We’re excited to see the launch of BuzzDish.com, “Home for the latest buzz-worthy content from the entertainment industry.” We provided design and logo direction to our fellow Magnet 360 network collaborators ARA Content, who created and operate Buzz Dish.

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We are very excited to announce an engagement to collaborate with Alexis Hudson, the vibrant brand of handbags launched by Emily Ironi (left) and Rachelle Copeland (right) in 2005. 

Alexis Hudson handbags feature distinctive materials, clasps, hinges and flexibility—and are often seen on the arms of Eva Longoria, Katherine Heigl, Heather Graham, Jill Hennessey, Kate Hudson, Keira Knightley, Elisabeth Rohm, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and Cindy Crawford.

We’re already hard at work with Emily and Rachelle on site architecture, design and social media efforts. It’s a pleasure to evolve our work in fashion, and to join forces with two very innovative partners. 

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that certain members of our team totally relate to “therapy for the handbag addict.” The Grand Bastille (in Cortez nylon) is currently rocking the office. Keep an eye out for the evolution of Alexis Hudson in the coming weeks and months!

One of the benefits of new office space is more space. More tables. More chairs. More rooms with doors so you don’t totally distract the rest of the team. More opportunity for collaboration.

So we’ve been hosting and attending a lot of collective conversation since moving in. And it’s been inspiring. Different from previous big agency experiences. Seems like this is the new spirit of marketing and advertising—smart, nimble teams forming as needed to solve business problems quickly and efficiently. Read the rest of this entry »

UPDATE:  Here’s a link to the text of the speech I gave at SMBMSP.

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This is one of those things that excites me about the Twin Cities marketing/advertising/technology community. We show up. We represent. For everything. 

On Friday, June 26 I’m one of two speakers for Social Media Breakfast event #16, to be held outside of the Deluxe headquarters in Shore View. And it’s sold out! In less than two hours. (Thanks to PartnerUp and Deluxe Corporation for sponsoring this event.)

Here’s a podcast preview of the session with myself and fellow presenter Steve Borsch, and hosts Rick Mahn and Brad Bellaver.

Honestly, is any other community as vibrant?

SMBMSP routinely draws 200-300 people. For breakfast. Our most recent MIMA event featuring Scott Thomas (aka SimpleScott) drew over 300. Look through the events calendars for communications associations (MIMA, PRSA, AMA-MN, et al), technology evangelists (MinneDemo, Minnov8) and other organizations (UnSummit, i612) in the Twin Cities and there’s some kind of educational event in this community every three to four days.

This kind of enthusiasm demonstrates the strength and depth of talent working in the Twin Cities. I hope more and more marketers pay attention. Bring your business here!

Many thanks to SMBMSP founder Rick Mahn for inviting me to speak. He picked the topic, “The Impact of Social Media on the Advertising and Marketing Industry.” I’m looking forward to talking about the personal benefits and challenges I’ve faced and witnessed. We’re fortunate to live and work in such dynamic times—to have the opportunity to try, fail, succeed and work through such dramatic changes. There’s a lot to assess and understand as our industry evolves.

What do you think I should address?