nicholef  

Let’s All Go to the Movies…And Get Some Crappy Award!
Posted by nicholef under Design, Mixed Nuts on | February 9th, 2012

We are in the midst of the award season. In the words of Woody Allen, all they do in Hollywood is give out awards. And for what? Because you are fortunate enough to be able to have an awesome, creative, fun job that pays you more money than you will ever need? Oh, that’s not enough, huh…ok, well, here’s an award that says you were really good at doing everything you love to do. Yeah, YOU!

Just for a little perspective, I thought I would share one of my favorite things about the internet. People who love to design, but might never get the chance to design what they really love, now have an arena to put their work out there. Not for money, because no one is paying them. Not for fame, because hardly anyone is looking for them. And certainly not for awards, because there is no award for best Pinterest board, Facebook album or etsy site…not yet.

So in the spirit of the award season, I present my winners for best movie poster design that no one ever asked for…but still deserves to be seen…enjoy.

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Emily  

Pinteresting…
Posted by Emily under Mixed Nuts, Retailer Brands, Social Media on | February 1st, 2012

Like me, an ever-increasing number of people are discovering the joys of Pinterest.  Since joining, I’ve pinned tons of delicious recipes to try, lots of cool DIY projects and entirely too many ideas for fun ways to use mason jars.  Outside of providing countless hours of entertainment and inspiration (and alerting me to my severe mason jar obsession), Pinterest is also proving to be a powerful tool for retailers.

Pinterest’s traffic more than quadrupled between Q3 and Q4 2011, bringing in 7.5 million unique visitors in December.  With this influx of new pinners comes a significant increase in the amount of traffic sent to retailers’ websites.  According to recent reports, among social networks, Pinterest is the fifth largest driver of referral traffic.

This post from Mashable has a cool infographic with stats about Pinterest and tips for how companies can use it to their best advantage – check it out.

And if you’ve ever got an extra mason jar lying around, I’ll gladly show you how to make it into a soap dispenser, a chandelier or a terrarium.

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CES 2012 – An Undeniable Stage for New Product Launches
Posted by guestblogger under Public Relations, technology on | January 27th, 2012

This year, a few members of MSI had the opportunity to represent clients at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Jan 8 – Jan 13. More than 2,700 exhibitors showcased their latest products on more than 1.6 million net square feet of exhibit space, with a total of 149,529 in attendance. Crowded doesn’t seem to really describe the setting but excitement does!

With hundreds of thousands of products on display, there was definitely a buzz around the following:

  1. Ultrabooks — thin and light laptop computers, expected to challenge Apple’s Macbook Air. What’s more, Intel expects more than 75 new ultrabook designs this year.
  2. OLED TVs use organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and are amazingly thin with impressive color depths and are priced (as of now) around $5,000.
  3. Smartphones – and not just any smartphones – models with touch screens, and the market is flush with options from almost every mobile phone manufacturer.
  4. Connectivity – not really a specific product – but there was definitely buzz around all the internet-connected devices hitting the market, including camcorders that stream digital videos directly to Facebook and also MSI’s own client, LiftMaster, who unveiled their new generation of garage door openers with MyQ Technology.

These new garage door openers with MyQ Technology use a patented, two-way communication technology that allows homeowners to connect to and control the garage door opener, gate operators, and home lights from anywhere in the world using their Internet-enabled mobile phone or computer.  Equipped with a fully integrated Battery Back-up system, these LiftMaster openers continue to operate the garage door even during a power outage, ensuring reliable, uninterrupted access to the home and garage. LiftMaster offers a free downloadable app any mobile marketplace.

Since these products were so unique to the show floor, the media took notice. Check out all the great media coverage for LiftMaster’s new line of garage door openers with MyQ Technology at CES 2012.’

PR Highlights

CNN/HLN TV Coverage

NY1  TV Coverage

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jkanable  

Walk Like an “Older” Egyptian
Posted by jkanable under Mixed Nuts on | October 17th, 2011

The Bangels Still Rockin It

Just last Monday, I had the opportunity to see my childhood idols, The Bangles, live in concert at the House of Blues. Joining me in this experience were two of my best friends growing up, Sarah and Tammy.

Now you have to understand, The Bangles held some pretty high importance in my little world. It was also the first concert I attended around 11 years old at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana. (Yes, I am surprised they played there too.) My best friends had also attended this show back in the 80’s, they with their moms, and me with mine.

When we were in grade school, whenever there was a talent show, we would obviously have to be the Bangles. I was Susanna Hoffs, probably because I had the darkest hair.

Then later in high school, I started playing guitar and became influenced by other female musicians like Tori Amos, Sheryl Crow, Liz Phair and Veruca Salt. But to me, the Bangles would always be #1 because of the bond my friends and I shared over their music.

It had been discussed for quite some time whenever the girls got together that we’d love to see The Bangles live again, to see what had changed (and what hadn’t) after all these years.

Then, I came across an email in my inbox about a month or two ago soliciting help with promoting the show in Chicago in exchange for free tickets. I jumped at the chance, albeit a bit eagerly, and emailed the street team leader back, expressing my love for the band and how I’d been wanting to see them again, and wouldn’t this be the perfect opportunity?

To my surprise, the label responded and sent me some flyers.

When it came time for the show, we got a really good spot on the main floor and settled in while listening to the opening act. Before it was even time for The Bangles to start, the girls came out and danced a bit on stage with the opening band (whose name escapes me). I could not believe how good they looked after all these years. I didn’t even recognize them at first!

All in all, it was a really good show and definitely brought back memories. They played all the usual hits, “Manic Monday,” “Eternal Flame,” and of course, “Walk Like an Egyptian.” While the lineup has changed just slightly (different bass player now), it was obvious that the Bangles still knew how to rock.

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Thea  

Okay, I’m not a big “cat freak”
Posted by Thea under Mixed Nuts, Online Media, technology on | September 20th, 2011

. . . but you gotta admit this is pretty funny.

Jedi Kittens Strike Back

Thanks to YouTube and other media sharing websites people with  obscure hobbies and interests can connect and share easily. This phenomenon can be seen in this fascinating dramatization involving both cats and Star Wars. These topics separately would not pique my interests in the least; however, when their “forces” (har har har) are combined it results in some pretty entertaining footage.

So here is my official “Thank you” to YouTube for brightening Tuesday afternoons all over the world.

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kfisch  

iPad + Sports + Grocery Shopping??
Posted by kfisch under In-store Merchandising, Media, interactive, technology on | September 14th, 2011

If any of you are like me, I loathe going grocery shopping on the weekends. The crowds, the chaos, lack of parking, etc. I’d much rather be playing at the park with my son, brunching or relaxing after a long work week. But, now that football season is upon us, the grocery shopping duty falls to me most often because there is usually some “Big Game” my husband just has to see.

Check out what those smart British folks have incorporated into their grocery carts — iPad-enabled shopping carts designed for viewing live sports. A partnership between Sainsbury’s and Sky is allowing shoppers to watch key sports events using iPad-enabled shopping carts with iPod docks with speakers.

It’s genius! When can these come over the pond to the U.S.? If we had these at my local Jewel, my husband would happily go grocery shopping every week. Of course…it would probably take him hours since he wouldn’t want to miss anything and perhaps he would break into the chips as he peruses the aisles, but I’m ok with that.

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nicholef  

Mary Tyler Moore and Sick Days
Posted by nicholef under Mixed Nuts on | September 13th, 2011

“Colds are three days coming, three days with you and three days going…”

Whenever I get sick, this is the first thing that pops into my head. It’s from a tv show I saw when I was a kid. It was The Mary Tyler Moore show and it was my favorite and I adored her.

My blog entry is due today, and I am writing it from my kitchen table…because I am sick. What I want to be doing is laying on the couch, drinking Fresca, flipping between home improvement shows and reruns of Mary Tyler Moore, while I dip in and out of a nyquil coma. So, why don’t I do that? Because I have a job and I have kids. Kids don’t care that I am sick because they still need to have breakfast, complain about the lunch I packed and get to school by 8:30. I do get a “sorry you’re sick, mom”, but really, they’re just hoping I am so tired I don’t notice the extra treats they are sneaking into their lunch. I noticed.

On the job front, I am lucky. I work for a company that really does work around individual situations. Even though I’m sick, unless I am unconscious, I can still do some work from home. And I do, because my sick days really are not for me, they are for everyone else who’s sickness I cannot control. I can will myself to sit up, drink some tea and start blocking out a brochure cover. When my child is crying because drinking juice hurts, there is not much I can do but call the pediatrician who will tell me just to make him comfortable and wait.

So, outside of some grumbling and complaining, where am I going with this? I don’t know, I’m sick. What I do know is that a sick day ain’t what it used to be. I used to sit around watching tv and drinking from a bendy straw and it was actually kind of relaxing and even a little bit of a respite. When Mary Tyler Moore got sick it was funny and charming made me feel better, so I’m going to indulge in a little of that today.

And if I start feeling too sorry for myself, I’ll just remember the wise words of Mrs. Morgenstern…”There are millions of children in europe who would be thrilled sit around a have the flu in a gorgeous room like this.”

Enjoy.

Mary Tyler Moore Show:  Put On a Happy Face via Hulu

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Emily  

MSI Acquires GSP
Posted by Emily under Advertising, Company News, Marketing, Photography on | September 6th, 2011

Exciting news from MSI – we’ve recently completed the acquisition of GSP Marketing Services, another integrated firm here in Chicago.

Over the last 34 years, GSP offered integrated advertising services as well as photography and video production to clients such as Sears, MB Financial Bank, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and Follett Corporation. 

In addition to increasing our bench strength with new professionals from GSP’s staff, the acquisition brings additional capabilities, including a sizable photo and video studio. 

We welcome our new team members and look forward to the future successes of our combined efforts!

To learn more about GSP, visit www.gspmarketing.com.

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Emily  

MSI Celebrates Chicago’s “50 Over 50”
Posted by Emily under Mixed Nuts, Photography, Public Relations, Web Development on | August 12th, 2011

This year marks MSI’s 50th anniversary, which we think is cause for a major celebration (read: party)! 

Since our own Dave Weiner has been MSI’s fearless leader since opening up shop in 1961, we started wondering about other area companies that share a similar story… After doing some research, we found that there are quite a few Chicagoland companies that have been owned and operated by one person or family for 50+ years – so we figured we’d celebrate their success along with ours while we’re at it!

Enter the “50 Over 50” Celebration – an idea that we dreamed up earlier this year that’s now becoming a reality.  As the name suggests, we’re selecting 50 independently owned and operated companies that have been in business for more than 50 years.

We’re visiting with the owners of these companies to learn about their rich histories, hear their craziest stories from the past five decades and get their secrets to success.  Then we’re taking their inspiring stories and putting them in print, along with photos of their work in action, with a coffee table book dedicated to the “50 Over 50” honorees.  We’re also creating a website that showcases each of the companies involved. 

In addition to receiving a complimentary copy of the book, each participant will also be invited to toast to our collective 2,500 years in business at a cocktail event later this year.

So far, we’ve lined up an impressive roster of companies across a broad range of industries.  To date, our “50 Over 50” participants include the following:

  1. Manny’s Deli 
  2. Lou Mitchell’s
  3. Garrett’s Popcorn
  4. Butch McGuires
  5. Elkay Manufacturing
  6. La-Co Markal
  7. Fishman Fabrics
  8. Billy Goat Tavern
  9. Superdawg
  10. Dinkel’s Bakery
  11. The Talbott Hotel
  12. National Van Lines
  13. Laystrom Manufacturing
  14. Anderson Lock Company
  15. Club Lago
  16. Marshall Thompson and the Chi-Lites
  17. Bill Brown Sales
  18. Iwan Ries Tobacco
  19. Central Camera
  20. Leona’s Restaurant
  21. Baird & Warner Real Estate
  22. The House of Glunz
  23. Tucker Company Jewelers
  24. American Fluorescent
  25. Sally Ann Corset Shop
  26. H. Horwitz Jewelers
  27. Paulina Meat Market
  28. Bergoff
  29. Italian Village
  30. Archie’s Bar
  31. Swanson’s Blossom Shop
  32. W.S. Darley
  33. The Bagel
  34. MSI (of course!)

And the list continues to grow every day!  If you have a suggestion for a company we should consider for the “50 Over 50” celebration, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 50fifty@msinet.com.

You can also learn more about it here – http://www.msinet.com/50fifty/.

Stay tuned for more updates as we toast Chicago’s thriving independently owned and operated companies!

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Back to School
Posted by guestblogger under Marketing, Mixed Nuts, technology on | August 4th, 2011

Well it’s that time of year again.  Time to get out the back-packs, saddle shoes and polo shirts because…. wait… it’s July.

Back to school merchandise has already started rolling in and invading many popular retail chains.  During a recent shopping excursion to Target, I was greeted by the equally welcoming and offensive sight of large back-packs, pencils, and spiral notebooks hanging from the rafters amongst the giant flip-flops and corn on the cob.

While I am all for planning ahead, I still can’t help feeling that familiar twinge of depression I felt in elementary school when I realized what was left of my beloved summer vacation was only a down-hill slide into impending doom.

The concept behind introducing back to school merchandise is simple, the earlier it is available the more you sell. However, I can’t help but wonder how much of this early availability of school supplies is now just tradition.  With the popularity of online shopping, as well as school supplies being available through many schools, standard back to school shopping, theoretically should be taking a back seat.

Growing up, I recall my mother enjoying the thrill of back to school shopping much more than I did.  She enjoyed picking out my notebooks and folders while I was dragged through the aisles grumbling under my breath about how I cursed the very sanctity of the education system. Back to school shopping has always been and always will be focused on the parents. Parents who want to make sure their children are the most stylish and up-to-date kids in the 3rd grade.

On the flip side, I will admit that when I started doing my own back to school shopping, I began to enjoy it much more.  Back to college shopping is (fine, I admit it, I’m an intern, and yes, still in college) probably on the short list of shopping excursions that I enjoy.  But I do complete a hefty portion of it online, from the comfort of my couch.  Thank you, technology.

We are part of a society that is beginning to value convenience over all, and I can safely say that I am no different.  I can promise you that when I have my own children; I will not be caught dead amongst the “my daughter only uses Lisa Frank folders” types of parents who have been stalking the aisles of Target for the last few weeks hunting for only the most popular “in” items. I will be enjoying the ease of ordering my kids school supplies online or checking an extra box on the registration form that says “Provide my child with school supplies” and add $50 extra to the already large check that I’m paying for free public education.

I am curious to know other people’s opinions of the early availability of school supplies into the market place, and whether or not a mid-July introduction date is necessary.  If you want to ask me how I feel, I’ll be in my back yard, enjoying the sun, pretending I never saw that giant back-pack.

Target (Back to school/back to college are main features of the home page)

Article by guest blogger and MSI intern Kathleen McDonald

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