At Switch, our clients are as diverse as our services, providing creative, research, strategy, production and execution all under one roof. Switch prides itself on creating a fun, passionate, creative, nurturing, family environment where good ideas and our Midwestern warmth shine through. You don’t have to make us your life, but you probably won’t mind us being a big part of it either.

Switch is hiring for the position of Associate Manager, Agency Brand. We need a savvy, strategic mind to assist in the development and management of the agency’s internal and external communications plan. The ABM’s goal is to build agency brand identity, awareness and overall reputation, in support of generating new business referrals and leads, with a focus in building and maintaining the company’s online presence.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1. Ensure agency website is kept current, relevant and up-to-date with information, work samples, biographies, blog, etc.
2. Manage internet marketing and social media strategies including content development for Switch blog, Twitter, Facebook and others along with Google analytics, SEO, ad words, pay per click campaigns, etc.
3. Assist in development and maintenance of offline (agency directory and profile pages including agency specific directories, business directories, paid listing services) and online pages (LinkedIn, YouTube, Wikipedia, 4As, Event Marketer, AMA, AdClub, etc.)
4. Help coordinate and manage targeted marketing campaigns to support company and or new business initiatives
5. Identify, purchase and manage online domains and URLs for agency marketing use.
6. Measure and refine online agency presence using analytic tools; monitor success of agency social media programs, provide reports and recommendations.
7. Maximize online agency presence by proactively posting agency materials, videos, photos, podcasts – and /or create agency channels on sites such as YouTube, Pinterest, Fancy, Flickr, SlideShare, etc.
8. Collect and maintain current digital library of agency’s best work samples; coordinate development of basic agency marketing materials – case studies, company fact sheet, sales collateral, etc.
9. Maintain upkeep of agency capabilities presentation(s)
10. Organize and maintain central depository of all new business materials, i.e., fact books, surveys, case histories, proposals, personal bios, photo and video assets
11. Assist with e-marketing efforts including email marketing mgmt. (Mail Chimp), send appropriate periodic e-mailings and other correspondence.
12. Assist with internal communications program to keep agency staff informed of marketing, new business activity and publicity.
13. Gather, write and contribute to postings for appropriate blogs and publications; create and foster relationships with relevant bloggers and online publishers.
14. Assist with industry award participation and entry submissions.
15. Collaborate with Manager, Agency Brand on special projects and assignments.

Qualifications for Position

1. BA/BS/BJ in Communications, Business, Journalism or Marketing
2. Excellent communication skills (listening, verbal, written and presentation a must)
3. Strong knowledge of digital and on-line media tools
4. Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to follow through
5. Strategic thinker with good decision making skills
6. Passion and unabashed enthusiasm for what we do
7. Professionalism and poise
8. Familiarity with mainstream social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, etc.
9. Familiarity with Adobe CS suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
10. Familiarity with iMovie, Final Cut or Adobe Premier
11. Experience in using online analytics and monitoring tools such as Google Analytics, TwentyFeet, Radian6, HootSuite, etc.
12. Knowledge of planning and running online ad campaigns via Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads and Google AdWords
13. Familiarity with HTML and WordPress back end, modifying existing code (.CSS and .PHP pages) a plus
14. Familiarity with MS Office suite or Mac equivalent
15. Minimum one to three years marketing and/or advertising agency experience actively involved in the sales and/or marketing of one or more Switch product lines.

Got what it takes? Send us an email with your resume.

No third party referrals, please.

Switch is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Switch, our clients are as diverse as our services, providing creative, research, strategy, production and execution all under one roof. Switch prides itself on creating a fun, passionate, creative, nurturing, family environment where good ideas and our Midwestern warmth shine through. You don’t have to make us your life, but you probably won’t mind us being a big part of it either.

Switch is hiring for the position of Director of Client Engagement. We need someone who is strategic, takes initiative, and loves to win! And while winning isn’t everything, it sure makes you feel good when it happens! Ideally, this person is a friendly and charismatic individual who has solid experience building business and formulating accounts in an agency environment.

Your key responsibility is creating the future agency landscape. Through qualified agency leads and referrals, you will determine who Switch works with next. We don’t just court any client at Switch. We are particular about the relationships we enter into, and you are the gatekeeper, defining which brands and clients are the best fit for Switch. In a sense, you are responsible for designing the agency’s roadmap for the next 5, 10, or 50 years.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow agreed upon sales strategy to pursue targeted opportunities based on agency positioning
• Internally qualify agency leads and referrals to determine what new partnership(s) Switch pursues
• Lead or oversee development of proposals responses to potential clients by collaborating as part of pitch team with assigned individuals in Business Development, Strategy Development, Research, Digital Media, Marketing, Account Development, Practice Lead/Project Management
• Develop strong client relationships that offer value and strategic insights
• Present agency capabilities presentation(s) with strong knowledge and confidence in agency product offering/expertise
• Present strategy, concepts, creative and/or project budgets as required, based on role played in pitch team
• Effectively download and transition new business sales or leads/referrals to Account Development Group or Production Operations, as required, at appropriate time

Qualifications for Position

• Strategic thinker and planner – ability to make connections and offer insights
• Instant credibility and presence based on experience/insights
• A strong, cultural fit for agency
• Polished presentation skills
• Highly influential communications skills (listening, verbal and written)
• Assertive, self-motivated, charismatic

• BA/BS/BJ in Communications, Business, Journalism or Marketing; some graduate work a plus
• Demonstrated ability to build solid relationships with individuals and close business, preferably in an agency environment
• Minimum ten years actively involved in agency business or account development
• Experiential marketing for consumer brands, beverages and/or CPG category

Got what it takes? Send us an email with your resume.

No third party referrals, please.

Switch is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Switch, we work with some of the largest companies in the world and smallest companies in St. Louis.  Our clients are as diverse as our services … its soup to nuts, providing creative, research, strategy, production and execution all under one roof.  Switch prides itself on creating a fun, passionate, creative, nurturing, family environment where good ideas and our Midwestern warmth shine through.  You don’t have to make us your life, but you probably won’t mind us being a big part of it either. Check out the requirements and let us know if you’d like to climb aboard.

Switch is currently hiring for a Digital Strategist. This individual is responsible for partnering with CDs on a particular account to guide clients to bold and innovative digital solutions. You will be expected to demonstrate the highest standard of business and digital audience analysis that will lead to channel growth and measurable results. Must have a proven track record of producing and managing full digital executions, from software to online and mobile experiences. You will also be expected to work with creative, production and account partners to sell these innovative strategies to a client and industry partners.

A Digital Strategist should have experience in behavioral analytics and insights, business strategy, digital media purchasing, raw analytical conversions, cultural and digital trends, foundation in core languages (PHP, VP.NET, OOP, CSS, JS, HTML5) and related libraries, emerging technologies and social media strategies.

Responsibilities

1. Assess client business models while understanding their implication on the user experience and to suggest improvements, alternatives and additions to their revenue streams
2. Although this position will report into the Director of Technology and Chief Creative Officer, the Strategist will be accountable for their specific, digital brand or business — and as such will require strong management and leadership skills
3. Effectively translate ideas in a digestible format
4. Communicate understanding of how to apply the methodologies of interaction design and research to interactive and product development
5. Plan for, delegate, oversee and polish all UX project deliverables (such as strategic vision briefs, concepts, wireframes, site maps, content inventories, etc.)
6. Champion principles of usability, responsible programming and user-centered design — and know when and how to break those rules

Got what it takes? Send us an email with your resume.

No third party referrals, please.

Switch is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Switch, we work with some of the largest companies in the world and smallest companies in St. Louis.  Our clients are as diverse as our services … its soup to nuts, providing creative, research, strategy, production and execution all under one roof.  Switch prides itself on creating a fun, passionate, creative, nurturing, family environment where good ideas and our Midwestern warmth shine through.  You don’t have to make us your life, but you probably won’t mind us being a big part of it either. Check out the requirements and let us know if you’d like to climb aboard.

We’re currently looking for a Strategic Planner. This individual is responsible for utilizing research to uncover relevant and unexpected consumer insights that will drive the agency’s development of effective marketing programs.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with creative and account teams to write, produce and deliver persuasive, insight-driven presentations to clients
2. Personally conduct primary and/or secondary research and analyze data for prospects/active clients in order to uncover consumer insights or achieve other client objectives
3. Measure the effectiveness of Switch’s client programs and provide analysis/suggestions for improvement
4. Work productively and harmoniously as a teammate with creative directors, practice leads, account executives and others who share responsibility for success on given assignments
5. Comply with quality standards for the team as set forth by the department
6.  Identify and understand specific business challenges.
7.  Use research data to form opinions, and provide insights and strategy.
8.  Write creative briefs and make information understandable and useful to everyone –  particularly the creative team
9.  Express a point of view coherently and concisely – quick thinker.
10.  Identify client research needs/opportunities
11.  Recommend appropriate methodologies for capturing needed data
12.  Design research programs
13.  Administer primary and secondary research initiatives
14.  Analyze data
15.  Produce detailed reports

Qualifications for Position

1. Ability to read, analyze and interpret information from a variety of sources, such as trade journals, research reports, white papers and cross-tabulated survey data
2. Proven ability to uncover and articulate relevant and unexpected consumer insights through primary and secondary research
3. Experience applying insights to marketing program development
4. Exceptional writing, presentation and influence skills
5. Experience in both qualitative and quantitative research principles, methodologies, reporting and analysis
6. 3–5 years of experience and key achievements in data-driven strategic thinking and execution.

At Switch, our clients are as diverse as our services, providing creative, research, strategy, production and execution all under one roof. Switch prides itself on creating a fun, passionate, creative, nurturing, family environment where good ideas and our Midwestern warmth shine through. You don’t have to make us your life, but you probably won’t mind us being a big part of it either.

Switch is hiring for the position of Account Manager. We need someone who is strategic, takes initiative and loves to win…ideally, a friendly and charismatic individual who has solid experience building business and formulating accounts in an agency environment. And while winning isn’t everything, it sure makes you feel good!

Your key responsibility is to uncover value-added insights and make logical client/category connections to grow existing accounts at Switch.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Build strong client relationships that offer value and strategic insights
2. Prospect for new clients and/or opportunities within existing account
3. Oversee project strategy, development and execution on behalf of client within given account
4. Lead or oversee development of proposal responses to potential clients by collaborating as part of pitch team with assigned individuals in: Creative, Strategy Development, Research, Digital Media, Marketing, Practice Lead/Project Management
5. Present agency capabilities presentation(s) with strong knowledge and confidence in agency product offering/expertise
6. Present strategy, concepts, creative and/or project budgets as required, based on role played in pitch team
7. Effectively download and transition sold work to internal Production Operations Group, as required, at appropriate time

REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION

1. Strategic thinker and planner – ability to make connections and offer insights
2. Instant credibility and presence based on experience/insights
3. Cultural fit for agency
4. Polished presentation skills
5. Highly influential communications skills (listening, verbal and written)
6. Assertive, self-motivated, charismatic
7. BA/BS/BJ in Communications, Business, Journalism or Marketing; some graduate work a plus
8. Demonstrated ability to build solid relationships with individuals that lead to incremental business, preferably in an agency environment
9. Minimum 5-7 years actively involved in agency business or account development
10. Experiential marketing for beverages, healthcare and/or CPG category

At Switch, we work with some of the largest companies in the world and smallest companies in St. Louis.  Our clients are as diverse as our services … its soup to nuts, providing creative, research, strategy, production and execution all under one roof.  Switch prides itself on creating a fun, passionate, creative, nurturing, family environment where good ideas and our Midwestern warmth shine through.  You don’t have to make us your life, but you probably won’t mind us being a big part of it either. Check out the requirements and let us know if you’d like to climb aboard.

Switch is looking for energetic, high spirited individuals who want to take our brand experiences to the next level. With teams available nationwide, your primary goal will be to create engaging and entertaining connections with consumers.

Primary Duties

1. Driver and host for one of Switch’s Mobile Display units.
2. Provide display set up for event promotions and educational venues.
3. On-site display host and management skills are required when dealing with clients, venue partners and guest.
4. On-site coordination of labor and event schedules

Qualifications

1. 21 Years of Age or older
2. Class A CDL required (this is not negotiable)
3. Clean Driving Record
4. Able to work in a team environment
5. Ability to lift 100+ lbs
6. Willingness to travel 250+ days per year
7. Ability to project a positive image for Switch and it’s clients
8. Mechanical or technical expertise, a plus
9. Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism or related degree or background, preferred
10. Experience in multiple technical areas a plus
11. Prior mobile marketing experience preferred

Sound good to you? Send us an email with your resume.

No third party referrals, please.

Switch is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Google does a satirical take on what online shopping would be like if it took place in the real world. While i’m still convinced that the technologically challenged individuals attempting to work the self check-out stations at Target are worse, this accurately highlights just how painful the experience can be. You almost feel bad for our buddy, Nick4Ever.

It definitely makes me appreciate Amazon’s One-Click service much more.

What are your checkout horror stories? Do they occur more often online or offline?

The screens entice passer-by to interact with the message “because we love you too.” Those who stop to play are then provided with a touch experience around the famous Starbucks stars, revealing the various deals and rewards that the program will offer customers.

It is still too soon to see whether or not this will drive traffic inside and increase My Starbucks Rewards memberships. Regardless, the displays are catching the attention of anyone who happens to be looking up from their smartphone while walking the streets of urban Canada.

Click here to view the embedded video.

One of the ways to propel an upstart brand is by building a sampling army to get your brand in the hands of your consumers. Last week, Switch shared with you our first key to building a sampling army – clarity on and support of the mission, from top-down in the organization.

Today, Switch shares with you our second insight, in a 3-part series, highlighting keys to building a successful sampling army.

Part 2: A Well-Organized Plan of Attack

A well-organized plan of attack starts with a clearly defined program infrastructure, providing systems and tools to ensure your program runs smoothly. From a human resources perspective, a system is critical for hiring and managing field activation teams. Everyone must be on the same page about the types of candidates required for specific tasks at hand. That starts with a well-defined job description and a process for hiring the right candidates.

At Switch, we work collaboratively with clients such as Budweiser, vitaminwater, 5-hour Energy and Muscle Milk to scout and screen candidates that fit the heart and soul of each specific brand. That includes a robust interview process such as role playing, panel interviews, special driving tests, technology/aptitude screenings, or personal interviews by our clients – or all of the above. Never rush the hiring process because you can never underestimate the power of the perfect hire! A great hire will carry you far, avoiding the hassle and downtime turnover creates.

Once you find the perfect candidate, make sure there’s a well-oiled HR machine in place. At Switch, there’s a detailed system to manage the on-boarding of 700+ people in just a 2- 3 month time period. Just picture the number of employee files, paperwork, W-2 filing required and various state / municipal laws to navigate. Imagine the possible number of worker’s comp claims and personnel issues that surface on an on-going basis. Organization is critical. That’s why we have dedicated individuals assigned by brand to administer the HR aspects of just sampling programs alone.

Here’s the deal. If you don’t have sampling teams employed and engaged (that also pass drug testing and background checks), you essentially won’t have a program to operate in market. If you’re trying to create a household name for your brand, you need feet on the street.

Once you have the right team on board, provide thorough training to authentically represent your brand in the market. Training may be conducted in multiple waves, in local markets, on a regional/statewide-basis, or at a single nationwide location such as a corporate headquarters.

To put training into a real world perspective, consider taking teams to select venues, events, retailers or on-premise to practice live sampling on the spot. Do role playing with brand managers on hand to coach and help reinforce core brand message points. Use scorecards, measure progress and provide honest feedback to ensure your brand is represented in the manner it deserves.

A well-organized plan of attack also includes a system to respond to vehicle needs, if yoursampling program is vehicle based. If it is, don’t forget training on actual vehicle operations – that is, how to drive and operate the vehicle. Set up driving courses within parking lots and do ride-alongs. Train individuals on how to park, load and secure product, change out graphics and operate vehicle systems, such as audio and refrigeration.

Just like you need feet on the street (and not having people in place is an opportunity cost), down time with vehicles or equipment is also an opportunity cost. Plan to have backup systems in place for when systems fail.

At Switch, our in-house fabrication and print studios allow us to keep vehicle templates on file for quickly adjusting or changing out the graphics on vehicles – 24/7. In addition, we operate with an established nationwide network of graphic wrap installers, auto dealerships, roadside assistance providers and Penske dealers to repair vehicles.

A well-organized plan of attack, with processes, systems and an organized team in place, is the second key to building a national sampling army. Check back soon for the last blog in this 3-part series –  3 Keys to Building a Sampling Army.

To learn more about the elements to field marketing, see Suntrup speak at the BevNET Live Winter 2011 Conference on December 5th & 6th.

How do you propel an upstart or virtually unrecognized brand into a common household name? One of the ways to get there is by building a sampling army to get your brand in the hands of your consumers. Building a sampling army to ultimately create a successful national brand takes a lot of things … and it’s not necessarily a big pile of money.

Switch shares with you the first in a 3-part series, highlighting the keys to building a successfully sampling army.

Part 1: Support and Clarity

Success requires clarity on, and support of, the mission within the brand’s organization. In Switch’s experience, successful brands who utilize sampling as a platform for brand trial and awareness, always have a singular focus. And this focus is supported and embraced from the very top of the brand’s organization.

Since the initial launch of the brand, vitaminwater has grown tremendously and its commitment to sampling on a nationwide basis has only grown stronger. In 2007, vitaminwater was purchased by beverage powerhouse Coca-Cola; who immediately embraced and recognized the value of sampling. They continue to show support in this area for the entire glacéau portfolio of brands, including the expansion of field marketing sampling efforts for PowerAde.  And now, even though the brand has the marketing support of television advertising, various entertainment sponsorships and partnerships with famous athletes, vitaminwater’s commitment to sampling remains consistent.

To recap, clarity on, and support of, the mission is one of the key contributors to the success of building a national sampling army. Check out how sampling has helped build the vitaminwater brand – and be sure to check back here for parts 2 and 3 in:  The 3 Keys to Building a Sampling Army.

To learn more about the elements to field marketing, see Suntrup speak at the BevNET Live Winter 2011 Conference on December 5th & 6th.