Columbus Marketing

 by Marie Silver Keister, APR, AICP

From the #teamME CEO: Our International Women’s Day Checklist

Happy International Women’s Day! Crank up your favorite power anthem and do a happy dance for the women who have come before you. Then, join me in celebrating the women who push boundaries, make their marks and shatter the glass ceiling.

This year’s theme, #BeBoldForChange, calls for all to work toward a more gender-inclusive world. However, unless we know tangible ways to make progress, this theme is merely a mantra. So, make it your goal this week to check off a few of the following boxes and inch our world closer to gender equality.

  • Pay it forward. So many great women mentored me. Take a half hour and mentor the young women who will follow you.
  • Ask for a pay raise. Some studies show women don’t make as much as men because they aren’t as assertive in asking for more money.
  • Take risks. Don’t wait for others to give you permission to do what you know is right for you.
  • Raise your voice. Women won the right to vote because they kept demanding it. Live up to their example and be a force for positive change.
  • Pitch a big tent. Instead of focusing on being left outside the tent, bring everyone in with you: women, men, young, old, rich, poor, a rainbow of nationalities. Pursue equality by being equitable.
  • Create your own path. Are you frustrated by the glass ceiling? Smash it and create your own business.
  • Prepare for Takeoff: Launch or fund a women-focused scholarship — especially in STEM education and careers. Here’s one of my favorites: wtsinternational.org/assets/59/22/2016_Molitoris_Application.pdf
  • Inspire others: Share one of the International Women’s Day videos on social media.

Do your part. Pull your weight. Get it done.

 

And keep this quote top of mind:

“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”

— Unknown

 

Deemed the “fearless leader” of #teamME, Marie has a way of translating technical jargon into language we can all understand. Also, she rocked colored pantsuits far before they were trendy. Click here to read more from Marie and her business approach and #teamME philosophy.

in Advertising / Columbus Marketing / Featured / Marketing / Marketing in Columbus / Marketing Team / Now Trending / Public Relations / teamME 0 comments
 by murphyepson

Random Acts of Kindness Aren’t Just for Your BFF Anymore

The holidays are over, motivation from New Year’s Resolutions has expired and all of our anticipation is focused on a beach vacation; which is all the more reason to slow down and take some time to make those around you feel special.

Enter: Random Acts of Kindness Week.

We challenged #teamME to do something nice for someone in their lives; whether it’s in the office, at home, at the gym, in line at the coffee shop, you name it. Some bought flowers for the office to enjoy, and others brought enough snacks to keep us well-fed for weeks. Marie, our fearless leader and CEO, was the proud recipient of a sleep mask for the beauty rest she deserves, Jeanna, account manager here at #teamME, received flower seeds to get her green thumb moving and our trendy social media strategist, Angela, was gifted a tiny, crocheted cactus so she finally has a plant she loves so much, without the worry of killing it. (Hey, we all can’t be great at everything.)

“RAKs” are so beneficial in building, not just personal relationships (who doesn’t want to be on the receiving end of kindness?), but also business/consumer relations; so much so that companies have increasingly adopted RAKs into their marketing strategies and public relations efforts. A few of my favorites include:

  • Panera Bread’s program, “Panera Cares,” a pay-what-you-can café at certain locations
  • AirB&B giving 100,000 costumers $10 to do a “unique act of kindness” for their #OneLessStranger campaign
  • Marks & Spencer making it snow on Christmas in Southern England where they rarely see snow
  • McDonalds starting its “Pay with Lovin” campaign which allowed random costumers across America to pay in acts of kindness, like a call to Mom

Random Acts of Kindness campaigns famously generate a lot of attention and profit for brands. Millennials are especially more concerned with what a brand stands for. Brands like TOMS, Love Your Melon and Warby Parker — all are booming in business due to their charitable efforts. Just like we want to keep the friend around who actively makes us feel appreciated, audiences want to keep the brand around that either makes them feel appreciated or makes them feel like they’re doing something good.

This might not work with every brand, business or campaign goal, but trying to incorporate more kindness is the type of marketing the world needs more of.

 

Cam Householder is a Sophomore at The Ohio State University majoring in Strategic Communications and Pre-Business. Cam has interned for #teamME for a year and never ceases to be a light in the office. (And she has some of the most beautiful calligraphy skills this side of the Mississippi.)

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 by murphyepson

Meet Our Cbus Loving, Craft Coffee Brewing Account Manager, Mindy!

Welcome to #teamME! Tell us a little about yourself.

I’ve spent most of my life in Columbus, but also some time living in Cincinnati and the Dallas/Fort Worth area. There’s just no other city I love more, and in fact, I’m kind of an extra passionate nerd for this place!

I started my marketing and PR career at a civil engineering and architecture firm then went on to work in a similar role at the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. After that, I ventured into the world of travel and tourism, working for Experience Columbus, which is the convention and visitor’s bureau for greater Columbus.

I’m lucky to be married to my wonderful husband Ryan for nearly four years and I’m a proud fur mama to two spoiled house cats – Lexi and Chase.

 

OK, now it’s time for some rapid fire.

If you could have a cup of coffee with anyone, who would it be? Luke Fickell (I think he’s dreamy)

What’s your spirit animal? My own cat, Lexi

What was your first email address? (Don’t be shy.) mindae04@aol.com (my high school nickname was mindaaaaay and yes, I’m old enough to have been an avid aol user)

What was your first job? Dishing out soft serve ice cream at the Dairy Cream in New Albany

What’s the next country you want to travel to? It’s cliché, but France is high up on my list

If you were a Crayola crayon, what would your name be? Strawberry Red

Where did you go to college? It’s complicated! I spent four years at Miami University (Go Redhawks!), finished my undergrad at THE Ohio State University and then recently received an MBA from Ohio Dominican University.

 

Phew. What a doozy. Catch your breath and tell us what you do at MurphyEpson.
I work with a lot of our public-sector clients, coordinating outreach and engagement. I’m also part of the business development and sales team.

 

What do you do outside of work?
My more recent obsession is CrossFit. I absolutely love not just the fitness, but the fantastic community of people! Sipping craft coffee and local beer is high up on the list too. And, I’m a huge fan of binging on some Netflix. My go-to is rewatching episodes of Parks and Rec.

 

MurphyEpson has cultivated quite the culture of philanthropy. What’s your favorite way to give back to the community? Volunteering time and talent with the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. They work tirelessly every day to feed our hungry neighbors and deserve an extra set of hands that can help deliver on that mission.

 

You’ve got one day in Columbus. What do you do?
I’d start the day with a craft coffee concoction from Mission Coffee. Then, I’d go to COSI for a show in the planetarium or see what’s playing on the 3D IMAX screen. Afterward, I’d hop on a Columbus Historical Society bus tour of the city or take in a Landmarks Foundation walking arts and history tour. In the evening, I’d either have dinner at Strongwater followed by drinks at Land Grant Brewing, or mosey over to German Village for Dinner at Harvest Pizza and drinks at Curio next door.

 

What’s one piece of advice you would give to an agency newcomer?
I’m one myself as I’ve spent most of my career on the client side of marketing, so share your advice with me @mindyjustis on Twitter!

 

Give us a note you’d like to end on. Don’t wish for it. Work for it.

 

Awesome! To learn more about Mindy, connect with her on LinkedIn!

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 by Erin Hanna

To Rebrand or to Refresh?

That is the question. Now, let’s talk about the difference between the two.

A refreshed brand should remain a visual connection to the original brand, but dive deeper into the audience, voice, and products. The reason behind a refresh shouldn’t be to keep up with current design trends. It’s more than updating colors and shapes within a logo. It should elevate the brand, while holding true to that brand’s core identity and character. A refresh is appropriate when you want to retain the brand’s values, but open up opportunities to other aspects of business or outreach.

  • Google is great example of a brand refresh. In 2015, Google revamped their brand, giving it a modern look that spoke to its evolving audience. The 1999 serif font was old looking, disproportionate and something that no longer represented such a cutting edge and exciting brand. The Google logo has always been clean, friendly, and approachable. They wanted to retain those characteristics, by keeping the tilt in their “e” and multi-colored quirkiness. However, they needed to bring the mark into the 20th century. The new round, sans serif letterforms show movement and evolution, something that’s at the core of Google’s brand.

 

A rebrand is a more drastic change. It’s a halt in the current brand, a complete redesign of what the brand stands for and how it is represented. You will lose any brand equity and loyalty that you currently have, with the hopes of creating a better, stronger brand. A surprising factor to some, is that you can keep the logo, and still redefine the entire brand with messaging, imagery, and delivery. I will add that it requires a bigger budget and a longer timeline. It is the right decision though when your brand is no longer able to survive as it is.

  • Apple is an example of a successful rebrand that didn’t drastically modify its logo. In the early 1990’s Apple was suffering from low sales, low customer interest, and tons of competition. It didn’t stand out in the market place, because the brand itself didn’t stand for anything unique. When Steve Jobs took back over the company in 1997, he focused on a minimalistic and modern approach, and a series of marketing campaigns that focused on user experience instead of products or purchases. At the time, technology was typically a man’s interest and fashion was women’s. But he combined the two by creating beautiful and imaginative products, packaging, and advertising. Apple was able to create a diverse customer base and show the world that it was not just a computer company, but a product innovator.

 

 

So now you might be thinking, I need a rebrand or refresh too. You don’t have to be Google or Apple to make a large impact on your audience. Think broader about your brand and how it affects your public appearance, outreach, or profitability.

Here at MurphyEpson, helping clients think through this process and identify the best route to elevate their brand is our expertise. Contact us to start the conversation and bring your brand into the new year.

in Advertising / Columbus Marketing / Design / Featured / Now Trending 0 comments
 by murphyepson

The Interns of #teamME!

MEET CAM HOUSEHOLDER

Welcome to #teamME! Tell us a little about yourself.

I am from Lewis Center, Ohio and currently attend The Ohio State University as a strategic communications major with a minor in legal foundations. I love to read and write as well as run, swim, and go on road trips with my housemates. My biggest loves are my two adorable puppies, Gunner and Oliver, my family, coffee and the Madewell blog.

 

OK, now it’s time for some rapid fire.

If you could have a cup of coffee with anyone, who would it be? Urban Meyer or Eleanor Roosevelt

What’s your spirit animal? A bird – when I was in elementary school my dream job was to be an ornithologist (bird scientist) at Cornell. Oh, how things change, but I still love how happy & resilient those little guys are.

What was your first email address? (Don’t be shy.) camohouse@hotmail.com because my dad used to call me Camouflage. It could’ve been a lot worse.

What was your first job? I was a lifeguard (AKA glorified janitor) and swim instructor at North Orange Pool.

What’s the next country you want to travel to? Italy to study abroad! * fingers crossed *

If you were a Crayola crayon, what would your name be? My all time favorite Crayola color is called Macaroni and Cheese and its this super happy yellow and the name says it all. They say you are what you eat, right?

Where did you go to college? THE Ohio State University (GO BUCKS)

 

Phew. What a doozy. Catch your breath and tell us what you do at MurphyEpson.

I help manage social media accounts for some of our clients and after that whatever anyone at the agency needs help with!

 

What do you do outside of work?

Outside of work most of my time is spent studying, working on the executive board of my sorority, running, swimming, playing flag football (poorly) and hanging out at any of the coffee houses in the Short North with my housemates and a pile of homework.

 

You’ve got one day in Columbus. What do you do?

Wow…only one day? Wake up early and run the Olentangy trail, then go to Misson Coffee House with a good book. Once I’ve OD’d on Carmel lattes, go to Tiger Tree for my shopping fix and hit Brassica for lunch. Of course I would have to squeeze in The Columbus Park of Roses and then dinner with my housemates at The Pearl.

 

What’s one piece of advice you would give to an agency newcomer?

Smile and don’t be afraid to be yourself (cliché I know). Everyone is here because they have something valuable to say.

 

Give us a note you’d like to end on.

Follow SADD on Twitter & Facebook and Go Bucks!

 

 

MEET COLIN CAVANAUGH

Welcome to #teamME! Tell us a little about yourself.

Hello! My name is Colin, and for the past few months I’ve been working as an intern for MurphyEpson. I am from Dublin, Ohio and I’ve been playing instruments such as the guitar, drums, and piano for half of my life, and I also enjoy writing stories and poetry. I have also been employed at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers for over three years, and I may or may not know how to make the sauce… but I digress.

 

OK, now it’s time for some rapid fire.

If you could have a cup of coffee with anyone, who would it be? I’d have to say Dave Grohl. I’m sure it’d be an awesome conversation, as I have plenty of questions for him. The man also drinks coffee like it’s water, so I’m confident we’d have more than one cup.

What’s your spirit animal? A dog. Dogs are the greatest blessing we as humans have and we should strive to pet each and every one.

What was your first job? I was a cashier at Cici’s Pizza.

What’s the next country you want to travel to? I’ve always wanted to travel Europe, and if I had to pick one country it’d be Ireland

If you were a Crayola crayon, what would your name be? Cerulean Blue; it’s the color of a clear blue sky on a nice day!

Where did you go to college? I did my first year at Ohio University, and I am currently enrolled at Columbus State with the intention of transferring to The Ohio State University next fall to pursue an English degree.

 

Phew. What a doozy. Catch your breath and tell us what you do at MurphyEpson.

I mostly do research for social media and blog posts and I have gotten my go at writing a few myself. I’ve done a range of work from designing graphics to coming up with slogans for clients. I also do other “intern-related” tasks that have helped me get my feet wet in an office setting.

 

What do you do outside of work?

I mostly write music or spend time with my girlfriend, friends or family. Going to concerts is one of my favorite things to do, and I love spending my time with animals and exploring the different parks and nature around Columbus.

 

You’ve got one day in Columbus. What do you do?

I’d start with a chicken and waffle breakfast at Hangover Easy, then I’d take my pick of Columbus’ many metro parks such as Highbanks, Rocky Fork or Glacier Ridge. After a few hours of exploration, I’d grab lunch from a Chipotle or Bibibop and head to a record store or a guitar shop. I’d then continue to shop at an Urban Outfitters before having dinner from any place that can serve up a good burger. Ideally I’d finish the night with a concert or a Blue Jackets game before going home to watch Netflix with a bowl (or 2) of ice cream.

 

What’s one piece of advice you would give to an agency newcomer?

It seems like a lot at first, and it can be, but one thing that I’ve learned is that a drink of water and a quick stretch can do your mind wonders. I try to write in the style that people like to read and I try to have fun with coming up with slogans. Don’t be afraid to voice your ideas or add your own touch to something!

 

Give us a note you’d like to end on.

“I’ve experienced great things, I’ve experienced great tragedies, I’ve done almost everything I could possibly ever imagine doing, but I just know that there’s more.” –Dave Grohl

 

Sweet! If you’d like to learn more about #teamME, catch up with our Swiss army knife of marketing, Angela DelBrocco!

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