eROI NYC Interactive Agency

Maureen and I went to the Media Post event Agency of the Year last night. It was interesting to be in the same room with these huge mega advertising and creative agencies. The best take away from the event was realizing that what we do and how we do it at eROI is relevant and current when compared to one of the largest creative markets in the world.

In their speech the winners of agency of the year Starcom talked about the future of the agency model and some of the very things we are implementing at eROI. He emphasized cross department interaction and pollination while stressing on the importance of strategy and research. He mentioned that they created a strategy department out of sheer demand and that it has been working well for them. It is changing the traditional agency model. Our jaws dropped in validation as we ourselves have been pushing to develop our strategy process and finding new channels to sell our ideas.

It feels good to be doing the right things – creating new and exciting ways to interact with out clients and push our creative thoughts.

Agency of the Year

This past Monday we finally received all of our stuff. In college after reading books on the Eastern philosophies and other wise men I often wondered if I could lead a life of simplicity. You know the super wise Chinese shadow master that lives in the hut with one bowl and a straw bed.  That kind of influence is what makes me an anti pack rat (except with records. word) . I never really had the opportunity to really live for a while sans all of my stuff.

While the first week in a new city was exciting and fun, days quickly turn into weeks when it comes to where you sleep. The business trip that lasts too long makes you yearn for your own bed so as I stood in my empty apartment the day before the movers got here I was overwhelmed with anticipation.  It appears that after 12 days on an air mattress, two suitcases and one bowl I understand my place in the philosophical word. Admiration only.

As I mentioned I do not have a lot of stuff, but the stuff I do have makes me feel at home. Home – a state of mind regulated by how much stuff you have around that’s familiar. Stuff that tells your story. Armed  with my records, my guitars, and most of all my bed, I feel rooted in the city now. Let’s grow.

My post this week is a little video I put together that documents my journey to New York City. Enjoy!!!!

In preparing for the move to New York City, my life over the last few months has been one big checklist. Or maybe a series of several check lists.  Find an apartment, get approved for apartment, get blackberry, sign contracts, notify landlords, pack, turn off electricity, turn on electricity, book flights, call movers, sell car….and on and on.  I found that living through a list ensures success while at the same time numbing you to the gravity of change that the list represents.  No where on my list was there a check box for the butterflies I got stepping onto the airplane or the feeling of excitement when you see the NYC skyline again for the first time.

So far the move has been smooth save a few minor instances of “shock and awe” and the occasional jaw drop when looking into the sky and finding mammoth skyscrapers and blinking lights. The New Year brings a ton of change and I have eROI to thank for it. It is a strange feeling to be living a life long dream that you never thought possible. On my way into work today while riding on the subway, I found myself grinning. Thinking of everything I had done to get here and the shear potential of what is to come.

So as I wait for my stuff to arrive at 348 W47th street apartment 1D, I have new lists to make and new frontiers to cross. I am committed and excited to be a success here. But as my new lists continue to grow I will must remain open to the power of this place and what it means to be here. Move in…check, Transparency…check, fulfilling a life long dream…check, rocking the NYC and making us millions…..ok, I’ll wait to check that one.