Every month we compile a list of the Power of 9 team’s personal ‘fur balls’ (lowlights) and ‘purrfects’ (highlights). It’s just a bit of fun!

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We created an interactive, illustrated website for Filippo Berio, the top selling olive oil in the UK and US now available in South Africa. The site transports viewers into a Filippo Berio’s kitchen, illustrated by the talented Ralf Broemer. Find delicious recipes, health and nutrition advice or learn about Filippo Berio in an easy-to-read-and-share blog format.

For continuity and recall, we used the same illustrated look and feel in both the website and print advertisement.

Visit the site at www.filippoberio.co.za

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Olive oil is by its very nature a partner; it is seldom, if ever, enjoyed on its own. Whether it’s an ingredient in a marinate, a dip, a dressing or whether it’s used in the cooking process to baste, roast, fry or bake it serves to enhance or complement another food type.

Filippo Berio brings good food and lovers of good food together; it introduces people to the tastes of myriad food products. On its own it is of little value; its role is to enhance and complement.

Our concept is ‘Fall In Love With Food’. In the advert we depict the ingredients rising from the bland salad to form a vibrant and colourful ‘person’ who embraces her olive oil lover in a passionate dance. Filippo Berio’s passion for food is captured in the flowing movement of both the dance and the oil and in the love affair between the two.

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What’s your news fix of choice? Radio news bulletins listen to while driving between home and work, the 7 pm TV news or is it a time-out with the newspaper and ink-smudged fingers to show for it?

Modern news fixes are making newspapers work harder than ever before to attract advertisers and readers. Social media is creating a hunger for news in real time; not when the clock strikes for scheduled news broadcasts or when the ink dries on the paper, but when and where the reader asks for it.

If that sounds like something out of Star Trek, here’s a social media crash course to beam you up to speed.

Image credit: Matt Hamm

South Africa’s Internet user market has grown by 91.3% from 2000 to 2009. Facebook has near 500 million active users worldwide and is South Africa’s second most popular site to visit after Google. There are 55, 000 active South African Twitter users who have an average of 115 followers each.
That’s all well and good but what is social media? Let’s looks at three social networking platforms.

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Monique started at Power of 9 in 2009. She loves popcorn, drinks way too much coffee and loves social media.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

I wanted to be different things at different times. When I was four I wanted to save the rainforests because I saw a TV show about it. I collected rocks at one time so I wanted to work in a museum or on an archaeological dig. By the time I was 11 I wanted to be a detective. It was never anything ordinary and I suppose that’s why writing appeals to me; I have a chance to investigate ‘stuff.’

Curious? Read more…

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Thembi is Catherine’s personal assistant and admin assistant. She started with Power of 9 in 2004.

When and why did you choose to join Power of 9?

I joined Power of 9 in 2004. I saw it as a challenge, an opportunity to broaden my knowledge and felt I would be an asset to Power of 9.

Curious? Read more…

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In a warm, candlelit  venue with themed decor and a feast fit for the Quest lords and ladies; a jester, minstrels and a medieval storyteller made the 14th century era of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table come alive; an era of honour, honesty, valour and loyalty.

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I have a firm grasp on reality and an intergalactic spaceship. Daryl is creative director at Power of 9.

What are 3 things a designer worth his oats should have or know?

1. A designer should have big balls. He/she must be able to constantly push boundaries and be challenged by other designers;
2. He/she should know that the communication of your piece is as important as the design;
3. Attention to detail is imperative. A good designer follows through on creative from the big idea, right down smallest of details.

Curious? Read more…

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Catherine is the founder and managing director of Power of 9.

You are such an inspirational boss. Power of 9 has such a close-knit team. How do you manage such brilliant interpersonal relations?

Thanks. I hate the vertical structure of traditional business; in fact it was one of the reasons I chose to leave the corporate world. When you work with senior, creative and skilled individuals, micromanaging, red tape and boundaries stifle the individual and the company’s growth. It starts with choosing the right people for the culture of your company; skills can be enhanced and trained, but synergy of values is most important.

Curious? Read more…

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