January 2012
3 posts
1 tag
5 Social Media Tips from Ford
90% of social media is showing up…it’s the other half that’s hard. Or so says Ford.
I (Liesel) recently attended Social Media Breakfast’s monthly meeting where Scott Monty, the social media power behind Ford, spoke at a standing room and wait list only event. Aside from the fascinating case studies and company overview that have become so standard at some of these...
“You can’t buy attention anymore. Having a huge budget doesn’t mean anything in...”
– – Alex Bogusky
3 tags
Jumping into 2012 Head First
The other night, Kara and I (Liesel) attended the Greater Madison Convention & Visitor’s Bureau’s 2012 Tourism Exchange where we looked ahead into what’s in store and best practices for 2012. We enjoyed the presentation and thought we’d share some of our favorite tidbits with you. Here are some things that we took away:
Consumers’ patience is low. This means...
November 2011
1 post
2 tags
The Future of Social Media
Our Social Media and Marketing Strategist, Liesel Olson, often writes about social media and marketing on her blog. We liked this one and thought you would, too, so we’re sharing it! Enjoy!
A few weeks ago, I wrote about attending the PR+SM Summit in Milwaukee. I’ve thought a lot about what I learned there, and one presentation sticks out to me: The Future of Social Media by Augie Ray...
October 2011
2 posts
Social Media Measurement & ROI
This week Kara and I (Liesel) attended the PRSM Summit in Milwaukee - and loved it. Being among our peers reviewing successful case studies and learning best practices for social media and marketing campaigns was incredible. One of the sessions we attended was called “Social Media Measurement and What ROI Really Means,” presented by Sara Meaney (@sarameaney). Great presentation -...
WatchIn a rare interview, GE’s SVP and Chief Marketing Officer Beth Comstock talks to Behance’s Scott Belsky about what it takes to keep great ideas alive in a big company. Offering essential insights for creative leaders, the conversation touches on the power of passion and storytelling in getting ideas off the ground, why we should make heroes out of failures, and the challenges of...
September 2011
1 post
We Are All Learning to Communicate Again
Yesterday, Ian McNamara, Creative Company’s Media Developer and I made the trek to Monona Terrace for the University of Wisconsin’s E-Business Consortium’s Business Best Practices & Emerging Technologies conference. Yes, we know it’s a mouthful.
The event was sold out and rightfully so. We were going to give you are 12 best of but you get 4 bonus ones just because we...
August 2011
1 post
2 tags
The Twitter Town Hall
Our very own Liesel Olson attended the first ever Twitter Town Hall at the White House on July 6th, 2011. As you can imagine, it was quite an experience. Here, in her own words, is some of what she experienced*.
It all started with a tweet. Having followed the White House on Twitter for a while, I jumped when I saw their tweet inviting people to sign up for the first ever White House...
May 2011
1 post
7 tags
Think Social Can't Drive Revenue? Think Again!
On Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011, I spoke at 9am and 1pm at the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business Expo. Although we speak on the topic of social media frequently, I was still in awe at the level of interest. It was standing room only at the 9 o’clock session. One gentleman was so hungry for the information, he sat on the floor. We had several live tweeters at...
March 2011
4 posts
3 tags
The Art and Science of Enchanting Others
Recently, an attorney friend of mine shared a story about a new attorney that came into their firm. She had her slick brief case and smart clothes. She wasn’t just an attorney, she was an ATTORNEY. She waited to return phone calls and she did things on her own clock. It wasn’t too long before someone at the firm invited her into their office and said firmly but gently, “If...
Social Media for Non-Profits
Funding Your Vision on Prezi
“You can’t buy attention anymore. Having a huge budget doesn’t mean anything in...”
– Alex Bogulski
Staying Ahead of Consumer Trends
On Tuesday, March 29th, we will be hosting a ‘Leader to Leader’ seminar to discuss the latest trends in retail innovation and marketing. Business leaders across South Central Wisconsin are encouraged to attend to learn about and discuss trends affecting the industry, such as:
the rise of video in marketing
how to monetize social media
how mobile is changing the retail ...
February 2011
1 post
4 tags
Super Ads - Super Meh
I couldn’t let the biggest advertising day of the year go by and not talk about it on a marketing blog. As much as I like football, I’m really in it for the ads.
Over the years, spending isn’t the only thing that’s increased with Super Bowl ads - consumer interaction has too. With the increasing use of new media tools, we have come to a whole new level and it’s...
January 2011
2 posts
Feel the Power
This weekend, the men will be separated from the boys…so to speak. A team of advertising professionals from the Madison area has been formed for judging this year’s ADDY Awards - including two Creative Company people! (Don’t worry, we didn’t submit any - we’re not trying to pull any funny stuff).
All that creativity in one place is sure to exhaust even the hardiest...
November 2010
3 posts
3 tags
October 2010
3 posts
6 tags
Social Media in Politics →
Social media. Everyone’s talking about it. The thing is, it changes so fast that no one is an expert. It’s virtually impossible! Even so, there is a lot of information floating around out there just waiting for those who search for it. Whether you are a searcher or not, it is clear that social media is not going away - in fact, it is just beginning to blossom.
I have had a...
The Truth about Catfish
What do you think about catfish? I happen to be a fan and I just found another reason.
Apparently, to keep cod alive as they make the transatlantic trip from one coast to another, the people who are in charge of these kinds of things put catfish in with the cod to keep the cod active. Otherwise, the cod gets lazy. The catfish nip at their tales, keep them active, cause them to keep moving and...
How smart is Madison?
I love Madison. I sometimes think the whole world is like this amazing place but then I go out into the world and realize how fortunate I am to live here.
Last night, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual dinner at the Monona Terrace. I heard Vice President Joe Biden was in the building sometime that day but I didn’t get to see him. Too bad because that would have...
September 2010
5 posts
“Nobody has to listen. [Marketers] can keep on prattling to the audience exactly...”
– Bob Garfield, Ad Age Columnist
Clothing Drive for The River
As winter is drawing near, The River Food Pantry has a real need for clothing donations. They need men’s coats, interview clothing for men and women, warm blankets and children’s clothes. Please consider donating some of your unused items from your family and friends at The Creative Company between now and September 20th.
If your business is able to do a drive, we can also help...
August 2010
6 posts
#140 Twitter Conference
Liesel and I just got back from the #140 Tweet Conference with Entrepreneur Jeff Pulver. Jeff and his team are driving all around the Midwest to bring people of all different walks of life together – by tweeting!
Here’s a recap of what we learned:
Every tweet matters
Social media is a technological time capsule
Inspiration & Integrity spur ROI
Ham radios were the first form of social...
Join The Conversation
On Wednesday, Liesel and I attended an early morning seminar. We learned about how companies can brand themselves and thrive in a ‘conversation’ economy.
A conversation economy stands for all the conversations your customers or clients are having and can have about your brand. If no one is talking about your brand then you DON’T exist - you want people talking.
No matter which...
Are you an explorer or magician?
The archetype. If you’ve ever taken a psychology class, you have probably learned about archetypes and realized that you knew about them all along. Despite the intimidating name, this is what an archetype is:
An archetype (pronounced /ˈɑrkɪtaɪp/) is an original model of a person, ideal example, or a prototype upon which others are copied, patterned, or emulated; a symbol universally...
Code as a Recipe for Design
A lengthy musing about the past:
I was first introduced to the Internet back in 1994. My fourth grade teacher ushered us into the school’s library where we all gathered in the conventional semi-circle around a glowing monitor and extra-clickity keyboard. While I don’t remember any of the text-based conversation that we had with a class from a different school district, I do remember one piece of...
Visual Hierarchy 101
What is Visual Hierarchy? Whenever I hear a symphony play, I often remark at it’s beauty and complexity. It’s amazing how the sounds of each instrument are coordinated with one another, each takes a turn carrying the melody, and each takes a turn emphasizing the melody.
This is a great metaphor for Visual Hierarchy in design. Much like a symphony, graphical elements on the screen or a...
Writing for Clarity
Like other companies, we talk a lot internally about how to make our message clearer and how to keep the user engaged. One of the most important things we have honed in on is our messaging - making it relevant, concise and clear.
And now, because we like you so much, we are going to share 10 tips that we have compiled from reading articles, holding internal discussions and trial-and-error....
July 2010
1 post
Are You An Expert In Your Industry?
What’s the quickest and most efficient way to become an expert in your field?
Yesterday Liesel and I (Kara) took an all day social media, SEO and Public Relations conference through Vocus. It was intense, insightful and most of all very interesting. We always knew that these components linked together because we do it everyday; but it was nice to hear how we can make those bonds even...
June 2010
6 posts
What are Brand Fans are Worth?
We loved reading this article! Hopefully, you will find it as fascinating as we did!
Can a single number capture the value of social followers?
Many social media marketers are eager to tie a hard number to the value of their efforts. To that end, firms have attempted to analyze the worth of fans and followers on social networking sites like Facebook.
Digital consulting firm Syncapse and...
Let Your Website Sing!
8 Tips for a Successful Website
Usability is all about making things easier to use. Less thinking, less frustration. Users should be considered throughout the website design process. Additionally, the layout and design of your site can affect everything from search engine rankings to visitor conversions - so experience matters.
Here are a few simple tips that you can use to make your website...
GALLAGHER NAMED TO SECOND TERM ON NATIONAL RETAIL ADVERTISING AND MARKETING ASSOCIATION’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Washington, D.C. – The Retail Advertising and Marketing Association, a division of the National Retail Federation, announced recently that Laura Gallagher has been elected to its Board of Directors for a second 3-year term.
Board members represent the needs of the RAMA membership,...
May 2010
1 post
April 2010
3 posts
Congratulations Laura! Named InBusiness Magazine's... →
The Power of Touch & Your Customers
Apparently, I use the word “touch” frequently. I’ve noticed a number of people saying it back to me recently. It actually comes from the more business-like phrase – touch point – the point where you “touch” your customer. The in-store experience, e-mail marketing, news stories, Facebook, Twitter, and special events/seminars/webinars are all “touches.”
Effective touches...
March 2010
13 posts
WatchHelpYourHabitat.org Video Review by Unmatched Style!
HelpYourHabitat.org Featured in "A Showcase of... →
HelpYourHabitat.org Featured in "50 of the Most... →
The Creative Company Featured in Madison... →
“Inspiration isn’t something just for creative people. It’s for...”