We're living in a time when many of us have CNN or NPR playing constantly in the background in an effort to keep up with the daily news, the latest drama or an ongoing crises. But what does that have to do with marketing? And, is embracing politics a good idea for a brand?

Over the last year Americans have become acutely aware of the fact that data is constantly being collected about our online and offline habits. While most of the stories we’ve heard about this topic over the last year have been about the negative use of data, Spotify took the user data they generated to create a campaign that felt personal and that made us smile.

Data analytics is a powerful tool for marketing, operational efficiency and understanding your business' future growth path.  Just like any other tool (a light saber, for example), it can be used for both good and evil. But while we can all agree that the flashy red light sabers are pretty cool, who wants to join the dark side?

If you’re over the age of 45, you may remember the 1980’s commercial for The Clapper™, the product that probably launched the careers of many comedians of the day. The Clapper was a device that allowed you to switch lamps on and off when you clapped your hands. At the time, it was thought of as a novelty item best left as a holiday gag gift.

It's a familiar scene: you're browsing vids on YouTube when all of a sudden, you chance upon a video that looks something like this:

No, but your culture might not be right for it. Yet. 

A lot of articles are being published about how bad the open office environment is for employees and culture.

Here’s the thing—if the workplace culture is crappy, an open office format will exacerbate it.  If you have a culture where people feel that they are under scrutiny, they will feel like they are in a fishbowl and be uncomfortable. If you have a very traditional culture, a transition to an open office format may also be a struggle and NOT the right fit for your workplace. 

When I first joined de Novo, it was a busy time. There were so many different campaigns and events happening that I felt like I was in that finals crunch all over again.  But even though it was action packed from my very first day, they made me feel welcomed and included me in all parts of agency life.

de Novo will add Annex’s data analytics and business intelligence capabilities to their lineup of marketing and advertising services. Annex Analytics co-founder, Peggy Stover, will also join the de Novo team.

This summer, a whole new batch of graduates headed out to the working world ready to put what they learned to good use. Yet, what I’ve noticed, as an employer, is that the skills many graduates are leaving their four-year institutions with are skills most employers already have automated or are moving to automate.

Trust plays an important role in building long-lasting relationships with clients—and turning prospects into clients in the first place. Most companies will research a vendor or potential partner online before making contact. So how do you build trust with a prospect that you’ve never met?

One way is to shine a spotlight on the employees they’ll be working with so they’re familiar enough with your people, your values and your culture to feel comfortable reaching out and making an introduction.  You can do this in a number of ways, from writing staff bios to highlighting your team on social media.

Check out a few of our favorite ways to spotlight staff: