Its the last big push before the On the House application period comes to a close. We've all heard about the economic hit that non-profits have taken in the last several months. I'm sure you know of a worthy 501(c)3 in the Atlanta area that not only needs a boost right now, but also needs some assistance with their brand strategy and brand presence.

Here's your chance…send ‘em to www.matchstic.com/onthehouse to apply before EOD this upcoming Mon, March 23. You'll be giving them the opportunity for a chance to make an even larger impact.

Its the next best thing to giving them actual cash (meaning that doesn't excuse you from still supporting them financially…come on).

Do it. Right Now.

www.matchstic.com/onthehouse

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One of our partners for On the House is the focused marketing consultants of Ries & Ries.  We are incredibly honored that they wanted to join us and can't wait to work together with them.

Last week, I attended the Atlanta Ad Club‘s event, where Laura Ries was discussing her and Al's new book, War in the Boardroom.  Take my word for it and go ahead and get your own copy and enjoy.

I was kinda going nuts on Twitter during the event, trying to keep up with all the great insights.  Here is a quick sampling of my tweets:

• Sony 1.8% profit margin. Nintendo 15.5% profit margin. Focus wins

• Narrow focus wins. Motorolla 1.6% profit margin. Nokia 11.9% profit margin.

• Mgmt thinks verbally. Mktg thinks visually.

• Boston Chicken wanted to diversify to grow so they changed to Boston Market & went bankrupt. No longer owning anything in the mind.

• Kodak profit margin went from 7% to 0.4% when they failed to adjust to the digital revolution by launching a NEW brand.

• Truly revolutionary ideas with strong brands take time to get to the point where they take off. Patience is key.

If you're interested in seeing the whole presentation, here you go.

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This past Monday we decided to invite five of our front runners for "On The House" down to the house for an in-office interview and share a bit of their story. Check out some of the footage below.

Hold your horses and don't freak out just yet…

If you've sent in an application and didn't get a call- don't fret! This was just a preliminary interview to help expedite the process. We are still accepting applications until this upcoming Monday March 23rd, after that we will have another round of interviews and narrow the field (over 50 applicants thus far) down to 3 finalist. Stay tuned to the blog for more updates!

On The House- Round 1 – First 5 Interviews from matchstic on Vimeo.

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Today during lunch we all sat around and discussed the first wave of applications that we've received thus far for On The House.  A few things came up as we were reading through the applications that I thought I should clarify for everyone:

• The non-profit must be in Atlanta.  It doesn't have to be within the city limits, but in the greater Atlanta area.  If we receive applications from organizations that are not in Atlanta, they will not get past the first round.

• We are looking primarily for organizations whose impact is directly in Atlanta.  We’ve received several applications from amazing organizations that are based in Atlanta, but whose impact is abroad.  Though there is nothing wrong with this at all, we are just specifically looking for the primary impact to be in Atlanta.

• One of the main things we are looking for is a non-profit that will be able to take this new identity and really leverage it to better the impact they have in Atlanta.  With all of the work that is going into this, we feel a great responsibility to choose someone who will be a great steward of the work donated by the partners.

• The deadline to apply is March 23rd.  If you are planning on applying, make sure you get your application in by then.

We continue to receive applications every day and I personally can't wait to see who is chosen.

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Matchstic's On The House- Part 1 from matchstic on Vimeo.

Acouple of other notes:

1. Deadline for applications is March 23rd

2. Only registered non-profits in the Atlanta area are applicable

3. If you have any questions at all about applying email onthehouse@matchstic.com

4. Stay tuned on the matchstic blog for weekly updates!

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Matchstic is proud to announce our inaugural "On The House” campaign, providing one deserving non-profit in Atlanta with an entire brand makeover.

Last year, we helped provide City Church Eastside with a Brand Identity, Website, and Print Collateral pieces as they launched their new church.

This year, we wanted to see how we could provide an even greater impact, so we talked with some friends of ours and were blown away at everyone's commitment to the cause.  We are so blessed to be joined by some of the best in the business. Here is a breakdown of our partners and the services they are donating.

Your very own Matchstic team will be donating a Brand Identity makeover, including logo developement, website design, and print design, valued at $30,000.

Ries & Ries:  Al Ries & Laura Ries are normally consulting for companies like Microsoft, Ford, and Disney.  We are privileged to have them donate a 1/2 day brand strategy session, valued at $15,000.

Visual23:  This interactive development studio is donating their award winning web development services, valued at $10,000.

Standard Press: Our favorite printers in the world will be providing printing services, valued at $10,000.

SeeSparkGo: This Public Relations firm will be providing Public Relations coaching and copywriting, valued at $10,000.

A Bryan Photo: This photography studio will be donating a photoshoot, valued at $5,000.

Carlton Fields: Michael C. Fletcher, from the law firm of Carlton Fields, will be providing Trademark Counseling, valued at $3,500.

The grand total of all of these services is $83,500!!!

We couldn't be more excited about this opportunity and hope that you will help us spread the word to those organizations that are doing great things in Atlanta and could really use a break like this.

Send them to www.matchstic.com/onthehouse to learn more and Apply Online.

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