Some examples include Rob Mansfield citing that Age UK use Facebook for conversation, feedback and of course, to be a more human brand. With over 5m over-50s on Facebook, Age UK’s choice of social platform is a wise one indeed. Good work.

Following on from that, Laura Price from British Gas talked through their key reasons for Facebook usage; pro-active response, self-help and engagement. With each different area providing a different service for their consumers, Laura pointed out that although many people ‘like’ their page simply to complain, at least that British can do something about it, i.e.: converse with their fans in order to fix the problem at hand.

A telling statement, and one that we agree with.

Also, a worthy mention of customer service tool ‘Get Satisfaction‘, which British Gas also use by way of a Facebook app to help manage the flow of their customer queries.

Finally, our latest recruit James Whatley stepped up to speak about which organisations should use Facebook (and which should not). His slides are up on Slideshare and we throughly recommend clicking through for a peruse (along with slide notes!) to see what he was talking about…

All in all a great night was had by everyone who attended. Keep an eye on PR Moment for information about the next upcoming event and perhaps we’ll see you there!

James joins from 1000heads where he played an integral part on global award-winning campaigns such as Nokia / Tron: Legacy, the Foursquare-enable d gift machine and, most recently, The Dark Knight Rises limited edition Lumia. Outside of his work with Nokia, James has also worked on projects with Heineken, MARS, P&G and YouthNet.

James’ career highlights and awards include winning best viral campaign (SoMeComms), best use of existing social media channels (Digital Impact Awards) and best viral (Cream London) for Nokia/Tron Legacy.

Michael Darragh, Head of Digital, London, said:

“James joins Ogilvy PR at a time of increased demand for social counsel from corporate brands. Our digital practice is growing rapidly and James’ expertise in enterprise social media strategy, wholly integrated marketing communications programmes, and mobile, adds another string to Ogilvy PR’s bow.”

In his new role, James will lead social business and B2B communications strategy for global clients.

About his appointment, James Whatley said:

“I am very, very excited about joining a fantastic team who are not only going through a period of meteoric growth, but also have the ambition to match.”

James’s appointment is effective immediately and follows recent senior digital hires at Ogilvy PR including Eb Adeyeri (LEWIS PR), Michael Cooper (Wolfstar PR) and Kristin Parrish (Ogilvy PR/Atlanta). Ogilvy PR’s global 360° Digital Influence group was named “Most Outstanding Digital/Social Consultancy” at The Holmes Report’s 2011 Global SABRE Awards.

James is:

• Alumni at The Marketing Academy (Marketing Hall of Legends UK)
• Co-Founder, Writer and Presenter at The Really Mobile Project
• A keen mobile industry commentator and analyst
• Founder at Mobile Geeks of London
• Advisor to a number of start-ups

You can follow him on Twitter as @whatleydude

We are excited to announce that Michael Frohlich has been appointed to the newly-created role of Managing Director, EAME Consumer Marketing practice. Reporting to Stuart Smith, Frohlich brings more than 17 years expertise in building effective and award-winning consumer marketing campaigns for his clients.

Frohlich joins from the Bell Pottinger Group (part of Chime plc). He led multinational campaigns for some of the world’s leading brands and public figures and has worked across a range of PR and marketing disciplines and businesses including: brand strategy and planning; health; political campaigning; consumer; corporate; tech; marketing services.

Stuart Smith, CEO of the EAME region said:

“We’ve had a great 2011 and we are investing further in the business. Michael is a formidable consumer strategist and astute business leader whose experience, international outlook and energy extends our ability to offer truly global, creative and integrated solutions for brands and businesses. He has led teams to win some of the top awards in the world for creative work and I am confident he will bolster an already flourishing EAME consumer team.”

In his new role, Frohlich will work closely with the consumer practices in other offices throughout EAME to drive business development and contribute across practices in the areas of strategy and creative development. During his time at Chime plc, Frohlich was founder of Resonate Communications, which was named as one of the Best PR Agencies in the UK by Marketing Magazine. He co-founded a joint venture between Resonate Communications and VCCP advertising agency, focusing on ‘social communications’.

Frohlich has won and led teams to win, numerous industry awards (including: Gold at Cannes Lions Festival; UK PR Week Award; Media Guardian Campaign of the Year) and served as a judge at the 2010 Cannes PR Lions Festival. He was also recognised as one of the top 3 “Most Promising Young UK Business Leaders” in the Daily Telegraph Awards, named to the PRWeek Power Book from 2007-2011 and sits on the Public Relations Consultancy Association PR Council.

About his appointment, Michael said:

“Given all the changes in our industry as communications and marketing channels continue to converge, there is nowhere I’d rather practice creative, edgy campaigns for brands than an integrated communications firm full of smart people which is enjoying great growth and winning awards. I look forward to working with the network of entrepreneurial and innovative professionals. ”

Frohlich will join Ogilvy PR in February 2012, further strengthening Ogilvy PR’s EAME leadership team which also includes Sandra Saias, recently transferred from Ogilvy PR’s Chicago office as MD Strategy + Planning EAME, and Kaitlyn Wilkins who leads the EAME 360o Digital Influence team.

Following on from Ogilvy PR’s very successful Little Black Book briefing with the Economist’s European Business Editor David Shirreff, the team continue to attract interesting guests, albeit one we have easy access to, with a talk from Iain Bundred our newly appointed Director of Strategic Media Relations. Iain enlightened us on what goes on behind the big black door of No.10 Downing Street.

The discussion looked at the mechanics of No. 10’s media operation from the days of Alistair Campbell to Iain’s time as campaign spokesperson and press officer for Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

We were also treated to Iain’s personal analysis on the Gillian Duffy saga. What went wrong, what went right, was that infamous photo in the radio interview a moment of contrition and humility, or a sign of a campaign that had hit rock bottom?

So what where Iain’s views on the election campaign that tossed out the long term Labour Government for the relatively unique Coalition arrangement we are now experiencing? He left us in no doubt of his position. The Conservatives had ultimately had an appalling campaign. Dogged by inconsistency of message and an inability to champion unpopular policies, they couldn’t achieve the kind of cut through that would have delivered majority government. Labour, contrary to popular analysis had  averted a considerable electoral annihilation; something too often experienced by long term incumbents.

Whatever side of the argument the audience in the room were from, they were provided with an entertaining discussion that highlighted the narrative skills of a former political media guru who has turned his attention to brand building and delivering for Ogilvy PR what was so nearly delivered for Gordon Brown.

We look forward to the next instalment of the Little Black Book series.

Forget Colin at the Oscars, the real British talent lies right here in Canary Wharf. Leaving no time for the dust to gather, we can once more get out the gowns, fix the bow ties and get ready for another exciting awards season. It’s true; last year was record-breaking but this year is exceptional. As just recognition for a fantastic year, Ogilvy PR London has secured 4 nominations, 4 Certificates of Excellence and a win in the Bronze and Iron category for this year’s prestigious EAME SABRE Awards.

Did you ever want to be sitting perspiration distance from Roger Federer as he served a final and lethal ball at Andy Murray? Well, IBM tasked Ogilvy to make that experience as real as possible for the masses that didn’t get seats around the hallowed Wimbledon turf, allowing them to literally see through walls with the new augmented reality app. Already recognised across the spread of marketing and communications industry bodies, Ogilvy’s IBM seer campaign has won a bronze and iron SABRE, two Certificates of Excellence and is up for best ‘Digital and Social Media: Digital Campaign’. In a world where every agency is moving towards a digital and social future Ogilvy London are pushing new boundaries, redefining digital limitations and getting clients great results into the bargain.

But, forget Facebook for a moment as other equally brilliant work is being carried out across our office.  What can Kazakhstan offer the people of Ireland? A new model for dealing with distressed economies and making creditors pay their share. Ask the Economist, Guardian, Financial Times, the Daily Telegraph and now the Holmes Report. Ogilvy has already received a ‘Best in Media Placement’ certificate for this at the SABRES and a further nomination in the Financial Communications category.

Other stand out campaigns to be nominated in the EAME Practice area categories are our work with FremantleMedia and GROHE in the ‘Trade Show’ category. Certificates of Excellence have also been awarded for TomTom in ‘Media Placement: Television’

An excited UK Office Head Ross Cathcart beamed ‘This year’s nominations – and a win to boot – are hopefully just the beginning of recognition for a London team which pushes boundary’s, creates ground breaking campaigns and burns the midnight oil to get it done.’ 

We’ve got our fingers crossed for the awards ceremony to be held at the impressive Prague Castle in May. And unlike Cinderella, we shall go to the ball. Let’s just hope the slipper fits.

You will be green with envy to hear of the new talent sitting amongst us.  Kathleen Enright is our first UK practice head of OgilvyEarth (www.ogilvyearth.com), Ogilvy’s global sustainability marketing consultancy.

With over seven years’ experience in social marketing and sustainable development in Europe, Asia and North America, Kathleen will be responsible for providing sustainability expertise and applying the Ogilvy Earth tools across all departments within the Ogilvy Group. She’s part of a dynamic “task force”, to challenge clients (existing and new) on their sustainability issues and help them promote their sustainability products and engagements in the best way possible.

“Sustainability is a fantastic opportunity to use our combined expertise as a force for good. In bringing together Ogilvy’s marketing and creative masterminds to work on sustainability issues we are in a unique position to help our clients expand the business case for sustainability and create added brand value. – Promoting responsible consumption without even using the ‘S’ word. Ogilvy sees this as an integral part of business and that’s why I’m here! And working with Ogilvy PR is a great place to start the conversation”

Ross Cathcart, UK Head of Office, adds: “Having Kathleen on a board is a logical step in our drive to always be forward-thinking and to help our clients grow their business both in volume and in value. We see sustainability not only as a business imperative but as a great opportunity to work closely with new and existing clients to provide simple and creative solutions to complex and often technical issues.”

Kathleen gives the green light on 5 Sustainability Probes:

1. Which industry is leading the way in sustainability:    Retailers
2. Which industry is dragging its feet:    Communications and Service providers in general
3. The brand campaign in the last 12 months that really stands out for you:    Volkswagen ad “you can’t live without CO2″  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SYugLGQpm0
4. What is one act we can all do right now to keep moving in the right direction:   Open a discussion with suppliers
5. Who is your sustainability hero:    Homer Simpson! Contact Kathleen to find out why – Kathleen.enright@ogilvy.com

Last Friday saw a rare event. The Economist’s Britain Business correspondent, David Shirreff braved the rain and cold to come pay a visit to Ogilvy Public Relations. Forming April’s part of Ogilvy’s Masters of Media programme, David spent an inspiring and informative hour with the team discussing everything from the Economist’s editorial mutualism to the likely consequences of the EU debt crisis and the rise of China.

The world respects the Economist. Turns out they respect themselves just as much. Speaking about their editorial format, it was a welcome surprise to hear of no cliché angry news editors running along corridors demanding deadlines. Rather, those lucky enough to work at the Economist spend every Monday morning with colleagues allowing thoughts they’ve percolated over the weekend to spew out into spontaneous and impassioned discussion. Essentially, people brainstorm ideas, contest theories and develop the stories that will finally form one of the most respected global publications, through peer based debate. So, if you have a really gripping story about pirates, say in the Gulf of Aden and their impact upon global shipping routes and the likely insurance implications, broaden the idea. Think big. It may very well be up the Economist’s alley.

Perhaps the most engaging thing for readers of The Economist is the informed debate that it brings to the world. Accessible, researched and thought-provoking, The Economist has been the catalyst for new international policy, formed staunch opposition to things that ail the world and contributors to debates which genuinely shape the world around us. The fact is Ogilvy got something, that far too often, PR agencies miss out on. Non-PR related discussion. How do I get my client into the Economist? Do you like this story?  Was not the point of this visit. We wanted to hear about the EU, banking regulation, Libya, China and where the UK sits in the global mix. David duly, and in the collegial way which the Economist obviously enshrine, engaged Ogilvy people with a lively discussion on European debt, China’s rise, oil prices and uncertainty in Africa; and a few things in between.

Ogilvy PR was treated to something a little more cerebral last Friday. And, like the Economist editorial meetings, it sent our brains into overdrive. We are well and truly looking forward to the next event in our series; Masters of Media.

Ogilvy’s chefs went into canape-making overdrive last Tuesday when Ogilvy PR hosted PRMoment’s Social Media Beyond Borders conference for London’s PR and marketing folk, chaired by James Russell, Public Relations Director for Experian. 

The hum of conversation from Ogilvy’s in house bar next door was a fitting background as the speakers discussed what gets people talking online today. The theme running the presentations was how local differences can affect how we work with global media platforms. 

Our very own Michael Darragh, Head of 360° Digital Influence, used his globetrotting career from Australia to London via China and Barcelona to give us a potted evolution of digital media worldwide. He reminded us not to forget about the humble online forum – still the social web’s most popular platform – and gave us a birds-eye view of the social media scene in China.

Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are off-limits, but that doesn’t stop China’s exuberant, irreverent young internet users from regularly making national heroes out of completely ordinary people – such as the chubby-faced schoolboy (“Little Fatty”) whose bemused photo at a school event was shared by millions and helped him become an internet entrepreneur in his own right. 

Working with local heroes and international obsessions were key to the success of Sony’s Twilight Football campaign, which Nick Sharples, Director of Corporate Comms for Sony Europe presented. The campaign launched a new camera – specially created for low light – with a unique event that  saw seven football matches played around the world at twilight over 24 hours. To take part, men in different markets were asked to combine their twin loves of gadgetry and footy by uploading video entries, and then drumming up support for their entries, with local print and online media getting behind the cause. 

Philip Young, Senior Lecturer in PR and Media Ethics at the University of Sunderland talked about the nature of friendship and how new technology has enabled us to make friends and form communities with people who really share our interests, and how the deeper these interests are, the closer the community will be. (A seemingly simple point, but one that might pass the eager marketing manager by). But while our interests can cross borders, our languages travel less well – Philip gave the example of a Swedish friend who caused mayhem by suggesting “juggling ideas” to a group of Danes, for whom the word means something very different. Perhaps at the next event we’ll find out what…

To watch highlights of the event, please watch our video: 

This sentence may have given you indefinite time off work 20 years ago. Yet it is still somewhat oxymoronic that despite the greatest level of global connectivity in the history of humanity, humans are becoming more isolated than ever before. So, what to make of it all? The answer most probably is, social media is here to stay.

The digital age will continue to increase content and a desire for consuming even greater amounts of digital content.

For some time, Ogilvy PR’s social media team have been considering how best to maximise client exposure in a world where new found connectedness and the historically deep cultural differences of the global community are colliding with as yet unknown consequences.

To this end, our event on January 19th Social Media: Beyond Borders has brought together some of the foremost thinkers in this field to discuss in an open forum the various and perplexing questions facing people, companies and societies embracing the new tools of social media. Is social media consumption the same in London and Washington? Which nationality tweets the most? And, are we seeing a mass democratisation of content, contact and connection? If so, what do we do with it?

Our speakers: Michael Darragh, Head of 360° Digital Influence at Ogilvy London, Nick Sharples, Director of Corporate Communications at Sony and Philip Young, Senior lecturer in PR and Media Ethics at the University of Sunderland will try and unravel some of this unknown and engage in a debate which we hope will be enlightening and interesting.

Plus, there’s champagne!

If you’ve woken up from a night out covered in green feathers with vague memories of charming green clad bar maids swirling deftly about the dancefloor, the chances are you’re run into the Midori Mix team hard at work.

Midori, with its distinctive emerald green colour and light refreshing taste, was conceived by the international award-winning Japanese Suntory group in 1978.

Midori has gained a strong reputation among leading bartenders and cocktail designers worldwide for its outstanding quality and superb versatility.

Today, Midori is available in more than 30 countries and has truly become a premium global liqueur brand among young people.

In the UK, Midori is distributed by Morrison Bowmore who bolster their marketing mix with a ‘Midori Mix’ events team that tour the country building grassroots support.

The challenge for the London Ogilvy PR team this year was to give the Mix team an online spin.

The solution we came up with was a nationwide dance-off, a distinctly Midori take on the talent shows that captivate so many each weekend.

We challenged revellers around the country to don a green feather boa and strut their stuff, giving our lenses their own personal take on the ‘Midori Mix’ dance to win a fantastic cash prize of £1,000.

With the completion of the competition in late November, all videos have now been uploaded to the Midori Mix YouTube channel (link: http://www.youtube.com/midorimix1) and voting has commenced.

Those participating in the contest have been invited to rally support among their friends and an engaged community of over 2,000 on the Midori Mix Facebook page (link: http://www.facebook.com/midorimix) where we keep up a steady hum of activity in the form of exclusive cocktail recipes, juicy gossip, event photos and ‘green living’ tips.

To back-up our grassroots advocacy work, the Midori team have also been working hard to engage industry influencers with themed experiential events.

In mid November, the team brought food and drink, lifestyle and parenting bloggers from around London together under one roof at Dirty Martini in Covent Garden to sample a few Midori classics.

Catering to a broad female demographic, and in keeping with the theme, the bloggers were then treated to a West End show – Dirty Dancing. As the line goes: “no body puts baby in the corner “.

The Midori Mix dance-off competition is still going strong – check out our Facebook page (link: http://www.facebook.com/midorimix) for updates!