http://greenlightad.com/blog/ The greenlight blog en website@greenlightad.com Copyright 2011 2011-07-04T18:00:58+00:00 http://greenlightad.com/site/summer-soundtrack http://greenlightad.com/site/summer-soundtrack#When:18:00:58Z "Music can transport us- back home, away from an overcrowded bus, or through a restless night." The power of music is undeniable. The right music in a TV spot (or any other medium with an audio component) can be the key to it's enduring success.  For many people, the first time they heard the song 1901 (by Phoenix) was in the 2011 Cadillac SRX commercial.  If that advert was your first encounter with the song -- and assuming you fell in love with it, as so many did -- it's tied to the visual memory of a sleek, sexy Caddy whisking it's way through the mountain-side.   The point is that music moves us, and has the ability to create a compelling emotional connection.  All this music talk got us thinking how necessary it is to have a killer Summer Soundtrack; however, we ran out of casette tapes last week.  Instead, we pieced together this playlist with a little something from everyone here at greenlight.  Enjoy!   2011-07-04T18:00:58+00:00 http://greenlightad.com/site/sxsw2011 http://greenlightad.com/site/sxsw2011#When:14:03:05Z Okay, so the bar came after all-day in the Austin Convention Center (or one of the 10 SxSW Interactive "campuses"). SxSW Interactive is a where diverse blend of bright minds come together and produce some of the most inspiring and intellectually stimulating discussions pertaining to present best practices and future technologies. But you’ve probably read that in eight other blog posts, so let’s skip the fluff and get to the bit you care about. [The Hype] Group Messaging. The chatter of Austin during SxSW Interactive was dominated by group messaging. Beluga (which has already been purchased by Facebook) and GroupMe are the frontrunners in the field, but with such a low barrier to entry, the market is already flooded and fragmented. Remember the HD DVD / Blu-ray player debacle? Well in this scenario there are 10 options instead of two. And, much like the Foursquares and Gowallas of yore, the hope for mainstream adoption is futile until one of two things happens: (1) A public consensus is reached and one app reigns king or (2) two apps bubble to the top AND learn to play nice with each other. [The Future] Near Field Communication. The up-and-comer that really piqued my interest (and will probably score even more attention NEXT year) is Near Field Communication Technology or “NFC” if you want to avoid stumbling through that mouthful. When you leave your house, you probably make sure you have three things: your phone, your wallet and your keys – at the very least. Well get ready to scratch the last two off the list because soon your phone is all you’ll need. NFC supports tons of life-changing applications – it can allow your phone to serve as a credit card, a fob and even a key in certain instances. And while this is fantastic for the everyday user, it’s also a huge advance for marketers because we’ll be able to let customers tap a window decal and receive rewards, connect to sites, et cetera. And THAT means today’s QR codes will be shifted to what I like to call “pog status” and we’ll only have to worry about those funky little squares in past tense. But Kris, how do I know this isn’t some sort of over-hyped technology that will never make it to the mainstream? Good question, doubting blog reader. Nokia is incorporating NFC technology into all of the phones they produce this year, and Samsung’s Nexus S ALREADY has read/write capabilities in place. Google is also developing a mobile wallet app, dubbed “Cream”, and several US banks have shown interest. Plus, AT&T, T-Mobile (which as you know is also now AT&T) and Verizon have all agreed to the Isis standard for NFC, and that in and of itself is a pretty big deal. Not to mention, VeriFone (the company responsible for almost all of your card swipes) is totally on board. The technology is pretty much guaranteed to be in every smartphone produced next year. As the distinction between the digital and physical realms continues to blur, marketers need to stop focusing on digital versus traditional, and realize that they are not competing or even separate. There is simply the consumer’s experience of brand.   2011-03-30T14:03:05+00:00 http://greenlightad.com/site/let-go http://greenlightad.com/site/let-go#When:20:06:26Z I get it. When you have a business, it’s basically like having a child. There are standards that you have set, and you’re constantly trying to do your best to make sure that your perfect, precious angel grows up to be everything he/she (read: you) want to be. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that you just have to let go in order for your “baby” to reach its full potential. Business owners, you need to do the same. It will be hard, but it’s for your brand’s own good. Consider these points: 1. The first rule of social media is there are no rules. Yes, it can be as effective as an ad campaign, but it’s totally different. Social media is used to build relationships – and no relationship has ever blossomed as a result of formal language that sounds as so it was copied straight out of the iTunes Terms and Conditions. Set different brand standards than the ones you use in print and keep in mind the differences between the two mediums – you’ll get a lot more out of your online experience (and WAY more done) if you do. 2. As much as you love your company, we love advertising just as much. So, while we’re happy to admit that you’re the expert in widgets and cogs, frozen bananas or mind-reading, WE are experts in advertising. Which is why, when we give advice and suggest new courses of action (even if your friend at the frozen mango stand hasn’t heard about it), we’re probably right. So listen! 3. Your neighbor’s nephew is not a graphic designer. Yes, I know he drew this cool sketch on a napkin for you and that he has elementary Photoshop skills, but he is not qualified to make your logo – or anything for that matter. Design skill is one thing, but design in terms of advertising is quite another. We put a lot of thought into every aesthetic property of our work, and our only goal is to make you look good. 4. The work we do goes through an extraordinary process of checks and balances. We all look at it, and we all give our stamp of approval – if not, you don’t see it. SO, there’s no need to ask twenty of your closest friends and your mom what they think, you’ll end up with a diluted and unfocused message. The truth is that nothing will please everyone. And nothing will ever please your mother. I don’t mean to sound petty – really, I TOTALLY understand how you feel. Relinquishing your brand (something you’ve worked so hard to mold) can be a severe source of anxiety. But, you’re lucky – you have greenlight, and we have your back. Your brand is safe with us – now get outta here so we can get you business! 2011-01-18T20:06:26+00:00 http://greenlightad.com/site/failure-is-not-an-option http://greenlightad.com/site/failure-is-not-an-option#When:16:49:58Z     Some people are exhilarated by January – it’s the mark of a new year with tons of possibilities. Others (like me) sort of dread the whole thing. I’m perfectly fine through the Champagne toast, but then, BAM. I feel like I have to start making all of these positive changes, and just the thought of that is overwhelming. I’ve got so much to do! How can I possibly think about being a better person too?  I’ve learned the best way to have any success with New Year’s resolutions at all is to pick simple, subtle improvements (unlike that time I told myself I’d become tri-lingual and learn to play the violin). So for you, I’ve put together some easy, peasy resolutions you can make in advertising. Trust me – if I can do it, you can do it. 1. Try ONE new social media platform. If you’ve lived on Facebook since 2006 but haven’t adopted Twitter, take a stab at it. If you Tweet like there’s no tomorrow, check out Foursquare or LinkedIn. With practically minimal effort, you can expand your brand and increase your SEO. And it’s so addictive, there’s no question you’ll be able to stick with it. 2. Lose the cheesy fonts. Among designers and educated eyes, there are certain fonts that just shouldn’t be used. Unfortunately these fonts are everywhere. Comic Sans – don’t do it. Papyrus – please stop. And for the love of cupcakes, step away from the Curlz. It’s impossible to fail! Just don’t use them any more. 3. Subscribe to (and read) one daily advertising email/blog. Ad Age, Copyblogger and Creativity Online are just a few of the daily doses of inspiration that go directly to your inbox. You couldn’t try less if you wanted to, and just think of all the great ideas you’ll have. 4. Download and use the Hipstamatic app. I’ve said it before, but it’s $1.99, and your pictures henceforth will be way cooler. Do it. EXPERTS ONLY: If you really want to take things to the next level, start taking a bunch of pictures. This is going to involve a bit more effort, but if you actively photograph what’s around you, you’ll have a stockpile of interesting moments to get your creative juices flowing. Amateur resolutioners, proceed with caution. 5. Get involved. Okay, obviously this one is another big-ticket resolution item. But with all of those easy ones, we think you can handle this. Find a cause you think is really important and see what you can do to help. Use your talents to make a difference and change your community for the better. Besides, it’s always easier to contribute to someone else’s change than it is to change yourself! Things are looking up. I definitely think that this year is going to be a good one for you. And if you follow those 5 really easy resolutions, how could it not? I’m already a step ahead of the game. My resolution? Giving great advice on the company blog. CHECK. Have a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year!   --Olivia 2010-12-20T16:49:58+00:00 http://greenlightad.com/site/farewell-to-movember-tonight-j.-blacks http://greenlightad.com/site/farewell-to-movember-tonight-j.-blacks#When:18:18:52Z     We wrap up another fantastic Movember tonight at J. Black's Feel Good Lounge with the "Farewell to Movember" party. I hope you can stop by to celebrate as we say goodbye to some sweet 'staches. Our goal this year was to dramatically increase awareness and monies raised. I'm pleased to report, we were successful on both fronts. With the launch of Dallas Moustache, we created a local chapter that served as the social hub for Dallas area moustache-growers, in addition to attracting sponsor companies to help expand our reach. Our partner sponsor, Snappy Salads, was instrumental in gaining local media coverage through cooking demonstrations of the "Man Salad" -- developed exclusively for Dallas Moustache, the Man Salad was sold at Snappy Salad retail locations during the month of Movember. For every man salad sold, one dollar was donated directly to Movember. Owner/Chef Chris Dahlander created Man Salads on the morning shows for channel 4 and channel 8, in addition to getting the salad talked about by Kidd Kraddick on KISS-FM. Through these efforts, weekly happy hours, t-shirt sales, the Fu Man Chew dinner, and many other grass roots efforts, the Dallas Moustache network has raised more than $30,000 to date for men's health. And we're not done yet. Stop by tonight's farewell party and help us make a difference. They say everything's bigger in Texas, which means we've got to make the Dallas Moustache network's donation live up to these words. Thanks again for your ongoing support and enthusiasm. Regards, Erik 2010-11-30T18:18:52+00:00 http://greenlightad.com/site/99-entrepreneurial-companies-on-the-wall http://greenlightad.com/site/99-entrepreneurial-companies-on-the-wall#When:20:07:34Z Actually, make that 100. As in the Dallas 100™. Last night was a historic night for greenlight as SMU’s Cox Caruth Institute recognized us as one of the fastest-growing private companies in North Texas. We became the most-boisterous private company in the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center when they announced #58 (think clown horns gone wild). Launched by SMU’s Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship in 1990, the Dallas 100 is a tribute to the vitality and entrepreneurial spirit of the emerging business community in North Texas. While winning this award is exciting for all of us, it really is a reflection of the great clients we have the privilege of working with every day. We know that when your strengths align with your clients’ needs you can do great things. We’ve experienced tremendous growth during a challenging time, because of our clients’ confidence in our ability to solve their business challenges through creative strategies. And we’d be nowhere without the talented, creative, dedicated and enthusiastic people who work at greenlight. We think…actually, we know… we’ve created a culture that fosters creativity and inspires big ideas. The “greenlight way” is a genuine approach that guides and motivates us -- it is stamped across everything we do. Speaking of the “greenlight way,” it wouldn’t be like greenlight if we didn’t celebrate this award with our clients, F.O.G.s (that’s Friend of greenlight) and families. So, let’s put up 100 bottles of beer on the wall and celebrate the Dallas 100. 2010-11-18T20:07:34+00:00 http://greenlightad.com/site/one-nation-under-slurpee http://greenlightad.com/site/one-nation-under-slurpee#When:18:02:48Z Sometimes you just have to go a little crazy. So when our friends at La Quinta Inns & Suites asked us to take a road trip with them, we didn’t hesitate before screaming “YES!” After packing a few items and kissing our families goodbye, we realized we probably should have followed up our hoots and hollers with one more three-letter word: Why? But, we finally got around to that, and it turns out that we are part of the Slurpee Unity Tour. We are going around the country on behalf of 7-Eleven and bringing people together with America’s favorite iced beverage. And La Quinta? They’re the official hotel sponsor of the trip, so naturally we’re excited to scope out their locations all over the map. This unusual adventure all started with President Obama. Don’t worry, this is not a political blog. You are safe. But, the POTUS made the following remark a few weeks ago, and 7-Eleven couldn’t resist the opportunity in front of them. "We're down there. It's hot. We were sweating. Bugs everywhere. We're down there pushing, pushing, pushing on the car. Every once in a while we'd look up and see the Republicans standing there. They're just standing there fanning themselves -- sipping on a Slurpee." The quote may not represent Slurpees or their loyal consumers in a positive light, but that’s not the point of this trip. It’s about Unity – so democrats, republicans, libertarians, independents and tea partiers are welcome to join in the celebration. We’ll be on the leg from Chicago to Washington DC (from 11/9 – 11/18) delivering brainfreezes to the masses in Red, White, Blue or Purple for the People flavors. We couldn’t help but notice the thorough campaigning throughout the tour. As part of the team leading the party, we’re Tweeting, blogging, creating Facebook events and really interacting with people all over the country. It’s a great feeling to know you’ve been able to affect someone’s day – even if just for a fleeting, icy cold moment – and it’s been amazing to see the participation and involvement. This is the perfect example of how social media can be an effective tool in advertising – and fun too! Follow our blog and Twitter account, and let us know what you think about the Unity Tour. We won’t be satisfied until we hear SLUURRRPP coming out of Obama’s presidential straw. Bon Voyage!   2010-11-15T18:02:48+00:00 http://greenlightad.com/site/loyalty-lessons-from-dogs http://greenlightad.com/site/loyalty-lessons-from-dogs#When:14:00:34Z If you’ve ever visited the greenlight offices, chances are good you were greeted by one of our 4-legged friends (Nala, Pickles, Mack, Allie, Logo, Otto, OD, or Maggie). Besides making us laugh and bringing a smile to our faces, we think we can actually learn a little something about loyalty from our furry friends. And since we help companies gain loyalty from their customers, why not have a little fun along the way. So, here we go. Presenting “Lessons in Loyalty: How Dogs Achieve Top Tier Status.” As loyalty marketers, our goal with customers is straightforward: choose us over them. Or choose us more than you choose them. Or, if you have to choose them, what can we do to make you stop choosing them and choose us? While we understand that getting some of their business is a really good thing, we ultimately want all of their business. And we believe the best way to get it, is by rewarding them for choosing us. This is where we can learn something from our four-legged companions. A dog’s loyalty to his owner is unwavering. It survives mishaps and misunderstandings. A dog is the most unselfish friend a man can have. He never deserts his owner. Stands by him through the good times and the bad. Is always eager to please him. And while it may sound like it is a one-sided relationship, nothing could be further from the truth. A worthy owner enjoys steadfast loyalty from his dog because he gives his companion the things he needs to be truly happy: love and appreciation, routines and consistency, and food and rewards. While it's a bit much to think customers would give a company the kind of unfaltering and absolute loyalty a dog gives its owner, there are some simple lessons we can take from our furry friends as we map out a winning loyalty approach. 1. Appreciate your customers 2. Be consistent in your communication 3. Reward them for their loyalty What are some of your favorite loyalty incentives? Least favorite? With all the new technologies (foursqaure, SCVNR, etc.), what innovative loyalty practices have you seen? 2010-11-02T14:00:34+00:00 http://greenlightad.com/site/dont-act-a-fool http://greenlightad.com/site/dont-act-a-fool#When:17:40:19Z By Kris Morrison I did it again. I survived the 3-day music binge that is Austin City Limits. And in my tenure, I have learned the unspoken rules of attendance – the code that somehow manages to guide the music lovers, drunks, stoners and wannabe hipsters through an audiophile’s dream weekend. And as I got to thinking about it, I realized these rules are applicable just about anywhere, and especially on social media. But the only way to catch on is to experience it first-hand. Or [of course] read this blog post. Here are few need-to-know unspoken guidelines: 1. In social media and in music festivals, there are boundaries. For instance, do not lay out a blanket too close to the stage. We’re all familiar with the imaginary line that exists - you don’t have to be intoxicated to see it. And on Twitter, don’t over promote. You’re allowed a few indulgent updates – but they must be informative and valuable. 2. You’ve gotta get closer. When you are moving through the crowd, almost any amount of physical contact with a stranger is acceptable as long as you look like you're trying to be as thin as possible whilst doing so. This may include standing on your toes and/or arranging your arms so that you look like a T Rex. Likewise, to be successful on Twitter you have to put yourself out there – it may be intimidating at first, but you’ll get closer to reaching your goals if you suck it up and go for it. Build relationships and provide compelling content, don’t just stand on the sidelines. You’ll miss the best part of the show. 3. Sometimes you do a cover song. Blankets are like those floating chunks of land in Super Mario World. If you must, you can step on them – but only for a second – lest you sink into the water and drown your Yoshi (or incur evil glares from blanket owners). In the same way, creating your own content online is usually best. But there’s no use in re-inventing the wheel. Sometimes taking smarter route means using content that already exists. In fact, borrowing and promoting content that’s not yours is encouraged—so long as you give due credit. And don’t forget to give your opinion on a matter, when it adds value to the conversation. 100 gold points for starting a trending topic! With Twitter, there are no real hard and fast rules. A lot of it is learned as you go, and it’s difficult to see the social nuances if you don’t jump in head-first. So be smart, use common sense… and always be mindful of the blankets. So that’s my two cents for surviving in a dynamic world filled with impassioned and multifaceted people – online and off. See you at ACL next year! Did you go to ACL? Do you subscribe to certain rules in social media (or at music festivals?) Share your opinions in the comments!   2010-10-19T17:40:19+00:00 http://greenlightad.com/site/ready-set-grow http://greenlightad.com/site/ready-set-grow#When:20:59:31Z It’s no secret that Greenlight has a thing for facial hair, preferably on men (sorry, Aunt Ruth). And if you know us at all, you’re probably aware that our favorite month of the year is right around the corner: MOVEMBER! In case you forgot, Movember is men’s health month, and the mustache is the “ribbon” we use to show support for it. Participating men grow a mustache for thirty days, spread awareness and look totally awesome. What can you do to prepare? 1. You’re going to want your follicles on top of their game. So, eat a healthy diet, take a multi-vitamin and cut back on caffeine. Let the conditioning begin! 2. Find a good razor. You have to start with a clean shave, so you might as well do it right. We suggest going to a barber shop and getting it done professionally, but only because it sounds like fun. 3. Learn more about men’s health. This way, when Movember rolls around you’ll be ready to drop some knowledge on Dallas. 4. Get your ‘stache on at the Kick Off Movember Party hosted by the Greenlight/Snappy Salads tour de force that is Dallas Moustache, the local chapter for Movember. When: Monday, November 1, 2010, 6-9 PM Where: J. Black’s Feel Good Lounge What: $5 suggested donation at the door gets you drink specials at the party Why: Drink to men’s health. Cheers! Check out DallasMoustache.com (currently under development) and Facebook to see pics, donate cash, buy t-shirts and satisfy all your ‘stache desires. Handlebar, walrus, fu manchu or Burt Reynolds – all mustache varieties are welcome. Ladies, we’d appreciate your support as well. See you in Movember!   2010-10-07T20:59:31+00:00