Stand Tall
Many of us want to work for companies that care, that stand up for great ideas and who do things right. I had no idea that when I stepped into Boxed Wholesale today that I would learn exactly how they “stand tall” and speak up about important issues.
Boxed has an initiative to fight pink tax #RethinkPink. Pink tax is unfair price markups on products for women such as deodorant, tampons and pads. Boxed is offering female products at discounted prices on their website with none of the up-charged prices on these so called “luxury” items. In 37 states, tampon tax is still a thing. It is a state by state issue in the U.S. Boxed educates their customers and the public by showing how women are charged extra for certain products and offers a better option. They are standing tall and speaking up.
I had no clue that this existed. And, I am so glad that companies like Boxed, even as a startup, can educate us all on issues such as this. It’s time to rethink and stand tall.
-Meg Winters 05.08.17
“Be Nimble”
Definition:
1. Quick and light in movement; moving with ease; agile
2. Quick to understand, think, devise, etc.
3. Cleverly contrived
At Wieden +
Kennedy there was an array of knowledge coming from our gracious hosts, but the two words that stood out were: “Be nimble”. It stuck with me, and ever since I have
been replaying those two words in my mind. I wanted to dissect the meaning of
nimble and what it truly means to be nimble in the advertising world, my
conclusion is that you are quick on your feet, and you are adaptable. You adapt
because you have no other option, you can insert yourself into any situation
and find your way out with a clever solution. Efficient problem solving is
about being nimble. Kendrick Lamar would say be humble, sit down. But, Wieden
+ Kennedy would say, be nimble, solve problems.
Alyssa Blackman
Monday Haikus
Agency haikus are a tradition established by those who have taken this trip before me. A tradition I plan to continue.
Jesse Summers 5.8.2017
Business Man With an Ice Cream Cone
Today I walked through central park and then went and sat on the steps of the MET. I was enamored while watching all of the people walking on the streets. I like to picture myself placed into their busy lives and imagine their daily routines. It is easy to come to conclusions about how people are based on their style and attitude as they walk around but people can surprise you. Today I saw a man dressed in a very nice business suit and in his hand was an ice cream cone. The juxtaposition of a fancy looking business man with a ice cream cone from a bodega was an amusing sight to see. I pictured him leaving work every Monday and getting an ice cream cone right outside the MET. The hard exterior of this man was softened by the sweet treat. All in all I give people watching in New York a 10/10. Recollection of ice cream cone above, business man not pictured.
-Katie Leimbach
My People
A smart team consisting of 8 individuals with 8 unique perspectives and backgrounds. In the past couple weeks I’ve met and gotten to know this group and its been nothing short of wonderful. Rex Nwerem (Junior Strategist @ Translation) has been an inspiring mentor who has helped guide us to be a confident team of varying focuses - account management, copywriting, strategy, production, and art direction. We’ve come together as one to create something great.
We’re ready W+K. Let’s hear the pitch!
Left to right/top then bottom: Spencer Phillipson, Michael Hibbard, Alyssa Blackman, Kerry Merrill, Blair Barnes, David Choe, Estuardo Perez, Myself.
Blair Paley.
How to Approach a Recruiter: 101
At an agency visit, if you see an opportunity to have a quick conversation with a recruiter nothing should stop you. Here are some tips I’ve found to be helpful.
1. Step one is simple, approach the recruiter. I’ve found the best time to speak with him or her is usually at the end of the agency visit, while they are escorting you to the exit.
2. Shake their hand and introduce yourself. Confidence is key.
3. Have a casual conversation about your interests/agency work/what you think of New York/ etc.
4. When the time feels right, ask for the recruiter’s email. Have a pen and paper ready. Make sure to say thank you and mention that you will be in touch.
5. Actually get in touch with them. This is your future. Take it into your own hands.
Femke Paanakker 5.08.2017
Walking to W+K a few of us came across the oh so famous “Deb’s Take Away” sign. During our visit with W+K, I definitely learned some interesting things about the company and about the way advertising works.
W+K takes big swings, takes stances, and produces work on platforms that many of us aren’t used to. They’re so innovative in using new content such as the live stream Facebook feature for Lady Gaga and Bud Light. As a media planner, I urge everyone to see what they are using and how they are using it effectively to give to your creative teams. I feel sometimes we get boxed into the traditional digital and traditional out of home placements that we sometimes forget that things are evolving and that we can adapt and use brands creatively in those spaces to create real conversations or experiences for consumers.
Another thing about W+K, they work with a lot of different brands and they have a prestige with them. I find myself wondering about other agencies and their success in pitching more out there ideas, how they combat ad blockers for brands that may not be as sexy, and how they incorporate brands with current events and issues in the world in a smart way.
Just some food for thought and some great things I took away from this years visit. Looking forward to those prompts.
-James McAndrew 05.08.2017
mac mullen
Useful Insights
One takeaway from an insightful W+K recruiter. We are all in the same place in our lives. Relative to the greater industry, we all have the same experience as graduating seniors. Portfolios and resumés blend together. Videos can sometimes be a differentiator. In the end it’s about the talent and the work, but getting noticed should be something to think about. Set yourself apart in a smart way. Do not be obnoxious. It’s obnoxious.
Understanding the recruiter can improve your “hire me” perspective.
Allison Pehanick 05.08.17
Three things from Taylor James
“Find a way to stick out”
This goes beyond trying to find a job. This is life. Sticking out will make you more appealing in the dating world, it will get your work more attention, and it will help you succeed. Being different makes people ask why. It opens the door for sharing a story or thought. Be weird.
“Do more, and share more ideas”
The more you do, the more your name is on. An easy way to make someone want to work with you is to show drive. It means you’re serious. It means you’re not afraid of losing some sleep to help out. One way to do more is to share more. A couple months ago, Natalie Kim told me, “The more information out there, the more everyone benefits.” help everyone benefit and share what you’re thinking.
“Form relationships”
Advertising is about connecting with people so a service or good can be sold (for the most part). If someone can’t connect with those around them, his co-workers, his family, or his friends, then they won’t have anyone around when they need. Relationships are imperative for success. Together we are better. Make friends, and treat them right.
Spencer Kupish - 5/8/17