Author: Justin

Data-Driven Decisions

A recent client visit proved my Syracuse University talk to be a worthy one – sophisticated use of quantitative data allows for better marketing decisions.

Tools

Through the use of Google Analytics and Radian6, we made educated recommendations for how best to use the client’s web presence. What types of blog posts and announcements created the most traffic? What types of content attracted the most visitors? What messages resonated? And how did the conversation shift over time? These answers lead to well-informed recommendations – and more importantly, increased value for the client.

Measurement

The beauty of research and analysis in marketing: the data never stops. As strategists and marketers, we can “re-measure” digital data for the purposes of making even more educated recommendations. How is data helping you make decisions?

Giving Back is Back!

I had the pleasure of speaking at my alma mater, Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, earlier this week. It served as a proud moment for me – traveling back to Syracuse to share real-life experiences with current students. In short, I was able to “give back.”

Go-givers

However, none of this would have happened without the help of a giver: Steve Masiclat, my ex-professor-turned-colleague, who was kind enough to invite me into his class. More importantly, Steve did an amazing job at “making me look good.” By that, I mean he referenced specific parts of my speech as part of his teaching for the day.

I encourage you to give back to your school, community, or favorite charity. Much like my return to SU, I’m sure those acts will be incredibly rewarding.

So thanks to Steve for inviting me to the ‘Cuse. And thanks to HB for encouraging me to speak and for continually investing in my personal development. And thanks to all the grad students for listening – I hope my talk was valuable.

Apple Culture Design

Bringing Feedback to the Forefront

Post author By Justin
Post date October 13, 2011
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Finding Nemo Seagulls — Mine?! Mine?! Yours.

One of Steve Jobs’s legacies lives on at Pixar Animation Studios. Much like Apple, Pixar creates a unique, organic culture resulting in incredible, award-winning animated films. How do they do it?

Feedback

Pixar prides themselves on constant feedback, a concept discussed in this Harvard Business Review article. Peers provide candid thoughts and recommendations throughout the movie-making process. Sometimes, Pixar will scrap an entire sequence or storyline based on internal team discussion.

Implementation

How can feedback play a role in your life? I experienced an incredible session of feedback today while practicing for next week’s talk at Syracuse University. I shared the entire talk and presentation in front of my teammates (HBers), who provided straightforward feedback that will result in a better speech.

Sharing

The best way to improve your product, brand or service? Share. As much as possible. Have a design that isn’t complete? Or the first few pages of a screenplay? Or maybe the first draft of a video blog? Share, share, share. A culture of sharing results in the best possible work. Just look at Pixar.

Apple Culture Design

Legacy

Post author By Justin
Post date October 6, 2011
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As a creative, Steve Jobs’s leadership in the design of Apple’s products greatly influenced my career path. Perhaps more importantly, Jobs helped to develop an amazing culture at Apple – one that will continue to define the company he helped create. Rest in peace.

Design

Inspiration

From the HB Blog

A blank page. Quite intimidating. Where can we find the inspiration to craft meaningful content, visuals, or information?

Humans

Grab a peer. Ask for help. Show a family member. Often, our creations are self-centered. An alternate point of view can provide an unaffected opinion on your layout or draft. Even if the feedback is “bad,” it provides an opportunity to enhance your work.

Resources

Lean on news sources and creative aggregators for help. Every day, I view successful designs on The Dieline, Swiss Legacy, and Brand New (to name a few). Even if your working on a non-package, non-poster, or non-logo, a design can help to inspire. In addition, it helps to read about successful campaigns or initiatives. We Heart, T Magazine, and Design Envy are excellent aggregators of interesting projects across architecture, design, and fashion.

The Web

Why not ask your favorite design or content communities for their thoughts? Dan Cederholm’s Dribbble provides an open environment for sharing ongoing designs. You can also rely on Twitter and Facebook to review your work as well – your communities are salivating for new content to devour.

Other inspiring collectives: AisleOne, FormFiftyFive, It’s Nice That, and Motionographer.