Do You Have a Killed Idea?

Steve Hall, Publisher of AdRants and co-founder of MarketingVOX, together with the folks at Blurb, are looking for the best of what never saw the light of day: the Killed Ideas.

From the Killed Ideas website:

We want ideas that could have changed the face of advertising, elevated a client’s brand to new heights, or won a webby – but instead ended up on the cutting room floor. TV campaigns, microsites, print goodness, viral – you name it, we want it. Whether it’s traditional or cutting-edge, we’re looking to show the best ideas to an audience who appreciate a killer campaign when they see it.

They've been accepting submissions for just over a month, but have extended their deadline until Tuesday, April 7th.

So if you've done some outstanding work that just never made it out the door, submit it at Killed Ideas and see how it stacks up against the rest. And of course, you can also follow Killed Ideas on Twitter.

The Giving Season Begins

Yesterday, Joanne Taylor of Drake Cooper posted this message as a challenge on Twitter:

challenging you guys to help round up 40 turkeys! Bring a frozen turkey to Drake Cooper this Friday am and we will take them to the foodbank

Helping out the Idaho Food Bank is a worthwhile cause, so I'll bite. If you'd like to get involved, here's what you need to do:

1. Take a frozen turkey to Drake Cooper's office, at 416 S. 8th St. in Boise on the morning of Friday, November 21st.
2. Enjoy the coffee and donuts that they're providing as an incentive.

Their goal is 40 turkeys, but I think this crowd can do better. 50? 60? 100? Who knows. For those of you who have wanted to see the new Drake Cooper office space, here's a chance to do it.

And, for those who are outside of the Boise area, or can't make it on Friday, you can still get involved (although you'll miss out on the Friday morning treats). Just order one online by the 20th and have it delivered to them.

Technorati tags: joanne taylor, drake cooper, twitter, idaho food bank

On Finding and Hiring the Right People

It's no secret that I think Bart Cleveland of McKee Wallwork Cleveland is one of the best writers contributing to the Ad Age Small Agency Diary.

His most recent piece is another winner:
Hiring the Right People Is a No-Brainer (Finding Them Is Like Brain Surgery)

A sample from the article:

Time allows you to get to know someone. Time reveals someone's subtle characteristics. Not just negatives, but positives too. I've hired people who I at first believed weren't really the right fit, but over time, I discovered the real person behind the first impression. You must be willing to take your time if you want a staff whose sum is greater than its parts.

Take the time to read the entire thing. As always, it's full of Bart's practical wisdom and a common sense that is too often overlooked.

Technorati tags: bart cleveland, mckee wallwork cleveland, ad age, ad age small agency diary

An Election Season Reminder

Regardless of your political leanings, or support (or opposition) of individual candidates, the first step in participating in the electoral process is making sure that you're registered to vote. And if you're not, you only have a few days left to change that.

A few registration reminders from the Idaho Votes website:

Who needs to register?

Any eligible person who wishes to vote in Idaho and who has never voted here or who has changed name or address since last registering needs to register.

Once I register, do I need to register again for the next election?

Registration is permanent as long as you vote at least once every four years in a primary or general election, and do not move. You need to re-register if you change your address or name.

Can I register to vote by mail?

Yes, but the mail application must be postmarked at least 25 days prior to the election.

That last question means that voter registration information must be postmarked by (or before) October 8th this year. Yes, you can register to vote at your polling place, but given the turnout that most are expecting for this year's election, you could save yourself a lot of time by taking care of registration in advance.

The Idaho Votes website has a Voter Registration Form available on their website, and it only take a few moments to complete, print and mail.

And with that, we'll now return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Technorati tags: 2008 election, idaho votes, voter registration

Billboards - in a whole new dimension

For most people, seeing billboards around town is nothing new. Extensions above the top of a board? Neat little gimmick, but after a little time those get ignored as well.

The new digital billboards are, admitted, pretty slick. I think there's a lot of potential for those, and that's worth its own conversation with Lamar one of these days (but we'll save that one for another time).

If you're in the Boise area, you may have seen a series of billboards up recently for Paramount. They were a continuation of the [BLANK] is Paramount concept, which in and of itself has been very effective from what I understand.

But these most recent boards were a little different. There was no image of a child swimming or a striking roof line. This time, the visual was coming right off the board.

Literally.

These latest boards added a third dimension, featuring mannequins depicting scenes or activities that one could expect to have happen in Paramount, such as lighting a barbecue or diving into a swimming pool.

The boards were designed by Stoltz Marketing Group in Boise. They're currently out of rotation, but I'm told they'll be going back up again in the near future. Pictures are below.

Technorati tags: outdoor advertising, lamar, paramount, stoltz marketing group

Hal Riney

Hal Riney, the man behind the legendary San Francisco agency and campaigns for brands such as Bartles & Jaymes, Saturn, and many many more passed away Monday, March 24th at his home in San Francisco.

Jeff Goodby wrote up an outstanding retrospective on Adweek's website.

Whether you realize it or not, at some point in time in your life/work/career you've probably been influenced by Hal Riney and his work. Even here in Idaho.

Technorati tags: hal riney, bartles & jaymes, saturn, jeff goodby, adweek

Gold Link Media in the news

Our friends over at Gold Link Media got some nice coverage on the front page of the Business section in The Idaho Statesman last Friday. If you haven't yet seen the article, take a few minutes and give it a read.

For those who may not be familiar with them, Gold Link Media was founded by David Fish and Josh Mercaldo, who have known each other since the pre-Wirestone days of Mediaphex.

Technorati tags: gold link media, idaho statesman, david fish, josh mercaldo, wirestone, mediaphex

Bob Hofmann Retires

As much as you might expect me to come up with some sort of snappy headline for this news, there's really no need.

On February 29th, Bob Hofmann retired from Davies Rourke.

Here's the announcement from the Davies Rourke website:

On February 29, after 32 years in the saddle and a good part of that at the helm, Bob Hofmann officially retired from Davies Rourke. Though we’re sorry to see him go, we’re also pleased to be able to watch him ride off into the sunset feeling hale and hearty and looking forward to his new adventures. All of us owe Bob a debt of gratitude for shouldering a ton of responsibilities and setting the course for many positive agency changes over the years.

Bob’s retirement heralds a few other changes: Jeff Nielsen, who has been with the agency for 27 years as an account supervisor and Vice President, assumes the position of President and CEO; Ernie Monroe, creative director, replaces Jeff as agency Vice President. And the rest of the crew is still here and in the trenches. We’re taking care of existing business and looking for new challenges in 2008.

Over the past 32 years, Bob influenced colleagues and clients alike, and served as a teacher, mentor and friend to a number of talented people.

I'm sure Bob is going to enjoy every minute of his retirement. While I never had the opportunity to work with him personally, I know those who have. So, on behalf of them, I'd like to say "thank you" to Bob for everything that he has done for this industry over the years.

Technorati tags: bob hofmann, davies rourke

Call for Nominations - Silver Medal Award

The Idaho Advertising Federation is accepting nominations for the AAF Silver Medal Award. From a recent email notice:

The AAF Silver Medal Award is presented annually by the Idaho Advertising Federation to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to advertising by furthering the industry's standards, creative excellence, and responsibilities in areas of social concern.

Who is eligible?

• The Nominee must have achieved success in an advertising agency, for an advertiser or in broadcasting or publishing.
• He or she shall have shown consistent creativity and have worked to raise the standards of the advertising profession.
• He or she shall have been active in civic, religious or other groups dedicated to some phase of human or social welfare and must be currently active in advertising.
• The Nominee need not be a current member of the Idaho Advertising Federation.

How to submit a Nominee:

• Please submit nominations on 8 1/2" x 11" pages outlining in detail the extent to which the Nominee has met or exceeded the Silver Medal Award Criteria. You are encouraged to expand on the Nominee's experience and contributions to such degree that judges will be fully informed. Please be advised that abbreviated nominations may be dismissed as insufficient to demonstrate the Nominee's true qualifications.
• Provide the Nominee's name and company affiliation on a cover page with the contact information on the nominator, followed by all pertinent qualifications of the Nominee for consideration on subsequent pages.

Nominations can be submitted by email to Bob Rosenthal, Vice President and General Manager of Journal Broadcast Group, or mailed to:

Idaho Advertising Federation
Silver Medal Award Program
P.O. Box 2691
Boise, ID 83701

Nominations are due no later than Friday, March 14th. For any questions or more information, contact Bob Rosenthal at 208-381-8601.

Technorati tags: idaho advertising federation, aaf, silver medal award, bob rosenthal, journal broadcast group

Watersports? This time of year?

Well, yes. Actually, in order to be ready for the 2008 season, the work has been going on for some time now.

More specifically, Imagination Graphics in Coeur d'Alene has been working on several wakboarding-related projects, including all of the design work for Helium, which offers an array of wakeboarding vests, handles, ropes and such.

Their latest designs have been featured on The Wakeboarding Report, and I'm sure they'll be popping up elsewhere soon.

While the 2008 website isn't active yet (gotta get on that one folks, its show season), they have made the entire catalog available online. Overall, a very good job with the design.

Technorati tags: imagination graphics, helium, the wakeboarding report

That time of year once again

The college football season is officially over.

The snow keeps falling, causing headaches for commuters (if they'd just leave slow down and leave a little more room...)

And the Boise Advertising Federation (well, the Idaho Advertising Federation, officially) is once again calling for entries for the annual Rockie Awards.

Yes, that's right, the IAF is actually getting the word out ahead of time that the entry window for the Rockies is open. Entries are being accepted now through February 15th, with a late fee assessed to those entries submitted after February 1st.

The Rockies Award Show is scheduled for April 12th at The Big Easy (or whatever the name happens to be by then) and will feature a Creative Invasion 80's theme to the entire affair.

For questions about the Rockies Award Show, submissions, or anything else related to the event, contact Carolyn Weske.

Technorati tags: boise advertising federation, idaho advertising federation, rockies, rockie awards, the big easy, rockies award show, carolyn weske

A Christmas card recap

As has become a holiday staple, agencies around the state send out holiday cards and gifts. Call them Christmas cards, call them Holiday cards, everyone gets the point...

This year, however, I came across a few examples of shops that have taken a different approach.

Starting last year, and continuing once again this year, Rizen Creative went to a local school and held an art contest. The winners received samples of their cards which they could send to their friends and family. The school got a donation to its general fund, and Rizen got a holiday card. I good idea, no doubt, and a nice gesture to boot. More details about this one can be found on The Underdog Effect.

Another notable gesture, and one that many will compare future efforts against in years to come, came from Carew Co. For those that may have missed it, Carew Co. was founded earlier this year by Paul Carew, formerly of Oliver Russell. From all accounts, its been busy around there since day one, and one of the results was this card that was sent out to clients:

Along with this card was a message that let the recipient know that rather than sending gifts, snacks or other holiday treats, Carew Co. made a cash donation to the Idaho Foodbank for $1,000. As mentioned on the Carew Co. blog, that donation will provide 5,000 meals that can be served.

Now as always, I'm sure there are others that I've missed, or should mention along with these. And as always, you're welcome to send an email or leave a comment to share your latest and greatest news.

Technorati tags:rizen creative, underdog effect, carew co, oliver russell, idaho foodbank

Pro Bono work - the update

As I expected it would, an earlier post highlighting some local pro bono work generated some response. Here's a quick update on what a few other shops are working on:

DNA Advertising:
DNA Advertising teamed with Dutch Bros. Coffee and Peak Broadcasting to collect books for Mercy Housing, which is building a library for different communities. Mercy Housing helps people find affordable housing and offers after school programs for children.

DNA, along with Blackfin Technology, is also working on a re-branding campaign for The Arc.

Es/drake:
Es/drake redesigned Zoo Boise's website.

Es/drake also donated quite a bit of time and effort to the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Live Large Give Large activities earlier this year.

Others? Just let me know.

Technorati tags: dna advertising, dutch bros coffee, peak broadcasting, mercy housing, blackfin technology, the arc, es/drake, zoo boise, extreme makeover home edition

Doing more than just trying to make a buck

I have to give credit to shops that go out of their way to help their community. Oliver Russell's o-pen purse program has been a long-standing example of such.

Today I happened upon another example.

Rizen Creative recently completed and launched a new website for the Boise Area Crime Stoppers. The site was done on a pro bono basis, led by Rizen's Javier Barrera.

Now before everyone jumps down my throat, I'm sure that for every example such as this that I mention, there are a hundred that go unnoticed. I won't dispute that fact. The only way I way I know to change it -- send me any tips or news that you'd like to share.

Technorati tags:oliver russell, o-pen purse, rizen creative, boise area crime stoppers, javier barrera

Always nice to see client success

And in this case, a tip of the hat goes to the folks over at Stoltz Marketing Group.

Peter O'Neill, Chairman of O'Neill Enterprises, will be receiving the 2007 Real Estate Award from the Idaho Chapter of the March of Dimes, "in honor of his involvement in the real estate industry and community." The award will be presented at a breakfast on December 4th. Additional details about the event can be found on the Idaho Business Review's website.

O'Neill Enterprises has been around since 1979, and Stoltz Marketing Group has done work on their behalf for many years.

Now, those of you who attended the most recent BAF luncheon will remember Pat Doody's comments that no agency deserves more than 50% of the credit for a client's success, or more than 50% of the blame for a client's failure. The same principal applies here, however I think everyone who has worked for Stoltz over the years on assorted O'Neill-related projects deserves a pat on the back.

Technorati tags: stoltz marketing group, peter o'neill, o'neill enterprises, march of dimes, idaho business review, boise advertising federation, pat doody

David Armano's Incomplete Manifesto

Here's something that might provoke a few thoughts...

I came across David Armano's Incomplete Manifesto recently, and it struck a chord. If you haven't heard of David, you owe it to yourself to check out his blog, Logic + Emotion. David is the VP of Experience Design with Critical Mass, and is incredibly active in the social media space. He originally wrote this back in June of 2006, and updated it in October 2006.

Here are a few excerpts from his manifesto:

Ask.
Ask questions. Lots of them. Ask the silly ones. The ones that no one else wants to ask. Ask about the bigger idea. Ask about the details. Ask why—but also ask yourself why you are asking the questions.

Be Someone’s Hero.
Everybody needs a hero. We just don’t want to admit it. Find someone who needs a hero. Not your boss—but the person looking for guidance—a word of encouragement or inspiration. Be that hero even if your own heroes don’t exist for you.

Tear Down The Wall.
Corporations thrive by having distinct departments and teams. Collaboration is encouraged—but authentic collaboration rarely happens. Why? Because it’s messy business. People are born with egos. Egos need to be un-learned. Replace your natural born ego with intense curiosity. Do this and you’ll be able to break down barriers, and do great things. When Harley-Davidson wanted to design their first high-performance motorcycle (the V-Rod), they went to Porsche for help. That’s checking ego at the door.

I would encourage all of you to read David's entire manifesto over at Logic + Emotion. Is it going to change your world? No, probably not. But if it causes you to look at things just a little differently next time, then well done.

And to David, I have to say - outstanding work, as always.

Technorati tags: david armano, logic + emotion, critical mass

Hanging solidly at 419

On theAd Age Power 150! Who ever said you had to be good at math...

Seriously though, the Power 150 list ranks the top media and marketing blogs, and features some outstanding company, such as AdRants at number 6, and American Copywriter at number 82.

Even to be on the same list at those types of sites is a tremendous honor, especially for this little blog out of Idaho. And while our friends over in Cleveland would like to see a higher position, I'm just thankful to be on the list.

So, to those of you who read, subscribe to, and comment on this site, I say thank you.

Technorati tags: ad age, power 150, adrants, american copywriter, aaf cleveland

Spotlight on Carew Co.

A couple of weeks ago I had a chance to sit down for coffee with Paul Carew.

Paul spent the past decade+ with Oliver Russell, most recently as Creative Director.

Then, in the first part of July, he struck out on his own, opening Carew Co. According to Carew Co’s website, “Form needs to function. Creative has to work.” In other words, the pretty pictures alone won’t get results. There has to be a solid plan behind it.

Since Paul started up the shop in early July, he’s kept himself incredibly busy, and from the sounds of it there’s no sign of things slowing down.

To Paul, and everyone else who’s taken that leap of faith to strike out on their own, I offer up a hearty congratulations. It’s a bold step to take, so make the best of it.

Be sure to check out the Carew Co. blog as well for updates and a little peek behind the curtain.

Technorati tags: paul carew, carew co, oliver russell

Advice for Newbies - a primer from Advergirl

Now I'll be the first to admit that there are more marketing-related blogs around these days than I could even begin to keep track of. But when one of the few that I do keep up references another one, I'll usually take a look.

Such was the case this time.

Last week I saw a post on AdRants titled "So You Want to Work In Advertising? Read This First." I was intrigued, so I read further. Turns out it was a reference to a piece written recently by Advergirl, who shared her version of a new employee "welcome kit" so to speak.

Take a few minutes and read through it once or twice: Advice for Newbies: Meet You New Boss. You'll be glad you did -- its a very insightful piece.

Technorati tags: adrants, advergirl

Agency competency test

I've been a fan of Bart Cleveland's contributions to the Ad Age Small Agency Diary for several years now, and his most recent article is no exception:

Give Your Agency This Simple Competency Test

Bart serves up four questions to help you evaluate where you are. As he mentions toward the end of the article, "Whether you own an agency or just work for one, you should be asking yourself these questions and planning your course accordingly."

It's a short article, but lots of good ideas to chew on.

Technorati tags: bart cleveland, ad age, small agency diary