Blog

Aug12

Going International? Austin Powers Is Not Your Guide.
by Maggie Hames in Advertising, Business, Design, Interactive Services, Public Relations 0 comments
Over the course of 2011, TrendyMinds has been fortunate enough to work with several clients on an international level. Whether they’re new to the market or old-timers on the scene, international audiences require a different approach and a decent amount of research.

To avoid a cross-cultural blunder and embarrassment for both agency and client, be sure to cover all the bases. Just because characters in the movie Austin Powers use the term “randy” on a regular basis, doesn’t mean it’s appropriate in the UK.

Here are some things to consider when launching an international campaign:
1. ... read on
Jul18

It’s About Time - Why Your Website Should Be In HTML5
by TrendyMinds Staff in Design, Interactive Services, Technology 4 comments

An old sweatshirt, your comfy t-shirt, a favorite pillow, your 1999 Apple iBook?

We can all be guilty of finding comfort in a familiar belonging, holding on to relics that are irreplaceable. Fortunately, we can be afforded these comforts in most all facets except for one – technology.

It’s hard to forget the Best Buy Super Bowl Commercial that boasts ever-evolving cell phone service. It seems every advertisement encourages us to upgrade. Although it is frustrating (and uneconomical) to keep-up, there is one advancement we at TrendyMinds believe it’s time you get on board with: HTML5.
... read on
Jun28

Step Away from the Computer.
by TrendyMinds Staff in Business, Social Media 1 comment

“@mynewboss, I wud luv to meet u 4 a 2nd interview. 12 on Mon works perf 4 me. C u then. #soexcited.”

Over the top? Sure.

Possible? Yes.

As impervious to social media jargon as we might be, those of us in our 20s and teens are often replacing fundamental language and communication skills with hash tags and acronyms in real life situations. It isn’t just what we are posting on social media sites that may be harming us, growing up on social networking is hindering the refined communication skills it takes to relate to people the “old-fashioned way”: in person.

Though some may be... read on
Jun24

Breakin’ the Rules
by Brooke Roche in Design 0 comments

A brochure is a tri-folded 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper.
Website logins are in the upper right hand corner.
Business cards are 3.5” x 2”.
A coffee mug is the perfect give-away.

Right? Wrong!

Once the “norm” has been planted in your head, it’s easy to forget that things can be done differently. And most importantly, doing things differently gets attention!

We use to think churches had to be used for worshiping. But more and more people are turning them into homes – beautiful homes that are featured on HGTV and in architecture magazines. Everywhere you look, ordinary things are being... read on
Jun15

Social Media Trends from 日本
by Rumi Sakuraeda in Design, Social Media, Technology 1 comment

I recently spent 12 days in my hometown – Osaka, Japan (unaffected by the earthquake and/or radiation). It’s always refreshing to go home and immerse myself in a completely different culture. But something stood out to me during this trip that I had never seen before – American technology was being used everywhere!

One of my favorite things to do in Japan (other than to eat and shop) is browse Japanese electronic stores. Japanese technology, especially cell phones, is usually ahead of the curve. In the past I came home spouting to my friends about how fascinated I was with the new... read on
Jun08

Time for Weiner to Wave the White Flag
by Justin Ohlemiller in Public and Governmental Affairs, Public Relations 0 comments

As a professional PR consultant, it’s in my blood to believe there are few (if any) situations that can’t be managed effectively through communications strategy. So as I watched the Anthony Weiner debacle this week, I asked myself “Can he survive this scandal? And if so, how?”

In a CBSnews.com post, Political Analyst John Dickerson argued that Weiner can recover from this mess, but he has to “go away . . . stop being a distraction” and “stop being a punch line.”

My question for Mr. Dickerson: Have you ever seen Anthony Weiner at work (and I don’t mean in that way)?!

Weiner has never... read on
Jun02

An Infographic About Infographics
by Seth Benson in Design 2 comments

It’s information overload out there. To Twitter trained users and iPhone addicts, a page of solid text seems daunting and unreadable. So how can you get your audience to actually pay attention to the information you’re trying to share?

Why draw it for them of course! Cue – the infographic.

Infographics are the epitome of the worn out phrase – a picture is worth a 1,000 words. But have you ever wondered where they got their start? Check out our infographic about infographics (below) for a detailed, and highly accurate, history.
May25

Live Your Best Life – Even After Oprah
by Maggie Hames in Public Relations 3 comments

For the last 25 years, PR pros have been taunted by the ultimate publicity dream: landing their client on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Whether she captured your target audience or not, the power of such a placement was undeniable.

If your client wrote a book, a spot in “Oprah’s Book Club” made them an instant bestseller. Any product that became one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things” was guaranteed to sell. And a worthy cause that caught Oprah’s eye had their needs met. She launched the careers of many, including Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, designer Nate Berkus and her personal trainer, Bob Green. For... read on