Marketing Team

 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.)

in Columbus Marketing / Featured / Marketing Team / teamME 0 comments
 by murphyepson

Dating is Pretty Much the Same as Finding the Right Workplace for You & Here’s Why

As college seniors prepare to turn their tassels and venture out into the wild, wild workplace, we wanted to shed a little light on the job search process, highlighting how dating is pretty much the same thing as finding the right professional environment. Because even though you may not have shined your pumps and polished your tie clip for an in-person interview, you’ve probably gone on a date that ended in either googly eyes or a pint of ice cream consumed on your kitchen floor (Speaking from a friend, of course.)

 

Here’s how you can boost your chance of finding a workplace you’ll love.

 

1. Is What You Hear What You Get?

Let’s face it … things get twisted through the grapevine. Even though your friends may think they’ve found your love match, it doesn’t always mean the chemistry is present. Similarly, it’s easy to get caught up in what you’ve heard about that big, flashy agency in the heart of downtown. It may seem like glitz and glam on Instagram. And your friend may love every second of it. But that doesn’t mean that it’s the best fit for you and what your priorities are.

On the contrary, if a workplace wasn’t the best fit for your mentor or friend, don’t count it out just yet. Ask for an informational interview, grab a cup of coffee and get a firsthand account from someone you aren’t directly connected to.

 

2. Do the Sparks Fly or Fizzle?

Whether it be a restaurant or a workplace, stay in tune with how you feel from the moment you walk in the room. Does the environment energize you? Comfort you? Confuse you? Are you greeted by a smiling face? Or no one at all?

None of these answers are better or worse than another; it just depends on what you’re looking to get out of it. Just as you’ve thought about the non-negotiables in someone you would like to be with, it’s important to think about your must-haves in the place you will spend most your time.

 

3. What Exactly Are Your Intentions Here?

If you don’t see your future aligning with your current crush’s, you probably won’t waste much time pursuing him or her. Along the same lines, if you don’t see room for growth at a prospective workplace, it may not be for you. Although it can be difficult to resist the first company who takes an interest in your skillset, keep in mind that it must always be a mutually beneficial relationship. You are interviewing an employer equally as much as they are interviewing you.

 

Not every workplace you fall in love with will work out flawlessly, but if you follow your heart and never settle for less than the perfect fit, you’ll have a pretty great shot at a match. Now start asking for informational interviews and perfecting your resume. Your glass slipper (or loafer or sneaker) awaits.

in Marketing Team / teamME 0 comments
 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!

in Columbus Marketing / Marketing Team / teamME 0 comments
 by murphyepson

Wednesday Weigh-In: Our Must-See Holiday Movies

There’s nothing like piling on the couch with those we love and turning on a tried-and-true, favorite holiday movie as the snow falls outside. (You can’t deny that just thinking about it probably made you smile!)

So snuggle up, grab a cup of hot cocoa and add these holiday favorites to your queue from the jolly #teamME.

 

When You Need to Chuckle like Santa
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

 

When You Need a Bit of Nostalgia
It’s a Wonderful Life
Home Alone

 

When You’re Exchanging Gifts with Your Gal Pals
The Holiday

 

When You Need a Little Hope
Miracle on 34th Street

 

When You Need Your Heart to Grow Three Sizes
How the Grinch Stole Christmas

 

When the Family Gets Together
Polar Express
Elf

 

From all of us at MurphyEpson, we hope you enjoy the time you have with your families and friends this holiday season.

in Marketing Team / teamME 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!

in Advertising / Columbus Marketing / Featured / Marketing Team / teamME 0 comments