A Mother's Day Recipe

At 31STHQ we have quite a few mums. And as 'working mums' they are pretty incredible multitasking women. Shout outs to - Bec with three girls, Mel with two kids (Jeremy is a fav in the office), Adele with little Mia and Libby with Asher aka Peggy. All these Mums (and yours) deserve to put their feet up for Mother's Day on Sunday.

What do we recommend?

Forget the gift and give a gesture. We recommend cooking up this Campbell's Co Cog Vin for lunch whilst pouring a big glass of bubbles or vino. Letting Mum have a quiet Sunday, no running around and most importantly - no stress!

Here's the full recipe - enjoy.

Design for Vehicles

At 31STHQ each day is different. Some days we are brainstorming for new campaigns, other days we may be rolling out a shopper marketing campaign or designing a brochure or logo. Sometimes, we could be just sending out final artwork.

Lately, we've been wrapping a lot of vehicles. Yes, we really can design anything here.

We've just finished wrapping this ute for Bacardi Oakheart.

And this tram for Unilever specifically for Rexona F1.

This is an oldie but we've also wrapped a mini. Cute hey?!

So if you've ever thought can 31ST:SECOND help us with that? Just call us or shoot us an email, no problem is too big (or small) for us!

31ST Staff Q&A: Shelley

We've mentioned there's a few new faces at 31ST HQ – but in amongst it, is one of our old favourites – Shelley!

Originally hailing from the UK – bubbly and outgoing Shelley is our Account Manager for clients such as Bacardi, Arnott's and The Nail Lab. Her specialty at 31ST is Visual Display and Merchandising – and she is also a member of the 31ST Social Committee. 

Here we've asked Shelley a few questions to get to know her better... yeaaahh, buddy! (That's her favourite saying, by the way).

1. Any nicknames:

Shells Bells, Chippy (only my parents call me that... random)

2. An average weekend are spent:

Socialising with friends, being out and about, fitness, eating and drinking

3. One thing people don't know about you:

My family's surname was originally 'Bonvino' (which aptly means 'Good Wine' in Italian) 

4. The most played song on your iPod:

Matt Corby and Ed Sheeran, brother!

5. Book you're reading at the moment:

50 Shades of Grey…again!

6. Last SMS you received:

"Do we like this dress for Vegas!?" (with image reference) Sent by one of my girlfriends in the UK via our group chat on WhatsApp

7. Any secret talents:

I can do the splits (although haven't tried for a wee while…)

8. Latest splurge and steal:

Latest Splurge: Shipping my Mercedes SLK over from the UK. Latest Steal: One Teaspoon jeans on sale at half price

9. Favourite holiday destination:

It was Australia, so I moved here

10. What would you do with your last $20

Go out for a drink with someone special to me… and shout them also! 

A Guide on Running Instagram Promotions - Part 1

So are you thinking of running an Instagram Promotion?

It's easier than you think, here's our how to guide on running an Instagram Promotion.

1. Promotion mechanics
Keep it simple! This is the golden rule of any promotion, especially on social media. Too many steps = complication = low entries. Make the promotion mechanic entry easy - the golden rule of any promotion. We recommend a simple hashtag and instagram tag to enter (@username), take a photo about something or the most liked photo wins.

2. Hashtag
Create a hashtag so that you can keep on top of all entries. Use a hashtag that isn't used regularly like #foodstagram or #igersydney. Make your hashtag specific like #31STSECONDcomp. That way you won't be caught up in other commonly used hashtags.

3. Big Prize Pool
The more prizes available means the more chance of winning. If possible offer one major prize or more if budget permits! Then entice more entries by offering a pool of secondary prizes. We all like to think we may win... More prizes = more entries = more noise on social media = more opportunity to WIN!

4. Announce your winner on Instagram
Don't leave people in the dark, win or loose - everyone wants to know that someone did win! Do a shout out and tag the winners. Better yet notify your winners on Instagram, why not?!

Unique Facebook Campaign: Grey Poupon

No doubt we're living in the digital age, where usually the more Facebook friends or fans as you have – the better... so it's refreshing to finally see one brand going against the grain.

Grey Poupon is a high-end mustard brand that uses the element of exclusivity to differentiate itself from competitors, with its quirky "The Society of Good Taste" – the world’s first discerning Facebook page.

All wannabe fans of Grey Poupon are required to apply for membership through its "The Society of Good Taste" app, where a clever algorithm screens each potential fan's Facebook profile to gauge their interests, friends, grammar, restaurant check ins, etc – then ultimately assigning a score that determines whether they are 'refined' enough to be a Grey Poupon fan.

If the algorithm detects poor taste in music or TXT speak, for example, membership would be rejected. What's more – any fans that try to 'Like' the page without going through this process, will be deleted.

If this sounds ridiculously elitist, that's the point.

Their unique positioning fits the brand's lineage of being synonymous with refined taste and premium quality – whilst creating talkability and buzz to curate a smaller, but more engaged fan base.

To find out whether you cut the mustard for its exclusive membership, visit www.societyofgoodtaste.com.

Mentos 3D Gum

We're still on a high after winning 'Small Agency of the Year' - if you haven't heard yet - here's the full story. As we get off our little high, it's back to creating the best work we can for each and every one of our clients.

Speaking of clients, Stuart Alexander engaged us to relaunch of Mentos 3D Gum.

What 31ST:SECOND created is a shopper marketing and path to purchase strategy to get this product from the shelf to the shopper basket with the intent of repeat purchases. For the campaign, we created a strap line that encaptulated the product difference 'Flavour in 3D' with a drive to purchase 'get a triplelicious burst'. The artwork is super bright with the intent to stop shoppers in their tracks and into the shopper mindset - featuring shopalites and a complete point of sale suite.

We're stoked with the results. Keep an eye out for it!

We WON an AdNews Award!

Our small lil agency reached a LARGE milestone last night...

We at 31ST are thrilled to announce that we have WON our first AdNews Award for 'Small Agency of the Year, 2012'!!!

The win was completely unexpected, as there were many great agencies vying for the title – but we are honoured to be recognised for our (reasonably new 3-year old) company's huge achievements and growth for the past year.

Dressed up to the nines with our frocks and heels (and suits for our 3 boys) – everybody in the 31ST team attended the Award ceremony, along with the big wigs of the advertising industry.

We were treated to a delicious sit down dinner, while the absolutely hilarious Julia Morris MC'd the event – she had us in stitches the whole night!

In summary we had an awesome night to mark a great year. We would like to thank our lovely clients, business partners, suppliers, work mates, friends, families, loved ones and even our pets for this achievement.

Check out our some of our happy snaps below.
More photos will be posted on our Facebook page next week... Watch this space.

Innovative Floor Decals

Creative, humorous, eye catching, interactive and sometimes a little unexpected – the use of innovative floor decals are a successful tool for many brands to raise its brand and market awareness, as well as promoting product benefits.

For example, who doesn't imagine going on a holiday when faced with a photo realistic decal of a beach scene on their peak-hour train floor or ski slopes on a bus terminal floor (refer to images below)?

The other great things about decals are they are easily customisable in shape, size, finishes (they can even produce decals that use projections, LED and scents!) and placement areas – which can vary from supermarket aisles, sidewalks, outside store areas, shopping centres, train/bus stations, stairs, escalators... the possibilites are endless!

We at 31ST have created creative decals for our clients in the past, so if you want to know more about decals – we're happy to answer your questions  :-)

Otherwise check out some of our favourite innovative floor decal examples from around the world, that will get you thinking... Enjoy!

Online Retailer Strategies

It's a tough world being in the online business. A decade ago, this phenomena of buying at 3am in the morning was non-existent. These days, it's a part of life - pretty much anything and everything can be done from behind the computer (or ipad or smartphone or tablet).

As avid online shoppers we know a good deal when we see one. When Styletread introduced 3 hour express delivery - we thought pure genius. We're still in bed with the good old free shipping strategy - it gets us everytime. But, when eyewear company Oscar Wylee introduced free home trial of 5 glasses with no obligations and no delivery charges - we instantly thought *ding* it's time for a new pair of geek-chic!

Sometimes as much as we love promotions and activations - it's these marketing strategies and point of differences which can make waves on a daily basis. Ok, now to try on those glasses...

A Crafty Paper Site

We don't like to admit it, but most of us in the studio are 'paper-geeks'. We love to create dielines and get a little paper engineer-ey. It's hard, often a bit of a mental-struggle but if we can execute what we conceptualize, it's a win-win plus a pat on the ol' back.

A little while ago we stumbled across this site. And we're full of paper-envy. Check it out and if you're inclined get a little paper-geeky and create some of the tutorials on the weekend.

Supermarket Sweep January

Every Monday morning, we gather around our large boardroom table and go through the WIP (work in progress). It's usually a long list - but it's a task that keeps us on top of our deadlines and helps us plan the week ahead.

What you may not know, is that after every WIP we have a presentation called 'supermarket sweeps'. We have a schedule for the whole year, where a staff member is allocated the task of  'sweeping' supermarkets, bottle shops and convenience stores for a week. Their mission - to snap promotions that tickle our fancy, point of sale that strikes a cord or just anything that makes us stop-during-our-shop.

This week's sweep was by Shelley (our account manager working across Bacardi Lion and Campbell Arnotts). Here are a few of the top things that came out of her supermarket week.

Valentine's Day FREEBIES for you!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Whilst not all of us will be spoilt with dozens of red roses and teddy bears today – ALL of you are welcome to our 31ST Valentine's Day freebies...

For the first time in 31ST history, we have created our own custom made wallpapers for you to enjoy.

There are two fun Valentine's Day sets to choose from: Heart Confetti or Stripey Heart. Both sets contain wallpapers for an iPhone, iPad and a desktop. Simply click on the links below to grab the JPEGs.

So what are you waiting for? ...Start downloading now!

Share them with your loved ones. Share them with friends, neighbours and even pets!
Share the love, people!

Heart Confetti:
iPhone
iPad
1600x1200 

Stripey Heart:
iPhone
iPad
1600x1200

Fundraising Campaign: Cupid's Undie Fun Run

Seems Sydney is all about fun and cheeky fundraising these past few months!

We’ve recently mentioned January’s No Pants Subway Ride – now it’s time to bare your undies AGAIN for February’s Cupid's Undie Run... all in the name of charity!

The annual Cupid's Undie Run is a first in Australia – in addition to the current line-up of 17 participating U.S. cities including NYC, LA, San Fran, Chicago and Washington DC.

The 1.5km run aims to raise serious money for The Children’s Tumour Foundation (currently raising $11,525 at last count). With all donations over $2 being tax deductable, you can fundraise as an individual or join a team.

The shenanigans begins at 12-4pm on Sunday, 10 February 2013 at Darling Harbour. There will also be cool cupid-themed prizes up for grabs, as well as a VIP Open Bar.

For more details, check out Cupid's Undie Run's website.

Some exciting news

Ahhhh twenty-thirteen has started off with a B.A.N.G!

We have super exciting news to share with you all - we are finalists for Adnews' Small Agency of the Year Awards 2012. Can you believe it?! We are still pinching ourselves. Being only three years old we would never have envisaged being recognised - considering we are such young players in this big advertising pond.

Either way, we are so happy and hope we can take out the big gong come the awards night on 28th February - wish us luck!