Minor Occurrences

Aurora Casket on the Cover of Smart Business

2010-04-07T13:49:00.000-07:00

Bill Backman, the president and owner of Aurora Casket, is on this month's cover of Smart Business Magazine. Check out the story below, and be sure to read "The Backman File."

The Sixth Sense
How Bill Backman and his team at Aurora recognize opportunities within industry trends
http://www.sbnonline.com/Local/Article/19468/69/0/The_sixth_sense.aspx

Fantastic company, wonderful people. Congrats!

Kardi Goes to Work

2009-12-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

On Friday, Kardi joined us at EMG for a day of work. He greeted everyone that came in the door.

and filled out timesheets.....

Then came home after a long day at work to find a bone in his stocking!

Good day to be a dog.

All I Want for Christmas is.....a Lexus?

2009-12-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

Ah, the Lexus Christmas ads have begun. Every year, these ads make me feel as if I live in an alternate universe from the folks in Lexus Land. In the ads, the husband leads an unsuspecting wife outside to see a brand new lexus wrapped up in an oversized bow. The wife is overcome with joy and runs to check out every detail of her new car. They hug, kiss and he has a happy wife.

Ok. Let's re-enact this scene with a hint of reality. My husband leads me outside on Christmas morning to find my bow-tied Lexus sitting in the driveway. My first thought is, "oh Christ, my husband stole this car."

Then it would cross my mind that maybe he actually bought the car. I quickly dismiss this thought, knowing that my husband would never be that stupid. Then I think, "if he really did buy it, I hope it's comfortable because he's going to be sleeping in it for a LONG time."

You get the idea. But seriously, since when is a LEXUS a normal Christmas gift? How do you tell your girlfriends this story? "Oh yes, my husband got me a Lexus for Christmas. Oh, you got a sweater? Well that's nice too. It's the thought that counts." Friendless in no time.

This also begs the question. Since when is it normal to make a $40,000 purchase without consulting your spouse? Unless you're Warren Buffet, do not do this. As for me, I'll stick with my old Honda and my Christmas gift of an extension ladder. I wasn't snooping...extention ladders are hard to hide. :-)

Congrats to Angela & Gary

2009-11-23T07:04:00.000-08:00

On Friday morning, EMG's vice president gave birth to a baby boy, Reed. Congratulations to the new mom & dad!

Congrats to EMG

2009-11-03T12:02:00.000-08:00

Last week was a great week for us! EMG was named an Emerging 30 designee and a Fast 55 business. We also got several MarCom awards, including a platinum winner for our work with Eagle Coach Company and Roto Rooter.

On top of all of that, we were nominated for Best Places to Work.

We rock :-)

USAF 1/2 Marathon

2009-10-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

Uh oh, I've been a very bad blogger. It's my new resolution to keep this updated. We've been so busy at EMG...but that's a good thing!

In any case, I ran the Air Force 1/2 Marathon a couple weeks ago. It went well, though my time was a bit slower than the Flying Pig. It was my first time running this particular race, and it was really neat to have the fly-overs by the fighter planes just before the race started. TONS of volunteers that made the race a great success!

Air Force 1/2 Marathon

2009-08-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

I just signed up for the Air Force Half Marathon in Dayton. I've been itching to run another race, and I've heard great things about this one.

Now comes the not-so-fun part...training! It's only a month away so I need to whip myself back into shape. :-) My dog has no idea what he's in for...he's going to be in the best shape of his life when this is over!

Introducing: Kardi

2009-07-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a sucker for dogs! For the past year I was in a third-floor apartment in Covington that didn't allow pets. Now that I've got a house with a fenced in yard, I couldn't wait to find a four legged companion.

I found Kardi though a quick search on Craigslist--there was a nearby couple moving to NYC in 2010 and needed to find a home for their dog. After meeting the dog several times and getting to take him for a "test day," I made the decision to take him.

We got him today, and so far he's made himself at home. He's a really mild-tempered dog, a great for a running partner, and obedient. He's a 5 year old mix of border collie and gordon setter.

EMG is named the #29 Professional Services PR firm in the country!

2009-07-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

O'Dwyers recently ranked EMG as the #29 Professional Services PR firm in the country. This was not sought out or applied for...rankings are independent and based on a host of credentials.

Congrats to the team at EMG!

We were also ranked as one of the top 150 overall PR firms in the country earlier this month.

Boston & NYC

2009-07-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

I recently went on vacation in Boston and New York City. In both places, I visited friends from college and got the insider's look of the cities. In Boston, I "learned" to sail (this photo is of me "sailing" a parked boat) and in NYC I got a feel for what it's like to live as a young professional in Manhattan. Thanks to Nikki and Brian for showing us around!

Home Sweet Home

2009-06-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

I just bought a house, and I will officially have the keys on Thursday. It's a little house in a nice neighborhood of Oakley...just right for a first home.

Cincinnati May Festival

2009-05-21T06:22:00.000-07:00

Since 1880 Cincinnati has been hosting the May Festival, which features some of the best choral music ever composed. Now the 2009 season is upon us! We've been working hard (70 hours of rehearsal in the past couple weeks..no joke, our director did the math) to make this happen.

Tomorrow night's performance is the first of the season, with Mozart's Requiem. I have a lot of people coming to that performance, including some coworkers from EMG. I'm excited for them to hear our choir for the first time. :-)

Miss California: Was Her Answer Right or Wrong?

2009-05-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

Answer: Irrelevant.

Seriously. She was asked a question. She answered the question.

As a former contestent in the Miss America system (this is NOT the same as Miss USA, which is where Miss California comes in), I understand how pageants are supposed to be judged.

Rule #1: Responses should be judged according to confidence in delivery, understanding of the subject, and in being articulate. The position she takes on controversial subjects is not to be taken into consideration.

We all know that Perez Hilton docked her points for disagreeing with him (nice work, genius)...and to Miss USA, way to pick a quality judge. Did it cost her the crown? Maybe, and that's sad. Taints the validity of the whole organization.

In any case, the media has gone haywire over this. She doesn't believe in gay marriage--oh my God, national media crisis.

I believe that gay marriage should be legalized. I think that our current laws are a violation of a person's most basic human rights. But Miss Cali also has the right to disagree, which is fine by me. They asked for her opinion, which she supplied.

But this is a pageant question, and she answered honestly. They asked, she answered. Now the media is trying frame her as a hypocrite. Logic:

She opposes gay marriage --> therefore, she is a Jesus freak --> therefore, her suggestive photos are morally wrong --> therefore, she is a hypocrite.

Hehehehe. I find this hilarious. She's a MODEL--those shots are part of her profession! I guarantee every contestant standing on that stage has photos just like those. I say leave her alone, she's entitled to her beliefs. Last time I checked, stating an opinion was not cause for a national media meltdown. Deep breath, everyone.

Flying Pig: Conquered

2009-05-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

I ran the Flying Pig half marathon on Sunday, which started bright (or should I say dark?) and early at 6:30 a.m. It was my first time running the Pig, and I was amazing at how many people were there. All 50 states represented!

I finished in 2:15, which is about 20 minutes slower than in my college days, but nevertheless I finished without walking.

This is me with my medal (obviously not immediately after running the race..those will never go public.)

You know you live in Kentucky when...

2009-04-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

Last night I was running along the Ohio River (kentucky side) when I saw two lads unloading a canoe and putting it in the water. I thought to myself, "A canoe? In the Ohio River?" Then I saw that the tiny canoe was literally held together with duct tape.

I stopped running to watch the scene unfold. One man got into the canoe, while the other went to get the oars from the car. The oars turned out to be SHOVELS. Yes, shovels. The old, heavy, metal kind.

I'll be watching for them on the news.

Miguel eats the Thurmanator Burger

2009-04-15T08:06:00.001-07:00

On Monday evening I got a call from my friend Miguel in Columbus. He was in the middle of a challenge he saw on the TV show Man vs. Food. The challenge: finish the Thurmanator Burger.

The Thurmanator is 1 1/2 lbs of beef, a 1/2 pound of ham and bacon, and all other toppings. It is required that you eat the fries as well.

Miguel and 5 coworkers set about the competition, and most did not finish. Miguel finished his burger and fries in a record 13 minutes. The next closest competitor came in at 56 minutes.

I don't know why I felt compelled to share this, but I did. And I feel disgusted.

Flying Pig 1/2 Marathon

2009-04-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Soo....in a moment of weakness I decided to sign up for the Flying Pig 1/2 Marathon. This should be interesting.

Just got done running the Heart Mini in downtown Cincinnati, but I hear the Flying Pig is much more difficult & hilly, not to mention it's 13m instead of 9.5.

In short, I have no idea what I've gotten myself into.

Food Critic: Coach's Corner

2009-04-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

WOW, this place deserves a 10!! Coach's Corner is one of those places where everyone's a regular...inviting & quirky. The large glass bulb christmas lights hanging from the ceiling make it feel like something pulled from the deep south, and the beer on tap was a variety of quality brews. Perhaps the best decoration was a lineup of Bengals bobbleheads--Chad Johnson with a paper bag over his face.

The service was outstanding. Our waitress was someone I can see myself becoming friends with over a few drinks at the bar. The whole staff was inviting...making sure our first time at Coach's Corner was a good experience. They asked us back for drinks and promised to know us by name eventually.

The food was fantastic...I had one of the best spicy grilled chicken sandwiches ever. It was heavy and I feel stuffed as I write this, but it was so worth it. Perfectly cooked (fresh) chicken and great sauces. A+!!! We will definitely be back!

Food Critic: Green Derby Cafe

2009-04-02T11:26:00.001-07:00

EMG went to the Green Derby Cafe last Friday to rate the service and the food. Honestly, I was unimpressed by both. The portion was small, my fish was bland, and service took a loooooong time. However, they were busy and I understand that lunch crowds can slow down the kitchen. I would have been just fine with the wait if I hadn't be so disappointed in the food. Next week, on to the next!

...and my whole body hurts.

2009-03-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

I've been trying not to grunt and moan with every movement, but I feel like I've been run over by a truck. But it was all for a good cause...I ran the Heart Mini Marathon yesterday!

Despite 40 degree weather, gusting winds (this brought a whole new meaning to "hitting a wall") and a cold rain that occasionally graced the course, over 13,000 people came out to run at least one of the races on Columbia Parkway. On the Mini Marathon course, I managed to pull off a time of 1 hr 35 minutes with a right shoe that, after stepping in a deep puddle during warmup, sloshed with water the entire race.

It was a fun race, and I intend to come back next year for another round. It's a great motivator for getting in shape after the winter, and it's inspiring to see all the heart disease/stroke victims running the race along along with everyone else.

A special thanks to all the race volunteers who made such a huge event possible!

Sunday: Mini Marathon

2009-03-27T08:02:00.001-07:00

This weekend you can find me pounding the pavement at the Heart Mini Marathon in Downtown Cinci. My mom and I are running it, despite the nasty weather predicted (rain/snow mix) for Sunday morning.

EMG: Food Critics

2009-03-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

Here at the agency, we've started a new tradition of going out to lunch on Fridays at a different restaurant in the Newport area. There are a lot of cute places around here, and we wanted to get a taste for them all.

Our first stop was the Blue Star Cafe, which just had it's grand opening. This cafe/soup&sandwich shoppe was well done inside--keeping the details of its historical home intact.

They're just starting out and their menu was a bit small, but there are still plenty of choices. And I'm sure they would allow you to build-your-own. I got the Wild Rooster, a spicy chicken sandwich. Unfortunately there was nothing on the menu without meat (It's Friday...it's Lent...) so I had the chicken and vowed to say an extra prayer at mass on Sunday. :-)

Overall, a nice place with friendly people. A gold star for the Blue Star Cafe!

March Madness: Dayton Flyers

2009-03-20T09:47:00.001-07:00

Today is a big day for UD...they tip off against West Virginia this afternoon. We have a bracket challenge at the office, where an extra vacation day and $100 is at stake. So far, we're all pretty close in the standings.

No, I don't have Dayton winning the tournament. But I had to write them as a win for the 1st round....go Flyers!

Website Launch for Wangler Hardware!

2009-02-23T12:47:00.000-08:00

We've launched a new site for Wangler ACE Hardware: http://www.wanglerhardware.com/. This is something that Angela and I have been working on for quite some time, and I'm proud of it.

The site is actually for my parents, who own the store. They've never had a website before and we wanted to showcase all the history behind our 4th generation hardware store.

One of my favorite features is the timeline that outlines my family's store since it's establishment in 1916. We included old historic photos of my grandparents, great grandparents and great, great grandparents at the store. I remember when the store was just a two-aisle, creaky wooden floor place with nuts and bolts. Now that it's evolved into a large, modern, Vision 21 ACE store, it's fun to relive that history through the website. Check it out!

My Reflection on Daytime Television

2009-01-15T11:52:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, I caught a nasty 24 hour flu bug and was couchridden for the day. I came to a conclusion: daytime television consists of 3 things--Snuggies, ShamWOW's, and Amish Fireplaces.

These horrendous infomercials are so bad you just can't tear your eyes away. The Snuggie (which I thought was already invented in the blanket and the sweatshirt) is simply a blanket with sleeves. The commercial shows a happy family cheering at a baseball game, each one wearing a snuggie. Let's be honest. This family looks ridiculous. In a different scene, there's an older woman who is trying to reach for the remote but would have to take her hand from underneath the blanket to do so. This causes her terrible angst. Unspeakable discomfort. Like it is so cold outside that blanket, her arm will instantly freeze and be rendered useless. Plus, these things make you look like a Buddhist monk. Really. The Snuggie is proof that people will buy anything.

Let's move on to the shamWOW. Does anyone else think this guy looks like an ex-crack addict? We were talking about the shamWOW at work, and one of my coworkers bought one at a Walgreens in their "As Seen on TV" section just to test it. The thing doesn't work. ShamDISAPPOINTMENT.

And finally, the Amish fireplaces. Everyone knows the Amish are master woodworkers and builders. These fireplaces are supposedly crafted by the Amish. This is all fine. But in the last shot of the infomercial, there is a buggy with two fireplaces in the back. The announcer declares that they are of limited availability because "they can only ship two at a time!" Like they are going to box them up and deliver them to you in a horse and buggy. Best part: they are officially called "Heat Surge Amish Built Electric Fireplace." Perrrrfect.

Back from the Beach

2008-12-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late in getting this posted, but I've had a busy week!

Here are a few pictures from Gulf Shores, AL. I saw some really...say, interesting sights on the way down. This one for example, says "Go to Church...or the DEVIL with get you!" The south in the nutshell.

Each morning I took a nice walk on the beach and enjoyed the ocean view from our balcony. Since it was the off-season, I think we were the only ones in the entire condo complex. It was a relaxing and refreshing vacation!

Destination: Gulf Shores, AL

2008-11-19T07:52:00.000-08:00

Before dawn on Saturday morning, I will be leaving the wind and flurries to migrate south for the week.

I'm taking a 12 hour road trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama to soak up some sunshine and warmth.

While there, I plan to eat fresh seafood for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I don't know where they serve seafood for breakfast, but I intend to find it.

I'll post the pictures when I return!

Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem

2008-11-12T07:47:00.000-08:00

On Friday and Saturday, the May Festival Chorus performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. We sang Brahms' German Requiem, which is a brilliant seven-movement requiem.

The performance received lofty reviews in the Enquirer, and I must say that I really enjoyed being under the baton of Paavo Jarki (conductor of the CSO). He is an impressive leader with rare musicality. Truly an honor to work with such outstanding musicians!

"People die to ride in our cars."

2008-10-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

Alright, maybe it's a lame joke. But in the business of death, you've got to have a sense of humor. One of my favorite clients to work with is Eagle Coach Company--a hearse & limo company based in Amelia, OH. Most of their business is in the hearse (professional vehicle) industry, which is a unique twist to the auto industry.

To make a hearse, they take a perfectly good Cadillac and cut it in half. From there, the car goes through 20+ stations where it is extended, re-assembled, painted, customized, etc. Their cars are absolutely top-notch, and the funeral directors who drive them have nothing but high praise for Eagle's personal service & quality.

Interesting fact: In high school, I tossed around the idea of going to mortuary school after graduation. My lifelong best friend's father was a funeral director, so I had become accustomed to the industry. I always admired his professionalism and the way he seemed to comfort a family in their time of grief. He is truly an outstanding director in every way.

Even in college, the possibility of this career crossed my mind a few times. I just think it's such an admirable profession. Last week I went back to my hometown to sing for a friend's wedding and I ran into my friend's father, the funeral director. We got on the subject of hearses, and I found myself pitching Eagle Coach to him. Hopefully he'll consider joining funeral directors all over the world (yes, world) in being a loyal driver of and Eagle.

Last week, Eagle Coach Company was present at the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) convention in Orlando. At the convention, they revealed their 2009 features as well as their brand new website, created by EMG. Check it out at http://www.eaglecoachcompany.com/ . It's a site we're all proud of (especially Angela, who was the magician behind it)!

Singing in the May Festival Chorus

2008-09-26T09:42:00.001-07:00

Several weeks ago, I auditioned for the Cincinnati May Festival Chorus at the urging of my family and former vocal coaches. I got the callback, so I'm officially a new member of the choir!

We are performing with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra throughout the season, with the first performance being Mahler's Symphony #2 on October 17 & 18. We will also be performing with the CSO with repertoire including Holst, Brahms German Requiem & others.

This is, in a nutshell, my dream gig. I have a degree in vocal music but I've never wanted to turn it into a job. With the May Festival Chorus--the oldest chorus in the Western Hemisphere with a nationally acclaimed director--I can perform challenging music with professional musicians but not rely on it to pay the rent.

After several rehearsals with the group, I can see why they are held in such high esteem. Every member seems to be fluent in the major operatic languages, able to sight-sing difficult music at the drop of a hat, and blends beautifully. I am so excited to be a part of this group! As performances approach I'll keep you updated and see if I can post some audio samples from our performances.

And as an afterthought to the previous post...

2008-09-04T14:35:00.000-07:00

I watched CNN today, and saw that much of the Sarah Palin conversation centered around this: As a mother of 5, can she handle the duties of Vice President?

Hold the phone. Wait. Really? Has anyone ever said, "Gee, Obama has 2 young girls. Do you think he can really handle the duties of President with two children to raise?" Of course not.

This is the most sexist argument I've heard in a long time. And no one seems to even blink. Are we seriously that far behind? It's perfectly normal for a father to run for office with young kids, but when a mother enters the race, suddenly it's a hot topic issue.

I'm honestly astonished that no one seems to notice the utter sexism and double-standard of this argument. Her children are a non-issue. She should not have to defend her viability as a mother because she wants to serve her country.

Think, America.

A Political Bone to Pick

2008-09-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

I am not a political "hothead". I believe in everyone from the extreme liberals to the extreme conservatives having the right to believe what they want (though I agree with neither). I honestly don't care how you vote -- just vote.

That being said, I am somewhat bewildered by McCain's VP pick. Does anyone else find this baffling? Sarah Palin did good things while she was in Alaska, but something just doesn't seem right.

For starters, she's only 44. She has very little experience. Isn't McCain's entire campaign based around dismissing political newbies (i.e. Obama)? Doesn't this make his entire argument moot? As a town mayor and governor for 2 years, Sarah Palin doesn't exactly fit the lifetime-of-experience mold.

It was an obvious attempt to appeal to the Hillary swing voters, who might be more inclined to vote where there is a woman on the ticket. I have to ask the question: If Sarah Palin was a man, would he be anywhere near the presidential ticket?

Second, there was an article in the NY Times about McCain vetting Ms. Palin only one day before the VP nomination. He knew so little about her, and according to the article the McCain camp barely made the effort to check her out before throwing her name on the ticket. For someone who touts judgement, McCain did not seem to do his homework.

I hate to bring up this argument (it's too speculative), but at 72, McCain's health comes into question. He really does seem to be in great health. But things happen, and any presidential candidate--72 or not--could be a mere heartbeat away from passing on. The VP needs to be just as strong as the President.

Palin is already under suspicion for "abusing her power" to fire an ex-relative. And for hiring lobbyists. These could very well prove to be false, but the last thing the McCain camp needs is a VP who turns out to be not-so squeaky clean.

I'm interested to see how this one plays out.

Paying for SEO: The Scam Revealed

2008-08-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

I met with an executive last week who runs a very established business here in Cincinnati. As we talked about website opportunities and online marketing, he mentioned that he was paying for SEO (Search Engine Optimization). While SEO is important, it is not something you should be paying for. It should be built-in with your website--no extras needed. Companies who charge for SEO are literally running a scam. Our web designer Angela Deniston is an expert on the subject, and her comments are below.

** SEO is a tool that makes you more visible on the internet. For example, when you type in a search term on Google, the better your website's SEO, the higher up on the list your name appears. This way people don't have to dig to find you--you're right on top.

Top things every business should know about SEO
In a world of constantly evolving technology, it’s easy to trust any “expert” who comes along claiming to know the ins and outs of unfamiliar acronyms. Web guru Angela Deniston breaks down the SEO process and defines what every savvy business owner should know when dealing with SEO providers and web designers. Please find below a sampling of SEO basics best practice advice for a CEO looking to avoid con artists.

How important is SEO to doing business today?
Extremely. There is a lot of competition out there -- you could have the best looking website in your industry, but it doesn’t matter if no one knows it exists. The “if you build it they will come” mindset is a huge misconception among the less internet savvy. A good website is supplemented by good PR and high SEO results.

How much should an SEO campaign cost? Any guidelines?
Nothing. It should be inclusive to building the site, and completed as the designer constructs the site. There are a lot of scammers out there charging thousands of dollars to implement something that takes little to no time to do. It should only cost how long it takes you to implement -- especially if you’re on an hourly rate. Whether your site is 2 pages or 200, if it is constructed properly and implemented as you go, it should not cost any more than your time.

How can a CEO avoid getting ripped off if they decide to go outside the company to get this service done?
Ask the right questions and for proof of their results. If you’re paying an SEO service, ask for some type of report – evidence of bumping their client’s sites up. And don’t believe it is anybody’s “intellectual property”. You can find this information for free all over the internet. A few other selling phrases to watch out for:

- “We’ll submit you to thousands of search engines.” There are less than five the general population actually uses. And if built right, you don’t even need to ‘submit.’
- “We’ll optimize your meta-tags.” As search engines evolve, less and less rely on meta-tags.
- “We’ll do fresh content.” Unless they are your advertising or PR agency, they wouldn’t know what to update! Usually they’ll just overuse keywords and place irrelevant articles.
- “It’s only $10,000 a year.” You can build and continuously update an entire website for $8,000. What could they possibly be doing for $10,000 a year--or more?

Our New Client: Maile Build, Remodel & Design

2008-08-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

Introducing Rich Maile, owner of Maile Build, Remodel & Design.

He's the mastermind behind projects like these:

And we're excited to be working with him! They are truly an extraordinary business. Check out more of Maile's work at http://www.mailebuild.com/

Eisen Continues to Grow with Third-Generation Company
Maile Build, Remodel & Design teams up with Greater Cincinnati PR Firm

Newport, KY – August 18, 2008 – Greater Cincinnati integrated public relations and marketing firm Eisen Management Group has been named agency of record (AOR) for the northern Kentucky-based Maile Build, Remodel & Design. The company is working with EMG to develop and implement a new communications program designed to showcase Maile’s expertise, quality and reputation.

According to EMG president Rodger Roeser, one of the main aspects of the campaign is to tell the story of Maile, a third generation family business.

“The level of talent and expertise on the Maile staff is incredible. Rich Maile (owner of Maile Build, Remodel & Design) told us that nearly 100% of their customers recommend them to friends. That’s an unbelievable reputation,” says Roeser. “After seeing how their company works, I understand why they get such high praise. Yes, their projects are breathtaking in every sense of the word. But it’s their effort to create lasting relationships—and even friendships—with the families they serve that leaves an even deeper impression.”

Owner Rich Maile saw that his company had serious assets to share and asked EMG to help spread the word. “They have the tools to get the Maile name out there,” Maile says. “By letting them handle our PR and marketing work, I have more time to focus on our clients and jobs. It lets me do what I love and boosts business as well. We’re looking forward to seeing the results of our combined efforts.”

Roeser expects the agency to implement general operations and brand alignment, local publicity, and literature development for Maile.

About Maile Build, Remodel & Design
Maile Build, Remodel & Design has been in business since 1960, when Ed Maile started his own business after 30 years of building experience. In 1972 Ed turned the business over to his son Dick, and Rich took over in 1992. Maile was named in Remodeling Magazine’s national “Big 50”—the top 50 remodeling firms in the country. Their promise to create an enjoyable remodeling experience and produce work of the highest quality has made them a leader in the industry.

Julia Child is...a spy?!

2008-08-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

I awoke this morning to the best news I've heard in months. CNN told me that Julia Child, the fiesty TV chef who always seemed just a little too eager to use alcohol in her recipes ("one for the pot, one for the cook!"), was a WWII spy. This is what I've been waiting for!

As a child, I remember sitting on my grandma's floor watching Julia Child flail her knives and cleavers all over the kitchen, hooting and hollering throughout. She was the epitome of a "cool" grandma. She would start kitchen fires and extinguish them like it was no big deal. She drank straight from the bottle. And apparently, she was also a spy.

She served in an international spy ring operated by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII. The CIA was reluctant to release this information, but I am oh-so glad they did. It made my week.

Here's to you, Ms. Julia! Bon appetit!

University of Dayton Ranks Among the Nation's "Happiest Students"

2008-08-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

The Princeton Review's 2009 edition listed the University of Dayton as one of the nation's best institutions for undergraduate education with some of the happiest students in the nation. UD ranked 7th in the country in "Happiest Students" and retained its ranking as 11th in "Everybody Plays Intramural Sports."

I would agree. From the moment I stepped onto campus for a visit, I was welcomed. Everyone I passed smiled and said hello, a few stopping my parents and I to encourage me to choose UD. I was not expecting that, and when I arrived as an undergrad I was met with all the same excitement and friendliness.

If you've ever been to campus, you know that porches are symbolic of UD. Everyone sits out on their porch in one huge student neighborhood where everyone is welcome to party or hang out. Complete strangers help each other all the time, and everyone greets one another. On any given day, you could walk up to a house in the "ghetto" (the student neighborhood) and have a handshake and a Milwaukee's Best Light in your hand before you reach the front door. If you think I'm exaggerating, I challenge you to try it. You'll see why UD is filled with happy students!

Why I'm Not An Engineer

2008-07-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

Let's face it--we've all been frustrated at work. I came across this picture in an e-mail circulating among my engineer friends, who now work for Honda, GE and the like. Aside from reinforcing my decision not to take up a career in engineering, this picture proves my theory that difficult math is equivalent to death by hanging.

Ok, ok, so maybe it's not that bad. The job does have it's perks. You know, in little achievements like space travel and nuclear technology.

My admiration and appreciation goes out to you mathmatically-minded people who keep the innovation wheel turning. I may never create the next high-performance industrial material, but hey, we all have a role to play here. And should you need to market the world's greatest breakthrough, you know my number.

Public Speaking for the Masses

2008-07-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Welcome to my blog. EMG recently launched a program called "Voice" which provides speaker's training, presentation experience, and general media training to executives who want to represent their companies well in the spotlight. Below is a quick article I typed up in response to a reporter's questions, but I thought it would be beneficial to share with everyone. More about me personally next time...enjoy!

How can executives successfully play to very large crowds?
When a speaker is talking to several thousand people, how does he/she alter a speech to suit the audience?
How do speech messages change when the crowd is large?
How do speakers modify gestures, speech patterns, etc.?
How about dealing with technical issues?”

I was a keynote speaker for two years through the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program, and I have spoken to audiences ranging from a handful of eager listeners to crowds of several thousand. The differences are vast. In a small venue, it’s important to sound casual, confident, and conversational. Having direct dialogue with listeners is crucial, and eye contact is imperative. The game changes when several thousand eyes are focused on you; you’re no longer in direct dialogue with the audience, though you want them to feel as though they are. Let’s be honest, you’re not going to be fielding questions from random members of a 5,000 person audience. To make up for the lack of verbal 2-way communication, it’s important to ask questions (though they may be rhetorical) to keep the audience involved. For example, instead of simply stating, “It is our responsibility to change this situation,” a good public speaker would ask, “It is our responsibility to change this situation, is it not?” and wait for a murmur of agreement from the audience.

Body language must be altered when speaking to a large crowd. The small flicker of a wrist or a pointing finger will be moot, and the speaker must use large, dramatic body movements. This is not to say that they should be a flailing lunatic on stage, but you should use these gestures occasionally at strategic moments. When trying to emphasize a main point, drive it home with a strong arm motion. Walking around the stage is often a good tool to keep interest, so long as it is done in moderation and doesn’t seem like aimless wandering.

The actual words of the speech must be altered to suit a larger audience, as well. Short sentences are better for larger crowds. Longer pauses are more effective. The use of powerful verbs and strong statements is amplified in the presence of several thousand people. They can sense each other’s excitement, which triggers the memory to recall that feeling long after the speech is over. The manner of speech is also important in delivering to large audiences. Projecting the voice, enunciating up to 5x more than you would in normal speech (which will come across as “normal” to the audience after reverberation has taken its toll), and using more exaggerated inflection (the rising and falling of pitch) all lend to a professional-sounding speech.

Every speech coach will tell you that the message must, must be tailored to your specific audience. No intelligent speaker would deliver the same canned speech to a group of teenagers as he would to an AARP meeting. Their interests are not the same, their maturity levels do not intersect, and their life experiences are dramatically different. So what to do when your audience is large and diverse? Keep it general. But not too general. Finding a balance between focusing your point and appealing to the masses is difficult. No speaker wants to sacrifice the quality of his speech for the sake of pleasing everyone, but it is important not to ignore important segments of the audience. Answer: do your research. Overall, who will be attending this speech? Men? Women? Seniors? Parents? Try to narrow it down so you have an idea of who you are speaking to. Then write the speech as it comes naturally. As I mentioned above, shorter sentences are better for big audiences. Complicated explanations can get lost in a large venue, so it’s best to keep things as simple as possible. Leave the complex details behind these main points for a smaller group, so that you can take audience feedback and clarify as needed.

Lastly, I’ll address the wonders and woes of technology. No matter how advanced a system may seem, things can go wrong. It’s important to have a backup plan for major malfunctions, such as a microphone failure or PowerPoint error. I traveled with a backup cordless microphone and small amp, just to be safe. Being unprepared reflects poorly on the speaker, despite the fact that they are clearly not at fault. In situations where a speaker is using computer technology such as PowerPoint or another presentation software, I recommend bringing backup disks of the presentation, a backup laptop, and if all else fails, a paper—yes, paper—version of the slides. Even printing a few main points on large posterboard is better than nothing. In venues like an arena or a ballpark, I recommend prayer. But don’t be too quick to race to the nearest church—you’re in the very capable hands of behind-the-scenes technical professionals who are trained to respond to problems. So breathe easy. And rally the masses :-)