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THOUGHT SPARKS BLOG
Pinterest bursts into social media world, becomes top traffic driver for retailers
February 7, 2012Pinterest was the 60th most-visited website in the US last month, with total visits growing from 10 million to 17 million since the start of the year. [READ MORE]
Tim Dolan Development Co. launches new website
January 26, 2012New website! New website! New website! [READ MORE]
We have a winner in the Tour de Koozie Part Deux contest!
January 6, 2012After MUCH deliberation, we've picked the grand prize winner of the Tour de Koozie contest. [READ MORE]
Is Social Media in your 2012 plan?
December 12, 2011Social media is not a fad. It's a significant shift in how consumers want to interact with companies and brands. A company's participation in social media - or lack of participation - sends a clear message to consumers about their willingness to connect. [READ MORE]
9 useful tools to make content development easier
December 2, 2011There are countless tools and websites out there that can make it much easier to pull together content in creative ways. We’ve pulled together some that we find particularly useful: [READ MORE]
Our favorite branding articles from the Thought Sparks blog
November 29, 2011Branding is at the heart of what we do, and because of that we've written quite a few posts over the years about branding and brand development. We've pulled together some of our favorites just for you - think of it as a November branding smorgasbord from [READ MORE]
MindFire bottle designs win MicroLiquor Spirit awards
November 22, 2011The searing hot bottle designs for Mississippi River Distilling Company have won yet another award by an industry organization. [READ MORE]
Inform, inspire and motivate
November 7, 2011Your employees are your primary brand communicators. Do you know what they are communicating? [READ MORE]
Content marketing - the art of communicating without selling
October 21, 2011Content marketing is the art of communicating with your target audiences without selling. Yup, WITHOUT selling. [READ MORE]
RK Dixon and MindFire blaze new trail for non-profit contest
September 28, 2011The 6th annual office technology makeover was a blazin' success. For the first time since the contest's inception, RK Dixon opened the MMNPRB contest to 80 counties across eastern Iowa, Illinois and southern Wisconsin simultaneously. [READ MORE]
Employee engagement is vital to a strong brand
September 20, 2011If employees don't understand and believe in your organization's brand, they can't deliver on the brand promise. And you can't deliver on the brand promise without their help. [READ MORE]
Are you ready for real-time marketing?
August 30, 2011Just recently, HARO founder and entrepreneur Peter Shankman, was boarding a flight to New York City after a long day of meetings. Shortly before shutting off his phone for the flight, he jokingly tweeted about how much he wished he could have Morton's ste [READ MORE]
Marketing has changed. Have you?
August 15, 2011It used to be so easy. You build a great ad campaign. You figure out how to achieve the needed frequency and reach with the right mix of TV, radio, newspaper and/or outdoor. Then, you wait to see how it all works. [READ MORE]
MindFire designs featured in book about labels and bottles of craft spirits industry
July 28, 2011The steamin' hot Mississippi River Distilling Company bottle labels are heating up the pages of a brand new coffee table book called "Labels and Bottles of the Craft Spirit Industry." [READ MORE]
6 tips to keep the agency/client flames burning
July 25, 2011It's easy for a marketing director to fire an agency. It can be tempting to throw in the towel when you have your differences. But there are lessons to be learned and benefits to gain from successful long-term agency/client relationship. [READ MORE]
MindFire voted Best PR/Advertising firm by readers of the Corridor Business Journal
July 12, 2011The readers of the Corridor Business Journal have voted MindFire Communications as the Best PR/Advertising Firm in the region. [READ MORE]
As an advertiser, are daily deal sites like Groupon really worth it?
June 27, 2011More than likely, you're one of the millions of people who receive a daily Groupon email full of smokin' hot deals and discounts. From an advertising perspective - are social buying sites like Groupon or Living Social really worth it? [READ MORE]
MindFire dispatches volunteer fire starters into communities
June 15, 2011MindFire recently launched the MindFire Volunteer Department - a community outreach program that provides support for employees to donate time and effort to local non-profit organizations. [READ MORE]
Decoding QR codes - what are they and can they help your business?
May 16, 2011The hot topic among many marketers these days are QR codes, or quick response codes. In a relatively short time span, they've leapt onto the marketing scene and, as recent stats suggest, they're starting to catch on. [READ MORE]
MindFire recognized as one of Corridor's 20 Fastest Growing Companies
May 6, 2011MindFire Communications has been recognized as one of the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor's 20 Fastest Growing Companies by the Corridor Business Journal. [READ MORE]
Know it. Be it. Say it.
March 29, 2011As a small business owner, it can be hard to decide how to prioritize your efforts when it comes to branding and marketing. Much of your time and energy is focused on your product or service, your cash flow, and where you will find your next customer. [READ MORE]
MindFire bottle designs heat up Lovely Package blog
March 28, 2011A smokin' hot design project from MindFire Communications is heating up the pages of the Lovely Package design blog. [READ MORE]
3 changes to Facebook pages that make marketing easier
March 24, 2011Chances are you've probably heard that Facebook recently underwent another Facelift. And while some of the previous modifying, updating and sculpting over at Facebook have gone undetected, this change has turned more than just a few heads. [READ MORE]
MindFire now accredited by Better Business Bureau
March 22, 2011MindFire Communications recently received its accreditation by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). [READ MORE]
Two new firecrackers on board: Monica Wolfe and Amy Behning join MindFire
March 3, 2011Things keep getting hotter and hotter here at MindFire Communications. As a result of ongoing growth, Monica Wolfe and Amy Behning recently joined MindFire. [READ MORE]
MindFire heats up 2011 Addy Awards ceremony in Cedar Rapids with 4 awards including Judge's Choice
February 22, 2011MindFire continued its Addy award hot streak at the American Advertising Federation Cedar Rapids - Iowa City ADDY Awards Gala last Friday, winning four awards, including Judge's Choice. [READ MORE]
MindFire takes home 11 awards at 2011 Addy Award ceremony in Quad Cities
February 19, 2011The room was ablaze at the Quad City Advertising Federation Addy Award ceremony recently as the team of MindFire Communications arsonists was awarded a total of 11 Addy awards. [READ MORE]
A love letter from your brand
February 8, 2011Remember me? Its me, your brand. The two of us used to be very close. I was the only thing you would think about all day. You used to focus all your attention on me. And we'd talk all the time. [READ MORE]
Will 2011 be the year we get back to our real senses?
January 14, 2011The Kent State Folk Festival created a small ripple in the advertising world late last year when it released its print campaign to promote the annual event. Ads featured headlines like, "Let your memory download the music for a change." [READ MORE]
The art of social media - think of it as a cocktail party for your business
November 12, 2010Facebook now has more than 500 million active users. Five hundred million! That's a 5, with eight zeros behind it. And that's not all. Of the 500 million active users, 50 percent log on to Facebook in any given day. [READ MORE]
Is there an app for that?
October 8, 2010Chances are the cell phone that's burning a hole in your pocket at this very moment is a smartphone. If that's the case, you're one of the growing number of people worldwide who own a Blackberry, iPhone, HTC or Droid. [READ MORE]
Why your company needs a social media policy
September 14, 2010Indulge us, if you will, with this little scenario: One morning you open your Outlook to find your inbox full of emails from friends, colleagues and clients who are shocked and outraged about a comment one of your employees made on an industry blog. [READ MORE]
The pros and cons of online advertising
August 9, 2010When banner ads were first introduced by Global Network Navigator in 1993, few people understood the impact this would have on the advertising industry. To sum things up - it was a preeeeetty big deal. Think wildfire on a desiccated prairie. [READ MORE]
Non-profit Branding
July 12, 2010A strong brand is important if you're selling products or services. It's even more important if you're selling a mission. Every non-profit has a brand. It's the emotional connection you have with your audience. It's your story and how you tell it. [READ MORE]
How does Google Caffeine impact your website?
June 29, 2010Have you heard of Google Caffeine? We're not talking about a brand new premium coffee product that will power super geeks for hours at a time. No, Google Caffeine is the new search index that was launched by Google at the beginning of June. [READ MORE]
Branding 101: Cover your brand touchpoints
June 11, 2010Take a minute and think about all the different ways your brand interacts with your customers, prospects, suppliers and employees. Then, ask yourself, "Am I in control of these interactions?" [READ MORE]
The best brands are simple
May 17, 2010The best brands are simple. Simple to articulate. Simple to understand. Simple brand ideas result in powerful and memorable branding that people immediately connect with. Those ideas have to make it clear that the brand is different and relevant to their [READ MORE]
Media buying tips for midterm elections
May 4, 2010You may not like what you're about to hear, but in just a few months our airwaves will once again be filled with countless political ads full of promises, finger pointing and baby holding. [READ MORE]
5 tips to put the Web to work for you
April 8, 2010In our digital world, online product reviews, forums, video demos, and instant price comparisons are only a click away. It's not surprising then, that very few of us are willing to fork over any cash before first conducting some online research. [READ MORE]
Should your business be on Facebook?
March 29, 2010A local small-business owner recently asked me, "Do I need to be on Facebook?" Well, it depends. Nearly one out of five small business owners are actively using social media in their business. [READ MORE]
Do you have the guts to listen to your customers?
March 8, 2010Here at MindFire, we're true believers in the power of research. Nothing helps you focus your marketing like research does. It takes the guesswork out of your decisions and provides you with the insights needed to fine-tune your message. [READ MORE]
Branding Trends for 2010
February 22, 2010The way consumers interact with media has created a paradigm shift for consumers. Now it's time for marketers to catch up. The economy has changed, the rules have changed, and consumer expectations have changed. [READ MORE]
Be Mine - Customer retention and Cupid
February 8, 2010If you think about it, Cupid is a pretty powerful little fellow. He can aim his bow and arrow at just about anyone and make them fall deeply in love. Don't you wish you could harness that power in your marketing efforts? [READ MORE]
10 Marketing Resolutions for 2010
January 1, 2010We're feeling a little uninspired by the invariable New Year's resolutions that are popping up these days. Lose weight. Quit smoking. Drink less. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? [READ MORE]
The great debate: Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas?
December 6, 2009Like fruitcake and ugly sweaters, it's becoming a tradition for many companies to wrangle over whether their seasonal messaging should include "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays." [READ MORE]
Boo! 13 Marketing tactics that are downright scary
October 26, 2009In honor of Halloween, we've assembled some of the most spine-chilling, hair-raising, blood-curdling marketing tactics we've come across. Bottom line? This kind of marketing is scary. Scary, because of the damage this can do to a companies' brand. [READ MORE]
What does your brand stand for?
September 25, 2009What does your company's brand stand for? If that's a hard question for you to answer, then your company doesn't have a focused brand. [READ MORE]
5 Tips for successful key account mailings
September 18, 2009One of the most challenging aspects of landing a new customer is getting their attention. Over the years of helping clients with this challenge, we've learned that one of the most effective ways to tackle this is to send an engaging key account mailing. [READ MORE]
Big brands for small businesses
August 25, 2009A lot of people think branding is something for big companies. Something that requires a high-priced agency and a huge budget. Not so. Branding is not advertising. It's not a logo. It's strategy. [READ MORE]
Get creative juices flowing for campaigns that will generate buzz
August 6, 2009We live in a buzz culture, where the best kind of exposure often comes from word of mouth. Word of mouth is the type of publicity that will fire up your sales and ignite brand recognition. [READ MORE]
Your brand is what the consumer says it is
August 5, 2009When it comes to making decisions about which product or service to purchase, who do you trust? Newspaper articles? TV ads? Company web sites? [READ MORE]
Brand equity is more important than ever
June 29, 2009The shaky economy has prompted consumers to make some tough purchasing decisions. But when it comes to brands consumers are loyal to, those decisions are pretty straightforward. [READ MORE]
Avoid the most common branding mistakes
June 9, 2009A solid brand can be the difference between business success and failure - especially in this economy. A strong brand helps you stand out from your competitors, adds value to your product or services, and helps you connect with your consumers. [READ MORE]
Branding during an economic downturn
June 1, 2009A recent EquiTrend study by Harris Interactive revealed that when the goin' gets tough, consumers tighten their grip on brands they are loyal to, instead of gravitating towards the product with the lowest price. [READ MORE]
Roast Pork: 7 Lessons in Crisis Communication
May 22, 2009What the recent swine flu outbreak and the resulting pangs of the pork industry teach us, is that there is no substitute for careful listening and quick action. You can NEVER be too prepared when it comes to upholding your brand's reputation in the market [READ MORE]
Has your brand adapted to the new marketing model?
April 23, 2009The traditional marketing and branding model is changing. The standard model was a "one-to-many" proposition, where you try to get your message to as many people as possible. [READ MORE]
MindFire Measurable Marketing Manifesto
March 25, 2009Unless your marketing dollars grow on trees, a big part of your job as a marketing professional is about validating your budget to your superiors - especially in an economy such as this one. [READ MORE]
5 tips for successfully marketing to women
March 12, 2009Did you know that 85% of all purchases are made by women? That doesn't mean you need to create a separate brand or marketing campaign to reach women. What you need is a smarter marketing strategy. [READ MORE]
Five marketing mistakes you can't afford to make
February 24, 2009As budgets tighten, some businesses are looking at ways to cut back on marketing. A better idea is to look at how to make your marketing work better. If you can find a more efficient approach, you may be able to trim your marketing budget. [READ MORE]
Looking for ways to connect with your customers?
January 30, 2009One of the most compelling aspects of marketing in the digital age is the ability to connect with your customers. Technology has made it possible to engage your audience and get them to interact with your brand in a very powerful way. [READ MORE]
Twitter for business
January 19, 2009There's a lot of buzz these days about Twitter. Twitter is basically a communication tool that lets people connect with one another. It's micro-blogging. You have 140 characters or less to communicate your message. [READ MORE]
Brand Trust
January 12, 2009When most people think about building their company's brand they think about investing in marketing and advertising strategies. Typically the focus is on brand awareness and brand perception. That's a good start. [READ MORE]
MindFire's PR Checklist
December 18, 2008Uncovering newsworthy story ideas is what sets your PR efforts on fire. But it's not always easy to recognize the newsworthy events going on in your world when you live and breathe them every day! [READ MORE]
Strong connections are critical in a weak economy
October 28, 2008Everywhere you turn these days, you hear dire warnings about the economy. If you advertise, your ad reps are warning you to resist the impulse to cut back on your advertising until the economy improves. [READ MORE]
Focus on the customer's experience to build your brand
October 18, 2008There's been a powerful shift in control over the past eight years or so. Marketers used to be in control. They would shape advertising campaigns to influence how consumers viewed their products or services. [READ MORE]
Getting it right
June 10, 2008It's all about communicating the right message to the right person in the right place at the right time. [READ MORE]
Inside out branding
May 5, 2008Most companies have focused their attention on the most visible aspects of a brand: the logo and tagline, the carefully crafted advertising campaign, or the cool web site that was just launched. But, the brand is still about what's under the surface. [READ MORE]
The brand bond
March 28, 2008We all have relationships with brands. During branding workshops, I ask participants to name the brands they've encountered so far that day. Participants often mention some of the same brands: Starbucks, Crest, Apple, Dell, Toyota, BP, Google, and Pepsi. [READ MORE]
Spending smart instead of spending big
January 28, 2008Most marketers think their budget is too small - whether it's $50,000 or $50 million. No matter how much you have to spend on marketing, you need to make sure every cent counts. [READ MORE]
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