Posts Tagged ‘borshoff’

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Turkey as easy as 123

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

By Susan Matthews, APR, principal

It’s Thanksgiving week, and I have a lot to be thankful for during these challenging economic times. Professionally, I’m grateful that our public relations and advertising agency is solidly in the black.

Personally, I’m eagerly anticipating the arrival of 22 family members over the next few days. My husband and I are well-seasoned when it comes to roasting a turkey and making all the sides. That is, we’re experienced preparing for a group of seven or 10.

This Thanksgiving is different. When I add in breakfasts as well as Wednesday and Friday dinners, I figure we’ll be serving a grand total of 123 meals. Gulp.

Thanksgiving

I must admit, about a month ago the challenge seemed daunting. More than 100 meals for family and friends aged 4 to 82. We have just one oven. We didn’t yet have a plan. For me, that’s scary stuff.

(more…)

Tags: , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

Borshoff: Memorable Moments

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Borshoff turned 25 this month. Twenty-five years is a good span, and one filled with many memories. In celebration, we’re posting our Top 25 highlights.

25

  1. Myra Borshoff Cook founded the company with a business partner and receptionist. (1984)
  2. Susan Matthews starts as the first full-time account professional. (1985)
  3. Landed our first major campaign assignment: promoting safety belt use in Indiana. (1986) (more…)

Tags:
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Borshoff: After 25 years a lot has changed, but the Why remains the same

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

By Susan Matthews, APR, principal

This month marks the 25th anniversary of Borshoff, an Indianapolis-based public relations, marketing and advertising agency.  I’ve been with the company for an amazing 24 years and a principal/owner for half that time.

Dialing back the years to October, 1985, I was in my second week at Borshoff, working from a windowless room with two other desks. To get a clean copy of a document, I’d retype it – or go to the basement of Myra Borshoff’s house to use her personal computer.  How’d we get news releases to the media? We had two options: hand-deliver or mail them. (Indianapolis also had two daily papers back then.) And graphic designers used press type to create headlines and a wax machine to “grease up” typesetting that they would then layout using X-acto knives, t-squares and drafting tables.

25th
(more…)

Tags:
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Borshoff embraces a new kind of challenge

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

By Jennifer Regnier, account coordinator

This past Saturday, Borshoff participated in the Indiana Sports Corp. (ISC) Corporate Challenge. More than half of our employees sported new team Borshoff tees while competing against participants from more than 80 Indianapolis-based companies. The events ranged from good sport events, such as the Frisbee toss and tug-of-war, to competitive events, such as the five-mile run and the team medley relay.

ISC_CC_4

(more…)

Tags: ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Meet Jackie: the newest member of the Borshoff team

Friday, September 25th, 2009

Jackie Koumpouras, account coordinator

I couldn’t help but grin when I received the e-mail that said, “Borshoff is pleased to announce Jackie Koumpouras as our newest account coordinator.” To me, this was my crossing over to the real world.  I am a college graduate and pay my own bills. And I now have a job in a field I spent four years studying. With that said, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jackie Koumpouras, account coordinator at Borshoff; the newest member of the Borshoff family.

jackie_3

(more…)

Tags:
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Borshoff cares

Friday, September 18th, 2009

Holly Havener, executive administrator

I never cease to be amazed at the generosity of my coworkers. Every year, Borshoff holds a pledge drive securing donations for United Way and its community agencies. And every year, Borshoff staff proves themselves more generous and thoughtful than the last.

For 15 years, Borshoff has earned the “Company that Cares” designation from United Way. We’re in the midst of our annual campaign and looking strong to earn that designation for a 16th straight year. To do so, Borshoff staff must show they care for the community with more than just their pocketbooks.

LiveUnited

On August 28, two Borshoff staff members took time out of their busy schedules to participate in United Way’s annual Day of Caring. Kassie Mills and Margaux Childers volunteered their time at the Jordan branch of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. As part of the “Brighten up the Environment” project, they planted shrubs along a pedestrian path that leads from the YMCA facility to the Monon Trail. Kassie, being unfamiliar with gardening, took this as a great opportunity to learn how to properly use a shovel!

(more…)

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Don’t spill hors d’oeuvres on your business card

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

By Nichole Freije, account manager

Networking events can be productive – and profitable – when done right. I recently attended the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce HobNob event at the Indiana State Museum, and I observed good, bad, and yes even ugly networking techniques. To optimize your networking experience, I recommend the following tips.

Introduce yourself and wear a nametag if available
Never approach someone and ask, “Do you remember me?” That puts both parties in an awkward situation. Make others feel comfortable by introducing yourself and the organization you represent. After introductions, offer a conversation starter. For example, if you are familiar with the person or his or her work, mention that you have seen their new advertising or read about the company online or in the paper. If you are not familiar with the individual, simply ask more information about his or her company.

Have your business cards readyBizCard2
Keep your business cards in a professional business card holder so they stay clean and crisp and to avoid rummaging through your purse or wallet to locate a card. I use a gold Colts business card holder because whether someone is a football fan or not, the NFL-branded holder creates another topic to initiate conversation. Something as universal as your favorite sports team or your alma mater provides an easy ice breaker. Plus, when you’re ready to end the conversation, requesting to exchange business cards is a polite way to wrap up your discussion.

(more…)

Tags: , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Don’t cross your legs – and other cultural tidbits

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

Andrea Farmer, account manager

A smile is universal, but be careful when using humor. In a training presentation yesterday at Borshoff’s offices, titled “Working Across Cultures,” we were treated to a host of cultural learnings by presenters from the International Center of Indianapolis. Among the most interesting:

  1. Cultural learningsKeep your feet on the ground. In some cultures, it is offensive to see the sole of someone’s shoe.
  2. Gesture with your full hand, not your fingers. Pointing can be considered rude.
  3. Err on the side of formality, especially with attire.
  4. Avoid questions that can be answered “yes” or “no.”
  5. Watch the cadence of your speech – speaking too quickly is more difficult to understand.
  6. Pay attention to non-verbal cues, and mirror the actions of others.

In addition to business etiquette, we discussed differences in cultural values between the United States and most European countries versus those of Asian cultures through an interactive exercise. Borshoff staffers were tasked with deciding whether certain values either matched or contrasted with those of Americans. Through the activity, we learned that while western countries tend to think in a linear pattern, communicate directly and place emphasis on individualism; those in eastern countries tend to think in a more holistic way, do not answer directly, and place emphasis on cooperation and harmony.

As our work continues to take us outside the borders of the United States, we can use this knowledge to communicate more effectively with clients and others we meet.

Tags: ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Something new to rollover

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

By Megan Dana, senior graphic designer

I’ve had a personal fascination (some might say obsession) with interactive design for years. Just when I thought I’d seen it all, I stumbled upon a new company pushing the limits of online advertising. Better yet, we had the opportunity to partner with them on a recent campaign for Marian’s Adult Programs.

Let me introduce you to Spongecell. It is as catchy and engaging as its name. It capitalizes on interactivity – enabling users to connect to social networks, Google maps, Outlook calendars, RSS feeds, Twitter and more – without ever having to navigate away from the ad itself. (See other examples of their interactive ads here).

And yes, every click is trackable. Spongecell builds buttons into the bottom of an existing ad, and the engagement begins!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Borshoff at the ballpark

Friday, July 24th, 2009

By John Ferguson, senior production artist

DSC_0118Last Tuesday evening my wife, son and I attended a special Borshoff night at Victory Field to watch the Indianapolis Indians play the Durham Bulls. I say special because it was more like a party… with baseball on the side. We were seated in the private third base terrace area with my co-workers from Borshoff and their family members. There were hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks and a nice view of the field. The weather even cooperated for a perfect evening out. (more…)

Tags: ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »