing, presentation and interpersonal skills
  • Team player with strong balance of strategic and creative ability
  • Solid understanding of digital advertising, integrated marketing, including digital, social, and mobile media platforms
  • General proficiency in Microsoft Office, Salesforce (preferred), Adobe Creative Suite (preferred)
  • Thorough understanding of all digital media channels, tools, etiquette, best-practices, and metrics
  • Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
  • Flexibility and willingness to support the changing needs of the department
  • Thirst for knowledge and desire to learn
  • Innovative and collaborative thinking a must
  • Strong familiarity with all social media outlets and opportunities.
  • Network of outside event, design and creative talent to draw upon if necessary is helpful

Why Work at Red Tricycle? Here are 12 Awesome Reasons. 

Send resume and cover letter to jobs@tinybeans.go-vip.net

James Bond (or any other super agent spy for that matter) has some new competition. Meet Maddie who has the wits of even the most seasoned spy and cute looks that could kill. And, most impressive is that her cunning character is packaged into a pint-sized little baby body. Ah, whoever said good things come in little packages sure knew what he or she was talking about.

Despite her tiny size and limited vocabulary, Maddie has the skills to outwit adults of all ages, including her very own dad. Yep, that’s right — her very own dad (in what is a totally fruitless effort) tries to persuade Maddie to reveal her favorite parent. Unfortunately, Maddie’s dad underestimated the cunning intelligence of his little girl because what ensues goes to show that babies (even the ones that can’t really speak yet) sure have the means to outsmart grown-ups.

So if you’re having a bad day, got the rainy day blues, or merely in a winter funk, then you’ve come to the right place for your daily dose of laughter. We guarantee (yep, totally guarantee!) that this cute kids video will bring a smile to your face and might even make you look at your little one differently because Maddie goes to show that even the tiniest of tots have a bit of cunning skill in ’em.

Let us know in the comment section below if you’ve ever been outwitted or outsmarted by your kid.

Date Night: Get Ready to Rip

Surf’s up dudes and dudettes! The Rip Curl Pro Search competition has hit the waves at Ocean Beach. Instead of a night out on the town, head on over to Ocean Beach to see some totally awesome surfers shred some totally gnarly waves. This highly anticipated event has been talked about for months and luckily, 7×7 has a comprehensive guide to the big show. Cowabunga!

On Tuesday, November 1, the Rip Curl Pro Search, set “somewhere in San Francisco,” officially opens. It’s an event that has been anticipated by the local surf community for months and many of the world’s best surfers have been spotted at Ocean Beach in recent days, adjusting to the cold water and unique waves. After all the hype, it’s time for the big show. Let the surfing begin.

The contest window runs from November 1 through 12, but the competition itself will not be held every day. Each morning, contest officials will evaluate the wave and wind conditions to decide whether or not it looks good enough to compete. Surf contests typically need 3-5 days of rideable surf, and Mother Nature seems to be cooperating for the opening day, with good conditions predicted in the forecast for Tuesday.

To surfers and non-surfers alike, the contest will make for a cool spectacle. Ocean Beach has traditionally been a hidden surf scene, lurking in the shadow of one of the country’s best cities and it hasn’t hosted a professional surf contest in almost two decades. The cold water and unpredictable conditions—it can be 5 feet one day, and then 20 feet the next day—make for an interesting challenge, even for the world’s best.

Beyond the uniqueness of a San Francisco surf contest, there is potential for history to be made in the next two weeks. Kelly Slater, the world’s most famous surfer and 10-time world champion, only has to place 9th or better at Ocean Beach in order to once again be crowed champion. He has been dominant throughout competition this year, so a historic 11th world title seems like a distinct possibility.

To read the full article that includes more information on the show and insider tips on how to best enjoy it, click here.

by Mark Lukach

 

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at 7×7, a site that keeps you up on the best of SF. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a fantastic Date Night idea each week. Be sure to check out their blog for hourly doses of the best of SF.

 

Tips on How to Promote Your Awesomeness!

Are you a finalist in the Totally Awesome Awards? Or perhaps a write-in candidate who aims to overthrow the nominees in your category? Here are some tips for generating votes so you have the very best possible chance of winning. Even if you don’t win, these social media tactics are a great way to keep in touch with customers and generate awareness for your business.

1. Share the good news with your friends and fans on Facebook and Twitter. Don’t forget to send reminders!

  • For Facebook,  1 to 2 posts per week is optimum
  • For Twitter, tweet once a day

Hint: In our experience, Facebook shout outs are much more effective than Twitter.

2. Do you have a mailing list? Make sure you send an email with a link to the voting page your entire mailing list. Here’s a sample letter you can use to announce your awesomeness: https://tinybeans.com/sample-email-to-announce-totally-awesome-awards-nomination/

3. Don’t underestimate the power of friends and family! Share the good news with them.

4. If you haven’t already get your Totally Awesome Awards Finalist shiny badge here http://www.tinybeans.go-vip.net/get-your-totally-awesome-badge-here

5. Don’t get discouraged by the competition!

  • Size doesn’t matter, if you think you are Totally Awesome just join the fun and you will be surprised by the results.

Most of all, have fun!