Colin MacGregor

Make it make sense. What is driving voters to support progressive-leaning ballot measures (think protecting abortion rights and raising the minimum wage) while voting for conservative candidates? My colleague Meisha Thigpen brings a behavioral lens to it. And the answer is kind of simple. As Meisha says, "few of us really understand how to “fix” the economy. Or Gaza. Or racism. I’d bet that even fewer people truly understand what their preferred political candidates will do about these issues". Whereas local issues are easier to understand and, importantly, easier to connect how the consequences will impact you and your life.

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I am a social media manager for a group called Multi Media Club at Columbia College Chicago. However before we were Multi Media Club- We were Journalism Club. We made big decisions to change the name and where to go with the group. But it all worked out in the end and the whole E-board is excited for another semester of fun activities! This flyer was for Block Party which introduces students to clubs on campus. #socialmediamarketing #socialmedia #digitalmarketing #socialmediamanager #socialmediamanagement #socialmediatips #socialmediatipsandtricks

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Pro tip: Use copy that'll get their attention. 😉 #cancelledpartygame #cancelled #chicago #ooh #outofhome #advertising

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🎀Who said Barbie can't ball? 🏀 The Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever teamed up with Barbie for a special WNBA collaboration. From the court to the runway, the WNBA's Barbie partnership shows how brands can tap into nostalgia and culture across generations. However, Barbie is not the first brand to do this. We've seen LEGO creating interactive and inclusive experiences. LEGO often re-releases classic sets and collaborates with popular franchises showcasing diverse role models. So, are you team Barbie Lego, or Both, team inclusivity? Seeing these companies champion diversity, creativity, and inclusivity is incredible. Lego's showed us that "Everything is Awesome". Barbie's latest move with the WNBA highlights a shift in women's sports and a broader need for diversity and representation. It's an exciting time for marketers—it's time to connect and foster inclusivity. https://lnkd.in/gm8MMdrg

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The Beginner's Guide to Programmatic Advertising

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Why Do I Need a Marketing Agency? Whether you're launching a new product or trying to stand out in a crowded market, strategic ad placement and compelling messaging are crucial. At Collective Alternative, we blend science and art to craft campaigns that deliver results. Contact us today for a free strategy session: https://lnkd.in/e_Gav_H #MakingBusinessPersonal #collectivealternative #indymarketingagency #thecaway #indianapolismarketing #smallbusiness #lovelocal #indianamarketing #smallbusinessmarketing

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Here are some of the best moments from our Purdue signing event with the Rohrman group! The community came out in full force to support their favorite team, making it a day to remember! 🌟 #orangemediagroup #omgorange #advertisingbudget #advertisingagency #digitaladvertising #mediadesign #marketingstrategy #mediaplanning #internalmarketing #emailmarketing

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Yesterday was my last day at Leo Burnett Detroit. To be leaving on my own terms for a better opportunity is a privilege I don’t take lightly—and one that many of my colleagues in this city-wide shakeup don’t currently have. (People with advertising chops and years of experience far beyond my own.) Not to get too think-piecey about it, but people need to understand the insane degree of ad talent in this town. A criminally misused, or misunderstood degree. Automotive work tends to hide the brushstrokes. But it’s damned hard to make. The corporate crucible through which any automotive idea has to travel toward its final form is so lengthy, so uniquely severe, that if it still has a modicum of heart and soul by the time it hits your TV screen, I can assure you it started life as a lightning bolt. That frequently demoralizing process requires a highly specialized, inordinately stubborn brand of creative. A masterful masochist in love with the CRAFT, however screwed up the PROCESS. And Detroit is full of them: world-class creatives yet to receive their flowers. As for me, I’ll never take for granted how special it felt to have such an intimate influence on a historic brand like Cadillac day in, day out. I felt a bit like sweaty Oz behind the curtain. Some fool who stumbled into an accidental amount of power over the creative direction of an American legacy. Most Cadillac spots that reached broadcast over the past 2 years started as a blank word doc on my computer, and for that opportunity I am forever indebted to the amazing leaders I worked with at LBD. Giant brands are unwieldy creatures, careening not necessarily in the direction of good ideas but the weight of their own gravity. An iceberg is going to keep sliding where it wants to, no matter how disruptive and category-defying the concepts you pitch it as it slides. But for those of us masochists still in love with the craft, I guess we’ll wake up Monday and keep yelling at the icebergs. 

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Is your brand's visual identity stuck in a rut? Generic fonts can leave your marketing materials feeling uninspired and forgettable. Here at Gray Line Media, we believe that the right font can elevate your brand personality, making it more approachable, trustworthy, or even playful. 💯 We've curated a list of 5 free, delightful fonts that will help you stand out from the crowd! Contact Gray Line Media today and let's work together to craft a visual identity that captures attention and attracts new clients! ✊ #attentiongrabbing #shortformvideo #createcontent #storytelling #marketingtips #digitalmarketing #socialmediamarketing #monetizeyourinstagram #graylinemedia #marketingagency #advertisingagency #marketingagencyus #marketingagencytampa #advertisingagencyusa #marketingagencyflorida #socialmediatips #smmagency #contentmarketing #inboundmarketing #marketingtrends #marketingstrategy #marketing101 #marketingtips #contentstrategy

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Agency vs. Corporate: This question constantly rears its head throughout a marketer’s career. Which side of the fence do you fall on? For Kourtny Shaw, Director of Marketing at Southwestern Illinois College, the answer is clear: Corporate all the way. But why? Kourtny argues that immersing yourself in a single brand gives you: → A deeper understanding of the brand's nuances → Greater focus and clarity in your marketing efforts → One cohesive strategy to wrap your head around On the flip side, agency life can be a whirlwind. Juggling multiple clients and campaigns simultaneously can be: → Overwhelming and mentally taxing → Difficult to give each brand the attention it deserves → Tough to strike a balance between creativity and business objectives But let’s be crystal clear: there's no right or wrong answer. It all comes down to your personal preferences and career goals. Some thrive on the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of agency work. Others prefer the depth and stability of working on a singular brand. The key is to find the environment that allows you to: → Showcase your strengths → Grow and learn in ways that excite you → Strike the balance between creative and business outcomes — So, which side do you fall on? Are you team agency or team corporate? Why? Tune in to this week's episode with Kourtny Shaw to hear more about her journey and insights!

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🚀 Key Takeaways from MAICON 2024 🤖 Back from #MAICON2024 in Cleveland this week. Thanks to Paul Roetzer and his team for an incredible conference. Here are 10 themes that stood out (and why) about the future of AI in marketing. 📈💡 1. AI Literacy and Upskilling: The First Step to Success * Why: Without a foundational understanding of AI, teams won’t be able to fully leverage its capabilities, it’s crucial to further education and upskilling now.
 2. Adopt AI or Risk Becoming Obsolete * Why: AI is no longer optional—companies must either embrace it or get left behind as AI-native businesses dominate.
 3. AI as Intelligence Augmentation, Not Replacement * Why: AI enhances human skills, allowing teams to do more with less; it’s not about replacing people, but making them more effective. 4. AI Enhances Creativity: Human + Machine * Why: AI democratizes creativity, enabling marketers to generate more ideas and content, but human ingenuity remains key to producing truly original work. 
 5. Mass Personalization: Delightful vs. Creepy * Why: Customers expect personalized experiences, and AI enables it, but marketers need to find the right balance to avoid crossing the line from useful to invasive.
 6. Master Your Data to Unlock AI’s Full Potential * Why: Accurate and well-structured customer data is the backbone of effective AI, enabling businesses to achieve meaningful insights and personalized marketing.
 7. Customer Experience Over Outputs: AI’s Real Value * Why: While AI can increase speed and output volume, its true potential lies in delivering superior customer experiences and driving outcomes that matter.
 8. Ethics and Trust Are Non-Negotiable * Why: As AI becomes more prevalent, maintaining ethical practices and building trust through transparency will be key to earning long-term customer loyalty.
 9. Prepare for AI’s Legal Challenges Now * Why: Copyright, data rights, and ethical concerns will create legal challenges for years to come, making it essential to stay ahead of these issues through proactive planning.
 10. Don’t Underestimate the Speed of AI Disruption * Why: Job disruption and rapid change are coming faster than most anticipate; AGI is expected in the next 2-8 years, where AI will outperform humans in most cognitive tasks. How will you adapt and take advantage?

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Attending the “Gaming 101: Engaging a Powerful and Growing Community” presentation at Midwest Digital Marketing Conference was enlightening. Here are some of my key takeaways: Gaming’s Unmatched Influence Gaming now generates more revenue than music and movies combined. It’s crucial for brands to integrate gaming into their marketing strategies to stay relevant and effectively engage their audience. Authentic Engagement is Key Authenticity is vital in the gaming community. Brands need to genuinely understand and use the language, memes, and interests of gamers to build trust and connection. Platform-Specific Strategies Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Discord, and Reddit are essential in gaming culture. Brands must leverage these platforms strategically to create impactful and targeted campaigns. Gaming offers incredible opportunities for brands willing to dive in authentically and strategically. Thank you Sean Hixson and Bobby Ceresia for your insight on this topic! #GamingIndustry #MarketingInsights #AuthenticMarketing #DigitalMarketing #GamingPlatforms

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UNO Branding is an independent, minority-owned creative agency based in Minneapolis, MN. We specialize in multicultural and empathy-driven branding work, distinguishing ourselves from average marketing agencies through our strategic approach, originality, and diverse expertise. Our services cater to a wide range of multicultural audiences, offering unique and award-winning design solutions with a cross-cultural impact. Services Provided: Marketing Strategy: We create comprehensive marketing plans tailored to reach and engage multicultural audiences. Ethnic Research and Consulting: Our ethnographic study, Filtros™, helps us understand diverse cultural perspectives, informing our design and branding strategies. Brand Strategy and Positioning: We develop strong brand identities and position them effectively in the market. Brand Development and Rebranding: Our team revitalizes existing brands and creates new ones that resonate with diverse audiences. Messaging: We craft compelling brand messages that connect with target audiences. Print and Packaging: We design visually striking and culturally relevant print and packaging solutions. Environmental Design: Our expertise extends to creating immersive branded environments. Experience: We have successfully partnered with both large and small businesses to grow their brands through strategic, design-driven results that produce connected experiences. Our client list includes renowned names such as: Household Names: 3M, General Mills, MTV, PepsiCo, Target Education Organizations: American Institute of Graphic Arts, Hmong College Prep Academy, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Saint Paul Public Library, Saint Paul Public Schools, Public Broadcasting Service, Twin Cities Public Television, Walker Art Center Governmental Organizations: The City of Minneapolis, City of Saint Paul, National Museum of the American Latino, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, USPS Why Do Business with Us: Diverse Expertise: Our multicultural focus and empathy-driven approach ensure our creative solutions resonate with diverse communities. Proven Track Record: We have a history of delivering award-winning designs and successful campaigns for various clients, including educational institutions and governmental organizations since 1999. Strategic Approach: Our services are backed by thorough ethnic research and consulting, ensuring our strategies are culturally relevant and practical. Certified and Reliable: As a certified minority- and woman-owned business with multiple certifications, we meet high standards of quality and reliability. Innovative Solutions: We use our unique Filtros™ method to create innovative, culturally insightful designs that stand out in the market. Contact Information: Carolina Ornelas: Co-founder & Managing Director, [email protected], + 1 612.874.1920 Ext: 11 Luis Fitch: Co-founder & Creative Director, [email protected], +1 612.874.1920 Ext: 10

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Great article below that shows an interesting perspective on the 2024 election, by reflecting on the powerful visuals that have shaped our political landscape. From campaign ads to debates, these iconic moments not only capture a candidate's message but also resonate with voters on a deeper level. From branding, to social media, to fashion......this election really showed how crucial visual storytelling is when trying to sway public opinion. https://lnkd.in/eNncy6yn

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I couldn't agree more. The whirlwind rush to integrate AI into every artistic endeavor resembles an eager intern persistently declaring, “I can help, I can help, I can help” when you might not need it. While some proclaim AI as Michelangelo to our creative Sistine Chapel, it’s crucial to frame this expectation thoughtfully. From my standpoint, AI emerges as a transformative digital muse, delivering valuable insights and seamlessly handling routine tasks. This liberation empowers creatives to focus intently on the finesse of persuasive artistry, amplifying their creative potential. As we extend the metaphorical brush to our digital companions, let’s bear in mind that while AI adeptly mimics strokes, it’s the human touch – with its inherent messiness, imperfections, and unfiltered beauty – that ultimately defines the masterpiece.

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New segment alert! This year we introduced the “Pep’s Drafthaus Category Draft” into our Wisconsin Huddle TV show, which has made for some great engaging content with the Badger players. Check out the category draft from week 3 below. Category: Top Fast Food Places. Who had the better draft? Element

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Retail Media Monthly - Back to school with laptop brands Laptop brands went all-in on Retail Media this #BackToSchool season, generating impression levels that even outpaced Black Friday '23, surging to 366M in August. In fact, for five of the leading advertisers, Retail Media accounted for more than half of their total digital impressions for the month, with Lenovo gaining almost 98% of their impressions from Retail Media Networks. But, as hard as they try, no one can seem to take a bite out of Apple as the laptop advertiser led with 104M impressions across 3 different RMN's. Want to see more Retail Media Insights, and what RMN's topped the list to reach those back-to-school teenage techies? Check out our latest blog post: https://ow.ly/NhBk30sHjrC #BackToSchoolAdvertising #RetailMedia #RetailMediaNetworks

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Dive into the diversity of ad creativity with Chris Stonick's insights! Not everyone loves vanilla, and that's okay in advertising too. Embrace multiple flavors in your ad strategy to cater to different tastes! #MarketingStrategy #AdvertisingDiversity #RadioInk

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