Brainstorming & Stormy Nights

Week three was full of daily thunder storms that I luckily avoided each and every time. During this week I was able to sit in on a brainstorming session for the naming of a cause marketing idea. Here are a few tips I learned from the account supervisor who organized and moderated the meeting:

1. Send homework questions for everyone to answer a day or two before. It helps get the session started with ideas instead of a lot of silent thinking.

2. Try to think up idea buckets that are relevant to what you believe you will end up with. This will organize your thoughts and help those involved generate ideas as well.

3. After all ideas are up on the boards, give participants dots or markers so they can note which are the top 3 ideas.

4. Finally, and I guess it should be first, make certain all the right people are invited. For this session there was creative, strategic, account, client and public relations present and fully participating.

Week 3 also involved a lot of work on the new business pitch I mentioned before. The dynamics were great with my team members even though I ended up I putting in more hours and had to become more of a manager rather than remain a fellow intern. Once I was able to gather information and advise the team players who needed it on what they needed to do, I was then left with putting the presentation together. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining as everyone has to learn at some point. However, it is just frustrating that I get called out for working overtime because of others not delivering their portions of the project. In the real world, this happens and I am okay with it. But in the intern world, this is a no-no since OT may cause the company to go over-budget. So now I have been told not to work over 35 hrs a wk (what agency employee REALLY works as little as that EVERY week???) and that I must take a day off in order to offset the extra time earned.

So what have I learned from this project??
First, don't be afraid to step on toes especially when it's obviously team members don't know what they are doing. I tried so hard not appear as if I was trying to take over (believe I didn't want to do all the work myself), that I was a know it all (this was harder only because I had a better understanding of what was expected of us thanks to Brandcenter training) or that I wasn't willing to let my team members to learn that would be beneficial to them such as using an IMS database. With all my trying, I realized a little too late that because all were more than willing to do stuff, I should have taken the initiative and showed them what needed to be done how to do it as well.

Most importantly I realized that even though the agency wanted to provide "a real agency experience" by shortening our time to work on the project (the client had also given the agency less time), that did not mean to work like one would in an agency. We were expected to work on our primary accounts and the new biz pitch and get it all done within a total 70 hours or 35 hrs each week. So from this I learned, it is better to eat hours and not get paid, than to document the truth and be "talked to".

For those of you who are in the ad business and even those of you who are not, is it realistic to put different requirements on an intern than on an employee, but still expect a similar quality of work? Then again, maybe that's it. Maybe the agency wasn't expecting a high quality of work from the interns and this was just a way to take us through the motions of a pitch.

Drinking on the Job

During my second week at big agency I had the pleasure of using some of my valuable graduate school training. Scott P. would be proud...I used IMS / Simmons, read media flow charts, and looked at TV rotations without blinking an eye.

I had the opportunity to be a stereotypical ad intern as well. I needed to print out 10 copies of a presentation for a client meeting the same day. Now in true fashion I must see how well my Brandcenter training specially delivered by Prof. Just does me. I have one week before a new biz pitch and the team doesn't really have much done.

You know you are in advertising when you get to leave work early, go to the bar, and drink on the job for the sake of research. I will say the time at the bar was the most productive time for the team. Let's just hope the momentum continues.

SIDEBAR: I'm not necessarily worried about my ability to do the work, but I am concerned about being able to motivate the rest of the team. This is an area of improvement for me. Although I have managed people for years, it was brought to my attention that I still have much to learn. It took a few weeks after receiving the feedback and at least one book on leadership, but now I know what I lack. I must develop my ability to quickly identify what drives individuals. Once you have this key, you can use it motivate and encourage. I am a HUGE cheerleader and have been told by many that I seem to know what to say at the right time. However, this is in my personal life. I still wonder why it never crossed my mind to blend the two. I've always tried to keep the two separate. But you know what? Now that I am trying to blend some of my personality into what I do for a living, why shouldn't I blend my values, traits and common sense, too?

Starting from Scratch...

Well you know those trade emails that I catch up on every now and then when I get behind? Well, they are all gone. I was planning to read a lot of them as many were interesting to me. Unfortunately, I had a problem yet again with an Apple product that caused me to loose all my saved emails. It's a real bummer as I have no history on my important sent emails nor do I have the memory to remember the various articles I wanted to read in more detail. So if you know of anything interesting that I should go back and read. Please let me know as I have much to learn.

Thanks!

Still Smiling

I have successfully completed my first week at my New York internship. If you don't know I am working on a great account and so glad I am. The size of the account, talent on the team and work being performed will offer me experiences I desire out of an internship.

Unlike some interns I have spoken to so far who work not only at my agency but also at a number of other agencies, not many had a ton of stuff to do this week. I have been assigned 4-5 different projects. Three are thinking projects and two are more busy work, but nonetheless will allow me to better understand the client and the advertising history & process that much better.

In addition, I will have two additional projects working in groups with agency interns. The first project is a pitch. I can't tell you who the pitch is for due to confidentiality reasons, but when the gag order has expired I won't mind sharing the details. The pitch project has 7 of us working together. My group has 3 account people, 1 copywriter, 1 art director, 1 broadcast, and 1 planner. We range from a history major working in advertising for the first time to a person who took time off between high school and college to decide on his path and now nothing will stop him. I think we have a strong, interesting group.

Another reason why I look forward to the group summer projects is because it will give me an opportunity to become a better leader and team player. You see, I can become intense. I'm passionate with my work and have high expectations of myself and those who work with me. I have always been one who will do whatever it takes to get the job done...that will never change. I just have to figure out how to transform my drive into motivation for someone who may not be as driven as me.

If you have any tips...definitely send them my way.

A Twist on Education...

Now that I have finally gotten my laptop back, I am taking the time to catch up on emails specifically from the ad trades. I had been saving the Ad Council Creative emails since the beginning of the year because I really wanted to take the time and absorb the content. As time permits, I will share with you my thoughts on the various campaigns I come across. So this will be the first of many.





I like the concept of the campaign as well as the "Tough" and "Foreign Languages" executions. "Algebra II" was humorous, but seemed to confirm a kid's fear that the topic is too hard. So I saw the intent of the commercial and the message communicated in conflict. "Biology" made me focus more on the twins' costumes and distracting echoing voices than the message.

To learn more about the campaign concept, watch the interview with Eric Cosper, Shawn Gauthier and James Rothwell of Publicis New York.

Dunkin' Gets Dunked

This is one of those things I just do not understand the importance of. Call it ignorance, naivete, or whatever, but why should a company have to pull an advertisement because of a piece of clothing worn by the spokesperson?

Per Advertising Age, Dunkin' Donuts has decided to pull its online ad with Rachel Ray wearing a scarf that left-wing conservatives say symbolize the Arab men associated with the jihad. Granted I believe the scarf is a hideous accessory, but saying it promotes a warfare? That's a little too much. What do you think?

PS...as a sidebar: Just came back from a trip to Barcelona (or Bar-tha-lohna) where Dunkin' Donuts goes by Dunkin' Coffee. I always find it interesting to learn of company or brand name changes because of the country or culture.

It's all about the Benjamins...Baby!

Nothing should be surprising in the world of marketing, yet it still is. While doing my daily Googling I came across a wedding blog sponsored by Matrimony, Inc.

http://www.matrimonyinc.com/blog/?p=269

Nail polish that is used specifically for when a person gets engaged up through the wedding date. I know you want to show off the ring and all, but really...do you need event specific nail polish to do it?

It Worked!

I added the "Things to Ponder" gadget to get the creative juices flowing and give me something to write about. Well, what do you know I have something to write about. While I was talking to my sister on the phone she began checking out my blog and came across this "Things to Ponder" question:

If someone were to invent instant water, what would you mix it with?

We both laughed at the silliness of the question. But then I really started to think about what one could add to create instant water. My answer...spit!

School's Out!

In honor of the graduating class of 2008....

How little bit of info can go a long way....

"I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
I'm about to lose control and I think I like it
I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
And I know I know I know I know I know I want you"
- Pointer Sisters, 1982

This is the song singing in my head right this moment. Why? I learned what account I will be working on while an account manager at a big agency this summer. Now I have the right motivation to finish all my "other stuff" so I can make time to research my account. Wow! I swear I feel like a kid again.

Road Rage

I came across this video today. It gave me a much needed chuckle especially since I've wanted to do the same thing - especially in NYC.

Boy does time fly!

Well, 2 segments of the 4 segment race to graduation has been completed. Completed all of my presentation, papers and finals. Only have portfolio review to go. Next step is to get ready for the pit stop / tune up phase that will take place over the summer, which most people call an internship.

I'm looking forward to all the experience has to offer. I'm also looking forward to having a social life again!

Strategy is key!

I swear the Brandcenter tops any reality TV show in regards to original, spontaneous, unprompted commentary.

In the past week, I've heard quite a few one liners that have had my stomach aching, but the one that topped them all came a couple of weeks ago when a professor was commenting on my team's strategy for an upcoming presentation.

"The more foreplay you have, the greater the climax!"

Could it get better than that?

It's gonna be a long couple of weeks!

Well, final presentations days are upon us, here at the Brandcenter. First presentation is on Thursday, April 24th and I feel as if we have so much to do beforehand for the pages we call our deck is anything we can actually support ourselves on. But as with everything at the Brandcenter...it shall be done.

Next on the list is the infamous white paper & presentation due on Monday, April 28th. To date, my team has thousands of words put together to form a "Mary Shelley" original, which is pretty scary looking right now. Luckily we got the nod of approval from the Prof that we are on the right direction and with a few nips & tucks we may just end up with a make-over beauty.

Lastly there is dear ol' media on Tuesday, April 29th. A 45 minute presentation about what? Still figuring that one out, same as I'm trying to figure out how to add all the GRPs, impressions, and CPPs to know if we are with the parameters of the budget. Good thing I have 3 other classmates to scratch my head and look dumbfounded with on this one.

Yes, the days are winding down and I can't wait. Wednesday, April 30th....I get to sleep.

Celebrating 14 years and counting

On March 27th, I celebrated my 14th anniversary as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I remember first learning of DST shortly during high school after a sibling received a scholarship to help pay for college. I wondered who are these women who give money? Who are these women who commit themselves to a lifetime of public service?

Laughably by time I was a senior in high school, I had scribbles of DST on all my notebooks as my imagination lived out the college experience. I am one of the fortunate. My daydreams were realized. I have 16 educated, funny, family-oriented, successful line sisters I affectionately call "Sands". I have been able to travel the country and the world knowing that a Soror was only an Oo-oop away if I was ever in need. I have remained active in DST since initiation and that shall never change.

ΔΣΘ∗ΔΣΘ∗ΔΣΘ∗ΔΣΘ∗ΔΣΘ∗ΔΣΘ∗ΔΣΘ∗ΔΣΘ∗ΔΣΘ∗ΔΣΘ∗ΔΣΘ∗ΔΣΘ

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. A sisterhood of more than 200,000 predominately Black college educated women, the Sorority currently has over 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Republic of Korea. The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization's Five Point Thrust of:

• Economic Development
• Educational Development
• International Awareness and Involvement
• Physical and Mental Health
• Political Awareness and Involvement

The Sorority was founded in 1913 by 22 students at Howard University. These young women wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities.

It's been a while...

I know I haven't written in a while. School has been keeping me rather busy. At this point I am counting down the days until the semester is finished. Portfolio reviews are in May. I will be certain to show you the great work I've done this semester then as well.

The "F" Word

Unfortunately, I find myself cursing more than I ever have before. [Well, maybe not really, but definitely more than I have in recent years.] In advertising, people tend to use a lot of four letter words. Cursing is just part of being part of the industry.

I came across this video on how to properly use the "F" word that is quite entertaining (with typos and all). I mean really...if you're going to use the word, you mind as well use it properly even if you can't spell anything else!

Not backing down

Team environments can be difficult to manage at times. Never has this been more true that at the Brandcenter. I was told recently that majority rules within a team and I must agree to go with the majority every time. That I should not try to support my opinion or continually ask clarifying questions so I may too get on board with the majority. I am simply suppose to let the majority rule. Well, I don't operate that way. I don't follow the pack because the meeting has grown long or the team is seeking an easy way out, but knows it could do better.

In almost 14 years of working on team projects whether at business school or in the professional workplace, teams have never felt so much like an ongoing battle as they do now. The battleground is created by those who are not willing to open their minds long enough to consider alternative solutions; by those who do not take the time to request additional explanation to better understand another person's perspective; or by those who don't want to try a compilation of the best ideas as a form of compromise.

I believe that if a person feels so strongly about something that there must be a sound reason for it. Sometimes the reason is based on a misunderstanding and other times it is based on solid thinking. Why should this person's opinion be valued less just because they are in the minority? The supreme court lets the minority express its opinion for the record. So why can't I?

CreateAthon: 31 Hrs Without Sleep & Loved It!

It was one heck of a ride participating in the first ever CreateAthon onCampus event with fellow Brandcenter students & VCU Mass Communication undergrad students.

WHAT IT IS
CreateAthon onCampus (CoC) is a unique opportunity for students to put their skills and talents to use helping local nonprofit organizations. In a 24-hour, work-around the clock creative blitz, students generate advertising services for local nonprofits that have little or no marketing budget.

CoC is an expansion of CreateAthon, a nationwide 24-hour, work-around the clock creative blitz begun in 1998 by RIGGS Advertising in Columbia, SC. As of 2007, CreateAthon has benefited 1,008 nonprofit organizations with 2,143 projects valued at $8.4 million.

MY TEAM
Alexis B. - Brandcenter Communications Strategist
Ted S. - VCU MassComm undergrad
Nick W. - VCU MassComm undergrad

MY CLIENT
Virginia Council on Economic Education (VCEE)

MY OBJECTIVE
Develop a brand identity

MY TASK
Re-brand the organization and provide a positioning statement and tagline
Design a new logo, business cards, letterhead, and newsletter template
Write a donation request letter

CLIENT RESPONSE
Clients were extremely pleased that we captured the essence of the brand with our brand platform and branding materials that will help create a buzz and expand awareness within the community.

WHAT'S NEXT
The client now has time to review the materials and will let us know any changes that need to be made. On April 18th, there will be a wrap up event that will showcase all the work of all teams and present the final printed materials to the non-profit organizations. Not to keep you waiting, but I'll unveil my team's designs and branding efforts at that time.

For recap of the entire event and pictures, go to VCU CreateAthon onCampus blog.

Copy never made me smile so much...

This picture was taken last semester by a 2nd year for a beauty-focused project. I loved the copy "Waxing has only made me stronger." since it is a Nerissa original. Yes, us business folks can generate a good line every now and then, too.