Hasta La Creative!

230 locations across the country isn’t bad, but dining chain O’Charley’s still has something of a market share issue. On that point, the company recently held a review (previous creative lead Doner chose not to defend but will maintain the media planning and buying responsibilities).

There were three finalists, two of which were not disclosed; Nashville-based Bohan Advertising won the business, and its nearly $10 million in annual advertising revenue.

Bohan and its 74 staffers work on a diverse portfolio including Dollar General, Jos. A Bank (which is currently on another list), Pensacola CVB, Fazoli’s, and the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

“In the pitch, Bohan executives distinguished themselves by capturing the tone of the brand and presenting ideas that went beyond traditional advertising, said David Ellis, VP of marketing at O’Charley’s. The new shop’s first campaign is expected in the fall.”

The fact that O’Charley’s parent company American Blue Ribbon Holdings is based in Nashville probably didn’t hurt either.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Did you get the RFP?

Did you receive Current’s RFP? The cable network is in search of an agency to “…formulate a brand/ad strategy that communicates who Current is through compelling, inspiring, and even controversial advertising.” Sounds like a client that would be great for your roster, right? One that would challenge the creative department’s expertise, and possibly land your agency on the front page of Creativity.

The RFP wasn’t selective…it went out to everyone. It’s understandable that you could have been missed…things have been crazy, especially with most of your effort being spent on cost reductions and reviewing financials. You’ve made difficult decisions lately; downsizing, reducing benefits, cutting pension plans, ending bonus payouts, maybe even dumping the “not-so-free” coffee service. Decisions affecting real people, a responsibility greater than many could bear. The only solace: you’re not alone.

However, it’s never good policy to miss out on new business opportunities. If you missed the RFP, read on.

History tells us…

Once upon a time, broadcast television experienced explosive growth; it began at the close of WW II and roughly ended around 1960, with eighty-five percent of U.S. households owning a television set (a 500% growth rate). Decades later, the Internet did the same thing, at a faster rate and in much higher revenues. In hindsight, we wonder, “how could anyone have missed these opportunities?” Yet, some did. The chart, below, compares the first fourteen years of ad revenue growth for TV (blue), Cable (red), and Online (green):

It’s happening again with Social Media (SM), a tsunami that grows daily…(let us pause to let the information sink in). Every day Social Media reinvents itself, converting commonplace consumers into informed users. Exponentially. It’s mashable, interlacing various user “platforms” (Facebook, Twitter, Digg, etc.) together, allowing users to choose one platform and also access all of the others. If you’re so inclined, you can even download a new desktop that will integrate all SM for you. SM is not comprised of stand-alone applications, and if you consider SM as a media tactic, you’re on the wrong track.

What do you do?

Wake up! Your agency is out of alignment: your strategy’s obsolete if it doesn’t capitalize on Social Media opportunities. Scrap the current strategy–even if it’s working. Meet with your staff. You may not be “in the know,” but your employees use SM on a daily basis. Use these resources to determine your SM strategy. Start a Twitter profile. Add your company profile to LinkedIn and Facebook. Begin an agency blog. Ensure your website has an RSS feed. Become content-oriented. If your specialty is automobiles and healthcare, tell the world how to weather the storm. Show them how to succeed. Invite them to contact you. Become the “go-to” for information regarding your agency’s strengths. Connect with your current clients…it is your singular purpose. Once you’ve engaged them, reach out and captivate new ones. In a meeting last week concerning the fall of newspaper, Google CEO Last week, Google’s CEO told the newspaper industry: Innovate to survive.

Today, I’m telling you: Be bold. Do great things.

Jeff Louis is a Strategic Media Planner, Project Manager, and New Business Coordinator. His passion is writing, contributing to BMA as well as freelancing. He’d love to hear from you: linkedin.com/in/jefflouis or twitter.com/jlo0312.

Craigslist is home to many things, some of which prove to be valuable.

The Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership (Estuary Partnership) requests proposals and qualifications for the development of a strategic plan for a consumer education campaign. This campaign will inform consumers on the significant risks to human and environmental health that are associated with flame retardants (a common ingredient in products ranging from computers to mattresses) and some ingredients found in personal care products (such as lead and plasticizers). Campaign objectives are to educate consumers on human and environmental health risks and provide information on alternative ingredients that are safe for both humans and the environment. The strategic plan should outline a campaign that can be implemented in stages, presented in different media (including print, radio, and television and in paid and public safety announcements), creatively use any proposed outreach materials (e.g., consumer pocket guides), and reach diverse audiences.

Proposals are due at the Estuary Partnership office by 4:00 p.m. on January 22, 2008. Please submit applications to Krista Jones, Monitoring Coordinator, Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership at 811 SW Naito Parkway, Suite 120, Portland, Oregon 97204. Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted. For more information and RFP details, see the Estuary Partnership’s website: www.lcrep.org

I never thought of scanning Craig’s for RFPs before, but now I know.