“I am excited to once again be involved with NRS. I enjoy the challenge of new business opportunities and new business ventures. I intend to contribute my executive leadership skills to build on existing business relationships that NRS has and also create capital through new solutions. This part of the job I enjoy, as it will create jobs and excellent career opportunities to hire great sales and management professionals in other markets as we grow,” commented Marshall.

“We’re extremely excited that Lee will be re-joining NRS as Director of New Business Sales and Operations. Lee’s vision was one that parlayed the company to where it is today and we are thrilled to once again have his knowledge, experience and enthusiasm available to us as we embark on new endeavors and collaborations that will help us continually redefine NRS,” stated Steve Olson, President NRS Media.

About NRS Media

With U.S.A, South America and Mexico operations headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, NRS Media is a global leader in direct media sales strategy, having designed and executed professionally structured revenue generating solutions for 20 years in over 30 different countries. In 2011, NRS Media globally helped produce over $205 million in new local self-funded and performance-based revenue for their media partners, through strategic sales initiatives. NRS Media is expert in identifying and executing sales training and revenue generation opportunities that help media businesses succeed, even in the toughest markets. For additional information, please visit www.nrsmedia.com.

In her role as Vice President of Business Development, Syversen will parlay her rich diversified knowledge to acquiring new business in all mediums. Syversen remarked,

“The culture at NRS Media is a part of my DNA and it has been since I walked in the door 8 years ago! To have this opportunity to be an integral part of our continuing growth and development by forging new solutions for the new challenges that face our media partners is a tremendous honor.”

Steve Olson, President NRS Media, commented,

“I am very pleased to have Jenny spearheading our continued growth across all our media platforms. She exemplifies tremendous passion for what NRS Media is all about. Jenny has a proven track record in business development and her vision for both our media partners and NRS Media moving forward is really exciting.”

About NRS Media

With U.S.A, South America and Mexico operations headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, NRS Media is a global leader in direct media sales strategy, having designed and executed professionally structured revenue generating solutions for 20 years in over 30 different countries. In 2011, NRS Media globally helped produce over $205 million in new local self-funded and performance-based revenue for their media partners, through strategic sales initiatives. NRS Media is expert in identifying and executing sales training and revenue generation opportunities that help media businesses succeed, even in the toughest markets. For additional information, please visit www.nrsmedia.com.

The programme was run across 2 regions and encompassed 7 core titles… In an extremely difficult economic climate, we saw significant increases in spend from these clients, with over 350K in committed business by the close of the programme.

The training given to the salespeople will continue to offer value throughout the year. There was a clear improvement in their ability to structure the sales process and deliver what will work for the client. This increased their confidence and allowed them to enjoy the team building, motivation and pure “buzz” that came out during the programme.

Had we tried to present a similar programme on our own, I know that we wouldn’t have achieved anywhere near this result. The structure and training provided by NRS Media was essential to the programme’s success.”

Thelma Henderson
Managing Director
Scottish Provincial Press Limited

NRS Media President, Steve Olson said of the association, “We are very excited about the new association with CW&A. Jim Currow and Everton Weeks are successful, innovative executives who are very knowledgeable about the newspaper industry and its challenges and opportunities. They have proven track records in new revenue creation, as does NRS Media. We believe that by working together, we can help newspapers turn the corner in 2012 and set the foundation for a very successful rebound.”

“Contrary to what some people believe, newspapers are not dying. They still have a very bright future. No other media has as strong a brand franchise as the local hometown newspaper, and no other media has the power and influence, and can play the important role that newspapers do in preserving and protecting democracy. Today, that power is greater than ever before as newspapers leverage the great strength and immediacy of ROP advertising coupled with a suite of digital platforms. NRS helps bring that powerful combination together for the benefit of a newspaper’s advertisers.” commented Jim Currow, CEO of CW&A.

Everton Weeks, president of CW&A, explained, “Newspapers have tremendous assets and one of our responsibilities as their partners, is to help them think differently about leveraging those assets. Our focus with this association with NRS Media is to help them to operate more efficiently, to preserve some of the traditional revenues, to grow new, digital revenues and to create totally new revenue streams from the introduction of new products and services.”

About Currow-Weeks & Associates

Founded in July 2011, Currow-Weeks & Associates was created by former EVP Newspapers for the Morris Publishing Group, Jim Currow, and former VP Advertising for the Morris Publishing Group, Everton J. Weeks. Currow-Weeks & Associates Inc. is a consulting firm that specializes in helping media Companies succeed offering services ranging from Executive Recruitment & Assessment to Search Engine Optimization Services, Custom Application Development, Sales Training, Revenue Development Programs and a Daily Deal Program Development devoted to helping media companies thrive now and in the future. For additional information, please visit www.currowweeks.com.

About NRS Media

With U.S.A, South America and Mexico operations headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, NRS Media is a global leader in direct media sales strategy, having designed and executed professionally structured revenue generating solutions for 20 years in over 30 different countries. In 2011, NRS Media globally helped produce over $205 million in new local self-funded and performance-based revenue for their media partners, through strategic sales initiatives. NRS Media is expert in identifying and executing sales training and revenue generation opportunities that help media businesses succeed, even in the toughest markets. For additional information, please visit www.nrsmedia.com.

NRS Media CEO, Stephen Wright notes, “Steve is the perfect fit for President of the US & Latin America division of NRS. Being a part of the company for more than 10 years combined with his 20 plus years experience in media previous to NRS- he will bring incredible insight and leadership.”

With a background in media sales, sales management, corporate sales training and development, Steve began working for NRS Media in 2001. In 2005, as NRS Media expanded into the newly formed Television Division, Steve was brought on board as the Vice President of Broadcast Sales. In 2008, Steve was promoted to Senior Vice President of Business Development. Steve shares about his new position,

“I am truly honored to be appointed as the President of the US and Latin America markets. My vision for NRS Media is to exemplify our status as the premium provider for our current media partners where we are known as the experts in local customer generation and sales training. In addition, I look forward to leading our company as we continue to expand our media partnerships across all platforms.”

About NRS Media

With U.S.A, South America and Mexico operations headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, NRS Media is a global leader in direct media sales strategy, having designed and executed professionally structured revenue generating solutions for 20 years in over 30 different countries. In 2011, NRS Media globally helped produce over $205 million in new local self-funded and performance-based revenue for their media partners, through strategic sales initiatives. NRS Media is expert in identifying and executing sales training and revenue generation opportunities that help media businesses succeed, even in the toughest markets. For additional information, please visit www.nrsmedia.com.

Wir sind sehr stolz, der Multimedia-Marktführer in unserer Gegend zu sein und haben festgestellt, dass durch die Partnerschaft mit NRS Media ideale Voraussetzungen für die Präsentation und den Verkauf von Radio- und TV-Spots in Verbindung mit Internetwerbung geschaffen wurden. Wir sind überzeugt, dass davon auch die locale Wirtschaft profitiert.

Eine Schlüsselposition bei dieser Partnerschaft nimmt dabei der NRS Account Direktor Nick Maloney mit seiner motivierenden und positiven Art ein.

Durch hervorragende Team-Bildung, vertiefende Ausbildung und hoch professionelle (und unterhaltsame) Präsentationstechniken führte uns Nick Maloney zu einem Ergebnis, welches unser Jahresergebnis im Bereich lokale Werbung bereits im ersten Jahr um mehr als 50% steigern wird. Ein wirklich hervorragendes Ergebnis, das alle Erwartungen übertrifft.

Zusätzlich zu dieser Umsatzsteigerung kam das Team in den Genuss eines aussergewöhnlichen Verkaufs-Trainings und hat so neue Fähigkeiten erworben, die bereits im Geschäftsalltag umgesetzt werden.

Das Team hier im Wallis erstellt jetzt ausgezeichnete, künstlerisch-auffallende neue Werbekampagnen für unsere Mitglieder und sorgt damit für ein wirklich positives Feedback.

Wir sind sehr zufrieden und unsere neuen Kunden sind es auch.

Radio Rottu Oberwallis AG

Matthias Bärenfaller

Geschäftsführer und Leiter Werbung

Chairman of the Board Craig Thompson says, “Stephen is an incredibly motivated and talented leader, with a proven track record of success. With many years’ experience in media – and at NRS Media – Stephen is the perfect candidate to follow in the footsteps of Marc Verhoeven to continue our successful development and growth. The Board of NRS Media is extremely pleased to have Stephen step into this position.”

Stephen joined NRS Media in 2004 and successfully created the print division of the US business before heading the Sales Operations Division. He was promoted to the position of President of NRS Media US and Latin America in 2009 – NRS Media’s largest franchise – and has consistently delivered sustainable, profitable growth. Stephen has worked in pivotal roles in the media industry for more than 20 years including sales and strategy consulting and management.

Stephen says, “I am delighted to have been appointed to this important and challenging role. I have enormous faith in NRS Media and our capacity for continued success. I am excited to build on the business’ strengths, whilst continuing to serve our valued partners around the globe.”

NRS Media has generated over US$700 million globally for its media partners. In the past year alone NRS Media delivered more than US$205 million in additional annualised revenue.

NRS Media is a global leader in direct media sales strategy, having designed and executed professionally structured revenue generating solutions for 20 years in over 30 different countries. NRS Media is expert in identifying and executing sales training and revenue generation opportunities that help media businesses succeed, even in the toughest markets.

I’ve always believed there is a better way.

Recent research shows that many of what I call “enlightened” CEOs, believe that improving your culture can improve your Operating Profit by as much as 20%. But it takes work and it takes time. Here is what some of what we have done and some of what it takes:

1. It takes a clear understanding of what your culture is, what you want it to be and a willingness to do whatever it takes to change it, because you believe that great culture and great results are synonymous.

2. It takes leadership. If you do not have strong leaders you are going to fail and even a great culture won’t save you. The people leading our groups need to believe it and be able to “transfer the belief”. They need to be fearless and be able to act with courage to do what is right. Easier said than done when the pressure is on.

3. Hire people that have the qualifications of course, but first and foremost, hire people that fit the culture.

a. Take pains to explain the culture during the interview process
b. Test their cultural fit and everything else in the interview process
c. Make sure they see lots of people and listen to your people if they think they might not fit

4. You need to put your people first. Always. Every decision needs to be about what is right for the people and believe that it will be returned 10-fold. Give them the benefit of the doubt.

5. Empower your people to be wrong and discuss it, not hide it. They need to know that it is all about succeeding as a team and everyone has a responsibility to help others succeed, not watch them fail.

6. Put team success ahead of individual success. This is one reason to carefully examine the type of person you hire. For example, at NRS Media I’ve never believed that we should hire people that fit true, driven “commission sales” profiles as Account Directors, because our team’s goals and the client’s goals must supersede any personal agenda.

7. It’s a no-brainer, but do everything you can to make your people successful in the field. Remove barriers, get them what they need to be successful and rally the rest of the company behind them.

8. Remove all negative motivation and introduce all positive motivators

a. Do not penalize your people (claw backs) unless it is something where they can control 100% of the outcome
b. Reward your people and let them catch up with their real lives, as often as possible. “Well Days”, vacation days and holidays are great tools. No one gains one minute of productivity by reducing our people’s time off. The opposite occurs
c. Remove the Tension between Business Development and Operations and F&A. All groups need to respectfully work as a team. They need to understand and appreciate the other group’s roles and responsibilities. No silos can exist

9. Have regular meetings to reinforce the culture but more importantly live it every day
a. Daily conversations to reinforce the importance with the team and confirm your support

b. Weekly team meetings which include management, operations and business units to share best practice

c. Monthly group meetings – we call them “Town Hall” meetings. We update the staff and have them update us. Use every opportunity to check the pulse of your culture.

10. Celebrate victories with vigour. Everyone needs to know that when we succeed we celebrate.

Larry Bleau is President of NRS Media Canada. Larry has an extensive background in marketing, advertising and media and regularly consults on business culture.

The best training always begins with a clearly defined Why. Why is this important to the organisation, and more essentially, why is this important to the participants? Staff need to be clear on why they are doing a task or what they will gain from training. Otherwise, it makes the exercise meaningless and ineffective, because our brains require clear definition in order to know how to focus. Yet too often we leave this step out and assume it is self evident.

A simple way to achieve this is to give a short frame-up of what is going to be covered in the training, and then ask the participants what they would like to take away from it. However, be careful not to let people give you too vague an answer, such as “I’d like to be a better communicator”. In such instances, drill deeper by asking what specific aspects of communication they feel they need to improve, and how they will know when they’ve achieved this.

As cheesy as it sounds, a positive mental attitude to learning is essential. The aim of any effective training is to change behaviour. Therefore an effective learning experience must enable us to step outside our comfort zones and create new behaviours. In order for us to do this, not only do we need a positive attitude but we need to be able to overcome any fears we may have. One of the most effective ways to doing this is through having FUN. By creating an environment of playfulness, where mistakes are okay and people can feel empowered we make it okay to try new things.

In a wider sense, the environment in which the learning takes place will also have an impact. We are all aware of the usual hygiene and comfort factors when booking training venues. But some of the current theories have gone far beyond this. For example there has been considerable research into the effects of music and how introducing certain types of music can improve brain performance and perhaps even boost IQ. Whether this is the case is debatable, but we can at least be sure that music does have an effect on our moods and emotions, and can therefore have an impact on how well we learn.

By delivering the training in small sections we encourage understanding. By providing a brief break or change of focus or activity every 15 minutes or so we allow the learners to chunk the information and make it easier to absorb. Regular opportunities to review the learning, whether though group summary, discussion or even quizzes, greatly enhances recall.

We know that our brains are divided into two hemispheres, and that each area has a dominant responsibility for different functions. In general, the traditional western educational methods tend to use our left brain – reading, writing, listening, and logical activities. Now, however, the importance of involving the right brain in learning; through images, colour, music, creativity and intuition is becoming increasingly clear and has been shown to improve the brain’s overall performance.

We all have a dominant learning style. This is our preferred way to perceive, process and memorize information and it is usual for this to be one or a combination of the three main sensory receptors; visual, audio or kinesthetic (touch and feeling). Therefore, to maximize the effectiveness of any training, it should incorporate elements that engage all of these styles.

The visual element is one that most trainers feel comfortable accessing. We may use Mind-mapping, encourage staff to draw a picture to summarise their learning or note-taking. More recently the power of visualisation techniques to make the end goal “real” is being recognised. I have already highlighted the benefits of music and this also accesses the audio for some learners. More directly, we should ask staff to review aloud in their own words. And our own oral traditions show how rhythm and rhyming enhance recall.

We are multi-sensory and it is the involvement of the other senses in training that has been viewed with more scepticism. Whilst our memory of smells is the most immediate memory system some may balk at using smells, for example lavender, to anchor new learnings in their memory. However there is still a lot to be said for incorporating as many of our senses in the learning experience as possible.

The importance of role-play and practice is also well established. Interestingly, movement is believed to be very powerful in locking information into our memories. So making sure that staff are moving, dancing, and walking around throughout the training will maximise their learning. Even more powerful for me is the fact that a typical 50-minute meeting could decrease the amount of oxygen delivered to the brain by 15 per cent. Therefore getting them up and moving ensures a more thoroughly oxygenated supply of the blood to the brain, and therefore more efficient brain performance.

Finally, we can take the old adage that if you “Can’t Do – Teach” as an instruction. Older children benefit greatly from being able to teach their younger siblings. The benefits can be replicated in training by making staff accountable for someone else’s learning to ensure they pay attention and really learn the material. Ultimately, curiosity is a big driver and by ensuring that there is plenty of scope for asking questions, testing authenticity and allowing learners to be critical in their approach, we will deepen their understanding and speed their absorption of the subject.

More importantly, all of the above techniques create variety and a flexibility of approach that keeps learning fresh. And those that deliver it!

Rod Power is the Managing Director for NRS Media’s European headquarters and has worked with NRS Media for many years including roles as COO and Head of Organisational Development. Rod is renowned in the areas of Leadership Training and Human Resources Development. Before joining NRS Media, Rod consulted to various media organizations in the areas of Human Development and Sales Strategy. As an executive coach, facilitator and keynote speaker he has helped people and organizations regularly over-achieve their sales targets.

Luis says he is “excited about the way NRS Media continues to challenge business norms with consistent increases in advertising revenues with its Media Partners in South America. I am looking forward to being a part of this continued success.”

“It is a great pleasure to join such a successful global company. The entire staff have made me feel extremely welcome. It was not easy leaving the many projects I was working on to take up this new challenge, but I strongly believe in NRS Media because of their success to date and the vast opportunities available in South and Central America.”

Luis is originally from Galicia, north-western Spain, and has extensive experience in media including marketing and strategic media sales, and studied at the University of Santiago in Spain while working at Antena 3 Radio as a journalist.

His experience in Europe included handling all media communications for Compostela 2000, one of the largest cultural events organized by the European Union. He came to the US on an invitation from The Honors College at Florida International University. In the USA, he has worked twice at CNN, as National Sales Manager and Anchor. He also held senior positions at Clear Channel and was the Director at La Voz Hispana in Atlanta.

President of NRS Media USA Stephen Wright explains, “Bello is the perfect signing for us, with his extensive media experience in radio, television and print media in Europe and his more current experience in America. This, combined with his extensive knowledge and understanding of the Latin American culture, will greatly assist our expansion into Latin American markets.”

Senior Vice President Steve Olson says, “Luis will be an important resource to our clients such as RPP, Grupo Prisa, Televisa and Univision as well as our new Latin media partners.”

NRS Media is a global leader in direct media sales strategy, having designed and executed professionally structured revenue generating solutions for almost 20 years in 25 different countries. NRS Media is expert in identifying and executing sales training and revenue generation opportunities that help media businesses succeed, even in the toughest markets.

Released by: NRS Media, Tel: +1 404 495 9596

Media contact: Steve Olson, steve.olson@nrsmedia.com