modern8 eNews: June 2003

You get on the elevator on the first floor. By the time you reach the third floor, can you tell someone what business you're in and have them understand it? Can you also explain what differentiates your business? And why it matters? Having a succinct elevator pitch is not only a good marketing tool but can lead to defining who you are, what you stand for and why customers should place faith in your products or services - the very substance of branding.

modern8 was recently selected to present their own elevator pitch at a CEO marketing seminar presented by UITA (Utah Information Technologies Association). The occasion spawned revisions to the "What We Do" section of the modern8 website, where you can find not only our elevator pitch, but a new chart that details the three-phase/twelve-step Design Process.

The regional business publication, Connect, has posted the online version of their June issue which contains the article "Searching for Your Brand" written by modern8 creative director Randall Smith. The article was adapted from the white paper "Perception Branding" published on the modern8 website in June of last year.

You can buy pocket folders and blank CD-R's at the office supply store, but astute companies recognize that brand efforts must permeate every point of a customer's experience to be effective. NIC, who manages more eGovernment services than any provider in the world, engaged modern8 to create a unique pocket folder that accommodates their annual report, a corporate facts card and news releases with customized pockets and blind embossing.

The CD-ROM has become the standard medium for physical transfer of digital information. Why not take the opportunity, as NIC did, to make a branding statement where it is likely to be retained. Maralee Lassiter, modern8 Senior Designer, designed the pocket folder and CD.

The Salt Lake City Catholic elementary school, Our Lady of the Lourdes, needed help bringing consistency and refinements to their symbol and stationery. modern8 provided pro bono services to the organization improving the look and usability of their written communications.

An upward growth trend became the visual metaphor in a magazine ad for the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), an organization for professionals involved in middle-market corporate growth and development. modern8 designed the ad to promote the educational opportunities at monthly meetings presented by the Association. The ad runs in local business publications.

The annual report modern8 designed for NIC has won recognition in the League of Communication Professionals annual report competition, receiving a bronze medal in the technology services and software category. More than 900 companies submitted reports and about 150 were ranked. / Virginia Tomova, recent Westminster College Advertising and Marketing graduate has joined modern8 for a summer internship. / A 20-page brochure outlining modern8 background information, processes and client case studies was introduced last month and is available as a PDF download.