Take a bite out of PUNCH. Thanks to #KCNYTreats for the very #delicious #treats

izzy's playlists!

shark vs the universe
Aqua Utopia|海の底で記憶を紡ぐ
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PUT YOUR BEARD IN MY MOUTH

Janaina Medeiros
we're not kids anymore.

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Sweet Seals For You, Always
noise dept.

#extradirty

Kiana Khansmith
macklin celebrini has autism

Love Begins
styofa doing anything

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Today's Document
Cosimo Galluzzi
trying on a metaphor
he wasn't even looking at me and he found me

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@punchcanada
Take a bite out of PUNCH. Thanks to #KCNYTreats for the very #delicious #treats
Canada and PUNCH Welcome Joseph Abboud
Award-winning fashion designer Joseph Abboud was officially welcomed to Canada with a launch event last week at The Burroughes in Toronto, and the PUNCH team was there for every moment! To find out more about Abboud's exclusive Moores collection, click here.
Learn it, live it, apply it! "Weird Al" Yankovic - Word Crimes
PUNCH turns heads at The Morning Show
Check out our lovely PUNCH ladies rocking some fabulous bridal couture from Mona Richie for Toronto's Bridal Show happening this weekend (April 11-13) at the Direct Energy Centre. Their grooms for the day were also dressed to the nines care of Moores Clothing for Men who will be featuring the latest trends in formal wear for men at the Show. Watch the segment here.
A Nation Addicted to Selfies
To follow up on my colleagues “The Power of the Selfie”, there is no denying that the term has become a class in its own right. Yes, that is the Queen herself (sort of) featured in the above taking a Royal family portrait on her iPhone. But do we really realize how much it has actually affected the way we communicate and document happenings? Like Kimberlee mentioned, the selfie has in fact infiltrated social media homepages, and the Oxford dictionary, but now it has gone far beyond that, taking over as an official attachment to an Associated Press story. The selfie has become a certified and a formal multi-media accompaniment to hard news, with the capabilities of taking down Twitter during the 2014 Oscars, outing a president's indiscretions at a funeral, and now with its own (albeit annoying) theme song. I for one admittedly enjoy viewing them in my news feed and catching a private sneak peek into people's lives, but don’t want to see the day when my news releases start to feature a selfie instead of a "real" image. With that said, I still thought I’d jump on the bandwagon and highlight some of the most recent memorable and controversial selfies to date – enjoy:
Lisa Raffaele, Account Manager, PUNCH Canada
Could germ-killing antiseptic vapour create cleaner air for cruise passengers?
Jeff Lake, APR Thinking of booking a cruise vacation? The industry, already battered by a series of incidents during the past 18 months, was hit again with the news more than 600 passengers and crew members fell ill aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean, with symptoms that included vomiting and diarrhea.
The Centre for Disease Control said the cause of the sickness was unknown. The ship's crew increased cleaning and disinfection procedures and collected specimens from those who reported being ill following the outbreak, the CDC said.
On the same day the plight of the sick ship became known, news broke on the front page of the National Post about a new Canadian technology being used by a US company that effectively creates germ-free rooms in hospitals.
The product pumps contaminated rooms full of antiseptic vapor that eliminates harmful bacteria and the risk of infection, the report said.
The story cited a Belleville hospital which used it on a contaminated ward and says the floor has now gone six months free of patients infected by Methocillin-resistant Staphylococcus A (MRSA), a bacteria linked to the death of about 2,200 patients yearly in Canada.
Dr. Dick Zoutman, a Queen’s University infectious disease specialist and co-inventor of the AsepticSure technology said it was a game changer. “The room is effectively germ free. Now I can say to a patient — after 30 years of being in the infectious-disease business — ‘Welcome to your room, this room is safe, it’s really safe.’ ”
The Post said it is estimated that hospital-acquired infections in general cause 8,000 deaths in Canada annually.
This is incredible news for health care providers who hopefully will soon be able to utilize this breakthrough lifesaving technology. Its use could extend well beyond hospitals to closed quarters such as cruise ships or airplanes.
Just ask the woozy 600 passengers and crew who are on their way back to their home port in New Jersey today if they would welcome a germ-free environment.
We're Wearing Our Toques, Are You?
After learning what our client Fellowes Canada was up to, we just had to show our support and pitch in to help local charity 360 Kids! The Fellowes Canada Team has rallied together to participate in Toque Tuesday (February 4th). It’s Kids360’s goal to sell 1,000 toques and they could use your help to help make this happen. The difference a toque makes: 1 Toque = 3 bus tokens or 2 hot meals for a young person 10 Toques = 1 week’s enrollment in a life skills or apprenticeship program 200 Toques = 1 month in a workplace mentorship program or a traditional housing facility. Buy a Toque & help put a cap on youth homelessness! http://www.360kids.ca/its-toque-tuesday-time
Client News: Velas Resorts Defines All-Inclusive Luxury
We hosted a luncheon with Mexico's ultra-luxurious Velas Resorts to reveal to Canadians a new standard in all-inclusive travel. Click through to read more at TRAVEL HotNews.
Make your marketing choices work for you in 2014
As we jump into the first full week of the new year it’s a good time to look ahead at the communications work that will be a priority for our clients and for the industry. It’s no surprise digital will continue to grow in importance as more marketers become comfortable with content marketing and social media and the results these channels can deliver.
Here’s a list of the communications trends that will increasingly impact your business, and our work here at PUNCH.
Native advertising
A lot has been written recently about paid editorial, also known as online advertorials, branded content or sponsored stories. This so-called native advertising is basically another revenue stream for traditional media as well as for some of the more prominent blogs. Brands produce the article, which reads like journalist-written editorial. The big difference being that someone pays to get this content published, hence the ‘advertising’ name.
While this is seemingly good news for the outlets getting paid to post this content for the brands that need native ads to augment their product or service stories, on the other hand, consumers might not like reading an article they feel is more self-serving than enlightening.
Content marketing
Content marketing is a proven communications tool that works for two reasons: 1. Search engines love good content that’s linked to by bloggers and sites and that’s shared via social media. 2. This content about your brand on your blog, on your social media channel and on external news sites and blogs raises awareness with your customers by highlighting the benefits of whatever you sell.
Many big brands and digitally savvy marketers have embraced content marketing to the point that some of them act like media companies. American Express is one of the best with its Open Forum community where small businesses can find great articles and discussions about the tools and tips needed to help them succeed. Another company that early on used content for selling is Benelli, the gun manufacturer. They created a division called Benelli Media which produced the Duck Commander show featuring the Robinson family of Duck Dynasty fame. Duck Commander is basically 30 minutes of content about Benelli’s popular hunting rifles.
Social Media Objectives
This may be old news for most, but the amount of people in your social media channel isn’t as important as how you work with them to meet your business objectives. The focus should be on goals related to engagement, customer service, reputation management, page views and even sales. Build a plan that aligns your social media strategy with your content strategy and ultimately with your business priorities. Doing this front end planning will get you follower numbers needed to scale the KPIs most relevant to your business.
Better numbers for measuring communications success
As important as positive print or broadcast media coverage is for raising awareness about brands and their products or services, successful hits can also be measured by the page views they deliver and the sales generated. This online content sends referrals to your digital properties where they can find out more about your offering and ideally convert to a sale. These referrals can be tracked by Google Analytics and other tools that will show you how your communications and other marketing efforts are delivering results.
2014 will be a productive year for marketers as we work with newer communications tools and channels to deliver measurable results. During the next weeks and months the PUNCH team will use our blog to dive into the above topics.
Trevor Campbell, VP, Director of Client Services
Client News: Canada's Bridal Show Vows To Wow
Want to know the hottest Wedding Trends for 2014? Check out this clip from today's episode of The Morning Show.
About The Show: Canada's Bridal Show is taking place this weekend, January 3-5 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Be one of the first to book your appointment for the upcoming Kleinfeld Hudson's Bay Grand Opening at the Show, and don't miss celebrity florist to the stars and "Brides of Beverly Hills" reality star, Kevin Lee at the Show on January 5 from 12-3 p.m. And, there will be tons of prizes, including: a "WIN Your Down Payment" contest, sponsored by RE/MAX and a chance to win $5,000 in Show prizes, sponsored by Hudson's Bay, Canada's Gift Registry. Tickets and more information available at www.canadasbridalshow.com.
Happy Holidays!
The PUNCH team wishes everyone a wonderful Holiday and a happy and healthy New Year. We look forward to working with you in 2014!
Social Media Takes Over Christmas
In our ever commoditized world, it’s easy to be desensitized with all the commercial Christmas messages promoting mindless shopping, and every year, brands are challenged to come up with a holiday message that tugs at the heartstrings but do not scream “BUY HERE!!!” This year, the hands down medium of choice is social media.
Our friends at Westjet took to Youtube to prove yet again that Santa runs a Canadian operation.
With over a million views in 24 hours, this is Westjet’s most popular video yet, and gives their holiday public relations efforts a huge bump.
Britain’s John Lewis, known for their widely anticipated Christmas campaigns, sent twitter-verse into a meltdown when they launched their 2013 marketing campaign -- over 10 million views on Youtube and counting.
Their epic Christmas campaigns started in 2007, and if you’re looking for extra warm and fuzzies, watch the evolution of their campaign, make sure you have box of tissues before you click on the videos, you’ve been warned.
Of course, Santa also joined Snapchat this year. How else can he keep up with who’s been naughty and who’s been nice? If you're not social media savvy, you can also make a case in writing, no postage required.
How is your brand celebrating the holidays this year?
Marela Lucero-Lee, Account Director, Loves all things Christmas
Client News: ARTDECO Is Moving In!
Have you heard about ARTDECO, Germany’s best-selling prestige consumer colour cosmetics brand (www.artdeco.com)? We’ve been gushing over them here at PUNCH and the media has been showing them some serious love! High-quality products, hot trendy colours and reasonable prices – they’re a definite must-have in every girl’s makeup kit. Even more exciting, they’re rolling out in 14 Shoppers Drug Mart locations throughout Toronto and surrounding areas at the start of 2014 – definitely check with your nearest Shoppers Drug Mart because ARTDECO may be opening near you. By the end of the year, ARTDECO will be in 66 locations across Canada! To find the location nearest you visit http://www1.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/Beauty/Beauty-Boutique/Store-Locator.aspx or find out more about the product at www.artdeco.com. Here what some of our friends have to say: FLARE: Fall Favourites From ARTDECO To Try GLAM Canada: TOP 9 PARTY-PERFECT LIP SHADES Canadian Fashionista: Fall Fashion Colors Collection Beauty Crazed: ARTDECO Holiday Glam Deluxe Collection The Kit: Holiday Gift Guide - Personal Prezzies
Communications: The truth will set you free
Jeff Lake, APR
“Do you solemnly swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth?"
This is the oath used to swear in people testifying in a trial. It’s a standard upheld in court systems across North America, with strict penalties for lying under oath.
If that’s the case, then why can’t we hold our elected officials to the same standard?
Under all circumstances, especially in a crisis, the truth will set you free. The biblical reference is relevant because there is no other alternative.
As we have seen with the recent foibles of Toronto’s mayor, those who seek to deny and deceive often become bigger victims if they choose not to tell the whole truth, even under embarrassing circumstances.
It’s worth noting what Florida Republican Rep. Henry “Trey” Radel did this week when he checked himself into a rehabilitation centre after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of cocaine possession receiving a year’s probation.
He said in a statement he is seeking treatment and counseling for his drug and alcohol abuse. “It is my hope, through this process, I will come out a better man,” Radel said. “I will work hard to gain back the trust and support of my constituents, friends and most importantly, my family.”
Radel called a late-night press conference to announce he is taking a leave of absence from Congress and donating his salary to charity.
“I’m not going to sit here and make any excuses for what I’ve done,” he told reporters. “I have let down our country. I’ve let down our constituents. I’ve let down my family, including my wife. And even though he doesn’t know it, I’ve let down my 2-year-old son.”
He may be in rehab, but Radel is a free man because he told the truth.
AMA Toronto Announces Marketer on the Rise Nominees
PUNCH is proud to join AMA Toronto and Marketing Hall of Legends in celebrating the future leaders in Canadian marketing and their contributions to the industry through the coveted Marketer on the Rise Award.
AMA Toronto announced the 2013 nominees at a networking event atop the CN Tower last night.
This year’s nominees are:
Brian Wong - Founder/CEO, Kiip Derek Blais - Senior Art Director, BBDO Toronto Pascal Dessureault - Manager of Corporate and Public Affairs, TD Bank Group Sarena Ally - Account Manager, Facebook Yousuf Afridid - Account Manager, Taxi 2
The final recipient of the Marketer on the Rise title will be decided by a public vote taking place now until January 16, 2014 and will be announced at the 9th Marketing Hall of Legends gala on January 31, 2014.
As a sponsoring partner of Marketing Hall of Legends, PUNCH congratulates all the nominees!
The Power of the Selfie
It has infiltrated your social media homepages, the Oxford dictionary and most recently the traditional news feeds. The “selfie” seems to be the topic of the hour.
Not surprising, as a quick search for #selfie on Instagram yields a whopping 55 million plus results, a number sure to increase by the minute.
So what is it about the selfie and why do we care?
While common conversation circulates around narcissism versus self-expression and waxes poetic about Generation Y, there is a different conversation that brands should be having. Whether it is narcissistic or empowering self-expression, the selfie is a statement saying “here I am” and brands should be answering with “I see you”.
In the past brand messaging has been about the brand—a no-brainer—but in this time of selfie culture it may be more beneficial to be about how, or where, the consumer fits into the brand.
Take Telus, for example. I walked past a store front a couple months back and encountered myself on a television screen. This was not a security camera, it was an opportunity to take my photo—a selfie—with my choice of Telus animal and then go into the store to get a copy of that photo to share with all my friends. Get consumers into your store? Check. Get your brand in front of more consumers? Check. Your consumers have a selfie? Check.
That is not to say that all brands are required to facilitate an actual selfie for their consumers in order to find any level of success, but they should find a way to become a platform for consumers to tell their own story. Once consumers see they have a place in your brand they will start to pay attention, contribute and share your joint message.
Kimberlee Nancekivell, Account Coordinator, Selfie Junkie
Communications: Don’t buy the hype
Jeff Lake, APR
hype A fad. A clever marketing strategy in which a product is advertized as the thing everyone must have, to the point where people begin to feel they need to consume it.
Hype is a four-letter word that should raise the hackles of every consumer.
If you feel the marketing superlatives for a new product or service are too good to be true more than likely your instincts are right.
You should immediately feel the urge to run, not walk, away from something that is being over-promoted. The good news is you can go online to check what other consumers are saying about the product.
And that’s a good thing.
Truth in advertising is crucial to a brand’s image. If you’re not telling the truth consumers won’t be shy to broadcast the news much to the delight of your competitors.
Conversely many strong brands are more than willing to post positive and negative reviews of their product to enhance the credibility of their brand.
We are no longer the silent majority.