Friday, February 20, 2009

IKEA's Grand Opening Event and the 50 cent hotdog

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com
IKEA's is Charlotte's stimulus package and inspiration for Hope and Change
By Monday people were camping out in the cold and rain outside the IKEA store set to open Wednesday. Hundreds maybe even thousands of people flocked to the grand opening and my friend Caroline and I wanted to be part of one of Charlotte's biggest event of the year second to Coca Cola's 600 of course. I even saw young children who should've been in school flocking into the doors when they opened on the news. Did CMS declare National IKEA Day? 
We were greeted by sounds of a reggae band, friendly smiles and we couldn't resist the smell of the 50 cent hot dog. 
As we walked through the super-sized building, turn after anticipated turn brought smiles and "Oh My God's look at that" comments. We spent way too much time in the kitchen area where we discovered that the drawers automatically closed quietly if you just pushed them. One girl said that could save her marriage, her husband she said didn't know how to close the cabinets in the house. Her hubbie, who must have been forced to come was on the cell phone oblivious to her complaints, didn't even realize how happy his wife was at that a-ha moment.
The room set-ups were amazing. It showed how you could dwell in 276 sq. ft of space. fully furnished with kitchen, bed/living room in modern style. I feel guilty with my suburban home furnished by West Elm and Store by Design.
I had $10 burning a hole in my pocket, I knew I wanted to buy something. My friend Caroline went along for the ride and really had no idea just how cool the store was. By the time we left we both purchased scented tea lights. I bought 2 cute little mini pop-up tents for my kids in the pet section (kids are sort of like pets right?) and freshly baked cinnamon rolls. $25 total. 
Checkout time was about 15 min., but George our friendly concierge at the self-checkout made our wait fun and enjoyable. He even let me take the big and little sized reusable bags home. 
I will visit IKEA again and again. I think with everyone down in the dumps and not in the mood to spend money, IKEA just might be the new place to hang out with friends and family and I think I will have my business meetings there. They do have pretty cool home office stuff.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Mariellen Auer is named Mecklenburg Times Power Player

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com
The Mecklenburg Times has named Mariellen Auer a Power Player for it's weekly issue Friday, Jan 30, 2009.
Headline: Sports marketer takes pride in "left field" thinking
And just so you know their definition is...Power players are successful entreprenuers and business owners running companies that fuel the local economy. 
I was honored to be chosen as Power Player. They asked some pretty tough questions like, What do you think was most important in preparing to run a business? or What is your definition of success?
I'll be honest since this is a blog. It's nice to be recognized finally after several years of having a business and a very niche one that at that.  And working all those late nights on projects. I know this sounds cheesy, and so typical, but this makes me want to jump up and down a couple of times, to get this kind of recognition. Kind of cool.
Contact me and I'll by happy to share my answers in this article. And I might even spice it up, by  letting you in on some secrets to my success too.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

CHF Mag Endorses Auer Agency

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com
Recently Auer Agency completed apparel design for Charlotte Health and Fitness's magazines inaugural event the Frosty 5K.
"We have used Mariellen for several design projects, most notably our Frosty 5K t-shirts. Invariably, when people get their t-shirts they say now this is a cool shirt I'll actually wear. I am surprised when someone doesn't say that. I am sure this has helped registration increase 20% so far this year. This design has reflected very positively on our company and event - the Frosty 5k Series. We plan on using Auer Agency for future projects." David Klein, owner of CHF Mag/editor
Auer Agency, LLC is a global sports marketing and graphic design agency. www.aueragency.com to view their portfolio.

Stand out from the clutter - advertise on a cloud with Flogos

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com
I came across this today looking for new trends in advertising. With all the hype of social media networking, blogging and email blasts, wouldn't it be great to catch people's attention by making them look upward instead of downward?
That's right a whole new way to send your message or launch a new product is by having your logo created with environmentally safe synthetic clouds called Flogos. Launch your custom Flogo at a game, grand opening or special event. They will arrive at your area with all the equipment to shoot your brand into the skies. This Auburn University pic is a great example.
For more Flogos float over to www.flogos.net Flogos was created by special effects company SnowMasters based out of Lexington, AL. ask for Mike.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

TNBA4Sports Meeting Feb 4th

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com
TNBA4S will host it's February meeting,
Feburary 4
12:30-2pm
The Palm restaurant
All sports business professionals are invited to attend. If you have any questions you can contact me at 704-236-0568 or mariellen@aueragency.com
I'm Vice President of the group, and have found a lot of value in attending this organization. Last month Mike Minter spoke to our group and inspired all of us with his story.
This month will be focused on networking as usual. Bring lots of business cards.