jones huyett Partners

My Life Without Facebook:
Week 2

In case you missed it – I gave up Facebook for Lent.

This week was even more difficult than last. Last week my Facebook fast was top-of-mind to all my friends and family – this week the newness has worn off. People keep talking to me about things I would normally know about – expecting me to have a clue. But when I stop them and ask them to fill me in, I get the resounding “oh, that’s right, you’re not on Facebook.” And then there’s The Face.

“The Face” is the eye–squinting, wrinkled-forehead, pressed-lips look that you get when people feel sorry for you. I’m fairly certain I’ve used this look many times. Usually to communicate a feeling with others – typically when something has happened and I’m trying to show empathy to someone. Is that what my friends are doing to me? Feeling sorry for me? (NOTE: I’m exaggerating with that last line for effect – just go with it.)

But seriously, this past week proves one point I had hoped to make with this experiment – that you can’t communicate with your audience if you’re not using the communication tools your audience is using. If I could had been on Facebook this week, you’d know that I became of fan of my bank’s new Fan Page – CoreFirst Bank & Trust. Instead I have to wait until April to do so! And I would have known that Jayhawk Café, a new café in downtown Topeka’s Jayhawk Tower, had their grand opening. But I missed it because I didn’t know about it – I heard about it later that evening on the 10:00 news. Regardless, I’m managing. Not as effectively, or efficiently, as normal, but I’m making it through with a little help from my friends, family, co-workers and local media. Thanks everyone!

Here are a few other things you would have known if I could have been on Facebook this week:

•  WHAT!?!? There’s a Twilight “Scene It!” board game. How do I NOT have this?
•  Headed to the Heartland Visioning meeting! Can’t wait to hear all about their wonderful plans to revitalize Downtown Topeka.
•  Why are some stoplights in Lincoln horizontal and some vertical … did they just decide to buck consistency or does this madness have a real purpose?
•  Stupid friends – why aren’t you ALL on Twitter?! Okay you’re not stupid but my life would be easier if you were!

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Filed by Brie at 12:05 pm under Example, General Marketing, Social Media, Topeka, Trends, Twitter, jhP Family, online marketing
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Post written by Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield, originally posted on Latina-ish Blog.

Hispanic marketing statistics can be found just about anywhere. But when you find what looks like quality data, always look deeper. The numbers you’re considering may look like what you’re after, but you need to ask yourself – do they meet my specific needs?

As you realize, the Hispanic community is not monolithic. It is a huge composite of many different groups. Hispanic survey data is heavily influenced by factors such as rate of acculturation, age group, country of origin and citizenship. Knowing how these differences impact on population data will improve your odds of successfully guiding your clients’ Hispanic marketing efforts.

If, for example, the survey group has too diverse a country-of-origin mix, or the age range was too wide or too narrow, the statistics may offer you little practical value. Learn how the data was collected – and from whom – to ensure that the statistics will truly be useful to meet your and your clients’ marketing objectives.

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Filed by the Partners at 10:13 am under Trends
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My Life Without Facebook:
Week 1

In case you missed it – I gave up Facebook for Lent.

It’s become painfully obvious to me that I’m going to have to start using the phone more often … even more so now that I’ve officially worn out the letters i, e, t, o and h on my cell phone, making texting a little difficult to say the least. It will be interesting to see how painfully awkward my friends and I are in phone conversations. My generation had just started talking on the phone when Yahoo Messenger became popular … and we quickly stopped talking and started typing. I’ve had the Internet since I was in 4^th or 5^th grade so you can understand why it may be hard for me to communicate outside of email, texting, social media, instant messaging or in person. The sad truth is that I’m not even sure I have some of my best friends’ phone numbers! (P.S. if you’re one of those people please drop me an email at bengelken@jhpadv.com – I miss you, friends!).

I’m still habitually typing facebook.com into the URL and have actually ended up at the sign in page several times. I did finally set up a folder in my gmail account. It’s called “Facebook – Lent” and I’m putting ALL notifications I get in that file to check on April 4. So no – I’m not cheating and reading my notifications to get around being on Facebook.

The hardest night so far was the night of the K-State v. Nebraska Men’s basketball game. I didn’t know what to do with myself. It didn’t feel like enough just to rant to my Dad (who was watching the game with me). And my Twitter followers for the most part don’t care about K-State sports or follow me for my ranting. I thought about Google Buzz, but well, let’s be honest – no one’s on Google Buzz yet and why should they be when they can do everything on Facebook right now? So for now all my perfectly crafted, witty banter will go unacknowledged.

Here’s a little of what you would have seen this week if I could have logged in:
• Copywriting without Facebook breaks or Diet Coke do not make for a happy Brie

• Basketball 101 – Dribbling the ball – Learn how to!!

• Go nominate Topeka to be a test community for Google’s Fiber Network! Just imagine – Internet speeds that are nearly 100 times faster than what we currently have – and faster than anywhere else in the whole WORLD! ThinkBigTopeka.com

• DANG my job for holding me accountable (with no facebook updates) – this is one of the only times I’ve EVER been able to say that!

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Filed by Brie at 12:23 pm under Social Media, Topeka, Trends, Twitter, jhP Family
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When I was in college, a night out with friends always included a craze of phone calls. “Where are we going? When will you be there?” A few years later, this same communication continues, but the methods are more sophisticated. Instead of phone calls, we use mass-texts to figure out the details. Now, gathering your group has a new method with the emerging network, Foursquare.

What it is:
Foursquare is a location-based social network that allows users to “check in” from anywhere. Using an application on my cell phone, all my Foursquare friends can see where I am. “I’m at jhP (3200 SW Huntoon, Huntoon & Lakeside, Topeka) – writing a blog post about Foursquare.”

While Foursquare may seem invasive or even creepy to some, you should understand that like Facebook, this is a trusted network. You only add people you actually know. That allows this tool to be a powerful way to generate business and good buzz through word-of-mouth, as well as bring all your networks to a central location. So if it makes you nervous for the world to know where you are, here’s a word to the wise: Don’t add anyone you don’t know.

How it works:
Foursquare’s main purpose is to promote personal location. If I’m out on Saturday night and want friends to join me I simply “check in” from my mobile web browser: “I’m at Bosco’s (435 S Kansas Avenue, 4th & Kansas, Topeka).” I’m also encouraged to share tips about places I visit, so others can benefit from my experiences. So I might add, “Check out their amazing Apple-tini and Burger Sliders.”

Aside from promoting personal location, Foursquare encourages “competition.” I earn points for checking in. These check-ins can be used to unlock fun badges like “Crunked” for 4+ stops in one night or “School Night” for checking in after 3 a.m. Also, visiting one location more than anyone else will award you a key to the city! Okay, you don’t get a key to the city, but you will become “Mayor” of that location until someone dethrones you.

For Businesses:
Using Foursquare as a promotional tool offers businesses great marketing potential. Businesses across the country are offering loyalty specials for people who check in via Foursquare. Your Foursquare brand advocates could earn points they can redeem for free ice cream or get a special discount as “Mayor” of your location.

Foursquare is also developing reporting tools that will help businesses know who is visiting, how often, where they came from and where they go after they leave. This is shaping up to be a great new form of word-of-mouth marketing. Better yet, it’s completely customer driven – which helps build a loyal customer base plus dedicated brand advocates.

For Individuals:
As a user of this new social network you’re not only telling your friends where you are, you’re challenging them to be there too, and sometimes to join in an activity. “I’m at Big Dog Motorcycles (1520 East Douglas, Wichita) – I bet you won’t look as hot on a 2010 Wolf as I do! Check it out!”

But consider:
Checking in at the same location frequently could make you seem to endorse a business. If you become Mayor of a restaurant, your friends would naturally assume you recommend it. Since that might not be true, think about where you’re visiting before you check in to Foursquare. Do you want to be seen as a brand advocate for the place?

Now that you know a little more about Foursquare what are your initial thoughts? How can this affect your network of friends or your business? As I write, I’m at jhP  (3200 SW Huntoon, Huntoon & Lakeside, Topeka). I challenge you to learn more about Foursquare and see if it’s for you!

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Filed by the Partners at 11:41 am under Social Media, Trends, online marketing
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My Life Without Facebook

I’m Brie Engelken. I’m 23 years old and I’m a Facebook addict. Facebook began in February 2004 and by October I was an avid user. By May 2005 I was addicted – checking every hour I had access to a computer (this was before mobile web browsers took off!) just to see who was doing what, who broke up with who, and more importantly, who had scandalous pictures from last night’s big party.

Today, Facebook is a primary means of communication in my life, as well as the lives of my peers. I start my day at 5:00 a.m. every weekday morning and by 5:15 a.m. it’s fair to say I’ve checked the statuses I missed while sleeping. I log in when I get to work at 8:00 a.m. and keep a tab open all day, checking in regularly just to see what’s going on. I get home around 6:00 p.m. most nights and I’m logged back in by 6:30 p.m. with a window open until at least 11:00 p.m. that evening. It’s fair to say that I don’t miss much.

Starting at midnight on Wednesday, February 17th (tonight) I will be giving up Facebook as part of my sacrifice for Lent (I’m Roman Catholic). For 46 days I will journal my life without Facebook, and the challenges I encounter along the way. The only leniency I will have is the ability to go in and un-tag pictures, but I can’t waver from that page onto any other part of Facebook. Check back for weekly posts about my journey (aka Blast from the Past) leading up to a MAJOR gossip catch up at Midnight, April 3rd/4th.

Want to hold me accountable? Feel free to visit my Facebook profile and see my inactivity.

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Filed by Brie at 6:12 pm under Social Media, jhP Family
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The jhP team is privileged to work with a group of diverse, exceptional client partners who continue to challenge us with developing creative advertising and marketing solutions. Once again, the strong partnership between jhP and our clients was recognized and rewarded at the 2010 AAF-Topeka ADDY Awards Gala on Saturday. The team earned six Gold ADDY awards and 11 Silver ADDY awards. We also received Best of Show – Campaign for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Multi-Media campaign that involved television, radio, magazine and newspaper ads.

Our very own Brie Engelken was the recipient of the 2010 Carolyn Terhune Volunteer of the Year for her outstanding performance as the AAFT programming chair. We’re very proud of her well-earned accomplishment!

Here’s a full listing of all of jhP’s ADDY Award Winners:

Gold ADDY Winners:
BCBSKS Coordinated Campaign
HTK Photography Campaign
jhP Birthday Card Illustration
jhP Valentine Chocolate
Meals on Wheels Photography
Visit Topeka Logo

Silver ADDY Winners:
BCBSKS I Work for You :30 Jingle
BCBSKS Newspaper Campaign
BCBSKS TV Campaign
jhP 2009 Holiday Card
Kansas Health Institute Health Rank Report
Mulvane Art Fair Exterior Banner
Mulvane Art Fair Poster
se2 ACLI Direct Mail
se2 ACLI Tradeshow Booth
Stormont-Vail Healthy Times
Visit Topeka Billboard Campaign

The jhP team was dressed to impress and ready to have a good time. The late night talk show theme kept everyone laughing. Check out these party pics:

As always, we are grateful for the support of the local advertising industry. Thanks again to AAFT and all of the great clients we serve!

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Filed by the Partners at 2:59 pm under Awards, Creative
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From Joseph Addai’s record-tying 26-yard drive up the middle to Tracy Porter’s 74-yard interception return, New Orleans’ come-back from a 10-to-zip Colts start made Super Bowl XLIV an exciting game.

But what about the Important Stuff – the Commercials? From pantless colleagues to chickens in space, The jhP team and friends had fun performing via Twitter as your official commercial commentators. Check out #jhpXLIV for our insights and opinions on this year’s ads.

Now what did YOU think? Use the poll below to rate your favorite spots of Super Bowl XLIV.

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Filed by the Partners at 12:15 pm under Commercials
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This weekend, audiences across the U.S. will witness the clash of industry giants during Super Bowl XLIV. They will see things that evoke all sorts of emotion: empathy, joy, sadness and laughter. Opponents will be pitted against one another in a race for your loyalty – brand loyalty. And for those who aren’t interested in advertising, the Colts will be facing off against the Saints in between commercial breaks.

jhP will be covering the Super Bowl commercial action via real-time tweets. Follow our reactions to the latest and, hopefully, greatest ads at Twitter handle @jhpadv, @alissasheley, @brieengelken,  @mcstubbs, or follow the hashtag #jhpXLIV.

Be sure to visit our blog on Monday morning to participate in the jhP Poll for the best Super Bowl spot of 2010!

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Filed by the Partners at 12:16 pm under Commercials, Social Media
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We’re all being told we should market our brands through social networking. But before you rush to put together a Facebook Fan Page or become engaged in Twitter there’s one very important first step you should consider – a blog.

Social networking without a blog is like watching a football game on mute. It would all be very exciting, if only you knew what was going on. A blog is the voiceover to a company’s social media efforts. It provides details and insight that can’t be achieved by relying solely on services like Facebook and Twitter. And here are several more reasons why should you have a blog:

1.) Blogs humanize your brand.
Unlike a television or radio spot, you’re not interrupting someone’s programming – they are coming to you for information. This gives you the power to influence the tone of the conversations about your brand. It also allows you to post about your team and work environment, showing your audience a new, friendlier side of you. This builds trust and relationships (aka Brand Loyalty!). It also opens a line of communication for you to learn even more about your customers, clients, and prospects.

2.) Blogs improve your brand’s search engine rank.
When you Google your industry and city, where does your company show up in the search results? Are you in the top five … or on PAGE five? Having a blog can help your search engine optimization (SEO), which will push you closer to number one. It’s another place to link to your company website, and the more links going to your website the higher you’ll show up in search results. It’s also a great place to provide content about your industry – which gives you LOTS of keywords that will make you more easily searchable.

3.) Blogs give your customers a more complete – and individualized – picture of what you offer.
Having a blog lets you give details about what you do. For example, if you’re a travel agency who also sells luggage, you might do a blog about packing tips. Then you casually mention that with luggage that can be purchased from your company, it’s easy to pack everything you need for your trip. Link that back to the luggage section of your website and your audience will feel your advertising was provided for THEIR needs. After all, it was their choice to click and learn more.

4.) When you do Social Media, your blog unifies all your efforts.
What you post on your blog can then provide relevant content to post on your Facebook Fan Page. Your Facebook Fan Page is also a way to promote your blog which ultimately promotes your website, which promotes your brand! Same with Twitter. Your YouTube account allows you to pull content for your other social networks – and the list goes on. Regardless of which social media venues are best for your brand strategy, they can all help promote your blog, which promotes you.

5.) Blogs are easier to frequently update than your main website.
(BEWARE: Geek Speak ahead) It’s not always quick or easy to update your main website. There’s so much information, where do you start? With a blog, it’s expected that you will only post a little bit of information at a time, which makes it easier to post more frequently. That said, the more frequently you’re posting information the more spiders are crawling you. A spider is software that crawls the web in order to provide up–to–date data. How does this affect you? The more frequently you update your site the more your site attracts these spiders, resulting in higher search results.

So before you score a touchdown you need to pull plays from your playbook. In social media, your playbook is your blog. So get started creating those plays so you’ll be sure you’re prepared to bring the heat in the game of Social Networking.

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Filed by the Partners at 11:07 am under Search Engine Optimization, Social Media
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The Blizzard of ’09 has drifted away the aftermath of our holiday binges – but that won’t stop anyone from dusting off those treadmills, reading the latest seven-step book to end bad habits and setting some pretty lofty goals for 2010. The jhP partners are no different! We’re prepared to make 2010 even more successful than 2009! Check out our resolutions to see how and let us know what you resolve to achieve in 2010. Have a happy New Year everyone!

My resolution for 2010 is to enter my time sheets directly into the computer instead of writing them on sticky notes. : ) – Alissa Sheley

The upcoming year will be my first year at jhP – and as a college graduate – so I resolve to fill it with as much education as possible. I plan to learn something new from each person at jhP. By the end of the year, I hope to teach something to someone, too. – Angie Marquart

I Resolve to get stains out the first time, every time. – Brian Wells

Every year I have high hopes of following through with a New Year’s Resolution and every year I do GREAT … that is until I wake up and see the giant plate of cookies in the kitchen. This year I vow to make NO New Year’s resolutions – I’ll just stick with the old ones: to give 200+% to everything I do and to be the best person I can be. – Brie Engelken

In 2010 I plan on getting my personal chaos in order. This includes trimming my beard more often, eating less junk food, following the speed limit, going to sleep on time, doing 50 sit-ups every night before bed, organizing my garage, cleaning my clothes more often, learning how to iron my clothes, and getting my time sheets in on time. – Dan Billen

I resolve to work even harder to maximize the position of the client brands we represent. I will better underscore the unique benefits of those brands and raise their position in the market even higher. – Jake Huyett

My goal for 2010 is to try to help everyone I can to be more of what they want to be and help them enjoy as much personal and team success as possible. I also want to show that the ability to say “yes” and help goals happen is infinitely more useful than the power to say “no” and make it stick. – Kurt Eskilson

I resolve to work hard, be more imaginative/creative, listen more, laugh more and learn something new. I may also change my resolution weekly. – Leslie Palace

I resolve to expand my network even further and build relationships so that others can experience the power of partnership with jhP! I look forward to getting to know you! –
Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield

My goal for 2010 is to work hard for our clients, giving them more earned media than they expect and growing their return on investment. – Tracy Stratton

I plan to procrastinate less, spend more quality time with family and friends and attack every project and goal as though it is the most exciting thing I have on my plate. – Linda Bull

I plan to work harder to mentor and help others be their best. – Gary Jones

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Filed by the Partners at 10:49 am under Trends
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