@JoelECarlson– Hello everyone, and welcome to Twitterview with our guest , @alleecreative [Melissa Harrison]. Must be “creative day” today. :)
@alleecreative – Thanks for having me, @JoelECarlson!
Q – #1 So @alleecreative, tell us – Where did you grow up? What steps in life got you from High School up to today?
A: I grew up in Sun Prairie and DeForest, WI. Came to MN for college (U of M), B.A. in strategic comm.
I was always interested in business and communications so I did a lot of that in high school leading up to college.
I was fortunate to get a great position in marcomm right out of college, stayed there for four years until I decided to start my biz
I have always had the entrepreneurial bug, even when I was little!
On the family side, I met my husband in college. We have three kids (5 yrs and under!) and 1 on the way. You could say I’m busy!
Q – #2 Yes you are! So what kind of business is @alleecreative, and what is your role?
A: Allee is a strategic communications and design firm. We specialize in serving nonprofits in the Twin Cities with their marcomm needs.
Formerly Harrison Communications, we just launched our new name/brand in May and have been really pleased.
We worked with @affinadesign through the branding process. It’s great to have an outside eye when you’re also in the creative biz.
I started the biz in 2006. We’re small, virtual. My role is to gather new biz, but I also get down & dirty in the creative process
We do a lot of print work (annual reports, newsletters, magazines) and also long-term marcomm planning and PR for orgs.
Depending on the need, we also have clients that we consult with on new media initiatives.
I like to collaborate w/other businesses similar to ours on client projects. Keeps ideas fresh and the best minds working on things
It’s also helpful because we are small and want to make sure we’re providing expert services in areas of clients’ need.
Q – #3 Wonderful! As a small business that does BIG things, how has Social Media helped your company?
A: This year was really our big push for using social media. For us, Facebook works best (its where our clients are)…
but I am intrigued and learn more each day about how Twitter can be beneficial as well.
We present case studies to clients on the potential for social media use
think it’s easier, sometimes, to stay on top of it from a client side than for your own biz, but we’re getting there!
SM is great for keeping up your networks and learning about what others in your field (or entirely outside your field) are doing
And personally, I love SM because it allows me to keep connected with family and friends across the globe (and share my biz w/them)
SM in general has really just helped open doors and made @alleecreative presence known on a broader scale
and being that SM is a constant conversation, it gives us the opportunity to put personality behind our brand.
Q – #4 Who are 5-10 people that you follow that either inspire, educate or entertain your?
A: Twitter peeps that inspire/entertain me: @karyd, @jenkaneco, @jeffbullas, @briansolis, @lulugrimm, @saramasters, @Nylons, @bloisolson
and of course, you, @JoelECarlson!
Q – #5 That’s very kind of you! FAVS questions: Favorite – restaurant, store, summer activity & website?
A: Fave restaurant: anywhere that’s “upscale” where my husband and I can sit alone and eat a meal without interruption of kids
Fave store: @target!
Fave summer activity: sitting on a boat/near the water in the sun, with an adult beverage in hand (not so much this summer!!)
Hmmm, fave website: probably @facebook I’m kind of an addict. I like news mobile sites too like m.kare11.com
Q – #6 I see. If you could invite anyone (dead/alive) for dinner. who would you invite and why?
A: I’m typically not one to go presidents, but maybe Obama. Or my grandma. Hmm, or Brett Favre (it’s Pack vs. Vikes in our house!).
ops, and why, you say? Well, the Packers vs. Vikings kind of explains itself for Brett Favre. And grandma, to show her my kids
And Obama, he just seems like a fun guy to have dinner with.
Favre being a Viking has probably caused some “family issues”. To end, what thought or mantra would you like to share?
I’m always pushing myself to the next level and encourage others to do the same.
What’s the saying? “Shoot for the moon; even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.” I love that.
@JoelECarlson – hat’s a new one to me. Well thank you very much for you time of sharing today. Have a good evening @alleecreative!
@alleecreative – Thank you, @JoelECarlson. It was great talking to you. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!