New Orleans: PROUD to Call it Home.

Why are you proud to call New Orleans home? Isn’t that easy of a question is it?

Many wouldn’t have a problem pinpointing a reason, yet, the answer will not typically display that particular cherished since of worth and pleasure. - “I grew up here.” “This is where my job placed me.” “My significant other’s job landed us here.” “This is where my significant other grew up.” Etcetera, etcetera.

I was given the joy of volunteering at the Young Leadership Counsel’s Proud to Call it Home relaunch party at Harrah’s Casino. The crowd was a well diversified group containing people from all walks of the city; members came, friends came, and anyone passing by the theater in the casino came in to show their pride. The individual motive for being there did not matter, as it was one commonality everyone cared to celebrate: They were proud to live, work, and play in this city; they were proud to call New Orleans home!

Each New Orleanian, walked up to the welcome desks, put their name on a name tag (usual drill), but also added to the tag the reason they were proud to call New Orleans home. I’d say close to 90% of the people looked at me and said “I don’t know why I love it; I just do!” One gentleman briefly shared his story with me: He has lived in 10 states, spent 2 years convincing his wife to move from Boulder, Co to New Orleans, finally moved here after Katrina, and will only move away if he relocates out of the United States. However, the most common response? The food and the people. The food is a given; it’s got the soul to feed your soul. The people on the other hand ARE the soul of the city. The true spirit of New Orleans is embodied within the people; it’s the unmistakable, pure pride displayed in all of our faces when answering the question, “Where do you call home?”.

Once everyone moved passed the welcome desk , picked up their Proud to Call it Home bumper sticker, and liked the fan page on Facebook, they entered the front doors of the theater where they were asked to be brave and record a video clip of why they were proud to call New Orleans home. Those who were such great sports were given Proud Passports. Next stop? The bar. Drinks and food were complimentary, and everyone enjoyed the hurricanes, lemon drops, beer, wine, and soda while they celebrated the night. Past the bar and into the the main theater, the staples of what we do in New Orleans was displayed to the fullest. Eating, dancing, capturing memories, and enjoying one anthers company is a N'awlin's good time. Sam’s Funky Nation had people cutting loose on the dance floor all night, ending the party with everyone dancing on stage to the last song. Dear New Orleans was snapped away the messages everyone had to and about their beloved city. Rob, the photographer behind the magic, captures what is so raw, real, and the true spirit found in all of us.

So, why am I proud to call New Orleans home? In New Orleans you get the hustle and bustle of a big city mixed in with the small town, southern charm. You smile and say “Hi!” to the stranger walking past you on the side walk, open the door for the one walking into a place behind, and the warmth we have in our hearts for one other causes judgments are left behind. In New Orleans you are who you are, and we take one another in “as-is” condition. Opportunities are immeasurable here, no matter your interests and passions in life. All in all? I love New Orleans, just because. I’ve realized that giving a specific reason for it is like giving a specific reason for love your wife/husband or kids. An explanation can’t be tagged to that type of love, nor can it be measured.

I'll ask again; why are you proud to call New Orleans home? Fan their Facebook page and tell us all! This isn't the only amazing campaign the Young Leadership Council has created. Check out the website and you can get a glimpse of each incredible incredible projects available to get evolved with.

FORE!...a good cause (PART 1)

If you're following this blog, you may wonder why it may have seemed as though we have dropped off the face of the earth the past month or so. Three words: Unitedhealthcare Children's Foundation.

The foundation supports an admirable cause: aiding children whose conditions are not covered by their healthcare plans. Healthcare being the hot topic in the past year, we saw an immense amount of support towards the Foundation as we crafted a fundraiser event. Keating Magee helped The Unitedhealthcare Children's Foundation put on golf tournament fundraiser in both Mississippi and Louisiana.

The responsibility of soliciting donations for the auction fell in my lap. That being said, I have quite literally been eating, breathing and sleeping for this fundraiser event.

My competitive nature caused for a blur to set in over the line of my work hours. This being my senior year, I have learned the ways of effective scheduling and my first class of the day starts at 11 AM. However, during this period of my life--which I like to refer to as my "Donation Addiction"--I was not able to enjoy this privilege of sleeping in. 8:05 AM would hit and suddenly the alarming Irish Fight song ringtone would flood the room and my phone would nearly vibrate off the night stand. I look at my phone and do not recognize the number: it's a potential donor--I'm sure of it. I have 5 seconds to emerge from my drowsy state, answer the phone and be ready to pitch our request.

TIPS FOR MAKING SUCCESSFUL COLD CALLS
-New Orleans businesses truly value supporting local causes and local businesses. I by no means have a New Jersey accent (and thank the forces every day this is so), but it was interesting to see how much warmer the business contacts were once I used the term "ya'll" in our conversations. This gave off the impression that they were dealing with a local and helped me to successfully land certain donation items, such as the generous donation of a $100 gift certificate to any of the Emeril's restaurants.

-Don't be a robot--reciting lines as you go down your cold call list is subtle but apparent to the person on the other line. Immediately they tune out your message and lock into their stance being a firm "No". You want to be familiar with the facts of your request, and still maintain a high level of professionalism while making the call--but make sure you go into each call with a personal touch. Make them feel like it is their business and only their business that you need this donation from. I had a high success rate on the last days of my deadline to collect, and I can attribute this to the sincere hint of desperation that went into my calls.

1,000+ Facebook Fans in 3 hours

There are two lessons to be learned in this: give the people what they want...and don't underestimate the effectiveness of direct email blasts.

The Windsor Court Hotel recently announced the winner of their "Have a Ball" Sweepstakes, Amy Corley-Bergeron, who was awarded with Saints tickets, a stay at the Windsor Court Hotel, as well as pre-game brunch.

I ask you though, who was the real winner in this contest?

As an avid Saints fan myself envious of Amy's great fortune, I must hold back on stating the obvious- the winner being Amy. But from a marketing standpoint, the Windsor Court brings home the trophy.

The fans of the Windsor Court hotel Facebook Page were submitted into a drawing for Saints tickets, hotel stay and pre-grame lunch. The hotel eventually gave Keating Magee the green light to use the list previously drafted and send out an email blast regarding the contest. The results were astounding. Within minutes the Windsor Court's Facebook Fan count rose exponentially. 3 hours passed and 1,000 new fans were garnered. The contest proved to be a major success.

We live in a digital age. With more people owning smart phones, which are at arms length away at all times, emails are almost instantaneously read. Unfortunately, an email blast can easily slip into the same category as spam. We can counter this by getting their attention and offering an enticing prize. After the Saints' Super Bowl win, its almost as if this entire city's blood runs black and gold. An offer to win tickets, as well as fine dining at the Windsor Court, stirs excitement and buzz for the hotel. I applaud the joint efforts of Keating Magee and the Windsor Court and await the next contest where I may be so lucky!
Geaux Saints!

How visual stimulation will lead your company to success

I am guilty of incessant doodling. I considered this to simply be a bad habit of mine; that my furious scribbling was nothing more than a catalyst for my slight case of ADD. However, a couple of weeks ago, this perception changed. According to expert on visual cartography, David Sibbet, being graphically stimulated is actually extremely beneficial for the brain.

On Wednesday October 20, I joined my colleague Ronald and we arrived at Vega Tapas Cafe in Old Metairie for a luncheon hosted by the New Orleans Ad Club. The speaker, David Sibbet, is the President and Founder of The Grove Consultants International—organizational consultant and information designer, building on years of experience in leadership development, strategic visioning, organization change, and futures study—author of leading-edge group process tools and models for facilitation, team leadership, and organizational transformation. He spoke of the importance of visual stimulation in meetings and presentations.

When speaking of visual aids in presentations, the most common thing to do is think of Microsoft PowerPoint. Sibbet talked about how PowerPoints are actually dumbing down decision making, and the alternate routes prove to be more sucessful and not to mention original and eye catching.

Prezi is one of the alternative visual aid presentation software that Sibbet spoke of. It goes "beyond the slide" (of PowerPoint) and it engages the audience with a fresh approach to presentation and discussion. If you are not familiar with the software Prezi, you should check out their website: http://prezi.com/hgjm18z36h75/why-should-you-move-beyond-slides/.

Another resource Sibbet talked about were these large graphic chart presentations. The best way to describe this is by picturing huge -- beautifully -- hand drawn posters that were engaging the meeting and allowing for the participation of the audience. Sibbet would have these posters prepared, but the audience could participate by drawing on them or putting post it notes or in any way they felt comfortable sharing. Sibbet made the point that "people love to be listened to" and by making a meeting interactive, the presentor ensures their attention. Sibbet used the presentation he prepared for the President of Nike as and example of how effective this method is.

Sibbet was very enthusiastic about his approach on the "visual revolution." I must say that after his presentation, I have to agree with him. We are currently oversaturated with information and technology and advertisement and social media. Because of this, I feel like we are continuously setting higher standards as to what is going to grab our attention, but most importantly, keep it. It is incredibly difficult to stay focused on a new product, simply because there is so much of it, we don't want to give our time and energy to a waste of time. I think what Sibbet is proposing, this incentive to have visually stimulating and interactive meeting and presentations, is great. Though it would be incredibly time consuming to prepare these poster presentations, I think that brainstorming new presentation concepts -- such as experimenting with Prezi -- are small ways to start shifting into the creative era we are in, where our client expects more of us than a couple of colorful slides.

On my TV this Fall...

Last Tuesday the 21st, I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to enjoy lunch at Five Happiness in the Imperial Room with a few stars of Keating Magee: Maggie, Ann, and Ronald. The restaurant's Chinese cuisine happens to be exceptional, particularly the shrimp dish with a sweet, honey-like sauce and candied pecans. However, I wasn’t there for a food tasting; the Ad Club of New Orleans held their September meeting. For each of the monthly meetings there is a featured speaker(s) and a non-profit society, and with cooler weather and more inside-time this meeting was one I am glad to have been able to attend.

Representing the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, the meeting was kicked off by Melanie Cross of Tulane, whom then presented Dr. Augusto Ochoa of LSU to most passionately speak on the true Fall lineup: the upcoming Key to the Cure benefit. Shopping at Canal Place never had more meaning. I had heard of this particular charity event prior to attending this lunch, but I had not realized just how meaningful it truly is. For those who are not familiar, Key to the Cure is a four-day weekend of shopping at Saks in Canal Place for a little more than the just fabulous fashion finds. Two percent of all of sales at Saks Fifth Avenue during those days will be donated to Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium. With a new season here and holidays approaching rather rapidly and unless you are a ramen-noodle-eating college student like I happen to be (until May!), I am sure Saks carries quite a few items you would like to own and/or gift. –For those generous shoppers: I would like a pair black cowgirl boots in size 7.5; thank you in advance! Back to reality; Key to the Cure will run from Thursday, October 21st through Sunday, October 24th. They also have a Kickoff Gala Wednesday, October 20th from 6:00p to 9:00p. Hint, hint– Date night with the significant other? Networking opportunities?
To learn even more: http://www.lcrc.info/news/updates/kttc2010.html

Highlighting Fall TV lineups for WDSU (NBC), WGNO (ABC), and Cox Media, each of the stations’ ad reps presented me with the perfect situation to watched, listened, and mapped out what to watch in the evening while studding. Multitasking happens to be a talent I have come to conquer.

First, WDSU (NBC) caught my attention with their 4:30am news airing- the only local news broadcasted before the birds are awake. I happen to be one of the crazy people up that earlier many days of the week. Chase, Mondays at 9:00p, are for the Jason Born movie-lovers, such as myself. Undercovers and Law and Order: Los Angeles, aka LOLA are my thriller, investigative crime shows marked on the calendar for Wednesdays at 7:00p and 9:00p. On WDSU before or after Friday pizza-dinners at 7:00p with the family? School Pride. Schools that have been vandalized, not cared for, etc. can affect the students who are supposed to be learning in that environment. This program shines a spotlight on those schools and takes action, all the while involving the students of that school in the process. Outlaw is a more comedic political/crime addition to network at 9:00p on Fridays that will be on whether I am being a grandma or getting ready for a night-out.

WGNO (ABC)’s presentation of course included Dancing With The Stars on Mondays at 7:00p and the results on Tuesdays at 8:00p. The rest consisted of a plethora of categories for new shows: family, comedy, drama, suspense, and so on. No Ordinary Family, Tuesdays at 7:00p is great for those who enjoyed The Incredibles. And who isn’t guilty of watching Friends reruns? Well, the writer of the epic sitcom has created another that is just as “reality-like” and comedic with Better With You, Wednesday at 8:00p. With the same feel as High School Reunion, My Generation, Thursdays at 7:00p, is a must-see for those Class of 2000 high school graduates. WGNO’s reality show that showcases the fortunate helping the less fortunate is Secret Millionaire, Fridays at 7:00p. With real millionaires going undercover, getting out into the communities far from the lavish nets which they are rooted in, and ending with the millionaire giving away $100,000 of their own wealth, this will be one to drawn a smile.

Cox Media’s offerings? The boys of Fall! – (insert Kenny Chesney song playing in your head) My main love would be HD Football. With the Saints on, why wouldn’t you take advantage of the opportunity of being able to see the sweat! Not to mention the quality has the ability to make Drew Brees look even more breathtaking. Of course Cox provided MUCH more than any person could ever dream of, so I recommend checking out the website:
http://ww2.cox.com/residential/neworleans/home.cox.

For the full Fall TV Lineup:
http://www.tvguide.com/special/fall-preview/fall-schedule.aspx

Introducing: Alexia

Even though you are most likely to encounter bizarre sights on the streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter, I don’t think the city was expecting a Paraguayan 21-year-old scuttling around at 9:00 am, trying to find parking among the NFL kick-off festivity preparations, making her way to her first day of work; that was me last week. Day One at Keating Magee-- and it couldn’t have been on a more excellent day.

Currently a Communications Senior at Loyola University, with a minor in Creative Writing, I transferred from the home land – Paraguay – my sophomore year and haven’t looked back since. Moving to New Orleans has included falling in love with Uptown’s canopies and street cars, and being utterly confused by the city’s bizarre fascination for beads, and even more so by the frenzy that is Mardi Gras. If I could sum up my transition from South American small town to North American Who Dat Nation, I would have to say it’s been quite the exhilarating ride.

Although I have had professional experiences in the past, working at a Marketing Agency in Paraguay, interning for the School of Mass Communication at Loyola, and completing my summer internship at the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, now I am starting at Keating Magee and I am excited to start from scratch in my new office overlooking the river. I look forward to joining this team and proving myself as a worthy asset.

Introducing: Lauren

Hey ya'll! My name is Lauren Van de Voorde, and I am a new addition to Keating Magee's internship program for the Fall 2010 semester. I am a Senior Marketing major at UNO, transferring from UL in Lafayette. Obviously by the "ya'll" I am originally from the area; Slidell to be exact. "Excited" is an understatement when describing how I feel about being back in the area. The French Quarter, Uptown, the restaurants, the (SuperBowl Champs) Saints, along with many other staples of the city, make it truly like no other. One reason for my transfer during the last year of undergrad was knowing that New Orleans had a plethora of options for a young, eager soon-to-be-grad, such as my self. Ladies like options (and, well, men too), and there is definitely no other place that offers such a variety in a city with such amazing culture.

With graduation coming up in May, I had to buckle down this summer and really take a look at companies that would be on my radar as I set out on my first "big-girl" job hunt in the spring. Focusing in on those that offered internships and were top in their industry, Keating Magee stood out. Isn’t there a saying that goes “if you want to be the best, you have to learn from the best”? I think so, or something along those lines.

The short 40 minute drive I made for my first interview with D.A. Magee himself was undoubtedly one of the finest decisions I have ever made. D.A. acknowledged my "persistence" to obtain an internship and was the first to say to me "you've got potential kid". The second interview is when I got to learn a little more about what a Media Intern does. Yes, I will file papers and tie ribbon(I did that the first day), but those tasks are what interns are for. I will also, however, get a chance to sit in on meetings with networks, oversee the process of buying slots for commercials and print ads, actually interact with clients, and even have a project to do with my fellow interns. Of course, I will be granted to opportunity to do much more along the way. Not many college interns can say the have an opportunity to learn an extraordinary amount and having amazing fun along the way!

Working at the top floor of Jax Brewery, in the heart of the French Quarter, and at such a prominent company (google Keating Magee, you will see) is not a bad way to spend three afternoons a week. Plans for the future are simple for me at Keating Magee: learn as much as possible, make the most of every opportunity I am given, and enjoy this amazing chance I am so thankful to have been given.

Now Hiring...

With my final year at Tulane University on the horizon, it is no secret that I have made use of the ever popular Craigslist. However, I am no longer looking for a used sofa...but full time employment. A rather daunting task-- it's important to know where to look. Uloop provides a much more professional platform for college students to connect with employers. Companies post job listings both nationwide and at specific universities. Its simple navigation is not as cluttered and, frankly, has a more professional vibe than when one shrugs their shoulders while stating "I got it off Craigslist." I am currently registered and continually check Uloop, more so now with the purpose of boosting my hopes that the economy is turning around and quality companies are in fact hiring!

Last Night in Town

Today is my last day as an Intern at Keating Magee and second to last day in New Orleans. I have to say that I am genuinely sad to be leaving both KM and the city. It's going to be hard to leave New Orleans and everything I love about it. I would guess that for most people, they're lucky not to trip on their own shoelaces as they sprint out the door in haste on the last day of their jobs.

In an attempt not to be too sappy, I can say that my work experience here has been phenomenal. I couldn't have asked for more in an internship. I have managed to get hands-on experience in so many aspects of marketing, and also contribute my own unique skills (like wrapping this ADORABLE sea turtle) in a meaningful way. Keating Magee really is a team and I feel like I got to be a real, valuable part of it, which is more than what most people I know can say about their experience.

My personal experience in New Orleans has also been amazing. This city is incredible, and even after four full years I still feel like there is so much to see. I'm sure that I will visit every chance I get. As far as my last day in NOLA goes, I have some plans, but inevitably they will be foiled because of all the packing I am going to have to do. BUT - come hell or high water I will have an oyster poboy tomorrow, oil spill or no oil spill, because as I have found out from experience, there is really nothing like a fried oyster.

Commander's

The one word speaks for itself, doesn't it? Fellow intern Erin and I decided to binge on one of my last Friday's in town and do Friday Lunch in true New Orleans style - at Commander's Palace. I had my doubts about Commander's because it's so well known and so often a tourist or visitor's location. But I figured since I was leaving town I had to go at least once.

First of all, whoever invented 25 cent martinis is a genius. The Commander's Signature martini - (see right) - boasts Commander's famous blue awning color in the glass, and later the inside of your mouth. After a round of drinks, Erin and I went on to ordering some fabulously delicious meals. I got mussels and fries, and Erin got crab cakes. Obviously the food was amazing. fantastic. delicious. you get the idea. But I think what really shines about Commander's is the fact that the experience was overall one of the best things I've done in New Orleans. We got free drinks, a little sample at the beginning, fantastic service and the whole meal was full of laughs and was such a great time.

The meal was topped off with a bread pudding souffle that was out-of-this-world good. It was light as air but had all the goodness that bread pudding always has. Would I recommend it? Emphatically. Even for locals. There's just nothing like it.