August 26, 2006

A new pitch tactic

Ad agencies generally acquire new clients in one of two ways. Either the execs are in good through some networked relationship and the business is simply handed to them, or they go through a traditional pitch process, by which a review is conducted. A review starts with an request for proposal (RFP) being sent to several agencies. There are then 3 or 4 rounds of review, each resulting in agencies being disqualified, and finally ending with an agency being awarded the business.

Agency.com, an interactive shop with offices around the country, and a couple overseas, was pitching business from Subway - a client who in the past decade or so has gone through ad agencies every one or two years. Yet they have a lot of money, and agencies who pitch them hope to be the one who can hold onto the business, leda them in their thinking, and "do good work." As part of their spec creative, Agency.com created videos of their pitch process and posted them on the latest user-generated-content site - youtube.com. It's never been done before and has taken the industry a little by surprise.

And now they've pulled out of the pitch. Bummer that they wasted such a cool tactic on an account they're now no longer chasing.

Check out the video.

And read the blog that's been documenting the buzz around the work.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 07:35 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

August 25, 2006

JT is back

And I love viral marketing. JT himself sent me this email asking me to post this in my blog. Can you stand it?

src="http://admin.brightcove.com/viewer/federated.swf"
bgcolor="#ffffff"
flashVars="playerId=164988887&viewerSecureGatewayURL=https://services.brightcove.com/services/amfgateway&servicesURL=http://services.brightcove.com/services&cdnURL=http://admin.brightcove.com&playerTag=&autoplay=true&automatedPlay=&playAll=&maximized=&domain=embed&"

base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj"
width="500" height="529"
seamlesstabbing="false"
type="application/x-shockwave-flash" swLiveConnect="true"

pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash">

Okay - so maybe JT doesn't know how to code very well. He's still hot!

Posted by SparklesMpls at 08:37 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

March 14, 2006

Advertising 2.0

Our world is filled with ads. They're everywhere you are. It's nearly impossible to browse the 'net these days without seeing advertisements littering your favorite sites. Magazines are published solely for the purpose of selling ad space (one must wonder about the merit of the editorial content). But with the advent of technologies like TiVo, where one can skip the commercials, and pop-up blockers so you don't even have to view the ads; not to mention government regulations like CAN-SPAM and do-not-call lists, advertisers increasingly have to find new and innovative ways to reach their audience.

Like competition or evolution theory, these forces drive the product to new heights. And I don't mind it one bit.

Download the viral video of the cleaning hunk in windows media or quicktime formats.

Don't forget to visit the site, too - at least do them the favor of counting you as an impression.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 07:43 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack

January 13, 2006

Public Service Announcement

I'd like to think that I have a right to be a little shocked at my experience in the men's room at work yesterday. As I was standing at the urinal, minding my own Christian business, I heard a strange sound coming from an occupied stall.

No, it's not what you're thinking. There were no strange vibrations, flatulence, or moans emanating. Instead, it was a strange tapping.

Continuing to mind my own Christian business I strained to catch a little more of the sound, trying to figure out what on earth it could be.

The tapping was inconsistent. It would come in spurts with a bunch of rapid tapping, then nothing for a while. Then maybe one or two taps. Then another spurt. Whatever it was, it wasn't natural.

I finished minding my own Christian business, zipped up and proceeded to the sink. That's when the truth was revealed. A man exited the stall carrying a laptop computer.

This is a public service announcement reminding you to stay away from keyboards that are not your own. Or, if you must, bring a can of Lysol to disinfect prior to doing your own tapping.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 09:26 AM | Comments (12) | TrackBack

September 24, 2005

Who knew?

Who knew that ad concepting would one day be this easy? With the time savings, big marketters will be able to put even more money into their media buy!

Posted by SparklesMpls at 08:47 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

September 02, 2005

Where did Dan go?

So work has been a little nuts lately. People have left, which leaves those remaining picking up some slack, which leaves scarce lunches, very little socializing, and generally a hectic workplace. I recently moved out of my old cube into an office a few floors up. Good news - the office offers a little more privacy and makes me feel somewhat valued. Bad news is that I miss my old working buddies. There was a gang of us within shoutting distance above the half-height walls. We'd go to lunch together. Gossip. Tell dirty (really dirty) jokes. And, of course, scream and cry when things didn't go our way.

My new place is on the 5th floor. Between accounting and HR.

No longer can I tell dirty, inappropriate, sexist, and downright insulting jokes.

No longer can I scream and cry, for fear the CPAs down the hall lose their concentration and miscalculate what I'm sure is to be, a very large bonus for me this year.

I was downstairs visiting my buddies the other day and had to do a doubletake over at my old workspace. I've documented what I found here. I thought it was cute. They miss me!

Posted by SparklesMpls at 10:43 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack

August 01, 2005

Agency life is so glamorous

An all-agency email was sent out my the time-sheet lady today. Emails of this sort end up in your inbox about once a pay period. When I received my first note of this type I thought, "Oh shit, I've gotta get my timesheet in." Now that I realize it's commonplace, the urgency level doesn't quite reach DEFCON 4.

I should also note that the person who sends these out is really quite sweet, which I think just adds to the somewhat comedic nature of getting such threatening emails at work.

Subject: IN RESPONSE TO .08 AS OF AUGUST 1.
Importance: High

Now that Minnesota has caught up with the rest of the nation in changing the blood alcohol limit to .08 it would be very helpful if you would all consider getting those July timesheets done right away. *

You know how overwrought I get on a normal month end and now I have to worry about limiting my alcohol consumption...its not going to be an easy week!

So, please could we get them all in by noon tomorrow....Month end reports will be run on Wednesday.

Thanks a bunch, ESPECIALLY TO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE ALREADY DONE THEM!

*This includes Friday the 29th, even if you didn't work - please submit it - and any weekend hours.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 11:31 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

July 23, 2005

An afternoon at the Rodeo

After some very long hours at work this week, we shut down at 2:00 in the afternoon on Thursday for our company "summer picnic." This year's picnic was themed The Rodeo - Keep Yer Ass in the Saddle.

The company brought in some sort of vendor that puts on Rodeos and we had a blast! Lassoeing lessons, a live band that did some awesome covers (Elton John's Benny & The Jets was awesome - some of the country stuff, not so much), a pig roast, several kegs, Chicken Shit Bingo, and the highlight of the event - a mechanical bull.

This is a shot of me on the bull. It was the best action shot, but didn't turn out so well, so I played with it so you could at least see the expression on my face.

I was one of the first people to jump on. I was a little leary after I was made to sign not one, but TWO waivers, but proceeded to mount the bull anyhow. I wasn't on it more than 10 seconds before I was whipped off, but it was fun while it lasted.

Shortly after I had my go at it, several ladies gave it a shot and I was astonished to find out that the operator was taking it slow with them! I approached him about his sexist mechanical bull operating procedures and was met with a toothy grin response: "I don't want to watch guys - I like the little ladies!"

Well I'll be damned!

Chicken Shit Bingo was the other highlight of the afternoon. A 10' x 10' poster was printed out with every employees photo placed on a grid. On top of that was constructed a chicken coop. Three chickens were tossed in (literally - they didn't seem to want to go), and then fed. I don't know what it is about chickens, but supposedly once they start eating they'll begin shitting shortly thereafter. We had to wait about 20 minutes, but the chickens started to shit. The crowd gathered round would oooh and ahhh in anticipating if one of the chickens squatted as if it may be preparing to eject a bowl movement, and finally, one of the chickens shat on the lucky winner - a designer who subsequently received an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas. I guess it pays to get shit on.

This cowboy was helping us out with the chickens, demonstrating his talents with the lasso, and enjoying himself along with the rest of us. When he spied me taking photos of the bull riders he asked me if I would take a few shots of him for his match.com profile. I obliged and emailed the photos to him just this morning. I hope he finds a nice lady friend.

More photos in the gallery of various coworkers being thrown from the bull.

I took off a little early and headed up to the Albertville outlet mall about 30 minutes north of the cities with a buddy. I am a 100% addict - and that includes shopping, too. I couldn't help but spend money in every store we entered. Two new pairs of Puma's, some fun clogs and a shirt for the roomie at Beneton, new towels at Ralph Loren, and a sporty suit jacket and leather flip-flops with elastic bands for that click-clack sound at Banana.

The weekend is supposed to be hot (97 frick'n degrees) and humid, with a chance of thunderstorms. I LOVE thunderstorms, so cross your fingers for me.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 09:27 AM | Comments (10) | TrackBack

July 13, 2005

Welcome to my workplace

Posted by SparklesMpls at 11:41 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack

July 12, 2005

Pink Panty Poker

Sounds dirty, doesn't it? That's the point. Crispin Porter & Bogusky has launched another really fucking cool site for one of their kickass clients, Victoria Secret. Go check out Pink Panty Poker.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 09:29 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack

June 15, 2005

Ad League Softball Game

Yesterday I attended my very first Ad League softball game. There are roughly 20 teams in the league - populated by folks who work at various agencies around town. It's a fun way to meet new people, build connections, and, in general, perpetuate the ad agency community's incestuous nature.

We won this game 8 - 2. I'd like to think it was because I was cheering on the team from the sidelines, but it probably had more to do with one of our teammates bringing 4 subs with her because everyone on the team was too busy with something that tends to occupy way too much of everybody's time - work.

I took a bunch of a photos and posted them in the gallery, but here are some highlights.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 11:31 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 20, 2005

Small Tidbits

Busy week, what with Jim's Birthday taking up all of my spare time to plan ;-) Just kidding. But really, it's been busy, so I've emailed myself little noteworthy items of interest I wanted to mention.

This chick was banned from walking during her high school graduation ceremony because she was pregnant! How absurd! She defied the school, arrived at the procession, and walked anyhow. Later she and her family were removed from the property. Good for her! Like child-bearing is a hush-hush thing these days - oi.

San Francisco has an online anonymous notification service. For those who find themselves inflicted with an STD, the site offers an anynonmous way to alert those you may have inflicted. I think it's a great idea. I hope the website gets used.

Super cool blogger, Ahding.com, has created a cheap gas finder that utilizes Google Maps. Good lord, I love Google.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 03:08 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

May 14, 2005

Viral spot

Another viral spot from across the pond.

Windows Media - 650kb

Posted by SparklesMpls at 10:50 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

Work shenanigans

Every year the agency celebrates the fishing season opener with it's own event - The Minnow Races!

Eight "Minnow Jockeys" are nominated to represent different areas of the agency. Employees are encouraged to don their fanciest hat in a Kentucky Derby-like show of support. Breaded and fried walleye is served with Minnesota staples like cole slaw and potatoe salad. It is a truly unique event. Unfortunately, during the 11th annual Minnow Race, weather forced us indoors - but fun was still had!

Pre-event bloody-mary's, served in nothing but the finest styrafoam!

Lunch is served! Fried walleye, with all of the tartar sauce you can muster. Served with your beverage of choice: Diet coke, Bud light, or Mumms. Centerpiece is a goldfish in a bowl, bobber placed on top, surrounded by the bait - gummy worms.

The races begin! On your mark. Ready. Set. Go!

Posturing is encouraged.

One of the finest hats that made it to the race.

A very fine hat!

Post-race - goldfish centerpieces destined to a lifetime of misery amidst advertising silliness.

Many photos captured in the gallery.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 10:50 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

May 12, 2005

My buddy Benjamin

My buddy Benjamin was in the office today. While he hurts the billable hours bottom line, he's a total doll and boosts office morale.

Do you know how to make a pivot table in Excel?

I give up. Just pet me.

Yummy - you taste good!

More (full size) photos in the gallery.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 12:42 AM | Comments (13) | TrackBack

The poor intern

Back in January I wrote about our new intern at the office and how I spit coffee on her (accidentally!) during her first day. The poor girl. In fact, the intern was in a meeting today sitting in the exact same spot where the coffee incident occurred. I snapped a photo with my new toy. Coincidentally, my coffee mug is featured prominently in the foreground of the shot and she's looking to be a little on the defensive with her arms crossed.

Today, she was being quite proactive and emailed some of the team inquiring on where she might look to in order to learn more about computer programming.

In response, one of the developers sent her everything:

Posted by SparklesMpls at 12:01 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

April 02, 2005

Sharing the stage

Your host, Sparkles, shared the stage at First Avenue with a group of coworkers in the agency's annual spoof on the 70's Gong Show.

It's an annual agency tradition to put this show on. Everyone who started during the year must participate in an act of some sort. My group decided on the YMCA.

While on stage I imagined myself as Prince, as this was the very stage he filmed Purple Rain on. In fact, in his early days he performed here all the time. So there I was, acting the princ(ess) amongst a group of village people.

This is us backstage, right before we're due to go onstage.

More photos of the event are in the gallery.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 11:15 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Another viral marketing campaign

Another viral marketing campaign, presumably run by CPB ... at least that's who runs the mini's ads and the domain name is registered to a guy living on the beach down there ;-) I actually met Mr. Boguski at an event one time. He was being mauled by all of these junior account types trying to work their way into his pants, so I went up and just started chatting with him. As soon as we were out of earshot he thanked me saying, "That's exactly what I needed, dude."

I stumbled across this site after seeing a TV spot to order the DVD. Haven't explored the site in too much depth, but it's a funny concept. Sorta like a satire on viral marketing because it's obviously got some money behind it if they're running a flip'n TV spot.

Thought you all might get a kick out of it.

From CounterfeitMini.com

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March 15, 2005

Hall of Fame

I am due to have my photo taken on Thursday for work. It'll be hung in the entry hallway to the agency, commonly referred to as the "Hall of Fame." People pose with their favorite stuffed animal, sports paraphenalia, instruments they play, or anything that conveys a little bit about their personality.

I'm at a loss as to what to pose with, and Jim's suggestion of using a bunch of dildos probably won't make it past HR.

I was thinking perhaps a laptop, or the AA big book, or a maybe just my rhinestone tiara with it's built-in dangly.

Help me! I need some ideas here (and a hair cut).

Posted by SparklesMpls at 07:58 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

January 28, 2005

Just another lunch ...

I was out to lunch with a coworker a few weeks back at a joint across the street that many of us frequent because of its proximity to the office.

Another group of four coworkers joined us and ordered this HUGE mini-keg of ale.

Then they finished that one up and ordered another one.

I obstained, but I recall a time not very long ago when I wouldn't have been able to. I used to enjoy Friday lunches boozing around downtown. Of course I'd head back to the office a couple hours after I'd left with such a buzz I wasn't very productive for the rest of the day ... that is, until Happy Hour came around around 4:00 and I'd turn into quite the social-productive-butterfly.

Until next time, America. (Don't ask me why I've got that dorky Maury Povich 'A Current Affair' signoff in my head ... because I don't know!)

Posted by SparklesMpls at 01:33 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 26, 2005

My first meeting with the new intern

We've got a new intern who started on Monday. She's a really nice girl who's just out of school and wants to make it big in the industry.

Being that I'm completely slammed, I shot my hand up when asked if I had anything that might be good for her to work on.

A short while later I met her in a conference room with the documents I intended to pass off to her. She was wearing a really nice knit zip-up sweater that she must have gotten for Christmas, as I'm sure she can't afford much on her measley intern pay rate.

Coffee in hand, and sort of on an energy kick with all that's going on today, I sat down right next to her.

I began going through the project, explaining a little bit about the client, the background of the project, the politics, etc, and then took a drink of my coffee.

As I was on an energy high, I took too big of a swig and felt the sudden urge to cough. Picture me, though - I'm facing her as I'm drinking, not two feet from her face. All of a sudden the urge became a reality and I coughed coffee all over her white sweater! I tried to aim my head to the side, but ended up just doing a wide-angled spray and getting even more of her.

I was completely embarassed and ran to the kitchen for paper towels. I came back and she was just sitting there, continuing to read through the documents I had brought.

I was still in a state of shock at my earlier blunder, so I cleaned up the coffee on the chair, table and floor. Then I went back to the documents and realized that she was still just sitting there. She must have been frozen in a state of shock, too, but was too nervous, being so new with the agency, that she wasn't going to clean it up!

The poor girl. Gawd, do I feel awful! I told her to go get herself cleaned up, and we continued the meeting when she was finished.

Oi.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 01:34 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 25, 2005

Toilet Princess

A busy Monday has flown by. I'm just finishing up work at 1:00am.

BUT ... I did get to the gym today! I've sort of fallen off the bandwagon lately, so I'm trying desperately to get back on it.

Does anyone in your office like to hop on other folks computers when they're not around and broadcast company-wide emails in an effort to embarass the poor person who isn't at their desk? I've had the luck to be in offices over the past few years where this is a common occurance. Today, this nifty new product was claimed as the email sender's prized possesion:

The caption reads:

Toto's Sound Princess, available on the Japanese website seiketu.co.jp, is a new devise that plays noises to cover up embarrassing bathroom sounds. it's a watered-down version of a similarly tricked-out Japanese toilet gizmo.

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January 20, 2005

Pink Slippers Award

The Pink Slippers Award is leaving the office. I'm very sad. So is Ryan.

... so is Mark.

There are more photos in the gallery.

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December 22, 2004

Christmas spirit

The Christmas spirit has been alive and kicking at the office lately. Joe went to visit with a client for a couple of days, so a few of our coworkers decided to show him how much we appreciate him by preparing a little surprise for his return.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 09:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

September 20, 2004

Manure happens

Okay, this whole "feel free to bring your dog to the office with you" policy at work is quite endearing really, but the seventh floor smells like shit today. Literally. It's permeating. Nobody can find the actual pile-o-shit, but it's definately there somewhere.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 11:10 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

September 16, 2004

Checkout my Pinewood Derby racer

Hi SparklesMpls,
Check out my cool Pinewood Derby Racer! I built it at the Cub Scouts web site. You can build one too and find out more about how to join Cub Scouts in your neighborhood.

To see my derby racer go to http://www.joincubs.com/games/derby/derby.asp?derby=23719.

We should sign up for Cub Scouts together! Visit www.joincubs.com today!

Have fun,
SparklesMpls

Posted by SparklesMpls at 11:16 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 31, 2004

More office drinking encouraged

This is D - the mail lady at work. She's a hoot. Loved her shirt.

In case you can't read it, it says:

FINISH YOUR BEERS
(There are sober people in China)

Posted by SparklesMpls at 09:39 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 20, 2004

Crack Corner, Minneapolis

Well, I'm at work again today, so that means I survived the first day. I actually had to work late on my first day - something that I think is quite common around here. Not a bad thing at all; a lot is expected of you at this agency - I just have to learn to accommodate.

I went to grab a coffee and muffin across the street this morning and was hounded for money and cigarettes. I refer to the address of the agency's building as "Crack Corner" because there's enough of it sold on this corner to give everyone in the city at least one hit off the pipe. It's unfortunate, but it's a nice reminder that I should be grateful for where I am.

The people at work are all very cool. I think I'll be able to learn a lot here, as well as bring much of my experience to the table.

Anyway, back to work. Have a great Friday!

Posted by SparklesMpls at 10:50 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

August 13, 2004

I'm employed again!!!

Well, almost. There will be some paperwork to complete next week, but I did get the news today! It's a 3 month contract with a great agency in town. The job is pretty much the same thing I was doing before, but with an increased level of responsibility. Once the 3 months expire, if things are going well, and the business still requires the position, I'll be brought on full time.

I really feel like this is a God thing. Throughout this entire time of unemployment, I just kept faith that things would turn out for the best. I wasn't even actively seeking out employment right now, but I was praying. I had the three initial interviews the week after the lay off, I followed up on them, but that was it. I registered for unemployment and started looking into other opportunities - real estate and the possibility of starting my own business. I think I'm still going to explore those options, but at least now I have some cushion room.

Otherwise, keeping busy with a couple of other projects. Hopefully I can still retire by 30 ;-)

Posted by SparklesMpls at 10:53 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 04, 2004

another interview down

... and so far none more to go. Actually, I'm quite grateful that I had two interviews this week. Both went really well. The first was just with a hiring manager. During the second, I met with five people. Phone calls keep coming and I still haven't had to do any of my own soliciting yet! Things are looking good, but nothing solid yet. I hope it doesn't drag on too long. Job searching can be a depressing venture.

Heading to the chiropractor today to get all cracked out and straightened up. God I love that place. Been hankering for a good massage - does anybody have any recommendations here in town? I've been to a few, but not overly impressed with anyone in particular. I guess it's sorta like looking for a lover - someone who knows how to do it right :-)

Posted by SparklesMpls at 10:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 27, 2004

Busy HR folk

Well, we lost the big account that accounted for 20% of our income at work. The HR folk are busy hussling people into closed-door conference rooms and giving them their severence checks. Most of the office doesn't know it's going on. They won't tell us what hapenned until later in the day. I'm expecting an email from the President announcing "lets get together this afternoon at the keg." It's sad. Some people have been here for so long, some have put a majority of their life into this place. I hope I'm still here by the end of the day. I guess what happens just is.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 03:14 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Pick'n em off like flies

They keep going, and going, and going ...

When they don't answer their phones they're paged.

then told to come to a conference room

five minutes later they reappear

tears

head hung low

They act like a kid acts when they fall off of their bike and try not to cry. Claiming they're okay, but inside they're screaming bloody murder.

I'm still crossing my fingers.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 03:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

At least this time I'm sober

Well, it happened. I was the last person they called in. I'm guessing there were abour 40 of us all-together. My manilla envelope contained a breakdown of what I was being payed off for (vacation, severence, pay-to-date, etc.), information on COBRA benefits, and a copy of the confidentiality agreement I signed when I first began two and a half years ago. I packed a box of my personal items and walked out. People said goodbye. Hugs. I'm sorrys. Lets do lunch's. Etc.

The last time I was laid off, it was Valentine's Day. I went to Zelo with my fellow newly unemployed coworkers. By this time, I was downing about my ninth Long Island.

This time I called friends. Jim picked me up. The HR manager called shortly after I left to notify me that they'd neglected to mention I had a loan against my 401k (to buy my condo) that had to be paid back in full within 30 days. I quickly deposited my last check (in case they tried to adjust it for the 401k loan). Went to a meeting, then dinner at The Monte Carlo, and desert at The Wilde Roast.

I feel much better about the whole situation. It's not as devastating to me as it was the last time I was laid off. I have faith this time. I have real friends this time. I'm grateful for these things.

Posted by SparklesMpls at 03:12 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack