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Office Wins for Halloween

Office Wins for Halloween

Alison Hayes Sr Marketing Admin at Targa Media

Alison Hayes

Senior Marketing Admin

Office Wins for Halloween

The spookiest time of year isn’t just for kids––Halloween in the workplace can bring out the best in your team. Bring on the bat decor (not the real bats) the carved pumpkins, the candy, there is something about Halloween that everyone can appreciate. The tricks and the treats can most definitely be enjoyed at work and provide a little break from regular office routines.

Treats

You can not argue that one of the main cornerstones of Halloween are treats and by using the word treats I mean candy. Even the most stalwart health devotee has a favorite halloween candy and probably a fun story that goes along with it. Here at Targa, we take candy pretty seriously and have even done outbound campaigns around it. If you would like to see our Top 10 List of imaginary candy bars, please reach out directly.

Constumes and Decor

Halloween is a unique chance for employees to showcase their personalities and creativity through costumes and decorations. Costumes bring a fresh energy and a silly perspective to the workday. If your workplace is as dog friendly as ours, don’t forget to costume the four-legged co-workers.

 

Creative Discussion

The Halloween season isn’t just about costumes and candy-it’s also prime time for spooky movies. Believe it or not, horror films can make for fantastic discussion topics in the office. It seems unorthodox, but hear me out:

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the horror genre is rich with creativity, storytelling and unique aesthetics. Where we’re bonding over shared jump scares or analyzing character development, horror films offer plenty of fuel for creative conversation. We work in the creative industry and as a group, harbor a healthy appreciation for this film genre.

Embracing Halloween festivities in the workplace reminds everyone that work can be fun, creative and collaborative. So bring on the spooky, the costumes, the tricks. You know what they say, an office that celebrates together, grows together.

The Bright Side of Office Days

The Bright Side of Office Days

Alison Hayes

Sr. Marketing Admin

The Bright Side of Office Days

It’s that time of year when the chilly feel of fall creeps into the morning air. Suitcases return to a stack in the closet; sunscreen bottles squeezed to the very last drop. Students have returned to school, it’s time for the rest of us to get back to work.

Changing Workscapes

Daily office visits have shifted for many of us. It wasn’t that long ago that a Monday through Friday in-office eight hour work day was standard. We filled up our gas tanks and commuted back and forth and managed to fit it all into the week. During the covid pandemic, that changed for many of us. One of the biggest hold-overs from that time is the flexibility that many of us now enjoy with our jobs. Targa’s hybrid work style was implemented and it has withstood the test of time, it works well for our dynamic and collaborative team.

With fresh return to work mandates hitting inboxes, many employers are making an effort to make office time more attractive to their staff. The New York Times calls this trend the hotelification of offices, with office buildings putting an increased focus on workers amenities, like coffee shops and gyms, some spaces are offering a signature scent.

Targa Office Days

Targa strives to maintain a positive environment for the staff.  For a few years now we have had a hybrid work model, a few days a week are spent working at home, a few days a week are spent in-office. We see that the staff appreciates their home days and we work hard to ensure that office days together are welcoming, comfortable and motivating. We believe that one of our biggest strengths is the creativity and camaraderie that comes when working as a team. We value our time spent together.

For in-office days all of the basics are covered. Everyone has a workstation and work tools that they enjoy using, access to a pleasant space with clean air, and plenty of snacks and meals. In office days might include a visit from a four-legged friend, and a shared lunch on the sunny patio. These are simple small things that people really appreciate.

Beyond the Basics

While ‘hotelification’ offers appealing amenities, Targa takes it a step further by fostering an environment that prioritizes support, respect, and professional growth for every team member. These intentions keep us connected as a team and this is how we perform our best.

While having a gym or coffee shop in the basement would be a nice perk, I consider myself truly fortunate. My job entails working with this high-caliber group, and it’s my privilege to return to that work each day.

Jason’s Take

I love this…Alison emphasizes the in-person perks that can’t seldom happen on video calls. Face-to-face time creaties those valuable moments between the meetings, presentations, and feverish note taking. For this reason I’m a huge fan of hybrid work models. Our Targa team is finding ways to grow together—not just with perks like snacks and comfortable workspaces but moreso with a real emphasis on organic interactions and connection. The real opportunity transcends the amenities, we’re drawn instead into spaces where people feel supported and valued. I believe that’s what drives creativity and growth, both as professionals and as human beings.

The Power of Pets

The Power of Pets

Alison Hayes Sr Marketing Admin at Targa Media

Alison Hayes

Sr. Marketing Admin

The Power of Pets

Did you know that most U.S. households own a pet? Here at Targa we are thrilled to be right in step with this statistic, showing that our percentage of pet ownership aligns closely with the national average. But, what truly sets us apart, is when you consider the fact that many of us have more than one pet. With multiple furry friends in our midst, Targa may exceed expectations, putting us ahead of the pack.

The power of pets is remarkable. Whether they have fur, feathers, or scales, pets of all kinds offer companionship, lending a listening ear (most pets have ears) and a furry or feathery shoulder to lean on. Research has shown that simply interacting with animals can lead to a decrease in stress-related cortisol levels and lower blood pressure, highlighting some of the benefits they bring into our lives.

Pet-friendly Workplace:

We opted for a gradual approach to introducing a pet-friendly office environment, starting with a pilot project that initially welcomed well-behaved canines for the day. Over the past year, our furry companions have integrated into our workspace, contributing positively to the overall atmosphere. We are pleased to share that our office-pet program continues to thrive.

The presence of water bowls and the occasional wagging tail are now welcomed sights, and we’ve even designated a special cubby for dog treats, conveniently located alongside our office essentials like post-it notes and envelopes. Our four-legged colleagues not only enhance productivity but also provide us with a great excuse to enjoy an afternoon walk around the block.

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We prioritize the well-being of all of our employees, taking into consideration allergies, air quality, and maintaining a harmonious office environment. To ensure everyone’s needs are met, visits from our furry friends are limited to one dog per day. This measure helps us maintain a healthy and respectful workplace while still allowing for the positive benefits of pet visits.

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Work from home

Pet’s make great co-workers, both in the office and at the home office. Targa’s hybrid work model makes this a perfect scenario as pet owners aren’t feeling tugs of guilt from leaving their pets to spend multiple days in office in a row. Team members can enjoy their pets at home half of the week, oftentimes finding non-human support and companionship right by their side. The same positive effects of increased job satisfaction and productivity that is found in the office with pets can also apply to the home workplace as well.

Whether you prefer scales to feathers or long tails to short, we believe that the benefits of pet ownership can foster a more harmonious, productive and inclusive work culture.

Earth Day Initiatives for a Sustainable Future

Earth Day Initiatives for a Sustainable Future

Alison Hayes Sr Marketing Admin at Targa Media

Alison Hayes

Sr. Marketing Admin

Earth Day Initiatives for a Sustainable Future

Each year, on April 22nd we celebrate Earth Day, a tradition started in 1970 to commemorate the achievements of the modern environmental movement. The day also raises awareness of the need to protect the Earth’s natural resources. Over the years, Earth Day has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon that we are happy to be a part of.

At Targa we take the environment very seriously. We approach sustainability with a series of ongoing efforts and daily initiatives that are incorporated into our business operations and policies. We firmly believe that even the smallest actions can yield significant results, and it’s through these collective efforts that we strive to effect positive change for our planet.

Greening Our Workspace

In our office, we prioritize achieving as close to zero waste as possible. We utilize compostable alternatives, such as coffee pods and office supplies, when we can. Additionally, the majority of other office items, including paper and cardboard boxes, even e-waste, are recycled.

Through these practices, we aim to minimize our environmental footprint and promote sustainability within our workplace.

Alison tending to our office plants

Local Support:

We prefer to utilize local vendors, recognizing the dual benefit it brings to our operations and the community. By sourcing goods and services locally, we significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and logistics, and contribute to a more sustainable business model. Our commitment to local vendors extends beyond environmental considerations, it serves as a tangible expression of our support to the business network in our area, fostering economic resilience and community cohesion.

Beyond supporting local businesses, Targa believes in giving back to causes close to our hearts. Each quarter, we allocate a portion of our funds to make monetary donations to initiatives that resonate with our team, oftentimes these donations go to environmental groups. The contributions frequently extend to supporting local, state and even national organizations.

Share Your Message:

Earth Day provides all of us an opportunity to share our best environmental practices. As products become more sustainably manufactured we are thrilled to craft and amplify our clients’ stories and messages.  We love telling the Earth Day story and would be delighted to help you tell yours.

Jason’s Take

We love our hybrid work model, supporting our local communities, wellness programs, and other give-back perks. For several years, Targa Media has supported various community initiatives through quarterly contributions to local nonprofits, public transportation incentives, donating computer equipment to youth media programs, recycling programs, and staying current with energy-efficient equipment. Check out the published 17Ways report showing how the Targa team is fulfilling its commitment to #environmentalsustainability and #worklifebalance #wellness

Shared Ownership, Opening New Doors for Targa

Shared Ownership, Opening New Doors for Targa

Jason Steed

Owner & CEO

Shared Ownership, Opening New Doors for Targa

This epic signing moment says it all: Strategy Supercharged! After several years of inspiring leadership she has brought to Targa, it was an easy decision for me to offer Taleen the opportunity to become a business partner. I’m honored that she accepted her new role to help enrich Targa’s value. I’ll share a few milestones that this joint venture brings to our team and our clients.

Partnering Up to Tackle Growing Pains

Targa is growing up, and it’s exciting to trust the process. Bringing on a business partner was a critical step for me in meeting client expectations and growing our business. Though I consider myself conservatively minded, there’s something exhilarating about the unpredictable process of business growth. My wife Heather and I had worked hard to make ends meet for several years. Previous business startups left us licking wounds and digging deep for solutions to a sustainable career. Our ups and downs built the foundation for slow and steady growth. Our relationships with community and friends built the engine for our brand and partnerships ahead.
Since I founded Targa in 2002, I’ve made it a point to surround myself with positive, abundance-minded people. I’ve always believed that you don’t have to look far for people with enormous potential and talent. Taleen joined Targa in 2016, and from day one, her abundance-minded people-first approach has helped to propel the brand that builds long-term client relationships and draws great creative talent to our firm. We coincidentally forged friendships much earlier than 2016 in our community theater world, but that’s a fun blog for another day ;-]
Signing of Targa partnership agreement at Bees Stadium Ballpark
“From day one, Taleen’s abundance-minded people-first approach has helped to propel the brand that builds long-term client relationships and draws great creative talent to our firm”

Common Goals and Unique Strengths

I often make the claim that I’m not the one to write a book on successful entrepreneurship. The steps that brought me to where I am today feel very much out of the norm. But maybe the exceptions to the norm are exactly what defines an entrepreneur. Taleen and I have very different skill sets, but we share the same vision for what success looks like in every creative project. Each marketing task requires human connection. We share the weight of digging deep when crafting a creative brief and asking meaningful questions. Multiplied by several tasks in a day, this is often a heavy burden to bear. Taleen’s willingness to help lift that load has brought an unmatched depth of value to our business, helping me to shoulder a deeper level of core responsibilities. Moreover, Taleen’s help with core business processes has helped me to restore valuable time to Heather and our children, community and church, health, and other balanced pursuits.
 
What Shared Ownership Means to Our Clients
  • New Ideas: Investing in our business foundations brings new ideas and leadership to our clients.
  • Broader Skillset: Tackling problems from different life experiences means more tools and tactics for our clients
  • New Client Bonds: Our shared baseline for putting people first makes for longer-lasting client connections.
  • More Life Balance: Our ability to divvy out weighty responsibilities makes for better life balance and rich collective energies.
  • Growing Together: We discover and broaden new marketing ideas alongside our clients.
What Shared Ownership Means to our Team
  • Leadership Diversity: Each of us benefits from diverse leadership styles, offering more ways to grow and learn.
  • Skill Enhancement: Taleen knows the predictable input/output of systems — a vital balance to my right-brained less analytic wiring — in turn, broadening the team’s expertise.
  • Increased Support: Taleen leads out in the essentials of day-to-day efficiencies.
  • Professional Growth: We invest in each other, keeping personal and professional development in the top position.
  • Strengthened Team Bonds: Taleen’s people-first approach enhances team cohesion and morale.
Targa team at Bees Ballpark in Salt Lake City July 21 2023

What’s Your Partnership Story?

Have you brought on 1 or more business partners in your space? I’d love to hear what factors felt right in your business for adding a partner or expanding your company structure. I’m very much of the mind that it’s better to own some of something than all of nothing. ;-] May you embrace the changes and find rewards in taking on the required risks!

About Targa
For over 20 years, Targa has been helping B2B customers be relevant and authentic in their marketing messaging. From local businesses to global Fortune 500s, our method centers on human motivation. We work hard to understand each product and the people who need it most, and then we build campaigns that match up with emotional triggers. We keep our clients informed every step of the way—from napkin scratches to final designs—so they never waste time or money on dead-end campaigns. Meet your un-ad agency. We do things a little differently than your average ad agency. More at un-adagency.com
Processing Targa’s Processes

Processing Targa’s Processes

Ryan Snarr

Creative Lead

Processing Targa’s Processes

The best way we serve our clients is by having a design process we are constantly maintaining and polishing. It just so happens this is the best thing we can do for our individual team members as well. A well-oiled machine delivers the best product and is the most profitable. So why is it that we sometimes overlook this aspect of our business?

Any efficient process is built on informed behavior pointed toward a specific outcome. And while this post isn’t a book report, it feels right to guide these thoughts with some easy-to-digest wisdom from the New York Times best seller, Atomic Habits, by James Clear. If you haven’t decided on what you’re reading this year, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book. It’s worth a read and a re-read.

A habit is a routine or behaviour that is performed regularly and, in many cases, automatically.” – James Clear

If there is anything you want to get down to a science, something as automatic as breathing in and breathing out, it is dialing in the project kick off. This practice not only gets all members of your team on the same page, but it gives you the ability to establish accurate expectations with your clients. If you don’t know what your client is expecting, good luck meeting their expectation regularly. Meeting and exceeding your client’s expectations should be foundational in your organization.

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By accurately conveying project needs, you serve your team by helping them understand how to best meet—and exceed—client expectations. At Targa, we hold a daily meeting that is AUTOMATIC. This 30-minute touch base is at the foundation of staying in sync with one another. And we’re always looking for ways to improve it as well. We’ve most recently engaged our team on documenting best practices throughout our design process. Wisely asking 6 imperative questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, & How) during a project kick off casually became known as ‘Whoooooot’. Chances are if you cover the right information upon project initiation, there will be plenty of celebratory ‘Woot Woot!’ upon project completion.

Changes that seem small and unimportant at first will compound and turn into remarkable results if you’re willing to stick with them for years.” – James Clear

What you DO in your processes is just as important as what you DON’T do. In a recent team leadership discussion at Targa we discussed small regular behaviors that make a mighty difference:

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  • Time Tracking – leads to project efficiency, staying within client budgets and profitability. The more accurate the data you can pull from timesheets, the better you can find areas to celebrate and improve.
  • Peer Reviews – The team at Targa grows together when we share. We’re able to skill share, cross pollinate and offer support. A second set of eyeballs is super helpful when you’ve been staring at something for a long while.
  • Short Cuts – We learned in our youth not to take shortcuts in life, but they weren’t talking about keyboard shortcuts. There’s a reward for those mastering their Command+Shift functions and other quick keys. The reward is time. Precious time.

Our converstaion about the small things we should do turned into identifying things we dont want to do–Time suckers! Every company experiences circumstances or unexpected setbacks that take up valuable time. While some of these suckers are inevitable to some degree, it is worth the while to swat away at any time wasters you can predict. Clients can easily align themselves with your efforts to cut out wasted time and increase efficiency.

You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.” – James Clear

One of the design process elements that shouldn’t be forgotten could be described as ‘Failing Fast’. When mining for solutions to meet a particular need, the chance of a team landing on the perfect one on their first try is very small. Planning for adequate discovery is key. We should plan for and implement this into our process with agreed upon constraints. One way to describe this process is to go grazing in the pasture for ideas or solutions.  

Once a solution can be shown, show it quickly. This enables a design director, the client, or even the target audience the chance to let you know if you’re grazing in the right part of the pasture.

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The idea here is to find yourself in the right pasture as soon as possible so that project time can be spent exploring and fine tuning the best ideas for the client’s needs.

So, to revisit where we started, why might certain steps in your process get overlooked? Perhaps we’re thinking too much about the nuts and bolts of the job, or the scope of the work. Revisiting this topic frequently for your team is worth consideration. A lumberjack with a dull ax uses twice the energy and cuts down half as many trees as the one who pauses to sharpen his ax frequently. If Confucius didn’t say that at some point, Paul Bunyan probably did.

It’s fun to see what AI will create when you combine themes or seemingly unrelated visuals from an article. This image was created with the prompt:

A cow, an owl, and a mosquito exterminator as adventure heroes all working together efficiently as graphic designers.

As a tease for a future article, we’re setting out to explore the artistic nature of AI through reverse searching parts of the images it spits out to us. Stay tuned.