Greetings, loyal blog readers!  Skomer here, your easy-going, affable (and if photo evidence is any indication, often tipsy) mascot of SKM Group.  My pals have asked me to write today’s entry, and even though gnomes aren’t commonly  known for their typing skills (we usually try to stick with what we know, like garden décor or finding reasonable hotel rates), I’m ready for the challenge and happy to help out.

You see, that’s kind of what I do here.  While TV shows like Mad Men and The Pitch often depict life in an advertising agency as free—wheeling and glamorous, I can tell you as an insider that the folks here are an incredibly hardworking bunch.  Sure, there’s the fun stuff like dressing up for Sabres Day and our recent Lunch Week, but when a client needs something in a hurry, they’re on it.  When they need to pull an all—nighter in order to create the perfect integrated marketing campaign, they do it.  When they need to ensure a logo represents a brand in just the right way, a direct mailing goes to just the right people, or a commercial invokes just the right call to action…well, you get the idea.

Today is International Gnome Day, a day to celebrate all things gnome.  But you know what?  While I certainly appreciate a multi-country shout out, I feel like every day here at SKM is Gnome Day.   We have a very special way of calling attention to members of the team who give just a little bit more, go just a little bit further and reach just a little bit higher—all with a smile on their faces and a spring in their steps.  It’s called the Missionary Award, and it’s tangible proof that all that hard work really does pay off.  Team members can nominate each other for good deeds – both big and small – that have resulted in a job well done. The nomination slips are posted on a bulletin board in the office for all to see.  Then, at the end of the month, management tallies up the votes and I get to visit the winner.  We even have quarterly awards for those who really went above and beyond.

I’ve enjoyed getting to spend time with the winners, who have taught me a lot about taking pride in your work, always putting the client first and never settling for mediocrity.  They’ve even given me some dating advice and explained the appeal of wearing a foam chicken wing on your head.  And while I’ll never understand all the nuances of human nature and behavior, I couldn’t be more proud to hang out with these guys and call SKM Group my home.

Cheers,

Skomer

P.S. Be sure to check back in the coming weeks for an exciting event featuring yours truly.  I don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say I’m helping a fellow gnome find a permanent place to stay with some very special people.  And no worries, I’m not talking about these guys.