AAAA Association News
4A's Webinar: Feedback to Move Forward
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 21, 2008
Delivering and Receiving Constructive Criticism
The majority of professionals cringe when it comes time for evaluations, self-assessments, and even everyday feedback. Unfortunately, some managers communicate only when there is a problem, so employees tend to view feedback in a negative light. Lack of communication contributes to 80% of workplace issues. These statistics show that constant communication and ongoing feedback are critical to well-functioning and high-performing individuals, teams and organizations.
During this 4A's Professional Development Series Webinar, at 1 p.m. Dec. 5, JB Training Solutions President and Founder Brad Karsh will show how feedback can be reframed and presented as a valuable, positive practice. Participants will learn how to speak assertively and deliver constructive criticism while also understanding how to receive feedback openly and grow professionally from the experience. In this engaging and fast-paced session, attendees will receive tangible tips and guidelines for taking the fear out of feedback and making it a smooth, safe and ongoing process.
Learn more about this event and register online at the 4A's Web site.
Research Matters: New Product Facts and Stats
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 21, 2008
The latest 4A's member bulletin Research Matters is an update to our new-product edition released June 6, 2007. It contains a wealth of information about product development, spending on launches, products launched using digital media, line extensions, and reasons for new product failures.
4A's members can download the entire insightful document at our Web site.
Ramp Up Your Diversity Recruiting With the 4A's Multicultural Advertising Intern Program
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2008
Looking for assistance in boosting your agency's diversity recruitment efforts? For more than 35 years, the 4A's has helped member agencies identify diverse, entry-level talent with our Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP). Through MAIP, agencies select undergraduate and graduate students to complete a 10-week summer internship that leaves them prepared to take entry-level assignments within the company. The internship program has helped jumpstart the careers of more than 2,000 African-American, Asian-American, Latino, Native-American, multiracial and multiethnic aspiring advertising professionals.
4A's members can learn more about MAIP and download an agency application for the 2009 program at the 4A's Web site.
New 4A's Affinity Program With Deluxe MediaVu®
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2008
It is critical to have commercials cleared through network and cable standards & practices departments quickly and efficiently. Deluxe MediaVu® provides a fast and secure way to shuttle advertising materials (final and rough cuts, storyboards, scripts, trailers, etc.) from advertisers to the broadcast standards and practices departments at television stations. The system tracks and organizes substantiations, affidavits, product literature and other documents, simplifying and helping agencies manage the clearance process.
The 4A's is pleased to announce an affinity partnership with Deluxe MediaVu®, and encourages members to visit our Web site to learn more.
Introducing the 4A's Business Development Blog
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2008
Why is new business everyone's business? Mitch Caplan, CMO of Y&R and Chair of the 4A's Large Agency New Business Committee, kicks off the association's exciting new Business Development Blog. Check it out. Then join the discussion.
The blog is a means to foster a community for industry new business managers and a contemporary, inclusive vehicle for discussing industry best practices. Leading 4A's members share their views on hot topics, including the business development process; getting the best from your agency; winning proposals; conflicts; and agency talent.
To access the 4A's Business Development Blog go to www.aaaa.org/bizdevblog, log in to the 4A's Web site, and join in the discussion.
Talent Matters: ANA/AAAA Memorandum to Authorizers Regarding Pension and Health Audits
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2008
A number of authorizers to the Screen Actors Guild Commercials Contract have notified the Joint Policy Committee for Broadcast Talent Relations that accountants or legal counsel for the Trustees of SAG's Pension & Health Plans are challenging allocations between covered and uncovered services in celebrity talent contracts and asserting that the plans will file suit under federal ERISA laws if an authorizer refuses to settle for a revised allocation deemed appropriate by the plans. The position of the JPC is that the plans have no authority to challenge allocations.
If you are being audited by the SAG Pension and Health Fund over the appropriate allocation in overscale celebrity endorsement agreements, this memorandum from the JPC will provide additional relevant information.
4A's members can learn more and read the full memorandum at our Web site.
Tom Kelley Luncheon: Dec. 3
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2008
We are pleased to announce that, on Dec. 3, 2008, Tom Kelley, General Manager, IDEO, will be the featured luncheon speaker at an event hosted by the 4A's Northeast Ohio Council Board of Governors.
Tom Kelley is one of the world's most respected experts on managing innovation and design-how to make your business more creative, not just in its products and services, but also in its thinking and processes. IDEO is the famous design and development firm that brought us the Apple mouse, the Palm V, and hundreds of other cutting edge products, and was listed as number five in Fast Company's list for 2008 of The World's 50 Most Innovative Companies.
Visit the 4A's Web site to learn more about this event and to register online.
Professional Development Seminar: Pitch On Target
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 14, 2008
In this full day seminar, Nov. 18 in Cincinnati, you'll learn the essentials for preparing, organizing and delivering communications that really hit the mark with your audience.
Pam Erb-Melville, your seminar leader-a master at engaging audiences-will share her tips for managing your nerves, crafting your message and engaging your audience effectively. Discover your ability to think on your feet, speak confidently and come across as a credible resource. Find your "authentic" presentation style in any speaking situation. Pam will help you with practical skills that will keep you focused, thinking clearly and communicating confidently in any high stake situation -- even when the butterflies awaken.
Don't miss out on this great opportunity to sharpen your skills. Visit the 4A's Web site for more information and to register online.
Media Matters: Why the Affluent and Luxury Marketplaces Are Critically Important
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 14, 2008
Accounting for $4.6 trillion in household income, the affluent segment of the American economy is a vital and dynamic marketplace. While comprising only 20% of the entire U.S. population, affluent consumers' income exceeds 57% of the total national household income of $8 trillion. These big earners are also big spenders. Their disposable income expenditures currently total about $1 trillion dollars.
In addition to these high-earning individuals, a significant segment of Americans have large reserves of wealth in readily available liquid assets. So whether their wealth is currently being accumulated or has been secured previously, these upscale Americans provide a high level of spending. That means that for more and more product and service categories, these well-heeled consumers are their biggest, brightest and best customers and prospects.
The most recent Media Matters is an executive summary that was drafted exclusively for the 4A's by Ipsos Mendelsohn. Learn more about this important consumer dynamic by visiting the 4A's Web site.
Results of 4A's 2007 Television Production Cost Survey
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 13, 2008
The Executive Summary of the 4A's 2007 Television Production Cost Survey (TVPCS) represents the results of the 21st year of a continuing project. Nineteen 4A's member agencies and branch offices participated in the 2007 survey by submitting data on 799 national 30-second commercials. This continual gathering of information enables the industry to make year-to-year comparisons in many categories and combinations.
The survey reveals that in 2007, the average national 30-second spot cost $361,000, 8% greater than in 2006.
4A's members can read the full executive summary and purchase the complete report on the 4A's Web site.
Professional Development Seminar: Leadership for Integrated Accounts, Nov. 20
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 12, 2008
In today's marketing world, account managers have an increasingly complex job. They not only have to speak knowledgeably about traditional and ever-evolving new methodologies with clients, but they must manage complex accounts where their teams come from numerous disciplines: digital, promotion, events, public relations, direct, experiential and more. The people in each discipline have their own ways of working, their own jargon, and their own ways of approaching marketing challenges.
The 4A's workshop "Leadership for Integrated Accounts," Nov. 20 in Greensboro, N.C., is designed for account managers who are working on complex accounts in which they must coordinate or manage several disciplines in the agency. It's appropriate for younger account executives who have fewer than five years in the business, but also for more senior account managers who are newly engaged in leading clients who use both traditional and interactive strategies.
Learn more about this dynamic opportunity and register online today at the 4A's Web site.
Professional development seminar: Performance Management Workshop, Nov. 17
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 10, 2008
You get promoted and now have someone reporting to you. This is the first time you have to give feedback to an employee on how he/she is doing, and then you have to do a written evaluation. How do you do it? How do you become an effective manager in giving usable feedback?
The half-day Performance Management Workshop, Nov. 17 in Chicago, is designed for mid-level managers from all disciplines and focused on how to provide feedback and give written evaluations.
Don't miss out on this great skills-building opportunity. Visit the 4A's Web site to learn more and register online.
BUDDY Training Webinar
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 07, 2008
Recently, the 4A's relaunched its comprehensive demographics database, BUDDY, developed in conjunction with Easy Analytic Software Inc. Are you getting as much detailed information and research out of this new system as you can? Join the 4A's and EASI President Bob Katz for a free, one-hour webinar on how to use BUDDY at 2 p.m. Nov. 12 for more information on how the system works and how you can maximize your vital demographics research.
4A's Members can learn more and register online today at our Web site.
Group Insurance Myth: "All LTD plans are the same."
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 07, 2008
Disability plans vary in definition of disability, length of elimination period, benefit duration, maximum salary covered, Cost of Living Adjustments, and survivor benefits. These are some very important considerations, in addition to cost. Are you looking to provide maximum protection, or are you looking to lower your costs? AAAA Benefits can provide the answer to your questions with several different LTD plans. For more information or a disability insurance proposal, please contact Elyse Congdon at econgdon@aaaabenefits.com or Tom Kennedy at tkennedy@aaaabenefits.com.
Atlanta Creative Summit: Nov. 12
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2008
Be sure to join us on Nov. 12, 2008, in Atlanta for a terrific program that is guaranteed to benefit agency creatives of all levels.
A diverse array of great creative talents shown are slated to be on hand to show their reels and share their ideas and insights on how to develop superior creative work. Speakers include Gerry Graf, Saatchi, NY, Conor Brady, Organic.com, NY, and Ryan Kutscher, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, LLC, Boulder.
It's rare that you'll find a lineup of heavyweight creatives like this in the same place at the same time, so don't miss it. Visit the 4A's Web site to learn more and register online.
Drop In Consumer Confidence Follows Wall Street Shocks
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2008
After two months in which confidence about the economy began to creep up, an immediate drop followed Wall Street shocks. The new 4A's Business Barometer for October also includes consumer buying plans for computers and digital cameras. The data for the Barometer, which shows a 12-month trendline, is provided by BIGresearch.
View the latest Business Barometer online at the 4A's Web site.
Research Matters: Observations From the 2008 Account Management Conference
AAAA SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2008
The latest issue of Research Matters recaps highlights from the 4A's 2008 Account Management Conference, held Sept. 24, 2008, in New York. 4A's Information Specialist Rebecca Samson attended the conference and captured the major points presented by the speakers.
4A's members can read the full Research Matters Bulletin at our Web site.
4A's Business Barometer from BIGresearch is new addition to Web site
AAAA SmartBrief | Oct 31, 2008
Based on the Consumer Intentions and Actions Report from BIGresearch, the monthly exclusive 4A's Business Barometer for September shows a small upturn in consumer confidence about the economy. The confidence measurement took place early in September, before many negative developments emerged and at a period when gas-price declines were seen positively by consumers. The chart also covers plans for purchasing homes and vacation travel, which are declining.
Be sure to visit the 4A's Web site to check this useful new service out.
4A's Performance Management Workshop: Nov. 17
AAAA SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2008
You get promoted and now have someone reporting to you. This is the first time you have to give feedback to an employee on how he/she is doing, and then you have to do a written evaluation. How do you do it? How do you become an effective manager in giving usable feedback?
The 4A's Performance Management Workshop, Nov. 17, 2008, in Chicago, is a half-day seminar designed for mid-level managers from all agency disciplines focused on how to provide feedback and give written evaluations.
For more information and to register online, visit the 4A's Web site.
Professional Development Seminar: Mastering the Art of Advertising Negotiation
AAAA SmartBrief | Oct 28, 2008
There is nothing more fundamental to success in the agency business than the ability to negotiate effectively, and there's no doubt that productive negotiations can make a serious difference in agency performance.
Whether it's dealing with clients on contract issues, reaching an agreement on a creative recommendation, discussing agency compensation, or resolving a production budget question, effective negotiating skills can result in decisions that help everyone -- client and agency alike. That's why Jack Kaine, President, J.W. Kaine, LTD. will be bringing his special one-day seminar, "Mastering the Art of Advertising Negotiation" to Dallas on Nov. 5.
Learn more about this event and register online at the 4A's Web site.
Don't Miss Out on Tomorrow's Tips, Tools & Tactics Webinar
AAAA SmartBrief | Oct 27, 2008
Understand the myths and realities of client procurement. Separating fact from fiction will help you nurture procurement best practices and prepare you to deal with overreaching purchasing worst practices. Industry sourcing expert Francisco Escobar will discuss client decision drivers, benchmarks and potential marketing supply chain synergies.
The 4A's New Business and Finance Committees recommend that personnel with responsibility for agency compensation, client service, or business development register for the Tuesday Oct. 28 Tips, Tools & Tactics Webinar, "The Procurement Perspective: Understanding Procurement and Working Collaboratively with Client Strategic Sourcing" featuring Francisco Escobar, President, JFE International Consultants. The Webinar starts at 1 p.m.
4A's members can register online and learn more about the webinar at our Web site.
4A's Tips, Tools & Tactics Webinar: Oct. 28
AAAA SmartBrief | Oct 24, 2008
Does your agency have a game plan for working with client procurement? Clients are endeavoring to leverage efficiencies in their marketing value chain, and many marketers are involving their procurement departments in the process. What is your agency's strategy for working with procurement?
The 4A's Finance Committees recommend that all member personnel with responsibility for Client Service, Agency Management, or Agency Compensation register for the upcoming Tips, Tools & Tactics Webinar "The Procurement Perspective: Understanding Procurement and Working Collaboratively with Client Strategic Sourcing," featuring Francisco Escobar, President, JFE International Consultants on Oct. 28, at 1 p.m. EDT.
4A's members can learn more about this event and register online at the AAAA Web site.
4A's Twin Cities Summit
AAAA SmartBrief | Oct 24, 2008
Join us on Monday, Oct. 27, in Minneapolis, Minn. for the 2008 Twin Cities Summit. The Summit is targeted to all disciplines at the agency -- including creatives, account service, media, and interactive.
The topics covered will include a new Global Gen X research study, the future of digital and what it means for you, and a sneak preview of the British Ad Awards. Speakers will come from the very best array of agency and advertiser thought leadership, including Nanci McMenamy, BBDO, Nancy Hill, 4A's, Barry Judge, Best Buy, and Rei Inamoto, AKQA.
The Summit is open to everyone -- agency professionals, students, and all interested parties -- so be sure to learn more and register online today.
4A's Business Barometer From BIGresearch is New Addition to Web Site
AAAA SmartBrief | Oct 23, 2008
Based on the Consumer Intentions and Actions (CIA) report from BIGresearch, the monthly exclusive 4A's Business Barometer for September shows a small upturn in consumer confidence about the economy. The confidence measurement took place early in September before many negative developments emerged and at a period when gas price declines were seen positively by consumers. The chart also covers plans for purchasing homes and vacation travel, which are declining.
Be sure to visit the 4A's Web site to check this useful new service out.
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