We’re stronger together

Firstly I trust you and your family stay safe and well. My thoughts are with you all as we all navigate through this new phase of business and beyond.

It’s business as usual here at JFM Creatives, and I would like you to know if we’re currently working on a project for you, this will continue on as normal. 

We’re here to fully support you through these times, helping you to update and communicate with your clients and network in the form most appropriate for you.  As the dust starts to settle and some staff is working from home, you might be thinking about what can do now. 

Not sure what you could be doing right now? Here are a few ideas to get you started;

  • Update your website home and contact page to confirm your current business operational status, hours, points of contact, service expectations etc
  • Create a client or network newsletter or set up Mailchimp so you can communicate as and when required to your clients.  An email group can be great too
  • Update social media graphics to reflect your current offer/brand building
  • Google place – check yours is updated with your current hours and points of contact
  • Social media channels – check contact details and about sections are up to date
  • Pin a post to the top of your Facebook page which features your latest update
  • Group chat with your team/clients/suppliers – so everyone’s informed and updated
  • If you can connect with clients virtually, book appointments online (Microsoft bookings, Timely, Acuity are all great) or connect with them via Skype or Zoom
  • Create a daily focus within your team, to keep everyone connected and engaged. Voxer is great for those who love talking, typing, sharing images…  something for every type of communicator
  • Create video tutorials on products and services or even a company update.  Loom is a fabulous platform
  • Database cleanse – what no one truly loves doing, but it allows you to easily and effectively communicate
  • Check answerphone messages are updated with the latest contact points and directions – including mobiles for staff who are on leave or working reduced hours, along with out of office replies
  • If you have on-line booking software for face to face meetings/appointments – check the status of these links
  • Lastly, there will be plenty more things to check-in with, as the days go by… 

What’s staying the same?

The business model at JFM Creatives is virtual and continues as normal. All my virtual team, have the resources and virtual software platforms to carry out any project like normal for you.  My team happens to be around the country – Sam (Christchurch), Teesha & Taryn (Wellington), Terry (Napier) are all safe, well, and ready to help and support you.

If you would like to update your website, communicate with your customers, or talk click my email link below and then we can quickly get your update or new project underway.  Email –   jo@jfm.co.nz.

What’s changing?

Maybe rather than meeting in person we can connect on a video Zoom call?  That’s about all that will be changing around how we might work together.

How will you and your teams maximise this time?

Already for some, this moment in time is creating superb focused planning space and for others project team brainstorming sessions are getting underway, to kick start those projects you know are so very important (for one client that’s an eCommerce store).  As the old adage goes, it’s not what you have, it’s what you do with what you have, that counts… 

Stay safe, keep well and be kind.  Kia Kaha.

Jo x

Mob: 027 292 5004

Click here to schedule a time to connect on Zoom over the next few days and weeks ahead. Even just to chat and have a laugh!

P.S.

(At the close of day 1 yesterday, my son Ryan had created the first pillow mountain, and indoor “camp out” as he calls it).  I think Terry summed it up the best… “It’s like sheltering for a cyclone, except the mess is all indoors!”. 

Let’s get creative during and post lockdown!

Strong communities are forged by kind and compassionate people working together. I’m hearing amazing stories already, from some of my clients on how they’re taking care of their people and I congratulate you. 

The rule of reciprocity states, if you give something to someone, they feel obligated to give something back, and I know you’ll be amazed how their kindness will show up not only to you but your customers in the future.

It is essential we all work together and support each other on this “new voyage” both in business and also personally. For some that will mean thinking outside the box and getting creative on how they do business and for others, there will be the adventure of keeping families entertained whilst juggling work commitments.

My team will be sharing with you daily on our Facebook page, one of our magic moments from the day.  And no doubt some of the antics will resonate, inspire or even just make you smile. 

JFM Facebook   |  JFM Instagram

Welcome to Hannah!

Hannah’s youthful enthusiasm and positivity injects a light and bright vibe into the studio. She enjoys the variety of work that the new Office Support role at JFM brings her and the creativity that surrounds it.

For Hannah, marketing is what creates a world full of colours and options whether that is through fashion, art, design or media.

Hannah is currently a full-time student and you’ll also find her in the great outdoors playing hockey, rock climbing, hiking and running.

We’re so pleased to have you join us Hannah.

Please welcome us in joining Hannah to the JFM team!

BTS – Photographer Gets Photographed

Photography | Behind the scenes

We had a blast with Tegan Clark Photography having new pics done for our upcoming new website.

Your own professional business photos are considered assets in the marketing world. Stock images have their place but having your own photos adds a storytelling and authenticity that’s unmatched.

Not only do they make or break the way your website looks, but they showcase your brand at its best and can give you a lot of mileage. By mileage we mean, show those pics on all your own marketing collateral to attract and engage the audience you want.

We’re looking forward to showing you our new pics!

Happy 5th Work-iversary Justine!

We can’t believe it’s been five years. Time flies when you’re having fun!

Not only is Justine an artistic phenomenon, breathing visual life into little more than ideas – but she also is friendly, helpful, dedicated, and a multi-tasking whizz.

Aside from being our amazing Graphic Designer, she’s also our health and well-being guru having tried nearly every sport imaginable. Lately she’s been surfing most weekends with her Dad and we think that is so sweet! She also enjoys long walks with her fur-baby Floyd which can be a challenge for his wee legs to keep up, but Justine knows its good for his fitness.

Our half-scottish, half-kiwi gal is a bit of a movie buff, so next time you talk to her, the latest film is always a good convo starter! Thanks for your continued loyalty.

Keep doing you Justine, we love having you on the team at JFM Marketing.

A Warm Welcome to Janice McKay

A self-confessed ‘word nerd’, Janice loves to use words to relate people, businesses, and causes. Our new Marketing Communications Assistant has a passion for creative conversations in person, print and online. She is an ace at helping businesses to be more responsive, welcoming and inviting.

Janice has worked in a heap of marketing and communication roles from pharmacy brands, corporate retail sales to media placement and lifestyle journalism. She graduated with a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Public Relations from the University of Waikato.

Janice enjoys a full plate with her two little ones, husband and their various entrepreneurial pursuits. The landscape of Mid Canterbury keeps her out of trouble while she ski’s Mount Hutt and wake surf’s at Lake Hood. She also loves travel, yoga, music and great conversations with good company.

Please join us in welcoming Janice to the JFM team!

Introducing Sarah Jones

Our newest team member, Sarah Jones, joins us from Perth Western Australia. Sarah has relocated here with her husband, who grew up in Ashburton. With a wide range of international marketing and corporate business experience, she will compliment our highly skilled team.

Sarah’s role as Account Manager will see her involved in many of the day-to-day activities for the agency. This includes copywriting, digital marketing, sales and account management, media placement, conducting training sessions and marketing planning. Over the coming weeks Sarah looks forward to meeting you and getting to know what your business requirements are for 2017.

Whilst in Perth, Sarah spent nearly four years working at a large not-for-profit which provides aged care to almost 3,000 clients. The aged care sector has been going through a period of significant growth and change, including a large increase in competitors and legislative change. Her marketing duties included digital marketing, campaigns, events, grant applications, marketing strategy and creating marketing materials. Sarah was also seconded to project manage one of the largest legislative changes into the business, which resulted in her winning the Leadership on Show board award in 2015.

Sarah also has a strong academic record, earning a Master of Marketing from Curtin University in 2014. She was awarded the “Best Graduating student in a Marketing Postgraduate Degree 2014” for getting the top marks out of all students that year and won the Department of Health prize. She loved the academic world so much that she also took the opportunity to tutor undergraduate students at Curtin University after her studies, teaching the Digital Communications module for two semesters.

Sarah also did a 4-year stint in London, working at BBC Worldwide for 3.5 years whilst she was there. This gave her the opportunity to work with brands such as Top Gear, Doctor Who, Dancing with the Stars and BBC Earth. It was whilst working there she discovered her love for the marketing profession and for working with big brands. In 2010 Sarah won a place on the highly contested “Aspire” program, which was a one-year leadership program with dedicated mentoring and training. During her time on the program she got military mind training at Sandhurst Military Academy (where Prince William trained for the air force), pitch her ideas to the Board of the company and wrote a thesis around the Doctor Who program.

Moving to Ashburton has been a plan for Sarah and her husband for the last few years and she is looking forward to becoming part of the Ashburton community. If you would like to contact Sarah, her details are:

Email: sarah@jfm.co.nz
Phone: 03 308 6272 – ext 2

Team Update

JFM’s graphic designer, Natasha Moore is excited to announce the safe arrival of Amelia Chelsea Pearl Moore, born mid February this year! Whilst Natasha settles into life with her new bundle of joy, she will be taking a well deserved break. During this time, Justine Tull our Graphic Designer will be receiving Natasha’s emails and will be able to help with any projects you may have had with her.