Things here at The Envision Group are plugging right along. While we've definitely seen an upturn in the economy (as I hope you have), we're still looking to add to our client roster. If you or any of your colleagues may have a need for our services, let's chat. We're a small, primarily B2B, branding agency that has done great work for clients in virtually any industry imaginable. I'd welcome the opportunity to tell you more about us if you don't have a firm grasp on what we do. Or, you can visit our website at: 

http://www.envision-grp.com/ 

Oh, there's something in it for you as well! If any of your referrals turn into business ($5,000 net+), you'll score yourself an iPad (or $500 if you don't want the iPad). 

You scratch our back. We'll scratch yours. It's pretty straight forward. 

If you're looking for new business, let me know what you're looking for and I'd be happy to go through my contacts and toss some leads your way. 

Let's work together to do our part to turn this economy around. 

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Just email us at info@envision-grp.com or call 303.843.9777.

Regards, Greg McBride 

P.S. - If you haven't heard, we just launched a new advertising product specifically targeted at the hospitality space. You can watch the video at: 

http://www.steamyourmessage.com/show_me.html

Old Spice has just rolled out a trendy and sophisticated new look for their product, Red Zone, adding the word "Swagger" to the label. So, before working out, I walked into the grocery store, picked up an Old Spice Swagger deodorant, paid for the item, and headed off to the gym. Once I opened the cap, I literally started singing, "♬ I'm putting my swag oooooonnnnnnn yeeeeeyaaaahhh! ♬" I'm not normally into hip hop, but I guess I am now! Enjoy!

—Tristan

Push IQ agency has created a fantastic identity package and video promotion for Peace Corps @ 50 (Peace Corps 50th Anniversary). The site emphasizes events that occurred over 50 years in the Peace Corps. It contains stories of individual, devoted volunteers, who share experiences about their exciting journey. If you would like to know more about Peace Corps @ 50, check out their website. Enjoy!

—Tristan

Steam...the power behind the engines of our industrial age has been harnessed once again in a revolutionary new method of environmentally-friendly marketing. We proudly introduce Reveal'd patent-pending invisible etching. Through a proprietary process, Reveal'd makes it possible to conceal your message or graphic invisibly on any glass or mirrored surface, and then reveal it with the subtle application of steam. The effect is truly magical, and must be seen to be believed! Visit http://www.steamyourmessage.com to learn more. Or, email us at info@steamyourmessage.com.

We just set up our Twitter account, so feel free to follow @steammessage.

If you know of any hotels or other businesses who may be interested in Reveal'd, feel free to send us a tip. We pay referral commissions, so you'll be thanked in cold, hard cash if you lead turns into business.

Being health and fitness conscious as part of a new year resolution is a great thing! If you happen to be in a grocery store this week, I suggest you purchase this type of "special" cheese. Watch this video and decide how you might benefit from Nolan's "seriously strong" Cheddar. Enjoy! :)

—Tristan

I recently rediscovered this video and thought it was worth sharing. Designers and branding professionals can certainly relate! My art director once commented that he'd be surprised if there have been many situations where someone decided to not buy a product or service because the company logo was too small. "We really like everything about your company. The prices are great and the benefits can't be denied. However, your logo is just a bit too small on your marketing pieces, so we've decided to go with someone else." Enjoy!

–Greg

Which corporate gambles have paid off? http://j.mp/19OOJc

A couple weeks back, Twitter was all atwitter over a rather unfortunate branding decision that was made by Russia's Gazprom and Nigeria's NNPC. The joint venture between these two energy companies, it was announced, will go by the name "Nigaz." Yes, you read that correctly. I understand that "the word we do not say" is not technically spelled that way. But, you don't have to be hooked on phonics to make the association. I'm certain that the intention is for us to pronounce it NIE-gaz. But, really? I mean…really? Is that the best name they could have come up with? Even "Gazgeria," despite sounding like some sort of intestinal malfunction, would have been better. To the brand manager in charge of heading up this naming assignment, I say "FAIL!"

So, it got me thinking. What if other companies took this same, irresponsible approach to naming their joint ventures?

And, my personal favorite…

If you can think of any other joint ventures that could lead to poorly thought out brand names, leave a comment.

—Greg

This six-story (40,000 square feet) flagship store features Barbie-themed clothing, toys, decorations, movies, books, appliances, shoes, clothes, home decorations, cosmetics, and coffee shop, etc. This is a perfect example of how an age-old brand is staying relevant in today’s tough economic times.