Tag Archives: social media
PrimeFare West Symposium
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to speak at the PrimeFare West Symposium in Denver, Co. I spoke on how Social Media compares to Traditional Marketing and why it is beneficial to integrate it into marketing strategies. You can view my presentation by clicking HERE.
Featured on Startup Memphis
Midtown entrepreneurs contribute to thriving ecosystem Posted on January 3, 2013 by James Dowd Continuing its emergence as a bustling retail/business center in the heart of Midtown, the Cooper Young community and the area just adjacent to it welcome some new developments here in the first few days of 2013. First, the long-time company Toof Commercial Printing at 670 S. Cooper recently announced plans to acquire American Digital Printing and merge the two operations. The 17 employees of American Digital will migrate to Toof’s headquarters on Cooper and owners say that during the next year the company likely will be adding workers. That’s definitely great news and an indication that Toof, which traces its roots to 1864, is poised to be around for many more years. Second, Ray Rico Freelance has signed a lease for 550 square feet at 2294 Young Ave. Rico has been working on the property, which formerly housed Victory Bicycle Studio and Shoenista’s, by sandblasting the outside bricks and transforming the interior space by erecting walls and adding fresh paint. Plans call for Rico’s team to open a creative co-op within the year. “The move to Cooper Young was deliberate,” Rico said in an email. “Cooper Young was recently named one of 10 great neighborhoods by the American Planning Association’s Great Places in America program. The area is central, diverse and includes a vibrant arts community. Not to mention I live close by. We have big plans for this space.” And that’s not all. Similar to Toof, which plans to generate jobs, Rico has added two full-time spots at the firm (office administration and client development) and will add a Web development position in the coming months. Finally – for now…I’m certain that much more is in store in the days, weeks and months ahead – Kathy Katz has opened Cooper Street 20/20 at 800 S. Cooper. The name is a reference to Katz’s decades of experience as a restaurateur at the Southern College of Optometry. The new market is open from noon to 7 p.m., Mondays through Fridays and features “prepared soups, sauces, entrees and side dishes, featuring fresh, quality foods with local ingredients whenever possible.” Stop by from 4 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 10 for the grand opening celebration and to welcome Katz’s establishment to the neighborhood. Visit www.cooperstreet2020.com to learn more. I realize there’s plenty to be concerned about these days, what with the fiscal cliff stories dominating news coverage and updates on tax hikes creating concern for most of us, but news like this offers a bit of inspiration as we look forward at the year to come. Here’s hoping for the best for these companies and for the rest of our entrepreneurial ecosystem, too. View article here: http://startupmemphis.com/2013/01/03/midtown-entrepreneurs-continue-to-thrive/
Featured in the Cooper Young Lamplighter
Ray Rico Freelance Moves Into Cooper Young, Plans for Creative Co-Op By Kristan on January 10, 2013 After operating six years as a freelancer and hiring strictly contract labor, Ray Rico announced today that Ray Rico Freelance has signed a lease for 550 square feet in the heart of the Cooper Young Historic District {2294 Young Avenue} effective December 1, 2012. The space sits on the opposite corner of the current Cooper Young Business Association office and previous tenants include Victory Bicycle Studio and Shoenista’s. Rico had outside bricks sandblasted and constructed and painted inside walls in order to prepare the space for the opportunities that Ray Rico Freelance can offer its clients and the community. The team has already been working with Eric Mathews of Launch Memphis on its one year growth plan, to open Memphis’ first creative co-op. “The move to Cooper Young was deliberate,” affirmed Rico. “Cooper Young was recently named one of 10 great neighborhoods by the American Planning Association’s Great Places in America program. The area is central, diverse and includes a vibrant arts community. Not to mention I live close by. We have big plans for this space.” Additionally, Ray Rico Freelance has created and filled two full-time positions. Kathy Benefiel, who has a background in the medical field, manages office administration and bookkeeping. Tammy Bryant is in charge of new business development and current client expectations. Bryant’s background is in print sales and advertising. By the first of the year, Ray Rico Freelance will also employ a full-time web developer. About Ray Rico Freelance Ray Rico Freelance is a strategic marketing firm that specializes in branding and design, speedy printing and online marketing including social media and website design. Other services include grant writing, promotional items, copywriting and editing, photography and videography. Because of its small team and network of local vendors, Ray Rico Freelance can be efficient and affordable for small to medium businesses. Community partners include Leadership Memphis, Common Ground, YWCA, Wolf River Conservancy, MASE, MidSouth Pride, Friends For Life and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis among others. Ray Rico Freelance Spends Local Because We Are Local. For more information, visit www.rayricofreelance.com. To see the original story visit: http://lamplighter.cooperyoung.org/2013/01/10/ray-rico-freelance-moves-into-cooper-young-plans-for-creative-co-op/
Serving Community: Leadership Memphis
For two years in a row we have been happy to align ourselves with Leadership Memphis. A graduate of the Spring 2010 class, Principal Ray Rico knows the importance of promoting Memphis and how helping to retain young professionals here is. “Going through the program helped not only enlighten me about what was going on in my community but it allowed me the opportunity to make a difference.” By partnering with Leadership Memphis Ray Rico Freelance has become a resourceful resource to many of the communications you receive from the organization. Here are some things you might have seen from us.
As seen on TV
This January 2012, we got to embark on a very fun project with a long time client, Turn Her Style. At the end of 2011, planning began on how to re-launch the brand and generate a buzz. Our plan involved updating the logo, creating a TV commercial, print ads and a social media campaign. In late January, we began production for our TV commercials. After writing and casting the roles we began production on our :30 and :60 masterpieces. The process was grueling but in the end we were happy with the way the commercials turned out and the response we got from them. Check out this funny photo. Classy, huh? In order to re-launch the brand successfully again, we also began redesigning the website. And our efforts on social media weren’t missed. The buzz on the commercials alone had our audience talking about Turn Her Style for months and generated calls and business.
Feliz Año Nuevo Amigos
Welcome to 2012. Thanks to everyone who helped Ray Rico Freelance have one of the most successful years yet. We look forward to another great year working with you all. 2012 is already off to a great start with lots of new projects and opportunities. Here is hoping you all make the very best of yours. Cheers!
AHA of the Mid-South Heart Walk 2011
Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the American Heart Association of Memphis’ Heart Walk 2011. I had a great time at my first walk. I was there in support of my friend and client, Jonna Elzen. She is the biggest AHA advocate I know and was the celebrated by the crowd of 4,000 as the #1 Top Walker (again, year after year). Jonna and her team raised $5,600 to help fund the fight for Heart Disease. Way to go, buddy! Check out the Team Jonna Facebook page and follow her on her journey. Photos from the event are also found here.
We’re committed to Common Ground
Being a positive force in your community is good for everyone. That is why Ray Rico Freelance continually donates services and serves as an Advisory Board member to help eradicate racism through Common Ground. Check out the group page on Facebook here
Working for a drug company
We are in the final stages of wrapping up a campaign with a pharmaceutical company, Top Rx. For this campaign, they came to us needing help promoting a new savings program they were offering. Weeks later, we present to you the fruits of our labor. Looking forward to the analytics next.
Social Media Responsibility
Running social media means you have to police accounts. A good rule of thumb is if something is deemed unsuitable, remove it; but make it practice to send a message to the poster. Explain why you removed the post professionally and courteously.
