I’m a BzzAgent. That’s right. And I’m supposed to tell everyone. So I’m telling all of you!

The concept behind Bzz is brilliant. They’ll give you product, you’ll try it and then you’ll tell people about what it is, what you like or don’t like about it, then report back on a simple report form about what happened. That’s it.

I know what you’re thinking, it’s kind of like being a secret shopper right? NO! Not at all. I was a secret shopper. There’s no multi-page reports, no reimbursements times and forms, no payments and no secrecy. You actually NEED to tell people that you’re a part of Word of Mouth Marketing. Simply Brilliant.

I’ve been delighted to be a part of this and highly recommend that you click on the little link above and sign up today. The more you participate, the more items you get to try. I’m currently reporting on a great product called Lypsyl, similar in concept to Burt’s Bees – but a bit more tingly. Organic & natural, it eases my mind when it comes to putting products on and my lips have been softer than I can ever remember.

So now you’re a part of my Word of Mouth – don’t forget to let me know who you are so I can be a part of yours!

Yesterday I received two professional design award books in the mail. The first, from Business Marketing Association, showed off the 2007 Pro-Comm awards winners, featuring the best business-to-business marketing efforts from across the US. The second was the AIGA 365 awards book. It was packed with design awards from identity to book covers. Very cool.

I was thrilled to see a few local agencies in both award books. Stephan and Brady won a BMA Silver Sledgehammer and Bader Rutter won at least 6 across several categories. Planet Propaganda won a couple AIGA 365 awards, as did a solo designer, Hans, from Wauwatosa. Check them out at the BMA site or the AIGA site.

Inspirational. Designers love to check out what our profession deems “the best,” gleaning new ideas from the cutting edge and just plain brilliant pieces featured. Many designers then ask, “why don’t we (my company and I) enter these awards?” A fire is lit, several fires actually…the fire to create award-winning design as well as the fire to enter existing award-winning design. What a great time to light those fires! Three local award shows are either taking entries now or will be soon.

Madison Advertising Federation (part of District 8 of the AAF) accepts Addy entries January 10 & 11. All show details available at SuperSweetCreative.com. It’s a hilarious site, poking accurate yet tongue and cheek jabs at all who dare prepare entries for the Addys. Good stuff.

BMA-Milwaukee launch their Bell Awards promotions soon, calling for entries for their show on April 10.

Want to show off your inner artist? Enter the Eisner Museum’s XO (I Love The Eisner) 250 Square Feet of Art competition! Go to the Eisner and grab a 1′ x 1 ‘ board and create a visual masterpiece. In the past people have transformed the boards into lamps, clocks, sculptures, painings, framed photos and more. You can enter the juried competition or just submit your board to be sold at the annual Eisner fundraiser, the XO. It’s art with a purpose.

What’s my point? Seeing the best of the best makes our entire profession better. Individuals and organizations understand the benchmark they work against. And plenty of opportunities to enter work (and win personal and professional recognition) exist…So, light that fire!