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Connecting Two Worlds Together With Social Media

Tags: "Love Scott & Associates", Advertising, Lindsey McKelvey, Media, moving, networking, Public Relations, social media, south dakota, Twitter
Posted in Public Relations | 2 Comments 3/31/2010

Some may think I’m crazy for thinking I’ve already found my dream job, but what else do you call something you love to do with people you love to be around?

Sadly, just seven short months after waltzing my pre-graduated self into the hall (yes, singular ) of Love Scott, I am already leaving. My husband and I are relocating to South Dakota for his job and for reasons that I have not yet discovered, it’s for the best.

I have mixed emotions about the situation. I’m sad because I’ll be leaving a job I love, but I’m proud and honored to have known and learned from everyone here. I’m excited to live in a new place having lived in Iowa my entire life, but scared because it will be the first time since I was 15 that I won’t have a job. But, as I spelled out in my last post, I am determined to make it work.

I realized early last week that being out of a job means I can do anything I want. Anything. However, working at Love Scott has made me realize what I love to do and that’s what I keep coming back to. So, not knowing a single soul in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, I turned to my always-trusty Des Moines network on Twitter.

I posted this simple tweet asking for any suggestions for my move.

The response was overwhelming and I could hardly keep up with the suggestions and references people were throwing at me. Keep in mind, most of these people I have never actually met face-to-face with, but have grown to know through Twitter. It is rewarding to have such a strong social media network in Des Moines and it makes me proud to be from somewhere where people don’t hesitate to help a neighbor out.

I made a list of people that my Des Moines tweeps referred me to and started connecting. I emailed them, followed them on Twitter and connected with them on LinkedIn. Through these mediums alone, I now have three lunches and/or coffee meetings and an interview planned and I haven’t even moved yet! It’s not to say that any of these meetings will spur a job offer, but networking with these people will definitely start the process.

It’s crazy to me to think that just seven months ago, I didn’t “get” Twitter. I thought, like many people, it was a place where people shouted to the world what they had for breakfast. And now I’m using it to connect two worlds.

So, thank you Des Moines tweeps (shout out to @YvonneBeasley, @Cavan, @Schippers & @AngelaTenClay) for teaching me and believing in me. I may be more than 300 miles away come Friday, but I’ll still be tweeting from the same handle (@lindseymckelvey). I look forward to continue learning from all of you and hopefully I’ll be able to teach you a thing or two about what South Dakota has to offer.

Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast

Tags: "Love Scott & Associates", a different kind of ad agency, Adam Jensen, Alice in Wonderland, Challeneges, courage, Creativity, Disney, Impossible, Inspiration, Lewis Carroll, motivation, relevant marketing, Tim Burton
Posted in Advertising | No Comments 3/24/2010

Let’s see… what did I do before breakfast today? Got up, got showered, got dressed, got my keys, got into my car, and got out of my driveway-unscathed. Six things. Most would say those things are routine. But I’m telling you, at least three of those things are minor miracles. I did the impossible. I may be exaggerating.

The Love Scott team recently went to a 3D showing of Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland.” I thought it was visually amazing, and the 3D effects were well done when CGI was in play. Visually stunning is to be expected from director Tim Burton, though. I don’t know if it utilized 3D as well as Avatar, but the story was a different take on the original – in a good way, and overall it was an entertaining film. It did include some of the core ideas of the original novel by Lewis Carroll such as the characters, subtle visual cues and even many of the quotes. One quote that stuck out to me was repeated several times:

Alice: There is no use trying. One cant believe in impossible things.

The Queen: I dare say you haven’t had much practice. When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed in as many as six impossible things before breakfast.

(quote as applied in the movie version)

The challenge: to be creative, and to find the courage to do what others won’t. I think everyone can take that lesson to heart, especially when it comes to marketing. Alice had let the “real world” tell her what was impossible, and in this version of “Alice,” she had grown up, become realistic and forgotten what she was capable of. Believing in herself and having the courage to break down walls gave her the confidence to conquer her inhibitions. Have you found yourself not believing in what you or your company can do and where it can go? Has the status quo overtaken your marketing plans? Has the economy hampered your budget, making you believe that progress is an impossible thing?

At Love Scott, we believe in the power of relevant marketing. We find the possible in the impossible. It’s one of the things that makes us a different kind of ad agency. We work with budgets, we don’t let them constrain us. We see potential for creativity everywhere, and no project is meaningless or cookie cutter. We believe that if a company wants to find new heights, we can help them achieve that.

As a creative director, I’m charged to be creative every day – it’s in the title, can’t avoid it. Believing in the impossible and making it happen are a part of what I do. I also believe that making it out of the driveway unscathed every morning is pretty remarkable, too. So before you sit down to breakfast tomorrow, I challenge you to start believing in yourself and start dreaming of what you or your company could achieve if you let yourself get creative.

So, here’s my challenge to you: list six things that you think are impossible for your company today. Can you see a way to defeat your own Jabberwocky? Are you looking for the first step in fighting this battle? Then, give me a call so we can fight it together.

Adam Jensen, Creative Director

What Makes A Different Kind Of Ad Agency Different?

Tags: "Love Scott & Associates", ad agency, advertising agency, Bill Love, brand, branding, client, communications, discovery, identity, logo, marketing, marketing communications, rebranding, research, transparency, walk the walk
Posted in Advertising | No Comments 3/16/2010

We just finished a complete re-branding of our own company. We felt it was important to not just talk the branding talk, as many ad agencies do, but to actually walk the walk. We preach the importance of positioning to our clients and the importance of integrating the brand throughout their marketing plan. But we recently realized we were like the barber’s kid who goes without a decent haircut. We were so busy helping our clients become brand smart, that we weren’t looking very brand smart ourselves. So we entered into the discipline with Love Scott as the client.

I have to admit the process was every bit as instructive, sometimes surprising and, ultimately, as satisfying as we had been telling our clients it would be. We learned a lot about ourselves and in the end, established a brand strategy every one in our company can identify with and believe in.

It all started with the basics and, as often happens, a minor identity crisis. What are we as a company? Are we an advertising agency? (We do so much more than just advertising.) So maybe we’re a marketing communications company. That moniker is mostly met with blank stares until we follow it with the more familiar, “You know, an advertising agency.” Then the lights go on.

So ultimately we decided to stick with what people know… an ad agency… but “a different kind of ad agency.”

Which brings us to the crux of the branding strategy. Calling ourselves “a different kind of ad agency” begs the question, how are we different? In the course of the self examination that all good branding exercises demand, we identified six specific ways we are not your father’s ad agency. And we think the success of the strategy will lie in our opportunity to articulate those differences to clients and potential clients.

First, we are strategy-driven. The thinking part always comes first. Being clever is never our goal. Being relevant always is.

Second, we use our 40 years of experience not as a crutch to justify the tried and true, but to guide our clients to new and unique approaches.

Next, we are proud of our great reputation for creativity, honesty and integrity. Character counts with us and it shows.

Our size, which is small, is also an important difference. We produce the same or better quality work as the larger guys, but, because of our size, we’re more responsive, more accessible and much more affordable!

Speaking of money, there is never a billing surprise with us. Ever! Charges for all jobs, for all clients, are agreed upon upfront and the invoices NEVER vary from the original agreement.

And finally, we think all business is personal. We have a passion for building long-term, personal relationships with our clients.

There you have it, our differences articulated! This is our brand. This is how we’re a different kind of ad agency, the kind we think people want to do business with.

Are you using your brand to convincingly set you apart from your competition? Are you walking the walk, or still simply talking the talk?

Raindrops on Roses, Whiskers on Kittens…

Tags: "Love Scott & Associates", Adam Jensen, Advertising, branding, Chip and Dan Heath, Favorite things, good marketing, Made to Stick, message, US Postal Service
Posted in Advertising | No Comments 3/09/2010

It seems to me that in the ultra-competitive business we are in, its easy for creatives to be able to pick out things they DON’T like. Its easy to pick on a brand, a competitor or say you could do something better. For a lot of creatives (and I’ve fallen right into this trap) its tougher to give someone some credit for doing something really well. Its tough, because it’s in our nature to be jealous – we wish we had come up with that! So this will be my spot to pick out a few of my favorite things that are going right in the spaces you might be fast forwarding through with your DVR remotes….

Right now I’m reading the book “Made to Stick” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. ( madetostick.com ) A great book on using a formula for how to make a good idea better or a great idea – “sticky.” Which to them would be the holy grail of ideas. In my small space I just wanted to focus on their first principle in the SUCCESs (Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credibility, Emotional, and Stories) formula – simple. The Heath brothers delve into several traits and the psychology of simple, but the thought that I found to be the most compelling was the equation; Simple = Core + Compact. The Core concept is your core competency and being able to communicate it exactly. Compact, is taking your core and communicating it in a succinct message. When you combine your core competency with a highly compact message, you get a memorable result – the start of a sticky idea. Obviously just from the words in the formula, you can begin to see how an idea is refined into being sticky.

My sticky idea award goes to the U.S. Postal service. Their current ad campaign promotes the use of their flat rate priority mail service and how they’ve streamlined ease of use. I have a confession to make, I am a devout eBay user and have been for probably ten years now, so they got my attention right away. I have to ship oddly sized things all of the time and then worry about how much the shipping will be when I step into the post office. But I don’t think you have to use eBay to feel that pain. As the spots point out, they can ease the shipping problems of personal or business situations. These spots are creative, funny, and to the point. But they are so because of their sticky message: “If it fits, it ships.” What more do you need to know? The US Postal Service ships things, this is their core. Then the message becomes consumer driven – what will it cost me, what do I use, and is it reliable. Well this is answered in a simple sentence. Through the spots they bring in all of the attributes of the SUCCESs formula – Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credibility, Emotional and a Story – making it a very sticky idea. I dare you to not remember that the US Postal Priority Mail service is associated with “If it fits, it ships.”

The creative team that produced the clown spot has a special place in my heart as I hate clowns. They are seemingly innocent, yet highly creepy to me. I don’t think any one in the world could have put together my thoughts about clowns into thirty seconds like they did. Take a look and decide for yourselves if these spots are “sticky.”

Determination is My Middle Name

Tags: "Love Scott & Associates", account management, introduction, Lindsey McKelvey, Media, Public Relations
Posted in Public Relations | 6 Comments 3/04/2010

If there is one word that describes me, Lindsey McKelvey, best it is determined. It has been for the past 22 years and will continue to be – it’s just what’s in me. Determination is what got me through 3 ½ years of college. It is what helped me start my career right after graduation. Determination is what has gotten me where I am today.
I am fresh out of school, having graduated from Simpson College in December 2009. While at Simpson, I majored in Corporate Communications, minored in Marketing and even dabbled in a little math – I know, I’m crazy.

This past July as I finished my internship with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), I began the search for my next pursuit. Through connections I had made while interning with PRSA, I contacted Love Scott about any possible opportunities. Before I knew it, I was diving in as the public relations intern. From the very beginning I loved it – the work I was given, the people I was meeting, the things I was able to experience and even the crazy people I was working with. ☺

I loved it so much I didn’t want to leave, and luckily they didn’t want me to either. One week before I graduated from Simpson, I was offered my current position and I happily accepted. I finished out my week as the lowly intern (and ditched the “intern computer”), graduated on Saturday and started my professional career the next Monday.

Scary? Maybe for some, but not for me. I was determined to set out to do what I wanted to do, and I succeeded. So, I am now the account coordinator/media specialist here at Love Scott and still love every minute. I help out each department on all accounts, focusing primarily on public relations, and am responsible for media buying/scheduling for our clients. Although I am not yet a media expert, I am enjoying the challenge and new experiences. I am also lucky to work with such creative, high-spirited and passionate people. I realize everyone isn’t always this lucky (especially when there’s only five of you in the office), but I’m happy I fit right in.

Fun stuff you may not know about me:

• I married my high school sweetheart in August at Fireside Winery
(near our hometown, Williamsburg, Iowa).
• I’m a wino. Give me a full glass of Storyteller or Caba Moch and I’m a happy girl.
• I’m also a vegetarian, a yogi and I love anything that helps me help the environment – okay, so I’m a yuppie. ☺
• My husband and I adopted a puppy in September and, yes, we are those crazy dog parents.
• I love to travel. I’ve traveled through London, Greece, Turkey and Mexico, but it’s not enough. My passport still has many pages to be filled.

I’m excited to continue my journey here at Love Scott and share it with you along the way. I hope you are able to find something intriguing and useful from a “newbie’s” point of view, as I am eager to learn from all of you. I am a clean slate ready to take in what the world has to teach me!

You can also connect with me on Twitter: @lindseymckelvey

6’5″, 230 pound quarterback, laser rocket arm… if you like that sort of thing.

Tags: "Love Scott & Associates", Adam Jensen, Advertising, graphic design, humor, introduction, Peyton Manning
Posted in Advertising | No Comments 3/02/2010

Adam Jensen I thought I’d tell you a little about myself in my first blog post. First off, I am not 6′ 5″ or 230 pounds or even a NFL quarterback. I don’t think I’ve weighed as low as 230 pounds since high school – but I’m working on that, and you didn’t ask about my jolly belly. In May, I will have worked at Love Scott & Associates for 9 years full time and 1 year as an intern. So if my math is correct and please double check it, that is one complete decade of service in the advertising industry. A long long time ago, during the threat of Y2K, I attended Iowa State University and graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design. At Love Scott, I started my career as a graphic designer, eventually became the art director, then the associate creative director and then ascended to my current position of creative director and vice president. My responsibilities include anything creative and making sure our product is top notch. It also includes making sure we stay on top of creative trends, techniques, and ideas. Plus I get to work with excellent creative and strategic people at Love Scott and in various supporting industries. Living the dream, as they say.

Personally, I am a huge Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. Some of you have now clicked to another page. But to the people that have stayed, I salute you. My father and I take an annual pilgrimage down to Phoenix for a week of spring training and the Cubs. I am becoming an avid health nut. I actually like working out now. Its not such a chore. I sort of believe those three sentences I just wrote. I have lost about 80 pounds over the last year and looking for more. Which leads me to saying that I am single, ladies. If you like it, you can put a ring on it. But again, you didn’t ask about my availability. Let’s keep this professional. I have enjoyed getting to know the Lutheran Church of Hope over the last year and look forward to more involvement. Same with the great people at Meals from the Heartland. Plus if you can’t tell I like to think I’m a little humorous. That really is up to you though. I know I’ve got tear tracks and side pains from laughing so hard at myself. This is really for me more than you.

Creatively, I love to create great work. I am trained as a graphic artist but love to be a part of all aspects of a creative project. I don’t pretend to know everything, and love to see the results of an expert doing their thing. But I do have an opinion and a preference in style and I won’t stop working on a project until its “there.” I can’t wait to experience the next decade of work that I will be doing. Its been a great ride so far.

I look forward to writing in this space and relating to some of you that read it. I plan on talking about strategy, creativity and things that make me laugh. I leave you with this thought and a link. The thought…

If you read this far, you are my hero. That was not easy was it? But we did laugh. We cried. We told wonderous tales and learned a little about each other too. Well, you learned more about me. Maybe. I tried. Hey,

if you didn’t like it, then write your own blog post!…. I’m sorry I raised my voice right there. I still love you.

And here is a link to the reason for my article title, just so you don’t think I’m totally crazy. Or maybe it confirms it. Up to you. But I am a sports freak and Peyton Manning is my favorite marketing athlete just because he can pull off a comedy bit like this…

Love Scott – The 2nd Generation

Tags: "Love Scott & Associates", Advertising, Andrea James, Bill Love, Family, Generation, History, marketing, Successsion
Posted in Public Relations | No Comments 3/02/2010

“How long have you been with Love Scott?” I get this question all the time, and I haven’t yet come up with a simple answer. How long have I worked here? Easy – four years. How long have I been here? Hmmm, let’s see…my whole life? Not as in “it feels like I’ve been here my whole life”, as in my whole life. As of February, I’ve been with Love Scott for 35 years.

Andrea LOVE James If that doesn’t make it clear enough, let me elaborate. My father is Bill Love of the Love Scott. My earliest memories include running the halls, literally, of this company. The Love Scott offices of the early days (before computers) were a child’s dream – markers of every color imaginable, dry-erase boards for endless drawing entertainment, giant calculators for playing “store”, electric pencil sharpeners (no explanation needed), unlimited paper of all sizes and color, typewriters, multiple TVs, and the best part – the elevators. Confession: to this day, if my sister and I are in the elevators of the office building together, we stand on one foot and hop up and down while the elevator carries us floor to floor feeling the exhilarating (less so when you’re 35 than 5 years old) drop of our stomachs when the elevator stops on the 5th floor. Yes, a 35-year old and a 39-year old jumping up and down like two young school girls just for memory’s sake.

But what runs deeper than those memories is my love for the business. My dad has always said, “If you don’t wake up and love what you do for a living, you need to do something else.” I watched as he and Ron Scott built this company – I’ve heard the stories of huge creative successes and seen the face of deep disappointment. I’ve witnessed the business grow and shrink and grow again as the number of employees reflected the inevitable change in clientele. I’ve been in countless commercials, as have my friends, and I’ve watched and listened as the industry changed through the decades. This business is a part of me…a part of my history.

Being named president of the company in 2009 struck two deep emotions in me: immense pride and cold fear. I’ve always dreamed of having a job I loved as much as my dad did, and I could never seem to find it. Now I have it. I wake up excited to come to work, to create the strategy that gets companies noticed, to move them forward. At the same time, Love Scott was one of the main constants in my life. To be responsible for it continuing to be a constant is, at times, overwhelming. Luckily, I have the world’s greatest mentor guiding me through the triumphs, and especially this year, the turbulence.

Bill Love People who have worked with my dad at some point through his 40 years in the ad industry love to tell me I have big shoes to fill. Yeah, I know. But knowing what this business has meant to him, and to the whole family in fact, means I don’t take this gig lightly.

My dad now calls himself “the old man in the corner office”, but what his modesty prevents him from recognizing is that his creativity still drips from his office walls, seeping down the hall, inspiring us all. What’s more impressive, though, is that he’s built a team of sheer talent. I marvel at every person in this office for their individual genius. I am incredibly proud of the work we do, and would stack it against the best in the business any day.

I’m hoping some day my kids will look at me the way I see my dad – strong, talented, a visionary and a trusted leader. I’ve already started grooming my 5-year old to take over some day, convincing her she LOVES writing and that her stick-figure drawings are the stuff of pure talent. I don’t know if she’d ever be interested or good at running an ad agency, but it’d be a kick to carry Love Scott into a third generation. I’m incredibly proud to say she’s already mastered the elevator…

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