Tuesday, May 15, 2007

The TAGGING Game

Tagged – What a Fun Filled Notion!

Before I begin, I want everyone to know that with all of the things that I learn every day; the Internet always finds some new way to impress me. I know, I do impress easily, but you know… So, since this is an advertising advice blog and I’m supposed to be giving all of you advice on the advertising world, we’re going to learn something new together. Maybe this is SEO friendly. Either way, I think I’m going to enjoy it.

Tagging – what is it and how does it work? I’m not exactly sure yet and so in the effort of education and heck, a little fun I am going to play this tagging game and see what happens. If it works and we a) have fun and b) link up and form a community then I suggest it to all of you. I suggest it anyway.
I don’t want to screw up the rules (since they are important) so I copied these from cymru66 (hi Steve!) who tagged me first – check out his blog:

1. The person who was tagged will just have to make an introduction and link back to who tagged you.
2. List your five reasons as to why you blog.
3. Choose five people and tag them.
4. Drop a comment on their blog to let them know they were tagged.

Top Five Reasons Why I Blog

1. I told my boss it would be a great way to talk to small business owners about advertising
2. I love being able to write every day
3. I’m learning so much
4. It is a lot of fun
5. The sense of community really intrigues me

I’m sure there are more, but for now those were the first things that came to my mind. I think blogs and blogging are both great things. They get you thinking and discussing what you think. Open communication… there’s nothing better!


Here are My Five People to Tag
They don't know it yet, but I think they're cool.


1. eMoms at Home
2. The Crowd Roars
3. Times Eye
4. Creative Design ::
5. jphillips


Join in on the fun!

Email me if you have questions - or leave me a post!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Kate,

That was quick! Nice post by the way...

I'm enjoying your blog. Keep up the good work!

--Steve

Anonymous said...

Hi Kate,

Thanks for the mention.

I've already been tagged with this one, and have replied with my own 'why do I blog?' post. You can read it here:

http://www.davidairey.com/why-do-i-blog/

I hope all's well!

Anonymous said...

Hey there Kate - I've been tagged with this one too! :) http://www.emomsathome.com/blog/2007/02/12/why-do-you-blog/

Anonymous said...

Hey there. I found your blog through a link on the tag list and checked out your websites and the samples.

Out of curiosity, how many people in your company (graphic/web designers excluded) actually have a marketing background?

I've seen so many "ad agencies" who claim to do it all but really, they just take their best attempt at different jobs and hope it goes well.

Please don't think I'm attacking you or your company. I'm not sure what approach you take, which is why I ask. I'm merely voicing my opinion with most ad agencies.

This world of advertising is so jaded, I'd love to one day witness a company admit that they just can't do something or that they don't have the background to do something, but can - and will attempt.

Maybe it's just me, but I would hire a company like that any day of the week as opposed to a run of the mill agency with a half decent portfolio.

So back to my question - how many people in your company (graphic/web designers excluded) actually have a marketing background? Also, what's your position and background?

-Nikki

ADVERTISING ADVICE BLOG said...

Hi Nikki,

Thanks so much for your comment and your honesty. Yes, most of the people who work for us are qualified and have either schooling or experience or both. That's not to say that we don't have a few people who are just good salesmen and learn advertising with us as they go along. Our business is about people. Some people skills you can't learn in school.

I'm a copywriter. I have a BA in English Literature and I assure you, I've been forced to do ample research in copywriting, SEO copywriting, slogans and taglines. Add that to the amount of experience I now have and I believe that I know my stuff. I also edit our websites and the websites of our clients.

At Starmedia, yes, we do it all, but we obviously have more experience in the more common/popular things than others. ie) we've done a TON of logos, but have only done a couple of billboard ads. We have yet to do TV commercial spots. The thing with Starmedia is that we don't begin projects we don't think we can handle and we are incredibly up front with our customers. We're all about open communication and we have all of our staff in house... outsourcing gets a little impersonal.

I know, advertising has become something people don't really trust anymore, but I really do believe in my company. Starmedia is a joy to work for and I love every moment that I'm learning something new or challenging myself.

Wow, this was long. I hope I answered everything. Thanks so much for sparking my interest.

-Kate

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your reply. I asked this question because I was curious to see how you would reply.

My company is actually a client of Logotree and to say we were disappointed would be an understatement.

We went through 2 changes of account reps, both times being told "your previous rep is no longer with the company", which obviously does not speak well for your company and it's structure.

But not all was bad. The graphic designers working on our account were great. Slow to actually understand our change requests, but still good designers.

There were a few people who I believe were unqualified or sub par - the 3 reps I dealt with and the "team" who attempted to write our slogan.

Of the 3 reps I dealt with, the only one whose name I can recall is Jimmy, because he's the only one who emailed me. I believe he was still around at the time though.

When we ended our relationship with Logotree, our company was forced to spend even more money to hire another company to redo everything Logotree attempted.

Coincidentally, the new company is also based in Montreal Canada and what's even more ironic, is that the rep who handled our account, used to work for Starmedia. Although remaining professional and not badmouthing his previous employer, he made sure to fill me in on some of the interesting details of the company.

I have a lot of respect for hard working entrepreneurs, but I don't think many companies would feel comfortable paying thousands of dollars to a company that's based in it's owners house. Or pay over $1,000 for a slogan that's written by a secretary with no real experience in the marketing world.

I'm sorry to sound like a b****, but this is the real world of marketing and advertising. Companies with million dollar marketing budgets per quarter cannot afford to work with sub par companies with unqualified, know-it-all staff.

If I sound bitter, which I must with this long post, it's because I was personally effected when I recommended Logotree to my superiors.

Luckily, we have a new firm with experienced and qualified staff on our payroll who is capable of handling our accounts and is now responsible for 80% of our advertising and design needs.