We are delighted to introduce our first guest blogger, Danielle Dalkie, who has a fascinating background as a mobile payments entrepreneur and is currently planning a strategic move to Rome. In this article she talks about her experience in setting up Waspit, a social banking service, and how she plans to use her PR and social media skills in her new life in Italy.
Danielle on the Digital Mission Stand at ad:tech NYC Conference and Expo 2010
Ciao! I am really pleased to be writing for NetworkMilan.com – and I am looking forward to sharing some of my ideas and business experiences with you. I’m also really excited about coming to Italy! I am an Australian who grew up in New Zealand and for the past two years I have been living between London and New York. And now I am moving to Rome!
Waspit lets you plug in all your social media platforms into one place so that you no longer have to manually check-in on Facebook and foursquare or post separate reviews to Yelp, Twitter and your other networks.
Social banking for students
For the more traditional ‘bank-like’ transactions Waspit is accepted in-store and online anywhere MasterCard is accepted; cash can be withdrawn from most ATMs; and students can pay their bills using ACH (Automated Clearing House) or Billpay. The FDIC* insured account also has a traditional routing and account number so students can receive their wages and allowances.
In the social world, students can easily, securely and instantly send and receive money between friends via Facebook, Twitter or mobile phone. Making quick payments in store is as simple as tapping your mobile phone over any MasterCard PayPass terminal. Students can even use the iOS, Android or Facebook apps to split restaurant bills or request money from their parents.
My own background is in public relations and social media, however. I have been involved in developing and implementing customer acquisition strategies in the tech, digital and social sectors. My skills include traditional PR such as managing press releases, publicity, social media, online content, corporate events, conferences and creating brand awareness.
Rome calling (Image: Trevi Fountain by Fod via Wikimedia Commons)
But the big news is… I am relocating to Rome this year and I am currently looking for a suitable position and some cool social media projects to work on (so please get in touch with me if you have something I might be interested in!)
I am also involved in setting up the Rome Business English Network – the first sister group of the Milan Business English Network to be based in another Italian city. (Visit Network Roma for all the latest news about events and networking for people speaking, learning and doing business in English in the eternal city.)
Money in motion: how mobile payments technology is changing the face of retailClick here to find out more about Waspit and social banking.
*Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation: A US federal agency that insures deposits in member banks.
UPDATE (AUGUST 2012): Danielle has recently founded Network Roma, a sister group of the Milan Business English Network. You can become part of Network Roma by joining their group on LinkedIn.
Ati
July 13, 2012 at 11:15 am
Very interesting field, very interesting woman. I wish you good luck in Rome!
Lorna Allen
July 13, 2012 at 11:58 am
Waspit’s a fantastic idea Danielle; I’ll be telling my student son all about it!
You obviously have a wealth of experience so I’m sure you’ll do very well in Rome.
Looking forward to reading your news on NetworkRome too.
Best of luck!
Lorna
Danielle Dalkie
July 15, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Hi Lorna, Thank you!
Always keen to hear feedback from our target market too. Please do keep a look out for Network Roma updates, and if you have any ideas or suggestions they will be much appreciated.
Danielle
Paul Dalkie
July 15, 2012 at 11:28 pm
Go Elle, love Dad