In honor of Joel’s latest ink…..here’s the exclusive interview he granted me in March 2010. Way to go, Joel!
Joel E Carlson: the man behind the Twitterview from Rribbitz Creative Communications on Vimeo.
You’ve followed his Twitterviews, now see the guy IRL (sort of). I cornered Joel and asked him to share his ideas and goals around Twitterview – be sure to check out his blog to read them all and learn more. He’s @JoelECarlson on twitter! (C) Rribbitz 2010
Posted in Inspiration, Introductions
Tagged Introductions, joelecarlson, minneapolis creative, twin cities creative
I know, it’s about time I launched the new site for Rribbitz – with more case studies, more images, and more of what you want to know. So I’m jumping in.
It’s a work in progress, but here we go…
Posted in General Duckweed, Introductions
One of the agencies I work with is SixSpeed… the relationship started in 2006, when Andi Dickson was the Field Marketing Manager for Red Bull, and he hired my (then) agency for project management of Art of the Can.
Fast forward 5 years later and I’m still working with him – this time as a contract creative, for SixSpeed – the agency he owns, along with Thomas Cusciotta and Grant Johnson.
They’re a great crew, and right now everyone is busting balls to get a lot of work out for a new client, plus Red Bull’s Mississippi Grind – an event that kicks off in St. Paul over Labor Day weekend.
To get a look at how busy these guys are, check out their Facebook page and look at their website to see even more.
When it comes to event marketing and brand-building, this is one amazing group to work with!
Account manager Chris Hergott, getting it done.
Posted in Inspiration, Introductions, QuickCase
A lot of people ask if I specialize in writing for certain industries — and I tell them no. My expertise — and the competitive edge I offer — is in learning about the client, understanding their marketing objectives, and tailoring their message to their markets. (Okay, that’s a really REALLY simplified description.)
Recently, I had the opportunity to bid on website copy writing for a genetic analysis company in California*. So before the question even came up, “How can you possibly write about oncogene mutation detection in a way regular consumers will understand?!”, I asked another client to provide a recommendation.
Because I constantly crave attention and validation, I wanted to share his AWESOME words with you here:
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September 27, 2010
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this recommendation letter to attest to Kim Opitz’s uncanny ability to translate scientific material and jargon into normal English, easily understood by the “man in the street.”
I am a social psychologist. I was trained in my doctoral program to conduct rigorous research and report it in scientific journals to an audience of other academics. For twenty years I did that successfully while a tenured professor at the University of Florida. I knew that academic rigor and scientific precision requires technical jargon. In fact, that specific jargon is necessary for a common scientific literature to develop and grow.
Then I left the University to open a private consulting firm. My writing goals shifted from an academic audience to the general public. To say I floundered is an understatement. My past habit of thinking in terms of jargon, let alone writing in jargon, made me virtually unintelligible to my new audience.
Then I found Ms. Opitz. She was able to understand my scientific language and intent, and then translate and rewrite it for general public consumption. She made it possible for me to reach my potential clients, and engage and explain to them what I did and how I could help them. She virtually saved me from myself and saved my business in the process.
I recommend her enthusiastically and without reservation.
Sincerely,
Jerald W. Young, Ph.D.
Founder, Smooth Divorce Recovery
205 6th St. East, #609
Saint Paul, MN 55101
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Keep an eye on Jerry’s website, because this is the ‘before‘. By Thanksgiving, the new content will be up. But we’re already moving ahead with his blog and social media.
Oh – and if you need someone to save you from yourself, don’t hesitate to call me.
* Did I get it? Nope. My qualifications were just what they needed, but they preferred to work with a local writer. Given that this was a relatively new company and they needed a lot of help developing web processes, I agreed that a local consultant would be better for them in the long run! But boy, that would have been fun!
Posted in Introductions
Tagged gratitude, portfolio, rribbitz clients, social media, web copywriting
Do you want to listen?
Posted in Introductions
Tagged big idea, brand experience, communications
Oh, the life of a social media maven. Attending and reporting on events like this…
Posted in Inspiration, Introductions
Tagged smashburger, social media
Andi Dickson, President, SixSpeed Marketing
How we met: In 2006, Andi was the Red Bull Field Marketing Manager for all Red Bull events in Minnesota. We met when he hired my agency for project management on Art of the Can, and I ran contestant relations for the event.
What we’re doing now: Andi and Tom Cusciotta started SixSpeed Marketing last summer. Andi brings me on for creative projects, social media and strategy writing. Even when I’m not working for him, he lets me camp out at his company, pilfer Red Bull, and harass him. All in love, of course. Got a huge event that can’t stand for mediocre marketing? Talk to SixSpeed.
On my leap-year survey, Andi said: “Kim makes it easy, no lengthy briefs needed. She understands today’s world of advertising, she is fast, tactical and gets its right.”
Steven Olinger, President, Nerica
How we met: I met Steven last summer at a speed networking event. And then he attended my session at UnSummit3, and right after that session he said, “I want to hire you to write my web site.” 
What Rribbitz did for him: Edited the copy on his new website before it launched last November. If you’re looking for a business consultant to help you solve some marketing and sales growth issues – talk to Steven. He’s passionate, smart and knows how to “connect the dots!”
On my leap-year survey, Steven said: “Your success in business can be measured by your willingness to make changes. Rribbitz helps make change come easily.”
Adria Richards, Organic Technology Consultant
How we met: Ignite Minneapolis 2009. Adria’s presentation: Shiny Phone Gadgets. Mine: Write a novel in 30 days.
What Rribbitz did for her: Edited web copy, press kit and speaker bios for 2009 and 2010 events like WordCamp and SXSW. If you need a brilliant, enthusiastic person to help you incorporate new technologies into your business or website – she’s the one. And you can contact her more than one way.
On my leap-year survey, Adria said: “Kim is the type of upbeat, creative and fun consultant you want working on your project. She learns what your company is about, explores ideas with you and then delivers! It’s like picking up delicious ice cream from the neighborhood shop vs going to the grocery store for a generic tub. I highly recommend Kim for writing creative copy, press releases, promotional material and exploring social media messaging!”
David and Jennifer Lanham, Your Trusted Assistant
How we met: networking, of course!
What Rribbitz is doing for them: We’re just getting started together. As virtual assistants to clients across the country, David and Jennifer love what they do and they know what they want their company to be. They charge enthusiastically into opportunity. Check out their site in a few months, and you’ll see what I mean. Oh, and if you’re buried in paperwork and client communications that you can never catch up on? Call them now. I mean it.
On my survey, David said: “Kim has been awesome – we hired her to develop a new brand and marketing direction, and she immediately picked up the fundamentals of our business and applied her unique insights towards our new campaign. It only took about 2 minutes for us to realize that she really “gets it”. She came up with these amazing ideas that we would never have thought of on our own. I wouldn’t hesitate to refer my best client, or even my best friend to Kim!”
She’s Kay. She’s @KayLoire on Twitter. She’s Kay Loire Roseland! Meet this marketing maven, social media enthusiast and lifelong learner on the Twin Cities scene:
Posted in Inspiration, Introductions
Tagged @KayLoire, Kay Loire Roseland, rribbitz hq, Twin Cities network
What do I do when I’m not working on content or strategy or social media or headlines or naming or…. other things for my clients?
Joining Neal Kielar of Agency Babylon for his networking “huddle”-
Cornering Joel E Carlson to talk about the Twitterviews he’s doing now -
and visiting with the ever-expanding, always exciting Spyder Trap team.
Check it all out in the videos below…
And now, my dears, some of my colleagues from the past — marketing folks that I worked with at other agencies, and we’re still collaborating today.
Please, let me introduce you to:
Chuck Wallace of JAM Advertising
Michael Bingham of The M Group
@VivaLaBingham
Posted in Inspiration, Introductions
