A little less corporate, a bunch more creative, a lot more effective
We are as comfortable in a Fortune 500 boardroom as we are in an indie producer's office (usually a local coffee shop). While we're very serious about our work, we think that life is fun! We also know that work can be fun - when you're collaborating with the right people.
Our clients tend to be outside the box, 'let's try that' kind of thinkers - just like us. Our top priority is to provide an excellent return on investment and measurable results for each and every client while enjoying the process. There is a reason why we are great at what we do, we only take on clients we can get behind 100% and we love what we do. It's a passion and an obsession. While there are many attributions for this quote, we aren't sure who said it, but we live it. "If you love what you do, you will never work another day in your life."
Getting to know you...
Part of our job is to learn your business - the good, the bad, the challenges and the vision. We work with you to learn and understand your business, and develop a strategic and creative plan from concept to implementation to evaluation. We encourage a collaborative approach that not only keeps you informed, aware and engaged, but also creates momentum and generates results.
Brainstorming
Twice a week, AHA meets to brainstorm creative ideas to help get our client's messages heard by their target audience. We call it the "What More Can We Do" brainstorm. These meetings are about going the extra mile, seeing past what we have accomplished to what can be done, recognizing new or expanded opportunities, or potentially looking down a completely different road. No matter how much success we achieve on behalf of our clients, we never stop improving.
AHA Tribal Council
Each Friday afternoon, at the AHA Production Studio, we hold AHA Tribal Council. Unlike the reality TV show Survivor, you want to be voted for at this Tribal Council. Here, each AHA team member gets to talk about how they went above and beyond for a client, what they did to improve themselves professionally and personally, and how they want to incorporate new or different process improvements for the organization. The person who is voted to have taken the most positive actions that week is awarded the AHA Tiki Mug. The mug sits on their desk for the following week. The person with the mug on their desk the most times for the month wins an award (dinner, night at the movie, time off etc.)
AHA Lunch & Learns
One Friday a month, the AHA Team comes together and orders lunch (normally Thai food!) on AHA and each team member presents to the group. Topics range from new ways to use PR 2.0, how to best pitch the media, what a journalist thinks of PR people, balancing life and work — and, our personal favorite, learning what each member of the AHA Team wants to learn and focus on in the coming months. We know that we attract the best people; we want to make sure that we provide the opportunity for each AHA team member to grow — as people and in their careers. The strength of our company is in our people — we intend to continually recognize, encourage and support them.
Random Acts of Kindness
Each month one AHA member gets to contribute a random act of kindness to the world. They receive $20.00 to go out and try to make someone's day better. From dropping donuts or spring plants off at a home for the elderly, taking dog treats to the local animal shelter or planting wild flowers on the side of the highway, we're putting a smile on the face of our fellow community members one by one. This activity inspires each of us to go out of our way for other people, whether as an official AHA Random Act of Kindness or as a part of who we are — and who we want to be.
Advising Budding Entrepreneurs
AHA Creative Strategies is committed to supporting new business entrepreneurs. We understand that many entrepreneurs cannot afford to hire a PR agency to help launch their new small business. Partner Ruth Atherley, regularly speaks to business classes providing guidance and support to those brave entrepreneurs setting to venture out into the business world with their own ideas.
We also offer a reasonably priced training course and workshop for those who cannot afford an agency.
AHA Mentorship Program
AHA is a contributing member of our community. Every six months, we offer our expertise free of charge to a deserving organization. Currently, we work with the Canadian Disabled Individuals Association. They are a non-profit organization that provides information to its members on how to live a more productive and enjoyable life, as well as help to raise the public's awareness about the unique struggles of the disabled community.
If you would like your organization to be considered for PR assistance, please email . Please understand that as a boutique agency, our resources are limited to one organization every six months.
The Mutts
We would be remiss not to point out that our dogs, Missy (the big black/brown Lab cross) and Sassy (the blonde coyote-looking dog), are unconventional strategic partners, positive influences and giggle instigators. You may hear them in the background during phone calls or meet them at the office.
These two lift spirits in the office, keep us laughing, keep us thinking and pull our minds up and out of strategic planning long enough to refresh our energy. Every single day, they encourage us to unleash our creativity.