LEGO are demonstrating that a deeper involvement of your customers can create real financial benefits for an organisation. For a number of years, LEGO has realised it has a strong and loyal fan base and has fostered their involvement in social media channels. They are now in the process of launching not one but two social media platforms of their own.

The first is Cuusoo, a site where individuals can share ideas and concepts for LEGO sets and products with the aim of them eventually being release as real products. Developed for the Japanese market, where Cuusoo means ‘wish’, the project has been opened up as a worldwide platform and has just had its first project to reach the threshold of ten thousand supporters for LEGO to look into creating the product for real.

By creating this community, a significant amount of research and development is carried out by fans. Popular designs make it into the shops with a level of pre-awareness by fans. A revenue share means Cuusoo users may actually make money from being involved in the site. This first product is linked to the popular Minecraft gaming community and made by its creator sparking additional ideas and links between the block based online game and LEGO.

Rebrick is LEGO’s other social media platform for people to share and discuss LEGO content online. It is a public area where LEGO fans can share images of their models or show films and photography created using LEGO characters.

One such video of a LEGO character being sent into space by a weather balloon has been picked up by the media and reported across the world.

Rebrick allows users to integrate content from other platforms like Flickr and YouTube, avoiding any conflict with existing social media communities. Over time there might be a migration towards content hosted by LEGO. By showcasing creative uses of their products, the social media is encouraging more people to get involved in making their own LEGO creations.

Not all companies have such a loyal and engaged fan base as LEGO, but it shows how listening to your customers can make an impact on your business. Managing social media is a key way of providing the incentive, the brief and space for others to help your business develop.

Posted by Thomas Atcheson.

If like us, you mean business, and want to join the most business savvy, entrepreneurial and commercial agency in the North - then read the full job description on our careers page.

The company, founded by insurance professional Chris Davies and corporate governance expert Fiona Recker in 2009, works in partnership with UK surety providers and banks to identify and secure the most effective bonds for their clients across the construction, engineering and import sectors.

Since launch, DRS has enjoyed immediate success and with over 20 years’ previous experience to understand the requirements and challenges of their clients, the company has earned its reputation as a sector expert. However, in order to drive business growth and to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market, DRS has recognised the need for a cohesive and customer driven brand strategy to realise its ambitious growth plans.

Fiona Recker, director and co-founder of DRS said; “We feel that we have achieved a great deal in a short period of time, and the company has continued to grow by using our client knowledge and insight to secure completely workable solutions and deliver outstanding levels of client service. In order to achieve our vision and to maintain our position at the forefront of the surety broker sector, we need to implement a clear and concise strategy that delivers upon the needs of the market. I look forward to being a part of the Brand Discovery™ process and the strategic direction it will provide to help drive DRS to the next level.”

An AD who can construct and articulate a firmly reasoned point of view, coupled with clear recommendations to their clients (both verbally and in writing). Of course you'll enjoy the creative output, but recognise that it must deliver bottom-line client results. You'll also understand that the best way to retain, expand and acquire client relationships is to help make them successful in achieving their business ambitions.

On each account you'll be coupled with a Propaganda board level strategic sponsor and supported by an award-winning, insight and planning-led approach. But you'll quickly be expected to pick up the strategic lead on your accounts.

We believe that working across a range of sectors and channels will keep your thinking fresh and ideas interesting. That said, experience of utilising multiple, integrated channel comms strategies to change perceptions, drive awareness, and increase sales in both the B2B and B2C sectors will be essential. Digital will be a key requirement, so a strong understanding and interest in the channel will be required, and plenty of active experience in this area preferred. Your digital experience should include website planning and digital project management, knowledge and understanding of the search engine landscape, email marketing and display, and any experience of social media marketing would be an advantage.

We know we ask for a lot, that's because we make big promises to our clients. And our ongoing delivery of these promises means you'd be joining the most business savvy, entrepreneurial and commercial agency in the North. Furthermore, the right recruit will use this role to further their ambitions and expand their opportunities as our business continues to grow.

If like us, you mean business, then send your CV to Richard McMurrough.

Full driving license is essential. Salary negotiable. No agencies.

This is what the internet was made for - Ross Kemp folds. See more here:

The best 3 for 2 ad ever:




And finally. Ever had it in the can?

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Propaganda today announced the appointment of industry heavyweight and business consultant, Carl Hopkins, to its board of directors, as it continues to take its own unique approach to transforming brands to new heights.

Although this move may come as a surprise to many industry insiders (particularly as Carl, ex- chairman of advertising agency JDA has been prohibited from working in the sector for four years since he successfully sold his business in 2007) it is a move that creates a natural next step for both Hopkins and Propaganda founder, Julian Kynaston.

Carl’s appointment comes as Kynaston’s other brainchild, Illamasqua, continues to grow at a fierce rate, meaning that Julian can take more time to concentrate on building his iconic global make-up brand, while Carl provides extra board level support at Propaganda.

Julian Kynaston says, “This relationship with Carl is born out of a mutual appreciation. I like and trust him and he admires us. Having taken a step back from the industry, it was interesting to hear his thoughts on how he views Propaganda.

“In my view, Carl is a true entrepreneur. He has viewed Propaganda from the other end of the telescope and has witnessed, at first hand, the sector's admiration of our unique model and concluded that this, above all other agencies is where he needs to be. The fact that he has joined us with a shared vision of growth, specifically around our growing digital proposition is absolutely exhilarating. Exciting times ahead.”

Carl continues, “Throughout my many years in this industry, I have always thought there was something different and unique about Propaganda. I have known Julian for years, and Propaganda was always an agency to be watched, never crossed.

“The chance to get involved with Propaganda was irresistible. Many have attempted to replicate the Propaganda agency model as it is challenging, intellectually & business driven and is fully committed to developing its clients’ businesses. And I like that!”.

Carl will work closely with the senior team at Propaganda to move into the agency’s next stage of development as its creative and strategic model adapts and evolves into the digital area.

Instead of sending Christmas cards this year, Propaganda worked with Yorkshire-based charity Simon on the Streets to develop a new way of helping the homeless. Our ambient campaign has raised over £1,400 so far and we hope to raise even more:

Watch our short film to find out more about our Christmas campaign:

In one year, a Simon on the Streets support worker will:

Spend over 900 hours on the streets engaging with those in need.
Have supportive contact with over 50 people each month.
Support people to better understand themselves and the challenges that they face and build an achievable plan to overcome them.

The charity organises a weekly soup-run in Leeds and Huddersfield, where they provide food, drink and regular support, including referral to emergency accommodation. They also run a Breakfast Club, where homeless people who need more intensive support can come and discuss their plans and enjoy a nourishing meal.

The campaign has featured in the regional press, including an article in the Yorkshire Post, and on industry blogs and websites – including Ads of the World and Design Week. We were also interviewed by BBC Radio Leeds, who discussed with project with Propaganda’s Art Director Ben Bateson.

With your help and support, we’ve been able to raise over £1,400 for this fantastic charity. This is a superb amount, however we’d love to raise more. If you’ve ever wanted to give some cash to a homeless person but felt concerned that your money might fund a wider drug or alcohol-related problem, this is a great way to make a difference. Simply visit www.justgiving.com/PropagandaSimonontheStreets

Look out for more of our work with Simon on the Streets in 2012 and in the meantime, please explore the charity’s website.

Marilyn Monroe's new year's resolutions from 1955:

Transcript

Must make effort to do
Must have the dicipline to do the following –

z – go to class – my own always – without fail

x – go as often as possible to observe Strassberg's other private classes

g – never miss actor's studio sessions

v – work whenever possible – on class assignments – and always keep working on the acting exercises

u – start attending Clurman lectures – also Lee Strassberg's directors lectures at theater wing – enquire about both

l – keep looking around me – only much more so – observing – but not only myself but others and everything – take things (it) for what they (it's) are worth

y – must make strong effort to work on current problems and phobias that out of my past has arisen – making much much much more more more more more effort in my analisis. And be there always on time – no excuses for being ever late.

w – if possible – take at least one class at university – in literature –

o – follow RCA thing through.

p – try to find someone to take dancing from – body work (creative)

t – take care of my instrument – personally & bodily (exercise)

try to enjoy myself when I can – I'll be miserable enough as it is.


Where They Create - a visual document of creative environments from Paul Barbera. See more here:

More New Year's Resolutions - designed by some ace artists/designers/typographers. See more at the Resolve Project:

And finally, the awesome Human Curling:

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