Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, SocialCam, You Tube, and even dating sites like Match.com or eHarmony have become a clearinghouse for big data encompassing demographics, preferences, consumption behaviors, etc. Marketers can leverage this user intelligence to hone strategies and develop future approaches. Data illustrating the wants, needs, and expectations of users/consumers enable marketers to create purposeful, impactful, and even contextual messaging to inform purchase decisions.

The potential pitfall associated with so-called “big data,” for marketers, is assuming that the collection platform is the right marketing vehicle to reach those same consumers. Consumer preferences, behaviors, or demographic information collected from one social platform may not be the best mode for reaching the consumer base. Facebook, with over 900 million users, is one of the largest data collection platforms in the marketplace, but as exemplified by GM’s recent announcement of its withdrawal from the social network , it isn’t always the best platform for advertising.

As technology continues to revolutionize how data is collected and presented, marketers must remember that the real value lies in how information can be digested within context to better target a consumer base. When trends change and social is gone, marketers who understand the value of data will be in the driver’s seat.

Recently there has been a resurgence in conversation about employers demanding access to employee social media pages on the premise of maintaining company integrity. The debate quickly escalates into a discussion of the personal rights of employees as pertaining to the content and publicity of their Facebook page. Employees are almost uniformly against the practice, but even combined with the efforts of privacy advocates such as the ACLU, the practice has not yet been made illegal. Advocates for monitoring or restricting social networking are quick to bring up the “nothing-to-hide” argument, but digital privacy is still a crucial right in the modern world.

Businesses are also becoming the latest frontier to latch on to the increasingly prevalent trend of bans on smoking. Some employers, such as health insurance giant Humana, have begun to tighten policies related to employee smoking habits, going beyond simply prohibiting smoking during work hours to completely disqualifying smokers from employment. Of course, for Humana, operating in the healthcare industry, the ban on smokers is an obvious measure in line with the company’s mission. For other employers however, a tobacco-free policy can help boost productivity (less employee ‘smoke breaks’) and help to reduce health insurance premiums.

Like keeping close tabs on employee Facebook profiles, these policies get tricky when considering that smoking is, regardless of company views, a completely lawful activity. With the aid of the ACLU, 29 states implemented laws to protect “smokers’ rights,” but federal law permits an employer the right to flat out refuse to hire a nicotine user, because smokers are not recognized as a protected class. Rumors suggest that a number of companies in the Fortune 500 are considering adopting similar bans on smoking, suggesting Humana’s actions may be a sort of glimpse into the future.

Acquiring and retaining productive employees and promoting a better workplace is the obvious desired outcome of hiring strategy for companies in any industry. Before practices like banning smoking or monitoring social network profiles become the norm, however, further scrutiny is necessary to clarify some significant questions about whether employers have the right to independently regulate otherwise lawful behavior.

LinkedIn is not at all worried about BranchOut’s growing influence. A recent Neilsen social media survey shows that people with advanced degrees are more than three times more likely to use LinkedIn. BranchOut thus far seems to lack appeal for such desirable users. LinkedIn’s distinct advantage is the comfort felt by its more than 70 million registered users revealing business affiliations and posting and responding to jobs. Facebook has garnered a reputation for sharing private information, which may be a strong deterrent to potential users.

Struggling to attract these influencers, the most difficult hurdle facing BranchOut is the quality of the prospective user base. For most users, relationships with Facebook ‘friends’ have little or nothing to do with a career field, nor do a significant number of relationships within that network have anything of value to offer. The Neilsen research also shows LinkedIn’s userbase as comprised largely of more seasoned professionals, aged 40 and up with 20+ years of experience. When it comes to introductions, networking, and ultimately job offers, these individuals, not the teenagers perusing menial status updates, are the real target.

While the immense power of Facebook, evidenced by widespread speculation about a forthcoming IPO, is largely undisputed, there is no precedent indicating how a network of this scale will behave. The going approaching this milestone will be rocky for BranchOut in terms of adoption and effectiveness. For LinkedIn users, the multiple daily requests popping up urging them to join the growing masses will continue to be politely declined.

“For our first roundtable discussion in the Gettysburg area, we were encouraged by the number of area business owners who elected to attend this event,” comments Mark Cropp, Executive Director of Business Development & Partnerships, Junction.  “Combining the thought leadership of this group can facilitate growth within each business and in the greater community.”

A panel discussion focused on the impact that significant shifts in the economic climate have had on growth, and the importance of diversifying business to adapt to changes in the marketplace.  Panelists encouraged attendees to invest in good people, seek help and expertise from partnerships to drive maximum value, and create a strategic roadmap and consistently execute. “Diversification is quintessential, particularly so in a bad market. Adapting products or services is considerably less risky than pursuing a new customer base,” said John Murphy III, Patrono & Associates. “Adaptability has become the key to building long term success, protecting a business from a great deal of uncertainty under difficult circumstances.”

Attendees found the discussion thorough and useful.  “The panelists were able to not only answer the questions posed, but were able to take and build on each other’s comments,” commented Katherine Powley, Vice President, Susquehanna Bank. “They all agreed that diversification has been the key to their success these past few years. In thinking about my own clients, I think that would be true for those that have weathered this economic downturn as well.”

Since its inception in 2008, Junction has extended its influence into the Northeast, further developing relationships with companies in the Central Pennsylvania region with a presence in Gettysburg. Julie Gareleck, CEO and Managing Partner, Junction, is hopeful that the Roundtable will help foster a better business environment not only in Pennsylvania, but nationwide. “Sound strategy drives successful and sustainable business, and exchanging knowledge and experience with our peers helps create strategy that is better informed,” said Gareleck. “Events like the Roundtable bring the thought leadership of these owners and executives together to promote a more positive environment for business development. We look forward to future events and continuing to support growth for businesses of all sizes.”

Junction is actively preparing for its next event to be held in the region. To get involved in future events in Gettysburg, please contact mark@junction-creative.com.

From the mid-90s to 2000, industrialized nations saw a dramatic increase in equity valuation due to the growth of the Internet sector. Venture capitalists pumped millions of dollars into start-up companies led by a young generation of entrepreneurs with big ideas and incomplete business models. The markets witnessed a surge in IPOs with remarkably high stock prices and then experienced devastating losses when the bubble burst.

Not so dissimilar, social media companies, most notably Facebook, are entering the market with incredible valuations. Valuations are being based on the potential buying power of these social media user bases. But is the potential of this large consumer base enough to drive sustainability and stability? News that financial advisors are cautioning clients against social media fund plays may be a sign of what is to come.

There is no question that the industry is experiencing a social media boom, but its fate will no doubt fuel speculations on both sides of the argument. What do you think?

Please join Junction, cosponsors Raffensperger, Martin, & Finkenbiner, and Patrono & Associates, and prominent area business owners for hors d’oeuvres, networking, and an expert panel discussion as we open the dialogue on building a better business in a difficult economy. Click here for more information about this exciting event.

If you haven’t RSVP’d, please contact marci@junction-creative.com.

Each day, 10,000 baby boomers turn to the age of 65, and will continue to do so for the next 19 years. Projections show that by 2050, more than 50% of the US population will be older than 50 years of age. For the first time, parents and children will be part of the same demographic. The Center for Mature Consumer Studies reports that boomers control more than ¾ of the country’s wealth. The power of this population is in its ability to affect the elasticity of demand, increase consumption, and ultimately influence marketers.

Baby boomers continue to be the most brand loyal segment in the market place. Before technology became contextual to consumers, marketers told stories and built brands with which this growing population identified. Marketers should consider the following when defining a strategy for this captive audience:

• Diversity: Baby boomers are the most diverse segment which is the biggest asset and strength. The marketing approach should be as diverse as this consumer group.
• Empathy: Baby boomers are wise, experienced, and aware. Marketers must appreciate and recognize these sentiments.
• Constancy: Baby boomers are methodical and calculated as consumers. It becomes a test of endurance for marketers, constantly and consistently reaching this target audience.

If marketers across industry refocus a portion of the budget, the potential to create the next generation of influential and brand loyal consumers is immeasurable. For brands and marketers, the impact is substantive.

Initially introduced in 2007, Miller 64, Miller Brewing Company’s foray into the ‘ultra-light’ beer market is named after its total calorie count per 12 fl oz. Originally dubbed MGD64, it was launched nationwide after favorable testing in Miller’s home base of Wisconsin. Supported by the usual multi-million dollar ad campaign, everything went according to plan for the brewing giant, right?

Wrong. Within a market increasingly in favor of higher quality craft beer , the product has never gained true traction with consumers. Often perceived as ‘watered down,’ weighing in at only 2.8% ABV, the beer has struggled with its image as a serious option. In the roughly 5 years since its introduction, Miller has rebranded the product multiple times, each iteration failing to increase sales in any meaningful way. The company also attempted to capture a set of non-beer drinking drinkers with a 64 calorie “lemonade” malt beverage under the same brand, but the effort was fruitless, leading to a near instantaneous discontinuation.

Sales of the golden swill were down double digits in 2011, so Miller elected to redesign the brand with an updated label design (a key indicator of brand loyalty in the beer industry) and a new ad campaign. The latter, centered around a catchy ‘sea shanty’ song, features active and attractive 25-35 year olds, but in addition to the actors, the lyrics to the tune and the slogan “Brewed for the Better You” make it obvious that Miller has a clearly defined new target demographic in mind.

Notwithstanding Miller’s spirited efforts to make Miller 64 work, the most glaring issue is the evidence that the market for these products is extremely slim, if not entirely nonexistent. Even in spite of a health-crazed society, ‘healthy beer’ is a fairly obvious oxymoron, and very little can be done by advertising to popularize it on a large scale. By contrast, the popular SkinnyGirl cocktail brand, offering lower calorie mixed drinks, hit all the right notes with a similar target demographic, enough to merit a reported 120 million dollar purchase by Beam Global last year.

So when is enough enough? It seems that occasionally, even when armed with the influence and funding necessary to push a product on a global scale, marketing can fall short of a product that doesn’t fit consumer wants, needs, or expectations, and the best course of action is simply to let go. In this case, the payoff from the latest endeavor remains yet to be seen, but it may be time for the diluted barley beverage to go the way of its predecessors: down the drain.

Most notably, American Bandstand, television’s longest-running variety show, was responsible for introducing new artists and the latest dance moves to people across the country. The show also helped bridge the color gap, “giving music freedom and equal opportunity,” according to Stevie Wonder. Older generations will also remember the Pyramid game shows, winner of nine Emmy awards, while for younger fans, the spirit of Clark’s brand was defined by the eponymous Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.

Clark dedicated his life to being ‘America’s Oldest Teenager,’ bringing families together in front of the television with a youthful and energetic spirit that was contagious for people of all ages.  Throughout the course of his career, his name and face came to epitomize the lighter side of things, creating happy memories and nostalgia for millions. He will be remembered as an icon of the entertainment and media industry, and the brand that he built will continue to stand for pop culture.

The internet has accelerated the speed of consumer interactions with brands in dramatic fashion. As one might expect, reputation has become increasingly transient and incredible sensitive. A plethora of online ‘review’ sites populated by communities of customers giving feedback in real time has empowered the voices of consumers. A single bad review of a restaurant can deter other patrons, and a bit of praise can fill the reservation book. Whether from advocates or critics, the instantaneous reporting of customer experience can literally be make or break for a business.

These drastic changes have led to behavioral changes, manifested most strikingly in the form of companies touting themselves as “reputation management firms.” The anonymity that the internet allows by nature has meant that not all customer reviews or ratings are to be believed, and a small number of businesses have turned to gaming the system by eliminating negative feedback and creating fake reviews with the goal of building a strong reputation or repairing one that is damaged.

The reality is disconcerting, but the message is clear: reputation online plays an extremely important role in success within the highly competitive landscape. It is important for owners and operators to understand customer feedback, address concerns, and motivate the large audiences on review sites and in the press in order to turn negatives into positives. Utilized correctly, a robust reputation online can prove to be a massive advantage, vital to the success of any business now and in the foreseeable future.

“In 2012, businesses are facing the task of reacting to major shifts in consumer behaviors within the financial constraints of a less than favorable economy; many owners and CEOs find themselves looking for ways to reenergize the company with what seems like a shrinking budget,” says Julie Gareleck, CEO and Managing Partner, Junction. “Opening the dialogue is an essential to overcoming the challenges of the current climate and building better businesses.”

The series will open with the JXN Executive Roundtable on May 1^st, 2012 at Blue Parrot Bistro in Gettysburg, PA. The event, hosted by Junction and cosponsored by Patrono & Associates and Raffensperger, Martin & Finkenbiner, LLC, will be an invitation-only evening of networking for business owners in Central Pennsylvania featuring a panel discussion on best practices for sustaining business in the market place.

“We are excited to work with Junction Creative and Patrono & Associates in this unique opportunity for local businesses,” says Ryan Raffensperger, Partner, Raffensperger, Martin & Finkenbiner, LLC. “We believe that this event will help area businesses gather ideas that will be useful in their continued growth. We expect that the end result is a better community for all of us that live, work and do business in the South Central Pennsylvania area.”

Business owners seeking an invitation to attend the event should contact josh@junction-creative.com for more information.

Junction, as an advocate for the creation of progressive, sustainable, and successful businesses, introduces the JXN Executive Roundtable, bringing together thought leadership and promoting collaboration in the greater business communities.  The event series provides an opportunity for business owners, entrepreneurs, and executives to share and discuss best practices for sustaining and growing business.

The inaugural event in the series will take place on May 1^st, 2012 at Blue Parrot Bistro in Gettysburg, PA. The event, hosted by Junction and cosponsored by Patrono & Associates and Raffensperger, Martin & Finkenbiner, LLC, will be an invitation-only evening of networking for business owners to discuss best practices for sustaining business in the market place.

If you are interested in attending the event, contact josh@junction-creative.com.  More information will be available next week on our blog.

Everywhere, citizens from all demographics flock to popular new restaurants, farmers’ markets, and other food-related events creating an entire culture of individuals dedicated to seeking the latest and greatest culinary art. The number of these enthusiasts and connoisseurs is staggering and constantly on the rise (the term ‘foodie’ is generally frowned upon, as it is now considered far too general to accurately describe the hundreds of different types of food-lovers) – New York Magazine recently ran a high profile article detailing the emergence of an entirely new class of young people drastically increasing spending on food. These dedicated consumers are fuelling a serious boom in new food industry businesses. New York City alone sees hundreds of high profile openings each year, most of which are highly successful, booked up to months in advance and packed with eager diners every night.

So how has the food industry capitalized on all the excitement of this emergent market? Restaurants, farmers’ markets, specialty foods stores, and more have used digital platforms to springboard to new heights. Through social networks and digital tools, these businesses have fostered the fervor of food-lovers, creating user review websites like Yelp and revolutionary platforms like OpenTable, which offers a fully integrated reservation booking experience. The two sites have even merged functionality, enabling diners to heavily interact with the food business long before and long after any actual eating takes place. Chefs are now celebrities, viewed by many in the same light as prominent athletes or actors, with dedicated ‘fans’ admiring their every move.

The democracy that digital platforms have created for the food industry is beneficial not just to businesses, but to consumers as well. The enthusiasm has led to an increase in the quality and visibility of what was traditionally ‘cheap’ cuisine, and a shift in higher-end, luxury food becoming more accessible – both ends of the spectrum have been more centralized to suit a much larger audience. Food is a common experience for all types of people, and the modern movement is touching eaters everywhere.

The ‘food revolution’ is an example of the power of a world driven by social interaction and fully connected by technology. Using the right tools and strategies, businesses in all industries can leverage commonalities among consumers to maximize awareness and monetize the human experience.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution recently reported on a local RIMCO, an arm of rent-to-own giant Aaron’s that has transformed a massive downturn in its primary business, selling and renting car and truck rims, into an opportunity to fill a real need for its customers rather than peddling a luxury. Unlike rims, the tires that wrap around them are an absolute necessity for car owners. However, tires are nearly as expensive; the outright purchase price for an entire set is well out of the budget for many drivers.

Renting-to-own is widely understood to be considerably more expensive than buying, but in the case of necessity items, some customers may have no choice. The store now rents twice as many tires as the rims that used to compose 60-70% of its business. Loyal customers, although not enthralled with the increased cost, are appreciative of the service and products they receive from the store, without which their commute would be impossible.

Rather than struggling with the challenges of the economic downturn, RIMCO successfully managed to shift its strategy on the fly in reaction to a radically changing market. In the face of lowered demand for the store’s primary source of business, it seized an opportunity to provide even more value to its customers than previously, and at an inflated cost that meant more revenue. The same lesson could apply in any industry – value is about more than price. For consumers, it is more important that a service fills a need. For businesses, creating an adaptable strategy that thinks far beyond cost is essential.

The poet and activist Audre Lorde is famously quoted as saying “There are no new ideas. There are only new ways of making them felt.” Patent trolls, individuals or organizations that lay claim to and police the use of intellectual property like innovate concepts, design patents, and even web domains, are proving that this concept can be leveraged against the success of a startup or even a Fortune 500 company. Also known as copyright trolls, these entities do not, in most cases, use the patents, trademarks, or copyrights they own, but rather prevent others from profiting off of the use of ‘owned’ property.

These organizations are highly controversial in nature and detrimental to the success of many other businesses – especially in today’s environment where innovation and technology drive the cutting edge. They operate well within legal limitations, regardless of their poor public perception. A patent, easy to obtain, if valid and infringed in court, can lead to millions of dollars in damages. The ‘business’ of patent or copyright trolling can be particularly attractive, growing the threat.

Awareness of patent trolls is generally low on an entrepreneur or SMB’s radar when creating a strategy to go-to-market or to market to a target audience, but the threat is real. In the case of a fragile young company with little or no safety net, incurring a lawsuit over even the borderline use of a patented idea can be devastating.

Before any business takes a step, the consequences of the decisions being made are constantly evaluated. Considering and thoroughly researching whether someone owns the ideas or technologies powering a business can protect it from a major disaster.

Plugged-in advertisers everywhere have jumped on board with QR codes, and the popularity of the useful tool has hit a fever pitch. As these little black and white boxes continue to make their way into prominence, it will become increasingly important to design a strategy that takes advantage of their strengths while avoiding their potential pitfalls. Here are a few general rules to keep QR code marketing effective:

-  QR Codes require context. An advertiser cannot simply place a code somewhere and expect the average smartphone user to pull out their device and scan it. Even if the code is placed somewhere relevant to the audience’s interests, QR codes require context. Placing the code within visual media with a focused message and smart design will motivate audiences to scan.

- All links directed through QR codes must be optimized for mobile platforms. The overwhelming majority of devices used to scan codes are smartphones, tablets, and other “unplugged” technologies. A destination that has poor usability or compatibility is an instant turn-off.

- QR code marketing must be directed towards a specific user base. Not all demographics are keen on QR codes; the younger and more tech savvy set are the early adopters and the obvious target, but for Baby Boomers and other more set-in-their-ways groups, ad dollars may be better spent in more traditional arenas.

- Good QR code marketing is closely tied to social media marketing. Codes are a fantastic way to create an impactful relationship with an individual who scans by immediately directing them to interact with your brand on a social network.

- Be creative! QR codes can be expressive, interactive, and clever. Most scanning applications have excellent error tolerance, meaning greater functionality while allowing for plenty of customization. Colors, shapes, and sizes can all be modified to create a code in line with branding, leading to a more attractive incentive for users.

QR codes will continue to grow in prominence as they are integrated into marketing and advertising strategies. Following these tips, a brand can stand out from the crowd and capture their desired audience.

Junction has established itself as leader in marketing strategy that is progressive and plugged-in, thanks to a unique hybrid approach. Focused on the intersection of strategy and execution, Junction provides services for businesses across a number of industries including but not limited to retail, eCommerce, healthcare, publishing, travel and hospitality, technology, and consumer packaged goods. Junction’s unique approach has successfully driven measurable results for its clients marketing both business to business and business to consumer. Gareleck was notably selected earlier this month to speak on a panel of experts at JFAM’s Live! Financial Marketer’s conference in New York City.

“The marketing model is dynamically changing and with it the essence and value of a brand is too often lost amidst the constant race for attention in the marketplace,” said Gareleck. “As competition scales up and budgets scale down, a well-considered brand identity becomes even more compelling.”

The full perspective is available at http://goo.gl/9YLUS. To learn more about Junction, visit www.junction-creative.com.

Marketing performance management (MPM) has always been a key tenet of any marketing department, but to be fair, until recently, metrics reporting was an enigma of sorts; the type of data collected provided statistical representation of customer behaviors, but offered very little insight into correlations that would serve as actionable information to help improve efficiency. The advent of the internet, along with its provisions of social media networks and mobile technologies, has begun to revolutionize the model for these types of analytics.

In scale and speeds that were never possible prior to the internet, meaningful data that transcends mere numerical counting has allowed marketers the opportunity to make huge strides in MPM strategies. With new and improved resources available, marketing executives in the 21^st century should   focus on the ability of measurement and analysis to predict what will happen next. It has become essential to react quickly to a changing market to maximize marketing ROI, and the strategies for those reactions are better informed than ever before.

The adoption such useful metrics-based reporting by CMOs has been less than speedy, especially when compared to the staggering statistics associated with the rise of digital. With increasing pressure on  marketing executives not only to achieve better results while also managing to reduce overall costs, decisions should be guided by measurement and not just “gut instinct.”

A trio of teams remaining in the ‘Sweet 16’ entered the tournament seeded #10 or higher in their respective 16 team region, but the three schools are perennial Madness participants. Xavier, North Carolina State, and Ohio are still fighting for the chance to hoist the trophy and cut down the nets when the tournament is all said and done. Despite the fact that none of them are true surprises, the teams are still managing to play the role of the disruptor. These teams enjoy the luxury, having already overcome stronger teams, of having the pressure transferred to their opponents, raising the intensity of each matchup as teams are eliminated leading up to the Final Four and championship game. Even without the true ‘Cinderella,’ the temperature increases as the stakes are raised thanks to these upstart squads.

In the sports world, as in business, disruptors are the true driving force behind greatness. New ideas – the innovative and, more importantly, the unexpected – turn the wheels of change across industry. For example, Redbox’s emergence disrupted the business of DVD rentals, changing the long-standing establishment of video rental stores for the better, and hurting major players like Blockbuster. Netflix’s streaming model further changed the climate; today, the unexpected changes brought on by newer technologies have completely revolutionized the industry.

In all likelihood, the fire of the three ‘semi-Cinderella’ schools will soon be extinguished by top seeds, but the possibility for one of them to attain the ultimate goal and achieve greatness is still real. Like the players and coaches, businesses should keep the dream alive and strive to introduce their own brand of excitement into the establishment.

So how did the NCAA manage to parlay basketball games played by unpaid athletes into a multimedia event that garners as much as $650M in ad spending from more than 280 unique advertisers?

First, the entire tournament is thoroughly branded, with terms like ‘Madness,’ ‘Bracketology,’ ‘Sweet Sixteen,’ ‘Elite Eight,’ and perhaps strongest, ‘Final Four’ heavily permeating the lexicon of the media in the month of March. Largely through word of mouth, now including across extensive social media networks, fans everywhere focus their attention, filling out brackets and investing themselves in the tournament. Advertisers know the level of engagement is abnormally high, presenting a fantastic opportunity to convey a message to a receptive audience.

Media coverage of the event now spans four television networks (CBS, TNT, TBS, and TruTV) as well as radio, online channels at cbssports.com, espn.com, and even mobile apps featuring live updates and streaming video. Viewers are tuning in to watch what unfolds in record numbers, with most of these channels running completely ad-supported. Tie in the aforementioned social media engagement, with strong trends across Twitter and brand interaction on Facebook, and the formula for why March Madness commands the attention of the marketing and advertising world is clear.

Despite its status as a not-for-profit organization, the NCAA has transformed its humble basketball tournament into a smartly marketed, highly profitable annual event that trumps the postseasons of 3 of the 4 major North American sports leagues. Businesses across industry should keep some of the tactics employed by the NCAA in mind while filling out their brackets each spring.

Following the path laid forth by programs such as and Shark Tank, the American spinoff of the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, which gave entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their ideas to wealthy investors, Fashion Star puts clothing designers (a la Project Runway) in front of decision makers from major retailers like Macy’s , Saks Fifth Avenue, and H&M to show off their designs. If the judges are impressed, the contestant wins more than just cash or a dream vacation; their designs are purchased, manufactured, and sold in stores the day after the episode airs.

The model is revolutionary in that it allows stores to seamlessly embed not only their products-to-be, but also a strong marketing message directly into the competition, rather than with clunky placements and forgettable advertisements. Buyers are exposed to a product through a major channel and immediately have access to purchase it. For the first time, media and consumers can be instantly entangled in a relationship that results in a transaction.

Online, social media is alight with conversation discussing the show and its immediate impact at the cash register. On Twitter, personalities from the show such as Jessica Simpson spiked in popularity and the designer-contestants joined in live conversation with viewers. After garnering thousands of mentions on Facebook, one design purchased by Saks Fifth Avenue sold out by the morning following the premiere. Social media’s involvement also introduced an element of competition amongst the retailers; designs offered by Macy’s and H&M that generated less buzz remain available. The next episode will undoubtedly see a push across these networks from both companies.

Fueled by the increasing influence of outlets like network TV and the internet, marketing and advertising are more effective than ever before. Fashion Star illustrates that the gap between advertisers and consumers is constantly shrinking. The show could become the prototype for an entire genre should it prove beneficial to both business and consumer in the end. Being crowdsourced, contextual, and integrated might help make it so.

Senior level marketing executives from top financial firms to include JPMorgan Chase, AIG, BNY Mellon, Prudential, and TIAA-CREF shared insights on the latest trends in financial marketing. As The Gramercy Institute’s research was presented, the participants discussed topics such as tablet and mobile marketing and social, mobile, and content marketing. Gareleck participated in sharing the importance of branding, aligned with her recently released perspective entitled Marketing Futurists: Better, Faster, Constant.

“Bill Wreaks (CEO of The Gramercy Institute and Chief Analyst of JFAM) has managed to make the Live! series one of the most distinguished events on the calendar. The event was an opportunity for top marketers to listen, share, and learn in a trusted environment,” said Gareleck. “The amount of thought capital in the room was impressive and certainly impactful to attendees and panelists alike.”

For more information and news about Junction’s involvement at JFAM Live!, click here.

Bill Wreaks, CEO of The Gramercy Institute and Chief Analyst of JFAM, has assembled a number of high ranking, knowledgeable, and experienced marketing professionals from top financial firms to provide insights into the future of financial advertising. Says Gareleck, “Bill has chosen individuals who are the true trendsetters on the cutting edge, adding immense value to the next installment in an exceptional series of conferences.”

“We are honored and excited to speak as an advocate for marketing that follows the philosophy of being progressive, creative, and plugged-in,” says Gareleck. “We look forward to the opportunity to interact and learn from other industry leaders, helping better inform the solutions we offer our clients.”

More information and news about upcoming events related to JFAM Live! can be found on Junction’s blog at www.junction-creative.com/wordpress.

“Marketing is often classified as ‘nice to have,’ comments Julie Gareleck, CEO & Managing Partner, Junction. “But in this dynamically changing market place, marketing is a need. The responsibility for marketers, especially CMOs, is to not only deliver the message but also generate a return on investment. Traditional best practices for marketing have changed – the model is different.”

Gareleck offers an interesting perspective for marketing futurists. “The influence of technologies like social media and the surge in real time digital data have given many marketers headaches, but with swift adoption, the same advances provide opportunities for CMOs to change the economics of marketing in a big way,” said Gareleck.

To learn more about Junction, visit www.junction-creative.com.

Capitalizing on 2012’s status as a leap year, auto industry heavyweight Honda is holding a contest widely advertised during the Super Bowl and beyond where participants enter a ‘Leap List’ full of activities or goals to achieve in this slightly extended year. It is playing out as a smartly hybridized promotion that taps directly into its audience, delivering a strong brand message that becomes inherently positive to the consumer participants. Among many other deals and promotions, e-tailer Zappos is cleverly extending its normal 1-year guarantee to 4 for any items purchased on Leap Day, and Princess Cruises is offering savings on certain packages equivalent to 1 free day, in honor of the ‘free’ day we get each Leap Year.

The fact is that one additional day in 4 years really isn’t a difference maker -but it is a marker. The occasion is just rare enough that we tend to distinguish the day as special in some way. How marketers choose to leverage this opportunity can vary, but February 29^th should not be a forgotten day.

JCPenney was the evening’s largest spender, marking its 11^th consecutive year of advertising the Oscars by introducing its innovative new pricing structure. It aired 5 spots in total, with one main ad featuring Ellen DeGeneres followed by four separate pitches for its new spring line of clothing. The ads, however, lacked the punch of a Super Bowl-type spot. Hyundai, whose Super Bowl campaign was considered among the best, also fell somewhat flat, showing a strange albeit humorous ad that came up short of the bar set by their lauded efforts earlier this month.

Between advertisers coming up short of the mark and the less-than-impressive integration of real time discussion amongst the audience through social media, the 2012 Oscars felt like a missed opportunity. In step with the theme widely speculated upon by the media that the show would suffer from a weak field of films, having no real blockbusters up for awards, there seemed to be no advertising or marketing effort striving to take home the trophies either. Although the Oscars are still without doubt one of the most important dates on anyone’s calendar, 2012’s edition was a missed opportunity.

The secret is that Lin’s meteoric rise to fame has been fueled by a social media movement unlike any the world has ever seen. Following in real time with the 6’3” guard’s capture of national attention is a wave of conversation on social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. The hashtag #Linsanity has been widely proliferated throughout the internet, with interest growing during each Knicks game. Mentions of this and other clever puns on Lin’s name even spike specifically after each point scored by the phenom.

No other figure in sports has enjoyed the power of the internet as they make their debut, but it’s not strictly because Lin is just the first star to show up at just the right time. His Taiwanese heritage has mobilized millions of Asian-Americans, one of the most active demographics in social media, to become supporters. Lin is a graduate of Harvard, appealing to fans with a personality that differentiates him from many other professional athletes. He also happens to embody the underdog story of a player who has battled against adversity to achieve greatness. Lin’s broad appeal is a combination of a unique character and the unparalleled ease with which social media can propagate the story.

Still just in its first month, the storied spectacle of Lin’s emergence into the spotlight has had major impact thanks to the buzz. His #17 jersey is now the top seller on the NBA store’s online website, the average price for Knicks tickets has risen nearly 20%, and even the most cynical basketball fans are tuning in again, boosting TV ratings in both the local markets and nationally. After the lockout marred the league’s reputation, Lin has done more to leave a positive impression on not only the NBA, but the entire sporting world.

Lin’s emergence has set a new standard for how news of the next big thing in the sporting world breaks, but the power of social networking extends beyond the realm of sports. Hitting the right points, anyone’s message can now be amplified and carried further than ever before. So, who will be the next cause of Linsanity?

The majority of this year’s nominees for Best Picture and the other major honors are far from blockbusters; works like The Artist and Midnight in Paris attract an older, more mature crowd. Generally speaking, the less mainstream appeal of the films up for the Oscars, the fewer viewers should be expected to tune in, making the show somewhat less attractive for advertisers when the marquee acts lack the popular punch of an Avatar or Forrest Gump.

Sprint and J.C. Penney are among the larger advertisers rolling the dice on the 84^th annual installment of the ceremonies with previously unaired spots for brand new campaigns. However, despite the all-important statistic of viewership numbers being somewhat up in the air compared to previous years, there are other factors at play that can make the Oscars a special opportunity.

Besides the awards themselves, the ceremony draws the attention of the entire fashion industry as well as the eager eyes of the celebrity gawkers and gossipers as the stars and personalities make it a point to show off their style on their way into the awards. Each year, media coverage of who is wearing what nearly outshines the awards themselves. Plenty of discussion will take place on the internet as well, as social media is expected to be deeply incorporated in 2012’s broadcast, increasing the audience size and participation through a secondary outlet.

Hyundai rolled out an iPad app demonstrating its new Equus sedan during the 2011 Oscar broadcast; it was an intelligent integration of a campaign that began during the Super Bowl and continued to captivate through this second major media event of the year. Given the size and engagement of the program’s audience, Hyundai’s effort was well received. Autotrader.com claimed Hyundai as the winner among the numerous car manufacturers who spent fortunes advertising during this year’s Super Bowl.

The Academy Awards is the Super Bowl for directors and actors.  After all of the envelopes are opened, which advertisers will rise to critical acclaim?

That means you two more weeks to submit your entry! Email us at promotion@junction-creative.com and tell us how your business’ New Year’s Resolution has made an impact so far in 2012.

The winning submission will receive $5,000 in free services from Junction to kick start your business and make this year your best ever. Don’t forget, all submissions will receive a code for 15% off any of our services, so every entry is a winner!

The updated details and full rules and terms are available on our website.

Submit your entry today!

With Netflix’s customer satisfaction declining due to a now-redacted plan to split DVD rentals from streaming services and raise the price of both, Redbox’s low cost and physical presence in retail stores became increasingly influential in 2011. Coinstar’s earnings grew impressively in Q4, even despite disappointing projections.

Redbox did take a gamble with its more customer-friendly model and raised its prices, with the cost of an overnight rental purchased at a kiosk rising from $1 to $1.20. However, initially, users who pre-reserved DVDs online or via the Redbox mobile app were rewarded with an unchanged $1 fee. To combat consumer drop-off as a result of the increase in price,  the company is preparing to launch a new streaming service, partnered with Verizon, leveraging the digital market to better position its treasured centerpiece against streaming competition like Hulu and Amazon Instant Video.

Redbox is proving that although a physical presence is still powerful, digital innovation is the only way to capture consumer market share. Time will tell if the company can adapt enough to stay on top of the heap.

Holidays are exceedingly powerful stimulus for retail businesses. This holiday in particular capitalizes on arguably the strongest human emotion – love. As it turns out, consumers love celebrating Valentine’s Day. Against the trends associated with a weak economy, consumer spending on the occasion is on the rise. In 2012, the second largest retail event of the year will generate more than $15B, which amounts to an average of more than $100 spent by each American adult.

There are no other major consumer holidays in the first part of the calendar year (sure, car dealerships may offer sales for President’s Day, but you don’t have to buy your mother a gift.) Valentine’s Day also falls conveniently right after the hangover from December’s holiday season subsides. Retailers enjoy the benefits of the renewed consumer enthusiasm, leveraging the familiar branding of red and white hearts to drive sales.

Advertisers are equally satisfied with the opportunities that the holiday presents. Immediately following the ultimate advertising event, the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day presents a chance to strike again while the iron is hot. Having already rolled out new expensive and impressive campaigns, the creative juices are kept flowing in order to make a connection with the consumer at yet another touchpoint. The timing is right; some of the ads that emerge for Valentine’s Day even manage to be as original and effective as those crafted for the Super Bowl.

Notwithstanding the accusations aimed at the ‘industry’ of Valentine’s Day, the holiday is more important than just giving spouses across the country a romantic opportunity; it is actually highly beneficial across a number of industries. Whether from the perspective of the retailer, the advertiser, or the consumer, the appeal of the day is clear.

The incredible AdWeek montage of this year’s advertisements illustrates the level of attention that the spectacle commands. Enormous amounts of planning and effort go into the creation of ads worthy of the single largest audience of all time, which this year averaged about 113 million viewers in the U.S. alone. That opportunity for advertisers only grew greater as this year marked a definitive turning point for social media’s role in advertising.

According to social TV Analytics firm Bluefin Labs, this year’s Super Bowl XLVI became the single largest social media event in US TV history, generating more than 12 million comments from more than 5 million unique posters, covering topics from the game itself to the halftime show and the spectacular ads. For weeks leading up to gameday, advertisers utilized social media platforms to begin the discussion with interactive elements, further breaking the mold of traditional Super Bowl advertising without ruining the payoff of the first airing of a commercial.

The whole experience of the Super Bowl brings out excitement from more than just football fans; the enormity of it elicits a response from everyone. This year’s event brought record viewership and innovative new ways to involve the audience in the conversation, taking the impact of cross-platform marketing to new heights. Advertisers need to start planning for 2013 – the bar has been set – and the expectations are high.

The Kauffman Foundation (Kauffman) has long since been an organization serving as an advocate and supporters of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial programs. As a $2 billion non-profit, Kauffman elected to spend $400K on a 30 second spot aired in 4 major markets: New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Kansas City.  The advertisement asked a simple question of aspiring entrepreneurs: Will It Be You?

The message calls on viewers to consider small business as an option and take risks to become the next great entrepreneur. Even if Kauffman was successful in reaching just a portion of the record-breaking number of viewers on Super Bowl Sunday, it succeeded in opening a door for new advertisers looking to mobilize specific target segments.

For the 17^th time in its history, coverage of this year’s game was broadcast on NBC. The network, owned by Comcast Corp., has struggled to keep up with its competitors of late, making the broadcast positively crucial to its immediate future. The record-setting audience was exactly the desired result. NBC also took advantage of the incredible numbers to push the premiere of the second season of ‘The Voice’ in the lead-out slot to the largest viewership entertainment telecast in more than six years.

The broadcast itself, led by the ‘Sunday Night Football’ crew of Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth, also featured a pair of highly respected individuals in Bob Costas and Dan Patrick running the lengthy pregame show. Unlike many appearances by current pro athletes, the inclusion of newly named NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers paid dividends; he was knowledgeable and personable. NBC utilized the fanfare surrounding the game to insert many more of its personalities and plug its other programming, including a notably well-planned integration of its popular ‘Today’ show throughout the week leading up to Sunday.

NBC’s on-screen overlay was exceptionally minimalist, clean, and accurate, unlike FOX’s visually busy but highly informative effort in 2011. The broadcast suffered from no major mistakes with commentary, plays, telestrating, or statistical displays, reflecting well on the prowess of NBC to understand its audience and deliver a high quality viewing experience.

The broadcast's clean look.

The game was streamed live online on both NFL.com and NBCSports.com, with integrated social media hyping the newly branded NBC Sports Network. There is no question that the online real-time conversation on social networks such as Twitter and Facebook are as much a part of the Super Bowl media experience as what is on television, and NBC fared well in involving its audience into the experience.

A well integrated online experience with ads, real time statistics, and audience interaction.

The commercials featured throughout the broadcast were even generally less frivolous than in years past, with some advertisers striking more serious chords, most notably Chrysler and its ‘Halftime in America’ spot. The halftime performance of the seemingly ageless Madonna was a success, with excellent production blemished only by a controversial gesture from supporting performer M.I.A. that slipped by the censors.

This particular program was obviously helped along by hype surrounding ‘The Rematch’ and the intensity of the close contest playing out on the turf at LucasOil Stadium, but well executed coverage of major events such as the Super Bowl and the upcoming Summer Olympic Games may be the key to helping NBC back into the race with its competitors.  

2012 brought a slew of excellent ads that worked for several different reasons, and a few that could have done more with time in the spotlight. Here are our 5 favorites:

5. Volkswagen – “The Dog Strikes Back” Playing off of last year’s highly successful “The Force” ad featuring a pint-sized Darth Vader with Dad’s Passat, VW chose to follow an endearing ad for the 2012 New Beetle wherein a old dog gets fit so he can chase his favorite car again with a cut to the iconic Cantina where characters from Star Wars discuss the merits of Super Bowl commercials. It was an interesting bit of meta-advertising that allowed the German automaker to boast about its advertising prowess.

4. Acura – “Transactions” Star power and situational humor fueled an ad with a stunning centerpiece: the beautiful new NSX concept. Jerry Seinfeld struck just the right chords with his attempts to win the gorgeous prize from his competitor, only to have Jay Leno swing in at the last moment for a spectacular cameo. With both Leno and Seinfeld known as major gearheads, the casting and the execution of this ad were right on the money.

3. Chevrolet – “Stunt Anthem” With a montage of incredible stunts (and a little help from master music video-makers OK Go [the amazing video for their song ‘Needing/Getting’ is available here]) Chevy pulled off something very difficult: giving its new Sonic a personality. And what a personality it is! This ad won the day for being perfectly in touch with its target audience, and doing so in style. Social, collaborative and with viral elements, this may be a glimpse into the future of advertising.

2. Chrysler – “Halftime in America” Tiptoeing the line with a socially delicate and somewhat politically charged message, Chrysler and the other automakers of Detroit commissioned Clint Eastwood to explain the current state of domestic industry in the U.S. The message and its presentation were quite captivating. The spot was cleverly placed at halftime of the actual game as an analogy to “halftime” concept, amplifying its effectiveness. This type of ad is sure to awaken Americans to take charge in the second half and highlight the brand behind the message.

1. M&Ms – “Just My Shell” – If pure humor is a hallmark of a great Super Bowl ad, M&Ms hit the bulls-eye with its creative introduction of ‘Ms. Brown,’ the original milk chocolate ‘spokescandy.’ Until this ad, her identity had remained a mystery, but she was billed in teasers as ‘not your average chocolate.’ It turns out there was a good reason she hadn’t revealed herself to the public.

We’d love to hear from you – what Super Bowl ads are in your top 5?

There are plenty of nods to the film’s most iconic moments. According to Honda brand manager Tom Peyton, there are more than two dozen. After calling out ‘sick’ from a film shoot, there is a valet unenthusiastically calling out Broderick’s name, a quiet moment of inspection at the museum, narrowly avoiding close calls with being found out, and most importantly, the red CR-V serving as the vehicle that allows our protagonist to make the most of his day off. It’s definitely not quite the same as the stunning 1961 Ferrari 250GT from the original, but the message is clear enough. The CR-V is intended to be a vehicle that helps the consumer seize the day and break away from the mundane in favor of something exciting.

The integrated ad campaign is brilliant. It not only speaks to the heart of its target audience but it also engages consumers online.  Honda anticipates that the ad will spark interaction on the site and social media platforms. With over 100K “likes” on Facebook and nearly 5K leap lists created by users, this campaign is already gaining momentum.

It looks like 2012 Super Bowls ads might just best last years’ if this campaign is indicative of what is to come on Sunday.

For marketers, there was nothing more exciting at this year’s show than the unveiling of some impressive new geolocation technologies for smartphones and other mobile devices that can pinpoint a user’s position (only if opted-into.) The concept of leveraging where a consumer is for increasing the impact of marketing isn’t itself particularly new; geolocation technology has existed in some form for several years. However, only more recently has the practicality of this type of marketing been drastically improved as users become increasingly connected to the world around them.

The portmanteau SoLoMo may seem like just a catchphrase for the new capabilities of geotargeted marketing techniques, but it has immense value. These three characteristics define an effective campaign in the current market, because local sharing and collaboration among people is driving the trends. As consumers become increasingly mobile, social channels have become the essential touchpoint for brands. Consumers are stronger and more vocal advocates than ever before, and utilizing the Geolocation software on display at CES to find them will allow a message to be enormously more powerful.

The advent of contextual advertising was a major step forward in digital marketing, and geolocation has now pushed its potency above and beyond. What are the limits for the future?

Don’t forget that the winner will receive $5,000 in free services from Junction. We provide solutions that support business, brand development, and digital execution – so whether you need help refining a business plan, a great new logo, or launching a social media campaign, Junction is proud to partner with you to build a better business.

Entering a submission couldn’t be easier! All it takes is to create and send us a short video or a written document describing about your business New Year’s Resolution for 2012. Send your submission to promotion@junction-creative.com by Feb. 17th, and we will provide you a coupon code good for 15% off any consulting service just for entering.

The complete list of details and the official rules and terms are available here. Stay tuned to our YouTube channel for an upcoming video from the Junction team. Enter today!

McKinsey & Company found that 9 out of 10 businesses that utilize Web 2.0 technology experience a measurable return on investment from its use. A recent IBM feature on the emergence of social business reiterates that people do business with people, not with companies. Every person in the business ecosystem wants to contribute and be valued for those contributions. Customers want to listen and need to be heard. Social networking allows for deeper engagement and more meaningful relationships and interactions.

Social networking tools have emerged as functional, intuitive platforms such as internal blogs, micro-blogs, wikis, and internal social networks that can be seamlessly integrated into existing business process. IBM’s narrative is spot on; a business that refuses to acknowledge the value of social networking will be left in the dust.

If anything can be learned from Facebook, it’s that the power of a network is invaluable. Imagine the impact for a company such as IBM, with nearly 175,000 employees worldwide. Collaboration at any level, across discipline, can fuel innovation that affects the business and its customers.

If B2B is defined as the transaction between one company and another then P2P is the conversation that ultimately drives the transaction. It’s time to start talking.

Junction understands the importance of setting goals and expectation for the New Year – growth hinges on our preparation. Junction wants to motivate other businesses to do the same. We want to help drive value and build better businesses. We are offering a chance for a business to win $5,000 in free services just for sharing business resolutions for 2012.

Get creative and send us those submissions (a written description or short video) at promotion@junction-creative.com! The promotion runs until Feb. 17^th.  A complete list of details and the official rules and terms are available here.

Good luck!

Although the public has generally been told that signals from such devices could interfere with the plane’s onboard navigational equipment, there are several other possible motives. Overhearing another passenger’s phone conversations can be particularly annoying, and many think the regulations’ purpose may be to maintain crew and passenger sanity.  Is this another attempt to improve the overall experience of flying?

Despite the fact that SmartPhones feature an “airplane mode” that allows local use of the device without broadcasting or receiving any signal, airlines are still adamant about users fully powering them down. As it turns out, the FAA is concerned about any and all passenger distractions during takeoff and landing, because those are the most critical time periods during a flight for passengers to be alert in case of an emergency.  In essence, the real value of banning the use of devices is rooted in a strong concern for passenger safety.

Actor Alec Baldwin was recently removed from an American Airlines flight for using his phone to play the popular Words With Friends after he was instructed to disable the device by the flight crew. Much of the attention was placed on the farcical nature of the event, ignoring the possibility that in our social media-crazed state, someone may choose to text or tweet before taking action in the event of an emergency.

While airlines face criticism for detaching passengers from their beloved cell phones, they are actually attempting to protect their most valuable assets: customers. So why not market it as such? The fact is that business motives are often radically different than what marketing may powerfully otherwise suggest.

The FAA is currently working towards certifying specific electronic devices as safe and compliant, in an effort to loosen regulations on device use. However, passengers probably shouldn’t expect airline practices to drastically change over a competitive game of Words With Friends or Angry Birds.

New Google offerings throughout the years have come bearing a mixed reputation. The good tends to be very good; the company’s search engine, the foundation for its immense success, has dominated the market so strongly that the word “Google” is included in dictionaries as a verb. Google Voice, a telecommunications service, was well received, with 1.4 million users adopting in its first 6 months. However, a few notable attempts for market expansion by Google have failed, some spectacularly. Buzz, a social media outlet intended to challenge Twitter and Facebook, was officially pronounced dead after it failed to provide much incentive to convert users.   Wave, a collaborative platform initially billed as a major achievement, was shut down just 3 months following its launch.

Chrome’s road to success moved at a more gradual pace. Launched in 2008, it quickly became the primary choice of browser among the technologically savvy, with features such as running tabs as separate processes in its own task manager and frequent background updating, among others. It took a considerable length of time, without any advertising (although an avenue previously ignored, Google has recently embraced advertising) to gain serious traction among users. With an innovative product, users converted  making Chrome second in market share only to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, which has the distinct numerical advantage of standard inclusion as the default browser on Windows PCs.  Chrome is poised for continued success as users mature and become more aware of its advantages.

Google+ follows the same core principles as Chrome, with the goal of offering better technological and experiential solutions.   However, Google + has a far greater task to convert users due to the influence and impact of Facebook. It has been perceived as floundering much like Buzz and Wave, being written off by many outlets as a futile attempt at dethroning the king.

Don’t be quick to discount Google+. The company has proven that persistence and patience pay dividends. Armed with advertising, including television spots, Google-themed conferences, and online exposure, Google+ might give Facebook a run for its money.

The promotion, centered on the concept of Business Resolutions, calls for entrepreneurs and other business professionals to submit short videos or written essays describing their businesses and the resolutions they are making to thrive in the New Year.  The winning submission will receive a choice of consulting services from Junction, up to a value of $5,000. All entrants will receive a 15% discount on any one consulting service.

“We’re excited about the prospect of entrepreneurship flourishing in the coming year,” comments Julie Gareleck, Managing Partner, Junction.  “We understand that there are complexities and challenges at all stages of a business’ development.  One of Junction’s New Year’s resolutions is to help our clients make this year better than the last. This promotion is just the beginning.”

Submissions will be accepted via email to promotion@junction-creative.com from 8:00 AM on January 3, 2012 until 5:00 PM on February 17, 2012. All submissions must contain a name, company name, website link (if available), mailing address, email address, and phone number.

A full list of details and conditions can be found in the Official Promotion Details, which can be accessed on Junction’s website.

For more information about Junction Creative Solutions, visit www.junction-creative.com.

Most business owners realize that goal setting is an integral part of running a company—but how to make those goals relevant to  a business is another story. According to Drew DeMasters, Author of Landlord Marketing Secrets, a good starting point is to remember that every entrepreneur is in the business of customer service, regardless of the product or service they sell or the market they operate in. It follows that before setting any goals for the New Year, a successful strategy begins with a focus on what the customer wants and what is best for them. After all, a business without customers is not a business at all.

Next, examine last year’s goals, those that were met and those that weren’t, and why. By exploring the company’s successes and shortcomings, a business owner can set more realistic and attainable objectives while still pushing themselves to achieve more year-over-year.

Despite knowing the industry and the clients they serve, many companies don’t prepare an actionable plan for how to meet goals that are laid out for the New Year. Those entrepreneurs who do have a strategy often keep it in their head, which makes it difficult for them and for others within the organization to contribute effectively. Therefore it is helpful to follow a “SMART” approach to setting goals: making each objective Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reasonable and Timely. Put goals in writing to keep everyone involved accountable and aware. Set short- and long-term checkpoints during the year to make sure that steady and quantifiable progress towards the objectives is made and take daily actions toward meeting each goal.

Once comfortably ensconced in the day-to-day of 2012, a business owner’s New Year’s resolutions may be quickly forgotten. However, with these strategies, they’ll be toasting to successes instead of dreading January 1^st this time next year.

New clients include AcuteCare Telemedicine, Competitive Sports Analysis, Intelaplay, BCS Switchgear, Saffire Vapor, SWM Int., and Lucy’s Market. All of which launched new websites, marketing campaigns, or both in 2011 or will be launching in early 2012, leveraging the value-focused brand strategy provided them by Junction’s team. Junction has also added depth to its portfolio with new clients in the consumer packaged goods, technology and travel and hospitality arenas, in addition to the diverse verticals that the company already advises.

“We had remarkable growth and success with our clients in 2011.  Junction exists to grow start up and mid-size businesses into success stories, which we’ve been able to accomplish this past year. Our success has been proven with our small to mid-size businesses; we have scalable companies that are emerging from our collaboration,” says Julie Gareleck, founder and Managing Partner, of Junction’s considerable success.

Beyond site development and brand strategy, Junction’s 2011 accomplishments include aiding clients of all sizes, from entrepreneurial start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, with achieving maximum impact and measurable results through long-term marketing strategies. Gareleck notes, “It often takes a long-term engagement to prove that strategy works. Sometimes it’s difficult to make a case for that level of investment, but our clients’ success is indisputable. More and more companies are seeing the value in how Junction can help them connect strategy and execution and we’re growing as a result.”

Commenting on what’s next for the company, Julie added, “In 2012, we want to keep scaling. Our long-term vision is to grow the business, although we never want it to become so large that we become what we aren’t, which is a typical agency model. That’s what allows Junction to thrive.”

Maher’s latest pursuit was born in a watershed moment. Browsing the internet with the goal of discovering and booking a great rental for a Hawaiian vacation, he became frustrated by the complexity of the process and the brevity of the information available.  His annoyance led him to an idea – that travel websites, especially for the rental community, could be drastically improved with an enhanced user experience and richer, more localized content. He believed he could engineer a better solution; one that would take the hassle out of searching a dozen or more websites in order to plan a vacation.

And so Bill Maher, whose name is often mistaken for the synonymous comedian and TV host (he once landed on a tarmac full of eager fans, only to disappoint them when he exited his plane), decided to build a better travel and rental resource from the ground up. He partnered with Junction Creative Solutions. Fast forward 9 months, and Intelaplay.com has launched its intuitive, immersive online experience, featuring Bill’s hometown of St. Petersburg and the surrounding Tampa Bay area as its first featured destination.

The launch has been promoted with a unique corresponding experiential marketing campaign- A New Way to Stay and Play – true to the core principle of the site that the process of choosing “places to stay” and “places to play” should be simplified, localized, and headache-free. The concept is scalable to locations in any part of the world, and the challenge for Bill is now to take the site to a global level. He is committed to making Intelaplay the leading resource for travelers around the world.

Bill’s work on Intelaplay.com is terrific example of the spirit of entrepreneurship at work. He saw a real need in the marketplace through his own personal experience, and leveraged his passion and know-how to effectively fill the gap. Wherever he is found, whether on a Caribbean beach or in the mountains of Southeast Asia, he is bound to be thinking of his next big idea.

** From the pages of Junction’s notebook: Read about the experiences, perspectives, and ideas of Junction team members.

Looking for the perfect last minute gift, or just something to treat yourself to a better life? Here are a few of Junction’s favorite things. You may find something you didn’t know you could live without!

SodaStream (Around $100, available at many major retailers): This great appliance allows you to flavor and carbonate your own beverages at home, saving on costs and calories vs. buying traditional soda. It is fun to play around with flavor combinations and the results taste great!

Yogli Mogli Frozen Yogurt ($3 and up): Whether it is for an afternoon snack or a post-dinner treat, Yogli Mogli offers more than 10 flavors of frozen yogurt with more than 20 options for toppings. The sweet frozen delights are fantastic and carry less guilt than popular full-fat alternatives like Cold Stone. The franchise has only launched in Georgia and Illinois, but it is quickly becoming one of our favorite places.

Post It Notes ($0.99 and up:) Art Fry, along with Dr. Spencer Silver, invented Post It Notes, which hit stores in 1980….quickly becoming one of the organized world’s favorite things. Post It Notes are an integral part of our daily routines, great for writing ourselves a reminder or jotting down brilliant ideas. We like interesting colors like purple, pink, and blue over the standard yellow. Despite the introduction of Apple’s digital “Stickies” and Windows’ “Sticky Notes,” we prefer the original.

OPI Gel Finger Nail Polish (Prices vary by manicurist): After years of leaving the salon only to have perfectly manicured fingernails quickly ruined, we discovered OPI Gel Nail Polishes. Composed of natural Shellac, these polishes are cured under special lamps and are incredibly durable! For a few extra dollars, we leave the salon with a flawless and lasting manicure every time.

Shun Classic 8″ Chef’s Knife ($149, various retailers): A high quality chef’s knife is the go-to tool for any serious cook – versatile, comfortable, and functional, it is the cornerstone of the kitchen. Spend a little more for this Japanese-made beauty and be amazed at the difference. It will keep its razor-sharp edge far longer than cheap knives and will last a lifetime with proper care, making it a worthwhile investment.

Reusable Coffee Cup Sleeve ($4 and up at many coffee shops): Instead of using a new cardboard sleeves, save a little waste each time you stop by your favorite coffee shop by keeping a stylish reusable sleeve with you instead. Besides doing the planet a favor, they also insulate your hands far better!

Shazam (Free Ad-Supported, iTunes store or Android Market): Can’t for the life of you remember who sang “One Night in Bangkok?” Heard a new song you like and want to know the title and artist? Just pull out your smartphone and let Shazam, a free app, listen and tell you all you need to know. It comes in handy so much more frequently than you would expect, whether you are a casual listener or serious music buff.

Apple iPhone 4S ($199, multiple carriers): The latest incarnation of Apple’s revolutionary smartphone lets us keep in touch with the world. Facetime is an incredible tool that lets us see family or friends, even when we are in different places. Plus, playing great games on the iPhone is a fun way to pass the time.

Amazon Kindle (starting at $79, Amazon.com): E-readers are rapidly taking over market share, and it is well-deserved. Devices like the Kindle make downloading, storing, and reading books and other publications quick, easy, and fun. Amazon.com’s massive online store makes its Kindle the clear cut winner.

Keurig Coffee Makers ($99 and up, various major retailers): We love Keurig Coffee Makers because they are perfect for situations that don’t call for brewing an entire pot. Hundreds of blends and flavors are on the market, making it fun and easy to experiment and find the perfect cup. Great for one quick cup in the morning, or a pick me up in the afternoon, we also happen to love that they are available in different colors to coordinate with our own personal style!

Apple MacBook Pro (starting around $599): It doesn’t matter if you are a ‘Mac’ or a ‘PC,’ there is no denying that Apple has revolutionized standards for quality in the laptop market. We have recently gotten to know the MacBook Pro and some of its top of the line features. One of our personal favorites is the PhotoBooth application, which allows us to snap shots and use effects to create amazing photos. In the market for a new laptop? We definitely stand behind the MacBook Pro.

Garages: This holiday season, one of our absolute favorite things across the office is covered places for automobiles. Garages are indispensible in the winter months, especially in colder climates, saving auto owners the hassle of scraping ice from windshields and digging out parked cars. Garages allow the office to run smoothly, helping everyone to get to where they need to be on time. When buying a house, be sure a garage is part of the square footage.

Holiday Cooking:  Obviously, family gatherings and really good eating are one of our favorite things about this season. For some of us, delicious Candied Yams instantly bring everyone to the table and remind us of warm memories. For others, an elaborate roast signifies the luxury of the season. Even a simple egg nog or warm cocktail by a fire can be just about as good as it gets.

The Junction team wishes you a terrific holiday season. We’d love to hear about some of your favorite things!

In March of this year, Junction started working with Bill Maher, CEO, Intelaplay, on an online travel website unlike others in the industry.  As of December 5^th, www.intelaplay.com went live.  An execution of this size is no small endeavor.

A special thanks to the entire team (in no particular order): Mark, Tamika, Marci, Josh, Robert, Ale, Mariana, Paulo, Felipe, Sean, Sebastian, Manual, Leo, Russ, Dick, Donna, and Rolando.  A job well done.

A special thanks to our client, Bill Maher, for pushing the boundaries set by industry competitors and for believing in our team. We look forward to building upon the success of www.intelaplay.com.

I am always amazed at how the Junction team can realize a client’s vision.  It’s an awesome thing that we get to do everyday.

Sincerely,

JCG

Intelaplay launches www.intelaplay.com, an immersive and intuitive online travel website, providing a differentiated experience for travelers and advertisers alike.  The online platform offers an educational, easy to use, yet richly contextual experience.  Developed by Junction Creative Solutions, the website is designed and aligned with the mission of Intelaplay, presenting comprehensive resources in an easy to digest experience for its users.

The Intelaplay concept is based around galleries of high definition, up to date photos and descriptions of hotels and attractions written by local and knowledgeable sources. This differentiated and immersive experience generates a highly realistic image of the destination to aid the user in choosing an itinerary. Listings are categorized as “Places to Stay” and “Places to Play,” simplifying and organizing the planning process to drive maximum value for users on the site. Detailed information on dining, culture, events, and more based on location offer local residents an incentive to utilize the site.

Intelaplay’s campaign, A New Way to Stay and Play, offers a significant creative shift, from a memorable jingle heard on radio or the sky advertising seen above Tampa Bay’s captivating shoreline. The digital experience acts as the hub allowing for users and advertisers to get an in-depth overview of the benefits of Intelaplay.  For travelers, the site offers an enhanced user experience making for a more streamlined travel planning experience.  For advertiser, the site offers an opportunity to reach target consumers based on user preferences resulting in a higher return on investment.

“With its ability to provide users with ‘customized’ and ‘localized’ content, Intelaplay.com is poised to become a successful and comprehensive travel resource for users worldwide,” says founder Bill Maher. “The challenge and opportunity is to now take it even further.”

Visit the new site at www.intelaplay.com.

On Thanksgiving Day, Junction is reminded of its great fortune:

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for me to reflect on the gifts I have received from my family and friends throughout the year and how I’ve helped others to have a better life. It is the start of the holiday season, and starts my thinking of my goals for the New Year. This year, I am especially thankful for the men and women of the armed forces, and wishing them a safe holiday and travel back to their homes as we move towards 2012. – RJE

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays! Aside from eating yummy food and spending time with family, this day is all about being thankful for what we have. This year, I’m grateful for my family, friends, and my wonderful team at Junction for everything they’ve done for me. I wish everyone a great holiday season; may all your wishes be fulfilled! – TLS

Thanksgiving!  It notes the start of the holiday season, but most importantly, it’s time to spend with family and friends close to me. I’m thankful for life, family, friends, the USA. I’m thankful for doctors, nurses, servicemen and women. I’m thankful for life’s little treasures and the luxuries afforded. My list is long this year, but simply put… I’m thankful for my life’s journey. – MLC

This Thanksgiving Day, I give thanks for a life lived long enough to know good friends for a generation, the rewards that come with success and the lessons learned from failure, for life’s many challenges to overcome, for having had another year to share love with one very special woman, and for the courage and dedication of all those who sacrifice to secure our freedom. Happy Thanksgiving to the Junction Family and to all those whose needs we seek to serve. –J.MC

I am thankful for a great job where I can meet new people and learn new things at the same time. I have been well blessed this year and I am more fortunate than others in many ways. The love of family and friends really mean a lot to me. -DC

Each year, Thanksgiving offers us the opportunity to contemplate all that has happened in the course of the previous year and to feel grateful for the good fortunes we enjoy. I am thankful for loving and supportive family and friends, and a year that has been filled with new life experiences that have helped me grow. I wish everyone good eating and drinking, and an enjoyable tryptophan-induced nap. –JMA

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year.  It’s a day to not only reflect but to give thanks.  I have a lot to be thankful for in business and in life. I extend my gratitude to our clients and industry partners for trusting us to do what we love; to my dedicated team for striving to be the very best at what we do; to my family and friends for believing in the dream. May you all have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving Day!  – JCG

According to a survey by Robert Half International Inc., one third of executives believe the work environment is the most critical factor in keeping an employee satisfied in today’s business world. Besides the obvious truth that happy employees are productive employees, there is meaning as to why defining the right type of workplace is such a crucial element for business, regardless of industry. In the same survey in 1993, ‘praise and recognition’ was at the top of the list of factors most important to employee happiness, cited by 47%. (Of course, ‘compensation’ was another major choice.)The recent increase in attention to good work environments as a priority for both business owners and employees has likely stemmed from the successes of high profile companies who have chosen to construct nontraditional workplaces.

Top computer animation film studio Pixar constructed an imaginative and unique physical space for each employee, promoting creativity and enthusiasm. Google has offices across the country encouraging employees to find healthy distractions from their work, an unorthodox approach that has revolutionized productivity and has since been mimicked by companies worldwide.

Take a Break and Rack 'Em Up!

The formula for creating an amazing workplace isn’t really about casual dress code, free lunch, or pool tables. In reality, the most imperative practice is to maintain a connection to the values and mission of the company. Pixar and Google, beyond the superficial appeal of their offices, are tremendous examples of this.

Here at Junction, we operate in a work environment that reflects the values that inform our business practices. Our brand goals are authenticity, integrity, and value. Operating in a tight-knit, lean office environment allows us to communicate effectively, keeping our impact high and our clients’ costs low. We take pride in the fact that our workplace is an extension of our philosophy. Under the surface, any list of the ‘Best Places to Work’ is full of companies who do the same.

Founded in 2008 by CEO and Managing Partner Julie Gareleck, Junction established itself as a leader known for its hybrid approach. Focused on the intersection of strategy and execution, Junction provides services for businesses in verticals to include but not limited to retail, eCommerce, healthcare, publishing, marketing/advertising, travel and hospitality, manufacturing, technology, and consumer packaged goods.  Junction’s unique approach has driven measurable results for its clients marketing business to business or business to consumer.

In the last year, the company’s business has more than doubled, with 2011 seeing a progression of record months. In recent months, the company made the decision to expand its reach, opening business verticals due to client demand.

“We have expanded our reach to encompass these new verticals because we believe that our firm has the greatest potential to generate considerable impact,” said Gareleck. “We also believe that there are very few highly effective firms approaching solutions as we do; we think that our unique ‘un-agency’ model will deliver maximum value regardless of the vertical.”

The “un-agency” model combines business intelligence with aggressive, yet strategic marketing solutions, optimized for each client with the intent on increasing return on investment.   “We recognize that most business owners are not marketing experts,” commented Gareleck.  “Developing customized growth strategies and executing those strategies are time intensive.  Our services allow our clients to spend more time running the business and less time worrying about how to drive down marketing spend while also increasing market share.”

To learn more about Junction and its clients, visit www.junction-creative.com.

The truth is, the plethora of failed shows actually serve as a vehicle for the success of hit shows in a number of different ways. NBC’s The Playboy Club, with its relatively high production budget and massive advertising campaign, busted after just 3 episodes. In its place, the network introduced Rock Center, a newsmagazine show featuring popular NBC Nightly News managing editor and anchor Brian Williams, which should prove to be a hit. Sitcoms are particularly volatile; CBS’s How to be a Gentleman was axed almost immediately, but 2 Broke Girls on NBC has managed the highest ratings of any new comedy on TV. On the surface it seems like a matter of chance, but the major networks’ formula is far more precise than simply throwing a handful of darts at a target at once and hoping that one sticks.

There are other tactics being used with new shows in the process of sustaining ratings. For example, ABC’s rehash of Charlie’s Angels was cancelled amidst its first season, but the show, which many correctly predicted would be a flop, was intentionally penciled into a timeslot immediately preceding the popular Grey’s Anatomy, now in its eighth season. This kind of strategy is typical to the industry, drawing new audiences to strong shows to bolster their success. Grey’s will likely see another debut show fill the same role next season. On the other side of the coin, a new show may be juxtaposed with an already popular one, as in the case of the aforementioned 2 Broke Girls, which airs between the veteran How I Met Your Mother and last season’s surprise success Mike and Molly. It is clear that there is more to determining a new show’s success than luck.

The television networks have figured out and streamlined a formula that works for them, but the process of working diligently to discover and optimize a blueprint is an essential component to building a business in any industry. With the right formula, a business can avoid ending up on the cutting room floor.

North Dakota has literally “struck oil,” but there have been a number of other strong growth sectors in the weak economy that haven’t simply been the result of luck. Sustaining business when there are less resources available merely requires a different mode of thought and the vision to understand what users will and will not prioritize. Small ideas executed in the right order can be just as effective as one big one.

For example, the beauty industry has flourished during the economic downturn, with haircutting and styling on the rise, thanks to a level of emotional attachment that brings clients into salons regardless of budget constraints. Some unemployed professionals have taken the initiative to shift their career paths, taking jobs at salons due to the demand. Offering a more competitive rate and attracting customers has helped many of these individuals thrive in their industry. Despite being a luxury service, beauticians have successfully monetized the priority many individuals place on their appearance.

It is hard to tell how long the oil boom in North Dakota will last. The size of the reserve suggests that there may be as many as 30 years of steady drilling, but a changing regulatory environment and alternative fuel sources could diminish that demand within a decade. Along with the sudden explosion of opportunity comes a great degree of uncertainty.  In other industries, such as beauty, building a sustainable business against the obstacles of the economy is a slower, more carefully planned practice. The right strategy can take chance out of the process.

Suffering through those decades when demand for fresh foods was at an all-time low, many farms were forced to reduce production and staff, or shut down operations completely.  Farmers who managed to survive the down period have taken a creative entrepreneurial approach.

Diversification of the ‘farm business’ is a mandatory ingredient in the recipe for maintaining not only the business side of farm operations, but also for preserving the relationships between people and their food. While many floundered, some farmers envisioned a different approach to sustaining their businesses. Beginning with the reestablishment of the idea of the Farmer’s Market, where farms and the community come together directly, more creative ideas for saving the industry began to emerge.

In 2002, the Full Moon Coop gathered several small operations and combined them to form an alliance of farmers dedicated to addressing the issues they all faced together. The resulting partnership gave way to collaborative projects including popular ‘farm-to-table’ restaurants Farm 255 in Athens, GA and Farmburger in Atlanta, GA, which provided the farmers with steady business as well as an alternative revenue stream. Some farms such as Gizdich Farms in Watsonville, CA, chose to diversify by expanding into operations such as farm tours, public access for peach or apple picking, or cooking classes using farm fresh ingredients. Others saw a niche in the specialty foods market and began packaging and selling prepared  jams and pickles with recipes that had been handed down from generation to generation, capitalizing on demand and helping kick-start another stage of the food revolution.

Making any business work amidst a trying economic climate takes a special level of dedication and strategy.  Farms such as those that have mutually fueled and benefitted from the current food revolution have shown that creativity and a willingness to take risks and diversify can pay dividends.

Aside from messages of political charge and class unrest, one dramatic message that the #Occupy movements have brought to light is the fact that social media remains largely unregulated in its relative infancy. For years, the FCC and the FTC have tightly regulated advertising to prevent false information, defamation, slander, and other kinds of damaging information, whether founded or unfounded.  These rules generally do well to protect brands from attacks across traditional media, but the same cannot be said about social networks. In the online space, users are able to criticize others with great freedom.

Accordingly, brands must engage social media with a certain level of trepidation; careful measures must be taken to ensure that the message broadcast to these enormous and greatly diverse audience is consistent and authentic. Whereas the advertising realm has become formalized and civilized, the battle for beneficial digital or social media marketing is more akin to a turf war. One misstep can be highly destructive to brand affecting customer loyalty. The volatility of the #Occupy movement should be a warning signal for brands.  Social media is a powerful yet unstable force, and will remain so until the regulatory environment matures.

Traditionally, scary themes would make an appearance around Halloween.  And yet, now, these prominent memes no longer resurface just for Trick or Treat.  Vampires of both the horrific and harmless variety have become increasingly prevalent subject matter in books, television, and film, spawning a ‘vampire mania’ and creating numerous successful media franchises. Borders Books, although closed, had an entire section dedicated to “Teen Paranormal Romance.”  TV shows such as AMC’s The Walking Dead capitalize on society’s fascination with the idea of a zombie apocalypse. This premise is so powerful that it has fueled an entire segment of the film industry for nearly 50 years following 1968’s Night of the Living Dead.  Fear of the supernatural, the mysterious, and the macabre is an experience shared by all people, making these subjects appealing and easily relatable for audiences. Leveraging this idea, publishers and studios become wildly successful as these series garner remarkable followings.

Not every meme needs to become incredibly popular to achieve some commercial success. Meme creation and promotion is geared to many of the same goals as viral marketing, meaning that often times, a meme may only create a small but very solid following, which can constitute effective internet marketing in certain niches.

So as All Hallow’s Eve approaches, consider how effectively many businesses utilize memes in marketing. Campaigns built upon these ideas work because they are tuned to experiences that are shared by users. Make a connection with these touchstones and tap deeper into a market.  And watch out for zombies!

The prospects for digital advertising are certainly still bright. Yahoo introduced two new formats for advertisements within its popular Messenger and email applications, showing confidence in the promise of social interaction platforms. On a similar note, PricewaterhouseCoopers released findings of soaring advertising rates on social networks, claiming that the slower economy encourages a shift from traditional to digital media. The cost efficiency and high level of visibility of the digital social space are key indicators for advertisers.

Following this industry conversion, social networking today also fuels trends in traditional media. No longer is it just the early adopters engaging with digital advertising, but people from all market segments and demographics. Even traditional outlets such as television viewership are now heavily affected by the general audience’s level of exposure to interactive ads, viral video, and social media during their time online. With literally billions of clicks through these channels every hour, there is more than plenty of incentive to push advertising towards this space.

So what is the next step for advertisers? One speaker at the ANA conference suggested that uncertain times increase willingness for risk-taking. For advertisers, regardless of the medium, the challenge is to innovate more than ever before.

There is truth in the expression that the night is darkest just before dawn.  Even the most seasoned and hardened entrepreneurs or business owners become vulnerable to the pressure.

In lieu of a spa day or a round of golf, here are a few tips for enduring long days:

1. Switch Gears: Step away from the computer.  Take a break from the office if only to run an errand, have coffee with a friend, or get in a quick workout.  It’s like hitting a reset button.

2. Ask for Help: Reach out to like minded folks or family. Don’t be afraid to share ideas, strategies, or challenges. It’s ok to ask for advice. Leverage the support system in place to find a fresh perspective.

3. Trust Your Instinct: Starting and growing a business isn’t just about strategy but also instinct.  Trust that it will guide decisions.

4. Look Ahead: Take a look at the big picture.  Instead of placing emphasis only on pressing goals, objectives, daily tasks, etc., celebrate the achievements, no matter how small.

Technology coupled with the Internet continues to redefine the entrepreneurial business model. The logistical challenges for growing a business through branding and marketing have been drastically mitigated by the social media revolution. The digital age has brought unlimited access to informational resources, fully open lines of communication, and a culture of user democracy where customers become vocal brand advocates.

Entrepreneurs like Gary Vaynerchuk, a bestselling author and entrepreneur who transformed a family owned wine shop into a national industry leader by harnessing the power of the internet, understand this message of opportunity. Take advertising as an example. His small shop purchased a billboard in a high visibility area for 2 months, costing $9,000. On the billboard was a coupon code, that when seen by thousands of people, generated 250 new orders. Using social media, he offered the coupon code through his twitter account, and leveraged an expansive network of followers, generating 1700 orders in 2 weeks. The cost of social media = $0. The advantages are glaring.

The wine market in the US is becoming a crowded market, with thousands of bottle options lining store shelves across the country. With sales continually on the rise, there is too large a potential windfall to risk ignoring the power of new media. Successful winemakers and merchants are reaching their customer bases through their online networks, building brand affinity and driving increased brand loyalty and sales. Without effective digital solutions, it’s a struggle to keep up with the curve.

Many would-be entrepreneurs are unsure or even afraid of using the internet, but it is unwise to think that traditional marketing methods can create the same opportunities as digital tactics. There is a lot to learn, but a little effort and some adaptation can mean a huge payoff for winemakers.

As if diagnosing and treating infectious diseases, hereditary disorders, and emergency medical issues isn’t hard enough, the ongoing changes in healthcare make practice increasingly complex for doctors.  Private practice isn’t as appealing for those looking to mitigate regulations changes, rising operating costs, and lawsuits endemic of the industry.

So why then, facing a convoluted regulatory environment and the potential for extended periods of negative salary that come with the territory of starting a business, are doctors moving towards entrepreneurism? It seems counterintuitive, but so is the fact that the weakened economy actually reduces the opportunity cost of starting a business. For many doctors, independence from hospital scheduling equates to freedom of lifestyle and, with reasonable success, increase in earnings; plenty of incentive to take the plunge.

Liabilities ring true for all businesses, but successful entrepreneurs across various industries have always proven that the willingness to invest the time and effort and make the right decisions can have major payoffs.

Wednesday evening, the world learned the sad news of the death of the defining visionary of the tech boom.  Junction is saddened by the loss of Steve Jobs, a truly rare innovator who continually set new benchmarks for how we interact with technology. For many, including the Junction team, Jobs’ legacy remains entwined in everyday life.

JMA– “You don’t have to be a ‘Mac’ to understand how devices like the iPod or iPhone have shaped our modern lives. A brilliant and dedicated originator, Jobs will be sorely missed, but his influence will be felt for generations.”

TLS – “Jobs had great knowledge and vision that impacted millions. He truly changed the way the world thinks, works, and plays!”

RJE – “Jobs made using computers, iPods, iPhones, iPads easy and fun! And that’s what it is all about, ease of use for everyone and fun for all. Thank you, Steve.”

MLC – “Jobs revolutionized the computer industry with his vision and dedication to seeing a dream through to reality. His innovations and forward thinking will be missed by young and old alike. Thank you Steve. You will be missed”

JCG – “Steve Jobs, akin to the greatest visionaries in history, defied the boundaries of technology, business, and marketing. May his impact on the industry continue to motivate and inspire.”

The entire Junction staff extends our condolences to the Jobs family as well as Apple. Few individuals will remain in our memory as steadfastly as Steve Jobs.

A reactive shift in strategy has helped publishing houses adapt, incorporating digital distribution methods and allowing advertisers to reach greater audiences through multiple platforms. Smart implementation of new strategies has helped recover a portion of the business initially lost to the internet.  Few magazines of these could survive the loss of ad revenue if they were to eliminate print in favor of a web-only publishing model. What works for these publishers is moving timely and directed content to web media, and utilizing print to preserve income from advertisers. In this model, subscribers also have increased access to content that is updated more quickly, an increase in quality of service – a benefit to the publication’s brand.

The change is paying off. For magazines and newspapers, the rate-card-reported advertising revenue for the first six months of 2011 represented a 4% increase versus the same period in 2010. In fact, the sector has posted increases in ad revenue and pages for 5 consecutive quarters. We’re seeing a resurgence, and we’re seeing it across all markets — trade, academic, professional,” said Tina Jordan, Vice President of the Association of American Publishers in the New York Times on August 11. “In each category we’re seeing growth. The printed word is alive and well whether it takes a paper or digital delivery.”

Despite the industry’s heavy favor for digital distribution, publishing isn’t yet a sinking ship. Smart adaptation has helped plug holes in the hull, but there may still be uncertainty as to how long the dollars will continue to come in for print. Although it’s difficult to predict where publishing will be in 10 years, it’s safe to say that it will be shaped by changes in consumer behavior and digital innovation.

Social entrepreneurs are somewhat of a misunderstood group. In order to make an impact, social enterprises require equal if not greater effort than for-profit businesses and are costly to initiate. At a minimum, social enterprises struggle to maintain a universal goal of sustainability. Some may be initially or later become profitable, but how a social business chooses to reinvest its profits varies substantially from conventional businesses.

TOMS, a footwear retailer, embodies the principles of a successful social enterprise. Blake Mycoskie, the founder, created the business, which matches every pair of shoes with a pair donated to a child in need, as a means of addressing an issue which he personally witnessed while traveling in Argentina. With a boom in popularity from media exposure over the positive change the company was enacting, the company has now sold and donated more than 1 million pairs. TOMS is profitable, but utilizes its proceeds to support its mission.

Sarvajal, a franchised business which leverages water filtration technologies to bring clean drinking water to rural areas, is an example of another type of social enterprise: a highly profit-driven company which maintains an aspiration of social change. The model offers franchisees the potential to profit hundreds of thousands of dollars annually while dramatically improving the lives of the people they serve.

There is money to be made, but profitability doesn’t influence the decisions of these businesses on the same order of magnitude as their responsibility towards their mission.  Sometimes, as in the case of Kiva, a vastly successful micro-lending website hailed by many as the ‘poster child’ for modern social enterprise, they come under great scrutiny due to common conceptions of business ethics derived from the behaviors of for-profit companies.

Building a successful business in a poor economy is a daunting endeavor. Then again, so is changing the world. With strong support to help tackle both, social entrepreneurship remains a durable and meaningful industry.

Julie and host Karen Rands discussed the values, philosophies, and methodologies that make Junction a leader amongst the large number of firms touting ‘consulting services.’ During the interview, Julie explained Junction’s unique value to its clients, which range from entrepreneurs and startup business to Fortune 500 companies. The pair discussed what constitutes impactful strategy and how Junction is able to effectively map out and execute on the strategies it designs to drive value and achieve results.

Rands, who herself works to bring entrepreneurs together with members of the capital community in order to gain access to capital, touted the power of expert strategic partnerships such as that which Junction offers its clients. Julie spoke to the fact that companies, large and small, often undervalue the value that the right partner can drive. She pointed out that, as Junction often tells its clients, “[business owners] don’t know what you don’t know,” and can benefit greatly from a relationship with a strategic partner.

The full interview is available for listening at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/karen-rands/2011/09/23/compassionate-capitalist-gets-creative

Junction Creative Solutions (Junction), founded in 2008, is a hybrid strategic firm that combines the intellectual capital of a business consulting firm with the creative execution of an advertising agency.  Junction prides itself on developing and implementing key strategies and solutions that drive real impact for its clients.  Junction, as a rising leader in the industry, grew 300% in 2010 and is positioned to reach 400% growth in 2011.

Gareleck has consulted with hundreds of pre-seed, early stage, and established companies throughout her career with proven results.  Her portfolio includes measurable, integrated strategies for start-ups, Fortune 500, and Fortune 100 companies across various industries.

Tune in to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/karen-rands/2011/09/23/compassionate-capitalist-gets-creative to listen.

Redbox, a subsidiary of Coinstar, exemplifies the importance of considering the wants of the end user. As foreseen by McDonald’s venture division, which initially funded the company, Redbox’s hyper-convenient kiosk model, placed thoughtfully within grocery stores and pharmacies as part of the consumer’s normal routine, took merely 4 years to surpass industry leader Blockbuster in number of locations. Along with other alternatives like Netflix, with mailing and instant streaming designed to eliminate the hassles of the the video rental process, Redbox has now forced traditional video rental retailers like Blockbuster into obsolescence and even bankruptcy.

Likewise, Domino’s and Pizza Hut have elevated the humble pizza-delivery industry, bolstering their already powerful businesses by incorporating online ordering via computer, mobile device, or even text messaging, and allowing customers to follow up with the status of their order with tools like Domino’s pizza tracker. Pizza delivery has always been a convenience-based service, but now more than ever, simplifying and expediting the process is crucial. Millions of dollars are spent annually by these companies in efforts to better cater to their customers.

Convenience-oriented design in a product or service is an absolutely essential ingredient for building a successful enterprise. Consumers are simply more interested in a product that suits their lifestyle, and are willing to invest more in that brand. Most importantly, ease of use and speediness of service builds strong brand affinity. Design your business anticipating the needs of the end user, and distinguish your brand from competitors to achieve wins. Isn’t that convenient?

True innovation is the driving force of changes in consumer desires.  The banking industry in the 1990s was a prime example; the internet was a new dynamic in the business of banking. Market research at the time suggested that bank customers found the web irrelevant to their personal finance. Obviously for most banks, the smart play was to ignore web integration.  Leading banks of the era like Citicorp and J.P. Morgan & Co saw the situation differently; noticing potential to revolutionize banking with new capabilities that the internet offered. Internet banking boomed from 2000-2004 and a decade later, online services are the preferred banking method of the majority of bank customers; Bank of America and Chase even offer mobile banking through smartphone platforms.

Bank customers also proudly show their loyalties and advocate for their bank’s brand on social media websites. Other trends in the social media space, arguably the most influential emergent industry in the modern era, mirror the banking industry’s display of a need for progressive thinking. Aside from the negative stigma collected through years of issues like cyberbullying and hacking, myspace.com, once on the forefront of social media, was ultimately crippled by its inability to innovate. By contrast, Facebook’s rise to becoming undisputed standard-bearer for social media has been marked by its consistency in offering new services and integrations. As time passed, Facebook’s offerings became the new benchmark for the expectations of social media users.

In order to maintain a competitive edge, it’s best not to react to the latest market research once it’s published. Try to stay ahead of the market. Innovate. Why wait in line for the teller when you can make a deposit using your iPhone?

As a venture catalyst, LAUNCHfn accelerates the success of growing companies through a unique access to capital system that includes strategic services necessary to position the company for sustainable and scalable growth. The workshop will offer insights directly from the experts on pitching to attract investors, hands-on activities to craft and perfect an ‘elevator pitch’, and strategies to take the pitch back to an entire team to master. Registrants will have the opportunity to practice their pitch during a networking event to follow the workshop, and deliver directly to investors from the local capital community.

“Mastering one’s elevator pitch…basically their 90 second ‘infomercial’, is critical to success for an entrepreneur,” says Karen Rands, President, Launch Funding Network. “Mastering communicating one’s value proposition so that is easily understandable and compelling will attract investors, customers, and partners/influencers, and this workshop has been proven to help do just that.”

“We are happy to support LAUNCHfn and the entrepreneurs participating at the event,” comments Julie Gareleck, Managing Partner, Junction.  “It’s refreshing to see new companies and entrepreneurs starting up in the region. We look forward to following the growth in 2011.”

Registration for the Fast Pitch Workshop and Networking Event is still open for entrepreneurs and investors. Visit http://launchfn.com/fastpitch.html for more information.

Well-targeted content is an incredibly powerful catalyst for driving traffic. Users seeking extended interaction can bolster a brand’s position in the space, but with www.blogpulse.com identifying more than 170,000,000 blogs in existence and YouTube hosting billions of hours of video, content must be both attention-grabbing and carefully tailored in order to break through and truly captivate an audience.

Comcast’s Xfinity page offers the company’s 14 million plus subscribers with a large selection of original news, sports, and entertainment videos that are heavily branded within their own embedded media player. The content is juxtaposed with the users’ email access, keeping them on that page. This is the modern evolution of the approach taken by AOL when it dominated the ISP market, combining the primary services of the application (email, chat, and web browsing) with a portal for extended engagement using news headlines, games, and other multimedia.

Companies like Nike, Burger King, and Yahoo! all have leveraged branded custom websites for targeted ad campaigns, drawing existing customers into deeper relationships with their respective brands. ESPN, already a powerful media originator, recently launched its supplementary Grantland website, where users can find extended reading, broadening their interactions with the sports news giant.

Even small and startup businesses can benefit from creating or sourcing custom content. A few important tips to follow:

- Be original. There is little motivation for a reader to choose a blog over a major media outlet if the story is the same.

- Deliver value. Be diligent to include relevant statistics, infographics, and visual enhancements to tell users something relevant and new.

- Focus on the target audience. The research and the voice in which the content is presented should fit the philosophy and interests of the users.

- Invite discussion. The internet is the ultimate social platform. Include users in the conversation to give them a voice, encouraging advocacy for the brand.

Whether you decide to manage content generation or hire an external firm, focus on providing meaningful and engaging content to grow brand affinity and attract new audiences. It is time well spent.

Junction, founded in 2008, has seen its sphere of influence achieve considerable growth, aiding clients in bridging the gap between strategy and execution as they grow sustainable businesses. A recent two week foray into the northeast corridor has provided Junction the opportunity to further develop relationships with companies in New York City, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia.

Philadelphia based Realtime Media, one such collaborative partner, cosponsored an event on September 1st. Realtime, recognized as North America’s top technology-drive marketing promotion specialist, is an example of how a collaboration can drive maximum impact and provide comprehensive solutions to clients.

“The northeast offers a number of opportunities to drive new business and create more sustainable businesses. What we do at Junction has no geographical borders; companies everywhere can benefit from creating a sound strategy and executing on marketing solutions,” comments Julie Gareleck, CEO and Managing Partner, Junction.  “Impact is impact, regardless of location.”

To view a snapshot of the networking events, visit Junction’s Flickr photostream at www.flickr.com/photos/junctioncreativesolutions/ .

“We have already seen over 60% growth so far in 2011, and we are poised to add new hospitals in neighboring states, allowing us to extend our expert services to underserved areas,” said Matthews Gwynn, M.D., CEO, AcuteCare.“The launch of the website marks another significant milestone for our business as we continue to grow. It is a useful tool, and we hope it will be a spark for the future of the company.”

The new online experience highlights a unique value proposition for hospitals and administrators complete with information and testimonials to support the company’s ongoing mission of providing expert care using remote presence technologies.

“We are excited to be working with an emerging leader in telemedicine,” commented Julie Gareleck, Managing Partner, Junction Creative Solutions. “The partners have built not only a brand, but a valuable company.  We hope the launch of this new website will increase visibility for the company and present more opportunities for continued growth.”

Visit the new site at www.acutecaretelemed.com.

Realtime, recognized as North America’s top technology-driven marketing promotion specialist, believes in expanding opportunities to partner and collaborate.

“We’re looking forward to the event and working with a great firm like Junction,” commented Ryan Davis, President, Realtime Media. “As we have gotten to know Julie Gareleck and her company, it has become clear to us that we can do a lot together – from providing a great client experience on the Freedom to providing a full suite of marketing solutions. This kind of event is perfect for leaders from several great companies to meet both Junction and Realtime Media, and also to meet each other. The wealth of experience on the yacht is going to be quite impressive.”

Julie Gareleck, Managing Partner, Junction, is equally enthusiastic about the event, as well as the partnership with Realtime.

“At Junction, we focus on delivering real value and do not pretend to do well what we don’t do well. For our clients, we focus on building stronger businesses and providing comprehensive solutions.  A partnership with Realtime Media is a fantastic way for our clients to leverage the expertise in online promotions to compliment the solutions we provide,” said Gareleck.  “The networking event is about connecting our clients with the best in the business.”

Visit Junction’s Flickr photostream at www.flickr.com/photos/junctioncreativesolutions/ to see images of the yacht and the event.

Fortune 500 companies depend on marketing dollars to raise awareness, capture market share, and meet shareholder expectations. In fact, Forrester Research reports that by 2016, companies will spend more than $77B annually on interactive marketing alone.

It may be obvious that small and midsize businesses must tread particularly carefully during trying financial times, and yet even the largest and most powerful organizations are not immune from the effects of an economic downturn. The greatest issue facing well established businesses in the current recession is that traditional cost-containment approaches that have helped in the past have proven to be insufficient this time around.

As such, multinational corporations and even Fortune 500 companies have been forced to reevaluate their needs. By magnifying the focus on internal auditing, these large companies are seeking to streamline spending, attempting to develop solutions that are more thoughtful and proactive than reactionary measures such as layoffs.

As corporations meticulously examine their budgets, they are finding existing partnerships and processes that are costly and inefficient, which under normal circumstances would go unnoticed. The recession has uncovered these flawed relationships, compelling companies to seek more sustainable, cost-effective alternatives. Here is how:

• Design newer, leaner processes to achieve effective result as a much wiser expenditure for the long-term.
• Assess expenditures and compare against industry average.
• Identify new partners who have billable rates equitable to the quality of the work.
• Engage a partner focused on driving impact with effective solutions rather than taking a carte blanche approach.
• Measure. Measure. Measure.

Operating under the constraints of a difficult financial environment can make a business more effective. A 2009 study by the Kauffman Foundation showed that more than half of the companies on the Fortune 500 list had been founded under gloomy financial circumstances. Such success stories illustrate that diligence in adapting, rather than slashing marketing spend has proven powerful for businesses both large and small.

There is inherent and undeniable value in finding a good advisor(s) who can provide not only strategic direction but tactical assistance in moving the business forward.  An external strategic firm with in-depth industry knowledge and a diligent focus can be an indispensible ally for an entrepreneur, SMB, or large firm.  It can prevent failures in strategy or uncover important insights to ensure success.

Management consultants can provide information, resolution, implementation, and overall organizational effectiveness to move a business forward.  In order for the relationship to be successful, entrepreneurs must remember to:

Trust – Finding the right relationship with an advisor is critical.  Without trust, the relationship could prove to be detrimental and result in less than effective results.

Engage – Collaborating with an advisor is a key ingredient to the success.  Entrepreneurs must continue to engage and actively get involved with conversations regarding the business.

Execute – Listening and learning are important. Success, however, lies in the execution.

Understanding the value of consultation with a strategic firm can be a crucial step towards building or furthering a successful business. The proper course of action for bridging strategy and execution differs greatly for every business, and can be a difficult path to discover. Rather than play a guessing game, business owners should free themselves from the extreme demands of the “jack-of-all-trades” cliché, focus on driving the business forward as the CEO, and let the consultant handle the items that they don’t know.

The outcome of a stroke, the number 3 cause of death in the U.S., can be significantly affected by the response time of a qualified primary stroke center or the response of a remote team of neurologists like those from AcuteCare Telemedicine. On-call 24/7/365 to support hospitals anywhere in the nation, the AcuteCare neurologists are drastically improving the chances for patients in those critical moments when minutes and medical expertise matter, while driving down costs for the hospitals they serve.

The Business Hour offers a macroscopic and microscopic view of the professional world, as host Ron Comacho talks with guests about what non-profit and for-profit organizations do to survive and thrive within an ever-changing marketplace. Comacho drills down to have guests share the story of why they do what they do and how they do it.  Listeners get an inside perspective on what it takes to run a business and how to succeed in a highly competitive world.

Tune in at www.americaswebradio.com.

The need for businesses to capture and retain market share is as important as the consumer’s need for getting the best deal. For some, brand equity increases with as new customers are introduced to its services through this new form of couponing.  Partnerships with deal sites drive new business, improve customer loyalty, and result in increased profitability.

While success stories exist, many businesses have come forward claiming that deal site partnerships have negatively impacted the business. In the age of print coupons, offering discounts was a cheap and easy form of marketing which often blurred perceptions that lower prices equated to lower quality.  In the era of digital couponing, bargain hunters are more interested in a deal than becoming a loyal customer. The potential for long periods of thin margins or a case of increased demand leading to decreased quality, damages brand equity. A partnership with Groupon can, in fact, cost a business more than it will return.

With metrics being difficult to obtain due to inefficient tracking methods for a user or repeat users, companies must consider the impact of this growing “grouponomy” on brand perception and the bottom line.  In the end, businesses are looking for the best possible deal.

Online eTailers such as Amazon.com and Ebay.com have built enterprises with automated systems regulating the relationship with consumers.  Amazon.com, the largest online retailer in the world, provides ease of use to its customers with one-click shopping from selection through transaction.  This highly efficient system is not immune to pitfalls. Even the slightest performance issue can cause logistical and financial consequences that directly impact the end consumer.

Even more prone to causing a decrease in consumer confidence is the impact of technology used in the financial industry.  Financial markets in the digital age are sensitive to increased volatility, as scripts in programs violently trade equities at millisecond intervals in step with movements in the market, resulting in intra-day point moves on the major indices that have never been seen before.

The results of this process have major implications. “These sudden price swings, which may have absolutely zero fundamental basis, actually become a catalyst themselves for undermining consumer confidence and corporate willingness to spend, which results in slower spending and a slower economy,” remarks Stephen Ardizzoni, Global Head, Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisors. “This ‘negative feedback’ loop soon starts to take a life unto itself, and in short order a technical sell off can actually produce fundamental problems for the capital markets as a whole.”

Advancements in technology will continue to present businesses with incredible opportunities to maximize efficiency. However, the human element remains equally as important.  IBM’s Watson may have dominated his debut on Jeopardy, but analysts are rightfully skeptical about the long-term performance of such technologies. Although slower and more costly, human beings are still the masters of technology, and can provide complete control that machinery cannot. For driving real impact, people never go obsolete.

Athletes like Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, LeBron James, Michael Phelps, and Maria Sharapova have seemingly figured out how to leverage status to endorse consumer products, champion for causes, and spread a sphere of influence far beyond athletic competition.

The Fortunate 50, published by Sports Illustrated, compares the salaries of the top 50 highest-earning athletes to the winnings, endorsements, and appearance fees earned. Tiger Woods maintains his number 1 ranking for the 8^th consecutive year, despite his personal controversy with the state of his marital affairs.  Tiger earned only $2.3M in winnings, but tops the list with nearly $60M in endorsement deals.

The New York Times highlighted tennis star Sharapova for her success in establishing a financially beneficial brand. Her earnings, largely from off-court endorsement deals, are estimated at $25M annually, making her the undisputed highest-earning female athlete. The 24 year old Russian has developed a brand with an international appeal that resonates not only with tennis fans, but women all over the world. Even though she isn’t dominating the pro tennis tour as she once did, her appearance in print and film advertisements and product endorsement has catapulted her brand into the global market place.

The value of a brand doesn’t stop when the competition ends.   Businesses and individuals alike can learn from the success of these athletes.  Businesses may never attain $60M in endorsement deals, but leveraging a unique brand and positive reputation to generate long-term success can make even the rookies (new businesses) the most powerful.

Largely against what might be expected with the overall economic climate, Junction Creative Solutions (Junction), an Atlanta-based strategy firm, and its local clients have managed to show that entrepreneurship is alive and well. Driven by innovation and carefully executed strategies to overcome the volatility of the small business environment, both Junction and a number of its Atlanta-based clients are achieving unprecedented growth in the first half of 2011.

AcuteCare Telemedicine, an emerging Atlanta-based teleneurology services provider, has seen business grow 60% since 2010. The company has successfully contracted with both urban and suburban hospitals in the Atlanta area to provide expert neurology services through remote presence technologies. AcuteCare’s model drives down costs for medical facilities while effectively increasing quality of care, potentially saving lives in the process.

The 4 partners remain optimistic in the continued growth of their business in Georgia and throughout the Southeast as the company gains visibility in the industry. “Atlanta has long been a successful incubator for entrepreneurs,” says Matthews Gwynn, M.D., CEO, AcuteCare Telemedicine. COO, Keith Sanders, M.D. adds, “Even in these difficult financial times, the reasonable regulatory environment will help this city continue to lead the way as the economy improves.”

Competitive Sports Analysis, LLC (CSA), headed by serial entrepreneur Diane Bloodworth, launched a new interactive website integrated with its pioneering scoutPRO™ technology, designed to help fantasy football players gain a competitive edge. CSA has fostered growth throughout the first and second quarters by embracing a well planned business and marketing strategy.

Bloodworth is fond of the entrepreneurial environment in Atlanta, having moved from Washington, D.C. 6 years ago. “I am always impressed with the support of Atlanta’s community. We have received excellent guidance through initiatives like the StartupChicks Accelerator Program and the ATDC Angel Readiness Program.” Added Bloodworth, “With the resources available here to businesses such as ours, it has been very rewarding to see our ideas successfully implemented.”

Julie Gareleck, Managing Partner, Junction, says “We are fortunate to have clients who reinforce the core principles of our own business: authenticity, integrity, value, and most importantly, true entrepreneurship.” Junction has exemplified a strong belief in the power of the right planning for business. “Our firm is dedicated to delivering strategies that hold strong value for our clients, and we work diligently to practice what we preach.”

Gareleck’s firm and its clients take a measure of inspiration from each other to drive business, drawing insight from the attitudes and approaches displayed by one another. In its own strategy and execution, Junction is positioned well to creatively react to the constant changes surrounding the business environment.

Theory M, a software development and consulting firm that leverages new technologies to help clients implement multimedia strategies across multiple platforms, has valued Junction’s philosophies to capitalize on hidden opportunities available to them in Atlanta. “Like Junction, we recognize that we need to be flexible. Luckily, Atlanta is a growth area for new technology and is attracting the type of talented professionals that are interested in the challenge,” says Michael Mayer, Managing Partner, Theory M.

Coming from completely varied industries, businesses such as AcuteCare Telemedicine, Competitive Sports Analysis, and Theory M are showing that Atlanta is ripe with entrepreneurs and small businesses that are prospering with the right approach. “Despite the outlook, it is a promising time for an opportunistic business that knows how to acclimatize itself,” says Gareleck. “Atlanta is experiencing a boom of businesses that have come to this realization, and we’re so excited to be part of it.”

One game in particular has been successful in leveraging the power of word of mouth marketing and social media to garner ‘must download’ status.  Introducing Angry Birds, which started as a simple physics game, but has become a social phenomenon and launched a full-blown enterprise.

With more than 300 million downloads to date, Angry Birds has quickly become the single most used application in the world. The concept of the popular game may seem odd; players propel various birds using a slingshot to exact revenge upon green pigs, who have stolen the birds’ eggs.  Asinine as the premise may be, users have become addicted and are joining the global conversation. The game’s social impact includes a Facebook page with more than 5 million fans, as well as the Angry Birds Forum and Angry Birds Nest, dedicated social forums to discuss strategies, tactics, frustrations, and ideas.  Television personalities like Conan O’Brian and John Stewart are talking about the game on their programs. Companies such as Sprint have even licensed Angry Birds for use in advertising.

Angry Birds is the best example of how social gaming, leveraging the advantages of the mobile marketplace, capitalizes on the nature of its users to spread content virally. Other mobile games, like the popular Words with Friends, have exploited social engagement and gone viral, but nothing has come close to the wild popularity of Angry Birds. With licensed merchandise on store shelves and even a possible movie on the horizon, how big will the sphere of influence become? And beyond that, what will be the next big thing to hit social mobile gaming?

The hour-long interview focused on topics related to Junction’s unique positioning as a valuable hybrid agency in the broad marketplace of firms offering “consulting services.” Gareleck described how every business has unique strengths and inherent weaknesses, but regardless of industry, well-researched and effectively planned strategy is a universal necessity for success. She illustrated how several of Junction’s clients, ranging in size from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, have leveraged sound strategy to thrive in a highly competitive, quickly evolving business environment.

Comacho’s questions drilled down to the details of how Junction, as a growing firm, can generate great impact and supply measurable return on investment by providing custom-tailored solutions. The conversation included an examination of how Junction capitalizes on its own core values of authenticity and integrity in this process. Founded on the same spirit of entrepreneurship that drives its clients, the company has been fortunate to have fostered a reputation for delivering real value in its services as it has grown from a one-woman operation to a team of 12.

The entire conversation is available for listening in The Business Hour’s Archive, at http://www.radiosandysprings.com/podcasts/BusinessHourJuly29.2011.mp3

The Business Hour offers a macroscopic and microscopic view of the professional world, as host Ron Comacho talks with guests about what non-profit and for-profit organizations do to survive and thrive within an ever-changing marketplace. Comacho drills down to have guests share the story of why they do what they do and how they do it.  Listeners get an inside perspective on what it takes to run a business and how to succeed in a highly competitive world.

Junction Creative Solutions (Junction), founded in 2008, is a hybrid strategic firm that combines the intellectual capital of a business consulting firm with the creative execution of an advertising agency.  Junction prides itself on developing and implementing key strategies and solutions that drive real impact for its clients.  Junction, as a rising leader in the industry, grew 300% in 2010 and is positioned to reach 400% growth in 2011.

Gareleck has consulted with hundreds of pre-seed, early stage, and established companies throughout her career with proven results.  Her portfolio includes measurable, integrated strategies for start-ups, Fortune 500, and Fortune 100 companies across various industries.

Tune in:  www.americaswebradio.com

Junction's Tamika Stewart (Left) and Donna Cropp (Right) enjoying the Atlanta Tennis Championships

Atlanta, with a top 10 metropolitan-area population size, is culturally known for a wide variety of things, from the Georgia Aquarium to the World of Coca Cola®. In recent years, Atlanta has pushed to grow and regain its status as a major American sports hub.

In the 1990s, Atlanta was one of the country’s premier sports towns. Georgia Tech opened the decade with a national college football championship in 1990. The Braves won the 1995 World Series. Nearby Augusta annually hosts The Masters, one of the PGA Tour’s four major championships. Not to mention, the Falcons, Hawks, and other professional and collegiate teams excite fans on a daily basis. Above all, Atlanta hosted the Centennial Edition of the Olympic Summer Games in 1996. As it entered the new millennium, fans welcomed the Atlanta Thrashers after an 18 year hiatus from NHL hockey.

However, less than ten years later, the city was named ‘America’s Most Miserable Sports City’ by Forbes Magazine. Atlanta found itself in need of a rebrand.  One step towards that goal has been the successful branding of the city as an attractive location for hosting professional tennis events.

The Racquet Club of the South played host to this year’s iteration of the Atlanta Tennis Championships, the second since the event’s relocation from Indianapolis, where it was known as the RCA Championships. The tournament draw featured of several of the marquee American players on the ATP World Tour, including James Blake, Robby Ginepri, and Ryan Harrison. In the end, two more top Americans squared off as Mardy Fish defeated University of Georgia alum and home crowd favorite John Isner in a rematch of 2010’s final to win his second consecutive championship in Atlanta.

Tennis fans around the country tuned into The Tennis Channel and ESPN for television broadcasts of the week-long competition. The Racquet Club of the South provided an excellent backdrop with top notch facilities and impressive crowds. “We were extremely impressed with the world class talent at the Atlanta Tennis Championships,” said attendee James Kiely M.D. “ESPN’s involvement and the coverage really underscores the national draw of the Atlanta sports market.”

While the Atlanta Tennis Championships is the first event in the ATP schedule, the organizers of the tournament are optimistic about the sport’s future in Atlanta. The series is undoubtedly expected to return next year, and locals will be sure to welcome it back with trademark hospitality. Perhaps someday pro tennis will find Georgia as suitable for a major event as the PGA Tour does, but for now, events like the Atlanta Tennis Championships are at least bringing excitement as the city strives for the rejuvenation of its once sports greatness.

Atlanta locals take in the action at the Racquet Club of the South

Remington Reynolds, Host and Chair, moderates the Panel Discussion

The Atlanta Technology Summit, an event in the 2011 Cloud Summit Series, drew a record attendance including CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, and other IT professionals from companies all over the Southeast to learn more about Security and Service Level Agreements in an Era of Cloud Computing.

“We were provided a broad educational outlook on the Cloud. It was an ‘everything you wanted to know, but were too afraid to ask’ experience,” commented Dick Eydt, Junction Creative Solutions. “The entire event, from the keynote to the panel discussion, and the workshops, was not only useful for professionals working in the technical space, but also quite revealing for anyone who uses social media or even simply email. Junction was proud to sponsor the event to support the efforts of the CIO Summit.”

David Barton, Principal, UHY Advisors, and Amanda Witt of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough kicked off the event outlining key security concerns and strategies for negotiating SLAs to mitigate risk as businesses move towards cloud computing solutions.  Following the keynote, attendees were treated to an informative and in-depth panel discussion and workshops addressing the nuances of the Cloud by seasoned IT leaders, including CIOs and CISOs from Equifax, Manhattan Associates, Cox Communications, The American Cancer Society, and others, facilitated by Remington Reynolds, Host and Chair of the Summit.

“The Summit was a tremendous success. We were especially pleased with the outstanding attendance and the level of engagement of the delegates,” said Steve Gareleck, President, Cost Management Group, following the event. “The day served as an excellent opportunity for our guests to network while furthering their understanding of the Cloud in order to better position themselves as leaders in their respective businesses.”

Following the workshops, guests resumed networking during a luncheon followed by the quarterfinals of the Atlanta Tennis Championships, hosted at the nearby Racquet Club of the South.

The day’s agenda contains panel discussions with CIOs and CTOs of notable companies to include American Cancer Society, Aquilex Corporation, Beazer Homes, Cox Communications Inc., Equifax, and Manhattan Associates, and features a Keynote address on the Future of Security in the Cloud.

Excitement surrounding the event has been building as attendees look forward to hearing from seasoned IT leaders as they discuss the Cloud and networking with the nearly 450 senior-level professionals within their industry expected to attend by the event’s organizers. The event should serve not only as an informative and engaging look at issues concerning security in the Cloud, but also as a platform for like-minded professionals to meet and share ideas.

Following the Summit, Junction will be joining other attendees for continued networking at the quarterfinals of the Atlanta Tennis Championships, held at the nearby Racquet Club of the South.

To obtain a Summit Delegate Pass, visit the Atlanta Technology Summit’s registration page.

With the timely news of a potential end to the NFL lockout, fantasy football enthusiasts will be eager to sign up for resources like scoutPRO™, and with the new website, Bloodworth is prepared to meet demand . “The scoutPRO™ site really looks fantastic and offers fantasy owners easy navigation of powerful tools for setting their roster,” commented Dick Eydt, Executive Director, Business Development & Partnerships, Junction. “It will be great to be able to see it in action this season.”

Junction congratulates Diane Bloodworth on the successful launch of the site and a great event.  “As an avid football fan, I am excited to use scoutPRO™ technology,” said Julie Gareleck, Managing Partner, Junction. “As a business owner and entrepreneur, I am looking forward to Diane’s continued success with her new venture.”

L to R: Diane Bloodworth, CSA, Dick Eydt, Junction, Julie Gareleck, Junction, Michael Barry, Arnold Golden Gregory, LLP

“Our goal is to help the Fantasy Football General Manager (GM) win their league every week,” said Diane Bloodworth, founder, CSA.  “We worked closely with Junction Creative Solutions to improve the user experience and refresh the design which is now fully integrated with our software. The experience for the user is now seamless.”

scoutPRO™ is a valuable tool to help fantasy GMs stay in the championship hunt in their leagues. Subscribers are able to access player rankings, perform player comparisons, access real-time player injury reports, and get recommendations and insights from fantasy football experts, like Nelson Sousa, to optimize their rosters.  Fantasy Football fans can optimize rosters and connect with other likeminded GMs through the scoutPRO™ network and social media feeds.

“Diane has not only created a remarkable predictive analysis tool, but also a community for Fantasy Football enthusiasts,” said Julie Cropp Gareleck, Junction Creative Solutions. “We wish Diane and her team much success in preparation for the football season!”

For more about scoutPRO™ Fantasy Football, visit the new site at www.scoutpro.com.

“What do you predict will be the next big trend in digital marketing or with the Internet?” I naively asked a colleague 5 years ago.

“One day, the experience between the Internet and the User will become truly contextual,” he said.

I understood contextual marketing – serving up relevant advertising based on search behavior online. However, the concept that the Internet and a user would be completely interconnected was foreign.  It was 2006 and Twitter had just launched?!

Fast forward to June 2011.  I was sitting at the Mercer Hotel, in Soho, NYC, waiting on a client to arrive. As I quickly scrolled through my email (admittedly, both personal and business), I was excited to see an email for a 70% off sale at my favorite designer boutique at the Soho Store.  If my meeting wrapped up before 5, I planned to look up the exact location of the store.  After all, I was in SOHO.

The meeting ended promptly at 5 and I pulled out my iPhone to check on the location of the store.  I needed to get to Prince Street. As I looked up, I noticed not even 20 yards from where I stood was the sign for Prince Street.  I hurried to the corner, iPhone still in my hand, and looked to the right …..nearly stumbling into my favorite designer store.

It was at that moment that I realized just how far we’ve come with technology. I have never shopped at this SOHO boutique and yet I was still pushed an email for a sale less than 100 yards from where I was located.  The experience felt creepy at first….but I found the brilliance of it as I swiped my credit card to snag a very chic dress on sale.

It begs the question: What is the next big trend in digital marketing? Only time will tell!

Sincerely,

JCG

The 2011 Cloud Summit Series, with events in Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, and New York, is addressing how “the Cloud” is transforming IT infrastructure, and other important lines of business including human resources, finance, marketing, and sales. The Atlanta event is focused on Security & SLAs in an Era of Cloud Computing.

“We are at a crossroads.  We have a revolutionary idea (the Cloud), projected to become a $240 Billion industry by 2020, but there is still much confusion between cloud consumers and the suppliers, mostly around privacy, security and legal liability,” says Remington Reynolds, Host and Chair, Atlanta Technology Summit. “We want the Summit to take on these important topics with the goal of helping consumers and enterprises better understand the rules of the road and potential risks of putting data in the cloud without a strong Service Level Agreement and encryption. Just in April alone we’ve seen some costly public and private cloud data exposures, as in the cases of Dropbox, and the PlayStation Network.  There will be more this year. ”

Attendees will hear from notable CIOs from companies to include American Cancer Society, Aquilex Corporation, Beazer Homes, Cox Communications Inc., Equifax, and Manhattan Associates. In addition, Cost Management Group Certified Group Members and Summit sponsors will hold workshops showcasing the capabilities of the latest cloud computing technologies, concluding with an awards presentation to businesses in the technology community as chosen by industry peers.

“With the rise in cloud computing, we find ourselves constantly educating our team and our clients on how to leverage this great resource that is the Cloud.  It provides such a benefit to companies whether a start-up company or a Fortune 500 company,” comments Julie Gareleck, Managing Partner, Junction.  “We are proud to support the Atlanta Technology Summit and its organization.  Very rarely do you find an organization committed to providing real thought leadership and access to top leaders in this ever evolving space.”

For more information on attending or sponsoring the Atlanta Technology Summit, visit www.atlantatechnologysummit.com

Panera Bread Company has followed suit by launching the Pay-what-you-can cafe.  The company converted a handful of locations into non-profit restaurants that encourage donations in lieu of charging for food and beverages. To date, the concept has been a moderate success, with the nonprofit stores managing to cover costs and donating profits to local initiatives. The new model not only garners visibility at the local level but also provides a substantial brand boost. Panera’s stock has been the best performing in the restaurant sector over the past decade.

Newman’s Own, founded by late actor Paul Newman, has been donating 100% of its post-tax profits and royalties to charities since its establishment in 1982. Originating as an experiment involving Newman selling homemade salad dressing, the food company adopted the philanthropic values of its namesake and to date has donated over 300 million dollars. The charitable effort, paired with Newman’s own branding as a celebrity, has afforded the company a steady brand image that sees its products amongst the best sellers in supermarkets across the country.

Ventures such as these require a great deal of both reputation and capital to start and operate, but as evidenced by the responses to both, can be worthwhile in terms of return in brand value.  In the case of the Panera experiment, the ‘pay-what-you-want’ business model illustrates how placing costs in the hands of customers can lead to profitable and charitable success.

Whether a social experiment or a marketing strategy, the experience transcends merely buying food; it becomes an investment in one’s community. One of the converted Panera cafés is located in a St. Louis suburb, in Missouri, recently devastated by tornadoes. How much would you pay for a sandwich if it could help rebuild your neighbor’s house?

For IBM, inventing the UPC bar code and developing a computer that understands language well enough to win Jeopardy! were processes motivated by the company’s drive to constantly innovate to improve how technology serves the world.  Watson’s legacy continues.

As of May 2011, with 35 years in business, Apple Inc. has become one of the largest and the most valuable technologies companies in the world surpassing Microsoft.   A long-time competitor to IBM, Apple differentiated its brand, greatly influenced by its founder, Steve Jobs.  The company believes in fostering individuality and excellence in order to be best in breed.

Powerhouse players like Apple will have to face the same inevitable challenge. When a figure such as Steve Jobs comes to the end of his career as its unequivocal head, will Apple preserve the momentum and maintain its lead in the industry?

As valuable a concept as this is for a large scale international corporation, so too is it for the entrepreneur or small business owner.  Understanding how a business delivers on its purpose is a key to finding success that goes beyond a clever idea or a sensational product.   Businesses must be able to react and adapt to changing climates, leaders, and innovations in the marketplace.

Although most companies will never attain the heights of IBM or Apple Inc., it’s important to identify the values needed to create the ultimate staying power in an ever-evolving business world.

At The Gramercy Institute’s Journal of Financial Advertising & Marketing (JFAM) Forum in New York City on June 3rd, Anthony Vitalone, Head of Interactive Marketing, Internet, & Digital Media for Deutsche Bank, touted the potential of “augmented reality” (“AR”) as the “next big thing” in digital marketing.

AR applications integrate camera and gyroscope functionalities within devices to provide a digital user experience based on what is happening in real time and space. For example, a customer in a retail store can point their camera at items on a shelf, and the device will display details, pricing, or even advertisements for the products they see. Likewise, a traveler can point a camera down a street and overlaid on the display screen will be a digital map with information on local places of interest.

Both the iPhone and Android app marketplaces are beginning to see an influx of augmented reality apps. While impressive in concept, the cost of developing the applications, inconsistencies in user experience, and inaccuracies with execution have decreased user downloads.

Marketers have taken to AR, promoting products via interactive applications. In 2009, Best Buy began incorporating AR into weekly circular ads, offering consumers 3D representations of featured new wares. Companies such as Burger King and Ralph Lauren are also taking advantage of new technologies to incorporate AR experiences into marketing campaigns. With an increasingly social consumer base, AR is proving to be a fast moving revolution in marketing.

Augmented reality apps face the major hurdle of the technology learning curve both for the developer and the user. High costs and limited quality of functionality will be the primary challenges to AR’s takeover of consumer media consumption. Will augmented reality rule the future of digital marketing?

Bill gave an overview of a study co-commissioned by Metlife, Prudential, Merrill Lynch, Bank of America, and UBS on “The New Financial Customer.” The study provided insights into trends and the growth of digital marketing by financial advertisers. Highlights of the study included statistics such as an increase in spend that now sees digital media compose 50% of total financial advertising budget, and a near unanimous polling of firms believing digital marketing spend will only increase. Ultimately, the market will likely see increases of 20% or more in social media, blogging, mobile, and viral marketing in the immediate future.

Other speakers included executives from Bankrate.com, BNY Mellon, Ameriprise Financial, TD Ameritrade, CFO Publishing, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, TIAA-CREF, AIG Bank, Oppenheimer Funds, NYSE Euronext, Metlife, Prudential Financial, Bank of America, E*TRADE, and Deutsche Bank, among others.

The participants shared insights and perspectives on the financial environment, strategic media and digital marketing, brand reputation, accountability, and social media.
“The panels were packed with insight and useful information,” said Dick Eydt, Executive Director, Business Development & Partnerships, Junction. “Even for a half day conference, it was well worth the trip from Atlanta!”

Junction congratulates Bill Wreaks and his team on a fantastic event!

“Russ is an incredible asset for Junction’s strategy team.  His expertise is instrumental in developing sales strategies for clients looking to increase revenue, increase market share, and break into new markets,” comment Julie Gareleck, Managing Partner, Junction.  “Our firm is dedicated to delivering strategies that hold strong value for our clients.   Russ applies effective sales practices that contribute to and improve the quality of the services we deliver throughout the phases of our engagements.”

With more than 35 years of experience as a Senior Advertising Executive, Russ managed global sales organizations responsible for driving consistent and dynamic growth for some of the most respected brands in the publishing business.  Most notably, as the VP of Advertising for Forbes Magazine, the #1 business magazine, Russ successfully led sales efforts reaching more than $100 million in advertising revenue.  He has impacted companies including Forbes, Saveur Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and Glamour Magazine.

“Junction is a remarkable company that leads by example. The intellectual knowledge of the team provides entrepreneurs and businesses alike with powerful strategies,” says Russ Cherami, Director of Strategy, Sales Development. “I look forward to driving strategic sales development plans for Junction’s clients to create consistent and measurable growth.”

The Links at Gettysburg

“The Optimist Club of Gettysburg has long since been an organization that is committed to its youth and the greater community,” comments Julie Gareleck, Managing Partner, Junction.  “We believe in extending our support as we strive to build better businesses in the region.”

A few local businessmen posed at the 14^th Hole.

Mark Cropp, Executive Director, Business Development & Partnerships, hit the course as part of a foursome among more than 40 groups of prominent local figures. “It was a beautiful day for a golf outing, with more than 160 golfers on the greens,” said Mark.  “It was a great way to network and connect with other leaders in the business community.”

About The Optimist Club

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg continues to aid and encourage the development of youth impacting individuals and the community. Each year, Optimists conduct 65,000 community service projects, contributing $78 million to communities, directly impacting more than 6 million kids internationally.

After 11 seasons with only one playoff appearance and exactly zero postseason victories, the Thrashers are no longer part of Atlanta.  Having been sold to True North Sports & Entertainment, a Canadian ownership group, the team will be relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba. This is the same city that just 15 years ago suffered as the last North American city to lose its own NHL franchise when the Jets moved to Phoenix and became the Coyotes.

It is no secret that Atlanta Spirit, LLC, owners of the Thrashers since 2004, never truly committed to the on-ice product. Even before the Spirit took the reins, the franchise’s short history was marked by poor operations decisions and struggling efforts at marketing hockey in the American south. The Spirit focused a majority of the effort to finances on legal battles with one another, which resulted in the roster operating at league minimum and a plethora of empty seats in Philips Arena.

The team floundered, and never garnered a positive reputation within the National Hockey League. The sale of the team was imminent as news of the deal was popularized in the last few months. However, it was widely known that the Spirit had been soliciting the sale for several years, despite repeated false public statements from the group claiming otherwise.

The success of the Thrashers franchise hinged upon tapping into the hearts of the city’s people and the wallets of the corporate community of Atlanta. Just as a coach needs his players to buy-in to a system in order to win, a franchise needs the city to rally behind it in order to find lasting success.  Unfortunately, with ownership’s lackluster support for the team, who could blame the sponsors and the fans for abandoning ship, or perhaps never boarding the ship at all?

The demise of the Thrashers should be a cautionary tale for businesses everywhere. Confidence and belief in the potential of a business’s offerings are pivotal. Businesses must believe in the value of their brand for others to stand behind them in order to build success.

Any brewer can develop a recipe that is palatable, perhaps even exciting. Once someone tastes the beer, they may enjoy it. However, there isn’t much incentive to try the brewery’s other offerings without some sort of brand familiarity to bridge the gap. Good beer alone does not a successful brewery make, evidenced by tens of thousands of home brewers nationwide producing great tasting beer who have failed to reach any market outside of friends and family sitting in a basement bar on a Sunday afternoon.

One needs only to take a cursory glance at a successful craft brewery’s offerings to see that consistency of style in branding, packaging, and marketing leads to strong relationships with consumers who will choose that product time and time again. Dogfish Head, known primarily for their excellent 90 Minute IPA(India Pale Ale), produces 60 Minute, 120 Minute, and special 75 Minute versions which hit the store shelves and quickly disappear due to the rabid loyalty for the brand. Clipper City Brewing Company, makers of Heavy Seas, a “fleet” of offerings built upon a pirate theme, also has a devoted brand following. When a new Heavy Seas brew is released, the unique packaging and marketing drives sales with devoted customers eager to try the latest offering from a brewery they know and appreciate.

These and many other craft breweries have earned the trust of target audiences by maintaining a uniformity of brand image key to the success of any brand, regardless of the industry. Against a 1.0% decrease in overall U.S. beer sales in 2010, the craft beer market managed to grow by 11% in volume and 12% in dollars. Beer is an industry of fiercely loyalist tendencies. It is evident that strong brand value and a well executed marketing strategy can generate the high level of consumer confidence earned by craft breweries across the country.

In an age where competition is as high as consumer expectation, building confidence through a unified brand and well executed strategy is priority.