MortarBlog

The All-Seeing Eye of Mortar, Vol. 1.

So we're trying out a new segment on the Mortarblog. It's a little trendspotting, a little News-Of-The-Weird, a little VICE Do's-and-Don'ts. It's The All-Seeing Eye, and this week the Eye saw...

 

Upholstered Bike! With Uphostered Bike Lock! Wheeeeee!

Ok, so how is an upholstered bike (and bike lock) relevant to marketing? Here's how: Because it's Random Goodness. Why on earth would someone do this? Because they freakin' felt like it, that's why. And you know what? It got results. Not only did this random act of upholstery brighten our day, it got us to stop, snap a photo, upload said photo, and blog about the whole thing.
Something to consider the next time you're using accounting spreadsheets and a bloodless Checklist Of Important-Sounding Marketing Buzzwords to judge the efficacy of your creative.

People like Random Goodness. They respond to it. Why? Because they freakin' feel like it.

Look for more All-Seeing Eye in the future, and please feel free to send us your submissions.

Calling all very talented (and budding) Communications Planners and Interns

It’s not every day you get to reinvent the wheel. But here’s a shot. 

Readers of this blog should know we’re dedicated to shaping conversations between people and brands—out on the big, brave, slightly bewildering new frontier where social media, PR and digital/traditional marketing converge. We’re definitely not afraid to experiment (or to make mistakes along the way).

But that’s tempered by a grown up, buttoned down (well, sorta) approach to running our business.

The most important thing? Our business models begins and ends with communications planning (our own special blend of account planning).

So we’re looking for someone who’s part entrepreneur. Part evangelist. A little quantitative. Supremely intuitive. And every inch a change agent.

You’ll be at the rich, gooey center of an integrated team that includes account strategists, creatives, media consultants, and PR specialists.

To qualify you'll need at least 1-2+ years of relevant planning/market research experience, including demonstrated expertise in strategic analysis, market segmentation and consumer research.

Plus, you’ll need to be able to (behold the bulleted list):

• Provide leadership on brand initiatives
• Drive big ideas across multiple channels/platforms
• Experiment with/be inspired by social media
• Integrate new cultural trends and research tools
• Translate findings into clear, actionable strategies
• Write compelling positioning documents and briefs
• Envelop clients and consumers in your god/godess-like aura

Part-timers are strongly encouraged to apply--we're particularly keen to hear from experienced practitioners who are itching to get back in the game (you know who you are).

Oh, and you’ll need a sense of humor. Or, at the very least, be able to laugh in the face of intense pressure.

And be able to laugh at yourself. And us. Definitely. Too much to ask? You tell us.

Send a resume and brief email to: subject "Jnr. Planner" at thatsme@mortaragency.com.

We Do Not Like Your Jokes.

Let's wrap up November with the Muppets, who show us how videoconferencing is done.

Need A Monkey? There's An App For That.

Mark should not make promises he does not plan to keep. Especially with the new iPhone's memo capabilities. Get that man a pineapple-vodka! (We know. We know.) Click the thingy below to listen.

Renata Will Be With You Shortly.

People often tell us: "Mortar looks like a fun place to work." or "Your office seems like a nice place."  We agree. It is.  Sometimes, however, we take things a little far. (OK, "Most times.")
Apparently, Renata's dog feels so strongly about Chateau D'Mortar that she threw a little tantrum upon not getting to come in today.
So.
If you are Cesar Millan, please call.
If you are a carpet company who'd like to work out a little trade, please call.

If you need Renata, she will get back to you as soon as FEMA leaves.

Dance Dance Revolution.

One Guy Dancing = Freaker.

Two Guys Dancing = Get A Room. Or At Least, Dance Lessons.

Three Guys Dancing = Dance Party!

Seth Godin brings up the important point that...

"...Before (Guy #3,) it was just a crazy dancing guy and then maybe one other crazy guy. But it's guy #3 who made it a movement. Initiators are rare indeed, but it's scary to be the leader.
Guy #3 is rare too, but it's a lot less scary and just as important.
Guy #49 is irrelevant. No bravery points for being part of the mob. We need more guy #3s"

Via our pal Catalina, at Catalista.

Can We Get An Amen?

In which we take a moment to wish our own Mark Williams a very happy birthday. Let the spirit take hold of you and leave a comment in his honor, won't you? Hallelujah!

Just what are Todd and Ryan doing in Burma?

Yup. The rumors are true. Two of our intrepid Mortarites are in Burma (or Myanmar for those of you paying attention) . And yes they are there working on a new way to market irrigation systems to local farmers.

"There's a kid on a Pogo stick in front of my house..."

Admit it: You secretly wonder just what the hell is up with Twitter. Is the minutae of anyone's day really that interesting? Then, you discover Christopher Walken uses it. And it all becomes clear.

"Mrs. Liebowitz's cat has gone missing again. He answers to "Martin" and walks with an unfortunate limp. This was only partially my fault."

Via the Daily Dish.

Yes it's this bad. Excess as art.

 

Stumbled upon these images of the post-consumer age many pundits believe we are fast leaving behind. Man, I hope they are right. Originals here.

Depicts two million plastic beverage bottles, the number used in the US every five minutes.