Hayslett Group recently attended an IABC/Atlanta Be Heard Luncheon on the topic of “Communicating in a Decentralized World: What are the effects of teleworking, global business and multi-location businesses?”
The speakers - Andrea Proser, Director of Leadership Communications at Cox Communications; Greg Guthrie, International Communications Manager at the American Cancer Society; Patrick Foarde, Vice President Group Manager at Ketchum; and moderator Jim Zook, a principal in Mercer's Communication practice - shared tips, insights and creative approaches for communicating effectively with audiences spanning different geographies, languages, and incentive structures.
While Hayslett Group operates predominately within the state of Georgia, we gleaned insights from the discussion that can also be applied to smaller scale communications. Director of Creative Services, Michelle Clark, makes the following observations post-luncheon:
Your invisible personality
Often, groups comprised of multiple players at multiple sites never, or rarely, meet in person. Since you can’t express your personality through face-to-face interactions, your work quality and responsiveness become your personality. Team members will form their trust in you through these qualities alone, and it is necessary to shine brightly through both.
The same is true of support team members working at an agency. Frequently, account managers are the only ones with face-to-face interaction with a client, but other members of the team must still work with the client. It’s important for “behind the scenes” team members to keep in mind their invisible personality because the “behind the scenes” work impacts the trust each client has in his or her agency.
Technology – a love/hate relationship
Technology can be a blessing, for example, when you are trying to hold a collaborative meeting with attendees in three different locations. Webcasts, live conferencing and feeds make sharing information so much easier. At the same time, communicators often feel pressured to use every single new gadget to its utmost capabilities as soon as it is available, resulting in tech overload. We often spend more time “responding” to our tech inputs, then to actually doing our jobs. Uggh. How to fix it?
Two great examples of this (and HUGE pet peeves of mine) are:
Email overload
Email overload happens when everyone in every department wants to share all of their news – with everyone else.
One new solution is to establish corporate email guidelines that help people think twice before typing 20 addresses into the CC: field. Another idea is to utilize the “Monday Morning Company News” email...all organizations, regardless of size, can do this and keep abreast of news and announcements with less email. This one email is sent once a week by a designated person who has compiled news from everyone else in the company.
The wing ding web site
The wing ding web site is really supercool. It has graphics, flash, interactive whatzits and whazooz, video, and is visually very stimulating. However, viewers can get easily distracted by all this and have a difficult time finding needed information. Or worse, the darn thing takes forever to load and the visitor leaves. Technology should be tailored for the audience and its technological capabilities. Greg Guthrie of the American Cancer Society, noted that his organization consciously chose to develop a simple, easy-to-use Web site that would be easily accessible to visitors with varying levels of Internet savviness and locally available technology in different parts of the world.
Technology is wonderful. We just have to regard it as we would any other communications tool and consider how best it can best be used to get our messages to our target audience.
Tailoring the message
It seems like this should be old hat. This is what we do for a living after all, but as the panelists discussed how they tailored messages to different cultures and languages on a global scale, it occurred to me that the same also applies at home. The main idea is to create a broad message and then tailor the delivery of that core message to your varying constituents.
At Hayslett Group, we don’t have to communicate the same message to shareholders in Holland and shareholders in Saudi Arabia, but we do have to communicate messages to physicians and patients, legislators and the public, blue collar and white, English speaking, Spanish speaking and the list goes on, all in our own state.
I admit when I first committed to attending this luncheon I wasn’t sure if I could take anything away from a “global” themed communications panel, but in retrospect that was silly. The world is so much smaller now; global communications can apply to a single city.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
PRSA Luncheon on M&M Brand Equity: “INNER M” PR Campaign
In January 2007, the M&M Brand launched the “Inner M” campaign with a 50-foot Lady Liberty “Inner M” floating down the New York Harbor. This event, along with an ad on American Idol, kicked off the official “Inner M” advertising and public relations campaign.
From a nation-wide survey taken before the campaign kick-off, Mars found out that 99.1 percent of American’s were already aware of the M&M brand. The M&M brand is even as well known as Mickey Mouse and Santa Claus.
The focus of the campaign was not so much in re-branding the M&M but reviving publicity and advertising efforts that built on the target demographics already-existing knowledge and feel-good attitude towards the brand, but increased their interaction with M&M.
Mars had to find a way to make a connection with the M&M and ‘fun.’ Planet M was created for people to invent their very own M&M character. Available at http://www.becomeanmm.com/, Planet M provides body types, eyes, arms and accessories to encourage Americans to liberate their ‘fun’ side.
“Inner M” branding efforts greatly surpassed their initial goal of reaching 60 million media outlets across the U.S. They successfully made more than 100 million impressions in the top 25 markets with 100 percent of articles delivered carrying the “Inner M” key messages.
Aside from the media publicity, the Planet M web site surpassed 3 million visitors in the first month alone, three times the monthly average. Consumers were online an average of 11 minutes creating their “Inner M” character. Sales also increased compared to January 2006.
According to post-survey results, “the campaign did drive home messages of ‘fun,” said Kopkowski.
Today, due to all the event buzz, knowledge and awareness of the campaign, “Inner M” continues to live on. Mars is always looking for ways to resonate beyond just PR and Advertising.
“As long as we see new avenues for it, we’ll keep going,” said Kopkowski.
From a nation-wide survey taken before the campaign kick-off, Mars found out that 99.1 percent of American’s were already aware of the M&M brand. The M&M brand is even as well known as Mickey Mouse and Santa Claus.
The focus of the campaign was not so much in re-branding the M&M but reviving publicity and advertising efforts that built on the target demographics already-existing knowledge and feel-good attitude towards the brand, but increased their interaction with M&M.
Mars had to find a way to make a connection with the M&M and ‘fun.’ Planet M was created for people to invent their very own M&M character. Available at http://www.becomeanmm.com/, Planet M provides body types, eyes, arms and accessories to encourage Americans to liberate their ‘fun’ side.
“Inner M” branding efforts greatly surpassed their initial goal of reaching 60 million media outlets across the U.S. They successfully made more than 100 million impressions in the top 25 markets with 100 percent of articles delivered carrying the “Inner M” key messages.
Aside from the media publicity, the Planet M web site surpassed 3 million visitors in the first month alone, three times the monthly average. Consumers were online an average of 11 minutes creating their “Inner M” character. Sales also increased compared to January 2006.
According to post-survey results, “the campaign did drive home messages of ‘fun,” said Kopkowski.
Today, due to all the event buzz, knowledge and awareness of the campaign, “Inner M” continues to live on. Mars is always looking for ways to resonate beyond just PR and Advertising.
“As long as we see new avenues for it, we’ll keep going,” said Kopkowski.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
IABC/Atlanta "Be Heard" Luncheon with Charles Hayslett
Feb 26 - "Be Heard" Professional SeriesThe Atlanta Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
Networking and registration begins at 11:15 a.m. and meetings adjourn at 1 p.m. Lunch is included.
The February meeting will be held at:
Maggiano's Little Italy - Perimeter
4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta, GA 30346
Listen to a podcast interview of Charlie Hayslett previewing the event.
Weathering the Storm: The Role of the Communicator when Disaster Strikes
On March 1, 2007, one of the most powerful tornados in Georgia history scored a direct hit on Sumter Regional Hospital in Americus, Georgia. In a matter of minutes, the only hospital in Sumter County was essentially destroyed (insurers would later declare it a total loss). On the following Sunday morning, Sumter Regional CEO David H. Seagraves called Charlie Hayslett at home and said: "I've got to have some help."
In the wake of the storm, the communications challenges were overwhelming. Media were swarming all over the place. Patients didn't know where to go for medical services. Local physicians -- always hard to recruit to rural areas -- were watching their practices evaporate. The hospital's employees were worried about their jobs. And local leaders were worried about what the loss of the community's only hospital would mean for the local economy.
Hayslett, CEO of the independent Atlanta-based communications agency Hayslett Group LLC, pulled a team into the firm's office that Sunday afternoon and had a counselor on the ground in Americus Monday morning. Since then, Hayslett and his team have helped manage Sumter Regional's communications through what can perhaps best be described as a slow-motion crisis that continues to this day. Says Seagraves: "The Hayslett team has been invaluable in our tornado recovery efforts. Without their help, we simply would not have been able to effectively respond in a timely manner to the communication and information needs of our many stakeholders."
Valuable lessons on role of communications in crisis stabilization and recoveryAt the IABC/Atlanta February luncheon, Hayslett will talk about his firm's involvement in tornado ravaged Sumter Regional Hospital's recovery effort. If you are involved in media relations, employee communications, community relations, or corporate affairs, you won't want to miss this chance to see how a tornado threw them all together and made communications more important than ever for a small rural hospital.
About the Speaker
Charlie Hayslett is chief executive officer of Hayslett Group. He oversees communications planning for many Hayslett Group clients, and has been integrally involved in the firm's work for the Georgia Department of Transportation's 511 travel information service, Work Zone Safety and LUV the HOV campaigns, the Metro Chamber of Commerce Clean Water campaign, the Georgia Research Alliance, the Georgia DHR's Statewide Trauma Awareness campaign and the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals, among many others.
Before setting out on his own in 1994, his communications management experience included tours of duty with Cohn & Wolfe, Citizens and Southern National Bank (now Bank of America), BellSouth Corporation (now AT&T) and Fleishman-Hillard. Prior to entering public relations, Charlie worked for more than a decade as a newspaper journalist, covering government and politics for The Atlanta Journal in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. He has more than 25 years of communications experience. Charlie is a member of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the International Association of Business Communicators and the Public Relations Society of America. He is a past member of the board of the Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the Grady College
Register Now >Volunteer of the Month
Hayslett Group's Director of Creative Services, Michelle Clark, has been named Volunteer of the Month by Cochran Mill Nature Center.
The Center, located in South Fulton, has been a passion of Ms. Clark's for four years now. She both volunteers at the center and provides pro-bono communications services through Hayslett Group. Hayslett Group's CFO, Denise Grove, is also active at the center, serving on the board as vice president and providing pro-bono accounting services.
Congratulations Michelle!
The Center, located in South Fulton, has been a passion of Ms. Clark's for four years now. She both volunteers at the center and provides pro-bono communications services through Hayslett Group. Hayslett Group's CFO, Denise Grove, is also active at the center, serving on the board as vice president and providing pro-bono accounting services.
Congratulations Michelle!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Newsmaker Luncheon featuring House Speaker Glenn Richardson
Hayslett Group attended an Atlanta Press Club luncheon on January 24, featuring Glenn Richardson, Speaker of the House. Here’s a quick summary of his main points:
Richardson opened by expressing a need to “get things done”. Aware of the problems at hand, he acknowledged the tough decisions to come in 2008.
He introduced education as the state’s most important topic. Today, 51 percent of high schools are unsuccessful in graduating -- more than 40 percent of Georgia residents. Only 20 percent of those graduating high school will go on to graduate from college. Richardson discussed a proposed BRIDGE program to offer alternatives to students.
Richardson briefly touched on Georgia’s water problem and announced a proposal for reservoirs in local communities and the deepening of Lakes Lanier and Allatoona.
During discussion on the state of Grady Hospital, Richardson informed the audience that Grady can create a not-for-profit board or expect the state to do so for the hospital. He emphasized that Grady has funding if they are willing to make changes and help themselves. According to Richardson, there have not been enough steps made yet.
Another statewide concern is implementation of a trauma care network. The problem isn’t wanting a trauma network, but the willingness to pay for one. According to a statewide survey, 29 percent of Georgians would support a $200 increase in fines for speeders. On the other hand, 32 percent of voters marked, “I won’t support any fees.” Richardson briefly discussed his effort to add ten dollars for every car registered in Georgia. He feels the increase is relevant because many trauma cases involve auto travel.
His talk ended on the lack of transportation improvements. Accountability is key to ensuring promises made are backed by actual funding. According to Richardson, the General Assembly has studied the transportation problem and is ready to make recommendations and move in the direction of solving this issue. This topic should be on the 2008 ballot now; the state can’t wait three more years.
Richardson concluded by agreeing to accomplish getting these difficult issues to the floor, even during the election year, because he has the “passion and belief that a leader is supposed to lead on issues.”
Richardson opened by expressing a need to “get things done”. Aware of the problems at hand, he acknowledged the tough decisions to come in 2008.
He introduced education as the state’s most important topic. Today, 51 percent of high schools are unsuccessful in graduating -- more than 40 percent of Georgia residents. Only 20 percent of those graduating high school will go on to graduate from college. Richardson discussed a proposed BRIDGE program to offer alternatives to students.
Richardson briefly touched on Georgia’s water problem and announced a proposal for reservoirs in local communities and the deepening of Lakes Lanier and Allatoona.
During discussion on the state of Grady Hospital, Richardson informed the audience that Grady can create a not-for-profit board or expect the state to do so for the hospital. He emphasized that Grady has funding if they are willing to make changes and help themselves. According to Richardson, there have not been enough steps made yet.
Another statewide concern is implementation of a trauma care network. The problem isn’t wanting a trauma network, but the willingness to pay for one. According to a statewide survey, 29 percent of Georgians would support a $200 increase in fines for speeders. On the other hand, 32 percent of voters marked, “I won’t support any fees.” Richardson briefly discussed his effort to add ten dollars for every car registered in Georgia. He feels the increase is relevant because many trauma cases involve auto travel.
His talk ended on the lack of transportation improvements. Accountability is key to ensuring promises made are backed by actual funding. According to Richardson, the General Assembly has studied the transportation problem and is ready to make recommendations and move in the direction of solving this issue. This topic should be on the 2008 ballot now; the state can’t wait three more years.
Richardson concluded by agreeing to accomplish getting these difficult issues to the floor, even during the election year, because he has the “passion and belief that a leader is supposed to lead on issues.”
Monday, January 07, 2008
MMM Holiday Meal Memories
A little fun insight into the hearts and tummies of Hayslett Group. The holidays went fast and furious, and as we enter a new year, we look back and determine what was our favorite holiday meal, and who made it!
"Dressing made by my husband's Aunt Evelyn. It’s absolute heaven."
Kari Hilyer
"Chilled Avocado Soup, a recipe from HG staffer Michelle Clark, was about the only new thing I tried in 2007, and I loved it.
Ann Collins
"Pecan Pie by me!"
Judy Hayslett
"Fresh kielbasa from Peter’s Butcher Shop in Garfield Hts., Ohio served with four varieties of Sophie’s Pierogis (sauerkraut, cabbage, potato and sweet cheese) on Christmas Eve."
Tom Wall
"Creme Brulee French Toast made by me."
(Note: other HG staffers have made Mr. William's special french toast, and it is a dee-light.)
Russ Williams
"I am going to have to go with my aunt's seven layered salad. I ate three helpings!"
Katie Little
"My mom's cheesy potatoes. I ate nothing but them for three days after Christmas."
Michelle Clark
"Dressing made by my husband's Aunt Evelyn. It’s absolute heaven."
Kari Hilyer
"Chilled Avocado Soup, a recipe from HG staffer Michelle Clark, was about the only new thing I tried in 2007, and I loved it.
Ann Collins
"Pecan Pie by me!"
Judy Hayslett
"Fresh kielbasa from Peter’s Butcher Shop in Garfield Hts., Ohio served with four varieties of Sophie’s Pierogis (sauerkraut, cabbage, potato and sweet cheese) on Christmas Eve."
Tom Wall
"Creme Brulee French Toast made by me."
(Note: other HG staffers have made Mr. William's special french toast, and it is a dee-light.)
Russ Williams
"I am going to have to go with my aunt's seven layered salad. I ate three helpings!"
Katie Little
"My mom's cheesy potatoes. I ate nothing but them for three days after Christmas."
Michelle Clark
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Green with Envy
Vice president Jackie Parker comments on a recent IABC/Atlanta luncheon featuring communications folks from Cox Enterprises discussing the company’s internal and external marketing of its ‘green’ initiatives.
“The company, which is the parent company for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Cox Cable, Manheim, and AutoTrader.com, rolled out an aggressive green program that includes a hodgepodge of tactics from installing waterless urinals at some of its office buildings to recycling toner cartridges. They even have a website, www.coxconserves.com, with more details about the initiative.
During the presentation, I kept thinking that it would be an awesome program for one of my clients to consider – starting with an internal education campaign about how its employees can become better environmental stewards. To launch its program, Cox had an event with Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. My client has a lot of offices throughout the country and could probably look at coordinating similar event(s) in its markets, which would help with visibility and relationship building with local community leaders.”
Hayslett Group has a “green” thumb of its own by participating in an office paper and aluminum recycling program.
“The company, which is the parent company for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Cox Cable, Manheim, and AutoTrader.com, rolled out an aggressive green program that includes a hodgepodge of tactics from installing waterless urinals at some of its office buildings to recycling toner cartridges. They even have a website, www.coxconserves.com, with more details about the initiative.
During the presentation, I kept thinking that it would be an awesome program for one of my clients to consider – starting with an internal education campaign about how its employees can become better environmental stewards. To launch its program, Cox had an event with Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. My client has a lot of offices throughout the country and could probably look at coordinating similar event(s) in its markets, which would help with visibility and relationship building with local community leaders.”
Hayslett Group has a “green” thumb of its own by participating in an office paper and aluminum recycling program.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Rising with the Phoenix
On November 8, Hayslett Group was honored five times at the annual Phoenix Awards gala for the Georgia Chapter of the Public Relations Soceity of America (PRSA). Hayslett Group received the highest honor, the
Public Affairs for Save Georgia Healthcare Campaign
Issues Management for Save Georgia Healthcare Campaign
Integrated Communications for Save Georgia Healthcare Campaign
Certificate of Excellence
Brochures for the Georgia Department of Human Resources' Trauma Awareness Campaign
Web site for Save Georgia Healthcare Campaign
Congratulations to everyone who made this possible.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Help Sumter Regional Hospital Win a Free MRI
Sumter Regional Hospital, a small hospital located in Americus, Ga. and a Hayslett Group friend and client, was destroyed by a tornado on March 1st. The hospital serves a 10-county area; one of the most depressed regions in Georgia. Seimens is currently offering a free MRI in an online contest, and SRH wants to win this machine for its community.
To vote, just click on www.winanmri.com, view the SRH video and vote. You can vote once a day until Dec 31, both at home and at work. Please spread the word and thanks for your support!
So far, our online awareness campaign has resulted in 18,000 votes in one weekend!
Note: Hospital employees created the video on their own, with no professional help from Hayslett Group.
To vote, just click on www.winanmri.com, view the SRH video and vote. You can vote once a day until Dec 31, both at home and at work. Please spread the word and thanks for your support!
So far, our online awareness campaign has resulted in 18,000 votes in one weekend!
Note: Hospital employees created the video on their own, with no professional help from Hayslett Group.
Friday, October 26, 2007
CDC Director Speaks at ATL Press Club
Hayslett Group staff members attended a recent Atlanta Press Club meeting featuring CDC Director Julie Gerberding. The Director first addressed recent reports of White House censorship of her testimony to Congress earlier in the week, stating the practice is common and the overall message of her testimony was not altered or changed as a result of editing. She instead encouraged the media to focus on the content of her speech - how climate change is likely to impact public health. Dr. Gerberding also discussed her vision for the U.S.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Volunteer Fun in South Fulton
Hayslett Group staffers, Kari Hilyer and Michelle Clark, volunteered this past weekend at Cochran Mill Nature Center’s annual Halloween Festival. South Fulton enjoyed Halloween-inspired activities such as a haunted house, hayrides, arts and crafts, and a costume contest. Children were also able to visit with animals cared for by the Center. Kari oversaw the competitive world of coloring and Michelle painted happy little faces.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
"The Office" Brings Blogging to Life
Account Executive Kari Hilyer shares an insightful piece on social media and how to use it. ‘Office’ blog: ‘That’s what she said.’, written by Meredith Hobbs and published in the October 15, 2007 edition of Fulton County Daily Report, illustrates an interesting example of finding a niche and creating a blog topic entertaining enough for folks to read on a regular basis.
Friday, October 12, 2007
HG on Fire at 2007 Golden Flames
On October 12, the Atlanta chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) announced winners of the 2007 Golden Flame Awards . The winners were formally acknowledged at the 2007 Golden Flame Awards Gala at the Academy of Medicine in Midtown.
The Golden Flame Awards program is an annual event hosted by IABC/Atlanta to recognize professional communicators in Georgia. The awards are given in several categories, including writing, illustration, design, photography, social media expertise and public relations strategy.
Hayslett Group won:
A Golden Flame for case studies written for the Georgia Department of Human Resources Trauma Awareness campaign
A Silver Flame for event planning and collateral design for IABC/Atlanta's 2006 Golden Flame Awards, "Secrets of the Golden Flame"
A Bronze Flame for brochures developed for Georgia Department of Human Resources Trauma Awareness.
Congratulations to our team and our clients!!
The Golden Flame Awards program is an annual event hosted by IABC/Atlanta to recognize professional communicators in Georgia. The awards are given in several categories, including writing, illustration, design, photography, social media expertise and public relations strategy.
Hayslett Group won:
A Golden Flame for case studies written for the Georgia Department of Human Resources Trauma Awareness campaign
A Silver Flame for event planning and collateral design for IABC/Atlanta's 2006 Golden Flame Awards, "Secrets of the Golden Flame"
A Bronze Flame for brochures developed for Georgia Department of Human Resources Trauma Awareness.
Congratulations to our team and our clients!!
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Ensuring Healthcare Marketing ROI
Vice President Jackie Parker shares this interesting interview on Healthcare Marketing ROI:
Gienna Shaw, for HealthLeaders News, Oct 08, 2007
Lynne Cunningham, a coach with the healthcare performance improvement firm the Studer Group, discusses some of the ways that marketers can measure return on investment, even in the face of significant challenges. (Listen to the interview now.) Cunningham will be a panelist on the upcoming HealthLeaders Media Webcast ROI Challenges: Prove results on hard-to-measure hospital marketing efforts.
Gienna Shaw, for HealthLeaders News, Oct 08, 2007
Lynne Cunningham, a coach with the healthcare performance improvement firm the Studer Group, discusses some of the ways that marketers can measure return on investment, even in the face of significant challenges. (Listen to the interview now.) Cunningham will be a panelist on the upcoming HealthLeaders Media Webcast ROI Challenges: Prove results on hard-to-measure hospital marketing efforts.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Congratulations to GDOT's 511!
Earlier this year, the Georgia Department of Transportation selected Hayslett Group to serve as marketing communications consultant for the state’s new 511 consumer travel information service. Hayslett Group, in conjunction with partner agency McRae, developed and implemented a comprehensive plan targeting travelers statewide. So far, Georgia 511 has met with great success. In the first month of service (August 15-September 15), the system received 128,867 calls and averaged 4,296 calls each day. Those numbers exceeded even GDOT’s own expectations for the system.
The first month of service also generated more than 80 print and online articles, 35 television segments and multiple radio pieces. Coverage extended beyond Georgia to Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida and even California! The launch was so successful, that on October 1, 200, the Intelligent Transportation Society of Georgia announced that it had named Georgia DOT’s 511 as “ITS Outstanding Achievement of the Year!”
We just want to congratulate everyone who worked so hard on this project! We hope it continues to be just a successful throughout the year.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Attending the 2007 HOW conference
Take 3,500 graphic designers. Add 50 inspiring speakers. Place in design-savvy
That's the recipe for the 2007 HOW Design Conference which Hayslett Group director of creative services,
The event opened with a proclamation by the Atlanta City Council that June 8—15 was officially declared "Atlanta Design Week" — in recognition not only of the HOW Conference but of an entire week's worth of activities organized by AIGA/Atlanta. The conference was packed with intensive workshops on a wide array of creative and technology topics. Highlights include:
Ballsy: Ways to Score Extreme Business Success: Karen Salmansohn, best-selling author and ad-biz veteran, shared how to be “ballsier” —and motivated attendees with "psyche-chology" techniques to maintain the passion to pursue career goals.
Says Michelle: It is always good to step back and examine how you can help yourself and your teammates become more “ballsy!”
A Number of People: Sometimes it feels like you're solving the same design or communication problem over and over. Speaker Chip Kidd, with a 20-year career at publishing house Alfred A. Knopf, has designed more than 800 book jackets—that's almost one a week! Even more astounding is the diversity of imagery and type treatments within that mammoth collection.
Says Michelle: The lesson here was originality, no matter how narrow the discipline. Definitely refreshing.
Collaboration: Keeping Multifaceted Projects Cohesive: Design principles of consistency are vital on large corporate teams. Shelley Armstrong, art director of the in-house design group for Microsoft's Xbox, "Every detail is important and every consumer touch point is an opportunity to reinforce the brand and the design." But making a product such as Xbox 360 or Zune look like it was designed by one hand—working across functional groups such as marketing, retail, hardware, software, usability, packaging and more—means taking collaboration to the next level.
Says Michelle: We do a lot of integrated communications at Hayslett Group, and I found this presentation inspiring and amazing. The amount of strategy, communication and quite frankly patience involved with working in a collaborative group that is not only made up of multiple people, but multiple offices around the world, was breathtaking and helps keep our day-to-day struggles in perspective.
The last bit of advice I will share is from the closing session speaker, Sheila Campbell, former vice president of ad agency Earle Palmer Brown and founder and president of Wild Blue Yonder consulting firm, whom urged—demanded, even—that designers take time to recharge their creative batteries by turning off the BlackBerry and leaving the office at 6 p.m….at least once in a while.
Good advice for all of us.
For more on the HOW conference, visit http://www.howconference.com/.
For more on HOW Magazine, visit http://www.howdesign.com/.
Some text excerpted from HOW editor Bryn Mooth's recap of event as well as from formal HOW descriptions of sessions.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Sumter Regional Hospital Needs Help
I am posting this on behalf of our client, Sumter Regional Hospital. We sent them our hope and prayers.Sumter Regional Hospital damaged by last night's tornado
Sumter Regional Hospital received considerable damage last night after a tornado touched down in Americus, Georgia. The storm blew out windows as high winds bombarded the hospital's infrastructure and turned cars over in the parking lot. The hospital's Outpatient Diagnostic Center, the HealthPlex at Sumter Regional, also took in extensive damage and will be unoperational for the forseeable future.
"The most important thing is that we evacuated everyone last night and all our patients were moved to Phoebe and other area hospitals,"said Marcus Johnson, SRH Director of Marketing & PR. "The staff and other volunteers did a fantastic job in the face of a horrific storm, and we appreciate all their hard work."
Johnson said that while the hospital is currently not operational, anyone that needs medical attention can go to 1st Baptist Church located at 221 South Lee Street. The phone number is (229) 924-8999. The church will serve as the ER/Triage area for the forseeable future, and if anyone needs additional attention they will be moved to another facility.
Johnson also stated that all SRH Oncology patients that usually ride the bus to Phoebe are asked to meet at the Magnolia Manor Chapel to catch the bus all next week (Monday through Friday). The bus will leave at both 8 am and 1pm, and they will also bring the patients back. For more info, please call Phoebe's Oncology Department at (229) 312-1000.
Also, the local Red Cross is also headquarted at 1st Baptist Church. Red Cross Director Leisa Cross said they are accepting donations of all kinds, including monetary, and for more information you can call (229) 924-4035 or their home office at 924-2026.
If you have a family member or friend that is missing, you can contact the Americus Public Safety Building at (229) 924-3213.
"This is going to test our resolve as well as the entire community as a number of businesses have been leveled and some people have lost everything they have," said Johnson. "However, we will do everything we can to continue serving the healthcare needs of our community, and we will keep everyone informed on the subsequent renovation of Sumter Regional Hospital. It is going to take some work, but SRH means too much to this community to just let it go without a fight. We appreciate everyone's prayers and donations, and just continue to keep everyone who suffered a loss yesterday in your prayers."
Johnson said that all SRH employees should check the hospital website at www.sumterregional.org for updates as well as contact their immediate supervisor.
"Our Administration is working on a contingency plan as we speak, and hopefully we will get more information out in the near future," said Johnson. "All nursing and medical personnel should check at 1st Baptist to see if they are needed, and all office personnel needs to check with their immediate supervisor for further instructions."
Sumter Regional Hospital received considerable damage last night after a tornado touched down in Americus, Georgia. The storm blew out windows as high winds bombarded the hospital's infrastructure and turned cars over in the parking lot. The hospital's Outpatient Diagnostic Center, the HealthPlex at Sumter Regional, also took in extensive damage and will be unoperational for the forseeable future.
"The most important thing is that we evacuated everyone last night and all our patients were moved to Phoebe and other area hospitals,"said Marcus Johnson, SRH Director of Marketing & PR. "The staff and other volunteers did a fantastic job in the face of a horrific storm, and we appreciate all their hard work."
Johnson said that while the hospital is currently not operational, anyone that needs medical attention can go to 1st Baptist Church located at 221 South Lee Street. The phone number is (229) 924-8999. The church will serve as the ER/Triage area for the forseeable future, and if anyone needs additional attention they will be moved to another facility.
Johnson also stated that all SRH Oncology patients that usually ride the bus to Phoebe are asked to meet at the Magnolia Manor Chapel to catch the bus all next week (Monday through Friday). The bus will leave at both 8 am and 1pm, and they will also bring the patients back. For more info, please call Phoebe's Oncology Department at (229) 312-1000.
Also, the local Red Cross is also headquarted at 1st Baptist Church. Red Cross Director Leisa Cross said they are accepting donations of all kinds, including monetary, and for more information you can call (229) 924-4035 or their home office at 924-2026.
If you have a family member or friend that is missing, you can contact the Americus Public Safety Building at (229) 924-3213.
"This is going to test our resolve as well as the entire community as a number of businesses have been leveled and some people have lost everything they have," said Johnson. "However, we will do everything we can to continue serving the healthcare needs of our community, and we will keep everyone informed on the subsequent renovation of Sumter Regional Hospital. It is going to take some work, but SRH means too much to this community to just let it go without a fight. We appreciate everyone's prayers and donations, and just continue to keep everyone who suffered a loss yesterday in your prayers."
Johnson said that all SRH employees should check the hospital website at www.sumterregional.org for updates as well as contact their immediate supervisor.
"Our Administration is working on a contingency plan as we speak, and hopefully we will get more information out in the near future," said Johnson. "All nursing and medical personnel should check at 1st Baptist to see if they are needed, and all office personnel needs to check with their immediate supervisor for further instructions."
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
HG wins three PRSA awards!
Hayslett Group won three awards in the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) annual competition. The local chapter of the organization announced winners at an awards ceremony held earlier this month.
We won three PRSA Phoenix Certificate of Excellence awards, one for the development of a 40th anniversary high school reunion Web site for Briarcliff High School, a second for production of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals’ annual report, and a third for a feature article written for Oz Magazine.
Hayslett Group also recently was honored by the International Association of Business Communicators for work on the aforementioned projects.
We won three PRSA Phoenix Certificate of Excellence awards, one for the development of a 40th anniversary high school reunion Web site for Briarcliff High School, a second for production of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals’ annual report, and a third for a feature article written for Oz Magazine.
Hayslett Group also recently was honored by the International Association of Business Communicators for work on the aforementioned projects.
Friday, October 27, 2006
HG wins 6 IABC Flames!
Hayslett Group won two of IABC’s highest honors, the Gold Flame. The first was for speechwriting for testimony for the State Commission on the Efficacy of Georgia’s Certificate-of–Need Program, prepared for the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals. The second was awarded for campaign logo design for the Georgia Department of Human Resources’ statewide trauma public awareness program.
Two Silver Flame awards were presented. The first was presented in the feature writing category for Oz Magazine’s story in the Creative Index 2005. The second was awarded in the video/electronic category for Hayslett Group’s development of a 40th anniversary high school reunion website site for Briarcliff High School. The website was co-developed with Capitol Impact, an Atlanta-based provider of web-based applications for trade associations, non-profit organizations, corporations and government agencies.
Hayslett Group also took home two Bronze Flame awards. The first honored the agency for production of “An Army of Angels: The 2006 GACH Year in Review,” an annual report developed for the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals. The second came for a contributed article in the feature writing category also written on behalf of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals.
Hayslett Group was a major sponsor of the event, held at Halo Lounge in Atlanta, and designed all of the supporting collateral material and presentations.
Over the last decade, the firm has won more than 90 local, regional and national awards.
Two Silver Flame awards were presented. The first was presented in the feature writing category for Oz Magazine’s story in the Creative Index 2005. The second was awarded in the video/electronic category for Hayslett Group’s development of a 40th anniversary high school reunion website site for Briarcliff High School. The website was co-developed with Capitol Impact, an Atlanta-based provider of web-based applications for trade associations, non-profit organizations, corporations and government agencies.
Hayslett Group also took home two Bronze Flame awards. The first honored the agency for production of “An Army of Angels: The 2006 GACH Year in Review,” an annual report developed for the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals. The second came for a contributed article in the feature writing category also written on behalf of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals.
Hayslett Group was a major sponsor of the event, held at Halo Lounge in Atlanta, and designed all of the supporting collateral material and presentations.
Over the last decade, the firm has won more than 90 local, regional and national awards.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
HG writes for B2B Marketing Trends
Jacqueline K. Parker, Hayslett Group Vice President, was recently invited to write an article for the online communications forum, B2B Marketing Trends. The following is an excerpt from her article:
Businesses across the country know well the challenges of today’s economic climate. Its state emphasizes the ongoing necessity for companies to stave off competition and uncover additional ways to gain traction and visibility. During economic downturns, companies in virtually all industries look for ways to reduce expenses, including tightening marketing and public relations spending. A dramatic change in economic conditions may precipitate the need to more carefully examine overall marketing programs and revamp them completely...
To read the entire article go to B2B Marketing Trends online.
Businesses across the country know well the challenges of today’s economic climate. Its state emphasizes the ongoing necessity for companies to stave off competition and uncover additional ways to gain traction and visibility. During economic downturns, companies in virtually all industries look for ways to reduce expenses, including tightening marketing and public relations spending. A dramatic change in economic conditions may precipitate the need to more carefully examine overall marketing programs and revamp them completely...
To read the entire article go to B2B Marketing Trends online.
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