It’s Called Pour, Not Slice

To celebrate our sixth anniversary, we treated ourselves to an evening in the tasting room at Pour, a wine bar in Brookhaven. Enjoying the unique, rustic old-world feel of Pour we were ready to get straight to the point-the cake, after all it was our birthday. But we were in for a humbling surprise. Asking our server for some silverware, plates and napkins-the usual cake eating necessities, we were surprised to find that Pour, being a spankin new business, did not have any cutlery. Joking that the wine bar is called Pour and not slice, we got to thinking about all of the great lessons learned over the past six years at EOS.

As a new business you quickly learn what you are prepared for and what you are not, but ultimately making the best out of every situation.  Sharing funny stories and our favorite memories we sipped on all kinds of wine, snacked on a fine selection of meats and cheeses, enjoyed a delectable birthday cake with plastic forks and most of all enjoyed the company of one another.

Happy Birthday to us!!

The Right Perspective

I recently came across a TED video by Kathryn Schulz, the author of “Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error,” and “The Wrong Stuff.”  In this video she discusses the question of what it really means to be wrong and the feelings associated with being wrong.

From the beginning, the idea of what is “right” and what is “wrong” is instilled in us. As early as grade school we are introduced to the dreadful feeling of being wrong and the negative stigma associated with it (I sure remember the very first time I misspelled a word in front of my class). So, as a way to avoid that uncomfortable feeling, most of us decide to become perfectionists and overachievers.

Still adjusting to the fast pace of the real world and learning the ropes of a growing agency, this video hit home for me.  As a relative rookie at EOS, it is not a question if I am going to be wrong and make a mistake, but when.

“Things don’t go wrong, they simply happen”. Listening to Kathryn speak, I realize it is not about being right or wrong, but all about perspective. The big idea here is how we perceive the feeling of being wrong. Society’s obsession with being right can affect our productivity and creativity. I often lack confidence in my work and will make sure that each of the partners have reviewed it before I move on. This is the perfect example of how my efforts to avoid doing something wrong, can waste valuable time.

I know that taking chances and learning from my mistakes is a part of life and is fundamental to who I am in both my professional and social life. Embracing unexpected change and the instances in which we are wrong, can enable us to see things in a different light– allowing us to take a step back, see the big picture and put things in perspective.

This is why I find the EOS mantra “New Day, Fresh Perspective” completely inspiring.  As I continue to learn and grow with EOS in this industry, implementing creative, intuitive and innovative campaigns for our clients, I am hoping to overcome my insecurities of making a wrong decision by accepting the hiccups along the way, and remembering that tomorrow is always another opportunity to get it right.

So, check out the video yourself and let me know what you think!

We Will Never Forget September 11th

September 11, 2001 changed our nation forever. Express your gratitude and honor the memory of the heroes that demonstrated immense bravery a decade ago through a moment of silence and prayer. Resilient as a nation and proud to be American, September 11th is a day we will never forget.

The Power of New Space

The right pair of shoes can make or break your entire outfit—and it turns out that the same is true about office space. The right space can inspire and lift you up – through the view from a window or the colors on the walls. In the biz world — it’s a statement of your values and what you aspire to be for your clients. And, especially for our clients –its comfortable – a place to relax and think outside the box.

We moved a stone’s throw from our original location – but we transformed our work life and our view by those 50 paces. Brimming with light and embracing a massive, century-old oak tree that hugs the outside perimeter of the office’s expanse, the space has offered us a place to spread our wings, and to add some unexpected EOS’ flair.

The piece de’ resistance is at the heart of the agency. The “Collaboration Center” showcases bar-height tables made of zebrawood, surrounded by a 25-foot long magnetic, porcelain writing wall. Designed to maximize creativity and provide a casual, empowering environment for our clients, the center provides a great space to solve complex problem with lightning speed.

So, if you are in the neighborhood, drop by and experience it for yourself. The coffee’s on — and a light too!

Laboring One Less Day

On Friday, September 2, we’ll close the firm to honor our EOS’ team with an extra day off for all they do. Elyse, Margaret and Susan are available by cell if needed.

Savor your last blast of summer, and we’ll be back to the marketing magic Tuesday, September 6 at 8:30.

Most Valuable Player in Social Media

Heron Bay Golf & Country Club is a premier master planned community located just south of Atlanta in Henry County. Named community of the year in 2005, Heron Bay is renowned for their outstanding selection of amenities and family-friendly lifestyle. A community thriving in the age of social media, the community Facebook page is an important part of its marketing strategy. The participatory experience for residents provides additional insight into the lifestyle the community offers, and its neighborly vibe.

Heron Bay’s Facebook page is the place where residents can stay apprised of what’s happening with their neighbors and share their thoughts and opinions. A 900 member community, Heron Bay wanted to increase their fan base as well as showcase the community to friends and prospects. The Heron Bay Facebook Tournament was a way to increase the number of Facebook fans and expand the playing field in a way that would get engage residents and get them excited about their community.

Incorporating a sports theme helped get residents excited and added a competitive flair. Engaging residents through e-blasts that explained the rules of the game and how to become the MVP, we also offered participants an incentive. The resident who brought in the most “new likes” would win the title of MVP along with bragging rights, fifteen minutes of Facebook fame AND a $100 American Express gift card with a basket full of summer fun!

Lasting for two weeks, the tournament gained momentum as more residents got in the game. Posting score updates and rooting on the most valuable players as well as the underdogs evoked team spirit among friends, family and co-workers as residents relentlessly spread the word for others to “Like” the Heron Bay Facebook page in an effort to help them take home the title of MVP.

The result? Heron Bay Golf & Country Club almost doubled their fans moving from 404 to 745 in just two weeks!

The Facebook Tournament was a new and fresh approach to increasing the fan base and reach of the community in a social world where opinions and conversations have all become viral.

Connect at Canoe Club

EOS conceived, created and held “Connect at Canoe Club”, an event for Reynolds Signature Communities’ in Fayette County’s newest master-planned community.

Designed to introduce community influencers to the Reynolds way of life available at The Canoe Club, attendees dined on scrumptious food from Atlanta’s Legendary Events, enjoyed acoustic music from Lindsay Petsch and experienced a sommelier-designed wine bar.

Over a hundred of the community’s movers & shakers networked at the majestic Lake Cottage under starry summer skies overlooking beautiful lakes Senoya and Menawa.

Hello Future. Hello Opportunity.

The City of Snellville wanted a fresh start. In 2010, they hired an economic development manager and made the decision to create a new town center where community and commerce could thrive.

In partnership with globally recognized DPZ of Seaside, Florida fame, and distinguished city planners Clark, Patterson Lee, EOS worked with residents, businesses and employees of The City of Snellville to study, research, poll and understand the opportunities to create a new Town Center for Snellville’s future. After more than 1,000 Snellville community members participated in our quantitative online surveys and qualitative one-on-one interviews, as well as a four-day envisioning charrette, and branding workshop, the City’s future plan to develop a new Towne Center as a place that welcomed the future through entrepreneurial opportunity and the friendly neighbors of Snellville was complete.

On Monday, May 2, more than 140 Snellville constituents gathered with reporters and the Snellville City Council for the great reveal… a monumental plan for Snellville’s future.

For more about the City of Snellville’s plans, check out: www.thetownecenteratsnellville.com, or follow the news on Facebook.

Take Your PR Game to the Next Level

At PRSA, April is Accreditation month. Throughout the nation, public relations practitioners celebrate the voluntary certification process many publicists pursue. Do I recommend it? Yes. Did it bolster my career? Yes. Was it hard as heck? Yes. Would I do it again? Yes, and in fact have (another blog post for another day).

In today’s instant information age, where niche knowledge is a leverage point, certification in public relations is a differentiator. Just as accounting issues are better managed by a CPA, or heart issues by a cardiologist in lieu of a general practitioner, an accredited professional has the proven knowledge, skills and abilities to provide candid and vital reputation management consulting.

But, just like losing weight and working out, preparation for Accreditation requires time and discipline. If you are considering the APR program, contact my dear colleagues, Ray Crockett and Karlie Lahm via PRSA Georgia’s website.

It’s Gonna Be a Lovely Day, Lovely Day