Business Marteting Association - Making Better Marketing Decisions

November 17, 2009 - Making Better Marketing Decisions
You have great ideas for how to help the business. But you can't prove they'll work, and without absolute certainty, you can't convince others that they are worth implementing. This one-hour mini-workshop will help you answer the following key questions:

• How can I define the benefits of proposed actions in a more financially astute manner?
• How can I credibly assess risks and uncertain paybacks when I have so little data or history to work with?
• How do I build a business case that gets respect for its thoughtfulness and discipline, even if it doesn't get funded?

Attendees will walk away with a template for building business cases that even the finance department will respect. The sessions is guaranteed to help you illuminate the real value in your proposals, while ensuring a comprehensive and conservative evaluation, bringing enhanced credibility to all your recommendations.

This event is sponsored by Online Marketing Connect (OMC).

Speakers: Pat LaPointe, Managing Partner at Marketing NPV
Aaron Kahlow, CEO, Online Marketing Connect

When: Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Time:
7:30 a.m. Registration and breakfast
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Presentation
Location:
Minneapolis Golf Club
2001 Flag Ave. South
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Directions
Cost: Members $30 / Non Members $45
Register Now

Axiom to help host "Me Time! Twitter Party" For Working Mothers

Axiom Marketing Communications is hosting the first-annual "Working Mother Me Time! Twitter Party" - an online, collaborative effort between Country Inns & Suites by Carlson and Working Mother Magazine. The event is set for Wednesday, 11/11 from 8:30-9:30 EST. Participants will explore the good and bad of business travel for working moms, leaving family behind and achieving inner harmony - aka "me time" - while on the road. 

This is a first for Working Mother magazine - utilizing an online social networking opportunity to engage with its readers. Axiom's social media division will moderate and track response for both Working Mother and Country Inns, while fostering the deep-rooted relationships the boutique PR firm has with mom bloggers all across the country.

Participants who register before the event at the Working Mother Magazine Facebook page can win a plethora of prizes, including the Ultimate Retreat Package - 2 free nights at any Country Inns & Suites of their choice, a $300 airfare voucher and a $100 Visa gift card. Find more about the Twitter Party and RSVP to be eligible for the prizes by clicking here - http://tinyurl.com/y93638m. 

Anyone interesting in 'partying' can track the event on Twitter via the #wmme hashtag.

Job - ShopNBC - Creative Director

ShopNBC - Creative Director

WEBER SHANDWICK PROMOTES THREE IN HEALTH CARE PRACTICE

The Minneapolis-St. Paul office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotions of three colleagues in the Health Care practice.

Leslie Williamson has been promoted to account director. Williamson’s expertise includes issues and crisis management, thought leader program development, data publicity and product communications. Williamson graduated from the Honors College at the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in art history and completed graduate coursework at New York University’s Wagner School of Public Administration. Williamson joined Weber Shandwick in 2007.

Jackie Dummer has been promoted to senior account executive. Since joining Weber Shandwick in 2007, Dummer has led media relations efforts, provided account management support, managed a client’s social media presence on Twitter, and executed public affairs and public awareness campaign tactics. Dummer is an active member of the Minnesota chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and volunteers on the planning committee for the Alzheimer’s Association of Minnesota-North Dakota’s annual Memory Walk fundraiser. She graduated from Northern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in sociology.


Rebecca Wright has been promoted to account executive. Wright also joined Weber Shandwick in 2007. With strong media relations and special event planning skills, Wright has expanded her professional skill set to include coordinating executive visibility initiatives and managing projects. Wright holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication and communication studies from the University of Iowa.

WEBER SHANDWICK PROMOTES BROOKE WORDEN TO VICE PRESIDENT

The Minneapolis-St. Paul office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotion of Brooke Worden, APR, to vice president in the financial services practice.

During Worden’s 10-year tenure with the firm, she has consistently produced measurable results for many of the firm’s marquee financial services and government clients. She has delivered communications programs for Prudential Retirement, Allianz Life, CIGNA Retirement, ING, the Business Roundtable/Pension Coalition, U.S. Treasury, U.S. Mint and the Internal Revenue Service. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Worden began her career in management consulting at Accenture and was also a reporter at Twin Cities Business.

Currently, Worden leads the Weber Shandwick U.S. Census Bureau team nationwide. She has been instrumental in developing the public relations strategy for the 2010 Census, which includes earned media, executive visibility, media training, digital media, and multicultural media briefings.

Worden graduated magna cum laude from Hamline University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and political science and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She is an active member of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and was elected to Minnesota PRSA’s board of directors in 2006. She currently serves on the Minnesota PRSA Executive Committee. Worden earned her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in 2005, and also served as a Minnesota PRSA delegate to last year’s PRSA National Assembly.

“Brooke is an accomplished practitioner and leader who contributes enormously to our clients, our financial services expertise, and our Minneapolis office by adding her broad experience, professional depth and winning attitude,” said Barb Iverson, president of Weber Shandwick’s financial services practice.

Outdoor Writers Association Call for Speakers

Rochester will be home to the 2010 Outdoor Writers Association of America Convention. I was contacted by the organization to put out a call to anyone that may want to speak or who have clients that would like to speak at this event. You can get more information on the 2010 Outdoor Writers Association - http://www.owaa.org/.

The conference will be held on June 10-13, 2010 in Rochester at the Kahler hotel.

Join Minnesota Women in Marketing and Communications!

Minnesota Women in Marketing and Communications (MWMC) is the professional association of choice for women in marketing and communications. MWMC was launched on September 1, 2006, by a group of Twin Cities’ women who felt there was a need for a locally focused organization whose resources could be completely dedicated to meeting the career development and networking needs of Minnesota women in marketing and communications professions. In its short history, MWMC has attracted a growing number of members who have made it their professional association of choice. MWMC’s broad range of activities and benefits are designed to attract and serve members who are from diverse communications disciplines and at various points in their communications careers. More information regarding MWMC can be found at www.mnwc.org.

Member Benefits

MWMC members have access to a variety of career development and networking opportunities:

• Women @ Work Workshops: Members receive discounted rates and speaking opportunities at our in-depth workshops designed to hone and develop attendees’ professional skills.
• Learning Lunches: Members receive discounted rates at our short-format programs designed to provide information on communications trends and best practices.
• Networking Events: Members receive discounted rates to our ongoing events providing a social atmosphere to share with others and to strengthen professional networks.
• Monthly Newsletter, “Member to Member”: Our monthly newsletter features industry-related articles, chapter updates, and member news. Members also have the opportunity to write articles for the newsletter or purchase advertising at a reduced rate.
• Web Site: The members-only portion of our Web site offers access to newsletter archives, membership directory, and other membership materials. New Web site coming in January 2010!
• Membership Directory: All members receive a print and electronic version of our annual membership directory.
• Leadership Opportunities: Volunteer positions are available on MWMC committees as well as the board of directors, which give members the opportunity to expand their skills and industry contacts.
• Member Benefit Partners: MWMC will provide visibility opportunities to our member benefit partners including: Promotion of its member benefit offerings throughout MWMC communications to members and prospects via our Web site, e-newsletter, newsletter, events, and membership kit; the opportunity to write a guest column related to your area of expertise in one of our newsletters; and a special nametag to wear when attending our events which will refer to you as a partner of our organization.

Join Minnesota Women in Marketing and Communications today by going to www.mnwc.org.

Two PR internships at Mall of America - Apply by Nov. 11, 2009

Mall of America - Public Relations Intern

Mall of America - Public Relations Fashion Intern

Job - Tele Health Event Coordinator - Minnetonka, MN - Minneapolis

Tele Health Event Coordinator - Minnetonka, MN - Minneapolis

Job - NELLE Seeks PR/Publicity Intern

NELLE Seeks PR/Publicity Intern

Businesses learn to “adapt or die” with Risdall Marketing Group

To survive, brands must evolve – or go the way of the dinosaur.


As a show of goodwill to current and prospective clients, Risdall Marketing Group (RMG) has been hosting “Adapt or Die” seminars through its Risdall Seminar Series. The first three sessions – on search engine optimization, sponsored search marketing and social media – have drawn increasing larger audiences, with approximately 200 total attendees. “The sessions have been really good, informative and interesting,” said Michelle Lebow from Memoir of Me. “I have enjoyed the changing of presenters and the panel discussions.”

“The resounding success of these seminars punctuates that businesses are hungry to learn how to survive and thrive with the new ways of marketing,” said Ted Risdall, chairman of RMG. “Attendees have learned how to breathe life into their brands and the way they communicate with customers, keeping their businesses from extinction.”

A fourth session, on reputation, will be held at the RMG offices on December 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

Evolving Your Reputation

Brands are only as good as the reading on today’s reputation barometer. When it’s positive, brands thrive. However, brand reputation is never static and continually evolves. At the brand-reputation seminar, you will learn how to establish a thought leadership culture for your organization that:

• Defines and demonstrates your brand
• Creates opportunities to future proof your brand
• Protects brand reputation from marketplace threats
• Instills confidence with the executive team and other stakeholders.

The upcoming seminar costs $97.50 per person and includes breakfast and lunch. To register, visit www.risdall.com/seminarseries.

Content is King: From Web sites to social media, keeping your online content in control

Content strategy – the emerging discipline focused on helping organizations effectively create, maintain, and manage content – is suddenly all the rage. But, why now and what's the web got to do with it? Attend the Women@Work Workshop to learn why content strategy is necessary; how to deliver useful, usable content online, where and when your customers need it most; what you can do to get (and keep) your online content in control. You’ll also get an up-close look at a couple of case studies that demonstrate how local companies are successfully integrating social media into their marketing mix.


Tuesday, November 17
1:00 to 4:00 PM
St. Catherine University
President’s Dining Room (#372) in the Coeur de Catherine building on the St. Paul Campus (map)

Cost:
$58 Members
$78 Non-members
$43 Students

Register Now



About Our Speakers:

Melissa Rach, Director of Content Strategy, Brain Traffic
Melissa is director of content strategy at Brain Traffic, an agency focused on helping clients tackle messy content problems. Using skills in messaging, information architecture, writing, and communication planning; Melissa has consulted for a wide variety of clients including General Mills, Best Buy, Target, United Health Group, Wolters Kluwer, and Wells Fargo. Melissa worked on her first online project in 1993. Since then, she has become a respected authority on how organizations incorporate interactive content into their overall communications strategy. Her methodologies have been taught at universities nationwide and recognized in books for nearly a decade, from Webmastering for Dummies (2000) to Content Strategy for the Web (2009).

Eva Keiser, APR, Senior Vice President, Risdall McKinney Public Relations
Eva has a proven track record of success and expertise in marketing communications and media relations. Working in an integrated agency, Eva is on the front lines bringing elements together – online and offline – to create momentum for a brand and drive Web site traffic. With a deep understanding of the media and storytelling, Eva has the uncommon ability to uncover stories within an organization that resonate with the media, and move readers to action. Over her career, Eva gained a wealth of experience through working on political campaigns, with grassroots organizations, and at various print and broadcast media outlets. Eva is an adjunct professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Weber Shandwick - Invitation to B2B Roundtable: Managing Integrated Campaigns

Ten years ago, an integrated campaign was one in which advertising and public relations worked in concert. Today, integration is often more about the convergence of online strategies and tactics with traditional, offline communications, an approach we call "Inline."

Please join us for a group discussion on creating and managing Inline campaigns facilitated by Andy Keith, B2B Account Director in Weber Shandwick's digital communications practice, Aaron Pearson, SVP of Weber Shandwick's technology practice and Ben Maurer, a member of the agency's Inline team.
 

WHEN:	Tuesday, November 17th      Breakfast/registration: 7:45 a.m.      Roundtable discussion: 8-9 a.m.
WHERE:	Weber Shandwick, 8000 Norman Center Drive,      Suite 400, Bloomington, MN 55437
RSVP:	Please contact Leah Kondes at 952-346-6115      or lkondes@webershandwick.com.

About your facilitators for this event


Aaron Pearson, Senior Vice President, Technology Practice

Aaron Pearson is a senior vice president and Vertical Markets Segment leader for Weber Shandwick's Global Technology Practice, directing programs that help B2B clients reach industry-specific technology buyers through traditional media, social networks, industry analysts and other influencers. Aaron has more than 15 years of experience applying his strategic communications and management skills to both emerging and large global clients, including ADC, Lawson Software, Microsoft and Syngenta.


Andy Keith, Account Director, Digital Communications Practice

As digital account director in Weber Shandwick's digital practice group, Andy Keith advises account teams and clients on how to best integrate interactive and social media strategies and tactics into the overall communications platform, with an emphasis on B2B marketing and PR. He brings more than 15 years of experience with online media, including Web marketing, online communities and portals, corporate blogging, social networks, knowledge management and e-learning.

Ben Maurer, Senior Account Executive, Corporate, Community and Public Affairs Practice

As a senior account executive in Weber Shandwick's corporate, community and public affairs practice group, Ben Maurer helps manage and execute public relations and consumer marketing programs, including national and local media relations initiatives, social media components, new product introductions and special events. Ben's current clients include BAE Systems, a key defense company; Polaris Industries, designers and manufactures of off-road vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles; and Duluth Metals, a mining exploration company.

Blog of the Week!

Special thanks to Katie editor of k@tie.in.mpls for listing me as her blog of the week. Oh and also for the nice things she said about me. I am blushing.

-Ryan

IABC Speed Networking Event Nov 12

Stay in “The Loop” with Speed Networking

In an effort to show how much we appreciate our IABC members (and potential members too), we offer you a night packed with speed networking, fabulous food and incredible company—all at a reduced price! We hope you’ll take advantage of the second annual speed networking event to make the second year an even bigger hit.
 
Stay in “The Loop” with Speed Networking will take place on Thursday, November 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  For more information and to register, visit mn.iabc.com.

Special reduced pricing for November:
Advanced registration by Saturday, November 7:
Members $15
Nonmembers $25

Late registration
Members $20
Nonmembers $30

Job - Kroll Ontrack - Corporate Public Relations Specialist

Kroll Ontrack - Corporate Public Relations Specialist

LEWIS PROMOTED TO SENIOR PUBLIC RELATIONS COUNSELOR AND DOUCET JOINS MACCABEE GROUP

Jill Lewis, a senior account executive with Minneapolis-based public relations agency Maccabee Group, has been promoted to senior public relations counselor. Lewis now helps guide PR and social media marketing campaigns for Maccabee Group’s food, healthcare and technology clients.

In addition, Maccabee Group has hired Christina Doucet as Account Executive. Prior to joining Maccabee Group, Doucet served as senior PR and communications specialist for global legal services provider Forthright and its client, the National Arbitration Forum. At Forthright, Doucet developed social media strategies involving Facebook, Twitter and blogs, launched Forthright’s first-ever Intranet site and oversaw search engine optimization efforts that increased Google search results by 200 percent.

BMA-Minnesota Event Explores Building a Better Business Case for Marketing

Having great ideas for how to help your business is one thing, but without being able to demonstrate certain success, it’s difficult to convince others that your marketing strategy is worth implementing. To address this key issue, the Minnesota chapter of the Business Marketing Association (BMA-Minnesota) will host “Building a Better Business Case for Marketing” on November 17, 2009.

Sponsored by Online Marketing Connect and led by Pat LaPointe, managing partner at MarketingNPV, the session will explore how to build a solid business case for marketing programs and enhance the credibility of your recommendations.

“As marketers, it is easy for us to understand the inherent value of our efforts, but expressing that value to decision-makers can be a challenge when dollars and cents are the primary measurement,” said Heidi Wight, vice president of programming for BMA-Minnesota. “Translating the benefits of a marketing communications strategy so that all stakeholders understand is crucial for credibility.”

Also presenting is Aaron Kahlow, chairman and founder of the Online Marketing Summit and its related educational arm, the Online Marketing Institute. Considered one of the leading educators in online marketing, Kahlow has a unique ability to translate online marketing technology jargon into simple and easy to understand marketing and business terms.

Together LaPointe and Kahlow will address the universal questions:

• How can I define the benefits of proposed actions in a more financially astute manner?
• How can I credibly assess risks and uncertain paybacks when I have so little data or history to work with?
• How do I build a business case that gets respect for its thoughtfulness and discipline, even if it doesn't get funded?
• Where does online marketing like search, email, social and website fit into the mix?
• How are world-class brands taking an integrated planning approach in order to obtain budget?
• Why must business-to-business companies consider social media components for 2010?

The event will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Wayzata , Minn. and will run from 8:00 to 10:15 a.m. Registration and breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. The cost of the event is $30 for BMA members and $45 for non-members. Attendees can register online at www.bmaminnesota.org through November 12, 2009. There will be a limited number of walk-up registrations also are available.

Job - Weber Shandwick - Account Group Manager, Healthcare

Weber Shandwick - Account Group Manager, Healthcare

Looking for a job?

It seems that today everyone is looking for a job. Whether you were laid off, fired or just don't like the job you have it seems everyone is looking for work. It got me thinking...where are you looking for employment? Only in the Twin Cities or are you willing to move to where ever the jobs are? Please take the following poll:

Internship at Weber Shandwick

Internship at Weber Shandwick

LaBreche is seeking an Account Assistant

LaBreche is seeking and Account Assistant

Minnesota AMA offering $1,000 scholarship for 2009-2010

The Minnesota Chapter of the American Marketing Association is offering a $1,000 scholarship for the 2009-2010 academic year. This year the scholarship is open to:

* Current collegiate members at our participating college chapters
* A child of a current member of the MN Professional Chapter of the AMA

The scholarship is based on the response to the following essay question:

Personal Branding will become more important than a killer resume or bio. Your personal brand is your public identity. It’s what you are known for within and outside your network. Describe what you think your personal brand is and define some ways for establishing it (i.e. social media).

Judging is based on application of marketing principles, creativity, writing style, punctuation and grammar.

Applications are due 11:59pm, Sunday, November 1, 2009.

We encourage everyone to participate for their chance to earn $1000 plus the winner will be invited to attend a Minnesota AMA monthly program to receive recognition for his or her effort and success. In addition, the college chapter with the most applicants will be eligible for grant money from the MNAMA.

More information and complete details

Minnesota Women in Marketing Communications Reveals New Board of Directors

Minnesota Women in Marketing Communications (MWMC) announces it’s 2009-2010 board of directors: as president Nora Hayes, account supervisor at Weber Shandwick; as president-elect, Shannon M. Novotne, marketing communications specialist at Boston Scientific CRM; as past-president, Sara Masters, director of communications at Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA; as Finance VP, Sandy Syfko, marketing manager at GE Commercial Finance; as marketing VP, Susannah Prochazka, technical marketing specialist at Bonestroo; as marketing chair; Tricia Mathews, marketing communications specialist II at HR Green; as professional development VP, Sara Cziok, marketing communications manager at LaBreche; as professional development chair, Katie Fisher, marketing coordinator at Verisae; as networking VP, Bethany Bierman, leadership giving officer at Luther College; as membership VP, Michelle Josephson, director of international services at Cenveo; and as secretary, Laurie Klepinger, virtual assistant at LK Business Services, Inc.

Show up, On Time, Prepared

In today's economic climate we are all looking for ways to separate ourselves from the competition.

Over the past few weeks I have been asked by several different college students what they could do to separate themselves from the crowd of intellectuals graduating this spring. That is not an easy question to answer. But it got me thinking.

I was reminded of being a grade school kid and listening to a "business man" who came to speak to my church group. He told our group that if you want to be successful all you have to do is show up, on time, prepared. He said that by doing those three simple things you eliminate eighty percent of the competition!

Fast forward to today and I find myself thinking...am I still showing up, on time, prepared? I can think of at least a handfull of times in the past couple of weeks where I haven't either shown up, been on time or prepared. The truth is...this is not rocket science. Figure out a way to show up, then make sure you are on time. Being prepared takes more work, but if you are looking to seperate yourself make sure you spend sometime preparing.

Job -Strother Communications Group seeks Senior Account Executive

Strother Communications Group seeks Senior Account Executive

Job -Fleishman-Hillard Inc - Senior Vice President, Consumer Brand Marketing

Fleishman-Hillard Inc - Senior Vice President, Consumer Brand Marketing