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On Wednesday, June 11th I had the unique opportunity to witness Andy speak at the all Portage County Chamber Luncheon. Speaking to all five chambers was a personal record for Andy, and I was more than impressed with his style, delivery and business motivation. He has re-created his position as “Chief Growth Strategist” targeting the business owner who is looking to Get There.
For more information on Andy, please visit his website.
>Ah, the power of advertising. Did it work? How do you measure it? Will it create buzz? These are all great questions. For those non-believers in advertising, check out this story about the Derrie-Air hoax played by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Basically, Philly ran an ad for Derrie-Air, a new airline that charges passengers by the pound of YOU and your luggage, combined. Their tagline, “Pack Less. Weigh Less. Pay Less.” drove Philly readers straight to Derrie-Air’s website.
Of course this wasn’t real! The owners of The Philadelphia Inquirer did a great job in proving that advertising does work! This one-day campaign created so much buzz throughout the traditional media as well as the blogs. Stay tuned for a final count of how many visitors went to the the Derrie-Air website…
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Please update your new address as we make the journey down Aurora Road to our new home.
1869 E. Aurora Rd, STE 400
9:15am – The moving truck is here!
Bruce – working, moving – quite the multi-tasker.
Michelle’s new office!
Bruce’s office… almost.
Me, enjoying lunch on my desk.
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It has begun, the new adventure into non-plastic water bottles – and they aren’t being shy about bragging. SIGG USA has developed an eco-friendly, reusable water bottles, ideal for those concerned with their health and their environment. This water bottle is much friendlier on the environment and our surroundings than the other alternatives on the mainstream market.
(Unfortunately, SIGG USA Online has received such high demands for their product they have decided to hault production until after the season is over to then reevaluate products and production time. You can still find their products at various locations throughout the US.)
You can find more information on SIGG USA and its products at www.mysigg.com.
>Granted, I don’t watch that much TV so I don’t see that many commercials. (Also, having TiVo helps eliminate any I would see.) Growing up in this new wave of technological advancements and new advertising, one can’t help but notice the drastic differences in advertising from 20 years ago.
Here is an example of advertising from 1988. It is safe to say advertising has changed *some* since then.
-Katy
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Everyone makes mistakes. Usually they are innocent, most of the time they are fixable – but what if they aren’t? Agencies take the time to ensure everything is grammar-proof and correct before going to print. This step is performed numerous times over to protect our client’s message and name.
Proper spelling and usage of words has always been a big part of my writing. It is very easy to misuse a word, so here are the proper ways for common word mix ups. (Some definitions are courtesy of dictionary.com)
TWO, TO, TOO
Two – the number (ex. There are two men and five children.)
To – expressing motion or direction toward a point (ex. For vacation this year, we are going to Alaska.)
Too – in addition; also; furthermore; moreover; in excess (ex. Way too many people are here!)
THEIR, THEY’RE, THERE
Their – a form of the possessive case of they used as an attributive adjective, before a noun (ex. Their new home was gorgeous.)
They’re – contraction of “they” and “are” (ex. They’re going to have a meeting right after lunch.)
There – in or at that place; or into or to that place; thither (Jim and Donna are leaving there in a few minutes.)
ARE, OUR
Are – to occupy a place or position (ex. We are in Las Vegas!)
Our – a form of the possessive case of we used as an attributive adjective (ex. Our brother, David, is having a dinner party at his house on Saturday evening.)
YOUR, YOU’RE
Your – a form of the possessive case of you used as an attributive adjective (ex. Your car smells brand new!)
You’re – contraction of “you” and “are” (ex. You’re never going to believe who I ran into last night.)
ITS, IT’S
Its – the possessive form of it, used as an attributive adjective (ex: Its beauty resembled perfection.)
It’s – contraction of “it” and “is” (ex. It’s any wonder how those two are still friends after what she did.)
In Marketing, the proper use of these words is standard. Any mix-up could cost you a job, or worse yet, an account. Again this begs the question, are you saying what you want to say?
-Katy
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Like many women, I went to see Sex and the City this weekend. Admittingly, I am a huge fan of the show but was sad to hear one of the characters mention in an interview that someone in the show dies in the movie. This was not something I was looking forward to!
Details of the movie aside, the show ended and… no one died. Why would someone (let alone of the actresses on the show) start this horrible rumor? Then I laughed to myself, the plot of the movie was kept so hush-hush that they could start this rumor and people would run out on opening weekend to see just who died. The movie’s director, Michael Patrick King, denied these rumors saying, “It’s a summer movie,” he said. “Why would I want to kill anyone?”
Fans still wanted to know. Not only did it finish in the number one spot this weekend but an astounding $55.7 million dollars, almost half of that (a cool $26 million) on Friday alone.
So, what happened? I won’t tell you what happened but I will tell you no one dies. I believe this “rumored-death-marketing-stunt” had some influence in people coming out to see the movie – I know I was one of them.
-Katy
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A topic that forever shook up and changed the lives of our participants…
Special Seminar Announcement:
Discover and Launch the
Career You’ll Love to Do
June 21, 28 and July 12
Saturdays 10:00am – 1:00pm
Corporate College East
Click to register:
or call us: 216-397-9900
If you’re ready to find a career path you’ll love… Fast Focus Careers could be just what you need. There are 14 million job markets, which one is right for you?
Amazing Summer Savings!
Do any of these situations sound like yours?
– Want help to get into a career you’ll love
– Stuck in a career and want to switch to one that’s right for you
– Want to choose your own business idea
If you’re looking for great ideas, momentum, energy and wonderful support to launch the right career – our unique sessions will help! Our sessions are based on brainstorming and dynamic exploration activities, an effective approach that works – I guarantee it! – Sunny Lurie, Creator, Fast Focus Careers
~ Michelle
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I felt it was great when I asked them questions and they were very prepared and looked me in the eyes with conviction. I did ask if they had any questions to see how curious they were about what I do and my company. This is a good skill as in today’s world the interview process is two way. As I have stated in the past you need to give back to your community to build for the future. Who knows what circles even young adults run in and who might be your future client or employee.
Tips (for parents & teachers to pass on to the students) based on observations today:
1. Do not chew gum during the interview
2. Do not fidget around in your chair
3. Please dress for the interview
4. Have your paperwork neat and ready to present
5. Always thank the person in the interview
6. Be open and let the interviewer know as much as possible about you
7. Be interested in the whole process
I would highly recommend getting involved in career day or mock interview sessions for the students, for the community and yourself.
The future is in good hands if we give of our experience and advice and let the next generation lead the way.
Bruce
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Intrigued by a conversation with a friend of mine in a graduate program at a local university this evening got me thinking about blogging. During her summer classes, students are paired off each week with a different partner – this week she was paired up with a very unique woman who has a thing or two to learn about blogging and privacy.
This blogger lives in a neighboring community and teaches at a local university. If you Google her name you will find her blog, which is dedicated to a VERY controversial group where she is a very prominent leader. Looking at this situation from the outside, if any of her students (or the university) found out this information she would almost immediately be asked to leave.
I caution everyone to please exercise extreme measures in not only blogging, but Internet usage as well. At the very least, avoid using your entire name or specific geographic location. If you are exercising your right to fair speech, but are in a position where your outside hobbies or interests could jeopardize your position, please take advantage of the privacy options available.
-Katy