Camels, Octopuses, and Emotional Intelligence in the Billboard Industry

A weekly recap of the top OOH stories you may have missed, along with colorful commentary from BB. There were a few stories this week that you would be remiss to miss. If you haven’t read them, check them out.

1. Emotional Intelligence: A Key to Success in the Billboard Industry

Professionals in the billboard industry may face tight deadlines or high-pressure situations. Highly emotionally intelligent people have self-awareness of their emotional responses to stress and can regulate their emotions. This helps them foster a creative environment, preserve and build relationships, and effectively collaborate to make outstanding out-of-home.

BB: Janea S. McDonald makes a compelling discussion on the importance of understanding Emotional Intelligence. “When you lose clients and/or employees, it’s likely due to the poor relationships that exist due to someone not possessing the skills and attributes associated with EI.” Short read with a powerful understanding of your leadership and sales skills. You’re never too old or too smart to learn.

2. Who is Artie the Octopus, and why is he in Vegas Again?

There have been peculiar sightings of a gigantic octopus named “Artie.” A mysterious, 3D-anamorphic creature, Artie has been breaking through massive digital screens on the Vegas Strip. His current home is the LV Gateway, located at one of the busiest intersections of Sahara and Las Vegas Blvd, just in time for Super Bowl festivities.

BB: 3D anamorphic in the heart of the Strip during the Super Bowl.

3. Camel City Poster Purchases MRI’s Irvin Hardware Division

The addition of Irvin Hardware is a seamless complement to Camel City’s offerings and highlights the company’s focus on innovation and growth to extend beyond its print division. We sat down with Vincent Pannutti, GM of Camel City Poster, to find out why a print shop would want to acquire a hardware company. The results of the interview were our most popular story this week!

BB: ” …an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to clients by supplying more essential tools they need for success,…” Camel City Poster takes the rare step of diversifying its offerings into OOH hardware. Bold move.

4. Celebrating Creators Clear Channel Outdoor

The Smithsonian Institution celebrates “African Americans and the Arts,” this Black History Month. Their theme has inspired Clear Channel to launch its own digital OOH campaign to run across CCOA’s nationwide digital inventory throughout February, “Celebrating Creators.” The creatives spotlight influential African Americans in music, literature, film, TV, visual arts, and more. Their artistry has educated, entertained, and, most importantly, broken barriers by inspiring powerful nationwide shifts in American culture.

BB: Clear Channel Outdoor showcases African American Creators and recognizes barrier-breaking individuals. What are you doing during Black History Month and throughout the year to support DEI?

5. The Legal Liabilities in Creating or Harboring a Toxic Work Environment

Creating or harboring a toxic work environment is more than just unpleasant for workers; it is a significant legal concern that can result in several issues from breaking discrimination and harassment laws, hostile work environment claims, and retaliation claims to occupational safety and health violations, breaches of contract, and intentional of negligent infliction of emotional distress and more.

BB: —OOH Today Legal Q&A, Andy McDonald of McDonald Law says employers should prioritize creating a positive workplace culture, implement clear policies, conduct regular training, promptly investigate complaints, and take corrective actions. It’s more than covering your ass.

6. How ODN is Restructuring for OOH Sales Success

Panera’s competitive demands prevented them from working with other restaurant groups and QSRs. The client took up a lot of team bandwidth that can now be leveraged to grow ODN in new ways. This is where Emily Nelson comes in. She had reached the pinnacle of what she could achieve at Brooklyn Outdoor. ODN was a growth opportunity, similar to what she was already doing. Also, the energy of ODN was similar to that of Brooklyn Outdoor, and they are both classified as women-owned businesses.

BB: Big ‘steal’ for ODN pulling Emily Nelson from Brooklyn. You should keep an eye on Brooklyn’s next moves and how Nelson provides the growth ODN is pitching. Good luck to both.