Job - MARCOMM Communications Coordinator

 MARCOMM Communications Coordinator

Job - Ecolab - Marketing Communications Internship

Ecolab - Marketing Communications Internship

Job - Nystrom & Associates, Ltd. - Marketing Communications Specialist

Nystrom & Associates, Ltd. - Marketing Communications Specialist

Merry Christmas!

Job - NorthMarq Capital - Marketing & Communications - Internship

NorthMarq Capital - Marketing & Communications - Internship

Job - MARCOMM Inc. is currently looking to hire a Communications Coordinator

MARCOMM Inc. is currently looking to hire a Communications Coordinator

Job - Bosch - Communications & Marketing Intern

Bosch - Communications & Marketing Intern

Job - HealthPartners - Communications Intern - Corporate Communications Dept.

HealthPartners - Communications Intern - Corporate Communications Dept.

Job - Ecolab - Marketing Communications Internship

Ecolab - Marketing Communications Internship

Gibbs Promoted to Executive Vice President, Strategy

 Nicki Gibbs has been promoted to executive vice president, strategy at Beehive Strategic Communication. Gibbs will continue to lead client strategy and business development, as well as services development.

“Nicki’s keen insights, strategic vision and thoughtful leadership inspire and elevate both her team and her clients,” said Lisa Hannum, president and CEO of Beehive Strategic Communication. “Her passion, clarity and positive energy simply make everything better.”

Gibbs’ agency and industry leadership has earned her many awards and accolades. She most recently was recognized as a “Top Woman in PR” by PR News for her work with University of Minnesota Health, Christopher & Banks and 6pm.com, a Zappos company.

Gibbs joined Beehive in 2005, and most recently was senior vice president, strategy. Prior to joining Beehive, she spent nearly a decade at Weber Shandwick. Gibbs leads a client portfolio that includes health care, higher education and retail industries, and works with clients including Beaumont Health, 3M, PreferredOne and Rasmussen College.

To learn more about how Nicki Gibbs identifies key triggers and movements that translate into connections and ideas for clients, read her latest CQ Field Study on the Beehive blog.

Job - Schwans Food Company - Internal Communications Specialist

Schwans Food Company - Internal Communications Specialist

Job - Fast Horse - Account Director

Fast Horse - Account Director

Job - Fast Horse - Senior Account Manager

Fast Horse - Senior Account Manager

Job - Fast Horse - Account Director

Fast Horse - Account Director

Job - UniterHealthcare - Social Media Communications Manager

UniterHealthcare - Social Media Communications Manager

Job - Minnesota Judicial Branch - Internal Communication Consultant - Court Operations Analyst II

Minnesota Judicial Branch - Internal Communication Consultant - Court Operations Analyst II

Job - Cargill - Salt Group Communications Specialist

Cargill - Salt Group Communications Specialist

Job- Medtronic - Public Relations Specialist - Corporate Communications

Medtronic - Public Relations Specialist - Corporate Communications

Job- Wells Fargo - Public Relations Senior Consultant (Communications Consultant 4)

Wells Fargo - Public Relations Senior Consultant (Communications Consultant 4)

Job - The Social Lights - Account Manager

The Social Lights - Account Manager

CobornsDelivers launches new advertisment - Little Man

CobornsDelivers, the trusted local employee-owned grocer that has been providing Twin Cities
homes with online grocery delivery for over eight years, has a new TV spot,
from SHOUT Creative.

The New Hope, Minnesota-based company offers convenience and rigorous quality control to shoppers who’d like to save themselves the stresses of an in-person trip to the store. We all know how bad  it can get: fighting parking lot traffic during peak hours, missing out on after-work yoga class because dinner must hit the table at 6 and there’s no
food at home, trying to keep healthy food goals in mind even though treats beg to be impulse-purchased as you make your way down the aisle...and for parents of babies and young children, the risk of the dread mid-shop meltdown.

SHOUT and CobornsDelivers have created Little Man, a TV spot that makes light of the seismographic changes to a toddler’s demeanor that show a temper tantrum is in the offing. It’s a funny, relatable spot that will have every parent nodding—Mom’s back is turned as she tries to remember everything on her list….but the viewer knows before she does is that it’s already too late. For a five-dollar delivery charge, she could have saved herself the trip to the store, the time spent shopping, and the super-stressor of having an entire store’s eyes on her as she carries her screaming little guy to the car.

Hey, we’ve all been there!

Garrison Joins Padilla as Vice President, Insights and Strategy

Padilla announced today that Mike Garrison has joined the agency as vice president of Insights and Strategy. He will work closely with SMS Research Advisors, Padilla’s in-house market research and consulting firm. Together, Garrison and the SMS team will turn great research into compelling understanding of consumer behaviors.

“A robust insights and strategy capability is essential to a number of important initiatives at Padilla,” said Padilla CEO Lynn Casey. “Mike’s expertise strengthens our ability to provide research-based strategic counsel to our clients and guide them to truly connecting with those who matter most to their success.”

Garrison brings a long history of exploring, questioning and translating consumer behaviors to Padilla. Prior to joining the agency, he served as vice president and lead consumer strategist for Iconoculture, a business management consultancy based in Minneapolis. Garrison also served as senior manager of brand research and consumer insights for Nickelodeon, managing all aspects of primary research projects.

“I’ve always been passionate and inquisitive about what drives consumer behavior,” Garrison said. “By joining Padilla’s research team, I’m confident we can help inspire and empower the agency’s clients to deliver more meaningful experiences for their customers.”

Padilla CCO Heath Rudduck Named to The Holmes Report’s Innovator 25 Americas List

Heath Rudduck, Padilla chief creative officer, has been named to The Holmes Report’s Innovator 25 Americas list for 2017. In its fifth year, the list includes innovators from the United States, Latin America and Canada.

“This year's innovators made the cut because they're producing work that points to the future of marketing and communications. Innovation is evolving and this list reflects the diversity inherent in curating a list like this one,” according to The Holmes Report. “Champions for creativity, pay equity, storytelling and business analytics are among those featured on the list, all innovators in different – but meaningful – ways.”

Rudduck assumed the chief creative officer mantle at Padilla in 2014, bringing to the agency a wealth of management, creative and digital experience, having worked at a variety of national advertising and digital agencies across the United States and his native Australia.

More information about Rudduck and the Innovator 25 Americas is available here.

Sleep Number - Digital & Social Media Director

Digital & Social Media Director

Job Location Minneapolis, Minnesota

Overview

To drive strategy, planning, execution, and performance for all paid digital media, ultimately building brand awareness, generating website and store traffic, and deepening customer engagement. 

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, development, execution and optimization of paid digital efforts, including display, mobile, video, social and SEM
• Lead and own strategies that drive high-quality traffic to website/store and ultimately convert to units
• Continue to build in-house media buying capabilities across social, display and video
• Prove out efficiency and effectiveness of in-house media buying
• Partner with retail, e-commerce and direct channels to align digital marketing campaigns against channel specific business objectives.
• Identify opportunities for applying new technologies, digital products and services to online campaigns
• Own digital marketing budget, allocations, forecasting, results and reporting
• Closely align with the traditional and website leaders to ensure the cross functional plans provide optimal business results
• Partner with media analytics and agency to maintain and/or develop effective reporting tools
• Drive development and management of co-marketing and co-branded partnerships
• Manage and develop a digital media team to achieve excellence through high performance initiatives, goals and partnerships
• Stay abreast of new digital media trends and the overall digital environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive digital marketing experience required. Digital agency experience preferred
• Bachelor’s degree required, MBA preferred
• Track record of delivering multifaceted digitally driven campaigns from strategy through execution
• Proven expertise for building an in-house digital buying team
• Strong track record of leveraging data driven research/analysis to drive strategic direction and optimize marketing programs
• Engagement driving management of digital team of 6 FTE’s
• Creative thinker and innovator
• Collaborative leader working in highly integrated team environment
• Exceptional relationship building and people management skills as well as the ability to prioritize, multitask, focus, lead, influence and delegate while working in fast-paced and demanding situations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required
• Must have strong consumer understanding skills, ability to translate customer insights into successful digital marketing programs and a high degree of creativity to find new, compelling ways to reach and communicate to consumers
•  BS/BA required, MBA preferred
  
  Apply Now.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving

Navigating the Worldwide Web to Launch Your Music Career

Prince, Bob Dylan, Janet Jackson and The Replacements all credit Minnesota for helping to jumpstart their career. The vibrant music scene pulsating throughout the Twin Cities is alive, and well. One of the reasons for this is the large number of innovative record labels located all over the state. These record labels have been responsible for some of the greatest and are looking for more talent to spread Minnesota’s sound to the world. So, how do you get noticed by one of these labels? Follow these tips to promote yourself online and hopefully catch the attention of a producer.

Create a Name for Yourself

The first thing about getting noticed, is to find something that makes you shine. Think about what kind of musician you want to be and how you can make a difference in the industry. Emphasize this differentiation and use this as your brand. You might want to start by doing some research into some of your favorite artists to see how they position themselves in the market.

Create a Website

Once you figure out your brand, you're ready to promote your music online. The first step is to create a website that holds everything fans need to know about you. This site should reflect the newly created brand you identified for yourself and exude your identity. There are many hosting sites available for your use, but check out Wix, Wordpress, Bandcamp, or Squarespace. These sites have designs that are created just for musicians.

Get Connected

You will need to get your music out there on as many platforms as possible including putting tracks on SoundCloud, iTunes, and Spotify. Then, get yourself connected through social media. You will need a presence on all the platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. Use the same handle for each of these accounts so that fans can easily identify you. Also, be sure to link your newly created website to each of your social media pages so that people can learn more about you.

Get Noticed

You will need to create fan base by reaching out to your fans. Post on your social media accounts daily and ask questions or encourage your listeners to engage. Start using popular hashtags and make one for yourself, and ask people to respond using it. Once you get a good fan base, then you can start reaching out to music blogs to see if they’d like to do a piece on you. This is a great way to get noticed by an even bigger community.

You have to start day by day and grow your presence. If you’re determined, you will eventually create a large enough fan base that will catch the attention of one of Minnesota’s best record labels

By Lucy Wyndam - lucywyndham.writer@gmail.com

Job - Light Industrial - Marketing & Communications Specialist

Light Industrial - Marketing & Communications Specialist

Job - McKnight Foundation - Multimedia Storyteller

McKnight     Foundation - Multimedia Storyteller

Job - BeTheMatch - Public Relation Intern

BeTheMatch - Public Relation Intern

Tomorrow is Give to the Max Day 2017!

Tomorrow is Give to the Max Day 2017. It is the pre-Thanksgiving Day way to draw attention to Minnesota non-profits.  There are so many worthy causes to give to it can be overwhelming to think about it.

I want to challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone for one minute and try giving to an organization that you believe in. Check it out!

Job - Mall of America - PR Fashion Internship

Mall of America - PR Fashion Internship

Job - Department of the Army - PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Department of the Army - PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

JESSICA PETRIE JOINS MACCABEE PUBLIC RELATIONS AS ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jessica Petrie, most recently the public relations manager for the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul, has joined Minneapolis agency Maccabee Public Relations as its new Account Manager. 

 

Prior to her role at the Ordway, Petrie worked at both agencies Gage and LaBreche PR as a senior public relations specialist – serving such clients as 3M, Capital Safety, Tastefully Simple, Oak Grove Capital, Meritas and Wealth Enhancement Group. Before that, Petrie worked as an assistant account executive at the agency Perception Ink PR, assisting on clients including Angie’s Kettle Corn, Nicollet Island Inn, Cook County Events and Visitors Bureau, Chamilia and Ronald McDonald House-Upper Midwest.

 

Five-time winner of Minnesota’s “100 Best Companies To Work For,” Maccabee is a public relations and online marketing agency providing clients with exceptionally strategic and creative media relations, social media strategies, inbound/content marketing and corporate communications counsel from its headquarters in the North Loop District of downtown Minneapolis. Learn more about Maccabee at www.maccabee.com and www.maccabee.com/blog, and find the agency on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.

Job - FLM - Public Relations Writer

FLM - Public Relations Writer

Job - Thrivent Finincial - Social Media Specialist-1

Thrivent Finincial - Social Media Specialist-1

Job - Target - LEAD, CORPORATE PUBLIC RELATIONS PR Manager

Target - LEAD, CORPORATE PUBLIC RELATIONS PR Manager

Job - Gopher Sport - Paid Media Specialist

Gopher Sport - Paid Media Specialist

Minnesota College Grads: Here’s How to Get Your Start in Public Relations

For public relations majors who have recently graduated (or who are about to graduate) from college, breaking into the world of public relations can seem daunting. While core bachelor degree courses certainly help provide the education necessary for an entry-level position, it is a field that demands experience to thrive. Knowing how to get started is often one of the greatest obstacles facing recent grads.

If you are or if you know someone who is about to embark on his or her public relations career, explore some of the top ways to get a head start.

Don’t wait to start networking

Networking isn’t just for established professionals or business owners. In fact, networking stands to benefit the recent grad far more than a public relations professional who already has established industry connections. Even before graduating, attending local networking events is of incredible value. You will be able to start creating your own network of connections, open yourself to unique opportunities, be able to seek advice, and help you work your way into the industry at a quicker rate. Not sure where to find a networking event around you? A quick search of Minnesota networking groups, as well as speaking with your college or university, should lead you to several networking groups.

Consult with your college or university

Nearly all colleges and universities have some kind of career center. If you’re finding it challenging to look for entry-level public relations positions, your school’s career center can act as an invaluable resource. Most of these centers have connections to hiring managers at local companies, as well as alumni within the field in which you are interested. They can also help with interview practice, job searching, and résumé writing (usually free of charge).

Consider applying for an internship

Although it may not sound desirable, sometimes the best thing that a recent graduate can do is to pick up a relevant internship in his or her field. This is especially true if you were unable to get real world public relations experience during college. Even if an internship is unpaid, it can bring you needed experience and potential opportunities for your first job. If money is of concern, you can also work toward creating multiple streams of income while completing your internship. Pick up side gigs in your local area, or find work from home opportunities online.

Starting your career in public relations

Following the tips listed above will help recent college graduates who have earned their degree in public relations to begin their careers. Although it isn’t easy at first, taking ownership of your career is one of the first steps to success. Rather than letting your career take twists and turns as they come up, recognize what you have control over and pursue success in those areas. Being proactive about the path your career takes is the best way to start a meaningful, lifelong career in public relations.

By Lucy Wyndam - lucywyndham.writer@gmail.com

Rocket55 Continues Growth with 11 New Hires

In order to continue its consistently high level of client service, Rocket55, one of the fastest-growing digital agencies in the Twin Cities, has hired 11 more team members and promoted Hannah Scherrer to Managing Director of Operations and Dan Onken to VP of Content Strategy.

Sara Dziedzic has joined the firm as VP of Business Development. She has more than 20 years of business development experience, with a specific focus at digital marketing firms. Dziedzic most recently worked as the business development leader at Risdall Marketing Group. She also held a variety of business development leadership roles at companies including Parqa, Flexion, and Blue Hue Interactive.

In addition, Tyler Hetland has joined the firm as Marketing Strategist. In this role, he will provide big-picture strategy to clients and coordinate alignment across the Rocket55 departments for cohesive client campaigns. Hetland most recently was a marketing strategy specialist at SCHERMER. He also has worked for Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies, Augsburg University, and Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce.

Scherrer has worked for Rocket55 since 2014, first as SEO Copywriter and then as Senior SEO Manager. In her new role, she is responsible for ensuring that each member of the Rocket55 team is utilized to the best of his or her ability, and that every internal and external process is as efficient as possible.

Onken has been a Rocket55 team member for a year, starting out as PPC Copywriter and then as Content Manager. As VP, he will be responsible for creating and implementing the high-level content strategy across all services and projects while ensuring cross-team collaboration among business units in regards to content development.

“Our innovative digital marketing strategies resonate with both our existing clients and prospects, which has led to exciting growth in 2017,” said Jake Butzer, Partner at Rocket55. “We are making an investment in top talent today to set Rocket55 up for continued success.”

Rocket55 also has added the following new employees:

• Megan Beasley -- Account Manager
• Sumia Fury -- Project Manager
• Chris Grathwol -- Associate Paid Digital Specialist
• Evan Hanson -- Art Director
• John Kearns -- Account Manager
• Mat Kennedy -- Junior Copywriter
• Nicole Larson -- SEO Specialist
• Liz Qi -- Web Designer
• Kelly Reed -- Sales and Marketing Assistant

David Hakensen, APR elefted to PRSA's College of Fellows

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) announced that David Hakensen, APR, senior vice president at FleishmanHillard, was one of 11 public relations practitioners elected as new members into the prestigious College of Fellows, an honorary organization within PRSA comprised of more than 350 senior practitioners and educators, each of whom has left a significant footprint on the public relations profession.

Fellows were inducted at a ceremony Oct. 7 in Boston, in conjunction with the organization’s international conference. 

Hakensen, a veteran public relations practitioner in the Twin Cities for more than 35 years, leads the corporate reputation practice in FleishmanHillard’s Minneapolis/St. Paul office.  Previously he was general manager of the office for five years.  Prior to joining FleishmanHillard, Hakensen worked at Pearson Education, Padilla Speer Beardsley and Hill and Knowlton. 

To qualify for admittance into the College of Fellows, the public relations practitioner or educator must have at least 20 years of experience, hold the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential and have demonstrated exceptional capability and accomplishment in the practice or teaching of public relations. Fewer than 2 percent of PRSA members are accepted into the College of Fellows.

Election to the College of Fellows, which was created in 1989 as part of an initiative focused on the future of public relations, is considered the pinnacle of a professional’s career. Fellows are seen throughout PRSA and the profession serving in Chapter, District, Section and National leadership positions, mentoring students and professionals, and teaching and engaging in professional practice.

He currently serves on the executive council of the Minnesota Historical Society, and the boards of Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest, the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce and Norway House. 

A native of St. Paul, Hakensen earned his bachelor’s degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn.

Job - Honeywell - Marketing Communications Super

Honeywell - Marketing Communications Super

Job - IRET Properties - Community Manager III

IRET Properties - Community Manager III

Job - YMCA - Event Coordinator

YMCA - Event Coordinator

The Accessible Website is the Newest PR Superhero

If there were anyone in the business world who saves the day every day, it’s the accessible website. This simple to obtain tool works on its own to bring customers to a business, yet some businesses simply haven’t gotten on board yet. If your business isn’t on board, find out why fast, and change it. If you need help in reviewing how your website communicates with your customers, get on these tips today.

Check Out the SEO

How is the SEO on your website doing? You can check this by making sure all the links work properly, and that they are anchored to an appropriate phrase. The days of using “click here” to entice customers are gone. You need a true call to action, with a link to further reading, to update in today’s SEO world. People are skimming websites, looking for interesting links and headlines. Use links such as, “read the article”, “click for more news”, or, “click here for more information on (product name)”. This will not only increase keywords, but will entice real people to follow through.

Improve the Experience

Consider the overall customer experience on the website. Do the buttons need to be bigger? Who is your target audience, and is the site something they would enjoy using? Is the site easy to use no matter the device? How much work does a customer have to do to get information and order a product? All these questions matter in the overall experience. If it is negative in any way, the likelihood of return customers lessens. Ask a test group for feedback on the site, or ask an impartial party about the overall experience. Take suggestions seriously.

Consider Visual Aspects

Think about a personal interaction with a website that had red letters on a dark background. How long did you stay on the site? The visual aspects are the first aspects a customer encounters. If the site is too hard to read, there’s no reason for a customer to stay. If you are going to use different colors for backgrounds, make sure to check the outcome before sharing the site. Successful sites typically have the most important information in black letters on a white background, with advertising in different colors. However, if the color combination can be read by a variety of users, then it is okay to mix it up. Remember to test the site often for accessibility.

By Lucy Wyndam - lucywyndham.writer@gmail.com

Job - Sherwin-Williams - Marketing Communications Specialist

Sherwin-Williams - Marketing Communications Specialist

Job - Humera - Upstream Marketing Manager

Humera - Upstream Marketing Manager

Job - Entrust Datacard - Marketing - Social Media Intern

Entrust Datacard - Marketing - Social Media Intern

Job - TelventDTN - Social Media Intern

TelventDTN - Social Media Intern

Job - Tealwood Senior Living - Director of Marketing

Tealwood Senior Living - Director of Marketing

Job - Dave and Busters - Special Events Assistant

Dave and Busters - Special Events Assistant

Job - PR Manager, SEA LIFE & LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, North America

PR Manager, SEA LIFE & LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, North America

Job - Minnesota Judicial Branch - Communications Specialist

Minnesota Judicial Branch - Communications Specialist 

Job - Kohnstamm Communications Inc. - Senior Account Executive

Kohnstamm Communications Inc. - Senior Account Executive

Job - BrandPoint - Writer

BrandPoint - Writer

Job - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota - Digital Marketing Intern Job

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota - Digital Marketing Intern Job

Job - Orbital ATK - Communication Specialist

Orbital ATK - Communication Specialist

Job - Maccabee Public Relations - Digital and Social Media Content Internship (Paid)

Maccabee Public Relations - Digital and Social Media Content Internship (Paid)

Job - Stratasys Ltd.- Intern - Social Media

Stratasys Ltd.-   Intern - Social Media

How To Make Freelance PR Writing a Sustainable Career

The job market is diminishing. While the unemployment rate in Minnesota is lower than the national average, there is no doubt that improving technology is leading to a loss of traditional manufacturing jobs. Graduates are finding it tough to enter their dream career and the job market in general is changing. More job seekers are turning to internships, while others are taking on less secure work in the emerging sharing economy. If you have marketing and skills and a creative mindset, you can try freelance PR writing, allowing you to earn income while working for yourself.

Is There Demand for Written Content?

While news websites and magazines are cutting costs, the demand for specialized writers is increasing due to the internet. Social Media and search engine sites such as Facebook and Google have a constant need for PR material because they must be updated on an ongoing basis.

PR writing is more broad than you may think. You can do anything from completing paid survey assignments to designing Google ads. Basically, anywhere you see specialized content is a potential job opportunity for writing in the PR industry.

Where to Seek Work 

Firstly, you need to know where to find work, which can be done using the right laptop and an internet connection. Start by searching job sites such as Career Builder or Craigslist. The more sites you search the better chance you have of finding the right opportunity.

If you are an experienced PR writer, you can limit your search to large corporations, who will offer well-paid, regular work. If you are just starting out, however, look for individuals who need some PR. Maybe they’ve just released a book or are starting a project and need you to help market their new venture.

Alternatively, approach local political parties and non-profit organizations. They will have less money to offer, but there is a never ending demand from these smaller organizations for PR. While all experience is valuable, never work for free. This is a waste of time and won’t help your career to progress. If you are serious about making a living from PR writing, then you need to value yourself enough to charge a fee, however small.

Making a Success of It 

 

Once you’ve found work, you need to prove that you are capable. The best thing you can do for your career is to impress your client so that they will approach you if new opportunities arise. Building a strong reputation ensures a sustainable flow of paid work.

Freelance writing might sound like an unstable source of income, and for many it is, but it is also a growing market with endless opportunities. If writing is a serious passion of yours, then rest assured a living can be made from the comfort of your own home. All that is required is a dedication to research and the drive to succeed.