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Monthly column with Forbes "The Entrepreneur's Playbook"
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De-Clutter, Detox & De-dupe: a recipe for success in the new year
You do not have to be a pack rat or hoarder to want to get more organized this year. Whether you have stacks of paper on your desk or piles of unread e-mails clogging your inbox, you know you will feel better if you could just get them sorted out and organized.
Sharpen Your Marketing By Measuring What Matters Most
Something I always tell my clients is to measure what matters most because you will get what you measure, that’s for sure. Make certain you are rewarding the right customers and employees for the right behavior...
Lagniappe: How To Win Your Customers' Loyalty With A Little Extra
I grew up in Louisiana and there are millions of cool things about having lived there, but one of my favorite terms is the title of this month’s column, lagniappe (Lann Yapp). For those of you unfamiliar with this word, it means something extra, like a baker’s dozen or a gift with purchase. It is very much part of the culture at home and I just love that way of life...
Back-To-School Season For Your Reputation
Living in Boston, which is the ultimate college town with 250,000 students flocking to the city each September, you really feel like the start of the academic year is a fresh start in business too...
Beware of Business Bullies
At the Sports Museum at Boston’s TD Garden, where I serve as chair of the board of trustees, we’ve launched an initiative called Boston vs. Bullies to help at risk youth learn ways to combat bullying using lessons from sports.
Madonna, Gaga & Growth
I started my company more than 10 years ago and like any business that has survived for more than a decade, you have to keep reinventing yourself and add new tools to the toolkit if you want to stay relevant and thrive. …
100 Founders Share Their Top "Aha" Moments for Forbes
I did not take more than a long weekend off for 4 years, afraid my hard work would disappear...
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Visa's secrets of small business success
Be Aware of Changing Economic Tides. When the recession began in late 2008, Paige Arnof-Fenn, the CEO of the strategic marketing consulting firm, Mavens & Moguls, went on what she calls a “listening tour” among her customers and prospects.
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Getting through tough times
I think this is so true, you only really learn concepts, facts, figures, data, etc. in school when you dig into it and you never forget those experiences when the point is driven home by example.
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Why Sex In Advertising Doesn’t Sell Like It Used To
Here’s why so-called babevertising has declining influence – and what’s next.
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Luck in business
In the first few years of my business I had pitched a CEO about a month before I ran into her at a networking event where she was the keynote speaker and her topic was about being a woman leader in a traditionally male-dominated business.
CEO advice reaches all the way to New Zealand
Paige explained how she used a listening tour to grow her PR business when the global financial crisis hit a few years ago...
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Telling Your Story: The Secrets To Content Branding
Leading into the holidays families get together often and I recently spent time with my nieces and nephews and they begged me to tell them stories several times a day. It got me thinking, people of all ages are naturally interested when you engage them with an entertaining story...
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Women leaders share their tips for success
Having good manners Writing thank-you notes, saying please and thank you, following up and keeping promises go a long way in business relationships.
Easy Things to Do To Deliver the Best Customer Service for Clients
The main reason clients hire us or any firm is because they believe we can help them solve their problem.
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Social Media Tips & Tools for Small Business
If you start a blog then post on it regularly. People do not realize they do more damage than good and dilute their brand when they come out of the blocks strong then within a short time period taper off and lose interest.
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Small business professionals share inspiring sales quotes
We’ve all been in those meetings where people love to hear themselves talk and they make every excuse in the book about how hard it is to get the meeting. .
What’s next after you start your business?
I started a global marketing firm 15 years ago and for me after my website went live the big thing was to fill the pipeline and find clients so I could get some reference accounts to sell more business
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Seeking professional freedom and more flexibility?
Paige Arnof-Fenn spent her time in corporate America, heading up marketing for three different startups. However, she felt life was passing her by...
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What I wish I knew at 18
Jobs and job leads can come from anyone anywhere anytime. You should always be on your best behavior & make a great lasting impression. You’d be amazed where some of my best contacts have come from over the years...
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How to build your business
My advice is to go on a Listening Tour! Politicians do it all the time and it is great for business too. Make a list the movers & shakers, people you admire and prospects, ask a few smart open-ended questions then sit back and take notice.
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Life Lessons from the Incomparable B.B. King
As many of you know I grew up in New Orleans and one of my favorite things every spring as a kid was going to the Jazz & Heritage Festival. When i was young this was basically a local event celebrating the city's jazz, zydeco and blues music...
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Chief Executive Magazine asks CEO why she serves on boards
Serving on a nonprofit board not only is a way to give back, but it can also generate good will toward your company’s brand while also providing a new avenue for networking with important contacts. Here are 8 reasons CEOs give for getting involved in nonprofit boards.
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Building a platform for your business
A maven, according to The Joys of Yiddish, is “an expert; a really knowledgeable person; a good judge of quality; a connoisseur.” A mogul is a very rich or powerful person, so it struck me that the name of this web site was a fantastic start to building a platform.
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How do you define success?
wanted to start a business I could leave when I went on vacation and not worry about or let consume me so that I could relax and enjoy myself...
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Entrepreneurs Discuss What They Are Thankful For
To quote a Zen Buddhist thought “The Master in the art of living makes little distinction between her work and her play, her labor and her leisure, ..."
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Experts weigh in about being an entrepreneur
in professional services like marketing consulting, our story is our clients’ story, our success is their success. Our goal is not to win awards and accolades for our work, we are happy when we build our clients’ business so that they see marketing as an investment in their brand not an expense.
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How to build a successful brand
“I started a global marketing firm 14 years ago and I built the brand mostly through speaking engagements, writing articles, networking and word of mouth..."
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Blogging Mistakes Companies Make
They come out of the blocks strong with a lot of energy and ideas and start blogging regularly then after a few weeks it starts to drop off...
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Clients Don't Care How Much You Know Until they Know How Much You Care
We’ve got 75 entrepreneurs in the house, discussing all the different hats they wear, the creative energy that comes with the role, and how every day is a new adventure...
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CEO shares her life lessons
Are you happy at the moment? If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be? What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
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Brand loyalty and sports
I grew up in New Orleans and was a huge Saints fan as a kid, even when they were called the Aints 😉 I have now lived in Boston for 18 years and have adopted the Celtics and Red Sox too (New Orleans did not have an NBA franchise while I lived there).
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Samsung brand in crisis
Samsung can't risk things getting worse and people hurt. Customers have great options in this category, and Samsung's not the only game in town. They need a clean slate -- a fresh start to begin winning back trust.
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Experts discuss Ivanka Trump as a brand
As she leads her brand into its next stage, Ivanka reveals how she's navigating the drama around her father's presidential campaign
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Enrich your life through travel
I got my first passport at age 16 to go to France as an exchange student and it was a pivotal moment in my life. It opened my eyes to a whole new world both figuratively and literally and from that moment on I knew that overseas travel would be part of my life forever.
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How to profit from playtime
Does “play time” or “me time” seem sinful luxury? An informal survey of women business owners indicates that play time isn’t just essential to your health—it can boost your bottom line.
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CEO interview on her “accidental" beginnings
How does one become an accidental entrepreneur? Paige Arnof-Fenn, founder and CEO of Mavens & Moguls, knows the answer. She calls herself the accidental entrepreneur as she “never wrote a business plan” or “raised any outside money.”
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Expert voice on Best Places for Women Entrepreneurs, Small-Business Loans, Big Revenues
For me, the whole work-life-balance debate is tired and overused. And I agree with a point Anne-Marie Slaughter [president of the New America Foundation] makes that it is not a women’s problem but a workplace problem...
Tai Chi, the ancient art of moving meditation
I’ve been studying Tai Chi and Qigong for the past decade or so and it’s been helpful for me both mentally and physically to learn to relax my body and calm my mind in new ways.
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Career advice for your younger self
Jobs and job leads can come from anyone anywhere anytime so you should always be on your best behavior and make a great lasting impression. You'd be amazed where some of my best contacts have come from over the years — a gardener who also happened to work for someone who was in a position to help...
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Social media tips for job seekers
Make sure your profiles tell a consistent story. When you try to be a cool partier on Facebook/Instagram and very buttoned up on LinkedIn, it may raise questions as to who you really are. Authenticity is key, personally and professionally.
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Advice for new entrepreneurs
My advice is that the people you start with are not always the ones who grow with you. The biggest mistake and hardest lesson I learned when I started my company 15 years ago is not getting rid of weak people earlier than I did in the first few years of my business.
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Ways to find new customers and increase sales
Use the information about your existing customers to develop a target audience for your business in its drive to win new customers and increase sales. "While there are core customers you are trying to reach, often there are other markets that are also important to address,
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CEO recommends top books for success
“We are constantly negotiating in business, and you have to always keep in mind what your best alternatives are and be ready to walk away,” says Paige Arnof-Fenn, founder and CEO of Mavens & Moguls, who nominated Getting to Yes for our list.
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What CEO and Anna Wintour of Vogue have in common
Oh, the thing about flip phones. Pull it out, and two things will happen. First, people will say, what is that? And when they get that you plan to use it as a phone, "they laugh,
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Advice to my teenage self
Jobs and job leads can come from anyone anywhere anytime so you should always be on your best behavior & make a great lasting impression. Be nice to everyone & make friends before you need them, you never know who is in or will be in a position to help!
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Winning new customers
I started doing a listening tour during the Great Recession in late 2008, early 2009 to strum up new business.
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Crisis experts respond to Subway marketing problems
I would look and see if the ads with Olympians like Apolo Ohno, Michael Phelps, etc. and the one with Mike Trout tested well...
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Insights On The Future Of Spokespeople & Influencers
...There is risk in attaching a brand to a human being, who is inherently flawed.
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Career advice for millennials
Finishing college is not the end of your education, you will be a student for the rest of your life so never stop learning new things...
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Interview with Mavens & Moguls CEO
Paige Arnof-Fenn: Mavens & Moguls Tackling Marketing Problems
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Expert advice on how to grow your business
Quick Tips from Local Biz Experts...
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CEO Shares Best Business Advice
It is best to give before you get. A great way to build your business is to be the first one to give away something of value to your prospects.
CEO gives advice to Harvard graduates
It really is a marathon not a sprint so do not set arbitrary goals like being named 30 under 30 or 40 under 40 because it may take you longer than Mark Zuckerberg to hit your stride and that's ok...
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Online Entrepreneurs On The Best Advice Ever Received
I asked lots of successful online entrepreneurs what was the best piece of advice they have ever received. I got a massive response and the cream of the crop is here for you...
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The 8 Biggest Social Media Mistakes Brands Make (And How They Can Ruin Your Reputation)
...another part of maintaining a professional tone is staying on message in your interactions. “Do not clutter your followers’ feeds with what you ate for lunch or your coffee habits,”
From mail delivery to CEO, there's no such thing as a trivial role for this entrepreneur
We've been asking entrepreneurs to tell us about jobs that defined them, from childhood daydreams to that first gig. Meet Paige Arnof-Fenn, the founder and CEO of Mavens and Moguls, who worked her way from the mail room to a global marketing firm.
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CEOs share how dads fostered their entrepreneurial spirit
Growing up, both of my parents have been such wonderful influences in my life. My father definitely had an entrepreneurial spirit and I watched him foster ideas, create inventions and tinker with electronics and prototypes...
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No one path to entrepreneurship
I had never heard the word “entrepreneur” until I went to college in California in the ’80s. As a kid, I wanted a career in international business because I spoke French and thought jobs in finance sounded cool (my father and both grandfathers were commercial bankers).
Inc magazine highlights new style of entrepreneurship
Mavens & Moguls, a network of 48 independent marketing professionals founded by Paige Arnof-Fenn, Zipcar’s first CMO, has won work from Delta Airlines, Colgate, Sprint, and Virgin, among others.
Small Business Marketing Tips to Help You Make More With Less
If there’s one thing people like more than hearing a good story, it’s the chance to share one...
Defining success for you
I started a global marketing company 14 years ago with the goal of working with people I respect and admire for people I want to help succeed.
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CEO contributing author to popular blog
Paige Arnof-Fenn is the founder and CEO of global marketing firm Mavens & Moguls, based in Cambridge, MA. Her clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times, and Colgate, as well as nonprofits and venture-backed startups.
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Why I do not believe in failure
I do not believe in failure. The most successful people I know will admit they’ve all hit bumps in the road, suffered major setbacks along the way and learned from each of those experiences–if they were smart.
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Experts Weigh In: End of the Year Business Tips
“At year end, I always check in with everyone who was interested to hire us during the year but didn’t. Many times companies find “use it or lose it funds” on the books at the end of the year and if you hit the timing right..."
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The value of mentorship
I have benefited tremendously throughout my career from mentors. They can be colleagues, professors, bosses, and senior people in organizations.
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Books recommended by women entrepreneurs
"I always come back to Dale Carnegie’s How To Win Friends And Influence People for all things related to my business. It is a classic and the advice holds up over time...”
What is your favorite recruiting story?
During the peak of the dot-com boom, I was looking for a key member of my team who needed to have a strong background in customer service. I got literally hundreds of resumes. I picked my top 10 to bring in for interviews...
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Quotes about loving life
It should not take a personal tragedy or setback to appreciate your life and be grateful for all the things you love.
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2015’s Women Entrepreneurs to Learn From
What advice do you have for women aspiring to be entrepreneurs? 1. You will work harder and longer than ever before, and you have to be better prepared and more qualified than the guys, but it is totally worth it. 2. Never compromise your integrity or values. 3. Do not let the haters or the voices in your head get the best of you. 4. Get thick skin - negative feedback can be very helpful. 5. Go for it.
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Overcoming obstacles
Get rid of weak people quickly. I knew in my gut they were not up to snuff, but out of loyalty to them, I let them hang around much longer than they should have. ..
Top Traits of Highly Successful Business Owners
I started my company 14 years ago and I think the most common trait among successful business owners is… Perseverance.
Creative Ways to Market Your Business That Work
Giving talks at conferences: "I started my firm 12 years ago and have gotten dozens of clients over the years by giving talks at conferences, trade shows, industry events, universities and others. I have also written articles for online publications, mainstream media and blogs."
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Overcoming business challenges
Even the most successful small businesses have faced their fair share of challenges. The issue isn’t always how to avoid challenges, since some are inevitable. The key is figuring out what to do when you come face-to-face with one...
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How to recruit marketing talent
Social media is so pervasive now, traditional marketing and PR can seem dated. When I started my marketing career in 1990 there was basically only print, radio, TV, outdoor, and direct mail.
How Small Businesses Convey a “Big Brand” Image
In a virtual world, even very small businesses can convey a “big brand” image, and it doesn’t have to take a lot of time, energy or money to do just that
How to Find Top Marketing Talent for your Small Business
On today’s episode of The Boomer Business Owner, Charlie interviews Honorary Baby Boomer and Mavens & Moguls CEO, Paige Arnof-Fenn.
Entrepreneurs & Vacations, is it really possible?
“For me it is Italy. I have rented a 17th century farmhouse with no wifi or internet access, stayed at villas with no computers, etc. ..."
The benefits of studying abroad
I was an exchange student in both high school and college. I lived with a family in southeast France for several months during my junior year of high school...
Entrepreneurs share their hobbies
I started learning Tai Chi & Qigong about 10 years ago and have gotten progressively addicted over the years...
The Importance of Lifelong Learning and Continuing Education
This time of year always reminds me of when I was a student and the excitement I felt when finishing up another year of school.
CEO gives advice to MBAs
Last spring, in preparation for the 50th anniversary of women being admitted to the School's full-time MBA Program, we invited the HBS alumni community to identify alumnae who stood out as leaders, mentors, and role models...
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Entrepreneurs share best business tips
My advice is to go on a Listening Tour! Politicians do it all the time and it is great for business too. Make a list the movers & shakers, people you admire and prospects, ask a few smart open ended questions then sit back and take notice.
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Beware of these HR mistakes
Don’t wait too long to fire bad employees I started my company 14 years ago. My biggest mistake was not getting rid of weak people earlier than I did in the first few years of my business.
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Experts Share Successful Customer Acquisition Strategies
“The key ingredient to successful customer acquisition strategy is…” Listening tour.
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How to handle payroll
“I run a global marketing company I started 14 years ago and we use Paychex..."
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Choosing A Domain Name
Need a list of what to look for in your domain name? Use these eight questions to poll your team for the perfect domain...
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CEO quoted in Harvard Business School magazine
Question: What career advice do you have for today's female MBAs? "Always be the most well-prepared person in the room. You will never regret it, and you'll build a strong reputation." Question: Whom do you admire in the business world? "Richard Branson, for turning his learning disability to his advantage; also, for his courage, creativity, and enthusiasm for the great brand he built."
Branding tips for job seekers
The most successful people do create and, in fact, become brands. Their brands are based on the experiences they promise and the values they live by and share.
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Business owners share best business books
How to Win Friends & Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. “It is a classic with timeless advice on manners and people/human nature,"...
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CEO quoted in business blog
'Facts are boring,” says Paige Arnof-Fenn of Forbes.com, “but putting facts into a context with emotion makes them memorable. Stories help you connect with people on a sensory level.”
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Marketing advice in 50 words or less
'Great marketing is about motivating your customers to buy more of your products and services it is not about winning awards or creating buzz or attracting more eyeballs or clicks unless they are buying too...
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New year, New Attitude
As the calendar changes soon to 2013 we have an opportunity to start anew. That is one of the exciting things about a clean calendar, it is a blank slate to start the year fresh with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism...
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When in Doubt, Give
With the holidays approaching, the season of giving is upon us. The old saying that "the more you give, the more you get" has certainly been true in my experience. I grew up in a family of business people who valued volunteerism and being involved with the communities in which we live and work.
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CEO weighs in on the future of marketing
Simplicity & Calmness, Buyers in Control & Complicated Channels The roles & responsibilities of marketing are in transition and will certainly be very different still down the road. Here are a few observations & predictions I have...
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Naming advice from CEO
First of all you have to set your naming criteria and decide what is important to you. Do you want a short name (max of 8 characters for example)? Real word or made up word?
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Branding How To Advice
I worked at Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, and ran marketing at 3 successful startups before I started a global marketing and branding company 14+ years ago. Here are a few tips from my 20+ year career in branding...
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The most important lessons I learned from my mom
Now that I’m older and a little wiser, I can’t help but think about all the encouragement, support and great advice my mom gave me that has helped me become a successful entrepreneur.
CEO comments on the most romantic places on earth
Cinque Terre on the Ligurian Coast and Positano on the Amalfi Coast are probably the very top of the list. Both are incredibly beautiful coastal areas, watching the sunsets and moon is spectacular, taking walks and boat rides truly stunning.
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Leadership Lessons On & Off The Court
I’ve been a sports fan since I was a kid, and living in Boston now has made it fun and easy for me to continue following teams I love…
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A Tale of Two Great Championship Cities
I grew up in New Orleans and have lived in Cambridge, MA since 1999. You might not think Louisiana and Massachusetts have a lot in common - one is hot and humid known for its food, music, parties and hurricane season and the other has four distinct seasons, known for its foliage, Nor'easters and world famous universities...
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Mavens & Moguls featured in "This week in small business" in New York Times
A weekly roundup of small-business developments.
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Lessons In Leadership, Resilience & Innovation
As an entrepreneur and business owner I see examples of innovation everywhere, I think it is part of the entrepreneurial DNA…
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Risk, Reward & Resilience
I am a long time fan of late night television and wanted to get David Letterman as our graduation speaker…
Becoming a Lovable Business
Every month is a good time to celebrate love so why not reflect on what you love about your business now? Ask yourself, are you doing work you enjoy most of the time? What parts of your job energize and motivate you?
Time Marches On
The days are getting longer, we change the clocks again soon! As much as we hate to lose an hour's sleep the payoff is well worth it with more daylight to enjoy. Business tradeoffs happen regularly too with one step back then 2 steps forward.
Networking While You Eat
At a late morning meeting recently with a fellow entrepreneur, as we were wrapping up I mentioned my next meeting had been postponed and asked if he had time to grab a bite to eat.
If I knew then what I know now
I wish I had realized that my definition of success would change over time so that I would not have gotten so hung up on things that really did not matter...
If I knew then what I know now - part 2
If you could go back and change anything about the way your business got its start, would you do it? It’s totally okay to admit you would...
When it is time to fire a client
We often say that PR is all about relationships. While most often in reference to media relationships, as a service-based business the relationship between publicist and client is perhaps the most important one of all.
Leading Latin Marketing & Media site quotes CEO on content branding
Highlight the stories that captivate your customers. Facts are boring but putting facts into a context with emotion makes them memorable.
Connect In Meaningful Ways
I have a confession to make. I am not on Facebook, I do not Tweet and I still consider myself a marketing expert…
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CEO interview on leading branding web site
Paige talks with Anaezi Modu for the REBRAND Expert Interviews Series. Read her thoughts and tips below and get her sound advice for small and large businesses at Forbes Magazine...
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CEO offers career advice & career tips to leading site
I would tell people that jobs and job leads can come from anyone anywhere anytime so you should always be on your best behavior & make a great lasting impression...
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Personal branding tips
According to Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder & CEO of Cambridge-based global marketing firm, Mavens & Moguls, lots of people think you have to be famous to have a personal brand...
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Entrepreneurs weigh in on their favorite tools
Ask any entrepreneur and he or she will tell you that they keep a couple tricks up their sleeve to help keep their business running smoothly...
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CEO BLOGS FOR THE UnConference at Mass TLC:
Creating Effective Value Propositions
For the second block I chose Jack Derby’s session on creating value propositions. Jack is a sales legend and teaches this stuff at MIT and Tufts so I knew I would learn a lot listening to him....
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Brains & Bliss: How to Build Happier and More Productive Teams
My morning started with a session on happiness and gratitude. What a great way to start the day! Jo began his career in VC in the late 90s and Anne spent 15 years in venture as well. She decided to step off the treadmill that had become her life and went to meet with an executive coach to figure out her next move. What she realized is she wanted to be the coach, that is the job she was most excited by....
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unConference Session: Michael Skok on Start Up Secrets, Building a Compelling Value Proposition
After years of hearing great things about the unConference, I finally attended my first one on Friday November 16 at the Hynes Convention Center and it was fantastic! As good as I had heard it was, I found it to be even better in reality...
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Feeling lucky?
For entrepreneurs, luck is a lot like snowflakes – no two instances of it are alike. Today, we’ve got a panel of small business owners on our blog who have experienced some seriously serendipitous moments with their companies...
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Why outsource? Experts weigh in
I use Paychex because it is easy, convenient, low cost and they have the tax paperwork ready right away.
CEO business tips
Paige Arnof-Fenn is the founder and CEO of Mavens & Moguls, a global marketing strategy consulting firm whose clients range from early stage start-up to Fortune 500 companies including Colgate, Virgin and The New York Times Company.
Think Before You Leap: Seven questions to ask before making a big decision
"[One of] the main things I think about is will it matter six months down the road,” says Arnof-Fenn. Thinking in terms of a finite time horizon often provides better insight to the right solution....
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CEO comments on auto trends to Detroit for concept cars
That Subaru might someday build an honest to goodness sports car has long intrigued diehard fans. ..
CEO shares family recipe
There’s that old saying: When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. But what about when life hands you repeated snowstorms? Get Cooking...
Archives Section II
Why Boston is a great city for startups
Boston is a bit of the Rodney Dangerfield of cities. After all, the Bay Area and NYC get all the good press but “truly Boston is where a lot of the tech and VC world started.
Small Business Myths
You must exist online today to be taken seriously,” said Paige Arnof-Fenn, founder and CEO of marketing consulting firm Mavens & Moguls. But that doesn’t mean you should be active on every platform...
Startup story on success
Now an international company, Mavens & Moguls provides creative and virtual marketing, PR, and advertising services for businesses. Paige gave us the inside scoop on her earliest triumphs and tribulations, the company’s character and future goals, and the story behind that catchy name.
Experts talk about choosing a great domain name
For my company when I started the firm I jokingly referred to the women as the Marketing Mavens & the guys as the Marketing Moguls & for short I called them Mavens & Moguls as a working name but never expected it would stick.
Career journey of CEO
Arnof-Fenn shared a little about her early working experiences and her dreams of one day becoming the boss.
Entrepreneurs to watch
Paige Arnof-Fenn has started a global marketing firm as part of her entrepreneurial journey. Maven & Moguls specializes in global marketing strategy. She has gone further than most marketing firms by offering personalized packages to help companies achieve a global reach.
Creative ways to fill your pipeline
Another strategy is to ask people to meet for a cup of coffee so you can pick their brain. Don't make it about trying to sign them as a client. Just ask if you can take them out to ask a few questions – and then just listen.
Top tips from networking pros
It can be easier to work a room when you have someone to tag team with. But make sure you focus on chatting with new people not each other.
The ins & outs of competitive analysis
We do a lot of competitive analyses for our clients as part of our branding exercises. One way we do this is by conducting a
SWOT analysis which highlights the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
What entrepreneurship means to me
I started a global marketing firm 16 years ago and to me being an entrepreneur means: (1) Real customers are willing to pay real money for your product or service, then you have a real business...
Unconventional Tips for Starting a Business
I would recommend NOT spending money on things like fancy brochures, letterhead, business cards, etc. Until you know your business is launched I would say to put your budget into things that help fill your pipeline with customers.
CEOs share advice from their dads
My dad walked the halls every day and he knew everybody's name, not to mention their kids' and pets' names, birthdays – you name it.
Inspiring quotes from entrepreneurs
It is an important reminder that stumbling is part of the journey to success. As an entrepreneur you just have to keep going and pick yourself up and be smarter every time you get up and try again. It was true for Thomas Edison, Steve Jobs, Sara Blakely and it is true for me too!
Experts share predictions on future of marketing
I predict that there will be more integration between online & offline marketing breaking down marketing silos inside organizations.
How to relax and beat stress
I am a big fan of Tai Chi, but I also do water aerobics, massage, acupuncture, knitting, reading, hanging out with friends, and watching TV to de-stress.
Trends from Content Marketing Experts
If you know your subject well and can tell compelling stories then you will build your brand and following using Content Marketing in 2017, this is your year!
Top guerrilla marketing ideas
I started a global marketing firm 16 years ago and I grew it by going on a Listening Tour. Politicians do it all the time and it is great for business too. I made a list of the movers and shakers, people I admire, and prospects
Tips for Taking Time Away from Your Business
My tip is to plan well in advance and deputize your team to problem solve in your absence
Mindset Hacks & Expert Advice on Overcoming Nervousness in in Front of a Crowd
...the best tip is to practice your presentation until you can do it with total confidence..
How you know your business is successful
I honestly did not know if I would have a business to come back to. When I returned, I realized that my company had not just survived but thrived in my absence.
The power of golf in networking
There are professional women's groups that get together and network over games of golf in major cities.
Importance of reverse mentoring
Not all mentoring relationships need to be so formal or follow the chain of command. When Paige Arnof-Fenn ran the Olympic Coin Program, which raised funds for the Atlanta Olympics, her mentor was her assistant, Beverly Spears.
Advice on recruiting site
Abe Lincoln* once said, "If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first four sharpening the axe." Whether or not you agree with the proportion of time that Lincoln would have you spend on preparation, it's hard to argue against the idea that doing your homework will serve you well.
Interview with CEO Behind the Business
Paige Arnof-Fenn is the CEO of Mavens & Moguls, and exactly the sort of person we love to speak to at FS Local. Experienced, open, willing to share, and with a resume that demands attention.
Profile of journey to CEO
Arnof-Fenn shared a little about her early working experiences and her dreams of one day becoming the boss.
Traits of a successful networker
People always tell me I am great at networking which I find strange. I think what makes someone effective at networking happens to coincide with things that just come more naturally to me.
Ways to get energized
For me the way to get energized throughout the day is to get up from behind my desk and walkaround, go take a walk outside if possible or pick up the phone and make a call to someone who I enjoy talking to (could be for business or pleasure). I am also a big fan of Tai Chi so sometimes I just do a few moves to get my chi flowing and that helps too.
Making time to work out
We are all busy these days. Being over-scheduled is just the way we live our lives. For years, when I wanted to squeeze something into my calendar, the first thing to go was my work out. A convenient excuse I could use, but really, I was the only one paying the price.
Content Marketing trends for 2017
“I predict Content Marketing will grow in importance with the quality gap growing as well so that good/relevant content leveraging influencer marketing strategies will be more important than ever.
Experts share predictions for content marketing in 2017
If you know your subject well and can tell compelling stories then you will build your brand and following using Content Marketing in 2017, this is your year!
The future of social media
I think post-election people have fake news fatigue and feel they have wasted too much time on these sites which suck their energy and make them feel depressed.
Effective ways to thank customers
Another common way businesses thank their clients and big spenders is with gifts. But Bell warned that gifts can move into insincere territory (another fruit basket?) when they’re not personalized..
Experts give entrepreneurs their best advice
As entrepreneurs we can be very tough on ourselves so I try to remember that at key times too. Stay calm and you will get through the tough times. Don¹t panic. Pause, breathe, reflect and be patient so you do not do anything brash.
CEOs share advice for success
Make friends before you need them. Jobs and job leads can come from anywhere, so be nice to everyone along the way. I have had some of my best introductions from people in non-traditional ways.
Who is your dream mentor?
... I would choose Arianna Huffington. She has become a media powerhouse in both traditional and online outlets with books, speeches, HuffPo, TV appearances, etc. She is well respected, thoughtful, smart, opinionated, and puts her money where her mouth is.
Choosing the perfect business name
The name came to me when I referred to the women in the group as marketing mavens and the guys as marketing moguls, so for short I said mavens & moguls in all my early e-mails to the group and as we were forming, it stuck.
Startup story behind Mavens & Moguls
I did not plan on starting a company. I always wanted to go work for a large multi-national business and be a Fortune 500 CEO. When I was a student I looked at Meg Whitman & Ursula Burns as my role models.
Overcoming nerves when public speaking
For Arnof-Fenn, the best tip is to practice your presentation until you can do it with total confidence. “When you know the material cold there is no need to be nervous,”
Inspiring quotes from entrepreneurs
"I am strong because I have been weak. I am fearless because I have been scared. I am wise because I have been foolish." -Unknown
Tips for small business success
I started a global marketing firm 16 years ago so have plenty of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs or ones who have already launched and may be looking for some advice and inspiration.
Ways to come up with great domain names
When I started the firm, I jokingly referred to the women as the Marketing Mavens & the guys as the Marketing Moguls & for short I called them Mavens & Moguls as a working name but never expected it would stick.
Lessons learned in business
The hardest lesson I learned when I started my company is not getting rid of weak people earlier than I did in the first few years of my business. I spent more time managing them than finding new customers.
CEO Success Profile
I started my career at Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola. Then I left the corporate world in 1997 to join the first of three startups and have never looked back. Fifteen years ago I started a global marketing firm out of the 3rd floor of my home and love running my own company.
3 Business Lessons You Can Learn from Serena Williams
"Williams measures key metrics and analyzes important details after every game,” Arnof-Fenn says. She may start out with unusual athletic talent, but it’s her routine of analysis and correction that keeps her winning tournaments..."
The 6 Biggest Misconceptions About Owning a Business
...entrepreneurs often find it harder to take a vacation. “It’s harder to turn it off when you know there is always more to do..." It took me years to take a vacation,”
Craigslist Stories You Must Read
The first guy who responded sounded nice, and since his dad’s machine had just died, he said he’d come over the next day. The guy was a firefighter from a neighboring town and told me he would not leave until I knew basic things about my new house...
Starting a Business Blog: Blogging Mistakes Companies Make on Corporate Blogs
In my experience the biggest mistake companies make when starting a blog is… They come out of the blocks strong with a lot of energy and ideas and start blogging regularly then after a few weeks it starts to drop off and a month or so later a few weeks go by and they just can¹t find the time then before you know it it has been months and no new postings.
50 Marketing Secrets of Successful Women
Tip #37: People don' t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
American entrepreneurship
“More virtual teams have managed to create enough of a footprint that they can tackle really big projects.”
Entrepreneur who escaped the 9 to 5 routine successfully
Like many entrepreneurs, Paige has found that the harder she works, the luckier she gets. You need to pay attention to serendipity since prospective customers can come from anyone anywhere anytime. “Be nice to everyone & make friends before you need them, you never know who is in or will be in a position to help!
How to create a successful social media campaign
Make sure your profiles tell a consistent story — when you try to be cool/a partier on Facebook/Instagram and very buttoned up on LinkedIn, it may raise a question as to who you really are. Authenticity is key – personally and professionally. Read article »
CEO inspires to keep it simple
If you are not feeling great you cannot do your best work. My goal is to always give my very best in every situation. I know when I feel great I am at my most creative and productive so I will be able to do my best work. Make sure you eat, sleep and exercise so that you can be at your peak performance level.
How to improve meetings
“Every meeting needs a PAL — Purpose, Agenda and Time Limit — to be successful. When everyone invited to the meeting knows why they are there and gets the agenda in advance, and it clearly states how in-depth each topic covered will be discussed, you are well on your way to a great meeting!
The importence of community for entrepreneurs
Even though I always went to co-ed schools as a kid, was never a Girl Scout and never joined a sorority in college, I joined several professional women’s groups as an entrepreneur and found a great community for learning, growth, support and fun.
Domain registrar reviews
“I have my web site, URL and web hosting all with Web.com, they keep it simple and organized. They can renew it for a decade at a time so I do not have to think about it. They have been around for a long time and are very professional.
Entrepreneurs share exercise routine
Does Tai Chi count? I started learning it about 11 years ago and have gotten progressively addicted over the years. I now know the choreography of 2 different forms and I absolutely love it.
Entrepreneurs share morning routine
[The] first thing I do when I wake up is turn on NPR so I can catch up on the news while I shower and get ready for my day. Then I check email and get going.
How to incorporate personal branding into your style
The most successful entrepreneurs and business owners do create and, in fact, become brands. Their brands are based on the experience they promise and the values they live by and share
Overcoming business challenges
My biggest challenge as an entrepreneur is not getting rid of weak people earlier than I did in the first few years of my business. I knew in my gut they were not up to snuff, but out of loyalty to them I let them hang around much longer than they should have.
How to find new customers and increase sales
There are many existing problems out there that need to be solved that customers are willing to pay for today.
Scaling small businesses
Attracting more customers is really about listening to their needs, not being a solution looking for a problem.
Crowdsourced tips to live your best life
Instead of meeting up with your local friends at a coffee shop or bar, or chatting with them on the phone while you are snacking or sipping wine, meet them for a bike ride or a walk, so you can catch up while you are getting some exercise, too.
How to tell your idea stinks
If you're not passionate about what you're doing, then why should anyone else be?
Forbes on how to lead leaders
Then there’s Paige Arnof-Fenn, who exceeded expectations in a series of positions at P&G, Coca-Cola , the U.S. Treasury Department, and Inc.com. Today she is CEO of Mavens & Moguls, a global marketing strategy firm.
Best business advice
I started my company 15 years ago, and the hardest lesson I learned was not getting rid of weak people right away. I spent more time managing them than finding new customers...
Monthly column with Entrepreneur
Business Advice From A Southern Entrepreneur
These down-home expressions have plenty of advice to offer new business owners. See what you can learn from these nine sayings.
Why You Should Mind Your Manners
These eight tips prove that courtesy does count for small businesses.
Encouraging Positive Change
Want to make this the best year ever? It's time to make some changes that'll set you up for success.
A Recipe For Productivity
Are business board meetings getting stale? A company retreat may be the answer to pump up your team and get the creative juices flowing.
Freshen Up Your Website
Less isn't always more. An oversimplified website may be driving away business.
Making The Most Of What You Have
Sometimes, seeing the silver lining is all you need to keep your business burning bright. If you believe the saying that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, then the people in New Orleans have got to be among the strongest people in the world. I went back home several times in the past year and each trip brought a new level of appreciation and gratitude for what my friends and family have been dealing with for the past few years...
Action Through Inaction
Incorporate the lessons of Tai Chi and Qigong into your daily life as an entrepreneur...
Give Yourself The Gift Of Time
Spending time reflecting away from work can help you find clarity on your business and life.
Body Language Speaks Louder Than Words
Hire smart by looking past what references say about former employees and finding out what they mean. Nonverbal cues can often tell you more about a person than what that person spells out in an e-mail or conversation. One area where this comes up for many entrepreneurs is in hiring. When you ask most CEOs or business owners what keeps them up at night, it's either that they don't have enough good employees to grow or the ones they have are driving them crazy...
Business Lessons From Mom
You never thought you'd admit it, but Mom was right. So sit up and pay attention to how her lessons growing up will help you become a successful entrepreneur today.
Business Lessons From Dad
7 things my dad always did that helped me succeed in business today.
Leaving A Legacy
Do you know what sort of impact you want to make on the world and how your business and your life factor into that.
Creating A Brand
Whether you're selling your expertise or the face behind a product, your image directly affects your customers. Here's how to create a brand when the brand is you.
Failing Your Way To Success
Don't let a failed startup kill your entrepreneurial dreams. Get back in the saddle again with these encouraging words of wisdom.
Take Time Off From Your Startup
Planning--and taking--a well-deserved vacation the right way can refresh your spirits and your business.
Gauging The Success Of Your Business
Building a business based on what you value most--not what you earn--will guarantee its success and your happiness.
The ABCs Of Entrepreneurship
Whether you're just starting out or struggling through a rut, relearning your ABCs may be just the attitude adjustment you need to take your business to the next level.
Is Business Just A Dating Game?
Apply the rules of romance to your business relationships and win your clients' hearts.
The Ins And Outs Of Building Trust, Believing In Others And Spotting The Marks Of A Disingenuous Dealer.
A Fight Or Flight Reaction
Frivolous litigation is a fear that strikes the heart of every business owner. Here's what you can do about it...
Attracting Success In The New Year
Letting go is a resolution that will save you time, money and heartache in the long run...
Organizing Your Home Office
Make a resolution to get organized--and stay that way--the entire year with these four tips.
Take A Break While The Weather’s Still Good
Recharge your batteries, connect with your team in a new way, and have some fun while the summer sun lasts.
The Cost Of Customer Loyalty
When my favorite local coffee shop made a few too many changes, it forced customers away. How can you avoid this same mistake?
Make Every Meeting Count
Sharpen your presentation skills with these simple steps to make the most of your meetings.
How Do You Stay Connected?
This month I talk about celebrating my 20-year college reunion. I love any kind of reunion. They're great opportunities to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones with whom you share some common history. Gatherings like these allow you to rejuvenate, relax and remember people, places and things you enjoyed in the past and can still relate to today. Read more...
How To Keep A Tight Ship When Life's Inevitable Storms Arise
There's a lot of press today about people in their prime career years being the sandwich generation--caught between aging parents and growing families. I'm here to tell you that there can be open-faced sandwiches (no kids), as well as club sandwiches, with businesses layered in between family obligations. These can lead to high pressure situations for even the most prepared and organized entrepreneurs...
Manage Your Time And Business
You still hear a lot about sharing best practices across categories and industries. There are consultants and firms that have built entire businesses in this area. For example, I often see aspects of a technology firm that apply to a consumer products company or a nonprofit, despite their seeming differences...
Plan Ahead For Low-Stress Holidays
Start thinking about the holidays long before they hit so you’ll be cool and collected come December.
Getting Outside Help
It can be lonely at the top. Get help for your toughest business decisions by joining other fellow business owners.
Is It The Right Time To Launch Your Business?
This successful entrepreneur points out five signs that will help you determine if it's now or never for your big business idea.
New Year, New Resolutions
Get the update on the writer’s resolution to get organized, plus tips on making your promises a success.
The Partner Track
How to decide if you should fly solo or not: the second in a two-part series on business partnerships.
Should You Partner Up When It Comes to Business?
7 questions to ask yourself when considering a partnership.
What To Do--And Not Do--As A Startup
These seven lessons will help keep you on track during the early stages of your business.
Make Business Travel More Comfortable
Avoid upsetting flight delays and lost luggage with these 6 tips for business travelers.
Archives Section III
Mavens CEO featured in Tory Johnson's SPARK & HUSTLE:
Launch and Grow Your Small Business Now
Listening Tour for business success
Smart Women Interviews: Paige Arnof-Fenn
Read interview with Mavens & Moguls CEO here
CEO chairs jury for global Rebrand competition
Paige talks with Anaezi Modu for the REBRAND Expert Interviews Series. Read her thoughts and tips below and get her sound advice for small and large businesses at Forbes Magazine.
Best Practive Ideas for Running a Small Virtual Business
Paige sees herself as a brand strategist who loves building strong brands and great teams, she also happens to have a terrific rolodex and stellar reputation so she can pick up the phone or connect with just about anyone based on the strength of her relationships.
Public Speaking is a time to shine
Every meeting planner has that stomach-dropping moment when they have a room full of people waiting for a speaker that doesn't show.
Recruiting advice for job seekers
Abe Lincoln* once said, "If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first four sharpening the axe."
Entrepreneurs share quotes
This quote really resonates with me, it is paraphrased from the Bible I think: I am strong because I have been weak I am fearless because I have been scared I am wise because I have been foolish
Life in one sentence
Articles have headlines, brands have tag lines, Twitter limits you to 140 characters – so why is it so hard to sum up your life in one sentence? Does it feel too much like a
tombstone or
dating profile? Too morbid, cheesy, trite, or limiting?
Essential questions to ask your customers
If you can help customers fix their biggest problems then you will always be a partner not just a vendor.
Entrepreneur interview
My advice is to go on a Listening Tour! Politicians do it all the time and it is great for business too.
Childfree by choice
I've been married 25 years and have never woken up one day in my life wishing I had kids," she reflects.
Ways to boost your visibility
Start listening with no strings attached, you'll be amazed what you find.
How to have a fulfilling day
Having a wonderful, fulfilling day starts with resting the night before. "A great day for me starts after a good night's sleep, so I wake up refreshed and full of energy.
Marketing, Social Media and Demand Generation interview
I started getting lots of requests for help right after 9/11 when marketing was the first thing to get cut across the board. I had more work and clients than I could service by myself so I started calling the best people I worked with in my career. I jokingly referred to the women as the Marketing Mavens and the guys as the Marketing Moguls and for short I called them Mavens & Moguls...
How women can build great businesses and happier lives
As a marketer, Paige understands that value of information but also tries to reconcile that with her desire for privacy (remember that concept – ha!). She employs a bit of what Selia Yang described as the No-Yes by looking for ways to give useful information without compromising too much...
A day in the life of a great networker
It was at the December meeting of an organization for women entrepreneurs and business leaders that Paige Arnof-Fenn learned her marketing strategy company had won a lucrative contract.
How to be productive & happy
I started a global marketing firm 13 years ago and my best tip on being productive is to first & foremost be happy. Here is my advice to get started...
Enterprising Women profit from play time
CEO on role models and mentors
CEO on confidence and fitness
CEO goes back to her jazz roots
One of Boston's finest jazz trios will make a rare appearance in Chambersburg thanks to drummer Scott Goulding, a Chambersburg native who plays in the group and is coming home for a holiday visit...
Weed out the tire kickers
Paige Arnof-Fenn got a crash course in weeding out tire kickers when she founded Mavens & Moguls and sometimes found herself spending 15 or 20 hours preparing a pitch for a prospective client and answering elaborate follow-up questions. “At the end they would say, `Thanks so much. You’ve really educated me. I think we’re going to use the agency we’ve always used.’...
B2B Marketing: How to increase Your Customer Base and Generate Sales
In order to successfully develop a marketing plan to reach new customers, you need to better understand what the needs are of those potential customers.
Fast Growing Marketing Company Hype Initiatives Delivers Big Results to Clients
The demand for outsourced direct marketing and sales are increasing. Hype Initiatives have exceeded sales targets by 8% and improved retention rates by 16% since their establishment in Australia.
CEO interview in Huffington Post
As an entrepreneur, I can be selective. Less really is more. i've chosen quality over quantity. It sounds trivial but it is true. I am happier and healthier than I have been in more than a decade. As a marketing consultant I am able to write articles, contribute to books and speak at events to share my experience and lessons learned.
Advice for new entrepreneurs
Be original. What makes you unique or special? Be creative. How do you want people to think & feel after interacting with you vs. your competition? Be honest. Let your brand be known for speaking the truth, and you become the trusted advocate and go-to source. Be relevant. Brands aren't created in a vacuum.
Question to Warren Buffett
I would ask Warren Buffett what keeps him up at night. He always seems to be very thoughtful and at peace with very little stress but I wonder if he is really as calm as he seems with all the craziness going on in the world and political uncertainty.
Biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make
It is true that you should hire slowly and fire quickly. I did not make that mistake again later on so learned it well the first time. I wish I had known it even earlier though but lesson learned for sure
Business predictions
I started my company 16 years ago and have now worked for myself 5 times longer than I ever lasted working for anyone else! In 5 years I do think I will still be running my company and am excited by the possibilities of where the business will go.
Extreme brand makeover
While there are core customers you are trying to reach, often there are other markets that are also important to address, Make sure you know who the gatekeepers and influencers are; they will affect the decision makers and you will most likely need to sell to them differently than to the end user.
Bringing in new business
Go on a Listening Tour. Attending networking events without a strategy takes time, money and doesn't guarantee you'll meet the kind of people you need to improve your business.
Lessons learned
The people you start with are not always the ones who grow with you. The hardest lesson I learned is not getting rid of weak people earlier.
Mixing business and pleasure in the Galapagos Islands
If you have any excuse to go to Quito for work make sure you tack on a few extra days to visit the Galapagos Islands. I have traveled all over the world including Europe, Asia, Africa, etc. and that trip was one of the best ones I have ever taken. It is incredibly special and unlike any place else. Each island is different so try to see as many as you can. You will not regret it. Have fun!
Today's leading women
PAIGE Arnof-Fenn, is the founder & CEO of Mavens & Moguls, a global marketing firm she started 13 years ago based in Cambridge, MA. Her company helps organizations who want to increase their visibility, profile and awareness with a differentiated message and value proposition. Paige is a popular keynote speaker and panelist at various organizations and hosts online webinars to share her marketing expertise with business owners around the world.
Secrets to content branding
Highlight the stories that captivate your customers. Facts are boring but putting facts into a context with emotion makes them memorable
Boston Voyager interview
I did not plan on starting a company. I always wanted to go work for a large multi-national business and be a Fortune 500 CEO. When I was a student I looked at Meg Whitman & Ursula Burns as my role models
Making the most of summer
Summer is my favorite time of the year. The days are long, the weather is great and people tend to balance work and play better than any other time of the year.
Great quote
"I am strong because I have been weak I am fearless because I have been scared I am wise because I have been foolish"
The accidental entrepreneur
The first chapter of my career was in corporate marketing within Fortune 500 companies where budgets were large there was lots of staff and infrastructure in place. Then I moved to the startup world where I was the head of the marketing department and built the team from the ground floor.
Favorite business books
Another classic that makes you think and ask the right questions every day to build a sustainable business for the long term.
CEO gives advice in Chicago Tribune
Crowdsourcing taps the wisdom of the community for the answers you need...
Ways to help your business thrive
Have you been trying to find ways to transform your business? If your thinking tape has run dry and you think you have used every idea out there to help your business grow read this article it is all about helping business work through the hard times.
How to Incorporate Personal Branding into Your Style
Not sure what you’re selling? It’s yourself. You don’t have to be Oprah or Rachel Zoe to think of yourself in this way.
Dependable Sales Firm Executive Touch Ltd Credited for Exceptional ROI
In order to successfully develop a marketing plan to reach new customers, you need to better understand what the needs are of those potential customers.
How to get more customers
By now, small business owners should have new strategies in place to find new customers and thereby increase their sales. If only we were living in a picture perfect world, where we would have an unlimited budget, every lending institution would give us loans, luck would favor us and our touch would turn everything into gold.
Advice for business students
My advice is not to just take business classes, explore other areas of interest while you are in school. Study what you are passionate about. Steve Jobs studied calligraphy, which ultimately made him a better businessman. So follow your heart, which will make you more successful down the road.
How to find new customers and increase sales
Use the information about your existing customers to develop a target audience for your business in its drive to win new customers and increase sales.
Tips for naming
Your company or product name should also correlate to the price points you’re aiming at...
When to fire a client
We often say that PR is all about relationships. While most often in reference to media relationships, as a service-based business the relationship between publicist and client is perhaps the most important one of all...
Beware of brand confusion
The publishing industry—particularly on the b-to-b side—is filled with confusingly similar brand names. ..
Targeting your marketing
By whatever definition, marketing consists of activities designed to get a product or service from the producer to a consumer. Hand copied flyers delivered door to door, simple giveaways at trade shows or business expos, a basic radio spot, a Facebook page, or a sophisticated and expensive web design with the use of multiple media…it’s all marketing...
Questions to ask before making a big decision
When making a big decision, thinking beyond the “right here, right now” is a vital first step toward avoiding a big stumble.
Hard-earned lessons learned
Favorite inspirational quotes:
"The harder I work, the luckier I get." (My grandfather had this quote on his desk)...
Signs your business is succeeding
"Going on vacation and earning money at the same time means you have built a company, not just a job." ...
Personal Branding: The Secret to Building a Sustainable Business
It’s tough to stand out in this competitive market for investment management services, products, and job openings.
When to rebrand your company
When rebranding, you don't want to lose your loyal customers. "Reach out to current customers separately; they are your first priority.
Going Global
I got my first passport at age 16 to go to France as an exchange student and it was a pivotal moment in my life. It opened my eyes to a whole new world both figuratively and literally and from that moment on I knew that overseas travel would be part of my life forever.
Travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
In 2007 I was in Ecuador for a week to attend a conference that was hosted by a global professional women’s group I am part of. A few of us from the group flew there 5 days early to go to the Galapagos Islands. It was a magical trip.
CEO Blog Nation
I jokingly referred to the women in my group as the “Marketing Mavens” and the guys as “Marketing Moguls’ and my nickname was “Mavens & Moguls” and it stuck.
CEO interview with CMO magazine on future role of CMOs
Slide Show: The CMO's World In 2020
Inspirational quote on leading women's web site by CEO
Secrets to a long marriage
The Entrepreneur’s Path Is Rarely Straightforward
had never heard the word “entrepreneur” until I went to college in California in the ’80s. As a kid, I wanted a career in international business because I spoke French and thought jobs in finance sounded cool (my father and both grandfathers were commercial bankers).
Social media myths, realities & mistakes
I have a confession to make: I am not on Facebook, nor do I tweet — and I still consider myself a marketing and communications expert in 2015.
When it comes to business manners matter
Believe it or not, minding your manners really does make a difference in business these days.
Lifelong learning as a goal
This time of year always reminds me of when I was a student and the excitement I felt when finishing up another year of school.
Branding tips for job seekers
Maybe you are still in school, or maybe you just graduated, but unless you’re Taylor Swift, LeBron James, or Barack Obama, you probably don’t think of yourself as a brand.
Interview with CEO, the Simmons School of Mgmt Entrepreneur-in-Residence
If you ask Paige Arnof-Fenn ─ this year‘s Entrepreneur in Residence and founder/CEO of Cambridge-based marketing strategy consulting firm, Mavens & Moguls ─ about her path to an entrepreneurial lifestyle, she‘ll tell you it was a bit of a circuitous path but at each juncture the decision seemed like the right one at that time.
Career Advice in Brazil
Sua definição de sucesso vai mudar. Ao longo dos anos, você encontrará o que realmente importa para você.
Cover 2 Cover Magazine Articles
Are you passionately curious?
To your health!
Main Street to Capitol Hill, Are you listening?
Religious Truisms
The Power of Positive Thinking
Enrich your life through travel
Grace Under Pressure
Continuing Education
Timeless advice, always is style
Play it again Sam
Think about what you truly cherish
Archives Section IV
Elevator pitch tips
You just have a minute or less to make an impact so use it wisely. My tip is to focus on the key components which are who, why, selling point, and the ask, so think about your goal to guide your pitch.
Successful e-commerce strategies
My best marketing strategy tip would be to give before you get. Give them something of value before you ask for an order. It can be an article, an invitation for whitepaper, webinar, podcast, etc., just show that you value them and want to build a relationship beyond the transaction.
Entrepreneurial advice
I started a global branding and marketing firm 17 years ago and I did not appreciate or realize that most of my business would come from public speaking and networking.
How to cast video spokespeople
The key is authenticity whether they embody the values of the brand. Their look and feel matter, but the main thing is do they live the brand and is it consistent with their own life choices?
Early stage startup tips
I did my listening tour the old fashioned way by sending out emails & picking up the phone, then brought a pad & pen, asked a few open-ended questions then shut up and started taking notes.
Startup lessons learned
Until you know your business is launched I would say to put your budget into things that help fill your pipeline with customers. Getting your domain name and a website up and running is key.
Naming tips
We do a lot of naming work and the first step is to create the committee or team in charge, identify who else should be involved in the process, and then set the criteria.
Avoiding burnout
Plan a vacation. Buy tickets to lock in a date so you can start preparing. The mental escape of knowing vacation is coming up will help you get through the tough times.
How to improve your search engine ranking
ork with someone who does this regularly. They know the search engines and the latest algorithm changes. It will save you time and will be much more effective than trying to learn it all yourself.
Customer service quotes
People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.” -Teddy Roosevelt
I like this customer service quote and find it inspiring because it is a simple reminder to me and my team to listen more than talk, show empathy, and try to look at the situation from the customer’s perspective.
Small business owners chime in on the economy
The uncertainty over the recent government shutdown had ripple effects throughout the economy that impacted the start of the new year and hurt the stock market, which has caused businesses to give pause.
How big brands can reach small businesses
Whether it is a coupon or direct mail piece from a retailer, a sample from a food & beverage company or a clever ad for a new technology device, if you can get my attention with a compelling story for your product or service I am hooked.
Growth hacks
Thought leadership is a great way to build your brand, increase your visibility, raise your profile and attract more clients/customers.
Social media marketing trends for American Express
In a mobile-first world, you have less time to grab people. Attention spans are shorter than ever so video will be used even more.
Authority Magazine CEO interview
If we all focused on figuring out ways to bake new pies and not just divide the ones we have we’d all be a lot better off. Just be kind. It would be a nice counterbalance to what we see in Washington and all over the media today.
SEO for beginners
Work with someone who does this regularly. They know the search engines and the latest algorithm changes. It will save you time and will be much more effective than trying to learn it all yourself.
Guerrilla Marketing ideas
avoid spending money on things like fancy brochures, letterhead, business cards, etc. Your story will evolve as you find your market.
Business Insider money advice
Do not up your spending when you get a raise – up your savings instead. Also, make sure to save something from every paycheck.
What SMBs think and why it matters
The uncertainty over the recent government shutdown had ripple effects throughout the economy...
Essential skills for success
Most of my business comes from public speaking and networking so those are 2 key skills that have helped me succeed. I also recommend thick skin, a strong work ethic and a good sense of humor...
American Express small business growth advice
A listening tour with not only potential clients and customers but with your employees and suppliers could generate a lot of time and money-saving strategies.
Hiring an agency
There is no one size fits all here it really just depends on your goals and what level of confidence you need to make decisions and move forward. Some may work on a project basis others will require a monthly retainer so find an agency that fits your needs
Ready to mentor?
I have learned that age is not the determining factor to become a mentor. It is about a willingness to share your knowledge and lessons learned so that you can help others.
Average day of an entrepreneur
I always eat breakfast and like to work out at least 3-4 mornings a week to get my day off to a strong start. I feel I have more energy all day when my heart and brain kick right in!
How to pick a title
I had always aspired to be CEO of a business (like my father) so that was easy, but founder made sense and appealed to me as an entrepreneur starting a new business.
Inhouse vs. outsourcing marketing
You have one chance to make a great first impression so if you are launching a business, website, new product or service and you do not have the right expertise in house then it is time to bring in professionals who can help.
Typical work week for entrepreneurs
Even when I am running errands, exercising, grabbing coffee, etc. my antenna is always up. Marketing is about spotting trends, talking to people, asking questions, connecting the dots so you always have to have your eyes and ears open.
Death cleaning
Now Arnof-Fenn says she tells “everyone to ask their parents while they are still alive a lot of questions and have them give things to their grandkids directly” as “it will mean a lot more to them and you will get the stories of why the things are important.”
SMB Marketers highlighted
Running a global marketing business provides me a platform to do work I truly enjoy with and for people I respect. I get to set my priorities, I have time to travel and hang out with my inner circle, and work out every day. It has been a journey to get here but I am lucky to have found it. I love the autonomy, flexibility and the fact that I know every day the impact that I have on my business.
Expert advice
I am the founder & CEO of global marketing and branding firm Mavens & Moguls based in Cambridge, MA. Our clients include Microsoft, Virgin, venture-backed startups as well as non profit organizations. I graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Business School. I am a popular speaker and columnist who has written for Entrepreneur and Forbes.
Tips for starting a business
I would recommend NOT spending money on things like fancy brochures, letterhead, business cards, etc. Until you know your business is launched I would say to put your budget into things that help fill your pipeline with customers.
Selling a home
The sentiment surrounding a family home may cloud any given sibling's idea of how much the home is actually worth. The solution? Have the home's value appraised to avoid a family "debacle," ...
Importance of self-care
I am a big fan of Tai Chi and started learning it around 13 years ago and have gotten progressively addicted over the years. I now know the choreography of two different forms and absolutely love it — it is a way to both relax and focus
Inspiring business quotes
“I want to put a ding in the universe.” Steve Jobs
Boy did he ever! He touched almost everyone on every continent with his creativity and innovative products that were beautifully designed and fun to use. What a wonderful legacy he left for all of us.
What to do differently
The hardest lesson I learned when I started my company is not getting rid of weak people earlier than I did in the first few years of my business. I spent more time managing them than finding new customers.
Networking tips
You can be active online on blogs, LinkedIn groups, and other sites, You can build a reputation online as an expert or as a witty member of the group that way.
Company culture
The key is to ask pointed questions about what makes this company unique, special or different.
Sales prospecting tips
Leveraging LinkedIn to find out who you and a prospect know in common, then using that connection to open the door as more of a warm lead.
Inspirational business books
There are a lot of great business books out there but one I highly recommend is Start With Why by Simon Sinek. He shows how successful leaders throughout history have been able to inspire their organizations to achieve greatness by identifying the underlying motivation.
CEO profile
I feel very lucky to have created an ecosystem where I spend most of my time doing things I truly enjoy with and for people I care about both personally and professionally. I make time every day for some form of exercise and I laugh a lot. I know how fortunate I am.
Staying ahead of the competition
Networking, giving talks and writing articles [can help you] become a thought leader in your industry and increase your visibility and profile relative to your competitors
Business trends
Technology runs our lives more than ever, but it is relationships that drive business and commerce, so people will find more ways to connect in person to build trust and strengthen connections.
Lead nurturing strategy
I’ve found that building relationships is what drives my business, and technology supports those relationships once they’re solidified. Technology helps advance the conversation, but it will never replace those human interactions that build trust over time.
Life lessons
Whenever you have the chance to say or do something kind choose that route. Being snarky or a bully may seem like fun at the time but it really is not worth it in the end.
Global PR expert
Paige Arnof-Fenn is the founder & CEO of global marketing and branding firm Mavens & Moguls based in Cambridge, MA. Her clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times Company, Colgate, venture-backed startups as well as non profit organizations.
Exceptional customer service
In my experience even if they cannot solve the problem if you feel respected and heard but the best they can do is refund you or offer a discount then at least you can say they tried.
How to protect your brand online
Succeeding in the social sphere also requires that brands generate a lot of content, which in turn can help to push down any of the negative comments that might be generated, making them less visible.
Traditional vs. online marketing
It comes down to where the best place is to find your customers. Traditional marketing including, print, direct mail, etc. can be very effective when trying to reach an audience that tends to skew older, less tech savvy, or where lots of information needs to be processed and considered to make a buying decision.
Getting brand feedback
People love to be asked their opinions and they will share feedback and tell you where they have problems and need help.
Sales prospecting calls
If I could help you solve one problem today, what would it be?
Making content go viral
KFC has tried numerous humorous tactics for creating a stir. And quite a few of their campaigns have gone viral.
How to pick an agency
You have to kick the tires and look under the hood by talking with them, checking their references and seeing if there is a chemistry fit.
How agencies charge for their services
It depends. We charge by the project or on a monthly retainer depending on the scope of work, but some firms will bill clients on an hourly basis. Others may work for a success fee or for stock so you just have to ask, there is no set fee structure for agencies.
Resources for digital marketers
“Anything by Seth Godin but one of his latest is This is Marketing: You Can’t Be Seen Until You Learn to See. He is a master who really understands what drives people to purchase from a practitioner’s perspective using his first-hand experience and simple language not jargon”
Career advice and tips for success
Always be in a situation where you can learn from the best.Your work environment matters. When you work with a broad base of smart people, you never know where you'll end up. Later in life, you might find yourself getting pulled along with them on the way to bigger and better things.
Startup advice
There is never a perfect time to launch. I started a global marketing firm 16 years ago and recommend that first, make sure you have a strong idea
Sales prospecting tips
leveraging LinkedIn to find out who you and a prospect know in common, then using that connection to open the door as more of a warm lead.
How to change the world
Examples abound from picking up litter in your neighborhood to volunteering at a local food bank or women’s shelter to reading to children at the library to visiting with the elderly on a regular basis.
How to build a global company
Paige talks about two inflection points in her life, the advent of the internet in the late 1990s and the resulting startup opportunities for her and the second inflection point being the economic depression after 9/11/2001 World trade center incident and the opportunity it provided her to start her own company.
What makes a hero?
I think some of the most heroic people are actually ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations and in that split second just do the right thing without giving it a second thought.
Understanding customers
It’s so important to attract the right people as clients and colleagues for the ecosystem I am trying to build. As a leader, you need the best talent, and getting the right people on the team is key to being successful.
Forbes piece on delegating
...hire great people who are smart, have a growth mindset and share your values—then give them the tools and responsibility to flourish.
How a corporate career helped launch my startup
I did not plan on starting a company. I always wanted to go work for a large multi-national business and be a Fortune 500 CEO.
CEO Interview
The best entrepreneurs I know are passionate about what they are doing, persistent/never give up and creative/innovative. Having a good sense of humor helps too!
Global Branding Expert Advice
Paige Arnof-Fenn is the Founder & CEO of Mavens & Moguls, a strategic marketing consulting firm based in Cambridge, MA. The firm has 4 dozen experts in 14 cities across the US as well as overseas. Paige has built world class brands at Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola and 3 successful startup companies on both the West and East Coast (all dotcom survivors). Paige has been quoted recently in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Fox TV and is a thought leader and sought after speaker.
Read article »
Entrepreneurial Success
I created the Mavens & Moguls brand from scratch so if anyone has heard about it then it was from something I did which is incredibly rewarding.
Read article »
Managing your time
I want to fill my dance card every day with people, activities, and conversations that energize and excite me. I have to make time for the people who matter to me, and I can pass on the big networking events I used to go to multiple times every week.
Fox Business book recommendation
We are constantly negotiating in business, and you have to always keep in mind what your best alternatives are and be ready to walk away...
Read article »
Inspiring lessons learned
It can be hard to let some people go but it really is best for them and the business and critical for the culture if you want to attract the best talent. You are only as strong as the team you build.
Read article »
Networking tips
...give before you get — send them an article, make an introduction, etc. before you ask them for anything, it sets you up as a kind and generous person and also find a networking buddy to attend events with so you can work the room together, it is more fun and easier to chat with folks that way.
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Fox Business Recruiting Stories
...But he could not understand why the 10th one was even being interviewed because she worked as a chef and did tech-type work on the side.
I explained to him that working in successful restaurants (and she had worked at all the best ones) required a tremendous sense of customer service and she clearly had the tech skills, too. Plus, she studied in Italy in college and spoke Italian (I did too), so I thought she would be cool and fun to work with. I just had a feeling she was going to be the best, and after talking to her, I knew I had struck gold
Read article »
Business quotes for inspiration
It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them
How to name your store
We do a lot of naming work and the first step is to create the committee or team in charge, identify who else should be involved in the process, and then set the criteria.
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Advice to caregivers
This is the toughest stage of life by far. But you can make it easier by being honest about emotions (yours and your parents') and taking advantage of every resource you can, including the sage advice from caregivers who've been at it for a while. Real-world eldercare experts can provide actionable advice and insights to help you reduce anxiety and build confidence, and to realize you're not alone in this.
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Common traits of women CEOs
After putting in 100 hour weeks and achieving top-notch results, she discovered that she was only in the second-tier bonus pool. "I looked my boss right in the face and said … 'you should pay me what I'm worth'," she tells Moneyish. "I don't always get it, but I always ask."
Read article »
How sports builds business
...Tennis and golf are great ways to learn about people, including their:
- Ethics — do they cheat or lie? Exaggerate? You learn a lot about character through sports.
- Humor — do they take themselves too seriously? Are they able to keep it light even when having a bad day?
- Resilience — can they bounce back after a bad round?
- Teamwork & sportsmanship — are they fun to hang out with for hours?
- Small talk — does it make them uncomfortable or are they good at it?
- Manners — do they have any? Your mom is right — they matter
Tips for creating successful e-mail campaigns
How do you achieve this? Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder and CEO of Boston- based Mavens & Moguls has this 'quick fix' list of what email marketers should be paying attention to. They include:
- Open rate
- Subject line
- Call to action
- Conversion rate
- Pass alongs
Secrets of happy executives
After 9/11, Arnof-Fenn's marketing job was eliminated, but clients were still tracking her down. "It was like a red flashing sign in front of me," she says. So, she learned more skills in the field, upped her entrepreneurial know-how and hung her own shingle, founding marketing consulting firm Mavens & Moguls.
"Now the buck stops with me," Arnof-Fenn says. "When you believe in your core that a bad day on your own is better than a good day at your desk job, you've got nothing to lose."
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Sales prospecting tips
My sales prospecting tip is to go on a listening tour! Politicians do it all the time, and it is great for business too. Make a list of the movers & shakers, people you admire, and prospects, ask a few smart open ended questions, and then sit back and take notice.
Read article »
What entrepreneurs are thankful for
What entrepreneurs are thankful for
Your DNA is in every part of the business, every client, every sale. I love knowing I matter and can make a huge difference in the direction and trajectory of my business and my clients too. It is a reflection of my values, blood, sweat and tears. It is great to see your passion have impact every day and makes being a small business owner so meaningful.
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Customer appreciation
People genuinely appreciated the thought that went into the gifts that were tailored to their personal interests. Whenever I run into them at networking events they almost always comment on how much they enjoyed their gift even years later.
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Why CEOs need a strong personal brand
If it feels like you're not comfortable or saying things that do not sit well with your or roll off your tongue, then it is time to pause and review," she says. "People know when they are being lied to or sold a bill of goods. Protect your reputation at all costs—it is your biggest asset.
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Using social media in 2018
Determining which influencers to work with is a challenge many marketers will face in 2018. It's easy to make the mistake that the only influencers are household names or A-list celebrities.
Read article »
Social media tips
Make sure your profiles tell a consistent story. When you try to be cool/a partier on Facebook/Instagram and very buttoned up on LinkedIn, it may raise a question as to who you really are. Authenticity is key personally and professionally.
Read article »
Why I am thankful
A supportive spouse who always has my back. A career I enjoy that clients value and are willing to pay for. Great clients I enjoy working with...
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Social media predictions for the new year
Less is more, a targeted small audience can be more powerful and effective than blanketing the masses, getting to the right people gives you the best multiplier effect and going viral is still the goal.
Read article »
Lessons learned from 2017
In 2017 I got much better at limiting distractions so I could focus on my business.
Read article »
Ways to get more clients
Make a list the movers & shakers, people you admire and prospects, ask a few smart open ended questions then sit back and take notice.
They will be more than happy to tell you what is on their mind.
Read article »
Customer centric marketing tactics
Market research, specifically going on a Listening Tour to talk with prospects about their marketing needs, what is working, where the gaps are, and ways we might be able to help. It is old fashioned and low tech but very effective.
Read article »
Being productive over the holidays
Paige Arnof-Fenn, the founder and CEO of the Mavens & Moguls marketing consulting firm, will be checking emails, organizing paperwork and dialing into conference calls from her home office every day this week, including a few hours on Christmas Day. And she's already got a meeting scheduled for the 26th.
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Customer appreciation ideas
Top customers got one kind of gifts; mid-tier and small got another. But then she came up with a twist: customize the gifts.
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Entrepreneur holiday plans
Many of our clients have big plans for the new year and budgets have been allocated so fingers crossed we can rest up and hit the ground running in early January.
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Small business resolutions
My Personal resolution would be to reach out by phone or e-mail to one old friend every week to reconnect and say hello...
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Huffington Post features female founders
I started a global marketing & branding firm 16 years ago and here is what I have learned:
Be original. What makes you unique or special? Be creative. How do you want people to think & feel after interacting with you vs. your competition?
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Secret to career happiness
I always felt frustrated in my corporate jobs and was always trying to bend, break or change the rules," says Paige Arnof-Fenn, founder & CEO of strategic marketing firm Mavens & Moguls. "When I worked at startups I often had ideas that the founders chose not to pursue...
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Business goals
I am excited about the new year and plan to treat myself as well as I treat my best customers. I want to respect my time on my calendar as if it were an important meeting with a VIP because it is! I no longer want to sacrifice my time to write, think, exercise, plan, etc. to squeeze more meetings and calls into my day.
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Plans for the new year
I wish the political noise and distractions could take a back seat so the focus can be on growing and strengthening the economy
Read article »
Top social media platforms
Call me old fashioned but I still like the tried and true LinkedIn best. It is the most professional platform, my clients and prospects all use it, it is a great way to stay in touch with your contacts, exhibit thought leadership and do research on people.
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Overcoming business challenges
When the time comes to expand your business take this new step slowly. "I started a global branding and marketing firm 16 years ago, and I learned that the people you start with are not always the ones who grow with you."
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Ways to find more customers for your business
I found new customers by going on a listening tour. Politicians do it all the time, but it works for businesses, too. All it takes is a few open-ended questions over coffee or a meal, a pad and pen, and just let them talk. It's amazing what you can learn, the themes that emerge, and ways you can follow up to help.
Read article »
Creating successful social media campaigns
Make sure your profiles tell a consistent story — when you try to be cool/a partier on Facebook/Instagram and very buttoned up on LinkedIn, it may raise a question as to who you really are. Authenticity is key – personally and professionally.
Read article »
Founders share lessons learned
Be passionate. Everyone loves to work with people who are passionate about what they do; it makes life much more fun and interesting. Filling your pipeline is the key and prospective customers can come from anyone anywhere anytime so you should always be on your best behavior & make a great lasting impression.
Read article »
Staying fit
I used to run, do step aerobics, kickboxing, use the Stairmaster or elliptical machines, bike, row, ski, you name it. But low-impact exercises make the most sense for me now. As a hardworking entrepreneur, water aerobics and Tai Chi keep my life low-stress, which helps ward off weight gain. Taking a daily walk is good, too. It doesn't need to be long or fast—every little bit helps. And you really do feel great afterward.
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The benefits of studying abroad
My experience overseas made me more culturally sensitive and relevant," she says. "I believe I got better assignments, faster promotions, and more interesting projects because of it.
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Bring work and life into balance
My top tip is that I try to find creative ways to multitask that incorporates exercise, you'll be amazed how much more energy and time you have!
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USA Weekly interview
I started the company 16 years ago and am the face and heart of the organization, I sell most of the work and make sure all the agreements get signed and everyone gets paid. I love that my DNA is in everything we do. Since starting the business we have worked with great clients helping them with their toughest marketing and branding challenges.
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Social media campaign advice
I got my first job in marketing in 1990 and back then marketing was mostly consisted of traditional print, television, radio and outdoor advertising. It was all expensive, so only big brands like car companies, airlines and major consumer products companies were able to afford it. Today there are so much more online options with social media and it does not have to cost a lot of money.
Read article »
The future of social media
In a mobile-first world, you have less time to grab people. Attention spans are shorter than ever so video will be used even more.
Read article »
CEO interview — Ask Me Anything
Being an entrepreneur provides me a platform to do work I truly enjoy with and for people I respect.
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CEOs who hustle
It takes drive, creativity, energy, passion, chutzpah, and resilience. As the founder and CEO I know there are going to be times when doors close or I have to pivot to turn my vision into reality.
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Secrets for success
I would recommend NOT spending money on things like fancy brochures, letterhead, business cards, etc. Until you know your business is launched I would say to put your budget into things that help fill your pipeline with customers.
Read article »
Inspiring CEO stories
I took the leap right after 9/11 when the company I worked for cut their marketing. I had nothing to lose. Being an entrepreneur provides me a platform to do work I truly enjoy with and for people I respect. I get to set my priorities, I have time to travel and hang out with my inner circle, and work out every day.
Read article »
Songs that motivate entrepreneurs
Start Me Up by Rolling Stones
It energizes me, I have seen them in concert and they always put on a great show. They are still going strong decades later. They are timeless, classic, inspiring, so talented, and always seem to be having fun together. It is a great reminder of what I aspire to do. I am a huge fan and find that song motivating. It gives me a shot of adrenaline every time!
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Entrepreneurial lessons learned
Get rid of team members who have weak skills. In my business, I spent more time managing bad employees that finding new customers. That was a big mistake.
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Common startup mistakes
I"Invest in stationery and business cards, then you need to network like crazy, do something every single day to get your business off to a great start and build your brand."
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Public speaking opportunities – always be prepared
was speaking at a conference in Boston 2 years ago in February, the winter of historic snowfall in the area. A major storm hit the day before the conference so several speakers could not make it into town because the airport had cancelled so many flights. I am based locally and ended up speaking 3 times on different topics the day of the conference...
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Mentoring opportunities are everywhere
Not all mentoring relationships need to be so formal or follow the chain of command.
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How entrepreneurs maximize their time
I try to find creative ways to multi-task that incorporates work and exercise. Instead of meeting up with your local colleagues at a coffee shop, over a meal or chatting with them on the phone, meet them for a walk so you can catch up while you are getting some exercise too.
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Launching a blog — what to know
If you start a blog then post on it regularly. People do not realize they do more damage than good and dilute their brand when they come out of the blocks strong then within a short time period taper off and lose interest.
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Successful long term relationship strategies
While you may not necessarily expect to ever be in a long-distance relationship, many people are at some point, either for a short or long amount of time.
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Easiest part of being an entrepreneur
I started a global branding and marketing firm 16 years ago and the easiest thing about running a business is if you don't like something you can change it
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Setting boundaries as an entrepreneur
I realized it was not sustainable, effective or smart and if I did not pace myself or take vacation I would burn out. I had to set boundaries so I started blocking time to exercise, I turned off the computer at a reasonable hour (vs. working until midnight regularly). I even took a vacation
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Essential marketing books
I started a global marketing firm 16 years ago and have been in marketing since 1990. I recommend ANY book written by Seth Godin, David Meerman Scott or my old boss at Coca-Cola former CMO Sergio Zyman.
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Advice from my grandmother
Be smart — one went to college and one did not but both encouraged me to read a lot, find areas I was interested in and learn everything I could, travel to experience life first hand and have an opinion I can defend.
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Successful women in business
Being a successful woman in business means that you are sharing your talent and helping others achieve their goals while leading a fulfilling life on your terms.
Read article »
Social media marketing tips
Make sure your social media profiles tell a consistent story. When you try to be cool, or a partier on Facebook or Instagram and very buttoned up on LinkedIn, it may raise a question as to who you really are. Authenticity is key personally and professionally.
Read article »
Customer service tips from the pros
...listen more than talk, show empathy, and try to look at the situation from the customer's perspective.
Read article »
Expert tips for startups
My marketing advice is to go on a Listening Tour! Politicians do it all the time and it is great for business too. Make a list of the movers & shakers, people you admire, and prospects, ask a few smart open-ended questions then sit back and take notice.
Read article »
Productivity strategies to be more efficient
My top tip is that I try to find creative ways to multi task that incorporates exercise, you'll be amazed how much more energy and time you have!
Read article »
Martech hacks from the pros
Make a list of potential clients and prospects, invite them to coffee or a meal, ask a few open-ended questions and let them tell you what they need. You will get a lot of great ideas and feedback.
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Business Interview with CEO:
Mavens & Moguls is a virtual marketing department for organizations that need access to great talent on an as needed basis. We do anything an ad agency, PR firm, market research group or marketing team does and can help you scale quickly.
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Effective ways to market your business
Thought leadership is also a great way to build your brand, increase your visibility, raise your profile and attract more clients. Activities like speaking at a conference, writing articles, building your following on social media, all contribute to increasing your awareness with potential customers and building your credibility with a larger community
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Archives Section V
Ways to kill a startup
Not firing weak people early enough. Bad employees can destroy productivity and morale at a startup faster than anything else
Read article »Recruiting success story
She was the anchor of my team, and my boss marveled at my ability to pick her out of the pile – truly a needle in the haystack. She is still one of my closest friends today, more than a decade later.
Read article »Strategic planning tips
She was he haystack. She is still one of my closest friends today, more than a decade later.
Read article »New ways to use social media
...A targeted small audience can be more powerful and effective than blanketing the masses, getting to the right people gives you the best multiplier effect and going viral is still the goal.
Read article »Customer service advice
When in doubt, overcommunicate. Especially at the beginning, when you're still building the relationship.
Read article »Best workouts as you age
I used to run, do step aerobics and kickboxing, use the Stairmaster or cross-trainer machines, bike, row, ski, you name it. But low-impact exercises make the most sense for me now
Read article »Innovation defined
For me innovation is a fresh approach, new idea, product, service or method that addresses your market¹s needs or desires. To be innovative it should be relevant and add value.
Read article »Starting a business — what to know
There are so many things I have learned along the way! For starters, I recommend NOT spending money on things like fancy brochures, letterhead, business cards, etc. Until you know your business is launched I would say to put your budget into things that help fill your pipeline with customers. Getting your URL and a website up and running is key.
Read article »Best business tips
I recommend NOT spending money on things like fancy brochures, letterhead, business cards, etc. Until you know your business is launched I would say to put your budget into things that help fill your pipeline with customers. Getting your URL and a website up and running is key.
Read article »How to position yourself as an authority
I started a global marketing firm 16 years ago and my best tips are to do as much writing and public speaking as you can, it sets you up as a Thought Leader in your industry and helps your Google ranking as well.
Read article »Favorite business innovation
Call me old-fashioned but for me the innovation I benefit from most is e-mail. I love how efficient it is for asynchronous conversations, you can keep projects moving forward, communicate key info quickly, stay in touch with people easily, share news, photos, etc. It is convenient, easy, fast and fun albeit addictive at times.
Read article »Teaching my younger self
Make time for friends, hobbies, exercise, hanging out, etc. It will never be as easy as it was in high school or college to round up a group of buddies to play, but do not let that stop you.
Read article »Lessons from my mom
As the oldest kid, it was my responsibility to make sure my siblings were safe and accounted for at all times. As an entrepreneur, you have people to watch out for, as well: your customers, employees, partners, advisors and other stakeholders. If you take care of them, they'll watch your back, too.
Read article »Top MBA programs
Harvard Business School alumna Paige Arnof-Fenn, the founder and CEO of marketing company Mavens & Moguls, says having perfect or near-perfect grades and test scores isn't a guarantee of acceptance to a selective business school. Arnof-Fenn urges MBA applicants to remember that top-tier institutions have many applicants with stellar qualifications.
Read article »Best place to start a small business
...the Boston metro area ranks in the 87th percentile for startup growth and number of startup companies (only 1.7 percent of all businesses are startups).
Read article »CEO interview on life as an entrepreneur
It is very easy to get distracted as an entrepreneur so you really have to stay focused on your key messages and business goals and not let noise in the system veer you off course. You have to stay in touch with your core audiences and make sure that you are not conducting market research with people who do not want to hurt your feelings or tell you the idea is bad.
Read article »Q&A with entrepreneurial CEO
Being an entrepreneur provides me a platform to do work I truly enjoy with and for people I respect.
Read article »Achieving success
Start listening with no strings attached, you'll be amazed what you find. It does not cost much, for the price of a few coffees and meals you will get an earful. I had no idea what to expect and got a lot of new work as a result.
Read article »Best organic marketing strategies
Thought leadership is a great way to build your brand, increase broad visibility, raise your profile, and attract more customers.
Read article »Tips for starting your business
There are so many things I have learned along the way! For starters, I recommend NOT spending money on things like fancy brochures, letterhead, business cards, etc. Until you know your business is launched I would say to put your budget into things that help fill your pipeline with customers.
Read article »Marketing mistakes to watch out for when launching a new business
Your story will evolve as you find your market, you need to look professional and have a website to be taken seriously but embossed paper with watermarks and heavy card stock is not going to accelerate your sales cycle.
Read article »Forbes picks best career advice from my mom
She knew that all work and no play is not a sustainable long-term strategy so she always wanted me to make sure to leave time for some fun in my life too.
Read article »How to use your web site to build your business
I use my website as a credibility builder for my business. It has testimonials, case studies, background, lots of articles, videos, etc. so prospective clients can check me out, see if I have the right skills to solve their problem and just get a feel for me personally to see if we would work well together.
Read article »Financial advice from my mom
She told me to negotiate for a good salary and ask for promotions," says Arnof-Fenn. "It has served me well. She taught me to stand up for myself and be prepared.
Read article »Customer acquisition strategies
Your customers are more than happy to tell you about their problems and if you just listen to them you can follow up with ways you can help. I periodically go on a listening tour and it is a great way to fill your pipeline.
Read article »Common mistakes by entrepreneurs
Keep the bar high and attract the best talent. You will never regret it.
Read article »CEO interview
"A" team people like to be surrounded by other stars. It is true that you should hire slowly and fire quickly. I did not make that mistake again later on so learned it well the first time. I wish I had known it even earlier though but lesson learned for sure!
Read article »Tips on building a strong team
Here are my top tips to build a great team: Hire people who have complementary skill sets Look for people who are strong where you are weak, make sure you have stars in all areas with great talent so you can cover all the bases. Test for chemistry and cultural fit.
Read article »The power of networking
I am a big fan of networking. I know that even the thought of it makes some people cringe or break out into a sweat but most of my business comes from networking. My rule is that you should network in person duringthe business day and do it online after hours.
Read article »How to learn to market your business
I have to admit it is a lot harder to market yourself and your business when you are the brand. I went through the same process I always had doing a full audit of the messages, features, benefits, target audiences, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, etc. I learned to do by doing for many years.
Read article »Ingredients of a successful branding strategy
Be passionate. Everyone loves to work with people who are passionate about what they do; it makes life much more fun and interesting.
Read article »Expert marketing tips
Activities like speaking at a conference, writing articles, building your following on social media all contribute increasing your awareness with potential customers and building your credibility with a larger community.
Read article »Ways to increase business growth rates
Arnof-Fenn encourages businesses to start a listening tour by making "a list of the movers and shakers, people you admire and prospects. Ask a few smart, open-ended questions, then sit back and take notice
Read article »Secrets to content branding
Almost every company has a unique story to tell about its history, conception, early customers, and bumps in the road. How can your company use your story to generate more business, explode on the scene with a new offering or launch as the memorable new kid on the block?
Read article »Ways to find new customers
There are many existing problems out there that need to be solved that customers are willing to pay for today.
Read article »Importance of branding
There are lots of tools businesses can use to promote themselves and although social media and online marketing are very popular I still like e-mail marketing which is a very effective way to build a relationship with customers. I am a big fan of e-mail and it does not need to be complicated to start using e-mail marketing to reach your target audience.
Read article »Market research
I started a global branding and marketing firm 17 years ago and am a big fan of market research. I think it is a really important building block for any good marketing plan and to ignore the market or not even ask them for input is a bad idea in my opinion.
Read article »Best sales tips
I find when I make a good contact it sets a foundation for a strong working relationship if you give them something of value before you ask for the order.
Read article »Graduation advice
I wish I had been told at graduation not to be scared to fail, and if you are not terrified or at least anxious about that next step, you might not have reached high enough.
Read article »E-mail marketing tips
E-mail marketing is an effective way to build a relationship with customers. I am a big fan of e-mail and it does not need to be complicated to start using e-mail marketing to reach your target audience.
Read article »Marketing trends
Here are the trends I am most excited about that are helping successful brands come to life and break through the clutter and noise: Using Artificial Intelligence to get your audience more engaged Finding ways to leverage Virtual Reality to get your messages to your target audience. Transparency and honesty in all communications to be a brand customers can trust, brand integrity is more important than ever before.
Read article »Marketing ROI what's worth doing?
I think you get the most bang for your marketing buck with Public Relations. PR is the single most cost-efficient tool you can use to increase your profile and build your visibility in my experience.
Read article »Startup advice and lessons learned
...I try to find creative ways to multi task that incorporates work and exercise. Instead of meeting up with your local colleagues at a coffee shop, over a meal or chatting with them on the phone, meet them for a walk so you can catch up while you are getting some exercise too.
Read article »Taking vacation
Once I was invited to speak at a global professional women's conference in Ecuador and arranged a side trip to the Galapagos Islands with two of the other speakers I knew a week earlier," says Arnof-Fenn. "It was an amazing trip and fun opportunity to get to know these women better. I have also gone to a spa retreat with a large group of professional women on several occasions, which has been both fun and great for my business — it can be a terrific source of referrals.
Read article »Content marketing
I predict Content Marketing will grow in importance with the quality gap growing as well so that good/relevant content leveraging influencer marketing strategies will be more important than ever.
Read article »Time management tips
Instead of meeting up with your local colleagues at a coffee shop, over a meal or chatting with them on the phone, meet them for a walk so you can catch up while you are getting some exercise too. You'll feel great after, the time will fly & it will be a fun activity to share.
Read article »Travel tips for Italy
Go with the flow, Italians work on their own time. Things close mid day for a siesta, the trains do not run on time. People eat at restaurants later there for dinner so do not ask for a 6pm reservation. They live in the moment and appreciate the world around them in a way that is lost here.
Read article »Advice for entrepreneurial college grads
Be creative, resilient and scrappy—you will be told no a lot but keep at it and find new ways and energy to come back with a new idea or twist and try again.
Read article »More e-mail marketing tips
People want to work with and buy from people they like and trust, so using e-mail marketing is a fantastic way to build long-term relationships.
Read article »Public speaking tips
Before I go on stage I always take a few deep breaths and remind myself I have practiced a lot and know this topic well, I try to make eye contact with at least a few people in the audience as I speak and share stories from my experience to make my points.
Read article »Best networking tips
People do business with people they like, trust, and respect, so signal early that you are a giver not a taker.
Read article »How to know if your idea is a good one
There's a lot of noise in every category, so if you don't have a unique story to tell and a new approach or idea that excites you, then go no further.
Read article»The future of the business plan
Business plans today come is various forms from bare bones/basic to highly detailed and thorough. Going forward it will continue to depend on how much you know (about the product, service, category, etc.) and how much time you want to spend
Read article»
Archives Section VI
How to find your tribe
Ultimately I realized that there were really only a couple that it made sense to actually join because they hit on all cylinders shared values, like-minded members, alignment with the groups' mission and after every encounter I was glad I had come.
Importance of community
Starting a company can be lonely at times and being CEO can be scary and isolating too so finding a community of trusted people can be critical to your sanity and success.
Reasons to work for a startup
Startups tend to be high energy environments with more young people, less hierarchy, and more flexible offices
Networking strategies
Focus on making friends with people before you need them for their connections—you never know who is in, or will be in, a position to help you out down the line.
Decision to outsource your marketing
Outsiders bring a fresh perspective, best practices from other categories and new energy to the team.
Magazine interview feature
Arnof-Fenn said, "Mavens & Moguls is industry agnostic. We work with consumer, tech, and non-profit companies. That means I can get involved with organizations and people I enjoy working with while I continue to write and speak. It's fulfilling."
Expert interview
Thought Leadership is a great way to build your brand, increase your visibility more broadly, raise your profile and attract more clients/customers.
Rules for business success
Your mother was right, manners matter: put your phone away in meetings, always follow up and follow through, keep your promises, send thank you notes, return phone calls in a timely manner; the right people will notice and appreciate it.
How to find your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
First, look at your business from your customer¹s perspective. What are you selling and how does your target audience perceive you? What are they looking for and how does your product or service stack up compared to other offerings on the market?
Best Twitter tip
Now that they give you 280 characters use them to expand your message and leverage video to get more exposure. The data shows longer tweets with videos are the most successful.
Making meetings more enjoyable and productive
Every meeting needs a PAL — Purpose, Agenda and Time Limit — to be successful. When everyone invited to the meeting knows why they are there and gets the agenda in advance, and it clearly states how in-depth each topic covered will be discussed, you are well on your way to a great meeting!
Casting spokespeople
Especially now with social media, you know what celebrities eat, drink, wear, have in the real world so it should be consistent with their endorsements for the best results.
Ways to be more efficient
Instead of meeting up with your local colleagues at a coffee shop, over a meal or chatting with them on the phone, meet them for a walk so you can catch up while you are getting some exercise too.
How to jumpstart your creativity
Exercise: anything from a walk around the block to a class, Tai Chi, bike ride, spa or retreat,
Female disruptors
I no longer try to squeeze in more meetings or hit multiple events at night. As an entrepreneur, I can be selective. Less really is more. I've chosen quality over quantity. It sounds trivial but it is true.
Real estate branding tips
A brand is a promise in the hearts and minds of their customers of a consistent experience with the product or service.
MBAs and careers in marketing
Paige Arnof-Fenn, a 1991
Harvard Business School MBA, says earning the degree gave her the confidence to switch careers from finance to marketing after graduation.
Ways to build your business
Everything communicates, not just your company name, brochure or logo but your business cards, stationery, e-mail signature, invoices, how you present yourself, how quickly you respond to messages, everything.
Women entrepreneurs
I think the future for women entrepreneurs is strong. In the almost 2 decades since I started my company women make up a bigger percentage of college graduates and grad school admissions, hold more board seats and have started companies in higher numbers.
How travel enriches your life
I got my first passport at age 16 to go to France as an exchange student and it was a pivotal moment in my life. It opened my eyes to a whole new world both figuratively and literally and from that moment on I knew that overseas travel would be part of my life forever.
Post Corona planning
Employees, customers and clients will remember who treated them well during the crisis and they will be rewarded with loyalty from earning that trust during the bad times.
Motivational blog postings
Paige Arnof-Fenn is the founder and CEO of global marketing firm Mavens & Moguls, based in Cambridge, MA. Her clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times, and Colgate, as well as nonprofits and venture-backed startups. Paige serves on several boards and is a popular speaker at industry events and conferences. She has been a columnist at both Entrepreneur and Forbes. She is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Business School.
Working out tips for 40+
As a hardworking entrepreneur, water aerobics and Tai Chi keep my life low-stress, which helps ward off weight gain.
Visa's advice for small business
I heard that budgets had been scaled back, so I created smaller bite-sized ways to work with companies that accommodated the new reality.
Creative ways to find more clients
Listening tours are used by politicians all the time and most people don't recognize that they're an excellent opportunity for business, too.
Learning from your mistakes
I enjoy my work more than ever now. I am having more fun. Working for yourself and building a business you started is incredibly rewarding and gratifying.
How to get people paid
I started a marketing and branding firm 17 years ago and have used Paychex from the start. The main benefits are convenience and cost. Like many small business owners I run payroll sporadically (not every other Friday or last Monday of a month).
Advice from my dad
The best thing my dad taught me was to treat everyone with dignity and respect. My dad was down to earth even though he was the president of his company he took the time to learn everyone's names and about them as people, he greeted them personally from the people in the garage to the cleaning staff to his direct reports and staff.
Tips for best results on prospecting e-mails
In a mobile-first world, you have less time to grab people, [A]ttention spans are shorter than ever. The more video and rich content the better.
Best strategy books
These books give you the questions, mindset, inspiration and motivation to create a strategy for your business so that you are in the right frame of mind to think big and set your business apart.
Best local resources
I think Boston is a great place to live and to start a company. As a woman business owner and entrepreneur there are amazing groups here and I am part of many of them. I find them very collegial and collaborative. The academic community is also welcoming and inclusive even if you are not one of their alums.
Looking back on lessons learned
I wish I had realized that my definition of success would change over time so that I would not have gotten so hung up on things that really did not matter (office politics, bad bosses, top bonus possible, etc.).
How successful entrepreneurs start the day
I have always been a morning person since childhood. My husband sleeps later so I shower and dress while listening to NPR to get caught up on any news then go to my home office and check e-mail until about 7:30am.
My biggest mentor
My dad He was the CEO of a public company who showed me that leaders can be compassionate, strong and successful. I am eternally grateful for his support and advice.
Facing your fears
I do the best I can with what I have and surround myself with great colleagues and advisors. I practice Tai Chi and Qigong to be more mindful and manage stress and just keep moving forward.
Expert advice before you start a business
Keep the bar high and attract the best talent. You will never regret it.
Business Insider Australia money advice
Pay off your credit card balance every month. If that's not possible, stop buying stuff you cannot afford – the interest is not worth it.
Marketing strategies from the experts
The more you give the more you get. I believe it is a responsibility to give back and help your community thrive. I do my part by volunteering my time, donating money and sharing my expertise where it makes the most sense.
Tips for starting a business
I would recommend NOT spending money on things like fancy brochures, letterhead, business cards, etc. Until you know your business is launched I would say to put your budget into things that help fill your pipeline with customers.
Real estate branding tips
A brand is a promise in the hearts and minds of their customers of a consistent experience with the product or service.
Web design trends
In 2018, web designers are pushing forward and embracing new developments and challenges in the ever evolving web design world.
Best business habits
Don't occupy yourself with work that doesn't move the needle. Understand the difference between good or urgent and significant. Get rid of tasks that do not support your core purpose or move you closer to your goal.
Archives Section VII
Lessons learned from bad clients
I did not want to attract other bad clients so even though he signed a 1-year contract I ended it after 3 months. It sent a signal to my team that the money was not worth an unappreciative client who was a jerk and treated us poorly.
Best channels to reach your target
Make a list the movers and shakers, people you admire and prospects, ask a few smart open-ended questions, then sit back and take notice...
What I love about being an entrepreneur
I love that I have been able to pivot as the economy and world around us changes so that we are more relevant today than we were when I started it 15 years ago.
The power of simplicity
Be kind every chance you get and be grateful for all the blessings you have. Do not take them for granted, if you are healthy you should be thankful every single day you feel good. The ripple effect of a smile or holding open a door can be tremendous so give it a try.
Must have technologies for entrepreneurs
I know there are a lot of fancy tools and technologies out there and you can call me old-fashioned but for me the thing I still benefit from most is e-mail.
Best business tip
Successful businesses take what is unique about each brand and create the hook and reason to believe that product or service is worth buying. Every brand is trying to own real estate in their customers' minds so that they are thought of first when a particular need arises.
Recruiting marketing talent
For me, I look for people who are curious and high energy. I want people on my team who read a lot and are open to new ideas and thoughts. One-trick ponies get boring fast. I want people who experiment and are not scared to fail.
Lessons learned from Nike on Kaepernick ad
When you are an authentic brand and you know who your core audience is and what is important to them you can take a stand on an issue like this. I give them a lot of credit for putting their money where their swoosh/mouth is.
Planning for small business surprises
Paige Arnof-Fenn tells Exhale her biggest surprise was that the people she started her company with were not always the best ones to grow with. Until she realized that, she spent "more time managing [people] than finding new customers."
Women of the C-Suite interview on Thrive Global
I think every project is exciting! That is the beauty of running your own business, if you are not genuinely excited by the work then you can pass on it. I only take on work that I find interesting and worthwhile.
Making time for friends and family when you are busy
It is so easy to get stuck at your desk so commit to getting out of the office for lunch at least twice a week, whether it is an old colleague, classmate, mentor or networking contact once it is on your calendar it is a great excuse to catch up.
Hiring challenges
The hardest lesson when I started my company was not getting rid of weak people or the ones not ready to learn earlier than I did in the first few years of my business.
Choosing a location for for business
The
Boston area is a bit like the Rodney Dangerfield of cities, since Silicon Valley in the Bay Area and Silicon Alley in
New York get all the good press, but truly Boston is where a lot of the tech and venture capital world started.
How to pick a tagline
Today the tagline seems to have been replaced by the hashtag, which can be much more useful in a social media-dominated marketing world. By adding a trending hashtag (like #travel or #love) or a descriptive hashtag (like #happy or #fun), advertisers can increase the likelihood of being found by customers interested in a common topic.
Outsourcing content development
FIt is cost efficient because a lot of the work is sporadic (for a product launch or trade show for example) so you do not carry a salary on the books year round for short-term content projects).
Entrepreneurial words of wisdom
Pick a few things you enjoy doing and do them really well. You cannot be everywhere all the time so choose high impact activities that work for you and play to your strengths.
Startup mistakes to avoid
The hardest lesson when I started my company was not getting rid of weak people earlier than I did in the first few years of my business. I knew in my gut they were not up to snuff but out of loyalty to them, I let them hang around much longer than they should have.
Inspiring songs for entrepreneurs
"Start Me Up" — The Rolling Stones This energizes me. I have seen them live in concert and they always put on a great show. They are still going strong decades later. They are timeless, classic, inspiring, so talented, and always seem to be having fun together.
Content writing tips to improve conversion
In a mobile-first world, you have less time to grab people, attention spans are shorter than ever so video will be used, even more, show don¹t tell for maximum impact, rich content drives engagement.
Integrating exercise into your routine
Instead of meeting up with your local colleagues at a coffee shop, over a meal or chatting with them on the phone, meet them for a walk so you can catch up while you are getting some exercise too.
Social media marketing on a budget
In a mobile-first world, you have less time to grab people, attention spans are shorter than ever so video will be used, even more, show don¹t tell for maximum impact, rich content drives engagement.
Money advice
Do not up your spending when you get a raise — up your savings instead. Also, make sure to save something from every paycheck. Just get in the habit and funnel a set amount directly into an investment account, because you do not spend what you do not see.
Branding tips for job seekers
Maybe you are still in school, or maybe you just graduated, but unless you're Taylor Swift, LeBron James, or Barack Obama, you probably don't think of yourself as a brand. In my experience, though, the most successful people do create and, in fact, become brands. Their brands are based on the experiences they promise and the values they live by and share.
Thrive Global on the more you give the more you get
The more you give the more you get. I believe it is a responsibility to give back and help your community thrive. I do my part by volunteering my time, donating money and sharing my expertise where it makes the most sense.
Women in the C-Suite on Medium
Names contribute to your brand and in our case I think it has been a major plus. Maven is Yiddish for expert and a Mogul is someone of rank, power or distinction in a specified area. I like the alliteration and I think it sets us apart from other consulting firms. It shows a little personality & attitude and implies we do not take ourselves too seriously.
PR trends
Fake news threats will only escalate — journalists are in a war to win back the trust of their audience, sadly what started as a punchline or tweet is now a serious threat to a free press, the bar for facts and figures is only getting higher.
New Year's Resolutions
I will set aside regular time to recharge my batteries and take better care of myself so that mentally and physically I will be sharp and in the best health possible to set myself up for success.
Hope springs eternal in new year
I am most looking forward to participating in more high impact activities and spending time with decision makers and key influencers in the new year. Those types of opportunities are energizing and when smart people get together at events and meetings the conversation is always interesting and inspiring.
Last year's accomplishments
In the past I spread myself too thin and let myself get run down unnecessarily with little to show for my efforts. I am happy to have more time to spend with the people I care about and the activities and causes that matter most to me.
Habits for success
Successful people have good intuition and instincts and my intuition saved me when my gut told me to beware that the people you start with are not always the ones who grow with you.
The 3 power ways to build your business
A brand is a promise in the hearts and minds of their customers of a consistent experience with the product or service. If you do not create your brand others will define it for you. Here are a few tips from my experience on how to build a strong brand...
The power of networking
I am a big fan of networking. I know that even the thought of it makes some people cringe or break out into a sweat but most of my business comes from networking.
Car culture
Boston resident Arnof-Fenn recalls that when her niece started taking driver ed in high school, the teacher took the kids into Harvard Square on their first day behind the wheel. "I know seasoned adult drivers who would avoid that part of Cambridge at all costs, but I guess if you are going to drive here you have to learn fast," she says.
Public speaking etiquette & advice
I was speaking at a conference in Boston 2 years ago in February, the winter of historic snowfall in the area. A major storm hit the day before the conference so several speakers could not make it into town because the airport had cancelled so many flights. I am based locally and ended up speaking 3 times on different topics the day of the conference.
CEO interview
I started getting lots of requests for help right after 9/11 when marketing was the first thing to get cut across the board. I had more work and clients than I could service by myself so I started calling the best people I worked with in my career. I jokingly referred to the women as the Marketing Mavens and the guys as the Marketing Moguls and for short I called them Mavens & Moguls, it stuck and here we are almost 9 years later still going strong!
Thrive Global female disrupters
Now my DNA is in everything we do and I can trace every decision and sale to something I did or a decision I made and that is incredibly gratifying and fulfilling.
Authority Magazine interview
Since starting my business I have joined boards and volunteered at several organizations. I am a mentor to the next generation of leaders and have helped build a very successful anti-bullying program that >50,000 middle school aged kids have gone through.
Entrepreneurs and risk
When I started my company I knew it was a good idea and had customers wanting to hire us from the start so it did not seem risky to me at all at the time. Only in retrospect did I appreciate the leap I had taken so for me at least I do not think you have to love taking risks when the stars align and you see a clear path for an unmet need like I did.
Medium interview on legacy
Mentors have different strengths and connections that can help. I think everyone even established entrepreneurs can benefit from strong mentoring. The world is always changing and we can all learn new things along the way.
Business owners new years goals
There are never enough hours in the day to fit everything in, so when something has to give, it's usually time I have allocated for myself to exercise or just relax, but I now realize that 'me' time is not a luxury, it's maintenance.
Productivity tips for entrepreneurs
Try and use public transportation whenever possible as it helps to make time for checking your emails, listening to podcasts, and staying productive.
Content marketing strategy
...there is more confidence in trusted content, friends and influencers than advertising today.
Multitask for health and sanity
I recommend allocating time on the calendar and taking yourself as seriously as you take your most important clients, because if I am not at my peak performance I am not going to be useful to anyone else, either...
New Year resolutions
I will try to find new creative ways to multitask that incorporates work and exercise to be more productive in 2019. When you are an entrepreneur, you have to get creative to find balance. I will set aside regular time to recharge my batteries and take better care of myself. Mentally and physically, I will be sharp and in the best health possible to set myself up for success.
Medium interview
I have had clients tell me they could not remember anything other than my first name & one word of my company so they googled Paige & Mavens and we popped right up. I was at an event one day and a venture capitalist started waving in my direction and shouted "hi Maven!" across the crowd, everyone looked my way and we ended up getting introduced to a portfolio company that hired us!
Thrive Global interview on branding
Thought Leadership is a great way for startups to build their brand, increase visibility more broadly, raise their profile and attract more customers. Activities like speaking at a conference, writing articles, building the following on social media all contribute increasing awareness with potential customers and building credibility with a larger community.
Entrepreneurs look forward
I am most looking forward to participating in more high impact activities and spending time with decision makers and key influencers in the new year. Those types of opportunities are energizing and when smart people get together at events and meetings the conversation is always interesting and inspiring.
Thrive Global interview on integrating work into your life
I made it a priority to create an ecosystem that works for me to do my best work. It was not always this way in my career when I worked for others but that is a huge benefit to starting a company. Now it all fits together well!
Being thankful
I created a platform to do work I enjoy and feel energized by with and for people I respect. I love the autonomy, flexibility and the fact that I know every day the impact that I have on my business.
Leadership quotes
When you do the right things for the right reasons, good things happen.
Outbound marketing tactics
Prospective customers can come from anyone, anywhere, anytime, so you should always be on your best behavior and make a great lasting impression. I join groups, get involved in the planning and organizing of events, sponsor events, and bring clients and prospects to events as an effective networking strategy.
Outsourcing SEO
Being invisible online is a terrible strategy so making sure your site is keyword rich, mobile friendly, loads quickly and produces meaningful content today is the price of entry. That also happens to be a great foundation for effective SEO.
Business resolutions
I want to respect my time on my calendar as if it were an important meeting with a VIP because it is! I no longer want to sacrifice my time to write, think, exercise, plan, etc. to squeeze more meetings and calls into my day. Wish me luck.
Business lesson learned
The people you start with are not always the ones who grow with you. The hardest lesson I learned is not getting rid of weak people earlier. I spent more time managing them than finding new customers. I let them hang around much longer than they should have.
Entrepreneur myths
You will never work harder or more than you do as an entrepreneur! But, because it is for your vision and dream, you will never love it more, too. People who start businesses thinking it is less work will be disappointed.
Taking time off
My tip is to plan well in advance and deputize your team to problem solve in your absence. You can test drive with shorter trips beforehand.
Being bold
Like most entrepreneurs I started off very bold by launching my new business amidst uncertainty and blind faith that I was onto something new and exciting seeing opportunity where others did not.
Entrepreneur quotes
"I am strong because I have been weak. I am fearless because I have been scared. I am wise because I have been foolish." -Unknown
Mental toughness and stamina
Mental toughness today means you are resilient and able to focus but also pivot as needed when you get new data and market feedback with better information. There are a lot of distractions and noise so it is key to stay clear on your mission and vision while being true to your values as you grow.
From meaning to money
Once I covered my basics like food, shelter and financial security, my definition of success changed to find more meaning and purpose in my life. I work because I love what I do, and I want to stay active and engaged in activities I care about.
Unusual marketing strategies
Politicians do it all the time and it is great for business, too. Make a list of the movers & shakers, people you admire and prospects, ask a few smart open-ended questions- then sit back and take notice.
Digital marketing tips
Technology runs our lives more than ever but it is relationships that drive business and commerce so people will find more ways to connect in person to build trust and strengthen connections.
Pop quiz with Paige
I love the variety of clients we work with and helping them solve their toughest marketing challenges. I love working with, and for people, I respect and have fun with every day and solving problems in creative ways.
Last minute gift ideas
In my experience, people genuinely appreciate thoughtful gifts that align with their lives. Plenty of companies send generic holiday gifts to everyone, but as a small business you can really stand out by tailoring your gifts to meet their needs
B2B lead gen strategies
As the world becomes crazier and technology gets smaller, faster and more complicated, people will find new ways to simplify their lives more than ever — shorter workouts, fewer ingredients, less stuff, less is more.
Web design predictions
...mobile e-commerce will grow in importance and mobile payments will become the standard so if your customer experience is not responsive and mobile friendly already you better get with the program fast.
Escaping the 9 to 5
Like many entrepreneurs, Paige has found that the harder she works, the luckier she gets. You need to pay attention to serendipity since prospective customers can come from anyone anywhere anytime. “Be nice to everyone & make friends before you need them, you never know who is in or will be in a position to help!
When to call an agency to help
You have one chance to make a great first impression so if you are launching a business, website, new product or service and you do not have the right expertise in house then it is time to bring in professionals who can help.
Are newsletters dead?
Not at all I'd argue that newsletters are a very effective tool to stay in front of your audence when done strategically. It needs to go out on a regular schedule (monthly/biweekly) consistentlty demonstrating your expertise, personality, etc. so that when they need your product or serviice they think of you first.
SMB marketing ideas
You do not need to blog or be on all social media platforms but make sure you are active on the ones where you are. If your customers do not use Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to find you then you do not need to make them a priority. For many professional service businesses like mine, LinkedIn matters the most.
Technology and the future of business
There will be an even bigger role in the future for the businesses that can connect the dots, humanize their brands and curate the wisdom from all the noise out there which is only going to be a bigger distraction down the road.
Archives Section VIII
Thrive Global advice on how to be featured
Do not be promotional, focus on advice that helps the readers solve their problems if you give great advice and they want to talk further they know how to find you
Brand Reputation strategy
There are a variety of reasons a customer will talk about you. If you are offering quality service, providing them with good content, being active in your communities, and doing some leg work, people will notice and start talking.
Phone interview tips
Phone interviews can be used as screeners and should be treated just as important as face to face meetings.
Non profit job search advice
Getting to know a non profit through volunteering is a great way to meet the staff and other professionals who can see your work ethic and passion.
Advice from entrepreneurs
Those are 2 key skills that have helped me succeed. People do business with people they know, like and trust so you have to get out there to build your reputation online and off.
B2B lead generation
Instead of trying to start your own blog or newsletter, try contributing regularly to existing. well-trafficked blogs in your industry, or newsletters of like-minded organizations reaching the same target audience as you.
E-mail introductions
If you have a contact in common who mentioned the person to you, I start the e-mail with a subject line of “XYZ suggested we connect” so that even if they do not recognize my name in their inbox XYZ should ring a bell.
Technology and the future of business
The winners in the future will leverage the convenience, efficiency and speed of technology and still find ways to connect on a personal level with their customers.
Market research how to
Market research is a critical tool for business yet often overlooked or underutilized. Are real customers willing to pay real money for your product or service? If so you have a real business.
Technology and the future of business
The winners in the future will leverage the convenience, efficiency and speed of technology and still find ways to connect on a personal level with their customers.
Budget to build a brand
It is like asking how much does it cost to buy a car, well that depends are you buying a Kia, Honda, Lexus, Cadillac or Rolls Royce? They are all cars that can get you from point A to point B but the ride will be different.
Social media strategy
Don’t let social media drive you crazy, you do not need to be everywhere, it does not matter which platform you choose just pick one or 2 that are authentic to you. It should look and sound like you and the brand you have built.
Slowing down to do more Thrive Global
kindness where everyone takes the high road, is a giver not a taker, gives people the benefit of the doubt, and realizes that life is not a zero sum game. If we all focused on figuring out ways to bake new pies and not just divide the ones we have we’d all be a lot better off. Just be kind. It would be a nice counterbalance to what we see in Washington and all over the media today.
CEO nuggets
Patience- It really is a marathon not a sprint so do not set arbitrary goals like being named 30 under 30 or 40 under 40 because it may take you longer than Mark Zuckerberg to hit your stride and that’s ok.
Why manners matter
It may seem like a small thing, but good manners may be fundamental to success.
Influencer Marketing success
Instead of just focusing on the most popular/branded individual influencers, include internal experts, micro-influencers, niche experts prospects, and customers in your influencer marketing mix
Songs to motivate entrepreneurs
Superstar by Luther Vandross. Even though it is a slow song it always makes me happy and motivated because he has such an amazing voice and took a great song by the Carpenters and made it even better.
Chamber of Commerce reports on small business optimism
The uncertainty over the recent government shutdown had ripple effects throughout the economy that impacted the start of the new year and hurt the stock market, which has caused businesses to give pause...
The future of print media
Video did not kill radio and the Internet will not kill print media either. Print will have a role for better researched, longer thought pieces and stories that have longer lives than real-time relevance.
PR trends
Fake news threats will only escalate — journalists are in a war to win back the trust of their audience, sadly what started as a punchline or tweet is now a serious threat to a free press, the bar for facts and figures is only getting higher
Trends in social media
In a mobile-first world, you have less time to grab people. Attention spans are shorter than ever so video will be used even more.
B2B sales techniques
Activities like speaking at a conference, writing articles, building the following on social media all contribute to increasing awareness with potential customers and building credibility with a larger community.
Favorite disruptors
It is hard not to put Steve Jobs at the top of that list, he created a brand in Apple that has changed the habits of the world and made design important in our everyday lives.
Social media tips
Make sure your profiles tell a consistent story. When you try to be cool/a partier on Facebook/Instagram and very buttoned up on LinkedIn, it may raise a question as to who you really are. Authenticity is key personally and professionally.
Feel free to Contact Mavens & Moguls to build your brand and grow your business.