In so many ways, today is just like every other day. Some people who have set out to achieve something will be successful, while others may be disappointed in their quests. Depending upon fate, we can probably expect those in either of those groups to find, soon enough, that their journeys continue… that another day will come when they’ll have another chance at victory. At the same time, there’s a good reason why, in 2008, so many people are still familiar with a phrase written more than 2,000 years ago by the Roman poet known as Horace: carpe diem… seize the day.
Pundits
Words from the wise: Quick chats with leading brand designers
Next month, the Corporate Design Foundation will convene its 3rd Annual @Issue Business & Design Conference in New York. Offering attendees a full day’s worth of opportunities to hear from the CEOs of Herman Miller and other prominent companies on how design has positively impacted their bottom lines, the event will also host talks with the companies’ creative and design directors. For more insights
Read moreWords from the wise: Quick chats with leading brand designers
Three steps to business planning success…
Many of us dream of hatching our own business schemes, driven by our desires to solve problems in new or improved ways, or maybe just to offer something we feel we can sell for a profit… and to do so in our own ways. Personally, I have had active roles in scores of start-up dialogues over the years, each entrenched within its own unique setting. Something I have learned is that business planning is always difficult — and also, while business planning advice is easy to come by, in my humble opinion, it’s not all good. So today, I am sharing some of the best, most actionable information I’ve come across recently, to help would-be entrepreneurs cut to the chase and give themselves the greatest chance of making their entrepreneurial dreams come true.
Confessions from a dangerous media mind…
Over the past 40 years, Max Clifford made his mark on society and the world as a key influencer of the global media. After a brief career as a music journalist, he joined EMI at the age of 19 and went on to craft publicity campaigns for The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, … Read moreConfessions from a dangerous media mind…
What has your business acumen done for you lately?
Earlier this year, Strategy+Business magazine published a piece by Ram Charan entitled “Sharpening Your Business Acumen.” Teasing the piece in an email newsletter, S+B Editor-in-Chief Art Kleiner informs us that uncommon success can be forged by those of us who can accurately assess larger trends and roll the most poignant implications into our business practices, so long as we’re ready, willing and able to break new ground and preconceive all the possibilities change can render. Charan’s detailed, example-rich article — in which he defines the demanding but yet all-important art of business acumen as “linking an insightful assessment of the external business landscape with the keen awareness of how money can be made… and then executing the strategy to deliver the desired results” — is inspiring.
Here’s my take on his keys to making the most of change.
Case Study: Endless Noise
Lasted Updated on June 1, 2003: Grammy-Winning Composer Leverages Past Recognition and New Achievements to Successfully Relaunch Commercial Music and Sound Design Company
“Strategic Public Relations Campaign Designed and Executed by The Darnell Works Agency Helps Endless Noise Command Uncommon Success”
Endless Noise: a Hollywood-based commercial music and sound design company serving the global advertising industry’s most prestigious agencies.
Executive Summary
As the PR agency of record for Grammy-winning producer and composer Jeff Elmassian from 2001 to 2003, DWA was charged with successfully relaunching music and sound design company Endless Noise. In 2002, the company earned a Gold Clio Award, an International ANDY Award, an International Monitor Award, AICP Show recognition and the London International Advertising Award for Best Sound Design (to name but a few) for their phenomenal work on Nike “Freestyle,” then went on to earn the 2003 Cannes Lion for Excellence in Music, recapture its second-straight D&AD Silver Award for Use of Music in TV and Cinema Advertising Crafts, and also score an International Andy Award in the TV category and a One Show Awards Bronze — all for their work on Nike “Before.”
Case Study: POPcast
Last updated on Apr. 15, 2001: POPcast Claims Streaming Media Market Space, Earns Partners and Investors, Expands Into Europe
“Public Relations Campaign Designed and Executed by Roger Darnell Supports 15 Months of Successful Growth ”
See also: MEDIA COVERAGE
POPcast Communications Corp. was a streaming-media production services company, and a systems developer specializing in enterprise and consumer videomail solutions.
Executive Summary
While represented by DWA as PR agency of record, POPcast Communications landed new CEO, expanded into Europe and across the U.S., closed $11-million round “A” with Telesystem Ltd. and Intel Capital, forged alliances with Intel, Microsoft, British Telecom, JVC, Cisco and others and presented at leading U.S. and international events. Total coverage generated exceeded 60-million impressions.