Against the Grain: Networking

Last week I finally went to see the movie The Social Network with two of my Trilix co-workers. I walked into the theatre not knowing what I was going to see as I didn’t have much background on what this supposedly-awesome movie would contain. My synopsis of the movie in one word: fantastic. It was so interesting to see the full story that most people haven’t heard, including the many lawsuits that occurred when Facebook was created. Mark Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg in the movie, is hilarious and witty and keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for his next perfectly-timed sarcastic comment. If you are interested in social networking and are a lover of Facebook we definitely recommend you go and see it!

Here are some musings from other Trilix employees on their takeaways from The Social Network:

Public Relations Director Keely Pearson:

Based on Jesse Eisenberg’s previous roles in teenage cult classics like Adventureland and Zombieland, I went into the movie with low expectations. I suspected it would be two hours of harsh language and crude sexual innuendos, so I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself struggling to keep up with the witty banter in the opening scene.

The writers devoted too much time to the Winklevoss storyline, but the documentary-style vantage point and the sharp humor kept the plot moving and the audience engaged. The movie was both entertaining and educational, and several times I thought, “I didn’t know that.” For example, I didn’t realize that Facebook’s popularity skyrocketed after he partnered with Sean Parker, the master-mind behind Napster.

Throughout the film, Zuckerberg is portrayed in an unfavorable light. From the opening scene, he’s typecast as a scorned computer nerd willing to go to great lengths to give the proverbial middle finger to anyone who snubbed him, and to win the approval of his lost love. At several points in the movie, I thought, “What a jerk!” but in the end, I found myself hoping Erica would accept his friend request.

If The Social Network was a Facebook status, I’d “like” it.

Associate Creative Director Drew Jones:

The Social Network: A brilliant telling of the socially awkward beginning to the social triumph of our over-connected age.

Account Manager Kristine Sunde:

Loved the movie. I’d heard going in that it didn’t portray Mark Zuckerberg in a very good light, and at least once during the film I got swept away enough to think ‘This guy’s awful. I should cancel my Facebook account!’ But, once the lights came on and I was back in the real world it was easier to remember that there’s more than one side to every story. No one but the actual players involved will ever know what really went down. 

Media Coordinator Ashley Danielson:

I loved this movie. Perfect amount of humor, wittiness and filled with moments of awe where I wished I was as smart as Mark Zuckerberg! It was interesting to watch how Facebook evolved and what challenges Mark was faced with from the beginning until now.

Did you see the movie? If so, what did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie!

On Thursday, September 30, the Iowa Chapter of the American Marketing Association hosted their first-ever agency crawl. Lucky for us, Trilix was the first stop, and we were ready to show off our sweet digs. The first group of crawlers consisted of marketing professionals from around the Des Moines metro and round two included students from Iowa State and Drake University.

We had a great time showing off our agency, artwork and employees and telling everyone how great we are (or so we think). Check out our video montage of the crawl stop at Trilix, and stop by when you are in the neighborhood! Our doors are always open. Enjoy!

Last Thursday, September 9, Trilix held our 6th annual open house and tailgate. It was an evening of camaraderie between Iowa State and Iowa fans. The parking lot was a sea of black, cardinal and gold as tailgaters enjoyed ladder golf, bags, food (thanks Jethro’s BBQ!), music and laughter. Around 150 clients, vendors and friends came to our office in Johnston to socialize and see our digs.

This year’s theme was “Get Your Game Face on with Trilix.” To add some spice to this year’s tailgate, each Trilix employee had their best “game face” photo displayed on a window cling on the outside of the building. We don’t want to brag, but we have some pretty photogenic faces in this office!

To all those who attended, thanks for coming out and participating in our annual event! If you couldn’t make it, we sure hope to see you next year. Until then, enjoy the rest of the football season and keep your game face on!

How does your company celebrate your culture? Do you have an annual event to show appreciation to those you do business with? We’d love to hear from you!

Check out our photos from the tailgate on Facebook! 

Foursquare. It’s not your elementary recess game, so why do you keep hearing about it and what’s all the hype about, anyway? Some people think it’s strange when people can constantly know where you are. Others love it and call it addicting. So what are the benefits of this emerging location-based social network that so many are using?

Foursquare is a location-based social networking website that can also be used on a Smartphone and has quickly caught on with the mobile community. As a recent newbie to Des Moines (1 year and counting now!), I’ve found Foursquare to be incredibly useful in becoming acclimated to this great Midwestern city. This mobile application can be used as a great way to meet and connect with new people. It also encourages me to explore my city and check out new venues where my friends are checking in.

My connections (many now friends) on Foursquare have given me great recommendations on where to find the best burger, appetizers, Italian, sales and even where to become mayor. Becoming a mayor of a location can be a great bonus for Foursquare users. Many restaurants and businesses are starting to get on board with these location-based social networks by having a special offer, discount or coupon if you are the mayor of their location (achieved by checking in to a venue the most over a period of 60 days). I love always knowing what’s happening in my city and having the hottest tips on restaurants, stores and events.

An added benefit of Foursquare is the game of earning different badges such as Adventurer, Explorer, Newbie, Local and Superuser. These badges can be earned for things like checking in to a location a certain number of times or exploring new venues. I love this friendly competition with my online friends as it’s a race to the finish to achieve the most badges.

I’m quickly learning to love this wonderful city of Des Moines now called home, many thanks to Foursquare, which is helping me “unlock” my city and discover new things one badge at a time.

If you are interested in location-based social networks you can also check out Gowalla, Brightkite or Loopt.

Facebook Places is also a new location-based service that launched mid-August where users can “check in” and let their friends know where they are on Facebook. You can access Facebook Places on the most recent version of the Facebook application for iPhone or at touch.facebook.com. 

Most companies have had a Website for 10 years or more. They’ve probably completely revamped it two or three times. And they’ve probably never really found the pot of gold at the end of the cyber rainbow.

That’s because they built an online brochure or a reference shelf, not a sales or lead generation tool.

But like all other marketing tools (and it is a marketing tool, regardless of what IT says), a site’s primary goal should be converting cold prospects into warm leads. Can it have other uses and be a deep resource of content about a company and its products? Certainly. But don’t let that get in the way of closing business.

Trilix is a full-service advertising agency headquartered in the Midwest with expertise in helping manufacturers market effectively and drive sales success. Learn more at www.trilixgroup.com or email Todd Senne at tsenne@trilixgroup.com.