Little Activists Sometimes Grow Up to Be CEOs

A client recently asked me how I first became passionate about PR. I gave them the basic speech about how my dad was a Public Affairs Officer in the Marine Corps and how I grew up immersed in all things journalism and PR. Heck, my bedroom walls were literally wallpapered with the billboards from this […]

A New Year (Or Decade?) is a Time for New Resolutions

When you approach a new year as fascinating as 2020, it’s difficult not to get excited. With all the hubbub about the new decade (although it’s not a new decade, according to the Farmers’ Almanac), we decided we’d banter a bit about what the New Year means for us here at Think Tank. While our […]

Thank a Veteran Today. Freedom Is Not Free.

As a military brat I’ve always been sentimental when it comes to the fine men and women who serve our country. My own father was a Marine and spent over 20 years serving our country. He worked hard to balance a wife and a family of three kids while still going off to war, training […]

Ready, Set, Go! CreateAthon 2015 is TOMORROW!

If you know anything about Ninja Central, you know that every year we donate our time to a nationwide event called CreateAthon – which is held during National Nonprofit Week. CreateAthon is a 24-hour creative design blitz where we, and agencies throughout the United States, work to provide pro bono marketing services to worthy local […]

CreateAthon 2015 is Just Around the Corner!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Ninja Central! That’s right, one short week from today we will be knee deep into CreateAthon, which is hands down our favorite time of the year. As many of you know, each year the Ninjas here at Think Tank donate our time to a nationwide event […]

We’re Movin’ On Up!

Well, the cat is finally out of the bag! After months of searching, planning and exploring Think Tank is officially moving our corporate headquarters to Laclede’s Landing in downtown St. Louis. That’s right, we’re movin’ on up. You can call us The Jeffersons. While we will still keep a small office in the Edwardsville, IL […]

That’s Right, Folks – We’re Hiring!

Have you heard the news? Things have been moving and shaking lately here at Think Tank, which means one important thing – we are expanding and hiring! So if you are a rockin’ web developer that loves to get your groove on in WordPress we have a position waiting for you.  We are looking for: […]

Think Tank Named Best Place to Work in St. Louis…Again!

What do you get when you combine Ninjas, laughter, hard work, the church of Bon Jovi (oh, you know that had to be thrown in there!), positive attitude and the desire to help the world be a better place? You get Think Tank PR & Marketing. Last week Ninja Central was honored for the second […]

An Attitude of Gratitude

In honor of Thanksgiving I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past year. This past year has brought all of us at Think Tank so much to be grateful for. Wonderful clients, a growing company, fabulous coworkers, amazing friends and so much more. This past year I have pushed myself and my […]

The Aftermath of CreateAthon

It’s late morning the day after CreateAthon.  As I sit here, looking at the empty office around me, I can’t help but feel a little emotional.  (Okay, maybe it’s because I’m slap happy and haven’t had any sleep, but, you know…)  The past 24 hours felt three days long and also flew by in an […]

It’s the Final Countdown for CreateAthon 2013!

It’s the final countdoooown! (Yes, we demand that you channel the band Europe and their infamous song from the 80s when you read this…) That’s right, folks, it’s the final countdown to CreateAthon 2013 and we are less than 24 hours away from spanking the day with amazing probono marketing for our five chosen nonprofits. […]

Social Media Responsibility During Times of Crisis

Today another unthinkable act happened in America as we witnessed the bombings at the Boston Marathon.  And, while we won’t know what caused these explosions for quite some time, all signs point to a possible act of terrorism. Breaking news came first via Twitter and the AP wire, then finally from outlets like Facebook and […]

Think Tank’s CEO Offers Marketing Advice on St. Louis’ 103.3 KLOU

Recently our fearless leader and Head Ninja, Trish Cheatham, was asked to be the guest on Michelle Esswein’s radio show, Business Matters, on St. Louis’ 103.3 KLOU. Michelle Esswein is the Founder and CEO of St. Louis-based Winning Women.  Members of Winning Women are prominent women in business and leaders in their communities. Winning Women […]

Awesome is An Attitude

So, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be awesome.  As Americans we use the word so generously throughout our culture … “Check out this awesome movie!” or “That dinner was awesome!”  But, what does awesome mean exactly? I’m here to tell you what it means.  Awesome is an attitude. Every day […]

Think Tank Named Best Place to Work in St. Louis

The Ninjas at Think Tank are always hearing CEO and Ninja-in-Charge Trish Cheatham say things like, “When the world gets in my way I say, “Have a nice day!” And, while she can’t claim this slogan as her own (her “boyfriend” Jon Bon Jovi coined this in his band’s hit song) – it is a […]

Think Tank Takes Home Top Marketing Firm Award in St. Louis

Well, it has been a banner year around Ninja Central this year.  As many of you know, we were honored to be named Top St. Louis Public Relations Firm by St. Louis Small Business Monthly in July of this year. But, just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we were informed that we […]

Two More Days Until CreateAthon, Yo!

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. Yeah, you heard us – OH BOY! Only two more days until CreateAthon and the energy at Think Tank is palpable.

Today we met with more of our chosen 2012 CreateAthon clients and devised innovative strategies to implement for them… you know…like new websites, like search engine optimization techniques, like custom HTML email newsletters, like cutting-edge social media strategies, like How-To-Be-An-Honorary-Ninja-101. Oh, it is so very exciting!

We are also preparing mentally and physically for our big 24-hour design-a-thon. We’re stocking up on coffee and Red Bull. We practiced our lethal Krav Maga skills. We checked to make sure our pantry of protein shakes was ready for a nuclear holocaust. We did push-ups on our knuckles.

CreateAthon Prep In Full Swing at Ninja Central!

Well, it’s almost here…our much-anticipated CreateAthon 2012 event. This week we are busy getting our ducks in a row – and you know how that goes when you’re preparing for a big event… We’re cleaning out the fridge, having our development meetings with our chosen CreateAthon nonprofits, dusting out the cobwebs from the corners (in case we pass out from exhaustion) and planning the ever-important “what are we going to eat/drink/wear/dance to for 24 hours”.

Today is Monday – a mere 3 days from the event – and we Ninjas gathered around the table for Day 1 of our development meetings with four of the chosen nonprofits. Tomorrow will be another day of the same. Today we met some amazing people – and their passion was absolutely contagious. We loved listening to their stories. We hung on every word like young girls at a Justin Bieber concert (okay, okay….maybe we’re exaggerating a touch there – but, really, we were enthralled!). Many of these clients started their nonprofits from scratch, all from an idea – a passion – for helping others in the world.

Say What? Yep, It’s Time For CreateAthon 2012!

If you know anything about Ninja Central, you know that every year the Ninjas at Think Tank donate their time to a nationwide event called CreateAthon. CreateAthon is a 24-hour creative design blitz where we, and agencies throughout the United States, work to provide pro bono marketing services to local nonprofits.

This year CreateAthon will be held from September 20-21 and we couldn’t be more stoked.

Facebook to Announce Release of Timeline for Fan Pages

Well, jump for joy and shout, “Hallelujah!” – rumor has it that Facebook plans to announce they are rolling out Timeline for Facebook fans pages later this month in the U.S. at their marketing conference in New York City on February 29.

While Timeline has met both adulation and hatred among the masses of Facebook users since its inception, it looks like Timeline is here to stay.

Is Google Plus the New Facebook, or Just Another “New Coke” Debacle?

This month Google, leader in worldwide Internet domination, launched what they hope will become the Facebook – Google Plus.

Of course the Ninjas at Ninja Central were atwitter about this new social media platform. What would it mean for our clients? What would it do for brand management? How will it potentially help search engine optimization (SEO)? And, most importantly, how in the heck do we get an invite? Well, I’m happy to report we scored the coveted Google+ invitations. Why? I guess because Ninjas lead a charmed life. Oh, and we spend a heck of a lot of time on the Internet and Google appreciates that.

We’re Watching You, Egypt…

Like many Americans, I have been watching the crisis in Egypt play out closely. It is worrisome to think about how the uprising in Egypt could literally change the course of the world. Each day more violence seems to bubbling up with more people hurt, jailed or even killed.

I am a child of a military family – my Dad, Grandfather, uncles, aunts and brother all have served our country. I have lived all over the world, went to high school in Japan, watched my Dad go off for “war games” (a term for practice in the military) in Korea.

I was the child who sat glued to the television during the Iran Hostage crisis in 1979 and wore a white band around my little arm to show solidarity until the hostages were freed on January 20, 1981. I am the girl who organized a letter writing campaign in Cincinnati, Ohio to the Marines in Beirut in 1983. (Which subsequently was my first foray into PR as I was asked to be on the syndicated Bob Braun Show for my efforts…)

Where’s Gidget, the Taco Bell Chihuahua, When You Need Her?

Okay, I’ll admit it. I love me some Taco Bell. It’s one of those things I crave from time to time and nothing else will satisfy me until I get a Baja Steak Gordita or a beef Meximelt if I’m feeling old school. Mmmm…..

However, recently the thought of Taco Bell is making this Ninja’s stomach a little queasy.

As many of you know, a lawsuit was filed this week by Alabama based law firm Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles alleging that the fast food chain’s seasoned beef mixture contains only 35 percent beef, with the remaining percent containing fillers…

I Had a Dream

How many times have we heard Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I had a dream” speech? I know as a child I would listen to it and chills would run up and down my spine.

As a military brat, it was hard for me to fathom a time where people were judged purely by the color of their skin. Sure, I knew discrimination existed even still today – but I was fortunate enough to live in a time where people of all colors were learning to respect one another and live in harmony. As a military brat I was taught not to see color – only to see them as who they were on the inside.

What a gift.

Just Another Ninja-rific Day

Lately I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the word passion. Now, I know I talk about passion a lot in my blogs and you’re probably starting to think that the Head Ninja around this joint has a stack of Harlequin Romance novels under her desk… (I pinky promise I don’t!) But, nonetheless, passion is always at the forefront of my mind.

I think a lot about what I am passionate about. And, I mean a lot. I find it helps me find my center, it grounds me and shows me what is important in my life.

Caution! Ninja Work Zone!

As I write this we are having an off-site Ninja work day at the Loading Dock in Grafton, IL. Nestled between the bluffs and the mighty Mississippi River, the Loading Dock is a Jimmy Buffet-esque outdoor bar and grill where you sit listening to Led Zepplin and Lynard Skynard blare on the satellite radio and watch the barges on the river pass by.

Usually inundated by bikers and convertible riders taking a break from the Great River Road on the weekends, the Loading Dock (complete with wi-fi) is the perfect office for Ninjas on a 78-degree workday.

The Integrity of Big Ass Fans

So, our team was sitting in a client meeting this week at the Tank and we were talking about branding. Now, before I launch into this terribly fascinating story, I need to set the scene for you…

Our client, the boys at Contegra Construction, are what we Ninjas here at the Tank call a dream client. (Shhhh…don’t tell them!) Focused, knowledgeable in their field, a blast to work with, and actually (gasp!) listen to the advice of wise Ninjas – the boys at Contegra are the kind of client that make you bound out of bed on a Monday morning with a spring in your step because you know you get to meet with them.

What You Talkin’ Bout Willis?

Nah, I’m not gonna talk about Gary Coleman and his recent arrest. Although, that would make for some interesting…um…commentary. (He’s so un-Ninja.)

Instead, I want to talk to our Ninja-followers about Social Media strategies and the importance of Social Media in your marketing campaign. No, I am not talking about tweeting and facebooking about what you drank last night, how you love the show “The Bachelor” (although, who doesn’t?), or what car you are trying to sell by starting a Facebook Event (REALLY???). I’m talking about real life strategies.

What Do Ninjas and Tanks Have in Common?

The Think Tank Ninjas have a lot in common with tanks these days. And, it’s not just because we are steamrolling right over our clients’ competitors. (Although, let’s face it, we rock at that). It is because we have a new company mascot – Oliver “The Tank” Cheatham.

Yep, it’s the perfect marriage between ninjas and tanks. Sweet, affable, funny, and loveable – our new English bulldog pup Oliver steals everyone’s heart as soon as they meet him. He is a natural comedienne, much like the Ninjas at Think Tank.

Happy Holidays from Think Tank

As 2009 comes to a close, we reflect on how grateful we are for our friends, our expanded office space, our colleagues, and our clients both old and new.

We would like to wish each of you a blessed holiday season as we look forward to a year filled with hope, happiness and continued success.

Is Ninjaology REALLY Another Name For Company Culture?

I’ve been giving a lot of thought to company culture. What exactly defines “company culture”? Sure, we all think of the powerhouse Walmart and their almost fanatical approach to company culture – nearly everyone has heard about the meetings at Walmart where employees yell out their company cheer like they are going into a SuperBowl overtime.

Yep, We Got It Goin’ On

I think it is time to admit I have an addiction. Yes, you’ve heard about my fascination and adoration of designer shoes, I’ve talked about my anger at being shorted two “fingers” worth of beer, I’ve spoken of my great respect for my competitors. But, there is something else I have been hiding from you. “What? What? The Head Ninja is HIDING something from us?!”, you ask. How could the girl who is in constant pain from the tall shoes she wears, who laughs with her head thrown back and mouth wide open at the slightest of jokes, and who tells everyone her life story when she meets them be – gasp! – holding something back?

Well I have been.

Think Tank Celebrates Recent Expansion and Rebranding Ninja Style

What a week! I’m sitting here, feet up, reflecting on the past week and how mind-blowing it was. Seriously, it was totally Ninja-rific. We at Think Tank celebrated our recent expansion and rebranding with an incredible ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. And, despite my blistered feet (but, were those shoes worth it!), I think the evening ranked in one of the top 5 nights of my life.

Honestly, there was nothing better than hanging out with our clients, friends, vendors, and business colleagues drinking good wine, eating amazing food, and taking a moment to breathe and take it all in.

What-ehv-errr it’s, like, Branding!

So, I’ve been giving a lot of thought lately to branding. I went on a cross-country road trip a week ago and I found myself acutely aware of all the branding I encountered.

Yes, from the recently re-branded Holiday Inn to Cracker Barrel to the cheesy local advertisements you pass by at (ahem) “65” miles per hour – I made Ninja mental notes on it all.

Think Tank Rocks Out CreateAthon

What started as a call to action to local non-profits resulted in 6 Ninjas helping 5 amazing organizations in 5 days. We topped off those 5 days with a 24-hour design blitz finish for the cherry on top of our CreateAthon sundae…

The TH!NK Exhibition Competition Winner Is Crowned…Hi-Ya!

Well, it’s been a big week around Think Tank. After months of planning, many designer submissions, and lots of excitement, the TH!NK: exhibition competition winner was chosen. Oh yeah, like I said, Ninjatastic excitement!

This past month Ninja Central has been abuzz with anticipation. We were all excitedly tweeting, facebooking, and talking up our big annual TH!NK competition -where we choose one deserving designer to come on board with our firm to design during our annual CreateAthon week.

Ninja’s Can Be Passionate Too, You Know!

So, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the word “passion” lately. Webster’s Dictionary defines passion as “intense, driving, or overmastering…

A Ninja’s Right To Shoes

So I think I may have to be admitted into rehab. I have a serious, serious addiction and I don’t think I can kick it on my own. What is it, you…

I’ll Give Ya A “Two Finger” Rule!

Okay, so the strangest thing happened to me tonight.  After a long day at the office (which consisted of a couple very fun logo designs and networking with other awesome local creatives at the coffee shop), I decided to rest my weary bones at the neighborhood Applebee’s.  (No, this isn’t the strange part….I can hear […]

Where There’s A Wang, There’s A Way

So, only a few short months ago I received this phone call, “Yo, Trish.  I have this idea.  I want to franchise a restaurant.  I want to create it from scratch.  I wanna call it Wang Gang.”  After admittedly giggling uncontrollably for a few seconds, I then realized that my client – who, by the […]