Process — we talk about it a lot in business, whether it be creating a process or following it. At Odvod, part of our name – MEDIA – even describes our process (see the “How” section of our website). But, what happens when process is not followed? What are the consequences, and what really is at stake? Now, I assure you, the following scenario, although real, did not happen to us, but I’m sure we can all think of instances when a project deviated from its designated process and we had, or tried, to steer it back into the right direction. ...

Some of you will have received our Christmas card in the mail by now. If not, then our apologies to you, but c’mon – these things don’t grow on trees you know! Christmas card or no, in the spirit of seasonal joy we hope you find the time in your busy day to make a little merry. So grab your mouse, a glass of cheer and a loved one or two (your CFO will work in a pinch – everyone loves a numbers person) and get a little festive. ...

Your marketing messages tell your brand story. What are your prospective clients hearing? I saw a Tundra comic strip recently that illustrates a common problem. The cartoon depicts a wolf dressed in cheesy clothing standing in a pasture. The sheep that were apparently grazing near him had turned and run off. The caption reads: “I’m starting to have my doubts about this ‘wolf in cheap clothing’ technique.” Words. ...

Marketing is about knowing your audience – who they are, what to say to them and how to get them to listen and care. Quite often though, companies will make the wrong assumptions about potential customers and haplessly slide from know-ing their audience to no-ing their audience. For those of you who don’t yet know me, I’m a transplanted Calgarian now living, working and traversing potholes ‘up here’ in the capital city. ...

When you work in a creative industry such as marketing, it sometimes helps get the creative juices flowing by being surrounded by artistic inspiration. Nothing breathes character and storytelling like the ambiance of a building approaching its centenary birthday! But with exposed brick walls, warmly creaking floors and the architectural charm of our converted office comes other .. erm, “perks”. ...