Catching the Wave

We have calmed most of the concern of artificial intelligence replacing workers.  Today, artificial intelligence is part of the fabric of our lives (Alexa, Siri) and an important part of business strategy. A strategy fast-tracked by COVID to deliver efficient and remote business processes. Businesses have dealt with worker shortages, supply chain change and inflation which have accelerated the introduction of the Internet of Things, 5G and artificial intelligence. Validating Sundar Pichai’s, CEO of Google Inc. claim that artificial intelligence will have a far greater impact than fire and electricity on humanity.

Another indicator of artificial intelligence’s impact is where are the best minds in technology going in industry and academia. The most recent Taulbee Survey 2020 by Computer Research Association indicates where the information technology PhD awardees are applying their expertise in academia and in industry. With the data from the report, in academia 17% are pursuing research and teaching appointments in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Considering todays’ artificial intelligence progress, we are experiencing the benefits of enterprise operational efficiency. The following trends will enable progression to the crest of the wave.

Augment

Enterprise implementations of artificial intelligence has help overcome the fear of the intelligent machine. For now, instead of machines replacing the workforce, machines analyze data and create information relevant for the workforce. Artificial intelligence augmenting the workforce is present in many professional fields including:

• Genetics – grouping DNA patterns to study evolutionary biology
• Dimensionality Reduction – problem simplification by reducing random variables resulting in better data visualization
• Ecology – comparison of audio recording of regions for comparison of species population for biodiversity

Expanded artificial intelligence use extends the need for data creation and growing AI literacy. This environment will develop more user-friendly tool sets which sort through the data isolating the value creating information for task completion.

Literacy

Language modeling is an artificial intelligence discipline that is significantly impacting our daily lives. With language modeling, machines and humans can interact and understand with a language that people can understand. Natural language processing (NLP) takes language and converts into computer code that runs programs and applications. In addition to use in intelligent voice assistants (Google, Siri, Alexa) NLP applied to:

• Web search – allowing algorithms to read text and translate to another language
• Word processing – supporting grammar and spelling checks
• Sentiment analysis – analyzing text for intent and processing customer feedback

The recent Open AI release of GPT3 is the most advanced language model to date, approaching the ability to conduct a conversation with users, moving toward literacy. NLP facilitating the human-machine interface will accelerate the democratization of technology in general and the acceptance of artificial intelligence.

Safety

With growth of knowledge and machines involved in business operations and our daily lives, there is an increased cybercrime risk. More human interaction and machine additions to the network create more points of failure. Artificial intelligence’s smart algorithms will manage network complexity, detect patterns, and network traffic call attention to dubious activities. Artificial intelligence’s smart algorithms will address cybersecurity by:

• Network Vulnerability and Threat Detection – faster identification and detection of threats
• Threat Defense Maintenance – automatic update and vetting of defense layers
• Incident Diagnosis and Response – quickly identifying what, why and how a breach happened
• Cyber Threat Analysis and Reports – AI data collection and NLP reporting tools for collecting data and summarize reports for timely distribution.

Through surveillance and antivirus software design, artificial intelligence will serve an ever-increasing cybersecurity role.

Metaverse

Metaverse is defined as a digital environment where multiple users can work and play together. This virtual world concept received a significant boost with the Mark Zuckerberg announcement of creating a metaverse combining virtual technology and Facebook. Users constructing these environments will be able to engage and expanding their creativity. Experiences in the metaverse will involve interacting with AI bots for relaxation and potentially as virtual assistants in selecting products and services. AI will play a significant role in creating and maintaining these virtual environments.

Simple As Possible

With increasing demand for the application of artificial intelligence, organizations are facing an artificial intelligence and engineering shortage in creating new tools and algorithms. This is a huge barrier in adopting the technology at the rate of change. Delivering artificial intelligence and machine language tools requires a sophisticated and evolving set of skills implementing this technology. Addressing this challenge with a set of tools to simplify the creations process will be a priority, but it is important to heed Albert Einstein’s caution:

Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.

The artificial intelligence No Code solutions are emulating web designing solutions where users drag and drop modules/features from a library to build a website ready page. No-Code artificial intelligence systems will create smart solutions by combining pre-created modules and supplying solution specific data through intuitive user interfaces. 

Contact Yalo’s resident Data Scientist Rich Krahn for more great insights as part of our data analytics services. Contact Yalo below to get started on a conversation about our many design and development services that can help your business to thrive digitally.

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The marketing world moves at the speed of thought. And, in 2021, we saw just how quickly the marketing industry can evolve. Here are the top 5 Trends we are excited about for 2022. 

1. Web 3.0 is Here and Rapidly Evolving Brand Marketing

Get on board or get left behind. Nothing in the past few decades is going to shake up consumer brand marketing and selling as much as Web 3.0. Brands that secure their place in the new 3.0 universe will be ahead of the curve since they are learning and participating as the landscape evolves. This new digital retail landscape will allow consumers to experience everything from trying on a new outfit, test-driving the latest luxury car, to being part of a brand’s community. All of these experiences are quickly becoming part of the new customer journey. 

2. Social Selling Continues to Takeover

The most active social site for brands to sell is … Pinterest. Which goes against what other social sites want us to believe. The app allows users to curate and sell a lifestyle. With Gen Z becoming more active users for the app, the sky is the limit for brands on Pinterest. Why is this important? Pinterest still only ranks as the 14^th most popular social media app. All marketers need to embrace social selling across multiple channels and apps to continue to engage with key customers and prospects when and where they are searching for your brand. From shoppable stories on Instagram to shoppable Pins on Pinterest, being able to purchase in app is just as crucial as the social influencers brands partner with. Ease of purchase and the social clout of purchase are equally important as social selling continues to take over the shopping experience. 

3. Digital Native Brands Will Continue to Disrupt the Marketplace 

Supply chain issues aside, the true disruption in consumer brand marketing is the continued rise in digital native brands. With digital native brands growing almost three times as fast as traditional brands, all brands must have a digital first approach when engaging with consumers. Gone are the days of push-pull advertising and marketing programs. In addition to product innovation, Digital native brands are evolving marketing to include the use of social audio to drive engagement, augmented reality to experience a product, and customer service becoming a social first channel.  

4. Disruptive Branding will be the Norm 

Jumbled words; messy layouts; unique spelling of names … all design choices that go against the grain. As brands look to stand out on shelf and online, disrupting the normal design tenets through strong creative expressions will be common in the next year. Stand out and sell out … that’s our slogan for the next few months. 

5. Cohesive Multi-Touchpoint Customer Journeys are the Norm   

The old customer playbook is dead and should be buried in a time capsule for future generations to laugh at us about how smart we thought we were. Learning about and researching a product prior to and after purchase can be done in a car, at home in front of the TV, in store, or wherever consumers have access to a smart device. TikTok and OnlyFans are becoming two of the fastest growing sales channels for traditional brands. CPG marketing must begin to make cohesiveness the center of all campaigns to proactively share the right narrative, as well as mitigating any consumer issues. A great example of this is Fly By Jing – you really need to give it try!

Do you want to start the new year off on the right marketing foot? Yalo is here for you with creative branding and marketing services to make your brand POP and ROCK in 2022. Our portfolio of colorful client victories continues to expand and we’re excited for the future – both ours and yours! Shall we have a conversation? Contact us below or by following this link.

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Wow, where did 2021 go! It seems like only yesterday we were navigating how to celebrate the holidays in the middle of a pandemic. As we are reflecting on lessons learned, life lived, laughs earned, we were struck by a few key pop-culture moments that brands can learn from to drive business and loyalty, as well as set a course for continued growth. 

Remix and Remaster to Deepen Loyalty 

Is there anyone on the planet that has not heard at least one new version of an old Taylor Swift song in the past few months. Like her or loather her, she is a genius at reinventing her songs in new and relevant ways to connect with a new generation of listeners and reinvigorate her base. I am sure you watched the 10-minute version of All To Well – and felt a little bad for Jake G. 

Brands need to follow her lead in being brave enough to look at core brand attributes (logo, mission, value proposition) and reinvent to engage with today’s audiences. Brands also can go back to the proverbial well, dust off some memorable campaigns or products for today’s audiences. Just remember, nostalgia doesn’t mean old. 

Expect Unexpected Partnerships to Gain New Customers

If you missed it, Megan Thee Stallion had a partnership with Popeye’s and Little Nas X is Taco Bell’s Chief Impact Officer. Megan’s unexpected partnership was more than a limited menu item; it included “Hottie Sauce,” branded merchandise, and a six-figure donation from the QSR chain to a local Houston Charity that the singer is passionate about. Are you asking yourself why artists at the apex of their success would partner with a QSR chain. It simple – every brand and every artist, athlete, musician are new reciprocal awareness channels when executed correctly. Both brand and individual celebrity raises chatter, drives awareness, and increases sales with unconventional partnerships.  

Brands can grow their sales and reputation by exploring new partnerships that align with a key prospect group. BUT, these new celebrity partnerships have to be executed in fresh, organic ways. Consumers are craving authenticity from brand partnerships rather than a celebrity showing up in a commercial or a product being featured in a movie or video. 

Experiences Matter to New and Loyal Customers 

We really hope no one got fired for this. But let’s be honest, the 2021 Channel Advent Calendar, albeit well intentioned, was a fail on a global scale. Stickers? Really Channel. (PS – We’re still trying to find the mythical Prada Advent Calendar – any leads would be appreciated. ????)

We won’t belabor the reasons why some promotional activities backfire, but we will point out that experiences with a brand still matter. And for the folks in the back row that did not hear, we will say it one more time –Experiences. Still. Matter. And we could argue that brand experiences matter more now that in the recent past. 

Brands must think through, update, and challenge themselves on the experiences they are providing. Big and small. Experiences from unboxing to behind-the-scenes to once-in-a-lifetime getaways are currency in todays digital world. 

The Story Still Matters to Customers (and media) and So Does the Channel 

Free Britney. Simone Biles. Richard Branson. We are sure each one of these names brings a story flooding back into your mind. We all can remember where we were when we first heard at least one update on each. And we could have named many other stories that would illicit the same response. Why? Because each of these individuals shared their honest, true, transparent and organic story. On their terms. When they wanted.  And by doing so, each embraced by the public. 

What can brands learn? Tell their stories honestly and allow consumers to become part of the story. Brands have one of the biggest stages – their social media accounts – to tell their layered brand story how and when they choose. One sizes does not fit all in today’s multi-channel, multi-audience world.

What were your favorite moments in film, art, music, and sports this year? Share them with us on Facebook – we’d like to read your memories.

Want to make something commercial and creative at the same time that causes your business brand to stand-out from the masses? Yalo can help you out – it’s what we’re here for 365 days a year. Please reach-out to us below!

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Summer is here and everyone gets excited about a road trip! This had us thinking, how does the road trip compare to your customer journey? Whether you’re driving across the country, or just to warmer weather – there’s always an attraction or scenic overlook along the way to capture the perfect road trip selfie. These pit stops add to the memories and the journey along the way. As marketers, we like to add to the journey (even the pit stop selfie) to make a brand impression, conversion or create a loyal follower.

I recently spoke at the WPEngine summit on creating a digital experience platform and making the most of your digital presence. Much like a road trip, your customers make stops along the way before they reach their destination! With new tools and technologies emerging every day, I’ve rounded up 4 of my favorite tools to use to enhance your customer’s experience and learn from their journeys:

Have another tool or tip that adds to the journey? Drop us a line, we’d love to hear about it! Did we mention that Yalo offers FullStory for digital experience intelligence that leads to deeper engagement and conversion? We just did!

Taco Bell toilet Paper? Printing money from your phone? We love a great April Fool’s joke. 

But we love April Fool’s Day even more when companies strike the right tone and execution in delivery of a hoax to put a smile on our faces, rather than making us look like a fool. When done right, April Fool’s Day is a perfect opportunity for brands to increase consumer engagement and deepen reach. 

No fooling, here are five of our favorite, well-thought-out brand activations to celebrate the day created to add some levity into the world and poke-fun at ourselves.  

Party In The Sky WestJet #FlyreFestival

Out of the ashes of Fyre Festival came WestJet’s Flyre Festival. Offering the world’s first premium in-flight music festival. The cheese sandwiches are on you though.

Out-Of-This-World Whiskey 

Taking the trend of aged whiskey to new heights, Jameson introduced triple-distilled whiskey – matured in Ireland and finished in outer space. The brand was so dedicated to pulling-the-wool over our eyes, they actually sent a bottle 110,000 feet above earth. 

Tinder Height Verification Badge

No one likes to get burned by misleading dating app profiles, so Tinder fooled us all in thinking it had created a solution to the biggest lie told on its app – height! Tinder trolled users by announcing plans to introduce a height verification badge. “Simply input your true, accurate height with a screenshot of you standing next to any commercial building. We’ll do some state-of-the-art verifying and you’ll receive your badge directly on your profile”.

The Rosetta Stone – Learn to Speak Klingon

Many a Star Trek fan has marveled at their friends who seem to speak Klingon as fluently as they speak English, German, Italian, or French. Now with this complete Klingon software package you will be able to express your thoughts safely and effectively in Klingon and master the conversational skills required to conduct negotiations, request medical assistance and partake in the rich Klingon culture. 

Money on Your Phone

Who wouldn’t love to print money from your phone? In the UK, PayPal tricked us all by announcing a new feature to turn your phone into a mobile ATM. Got us? We were fooled. 

Do you have any brand antics up your sleeve this year? Or perhaps you’d like to pull-off a similar stunt to one of these you’ve just read and you need assistance devising a concept? Making people laugh is one of our core competencies – let’s brainstorm some clever content and get your team laughing all the way to the bank! Contact us here to get started.

4 Quick Tips to increase your #BrandEngagement on Instagram

1. Pay Attention To Your Color Palette

Taking the time to create an engaging Instagram feed aesthetic is one of the most effective ways to persuade someone to follow your business’ Instagram account. From bright colors, single color, to black and white, use a strategic brand color palette to create a distinct style. See how Yalo uses color to tell a story and create interest:

Color can you make your Instagram content feel aligned with your overall aesthetic and brand.

2. Stay Consistent With Fonts

Font selection is as important as image selection for text overlays on photos and videos. If text plays a key role in your Instagram content, it’s important to also think about the font you’re using and how it relates to the fonts used on your website or other marketing materials. Pick a font family that has multiple font weights (i.e. light, regular, semibold, and bold) this is critical for building a clear text hierarchy. Yalo uses the Muller font family:

3. Make The Most Of Your Captions

Captions are a chance to enhance your content further and there are plenty of ways brands use them. Some choose to treat captions as a place for sharing stories and micro-blogging. Others use them to add a short, snappy headline to a post. Still others use captions to ask questions and encourage replies. The possibilities are endless. What’s important is to ensure the copy is aligned with your brand. What’s more, captions are a huge opportunity to build a stronger relationship with your audience.

Good to know: Instagram captions are limited to 2,200 characters, and after three lines of text they become truncated with an ellipsis.

4. Leverage Hashtags

Incorporating trending and relevant hashtags in your social media posts helps you to expand your reach, increase your post engagement, and enhance your brand image. However, it’s imperative to use brand-relevant hashtags to reap great results. You can use tools like Best-Hashtags and iQHashtags to create hashtag strategies, learn organic growth techniques, and build an engaged community.

Good to know: You can use up to 30 Hashtags per post.

If you like these easy strategies and want to know more about leveraging Instagram and other social media platforms for the benefit of your brand, we should have a conversation. Get it started by reaching-out to us here!

The world is fast evolving, with Artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront in changing the world and the way we live. AI is everywhere — at our workplace, in our homes, cars, in our phones and laptops — in short, in the things that have become integral in our lives. Moreover, AI devices know what kind of TV shows and movies we like, what we buy, and how we operate. Let’s explore this world a little deeper…

AI By Definition

It is the ability of a computer to imitate how we think. It is accomplished by learning from previous experience, object identification, language mastery, decision making and problem resolution. These and other capabilities can be combined to perform functions that would be performed by a human. Like a human, with AI, machines can combine input from multiple sources (sensors, digital), analyze information and act on analysis results. Designed by humans, these machines are expected to reach conclusions based on real-time analysis.

AI Explained

Today AI applications are not “artificial,” but focused and contained in functions and features we experience daily such as: word completion while typing, travel directions, eCommerce buying, and television watching recommendations. Although the value of these AI applications is taken for granted, there’s some degree of confusion on terminology. Key terminology that is used includes:

• Artificial Intelligence –used when discussing any computing alternative that demonstrates some human intelligence capability.
• Machine Learning – a subset of AI applying input data to a machine improving its mastery in completing a specific task.
• Deep Learning – a type of machine learning, without human intervention, is self-teaching in completing a specific task with greater proficiency.
  

AI runs the gamut of specific task completion to duplication of human activities by choosing and solving multiple problems without human intervention. The former we experience daily with new applications enabling humans to complete tasks with ever increasing efficiency and accuracy. The latter is currently theoretical and exists only in the realm of the TV series Next.

AI Applied

AI has found its way into our daily living. Some great examples include:

• Speech Recognition – enabling fast and accurate speech transcription in multiple languages for a variety of use cases as seen with IBM Watson
• Natural Language Processing – understanding, interpreting, and generating text, think of email filters, smart assistants, search results, and predictive texts. Learn about a more few prominent examples.
• Machine Vision – identifying/classifying visual images. As a fun example, consider a fill-level inspection system at a brewery. Each bottle of beer passes through an inspection sensor, which triggers a vision system to flash a strobe light and take a picture of the bottle. If the system detects an improperly filled bottle—a fail—it signals a diverter to reject the bottle to then be filled properly.
• Recommendations – suggest purchases/media based on past purchases/viewing. Do you ever wonder why your favorite stores or Amazon suggest certain products or why Netfllix curates certain shows for you? Recommendation engines play a huge role with collaboration filtering.

These use cases depend on machine learning and data analytics combined to deliver intelligent decisions. To remain relevant, they learn from and adapt to information changes in their environment.

What’s Next

Imagination is the only limitation where AI can improve lives but many questions remain.. What is machine intelligence? What tools are most appropriate for different AI use cases? What is the right balance of replacing humans performing tasks vs. supporting them? Want to know what comes next and how to balance the future of machine learning?

Let us help you navigate your business with AI-driven solutions. Yalo uses AI with our new Sentiment Analysis services to help your brand build content, segment customers, and leverage social media more successfully across the board. You don’t need a computer to know a smart idea when you hear one.

Enabling a new way to engage with an ordinary household item. This augmented reality app created for Kimberly-Clark, allows users to explore design patterns and boxes allowing sales reps and consumers to take the guess work out of their purchase.

Yalo created the Augmented Product Visualizer for Kimberly-Clark as a custom tool for their special needs, and we can do the same for your business. We also partner with InVision – creators of the fabulous InVision DSM design system manager – and implement and support this remarkably cohesive branding system tool when a totally custom app isn’t what’s needed next on your drawing board. Give us a shout today to learn more about InVision DSM. Discuss InVision DSM directly with resident expert Eric Cantini at 216-533-0712.

From hilarious to heartfelt, to a brand thanking customers for not using their services, COVID commercials have hit home. Literally. 

Like most people, we stream our shows. To be honest, it’s been a while since anyone has seen an actual commercial. But watching live news updates during quarantine has created a captive audience for ads. Many not only hold our attention, but make us (ugly) cry.

So the tribe gathered their favorites and shared why these spots resonated with them.

Walmart: Lean on Me

In the agency world so often what we see is staged, overproduced, edited and–bottom line–not real. This piece, however, delivers Walmart’s message of positivity and support so authentically with real people and employees contributing content. –Rachel S.

Dove | Courage is Beautiful

Very raw and real, it shows nurses and doctors working on the front lines and how courageous they truly are. The visuals really make me grateful for those men and women fighting this disease. –Maggie

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A St. Patrick’s Day Message From Guinness

I’m not Irish, but something about the Irish culture of music and sentiments always touches me. I hear bagpipes and instant tears. This piece acknowledges that time is different with smart, yet subtle nods to their brand like “raise a glass of Guinness on St. Patty’s day.” But Guinness reinforces that what matters most is being with people you care about at home. –Rachel G.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBfLlC9En3Q&feature=youtu.be

Zillow: The Real Value of Home

Music is what grabs me right out of the gate. Their music choice for this spot is powerful. It’s one of those commercials you hear before you see. –Lance

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Smirnoff: Hang out from Home

Simple, to the point with a twist of patriotism. –Eric

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https://youtu.be/jOhhsN_Le3E

Netflix’s Spoiler Billboard

A funny approach to punishing those who decide to ignore the potential damage they can cause by continuing to gather in groups. – Max

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Uber: Thank You For Not Riding

They do an excellent job of capturing the new normal while capturing our hearts. Their commercial also thanks us for not using them which is a selfless act for a brand to do in these times. – Denise

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN6T6XePyJw

Popeyes: We are NOLA Strong

Being from Louisiana, this one put a smile on my face. Eating a bunch of fried chicken to help support a wonderful cause seems like a win-win to me. Well done, Popeyes! –Scott

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Coor’s Light: Sports Re-runs

This is a great use of an existing commercial and introduces some levity about watching sports re-runs. – Jon

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https://youtu.be/nmVRFui61U4

Jack Daniels – With Love, Jack

The Jack Daniels commercial really strikes at the heart of the world situation right now. It shows how people are all coping with social distancing and making due in their own ways to stay connected with family, friends and humanity. Delivering the point of view from within these individuals’ daily lives and homes makes it very real. Lastly, having the commercial wrapped in a classic 80’s song done on piano by just a regular guy connecting with someone he loves, that really is excellent packaging. – Arnold

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Dunkin Heroes – We’ve Got Your Back

Dunkin. Quick, easy to understand message while keeping brand in focus. – Kevin

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Tylenol Stay Home

This commercial is touching, hopeful and shows gratitude for healthcare workers. I also like that it’s not the same “we’re in this together” message that is being overly used and sometimes seems insincere. – Kate

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https://youtu.be/IsQ7Wto0FJg

Burger King Stay Home of the Whopper

I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for the touching commercials of late always featuring somber piano music and heartfelt images of all of us staying connected through this time. This commercial is not that. It’s just Burger King being Burger King – purposely silly and a little bit dumb – which is great for a couple of reasons. For one, it feels way more authentic and beyond that – what’s more comforting than a little return to normalcy right now? I’m ready to live in a world with ridiculous commercials that make me laugh again. – Tim

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Ohio Department of Health Mouse Traps

Reason: Because Science. I like how this commercial attempts to explain the biology of how fast viruses like SARS-COV-2 can spread in a simple, yet powerful analogy. – Brian

NFL Stay Home Stay Strong PSA

The NFL encourages their fans to stay strong and remain home until we overcome this pandemic as they emphasize the importance of spending time with family. – Cline

Budweiser One Team

Very clever use of sports team names to relate to our everyday heroes, and of course it gets you right in the feels. – Chris M

Grubhub Restaurants Are Our Family

This is the best one I’ve seen. I don’t watch much tv but this pops up on YouTube all the time and with a newborn, we definitely appreciate restaurants right now. – Brandon

Ford Built to Lend a Hand

Ford Lends a Hand is my favorite, because it reminds us that there have been challenges before. Now, this is our test and our time to shine. – Rich

Apple Creativity Goes On

Instead of just surviving the pandemic, Apple hits home with this spot and inspires us to not just live but thrive through this time with the help of creativity, human connection, and, of course, their products. – Drew

Tokyo Olympics NBC 2020 Date Change

Moving the Olympics was a huge change and the announcement of the change kept the athletes in focus, with a message of hope and a really smart use of font to change 2020 to 202ONE. – Annie

Bulleit Bourbon New Drinking Buddies

Fun and creative ad with a catchy beat playing; Being able to see faces in everyday objects shows that a kids imagination never leaves you. – Chris D

If you like how we think collectively as a branding agency in Atlanta & Cleveland, why not give us a chance to show you the kinds of branding strategies we can create for your company’s needs? Conversation is free – let’s have a chat!

 

Hey all you cool cats and kittens, it’s time to take a break from the empty shelves, homeschooling, and social distancing to appreciate some of the positive effects from our newly discovered habits. Here are some stats that feel pretty darn real. After all, we’re all in this together so let’s enjoy the positive benefits of staying at home!

Let us know your favorite stats! #AtHomeTogether

Virtual Game Changers for First Time Parents 

When I was slated on Yalo’s blog calendar to write a post about March Madness this year, I was pumped. As you can tell from my son’s newborn photo, basketball is my passion. And, what better way to ease into father-son bonding than back-to-back games swaddled up on the sofa. 

Then came quarantine. Just like the rest of the world, my wife and I were immediately drafted into a different kind of madness. For parents reading this, I don’t have to tell you what those first few weeks are like. You either remember or have selectively blocked them out. 

For our family, little Braylon included, we are learning this parenthood thing under a completely new set of rules. All those nighttime feedings, supply runs and family visits still have to happen. We just have to think outside the (diaper) box on how to get them done.

Here are some ways I’ve been checking off my Daddy-do list virtually.

Video Introductions: Ever tried to keep grandparents from meeting their grandkid? I wasn’t about to find out. But social distancing means keeping in touch with family using apps like Zoom conferencing, Facetime or—if you’re not an Apple fan—via a list of Android options we just learned about. 

Virtual Albums: There is no shortage of pictures for your first baby. We’ve been using Lifecake to share ours with family and friends. Chatbooks integrates with Instagram to let you create printed photos and books from your filtered pics. And, during naptime, the simpleprints app helps you create baby albums on your smart phone. 

Virtual Diaper Runs: Curbside has become a luxury we depend on right now. As a new dad, it’s the safest, easiest way to pick up what I need for the baby without getting out of the car. Our local Target and many other neighborhood grocery stores are doing curbside pick up or delivery. It might require calling first to see what stores are on board, but to me, it saves time in the long run. 

Virtual Baby Shower: We were blessed to have our son’s get together in person. But I did find steps to plan a virtual baby shower with a quick Google search. There are lots of really creative ideas. And let’s be honest, you can hold off on some items (we are learning fast that babies don’t need all that stuff the first few months), aside from some love and diapers. (But seriously, so many diapers!)

Working for a digital agency, we are engineered to gain inspiration from life around us. I’ve worked remotely for a few years now. The biggest change hasn’t been quarantine. It’s been becoming a family. Watching my mini-me smile and recognize my voice is worth more points than any NCAA tournament or NBA game. 

Parenthood, like life, is about perspective. I’m doing my best to curb the uncertainties by focusing on the goodness around me. If you’ve found new inspiration during quarantine with your family, we’d love to hear your story. 

Travel bans, NBA cancellations, and school closings. Oh my! 

As the outbreak of COVID-19 wreaks havoc across the world, business activity here is taking a hit. Employees are displaced or unable to work all-together.  Small businesses will be challenged to stay afloat and keep connected. Companies able to keep their lights on must be creative in finding new ways to maintain normalcy. 

What’s different about this outbreak in comparison to past recessions or government shutdowns is the ability to stay connected despite the mandated isolation. Social media and virtual meetings have been an option for a while now, but knowing what to say and how to use them the right way for your brand can be overwhelming.

As a digital & experiential marketing agency, we always look for unique ways to elevate brands and ideas. The current business situation has challenged us to think of new solutions to open up the lines of communication. It’s uncharted territory, but we believe the tools are available to make it happen. You just need to know what they are and how to put them together to solve your challenge. 

Before you pull out of trade shows or cancel events for the foreseeable future, let’s think through ways you might meet those in-person demands through virtual business methods. 

Virtual events.

Build an online audience with a virtual, but live event. A live-streamed keynote, live product launch, live Q&A session, networking channels, virtual happy hours, and even virtual concerts – virtual events can be all these and more. The experience can be translated digitally through video and an amped-up email campaign. Yalo has access to tools and channels for a robust virtual events solution to deliver a vibrant virtual experience and we can orchestrate the moving parts to engage and entertain your customers. We already have bands lined up to deliver virtual concerts for you and your customers. 

You’ve got mail.

If you want a touch-free engagement, branded swag bags are a tangible way to connect people with your brand. We’ve created solutions for custom, branded content that can (and should) also include a digital touchpoint. With people sitting at home surfing the web and their inbox, a thoughtful message campaign is actually something they have time to read and engage with right now. 

Get social.

During a time like this, users are looking for ways to connect and share valuable resources. What type of content are you sharing? How is it helping your followers? Do you have a POV that elevates your brand? There are brands gaining exposure now simply by how they are responding to this situation. 

Be contagious.

Remember, contagion is real, but it doesn’t just work for viruses. It works for a positive and hopeful attitude, inspirational words, and intellectual thoughts.  It works for honesty, generosity, and personable connections. For vibrancy, excitement, and engagement. 

As we navigate this time together, we continue to be amazed by how brands react both positively and surprisingly to this uncertainty. Is there a brand that has caught your attention? Are you looking to amp-up your virtual event or social game? Let us know how we can help.

So you’re working from home. It’s everything you dreamed, right? Probably not entirely. While us Yalos have been in the virtual office space for quite some time, the transition does take adjusting. If you’re like most of America—and the world—right now it is baptism by fire.

A friend who set up shop at her kitchen table amongst three small children just posted “it’s like drinking from a fire hose.” With this notion in mind, we thought it would be helpful to share what keeps us afloat in our remote offices. Keeping in mind, there are some new obstacles to overcome right now. 

This flexible approach to workspace can have its pros and cons. Below are tips that help our crew thrive in less structured environments.

Setting the Space

If given the opportunity to work remotely, create a work space that gives off good vibes. Ideally, pick a space that provides ample natural light. One study suggests that access to natural light and outdoor views is the #1 most desirable office perk. Not only does natural light boost worker performance but it can also improve your sleep. So be sure to set up shop near a window if possible. When nature permits, bring your laptop outside!

What about the kids? For those working from home with children right now, consider taking conference calls from your car. Those locked doors provide privacy and you have the added bonus of sunlight. Some of us admit we’ve taken calls from our walk-in closets on more than one occasion. 

Create a Schedule

One of the biggest benefits of working remotely is the ability to make your own schedule. But make no mistake, even if it changes daily, you need parameters to be optimally efficient—and sane—each day. Try setting a clear start and end time. Get up, put on real pants and enter your remote office around the same time each morning. Schedule lunch and try your absolute hardest not to eat in front of your computer. Your mind and your eyes deserve a break during the day. 

Set an end time. It’s easy to get sucked into the get-it-done vortex when you don’t have a physical barrier like an office to leave. But companies that choose to let their employees work virtually do it to provide flexibility. Flexibility does not mean working at all hours of the night when it’s not necessary. 

What about the kids? A schedule works well for kids too. Most respond well to structure. Keep it hourly with themes like “creative play” or “quiet time.” Give ownership at meal time by encouraging them to set the table. Find ways for them to get out of the house virtually, through an online tour.  

Mix It Up

While studies show that remote workers are more productive than their in-office counterparts, there are common pitfalls to avoid. For example, remote workers are just that…remote. Not having everyday interactions can be off-putting. So mix it up every once in a while. While social distancing will prevent you from a lunch date or trip to the local coffee shop right now, there are still ways to get much-needed interaction. Video conferencing, positive social posts, webinars or (gasp) picking up the phone to call instead of sending a text.

What about the kids? Exercise. Whether you are in or outside, fitness hubs are offering virtual workouts for all ages. Yoga, running, Crossfit kids and even mediation exercises are streaming and—in most cases—free. 

Have some virtual office tips that work for you? Send them our way!

If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.

Well, in the case of some the best-known brands in the world, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Target, Ralph Lauren, Pottery Barn and Versace are hopping on the retro bandwagon lately and creating a big buzz.

Think: Target’s 20 years of Design for All campaign; Ralph Lauren and Pottery Barn’s Friends collection; last but certainly not least, Versace’s reinvention of the “jungle dress” that made jaws drop around the world for a second time when J.Lo strutted down the runway recently.

So, why is it that big brands are looking to the past to shape their future? *Queues All in the Family theme song . . . because those were the days. Those were moments whose cultural impact was felt across a generation of consumers, influencing what they wanted to look like, listen to and hang with. They remember. And they’re ready to get swept up in the moment again.

In a loud marketplace, nostalgia marketing breaks through. Think of the Pavlovian dog: every time he hears a bell he salivates because he knows the bell signals food. Now, think of the modern consumer, inundated with a million marketing messages a day. When a brand bubbles up a concept that they already associate with positive feelings, it breaks through the clutter by sparking good memories and placing the brand right in the center of them. Whether that means going retro with your own brand nostalgia like Target and Versace or tapping into cultural nostalgia like Ralph Lauren and Pottery Barn, it can be a truly effective way to position your brand as one that stands the test of time.

Generation Z is going to make the next 20 years in marketing very interesting. As a Gen X parent of four Gen Zers, I marvel at the ways they consume content, and the relationships they want to have with their favorite brands. For this post, I’ve done some digging on the Internet to help inform my views of this generation, and their tremendous potential. Here’s what stood out to me:

Born on Date: 1997

Those born since 1997 are all part of Generation Z. That makes them 22 years old or younger in 2019. One of the primary reasons for the decision to use 1997 as the dividing line between Millennials and Gen Z is that the oldest Gen Zers were 4 years old at the time of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Therefore, they have little to no actual memory of 9/11, and the U.S. has been actively at war with the forces of global terrorism their entire lives.

Size Matters

They are the largest generation in the U.S., representing 24% of the U.S. population. That’s bigger than the Baby Boomers (23%), Millennials (22%) or their parents’ generation (Gen X – 19%). By 2020, Gen Z is estimated to have $3 Trillion in purchasing power.

Always Connected

They’ve never known a world without the Internet, and they’ve enjoyed access to high-speed connectivity for most or all their lives. The first iPhone launched in 2007, when the oldest Gen Zers were 10. Unlike Millennials, who adapted to social media and on-demand entertainment, Gen Z has never known anything else.

Safety First

Gen Zers appear to be making some good decisions. Compared with their parents (Gen X), they are less likely to have tried alcohol as teenagers, and they are dramatically more likely to wear their seatbelts. They are doing well relative to Millennials, too. Comparing teens from 2008 and 2019, there’s a significant drop in teen pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, and the percentage of teens who did not graduate on time from high school.

Dreamers/Doers

As they look towards their futures, they crave an important say in all aspects of their jobs. More-so than generations before them, they have entrepreneurial aspirations, and most hope that their future jobs will somehow be derived from their current hobbies. Further, they aspire to have a positive impact on the world around them.

Privacy Matters

Regarding privacy, they accept that brands will understand their customer preferences and market to them in a personalized way. At the same time, they are keenly aware of keeping their digital conversations private.

Yes, And?

They are habitual multitaskers. Most Gen Z students report that while doing homework they also listen to music, use social media, watch TV or send text messages. With an attention span around 8 seconds long, they consume content very quickly, in very small bites.

With the trend toward more companies hiring more freelance and fulltime remote workers, many of us (including the Yalo Tribe) find ourselves working from home . . . or other more creative spaces that aren’t offices. This flexible approach to workspace can have its pros and cons, but these tips have helped our crew thrive in these less structured environments.

Setting the Space

If given the opportunity to work remotely, then you will definitely want to make sure you create a work space that gives you good vibes. Ideally you should pick a space that provides ample natural light. One study suggests that access to natural light and outdoor views is the#1 most desirable office perk. Not only does natural light boost worker performance but it can also improve your sleep. So be sure to set up shop near a window if possible. Open those blinds and feed off the sunlight!

Another important aspect of setting your space is to make it uniquely YOUR space. Turn it into a place that motivates you and gives you positive energy. All it takes is one or two visuals to make the space your own. Personalize your workspace however you see fit, even down to the desk and chair options. Do you go for style and comfort? Maybe you’re a Dwight Schrute fitness orb kinda person? I opted for the adjustable standing desk and love being able to switch it up during the day.

Schedule Sweet Spot

One of the biggest benefits of working remotely is the ability to make your own schedule. But make no mistake about it, even if it changes daily, you will need to have some sort of schedule or routine to be optimally efficient each day. Much like a workspace, the actual work schedule itself can vary from person to person and day to day, based on factors like employer protocol, job tasks/duties and home-life responsibilities. While some employers hold a tighter rein on their remote workers, others allow for a bit more freedom. However, we all get to decide when that morning alarm will go off.

https://giphy.com/gifs/ItuU81md2ZLDW

Are you an early riser or a night owl? Some prefer to beat the sun, get in an early morning workout and knock out all of those emails before the day has even begun, while someone like Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, takes a slightly less heroic approach. Another thing to remember is that the work/home lines can get blurry for remote workers, so it’s important to try your best to define the beginning and end of each of your workdays. For example, I officially start my workday by writing out my daily to-do list. Try different schedule/routine approaches and find the sweet spot that works best for you. You can also use a hybrid approach, shifting the workday hours (and even location) as needed.

Mix it up

While studies show that remote workers are more productive than their in-office counterparts, there are still common pitfalls to avoid. For example, remote workers are just that…remote. Not having that everyday water cooler experience can be off-putting for some. So why not mix it up every once in a while? Going back to that schedule sweet spot, perhaps you can try blocking off some days to work from a coffee shop or a coworking space to get some human interaction. This does wonders for your mindset and overall productivity.

Bonus tips from the Yalo Tribe

• Shower.
• Don’t work in your nighttime jammies. At the very least, switch to daytime jammies or throw on some nice athleisure wear.
• Crank up the tunes for extra motivation/inspiration.
• Technology is your friend. Use it. Our Tribe communicates with each other via Viber.
• Have the TV on in the background to fill the void.
• Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
• Get out and see people.
• Have lunch with your spouse or friend.
• Work at a Starbucks for a few hours.
• You can’t replace the aura of just being around other people sometimes to feel alive.

I’ve noticed a distinct change in my experiences at brick-and-mortal retail stores lately, and I think we have Amazon to thank for it. 

As recently as 2-3 years ago, it was easy to find stores that weren’t trying very hard to deliver a positive customer experience — long lines, messy stores, no help from associates — it’s a long list. So I started buying almost everything on Amazon, and the love that has developed between us is strong. She has never let me down, but she knows that relationships require work, and she’s constantly finding new ways to spice things up (like Sunday deliveries and free 1-day deliveries). I love her. Now, I think retailers are finally starting to adapt their in-store experiences to try to woo me back. 

On Christmas Eve, I learned two things about Best Buy — that BestBuy.com offers an abysmal eCommerce experience, and the Best Buy near me is much nicer than it used to be. I wouldn’t want to compete against Amazon in the eCommerce game, and I don’t think BestBuy.com is even trying. Long story short, I found out from BestBuy.com at noon on Christmas Eve that my wife’s only big gift wasn’t coming. So I sprang into action, jumped in my truck, and headed to the chaos of Christmas Eve shopping in a large suburb. I felt like Jason Bourne — driving towards the fight. But then my in-store experience was fantastic. I was greeted within seconds of entering the store by a helpful associate who knew what I needed him to know about Apple Watches. He clearly described my options, and gave me a recommendation that wasn’t the most expensive watch. Then he checked me out at small desk, and I was done. I was in the store for maybe 8 minutes, which is exactly how long I want to be in a Best Buy.

On the way home I stopped at a spirits store to stock up for the long week ahead. I went to a big store with a huge selection of wine, beer and liquor — and it was busy. To my surprise, there was a sommelier working the floor. I like to bring a bottle of wine to a party, but I don’t drink enough wine to know what I’m doing. Having a wine expert choose a few bottles for me saved me from wandering the aisles and making bad decisions. It seems like an obvious move to have a salesman on hand to help customers buy more wine on the busiest alcohol sales day of the year, but this store hadn’t done it before.

Fast-forward a couple weeks, and I decided to try Walmart Pickup for the first time. It’s great. It might be the first time I’ve ever thought that anything at Walmart was great. (When I go to Walmart, I treat it like a job — get in, get out, and remind myself that I’m there to save money). Walmart Pickup was great, from start to finish. I filled my cart online and chose a pickup time — super easy. When I left my house, I clicked one button in the app to let them know I was coming. When I arrived at the store, my phone immediately notified me that I had arrived, and my order would be out in a couple minutes. I entered the number of the spot where I was parked, and in less than 5 minutes a really, really helpful associate brought me my groceries. We reviewed a couple substitutions they had made (Ex. bigger pack of bottled water for the price of the smaller pack I ordered), I accepted all the subs, and he loaded my truck. When I tried to tip him, he refused the tip and asked me to give him a positive review online, which I did (similar to rating an Uber driver).

In the world of in-store experiences, Nordstrom’s customer service is legendary, but providing a great customer experience was always their niche. It’s worth repeating: great customer service was (maybe still is) a niche offering. But, based on my recent shopping trips, more brick and mortar retailers are stepping up their customer service in terms of both style and substance to better compete with our online options and their real world peers. And they’re killing it.

I’m not saying things are over between me and Amazon, but I’m a little more interested in playing the field again now. Competition forces companies to adapt and improve and, ultimately, consumers are the winners. Thanks, Jeff.

Vinyl may have peaked a bit before my time, but I can still recall browsing and listening to my dad’s collection back in the 80s. It was a nice little mix of Classic Rock, R&B, Pop and Soul. That was my first real exposure to music. It was unforgettable…the look, the feel, the sound and even the smell were all so unique. And let’s face it, music was so big back then…literally!

Most of the equipment was substantial, from the size of the albums to the heavy component stacks and speakers, giant headphones included. That entire vinyl musical experience was much different than our interaction with music today. Each music format that has followed has become less and less hands off. These days, for many of us, music is nothing more than an app on our smartphones.

We can even talk to our phone (or speaker), asking it to play a song/artist and within seconds we’re rocking out. This is mind blowing technology that offers incredibly easy access to a seemingly endless amount of music, but it has fundamentally altered the whole experience. That tactile element is now gone. People are starting to realize the real price of this technological convenience.

I think that’s part of the reason why we’ve seen vinyl make a mini comeback. It’s the same reason why some people are freaking out about Best Buy putting an end to their CD section. People don’t want to totally lose that physical connection to their music. Oftentimes, it’s the tactile feedback that creates the truly memorable experiences in our lives. The same principle can apply to your marketing mix.

Let’s use email as an example. Yes, when done correctly it can be extremely effective, but in a digital world, email has become the norm. Sometimes, in a digital world, you need to mix in a little bit of analog magic to stand out from the crowd and help connect to your audience on an entirely different level. It’s very easy to scroll past an email, but slightly harder to miss a thoughtful, customized, physical mailer.  So go on…put a little analog back into your mix!

And if you need some help with ideas, Yalo has you covered! We take pride in crafting the perfect mixtape for your marketing; a seamless blend of digital AND analog formats, to help your organization produce the results you are looking for.

‘Tis the season to look ahead to next year’s trends! From tech and marketing to fabulous fungi, these are a few things the Yalo team is excited to see more of in 2018.

Thanksgiving leftovers have all been eaten and many Americans already have their stockings hung by the chimney with care. And for the better part of the past week, many of our inboxes were filled with offers of Black Friday and Cyber Monday super deals. Retailers did well again this year, with Black Friday sales up $17.9% to $7.9 billion and projected Cyber Monday sales up 16.8% to $6.59 billion.* But are these two big shopping days still really a big deal?

While holiday shoppers still love a bargain, the way they shop is shifting, thanks to better technology and faster internet. Does anyone remember that Cyber Monday started way back in 2005, when many consumers didn’t have high-speed internet at home and shopped online at the office after returning from the Thanksgiving holiday?

Today, most not only have high-speed connections at home, but also smartphones that allow them to shop anywhere. Those two developments in technology continue to blur the lines of these traditional offline and online mega shopping days. This year, most Black Friday sales didn’t happen amidst crowds that got in line at 4:00 a.m. to rush big box doors when they opened. A full $5.03 billion came from shoppers who opted to stay home and shop online, instead. On Cyber Monday, many shoppers browsed and bought from wherever they wanted, with a record-breaking $1.12 billion of those sales coming from mobile purchases.

So, what do these trends mean for marketers? For some, like serial pranksters Cards Against Humanity, it was business as usual with a big Black Friday PR stunt. The game maker announced it will leave the games industry to focus on its real passion of “revolutionizing snack food.”  The announcement came with real Original Prongles chips appearing on store shelves and a website promoting the stackable snack.

Some retailers walked away from the hoopla all together. REI pretty quietly decided to #OptOutside for the third year in a row, closing its doors and urging consumers to skip the mall and get outside. Arguably it’s less of a stunt at this point than a cultural norm for the brand.

Others crossed over into the Giving Tuesday trend a little early and went charitable with their promotions. ModCloth, literally broke up with Black Friday, shutting down its site for the day and basically giving the “holiday” an “it’s not you, it’s me” on its blog. Employees got the day off and the online clothing retailer donated $5 million to nonprofit Dress for Success. Even Old Navy, famous for its celebrity holiday campaigns, opted to go lower-key with digital-only video spots featuring a voiceover by Jenny Slate and a promotion that donated up to $1 million to Boys and Girls Clubs.

And then, there were those that, well . . . were so over it they forgot to do anything?

As technology continues to influence our holiday traditions, it seems the one thing we can still look forward to (at least for now) is a handful of beautiful, emotive, big-budget TV spots from big brands. How has it changed your holiday traditions as a shopper or marketer?