Position Title: Interactive Ad Operations Manager
Reports To: Media Director
Department: Interactive
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
The Interactive Ad Operations Manager (IAOM) manages all custom digital media production initiatives from defining resources (internal and external) and scheduling, through program implementation.  Using functional specs, the IAOM works with the creative, media and account service teams to oversee the production of digital media projects.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Manage complex digital projects and campaigns from design and development to production.
• Define resources and schedule for program implementation.
• Secure and compile specs and determine best plan of action to complete projects which may include managing outside vendors as needed.
• Notify team members and stakeholders of schedule changes that will affect delivery dates.
• Identify and resolve conflict areas in priorities with management.
• Identify and solve project issues and provide insight on potential project risks.
• Perform documentation updates as needed.
• Review all creative and technical requirements and deliverables to ensure all work remains in scope.
• Maintain all project timelines and milestones.
• Manage custom digital media production initiatives including defining resources (internal and external), scheduling, and program implementation.
• Facilitate digital advertising insertion orders, digital advertising order trafficking, ad testing and campaign launch.
• Accurately communicate digital vendor, publisher or ad servers’ specs to production/creative team, digital ad creative testing for QA – quality assurance – does ad meet IAB standards, does it function as specified, etc.
• Digital ads campaign monitoring and delivery reporting.
• Reporting analysis.
• Optimization of creative based on performance metrics.
• Maintain and meet multiple, tight project deadlines.

Other Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree.
• 2-4 years demonstrated experience in the digital media environment and/or interactive project management.
• Extensive experience and a great degree of familiarity with all IAB digital ad formats and standard practices required.
• Knowledge of the web development industry and current technologies.
• Knowledge of digital media extensions, such as SEO, Social, a plus.
• Strong understanding of the web design/development lifecycle.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent knowledge of techniques for planning, monitoring and controlling projects with a detailed understanding of strategy.
• Strong problem analysis and resolution.
• Proven experience managing people and project risks.
• Practical experience with requirements gathering and documentation.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and people in a team based environment and to develop highly successful cross-functional working relationships.
• Strong organizational and customer service skills.
• Understanding of web technologies and online software development practices.
• Work closely with the Media Buyer.
• Ad ops is very detail oriented position, requiring an ability to juggle multiple tasks at any given time.
• Complete all other duties assigned as needed.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com. No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Position Title: Copywriter
Reports To: Creative Director (copy)
Department: Creative
Market: New York, NY 

Position Summary:
The copywriter is responsible for creating unique and engaging content that speaks to our client’s consumer, shapes a consistent image and meets established brand strategies and expectations. 

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Own the ability to deliver big ideas that are on brand and strategy while maintaining accuracy and consistency in writing style.
• Write clear, concise and strategic messages that drive business results, support key marketing initiatives and inspire action.
• Partner with senior copy-team members to develop copy that speaks genuinely to our client’s consumer, shapes a consistent image and meets brand strategies and expectations.
• Participate in concept meetings raising copy issues where relevant as well as participate in brainstorming sessions to help develop and define creative strategies.
• Ability to convert complex, technical information into easy-to-read promotional copy.
• Analyze and interpret language to determine appropriate style and grammatical usage required.
• Well organized and able to balance multiple projects across a variety of media including print, ROP, direct mail and interactive.
• Collaborate with team members and all departments accordingly to ensure projects are completed in a timely manner.
• Possess superior language, grammar and creative writing skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and flexibility in meeting urgent requests.
• Keep up to date with trends in branding, marketing, advertising, and related communications industries.
• Becomes and stays knowledgeable about products and services specific to assigned accounts.
• Proofread and edit as necessary.
• Enter time on a daily basis.
• Regular and reliable attendance and punctuality are required.

Other Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Advertising, Marketing or related field of study preferred.
• 3-6 years of experience in the development of ad concepts and/or copywriting required preferably in an agency setting.
• Ability to analyze and interpret all forms of information, write for a variety of media and audiences and conform messaging to prescribed style format.
• Excellent written and verbal communication/presentation skills.
• Ability to accept and learn from constructive criticism.
• Must possess strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, knowledge of authoring tools a plus.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com. No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job‐related instructions and to perform other job‐related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

"Imagine a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety." 

In Dove's latest campaign, women describe themselves to an artist who then proceeds to sketch them. The artist then listens to strangers describe the same women and sketches their drawings. The end result is two sketches that speak volumes about self-criticism and how women see themselves. It's a simple project stripped from the bells and whistles and sends a clear message that hits the core of Dove's mission statement.

Dove does a wonderful job at championing a bigger idea rather than the simple ask for purchasing products. From its commercials to its website, the brand places emphasis on celebrating female empowerment and finding self-confidence.

The "Dove Real Women Sketches" video was uploaded in mid-April and, as of today, reached over 25 million views. The video's message resonates to a larger audience because it focuses on bigger ideas, which makes it instantly sharable. It even sparked a humorous male-centric parody.

In the case of Dove's latest YouTube sensation, selling products was secondary to its overall goal to inspire women. Sometimes the loudest brand messaging is not when the brand is talking about its products but about its beliefs. 

Position Title: Web Developer
Reports To: Lead Developer
Department: Interactive
Market: Atlanta 

Position Summary:
The Web Developer is responsible for the development and design of major and minor web applications.  The Web Developer will design, develop, test and deliver web sites, applications and components to evaluate and recommend possible courses of action.  Best practices and design methods will be utilized to insure the success of the projects. The Web Developer will create web applications and components from the requirements stage to design and through production deployment.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Creates complete database-driven web projects with XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, data tables, and SQL scripts.
• Assists in physical and logical database design.
• Code and test web and database solutions.
• Communicate issues to team members.
• Assists in correcting errors after exercising discretion and independent judgment to decide on the appropriate course of action. 
• Pays very close attention to detail in databases, HTML, and structured programming languages.
• Prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
• Understands advanced relational database concepts.
• Creates database-driven web applications with at least one of the following languages/platforms:
       o PHP
       o C# / ASP .NET 2.0+
       o Classic ASP
       o J2EE
• Flexible, adaptable and learns quickly in various technical and creative environments while delivering quality work by tight deadlines.
• Ability to adapt current and new knowledge to other programming environments.
• Demonstrates familiarity with object and component methodology and technology.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Enter time on a daily basis.

Other Job Requirements:
• Desire and willingness to work in a collaborative, innovative, flexible and team-oriented environment.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.
• IIS/Apache server familiarity is preferred but not required.
• Ability to follow coding standards.
• Ability to code under pressure.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Position Title: Senior Web Developer
Reports To: Lead Developer
Department: Interactive
Market: Atlanta

Position Summary:
The Senior Web Developer is responsible for the development and design of major and minor web applications.  This position will design, develop, test and deliver web sites, applications and components to evaluate and recommend possible courses of action as well as mentor and coordinate their projects with junior developers.  Best practices and design methods will be utilized to insure the success of the projects. The Senior Web Developer will have the ability to maintain project ownership while creating web applications and components from the requirements stage, through design to production deployment.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• 5+ years’ of experience in web development.
• Ability to create a complete database-driven web project with XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, data tables, and SQL scripts.
• Code and test web and database solutions.
• Communicating issues to team members and assisting in error correction.
• Must possess a keen eye for detail in databases, HTML, and structured programming languages
• Prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
• Understands advanced relational database concepts.
• Demonstrates proficiency with physical and logical database design.
• Demonstrates proficiency creating database-driven web applications with at least one of the following languages/platforms:
     o C# / ASP .NET 3.5/4+/MSSQL
     o C# /ASP .NET 2.0 /MSSQL
      o PHP /MYSQL
• Ability to quickly adapt current knowledge to other programming environments.
• Demonstrates familiarity with object and component methodology and technology.
• IIS/Apache server familiarity is a plus.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Enter time on a daily basis.

Other Job Requirements:
• Desire and willingness to work in a collaborative, innovative, flexible and team-oriented environment.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
• Ability to follow coding standards.
• Ability to code under pressure.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Position Title: Lead Developer
Reports To: Software Development Manager
Department: Interactive
Market: Atlanta

Position Summary:
The Lead Developer is responsible for leading and directing a team of developers in the architecture, design and development of major and minor web applications.  The Lead Developer will take a lead role in designing, developing, testing and delivering web sites, applications and components to evaluate, recommend and ultimately determine courses of action. The Lead Developer also plays a critical role in mentoring and training junior and business-inexperienced developers.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• 7-10 years of experience in web development.
• 1-2 years of experience in leading a team of 2 or more developers.
• Takes lead in creating complete database-driven web projects and web promotions with XHTML, CSS, JavaScript and SQL database scripts and components.
• Takes responsibility and ownership for the quality assurance of all code, applications and solutions within their development team and make appropriate recommendations.
• Takes a lead role in communicating issues and allocating development tasks to team members and assisting in error correction and diagnosis where necessary.
• Attends project meetings as necessary to:
      o Understand and communicate project objectives to the development team.
      o Allow for effective planning and allocation of development resources that are critical to overall project success.
      o Communicate development concerns, needs and requirements to the rest of the project management team.
• Has an expert level of knowledge in key database, HTML, CSS, jQuery and all utilized structured programming languages.
• Takes a lead role in physical and logical database design.
• Prioritizes and balances multiple tasks with great efficiency.
• Has expert level proficiency with physical and logical database design.
• Has expert level proficiency and extensive experience in creating database-driven web applications with at least one of the following languages/platforms:
      o C# / ASP .NET 3.5/4+/MSSQL
      o C# / ASP .NET 2.0/MSSQL
      o PHP/MySQL
• Ability to very quickly adapt this expert level of knowledge to other programming environments
• Has extensive familiarity with object and component methodology and technology.
• Enter time on a daily basis.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.

Other Job Requirements:
• Strong desire and willingness to work in a collaborative, innovative, flexible and team-oriented environment.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
• Take a lead role in the creation and advancement of all development coding standards.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Skip the obnoxious sales people. Avoid the risk of being caught "planning" by a friend or close family member at your local shopping mall.

Ocappi, a new online jewelry store, allows people to shop for and try on their dream engagement rings in the privacy of their own home, free of charge and hassle. Much like the Warby Parker business model, there is no obligation to purchase and free shipping both ways. 

Their "One&Only Try-On Service" allows the consumer to add up to six replica rings (set with cubic zirconium stones) to their order and check out at no charge. The six replica rings will then be shipped directly to the consumer, allowing five days to try on and play dress up with. There is a pre-paid return label included in the package to send them back, at no cost. Discrete, convenient and free.

It will be interesting to see if Ocappi can successfully shift the typical jewelry shopping experience using this e-commerce model of no-hassle trial and convenience.

What more could a possible-bride-to-be ask for when making what could be one of the most important jewelry purchases of her life?

---via PSFK.

Last December, "Monsters University" released another transmedia marketing effort by way of a Tumblr Blog called The Grumblr.  

Quietly creating content for the past three months, the Tumblr is written by Grumblr, a student at Monsters University. The blogger writes blog posts that are so wonderfully crafted in the voice of a college sophomore that every detail is a nice nod to the social network and fellow Tumblr users.

The last time I saw a film taking advantage of Tumblr is "Hunger Games"'s Capitol Couture fashion editorial, and while that was an excellent example of transmedia  advertising, The Grumblr hones in on assimilating itself in the Tumblr community --The Grumblr relies less on imagery and more on the youthful culture of the network.

Not to discredit any of the artfully-crafted image posts, but the blog's content plays up the writer's point of view versus leaking content from the film. The blogger indulges in homemade memes, and he posts Instagram-like images with clever hashtags that mirrors real Tumblr users (I defintiely used some of his tags back in my college days). What's unique about The Grumblr is that the storyteller isn't telling the the movie''s main characters' story but his story within that world.

The Grumblr makes the Pixar's universe richer and bigger. Parody is one thing that takes the cake in Pixar's transmedia marketing. Much like its university website, Pixar's Tumblr blog is well-written and is so detailed that its websites become an experience of itself. 

Position Title: Senior Copywriter
Department: Creative
Reports To: Creative Director (Copy) 
Market: Hilton Head, SC 

Position Summary:
All right, here’s the deal. You’re reading this ‘cause you think there might be more. Maybe some place who ‘gets’ great work, and instead of holding you back, they’re help pushing you forward. A place where big ideas are celebrated, pitched and produced, not shoved back into your box of broken ideas. That’s what BFG is about and we have some cherry clients waiting for you.

That said, here’s what we need from you: passion. You are the type of person who doesn’t settle. The one who not only turns over every rock looking for inspiration, but one who understands that copy needs to be original, insightful, fun and engaging. You don’t write copy, you craft it. You don’t recycle old crap, you pioneer fresh territories in creative, unafraid to take the risk, do something original, and build it on strategy that you helped co-write. And importantly, you can write sharp and short, as well as long and immersive. Think ad freak meets documentarian.

In short, our writer is more than words. (I apologize for the crappy Extreme song playing in your head.) Our writer is a leader, a concept king, and a client-facing conversationalist that knows how to make big things happen.

Apply soon.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Own the ability to deliver big ideas that are on brand and strategy while maintaining accuracy and consistency in writing style.
• Proficient in mentoring team members.
• Write clear, concise and strategic messages that drive business results, support key marketing initiatives and inspire action.
• Partner with Associate and Creative Directors to develop work that speaks genuinely to our client’s consumer, shapes a consistent image and meets brand strategies and expectations.
• Participate in concept meetings raising copy issues where relevant as well as participate in brainstorming sessions to help develop and define creative strategies.
• Ability to convert complex, technical information in to easy-to-read promotional copy while maintaining brand voice.
• Analyze and interpret language to determine appropriate style and grammatical usage required.
• Well organized and able to balance multiple projects across a variety of media including print, ROP, direct mail and interactive.
• Collaborate with team members and all departments accordingly to ensure projects are completed in a timely manner.
• Possess superior language, grammar and creative writing skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and flexibility in meeting urgent requests.
• Keep up to date with trends in branding, marketing, advertising, and related communications industries.
• Becomes and stays knowledgeable about products and services specific to assigned accounts.
• Proofread and edit as necessary.
• Enter time on a daily basis.
• Regular and reliable attendance and punctuality are required.

Other Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Advertising, Communication or related field of study preferred.
• 6-10 years of experience in the development of ad concepts and/or copywriting required preferably in an agency setting.
• Ability to analyze and interpret all forms of information, write for a variety of media and audiences and conform messaging to prescribed style format.
• Excellent written and verbal communication/presentation skills.
• Ability to accept and learn from constructive criticism.
• Must be team oriented but able to work independently as well.
• Must possess strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, knowledge of authoring tools a plus.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

Position Title: Senior Designer
Department: Creative
Reports To: Senior Art Director
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
Under the leadership of the Senior Art Director or Associate Creative Director, the Senior Designer is responsible for assisting in the design and execution of visual materials and creative layouts.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Partner with the Art Director to discuss client requirements, preliminary layouts and necessary revisions.
• Prepare all final electronic mechanical files.
• Ensure all files are organized and properly stored in the server.
• Proactively identify and solve potential issues within assigned projects.
• Enter time on a daily basis.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.

Other Job Requirements:
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of teams.
• Strong Photoshop skills.
• Strong design portfolio.
• Knowledge of MAC operating system, Adobe Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Minimum 4 years of experience.
• Requires experience with the entire creative process from concept and design all the way through development and implementation.

Please submit resume to creativejobs@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job‐related instructions and to perform other job‐related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

WSAV: News, Weather, and Sports for Savannah, GA

Manpacks is like Netflix for men's underwear, except that you don't have to return anything once you've used it. Because that would be awkward.​

The logic behind Manpacks is simple. Take items that men need to replace regularly—personal care, razors, socks, underwear—and create a service that results in one less thing guys have to remember. It also helps that guys tend to be somewhat brand loyal to most of the items that Manpacks offers, things the average guy doesn't want to spend a lot of time thinking about.

Manpacks also has the best return policy of all time.

​Manpacks, because you're too old for your mom to still be buying your underwear.

WSAV: News, Weather, and Sports for Savannah, GA

Earlier this month, music, film and interactive folks flocked to Austin, Texas for the annual SXSW conference. One of the big mobile app announcements to come out of the event is a new social radio service called WahWah.

What is WahWah?
WahWah is a personalized radio service that makes listening to music more social and customized. You can listen with friends, fellow WahWah listeners around the globe or by yourself. The songs you hear can also relate to your location or activity you've selected.

How does WahWah work?
Get started by downloading the app and signing up using your Facebook account. Browse stations from trending and featured lists, your Facebook friends, stations created around you and activity. The app pulls from its library of 15 million songs to serve up the best music based on the context. Everyone who clicks on a radio station listens to the music at the same time.

How does WahWah differ from "Pandora" and similar music apps?
WahWah adds a layer of customization that isn't available on Pandora or Spotify by letting users select their location and activity. Also, because of its social nature, it's great for group activities like exercise or studying — even if you are physically separated from your group.

How much does WahWah cost?
WahWah is free at the Apple App Store.

Relax, Chicken Little, the social media sky is not falling. Despite opinions to the contrary from a number of leading social media professionals, I'm here to tell you that the upcoming changes to Facebook Newsfeed will not mean less organic visibliity for brands in the Newsfeeds of people who like their pages. Here's why.

The changes to Facebook Newsfeed are all about improving both the user experience (i.e. less clutter, larger Newsfeed stories) and the user interface (i.e. navigation moving from the left side of the page to the top right). Beyond that, the only other change being made is that Facebook is giving its users new ways to isolate and view very specific items in their Newsfeeds: photos, music, and games. In fact, the only item absent from the new list is Top Stories, which (powered by the Facebook EdgeRank algorithm) is currently the default view for all Facebook users. My guess is that the Top Stories feed (and EdgeRank) is not going away; it's most likely been absorbed into the Newsfeed view (see image above), the top item in the new list of feeds and the one that will automatically reset every twenty-four hours as users' default Newsfeed view (as it does now).

Facebook users have had long options for isolating and viewing only certain items in their Newsfeed; the new design just makes those options a little easier to find, so most of this isn't really anything that new. And if past performance is any indicator of future behavior, all of the data points to Facebook users not making heavy use of these alternate feeds. Currently, most Facebook users don't consistently switch their feed from Top Stories (EdgeRank) to Most Recent (all posts in reverse chronological order). That's a big reason why the average unique impressions per Facebook post by a brand page is typically less than 5% of that page's total likes. It's also why Facebook can make a strong case that brands need to consistently run Marketplace Ads and Promoted Posts; they've engineered their own monopoly.

So despite all of the hype last week, the upcoming changes to the Facebook Newsfeed are mostly cosmetic. Don't expect to see any significant long term shift in user behavior away from branded content.

The EdgeRank algorithm is about the closest thing Facebook has to a cash cow. Don't expect them to do anything that would put that cow out to pasture any time soon.

A new photo app called Photolettering from House Industries allows users to lay text over photos. It's a simple app that provides a number of stylish typefaces.

It's a great little photo app to keep in a Content Manager's back pocket for creating content on the go. One of my favorite features of the app is that text placement is easily controlled with finger gestures. You can also resize and rotate text with gesturing. My only complaints are the limited number of filters in the app and only three of their typefaces are free. The 24 paid typefaces can be purchased for $10 or you can buy them a la carte at $1 a piece. With that said, many of the typefaces are gorgeous and some are so fun they already write captions for themselves that it's probably worth the splurge.

It would make a nice addition to other photo-editing apps such as Camera + or Snapseed.

(Images from House Industries)

Position Title: Senior Front End Developer
Department: Interactive
Reports To: Lead Developer
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
The Senior Front End Developer is responsible for the development and design of major and minor web applications, with a focus on the presentation layer.  This position will design, develop, test and deliver web sites, applications and components to evaluate and recommend possible courses of action as well as mentor and coordinate their projects with junior developers.  Best practices and design methods will be utilized to insure the success of the projects. The Senior Front End Developer will have the ability to maintain project ownership while creating web applications and components from the requirements stage, through design to production deployment.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• 5+ years’ of experience in web development.
• Ability to create a complete database-driven web project with XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, Flash, data tables, and SQL scripts.
• Code and test web and database solutions.
• Communicating issues to team members and assisting in error correction.
• Must possess a keen eye for detail in databases, HTML, and structured programming languages
• Prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
• Understands advanced relational database concepts.
• Demonstrates proficiency with physical and logical database design.
• Demonstrates proficiency creating database-driven web applications with at least one of the following languages/platforms:
      o PHP/MYSQL
      o C# / ASP .NET 2.0/MSSQL
      o C#/ASP.NET 3.5/4+/MSSQL
• Ability to quickly adapt current knowledge to other programming environments.
• Demonstrates familiarity with object and component methodology and technology.
• IIS/Apache server familiarity is a plus.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Enter time on a daily basis.

Other Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.
• 5+ years’ experience building database-driven web projects with XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, data tables and SQL scripts.
• Desire and willingness to work in a collaborative, innovative, flexible and team-oriented environment.
• IIS/Apache server familiarity is preferred but not required.
• Ability to follow coding standards.
• Ability to code under pressure.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Over the years, Facebook has made a number of changes to its interface. The latest update was announced last Thursday, March 7 and pertains to the News Feed, a stream of information that acts as a personalized newspaper. The new version aims to minimize clutter and focus on presenting the most relevant content possible to each user.

The updated News Feed structure is broken into specific topics, making it easier to dig deeper into certain kinds of content. Types of streams include music, games and “following,” where users can find updates from celebrities and brands in addition to their friends. The News Feed update will also standardize content across mobile devices, tablets and desktop screens, allowing for easy browsing at any moment.

The syncing of layouts across devices means that imagery will be equally prominent on desktop screens as well as mobile. According to Facebook, 50% of updates shared on the site contain imagery, showing the importance of this move. Facebook has also admitted that teens are becoming less interested with the platform and are turning to more mobile and visual focused digital environments like Instagram. This update will help to address that trend and retain time spent on the site.

In terms of advertising, Facebook’s updated News Feeds will not affect paid placements, although the change does open opportunities for more dynamic, targeted and relevant units for the categorical feeds. Looking forward, Facebook’s “Paid Profile Personalization” patent shows that users may one day be able to pay a fee to remove promoted content, further proving that the quality of posts will always remain crucial for long-term success. 

While impact of brand engagement and impressions is unknown, it is clear that quality and relevance of content is more important than ever. Users will have increased customization of their Facebook experiences and brands should ensure a personal tone to remain relevant. 

We’ll make sure to share updates as the changes play out. To try out the new Facebook News Feed for yourself, sign up on the waiting list. 

WSAV: News, Weather, and Sports for Savannah, GA

Tax time is right around the corner. It can often be a jarring time of year as we're forced to examine how we've used our money over the past year. Most of us wouldn't mind a few pointers managing our money, but for some of us the thought of consulting a financial advisor is about as appealing as a trip to the doctor or dentist. Enter LearnVest.

What is LearnVest?

LearnVest is a financial tool that can help you with everything from basic monthly budgeting to debt reduction to financial planning. It helps you analyze both where you are now and where you need to be. In short, it can help you develop and achieve both short-term and long-term financial goals.

How does LearnVest work?

LearnVest.com is where you get started by inputing your financial information and syncing your financial accounts: checking, savings, home equity, school loans, credit cards, etc. LearnVest provides you with a real-time snapshot of your finances.

How does LearnVest differ from Mint and similar financial services?

There are a number of great personal finance apps out there but most of them require you to know what your financial goals are. LearnVest goes beyond just showing you where you are; it helps you figure out what your financial goals should be and what you need to to do achieve them.

How much does LearnVest cost?

LearnVest has several plans to choose from starting at free and ranging up to about $400.

"Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny, and a social media expert walk into a bar…"

Sometimes we just need permission to laugh at ourselves. Permission granted.

Position Title: Account Supervisor
Department: Account Services
Reports To: Group Account Director
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
The Account Supervisor manages and leads the agency’s day-to-day relationship with key client contacts. The Account Supervisor must have the ability to successfully focus the efforts of agency personnel to ensure projects are completed as proposed – on time, within budget and with a minimum of disruption to daily activity of client or agency. An Account Supervisor is required to employ a range of thinking and decision-making skills – “what if”, “critical” and “judicious” approaches to client issues and initiatives. The Account Supervisor is essentially the lead project manager on client projects and thus must demonstrate an ability to organize workload and workflow.   Account Supervisors are expected to effectively present the agency’s decisions, recommendations and creative product to a range of client audiences.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Earn and keep each client’s respect and confidence as a trusted advisor bringing value to their business through a strong commitment to success, consistent performance and the ability to develop a wide range of ideas and solutions.
• Acquire in-depth knowledge of, and be conversant in, each client’s business – their key issues, competitive situation and industry trends.
• Demonstrate confidence and authority as the day-to-day voice of the agency team.
• Maintain a positive attitude and professional demeanor while effectively balancing the dual expectations of your clients and the agency.
• Anticipate potential relationship or expectation issues, advising the Group Account Director in time for the agency to respond proactively.
• Assist with the creation of annual client development plans.
• Effectively assign, delegate, coordinate and monitor the work of agency staff members assigned to client projects.
• Outline expectations of, and communicate in a clear and concise direction with agency team members.
• Demonstrate an investment/commitment to the team to develop and support a positive mindset about the work.
• Provide a  model for project leadership, be proactive, establish rapport and trust with staff members assigned to your account(s) – acknowledging the expectations of and on others, identifying team and project needs, remaining open to considering multiple points-of-view.
• Encourage/demonstrate unity behind team/agency decisions made – clearly establish objectives/priorities for client initiatives – continue to develop, articulate and adhere to agreed upon strategies.
• Display marketing curiosity and a willingness to push your own thinking and the agency’s work in new directions by finding a range of alternatives for client and agency decision making.
• Identify key elements of an issue, problem or data set and be able to highlight general opportunities and implications by incorporating senior staffers when needed.
• Develop and articulate initial points-of-view relative to strategic, creative and media alternatives make decisions that reflect “layers” of thought – balance enthusiasm, insight, caution and discretion effectively establish, plan and organize the work of you and your team – handling multiple projects/clients  proactively to insure projects are delivered on time within budget and reflective of the agency’s quality standards.
• Identify, classify, categorize and be able to retrieve information as required by you or agency team members – be well rehearsed and prepared for the unexpected.
• Develop/deliver and demonstrate a clear, comfortable, persuasive presentation style for both formal and informal settings.
• Develop persuasive summary and recommendation documents for presentation to client and agency decision-makers.
• The Account Supervisor must consistently utilize agency tools and processes to manage projects to an on-time and on-budget completion and to support the information needs of agency management.
• Prepare accurate and timely internal communication (creative briefs, job starters, change orders, media plan requests, buy authorizations, timelines and estimates) and external communication (point of view support, conference reports, recaps, timelines, estimates and weekly status reports).
• Review, approve, present and gain approval of project estimates from client and provide to Assistant Account Manager for linkage in Advantage.
• Develop and monitor project estimate vs. actual time and cost accruals to eliminate or minimize write-off’s.
• Review monthly billing for accuracy and completeness in accordance with the Accounting calendar.
• Review monthly budget recaps prior to distribution to Group Account Director and client.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Enter time on a daily basis.

Other Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5-7 years of account/agency experience required.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to use all agency presentation systems and equipment.
• Submit expense reports within seven days and follow agency guidelines and policies for reimbursement.
• Document, and copy the Director of Human resources on any disciplinary conversations with staff members.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.
• Frequent overnight travel required.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

When it comes to posting content for brands, it can be exhilarating to find just the right image that you know will spark engagement with your fans.

Beyond timeliness of messaging and knowing your audience, though, it’s absolutely essential to give credit where due when content doesn’t belong to the brand. So Delicious, a dairy-free food brand, dodged a bullet yesterday after posting a photo without consent from, or attribution to, artist Theron Humphrey.

So here’s what went down:

1. Humphrey’s photo of Maddie, his photogenic and popular Coonhound, appeared on his Tumblr blog, “Maddie On Things,” in January 2013. The photo post in question has garnered over 54,000 notes on Tumblr.
2. So Delicious posted the photo of Maddie the Coonhound to its Facebook fanbase of over 152,000. The brand altered the photo to include So Delicious product, without crediting the artist or acknowledging the original photo source.
3. Humphrey posts a screen capture of the So Delicious content, urging his Facebook fans to write on the brand’s wall and encourage them to donate $10,000 to an animal rescue charity. The artist also mentions the brand on Twitter:

The plot thickens! Fortunately, this story doesn’t end in Internet flames. So Delicious removed the content and within 24 hours, posted an apology alongside a pledge to comply with Humphrey’s request. While they may not have initally done the right thing in posting the photo without attribution, So Delicious took prompt and appropriate action to put out the social media fire before it had a chance to burn the whole Internet down compromise its brand’s Facebook presence. In the sage words of Alanis Morissette, "You live, you learn."

Position Title: Interactive Art Director
Department: Interactive
Reports To: Senior Interactive Art Director
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
The Art Director is responsible for creative leadership and ownership of multiple design projects. The Art Director mentors, inspires and directs a team of Senior Designers, Designers, UX Designers and Production Designers from design concept to implementation. Art Directors work closely with the Strategy, Client Services and Technology departments to ensure creative concepts and execution meet the established business objectives.  Art Directors communicate with clients in both creative presentations and feedback meetings.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Ability to organize, prioritize, multi-task and work independently, with little or no supervision related to the management of general business operations. 
• Concept creation and development, design direction, management and execution of overall visual language.
• Direct Designers, UX Designers and Production Designers regarding interface design and visual hierarchy, establishing the design language, execution of design direction, visual asset creation, HTML production and presentation preparation.
• Photo and video art direction and participation in both pre- and post-production processes.
• Staying up-to-date with current and new design tools and software relating to interactive media.
• Ownership of design and functional continuity throughout the development phase of project work, consistently consulting Sr. Interactive Art Director or Interactive Associate Creative Director for guidance and validation.
• Client-facing presentations of creative concepts and design progress throughout the course of project work and creative assignments.
• Soliciting and assimilating design feedback, establishing priorities and directing/implementing design related revisions.
• Active collaboration with Strategy and Creative teams to ensure effective visual communications and overall functionality.
• Participate in new business opportunity brainstorming and spec work creative.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Enter time on a daily basis.

Other Job Requirements:
• 5+ years’ experience directing and managing creative staff for digital projects (web, email, microsites, mobile, social).
• Ad agency or design firm experience required.
• Experience in planning and creating project strategies and concepts.
• Experience in social networking and marketing.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to creativejobs@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Position Title: Art Director
Department: Creative
Reports To: Creative Director
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
Under the leadership of the Creative Director or Associate Creative Director, the Art Director is responsible for the design and development of visual materials and creative layouts.  The Art Director is responsible for managing a team and delivering high-quality creatives on time, on budget and in a manner that surpasses expectations.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Manage accounts and projects while working within budget and scheduling requirements.
• Mentor and direct team members to develop strong concepts into layouts.
• Work closely with Creative Directors, Interactive Directors, Production Managers and Account Executives.
• Develop and maintain an understanding of clients’ business needs as they relate to creative work.
• Design a range of approaches that are strategically on target to meet clients’ needs.
• Create custom illustrations or other graphic elements.
• Proactively identify and solve potential issues within assigned projects.
• Enter time on a daily basis.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
Other Job Requirements:
• Minimum 4 years’ of combined Graphic Design and Art Director experience.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Strong Photoshop skills.
• Strong design portfolio.
• Knowledge of MAC operating system, Adobe Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• A strong understanding of Print design.
• Excellent concepts and design skills are a must. 

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to creativejobs@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job‐related instructions and to perform other job‐related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Position Title: Senior Art Director
Department: Creative
Reports To: Creative Director
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
Under the leadership of the Creative Director or Associate Creative Director, the Senior Art Director is responsible for managing and directing a team of Art Directors and Graphic Designers, as well as coordinating and delivering high-quality creatives on time, on budget and in a manner that exceeds expectations.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.
• Mentor and direct team members to develop strong concepts into layouts.
• Works closely with Creative Directors, Interactive Directors, Production Managers and Account Executives.
• Develops specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize and accomplish the job.
• Develops and maintains an understanding for clients’ business needs as they relate to creative work.
• Design a range of approaches that are strategically on target for clients’ needs.
• Proactively identify and solve potential issues within assigned projects.
• Enter time on a daily basis.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.

Other Job Requirements:
• Minimum 5 years’ of combined experience as Graphic Designer and Art Director.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Strong Photoshop skills.
• Strong design portfolio.
• Knowledge of MAC operating system, Adobe Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• A strong understanding of Print design.
• Excellent concepts and design skills.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to creativejobs@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job‐related instructions and to perform other job‐related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

What's the only thing that cinephiles and fashionistas like more than talking about The Oscars the day after at work? Talking about The Oscars on Facebook while watching The Oscars.

What were the most talked about films, fashions, faces and faux pas from the 2013 Oscars according to the Facebook maelstrom? Luckily, there's an infographic for that.

It's a finger on the cultural pulse of Facebook users, and it would be even more interesting to see this information compared and contrasted with similar information from other social networks such as Twitter, Google+, and Get Glue. Good stuff, although I'm rather disappointed that there was no mention of Jack Nicholson hitting on Jennifer Lawrence.

BFG's Content Department is growing and we're looking for some top caliber content creators. Current openings include a Content Manager and a Content Strategist to join our team in lovely Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Both positions require social media know-how and the writing chops to make an impact online. Our Content Managers actively manage and write for the digital communities of top tier brands, and on occasion can be found doing live content coverage from the likes of South Beach Wine and Food Festival and SXSW. Our Content Strategist will help drive bigger picture digital planning and should have a good handle on what's new and up-and-coming when it comes to the Interwebs. 

If either of these job openings sound like the gig for you, we want to see what you can do. Note that we don't go the typical cover letter and resume route. We'd like to see what you can do with social media content so please Tweet your application to @BFGCom and be sure to include #CM for the Content Manager position or #CS for the Content Strategist position.

This application process has proven to be very effective in the past. Please be sure you're not just Tweeting us a link to your LinkedIn profile. Creativity definitely counts in this exercise. You've got 140 characters to catch our attention. Make them count.

Position Title: Content Strategist
Department: Interactive
Reports To: Interactive Strategy Director
Market: Hilton Head, SC 

Position Summary:
The Content Strategist supports the Interactive Strategy Director in developing content and digital strategies, and ensures they’re well executed. The Content Strategist is an internal champion for social media and digital innovations, serving as a resource for the agency and clients to help recognize what does and doesn’t work online. This is a client-facing role, so the Content Strategist must have a firm grasp of best practices for digital content and social media, and stay up-to-date with how the spaces are evolving.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Conducts research around BFG clients and relevant topics to identify the right platform(s), voice & tone of the content and help create an editorial plan for the client. 
• Develops social media content strategies and goals.
• Presents content strategies and plans to clients and others within the agency
• Develops and delivers reports to team members and clients that identify notable trends and actionable items making recommendations based on these insights.
• Supports development of project plans.
• Stays current on emerging technologies and trends.
• Serve as content lead in working with freelance content creators.
• Work with cooperatively with other agency team members.
• Monitors and contributes to the BFG blog.
• Develops and oversees content creation as needed, ensuring content is proofed and approved prior to posting.
• Enter time on a daily basis.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.

Other Job Requirements:
• 4+ years of experience developing content for the web on behalf of brands or media institutions and a minimum of 2 years’ experience in digital community management. 
• An understanding and passion for the social media universe including Facebook, Twitter, location-based networks, YouTube, blogs, wikis, forums, etc.
• Basic Photoshop knowledge.
• Basic html skills.
• Working knowledge of best practices for brands within commonly used digital platforms.
• Ability to advise on best practices for brands within emerging social networks.
• Familiarity with best-in-class examples of brands in social media.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Experienced presenter.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects in a fast paced environment.
• Attention to detail.
• Impeccable spelling & grammar.
• Ability to work within tight deadlines.
• Creativity.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.

How to apply: Introduce yourself to us and be creative in your application. Email your application to skelley@bfgcom.com.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job‐related instructions and to perform other job‐related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Position Title: Content Manager
Department: Interactive
Reports To: Interactive Strategy Director
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
The Content Manager is responsible for creating unique, engaging content, and distributing it throughout social media channels on behalf of BFG and BFG clients. The Content Manager ensures all content has been proofed and approved before it is quickly put in place for online consumption and monitors social media channels.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Develop a uniquely crafted voice and social media content on behalf of one or more BFG clients.
• Create and manage content for the web/social media channels.
• Ensure content has been proofed and approved before it’s posted.
• Monitor social media channels, develop regular reports for clients and BFG, evaluate and make recommendations based on information.
• Support development of project plans.
• Identify opportunities/threats in user-generated content.
• Participate in and mediate conversations taking place within social media.
• Stay current on emerging new technologies.
• Monitor and contribute to the BFG blog.
• Daily social media monitoring.
• Enter time on a daily basis.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.

Other Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s in Journalism, Communications, English or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in developing written and/or multimedia web content within an agency, brand or media institution.
• An understanding and passion for the social media universe including Facebook, Twitter, location-based networks, YouTube, blogs, wikis, forums, etc.
• Excellent creative writing and communications skills.
• Familiarity with best-in-class examples of brands in social media.
• Familiarity with HTML and back end publishing operations.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects in a fast paced environment
• Attention to detail.
• Impeccable spelling & grammar.
• Ability to work within tight deadlines.
• Basic Photoshop knowledge.
• Audio/video skills a plus.
• Creativity.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.
• Occasional overnight travel required.

How to apply: Introduce yourself to us, be social and most importantly, be creative in your application.  Tweet your application to @BFGCom and be sure to include #CM.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job‐related instructions and to perform other job‐related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

BFG is seeking a full time Market Manager in the Phoenix area to manage an ongoing, multi level nightlife marketing and sampling campaign for a Fortune 500 tobacco client.

Market Manager Responsibilities:
• Recruit, train, schedule and supervise a team of part time employees 
• Assist Program Manager with all aspects of local office -asset management, employee training and management, fiscal management and venue relations
• Complete and submit all aspects of Program reporting; to include payroll, expenses, market productivity, inventories, trend and scouting reports, etc.
• Develop and maintain a positive on-going relationship with key bar, club, and nightlife accounts in Phoenix and surrounding territory.
• Ensure market and employee compliance with all company, client-based, State and Federal guidelines
• Negotiate and execute national/local brand building marketing programs and initiatives in nightlife venues
• Achieve assigned quantitative and qualitative marketing goals and brand building measures
• Participate in relationship marketing by conducting effective "1 to 1" Consumer Engagements through a thorough understanding of Consumer Marketing Brand Strategies
• Consistently demonstrate the application of company values and integrity in all business interactions
• Organize and schedule tasks, develop and maintain realistic goals and provide realistic action plans
• Manage and lead professionally through unresolved situations, frequent program changes, delays or unexpected changes in program direction or deliverables

Qualifications:
• College degree preferred.  Equivalent and relevant work experience will be considered.
• BA/BS in Marketing, Sales or Business Administration a plus
• 2-5 years proven Management experience
• Previous event marketing experience a plus
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
• Working knowledge of the nightlife industry a plus

Skills required:
• High personal motivation and a sense of urgency
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong and effective management, leadership, and organizational skills. Multi-tasking a must!
• Goal oriented
• Professionalism, commitment to excellence / detail oriented
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office Programs - Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
• Recruitment and training of part time staff
• Negotiation skills
• Ability to lift and carry 30 – 50 lbs
• Fluent in both English and Spanish a Plus

Additional Needs for the Position:
• Nights and weekends are an integral part of this position
• Potential for 4-6 overnight stays/trips per month

This is a FULL TIME position and includes nights, weekends, and occasional travel. Benefits to include health insurance, 401K eligibility, paid holidays.  Competitive salary offered- based on experience.

This position requires a DMV, background and credit check. For further information on our company, please visit www.bfgcom.com

NO CALLS PLEASE.

Please submit resume to:  nightlifemgr@bfgcom.com
 
Please title your resume:   ‘PHX MM.  First Name. Last Name.'
 

DISCLAIMER:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. BFG reserves the right to modify all or part of any job descriptions at its discretion in order to meet and or exceed the needs of the business.

Position Title: Account Supervisor
Department: Account Services
Reports To: Group Account Director
Market: New York City

Position Summary:
The Account Supervisor manages and leads the agency’s day-to-day relationship with key client contacts. The Account Supervisor must have the ability to successfully focus the efforts of agency personnel to ensure projects are completed as proposed – on time, within budget and with a minimum of disruption to daily activity of client or agency. An Account Supervisor is required to employ a range of thinking and decision-making skills – “what if”, “critical” and “judicious” approaches to client issues and initiatives. The Account Supervisor is essentially the lead project manager on client projects and thus must demonstrate an ability to organize workload and workflow.   Account Supervisors are expected to effectively present the agency’s decisions, recommendations and creative product to a range of client audiences.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Earn and keep each client’s respect and confidence as a trusted advisor bringing value to their business through a strong commitment to success, consistent performance and the ability to develop a wide range of ideas and solutions.
• Acquire in-depth knowledge of, and be conversant in, each client’s business – their key issues, competitive situation and industry trends.
• Demonstrate confidence and authority as the day-to-day voice of the agency team.
• Maintain a positive attitude and professional demeanor while effectively balancing the dual expectations of your clients and the agency.
• Anticipate potential relationship or expectation issues, advising the Group Account Director in time for the agency to respond proactively.
• Assist with the creation of annual client development plans.
• Effectively assign, delegate, coordinate and monitor the work of agency staff members assigned to client projects.
• Outline expectations of, and communicate in a clear and concise direction with agency team members.
• Demonstrate an investment/commitment to the team to develop and support a positive mindset about the work.
• Provide a  model for project leadership, be proactive, establish rapport and trust with staff members assigned to your account(s) – acknowledging the expectations of and on others, identifying team and project needs, remaining open to considering multiple points-of-view.
• Encourage/demonstrate unity behind team/agency decisions made – clearly establish objectives/priorities for client initiatives – continue to develop, articulate and adhere to agreed upon strategies.
• Display marketing curiosity and a willingness to push your own thinking and the agency’s work in new directions by finding a range of alternatives for client and agency decision making.
• Identify key elements of an issue, problem or data set and be able to highlight general opportunities and implications by incorporating senior staffers when needed.
• Develop and articulate initial points-of-view relative to strategic, creative and media alternatives make decisions that reflect “layers” of thought – balance enthusiasm, insight, caution and discretion effectively establish, plan and organize the work of you and your team – handling multiple projects/clients  proactively to insure projects are delivered on time within budget and reflective of the agency’s quality standards.
• Identify, classify, categorize and be able to retrieve information as required by you or agency team members – be well rehearsed and prepared for the unexpected.
• Develop/deliver and demonstrate a clear, comfortable, persuasive presentation style for both formal and informal settings.
• Develop persuasive summary and recommendation documents for presentation to client and agency decision-makers.
• The Account Supervisor must consistently utilize agency tools and processes to manage projects to an on-time and on-budget completion and to support the information needs of agency management.
• Prepare accurate and timely internal communication (creative briefs, job starters, change orders, media plan requests, buy authorizations, timelines and estimates) and external communication (point of view support, conference reports, recaps, timelines, estimates and weekly status reports).
• Review, approve, present and gain approval of project estimates from client and provide to Assistant Account Manager for linkage in Advantage.
• Develop and monitor project estimate vs. actual time and cost accruals to eliminate or minimize write-off’s.
• Review monthly billing for accuracy and completeness in accordance with the Accounting calendar.
• Review monthly budget recaps prior to distribution to Group Account Director and client.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Enter time on a daily basis.

Other Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5-7 years of account/agency experience required.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to use all agency presentation systems and equipment.
• Submit expense reports within seven days and follow agency guidelines and policies for reimbursement.
• Document, and copy the Director of Human resources on any disciplinary conversations with staff members.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.
• Frequent overnight travel required.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Imagine what it would be like if you could play a video game with your friend and the winner got free beer? That's the idea behind The Last Barfighter, a marketing tool from the Big Boss Brewing Company in Raleigh, NC.

Now imagine what it would be like if this was your sampling experience.

Position Title: Project Coordinator
Department: Planning and Production
Reports To: Senior Project Manager
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
The Project Coordinator is responsible for supporting day to day progress and monitoring of programs from discovery to design through creative development, production and execution. This is a dynamic, evolving role in which the Project Coordinator will be capable of understanding business challenges and developing innovative and executable solutions for the agency and its clients. The Project Coordinator acts as the supporting contact between project management and all internal resources to ensure that projects are completed on time, on budget and that the work meets clients’ expectations. The Project Coordinator works closely with the project manager and creative from conception to execution to ensure project success. This position provides assistance to project management and agency teams through reviewing documentation and process on projects. Project Coordinators must understand the creative and production process and support project management across all departments.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Demonstrates a basic understanding of print production and event production, and is comfortable interacting with both internal team members and agency/vendor partners.
• Supports development of project plans and overseas deliverables to ensure that all critical tasks are identified for a variety of projects. Evaluate and make recommendations based on these projects.
• Effectively coordinates and monitors the work of agency staff members.
• Understands advertising and marketing practices, time management, budget monitoring, and the entire life cycle of an interactive project.
• Manages meetings to ensure they are focused and on point. 
• Reviews business and production concepts for accuracy with involvement and creation of copy deliverables and creative deliverables including, but not limited to: Copy documents for the project followed by Creative layouts for the project through final mechanical delivery.
• Is familiar with print production processes and current industry best practices and standards for production of print and event materials.
• Enter time on a daily basis.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Supports project manager in coordinating each phase and task according to schedule including resource management (identification, allocation, forecasting and monitoring), project client/internal meetings (setup, running and documentation), and creation and distribution of work orders and change orders.
• Maintains project schedules, project status reporting and tracking.
• Tracks user time (monitoring and audit).
• Monitors compliance with production/vendor specifications, relevant legal, client brand standards, and regulations relating to the project.
• The ability to work under tight deadlines, delegate tasks, and remain informed of team progress.
• Flexible to adapt to changing priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities in a prompt and efficient manner.

Other Job Requirements:
• An Associate’s degree or higher with a minimum of 1-2 years’ experience coordinating marketing and advertising projects from discovery to design through creative development, production and execution.
• Client facing ad agency or design firm experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills required for moving projects through the organization and troubleshooting project obstacles with clients, team members, suppliers, and management on project progress.
• Naturally task-oriented with an innate ability for maintaining a holistic view of projects and goals and keeping team members focused and confident that projects will be delivered on time and within budget.
• Positive attitude, encouraging and motivating. Natural tendency to be proactive.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Complete proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working understanding of Adobe Creative Suite.
• Team player as well as individually motivated.
• Adept at conducting research into project-related issues and products.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Position Title: Project Manager
Department: Planning and Production
Reports To: VP of Planning and Production
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
The Project Manager is responsible for scoping, defining, managing, and leading the implementation of small to mid-scale programs from discovery to design through creative development, production and execution.  This is a dynamic, evolving role in which the Project Manager will be capable of understanding business challenges and developing innovative and executable solutions for the agency and its clients. The Project Manager acts as one of the main contacts between all internal and external resources to ensure that projects are well defined and completed on time, on budget and that the work meets clients’ expectations. The Project Manager works closely with the Senior Project Manager, client, creative teams, account teams and vendor partners from conception to execution to ensure project success.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Demonstrates a solid understanding of print production and event production, and is comfortable interacting with both internal team members and agency/vendor partners.
• Develops accurate and detailed project plans to ensure that all critical tasks are identified for a variety of projects.
• Effectively assigns delegates, coordinates and monitors the work of agency staff members, regularly make recommendations to project lead on how to improve a project.
• Supports new business efforts through coordination and management for presentation team meetings, action plans, and schedules.
• Understands advertising and marketing practices, time management, budget monitoring, and the entire life cycle of a project.
• Manages meetings to ensure they are focused and on point. 
• Translates business and production concepts into functional project documents with involvement and creation of copy deliverables and creative deliverables including, but not limited to: Copy documents for the project followed by Creative layouts for the project through final mechanical delivery.
• Is familiar with print production processes and current industry best practices and standards for production of print and event materials.
• Understands the creative and production process and supports collaboration across all departments.
• Enter time on a daily basis.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Initiates and coordinates each phase and task according to schedule including resource management (identification, allocation, forecasting and monitoring) and production meetings (setup, running and documentation).
• Develops and maintains project schedules, project status reporting and tracking.
• Creates project budgets and time estimates, monitors project approval milestones throughout life cycle of the project, provides production/vendor specifications and monitors user time tracking.
• Monitors compliance with production/vendor specifications, client brand standards and relevant legal regulations relating to the project.
• The ability to work under tight deadlines, delegate tasks, and remain informed of team progress.
• Flexible to adapt to changing priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities in a prompt and efficient manner.

Other Job Requirements:
• A Bachelor’s degree or higher and a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience managing, and leading the implementation of small to mid-scale programs from discovery to design through creative development, production and execution.
• Client facing ad agency or design firm experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills required for moving projects through the organization and troubleshooting project obstacles with clients, team members, vendors, and management on project progress.
• Naturally task-oriented with an innate ability for maintaining a holistic view of projects and goals and keeping team members focused and confident that projects will be delivered on time and within budget.
• Positive attitude, encouraging and motivating with a natural tendency to be proactive.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Review proofs from vendors and gather feedback from the internal team and relay back to the vendor in a timely fashion.
• Complete proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working understanding of Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience in vendor relations to include negotiation of project timing and costs based on current project status.
• Team player as well as individually motivated.
• Adept at conducting research into project-related issues and products.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.
• Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.
This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Position Title: Interactive Project Coordinator 
Department: Planning and Production
Reports To: Project Manager
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
The Interactive Project Coordinator is responsible for supporting day to day progress and monitoring of interactive programs from discovery to design to technical development, implementation and launch. This is a dynamic, evolving role in which the Project Coordinator will be capable of understanding business challenges and supporting the team to develop innovative, technological and interactive solutions for the agency and its clients. The Project Coordinator acts as the supporting contact between project management and all internal resources to ensure that projects are completed on time, on budget and that the work meets clients’ expectations. The Project Coordinator works closely with the project manager, creative and development teams from conception to execution to ensure project success. Individuals within this role provide assistance to project management and agency teams through reviewing documentation and process on interactive projects. Project Coordinators must understand the creative and technical process and support project management across all departments.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Demonstrates a solid understanding of web, mobile and social media technologies, and is comfortable interacting with both internal team members and agency/vendor partners.
• Supports development of project plans and overseas deliverables to ensure that all critical tasks are identified for a variety of projects. Evaluate and make recommendations based on these projects.
• Effectively coordinates and monitors the work of agency staff members.
• Understands advertising and marketing practices, time management, budget monitoring, and the entire life cycle of an interactive project.
• Manages meetings to ensure they are focused and on point. 
• Reviews business and technical concepts for accuracy with involvement and creation of UX deliverables including, but not limited to: research, site plans, wireframes, consumer experience and application flow, testing, post mortem & next steps.
• Understand the creative and technical process and support project management across all departments.
• Is familiar with information architecture/design and user experience best practices.
• Supports project manager in coordinating each phase and task according to schedule including resource management (identification, allocation, forecasting and monitoring), project client/internal meetings (setup, running and documentation), and creation and distribution of work orders and change orders.
• Maintains project schedules, project status reporting and tracking and project goals/progress reporting and tracking (statistics/analytics).
• Tracks user time (monitoring and audit).
• Monitors compliance with relevant codes, standards, and regulations relating to the project.
• Records and distributes meeting minutes.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Enter time on a daily basis.

Other Job Requirements:
• An Associate’s degree or higher with a minimum of 1-2 years’ experience coordinating interactive marketing and web projects from discovery to design to technical development and implementation.
• Client facing ad agency or design firm experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills required for moving projects through the organization and troubleshooting project obstacles with clients, team members, suppliers, and management on project progress.
• The ability to work under tight deadlines, delegate tasks, and remain informed of team progress.
• Naturally task-oriented with an innate ability for maintaining a holistic view of projects and goals and keeping team members focused and confident that projects will be delivered on time and within budget.
• Complete proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working understanding of Adobe Creative Suite.
• Technical knowledge of programming and coding preferred but not required.
• Basic understanding Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM).
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.
• Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.

Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Position Title: Project Manager (Interactive)
Department: Planning and Production
Reports To: VP of Planning and Production
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
The Interactive Project Manager is responsible for scoping, defining, managing, and leading the implementation of small to mid-scale interactive programs from discovery to design to technical development, implementation and launch. This is a dynamic, evolving role in which the Project Manager will be capable of understanding business challenges and developing innovative, technological and interactive solutions for the agency and its clients. The Project Manager acts as one of the main contacts between all internal and external resources to ensure that projects are well defined and completed on time, on budget and that the work meets clients’ expectations. The Project Manager works closely with the client, creative, Senior Project Manager, development teams and vendor partners from conception to execution to ensure project success.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Demonstrates a solid understanding of web, mobile and social media technologies, and is comfortable interacting with both internal team members and agency/vendor partners.
• Develops accurate and detailed project plans to ensure that all critical tasks are identified for a variety of projects.
• Effectively assigns delegates, coordinates and monitors the work of agency staff members and regularly makes recommendations to project lead on how to improve a project.
• Supports new business efforts through coordination and management for presentation team meetings, action plans, and schedules.
• Understands advertising and marketing practices, time management, budget monitoring, and the entire life cycle of an interactive project.
• Manages meetings to ensure they are focused and on point. 
• Translates business and technical concepts into functional project documents with involvement and creation of UX deliverables including, but not limited to: research, site plans, wireframes, consumer experience and application flow, testing, post mortem & next steps.
• Understands the creative and technical process and support collaboration across all departments.
• Is familiar with information architecture/design and user experience best practices.
• Enter time on a daily basis.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Initiates and coordinates each phase and task according to schedule including resource management (identification, allocation, forecasting and monitoring), project client/internal meetings (setup, running and documentation), and creation and distribution of work orders and change orders.
• Develops and maintains project schedules, project status reporting and tracking and project goals/progress reporting and tracking (statistics/analytics).
• Creates project budgets and time estimates, project launch checklist, approvals, and notifications, and user time tracking (monitoring and audit).
• Monitors compliance with relevant codes, standards, and regulations relating to the project.
• The ability to work under tight deadlines, delegate tasks, and remain informed of team progress.

Other Job Requirements:
• A Bachelor’s degree or higher with a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience managing small to mid-scale interactive marketing and web projects from discovery to design to technical development and implementation. Client facing ad agency or design firm experience preferred.
• Excellent spoken and written communication and organizational skills required for moving projects through the organization and troubleshooting project obstacles with clients, team members, suppliers, and management on project progress.
• Naturally task-oriented with an innate ability for maintaining a holistic view of projects and goals and keeping team members focused and confident that projects will be delivered on time and within budget.
• Complete proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working understanding of Adobe Creative Suite.
• Basic understanding Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM).
• Technical knowledge of programming and coding preferred but not required.
• Basic understanding of Google analytics and webmaster tools preferred but not required.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.
• Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Whether or not you watched the Grammy Awards last night, you probably heard some of the highlights today. Despite the CBS "wardrobe advisory", these awards proved to be not only the biggest night in music, but still one of the biggest nights in fashion.

Exposed legs and towering heels aside, one artist took her choice of wardrode to the next level. Carrie Underwood, not one known to be cutting edge, appeared on stage singing an acoustic version of her title track "Blown Away" in a boring silver oversized prom dress. Carrying viewer's attention with her strong vocal ability alone, Underwood continued into her latest single "Two Black Cadillacs" simultaneously as her dress began to mysteriously light up and illuminate colors.

Suddenly, it became apparent this was not only a dress, but a giant projection screen. This conservative, basic gown suddenly transformed into a technicolor light spectacle. Within seconds, a simple garment became a digitally connected and living part of her performance's overall creative direction. Towards the end of the performance it even shed a cocoon of butterflies onto the screen behind her, directly playing into the perfomance set. The dress even proved itself to be GIF'able, whether this was intended or not. (Welcome to Tumblr, Carrie!)

Black Eyed Peas aside, it's refreshing to see other artists take risks and advantage of cutting-edge technology in their performance's creative direction. The growing relationship between technology and fashion will surely be interesting to follow in the years to come. 

*Image via NOWTHISNEWS

Whiskey drinking—bourbon especially—has been steadily increasing in popularity over the last several years. If you're a whiskey distiller, this is a very good thing—or so you would think. But at least one distiller is choosing to water down its product in response to increased difficulty with meeting demand.

In an email sent last weekend to its enthusiasts, Maker's Mar​k explained that it will be reducing the alcohol content of its whisky by 3%.

Dear Maker’s Mark® Ambassador,

Lately we’ve been hearing from many of you that you’ve been having difficulty finding Maker’s Mark in your local stores.  Fact is, demand for our bourbon is exceeding our ability to make it, which means we’re running very low on supply. We never imagined that the entire bourbon category would explode as it has over the past few years, nor that demand for Maker’s Mark would grow even faster.

We wanted you to be the first to know that, after looking at all possible solutions, we’ve worked carefully to reduce the alcohol by volume (ABV) by just 3%. This will enable us to maintain the same taste profile and increase our limited supply so there is enough Maker’s Mark to go around, while we continue to expand the distillery and increase our production capacity.

We have both tasted it extensively, and it’s completely consistent with the taste profile our founder/dad/grandfather, Bill Samuels, Sr., created nearly 60 years ago.  We’ve also done extensive testing with Maker’s Mark drinkers, and they couldn’t tell a difference.

Nothing about how we handcraft Maker’s Mark has changed, from the use of locally sourced soft red winter wheat as the flavor grain, to aging the whisky to taste in air-dried American white oak barrels, to rotating our barrels during maturation, to hand-dipping every bottle in our signature red wax.

In other words, we’ve made sure we didn’t screw up your whisky.

By the way, if you have any comments or questions, as always, we invite you to drop us a line at rob@makersmark.com or bill@makersmark.com.  Thanks for your support.  And if you’ve got a little time on your hands, come down and see us at the distillery.

Sincerely,

Rob Samuels
Chief Operating Officer
Ambassador-in-Chief

Bill Samuels, Jr.
Chairman Emeritus
Ambassador-at-Large

​Maybe I'm missing something here but this just seems like lunacy. Fixed supply plus  increased demand should equal premium pricing, right? Granted, you can make the reasonable argument that Maker's Mark doesn't want to alienate existing enthusiasts by increasing the price, but is it worth the risk of being perceived as compromising on quality?

What say you?​

Yes, the content department had to get their fill of zombified-fun with The Walking Dead Facebook app Dead Yourself. Much like the rest of the world, we are beyond stoked to tune in to AMC Sunday night. Fortunately, AMC let us live out our dreams by becoming zombie versions of ourselves. Nice work on network for creating an app that focuses on sharing user-generated content to spread the good word about the return of the television show. If you have "dead yourself", tweet us your best ones @BFGcom. We'd love to see your undead face.

Zombified-Diva

Zombied-Man with Extraordinary Hair

Zombified-Atlantan Diva 

Zombied-Hippie Flower Child

And Your Favorite Zombie BFGer!

Position Title: Associate Creative Director (Copy)
Department: Creative
Reports To: Creative Director (Copy)
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
Ready for it all. You have been there, done that and can always figure it out.  You are the answer to ruts, worries and mishaps.  You can jump in on anything, anytime and never hit a snag.  You are the ace in the hole. The not-so secret weapon. You sell better work due to your presentations alone and client rapport expands the possibilities.  You are the CD’s right hand, the pulse of the team.  Constantly preparing and proving you are the next to lead the way. 

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Highly creative, positive, big-idea generator who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects, on time and within budget.
• Team-oriented and have a collaborative approach to creative development.
• Responsible for time management on individual projects.
• Stellar communication skills.
• Proactively contributes to the evolution and success of the client’s business, brand and marketing objectives.
• Committed to relevancy, comes up with breakthrough solutions to real problems.
• Writes headlines and copy for all types of branding, web development and interactive advertising units.
• Manages and builds relationships with clients and teammates.
• Writes creatively and strategically across a variety of media.
• Well-organized, balances multiple simultaneous projects quickly and efficiently.
• Understands and is able to articulate the limitations and possibilities of the space.
• Makes intelligent recommendations to meet specific marketing objectives.
• Enter time on a daily basis.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Job Requirements:
• 10+ years of related work experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong writing experience in a communications, advertising or interactive agency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Mac OS required.
• Experience/familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, HTML, CSS, CMS, preferred.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume and portfolio to rconnolly@bfgcom.com. No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job‐related instructions and to perform other job‐related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

While they may seem like nothing but a nuisance, unexpected events that interrput live TV coverage can actually be an opportunity for advertisers. This year's Super Bowl football game is the perfect example. 

When the power went out in the New Orleans arena, audience members and advertisers alike flocked to the Web to take advantage. Brands like Walgreens, Oreo, Tide and Audi all sent tweets related to the technical difficulty and gained some good PR — and possibly, sales — in doing so. 

Turning to an always-on, mobile-optimized platform like Twitter to make updates while a scheduled event is interrupted is the best way for brands to connect with a captive audience, whether at home, at a sports bar or in the stadium. Viewers were left with little to do besides check their social networks via mobile and chat about the mishap, which opens the door for these types of memorable exchanges. 

Looking forward, marketers should prepare for any amount of down time during live events that align well with a brand's audience. This includes set changes during concerts or commercial breaks during sports events.

Being prepared means first letting fans know the brand is ready to chat by promoting tweets or Facebook posts on mobile platforms. This lets brands attract audience eyeballs through online clutter. Keep in mind that as social platforms optimize their monetization approach, we may begin to see paid social ads escalating to premium costs during popular events like the Super Bowl.

Of course, if a brand is promoting their online presence during a specific time slot, being actively engaged at that time is critical. A team of brand and community managers, creative talent and technology-focused folks can help to ensure that consumers are being approached in the correct way, with the most compelling content and without added technological hiccups. This is how Oreo approached the big game and got great press for doing so. Playing off of competing brands' marketing efforts after-the-fact is also something we've seen resonate well.

As always, any social media efforts should tie into the bigger brand goal. For brands looking to gain sales, closing the loop by including m-commerce capabilities ties conversations to the bottom line — something we've discussed before on Mobile Commerce Daily. 

via Forbes

Position Title: Account Coordinator
Department: Account Services
Reports To: Account Supervisor
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary: 
The Account Coordinator is responsible for providing support to his/her assigned team. This includes but is not limited to: coordinating meetings, drafting and distributing meeting notes, research and other general office and client support. The Account Coordinator reports directly to the Vice President of Client Services but may also be assigned tasks by other members of the Client Services team. 

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Proactively contribute ideas to projects
• Regularly make recommendations to project on lead on how to improve a project
• Work with project/team lead to effectively complete scope of work
• Consistently demonstrate ability to successfully solve problems whenever challenges or concerns arise
• Work well with and demonstrate respect for colleagues at all levels and consistently contribute to a positive work environment
• Craft memos and reports that with minimal edits can be forwarded to client or team
• Take notes at planning meetings
• Actively participate in internal client brainstorming sessions
• Create presentations
• Develop databases
• Consistently meet project deadlines as set by team lead
• Enter time on a daily basis
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required

Other Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree preferred with a minimum 1-3 years of account/agency experience
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Project professional company image through in-person and phone interaction
• Experience in working to key performance metrics
• Excellent time and calendar management skills
• Adaptable in fast-paced and pressured environments while remaining proactive, resourceful and efficient
• Maintain strong working relationships with internal teams
• High level of professionalism and confidentiality
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures

Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

With the Vine app and the recent success of 1 Second Everyday app on Kickstarter, it's becoming increasingly more evident that we are trying capture more meaningful moments in our lives and in a culture that is focused on receiving and sharing information.

“Posts on Vine are about abbreviation — the shortened form of something larger. They’re little windows into the people, settings, ideas and objects that make up your life,” says Vine co-founder Dom Hofmann on The Next Web. Similar to the 1 Second Everyday app, where users stitch together one second of everyday, Vine is a simple app that is directly embedded in Twitter and provides a six second clip.

Vine prides itself on telling a brief story within seconds while 1 Second Everyday threads all of your memories in a longer "movie". Cesar Kuriyama, the creator of 1 Second Everyday, believes that each second has a story and Vine brings that point home with creating smaller stories for a more frequent consumption. As different as these two apps may seem, they focus on capturing the brief seconds of life, whether that means capturing a dinner with friends or providing breaking news with live video.

It may be proof that as technology and culture has become more about consuming information, we begin to try to immortalize moments in our lives in a more meaningful way. Although each app strives to capture these moments, curation is definitely a defining factor. 1 Second Everyday limits you one second a day to capture an idea. Since you can't keep multiple short stories in one day, there's more careful consideration into choosing what should be kept. Everything can't be special and 1 Second Everyday ensures that. The problem with Vine's approach is that although one has the ability to "edit" a six-second video, just because the capability is there, doesn't mean that it could make these clips any more exceptional than your run-of-the-mill gif. Nothing stops users from posting a short video of their food or to post multiple clips in a day. The significance loses value when there is nothing to make you decide what is truly special.These apps try to pull out the noteworthy moments of life, but 1 Second App puts a cap on the number of these moments.

We realized that we document every well-done mocha latté and every stunning sunset that we're reaching the state of trying to define memories that mean more. Vine may be a glorified gif maker and 1 Second Everyday may become that annoying app you forget to use, but the very fact they're created means that we're looking for better ways to make our memories mean more.  

While reading the news, I caught eye of a heartwarming news story that had an interesting significance to me as an advertiser. It's something I've been waiting to be confirmed, but did not expect through a touching story like this. 

Cliff Boyson and his sister were separated as children in Chicago's foster care system for 65 years. They were recently reunited after the son of Boyson's landlord searched for his long lost sister on Facebook. 

"I went on Facebook and I typed in Boyson," Eddie told ABC News. "There were a whole bunch of pictures that showed up. One of them kind of looked like Clifford and I zoomed in on it and it started to really look like Clifford, [so] I showed it to my mom and dad."

Sentimental value aside, this is a very interesting story. Facebook has an age requirement of at least 13 years of age. Eddie, the heroic boy in this story, is about half the mandatory age. The article does state Eddie used his mom's profile to search, but still, how was it so easy for a 7 year old to just jump on and begin a successful search when he isn't technically allowed to have ever been on there? 

Stories like this prove that though one must be at least 13 years old to have a Facebook profile, this doesn't mean people younger aren't on there. They are engaging and fully aware of the platform and experience. We as advertisers must keep this in the back of our minds when speaking to parents (and secretly their kids) online.

*Via: abcnews.go.com

Facebook Studio, the Facebook-authored resource for marketers and page managers, doesn't seem to understand the difference between the most engaging and the most relevant media type. In the example above, Facebook Studio first asks you to copy edit a lengthy status update down to something more snack size. The copy shown is that which Facebook considers to be optimized.

"When Northtown's contemporary art museum was facing an image problem [sic] we challenged the complainers: Do you think you can [sic] a better job yourself? Facebook fan Keri Tsu could and did. Check out the amazing results."

The next task you're given is to pick the best visual element to accompany the post. Your choices are:

• Photograph of people waiting in line outside of the museum
• Photograph of Keri Tsu
• Video interview with Keri Tsu

According to Facebook, the correct answer is the photograph of Keri Tsu because "[p]hotos tend to get 120% more engagement vs. text only; video tends to get 100% more." Facebook would have you believe the correct answer is as simple as picking the visual element with best engagement rate. However, this answer is erroneous if the example is taken at face value; the photograph of Keri Tsu would not, as the status update suggests, communicate "the amazing results."

So Facebook Studio and I are going to have to agree to disagree on this one. In this case, a picture is not worth a thousand words. The goal of the post was apparently to familiarize people with the winning work, which is not the same as simply showing a picture of the person who did work no matter how many likes it gets.

Cover letters suck. They all pretty much sound the same because unfortunately we're all taught to write them the same way. Most cover letters are utterly useless, yet we still cling to them as a matter of formality.

Now imagine doing away with cover letters and replacing them with a couple of screening questions that might actually help you learn something useful or interesting about a potentional candidate. Enter Ziggeo, our topic of discussion today for Tech Tuesday on WSAV.

Not Just Another Job Website

Ziggeo isn't another online job board; it's your own private virtual screening room. Simply input some basic information and tell Ziggeo what kind of job you'd like to screen. Are you looking for job applicants, a roommate, a caretaker, volunteers?

Decide what questions you want applicants to answer but keep it to 1–3 questions; applicants only have two minutes to record their video responses. You can even request a resume from applicants at the time they record their videos. And since every Ziggeo screening room gets its own individual link, you can use it to enhance your job listings no matter where you host them—your blog, Facebook, Twitter, Craigslist, wherever.

Ziggeo is Convenient for Both Interviewers and Interviewees

One of the toughest parts of interviewing people is finding a time that is convenient for all the parties involved. If you're an applicant, you can record your video responses at your convenience, even if that's on a weeknight or on the weekend. If you're an interviewer, having the opportunity to see video of candidates answering a couple of questions may help you make better decisions about which candidates to bring in for a more in-depth interview.

Ziggeo is Affordable

For a limited time, interviewers pay only $9.95 per position to view up to 500 video responses each. If you are a candidate responding to a job listing, the service is free.

Can we all just let out a collective "awww" at how clever this résumé is? Philippe Dubost is a Web Product Manager who's clever résumé mimics a product page on Amazon.com. From the little details like the "Only 1 left in stock" comment or the "Frequently Bought Together" section, his "Amaz-ing Résumé" site is a humorous display of his talents. I absolutely love this and spent about a good ten minutes exploring all the little "easter eggs".

(via Design Taxi)†

Position Title: Front End Developer
Department: Interactive
Reports To: Lead Developer
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
The Front End Developer is involved in the overall development and design of major and minor web applications with a focus on the presentation layer of an application. The Front End Developer designs, develops, tests and delivers web sites, applications and components. 

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Creates complete database-driven web projects with XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Flash.
• Strong working knowledge of Photoshop; able to cutup comps from the design team.
• Very experienced with XHTML and CSS.
• Assists in physical and logical database design.
• Code and test web and database solutions.
• Communicate issues to team members.
• Assists in correcting errors after exercising discretion and independent judgment to decide on the appropriate course of action. 
• Pays very close attention to detail in databases, HTML, and structured programming languages.
• Prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
• Understands advanced relational database concepts.
• Creates database-driven web applications with at least one of the following languages/platforms:
     o PHP/MYSQL
     o C# / ASP .NET 2.0/MSQQL
     o C#/ASP.NET 3.5/4+/MSSQL
• Flexible, adaptable and learns quickly in various technical and creative environments while delivering quality work by tight deadlines.
• Ability to adapt current and new knowledge to other programming environments.
• Demonstrates familiarity with object and component methodology and technology.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Enter time on a daily basis.

Other Job Requirements:
• Desire and willingness to work in a collaborative, innovative, flexible and team-oriented environment.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.
• IIS/Apache server familiarity is preferred but not required.
• Ability to follow coding standards.
• Ability to code under pressure.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Position Title: Back End Developer
Department: Interactive
Reports To: Lead Developer
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
The Back End Developer is responsible for the development and design of major and minor web applications.  This position designs, develops, tests and delivers web sites, applications and components to evaluate and recommend possible courses of action.  Best practices and design methods will be utilized to insure the success of the projects. The Web Developer will create web applications and components from the requirements stage to design and through production deployment.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Creates complete database-driven web projects with XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, data tables, and SQL scripts.
• Code and test web and database solutions.
• Assists in physical and logical database design.
• Communicate issues to team members.
• Assists in correcting errors after exercising discretion and independent judgment to decide on the appropriate course of action. 
• Pays very close attention to detail in databases, HTML, and structured programming languages.
• Prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
• Understands advanced relational database concepts.
• Demonstrates proficiency creating database-driven web applications with at least one of the following languages/platforms:
     o PHP/MYSQL
     o C# / ASP .NET 2.0/MSSQL
     o C#/ASP.NET 3.5/4+/MSSQL
• Flexible, adaptable and learns quickly in various technical and creative environments while delivering quality work by tight deadlines.
• Ability to adapt current and new knowledge to other programming environments.
• Demonstrates familiarity with object and component methodology and technology.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Enter time on a daily basis.

Other Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.
• 1-5 years’ experience building database-driven web projects with XHTLM, CSS, JavaScript, data tables and SQL scripts.
• Desire and willingness to work in a collaborative, innovative, flexible and team-oriented environment.
• IIS/Apache server familiarity is preferred but not required.
• Ability to follow coding standards.
• Ability to code under pressure.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com .  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Position Title: UX Designer
Department: Interactive
Reports To: Experience Architect
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
The UX Designer translates strategic business requirements and UX best practices into frameworks for intuitive, efficient and engaging digital user experiences. The UX Designer defines the overall site structure, task flows and page-level content priority. The UX Designer acts as a bridge between strategy and the design phases of a project and must possess an adequate level of business acumen, and be conversant in brand communication, visual design concepts and interactive technologies. This position also communicates with clients in both creative presentations and feedback meetings.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Analyze client business objectives and user needs.
• Define and articulate the hierarchy of information on sites, pages and zones.
• Specify the task-flows of applications and functional digital experiences.
• Research, gather and document site, page, and other digital requirements.
• Create detailed, annotated wireframes, sitemaps, user flows, process flows, and site requirements.
• Document user interface rules, defaults and conventions.
• Facilitate collaborative meetings and deliverable reviews.
• Adept at working in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving agency environment.
• Adopt agency processes, systems, and deliverable standards.
• Manage project tasks within time, budget and scope.
• Assist with scoping work according to standards and client needs.
• Assist with UX capabilities development and best practice documentation.
• Stay up-to-date with current and new UX tools and software relating to interactive media.
• Participate in client‐facing presentations of UX concepts and deliverables progress throughout the course of project work and UX assignments.
• Solicit and incorporate UX feedback, establishing priorities and directing/implementing UX related revisions.
• Active collaboration with the Strategy, Creative and Development teams to ensure effective visual communications, functionality, and overall project development/status.
• Work on 2-3 client engagements simultaneously.
• Participate in new business opportunity brainstorming and spec work UX.
• Organize, prioritize, multi‐task and work independently, with little or no supervision related to the management of general business operations.
• Champion the User Experience and elevate our client’s brands.
• Collaborate with other disciplines to structure the optimal user experience.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Enter time on a daily basis.

Other Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in User Experience, Technical Writing, Information Architecture or other related field required.
• Advanced degree in Human Computer Interaction, Digital Media Design, Industrial Design, Fine Arts or related field desired.
• 1-3 years of experience in User Experience, UI Design, or Information Architecture.
• Ad agency or design firm experience required.
• Proficient use of Axure and/or other UX related software.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of design and business related software including, but not limited to Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and high standard of quality.
• Strong written, interpersonal and business communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate cross-discipline work sessions.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com. No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job‐related instructions and to perform other job‐related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Position Title: Planning Manager
Department: Strategy
Reports To: Planning Director
Market: Hilton Head, SC 

Position Summary:
The Planning Manager is primarily responsible for providing strategic input and direction to guide the strategic development of active projects from research and insights to communications planning and briefing to oversight of creative development.  In addition, the Planning Manager will be researching and reporting category, brand and consumer trends and activities; tracking, assessing and reporting the performance of in-market initiatives; developing and delivering presentation decks both internally and externally to client teams, drafting case studies and contributing to client discussions/tasks by providing insight and perspective.  As a member of the Strategy team, the Planning Manager reports to the Planning Director and supports the Chief Strategy Officer across ad-hoc client tasks, new business and company initiatives.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Act as category expert for client industry(s), keeping abreast of consumer, competitor and category developments.
• Prepare and present strategy-related reports internally and externally, to client teams.
• Participate in client-funded and proactive consumer research from research design and stimulus to debriefs and implications
• Craft driving insights and contribute to/lead the development, delivery of communications strategy documents, creative briefs and strategy presentations.
• Identify, profile and represent the voice of the target consumer and the Brand.
• Partner with account teams, contributing to client presentations and acting as a strategic sounding board and brand steward as projects progress from brief through to execution.
• Participate/collaborate with broader Strategy team lending perspective and experience to further success across accounts and tasks.
• Contribute to development of program measurement, reporting and case studies.
• Stay current and connected to industry-relevant culture and marketing trends.
• Maintain strong working relationships with internal teams.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and have the ability to work well in a team environment.

Other Job Requirements:
• Undergraduate degree required in a related field.
• 3+ yrs. experience working in marketing, planning or research either on the client side or at an advertising, communications, research or media planning agency.
• Familiarity with the state of South Carolina required.
• Tourism experience highly preferred.
• Media planning experience highly preferred.
• Complete proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Adaptable in fast-paced and high pressured environments while remaining proactive, resourceful and efficient.
• Excellent time and calendar management skills.
• Regular and reliable attendance & strict punctuality required.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.
• Enter time on a daily basis.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Position Title: Planning Manager
Department: Strategy
Reports To: Planning Director
Market: New York City

Position Summary:
The Planning Manager is primarily responsible for providing strategic input and direction to guide the strategic development of active projects from research and insights to communications planning and briefing to oversight of creative development.  In addition, the Planning Manager will be researching and reporting category, brand and consumer trends and activities; tracking, assessing and reporting the performance of in-market initiatives; developing and delivering presentation decks both internally and externally to client teams, drafting case studies and contributing to client discussions/tasks by providing insight and perspective.  As a member of the Strategy team, the Planning Manager reports to the Planning Director and supports the Chief Strategy Officer across ad-hoc client tasks, new business and company initiatives.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Act as category expert for client industry(s), keeping abreast of consumer, competitor and category developments.
• Prepare and present strategy-related reports internally and externally, to client teams.
• Participate in client-funded and proactive consumer research from research design and stimulus to debriefs and implications
• Craft driving insights and contribute to/lead the development, delivery of communications strategy documents, creative briefs and strategy presentations.
• Identify, profile and represent the voice of the target consumer and the Brand.
• Partner with account teams, contributing to client presentations and acting as a strategic sounding board and brand steward as projects progress from brief through to execution.
• Participate/collaborate with broader Strategy team lending perspective and experience to further success across accounts and tasks.
• Contribute to development of program measurement, reporting and case studies.
• Stay current and connected to industry-relevant culture and marketing trends.
• Maintain strong working relationships with internal teams.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and have the ability to work well in a team environment.

Other Job Requirements:
• Undergraduate degree required in a related field.
• 3+ yrs. experience working in marketing, planning or research either on the client side or at an advertising, communications, research or media planning agency.
• Complete proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Adaptable in fast-paced and high pressured environments while remaining proactive, resourceful and efficient.
• Excellent time and calendar management skills.
• Regular and reliable attendance & strict punctuality required.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.
• Enter time on a daily basis.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com. No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Last Tuesday, Facebook made a big announcement about a new feature that will be rolling out to all users later this year. The new feature is called Graph Search, and it's our topic of discussion this week for Tech Tuesday on WSAV.

What is Facebook Graph Search?

Graph Search will be a way for you to search for information from within your network of Facebook friends. If you are looking for a new restaurant to try or you want ideas for things to see on your next vacation, Graph Search promises to help mine those trusted opinions from the bedrock of your social graph.

What kind of information will be available through Graph Search?

You'll be able to ask Graph Search to show you people who like WSAV Coastal Sunrise. You'll be able to ask Graph Search to show you doctors or restaurants that your friends have liked. You'll be able to ask Graph Search to show you all of your friends who have visited Charleston. Then you could look to see if they have photos taken in Charleston to give you ideas for places to see and things to do.

What about privacy concerns?

The key to understanding privacy issues related to Graph Search is understanding where the information comes from. Graph Search results come from the things that you and your friends have liked on Facebook and places that you've checked in to or tagged in photos or video. Graph Search can only access things that you have made public or things that you are choosing to share with your Facebook friends. If you have things that you currently choose not to share publicly or that you share only with a select group of friends, Graph Search will respect those privacy settings. So if you're happy with your current privacy settings on Facebook, you won't need to adjust anything to prepare for the rollout of Graph Search.

When will Graph Search be available to the general public?

A public release date hasn't been set yet. In the meantime, if you have questions about Graph Search you can visit facebook.com/about/graphsearch.

BFG is seeking an experienced Associate Account Manager who will be executing an experiential marketing and promotions campaign in bars, nightclubs and retail outlets throughout the Phoenix area for their Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company (SFNTC) client.

The guiding principles of our client, SFNTC “are an uncompromising commitment to their natural tobacco products, the earth from which they come, the communities on which we depend, and the people who bring our spirit to life, is essential to SFNTC success”. 

Position Summary
Managers are responsible for the oversight and execution of all programming for nightlife and retail activity related to operations and training within the designated market.  Areas of focus include managing, developing and coaching part time staff; building business to business relationships in bars, nightclubs and retail outlets for Brand relevant consumer engagement activity; overseeing and executing weekly administrative tasks such as payroll completion, inventory reconciliation, schedules and effective management of program objectives, goals and metrics within the designated market.
Position Responsibilities and Requirements
• Participate in relationship marketing by conducting effective 1:1 consumer engagements through a thorough understanding of consumer marketing brand strategies.
• Achieving all market goals and metrics (gross and net) as outlined.
• Manage, recruit, train, coach, supervise and provide ongoing development of one full-time manager and a team of part time employees (i.e. Guides).
• Manager on Duty and on-call responsibilities during nights and weekends.
• Available nights, weekends and during regular business hours.
o Weekends will be required as Manager on Duty/Call during all consumer engagement activity.
o Evening and weekend activity vary depending on market needs.
o Flexibility and willingness to be available during non-traditional hours and days is a must.
• In-field audits and coaching of staff during peak retail and nightlife hours.
• Oversee weekly meetings, review all required content and materials.
• Ensure market and employee compliance with all company, client-based, State and Federal guidelines.
• Ongoing evaluation of the program related performance and reach.  Identify areas of opportunity, provide constructive feedback and make recommendations for improvement and growth.
• Ensure all market deliverables/assignments are completed on time and accurately.  Review all market paperwork including inventory, payroll, distribution logs and other assignments prior to submittal. 
• Effective time management is required.
• Possess basic mathematic skills in order to balance assigned assets and inventories.
• Handle, safeguard and account for all market assets.
• Venue scouting and venue universe expansion within designated market area (60 mile radius from the local office), specifically in retail (convenience and liquor stores) and nightlife (bars and night clubs) channels. 
       o Negotiation skills required specifically as it relates to venue access.
• Conduct consumer engagement activities as required and scheduled by HQ.
• Walking and standing is necessary during all in-field audits and consumer engagement activities (shifts typically last 2-5+ hours).
• Ability to interact with a diverse consumer audience, clients and agency personnel.
• Ability to adapt and adjust to program shifts, policy and procedural changes as required and communicated by the agency.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, multi-task and work independently, with little or no supervision.
• Adaptable in fast-paced environments, while remaining proactive and efficient.
• Present a positive image, embody leadership qualities and promote the agency and client with confidence and enthusiasm.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High personal motivation and sense of urgency.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Follow all agency and client policies and procedures as trained.
• Follow all standard safety requirements and guidelines as outlined in the Workplace Safety Acknowledgement.

Other Job Requirements
• 2-5 years proven management experience.
• College degree preferred or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Negotiation skills specifically as it relates to venue access.
• Overnight, out of market travel required.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted driver’s license at all times while employed with BFG, proof of insurance may be requested.
• Must have reliable transportation in order to travel from venue to venue as well as attend regularly scheduled meetings at the local office.
• Able to lift, move and carry 30 - 50 lbs.

This is a FULL TIME position and includes nights, weekends, and frequent travel. Benefits to include health insurance, 401K eligibility, paid holidays. Competitive salary offered- based on experience.

This position requires a DMV and background check

For further information on our company, please visit www.bfgcom.com

NO CALLS PLEASE.

Please title your resume: PHX HYB NAS. First Name. Last Name.'
 
        Please submit resumes to: nsa@bfgcom.com

DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. BFG reserves the right to modify all or part of any job descriptions at its discretion in order to meet and or exceed the needs of the business.

BFG is seeking an experienced Community Manager who will be executing an experiential marketing and promotions campaign in bars, nightclubs and retail outlets throughout the Phoenix area for their Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company (SFNTC) client.

The guiding principles of our client, SFNTC “are an uncompromising commitment to their natural tobacco products, the earth from which they come, the communities on which we depend, and the people who bring our spirit to life, is essential to SFNTC success”. 

The Community Manager is responsible for the oversight and execution of all Community Outreach and Ownable Space programming within their designated market.  Areas of focus include conceptualizing and proposing market relevant ideas for activations that align with the Brand’s objectives; managing, developing and coaching guides; and building business to business relationships with vendors/venues for activations and consumer engagement activity.  Additional responsibilities include overseeing and executing weekly administrative tasks such as completing activation proposals and recaps, facilitating vendor agreements and payments, payroll completion, inventory reconciliation, scheduling and effective management of program objectives, goals and metrics within the designated market.

Essential Job Duties and Skills
• Participate in relationship marketing by conducting effective 1:1 consumer engagements through a thorough understanding of consumer marketing brand strategies.
• Achieving all market goals and metrics (gross and net) as outlined.
• Conceptualizing and planning all Community Outreach and Ownable Space activations including the submission of proposals, gathering and submittal of all check requests, agreements,  invoices, W9s, proof of insurance documents and ensuring all required signatures have been obtained per the established deadlines.
• Onsite management, oversight and execution of all Community Outreach and Ownable Space activations including hosting and interacting with consumers, ensuring vendors are complying with the terms of signed agreements and distribution of vendor payments at the end of activations.
• Post Activation reporting (PowerPoint and Excel) which includes recapping all relevant quantitative and qualitative information and submitting photos per established deadlines.
• Timely and accurate reporting of all Community Outreach and Ownable Space related expenses including submittal of invoices and receipts, monthly Visa expense reporting and Visa PO requests.
• Ongoing evaluation of the Community Outreach and Ownable Space program related to focus, performance and reach.  Identify areas of opportunity, provide constructive feedback and make recommendations for improvement and growth.
• Ensure all market deliverables/assignments are completed on time and accurately. Review all market paperwork including inventory, payroll, distribution logs and other assignments prior to submittal.
• Effective time management is required.
• Accurately capture and record information and complete daily, weekly and monthly paperwork, including asset reconciliation, Fixed Asset Inventory, Production Inventory, Bar Essentials Inventory, Consumer Insights, payroll, inventory, distribution logs and nightly activity sheets.
• Possess basic mathematic skills in order to balance assigned assets and inventories.
• Analyze weekly and monthly reports, evaluate the information and make appropriate decisions in order to effectively schedule and route part-time staff for consumer engagement and invitation distribution activity.
• Venue scouting and venue universe expansion within designated market area (60 mile radius from BFG office), specifically in nightlife (bars and night clubs) channels and retail outlets when applicable.
• Conduct consumer engagement activities as required and scheduled by HQ.
• Walking and standing is necessary during all activations, in-field audits and consumer engagement activities (shifts typically last 2-6+ hours).
• Available nights, weekends and during regular business hours.
     o Weekends will be required as Manager on Duty/Call during all consumer engagement activities.
     o Evening and weekend activity vary depending on market needs.
     o Flexibility and willingness to be available during non-traditional business hours and days is a must.
• Manage, recruit, train, coach, supervise and provide ongoing development to a team of part-time employees.
• Oversee weekly meetings, review all required content and materials.
• In-field audits and coaching of staff during peak retail and nightlife hours.
• Ensure market and employee compliance with all company, client-based, State and Federal guidelines.
• Ability to interact with a diverse consumer audience, clients and agency personnel.
• Achieving all market/program goals and metrics (gross and net) as outlined.
• Handle, safeguard and account for all market assets.
• Ability to adapt and adjust to program shifts, policy and procedural changes as required and communicated by the agency.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, multi-task and work independently, with little or no supervision.
• Adaptable in fast-paced environments, while remaining proactive and efficient.
• Present a positive image, embody leadership qualities and promote the agency and client with confidence and enthusiasm.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High personal motivation and sense of urgency.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Follow all agency and client policies and procedures as trained.

Other Job Requirements
• 2-5 years proven management experience.
• College degree preferred or equivalent and relevant work experience.
• Negotiation skills specifically as it relates to vendor rates and venue access.
• Budget management and oversight.
• Overnight, out of market travel required.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted driver’s license at all times while employed with BFG, proof of insurance may be requested.
• Must have reliable transportation in order to travel from venue to venue as well as attend regularly scheduled meetings at the local office.
• Able to lift, move and carry 30 – 50 lbs.

This is a FULL TIME position and includes nights, weekends, and frequent travel. Benefits to include health insurance, 401K eligibility, paid holidays. Competitive salary offered- based on experience.

This position requires a DMV and background check

For further information on our company, please visit www.bfgcom.com

NO CALLS PLEASE.

Please title your resume: PHX CM NAS. First Name. Last Name.' 
Please submit resumes to: nsa@bfgcom.com

DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. BFG reserves the right to modify all or part of any job descriptions at its discretion in order to meet and or exceed the needs of the business.

BFG is seeking an experienced Community Manager who will be executing an experiential marketing and promotions campaign in bars, nightclubs and retail outlets throughout the Atlanta area for their Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company (SFNTC) client.

The guiding principles of our client, SFNTC “are an uncompromising commitment to their natural tobacco products, the earth from which they come, the communities on which we depend, and the people who bring our spirit to life, is essential to SFNTC success”. 

The Community Manager is responsible for the oversight and execution of all Community Outreach and Ownable Space programming within their designated market.  Areas of focus include conceptualizing and proposing market relevant ideas for activations that align with the Brand’s objectives; managing, developing and coaching guides; and building business to business relationships with vendors/venues for activations and consumer engagement activity.  Additional responsibilities include overseeing and executing weekly administrative tasks such as completing activation proposals and recaps, facilitating vendor agreements and payments, payroll completion, inventory reconciliation, scheduling and effective management of program objectives, goals and metrics within the designated market.

Essential Job Duties and Skills
• Participate in relationship marketing by conducting effective 1:1 consumer engagements through a thorough understanding of consumer marketing brand strategies.
• Achieving all market goals and metrics (gross and net) as outlined.
• Conceptualizing and planning all Community Outreach and Ownable Space activations including the submission of proposals, gathering and submittal of all check requests, agreements,  invoices, W9s, proof of insurance documents and ensuring all required signatures have been obtained per the established deadlines.
• Onsite management, oversight and execution of all Community Outreach and Ownable Space activations including hosting and interacting with consumers, ensuring vendors are complying with the terms of signed agreements and distribution of vendor payments at the end of activations.
• Post Activation reporting (PowerPoint and Excel) which includes recapping all relevant quantitative and qualitative information and submitting photos per established deadlines.
• Timely and accurate reporting of all Community Outreach and Ownable Space related expenses including submittal of invoices and receipts, monthly Visa expense reporting and Visa PO requests.
• Ongoing evaluation of the Community Outreach and Ownable Space program related to focus, performance and reach.  Identify areas of opportunity, provide constructive feedback and make recommendations for improvement and growth.
• Ensure all market deliverables/assignments are completed on time and accurately. Review all market paperwork including inventory, payroll, distribution logs and other assignments prior to submittal.
• Effective time management is required.
• Accurately capture and record information and complete daily, weekly and monthly paperwork, including asset reconciliation, Fixed Asset Inventory, Production Inventory, Bar Essentials Inventory, Consumer Insights, payroll, inventory, distribution logs and nightly activity sheets.
• Possess basic mathematic skills in order to balance assigned assets and inventories.
• Analyze weekly and monthly reports, evaluate the information and make appropriate decisions in order to effectively schedule and route part-time staff for consumer engagement and invitation distribution activity.
• Venue scouting and venue universe expansion within designated market area (60 mile radius from BFG office), specifically in nightlife (bars and night clubs) channels and retail outlets when applicable.
• Conduct consumer engagement activities as required and scheduled by HQ.
• Walking and standing is necessary during all activations, in-field audits and consumer engagement activities (shifts typically last 2-6+ hours).
• Available nights, weekends and during regular business hours.
     o Weekends will be required as Manager on Duty/Call during all consumer engagement activities.
     o Evening and weekend activity vary depending on market needs.
     o Flexibility and willingness to be available during non-traditional business hours and days is a must.
• Manage, recruit, train, coach, supervise and provide ongoing development to a team of part-time employees.
• Oversee weekly meetings, review all required content and materials.
• In-field audits and coaching of staff during peak retail and nightlife hours.
• Ensure market and employee compliance with all company, client-based, State and Federal guidelines.
• Ability to interact with a diverse consumer audience, clients and agency personnel.
• Achieving all market/program goals and metrics (gross and net) as outlined.
• Handle, safeguard and account for all market assets.
• Ability to adapt and adjust to program shifts, policy and procedural changes as required and communicated by the agency.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, multi-task and work independently, with little or no supervision.
• Adaptable in fast-paced environments, while remaining proactive and efficient.
• Present a positive image, embody leadership qualities and promote the agency and client with confidence and enthusiasm.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High personal motivation and sense of urgency.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Follow all agency and client policies and procedures as trained.

Other Job Requirements
• 2-5 years proven management experience.
• College degree preferred or equivalent and relevant work experience.
• Negotiation skills specifically as it relates to vendor rates and venue access.
• Budget management and oversight.
• Overnight, out of market travel required.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted driver’s license at all times while employed with BFG, proof of insurance may be requested.
• Must have reliable transportation in order to travel from venue to venue as well as attend regularly scheduled meetings at the local office.
• Able to lift, move and carry 30 – 50 lbs.

This is a FULL TIME position and includes nights, weekends, and frequent travel. Benefits to include health insurance, 401K eligibility, paid holidays. Competitive salary offered- based on experience.

This position requires a DMV and background check

For further information on our company, please visit www.bfgcom.com

NO CALLS PLEASE.

Please title your resume: ATL CM NAS. First Name. Last Name.' 

Please submit resumes to: nsa@bfgcom.com

DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. BFG reserves the right to modify all or part of any job descriptions at its discretion in order to meet and or exceed the needs of the business.

Position Title:  Facilities Manager   
Department:  Finance
Reports to:  Accounting Manager   
Market:  Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
The Facilities Manager supports all program initiatives with a focus on the overall security, maintenance, storage, organization and tracking of company assets.  This position is also responsible for managing the planning, design, and maintenance of all equipment, buildings and other facilities.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Oversee the shipping and receiving functions and the safe guarding of assets in the warehouse.
• Use a computer/database to track assets as well as control inventories and replenish as needed. 
• Design, implement and oversee the coordination of building space allocation, layout, and facility expansion.
• Use discretion and good judgment for organization of the warehouse to best utilize the storage space.
• Communicate the organizational system to BFG employees who access the warehouse. 
• Design, implement and oversee routine preventative cleaning and maintenance of the facility, equipment and assets.
• Research, negotiate and contract with various vendors regarding supplies, freight charges, etc. on behalf of the company.
• Examine contents and compare with records, such as manifests, invoices, or orders, to verify accuracy of incoming or outgoing shipment.
• Prepare documents, such as purchase orders, work orders, bills of lading, or shipping orders, to route materials.
• Compare merchandise invoices to items actually received to ensure that shipments are correct.
• Excellent organization skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Enter time on a daily basis.
• Able to lift 100 pounds.
• Work with internal teams and external vendors. 

Other Job Requirements:
• 5+ years of experience managing a facility.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• Prior experience setting up warehouse from ground up preferred.
• Prior experience developing and instituting cataloging and tracking procedures.
• Knowledge of inventory control, space, costs, and other techniques used for effective receipt and distribution of goods.
• Experience in maintenance trades.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Project professional company image through in-person and telephone interactions.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, multi-task and work independently, with little or no supervision.
• Excellent time and calendar management skills.
• Adaptable in fast-paced and pressured environments, while remaining proactive, resourceful and efficient.

Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

This week at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Bentley added a detail to their models that I would not expect from a luxury brand: Each of the three display models featured custom license plates with the name hashtagged. This execution surprised me coming from a luxury car maker so well-known for their beautiful and clean aesthetic.

Though an approach like this successfully helps at getting the word out and creating a conversation thread online, it does run the risk of promo ruining prestige. I did a little research and there were mentions online using the recommended hashtags, including some Instagram photo uploads. The monitored image above is interesting because the user chose to blur out the rest of the vehicle and focus more visually on the license plate. The Bentley logo on the front of the vehicle is even blurred out.

What are your thoughts on luxury brands using social media promo on their actual product? Could hashtags be the future of personal vanity icense plates?

**Via PSFK

The crew over at Waterloo Labs has found a way to create a real life version of Mario Kart, one of the most beloved video games ever created by Nintendo. They spend the first few minutes of the video explaining how the technology works; much of the gameplay is powered by RFID. (Honestly, I don't understand half of what they're talking about. I just know the end result is cool.) At about the 2:22 mark, the real fun begins and we get to see the game play out live action style. They may not be jumping canyons just yet, but it sure looks they're having a good time.

You can find about more about the technology, including the source code, right here.

[Via Geekologie]

Today for WSAV Tech Tuesday we talk about two photo/video messaging apps, Snapchat and Poke, and the concerns they raise for parents and teens.

How does these apps work?

Remember in Mission Impossible how all the messages would self destruct in 5 seconds? That's what these apps do. They allow you to take a photo or video with your smartphone and add a text caption and artwork to your photo or video before it is sent. Next, you can choose how long the recipient can view the message before it automatically deletes itself; options range from 1–10 seconds.

What concerns have these apps raised for parents of teenage tech users?

It doesn't take much imagination to recognize that some people might use this technology to send messages that push the limits of taste or decency. Unfortunately, parents have reported a trend of young people using these services to send compromising pictures of themselves to each other. Despite the fact that the messages self-destruct, there's nothing stopping someone from taking screenshot of the message before it is deleted.

What can parents do to limit their children's risk with technology like this?

Hopefully parents are already controlling—or at least monitoring—what their children can download and use on their personal exlectronic devices. It also goes without saying that you need to have frank discussions with your children about these kinds of issues and about the responsibilities that accompany technology. I realize that those discussions may be uncomfortable, but if you aren't prepared to have these discussions then maybe you and your child aren't yet ready for them to have technology at their unsupervised fingertips.

Beck’s new set of songs, Song Reader, is released as a book of sheet music rather than a physical or digital album. He wrote music for twenty songs reflecting the tunes of the early 20th century. Musicians can purchase the book online and are encouraged to submit their cover songs to the website SongReader.net by way of YouTube or SoundCloud. They are also invited to share their songs on their own social media networks.

First conceived in 2004, the idea behind the album is reminiscent of times when artists wrote music that  was simple enough to be performed by everyone -- sheet music was valuable to a musician's business and was frequently bought and sold. Fortunately, Beck released this project in the midst of social media frenzy where sharing with friends, fans and complete strangers is a piece of cake.

Beck modernized an archaic idea by elevating it to an interactive experience in the digital age. For the first time, the release of a collection of songs is not so much about the music as it is about giving a platform that allows other to play music. You can easily find all the cover songs listed on the Song Reader website or search “beck song reader” on YouTube and find approximately 400 entries. Participants are given an advantage for uploading their music on otherwise crowded networks where an hour of video is uploaded every second. Not to infer that every band covering Beck's work will get their fifteen minutes of fame, but the project does offer up a space where Beck fans can stumble upon new artists.

With only little over a month, Song Reader has made ripples in the music world with its innovative approach to sharing songs. You're not downloading the album on Amazon or streaming it on Spotify -- you're making a conscious effort to find the music and eventually specific tracks. Suddenly, listening to music has become more of an interactive experience even for listeners. It's interesting to find different artists interpreting the same melody of notes in their own ways.

It's become a library of entertainment all branded with Beck's handiwork and album name. This may be stunt that can only work well with a well-known artist like Beck, but it seems as though his fans are running with it. A Tumblr blog is aggregating covers and has even started a list of requests for certain artists to cover songs. Who knows what you can find in this growing collection or who will submit their rendition of "Rough On Rats". Beck's Song Reader spawned an interactive experience that gives as much as it receives and could live as long as people are inspired to join in.

You can download a song for free or purchase the entire book, which from what I've seen is gorgeous, on the website.

(via Mashable and LA Times)

I was excited when I saw the trailer for Monsters University in the movie theaters. When I saw Mike hanging from the ceiling like the gorgeous disco ball that he is, I knew that I would love this movie.

Recently, Pixar released a student recruitment video that satirized the very classic and cheesy college commercials. I'm always impressed with Pixar's spot-on humor. Never over-the-top, the animation studio has a knack at cleverly incorporating comedy in their whimsical worlds.

Another project Pixar worked on for Monsters University was its brilliant university website.  From the copy to the layout to the fantastic notes located in the footer, I think I spent more time on this website than my actual alma mater's website.

Position Title: Interactive Designer
Department: Interactive
Reports To: Interactive Art Director
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
The Interactive Designer is responsible for concept development, visual exploration and final execution of design directions. Designers must be able to work successfully within a team setting that includes collaboration with other team members in the Creative, Client Services, Strategy, UX, Copy and Development departments to create on-brand and technically sound innovative visual design solutions. The Interactive Designer supports Senior Designers, Designers and Developers with the execution of projects in all phases of the process from initial concepts to design, implementation and testing final site.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Ability to organize, prioritize, multi‐task and work independently with little or no supervision related to the management of general business operations.
• Responsible for the production and design execution for websites, digital advertising, prototypes and client presentations under the supervision of Designers, Senior Designers and/or Art Directors.
• Concept development for websites, digital advertising, prototypes and client presentations under the supervision of Senior Designers and/or Art Directors.
• Responsible for maintenance-oriented design work under the supervision of Designers and/or Senior Designers.
• Precise graphic design execution and continuing growth in creative concept development and exploration.
• Solid understanding of color management for the web, image formats and their effects on file size, appropriate file naming conventions, basic web based image animation techniques, etc.
• Strong understanding of the technical limits and constraints of Flash and HTML and the ability to apply that knowledge to producing digital projects.
• Solid understanding of Information Architecture, usability and overall user interface/interaction design and limitations.
• Staying up-to-date with current and new design tools, design trends, image production, image compression and software relating to interactive media.
• Consistent and seamless integration between production and programming.
• Ownership of design and functional continuity throughout the development phase of project work, consistently consulting Interactive Art Director for guidance and validation.
• Ability to adhere to asset delivery schedule.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.
• Enter time on a daily basis.

Other Job Requirements:
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Interactive Design or related field or formal training in graphic design, typography, interaction design and/or visual communications.
• 1-3 years of experience in Interactive Design and Production.
• Ad agency or design firm experience required.
• Extensive working knowledge of the latest versions of Photoshop, Illustrator, and PowerPoint.
• Strong knowledge of web production and visual asset creation.
• Understanding of HTML, XHTML and browser capabilities across multiple platforms.
• Strong communication and listening skills and the ability to incorporate feedback visually.
• Follow all standard agency policies and procedures.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com .  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job‐related instructions and to perform other job‐related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

Position Title: Graphic Designer
Department: Creative
Reports To: Art Director
Market: Hilton Head, SC

Position Summary:
Under the leadership of the Art Director or Associate Creative Director, the Graphic Designer is responsible for assisting in the design and development of visual materials and creative layouts.

Essential Job Duties and Skills:
• Partner with the Art Director to discuss client requirements, preliminary layouts and necessary revisions.
• Prepare all final electronic mechanical files.
• Create mock-ups for client presentations.
• Ensure all files are organized and properly stored in the server.
• Proactively identify and solve potential issues within assigned projects.
• Enter time on a daily basis.
• Regular and reliable attendance and strict punctuality are required.

Other Job Requirements:
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of teams.
• Strong Photoshop skills.
• Strong design portfolio.
• Knowledge of MAC operating system, Adobe Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• 2-4 years of experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a related field.

This position is Referral Program eligible. Please submit resume to rconnolly@bfgcom.com.  No phone calls please.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job‐related instructions and to perform other job‐related duties requested by their supervisor. “All employment with BFG is at will”.

With the start of the new year, I'm sure there are lots of folks with resolutions to take better care of themselves in 2013. Today for WSAV Tech Tuesday, we discuss the Nike FuelBand, a gadget that monitors your activity level throughout the day.

How does the Nike FuelBand work?

The FuelBand goes around your wrist and looks very similar to many of the popular rubber bracelets people wear to support various causes. It contains an accelerometer that measures your movements and attempts to map them to various physical activities. The device awards you "Nike Fuel" points based on your level activity. In addition to your Fuel points, it will also tell you how many calories you've burned, how many steps you've taken, and the current time.

How accurate is the FuelBand?

Reviews vary wildly across the Internet. Some people report that the FuelBand consistently overestimates the number of steps you take, and others accuse the FuelBand of being a little too generous with the number of calories burned.

Would you recommend the Nike FuelBand?

If you are a hardcore calorie counter and are looking for the precise number of steps you take in a day, then you might want to do a little more research on the FuelBand before you commit. But, if you're like me and just want a way to keep yourself honest about your general level of activity from day to day, then I think the FuelBand is great. Over the last two weeks it has shown me that I'm not nearly as active on a daily basis as I think I am.

Also, I have it connected to my Nike running profile, so it has been fun to see how my activity level stacks up against a couple of my friends who also have Nike profiles.

How much does the FuelBand cost and where can people get it?

At a $150, this one isn't cheap, and right now you can only buy it at Nike.com.

With the year coming to a close, it feels like the right time to reflect on the things that happened in 2012 and more importantly the things that can be learned. When it comes to social media, 2012 showed that many brands, including very high profile ones, are still approaching things the wrong way. They're not thinking about social media as a place for conversations. They're thinking about it as another channel for pushing messages. This flawed thought process yielded mistakes and five ways to learn from them.

1. You Don't Control The Message

This summer, McDonald's invited a very public critique of its business on Twitter with a campaign promoting #McDStories. The brand intended to get a very positive message out there and have consumers chime in with their own upbeat stories. Instead, people Tweeted on everything from McDonald's and weed to getting sick and the sourcing of food.

This wasn't how McDonald's thought things would go but how could they not have seen it coming? There had been a previous (but not as well-publicized) incident that took a similar path for the brand on Twitter. Instead of making the second attempt, McDonald's should have realized it can't control Twitter. If it's important to have engagement with the community, then make that engagement real. Take suggestions from the community. Answer questions.

2. Would You Spam Your Friends?

Toyota took to the Twitter airwaves during this year's Super Bowl with not just one but many accounts touting the "Camry Effect." When people Tweeted about the game, these accounts replied back with generic text trying to get people to sign up to win a new car.

Instead of taking an opportunity to have conversations with people on Twitter, the brand decided to push out "buy this now" spam. If they'd taken a more social and more authentic approach to conversations about the game, perhaps Toyota would have been memorable for a win instead of a fail.

3. Be Sensitive

It seems like common sense that a natural disaster or a tragic event isn't the time to hawk products but brand upon brand made this mistake in 2012. From American Apparel and Gap encouraging people to go online and shop during Hurricane Sandy to the many brands posting about the Newtown, Connecticut, school shooting, it's clear that something is amiss.

Brands and community managers need to think before they post. If it doesn't sound like something you'd feel comfortable saying to someone at a given moment or with a given set of circumstances, it's not the right thing to post. Depending on the event, it may not be appropriate to say anything at all. 

4. Facebook Is Your Customer Contact Page

This might not be convenient and it might not fit your brand's existing policies on customer service but consumers expect information via social channels. When you set up that Facebook page for your brand, you opened the door. There are some great examples of brands delivering customer service via social but unfortunately, there are many who haven't gotten this memo. Directing someone to an 800 number or a complaint website isn't a solution. 

5. Integrated Communications

I am baffled by the number of brands out there that don't take advantage of existing marketing efforts to continue the conversation elsewhere. A TV buy or involvement at an event doesn't have to end when that commerical or experience is over. People just need some kind of a call to action to take it online. This requires the kind of integrated planning and collaboration that too many brands aren't yet set up for. But it is the right thing to do.

In an effort to increase in-store traffic, drive sales and connect parents with their inner child, Toys'R'Us has launched a Facebook game application that generates coupons based on user engagement. To earn rewards in the form of in-store savings, the 'ToysRUs Towers' game asks that participants create their own department store, staff it and make sure that profits continue to rise by changing out displays among other tasks. Much like the ever-popular Farmville, the experience when playing is effortless, allowing parents easy access to savings and kids' involvement as well. 

This game is interesting for a number of reasons. It's refreshing to see a kids' brand engage with parents in such a direct and amusing way, while also offering them savings and driving visits to retail locations. In a way, it's payoff for procrastination on Facebook! The game also helps users to connect more closely with the brand by immersing them in a personalized environment similar to that of Toys'R'Us locations and calling the user to take on business responsibilities. Additionally, the timing couldn't have been more perfect with the holiday season in full swing.

via PSFK

We were interested to know what Generation Y consumers (men and women between the ages of 21-34) really wanted for the holidays, so we conducted 721 in-person surveys in 22 markets around the U.S and found some results that may make your holiday shopping a little easier.

We found that 45% Millennials prefer cash gifts over gift cards while 21% of them prefer gift cards. It appears that young adults today prefer to make their own purchasing decisions rather than receiving gift items. If they were to receive a gift card, an overwhelming 66% of them would rather have a bank card versus  music download cards or restaurant gift cards.

When you're making your final holiday shopping trip and you can't figure out what to give, remember that Millennials like to keep their purchasing power even in the holidays.

You've probably heard it before. "I want to join Twitter to follow what @Oprah is doing but I have nothing to say." This is a valid point, as not everyone needs to be on a platform where they don't feel the need to engage in conversation. Twitter is a gold mine of information (and entertainment) but not everyone needs to be producing their own content here. For those who feel more comfortable listening but not necessarily talking, there is a service called Tweets by Email.  

Much like Google alerts, a user is able to "subscribe" to specific Twitter handles of interest and create groups of up to five. Updates from these sources are then sent directly to the user's email in an easy to skim format. There is also a scheduling tool allowing users to specify days they would like to receive updates from each group.

Though I personally wish everyone were joining the conversation on Twitter, tools like this help those who may not yet be comfortable to not miss out on everything that's happening. So, until that day when Oprah tweets that you won a car, you can at least listen for it. 

*Via AllTwitter

With the flurry of Facebook posts about the awesome symmetry of 12/12/12 filled your feed on Wednesday, Tumblr was having its own celebration with their "gift-guide-ocalypse." 

Wednesday marked the beginning of Tumblr's Reblog Gift Guide. It's an aggregated list of Tumblr users' favorite things to be used as a source for gift ideas. Users can submit their ideas by tagging their posts with #TumblrGiftGuide. Though the blog appeared to be only accepting submissions on that one special day, it's been busy re-blogging posts all day today and probably for the rest of the month.

What I find particularly special about this blog is that it's a well-curated list of design-oriented gifts, books, geeky items and even just weird stuff. There's also various businesses getting in on the fun and posting their products sometimes with special discounts.

If you know anyone who is a die-hard Tumblr user or just may be difficult to shop for, take a gander at the Reblog Gift Guide. It's surprisingly accurate of the Tumblr culture -- the humor, the art and the kind of odd finds that makes this blogging platform so fun to use.

Today for Tech Tuesday on WSAV, we demo the iFrogz Boost Plus wireless speaker. The Boost Plus works with most mobile electronic devices—smartphones, MP3 players, etc—allowing you to play your music through the external speaker. The best part about this product is that there are no wires, no software to install, and it doesn't rely on wifi or Bluetooth. It uses a technology called Near Field Audio (NFA) to amplify the sounds coming for your electronic device.

You can find the Boost Plus on Zagg.com for around $60. There's also a less expensive model ($40) which has two speakers instead of three. I imagine you can also find them on Amazon.

Temporary tattoos are no longer just for kids. Researchers at the University of Toronto Scarborough have developed an electrode sensor disguised as a smiley face stick-on tattoo that can monitor athletes' performances and more. 

The temporary tatt detects changes in pH levels of skin due to stress from physical exertion and communicates those changes to the user. That information can then be used by athletic coaches to fine-tune their approach to training and even identify metabolic diseases such as Addison's disease. There has also been talk of leveraging the wearable technology in the cosmetics industry. 

These tattoos can be made using basic screen printing techniques and are applied the same way you would treat typical temporary ink. Depending on the materials used, the tattoos also have the ability to monitor a variety of sweat components like sodium or potassium, potentially opening doors for further learnings in the future. 

via Daily Mail

The Holiday season is in full effect and so are the conversations happening online. HootSuite, a social media management dashboard, has created a "2012 Holiday Tracker" site which tracks and displays real-time analytics of the holiday-focused discussions taking place on Twitter. 

There are Twitter sentiment charts tracking conversations around "Holidays" and "Shopping". By the looks of it, "Shopping" conversations seem to have a bit more negative sentiment (i/e: sadness grief, anger loathing and fear uneasiness) than "Holidays" conversations happening online - eeeep! Some people may not be surprised by this, however.

The tracker also features trend lines covering categories such as "Mobile Devices", "Tablets" and "Retail". The "Retail" trendline actually had me a bit surprised. Amazon is, of course, the top mentioned, but eBay appears to receive double the amount of conversation than Wal-Mart.

Beyond the sentiment charts and trendlines we love in advertising, there are a few other festive sections of this tracker for everyone to enjoy, such as the #holidays and @30RockTree Twitter feeds. 

BFG is seeking a full time manager in the San Jose area to manage an ongoing, multi level nightlife marketing and sampling campaign for a Fortune 500 tobacco client. 
Manager Responsibilities:

• Ability to manage and lead 1-2 full time employees
• Recruit, train, schedule and supervise a team of part time employees 
• Manage all aspects of local office -asset management, employee training and management, fiscal management and venue relations
• Complete and submit all aspects of Program reporting; to include payroll, expenses, market productivity, inventories, trend and scouting reports, etc.
• Develop and maintain a positive on-going relationship with key bar, club, and nightlife accounts in San Jose and surrounding territory.
• Ensure market and employee compliance with all company, client-based, State and Federal guidelines
• Negotiate and execute national/local brand building marketing programs and initiatives in nightlife venues
• Achieve assigned quantitative and qualitative marketing goals and brand building measures
• Participate in relationship marketing by conducting effective "1 to 1" Consumer Engagements through a thorough understanding of Consumer Marketing Brand Strategies
• Consistently demonstrate the application of company values and integrity in all business interactions
• Organize and schedule tasks, develop and maintain realistic goals and provide realistic action plans
• Manage and lead professionally through unresolved situations, frequent program changes, delays or unexpected changes in program direction or deliverables.

Qualifications:

• College degree preferred.  Equivalent or relevant work experience will be considered.
• BA/BS in Marketing, Sales or Business Administration a plus
• 3-5 years proven Management experience
• Previous event marketing experience a plus
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
• Working knowledge of the nightlife industry preferred

Skills Required:

• High personal motivation and a sense of urgency
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong and effective management, leadership, and organizational skills. Multi-tasking a must!
• Goal oriented
• Professionalism, commitment to excellence / detail oriented
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office Programs - Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
• Recruitment and training of part time staff
• Negotiation skills
• Ability to lift and carry 30 – 50 lbs
• Fluent in both English and Spanish a Plus

Additional Needs for the Position:

• Nights and weekends are an integral part of this position
• Potential for 4-6 overnight stays/trips per month

This is a FULL TIME position and includes nights, weekends, and occasional travel. Benefits to include health insurance, 401K eligibility, paid holidays.  Competitive salary offered- based on experience.

This position requires a DMV, background and credit check. For further information on our company, please visit www.bfgcom.com 

NO CALLS PLEASE.

Please submit resume to recruit@bfgcom.com

Please title your resume: SJ HYB. First Name. Last Name.'

DISCLAIMER:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. BFG reserves the right to modify all or part of any job descriptions at its discretion in order to meet and or exceed the needs of the business.

Last week I received an email claiming to be from PayPal (see screenshot below). It indicated that I needed to update some information on my account or it would be suspended. The claim seemed a bit dubious, so I ignored it for the time being. Later the same afternoon I received an identical email via my work email address. Considering I've never used my work email with PayPal, my earlier suspicion was confirmed. Something was off.

Sure enough, this is not a legitimate email from PayPal. It is phishing scam designed to collect your personal information.

What can people do to protect themselves from email scams like this one?

1. If you ever have any doubt about the legitimacy of an email, DO NOT CLICK THE LINKS IN THE EMAIL.
2. Open your browser, go to PayPal.com (or other website) and login. If there really is something you need to update, chances are you'll be prompted to do so.
3. If the email in question is from your bank or other financial institution, you can always call the number you have on file for them or the one listed on their website (but not a number from the email).

BFG is seeking a full time manager in the Las Vegas area to manage an ongoing, multi level nightlife marketing and sampling campaign for a Fortune 500 tobacco client. 

Manager Responsibilities:

• Ability to manage and lead 1-2 full time employees
• Recruit, train, schedule and supervise a team of part time employees 
• Manage all aspects of local office -asset management, employee training and management, fiscal management and venue relations
• Complete and submit all aspects of Program reporting; to include payroll, expenses, market productivity, inventories, trend and scouting reports, etc.
• Develop and maintain a positive on-going relationship with key bar, club, and nightlife accounts in Las Vegas and surrounding territory.
• Ensure market and employee compliance with all company, client-based, State and Federal guidelines
• Negotiate and execute national/local brand building marketing programs and initiatives in nightlife venues
• Achieve assigned quantitative and qualitative marketing goals and brand building measures
• Participate in relationship marketing by conducting effective "1 to 1" Consumer Engagements through a thorough understanding of Consumer Marketing Brand Strategies
• Consistently demonstrate the application of company values and integrity in all business interactions
• Organize and schedule tasks, develop and maintain realistic goals and provide realistic action plans
• Manage and lead professionally through unresolved situations, frequent program changes, delays or unexpected changes in program direction or deliverables.

Qualifications:

• College degree preferred.  Equivalent or relevant work experience will be considered.
• BA/BS in Marketing, Sales or Business Administration a plus
• 3-5 years proven Management experience
• Previous event marketing experience a plus
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
• Working knowledge of the nightlife industry preferred

Skills Required:

• High personal motivation and a sense of urgency
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong and effective management, leadership, and organizational skills. Multi-tasking a must!
• Goal oriented
• Professionalism, commitment to excellence / detail oriented
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office Programs - Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
• Recruitment and training of part time staff
• Negotiation skills
• Ability to lift and carry 30 – 50 lbs
• Fluent in both English and Spanish a Plus

Additional Needs for the Position:

• Nights and weekends are an integral part of this position
• Potential for 4-6 overnight stays/trips per month

This is a FULL TIME position and includes nights, weekends, and occasional travel. Benefits to include health insurance, 401K eligibility, paid holidays.  Competitive salary offered- based on experience.

This position requires a DMV, background and credit check. For further information on our company, please visit www.bfgcom.com 

NO CALLS PLEASE.

Please submit resume to recruit@bfgcom.com

Please title your resume: LV HYB. First Name. Last Name.'

DISCLAIMER:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. BFG reserves the right to modify all or part of any job descriptions at its discretion in order to meet and or exceed the needs of the business.

The arrival of holiday music tends to have a polarizing effect. It seems like you're either the kind of person that spends most of the year anxiously awaiting "Jingle Bells" as you shop for frozen pizza, or the person who grits their teeth wishing "Little Drummer Boy" would just hold off until the second week of December. Regardless of which camp you fall into, if you're going to have to listen to holiday music in this post-Thanksgiving, pre-December limbo, it might as well be the kind of holiday music you can jam out to.

That’s why we've compiled a Spotify playlist of our favorite holiday music to share with you. Between Hal, Kristina, Brian, me, and a host of outside sources, we’ve rounded up 25 songs that will get you through the holiday rush. There’s a little something for everyone! Open it in Spotify here, or view tracks here. Listen, enjoy, and remember that Grinch is never a good look on anyone.

Online sales this year on Black Friday surpassed $1 billion for the first time ever. With all that online shopping going on, we have a few tips to try to make online shopping a little safer. That's our subject today on WSAV's Tech Tuesday segment.

Tips for safer online shopping this holiday season:

1. Whenever possible stick with names you know and trust. Larger retailers stand to lose a lot from being hacked than smaller retailers, so they usually have more resources invested in making sure online transactions are secure. 

2. Give some thought to how you pay. I'm a big fan of PayPal—data security is essentially their business—so I highly recommend paying with PayPal when you can. If PayPal isn't a payment option, use a credit card instead of a debit card. If you are a victim of fraud, most credit card companies offer some form of limited liability as well as more leverage with disputing transactions than you have with a debit card. Plus, with a credit card you aren't giving someone a direct line to your checking account the way you are with a debit card.

3. Change your passwords often. We hear this all the time but most of us, myself included, don't change our passwords often enough. You might also try using different passwords for different purposes to limit your ability to be hacked: one password for retail sites, another for work stuff, another for personal email and social networks, and still another for banking and other sensitive personal information.

4. Last, always logout before leaving retail sites. It's not uncommon for websites to use cookies to remember you each time you visit. Unfortunately, this can often mean that you are still logged in on the website, making it that much easier for your account to be compromised.

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and, no, I don't mean the one from the Andy Williams song. It's time to update the social media slides in our presentation decks as we, with hope in our eyes and longing in our profit margins, look forward to the promise of new business ushered in by the coming new year.

Yes Virginia, this will all be on the test, so study like your job depends on it. Because it just might.

(Via Erik Qualman.)

LG recently released its Smart Thinq refrigerator in South Korea. Soon to arrive in the US, the Internet-connected home appliance uses WiFi to store information about the food it has inside. 

Using the refrigerator's touchscreen or a smartphone device, users can either manually enter the food items being stored or scan product barcodes to keep the database up-to-date. LG's concept for the appliance also includes recipe suggestions based on specified parameters set by the user like diet, age and sex. If the owner were to select a suggested recipe to prepare, the smart appliance could then notify a Smart Thinq oven to preheat. 

Moving forward, we'll hopefully begin to see more standards being set in the food industry to streamline the user experience of Internet-connected appliances like these. Imagine a world without consumer grocery shopping — where refrigerators could place refill orders for their owners based on consumption knowledge. The future is bright!

via GigaOm

With precious time remaining until Thanksgiving Day, are you prepared? If you're still in the planning stages for the biggest eating day of the year, it’s time to talk turkey. As we gear up for the onslaught of festive cooking and hall-decking, don’t be caught crying fowl: with a few helpful Internet tools, you could be well on your way to total holiday domination dans la cuisine.

• For the discerning host or guest, the New York Times presents its interactive Thanksgiving-erator. Select your menu theme and preferences and delight in a number of whistle-wetting recipes sure to wow your Thanksgiving family -- from seasonally appropriate drinks to desserts. Not to fret, Baconists, there are options for you to generate sides that optimize bacon fat as lubricant for brussels sprouts.
• For the last-minute chef, Chow's Thanksgiving Dinner Coach app for iOS provides the organization you need for efficient Thanksgiving prep work. Start from nine classic Thanksgiving recipes; build a shopping list around ingredients and cooking time, and boom! You've got yourself a bonafide holiday menu.
• For those seeking inspiration, Paprika is a recipe management app available for $4.99 on Android and iOS devices. Its built-in web browser allows you to go even further with your menu planning, and convenient cloud syncing lets you go from kitchen to kitchen without missing a beat.
• For those who wash their hands of cooking this year, OpenTable's app will help you make reservations for a Thanksgiving dinner -- minus the clean-up. 

Give thanks for the cornucopia of options available for techies this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving!

Today on WSAV Tech Tuesday, we discuss three free smartphone apps that can help you get the best deals this holiday shopping season.

The Find

The mobile app from The Find lets you scan product bar codes with your smartphone in order to find the price and availability of items at stores near you. So if you are in one store and you wonder if you are getting the best price, you can use this app to see if the item is available at the store down the road and what price the item is listed for.

Amazon Mobile

Nowadays people often wonder if they can get a better deal online than in-store. With the Amazon mobile app, you can check instantly check the price and availability of items on Amazon.com by scanning the bar codes of products in-store.

RedLaser

RedLaser, which we've talked about on Tech Tuesday before, is the best of both worlds. Scan a product bar code and RedLaser will search the inventories of online stores and physical stores near you and deliver the results to you. At a glance you can decide where you can get the best deal and, if it happens to be online, you can purchase the item from within the RedLaser app using your PayPal account.