All of us are very pumped to welcome the newest member to the PM family; Baxter, Iowa native, Jenn Saak (Don’t even try to write it with the single “N”, we learned that the hard way…).
The lovely and talented Jenn Saak!
The Basics:
Position: Creative Services
Length of time at PM: almost 2 months
Alma Mater: Grand View University (Go Vikings!)
Favorite thing about PM so far: The people (Awww. thanks Jenn!)
It’s no secret. We had an awesome time at Thinc Iowa this year. Don’t believe us? Just check out our photos on Facebook.
Just like last year, our friends at Silicon Prairie News asked us to partner with them on the creative identity for the three-day event; jam-packed with interesting speakers, networking opportunities, social events, and high fives (yes, high fives – we’ll explain later.)
Our own Griffin West showing "Analog The Prairie Dog" some love.
A few months back (remember: greatness takes time), our hip team of creative-types got to work and hatched a hot, new identity for the 2012 event. It’s gritty meets old school in this chalkboard themed throwback, and quite a hit with all the attendees, may we add.
The capable hands of the PM creative team... umm, creating!
When we say we helped with the “creative identity,” we basically mean anything that needed to be designed; we had a hand in it. We’re talking stickers, t-shirts, posters, web design elements, and even the hand-drawn chalkboard photo booth.
Thinc Iowa swag
The PM crew was there in full force both days; networking and cheering on the speakers.
The PM and SHift crews at Thinc Iowa
Everyone had some great things to say, but a few of our favorites were: Brian Spaly (CEO of Trunk Club, and co-founder of Bonobos) – @trunkclubceo,
Brian Spaly, CEO of Trunk Club
Tara Hunt from Buyosphere – @missrogue
The lovely and talented Tara Hunt
…and Steve Case of AOL fame – @stevecase
Steve Case addresses the crowd at Thinc Iowa
While we’re doing a little bit of shouting-out, we would be remiss if we didn’t throw out a huge high-five to Antonio Neves (@theantonioneves), the Thinc Iowa MC. He warned us in the beginning of the show that we all would be giving out a healthy dose of high-fives during Thinc Iowa, and he was right…
A very animated Thinc Iowa MC, Antonio Neves
Thinc Iowa is a huge boost in terms of street cred for Iowa’s capitol city. As all of us Des Moines-ians (Des Moines-ites?) know, our city is a hotbed for startups and great ideas, so it is no surprise that Silicon Prairie News wanted to host a major event like Thinc Iowa right here in the 5-1-5.
Downtown Des Moines
…As Steve Case put it: “Iowa is one of the hottest regions in the country right now.”
Thinc Iowa welcomes Steve Case
On a personal note, all of us here at PM look forward to continuing to help out with the identity as long as SPN will have us. It’s always tons of fun for everyone in our offices. For more information on Thinc Iowa, check out the website. Also be sure to take a peek at our photos from the event on Facebook.
They may just rock your world.
It’s that time of year again. Kids are back in school, temperatures are dropping and football (and smack-talk) is in full swing.
It’s also an important time of year at PM. It’s planning time – and Fantasy Football time – but most importantly, it’s planning time.
There are a million quotes we could list to emphasize why planning is key to success, but we’re only going to list one – by a guy that had some pretty profound things to say:
“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” - Benjamin Franklin
We couldn’t agree more with Mr. Franklin, so we’ve put together a refresher list of some obvious, and not-so-obvious advantages of planning that tend to get thrown to the wayside, regardless of good intentions.
1. No More Overdrafts
It all comes down to dollars and sense (yes, we mean sense). Planning your budget out in advance and setting aside a little rainy day funding helps keep costs from spiraling out of control on one-off, unplanned projects.
2. 20/20 Vision
A plan helps keep the focus, expectations and objectives clear – for everyone. No more “in hindsight” comments at the conference table when you have a clear, strategic plan to work towards.
3. Yay or Nay
There will always be those opportunities that arise during the year that weren’t accounted for. But planning allows you to have a better sense of what you can or cannot do with your budget so you’ll be better able to say “Yay” or “Nay” without feeling as much regret.
4. Creativity Takes Time
It’s truly amazing what can be done with a little more time. Check out this video that demonstrates how a little more time (not a ton) can go a long way in creating some great ideas:
5. Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day – Same Goes With Strategy
While all of us here at PM wish we could miraculously develop a strategy instantly, it just doesn’t happen. It takes brainstorming, research and time. And it all starts with planning so we know how to develop that strategy to fit your overall goals for the whole year.
6. Blast From The Past
We’re not talking about your high school prom date. Taking time during planning to look back at the last year will help you figure out what worked (and what didn’t) and will allow you to test or expand on new ideas. Learn from the past; don’t repeat it (unless it was awesome).
7. Fast, Cheap or Good. You Can Only Pick Two.
We know you’ve heard this before, but do you really understand it? Here’s a refresher:
Good + Fast = Expensive
Good + Cheap = Slow (a.k.a planned)
Fast + Cheap = Inferior (our least favorite)
Plan ahead and you’ll have great work that doesn’t stretch the pocketbook. But don’t act all surprised when you want it good and fast and you see the bill.
8. Everyone Else is Planning, Why Aren’t You?
This is not meant to feel like peer pressure, but a big part of our business is media and PR and guess what – all the publishers plan ahead for the whole year! So why aren’t you?
So what are you waiting for? Make those good intentions a reality. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
