Alyssa Stevens was recently a guest on the TikTok For Business YouTube series, Made For TikTok, following CP’s TikTok x AdAge “Best Use of TikTok” award for Gorton’s Seafood. In this episode, Alyssa shares our work for the brand and the overall agency approach for collaborating with creators. From bringing them into the creative process and integrating across teams to advice for brands launching on TikTok and more, check out Alyssa’s segment here.

Michele Hart-Henry, Managing Director, CP Health

Fostering Growth and Connection

In January, we were thrilled to host our second women’s networking event, attended by over 60 women from various industries, ages, and career stages across Boston. Our Empowering Women Network event series aims to create an environment that encourages genuine connections and conversations, acknowledging that women and men network differently [1]. Our focus aligns with the broader trend of women’s networking events, which provide a safe space for women to share experiences and challenges [2]. 

Why Does an Advertising Agency Host Networking Events?

Networking is crucial for women in the workplace – any workplace – as it helps them identify role models, find mentors and sponsors, and expand their business relationships. The way we see it, though, it goes beyond just connecting with people; it’s about building a community to share ideas, solve problems, and create opportunities for one another. And since so many of our clients and employees are women, it’s a logical way for us to support them.

When I approached our President, Steve Connelly, about starting the series, he threw his support behind the idea. As he said recently, “I don’t know what you all talk about or do since you won’t let me in, but I know this is important for us to support.” In fact, so many of our people see the importance of this effort that we have a whole army – women and men – who work behind the scenes to make sure the events go off without a hitch. 

As I explained to Steve and to everyone who attends or asks, our goal isn’t exclusion. There are well-researched gender differences in forming networks and discrepancies in access to and use of networks, making it more important for women to have psychosocial and social support [3]. 

Among our goals for forming the series, along with enjoying food, beverages and fellowship in our really cool and inviting space, is to use the event to share helpful information that our guests and our employees can implement in their personal and professional lives. 

During our first event, we focused on networking 101 basics – name tag placement, handshakes, and using QR codes instead of business cards. This time, we broke into smaller groups and discussed imposter syndrome, exploring whether it’s an intrinsic or a workplace issue and discussing strategies to combat it [4].

More Events on Tap

The Empowering Women Network series will continue, sponsored by our agency. Future events will continue to focus on topics relevant to women in the workforce, providing a platform for discussion, connection, and empowerment. The goal is to support women in their professional journeys, helping them navigate challenges and celebrate successes in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Our next gathering is slated for this coming spring and we’d love to have more women join us! If you’d like to be on our mailing list for that event, or if you’d like to learn more about our network, email me at MHartHenry@connellypartners-old.local.

Sources

1. Why Women Need A Professional Network – Forbes
2. The benefits of women’s networking groups – Fast Company
3. Networking: The Most Important Thing Women Should Do for … – Entrepreneur
4. End Imposter Syndrome in Your Workplace – Harvard Business Review

Music has always played a prominent role in Chief Digital Officer, Scott Savitt’s life. From collecting vinyl records and CDs to witnessing advancements in the musical landscape, Scott has built a diverse music collection over the years. A regular curator of CP’s office playlists, it’s safe to say that Scott also knows a thing or two about album art. In the latest edition of Muse by Clio’s weekly “Art of the Album” series, Scott shares ten of his favorite album covers. From Bob Dylan to Bruce Springsteen, The Grateful Dead, and beyond, check out his top picks.

 

We’re excited to share our latest work for client, 123.ie, which follows last year’s “Remember/Forget” campaign. Set to the tune of the Simple Minds’ classic, “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” the work has evolved from “the joy of remembering to the consequences of forgetting.”

Filmed across Dublin in one day, the campaign is now running across a number of platforms, including TV and digital.

Read more

Additional coverage:
Marketing.ie: Connelly Partners Rolls Out New 123.ie Message

Gorton’s Seafood has debuted a new brand campaign, which highlights how the brand fits into everyday life. Created by Connelly Partners, the work dovetails with the company’s milestone 175th anniversary. Balancing both celebration and inspiration, the campaign is part of an ongoing effort to target millennials and promote the brand’s product portfolio.

Read more

In 2023, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary named “authentic” as its word of the year. This decision was driven by discussions around AI, culture, identity, and social media. Steve Connelly weighs in, sharing that advertisers can practice authenticity by focusing on connecting with consumers and solving the everyday challenges they face. If “authentic” was the word for 2023, it should be the mandate for advertisers in 2024.

Read more

Jamie Shin, Senior Analyst

Connelly Partners’ CP Abroad program was launched shortly after I was hired. While Dublin wasn’t exactly a city I had on my radar, I thought, “Cool, study abroad for adults.” And because my husband didn’t get a chance to study abroad in college, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to travel Europe together for an extended period of time. 

So, just a month into my new job, I applied, not knowing what the next year would have in store (it’s a requirement to have been with the agency for at least a year to participate). Before I knew it, a year and a half passed, and after many, many months of agonizing over our travel plans, we landed in Dublin.

As someone who tends to be a meticulous planner (I’m a ‘J‘), I had planned nearly every detail of our travel itinerary by the hour. Dublin, however, was one of the exceptions. Truthfully, I wanted time to rest between my weekend excursions, but there was also the advantage of experiencing Dublin “like a local.” So, I skipped the Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar and instead, opted for what I’d typically do during my free time in Boston—I grabbed my camera and walked. 

Film photography is a new hobby I picked up because I was looking for a creative outlet. Camera in hand, and against my ‘J’ nature, I would often walk around the city aimlessly. In this process, I have learned to appreciate uncertainty and approach the world with a sense of heightened curiosity and creativity. 

During my time in Dublin, I tried to embrace this approach. Through my walks and encounters, I discovered Ireland’s resilient history, the city of Dublin’s rapid growth and its strengths and challenges, as well as its surprising similarities to Boston. But it was the people, with their passion, humor, and penchant for banter and quality nights at the pub, that I have come to appreciate the most.

Coming away from CP Abroad, I feel incredibly grateful for this experience. It became much more than an excuse to travel. It was an opportunity for me to discover my strengths, meet new people, work on my weaknesses, and appreciate unplanned discoveries. What’s more, I’ve also learned that perhaps organization and creativity are the twin engines of my success, whether in life or at work.

Lucky for me, data and analytics within a creative agency offers the perfect arena to exercise both, as campaign reporting is about much more than just reciting numbers. I believe we are at our best when we employ creative approaches to uncovering insights, are innovative in our problem-solving, and approach storytelling through data as an art. 

While I will probably never be able to fully relinquish my need for control (bless my husband), I am excited to enter the new year with refreshed creative energy, a greater appreciation for the Boston office, and new perspectives to inspire the work ahead.

Special thanks to my boss and the CP leadership team for making this possible, and truly everyone in the Dublin office for a grand time. It was class.

Earlier this year, Managing Director of CP Dublin, Vaunnie McDermott was a guest on John Kennedy’s podcast for Think Business. During the episode, Vaunnie talked about how the future of advertising is human. Her interview was selected by Think Business to be included in their round-up of the top podcasts to listen to ahead of the new year. 

Read more here.

At CP, we are always asking “why?” We’re fascinated and ever curious about customer mood and mindset. Here’s a few observations and constructive fodder for discussion from our anthropology and strategic planning teams from this past quarter.

1. Israel-Hamas War’s Crossfire
The effects of taking a political stand.

Observation: Businesses across the corporate world are seeking to find a balance in their responses to the war that don’t offend users, partners and their own employees. Many corporate leaders are feeling the pressure to make public statements. The COO of the software company Asana, for example, was guided by a major principle: “What problem are we trying to solve?” 

What brands can do: Brands should act cautiously, aligning their responses with their core values. It’s crucial to assess the relevance and implications of their position on the war, aiming to foster respect for diverse viewpoints.

Sources: The New York Times & The Wall Street Journal

2. Identity 180°
The power of complete reversal.

Observation: Snoop Dogg broke the internet with his news: “I’ve decided to give up smoke.” Days later he revealed it was a stunt for Solo Stove, a company that makes smokeless fire pits. The out-of-category jump made the impact all the more unexpected. By reversing a core identity, Solo Stove created shock value and instability. When the campaign is revealed, they simultaneously soothe anxieties and reassert the Snoop brand.

What brands can do: Embrace what’s unexpected. Take a core element and invert it to see what you could or couldn’t be without it. Seeing the absence of something can bring about a new perspective.

Sources: AdAge & LA Magazine

3. Specialized AI
Racing to rule the changing space.

Observation: The future of AI will change the landscape from general to hyper-specialized, as OpenAI’s recent support for custom ChatGPTs proves. Companies will create AI tools and assistance for specific roles and industries like consumer goods, financial services, insurance and pharmaceuticals. We’re already seeing real-world examples of specific professions using generative AI for law and education.

What brands can do: Assign the right early adopter staff, giving them specific business topics and/or challenges to explore & demo. Prioritize what to implement in realistic timeframes.

Sources: LinkedIn, Forbes, CNN & The Messenger

4. ‘Authentic’ Named Word of the Year
Experiencing a ‘crisis of authenticity.’

Observation: In an era increasingly dominated by deepfakes and post-truth narratives, people grapple with distinguishing the real from the artificial, and the value of authenticity seems to have heightened. 

This year’s focus on artificial intelligence, highlighted by significant events involving OpenAI and its ChatGPT, adds another layer to the discourse on authenticity.

What brands can do: Focus on transparent communication, ensuring that marketing messages and brand narratives are rooted in truth and leveraging storytelling techniques to convey their values and mission.

Sources: Time & Merriam-Webster

All good things expire. Look out for more reports coming soon.

The Fall semester has come to a close and it’s time to say goodbye to another class of incredible interns. Before they finished up, we asked them to look back at their accomplishments, learnings, and memorable moments from their time at CP. From forging new connections and collaborating with colleagues to learning about the industry and gaining new skills, here are the reflections of CP’s Fall 2023 interns.

Iseabail Kelley, Data & Analytics Intern
Syracuse University

My biggest weakness has always been my shyness. My confidence in the classroom never seemed to translate to a work setting – until I started at CP. During the second week of my internship, I remember texting my mom, “I feel so comfortable here.” I set up one-on-one meetings with various CPers to learn about their experiences and roles at the agency. In previous internships, the mere thought of setting up a one-on-one with anyone was incredibly daunting, but this was something that I took full advantage of at CP. Post-grad is a strange period of limbo, but the kindness of everyone at CP, and being immersed in the day-to-day environment, have pushed me to learn and grow as a pupil, a professional and a person. 

For incoming interns, I’d share this advice: embrace this as a learning experience! I always strive for perfection, which is unrealistic. Being hard on yourself is not productive, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes. Learning from mistakes is sometimes more valuable than doing something correctly on the first try, so give yourself grace and try not to overthink things.

Andrew Le, Brand Leadership Intern
Syracuse University

This semester, the greatest hurdle I faced was stepping out of my comfort zone. I’m so grateful for the opportunities that I had at CP to challenge myself. Recognizing and actively seeking chances to step forward and push boundaries has become crucial for me. Additionally, everyone I met during my internship was supportive and eager to learn more about me.

During this internship, I had the privilege of collaborating with various departments, which allowed me to learn from other teams while still being an integral part of my own. But if there is one specific thing that has sparked my curiosity, I would say it’s the new business process. I got to be a part of a pitch in a very small way and was able to witness how every single person involved was so invested in it. It was such a motivating feeling.

Arianne Duenas, Creative Intern
Boston University

At CP, I gained new skills in idea generation and content writing, largely thanks to the feedback provided by other copywriters. These fresh perspectives challenged me to think both creatively and adaptively. One-on-one sessions with various departments were also invaluable because they provided me with a comprehensive view of the agency’s operations. Outside of the creative department, I found myself particularly interested in PR, social media, and influencer marketing.

If I could go back to the start of my internship I would tell myself to not be afraid to ask questions. After all, CP’s DNA is to always be curious and get to the bottom of the “why” of things. 

Maya Menon Freeman, Strategy Intern
Emerson College

One of the most memorable achievements from this past semester occurred when I gathered some research for upcoming brand work. I presented my findings to my boss and then the brand team. They were all incredibly supportive and complimentary and helped me hone my presentation skills. I was trusted to present my findings to the client and I ran them through my now well-rehearsed spiel. It wasn’t until we left the meeting that I found out I had just presented to the CMO of one of our clients. It was such a proud moment! 

I think that it’s so important to be present! There’s so much to juggle between school and internships, but these are crucial learning experiences. I always reminded myself that this was my chance to make the most of my time here. It’s easy to get caught up in the bustle of “what’s next,” which is why it’s important to remember to soak it in and connect with the people around you.  That’s what is invaluable.

Nick Maumus, Media Intern
Bentley University 

Throughout my experience as an intern, every place I looked or anyone I turned to was readily available to answer questions, help re-explain a process, or provide advice. You just need the willingness to ask the questions! Like many things in this internship, you get what you put in, and I made it a goal of mine to ask as many questions as possible and never stop learning. To that end, I have expanded my understanding of media planning and buying, other agencies, and the industry in general. The CP culture is unique, rewarding, and invaluable, similarly, the people are non-stop learners and teachers.

I have grown tremendously in my time at CP. The most apparent growth has been in my ability to learn new skills and understand the interconnectedness of how the advertising industry operates. I was able to learn with a more hands-on approach and have honed my problem-solving skills. I’ve mastered the ability to seek answers out proactively as opposed to waiting for an answer to an email. I will carry these skills with me for the rest of my life, and cannot wait to continue growing as I face new projects and learn new processes. 

Anjali Duenwald, Finance/Accounting Intern
Northeastern University

My favorite part of working at CP is how kind and open everyone is. Even though I didn’t work directly with everyone across the company, there were always smiling faces to welcome me to the office each day and people willing to share their experiences. Branching out and chatting with individual people gave me a strong understanding of the agency and how CP works with their clients.

Before this internship, I had only taken two accounting classes and had never worked in an accounting position. As such, I was nervous and wasn’t sure if my knowledge was on par with what I would be doing in the role. Jumping right in and working with my team to get started on tasks that showed me various aspects of the finance department allowed me to start learning immediately.