Taking the stress out of printing in CreComm

I was going to write about the topic of this blog post a few weeks ago, but it slipped my mind.  So, I am going to write about it now.

The last assignment that I had printed was the sponsorship package.  Printing assignments has been am important task this past year.  There were many assignments due this year that we needed to have professionally printed in order to hand in.  When I first started printing in CreComm I went to a chain store, however I was always disappointed.  They never seemed to really know what they were doing and they often could not do what I asked them to do.  That all changed around December of last year when someone suggested getting my stuff printed at UPS on River Avenue.  That was some of the best CreComm advice I could get.

Iain at this UPS store is absolutely amazing.  And I know for a fact that many other CreComms went to him as well.  He always knew exactly what to do and could always print whatever I needed on whatever size of paper.  I could also simply email him my document with directions and he produced exactly what I wanted.  I was always really happy with my print jobs from there and he came to my rescue on last minute printing a few times.

So all in all, to anyone reading this, if you ever need printing done, go to UPS on River Ave.  Iain is a man who knows his printing and you will not be disappointed!

* photo taken from Google

There was an old lady....

This is one of my favourite commercials on TV right now.  The reason I like it so much is because it's simple, yet very creative.  The commercial is made to look like a documentary and profiles what many people do; search for a new house.  However, there is a fun twist at the end, which helps grabs the viewer's attention to learn what the commercial is advertising.  What do you think of it?

My Life Update

So it's been a few weeks since I've blogged.  Since then, school has finished and I am going in to my third and final week of my work placement.  In one week, I will officially be done Creative Communications.  It's taken me a few weeks to adjust my schedule.  The first couple of days after I was done classes, it took me awhile to get used to the fact that I did not have to do homework.  I also promised myself that I would get into a better sleep schedule, however, that was easier said then done.  Now that I work regular hours from 8-4, I have to wake up earlier than when I was in school, which means I should go to bed earlier.  However, I am so used to going to bed around midnight, that it's very difficult to change my sleep schedule.  I also do not like going to bed early for some reason, unless I'm very tired.  So I am still quite sleepy when I get home from work haha.  However, I have started exercising again, which is fantastic because it has been wayyy too long.  But I did a Jillian Michaels 30 minute shred DVD and I couldn't move very quickly for a few days after.  However, my muscles have recovered from their shock and exercise is much more enjoyable, especially waking up the next day.

So I now have the time to do whatever I want - watch my TV shows, exercise, go out with friends, or whatever else I please!  It's a great feeling.

This blog post wasn't too interesting, but I thought a mini update was needed after I have been MIA for about three weeks. 

What's so special about today?

April Fool's!  Ok, so that was probably the worst April Fool's joke ever, but it got you to click on my link....I hope!

April Fool's Day is such a strange day.  I am not sure of the origin of the day, and frankly I don't have the time to figure it out today becuase I have tons of other things to do.  I was never a participant in April Fool's Day.  My Dad's birthday falls on this day so that always takes precedence. 

However, gone are the days of whoopie cushions and filling the sugar container with salt.  Although those classic pranks probably still happen, just aren't talked about nowadays.  Today April Fool's Day lives strong on the internet.  It's always entertaining to watch how April Fool's Day pranks take on a life of their own on the internet.  So many companies take part in this day and try to think of ridiculous, but somewhat believable if you forgot what today is.  There are already reports of the top April Fool's Day pranks that companies are doing and they are pretty interesting to read about.

Social media also plays a huge part in April Fool's Day.  All I have to do is watch my Twitter feed and I can easily be caught get on the internet happenings of the day.  I think it's definitely a fun way to celebrate the day and keeps internet users on their toes and interested in staying tuned in to the internet. 

One company that I think comes up with good ideas is Starbucks.  This was their trick last year:

"Forget about Tall, Grande and Venti, Starbucks has two new sizes: Plenta and Micra. The Plenta is a 128-ounce drink for caffeine addicts who can't get enough coffee, and for those who need just a tiny sip, you can get the 2-ounce Micra. And don't worry about all that paper waste from the new Plenta sized-cup, Starbucks says you can reuse your gigantic Plenta cups in a number of useful ways including as a planter, lampshade or yoga block."

And this was their trick this year:

"STARBUCKS: Going to a physical Starbucks is such a drag. What if Starbucks came to you? Using the location-based functionality of the Starbucks Mobile Pour app, a barista on a scooter will deliver your drink wherever your might be. Starbucks is sending out two scooter baristas per every square mile in seven of the country's largest cities to ensure speedy service."

Even Kleinfeld, the bridal shop that is featured on "Say Yes to the Dress" on TLC, got into April Fool's Day.  On Twitter they posted "Guess who stopped by Kleinfeld today to find her Royal Wedding Gown! twitpic.com/4fqpcx."  When you clicked on the picture it brought you to the picture on the left.

It's all in good fun and I think it's great that companies are stepping outside their every day and adding a bit of lightheartedness to this interesting day!  As well, it also puts their companies in your mind.  For example, all this talk about Starbucks makes me want a Passion Iced Tea Lemonade!

* all images taken from starbucks.com, pcworld,com, and Twitter

Repositioning a brand using D.O.Gs and oranges

Meet Akira, Vega, and Bosco

Over the past few months, Sunova Credit Union has begun to build two new locations in my area of the city and one in Oakbank.  Before they arrived, I had never heard of Sunova before.  I looked into where else they have locations, and most of them are outside of the city, in places such as Beausejour, Teulon, and Stonewall to name a few.  They actually used to be called South Interlake Credit Union, but in 2008, decided they needed a new, fresh feel, thus Sunova Credit Union was born.  

Its new slogan is "bank brighter".  To me, it feels as if they are saying Sunova Credit Union is the credit union of the 21st century.  After I wrote that, I read an article about their new positioning, which states Sunova is "a vibrant, innovative and friendly financial institution."  

The main thing that sets this credit union from the rest are its D.O.Gs, also known as its Director Of Greetings.  Like its acronym states, they are in fact dogs, Saint Bernards to be exact.  Right now the Saint Bernards are puppies that will be working at the three Winnipeg locations, and let me tell you, they are too cute for words!  I'm also curious as to how long is took Sunova to think of "Director Of Greetings", or if it just came right away.  I think the dog idea is very interesting and I'm thinking it makes the business seem less like a stuffy bank and more of a casual place to do your financial business, which reflects their new positioning in the industry.  I'm not sure if this would turn off people who do not like dogs or who are allergic.  However, in my opinion as a animal lover, I would totally switch to Sunova to see the dogs haha.  I also think a Saint Bernard is a good choice for a welcome dog.  Even though they grow to be huge, they are gentle giants, although a tad slobbery. 

Sunova also ran a contest where people could email five suggestions of names for the new Saint Bernards.  This got the community involved and thinking about Sunova.  The winners of the contest received merchandise from Sunova and the satisfaction of stating that they named one of the dogs.

The Leila Ave. branch opened this past Friday and had a mini celebration where people could visit to see what it is all about.  My Mom was at Garden City mall that day and said that there was a rep from Sunova walking around handing out oranges which stated "orange you glad we're open?" and listed the information.  I thought that was a cute idea, had a call to action, and matches the company colour theme, which involves orange. 

All in all, I think Sunova is doing a good job at trying to position themselves in their community.  From what I have observed, their target market seems to be young professionals.  And as I fit into that category, I will admit that it is working on me!

Good job Sunova!


* images taken from ctv.ca and sunovacu.ca

How can an event be too successful?

A couple weekends a go I attended a charity event that was in its 14th year.  I have attended it before and it always has been a good time.  The entertainment is always great, which is what I think helps to make it a great event.  However, when I attended the event this year, I noticed something.  I noticed that it was so insanely packed in the venue.  The event takes place at a hotel as this hotel sponsors the event and has been since it began.  However, for me it was too packed for comfort.  The dinner tables were very narrow and I had felt like I was climbing a jungle gym trying to get to my seat.  I couldn't imagine how someone older would be able to get into their seat.  As well, the venue is normally used for a comedy club so the normal set-up of the venue is on different levels.  They placed the buffet area in the middle of the dance floor, which also wasn't very wide.  This also caused traffic flow problems with people going to and coming from the buffet.

This charity event always raises an impressive amount of money.  But I wonder, were they over capacity?  Or if they were at capacity, adding extra tables made its capacity uncomfortable.  As this venue is the only one at the sponsored hotel, it seems as if its their only option. 

I think that if they were to find a new venue for the event, then they could accommodate more people, make it more comfortable for the guests, and also make more money for charity.

However, it seems that the sponsor of the event really takes pride and enjoys having it at their location.

I know they have been doing it for 14 years and it seems to be working for them.  However, given that, I just think the event has great potential to be bigger and better.

Perhaps the hotel sees no problem in the way the event is run every year and the money it generates for the charity.  My only concern is how many people will not be returning due to the uncomfortableness that they had to endure during the three hours of the event. 

My question is, what happens when an event becomes too successful for its venue? 

One thing I notice now that I didn't before CreComm

I was watching Modern Family tonight, which is a really funny show that I never paid enough attention to before.  I think it has done really well with ratings also.  What I did notice as I watched it was the filming style.  Of course I watch all TV shows with a critical eye now thanks to the training I received from CreComm haha.  Modern Family takes a non-traditional approach to filming and I think that's one of the reasons it works so well for them.  It's a prime time 30 minute show, but stands out from some of the others because of the documentary style filming.  It feels like the whole show is filmed with a free hand camera and often zooms in and out and pans quickly.  Although this might not work normally and may seem annoying, it actually works well with this show.  I'm not sure what makes it work so well, but I definitely noticed it and I like it! 

What do you think?

Shuffle, shuffle, buffalo, time step...uhh that's all I know

I am excited to get back to doing some of the activities I used to do before CreComm.  A couple years before I started CreComm I stopped dancing.  Before I had stopped, I had danced for about 16 years or so.  My main focus was jazz, but I always wished I took ballet, which I never did.  Being en pointe was always a dream of mine, but will never happen now.  I am no longer as flexible as I used to be and I injured my knee one year at a dance convention, so my days as a serious dancer are no longer. 

However, I still love it so much.  So I was thinking of taking a tap class at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.  They offer an adult tap class and it's something I've always been interested in, but never really pursued.  The great thing about tap is that you can do it at any age, you don't have to be super flexible, and it's great exercise. 

So I'm excited to try something new, but also continue my love for dance through a new way.  When CreComm is done, I will have my nights free and I think I will go crazy if I don't find activities to fill them.  Going from homework all evening to doing absolutely nothing is a huge change, so I'm starting to fill my social life again.  I can't wait!

Maybe some day I will be as good as these guys...highly unlikely though.

Dinner from Shoppers Drug Mart?

I have discovered a new brand of food that is delicious!  Shoppers Drug Mart has come out with a new brand named Simply Food.  I am not too sure how new the brand is, but I only just discovered it within the last couple of months.  The one section of the brand that I love is their frozen dinners.  So far I have tried three different varieties and they are all delicious.  I have tried Chicken Primavera, Garlic Shrimp with pasta, and Teriyaki Chicken with brown rice and vegetables.  The nice thing about the dinners are that they are all natural with no added preservatives or weird words you can't pronounce.  Also, they are low in fat, calories, and sodium.  And sometimes they are even on sale, last week they were on sale for $2.00 each, which is a great price for a frozen dinner.

 

So all in all, for whatever reason Shoppers Drug Mart decided to re-brand their brand, I think it was a great move.  I love the frozen dinners and I would highly recommend everyone to try them!

image from Shoppers Drug Mart website

Blenz Bandz: a fun idea!

I absolutely love coffee, as many other people do.  So when I was in Vancouver last week, it was no surprise that I wanted to get a coffee while I was out and about touring the city.  Vancouver has a Starbucks on nearly every corner, however, they also have a coffee chain named Blenz.  Since we don't have Blenz here in Winnipeg, I wanted to try it out.  The atmosphere is similar to Starbucks, as are the prices.  However, they had a special campaign that Starbucks didn't have.  Since Valentine's Day falls in February, Blenz decided to play on the holiday, but in a non-traditional way.

With all hot beverages, most people use sleeves since the drinks are too hot to hold on their own.  Well if you are single, then you can use the special red Blenz sleeve that allows you to write your name and phone number on it.  By using a red sleeve you are able to identify the singles in the coffee shop and you can choose to leave a person your sleeve.  There are posters explaining the campaign when you walk in to let you know the deal with the sleeves.

Social media is also heavily involved with this campaign.  There are Facebook and Twitter links, along with the potential to win prizes.  There is even a QR code to scan for more information.

I thought it was a neat campaign that took a different path to celebrate Valentine's Day.  The coffee is also very good as well!

Revved up for Reading Week!

With Reading Week being only a few days away, I'm not sure if I'll get there.  This week is the busiest one for me for this semester.  I am in the process of completing my IPP, along with a few other assignments that have to be done by Friday.  However, once Friday is over I will be overjoyed. 

On Saturday, I will be leaving for Vancouver for six days, and I am so excited!  I will be able to breathe, relax, and have a great time knowing I've completed my IPP.  My friend moved to Vancouver this past September, so I figured Reading Week was a perfect time to visit her.  I have never been before and am excited to go because nothing is better than having the ocean and mountains in view at the same time!  We're going to do the usual tourist things, such as Stanley Park, Robson St., and the Aquarium (can't wait for that!).  Also, we're going to the Absolute Spa at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver for manicures and might take in a few hot yoga classes. 

All in all, I'm just very excited to get away for a bit and experience a new city!

2011: the year of a virtual Valentine's Day

I noticed an article on Twitter today that was retweeted from IABC Manitoba.  I thought it was interesting, so I thought I'd share.  The article is from USA TODAY explaining how some companies are combining social media and Valentine's Day.  I think it's an interesting way to attract people because Valentine's Day is usually such a tangible holiday with people buying chocolates and flowers.  You usually don't think of getting virtual, but these companies did.

My favourite one is from Mulberry, where the flowers magically bloom on Valentine's Day.

Click here to read the article!

The paddlewheel will spin no more...

It is the end of an era for me.

I heard today that the Paddlewheel Restaurant is closing at the Bay.  This makes me a bit sad.  Now I haven't been there in years, so why would I care?  Well let me tell you, the Paddlewheel holds many memories for me.  When I was little my grandma and I would always take the city bus downtown to the Bay to go shopping.  We would always stop and have lunch at the Paddlewheel Restaurant.  Now the only thing I remember of their food is fries and gravy (yum!) and that jello with the questionable "whip cream" on top of it. 

But, the best part of the restaurant is the turning paddlewheel.  I would always stop at it before I sat down and threw a penny into it
(it was the cool thing to do).

So even though I haven't visited the restaurant in awhile, it just brings me back to the fun afternoons I would have with my grandma. 

So long Paddlewheel Restaurant, I'm sure many people will miss you!

*images from Google image

Make it fun to get it done

I took a long hiatus, but now I'm back on the blogging scene.  Sometimes I struggle with writing blog posts that aren't boring.  So it's nice when topics fall into my lap, like this blog post's topic did tonight.

I was on Facebook and I noticed a video that one of my friends put up.  I clicked on it and I thought it was super neat.  The basis behind the video is called "thefuntheory.com" and Volkswagon is behind it.  The videos have nothing to do with Volkswagon, but they help to show that Volkswagon is about promoting a way to help encourage people to make a positive change in their lives.

This is the video that I saw on my friends Facebook, and I thought it was really neat.  In our society today, there has been buzz that most Canadians do not get enough exercise.  This video proves that with a little fun and innovation, the simple task of walking up the stairs can be fun to do.

The Fun Theory has more videos like this one, and they are all neat to watch.  I think this was a great initiative on Volkswagon's part!