Hope is Not a Strategy

hope marketing

Poor strategy. Poor results. I couldn’t believe my ears. “I hope this flyer works,” said the small business owner. I took a look at the flyer. It was poorly designed, badly worded and didn’t even have a logo. On top of that, the folding was poor and it didn’t have the contact info of the…

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2017: A quick look back

A person's eyes are visible in a rearview mirror from the car interior, with a blurred 2017 city street scene in the background.

Take a look back. You can do it! As we move into 2018, it’s never a bad idea to look back at what 2017 showed us as business owners. I know, for me, I ask myself questions to help evaluate what worked and what didn’t. An important part of any planning process is analysis, and…

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2017 Homestretch: Turning a vision into a plan

A person meticulously planning their day using a laptop, with a coffee cup, highlighters, and a stack of papers spread out on the table.

Let’s do this. Let’s crush 2018. We have our vision. We have our ideas. Now it’s time to create the plan. “Yikes,” you cry. “I can’t possibly do this. I’m overwhelmed!” This very exclamation is something I often hear from busy business owners who know they need to market their business in order to grow,…

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What’s your one thing: Evaluation Matters

marketing plan

How is your “one thing” making an impact? In this week’s Monday Marketing Minute, we evaluate what’s working and what’s not- and what’s next as we near the finish line in 2017. This week’s it’s all about evaluating your efforts and making sure that what you’re doing is landing the way you want it to…

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What’s your one thing: Key Message Evaluation

Person writing in a notebook with a pen while using a laptop on a wooden table, clearly inspired blogging. A smartphone is placed nearby.

What are your key messages and how are you using them for good (and customer awareness)? In this week’s Monday Marketing Minute, we continue on the thread of doing just one thing to finish strong in 2017. This time around it’s all about messaging- clearing it up, communicating it well, and creating renewed awareness- all…

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The power of the notecard

A hand holds a red rose postage stamp above an envelope with a notecard tucked inside, complete with another stamp affixed and writing on the envelope.

I admit it. I’m a notecard junkie. I send them. I love getting them. When I’m in the store, I get giddy when I see boxes of them. They are notecards and they matter. Sending things by mail matters to me. It helps me to stand out. It helps me connect with the people I…

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