Release the Hounds

The economy is scary, let’s play it safe, cut back spending and hope for the best. You know, wait it out. Now is not the time to take risks…besides “even” is the new “up” right?

Really, we’re going to go into the New Year playing scared and hoping for the best? How did that work out for the New York Giants when they played the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles a couple weeks ago? (Sorry Giants fans, we had to make this point)

When it comes to marketing your business, playing it safe is the least safe thing to do. Limited resources? Understood. Let’s put some effort into strategy – outthinking and outworking the competition. Is it possible that your business is missing opportunities because you’re not looking hard enough in the right places? Here are five places where old man opportunity may be hiding out:

1. Your loyal customers – What do you ask of them? Would they be willing to help? Of course they would (and there’s a good chance that you’re not asking).

2. Self promotion – Doing things better than the competition is not something to be shy about. You say it behind closed doors and you hear it from your satisfied clients, stand up and be proud about what you bring to the table.

3. Social media – If you’re dipping your toe into the social media water, only a small fraction of your body is bathing in the best marketing opportunity to come around since holiday window dressing. Dive in!

4. Target marketing – If your annual marketing budget is smaller than Geico’s (approximately 1.2 billion dollars last year), you may need to work harder to ensure that your messages are being placed where they’re most likely to do you some good. We specialize in this, so just ask.

5. Have some courage (yes, we wanted to say “balls” but it’s just not proper…and it’s sexist) – Most of the best advertising you’ve witnessed in your lifetime involved a fair amount of risk on the part of a major decision-maker. If you have that authority, and you’re not taking chances, you’re doing your business a great disservice.

The truth of the matter is that none of us know how long the current economic climate will last. By now, it’s clear that it may be a while, and only those of us willing to work hard will survive. Part of that “hard” work involves taking risk. At dg Communications Group, we challenge our clients and ourselves to continuously take risks…and it works!

The Juice -- Amy

Amy is dg's Media Director, which means that she's the one who arranges getting ads placed in publications, and on TV and the web, all at the right time in the right places and within the right budget. It's a demanding discipline, to be certain, but Amy is well-armed with experience and welcoming of virtually any challenge. We juiced her to get to the tangy details of what it takes to be so darn detail oriented:

Q1 – Why advertising?

Back in the day, when I was 18, it was one of the few industries that you could “start at the bottom and work your way up,” even without a degree. Advertising in NY on Madison Avenue held that glamour factor as well, and it wasn’t much different from what you see on Mad Men, even though it was over a decade later. As a young kid, I loved it! And when I went back to school at night, that’s what I got my degree in!

Q2 – Aside from working at dg, what experiences have you had on the job that have shaped who you are today?
I’ve been fortunate to have experienced the advertising business from a lot of varied perspectives: for different industries, in different job functions, in far-flung locations – from New York to Tel Aviv to Florida – and in both large and small agencies. 
I’ve also had many great mentors along the way. No question that working for 7 years on the corporate client side at a large high-tech company influenced me greatly, as I had the opportunity to be part of an international team of marketing communications professionals. That experience was extremely rewarding on both a professional and personal level.

Q3 – What is your favorite reality show?

If I had to pick just one, I would say So You Think You Can Dance

Q4 – What superpower do you harness that is mostly concealed to your co-workers and clients?
An uncanny knack of knowing when Murphy’s Law will rear its ugly head!

Q5 – What is your favorite thing about dg?
First and foremost, the people! But on a professional level, and maybe because I’m not “a creative,” I LOVE the work we produce. I’ve been around a long time, and I am so proud to be associated with the great design work that comes out of our studio!

Q6 – Favorite South Florida eating establishment?

That’s a tough question, because I like several places, each for different reasons. Overall, I love “La Cigale” in Delray Beach, though I don’t get there very often.

Q7 - What sites, blogs, etc do you frequent and how often?

Well, I get my general news from my Comcast.net home page on a daily basis, and during season, read the recaps and box scores on the Yankees games (I’m a lifelong fan!); Facebook, of course, to keep up with my family and friends; and my other guilty pleasure is EW.com for all the entertainment news. There are several great writers there whose blogs and recaps entertain more than the shows themselves.

SERIOUSLY SOCIAL

10 Reasons Why dg is REALLY REALLY SERIOUS About Social Media

Meet “Serious” Keith Gallant. He’s dg’s own in-house social media guru. Of course, he doesn’t like to be called a “guru,” because that’s just how serious he is about social media. To him, “gurus” are just posers and wannabes, and he doesn’t want to be associated with those losers. No way. Not while he’s got some SERIOUS social media to do. Seriously.

Keith has been working with dg for several months now, helping grow what has always been a very serious social media strategy for ourselves and our clients. He’s come in, guns a-blazing, blogging and tweeting and posting the living HECK out of the Internet, turning up the volume on social media past eleven. Turning some serious heads, too, cause that’s just how he rolls.

And that’s how you gotta roll. If you were to come face to face with him he’d tell you so in some very serious tones. Because this is social media. It is NOT some kind of parlor game.

Here’s a list of reasons why, and YOU’D BETTER READ THEM ALL if you know what’s good for you. Because we’re not kidding around here. Not one bit.

TEN REASONS WHY dg IS REALLY REALLY SERIOUS ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA:

1. Because Keith said so.
I should know. I asked him. And he stared that cold, social stare of his and said “seriously?” That was good enough for me.

2. Because things are changing.
Yes they are. You know this, so don’t make me go over it again. Time moves forward. Butterflies turn into caterpillars and whatever. Stuff changes. Deal with it.

3. Because social media is more than just cool, it’s also a great way to look really cool.
Our scientific studies have shown conclusively that people and companies that use social media are significantly cooler than those that don’t. Studies don’t lie, so there you have it.

4. Because the Internet is not going away.
The thing is relentless. You can go ahead and toss your laptop out of the window, but the Internet will still be there. And so will your email. And probably the person who narrowly avoided being clobbered by your laptop. And his lawyer. My, those are some serious allegations there.

5. Because the new paradigms of media are both interactive and instantaneous.
Keith told me to write this. I’m not sure what it means, but you have to admit, it sounds pretty serious.

6. Because someone had to.
Let’s face it, social media is kind of like the weather. Everybody talks about it, but nobody actually does anything about it. Keith and the folks at dg do. At least the social media part. Not the weather. That’s just silly.

7. Because because because because BEEECAAAAUUUSE
If ever a wonderful wiz there was—er…um, something about social media seems to remind me of the Wizard of Oz. Pay no attention to the man behind the blog posting…

8. Because now is the time.
Actually several months ago was the time, but that’s passed, so there’s no need to dwell on it. Really, you gotta live in the present. Let it go, already. Seriously…

9. Because there’s no better way to create a buzz.
Except maybe a swarm of bees, but I think you’d probably regret trying to manage that. Imagine bees flying everywhere, stinging, stinging, stinging. What kind of marketing program is that?

10. Because social media is fun.
There. I said it. Social media is a blast. Me, you, your customers and our customers, and Keith and the guy down the street who owns that deli and his customers (yes, even them), are all social beings. We all respond to social interaction. We all want to hear and be heard. That’s why it works. And that’s why it makes sense to be serious about it, even if you don’t like being too serious all the time.

11. Because ten reasons aren’t enough.
Give dg a call and Keith will be happy to discuss your social media strategy. After all, that’s what he does. Seriously.

No, I mean it.

Distance

There’s a distance between your brand and your consumers. Are you comfortable with the distance that you’re choosing to maintain?

Hate to say it, but social media is widening the gap between the companies and brands that choose to engage and those that do not. By not engaging in social media, your brand is making a statement. Actually, your brand is making a number of statements, specifically:

1. We’re not interested in you – Take your opinions elsewhere, thank you very much

2. No, you may not enter – What we do behind closed doors is our business, not yours

3. The rules of engagement are ours, not yours – Don’t call us, we’ll call you

4. We don’t have much to say – And, we really don’t have time to listen either

How does that compare to those brands that engage? Brands that engage in social media state:

1. We’re checking you out too – Tell us more about yourself

2. Come on in – Thank you for your interest…as part of our inner circle of friends, we’ll offer you special deals and let you in on some ‘behind the scenes’ information…after all, we’re friends

3. The rules of engagement are shared – It’s a healthy relationship, our company is made up of people just like you

4. This brand is hopping – We have to share the exciting news with you, after all you’re the reason we exist in the first place

Many companies still choose to look at social media as an extra, an add-on that we’ll get to when things are not so darn busy. Engaging in social media is choosing to go the extra step. Think about your favorite brands. Don’t they deliver a bit more than what you originally expected of them and isn’t that why they’re your favorite brands?

Social media engagement – your choice!

The Juice -- Lee Anne

Lee Anne is one of dg communications' treasured Art Directors, and within her small frame is a talent so fierce that she needs two names to contain it! Soft spoken and reserved, Lee's sublime work is a testament to the kind of exemplary effort that sets our agency apart. For Lee and the rest of the team, it simply must be great in order to be good enough.

Lee comes to us from the Bahamas, where the weather is somehow nicer than it is here. We Juiced her to get to the pulpy details of life in Lee Anne land, but we found her answers tended to hold back just a wee bit on the truth.

Q1 – Why advertising?
I ask myself that everyday. I have no idea.

Q2 – Aside from working at d+g, what experiences have you had on the job that have shaped who you are today?
Well, when I first started as an intern I was told I was too slow. Yes, me – too slow. That scared the crap out of me because I never wanted to be fired. So, within a week I learnt every fast key, short-cut possible. Speedy ever since!

Q3 – What is your favorite reality show?
Don’t watch any so I don’t have one. (editor's note: rumor has it that she's a closet Jersey Shore addict. You didn't hear it from us, though.)

Q4 – What superpower do you harness that is mostly concealed to your co-workers and clients?
???? I'm fast as lightning? (editor's note: Lee is indeed fast, but her superpower is her ability to withstand really, really hot & spicy food. Honestly, she can eat anything short of nuclear.)

Q5 – What is your favorite thing about d+g?
The great people and the friendships I’ve made. (editor's note: This IS true. We are pretty awesome.)

Q6 – Favorite South Florida eating establishment?
There are so many… but Lemon Grass monster lobster roll never does me wrong. (editor's note: Lee is famous for eating takeout from Chipotle Mexican Grill pretty much every single day.)

Q7 - What sites, blogs, etc do you frequent and how often?
No blogs. Facebook every now and then, and Old Navy. (editor's note: Old Navy? The only site we've ever seen her on is her son's daycare site, checking up on him like the dedicated mom she is.)

Social Media Is NOT The Answer

A guest blog from Keith Gallant, a social media guy.

Justin Bieber is not famous because of social media (yes, we hate that we’re referencing Justin Bieber too, but stay with us here). Justin Bieber is famous because he’s talented and has tremendous appeal to his target audience. So much appeal, that he was destined to have a successful career as a pop music performer. The reach of social media sped the process of fame immensely, just as television (a more traditional broadcast medium) was integral in catapulting the careers of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake – both of whom were featured as teenage heartthrobs by Disney.

The point is that social media is incredibly powerful when it’s combined with compelling content. Television, radio, print publications and direct mail campaigns are still efficient modes of communication, despite the growing popularity of social media networks. Social media is a gun, an impotent weapon without the bullets, motive and human operation that are social media marketing strategy and content. Everyone is talking about social media, but we should all be talking about content. Content, content, content!

How wonderfully powerful it is to know that we can reach people with our messages faster than ever…but what have we to say? What have we to offer? This is the job of a social media marketing team. If social media itself were “the answer,” a team would not be needed. Companies could hire a social media expert to push their content downstream, publish here…with RSS feeds allowing it to appear here and here. Voila! Mission accomplished! But, the Internet is so vast, merely placing content in many places accomplishes nothing by itself. Sophisticated programming that speeds content placement is not fast enough to keep up with the rate of Internet expansion.

That’s why computer programmers are not the people to be given the job of creating and operating social media MARKETING campaigns. It’s also why the most effective marketing campaigns are developed with meaningful strategy and high quality content. What’s great about communicating via social media is that if the content is strong enough, we can find others to “adopt the cause” – claiming it as their property via affinity and helping to show it off. A handful of years ago, as YouTube burst onto the scene, viral marketing campaigns were being pitched everywhere. For every successful video that was sent to you from your dad or work colleague, imagine how many died in infancy.

Social media allows us more opportunities than ever to reach people, but it has also exponentially accelerated the rate that content is published, creating a noisier, more competitive landscape and making it harder for any piece of content to gain attention. That’s why social media is not the answer. However, for agencies that create KILLER content, social media is their new 6 foot 7 inch, 265 pound best friend.

We will be heard!

I’ve been following this story for a few days. This is why re-branding REQUIRES deep thought and solid rationale.

To wit, the Gap saga of a totally mismanaged attempt to rebrand:

TA-DUH!
http://www.fastcodesign.com/1662446/the-gap-falls-into-a-new-logo
Backlash:
http://www.craplogo.me
http://twitter.com/#!/gaplogo
The masses even respond with an unofficial redesign contest:
http://blog.iso50.com/logos/gap-redesign-contest

OOPS!:
http://www.fastcodesign.com/1662452/gap-thats-not-our-real-logo-its-a-crowdsourcing-project

More social media backlash:
http://www.facebook.com/gap/posts/159977040694165
And then suddenly an attempt at rationale from the Gap's President:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marka-hansen/the-gaps-new-logo_b_754981.html

Followed by a swift retreat:
http://adage.com/article?article_id=146417

Ouch.

Social media has completely changed the game here.
More proof:
Flip-flop Trop
http://www.yumsugar.com/Due-Customer-Backlash-Tropicana-Ditches-New-Logo-2853310

“stop the verdana madness”
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1919127,00.html

Pepsi
http://www.sanyi.nyarad.ro/?p=81
And when your rationale completely loses sight of reality:
http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/aaron-perry-zucker/new-ideas/pepsi-design-process-explained

The democratizing effects of social media show that consumers are increasingly willing to claim ownership of the brands they patronize. And while resistance to change is expectable, I think it’s striking how computer media facilitates the ability to backlash. While corporate America is no doubt pleased that consumers care enough about their brands to show it, I don’t imagine that anyone truly expected consumers to take the effort to create blogs, petitions, and parodies en masse. However, as it is with all grassroots movements, social media allows similarly-motivated people to build social synergies, and build a group momentum that transcends the import of the brand itself.

Does anyone REALLY care that much what logo The Gap uses to promote it’s retail chain? Individually, probably not. But upon the grand stage of the Internet, we are not one, but many. And perhaps that is the real point.

Must Everyone Blog?

Well, we can’t speak for all parts of the world, but here in the U.S., blogging is currently “optional.” The question we’ve been asking lately is, should businesses feel obliged to blog? The simple answer is yes.

In the early years of this century, it was the blog that led the charge as the Internet grew out if its tight-fitting 1.0 jeans into its blousy 2.0 wardrobe. Suddenly, 20-somethings everywhere began leading discussions from politics to snack foods, and hip CEOs decided to give the public “behind the scenes” glances at their creative genius. Seven or eight years ago, blogging was a fad − the Internet’s latest Rubik’s Cube.

Blogging is no longer faddish, but an essential part of business communications. A blog is the sequel to “About Us.” It’s “About Us Now.” Whether posting a revealing employee Q & A, reporting from the front line at an industry conference or sharing expert guest blogger contributions, blogs have the capacity to house unique and compelling content.

Blogs also serve as important components of broader social media marketing campaigns. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn updates provide fresh opportunities to post links that lead visitors to a business’ blog and generate traffic to the organization’s website.

Which businesses should not blog? Those unable or unwilling to produce high quality content. The Internet marketing landscape is content-driven and highly competitive. This is no place to go half-way. As anyone on Facebook will tell you, there is a ton of poor content being published all the time. What does that mean? Create killer content for your brand and win big! Need a hand?

TrendWatch: Online Coupons

Internet advertising is a tricky business. Affiliate marketing, banner ads and search engine pay-per-click strategies run amuck. Most often, the goal is to drive website traffic, but what happens there? Is your company’s website impressive enough to generate sales opportunities? Are your landing pages filled with effective call-to-action content?

With all the fuzzy numbers and “throw it against the wall” game plans, advertisers have been caught in a sticky situation. Since people are spending more and more time on the Internet, surely we must seek to influence consumers in this space. However, retailers have pulled back as of late, reevaluating online advertising strategies and looking for better solutions − and better solutions are popping up.

Coupons! Not your old-fashioned, “clip’em, pile’em and forget’em coupons.” New high-value coupons with an embedded call-to-action offer the greatest incentives. Restaurant.com is a great example. Restaurants sign up to allow Restaurants.com to offer deeply-discounted coupons for purchase, such as $25 food/drink gift certificates for $10. Everyone wins. Restaurant.com keeps the $10 paid by the consumer, the consumer gets $15 worth of free food and the restaurant gets new customers without having to invest in finding them.

You may be thinking, “Not fair for the restaurant.” The website is trading off their business, presenting the consumer a great deal but leaving the restaurant $25 in the hole to begin the transaction. There’s a little more to the story, as the $25 gift certificate comes with contingencies. The consumer can only use one per transaction and must agree to purchase a minimum of $35 plus tax and include 18 percent gratuity. So, despite appearances, the restaurant is NOT losing money on the transaction, and has a chance to actually MAKE money on the transaction: the consumer may decide to spend $85 on the meal. Additionally, the restaurant has received publicity and redemption without having to pay upfront and risk paying for low or no return on investment. The restaurant’s investment is always tied to a new consumer transaction.

Then there’s Groupon, promoting deeply-discounted local offers, one per day, with the offer only coming to fruition if enough people purchase. For example, a $75 SCUBA diving lesson is offered for $35. This deal is available for 24 hours only and happens only if 50 people or more pay for it. As the 24 hour period unfolds, people sign up for the offer by submitting their credit card information, with the understanding that they will be charged only if the deal “tips.” Those people who are eager to get the deal watch the website periodically to see how many have been purchased and how much time is left for the deal to happen. Frequently, those who are eager to obtain the special price will use their influence to recruit others, sometimes by posting it on social media sites, like Facebook and Twitter.

By working with Groupon, the business is making an investment by deeply discounting their goods or services. The money raised in the one-day sale is split with Groupon, so the $75 SCUBA lesson that’s sold for $35 will net the business $17.50 (less 2.5% credit card processing fee). In this instance, the SCUBA company is selling its service at 23% of their regular price, but what is the value of the publicity and new consumer relationships established?

Perhaps what’s so compelling about these newly structured “coupon” businesses is that they provide an avenue for businesses to offer deep discounts without losing face. Current economic conditions dictate that there are simply fewer consumer dollars on the table and businesses must compete vigorously for those dollars. However, directly offering aggressive discounts can equate to devaluing the goods or services offered. As a result, third parties (such as Groupon and Restaurant.com) are in the right place at the right time.

This new Internet-based model works for everyone! Consumers feel better about spending if they perceive outstanding value – more bang for their buck. The third party providers can be profitable because there is a purchase price to these offers and they keep a significant share. The business owner is only “paying” by discounting the consumer transactions. By not paying upfront, the business owner gets what they so desperately need: new consumer transactions and publicity without the risk of coming up empty. Everyone wins!

The Juice -- Olsen

Olsen is our most recent addition to the dg team, and he comes a loooooong way to add his inimitable talent to the heap of talented folks who call dg home. Hailing from Dubai, educated in Pakistan, and living in Hollywood, Florida, Olsen is literally brimming with fresh ideas, and has a knack for applying them across all kinds of media. He designs, illustrates, storyboards, and changes the lightbulbs that nobody else can reach.

We JUICED him to appreciate the unbearable lightness of being Olsen.


Q1 – Why advertising?
Because life as a camel jockey in Dubai just didn’t pay the bills.

Q2 – Aside from working at d+g, what experiences have you had on the job that have shaped who you are today?
At my previous job, I worked with a diverse group of people from all around the world which made it easy for me to adapt to my new work environment.

Q3 – What is your favorite reality show?
Watching the ranch I live on.

Q4 – What superpower do you harness that is mostly concealed to your co-workers and clients?
Playing the blues.

Q5 – What is your favorite thing about d+g?
The Creative Chaos. MUAHAHAHAHHA!!!!

Q6 – Favorite South Florida eating establishment?
Rock n’ Roll Ribs

Q7 - What sites, blogs, etc do you frequent and how often?
For Work: effektivedesign.co.uk & designarmy.com
For Play: Ironmaiden.com & fcbarcelona.com daily
For News: bbcworld.com

Wearing it Well

Gucci and Pucci, Lacoste and Louis Vuitton – To name drop a few of the world class luxury brands that make 150 WORTH an iconic Palm Beach destination.

Our Mission – Like “sexy”, we set out to “Bring Branding Back,” sexy, seductive and haute….

The Idea – Think seduction, sophistication, international mystique. Like watching life happen from an outdoor café in Paris, like eating caviar in bed on a rainy day, like slow dancing with Louboutins on and nothing else.

The Concept – Create not one, not two, but three dresses out of paper that showcase the retail brands at 150 WORTH. Have a photo shoot onsite, during the day, in the sweltering South Florida mid-August heat. Crazy idea yes, but a vision this powerful demanded our surrender.

The Mix – An expert cocktail made up of one part Seductive Russian photographer, one part Creative Hip South African, a pinch of spicy Latin flavor, topped off with an Angelina Jolie doppelganger. Shaken, not stirred.

The Result – PERFECTION













The Players -

Photography: Natasha Kertes, with assistant Katia
Art Direction: Jill Stone
Videographer: Glen Nelson ( 20/20 Graphic Design Studio)
Dressmaker: Nuria Carrasco
Model: Jessica Bleier
Hair: Christine Dell ( Agape Salon)
Makeup: Taryll Atkins
Direction: Gavin Robin and Rebecca Trento-Arribasplata

The Juice -- Rebecca

Rebecca manages traffic and just about everything else you can think of at d+g. Her energy, patience & organizational skillz are LEGENDARY, and keep things at d+g humming along. She is the air in our tires, the oil in our motor, and the pair of fuzzy dice dangling from our rear view mirror. As part of our JUICE interview series, we plied her for information about what being Rebecca is all about.


Q1 – Why advertising?
We already had a lawyer in the family….haha just kidding I just kind of fell into it after college. I received a B.A. in Communications from Simmons College which basically was a study of all things related to marketing and advertising; photography, graphic design, copy writing….so I was well equipped for it!

Q2 – Aside from working at d+g, what experiences have you had on the job that have shaped who you are today?
Being fired from my first ad agency!! It was a total burn and churn company and my ticket came up that day, I look back at it now and realize that experience really defined who I wanted to surround myself with professionally and creatively speaking.

Q3 – What is your favorite reality show?
Having two babies I don’t have a lot of time to watch t.v however I love the Real Housewives Series on Bravo!! It is my ultimate guilty pleasure!!

Q4 – What superpower do you harness that is mostly concealed to your co-workers and clients?
Wonder woman was my hero growing up, I loved her! I would love to have her invisible plane or golden lasso. Not much is concealed to my co-workers. When you share the same space for 40+ hours a week it is hard to hide who you are, however to the clients my superpower would be TRASH TALKER haha just kidding, maybe not so much.

Q5 – What is your favorite thing about d+g?
The people we are like a family oh and the fact that I am loud, like Tourette's loud, and it is okay, they still love me.

Q6 – Favorite South Florida eating establishment?
I don’t have one at the moment, however I am HUGE ice cream lover and am soooo happy Friendly’s is finally here! My peeps from up north can relate!

Q7 - What sites, blogs, etc do you frequent and how often?
Refer to Q3…. at this point in my life I don’t have a lot of spare time, so when I need a “mental” break I facebook and read my online trash sites. Radaronline and PerezHilton.com, I know total media whore but someone has to fill the staff in on Lilo and Snooki come on!

No Cookie Cutters Here

As an agency that cares deeply about the work we do, this week was especially rewarding. 
We were fortunate to spend time with a client that is equally passionate about the work they do – and what they do is help people put their lives back together.
Our client, Hanley Center, is a special place where help becomes hope. While we spent much of this week quite literally blown away by the depth of the services offered, the compassion, the capabilities and level of care provided. We also saw similarities to the way we approach our work. At Hanley Center and at d+g, there are no cookie cutter solutions.
One of the things that make Hanley Center such a special place is the approach they take in treating the disease of addiction. Their programs are gender and age specific, helping to set the tone from the outset that treatment is specialized and personalized. Although the professionals at Hanley Center are proficient in recognizing the commonalities of addiction and recovery, they are also cognizant that they must understand each individual’s unique experiences, to know them personally, to best know how to help them.
Similarly, we simply cannot offer creative marketing solutions for any of our clients without first understanding what uniquely makes them tick. We’ve never met any two clients with identical needs nor do we ever intend to. At d+g, we believe that the art in what we do is two-fold, with the first piece being our ability to identify those qualities that are most special about, and important to the success of our client’s business. Once this part of the puzzle is solved, the creative elements we develop happen effortlessly, the way good creative always does. It actually feels quite magical.
And magical is one of the words we use most often to describe Hanley Center. To meet patients in recovery, experiencing freedom for the first time in a long time, is powerful. Freedom to get back to their lives the way they were meant to be lived – back to building relationships rather than tearing them apart. At Hanley Center, people are learning to be confident and capable once again, to recapture success in their lives. How wonderful!

Good, high-quality SPAM???

The late George Carlin once joked that somewhere in the world was the WORLD’S WORST DOCTOR, and that the worst thing about knowing that was knowing that SOMEONE had an appointment to see them next Monday.

In the same superlative vein, it stands to reason that somewhere in the vast Internet is the WORLD’S BEST SPAM. Okay, so it’s kind of an oxymoron, but logic dictates that it must exist, which leaves non-oxy morons like myself to ponder it like some kind of web-borne dark matter.
What would constitute the BEST_SPAM_EVAR? Should it be measured by its effectiveness in convincing you to wire your life savings to Nigeria? Should it be overtly artistic, like some sort of abstract expressionist painting, offering wisdom and enlightenment from the depths of your junk email directory? Or should it just be able to figure out a way to delicately navigate the myriad levels of filtration in most modern email accounts to ultimately deliver its payload of poorly-rendered Canadian Viagra photos to your eyeballs? Clearly, these are among the more pressing questions of our generation, and will likely be debated for centuries to come.
But rather than offer a position on what constitutes the ultimate in spam, I’d think it best to apply the highly scientific method of using a purely subjective rating system to rank my favorite spam. Consider it a “hot or not” for the superstars of the junk bin.
Using the well regarded and completely fabricated “SAF” (for “Spam Awesomeness Factor”) ratings scale, I will, from time to time, delve deep into the bowels of the Internet to procure for you the world’s most amazing, astounding, and remarkable collection of spam imaginable. Right here on this very blog.
I know, it sounds too fantastical to be true, but despite this, you find yourself willing to believe it anyway. I say to you, let go. Surrender to it. Become one with the spam.

SPAM ALL-STAR ENTRY: Do they have SPAM in the future?

Subject: Dimensional Warp Generator Needed avghh fx

Hello,
I'm a time traveler stuck here in 2003. Since nobody here seems to be able to get me what I need (safely here to me), I will have to build a simple time travel circuit to get where I need myself. I am going to need an easy to follow picture diagram for a simple time travel circut, which can be built out of (readily available) parts here in 2003. Please email me any schematics you have. I will pay good money for anything you send me I can use. Or if you have the rechargeable AMD dimensional warp generator wrist watch unit available, and are 100% certain you have a (secure) means of delivering it to me please also reply. Send a separate email to me at: webmaster@custompaintshop.net.
Do not reply back directly to this email as it will only be bounced back to you.
Thank You
Brian Appel

This gem first surfaced in 2003, instantly begging the question of when it could have possibly been sent. Like all truly fine quality spam, it also hints at a greater truth. Could it be that all spam is nothing more than attempts at trans-temporal or trans-dimensional contact? Certainly, this would explain why it so often misses the mark. Perhaps in the future, humans have mutated into creatures who need Viagra in order to live. Perhaps, after Nigeria grows to become the most powerful nation on earth, we will discover our species needs male enhancement in order to avoid extinction. Is it spam, or is it a dire call for help from humanity’s future?
You decide.

I give it a SAF rating of 8.5.

I would have gone higher if the author had known that the AMD dimensional warp generator wrist watch units available in 2003 were definitely NOT rechargeable. Moron.

Let’s Make a Deal

Zap this code with Scanlife and see what happens

If you’re old enough to be familiar with the television game show, “Let’s Make a Deal,” then you’ll recall that what made the show special was not knowing what’s behind doors number one, two or three. There were other wonderful aspects of the show, including members of the audience dressing in costume and the host offering U.S. currency to anyone who happened to have a particular household item with them (“I’ve got $50 for the first person who’s got a corkscrew”). For home viewers, the single biggest hook was our desire to know what’s behind each oversized door.

URL shorteners (bit.ly, tinyurl, ow.ly and others) provide a similar experience via the Internet. We offer each other shortened links on social media platforms, introduce them with a teaser and hope that our audience will be curious to see where the link leads. Now, a company named Scanbuy has added a new twist to “what’s behind the door?” and “where will you take me?” using 2D Barcodes. Scanbuy’s codes are the next really BIG idea that combines the power of the real time internet with the portability of ubiquitous mobile devices.

The essence of how it works is simple. A code is created and is programmed to perform an action when scanned. The genius is in the scanning. A free application, called Scanlife, works with mobile devices − such as the iPhone, Blackberry and Droid − using the device’s camera as a code reader. It’s as easy as launching the application, focusing the camera at the code and watching the action happen. The only hurdle keeping Scanbuy from being this summer’s “it girl” is that most consumers have to go through the activity of downloading the application, so it’s a two step process, as opposed to “launch and focus.” This will become less of an issue as new mobile devices begin rolling out with the program preloaded by the manufacturers. Scanbuy already has buy-in from some of the big guys − Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson all have begun to do so.

Anyone can register for a free account at Scanlife and begin creating codes that are programmed to do things. Cool things, like taking the user to a landing page with a coupon and/or map, entering the user into a contest with immediate notification of “winner” status, sending the user a text message, contact information or an invitation to an event. This is only a small sample of the infinite possibilities afforded by this simple, yet powerful technology. Business account users are provided access to the data collected by each scan, including the demographics of who, coupled with the equally important when and where.

Big name consumer brands, such as Heineken, Volkswagen and Morgans Hotel Group have initiated campaigns incorporating Scanbuy’s 2D Barcodes. Check out this video to see how Nestle deployed Scanbuy’s technology to provide a unique, value-added consumer experience using a regular Barcode.

At d+g, we’re placing increased focus on exploring opportunities in mobile applications and the real time Internet for our clients. Technology must not be misinterpreted as brand strategy, but when applied correctly, it most certainly has the potential to significantly impact the brand/consumer relationship.

The Hanley Center

Here are a few images from our recently completed rebranding and full stationary package for The Hanley Center. We re-positioned their existing tagline 'Help Becomes Hope' as a sub brand to appear on all marketing materials and reflect the true philosophy of the center. The Hanley Center's new website is in development and look out for new projects launching soon.

The Colony Hotel Photoshoot

Here is a set of images whilst on a recent photo shoot at The Colony Hotel on Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach. A very special 'Thank You' to Avatar Productions on another successful collaboration.

d+g Website Updates

We know it's been a month or so since our last update but a lot has transpired at the agency. Stay tuned for new posts soon but for now you can check out our latest "Viral Marketing" section just added to our website http://www.dgcg.us

Capture Inc.'s Celebrity Style Studio Takes Event Photography To New Levels... Where Only Video Can Tell the Story

Capture Inc.'s CaptureSet has taken South Florida by storm in a flash! In less than two years, CaptureSet has been on the scene at many of South Florida's hottest events from Palm Beach to South Beach including the Luxe Showhome in Palm Beach Gardens,the NFL's Super Bowl Media Party, First Night in Delray Beach, Feast With the Beasts at the Miami Metro Zoo and Bob Sinclar's French Tuesday White Party at KLUTCH.

Wherever there are celebrities or a great group of smiling faces, CaptureSet presents cutting-edge black & white photography (and additional options in video and green screening), that is unlike any other.

Check out the video, then be sure to check out Capture Inc. for your next festival, fundraiser, mixer or private party @ http://www.captureevent.com/.

Click to Check Out CaptureSet on YouTube!

Just Released... Hanley Center Television Video Announcing Brad Lamm Special Event

Tune in to Dr. Oz on WPLG Channel 10 in Miami and WPTV Channel 5 in West Palm Beach.  d+g Communications Group's just released television spots will appear during Dr. Oz's program to announce Brad Lamm's CHANGE Seminars presented by Hanley Center.

Brad Lamm is well known as Dr. Oz's go-to interventionist. Reservations are requested to hear his widely popular CHANGE Seminar at two free events in South Florida.

He’s helped thousands of people to change. He’s coming to South Florida so that you can help the ones you love. Learn how to recognize the signs that someone needs help, and get the necessary tools to move them toward a plan of recovery.

The Board-Registered Interventionist will share inspirational stories about those who faced addiction, and demonstrate his innovative intervention method that’s focused on respect and love–instead of coercion and surprises.

Brad will also sign copies of his new book “How to Change Someone You Love: Four Steps to Help You Help Them”

Wednesday, April 21 at 6:30 pm
Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter campus
Administrative Auditorium

Thursday, April 22 at 6:30 pm
Florida International University, North Campus
Kovens Conference Center

Admission is FREE.
Reservations are requested.
Email dana@codpr.com or call 561.832.3231

View the video @ http://www.youtube.com/user/dgcommgroup.  For more information on Hanley Center, please visit www.hanleycenter.org.

d+g Communications Group's Newest Television Creation for Marilynn Berke Interior Design Associates

d+g Communications Group has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Marilynn Berke Interior Design Associates, one of South Florida's most respected interior design firms.  Their interiors have graced the pages of magazines for many years.

This year marks the firm's 27th anniversary, a milestone for the industry that stands as a testament to the enduring style, quality and service of the firm.  Tune into your favorite television programming to view the new television spot and be sure to take advantage of their April design program offering $1,500 in designer accessories.

Having created breathtaking interiors throughout the United States, Marilynn Berke Interior Design Associates is located in North Palm Beach. Call 561-626-0084 or visit http://www.marilynnberke.com/.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9HbcVXNW4A
 

d+g Communications Group Creates New Branding for "Visit Delray Beach"

The organization, Destination Delray Beach, operating under the auspices of the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, selected the logo designs of d+g Communications Group as the new official branding that will attract tourism to this All America City known by locals as the Village by the Sea.

Destination Delray Beach is developing full-scale marketing and programs designed to promote Delray Beach as a destination for year-round tourism and visitation.

d+g was honored to be the agency selected for this great project.  Our design reflects our passion for Delray Beach, a city in which we live, work and unwind.

Watch for additional new programs of Destination Delray Beach coming soon!

Hanley Center Selects d+g Communications Group as the Advertising Agency of Record

As of March 2010, D+G Communications Group was selected as the advertising agency of record for Hanley Center. As a highly respected, world renowned non-profit facility for addiction recovery, d+g is honored work with Hanley Center and their entire team. We invite you to watch for upcoming announcements as we unveil exciting new design and projects, innovative marketing programs and roll out the new media and strategy for the upcoming year.

For more than 20 years, The Hanley Center has earned national attention for its effective treatment of drug and alcohol addiction providing dedicated gender and age specific treatment paths that have effectively helped many people to recover from the pain of addiction.

For more information on Hanley Center, call 866-4HANLEY or visit http://www.hanleycenter.org/

Help support The Hanley Center’s programs by participating in their 11th annual Dick Robinson Golf Classic at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa in Jupiter, Florida on April 5th. The event will help raise awareness and funds for Hanley Center’s Lifesaver Patient Aid Fund.

d+g Communications Group Earns Four ADDY Awards

On the eve of March 4th, the 2009 ADDY Award winners were announced recognizing the best creative work of the industry.  d+g Communications Group is no stranger to the ADDYs, racking up numerous awards over the years in creative branding, collateral, interactive and advertising campaigns for clients including the Norton Museum of Art, palmbeach3, 150 WORTH and more.

It is with great pleasure the agency earned four prestigious ADDY awards for this year's creative work.  We'd like to recognize our dynamic creative team for their continued passion and dedication to the agency and its clients.

ADDY Gold Award:
UMT International
Website (http://www.umtmarine.com/)
Contributors:

• Gavin Robin, President
• Aris Albaitis, Multimedia & Web Director
• Jill Stone, Senior Art Director

ADDY Silver Award:
UMT International
Collateral Material/Stationery
Contributors:

• Gavin Robin, President
• Mark McKee, Senior Art Director

ADDY Silver Award:
PaperChain
Emails/Ecards - Personal URL Campaign
Contributors:

• Sharon Patterson, President
• Jill Stone, Senior Art Director

ADDY Silver Award:
Norton Museum of Art: Kentridge Invitation
Contributors:

• Gavin Robin, President
• Anna Lopez, Account Executive
• LeeAnne Darville, Senior Art Director

The Latest Video Production Creation by d+g Communications Group Earns Accolades

As one of South Florida's most reputable builders, Shapiro Pertnoy Companies recently launched a television campaign showcasing their extraordinary portfolio and partnership.  Featuring co-founders and partners Steven Shapiro, Ronnie Pertnoy, Kevin Shapiro and Josh Pertnoy; the team conveys their commitment to superior craftsmanship and service for thier clients. 

Please click to view the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgYedRBS4ZM#watch-main-area

In addition, Shapiro Pertnoy Companies recently earned media attention for a special community support endeavor, continuing a longstanding family tradition on January 18th, 2010.

It was eleven years ago when Shapiro Pertnoy Companies built a residential facility for Jewish Family & Children Services on Haverhill Road – known today as the Friedman-Goldfeld Residence for adults with disabilities. The original construction was spearheaded by partners Steven Shapiro and Ronnie Pertnoy. Now more than a decade later, their sons, Josh Pertnoy and Kevin Shapiro, proudly led the renovation of this great facility.

On Monday the 18th, from 8:30am to 3pm, Shapiro Pertnoy Companies coordinated a group of nearly fifty volunteers comprised of friends, family members, contractors and tenants. The volunteer group was joined by outstanding area high school students as members of the Teen Tzedakah Project with the Friedman Commission for Jewish Education who together made much needed renovations to the property.