Welcome to our new Digital Manager Julie Gibson! She brings over a decade of experience in the digital space, and we're so happy to have her in our space as the newest akhia family member.
Bean there. Drink that. To recognize #NationalCoffeeDay (BTW, isn't every day "coffee day?"), we're brewing up a special blend of flavors to savor. Show us how you're celebrating!
There's the bell! School's back in session! This year the classroom may also be a dining room table, a bedroom desk or the living room couch, all with Zoom open and ready. But no matter what, it's a team effort as parents lend a hand with––hey, you're still on mute––remote learning.
Wanted: A motivated Account Executive to join our crew. Think you’d be a good fit or know someone who is currently looking for their next career opportunity? Apply now: https://bit.ly/318JOmR.
The Browns playing on prime time Thursday night? That's a good excuse for us to have a Thursday afternoon virtual tailgate and share our enthusiasm for the team. OK, we really just wanted to hang out with each other and toast the winning work we've been up to. Cheers!
One of our values is "support each other." Even from home! And that definitely includes clients! Account Lead Carrie Kandes recently managed––from her garage––the shipping of media kits to publications. Now that it's done, she can park her car in there again!
Our latest weekly agency meeting (WAM) was the biggest one of the season. This special edition “HalloWAM” included our State of the Agency meeting, a happy hour, a baby shower, candy treat bags and a pumpkin pass-out for our annual pumpkin decorating contest. Check back near the end of the month to see how we decorated them! 🎃
We got out of the (work from) home and into the real world to direct and record a few voiceover tracks for a set of four videos we’re producing. Chris Jensen at @HearAudioConcepts worked the board as our talent was patched in and our clients listened in. Sounds great!
We're looking to hire two talented people, and make a couple new friends in the process! Think you'd be a great fit? Review the open positions and send us your résumé: https://bit.ly/318JOmR.
Worry, stress, distractions, doomscrolling. All of it gets in the way of our focus. And while the state of the world is a legit excuse to take a break, a deadline doesn't always wait. Here are four good ways to regain focus even when things aren't so clear. https://www.fastcompany.com/90559385/4-steps-to-regaining-your-focus-when-youre-totally-stressed-out
FASTCOMPANY.COM
4 steps to regaining your focus when you’re totally stressed out
It seems like only yesterday, but yesterday marked our 24th anniversary! CEO and president Ben Brugler shares a look back and a look ahead. While no two days have been the same, the joy that comes with our work shines just as brightly on day 8,766 as it did on day 1. A special thanks to co-workers, clients and friends (many of you have been all three!) who have made the last 24 so special. https://bit.ly/2JwzSNN
Two big promotions. One big congratulations! April Wonsick was named Executive Vice President and will oversee akhia’s core service offerings. Jamie Gyerman was named Director, Channel Strategy and joins the agency’s executive committee. Thanks for your outstanding leadership and client counsel for akhia. We’re excited to see what’s next. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3e90XSg.
This year, what we're thankful for means a little more. Happy Thanksgiving!
We're so blessed to be able to continue our favorite holiday tradition with our friends at YWCA Greater Cleveland! This year, akhia raised $1,790 in gift cards for Adopt-A-Family community members to help make their holiday season special. Tell us how you're giving back! #GivingTuesday
A communication solution for short attention spans? Associate Creative Director Jason Smith takes a graphically-infused look at visual storytelling and highlights creative, common-sense ways to make it work. Read more: https://bit.ly/36CZrFY.
Have you reached Zoom overload yet? Is your home office a hit, or should it hit the market? This end-of-year survey (it’s a fun one) asks unexpected questions that take an interesting look at the year we had. https://bit.ly/3mtF2rB
Thousands of users are fleeing social sites but will it last? Director of Channel Strategy Jamie Gyerman offers four tips for managing your brand’s social channels in the current climate. Read more: https://bit.ly/2LDIPpv.
Supporting each other is more than being there when asked. It’s being there always to listen, to learn, to empathize, to help and to act. As we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we’re reminded that the support we give shines bright when we do what’s right. #MLKDay
Customers are purchasing differently and engaging with brands in new ways. Are you adapting to keep up? Watch to see how a Voice of the Customer strategy can help.
Welcome to akhia! Say hello to new Account Executive Ingrid Chovan. So glad to have you!
New year, new milestones! Happy akhia-versary to Jamie Gyerman (5 years), Bridget Hagan (5 years), Eric Knappenberger (9 years) and Olivia Tormento (11 years!). Thanks for being such a vital (and long-time) part of the team!
Say hello to Kaily Cunningham, our new Media Relations Specialist! Kaily comes to us by way of The OSU and Fox 8, plus she was a reporter/anchor for a local TV station in Indiana. Welcome aboard, Kaily!
You had us at “Hello.” And also at “You’re on mute.” As we take a break from Zoom, Teams and Skype this virtual Valentine’s Day weekend, we want to say we appreciate the connections we’ve made with you.
We're in hiring mode! And we're looking for an Account Director, Account Supervisor, a Channel Analyst and a Media Relations Specialist. Sound good to you? Submit your application here: https://bit.ly/318JOmR.
Welcome back, Sarah! And welcome to work, Ellis! Senior Art Director Sarah Carlson returned to the home office with a new assistant at her side. Ellis just wrote his first all-agency email. It said,"hijwfdhijfwjknoihreoifdsjknsb." It's so great to have you back, Sarah!
Milestones of the month! It's a fabulous February of akhia anniversaries, featuring Olivia Polsinelli (3 years on the 5th) and Jodee Juarez (10 years on the 23rd). Congrats!
It's easy to schedule a meeting and ensure the right people are invited. The hard part is determining the purpose, intended outcomes or structure for it, especially in a virtual environment. In this Communication Essentials blog, Ben Brugler goes back to 2015 to find simple and powerful ways to maximize meeting time in 2021. https://bit.ly/3c2dne3
A year into the pandemic and the workplace disruptions that came with it, employees have changing––and candid––views on work and compensation, the perks that get them to stay and the circumstances that get them to leave. Read more.
INC.COM
New Report: Pay Transparency May Be the Key to Keeping Your Employees in 2021
In the last year, are you talking to your pets more? Appreciating life in the moment? Accepting without guilt the gift that is free time? Ben Brugler has. One year into the pandemic, we are not the same people we were when this all started. Ben takes a look at what changed for the better and some lessons learned from the circumstances that changed us. https://bit.ly/30wAAQe
We're on the lookout for a Digital Analyst, HR and Operations Coordinator and Media Relations Specialist. Let us know if you or someone in your network would be a great fit! https://bit.ly/3bvwYo3
#InternationalWomensDay is an opportunity to learn, reflect and challenge ourselves to advocate and create a more equal workplace and world.
#Equality #IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge
Green eggs and WAM! (Ok, we didn't have eggs.) But we did get in the St. Patrick's Day spirit at our weekly agency meeting (WAM). Sláinte!
Some remote work habits a year ago ("Wear your business casual clothes even at home!") might not have stood the test of time. But these other hacks have, one year later. Check them out.
CNBC.COM
4 work-from-home hacks that are still vital a year after lockdowns begun
We value our values! We're inspired every day by how everyone at akhia embodies the spirit of support, balance, hard work and confidence in ourselves and each other. Thank you for your dedication and spirit! #EmployeeSpiritMonth
Ben's Communication Essentials blog has returned. These one-minute reads provide a quick look at some under-the-radar news, trends, habits and thinking you may have missed. Look for it every Monday and Thursday. https://bit.ly/3cYrjWZ
