Vitaminwater’s $100,000 No Smartphone For a Year Challenge: Could you do it?

Vitaminwater recently launched a conversation-starting New Year’s challenge – $100,00 to select participants that could go a full year without using their smartphone. The contest rules stated that participants would receive a 1996-style cell phone and could use work laptops, desktop computers and voice-activated devices but smartphones and tablets were prohibited.

We polled members of #teamME to find out if they could do it, for how long and what they could accomplish in a year without all of the scrollin’ and swipin’. Check out what we said.

Marie

  1. Could you do it? Not today, but I could when I retire in 10 years or so.
  2. If so, how long do you think you could go before using your smartphone/tablet?  I couldn’t go more than an hour today, because clients and the ME team need to be able to reach me easily. But when I retire? I could definitely go a year. Or five!
  3. What do you think you could accomplish by ditching your smartphone/tablet for a year? I’d exercise more and generally be more relaxed.

Cindy

  1. Could you do it? No, I use my phone to navigate, order food, find out operating hours, review work emails every day…it’s too convenient to have this mobility in a small format that I can carry in my purse or pocket and that works without me having to constantly reconnect to different hotspots or networks.
  2. If so, how long do you think you could go before using your smartphone/tablet? I couldn’t do it!
  3. What do you think you could accomplish by ditching your smartphone/tablet for a year? I do like to leave my phone at home a lot when out walking or when on vacation. It’s too stressful to jump every time I get a ping which is often unimportant Facebook notices. I also don’t like to have it at the dinner table as it really stifles conversation. We were just talking the other day about how people seem to have lost the art of dialoguing back and forth…can we blame it on the phone or the general lack of manners in our culture? No idea.

Missi

  1. Could you do it? YES, 100K count me in!
  2. If so, how long do you think you could go before using your smartphone/tablet? If I was provided a phone to use, I could go the entire year easily. Considering I can still use my laptop or computer, I would still be able to accomplish my daily tasks on those devices.
  3. What do you think you could accomplish by ditching your smartphone/tablet for a year? My phone tells me how much screen time I use daily and it bothers me how much time I waste. Detoxing from my mobile device would be so refreshing and I would probably watch more Netflix…just kidding. My extra time would be used to be more active for sure and I would focus on myself more. Love the idea of traveling without GPS but then again, I should get familiar with smoke signals or how to use flares if I am lost.

Nick

  1. Could you do it? No.
  2. If so, how long do you think you could go before using your smartphone/tablet? If I did, 1 day.
  3. What do you think you could accomplish by ditching your smartphone/tablet for a year? Take more naps, read more books and eat more ice cream.

Stephanie

  1. Could you do it? I think I could do it.
  2. If so, how long do you think you could go before using your smartphone/tablet? I’ll pull out my crystal ball and say 3 months, maybe 4 – LOL!
  3. What do you think you could accomplish by ditching your smartphone/tablet for a year? I’d just use more paper for directions, notes, reminders, etc.

Angela

  1. Could you do it? Yes. For $100,000? Totally.
  2. If so, how long do you think you could go before using your smartphone/tablet? I’d go the full year. Eyes on the prize…literally. 🤑
  3. What do you think you could accomplish by ditching your smartphone/tablet for a year? Before I share, here’s some background: if you have an iPhone, you’re able to access how much time you spend each day on screen time. I typically spend between 2-3 hours a day (I know. yikes!). Taking that into account, if I had an extra 2-3 hours in my day because I wasn’t scrollin’ I would use that time to: 1) take more art classes like pottery or painting; 2) learn how to make wine; 3) plan out my next adventure … maybe Spain? And, finally…I’d probably spend a ton of time “taking the scenic route” while driving because I can’t function without a GPS. Haha!

Tim

  1.  Could you do it? I would like to say yes but it would depend on how I received the $100,000. If it was a one-time payment at the end of the year, no. If I received weekly payments of $1,923.08, yes.
  2. If so, how long do you think you could go before using your smartphone/tablet? I would shoot for a year but being realistic not very long. I enjoy the accessibility of information that my phone affords me and don’t feel that the usage of my smartphone hinders my overall productivity. With that being said, if I got past three weeks, I’d be $100,000 richer.
  3. What do you think you could accomplish by ditching your smartphone/tablet for a year? I think I would re-discover what it was like as a kid when you had to ride your bike around and knock on your friend’s door’s and ask if they could come outside and play.

Mindy

  1. Could you do it? NOT A CHANCE!
  2. If so, how long do you think you could go before using your smartphone/tablet? I bet I could make it through a long-ish work meeting, maybe two hours. I’m anxious just thinking of trying to go THAT long.
  3. What do you think you could accomplish by ditching your smartphone/tablet for a year? I think it’s similar to giving up pop, candy and other addictive substances – I’d start with physiological withdraws, and then come out the other side with focus, clarity and a sense of accomplishment for having shaken the habit. That, and I’d be able to conquer the free world.

The New Urban Crisis

Nick Hoffman, a member of #teamME, Recently attended a captivating lecture on the new urban crisis and the disparities that threaten our cities through the Ohio State University’s Discovery Themes Lecture Program. The guest lecturer, Richard Florida, presented a glimpse of his research and findings in his new book, titled The New Urban Crisis, followed by a post-lecture panel. Florida is currently a professor at the University of Toronto, senior editor at the Atlantic, best-selling author, and former Ohio State faculty member.

The new urban crisis interests MurphyEpson because much of our work is with cities and, like our clients, we are devoted to bringing people together to make improvements for the greater good. Keep reading to hear a recap of the event through the lens of Assistant Project Manager + Planner, Nick Hoffman.

 

The Old Urban Crisis

Florida explained that the urban crisis of the 1960’s and 70’s in the United States centered on the deindustrialization of our economy and years of expansion and flight of whites and affluent into the suburbs. The economic changes, loss of industry and people left a hole in our cities. This model has come to be known as the “hole in the donut”. The missing center within our cities led to the loss of revenue, manpower, and services; not to mention an increase in social issues like crime, violence, drug addiction, teen pregnancy, and infant mortality. It has taken time for many of our successful cities to adjust and refocus their strategy; though some cities still haven’t rebounded, and many will never be what they once were.

 

The New Urban Crisis

The increase of inequality and rising housing prices are two key issues that still trouble our cities. These issues are coupled today with the gentrification of our cities, increased income segregation, and the disappearance of the middle-class and middle-class neighborhoods. The new urban crisis is also affected by the concentration of high tech development in specific areas of our cities (creating winners and loser neighborhoods), and an increase in poverty and other social issues in the suburbs. This crisis is only exacerbated, as Florida points out, as our nation has also become polarized, snapping back and forth between different philosophies and agendas every four to eight years.

 

5 Dimensions of the New Urban Crisis

Florida states that there are five key dimensions that contribute to the New Urban Crisis:

  • Growing Economic Gap between Superstar Cities and Other Cities. A small handful of cities contain a disproportionate share of the innovative industries, high tech start-ups, and talent which creates inequality.
  • Crisis of Success. While superstar cities thrive they also experience a series of set-backs which include unaffordable housing prices for blue-collar, and service workers.
  • Disappearing Middle-Class. One of the widest-felt issues of the growing inequality in cities surrounds the disappearance of the middle-class and middle-class neighborhoods. Between “1970 to 2012, families living in middle-class neighborhoods declined from 65 to 40 percent.”
  • Suburban Poverty. Today’s suburbs are much different than those in the 1960’s and 70’s; today there are more poor people in the suburbs than there are in cities – 17 million versus 13.5 million.”
  • Urbanization in the Developing World. While thousands flock to urbanized areas in developing countries, they do not enjoy the same standards of living compared to the developed world.

 

Ohio Mayors Weigh In

Florida then facilitated a panel discussion with Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, Findlay Mayor Lydia Mihalik, and former Youngstown Mayor and Obama administration official Jay Williams. The discussion centered on the issues Ohio cities face, and what they are doing to combat this urban crisis.

Mayor Ginther discussed how the Smart Columbus initiative is helping to tackle some of these issues and generally becoming more inclusive in decision-making. He discussed the use of new technologies in trying to make citizens’ lives better, specifically through more reliable transportation and workforce development, with a focus on ladders of opportunity for those neighborhoods in poverty. Mayor Mihalik echoed the fact that transportation is also key in smaller cities like Findlay, since 50% of the workforce commutes from outside the county. She recognizes that the industrial jobs are not coming back and development is needed to transform the business and landscape to match the hip urban areas that people today desire. Former Mayor Williams stated that cities like Youngstown need to redefine themselves. There is a physiological effect on citizens as they wait for their city to take off again like parts of Columbus and Cleveland have. Williams said the key is managing the shrinkage and applying new strategies at the neighborhood level.

Florida then discussed how we, as a society, really are dependent on each other. He asked former Mayor Williams, a recent Obama administration official, “is there any hope in Washington D.C. that we can work together?” Williams replied that “there is hope, but there isn’t a one size fits all fix. There are many different places and economical situations facing these communities but all have the same aspirations.”

Mihalik said it all starts with the mayoral ticket (having strong and knowledgeable leaders), power at the local level (compared to the state and federal level), and toning down the pollical rhetoric. Ginther also discussed a disconnect between the federal and local and state levels, and reiterated that all neighborhoods need to have an equal footing. Ginther also emphasized there is a need to invest in opportunities through private-public partnerships, affordable housing, education, transit, and focusing on children from birth to age five.

 

Overcoming the Crisis

Florida hinted at seven action items in adverting this urban crisis. These strategies include building tax reforms, investing in infrastructure, investing in affordable housing, expanding the middle class, investing in people through job training, engaging in global efforts of emerging world urban areas, and empowering communities and local leaders.

Florida’s overall solution surrounded a theme of “urbanism for all”. He urged for stronger collaboration between cities and regions, because we are connected regionally and work better together. Our country needs to take a hard look in the mirror; yes we are divided now, but both sides need to recognize that we are different. To solve this crisis, we need to set aside our political, cultural, racial, societal, and religious differences and work together.

Finally, I leave you with a quote at the beginning of Florida’s The New Urban Crisis that resonates with our work at MurphyEpson to bring everyone to the table to design urban improvements:

Cities have the capability of providing something for everyone, only because, and only when, they are created for everyone.

– Jane Jacobs, The Life and Death of Great American Cities

 Nick Hoffman is our chocolate-loving, Buckeye-cheering, Assistant Project Manager and urban planner. If you live in Columbus and like Raising Canes or Chipotle, you may have seen him standing in line.

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.

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.