SoapBoxWe've got great ideas and insight to share!Our staff sounds off with words of wisdom.Cherry Blossom Joy, Boston HeartacheBy Holly Foster | 4.17.13The crisp cool air for the early morning start time gave way to sun and warmth. Fifteen thousand runners pounded the pavement under the barley budding cherry blossoms as the thousands of supporters cheered our common bond. We were all there to support Children's Miracle Network and raise over $450,000 for the cause.Mike Mohney and I ran the race, as we have every year. As we ran, we passed so many of our fellow Credit Union volunteers who arrived well before the sun came up to fill water cups, collect packets, ready the food and get their respective stations ready. And long before the day arrived the Planning Committee had been working non-stop to make this as successful a day as it could possibly be. Maggie Fielding (President of Visions, Ink.) and Leigh Philibosian (Account Executive for Visions, Ink.) were part of the committee making it all happen. Everything seemed to go off without a hitch and it turned out to be very special day for runners, planners, spectators, volunteers, and the kids who will benefit from the money raised. Just one week later, unthinkable tragedy struck at the 2013 Boston Marathon, leaving in its wake a brokenhearted world. It is just such a sharp and ugly contrast to the joy we all experienced at the Cherry Blossom Run and will, most likely, forever change these kinds of events in the future. Visions, Ink. is a gold supporter of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run and we would like to send out our deepest sympathy to everyone that was effected that day. What started out a wonderful Patriots Day for all in Boston ended so differently. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the victims and their family members. 
March Madness is here. Or has it always been here?Mad about March and college basketball. Me too. I can't wait to see what controversial decisions will be made this year on Selection Sunday.....We're Hiring - CopywriterVisions, Ink is looking to hire a copywriter in the Clinton, MD office. If you know someone who is qualified for this position, please forward this information to them.We're Hiring - Graphic DesignerAre you creative, inspired, and focused? If yes, then you could be exactly what we're looking for. Visions is now seeking a Full-time Graphic Designer for both on and off-line projects.Occupy Tybee Island, Join a Credit UnionYou don't have to Occupy Wall Street to send a message to banks......Social Media Super BowlDo you still think social media is just a fad? Then you must also think that the Superbowl is something only male football fans watch.Don't Dread the Annual ReportWell, it’s here once again. The most dreaded part of a credit union marketer’s year. It’s time to work on the annual report.Major Companies Rebranding for a New ImageDid you even notice? Some major corporate logos had a little work done in 2012. Companies like Wendy’s, Domino’s, eBay and J.C.Penney removed a little excess to streamline their look.What's the Deal with Mortgages?The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently announced changes to the mortgage lending guidelines. Read on to see how this could affect you and your marketing strategyDo you have a marketing plan?A lot has changed in the world of marketing since I jumped aboard right out of college in the early 80s. Back then, we were still running back and forth (literally!) between the ad agency and our office with copy changes, blue lines and mock ups.Brand Identity: What comes first—the symbol or the brand?The iconic apple. Nike’s swoosh. You don’t even need to see the company name. With just one glance those symbols will immediately generate a recognition and reaction about those brands.How's Your Message?A good message could be a one-hit wonder, a flash in the pan, or a passing fancy, but a great message…A great message can take your member somewhere that is a happy place for them.Online Marketing Broken DownWhether you’re new to online marketing or old hat, you can’t deny the fact that there are more and more new marketing terms that may seem or sound confusing.Follow-Up is CrucialInstead of spreading your marketing dollar too thin on several campaigns, follow-up thoroughly on one.Keep In TouchTake it from AARP — it's important to communicate with your members often.Audience IdentificationDo your marketing materials speak to your membership?Research at Your FingertipsYour numbers have a story to tell! Listen to them in order to invest your marketing dollars wisely.Educate Your MembersBe a trusted and knowledgeable resource to your members.Innovate with Direct MailLooking for an outrageous response rate? Try something different.Turn that Frown Upside DownListen and learn from unhappy members.Your Members are SmartDon't risk member confidence with gimmicks. Keep your promotions simple and straightforward.Be ConciseTo stand out in the crowd, you need to keep it simple.Better IdeasBetter Results |
