Versant News & Ideas

Partnerships with clients – easier said than done

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:47:08 Z

We exist because of great clients. We become their business partners, working in harmony with their teams to create value. And to do that we have to understand their business, their customers and their employees. In our world of change, one thing is certain — listening to and working closely with our clients is the one and only ticket to success..

And the Cobbler has New Shoes

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:07:28 Z

The skills and expertise of the Versant Digital team are often on display as we build high quality websites and digital applications for clients ranging from the local public transit system to regional law firms and global corporations. Given the constant evolution of the digital landscape it was time to put those abilities to work in rebuilding the Versant website.

The Power of A Good Story

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:17:16 Z

We all love a good story – one that draws us in, has inspiring characters we can identify with, keeps us engaged with its authenticity, gets us thinking and talking with others, and leaves us wishing there was a sequel.

Versant Grabs Top Honors for TV Creative

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 21:36:46 Z

Versant was recently recognized for exceptional creative communications work on behalf of our clients, the Southeast Wisconsin Transit Systems and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Versant was awarded a Gold Award from the Summit International Awards, a Silver Award of Distinction from The Communicator Awards, and a Bronze Telly Award for our Saving For” television commercial for the Southeast Wisconsin Transit Partners. This TV commercial takes a fresh messaging approach by truly illustrating the affordability and all the things that can be saved for by riding the bus instead of driving. This commercial won in the Summit’s $5,000 to $25,000 category, proving that creative TV commercials can also be very affordable.

Versant also won the Silver Communicator Award of Distinction for The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “Now You Know” campaign. Versant developed a campaign featuring various people from the newspaper, advertisers, subscribers and community leaders. The campaign incorporated TV, radio and print advertisements and highlights the important role the Journal Sentinel has in the community from voices in the community.

"Now You Know strengthened consumer awareness of the newspaper's critical role in the quality of life for all citizens of Southeast Wisconsin. It solidified relationships and confidence in the medium with advertisers and resulted in increased subscription levels for both the daily and Sunday paper." David Wise, Marketing Director, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A big thanks to our clients for the opportunity to do work that delivers results and that wins prestigious awards!

Our New Digs

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 21:34:58 Z

Last week we completed our move into our new space. All went well, largely because we had an “internal project move team” that pulled together and handled everything – and I mean EVERYTHING: from selling our cubes to finding a new home for every chair, filing cabinet and plant in the office.

That internal team also provided a huge side benefit: they freed up the rest of the company to make sure our support to clients and one another was seamless.

Our lead on the technology transition was none other than Matt Phelps, who acquired a bright green Kawasaki Ninja shortly before the move, giving me a minor heart attack. Matt “cycled” back and forth between new and old facilities to make sure computers and phones were all in place and ready to roll by Monday.

Not all was 100% but we were close with just a few challenges and the obvious, “Now where did I put that folder?” kind of confusion. As of today, it feels like we have been in here for months!

All good.

This is the fifth move of my career, and each has been an improvement in space. Honestly, this facility takes the cake. It’s open, really cool (designed by client PRA Architects) and so accessible. We share a lobby, café and some common areas with our client PRA, so that is neat as well.

We invite you to come in check us out.

What's in a Rating?

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:22:02 Z

Versant has communication solutions for all elements of Branding and Marketing and a huge list of nationally recognized clients rave about our work. Here's the latest to prove our reputation.

Why You Need to Stop Thinking of Mobile as 'Phase 2'

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:26:29 Z

By 2013, PCs will need to accept the inevitable: they have been replaced with the shinier, prettier, easier, more portable smartphone. Analysts predict that - in only two years - the number of smartphones will exceed total desktop and laptop computers in the United States. Even now, smartphones have shouldered their way to the front of the crowd and are refusing to be denied.

Twitter as a Marketing Tool

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:55:25 Z

At its core, successful marketing is all about developing relationships, and Twitter is a simple tool to help expand and build those relationships. This episode of inSHORT Learning provides a review of Twitter and how it can be used as a marketing tool.

Creating a Culture Focused to Performance

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:54:36 Z

This edition of Conversant takes a top-level look at how to create and foster a workplace culture that will help you retain and engage your high-performing talent. It is based on learning from the 2009 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Conference, held in Washington, D.C., February 28 – March 2, 2009.

Monitoring Your Brand Online

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:53:32 Z

What are people saying about your brand online? How can you keep track of what your competitors are doing online? This episode of inSHORT Learning reviews a few online tools that are great starting points to help you monitor a brand’s online presence

Facility Branding: Walls Can Talk

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:52:29 Z

Your facility brand reflects your brand promise and your organization's culture while meeting your stakeholder’s needs. Listen to this Conversant to find out ways in which you can implement design and communication elements that positively reflect your organization.

2010 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Conference Summary

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:51:02 Z

In this edition of Conversant, we share learning from the American Psychological Association’s 2010 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Conference that took place March 5-6 in Washington, D.C. This learning summary includes video interviews of select conference presenters and key takeaways from our conference experience.

Employee Social Networking

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:48:50 Z

Employee social networks equip professionals with resources to make better, more informed decisions quicker. This episode of inSHORT Learning reviews how organizations are leveraging employee social networking tools to increase employee engagement and productivity.

Job Boards: National vs. Local

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:31:36 Z

If you have a strong local job board competing in your city, you’re probably familiar with their billboards, television commercials and radio ads. You may have even met their sales reps at local HR conferences and job fairs.

The Growing Impact of Visual Communication on the Workplace

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:28:31 Z

Our emerging visual culture has a wide-ranging impact on both recruitment and internal communications. How do we attract and engage the best and brightest talent in a world dominated by colorful screens and dynamic social networks?

Quick Pulse Survey: Millennials and Work

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:02:00 Z

Our VersantWorks team conducted a Quick Pulse survey of 100 college juniors, seniors and recent graduates to obtain their perceptions on work

Don’t Be Boring and Other Advice for Effective Campus Recruitment Marketing

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:59:24 Z

So if your campus recruitment marketing is boring, you better have a cool factor that competes with Google or Apple, otherwise you’re in for a challenge.

Ten Things to Consider When Launching an Internal Communication Initiative

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:56:00 Z

In my experience helping organizations with internal communication initiatives, I have developed an appreciation for the unique details, yet common challenges, organizations must overcome to connect with their employees and drive desired results.

How to Fail at Employer Branding

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:53:21 Z

If you’re long on talk, but short on evidence, you’re missing the key to Employer Branding success.

Accelerate Your Employer Brand Through Shared Experiences

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:51:11 Z

It’s a fact, people talk. Employees talk. Candidates talk. But many employers seem to overlook this, which translates into missed opportunities to extend the reach of their Employer Brands.

If You Want to Make a Splash, Start Swimming

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:49:13 Z

As an employer, it’s ok to take a few risks and put yourself out there, warts and all, for candidates to see. Remember, these are windows of opportunity for candidates to distinguish you from the competition.

A Haiku on Employer Branding

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:46:18 Z

I am fascinated by the choices employers make in deciding how much they want to engage the outside world in their internal employee experiences, especially as innovative Web 2.0 technologies make this easier and easier to do.

Five Signs Your Employee L&D Offerings Need Branding

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:43:52 Z

Think about how your employees currently perceive your organization’s L&D offerings – where it comes from, what they call it, what it looks like and what it feels like.

Generation Now

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:41:05 Z

Versant was part of a generational marketing presentation recently at a local high school. Our goal was to talk to the kids about the differences in the various generations and how to communicate to each group.

You Don’t Know Me

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:38:07 Z

A take on the Millennial Generation in the work place.