Insightful Ad News Analysis

If you're looking for a good old timey flame war, be sure to catch this month's Featured Article section, where Jerry Ketel and I shed our gloves and come out swinging over the merits of youth marketing. Today it's Vox, tomorrow -- the Octagon!

Not long ago, internal marketing was as sophisticated as a fistful of balloons and a sheet cake. Now, however, companies lavish about as much attention on selling to their employees as they do selling to their customers. The reasons for that are obvious: employee loyalty is at its lowest ebb since, oh, 1776, and more professionals are choosing their workplace based on lifestyle preferences -- even if it means taking a pay cut. Workers need clear reminders that flourishing at their current job is a good choice. Creative internal marketing campaigns can help -- and you may be called upon to create one.

But here's the rub. Familiarity breeds contempt. And no one knows a company as well as the people who work there. What's more, workplace cynicism is the posture du jour. For those reasons, an internal marketing campaign can't be just a splashy cry to "rally 'round the flag, boys" -- it must come from as considered and sincere a place as (hopefully) the rest of the company's brand strategy. If an internal campaign overpromises the merits of the company, employees will go on their coffee break to laugh -- and update their resume. Ad agencies have a little homework to do. The day could come when your success is measured by your clients' employee turnover.

BTW -- The cool programs and events at PAF are supported by members just like you. This month, a big thank you also goes out to OregonLive.com for sponsoring the Career Jam. Be sure to show your support by checking out their job bank.

Cheers,

Joel Gunz

Insightful Ad News Analysis

The Portland International Film Festival and its onomatopoeic acronym -- PIFF -- kicked off last weekend, and if you're looking to open your mind, steal a few ideas or score with the graphic designer down the hall, you likely already have a pair of tickets. And with the Broadway Metroplex getting in on the action, now's the time to catch a movie at Regal Cinemas that doesn't feature overpaid, overhyped Hollywood schmoozers. Nourishing your creativity should be like kissing your significant other: both a pleasure and a duty. And PIFF is a great place to pay those dues. For more ideas, check out "Blog of the Month."

PAF Board Member Scott Huber will soon be leaving the building -- and the country. He's taken a position in Amsterdam. Thanks, Scott for all your hard work around here, and best luck in the city of tulips, canals and dimly lit teahouses!

Joel Gunz