1. Become Socially Adept – We’re all still figuring out exactly how to incorporate and integrate social media into our marketing strategies. Everyone knows they need it (and increasingly so), but have you sat down to determine what your goals are and how social media can help you accomplish those goals? Ultimately it’s about increasing engagement through ongoing conversations that leads to brand advocates. Make this the year that your social media strategy comes into focus.
2. Mobilize – Mobile marketing is the new social media. Smart phones are used by nearly half of all mobile phone subscribers. Your customers are on the move and sites or communication that can’t be viewed on these devices is deleted as fast as they can swipe. Think about how you can optimize your site and communications to keep your brand in front of your customer wherever they are.
3. Give It Away – Giving your customers or prospects valuable content that helps them in their business makes you more than just a vendor. It makes you an expert. Put it in your blog, in your e-newsletter, on your facebook wall, and everywhere else your customers find you.
4. On the Tube – Think about it. People use YouTube like a search engine. The site has more than 2 Billion (yes, capital B) views per day. If people are searching, shouldn’t we be there? New video equipment and editing software can make it simpler for you to post demo videos, testimonials, advice, and more on YouTube (and on your own site). But if that’s not feasible, talk to us. We can help.
5. You Asked For It – Ask for business. It’s simple. Ask for referrals from your best customers. Developing a great referral program is a cost-effective way to increase your business, and it comes with a third party endorsement so your new prospect has reason to trust you. Also, ask your current customers how you can help them more. Gather the low hanging fruit and watch your business flourish.

These are our marketing resolutions for 2012. You’ll be seeing and hearing more from us in the days and months to come. Could any of these ideas apply to your business? If so we’d love to talk. Give us a call (or find us on facebook!).

By now everyone has seen and most likely scanned some sort of QR code. We have used them and often recommend them for clients’ campaigns when it fits with the strategy. The code can link to the client’s web site for more details, a custom web page with exclusive content, the client’s facebook page, or just deliver simple contact information. Of late there has been a lot of buzz about new branded QR codes that go way beyond the funky, digital squares. This is smart because customers or consumers associate the code with the brand, and it provides an additional way to position the company.

All the serious business uses of QR codes aside, there are some funny/funky/interesting things being done with QR codes. I’ve seen pictures of them mowed into fields and shot from the air, sand-castle-style on the beach, made out of pencil shavings, and even carved into wood. Here are just three that I found interesting…

Qkies – a cookie mix from a German company that includes edible QR codes that are baked right into the cookie. Useful for kids‘ birthday party invitations? Maybe, but they could also be a fun follow-up gift after a new business meeting.

QR code cookies

Cufflinks – sterling silver cuff links customized with your own QR code. Instead of carrying business cards in your tux at your next black tie affair, put on these babies. When you make a contact, have them scan your cufflinks!

Doggone it – even Fido can sport a QR code! The useful application for this is to provide scannable contact information in case your dog goes missing. Secondary use could be to get a date with that cute girl at the dog park.

What’s the most unique QR code you’ve seen? Have you used one for business? How has it worked for you? We’d love to talk all things QR with you!

Only released in beta version a little over a year ago, and already voted one of the “50 Best Websites of 2011,” Pinterest.com is a new social media phenomenon. It is a “mood board” style sharing site, where users create their own boards based on themes that interest them. Users “pin” URLs and photos to their theme boards, which are then shared with followers and other users. The site offers a “pin it” utility to allow users to quickly and easily pin something they see on any site on the web. Pins can be repinned, or liked, and allow other users to comment also.

To join Pinterest, you must be invited. You can get an invitation emailed to you from a current user, or go to Pinterest.com to request an invitation. When you are invited you can register through your facebook or twitter accounts.

I just started using Pinterest and I will say that the site has become a major source of inspiration and ideas for everything – cooking, fashion, home decor, art, design, technology, and much more. The search feature is useful when I’m curious about what’s been “pinned” on a particular topic. I started pinning favorite things of mine right away, and I also do a fair amount of “repinning” ideas that I see from other users that I want to save to my boards, too.

It will be interesting to see how companies and brands can promote products on the site. I’m sure many companies are already looking into how to incorporate Pinterest in a way that won’t alienate users – especially when their rules of etiquette are clearly opposed to overtly promotional activity on the site. As part of an overall social strategy, it appears that Pinterest is a site that should be considered, particularly if the brand can provide helpful, interesting, or inspiring information “pinners” would appreciate.

Have you started using Pinterest? Will it be part of your social media strategy?

Every project has a beginning, a middle, and an end, much like your favorite TV show. Around here, we don’t have a specific formula we use each time, but rather depending on the project we change up our approach. Here are three ways we do it.

The McGuyver – solving complex problems using a paper clip, duct tape and a swiss army knife.

Whether it’s executing a particular tactic for a promotion, or developing a complete strategy for a client’s new initiative, this method is about being resourceful. I use everything at my disposal to get at this project – anything from our library of creative books and magazines, to my go-to online resources. Client input sessions, interviews with key people, and informal surveys help, too. In the end the concept may be a combination of different bits and parts, but when it comes together, BOOM.

The Scooby-Doo – the gang works together to unmask the villain.

Occasionally a project is too complicated or tough for just one or two people, so in those cases we get the gang together to solve the mystery. Here at Catalyst it usually works to let everyone do some thinking separately, then get together to talk through each of our ideas. Then the lead creative from that group takes these concepts away to refine them. The group then meets again to narrow the concepts even further. Darn you meddling kids, but this really works!

The NCIS – everyone has their specialty.

Gibbs doesn’t do autopsies, and Abby doesn’t carry a gun. Everyone in NCIS has their own specialty (or quirk) that makes them perfect at what they do, and makes the team stronger. Same with Catalyst. Many times we function as this type of team, where each of us is able to let our unique talents and gifts shine and it all comes together. The end result is that the criminal is brought to justice – er, every part of the campaign is executed perfectly.

These are just three ways we solve problems and approach client work here at Catalyst.  Someday I’ll tell you about The I Love Lucy, The Columbo, and The Muppet Show… stay tuned.

Have a project you need McGuyvered? Give us a call.

Some wisdom from smart people, some things you learned from your mom, and some seriously random stuff…

1. “In this business, you can never wash the dinner dishes and say they are done. You have to keep doing them constantly.” Mary Wells Lawrence
2. No whining.
3. “People who read the tabloids deserve to be lied to.” Jerry Seinfeld
4. Failing does not make you a failure.
5. “The consumer isn’t a moron; she is your wife.” David Ogilvy
6. Never leave a man behind.
7. “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Winston Churchill
8. “I’ve learned any fool can write a bad ad, but it takes a real genius to keep his hands off a good one.” Leo Burnett
9. Tip your servers.
10. “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” Plato
11. Always stick together.
12. “Never trust a smiling cat.” Garfield
13. A little goes a long way.
14. Lefty loosie, righty tighty.
15. “Floating the flop to bet on the turn.” Ted Kucinsky