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My Favorite Super Bowl Memory: The 1985 Chicago Bears

Growing up a Chicago Bears fan in the 80s was an experience filled with both heartbreak and unshakable pride. And if you were lucky enough to witness Super Bowl XX, you know exactly why it remains one of the greatest moments in Bears history. I was 14 years old when the Bears steamrolled the New England Patriots 46-10, cementing their legacy as one of the most dominant teams to ever play the game. It was a moment of pure joy, one that Bears fans are still chasing nearly four decades later.

But before the glory, there was pain. Any true Bears fan remembers the devastation of that one blemish on our 1985 season: the loss to the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. That game crushed our dreams of an undefeated season, and it stung even more because it felt like Dan Marino and the Dolphins exposed the one tiny crack in our seemingly invincible team. Looking back, though, maybe it was a blessing in disguise. That loss lit a fire under the Bears, and they never looked back.

The confidence of that team was something special. Who else but the ’85 Bears would have the audacity to film the “Super Bowl Shuffle” before they had even won the big game? Some called it cocky, but Bears fans knew it was just pure swagger. Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, Mike Singletary, and the rest of the squad weren’t just playing football—they were putting on a show. And when they hit the field in New Orleans for Super Bowl XX, they backed up every bit of that bravado.

The defense was legendary—hands down the best defense in the history of the NFL. Mike Singletary was the heart and soul, reading offenses like a book and delivering punishing hits. Richard Dent and Steve McMichael were absolute nightmares for opposing quarterbacks. Wilber Marshall was a force of nature. And let’s not forget William “The Refrigerator” Perry, who somehow managed to score a touchdown in the Super Bowl as a defensive lineman. It was a unit unlike any other, and they made life miserable for Tony Eason and the Patriots that day.

Of course, as much as that Super Bowl was a dream come true, it also feels like a lifetime ago. Who would have thought that, 39 years later, Bears fans would still be waiting for another championship? We’ve had glimpses of hope—Devin Hester’s opening kickoff return in Super Bowl XLI had us believing for a moment—but nothing has come close to the dominance of that ’85 team.

Still, no matter how long we wait, that Super Bowl XX victory remains one of the greatest memories of my life. It was more than just a game—it was a statement. The Bears weren’t just champions; they were legends. And for those of us lucky enough to witness it, we’ll always remember the day the Monsters of the Midway ruled the football world.

Navigating Busy Seasons: Creative Staffing Solutions for Peak Workloads

We’ve all been there. One minute, your team is cruising along, and the next, you’re drowning in deadlines, struggling to keep up with an avalanche of work. Welcome to the busy season! For businesses in the creative, digital, and marketing industries, these peaks are both exciting and overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you navigate those high-pressure periods without breaking a sweat (or your team’s morale).

Here’s the thing about busy seasons: they’re unpredictable. Maybe your business just landed a big client, or you’re gearing up for a holiday campaign. Whatever the reason, the workload spikes can stretch your team thin and leave little room for error. This is where creative staffing solutions come in, saving the day like the superheroes they are.

When your team is maxed out, temporary creative staffing can be a game-changer. Here’s why:

  1. Flexibility When You Need It Most: No matter what the need, having access to on-demand talent ensures you’re never left scrambling.
  2. Avoid Burnout: Overloading your full-time employees during peak times isn’t just bad for morale; it can lead to missed deadlines and mistakes. Bringing in extra hands keeps everyone’s workload manageable and your projects on track.
  3. Specialized Skills on Tap: Sometimes, you need niche expertise that your current team doesn’t have. A staffing partner can connect you with professionals who specialize in exactly what you’re looking for.

How We Work

At smartdept., we’ve made it our mission to make busy seasons easier for businesses like yours.

  • We Listen to Your Needs: Whether you’re looking for short-term freelance help or a temp-to-hire solution, we’ll learn the ins and outs of your project and team dynamics.
  • We Find the Perfect Match: Our network is packed with creative, digital, and marketing professionals who are ready to jump in and make an impact. From junior-level talent to seasoned experts, we’ve got you covered.
  • You Stay in Control: Temporary staffing doesn’t mean handing over the reins. You’ll have full visibility and input throughout the process to ensure everything aligns with your vision.

The Benefits for Your Team

Aside from the obvious perks like meeting deadlines and keeping clients happy, bringing in temporary creative talent during peak workloads benefits your team in other ways:

  • Fresh Perspectives: New talent brings new ideas. A fresh set of eyes on a project can lead to creative breakthroughs.
  • Stronger Collaboration: Temporary team members often bring a collaborative spirit, meshing well with your current crew.
  • Scalability Without Commitment: You get the support you need without the long-term obligation of a full-time hire.

Busy seasons don’t have to be stressful. With the right solutions in place, you can navigate all your peak workloads. At smartdept., we’re here to help you find the creative, digital, and marketing talent you need to thrive when things get hectic. Whether it’s freelance, temp-to-hire, or direct hire talent, we’ve got your back.

So, the next time you feel the crunch of a busy season, remember: you don’t have to go it alone.

Demystifying Marketing Jargon: Understanding the Significance of SEO

You’ve probably encountered the term “SEO” in digital marketing numerous times. It’s one of those buzzwords that get thrown around a lot, but what does it mean, and why is it so crucial in a business setting? In this blog post, we’ll demystify SEO, shedding light on its importance and exploring the potential consequences of neglecting it in your business practices.

What is SEO?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. At its core, SEO is the practice of organically enhancing your website’s visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). It’s about ensuring your website ranks as high as possible when people search for relevant keywords or phrases on search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo.

Why is SEO Important for Businesses?

  1. Increased Visibility: Businesses primarily invest in SEO to improve their online visibility. When your website appears at the top of search results for keywords related to your products or services, it’s more likely that potential customers will find and visit your site.
  2. Traffic Growth: Higher visibility leads to increased website traffic. And more traffic means more opportunities to convert visitors into paying customers, subscribers, or leads.
  3. Credibility and Trust: Websites that rank highly in search results are often perceived as more credible and trustworthy by users. People trust Google’s recommendations so a top-ranking spot can boost your brand’s credibility.
  4. Cost-Effective Marketing: SEO can be a cost-effective long-term strategy compared to traditional advertising. While it requires an initial investment, it can lead to sustained traffic and conversions without the ongoing expenses associated with pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.
  5. Competitive Advantage: In today’s competitive online landscape, your competitors are likely investing in SEO. By doing so, you can also level the playing field or even gain an edge over them.

Consequences of Neglecting SEO

Now that we’ve established why SEO is important let’s discuss what can happen if it’s not part of your business practices:

  1. Low Visibility: Without SEO, your website may remain buried in search engine results. This means potential customers are unlikely to find you when they search for products or services you offer, resulting in missed opportunities.
  2. Loss of Customers: A lack of SEO can lead to declining website traffic, meaning fewer customers. Your competitors who invest in SEO will capture a larger market share.
  3. Wasted Marketing Budget: If you’re relying solely on paid advertising and not optimizing your website for organic search, you may spend a significant portion of your marketing budget on ads without reaping the long-term benefits that SEO can provide.
  4. Inconsistent Branding: SEO is not just about keywords and rankings; it’s also about creating valuable, relevant, and high-quality content. Neglecting SEO means missing opportunities to strengthen your brand’s online presence and reputation.
  5. Difficulty in Recovery: If you ignore SEO for an extended period, it can be challenging to catch up with competitors who have consistently invested in it. SEO is an ongoing process; playing catch-up can be time-consuming and expensive.

In conclusion, SEO is not just marketing jargon; it’s a fundamental aspect of digital marketing that can significantly impact your business’s success. By understanding its importance and the potential consequences of neglecting it, you can make informed decisions about incorporating SEO into your business practices. In today’s online-driven world, SEO is not an option; it’s necessary for any business looking to thrive in the digital landscape.

 

by Art Intelligenza

 

The Pitfalls of Wearing Open-Toed Shoes to a Zoom Job Interview

by Art Intelligenza

With a flair for the dramatic, please welcome smartdept.’s newest social media contributor, Art Intelligenza. Art will join us occasionally to give his unique perspective on all amazing employment-related topics. His first assignment – the open-toed shoe dilemma.

 

In the era of remote work and virtual interactions, professional and casual attire boundaries have become increasingly blurred. While the convenience of video interviews on platforms like Zoom has revolutionized the job application process, it’s important to remember that first impressions still matter. One often overlooked aspect of appearance in a virtual job interview is footwear. Specifically, wearing open-toed shoes can inadvertently send the wrong message and negatively impact how a hiring manager perceives you.

The Message of Casualness

Open-toed shoes are often associated with warm weather and leisurely activities. They can be comfortable and stylish choices for relaxed social gatherings or outings. However, wearing them to a job interview, even a virtual one, can convey a sense of casualness and lack of seriousness. In a professional setting, footwear is integral to one’s overall appearance, contributing to the impression of professionalism and attention to detail. Opting for open-toed shoes might suggest to the hiring manager that you didn’t put in the effort to present yourself in a polished and formal manner.

Hiring Manager’s Reaction

A hiring manager’s perception of your footwear choice can influence their overall impression of you as a candidate. While it might seem like a small detail, it can reveal your approach to professionalism and your understanding of appropriate dress codes. A hiring manager could interpret open-toed shoes as a need for understanding the importance of dressing appropriately for the interview, potentially signaling that you might not take the job seriously or may not be an excellent cultural fit for the company. This could inadvertently cast a shadow over your qualifications and expertise, overshadowing the valuable skills you bring to the table.

Advantages of Open-Toed Shoes

While open-toed shoes might not be the ideal choice for a virtual job interview, there are some scenarios where they could work to your advantage. In industries with a more relaxed dress code, such as creative fields or startups, wearing open-toed shoes could align with the company culture and show that you understand and respect the company’s values. Additionally, open-toed shoes might be more acceptable if the position involves working in a warm climate or in roles where comfort and movement are essential.

Navigating the Shoe Dilemma

When preparing for a virtual job interview, it’s best to err on the side of caution and opt for closed-toe, professional footwear. This choice conveys that you take the interview seriously and understand professional dress codes strongly. Classic black or brown closed-toe shoes are safe choices that won’t distract the hiring manager from your qualifications and experience.

In conclusion, the pitfalls of wearing open-toed shoes to a Zoom job interview are rooted in the potential message of casualness they convey. While they might be comfortable and stylish, their presence can inadvertently weaken the overall impression you make on a hiring manager. To ensure that you project professionalism and attention to detail, choosing closed-toe shoes that align with the traditional interview attire expectations is best. Remember, in virtual interactions, every element of your appearance matters, and by carefully considering your attire, you can increase your chances of making a positive and lasting impression.

Nice work, Arthur! Way to expose the potentially dark underside of the Zoom interview. Hiring managers beware!

Allyship in the Workplace

June is pride month, a time for LGBTQ+ individuals to celebrate who they are and who they love as well as a time to remember the progress of the gay rights movement and consider what still lies ahead in the move towards equality. Even when it is not June, our LGBTQ+ coworkers should feel comfortable being themselves in the office year-round. In 2019, 46% of LGBTQ+ people reported hiding who they are at work for fear of making others uncomfortable or being stereotyped, among other reasons. For this pride month, consider if you are a good ally at work.

An ally is someone who is not a member of a marginalized group, but makes a conscious effort to support, understand, and stand up for those who are. There are several things you can do to improve allyship and inclusivity in your workplace.

1. Educate yourself

One of the most essential parts of being an ally is educating yourself about the experiences of LGBTQ+ people. There may be terms, pronouns, history, policies, and systemic discrimination you are unaware of. The Human Rights Campaign has a great online resource for those who want to become better allies. You become a better supporter and advocate when you are educated and aware.

2. Acknowledge your own biases

Bias is a part of human nature, but we cause less harm to others when we are aware of our implicit biases and actively resist them. One way to do this is to reflect on what prejudices and stereotypes you may be unconsciously harboring or even acting on. Consider what assumptions you are making about others and why, then work to unlearn them through education and mindfulness.

3. Show your support

Speaking of assumptions, we should not assume our coworkers’ pronouns or sexualities. It can put someone in an uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous position where they need to decide between correcting you or letting it slide and hiding who they are. Gender-neutral language can be a powerful tool in creating an inclusive work environment. Gendered salutations like “good morning ladies and gentlemen” exclude any nonbinary members of the group and are easy to replace with neutral phrases like “good morning everyone/team”. You should also avoid assuming someone has a husband/boyfriend or wife/girlfriend and use more inclusive terms like “partner”, “spouse”, or “significant other” if you do not know. If you are unsure of someone’s pronouns, use they/them until you do know their correct pronouns. Another simple thing you can do to show you are an ally is to add your pronouns to your email sign-off. Doing this normalizes pronoun inclusion and shows your coworkers that you respect and honor pronouns.

4. Acknowledge your privilege and use it for good

Being cisgender or heterosexual comes with privileges as you fall within what society considers “the norm”. A good ally is aware of their privilege and acknowledges that it provides them with a platform that others may not have access to. There may be situations where it is unsafe or uncomfortable for LGBTQ+ employees to call someone out at work or speak up. Do not be a passive bystander if you witness discriminatory or homophobic behavior at work, and use your platform to stand up for your LGBTQ+ coworkers. Take action, be an active listener, vote thoughtfully on policies that affect equality, and educate others when given the opportunity.

These are just a few measures among many you can take to improve allyship in your workplace. For many of us, work is where we spend most of our time, and we need to make sure our LGBTQ+ colleagues feel not just safe, but welcome and celebrated.

– Morgan Gorecki, Senior Creative Account Manager at smartdept.

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Hey! It’s Women’s History Month. And seeing as we are a Women’s Business Enterprise, certified by the WBENC, we thought it would be cool to ask a few of our Smarties to share their thoughts on women of historic significance that have been inspirational for them.

Amber Rowher, Creative Account Manager at smartdept. says, “The first person that comes to mind is Dolly Parton. Aside from being an incredible artist who has found success across several music genres, she has always challenged societal norms of being a woman. To this day, she continues to speak out and support LGBTQ rights and Black Lives Matter. I think it is because of women like her that others today are given more opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have.”

What? Are you not familiar with Dolly Rebecca Parton? Well, here’s a bit more. Dolly is an American singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman known primarily for her decades-long career in country music. Dolly’s career has spanned over fifty years; Parton has been described as a “country music legend” and has sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

Okay, she’s got talent. But did you know that she also co-owns The Dollywood Company, which manages the Dollywood theme park, the Splash Country water park, and a variety of dinner theatre venues? Additionally, she has founded several charitable and philanthropic organizations, including the Dollywood Foundation, which manages several projects to bring education and poverty relief to East Tennessee, where she grew up.

Honestly, Dolly is excellent! Her philanthropic efforts are too many even to list. But here is something worthy of attention. In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Parton donated $1 million towards research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and encouraged those who can afford it to make similar donations. What would Dolly do (WWDD)? Now you know!

Rob Leinheiser, Creative Account Manager at smartdept. says, “As a theater lover, Aphra Behn is a trailblazer with a special place in my heart. Her plays are rich and epic, in the same style as Shakespeare and her Restoration contemporaries. Her greatest work, The Rover, is still widely performed today.”