May 03
Clients often ask me, “What is the number one most effective marketing tool?” My answer is, “Delivering consistent customer service at or above the level that is consistent with yo...
Continue ReadingApr 19
One of the challenges I face on a regular basis is getting clients and prospects to understand that their marketing should be a reflection of them without being all about them. It’s a difficul...
Continue ReadingDec 14, 2021
While this may read as a gripe session, it's really not - it's not meant to complain; simply to illustrate a point about life. I am pretty much at the end of trying to connect with someone who was ...
Continue ReadingAug 10, 2021
While COVID has changed some of our behaviors, I suspect that many of those networking-related actions will return once in-person events resume in full-swing again; if they haven't already in your a...
Continue ReadingFeb 09, 2021
Determining what is a successful marketing technique for any business can be challenging. Most businesses don’t have good tracking methods in place to measure ROI/ROO. Those that do, tend not ...
Continue ReadingDec 15, 2020
Having been a startup once and having worked with several over the years, I've learned some critical lessons. One of them is that startup owners' goals are usually lofty and they have the willingnes...
Continue ReadingDec 01, 2020
While we may not be sharing elevators too much right now, we are still attending networking events - virtual or otherwise - and that pesky "elevator pitch" is still important to your introduction. ...
Continue ReadingAug 25, 2020
I don’t know about you, but I don’t believe that having that little sentence at the end of an e-mail advertising the fact that it was sent that e-mail from your phone excuses anyone from...
Continue ReadingMay 05, 2020
As businesses begin to open up again, it's time to make sure that we've done everything we can to polish our image and make some changes to the way we present ourselves to our customers and clients. ...
Continue ReadingApr 21, 2020
For three years, my older daughter participated in the annual Lion’s Club speech contest for high schoolers. She didn’t win, but she gave two really great performances out of her three spe...
Continue ReadingApr 07, 2020
A while back, I received an invitation via Facebook to join a new networking group that is being organized by someone local to me who owns a marketing company (yes, that technically makes her a comp...
Continue ReadingMar 25, 2020
It's a challenging time we're in now. Between trying to stay healthy and keeping our finances healthy with lost jobs and/or lost work for those of us that are self-employed, some days just feel like w...
Continue ReadingJan 28, 2020
So 2020 is officially here. Have you taken the time to review 2019's business successes, challenges and (dare I say it?) failures. If we want to make a difference to the growth opportunities we have...
Continue ReadingAug 27, 2019
It’s not unusual to find me at a trade show – either walking the aisles of one of my industries trade shows or exhibiting or helping a client with their exhibit. A couple of weeks ago, I a...
Continue ReadingJun 18, 2019
I’ve been working with several start-ups recently who are looking to put together a marketing plan. Their goals are lofty, but they have the willingness to work to achieve those goals. The pro...
Continue ReadingFeb 12, 2019
I am often asked how do I like being in sales? It’s a valid question; after all, part of my job is to sell promotional products. When I am asked this, I always think back to my days as a Fron...
Continue ReadingSep 13, 2018
I know a few business owners and sales people out there who seem to be addicted to the “expert” marketing or sales guru. They have made almost a religion out of following several different...
Continue ReadingJul 03, 2018
I make it a point to attend the trade shows in my industry on a regular basis. I've been to my favorite ones often enough to notice when a regular exhibitor isn't in their "usual" spot. Not only do...
Continue ReadingApr 26, 2018
I am already preparing to head to a regional trade show for promotional product consultants in August. It is one of two large trade shows for the promotional products industry that I attend each yea...
Continue ReadingDec 06, 2017
This may seem like a strange question. After all, if we’ve already defined them as “your clients,” doesn’t that mean that they’ve already done business with you? And, i...
Continue ReadingAug 15, 2017
A few years ago, I spent the better part of late December through February sick with a cold that turned to bronchitis that turned to pneumonia. Within a few weeks of being completely well, it was Pass...
Continue ReadingAug 01, 2017
Whatever your job or profession, to be successful and stay relevant in your industry, professional development is critical. Although regular certification is not required of marketing professionals, ...
Continue Reading