Archives for 8/2009
posted by Public Relations
Fall into September with one of thunder::tech's monthly desktop wallpapers. Created by our talented designers, these wallpapers bring a little desktop style to our clients and friends. Download one which features a monthly calendar, or one without.
September wallpaper with calendar
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September wallpaper plain
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posted by Operations
thunder::tech is a pretty cool place to work.
But for us, it goes beyond a great open work environment with a pool table in the corner. We have a unique office culture that plays a big role in keeping up the morale in our office. To maintain this culture and keep spirits up, the thunder::tech operations team offers a variety of perks and activities for our employees to enjoy.
Activities and Fun
This year we decided to hang up our softball cleats and have joined a recreational volleyball league. It turns out we are much better at volleyball than softball and our record proves it. We took first place in the Hermes Sport and Social spring recreational sixes league - a first for any thunder::tech team! Look for us on Thursday nights at Battery Park as we try for winning season number two.
In addition to our volleyball team, we also hold several office activities (both on and off-site) for our team. From happy hours and luncheons to cooking contests and trivia challenges, these events help bring the team together and can provide much needed stress relief during a busy work week. Recently, the operations team hosted a cookout lunch/potluck where employees were able to take a break to relax and enjoy good food and conversation. We’re looking forward to a Friday afternoon cookout this month at Edgewater Park.
Recognition
We also acknowledge our employees for going the extra mile. The operations team encourages team members to thank each other or pay a compliment using our “What You Did Was Neat::t” boxes. These boxes are on each floor and offer employees a chance to recognize their team members for outstanding work. At our monthly staff meetings, these are read out loud to celebrate our team’s achievements.
Growth and Learning
The operations team also helps members stay educated on the latest happenings the marketing world. Education helps our professionals stay knowledgeable and inspired. The operations department schedules monthly “learning lunches” which allow our team members to share their expertise with each other.
In order to maintain a positive work environment, especially during the current economic climate, the operations team relies on a mix of fun, appreciation and continuing education to keep our employees engaged and upbeat.
posted by Public Relations
As Facebook reaches over 233 million users worldwide and almost 70 million American users, it has become the most prevalent social network for marketing and advertising. However, many brands struggle to understand the inner workings of Facebook’s options. In this post, I will explain the ways Facebook can work in your marketing strategy and define the differences between a Facebook profile, a Facebook fan page and a Facebook group.
Facebook Profiles
A Facebook profile is created by individual users and is a compilation of their information, interests, personal photos and applications. Facebook profiles are the basis for connecting to friends and communicating on the network. Profiles are only to be used by individuals and are not to be created for brands. However, a user must create a profile in order to manage a fan page, group or purchase Facebook advertising. Facebook offers a business profile option to allow a user to manage marketing initiatives without appearing in search results or having abilities to contact other users.
Facebook Fan Page
A Facebook fan page can be created by any number of businesses or organizations. Customizable options allow you to provide Facebook users with basic information and updates about your organization. Once a user chooses to become a “fan” of your brand or service, they will receive updates from your page and you will be able to contact them directly. In addition to providing a place for your organization to post news, events, discussion questions and photographs, fan pages also provide detailed insights into who is viewing your page as well as options for targeted messaging among your fans.
Facebook Groups
Facebook groups can be created by users to express a common interest or notify members about an issue. Groups have less functionality than a fan page in terms of insights and advertising options, but may be a good option for an organization that wants to drive user participation or communicate with a specific audience. Group settings can be adjusted to be private, public or invitation-based.
What is best for my brand?
When developing a Facebook strategy, consider your target audience and your goals for the page. If you wish to combine a large marketing effort and are interested in advertising on the network, a Facebook fan page is the best option. If you wish to stay connected to your board members, volunteers or staff, an invitation-only group could be very beneficial.
No matter what path you choose, it is important that you take time to learn more about the Facebook platform. Facebook has very strict user regulations and will remove your content if it is deemed that you are misusing the site or spamming their users.
Lastly, remember that when operating on social networks, any time you publish content you are opening your product or organization for both positive and negative conversation. Use these networks to develop personal relationships and learn from your network.
posted by Operations
For this edition of get:ting answers, Operations Coordinator Katie sits down with Web Developer Chris to get his thoughts on development, marketing and more.
Katie: What is your specialty at thunder::tech?
Chris: I can work on many different projects at once. Since updates and/or site fixes get high priority, I can drop what I'm doing and switch over right away. I can always pick up my thought process where I left off really easily. Basically Web development to the ‘nth’ degree.
K: You seem to be the go-to guy for fixes and updates. How many different projects would you say you work on in a day?
C: On slower days, probably about three to four, on some busier days, it can go up to 10 a day, depending on what needs to get fixed right away.
K: If you could trade places with anyone else in the office for one day, who would you be and why?
C: That’s a good question…………….I wanna be me! Quite honestly, I like what I do so much that I wouldn’t want to trade with anyone else.
K: During last year’s thunder::tech Christmas Party, you won a thundee award as ‘Most Likely to Beat You at any Video Game’. Do you think it’s true?
C: For most of the Cleveland area, I would have to say so, considering I have a record for how many people I make quit games because I’m so good - the person gets so frustrated. I have a real competitive spirit when it comes to video games, where I try to better myself at any game for competition’s sake, because it’s fun to play against other people.
K: Do you think marketing within video games is can be a successful strategy?
C: I believe video game marketing is successful when games incorporate flat billboard ads that actually do add to the experience. If marketers push any further, they will be met with a lot of resistance. An example of good marketing is in a racing game I recently played; they had raceway billboards over the track that advertised the Fast and Furious DVD, which just came out. An example of bad marketing is another racing game that forces you to watch a commercial before every new race.
Chris and Katie battle it out on the set of Street Fighter
posted by Accounts
The current economic downturn has affected every industry. Many organizations have taken hits to their reputation and others have taken this opportunity to evolve their services or products.
Most likely, your company has not escaped the past several months unscathed.
Do you know your brand as well as you used to? If you’ve experienced any of the following, your brand has likely been altered and is in need of a tune up:
- Significant changes in staffing
- A change in your sales channels
- Revised customer service strategies
- New products, line extensions or changes to product offerings
- Adding or closing locations
- Significant changes in the competitive landscape
- New demographic targets
- Changes to funding / revenue streams
Any changes, including the ones listed above, in an organization can call for an assessment of your brand and the message it exudes. Even small changes in your organization can significantly impact public perceptions and your marketing message. Your brand is dynamic and changes in your company’s structure should be reflected in the message your company portrays.
A simple way to gauge the changes to your brand is to survey both your internal (employees) and external (clients and stakeholders) audiences. If there is wide variation on how they describe your organization – what is does, what your values are and who your audience is, then there’s a need to formally address your brand message.
thunder::tech has recently revamped our brand identity process to help companies refine their message. Our process allows for better measurement and encourages team participation and endorsement for a cohesive and enduring message.
By taking the time to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the your organization’s message, you will stand out from the competition, add value to your audience and increase positive perception of your brand. These factors will position your company for success in any economic climate.
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