The Perfect Fit

ready + willing Honored as Innovative and Valuable to Our Region!

Over ten years ago, in the aftermath of REBUS' freBUS (REBUS' pro-bono arm) efforts to provide marketing resources to St. Louis Non-Profits, Sarah Waters and Kendra Gilligan came to me with passion and an idea.  They wanted to take what they learned co-Chairing freBUS and create an marketing organization that was sustainable and scalable.  They wanted to build on the idea of experienced marketers (mentors) working with young professionals for the benefit of Charitable organizations in the St. Louis region.  They wanted to give back to the St. Louis Community.

ready + willing, the name they came up with for the effort, would provide solutions to issues plaguing our region for years.  There were Non-Profits who did not qualify for United Way or other funding mechanisms. ready + willing would provide marketing services for them.  Those Non-Profits had been unable to share their story, their value or increase membership and "organic" financial development.  They were stuck . . . few knew of their existence.  At the same time, young marketers, copywriters, art directors, account service or production pros were unable to gain the experience necessary, to help them land that first job in the business. ready + willing could help that issue also.

I was pleased to be able to help Sarah and Kendra put together their first Board of Directors and to recruit some of the more experienced marketers as mentors.  I would frequently have conversations with new college grads who wanted to get into advertising or marketing, so they were natural prospective participants.  Sarah, Kendra and the Board were able to identify the first Non-Profits to meet their criteria and benefit from the program.  It was exciting, time consuming and anxiety provoking, all at the same time . . . always worried we couldn't keep it going.

Sarah deserves the credit for getting ready + willing to where it is now.  To this day, r+w provides a valuable service.  It's an excellent place for experienced pros to meet younger professionals, who have different areas of expertise.  It's an unusual and valuable learning experience for both parties.  It's an excellent way for both older and younger marketers to learn from each other, while providing those otherwise unattainable marketing communications for Non-Profits.

FOCUS St. Louis® has announced the 2017 What's Right With the Region Honorees.  ready + willing has been honored as having "demonstrated innovation and vision in making the St. Louis region a better place to live, work or visit."  FOCUS St. Louis is the region's premier leadership organization.  So far, ready + willing has helped over 14 Non-Profits.  You can see some of the work here. 

REBUS Celebrates Its 7th Birthday with “The Breakfast Club” and Strange Donuts

REBUS held its inaugural Breakfast Club event last week at Rooster downtown. The attendees were treated to a free breakfast and the special treat that is Strange Donuts. Corey Smale brought the donuts and told us the story of how his passion project, Strange Donuts became the phenomenon it is, in less than a year.

The presentation was informal and felt intimate, in that Corey walked around the attendees and told his story in a casual yet passionate way. You could see and feel how and why Corey has built an almost cult following in a short period of time. The donuts were a sensational “dessert” to Rooster’s superb breakfasts.

As I was talking with Sarah Waters sitting next to me, I realized that March is REBUS’ birthday . . . it’s seventh! I was stunned by that number and how fast time has flown. I like the evolution REBUS has experienced to become what it is now.

Sarah was one of the original Co-chairs of REBUS and very helpful in getting it growing. Sarah and Kendra Gilligan helped create fREBUS, the pro bono arm of REBUS. In the first year, fREBUS was responsible for over $80,000.00 in deliverables to St. Louis non-profits. As a result of issues identified with fREBUS, Sarah and Kendra went on to found ready+willing.

I’m proud of the fact that REBUS has succeeded in influencing hundreds of young advertising professionals (and many veterans as well) and resulted innumerable “first job” offers. REBUS has visited scores of agencies and photographers’ studios and production companies, helping introduce the regions’ most influential players to the new young professionals.

A REBUS (generally without all caps) is a puzzle combining words and pictures to create another word or phrase.  The original concept for REBUS was to get newly graduated writers and art directors together so that they could collaborate, with the goal of helping each other build better portfolios.  I'm sure you figured out that this rebus says "Free beer for a year".  Perfect!

REBUS has provided the opportunity for the ambitious to get involved and improve their skills, while working on real projects. There have been networking opportunities and new relationships developed. I’ve been told more than once that without REBUS, someone would not have met someone or found out about something that ended up influencing their careers and/or personal lives!  That's rewarding to hear!

The hard work and god knows how many hours have all been worth it. I’m proud that REBUS has had and continues to have, the relevance and value that it does. Thanks to all of you who have contributed to that effort.

Happy Birthday REBUS!

Cardinals Host REBUS at Busch Stadium on November 15th!

The REBUS Quadruple Play Client Panel

On Tuesday, November 15th from 6PM-8PM REBUS is ecstatic to visit the home of the 2011 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals for the REBUS Quadruple Play Client Panel!

Boasting a set of St. Louis brand icons from companies such as Monsanto, The St. Louis Cardinals, Stereotaxis and one other to be named, the Quadruple Play will allow attendees to get an insight into the work of senior marketers at some of St. Louis’ most iconic companies. The Q&A panel will be chaired by Jennifer Simler, Account Director at Switch, and will give you a chance to ask these  representatives ‘anything and everything’ about working for well-known brands in St. Louis.

Further, for a scant ten-dollar entry fee, you will enjoy an evening of delectable food and drink in the Cardinals Club, one of Busch’s finest spaces that is traditionally used only by St. Louis Cardinals green-seat season ticket holders.  Free Parking is across the street from Paddy O's in Parking Lot A

Unfortunately, attendance and free parking is limited to the first seventy-five registrants, so make sure to visit http://on.fb.me/sDv5Ry to reserve your spot today! Check it out now, you don’t want to have to “wait for next year”!

Want to get on the Q&A list before the event? Tweet us @REBUS_STL!

REBUS Is Growing and Getting Even Better

Last week Rodgers Townsend (Thanks to Jen Oertli!) was kind enough to once again let us use their big conference room and facilities as REBUS plans for 2011 and '12.  We were excited to have at least 30 attendees, many of whom were new faces . . . all of whom were enthusiastic about doing what they can to help REBUS grow and deliver even more value in the future.

We went into the meeting looking for volunteers for various positions, and got them.  This does not mean we're "covered"!  There is still room for more help in every category including writers (social media communicators) to help with the blog and the other REBUS online presence.   There is room for writers of every level to contribute to the blog and Twitter.     We're always looking for additional designers, especially those with html and online skills.  We're creating a "video team" to cover our events, and any other videos we (they) decide to produce.  We also need Special Event Managers.  If you're interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Danny ([email protected]) or Rachel ([email protected]), they'll hook you up. 

The one other position that we are currently seeking candidates for is REBUS leadership in one of the co-Chair positions.  It's time to start to rotate a new motivated young professional into the existing mix.  If you're interested in applying for the position, just let Danny or Rachel know.  The position is fun, rewarding and certainly one of the best advertising networking opportunity in town!

In addition to the normal monthly events at agencies, we're planning to start adding client visits to the schedule.  St. Louis is home to a number of category leading companies who understand the value of marketing and advertising.  We think we can get their support, and getting their perspective will be invaluable.  There's no other association opportunity to have that unusual kind of dialog!

I'm personally very excited about several other events that were discussed.  These might be beyond the normal monthly meetings, and could be "stand alone" events . . . some maybe taking a half or even full day.  We're talking about "How Do Agencies Get Started?" (working title), which might also include, how do I get more freelance business . . . or how do I get my own (creative or marketing) business started (at any level)!?

We also discussed the possibility of a day long seminar on issues related to "Personal Branding for Career Success", which might include topics like how do I create an online brand for myself, and then market that brand.  How do I get started understanding the value of and taking advantage of social media?  It might include a portfolio track . . . We plan to make it what people want.

We also discussed REBUS supporting some sort of "Outreach to area High Schools".  The advertising industry as a whole nationally is not doing a good job of recruiting the best and the brighest, like it once did.  There was a time when (for example) graduates from Ivy League Universities enthusiastically sought, and would be proud to win an assistant AE position on Madison Avenue.  There was an excitement about advertising as a career and amazingly enough, it was harder to get that first job then, than it is now!  This outreach could also help address some of the diversity in recruitment issues that advertising is confronting on a national level.  Some in attendance thought that explaining to high school students the value, excitement and fun of advertising or marketing as a career was something REBUS could do very well . . . I agree.

What do you think about some of these events?  We'd love to hear suggestions from you about other events or speakers you'd like to see in St. Louis!  As I said to those in attendance . . . there's no excuse.  We can do whatever anyone wants.  All we need is the volunteer power to pull it off!

Sixth Annual REBUS Planning & Volunteer Meeting

It's once again time for any of you who are interested in contributing to REBUS and helping your own career at the same time to join us in concepting and planning for next year.  Rodgers Townsend has once again generously agreed to let us use their facilities and cosmic conference room to plan what's up next for REBUS.  We want your input and then, we hope you'll help.

We're having trouble deciding which promotional copy to go with for this event.  I thought I'd just see which you prefer!  Hope to see you at RT on Wednesday evening, the 13th. We need you and we want you!  Please RSVP on Facebook.

WE’RE HOLDING THIS LITTLE KITTEN HOSTAGE

•    We’ve taken desperate measures. Without volunteers, REBUS is without hope, without air, without a chance in this dark world. In our desperation, we’ve turned to a life of crime, and have taken Mr. Snuggle-Whiskers hostage. But believe it or not (and we would suggest not), you can do something about it! You can stop this madness! You can free us from our despair and save Mr. Snuggle-Whiskers from a ghastly end! Join us at our annual volunteer planning meeting at Rodgers Townsend at 6pm on July 13th, to learn a little bit about how volunteering with REBUS could help you with your career, and save us from our despair. It may just be enough to save Mr. Snuggle-Whiskers.

Or,

BE SELF-CENTERED, VOLUNTEER

•    You want to volunteer? How self-centered, vain, and inconsiderate of you. Clearly, you know that volunteering with REBUS can give you tons of contacts in the world of advertising, great insights into the trade, and put you ahead in your career. Oh, you would want to volunteer you narcissistic, conceited, brown-noser. We’ll see you at 6pm on Wednesday, July 13th at Rodgers Townsend for our annual volunteer meeting, please bring your enthusiasm…and your ego.

Thanks to Tipper O'Brien for the copywriting . . .

REBUS Presents: "SELF-BRANDING AND SHINOLA II", June 14th! (Tomorrow!)

Ready to leave your one-horse agency? First time in the game and need to get a few pointers? Just need something to do on a Tuesday night? Nobody ever taught you not to write question marks when engaging consumers?

On June 14th, come down to FK Studios at 6PM for "Self-Branding and Shinola, Part II", brought to you by REBUS and The Creative Group. Doors open at 5:30, with featured discussions starting at 6:30 and portfolio reviews to follow. Agency professionals from some of St. Louis’ finest agencies will review your portfolio and offer expertise on writing a resume, assembling your portfolio, interviewing in the St. Louis area, and most importantly…getting a job.

You’ll also get a chance to hear from six featured speakers, network with seasoned advertising professionals, and enjoy free food and drink!

This event is great for agency newcomers, long-time advertising personnel looking to brush up on their knowledge, and college students alike, but make sure to RSVP ASAP. The first 25 paid reservations are guaranteed one-on-one portfolio reviews with a number of St. Louis’ decision makers.

There will also be a Q&A period and resume/portfolio/case studies/self branding reviews by a number of established industry professionals including:

RSVP NOW AND DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR PORTFOLIO!

REBUS Presents: Shinola II, Self-Branding And Presentation

After much technical difficulty, I'm thrilled to be able to announce the second annual Shinola event.  The event will be at the FK Studios the evening of June 14th.  As usual for a REBUS event, doors open at 5:30 PM for food, beverages and networking, with the event starting at 6:30 PM. RSVP on the REBUS Facebook page!

The first 25 paid RSVPs will be guaranteed a one on one portfolio review with a senior level professional, in their area of expertise.  We'll have portfolio reviewers/interviewers with specific experience like art direction, writing, online design, etc..

The evening will start with a short keynote address my Mark Schupp.  There will additionally be short presentations from leaders of St. Louis advertising and marketing communications agencies:

David Johnson, President; Coolfire Media
Melinda Love, Sr. VP and Sr. Partner (Head of the Creative Department); Fleishman-Hillard
Jennifer Oertli, VP of VP and Director of Human Resources; Rodgers Townsend
Jennifer Simler, Account Director; Switch
Jeff Stevens, Executive Creative Director;  Momentum

Each of these leaders will deliver a 10 minute presentation on what they look for when hiring new employees.  They'll discuss what impresses them, and what doesn't when determining who to hire for their organizations.  They'll have ideas, thoughts and suggestions about how to refine your own presentation to deliver impact and separate yourself from your colleagues. 

These presentations will deliever insights whether you're just getting started, or polishing your book for a promotion or job change after years in the business.  We're including all the functional skills in the business from Jr. AE, to Senior Creative Director.  Attendees  will learn more about how to present themselves effectively, and with impact.  Last year's event was so successful, we decided to make it an annual event!  Check out the video re-cap of last year's event at the REBUS blog.

This is a unique opportunity to get access to St. Louis marketing and advertising leaders.  We're limiting the attendees to 75, so that everyone will have a superb experience.  Bring a friend with you and register promptly so you're not left out!  I'll look forward to seeing you there.

I encourage you to follow REBUS @REBUS_STL for event and organization updates!

REBUS 5th Birthday . . . Thanks Switch!

Thanks Switch . . . for the welcoming hospitality and hosting one of the best REBUS events to date.  More than 115 attendees fit easily into the space you carved out of your new 95,000 square foot facility!  It's a spectacular new space and you supported a sensational evening.

Last Thursday was an exciting milestone for REBUS.  When Tim Sandifort and I started talking about REBUS more than four years ago, we never could have imagined the response and growth that's occured.  Four years have just flown by . . . 

I want to thank Switch, Mike O'Neil for saying yes, and Andrew Mullins and Josh Kocurek for their helpful input and managing the details.  Jen Simler and Jessica Hutson from Switch also sit on the REBUS leadership Committee and are invaluable with suggestions and their enthusiastic follow up.  Danny Elchert and Rachael Barbieri, the current REBUS co-Chairs are just rock solid in following through with all the detail and people management involved in an event like this one.

What a night!  From the cake shaped like a bus, to DJ Andro1d, the "Twitterfitti wall" where we could watch live, the tweets containing the party hashtag #REBUS5th, tours of the new Switch offices and facilities and a presentation on new media marketing by Switch CD Scott Burns.  It was wonderful.

Scott's presentation started with an announcement that a graphic designer was hired by Paradowski Creative, as a result of our visit there last month, and a portfolio review.  It's a reminder of one of the other REBUS benefits, networking with those colleagues and friends who can help support, and enhance your career.  See some other REBUS facts at "REBUS By The Numbers".

If you haven't done so already, visit REBUS on Facebook, and help us educate, entertain and support each other and the regional advertising and marketing community.

McGowan-Crain & Mozaic Rivet REBUS

I attended the first REBUS meeting for 2010 last evening, hosted by McGowan-Crain and Mozaic . . . what an event!  The 70+ attendees shattered previous REBUS attendance records and their enthusiasm was contagious!  Those attendees were entertained by Ben Crain and Todd McGowan's informative presentation of several case studies of their agency's work.  Ken Reece gave an overview of Mozaic's capabilities and Bill Freeman helped with post presentation tours.  Brian Handrigan of Gramatter, wrapped the presentations with a case study of a direct marketing effort on behalf of Royal Canin. 

Thanks to Modesto for being so kind as to provide the snacks for the evening.

Ben and Todd took turns presenting case studies on McGowan-Crain's work, across a variety of channels.  They explained their internal process for understanding and delivering brand positioning and appropriate marketing communications solutions across channels. They explained their "Smart, Simple, Strategic" foundationing and approach to all their work.  From Rosa Mexicano, an upscale Mexican food franchise, to Black Velvet Whiskey, and highlights of their 14 year run with Corona beer, Ben and Todd gave an open presentation of how they work for and succeed with their national clients.

They showed a very interesting video about "How an idea evolves".  The video does a wonderful job of showing how the addition resources of Mozaic (photography, pre-press and high end re-touching, online, and direct) can be utilized for their clients' benefit.  Check out that video and click here.

Todd delivered a final case study on one of the agency's pet projects, 1860s Genuine American Vodka.  The idea for the spirit was hatched in a local Soulard bar (1860 Saloon), when the owner told Todd that he's always wanted to create "his own" vodka to sell.  The resulting story of the brand positioning, development and launch  was fascinating to hear.  Apparently it worked, as it's now selling in six States, with more to come!

After the formal presentations members of the host staffs provided portfolio reviews for those interested.

This was the kind of event that REBUS strives for . . . An entertaining and educational presentation, presented in a very hospitable, creative atmosphere.  There's plenty of time to network with friends and meet new ones.  It's a unique opportunity to see what other agencies are doing, and what's more important, how they do it and why they do what they do.

For those of you who attended, thanks!  For those of you who missed it, we'll be announcing our next event on February 9th, very shortly.  For additional info, follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn!

REBUS Needs Writers . . . And A Leader For Writers

Writers in St. Louis, MO: Are you looking to enhance your portfolio? Want to be a blogger without having to worry about growing a following? Want to write about what interests you in marketing, advertising, creative, social media, and the world of copy and messaging? REBUS St. Louis is a fast-growing network of young advertising professionals in St. Louis, MO, sponsored by the AdClub of St. Louis. We've recently launched a blog at www.REBUSstl.com that we will be promoting at monthly events and across social media outlets online. If you're passionate about your industry and want to grow your online professional reputation, become a blogger with REBUS. Please contact us. We have immediate openings available.

We are also looking for an experienced marketing communications writer to lead/mentor the REBUS writers.  If you have more than five years of writing experience, let us know you'd like to join the REBUS leadership team.  We'd love to have you . . .

Additional details:
We currently do not pay for content, but the blog is lead by social media experts and online advertising gurus working at St. Louis agencies, and we're all looking forward to working with you to put out compelling and relevant content about local events, professional experiences and industry trends. We'll post your name and photo next to each of your posts and get links posted on Twitter, Facebook and other places where we have hundreds of followers. Get your name out there, and join our team!

To apply:
Email Kirsten Sanders ([email protected]) and Danny Elchert ([email protected]) with your name, phone number, email address, LinkedIn URL or resume, as well as 3+ writing samples by November 15th. We will be in touch shortly after we hear from you.

REBUS Visits Geileon . . . Hospitality and Creativity Rule

I walked into Geileon last evening for the October REBUS event, to the aroma of freshly grilled tube steaks, all the fixin's and lots of icy cold beverages . . . what a wonderful way to set the stage for what was to come!

Sarah Waters, one of the REBUS Co-Chairs made an announcement about the opportunities available through fREBUS and their pro bono efforts on behalf of regional non-profits.  fREBUS needs Young Guns and Ad Club members in positions like Sr. Designers, Sr. Writers, Sr. Account Execs, Web Developer/Programmers, Interactive Designers, Videographer/Editors and PR folks. 

fREBUS' next big project is to develop and execute all the branding, promotion and marketing for the "World Record Baseball Game" (according to Guinness) to be played in St. Louis in November, 2009.  It's an exciting opportunity for professionals to get involved in a world class project, build their books and give back to our community.  Proceeds from the game will go to benefit local Charities.

Back to Geileon . . . Kathy Leonard was kind enough to move her clients out of the main conference room, to her office and the presentation was lead by agency principle, Tim Leon.  Tim took questions from the group and explained the value of the discovery process with a client, prior to starting any creative.

Thanks to Tim Leon, Del Schwinke, Kendra Pennycuick and the other GL staffers who made everyone feel so welcome.  Hospitality coupled with openness and creativity . . . what a wonderful combination!