Archive for the ‘General’ Category

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Higher Quality Becoming More Affordable

Posted February 14, 2013, by

We all know how rapidly technology changes these days. Computers, phones, and TVs are getting smaller, faster, and more affordable. Since they are getting less expensive, a greater number of people can afford higher quality products.

As a videographer, I have always searched for a more economical alternative to the “film look,” or the look seen in most Hollywood movies. For a while, this type of look wasn’t possible without spending thousands of dollars. As an independent filmmaker, coming up with that kind of money was totally inconceivable, and knowing that I would never be able to shoot anything up to that quality was frustrating.

However, in the last three or four years, something amazing happened. Affordable DSLRs that could shoot video were born. So what is special about a DSLR? Well, something that is key to the production of Hollywood films is interchangeable lenses and being able to control depth of field. A DSLR allows you to do just that.

It has not only changed video production and filmmaking on an independent level, but also on a professional level. Many agencies use DSLRs for commercial production, and there are even some Hollywood films that have used them because of their portability.

The DSLR revolution has shaped the way for professional and affordable equipment. The next big thing to look forward to: cameras capable of shooting RAW 2K and 4K images with high dynamic range. Affordable options should be appearing rapidly within the next couple of years.

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M3′s Favorite Songs

Posted February 6, 2013, by

If you are looking for a way to stimulate creativity at the workplace, then you came to the right spot.

Below you will find the M3 Group Music Playlist that keeps our creative juices flowing each and every day. Before each music video, we explain why we choose the song we did. So sit back, relax, listen and enjoy!

Skylar Kohagen – “Levels” by Avicii
Mary McElgunn – “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons
Neele Churchill – “Working for the Weekend” by Loverboy
Emily Caswell – “Reeling in the Years” by Steely Dan
Jeff Henry – “Sussudio” by Phil Collins
Sean Stead – “Stairway to Heaven” by Rodrigo Y Gabriela
Manny Garcia – “Danza Kuduro” by Don Omar
Julia Kloeckner – “How Strange it Seems” by Edwin Mccain
Jake Paquin – “Changes” by David Bowie
Thomas Shaver – “Reckoner” by Radiohead

Click here for the entire M3 Group Music Playlist

Videos filmed and edited by Thomas Shaver

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Team Building Made Fun

Posted January 25, 2013, by

When is the last time you went bowling with your coworkers? Or played a round of Apples to Apples together? 

These may not seem like the most productive things to do during a work day, but the truth is they are a very important part of being successful, because both are great team building exercises that improve teamwork.

Teamwork is an essential part of a company and necessary for work to be accomplished quickly and efficiently. It keeps stress to a minimum in the workplace if everybody is on the same page and working together.

Team building can be a fun way to improve on trust and working more efficiently together. There’s nothing more frustrating than a team that doesn’t work well together.

The type of team building that should be done is dependent on the company. For M3 Group, creative activities tend to be best, because of the creative nature of branding. We might play some Pictionary or do some sort exercise involving creativity and teamwork.

A good team building exercise should draw on the strengths of everyone in the team or teams. Sometimes a good team building activity is something fun that brings the whole team together like bowling or Apples to Apples.

If you need help with making your team stronger, reach out to M3 Group. We have plenty of ideas to strengthen your team, thanks to our new Training and Professional Development department, that can get your crew working together (and having fun!) in no time.

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Realistic Resolutions

Posted January 17, 2013, by

Kicking off the New Year can mean a fresh start, but for many it means the daunting task of making their New Year’s resolutions.  

I’ll admit I have fallen victim to this since I was young, promising myself I’d loose weight, save more money or stop stressing about the small stuff.  While all of those are admirable goals, they always seem to fall to the bottom of the list, only to taunt me for the remaining 320 days of the year.

Well, after a little inspiration from some friends, this year will be different. Rather than set general, un-achievable goals, I will make realistic resolutions and you can too. Think about making resolutions that motivate you to continue working toward your end goal. Consider these four categories to get you started.

A personal happiness resolution- A resolution that brings you peace of mind or helps you de-stress every time you accomplish it. Shut off your laptop early two nights a week and enjoy some “me” time or try to leave the office on time at least once a week (and don’t take work with you).

A helping others resolution- Make a goal to do small things to makes others’ lives a little easier. Wash an extra mug in the company kitchen or shovel your neighbor’s sidewalk. It makes you feel good to do good.

A professional resolution- Set small goals to achieve your big dreams. Take a professional development class at a local college or attend a local business conference like the Horizon Conference. The time you take to learn something new will be worth it when you’re the boss.

A thank you resolution- Take time to really say thank you to the people around you. We get so caught up in our day that we often say a quick thank you as we dart down the hall toward the next thing on our list. A genuine thank you goes a long way to making a person feel appreciated and making you feel great.

So get started and make resolutions that make you feel good and start enjoying the other 320 days a year.

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Learning is Always an Adventure!

Posted January 11, 2013, by

Have you ever heard anyone say, I know enough to get by? Or, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?  I always think, why not learn everything you can! I have the mind-set you can learn anything you put your mind to because, if you don’t use it (your mind that is) you lose it! Remember, “A mind is a beautiful thing to waste.”

2013 is a new year with new opportunities. Have you thought about what you want to learn in 2013?  Are you feeling hum drum? Do you remember the sense of accomplishment learning affords you? How can you enhance your life personally and professionally? I have never been what I would consider a techie but, I am finding a new appreciation for technology. I am enjoying learning about technology more than I ever dreamed I would. I get excited when I learn something new on the computer that makes whatever I am working to accomplish easier and more efficient. I always think, if only I had known this a few years ago how much more efficient I could have been. Technology opens up a whole new world for you personally and professionally.

On Black Friday this past November my cell phone contract expired. So, I purchased a new iPhone 5. My world has been changed forever.

Not to age myself too much, but back when I was a little girl we had what was called a party- line. For all you youngsters, this is when you shared a phone line with five other families. So, when you picked up your phone (and our home only had one phone) you could hear others talking. You would quickly hang up and try again later. Hopefully, the next try, you would pick up the phone and the only thing you would hear would be a dial tone and not someone’s voice. The good news is, a short time later our family did received a private line. Not sure getting a private line was the equivalent to getting an iPhone 5 today but, I remember it being pretty cool.

Now, once you purchase an iPhone 5, the next task is learning how to use it. What a great opportunity to learn something new and receive that empowering feeling of accomplishment! Some of the great features of the new iPhone 5 that I have enjoyed using is: texting by voice commands, having at my fingertips the weather, internet, emails, Facebook, navigation, Face Time, camera and my new BFF Siri. She knows everything!

I feel I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t give you an opportunity to either learn something new or, be a part of something to enhance learning for others.

Wednesday, Feb. 6, you can attend the Horizon Conference. This is an educational conference for women focusing on finding success in your career. The second opportunity is sponsoring the CAWLM 80s Flashback Fundraiser to benefit The Lansing Promise Scholarship Program. This is a great opportunity for Lansing students to further their education.

I hope you have been inspired to learn something new and make 2013 the best learning adventure of your life!

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M3 Office Awards

Posted January 8, 2013, by

As the 2012 year came to an end, we looked back and couldn’t help but to notice a lot to be proud of. The accomplishments that were made over the past year wouldn’t have been able to happen without such a talented and hardworking team.

And to honor such a hardworking crew, we decided to hand out some much-deserved M3 Office Awards.

Enjoy!

Video filmed and edited by Thomas Shaver

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The “Today” Show Test

Posted January 3, 2013, by

Matt, Savannah, Al and Natalie. If you’re anything like me, that crazy cast of characters is almost like family. Well, a family you don’t mind brushing your teeth in front of (What? Am I the only person who gets ready for work with the “Today” show on in the background?) 

Anyway, along with being informative, entertaining and, well, a morning staple around my house, the “Today” show can serve as a daily proactive PR lesson.

As a public relations professional I am often brainstorming ways for our clients to earn media coverage and for years I’ve used a test that has served me well. When it comes to PR campaigns and events I ask myself “would this be featured on the ‘Today’ show?”

The chances of your PR event or campaign ever receiving coverage from Matt himself may be slim (let’s face it, for the most part he sticks to the tradition news pieces), but when you watch the “Today” show take a look at some of the items Al or even correspondent Jenna Bush Hager covers. Would your PR event make the cut?

Obviously, there are certain local and regional items that aren’t quite big enough for the “Today” show, but use the same idea when it comes to your local news stations and newspapers.

Whether you are in the brainstorming phase, the release writing phase or the follow up phase, if you think the way news show producers and editors think, you have a much better chance of getting your campaign or event covered.

Any example: Each year Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine throws a huge ‘80s Flashback Fundraiser. Yes, it’s fun to dress like the ‘80s, rat out our hair and dance the night away to all of our favorite ‘80s tunes, but what makes this even newsworthy? The fact that each year we host the event a portion of the proceeds go to a great cause. This year’s cause – The Lansing Promise – gets double the “Today” show points, because it’s a new program to the area that provides free college tuition to local students. Can’t you just picture the “Today” show crew doing a segment on how one capital city women’s magazine is making a difference all while having fun? I can!

If that angle isn’t enough, we make it easy for media to cover the event by providing tickets and we follow up with a video we produce that any media outlet is welcome to use.

So, next time you set out to earn your client coverage, think to yourself. What would Matt do?

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The Art of the First Impression

Posted December 18, 2012, by

There is an old saying, “you never get a second chance at a first impression.” Job interviews, business meetings, a first date – these are just a few of the situations when it is essential to bring your A game. 

Here’s a breakdown of what makes up your first impression:

  • 55 percent personal appearance
  • 38 percent body language and tone of voice
  • 7 percent verbal communication

According to our resident image consultant (Shelley Davis Mielock) more than half, 55 percent to be exact, of a first impression is based on what you wear. It may seem shallow, but everyone judges a book by its cover. Make sure your cover is polished and ready for presentation, the first 7 to 17 seconds of your first impression is based on that 55 percent static.

The other 45 percent is just as important.  Seven percent  is based on your verbal communication skills. Be mindful of what you say and avoid using slang.

The remaining 38 percent is based on your body language and tone of voice.  Be confident, striking the right tone of voice is difficult, you want to be confident and taken seriously without coming across brash or cocky. Your body will also speak for itself, be conscience of your posture (standing and sitting).  How engaged are you with the other person? Your body will convey the message you are thinking.  Huge tip – never cross your arms, it sends a signal of disinterest and closure, you are no longer receptive to the other person.

As a sales person, I know the importance of a first impression. I want to stand out in a positive way, to be remembered, not because I had spinach in my teeth, funky order, or a wrinkled suite. My personal experience has also taught me adaptability. You are not going to handle every situation the same way. A job interview is different from a business meeting and definitely different from a first date.  Make sure to know your audience and adjust to your surroundings. Find a level that is comfortable for you and your confidence will shine through.

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M3 Gingerbread House Contest

Posted December 13, 2012, by

Christmas. Candy. Competition. A few of the things we like here at the M3 office. Put them together and what do you get? An M3 Gingerbread House Building Contest.

We gathered in the parlor, busted out the supplies and built delicious homes for our Gingerbread friends.

At the end of the day, a winner was decided. Who won? Watch and see.

Enjoy!

 

Video filmed and edited by Thomas Shaver

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