Category: Strategy

14
Feb

How To “Think Like A Tourist”

Conference RoomMany people have asked us about the meaning behind the need to “think like a tourist” — a topic we’ve covered before on our blog. It sounds fun and slightly risky, but what is it? How does it help people come up with innovative solutions? Push along a brainstorming session? How does thinking help people think creatively?

“Thinking like a tourist” is what psychologists and scientists refer to as the attitude of perceptual innocence. Basically, it’s a learned method of thinking and ideation; of looking at ordinary objects around us, focusing on their details and then letting the mind wander gently to make connections, or even make remote or obscure links to the object. Once learned and practiced, it opens the door to playful thinking and experimentation, and can be brought back to any number of problems we are playing with on any given day.

Think of it this way: it’s like waking up in a new city. Walking out of your hotel room and tossing out the GPS. It’s taking in the smells, sights and sounds. Your senses see the ordinary sights in a new context. And in the process, you awaken new connections, such as finding the best corners to explore and visit.

There are any number of creativity techniques: divergent thinking, vertical thinking, and lateral ideation. Thinking about the ordinary in extraordinary ways opens up new possibilities, and takes us into the unknown.

Try this “tourist” technique today — and notice how differently your everyday world and situations look to you.

01
Nov

Same Old Story: Why Technology Will Never Outpace Good Storytelling

Image courtesy of imaginarycollection.org

Image courtesy of imaginarycollection.org

At Oishii, storytelling is at the heart of what we do. Whether we’re launching a new brand, redefining an existing one or creating a 360-degree integrated experience, storytelling drives every one of these projects. The rise of digital technology means more opportunities to get your message out – more than we’ve ever had before. But with these new platforms also comes the fear that the rise of digital storytelling will fundamentally change what we do, shifting it into something unrecognizable. After all, if we can’t foresee it, then how can we adapt and excel with it?

But the key to good storytelling is older than any technology. No matter how many new ways we come up with to tell a story, the fundamental core of it remains the same: a good story is about connecting, be it to a character, an emotion, or, yes, even a product. Worrying that the story is dead just because the mediums for it have evolved would be like worrying that we’re no longer capable of love just because people use dating sites to meet someone.

Good storytelling transcends the platforms we use to deliver it, ensuring that no matter what technological changes we see, if your story is well told, engaging, and, most importantly, provides a value to your audience – be it informative or entertaining – it will make that connection. All of the companion Twitter feeds and carefully-timed video series in the world are not going to give your audience a reason to care. So, before you start wondering whether a Pinterest board or a sponsored Buzzfeed article is the best delivery medium for your story, make sure you’re telling a good one.

18
Oct

How Creativity Boosts the Bottom Line

A while back, a group of us were meeting to discuss a project and client expectations. The internal conversation pivoted to questions about finding a “blue ocean” space for the design and branding industry, which eventually turned to a debate on measurement, and how to quantify “creative” using the metrics of efficiency and “value.”

Someone chimed in, “Creativity can’t be constrained by bottom-line considerations. That ‘line’ pushes away imagination and limits vision.” Since then, this perspective has become part of the culture and fabric at Oishii. Ish was recently featured on postPerspective speaking on this very tension: http://bit.ly/15Fv23V

27
Sep

Think Like A Tourist Series: Think Like A Kid

Greg Heffron_2 Scott Rothstein_2

 

If you’re working in the creative services industry (or any creative field, for that matter), generating innovative ideas or strategies is what you do everyday, on multiple occasions.  Bosses, clients and colleagues depend on your ability to galvanize your forces — wit, tenacity, optimism and grit — as you generate bursts of ideas, thoughts, emotions and, ultimately, solutions. What’s your process for brainstorming? How do you prepare your mind for the serious work of creativity?

In our ongoing series, “Think Like A Tourist,” we know creativity and problem-solving require more than showing up to meet with others. Brainstorming actually requires prepping your mind for brainstorming, and putting yourself in the position to let your ideas flow effortlessly. And flow they will, but you have to know the steps.  At Oishii, we like our teammates to “think like a kid” before some of our meetings.  No, we don’t mean come in ready to play, but rather, put your mind in a playful space, where the world is infinite, options are everywhere and your purpose is to have fun. This is what we mean by taking a kid-like approach to the creative task ahead of you.

So put your “kid thinking” cap on and see how your next brainstorming session goes. We’d love to hear about your experience!

12
Aug

SXSW V2V: Day 1

SXSW V2V Logo

We love SXSW not only because of the parties and people (although we should note both are excellent), but also because, on a more earnest note, we at Oishii love participating at SXSW V2V and the community of like-mind entrepreneurs and creativists who experiment with the order of things.

Building on the SXSW experience, SXSW V2V is a four-day event in Las Vegas with an emphasis on the creative spark that drives entrepreneurial innovation.

In the days ahead, the 1,500 attendees will participate in informative panels, mentoring and coaching programs, intense workshops, pitch competitions and exhibits of startup innovations.
Here are a few highlights from today’s sessions:

America’s Entrepreneurial Spirit: The Case for Fixing our Broken Immigration System
Alex Torrenegra, CEO of VoiceBunny
Andrew Crump, CEP of Bluefields
Mark Falzone, Deputy Director National Immigration Forum
Rep. Joe Heck, US House of Representatives – US Congressman
Scott Allison, CEO of Teamly Inc.

This panel discussed what lies ahead for immigration reform, and what the tech industry can do to fix the broken system.

Key takeaways:
• Like a bad football team, we’re training the players with the best strategies and sending them out to work in other countries because of immigration.
• It’s necessary to bring (the right) talent to startups.
• There’s need to be a balance between bringing international talent and national security.

Founder’s Guide to Securing First Round of Funding
Alex Mittal, Co-Founder & CEO of FundersClub

In this session, Alex Mittal outlined the fundraising process for first-time founders, focusing on whether fundraising makes sense, best practices for securing their company’s first round of capital, the role investors will play in their company’s future, and things to consider before agreeing to investment terms.

Key takeaways:
• Try not raising money. 2/3 of IPOs are not from VC money.
• $25-50k can start companies. Go with your family and friends.
• Then raise about 18 months’ worth of money.
• Spending doesn’t equal results.
• The key to success: don’t die!

Not Just a Pretty Profile: Building Online Persona
Brett Martin
Christine Herron, Director of Intel Capital
Peter Kazanjy, Founder of TalentBin

This panel discussed the importance of cultivating the online persona, provide concrete examples of what has and hasn’t worked, and help you understand the challenges that come along with that creation.

Key takeaways:
• How a person can act like a brand and vice versa.
• Everyone has an online persona. Be proactive about managing it.
• Venture groups and employers will look at your online persona.
• Authenticity has to be proportional to what you share. Personality is what attracts people.
• Create goals and objectives around your online persona and build a content strategy for it.
• Purpose needs to be defined:
o Build professional credibility
o Professional engagement (personal)
o Create connections
• Address mistakes head on
• Your online identity carries over into the real world (examples: Uber, Lyft, etc.) Rating each other furthers that identity.
• First step to engage (if not already) is to signup, consume and learn.
• Good analytics tools: Reporative, Twitter (analytics) & Sprout Social

Keynote: The City as a Startup
Tony Hsieh, Zappos

Culture is to company as community is to city; it’s about values, innovation, serendipity, and attraction of smart startups and the creative class. Tony applies his Zappos corporate culture to build the most community-focused big city in the world, in Downtown Las Vegas.

Key takeaways:
• Tony invested in Zappos… and then joined the company because investing was boring.
• He invested into customer service instead of marketing.
• Culture is the most important thing in order to deliver happiness.
• The values can be anything; it just requires company alignment.
• There needs to be a higher purpose beyond profits.
• Brand and culture are different sides of the same coin.
• A great brand is a story that never stops unfolding.
• Zappos moving past its four walls and into community as well.

Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh

Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh

Learn How Top Brands are Succeeding by Being Transparent
Jeff Rosenblum, CEO of Questus

Jeff discussed how advertising is the connection point between consumers and corporations and that the industry can be the linchpin in a revolution that enables corporations to earn billions while moving the planet forward.

Key takeaways:
• Advertising is going through a revolution. Social media and technology are forcing a paradigm change.
• Advertising can save the world.
• Trust is at an all-time low. The authenticity of a brand is so important to building that trust.
• Because of technology, transparency is forced. If you don’t participate in the conversation, people will have it around you.
• As branders, we have to help companies be great. We can inspire a new generation of branding where authenticity drives consumers, not false messaging.
• Digital natives are now taking over the workplace. What happens as transparency natives come into the workplace?
• Advertising has to make a fundamental shift from “interrupting us” to adding value to our activities.

02
Aug

Part 5: Project Management & Engagement

Team-purpose

• How do you manage your project from idea to actual implementation?

Make sure you have access to the skillsets and people needed to actually accomplish your project before launching. After investment, communicating and staying connected to your investors is key. Update them and your team (especially if they’re working remotely) regularly with your good news and with any delays.

• What’s the best way to engage your team?

Depending on your project, you may need to build a team. People with different experiences and viewpoints can complement your own. Your team members should feel invested in the larger goals and vision of your new venture. They should also help out with your campaign by reaching out via their own extended networks and social media channels.

• How do you continue to engage people who have donated and/or supported your idea?

Weekly or regular video updates show your supporters and audience what you’re creating and how you’re doing it. People love how-tos, and this is a great opportunity to walk your fans through your process.

Regular written updates via the crowdfunding site, email newsletters and social media channels are other useful ways to engage and inform people on your project. It’s important to answer questions and comments, when possible, to let your audience know that you’re listening.

26
Jul

Part 4: Defining Your Objectives & Visual Pitch Strategies

marketing-your-crowdfund

• When it comes to Crowdfunding, who is your target audience?

Your target audience should be driven by your project and strategy and will be supported by the platform you choose. For example, technological innovations should be geared towards the appropriate platform or else your great pitch will be ineffective and speak to the wrong audience.

• How do you create an effective video / social media campaign?

Authenticity is key. People invest in ideas and products they care about. It’s essential to connect with your audience quickly and build a real relationship with them. Your video campaign needs to let your personality and vision shine. It should be informational, accessible, clear, short and concise. Be specific with your funding goals, timelines, and explain why you’re passionate about this idea, product or experience. Why should they believe you? What are your credentials? What can supporters expect in return?

Social media is a great way to provide updates, stay in touch with your investors and fans, and respond to their questions and feedback. It’s also a useful tool for building excitement and increasing engagement.

19
Jul

Part 3: Knowing Your Story

Storytelling

When it comes to Crowdfunding, how should you position and share your story?

Storytelling is one of the most effective ways for you to communicate your ideas to a larger audience – whether you’re looking to attract investors and clients, recruit talent, or build media buzz around your business. Your story has to be clear, concise, emotionally relatable, and backed up by rational thought. After all, as an entrepreneur, you’re oftentimes trying to make the complex and intangible into something tangible.

There are some key things to keep in mind when crafting your story:
1. Know who you’re speaking to
2. Personally connect with your audience
3. Use different mediums of communications appropriately
4. Pictures & visuals can really help sell your idea
5. Be succinct

Beyond sharing your story, make sure you listen to what others are saying about you and your brand. The more active and engaged you are on your social networks, the larger (and more loyal) your following will be.

Try out this brainstorming & storytelling process outlined in our previous post on the topic: https://oishiicreative.com/are-you-a-storyteller-or-storymaker/

05
Jul

PromaxBDA: The Conference 2013 Recap In Photos

PromaxBDA Elite Member Party, co-sponsored by Oishii

PromaxBDA Elite Party
L – R: Our fabulous rep, Astra Dorf of Astra Reps!, Sterling Hawkins (Oishii Consumer Experience Specialist & Business Development) & Ish Obregon (Oishii President/ Creative Director)

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Photo courtesy of PromaxBDA
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Photo courtesy of PromaxBDA
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Photo courtesy of PromaxBDA
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Photo courtesy of PromaxBDA

When Drinks, Hijinks and Photos Mix…
The Oishii-branded photo booth at the Elite Member Party, courtesy of technology partner SOOH Media

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Photo courtesy of PromaxBDA

The results!

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The Kid In The Wild

The Oishii Kid leaves his mark around the PromaxBDA Conference, including the opening night party at the Science Center with the Endeavour Space Shuttle, a decadent dinner at Wolfgang Puck at LA Live and a view of Staples Center.

The Kid_Endeavour
The Kid_Wolfgang Puck
The Kid_Staples Center

The Conference

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Photo courtesy of PromaxBDA

Keynote with Larry Flynt, interviewed by Cindy Gallop
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Photo courtesy of PromaxBDA

Creative Keynote by Gary Baseman
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Photo courtesy of PromaxBDA

“State of Design” Talk by STASH’s Stephen Price
PromaxBDA State of Design
Some of the most mind-blowing design & animation work from around the world… makes us inspired to get our hands dirty!

“Beauty Is Embarrassing” Documentary
Wayne White & Ish Obregon
This irreverent documentary, directed by Neil Berkeley, takes us into the brilliant and prolific mind of one of America’s greatest artists / puppeteers / illustrators – not to mention a truly kind and friendly spirit — Wayne White. Here posing with Oishii’s Ish Obregon!

The Awards Show
Hosted by the ever-funny Jay Mohr
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Photo courtesy of PromaxBDA

Mark Hamill accepting the Don LaFontaine Legacy Award recognizing his work as a voice actor.
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Photo courtesy of PromaxBDA

14
Jun

PromaxBDA 2013 Survival Guide

Best Places to Eat & Meet:

The New Moon (Chinese) – Famous for their chicken salad
Sugarfish (Japanese)
Bäco Mercat (Spanish, Sandwiches)
Mo-Chica (Peruvian)
Drago Centro (Italian)
Spice the Table (Singaporean, Vietnamese)
Lemonade (American) – Great for a healthy & quick lunch
Spring St. Coffee – Great coffee, though not necessarily a good meeting place
Bottega Louie (Italian, Bakeries) – Lively lunch / dinner spot, but loud atmosphere
Bar AMA (Tex Mex)
Wooden Spoon (Brazilian) – Casual lunch
Spring St. Bar – Drinks
Church & State (French) – Amazing food for dinner
Mignon (Tapas, Drinks)
Haru Ulala (Japanese) – Good for dinner
Wurstkuche – Casual sausage place; good for quick informal lunch

Plan Ahead…Which Sessions Are Worth Attending?

PromaxBDA is not to be missed. But deciding which panel, talk or discussion to attend requires tactical thinking, not to mention logistics and planning. Most of us don’t have the luxury of attending every panel (we certainly wish we could!) because there are meetings to take, lunches to host, and dinners and parties. Here is our strategy for squeezing it all into your busy schedule:

  • Have the right perspective. Think of the many PromaxBDA panels in terms of your process every day. It comes down to numbers, process, people and you.
  • The “State of the Industry” talk is never to be missed. Look for clues about industry changes and anticipate your place in the big picture.
  • Panels about statistics or demographics are more than big data or numbers, they provide insight about audiences; what they like and care about.
  • “How-To” talks focused on the process of generating creative content or design are usually useful for refining your personal creation techniques or learning from others.
  • Talks about entrepreneurship or professional growth are motivating and valuable investments of your time. Take time to consciously pay attention to your passions and career path, are they aligned?

Conference Standards & “Should Sees”:

  • Keynote: A Conversation with Larry Flynt (need we say more?)
  • Headliners
  • State of Design
  • New Best Practices 2013, an annual favorite presented by Lee Hunt
  • Measuring the Binge Viewer: Fad or Future?
  • The Real Mad Men: Renegades of the Golden Age of Advertising
  • Shaken, Not Stirred: 50 Years of Bond
  • Beauty Is Embarrassing: Screening & Discussion
  • Inventing Your Own Next Chapter: Lessons in Entrepreneurship, Risk-Taking & Going Out On Your Own
  • Horror Stories: Nightmare Campaigns & How They Were Turned Around
  • Whichever sessions your boss decides to attend
  • Topics that are farthest removed from what you do

How To Crash A Party

  • Act like you’re supposed to be there
  • Sneak in with a crowd
  • Borrow someone’s wristband
  • Trade a kiss for a wristband
  • Call “their” assistant
  • Say you’re the owner of a high-profile European network
  • Be friendly (or flirt) with the bouncer or whoever is managing the guest list
  • Go in through the fire escape
  • Use “Creative” in your title
  • Say that you’re invited by Robert Gottlieb from FOX

Escape from PromaxBDA: What To See While In Town

  • The Stanley Kubrick Exhibit @ LACMA
  • California Science Center: Here’s your chance to see the new Space Shuttle Endeavor pavilion
  • LA Live, Nokia Theater and Staples Center host many musical acts. Check their websites for a list of featured artists and schedules.

Getting Around

The Conference is located at LA Live, which is the entertainment center of Downtown LA. There are plenty of places to see and eat around here. Just keep in mind that Downtown is not particularly walking-friendly and the blocks are quite long, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

LA Live is also a touristy area, so there will be plenty of taxicabs available or you can catch the Metro Rail or public transportation: http://www.lalive.com/visitor-center/public-transportation

Better yet, keep your eyes peeled for the Oishii-branded van.

Oishii_Flex