Our Philosophy.
Our team’s guiding philosophy remains unchanged since 2001: Always challenge conventional thinking. Question everything.
Blending in is not something that interests us – we’re all about ideas that disrupt the sea of sameness and change long-term behaviors and actions. And at the end of the day, it’s about results.
How We’re Different.
- Pride in Our Work – We love what we do and it shows. We・re never satisfied until we reach our goals. Every single time.
- Brand Architects – We ask the tough questions up front to define positioning and personality before we ever put design pen to paper.
- Brand Guardians – We are relentless in nurturing our clients’ brands every day, and never lose sight of the long term plan.
- Challenge Conventional Thinking – We’re not afraid to challenge conventional thinking. To change the question. Adjust the perspective. At the end of the day, it’s better to outsmart than outspend.
- We Do More Than Ads – We create strong, integrated campaigns that build brands. It all has to work together. If it’s not comprehensive, it’s incomprehensible.
- Obsessed With Results – We’re different because we’re serious about results – measurable, sustainable, lucrative results. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Areas of Specialization.
- Strategic Communications
- Social Marketing/Health Care
- Retail
- Interactive and Social Media
Portfolio Piece?
Tough pick. But since we can only pick one, here it is.
In 2004, The Idea Factory was approached by Dean Macdonald (and Hicks Muse Capital out of Dallas, Texas) and asked to complete a comprehensive national brand audit of a cable company called Persona Communications.
After an 8 week intensive coast-to-coast business review which included consumer research, interviews from inside the company, an evaluation of past marketing campaigns and mapping competitive landscapes, we recommended a holistic and integrated brand strategy and creative platform. Simply put, they needed to stop acting like a utility company and start acting like an entertainment company.
And this had to happen from the ‘inside-out’.
Inspired by Arthur C. Clarke’s sentiment that “any smoothly functioning technology should have the appearance of magic”, The Idea Factory created a foundation to build on. In its 2004 rebrand, Persona Communications donned a top hat and became The Amazing Persona.
More than providing just another ‘marketing paint job’, The Idea Factory ignited a new spirit and new attitude that connected through every consumer touchpoint from the call centre to the technicians on the road.
Its award-winning marketing campaign created a newly-focused team with the energy to deliver a more robust suite of services in an uncomplicated and entertaining campaign.
In 2007, EastLink, based out of Nova Scotia, nationally took notice and acquired the brand and the company. We are proud say The Idea Factory remains Agency of Record for EastLink to this day.
Impact Communications
Who are you?
Impact is a collective of marketing, branding, creative and interactive consultants. Founded in 1995 and based in Halifax, Impact has made its mark delivering results. Impact has national reach, and is in market on both coasts, and we have been recognized internationally for the caliber of our work. We bring a thoughtful approach that combines communications acumen, creative thinking, and results-oriented strategy. We are active in our community, and volunteer with numerous causes. We believe authenticity is essential to all effective advertising. We live our principles through creating a great place to work.
What is your advertising philosophy?
Advertising is most effective when it is true, evocative, authentic, purposeful, and clear.
What do you think advertising should accomplish for clients?
Advertising should add value. Advertising should add revenue, add awareness, add clarity and add differentiation.
What sets you apart from other agencies?
- Our social advocacy and involvement in the community. We have devoted thousands of hours and dollars to making our community better through the causes we support.
- Our green commitment. Our CEO is a founder and a member of the Board of Directors of MaManna Renewable Energy Inc., and our facilities are powered by 100% renewable energy.
- Our holistic Approach. Impact has been guerilla marketing and building websites for 15 years. This expertise is coupled with depth and experience in traditional communications and strategic marketing. We are solutions neutral, meaning we deliver what’s needed our clients, not for us. We believe in both great outcomes and a great experience.
What are your areas of specialization?
