New Tunes

Just added new tunes to the site today via my Reverbnation widget.  A kick-off to spring, after all tomorrow is March!  Enjoy!

Did Kroger Finally Leave the 80's?

This week I've noticed a change in Kroger advertising.  It seems as is they might have finally decided to update their brand approach.  The ever so familiar voice over Kroger used for over 20 years has seemed to have disappeared from the spots running this week - both on radio and TV.  

Looks like their new strategy is more a personal approach and includes customer testimonials sharing their stories of savings and comfort with the store.  The new TV spots even use the ever popular lower case, clean font.

Hip, Modern, Personal.  It was time for a change.  I like it.  Have you noticed?  What do you think?  Would love to hear your opinion. 

Social Media Map

Someone shared this with me.  I thought it was definitely worth sharing with you.  Amazing to see all the social media avenues that are out there.  For more details visit the maker of the map, Overdrive Interactive, here.

Gallery Slide Show

Just added another great feature from Blogger to my site.  I now have a scrolling slide show of my gallery to include some projects I have worked on over the year.  Now when someone visits my site they can immediately review some of my latest projects.

Take a look.   Let me know what you think.

Spreading the Word: Mid-Ohio Foodbank & Columbus Foundation's PowerPhilanthropy Match Day

Today at 2pm, you can donate to Mid-Ohio Foodbank through the Columbus Foundation's PowerPhilanthropy Match Day, and they will match $0.50 to every $1 you give.

For their public match day, donors have put up $100,000 in designated match funds. Minimum gift is $20, but there is no maximum gift amount. All donations will be matched until the funds are exhausted. Twenty basic needs organizations are eligible for match funds, and you can designate your gift directly to Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

This is a great chance to help feed families in need in central and eastern Ohio. So many new families are turning to our pantries, and this is a perfect time to help.

Here's how to do it:

1. Sign-up for an log-in on the Columbus Foundation's PowerPhilanthropy website.http://www.columbusfoundation.org/login.aspx

2. Visit their site right at 2pm on February 26th (today) to make your gift. Columbus Foundation Match Days generate a lot of excitement, and the funds could be used up fast.

You may contact p2@columbusfoundation.org with any questions about how to sign up or use PowerPhilanthropy. 

Help spread the word. This is a really exciting opportunity to help a lot of families struggling to make ends meet.

Lenten Marketing?

Today marks the first day of Lent.  An important season in the Catholic faith.  During the season of Lent Catholics prepare for Easter and one way they do that is to eat more fish.

So is it coincidence that yesterday I received a marketing postcard from BoneFish Grill, or a smart target marketing tactic?  Are they using Lent as a marketing angle?  Wendy's does.  If you've noticed, Wendy's only has fish sandwiches around the Lent/Spring season and they use advertising dollars to make everyone aware they do.

Maybe some market research revealed to BoneFish Grill that I was Catholic, but nonetheless it made me want to eat there.  I have made a mental note to make reservations for the restaurant one of these Fridays within the next 40 days.  

Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, here I come.

Creating Powerful PR for Non-Profit Organizations

Sunday night I saw a very touching human interest story on the 11:00 news.  The story highlighted a local children's non-profit organization.  The piece was very heartwarming, the child was wonderful in front of the microphone and the footage was interesting.  With all that said, there was one major problem. . . .

Other than the quick logo splash (of the national logo not the local logo) and a faster mention of the organization's name, there was not much else to link the organization with the story.  A huge opportunity was lost.

What was lost?  The full impact.  What is the full impact?  Telling the compelling story and then giving it a clear call to action. When a viewer is moved by a story they need information on what to do next.  The story I saw Sunday night lacked what to do next, and that was a HUGE mistake.

 Here are a few things to do when your non-profit is pitching a story to the media.

1. Create a number of calls to action - ask the media to include a phone number, your web address or a specific need (more volunteers, more funds, attend an upcoming event, etc.)
2. Create a media kit and not only include the press release but add a fact sheet with the mission, and pertinent facts about the organization.  Take it one step further and create a "needs" sheet - list all the calls to action your organization needs at that time.  Also include all this information on your organization's web site.  Have a media page that contains key messages, mission, ways to help the organization, organization's contact person in case a spokesperson is needed.
3. Create a "Ways to Help" or "Call to Action" page on your organization's web site and include links to on-line giving, volunteer sign-up pages, upcoming events, or any other items your organization may need.

By just doing the few things listed above your story will have full impact.  The story will be compelling, it will grab viewers attention, and then will give them important information on what to do next.  

Most likely your web site visitor count will increase which could prompt visitors to become new supporters.  However, this won't happen if they aren't given the opportunity.  Don't let your organization miss the opportunity like unfortunately this children's organization did.

Capital Style Hits Newsstands Today

The newest magazine to hit the Columbus area comes from The Dispatch Printing Company and is available today.  Capital Style targets women and is filled with the three "f's" (well, at least it sounds like three "f's")  fashion, features and philanthropy.

The quarterly publication's focus is very local and it's feel is sophisticated and stylish.  It will be delivered free to over 53,000 central Ohio women who fit the target demographic and can be purchased for subscription price of $15.00 per year, or per issue at a cost of $3.99.

I am excited for this magazine for many reasons with the biggest one being it's focus on philanthropy.  It will feature a community calendar and information on over 250 local charities. Another great resource for columbus imPRessions to pitch some wonderful stories and events for our many nonprofit clients.

For more information on Capital Style visit their web site here.

Crisis Communication Quick Guide

Today I promised some tips on crisis communication.  In my past life I created a crisis communication plan that either helped stop a crisis before it happened, or helped keep me organized and on task if we did have to deal with an issue.  

Below is a ten step "quick" process that might help if you find yourself in a communication crisis situation:

1. Involve the Communications Department as soon as crisis situation become evident.
   
2. Gather facts and evaluation situation.
3. Assemble crisis team* (crisis team is a handful a key leaders all with responsibilities when handling crisis situation).
4. Create message, tone, strategy and plan, and assign one spokesperson - direct every inquiry to the designated spokesperson.  No one else should talk to the media.
5. Communicate situation and initial facts to staff, board and supporters.
6. Prepare media briefing - solidify where to hold briefing, draft opening statement, prepare answers to anticipated questions and decide on topics that will NOT be discussed, draft press release.
7. Hold media briefing with spokesperson.
8. Monitor situation.
9. Keep open communication with staff, board and supporters.
10. Update media as needed.

Also important to remember these four tips:

1. Get it right - communicate correct information and never speculate.
2. Get it quick - communicate promptly to your staff, board, supporters and media
3. Get it out - communicate organization's messages at all times.
4. Get it over with - resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

Most importantly, stay calm.  Keep the media updated.  It's better for them to hear the information from you (good or bad) rather than from someone else.

Peanut Butter Mess

The peanut butter scare has spoiled a staple in American comfort food.  Because of the tainted peanut butter at the Peanut Corp. of America in Georgia sales have dropped 23%, a number of schools across the country have stopped offering PB&J sandwiches, and pantries in households everywhere no longer stock creamy or chunky jars on their shelves.

Cause and Effect Can Have a Real Affect

Because of this serious action, makers and sellers of peanut butter from organic brands to commercial brands like Skippy, Jif and Peter Pan have had to become very reactionary.  In order to boost consumer confidence and defuse the situation, all makers had to put a crisis communication plan in place.  

Creating key messaging, maker web sites offer immediate statements reassuring the public that they do not use ingredients from the tainted company and that their product is safe to consume. Today, I even heard a new commercial for Jif where they immediately used messaging to put the viewers mind at rest letting them know their peanut butter is safe.  They had to use advertising dollars that either weren't planned or planned for something else.

All of this reminded me of my days in my past job.  Even though we were in Ohio, if something happened in another part of the country that was in any way comparable to our organization, we would feel the effects and needed to diminish the situation is quickly as possible.  Because of that uncontrollable threat, I created a crisis communication plan to handle any possible scenario - one we created or one that was handed to us because of the actions of someone else.

Crisis communication plans are so important.  I'm sure the peanut butter makers can attest to that.  These plans help keep you organized at a time when everything else around you is not so organized.  

Tomorrow I will post some crisis communication ideas to help you in a possible time of need. Until then, I'm going to make myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich because Jif reassured me that everything is just fine (and delicious) with their product.

Need Plans for Fat Tuesday?

Next week is February 24th is Fat Tuesday.  It's not too late to celebrate.

Join The Epilepsy Foundation of Central Ohio at the 2009 Mardi Gras

They're pulling out the beads, masks and all the stops for a real New Orleans style celebration at COSI!!

The evening's highlights are festive music from Arnett Howard, the Procession and crowning of King Gabe Spiegel, News Anchor on ABC-6/FOX-28, the unveiling of the indulgence dessert bar and silent and live auctions.

Media is welcome to attend.

Buy your tickets here.  Hope to see you there.  We'll be there, with beads on!

Make Today Delicious

To the left is the new tag and brand identity of Kraft foods.  Yesterday Kraft unveiled their new look.  A move that Kraft hopes will help them against their private label competitors by capturing the essence of Kraft Foods.

The red banner is supposed to represent a smile (didn't another brand just do that).  However, this smile explodes into seven flavor bursts.  Each burst represents the different divisions of Kraft.  Looks like another lower case logo - following the footsteps of some other big logo revamps like Wal-mart and Pepsi. 

Looking at Kraft's website you will quickly notice they've incorporated making today delicious into who they are.  Their brand values are apparent in what they do, their approach with consumers, how they behave, their reach, how they grow and who they employ.

This reminds me of another big company - Procter & Gamble.  Like Kraft, P&G live their brand values which you can easily see when you visit their offices in Cincinnati, Ohio and on their brand web sites.  Also like P&G, Kraft has quite a history dating back to the late 1800's.

I like the logo and the direction Kraft is taking.  It's modern, you can relate to it, and it really looks happy. Food for most people, makes you feel happy.  O.K. I have to end this now because I have really worked up an appetite writing this.

Verizon vs. Best Buy

Yesterday I took the plunge - the Blackberry plunge.  I am now the proud owner of a Blackberry Curve.  Before making the purchase, quite a bit of thought was put into the decision. Not whether I should choose the Storm, Pearl or Curve, but rather if I should buy the Blackberry from Verizon or Best Buy.

The final decision was to go with Best Buy.  The deciding factor was customer service.  Over the last few weeks we've spent quite a bit of time at the Verizon store for issues we've had with another cell phone.  While the sales reps at Verizon were friendly, we couldn't help but feel like we were getting the run around as tactics similar to car sales methods were used.   You know the ones . . . . let me go check with my manager . . . . I'll have to go check in the back . . . . we can't do this but we can do that . . .  Those tactics leave you waiting on the salesroom floor alone for quite some time and then leave you questioning whether you received a fair deal or not.  

But not at Best Buy.  They were straight forward, worked to meet prices and made sure I understood how to set-up all my features.  Great customer service, so good we'll be back for future purchases.

So does my experience hurt the Verizon brand?  Of course not.  I'm happy with the Verizon product regardless of where I purchased it.  But, would my experience if happened to someone else hurt the Verizon brand?  It's possible.  If they are so put off, they could turn to another brand. 

My suggestion . . . before throwing in the Verizon towel give Best Buy a try.  If it's anything like my experience, you'll be very pleased.

Lunch with Project Mentor

On Friday, we ended the week at a lunch meeting with Project Mentor. One of our old co-workers and friends, Abby, who now works for Project Mentor, suggested they contact us to "pick our brain" about how they can better market to the community to recruit more volunteers for their program.  We gave them a bunch of ideas and told them we would help by creating a post about the organization, as well as a call to action asking our site visitors to consider becoming a mentor.

During our hour and a half lunch, we learned quite a bit about the good work Project Mentor is doing.  Project Mentor is a school-based mentoring program collaborative effort of Columbus City Schools and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio.  Its mission is to support the Columbus City Schools Project 2012 initiative to raise graduation rates and sustain them in the future.  Project Mentor's seven-year roll out calls for 10,000 volunteer mentors saturating every one of the Columbus City Schools.

This program is one-to-one mentoring based on forming a relationship between the child and the mentor at school during the lunch hour.  Project Mentor focuses on both academic needs and social/emotional development for the child. By helping students, mentors increase the likelihood that they will graduate from high school and will make a real difference in their lives.

Project Mentor is actively looking for volunteer mentors and needs your help.  All you need to do is invest one hour a week of your time.  Why not share you lunch hour with a child.  You'll be feeding more than your belly, you'll also be feeding your soul.

For more information, contact Project Mentor at 614.839.KIDS (5437) or visit their web site for more details.

Time For a Fresh Look

Over the course of the next few weeks, columbus imPRessions will be giving its site a new look. This weekend the header was changed.   Wanted to give it a more professional look, letting the visitors know what columbus imPRessions is while still being creative.

 What do you think?  Hope you like it.

Non-Profits and the BIG Event

Yesterday we with met with a client to discuss new strategic opportunities when the topic of non-profit events came up.  They are preparing for a very labor intensive and involved event and were wondering if this was the way to go in the future.  Quickly our conversation turned from events to a donor focused discussion.  

Because the economy is forcing donors to become more frugal with their giving and the Internet lends tools to make them more savvy, non-profits might have to rethink the BIG event and change their approach.  Donors want to become personally connected to your mission. 

Instead of the BIG event, why not host a handful of small cultivation events.  They are personal, create a connection and are much more cost effective. Donors will see that more of your dollars are going back into the mission and not the lavish fundraising costs associated with the BIG event.

A few cultivation event ideas are:

• A summer BBQ for 6 to 8 couples hosted by one of your board members
  
• A private suite at a concert or sporting event for a handful of potential donors
  
• An intimate luncheon or a dinner with the board chair 

Whatever it is, keep it small and intimate so you can give each guest special attention.  Get your board or long-time volunteers involved, and make sure you include someone who benefits from your mission.  By hosting an event this way, donors will get the full experience of who you are and what you do.  It is more powerful.

Should non-profits give up the walks and galas - absolutely not.  Donors like to attend family events and special dinners.  Maybe those should become more of a celebration of the mission and a reason to create awareness.  Just be careful with the budget and make sure your message is targeted to them with a specific call to action.  

Should non-profits stay away from the BIG event?  If the fundraising expenses are in the hundreds of thousands we say stay away.  Donors wouldn't be happy to find out that the majority of their donation went to foot the catering and venue bill and it might come across like you're being more self-serving than mission focused.

Whatever Happened to Myspace?

(<---- Profile photo)

As a typical 28-year-old consumer, it is fascinating to take a step back and look at the overall social networking trends the past few years.  I personally started with myspace, the gateway drug which led me to facebook, and am now dabbling in twitter.  It's hard to remember the days when people used to "poke" eachother on facebook- back when it was just for college students (okay, so this may have been just after I graduated).  

Myspace seems to have found its niche in the music scene where artists can upload and promote their own music (check out local band Super Desserts!), or express their influences through public playlists, or people like myself have found an easy way to check out the new Lily Allen song before making an impulse buy on itunes. 

As a consumer, I would like to have all of these applications available in one place.  I wonder if facebook will jump on the music bandwagon.  Maybe I'm a lazy sellout, but I hope so.  

Ways to Have a Charitable Valentine's Day

Give a gift that is truly from the heart.  Charities all over are feeling the economic pinch so why not help ease their burden this Valentine's Day. Here are some ways you can share a little piece of your heart with those who will truly love you for it:

1. The holiday of love sparks thousands of wedding proposals.  Getting married?   Why not register through the I Do Foundation.
2. Not engaged?  You can still get engaged in your community.  Columbus' City budget has been slashed.  That means, rec centers and senior centers are closing.  Why not look into ways to help the children and elderly who will be loosing the places they've come to enjoy.
3. Will you be my Volunteer?  Sign up to volunteer for a non-profit organization.  You can find volunteer needs at Volunteer Match or The Epilepsy Foundation of Central Ohio needs volunteers for their Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras event.  Details here.
4. Spring Cleaning is just around the corner.  Why not start a little early and donate old clothes to The Salvation Army or Goodwill.
5. Need to buy flowers or a Valentine's gift for your loved one?  Why not shop on-line through Good Shop where the charity of your choice will receive a percentage donation from the sale.
6. Even though the environment is green, show is a little red and love the environment. Start recycling, pick up trash on the street, conserve water and electricity.
7. Give Blood.  There are plenty of blood drives in Columbus Valentine's week.  Find out where here. 
8. We all love our four legged friends.  The Paws to Party event might be sold out, but you can still adopt an animal at the Winter Adopt-A-Thon at the PetSmart Stores on Polaris Parkway and Sawmill Road.

These are just a few ideas to show support and love for non-profits in our community.  Any other ideas?  Send us a comment, we'd love to hear them.

Great News From Baby The Planet Expo

A few weeks back we were contacted through Twitter by one of our followers, Baby The Planet Expo.  They needed assistance with media awareness for their upcoming Expo in May and were taking RFP's from various PR groups.  They asked if we would consider submitting an RFP for the job and we jumped at the chance! 

This evening we heard from Baby The Planet Expo.  We are excited to announce that columbus imPRessions was chosen as the PR agency for the job!  We are thrilled to be a part of this incredible event and are anxious to start working on the project.

Be on the lookout for info and posts on Baby The Planet Expo.  Click here for details on the event, for exhibitor and sponsorship info.  There is still time to get involved.

Local Charity Changes it's Name

The non-profit organization formerly known as Adventures for Wish Kids has undergone a name change to 'A Kid Again.'   Along with this change, they have launched a new website and we have noticed several billboards  and mentions in the media about their new image.  The President explains that the change was necessary in order to expand their reach, and we think that it has come at a great time, as many non-profits could use some exposure right now.  

Also wanted to mention what a great time this is for a business to partner with the organization, while it is getting so much attention.  We think Kidslinked and A Kid Again would be a great fit for each other.    They are both experiencing a lot of growth right now and have similar audiences.   So many opportunities... a Kidslinked event that benefits A Kid Again? Reciprocal web links?  Mentions on each others newsletters? PR opportunities?

There is more where that came from.  Cause marketing is our specialty.  

Tune in Tomorrow Morning to 92.3 WCOL

ABC-6/FOX-28 News Anchor Gabe Spiegel will be visiting 92.3 WCOL's Woody and the Wake Up Call tomorrow morning.  We set up an interview between Gabe and Woody to discuss The Epilepsy Foundation and their "Fat Tuesday" Mardi Gras event.  Gabe is this year's Mardi Gras King.  Who knows, Gabe might even use his royalty to partake in a goofy radio bit.

Tune in to WCOL 92.3 at 7:45 and again at 8:10 a.m.  Can't get to a radio?  No problem, you can listen live on their site here.

Would You Like Cream With Your Coffee? Ice Cream That Is.

A co-branding deal has been struck between Tim Horton's Coffee and Cold Stone Creamery. The co-branding test in Rhode Island passed, so by this spring 50 stores in each chain will feature items from each establishment.  So now, you'll be able to get coffee in the a.m. and ice cream in the p.m at one location.  Could be a smart move since Tim Horton's is practically empty after lunch and Cold Stone rarely sees a steady stream of customers before evening.

This weekend the first central Ohio co-branded location opened on the South Campus Gateway with a few more locations expected to come later this year.

We can't wait to see the coffee and ice cream concoctions they will be coming up with.  We see unique coffee shakes, like cake batter cappuccino or ice cream mix-ins, like joltin' java and jelly donut in the near future.

Enjoy!

America needs Kathy Griffin

During these hard times, everyone is feeling more days filled with tension and stress. As Presidential Cabinet member of Humor, Kathy would be in charge of creating stress distractions by bringing laughter, and comedy to America each day.

Kathy Griffin
She would bring continual comedy, sarcasm and raw honesty.

Wine Podcast

Yesterday I was doing some social marketing through Facebook and came across a feed from one of our on-line friends that said they would be attending this weeks Wine Crush Program. Loving wine, especially the reds, and having a curious nature I clicked on the link to see what it was all about.

I was pleasantly surprised to find a social networking "event" hosted by The Wine Crush. The Wine Crush is a radio program hosted by wine enthusiasts Laura Lawson and Michael Ambrose. Unfortunately the program does not run on Ohio radio. But never fear, their web site has a listen gallery where they podcast their broadcasts. This "event" was a podcast focused around Valentine's Day and wines that make this holiday extra special. Podcasts with various interesting topics from the last year can also be found in their listen gallery.

I'll be listening to all of these over the next few months and dreaming of the winery I wish I owned - "Wine by the Pine."

Blog Monitor Testing

We have noticed (and we LOVE it) when we mention a brand or company and immediately see them on our sitemeter.   First of all, it feels like a compliment when someone like Google or Playboy is checking out our blog.  (Maybe they are going to offer us a $ job $ in sunny California because we are such wizards?)  Or maybe they are just monitoring any online comments on their brands. (Maybe)  Speaking of wizardry- such monitoring is like being a fly on the wall in a giant focus group.  A brilliant fly.  What do you hate about my product?  What do you like?  This wall is a great place to learn these things!

So, how about another test... lets see who checks us out from Kraft Foods or Dove Soap.  (Lets try one with a link.  

Stay Tuned.

The Culinary Table Blog

We just created a blog site for our client, The Culinary Table.  Check it out here.

Being a busy catering company/floral designer/cooking classroom/wedding occasions venue, this unique business obvious has limited time to create ways to reach out to the public.  That's why they hired us.  Over the last few months we have helped them build various ways to create public awareness.

  

Being a business that is always changing information they needed a place that would keep information fresh and informative.  In the process of creating a website - www.theculinarytable.com, (right now it's only a static and contact page) we suggested creating a blog site.

A blog is a great way for customers to get to know who they are and what they do.  Once they see what they have to offer (from the culinary kids options, wedding festivities venue, cooking classes, floral designs and delicious food), they will want to reserve a seat for one or more of their occasions.  At least that's what we are hoping for.  

Come on Pull Up A Chair!  Check out The Culinary Table Blog.  They've got some great things going on right now:

Valentine's Day Prepared Meal Promotion

Bridal Show

Culinary Kids Birthday Parties

and so much more!!!

Bell's Event at DeepWood...(should be called DeepGood!)

While wasting some time on facebook last week, I heard about an event that sparked my interest. A dude I barely know updated his status saying that he was going to a Bell's Tasting at DeepWood, so I checked the DeepWood website, called and got a reservation (thanks to someone who had cancelled).  I had always wanted to try the new restaurant and I was already a fan of Bell's beer so I was sold when I checked out the incredible menu and beer pairings, I was sold.

The overall experience was amazing, relaxing, educational, and deliciously unforgettable.  Their saleswoman described each type of beer while the chef explained some of the more exotic entrees and we listened, learned, ate, drank, and smiled.  But of course I was curious about the marketing approach.  I think it was the Bell's distributor that I cornered and interrogated ... it turns out the event was put on by the DeepWood owner, who asked Bells to be involved.   Apparently it took a few flyers in the area and the event was sold out.  They will be having a similar tasting every month.  After it was said and done, Bell's had some new loyal fans and a whole new group of yuppies had experienced what DeepWood had to offer.  I am sure I'm not the only one who is still talking about what a great evening it was.  (Did I just call myself a yuppy?)

I also found it interesting that I "heard" about this event on facebook through a random status update. It made it feel more like a discovery since there was virtually no advertising and I wasted no time trying to get in the door.  Everyone seems to be wondering how to use facebook for promotional purposes and I think I found the answer... very subtly.  

Best Sup.... Bowl (Big Game) Commercial

Being a huge SNL fan the best commercial had to be it MacGruber, I mean Pepsuber.

Missed it?  See three different versions here.  The second one is what aired but the third one is ridiculously funny!

Also liked the Doritos crystal ball commercial too.  Funny stuff!

Happy Heart Month

February is American Heart Month.  

Since 1963 Congress has required the president to proclaim February as Heart Month.  The American Heart Association work with the administration to draft and sign the annual proclamation.

In support of Heart Month we will proudly be wearing our red for Go Red for Women on Friday, February 6th.

Heart disease runs in my family so awareness is very important to me.  Cardiovascular disease is our nation's number one killer, and that includes women.

We hope you join us in wearing red in February 6th. Send us your photos wearing red and we just might post a few on our site.