BrandExtract: News & Events

BrandExtract Helps CancerForward Complete Second Phase of Development

2010-08-31T00:00:00

The integrated marketing firm recently completed the second phase of website development for this unique non-profit entity for cancer survivors.

BrandExtract Recognized in LogoLounge

2010-08-24T00:00:00

5 Questions: A Conversation with The Black Door

2010-06-14T00:00:00

We asked Tiffany Cullum, director of wine sales communications at Lasco Enterprises, to answer a few questions about her experience working with BrandExtract. We recently branded Lasco's retail wine program The Black Door from the ground up, and we're currently developing the new theblackdoor.com site.

BrandExtract Tops AMA Crystal Awards List

2010-06-08T00:00:00

Integrated branding and communications consulting firm BrandExtract, LLC, today announced that it has merged with Houston-based design and advertising agency, ParkerHayden, Inc., creating one of the region's most experienced and comprehensive integrated branding, marketing and communications firms.

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BrandExtract Merges with ParkerHayden

2010-05-07T00:00:00

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PPC Loan Gets National Exposure

2010-03-06T00:00:00

PPC LOAN, one of the country's few commercial loan originators focused on Allstate insurance agents, veterinarians and dentists, knows the value of staying visible through its many communication channels. Most recently, PPC has ventured into the news media venue with great success.

Painting the Town Pink with Susan G. Komen

2010-03-06T00:00:00

The Do's and Don'ts of Company Web Sites

2010-02-01T00:00:00

Your company Web site is more than just a place to post information, or at least it should be since it's the hub of your branding efforts. To find out how getting the maximum value from your site can strength your brand and benefit the bottom line, download Smart Business magazine's interview of BrandExtract's Director of Interactive Malcolm Wolter.

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The Do's and Don'ts of Company Web Sites (479 KB)

Recognizing the true value of marketing

2010-01-01T00:00:00

Smart marketing strategies that maximize ROI

2009-12-01T00:00:00

BrandExtract and Its Clients Honored with Nine BMA Lantern Awards

2009-11-18T00:00:00

Strategies to improve trade show success rates

2009-11-01T00:00:00

October is prime time for BrandExtract�s online �Cat Bowling� game

2009-10-05T00:00:00

Have a strategy before jumping into social media

2009-10-01T00:00:00

Branding through social media: leveraging knowledge

2009-09-25T00:00:00

BoyarMiller brand identity and Web site developed by BrandExtract debuts

2009-09-23T00:00:00

Integrated branding firm BrandExtract wins five WebAwards for excellence

2009-09-21T00:00:00

New BrandExtract Web site is robust branding resource

2009-09-14T00:00:00

How CEOs can get more bang from their marketing spend

2009-09-01T00:00:00

Houston Business Journal article describes BrandExtract role in Jones School rebrand

2009-07-07T00:00:00

Brand Building: How to Use Social Media to Have a Two-Way Conversation with Your Customers

2009-07-01T00:00:00

BrandExtract President Bo Bothe honored with '40 Under 40' award

2009-05-22T00:00:00

BrandExtract develops brand strategy for Chemstations

2009-05-20T00:00:00

Houston Technology Center honors BrandExtract President Bo Bothe

2009-05-15T00:00:00

If your brand were a person, who would it be? (Smart Business Dallas)

2009-05-01T00:00:00

Positioned for Success (Smart Business Dallas)

2009-04-21T00:00:00

Bo Bothe of BrandExtract judges 2009 Rice Business Plan Competition

2009-04-20T00:00:00

BrandExtract CEO Jonathan Fisher outlines marketing strategies that can fuel your company's success in today's economic climate

2009-03-16T00:00:00

BrandExtract launches Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School brand

2009-03-12T00:00:00

BrandExtract launches PPC LOAN rebrand with new Web site

2009-01-12T00:00:00

BrandExtract launches PPC LOAN rebrand with new Web site

BrandExtract Receives Outstanding Community Volunteer Medal

2008-12-01T00:00:00

BrandExtract Receives Outstanding Community Volunteer Medal

Shelli Manning Joins BrandExtract Creative Team

2008-12-01T00:00:00

Shelli Manning Joins BrandExtract Creative Team

BrandExtract VP Tom Dennis joins AMA-Dallas board

2008-11-21T00:00:00

BrandExtract VP Tom Dennis joins AMA-Dallas board

BrandExtract Wins Five 2008 BMA Awards of Excellence

2008-11-20T00:00:00

BrandExtract Wins Five 2008 BMA Awards of Excellence

BrandExtract�s �Cat Bowling� Scores Record Single-day Page Views; Teachers, Players and Parents Give the Interactive Game High Marks

2008-11-04T00:00:00

BrandExtract’s ‘Cat Bowling’ Scores Record Single-day Page Views; Teachers, Players and Parents Give the Interactive Game High Marks

BrandExtract Unleashes New Version of Wildly Popular Online �Cat Bowling� Game

2008-10-08T00:00:00

BrandExtract Unleashes New Version of Wildly Popular Online ‘Cat Bowling’ Game

BrandExtract Wins Seven 2008 American Graphic Design Awards, Three Entries Selected for December Design Annual

2008-10-02T00:00:00

BrandExtract Wins Seven 2008 American Graphic Design Awards, Three Entries Selected for December Design Annual

BrandExtract Wins Three 2008 WebAwards in International Competition

2008-09-30T00:00:00

BrandExtract Wins Three 2008 WebAwards in International Competition

BrandExtract's Internal Branding Work Reported in Houston Chronicle News Article

2008-08-18T00:00:00

BrandExtract's Internal Branding Work Reported in Houston Chronicle News Article

BrandExtract's Web Site Technology Helps Law Firm Alert World of Olympics Ticket Scam

2008-08-11T00:00:00

BrandExtract's Web Site Technology Helps Law Firm Alert World of Olympics Ticket Scam

BrandExtract Rebrands Rignet

2008-06-10T00:00:00

BrandExtract Rebrands Rignet

BrandExtract Launches New Brand Identity for Applied Diagnostics

2008-05-12T00:00:00

BrandExtract Launches New Brand Identity for Applied Diagnostics

BrandExtract Recognized as a 'Leading Entrepreneur' at Houston Technology Center�s Annual Gala

2008-05-09T00:00:00

BrandExtract Recognized as a 'Leading Entrepreneur' at Houston Technology Center’s Annual Gala

BrandExtract Develops New Brand For Uson

2008-05-07T00:00:00

BrandExtract Develops New Brand For Uson

BrandExtract Wins Two Bronze Quill Awards

2008-04-29T00:00:00

BrandExtract Wins Two Bronze Quill Awards

BrandExtract Develops New Brand For Data Projections

2008-04-28T00:00:00

BrandExtract Develops New Brand For Data Projections

BrandExtract Joins Entrepreneurship Institute's Texas Advisory Boards

2008-02-01T00:00:00

BrandExtract Joins Entrepreneurship Institute's Texas Advisory Boards

BrandExtract Appoints V.P. of Business Development

2008-01-01T00:00:00

BrandExtract Appoints V.P. of Business Development

BrandExtract Expands Talented Staff

2007-10-26T00:00:00

BrandExtract Expands Talented Staff

BrandExtract Redesigns Marathon Oil Corporation's Web Site

2007-10-12T00:00:00

BrandExtract Redesigns Marathon Oil Corporation's Web Site

BrandExtract Supports Houston Technology Center's Annual Gala

2007-09-24T00:00:00

BrandExtract Supports Houston Technology Center's Annual Gala

BrandExtract CEO Jonathan Fisher joins Literacy Advance Board

2007-08-17T00:00:00

BrandExtract CEO Jonathan Fisher joins Literacy Advance Board

BrandExtract Appoints Cynthia Shanley Director of Communications, PR

2007-06-22T00:00:00

BrandExtract Appoints Cynthia Shanley Director of Communications, PR

A �Break Through� for BrandExtract and Genesys Works

2007-05-21T00:00:00

A “Break Through” for BrandExtract and Genesys Works

When It Hits Ya: BrandExtract Introduces New Stripes Brand on TV

2007-05-14T00:00:00

When It Hits Ya: BrandExtract Introduces New Stripes Brand on TV

BrandExtract�s Bo Bothe Co-Chairs AIGA-Houston Design Legends Gala

2007-05-07T00:00:00

BrandExtract’s Bo Bothe Co-Chairs AIGA-Houston Design Legends Gala

BrandExtract Sponsors Rice Alliance Award Winners

2007-04-26T00:00:00

BrandExtract Sponsors Rice Alliance Award Winners

BrandExtract Wins Multiple Awards in 2006 Art Directors Club of Houston Contest

2006-11-11T00:00:00

BrandExtract Wins Multiple Awards in 2006 Art Directors Club of Houston Contest

BrandExtract Receives Top �Best of Texas� Honor in BMA Lantern Awards Competition

2006-11-09T00:00:00

BrandExtract Receives Top ‘Best of Texas’ Honor in BMA Lantern Awards Competition

New Genesys Works Name and Logo Provide �Genesis� for BrandExtract�s Latest Branding Effort

2006-09-15T00:00:00

New Genesys Works Name and Logo Provide “Genesis” for BrandExtract’s Latest Branding Effort

BrandExtract and Bravo Zulu Merger Unites Award-winning Branding Firm, Cutting-edge Internet Site Development Company

2006-06-18T00:00:00

BrandExtract and Bravo Zulu Merger U

BrandExtract the Perfect Medicine for LSMP

2006-03-16T00:00:00

BrandExtract the Perfect Medicine for LSMP

BrandExtract Is On the Move

2006-02-27T00:00:00

BrandExtract Is On the Move

Business Growth Drives BrandExtract Staff Expansion

2006-01-01T00:00:00

Business Growth Drives BrandExtract Staff Expansion

Three Red Flags When Shopping for Creative

2009-02-01T00:00:00

Trade Show Basics

2008-12-01T00:00:00

Why Everyone Gets Burned with a Bake Off...

2008-10-01T00:00:00

Personal Branding

2009-05-18T00:00:00

BrandExtract � Helping Companies Grow

2009-05-12T00:00:00

Branding Your Health Care Practice

2009-03-01T00:00:00

Marketing in the Digital Age

2008-10-01T00:00:00

Nonprofit Websites that Work

2007-09-01T00:00:00

Cristo Rey Jesuit

2010-01-15T00:00:00

Chemstations

2009-10-30T00:00:00

BrandExtract: Total Safety brand strategy case study

2009-06-12T00:00:00

BrandExtract: Uson brand strategy case study

2009-06-12T00:00:00

Air-Tight Branding: How BrandExtract used its tried and tested methodology to launch a new brand for the leak testing experts.

BrandExtract: Lone Star Medical brand strategy case study

2009-06-12T00:00:00

Simpler Is Better: How BrandExtract helped a medical manufacturer define a strategic position and build value in advance of an acquisition.

BrandExtract: PPC LOAN brand strategy & management case study

2009-06-12T00:00:00

Marketplace Bridge: How BrandExtract helped a commercial loan originator renew its brand, launch a new product and defy a recession.

BrandExtract: Stripes brand strategy & management case study

2009-03-10T00:00:00

Texas-Sized Brand: How BrandExtract helped an established convenience store chain transition from one giant brand to another.

BrandExtract: Varel drill bits brand strategy case study

2009-03-03T00:00:00

Going Deep: How BrandExtract retooled a drill bit manufacturer's brand and helped cut through the noise at 2009's Offshore Technology Conference.

BrandExtract: Global Santa Fe brand strategy case study

2009-03-03T00:00:00

Sea Change: How BrandExtract harnessed the power of internal communications to help establish a new identity, voice and culture for a global enterprise.

CancerForward Moves Forward

noreply@blogger.com (Bo) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:19:00 +0000

Today we launched the second phase of the CancerForward website that includes resources, stories and helpful links for cancer survivors. Our team and the CancerForward team have worked very hard to develop the infrastructure and format for future discussions and development. I'd like to thank Beth Sanders Moore for her tireless efforts supporting the vision for the organization. We're very proud to be involved with such a worthwhile cause and excited about helping those who live with Cancer every day. We're excited to see what the future holds and looking forward to helping with "everything after Cancer."

Read the press release to see more information about where we are.

BE Helpful Day at The Houston Foodbank

noreply@blogger.com (Bo) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 17:22:00 +0000

Quarterly we recognize our successes and do some good in the community. In the past we've built houses, done a great deal of pro bono work supporting organizations and causes we believe in greatly. This quarter we went to The Houston Foodbank where our team prepared over 7,088 pounds of food for Houston's hungry. Our staff works tirelessly to serve our clients, each other and the community every day but it's nice to take time out and just focus on doing good for a specific organization. I'm very proud of our team and the great things they do. Bragging a bit, every time we go do this they tell us we work harder and seem to have more fun than many of the groups that come an help, I think this comment exemplifies what the professionalism and enthusiasm of our team. See photos of our team in action!

I do want to share one thought I had yesterday. Without our clients, our industry partners, our families and others who support our company we would not be able to do the good that we do. It's always interesting to think about the purpose of an organization, as we see it our mission (or our purpose) is to help people an organizations grow. That statement comes with a lot of responsibility and reaches far beyond the marketing and creative expertise expected of us.

In my eyes, the purpose of this business is to do good professionally, personally and socially. Yesterday, we did a lot of good and as always I'm proud to be a part of this team.

Bo

The language of social media

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 02:16:00 +0000

Published August 01, 2010 on Chron.com @Social Media by Mary Rambin

Jonathan Fisher speaks our language

On first glance, you wouldn't guess Jonathan Fisher, a man over 40 wearing a classic suit with his initials monogrammed on his starched shirt, would be one of the most well-versed Houstonians in social media. He doesn't fit the bill of the young, trendy, over-caffeinated, hipster type who has his head buried in his iPhone. As COO of BrandExtract, one of the most highly-acclaimed branding companies in Houston, he probably employs a few of these characters, but he himself appears to be the vision of corporate Houston. The reason for his success lies not only in his appearance, but more so in the fact he can translate the mystery of social media into a language that Houston business owners understand.

When he begins to speak about social media, you probably wouldn't pick up on it for a few minutes. After working in Houston for 16 years, he knows not to throw out the buzz words that turn off CEOs adverse to change. He constructs a language that relates what you are doing now to how you should be doing it.

He speaks in terms of history and visibility.

When delving into the past, he offers the internet as his prime example. The web launched in 1993, but he still couldn't sell people on the idea of it in 1994. By 1996 people were approaching him to build their website because their competitor had one. Finally everyone jumped on the bandwagon in 1998 and ran to his office desperate for a website asap. Houstonians are simply late adopters. It was the same story with television, faxes, and email. Can you imagine your boss telling you not to use email?

Now consider his argument on visibility. Social media is a fast and free way to make your brand more visible. Fisher uses a salesman as an example. "Let's say a guy can make 25 calls in a day. So that's as far as he can reach. But if he posts his information on Facebook and he has 100 friends or to Twitter where he has 1,000 followers, he's just amplified his reach exponentially," says Fisher.

For Fisher, the bottom line is that "there is a conversation going on out there about your industry and you can put your head in the sand and let your competitors pass you by, or you can participate and lead the discussion."

Posted by Mary Rambin at August 1, 2010 12:24 AM

New Guys

noreply@blogger.com (Bo) — Wed, 26 May 2010 05:51:00 +0000

It was a big day for BrandExtract, our newest team members from Parker:Hayden officially moved in. While it might take a few months to figure out whether or not we'll keep the wagon wheel coffee table, rusty old ash tray and Mark we know that this is going to be a great opportunity for our firm and our clients. We have already begun collaborating on projects together and it seems that the sum will be much greater than the parts. I'd like to extend a special thanks first to Julia and Leigh Ann for the hard work coordinating and getting things from one space to the other.

On another high note, much like the BMA awards where combined our firms took home 13 Lantern Awards, the combined teams of BrandExtract and Parker:Hayden scored six AMA Crystal awards for work done for Lasco Enterprises, Casa Ole and others.

Here's to the future success of our people, our clients and our firm.

Sherrill Awarded with 'Big Head'

noreply@blogger.com (Shelli) — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:26:00 +0000

Web developer Sherrill Baggett was honored with our first quarter Big Head award for employee excellence.?

As Sherrill programs and builds Web sites, online applications and e-mail campaigns, she does so with ingenuity mixed with enthusiasm.

Customer service always comes first for Sherrill. BrandExtract employees and clients have learned how dependable she is � that they can lean on her for a well thought out solution for every challenge that comes her way. In the words of one co-worker, �Sherrill always helps out�like the Boy Scouts, we know that on her honor, she will do her best.� And even though some of our clients have never met Sherrill, �they think she hung the moon,� according to BrandExtract president Bo Bothe, referring to her pleasant demeanor, focus and dependability when working on first-time projects, updates and service.

Congratulations, Sherrill, on being chosen as our quarterly BrandExtract Big Head winner, and thank you for your unwavering dedication to excellence in the work we do for our clients.

BrandExtract Merges with Parker Hayden

noreply@blogger.com (Bo) — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:03:00 +0000

Creativity + Purpose = Success
After months of meetings, collaborations, group hugs and some hand wringing BrandExtract is growing in a big way. The merger we are announcing today with Parker:Hayden is both crazy and courageous. We have known Guy and Mark for a while and have always been impressed by their creative energy, once we met their team we knew it was a good fit. Our firm's mission is to help people grow. Whether it is our clients, our teammates or our families we are in the people business and we have even more incredibly good people.

Our Brand is More
Our firm now has even greater capabilities. Watching trends and changes in the marketing profession it is increasingly obvious that people connect in different ways. Corporate branding and consumer branding practices are converging. The way a consumer brand might use social media to engage its customers is the same way a large corporate entity would use it to engage it's employees and in turn their customers. Our previous merger with Bravo Zulu Interactive gave us incredibly talented usability, search and development experts along with SAM, our proprietary site management tool. This merger provides us with even greater creative talent and additional skills that include video, audio, advertising, media and PR.

Strong People, Stronger Clients
In my mind one of the greatest strengths in this merger is the desire of both teams to provide our clients with measurable results. The combination of purpose and creative innovation is what has always driven our firm and we are adding a like-minded group that feels the same way. It has always been our goal to effectively and creatively guide growing companies. Now, we have more tools, smart people and ideas to move our clients and our firm forward.

Boy Scouts of America

Casa Ol�

Windsor Foods

Monterra Minerals and Production

A Brand with Purpose

noreply@blogger.com (Bo) — Fri, 07 May 2010 03:37:00 +0000

Last year, our firm completed the BoyarMiller rebrand. The firm's 19 attorneys focus on business transaction and litigation practices. Our focus in the rebrand was to help a firm already defined by key values develop the external brand to support it. Having worked with the firm for the past nine months on their marketing initiatives, it has become clear that they run their firm like no other. With a focus on sound business principles, the firm is run like a business. In many cases, service business are run as like a group of individual practitioners all managed under one brand. Their team approach combined with operational excellence provides a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Because all of their actions have defined goals they adopted the position, and tagline, "Practice with Purpose." Our efforts along with those of the BoyarMiller team have gotten them recognized as the "Marketer of the Year" by AMA Houston.

I share this example because internal vision and process are just as important as marketing when it comes to branding, maybe even more so. So many focus on telling people who they are without really understanding what they do. Your brand is made up of two major parts, the internal brand and the external brand.

2010 Rice Business Plan Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Bo) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:54:00 +0000

For the seventh year we have been a sponsor of the Rice Business Plan Competition held in the Jones School at Rice University. This is also the third year I've judged and I'll tell you, I am completely energized. This year I provided feedback to the technology ventures track and judged the social ventures track. I am amazed at how many great ideas there were and how many of these students are going to change the world with them. Some of the ideas I was able to see were:

BelliSwap (University of Chigago) � A web-based business allowing pregnant women to rent fashionable clothing
Digital Proctor (University of Texas at Austin) � An online identification system to reduce cheating for online courses
InfantAir (Rice University) � A company developing a CPAP system to be used in impoverished areas to save infants lives
Lark Technologies (MIT) � Optimizing sleep with an incredible product to help people wake up properly
Power2Switch (University of Chicago) � A web-based portal allowing companies to switch power consumption providers
Sanergy (MIT) � Building low cost sanitation centers in urban slums in Kenya (love this idea)

One of the competitors really inspired me. Sanergy's idea really reminded me of Benjamin Franklin's simple ideas that created industry during the 1700's, read a great book. It is an honor every year to be involved with the Alliance and it is always an experience that drives me to innovate within BrandExtract and hopefully change the world.

Bo

Pink Tie

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:40:00 +0000

Recently, I was honored to be a part of an event that raises funds for the fight against breast cancer. Along with other members of BrandExtract, we teamed up with the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen� to develop a concept and collateral for the organization's ninth annual Pink Tie Gala.

With the knowledge that the affiliate was celebrating 20 years in Houston, we came up with the concept, "Paint the Town Pink...20 Years in Greater Houston, 20 Shades of Pink." After talking with the affiliate's committee and learning that, one, this was to be a celebration of its anniversary and, two, that the committee's chairs were from New Orleans, we decided that having a Mardi Gras party theme would be the way to go.

To make the concept come to life in print, I collaborated with Mike Dean, a diversely talented illustrator we work with regularly, who donated his time to create an illustration that would become the face of the gala invitation, program and auction book. I then worked with the printer to determine the most time- and cost-efficient way to stay within budget, while still producing vibrant, quality materials. Paper choices, inks and even bright pink colored envelopes all contributed to setting the tone for what would be a momentous evening.

I know that breast cancer has affected numerous people and that it is near and dear to the hearts of many. Knowing I was working on a project that serves such a tremendous cause made it rewarding. And the women at SGK who worked with me on the project -- Beth, Cabell, Bethany and Adriana, among others -- made it a fun experience.

Thanks to Komen Houston for allowing me and my team to be part of such a wonderful event.

Fight the Flu Houston!

noreply@blogger.com (Bo) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:05:00 +0000

Last year we worked in collaboration with Newman & Newman and The Padgett Group on the City of Houston's Flu initiatives. Working in conjunction with the Houston Department of Health and Human Services, we were brought in to help develop the brand identity for the program and various support materials. Working with both PR firms, we collaborated on the site in important information needed to be communicated to the greater Houston area. With the spread of H1N1 and various flu strains during the winter months, the City of Houston was looking to better communicate with community members about the resources and information Houstonian's could use to Fight the Flu.

See the PSA developed by Newman and Newman

Infringing on Trademarks

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:43:00 +0000

There has been a lot of talk lately about how Chrysler (the big bad corporation) has sued Lake Mary High School for infringing on its logo. The week , the school agreed to settle the dispute and quote �gave in� agreeing to spend thousands to replace the logo by June 15th.

Some of the media and blogs have portrayed Chrysler as the bad guy and the school as the poor innocent victim. Lake Mary Principal, Michael Kotkin says �his bosses at the county level felt they couldn't win the case.� Lake Mary describes the logo in question as having come from clip art. The use of the mark is inconsistently drawn throughout the campus and appears in dozens if not a couple hundred places �violating a general rule of branding in the first place.

As sad as this story might appear, it happens more often than one would think. Whether the mark came from clip art or was found online, companies and institutions cannot lift someone else�s trademarked work even when it�s in the public domain. It�s hard enough to develop a truly original custom mark and get it past the trademark office, imagine all your creativity, hard work and financial investment being freely used by someone else. The temptation to infringe on another company�s intellectual property is one that should be avoided, because while it might appear to be a short-term solution, it can cost thousands and thousands of dollars to replace later � not to mention your reputation or legal costs.

We may never know the true story behind the Lake Mary logo flap, but one thing is for sure, the school should pursue a higher standard and explain to students the rules behind �borrowing� or using public work. There is a clear lesson here, but the school does not appear to be using this as a teaching moment. Beyond wasted taxpayer dollars and an apparent lack of attention to the rules of branding and intellectual property, the real story here is how no one from the school board has stepped up to set a better example.

Lake Mary could have held a student competition to design an original mark, or asked a local professional with ties to the school to help. Sadly, it seemingly took the easy route and Chrysler was forced to protect its trademark.

Bo Speaks! The DFW AMA Listens! (and asks questions)

noreply@blogger.com (tom) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:18:00 +0000

Bo Bothe recently spoke to the DFW AMA Non-Profit Special Interest Group on the topic of �Branding and Website Best Practices�. Bo shared BrandExtract�s philosophy on branding with the audience, and talked about some of the most important things a Non-Profit organization can do to improve their website.

There was a great turnout and a lively discussion throughout the presentation, including several questions about the chaos of social media marketing and the impact it can have on a business or organization.

Thanks to Bo for making the trip to Dallas to speak to the group!

BrandExtract Makes Top 10 Ads of 2009 List

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:02:00 +0000

BrandExtract was awarded a spot in Drilling Contractor magazine�s Top Ten Best Ads of 2009 list for one in a series of ads we developed for our client Total Safety, the world's leading global provider of integrated safety strategies and products to industrial clients.

Drilling Contractor is the official magazine of the International Association of Drilling Contractors, and has covered the global drilling and completion industry since 1944. Its readership is made up of over 30,000 industry professionals at drilling contractor companies, and companies specializing in exploration and production.

The full-page, four-color ad for Total Safety that ran in the July/August issue of the publication, was part of the �We�re Everywhere You Need Us� campaign, which focuses on Total Safety�s dedication to providing its customers with the services they need to stay safe, wherever they are in the world, onshore or offshore.

Total Safety was in distinguished company, with names like Chevron and Baker Hughes, Inc. also making the list. The top 10 ads were determined by the results of a SIGNET AdStudy� that measured the recall and readership of ads that appeared in Drilling Contractor .

Congratulations to the BrandExtract team who designed and wrote the ad, and a big thanks to Total Safety for its collaboration and inspiration. We look forward to creating more award-winning ads in 2010!

Book Published for Dentists

noreply@blogger.com (Shelli) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:34:00 +0000

In December we celebrated the first run of the book, "The Affluent Dentist," published by our client, PPC LOAN, one of the country's few commercial loan originators focused on Allstate insurance agents, veterinarians and dentists. The book is a comprehensive guide for dental practitioners ultimately preparing for retirement from a career in dentistry.

A collaborative effort with K.M. "Mac" Winston, PPC LOAN President and Chief Lending Officer, and members (dental brokers) of American Dental Sales (ADS), the book was several years in the making. BrandExtract became involved with the project in May 2009 by providing recommendations for PPC LOAN on marketing and distributing the book when published. We researched titles, designed the cover and internal pages, proofed and edited, and handled the printing and binding of the book.

We also worked with PPC LOAN to design, proof, edit and print a binder/study guide version of the book for dental schools and for seminars PPC LOAN gives at regional meetings and national conferences.

Roll out of an integrated marketing plan began with copies of the book going to ADS members and offering the book for sale on ppcloan.com in January, and will continue throughout 2010.

We've Given Abbey A 'Big Head'!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:21:00 +0000

This quarter�s Big Head award for employee excellence was awarded to Abbey Mora, one of our highly creative and talented graphic designers.

Abbey�s project leadership skills have really blossomed this quarter and she�s taken the design lead on some multifaceted client campaigns with confidence, dedication and contagious enthusiasm. She has worked long hours and even some weekends to ensure that everything stays on track and meets our quality standards.

Those of us who work alongside Abbey appreciate her good humor, her quiet steadiness and the creative ideas she bring to the table. We depend on her � and so do our clients.

Reliable, organized, inspired and self-reliant�these are just a few of the many qualities we admire in Abbey.

Congratulations, Abbey, on being chosen as our quarterly BrandExtract Big Head winner.

AMA Marketer of the Year Finalist!

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:55:00 +0000

BrandExtract is a finalist for this year�s local Marketer of the Year and we�re joined by a number of our clients � we couldn�t be prouder!

AMA Houston�s Marketer of the Year program recognizes exceptional marketing by Houston area companies, organizations and institutions. Nominations are in 41 industry categories, and a firm is selected as Best of Category in each, based on a vote of chapter members and a panel of top marketing and industry/business leaders. The overall Marketer of the Year is selected from the Best of Category winners by a panel of marketing professionals.

Last year, 180 outstanding Houston-based companies, organizations and institutions were nominated by their industry peers, marketing leaders and chapter members for their innovative and effective marketing programs, and 33 were selected as Best of Category winners by a vote of members.

This year, 10 of our clients made the finals.

On March 15, 2010, AMA Houston will honor 41 Best of Category winners and announce the 2009 Marketer of the Year. We wish our clients the best of luck!

If you�re an AMA Houston member you can vote for your top picks. We encourage you to read the profiles and learn about the creative methods that got them there, then please cast your vote for:

2009 BMA Lantern Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Bo) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:46:00 +0000

I am happy to say that a week ago our firm and our clients were honored with nine awards at the Lanterns. We are especially excited about this show as it rewards both creativity and results. The judges felt that our programs were highly effective, four of which they chose as the best in their category. The programs we have developed for our clients provided them with great results in 2009 and should deliver even greater value in the future.

Thanks to the hard work of both our clients and our people the BMA recognized us for the following work:

Lantern Awards (Best in Category)

Graham-Pelton Web Site
Chemstations Brand Program
Chemstations Brochure
Total Safety Sales Package

Awards of Excellence

Chemstations Web Site
Total Safety Newsletter
Chemstations Rebrand
Graham-Pelton Identity Package
Tellepsen Web Site

We're proud to have been among the winners and congratulations to all this year's award winners, especially our friends from ParkerHayden who won rookie of the year honors (rookies) and tied us with the most lanterns (4) at this year's show.

Award of good deeds...

noreply@blogger.com (Will) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:42:00 +0000

Friday we were honored to receive a bronze medal at the 54th Annual Art Directors Club of Houston Award Show for our work on the Cristo Rey Jesuit logo. The format of the show does not provide time for acceptance speeches. However, if it did, we would thank Father T.J. Martinez, Susan Martin and all of the amazing staff, faculty and board members involved for trusting us with such an important project. Opportunities such as these are what drive us to do �the Magis.�

Thank you.

Speaking of social media...

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:26:00 +0000

This week I presented to two marketing classes at Houston Baptist University on the subject of business-to-business social media applications and strategies. Beyond the case studies, it was surprising how many students had not stopped to consider how their facebook pages might impact their careers. More and more, employers are looking at candidates� twitter streams and facebook posts as part of the vetting process.

As you can imagine, questions ranged from �Are you hiring?� to �Is there really a job with the professional title of �Facebooker?��

So, here are my top five tips for those students looking to advance their careers and stand out.

Recognize the importance of networking. Sign up for LinkedIn NOW and grow your relationships. Invite everyone you meet (and like) to join your network.

Put yourself in a position to meet and interact with working professionals � attend business and industry events. Most organizations have student chapters or ambassadors. Ask everyone you meet about internship opportunities � even if they are unpaid.
Be respectful of those you meet and learn a bit about what they do and how you might be able to help them someday. It is better to give than to receive. By showing you care about them, they might care to help you.
Come prepared. If you are fortunate enough to get an interview, do your homework. Know something about the company and the people you are meeting.
Remember, most companies see hundreds of resumes and candidates, so the responsibility to stand out is yours. Always follow up and stay in touch; you never know when they might call you back. We have followed up with people up to a year after we interviewed the candidate for the position.

At the end of the day it�s simple, follow the golden rule and be patient. You have a lifetime ahead of you.

TEI Houston

noreply@blogger.com (Bo) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:20:00 +0000

Last Thursday we participated in The Entrepreneurship Institute's Houston Forum at The Rice Jones Graduate School of Business where over 100 entrepreneurs and company leaders gathered for the day to discuss the state of their businesses and hear speakers such as Tony Parella, President and CEO of Shared Technologies speak about building good businesses. For the second time, Nancy Barry spoke about generational differences and how to embrace them and Dr. Stephen Klineberg of Rice University talked about the changing demographics in the city of Houston. As board members, we moderated or spoke on panels ranging from Maximizing Human Capital to Smart Marketing. As sponsors of the San Antonio, Houston and Dallas chapters we're always amazed at the conversation and collaborative spirit of these events. Our thanks go out to Jan Zupnik, Jack Freeh and all those at TEI for their support and professionalism.

Check out TEI when you get a chance!

Aimee Receives �Big Head� Accolades

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:49:00 +0000

This quarter�s Big Head award for employee excellence went to a very deserving individual � Aimee � who exemplifies our core values.

A versatile, experienced writer, Aimee brings Web sites, brochures, ads and other marketing materials to life by writing copy that is interesting, engaging and persuasive. Clients and coworkers know that copywriting is in good hands when it�s in Aimee�s.

Dependable, responsible, creative, smart, funny, empathetic�these are just a few of Aimee�s many strong points. What I admire most is her willingness to try new things, and the way she soaks up feedback and applies it when a similar situation presents itself.

Aimee is a coworker who can be counted on to follow through, meet deadlines and keep an eye on the details. She has outside-the-box ideas and you can tell she enjoys what she does.

Our clients appreciate the value Aimee brings. So do we! We�re proud that you�re our quarterly BrandExtract Big Head winner.

Doing Good for the Community

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:33:00 +0000

It�s funny how yesterday, a day that started off so gloomy with thunderstorms, turned out to be such a bright day. We spent the day volunteering at Habitat for Humanity. We hammered, sawed, tiled, installed cabinets, framed walls, and cut through bathroom counters to insert sinks.

We worked hard and we laughed a lot, just like we do in our everyday work.

BrandExtract helps companies and people grow. Habitat for Humanity helps people and communities grow. It was the perfect matchup from a cultural perspective.

Community involvement is a passion of ours and it�s always such a tremendous morale booster.

Give us materials and tools and we�ll put our creative talents to work on building something, whether it�s a brand, a home, or goodwill.

We had barely finished yesterday before we started talking about �next time� at Habitat for Humanity. We�ll definitely do this again. It was fun and really, really rewarding.

BoyarMiller Breakfast Forum

noreply@blogger.com (Bo) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:13:00 +0000

On Thursday, September 10th, we attended the BoyarMiller breakfast forum. One of three forums the firm holds each year. This one was focused on The Current State of the Capital Markets and included the following speakers:

Paul B. Murphy, Jr., Chief Executive Officer � Amegy Bank of Texas Commercial Banking
Andrew D. Kanaly, Chairman and CEO � Kanaly Trust Equities and the Public Markets
Tom Fish, Vice Chairman � CBRE | MelodyReal Estate Finance
Thomas M. Hargrove, Managing Director and Co-Founder � GulfStar Group Private Equity and Mergers & Acquisitions

The presentations were insightful and played well of one another. While most of the information was not positive, there were a few bright spots that provided a ray of hope for 2010 and beyond. View the event spotlight at BoyarMiller.com or view the press release for more information.

Debt produced by decade. Download the presentations from the BoyarMiller site.

Today was an award-winning day!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:06:00 +0000

We found out today that we�ve received five Awards of Excellence from the Web Marketing Association!

What makes this news especially exciting is that the WebAwards is a prestigious, juried show.

Thousands of Web site entries are received from all over the world � so the competition is fierce and draws some of the best in the business. Each site is judged on each of the seven criteria: design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copywriting, ease of use. Awards are given for Best of Industry, Outstanding Web site and Standard of Excellence.

Five sites developed by BrandExtract were judged as excellent: Chemstations, Graham-Pelton, Hughes Watters Askanase, Rignet and Tellepsen.

Congratulations to our employees. who put their strategic thinking, expertise and creative juices into creating these sites, and to each of these clients of ours for their inspiring collaboration and partnership.

Cristo Rey Jesuit Opens its Doors

noreply@blogger.com (Bo) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 04:16:00 +0000

I thought I would post this from one of our non-profit clients. We are excited to have been a part of such a great experiment! We look forward to the future leaders that get a great Jesuit education. Below is a letter from President Fr. T.J. Martinez S.J.

Dear Friends and Supporters of Cristo Rey Jesuit,

August 10, 2009 will be remembered by all of us associated with Cristo Rey Jesuit as an historic day. 83 students, from across the city of Houston, coming from the most economically disadvantaged homes and communities, began a journey that will prepare them for acceptance into colleges and universities around the country. These four years will change their lives, their futures -- and the city of Houston -- forever. Through the various lenses of photographers on deck that day to record history in the making, I invite you to click on the following link to experience August 10th the way we did, realizing that your faith, support and conviction in our mission made the miracle of Cristo Rey Jesuit happen a year earlier than expected. Viva Cristo Rey! Viva Cristo Rey Jesuit!

Click here to see photos of the first day

BrandExtract: Congrats Jerry Lasco of Lasco Enterprises (a BE client) on a great article about their expansion. http://cot.ag/czZkMH #HBJ

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:23:11 +0000

BrandExtract: Congrats Jerry Lasco of Lasco Enterprises (a BE client) on a great article about their expansion. http://cot.ag/czZkMH #HBJ

BrandExtract: "July Studio Spotlight: BrandExtract | AIGA Houston Blog" - http://bit.ly/djwLRH via @AIGAHouston

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:44:25 +0000

BrandExtract: "July Studio Spotlight: BrandExtract | AIGA Houston Blog" - http://bit.ly/djwLRH via @AIGAHouston

BrandExtract: Great coverage for our client Cristo Rey, props to CRJ Reading @cristoreyjesuit 002 Houston on Cristo Rey Jesuit http://tinyurl.com/2g9oy3l

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:36:35 +0000

BrandExtract: Great coverage for our client Cristo Rey, props to CRJ Reading @cristoreyjesuit 002 Houston on Cristo Rey Jesuit http://tinyurl.com/2g9oy3l

BrandExtract: Click here for the the BrandExtract 20% discount to the Online Marketing Summit on July 23rd � http://cot.ag/aVrdAn � #OMSHOU

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:16:51 +0000

BrandExtract: Click here for the the BrandExtract 20% discount to the Online Marketing Summit on July 23rd � http://cot.ag/aVrdAn � #OMSHOU

BrandExtract: Check out the OMS this year, it promises to be a great event. 20% off using this link from the BMA. Thanks Inez M http://tinyurl.com/353k8wr

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:12:08 +0000

BrandExtract: Check out the OMS this year, it promises to be a great event. 20% off using this link from the BMA. Thanks Inez M http://tinyurl.com/353k8wr

BrandExtract: Thanks for following us, @leftlane! We'd love to have you up to the office some time!

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:07:45 +0000

BrandExtract: Thanks for following us, @leftlane! We'd love to have you up to the office some time!

BrandExtract: Tommy Hilfiger Finds His Mojo (via brandchannel) (via @brandchannelhub) http://bit.ly/aw0pxc

Tue, 18 May 2010 11:39:42 +0000

BrandExtract: Tommy Hilfiger Finds His Mojo (via brandchannel) (via @brandchannelhub) http://bit.ly/aw0pxc

BrandExtract: BrandExtract and Parker:Hayden Merge. Read more at http://www.brandextract.com

Fri, 07 May 2010 16:40:36 +0000

BrandExtract: BrandExtract and Parker:Hayden Merge. Read more at http://www.brandextract.com

BrandExtract: The latest from the BoyarMiller healthcare breakfast forum http://cot.ag/9bXpe3. Check out the videos http://cot.ag/9JMo21

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:43:02 +0000

BrandExtract: The latest from the BoyarMiller healthcare breakfast forum http://cot.ag/9bXpe3. Check out the videos http://cot.ag/9JMo21

BrandExtract: Can these brands work together? Ford Sells Volvo To China (via brandchannel) (via @brandchannelhub) http://bit.ly/b1536K

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:59:09 +0000

BrandExtract: Can these brands work together? Ford Sells Volvo To China (via brandchannel) (via @brandchannelhub) http://bit.ly/b1536K

BrandExtract: Um!? Formula For Disaster?: Sarah Silverman, Global Warming � And Lexus (via brandchannel) (via @brandchannelhub) http://bit.ly/cRcG4F

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:44:26 +0000

BrandExtract: Um!? Formula For Disaster?: Sarah Silverman, Global Warming � And Lexus (via brandchannel) (via @brandchannelhub) http://bit.ly/cRcG4F

BrandExtract: Thanks @MarkHayden64 � Marketers: It's Your Fault if Your Ad Agencies Flounder http://adage.com/u/L0aDrb

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:41:23 +0000

BrandExtract: Thanks @MarkHayden64 � Marketers: It's Your Fault if Your Ad Agencies Flounder http://adage.com/u/L0aDrb

BrandExtract: RT @marketingprofs The Two Laws of Branding From the Inside Out : MarketingProfs http://tinyurl.com/y9jeu8q

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:22:20 +0000

BrandExtract: RT @marketingprofs The Two Laws of Branding From the Inside Out : MarketingProfs http://tinyurl.com/y9jeu8q

BrandExtract: The First iPad Commercial: Success Or Failure? (via brandchannel) (via @brandchannelhub) http://bit.ly/9friyL

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:15:03 +0000

BrandExtract: The First iPad Commercial: Success Or Failure? (via brandchannel) (via @brandchannelhub) http://bit.ly/9friyL

BrandExtract: Here's an example of why you should be monitoring what's being said about your brand online http://cot.ag/5hixHJ #branding

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:21:49 +0000

BrandExtract: Here's an example of why you should be monitoring what's being said about your brand online http://cot.ag/5hixHJ #branding

BrandExtract: Research by Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business shows Facebook fan page effectiveness.http://cot.ag/bMQFvw

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:40:31 +0000

BrandExtract: Research by Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business shows Facebook fan page effectiveness.http://cot.ag/bMQFvw

BrandExtract: When it comes to copy length, one size does not fit all situations as Marketing Profs points out.http://cot.ag/bJ4l6I #marketing

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:49:06 +0000

BrandExtract: When it comes to copy length, one size does not fit all situations as Marketing Profs points out.http://cot.ag/bJ4l6I #marketing

BrandExtract: Forbes article offers tips on how to build a community that will spread your brand's word. http://cot.ag/95Ukhi #branding #social media

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:17:09 +0000

BrandExtract: Forbes article offers tips on how to build a community that will spread your brand's word. http://cot.ag/95Ukhi #branding #social media

BrandExtract: What is the most trusted brand in the U.S.? Did you guess Amazon? Read about the rest of the top 10. http://cot.ag/bklhQX #branding

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:10:30 +0000

BrandExtract: What is the most trusted brand in the U.S.? Did you guess Amazon? Read about the rest of the top 10. http://cot.ag/bklhQX #branding

BrandExtract: New survey shows CMOs want measurable results from social media. http://cot.ag/5EI6FZ #marketing #social media

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:06:43 +0000

BrandExtract: New survey shows CMOs want measurable results from social media. http://cot.ag/5EI6FZ #marketing #social media