Archives Section XVII
Giving honest feedback
Using emotional intelligence to make emotions work for you, instead of against helps a lot too.
Leadership in turbulent times
We need to communicate in a way that combines information and need, synthesizing feeling and facts. I feel leaders have a tremendous responsibility because never before has communications had the power to help society in the way that it does right now.
Importance of patience
Success requires the poise to learn, refine and master patience. It’s not easy.
PR & Thought Leadership
Sharing your expertise adds credibility and transparency and has become the foundation for building trusted relationships in the digital economy. It helps you stand out and get noticed!
Thrive Global on good to great
Good companies fill a market need, treat their employees and customers fairly and with respect, are ethical and have a strong reputation. Great companies transcend their products and services by also doing well not just good.
Optimal performance
I took the leap into entrepreneurship right after 9/11 when the company I worked for cut their marketing. I had nothing to lose. I have never looked back and love being an entrepreneur.
E-commerce success
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.
How to delegate effectively
To be successful today you must be resilient because you get knocked around often so you have to be able to keep getting back up and trying again with enthusiasm and energy. A lot of people tell you no (investors, board, customers, candidates, etc.) so if you are easily daunted or do not have thick skin you will not last long in my experience.
Leadership through crisis
The biggest change for me, my team and my clients from the virus so far is the shutdown of all networking events, travel and conferences. This is typically a very busy time with many events, trade shows, business meetings on the road, etc. and for the past few months, everyone is staying put and meeting virtually instead.
Leading by delegating
I would say if you want it done a certain way then do it yourself but if what you are trying to achieve is a goal or outcome then consider delegating which may help accomplish it faster, bigger and/or better by getting others involved who bring more ideas and energy to the process.
Leadership 2020
Leadership today is about staying agile. Great leaders are confident and humble enough to bring on board people who are smarter, more experienced, and capable of executing the vision.
CEO journey
Activities like writing articles, hosting webinars, podcasts and building your following on social media all contribute to increasing your awareness with potential customers and building your credibility with a larger community.
How to build an online brand
Technology helps advance the conversation but it will never replace the human interaction that builds trust over time.
Being nice vs kind
Kind people tend to be generous, compassionate and come with confidence, so they do not care if other people like them because they both love themselves and care about others.
Using video on social media
When video becomes viral it can reach well beyond any investment made to create it so it is worth the marketing dollars to get it right.
PR advice from the pros
Once you have content you are happy with repurpose it to get as much mileage out of it as possible.
SEO trends
If you’re new to SEO and want to maximise your online presence and get ranked, consider outsourcing!
Social selling tips
Building a strong network through various social media channels allows you to seek out introductions to new sales prospects through existing mutual connections, creating an immediate sense of trust and rapport.
Customer retention strategies
Focusing on retention makes sense especially during a recession. Ideally you allocate money in your budget to stay relevant and grow. Keeping customers and clients happy is harder now than ever before.
Sales qualified leads
Get sales and marketing alignment upfront and establish specific buyer personas then define what constitutes a sales-ready lead
SMB tips
You do not exist today if you cannot be found online. You need SEO to make it easy for customers to find you.
How to level up your business
Chances are if you have an idea and feel it is time to shake things up or it has been a while since you did anything new it is time to at least explore through market research to see if the timing is right.
Sales presentation tips
With social distancing video presentations are a popular reality now and should be treated just as important as face to face meetings.
PR myths
I think “there is no such thing as bad PR” is bad advice because there are a lot of ways you can dilute or damage your brand equity.
Travel that inspires
If everyone in the world were free to travel and was encouraged to explore other cultures/ways of life there would be no more war in this world. It is hard to fight with people once you see their families love them as much as yours does you.
How technology affects us
Everyday I hope to leverage technology to make me more productive and efficient through seamless conversations and exchanges to strengthen my relationships personally and professionally.
CEO interview
Authenticity, hustle, persistence, and determination. We work hard and love what we do and I think it shows.
Social media presence
When your articles or talks become available online, make sure to send them out via social media to all your friends, followers and contacts.
Brand recognition
How do you want people to think and feel after interacting with you vs. your competition? Brands like Apple and Virgin transcend the products they sell.
Business gift ideas
I am a big fan of gift certificates to local shops and restaurants.
Optimizing your site for voice search
Voice user interface allows users to interact with websites through voice commands so it adds usability and functionality to your site making it accessible to all users including those with limitations and disabilities.
Marketing mind games
Choosing between too many options can cause decision fatigue where more choices make us less likely to buy, and to be less satisfied with our eventual decision.
Entrpreneurial turnarounds
Fast forward 20+ years and Netflix has become one of the biggest TV and movie studios in the world, with more subscribers than all the cable TV channels in America combined!
Best SEO and SMM techniques
Brands that perfect the branded skill with more customer-friendly and less invasive ads are going to win big. Are you prepared when customers ask for help like, for example, Alexa, ask Nestle for an oatmeal cookie recipe, or what is the best Mexican restaurant in Boston?
Increasing the likelihood of success
One idea is a sales cadence which is a sequence of touchpoints you create with a prospect to establish a connection for an engagement or a sale. It is typically a schedule to follow up with each prospect via phone, e-mail, social media channels, etc.
Business trust
In my experience, people buy products and services from people they know, like, and trust. And so your website, advertising, etc. should look and sound like your organization and the brand you have built.
Interviewing post-Covid
While soft skills like charisma and confidence help you rise in the office environment, when it comes to remote work, groups value helpfulness and reliability over bluster and charm.
B2C lead generation strategies
Customers are savvy today. They are happy to buy what they want and need, but they do not like to be sold things. Curated content and ideas from a trusted source beat paid content every time.
CEO defined
Being CEO for me is a culmination of years of hard work and building my reputation and network to lead and inspire a team of great talent to help our clients achieve their goals.
CEO life lessons learned
Success is very personal so your definition will be, and should be, different than mine. To me, growth for growth’s sake is meaningless, but profitable growth with interesting clients solving important problems is what keeps me engaged and excited.
E-commerce funnel tips
Consumers now engage with a company online and via mobile so if a customer has put something into a cart, but hasn’t yet purchased, use your content to reference that intent.
Guerrilla marketing
When I worked for Zipcar as the first Head of Marketing we were raising money and had no budget so I had to be very scrappy and resourceful to find people to sign up and got good at guerrilla marketing.
E-commerce trends
Make sure you offer several ways to talk with customers and get to know them. Algorithms can only tell you so much about a customer, transactions are driven by relationships. Use automation where you can but do not ignore the power of the personal touch.
Social media audits
The whole point of doing a social media audit is to work smarter, not harder...
Starting from scratch
As a professional service firm we work on both a retainer and project basis. My clients mostly come by referral, word of mouth, networking or from articles I write and talks I give.
Creating engaging content
Everyone is not going to like you or hire you but for the ones who would be a great fit for you make sure they feel and keep a connection and give them a reason to remember you so that when they need your help they think of you first.
Posting on Linkedln
In a mobile-first world, you have less time to grab people; attention spans are shorter than ever, so including visual cues (video or images) has been used even more to show vs. tell for maximum impact.
Video software tips
With Zoom, social media, cell phones, etc. we see that technology does not have to be isolating it can be used to build our real world communities and relationships too!
B2C content marketing
The key with influencer content is to find appropriate influencers which requires a lot of research online and offline.
Marketing tips for startups
Activities like having key people (CEO, CMO) 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.
Affiliate marketing KPIs
Measuring who your Top 10 partners are is key since they are responsible for driving a significant percentage of the revenue in your program...
Digital marketing trends
It is not just about complying with the ADA, responsible web design, and corporate social responsibility goals but it is also good for the bottom line by reaching a broader audience. Inclusion is the right thing to do and it is good for business.
PR tips
For many professional service businesses like mine, leveraging LinkedIn matters the most.
Optimizing productivity
The key to productivity is to find ways to stay fresh and excited without being able to plan a vacation or break to get away from your job.
Customer retention tips
It is impossible to time your outreach so that you are in front of potential customers exactly when they need your help so I just try to stay in regular communication with them so that when they have a problem I can help them solve they will think of me first.
Career journey transcript
So, I think to be successful, you have to have a clear vision. You have to be able to communicate very clearly what you’re trying to achieve so that you can get people to write you checks so you can raise money, so you can build your team and get others to help.
Restaurant/retail rebound
Before Covid I went to several coffee shops but now my preferred spot is Forge they reopened quickly and are not just for coffee & treats now they sell produce too so I am spending a lot more there than before.
Digital strategy for customer retention
Thought leadership marketing is an effective tool that creates great customer engagement and retention.
B2B marketing reports
Customer satisfaction and specifically Net Promoter Score because repeat customers and referrals are key, the most cost-efficient way to build a B2B business and scale your brand in my experience.
Overcoming fear of sales
My best tip is to stop selling and start sharing. If you share what you know — your passion, your war stories, the good, bad and ugly — the content will flow and pour out of you.
How to write well
I highly recommend Everybody Writes by Ann Handley. She argues that in an online world everyone is a writer so you need to learn how to create content that attracts and retains people’s attention.
PR complaints
I was worried it was too early but they wanted press. Our first big hit came fast and the site crashed immediately. They asked me “to turn off the PR” and it was a tough lesson to learn but the developers trusted me after that!
WFH tips
You can fill a calendar to stay busy, but what matters most is having impact on people’s lives, which has nothing to do with volume of activity, it's about touching people in meaningful ways.
How to relieve stress
My favorite hack is to disconnect from technology and focus on cultivating human, face to face relationships when possible.
The power of volunteering
I am always glad to get involved and help raise money for a great cause (museum, youth sports program, etc.) or roll up my sleeves to paint houses (Christmas in July), garden (Habitat for Humanity) or pass out food (local food bank) in the community.
Taking vacation
My business did not suffer. In fact, it became stronger. Downtime and vacations are not optional — you need to take breaks to be productive, creative, and energized
Going viral on social media
My advice is to 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.
Milestone birthday gift ideas
If the person does not need anything special, then reach out to a group of people close to them to ask for cards, photos, poems, videos, etc. and make them a scrapbook. It will mean the world to them, trust me.
Body confidence and fitness
That opened my eyes and helped me make peace with food and my body. Now I cut myself slack: I enjoy ice cream and have learned to love the lines in my face. They show that I smile often!
PR Superstars
Ryan Reynolds is a PR Superstar. His dry humor and sassy comments on social media, the exchanges between him and other Hollywood celebs are not to be missed.
Growth marketing
The name of the game to grow today is how to get your fans engaged online and here is the manual to do it.
Advice to graduates
Local search tips
One key trend to address and tackle to grow your audience today is that smart speakers and voice search are growing in importance so being able to optimize for voice search will be key to maximize the marketing and advertising opportunities on Siri, Alexa, Google Home, etc.
SEO rankings
Search engines notice when sites publish consistently and can see how long people stay so building a strong reputation as a site that informs and educates pays off in higher organic search results too.
Optimal performance under pressure
I would love to spark a movement or create change through a new (domestic) Peace Corps (2020 version) and suggest we are all in it no application required.
Taking your company from good to great
In my experience the best ways to stop being indecisive are first and foremost stop trying to be perfect. Perfection does not exist so do not get paralyzed trying to find it.
Saving money on PR
Turn articles into infographics and video your talks to share over social media. Once you have a piece you are happy with it makes sense to get as much mileage out of it as possible.
Habits for performance and health
Success is personal and your definition will change over time. That is normal and shows maturity, find what matters to you and don’t worry about anyone else.
Focusing on your vision
I predict the most trusted leaders and brands will have a big competitive advantage in the new normal that evolves in a post-Corona world.
Communicating clearly
The key to survival for SMBs like mine in these unprecedented and uncertain times is about staying agile. The world has been forced to pause and hit the reset button while the pace of life and business has slowed
PR of the future
It is hard to imagine a world with more activity and shorter attention spans but PR will find new creative ways to tell stories using the latest tools and technologies to educate and inform people.
Leaders overcoming the pandemic
Paige emphasizes on helping the small businesses to be flexible and open-minded so that they keep working together with Mavens & Moguls during the crisis and create more flexible capacity going forward over the next year as the economy reopens.
Lessons learned from 2020
With Zoom, social media, cell phones, etc. we see that technology does not have to be isolating it can be used to build our real world communities and relationships, too.
Year end plans
I will close 2020 with more of a whimper than a bang. It has been an exhausting year so I am going to take the opportunity to rest and recharge since we will be home this year, no travels planned.
Business building tips
Social media and technology are 24/7, so it’s easy to get sucked into it, but I find in lead generation, less is more. I think it is a mistake to hide behind technology and CRM systems when prospectingBusiness building tips https://www.flow-seo.com/business/18-tips-on-becoming-a-high-paid-freelancer-or-consultant/
Staying motivated
You can fill a calendar to stay busy but what matters most is having impact on people’s lives and that has nothing to do with volume of activity, it is about touching people in meaningful ways which may mean being less busy not more.
50th anniversary ideas
In our family at least, the best gift was being together with the people you love and having a sentimental reminder of the time you shared.
Goals for the new year
The pandemic has forced us to pause, reflect and hit the reset button while the pace of life and business has slowed. As things pick up again after a vaccine arrives I do not want to jump back on the treadmill we were all on before.
SEO mistakes
Voice user interface allows users to interact with websites through voice commands adding usability and functionality to your site making it accessible to all users including those with limitations/disabilities.
How to write a sales pitch
Stay focused –strong headline as a hook with 2-3 data points as support then close with a clear call to action. It works on every platform
Advice when starting a business
Until you know your business is launched, put your budget into things that help fill your pipeline with customers
Inspiring business books
The name of the game today is how to get your audience engaged online and here is the manual to do it with practical advice and relevant tips.
Entrepreneurs roundup
Before starting my PR business, I wish I knew that the people you start with are not always the ones who grow with you.
CEO profile
If getting takeout and a nice bottle of red makes you happy these days I am all for it! I think we have all learned to appreciate the little things more than ever.
Finding a mentor
Once a history and relationship is there only then share with them how valuable their advice and counsel has been to you and tell them you have considered them a mentor and champion for a while and see how they react.
New year resolutions
It is so easy to get busy and let inertia kick in, so I want to make a conscious effort to being more creative in everything I do. No matter what line of work you are in, I think making creativity a priority will make life more fun/interesting.
Best practices in PR
When your articles or talks become available online, make sure to send them out via social media to all your friends, followers and contacts. Start small and build as you go.
Archives Section XVIII
Job hunting advice
People do business with people they know, like and trust so you have to get out there to build your reputation online and off. Prospective customers and jobs can come from anyone anywhere anytime so you should always be on your best behavior and make a great lasting impression.
B2B sales tips
Start small and build as you go. For me I started with small publications then moved up the food chain to reach bigger audiences. People need to be on LinkedIn so that they can be found too.
Startup advice
It’s easy to get swept up in the ‘exciting’ parts of starting your own brand and end up spending too much time and money in tiny details.
CEO corner
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.
Marketing qualified leads
Make sure you create multiple touch points because research shows that the average B2B sale takes more than 10 marketing touch points from the top of funnel to a closed-won deal.
What I wish I knew before starting my business
Great leaders are confident and humble enough to bring onboard people who are smarter, more experienced, and capable of executing the vision. Empowered people to take more initiative and they overwhelmingly rise to the occasion.
Second chapter career reinvention
I want to be remembered for passing along the very best in me to others so their lives are better and happier in some way because I was part of it.
CEO advice on creating good habits
As an entrepreneur there are many ups and downs but most would agree that the excitement and joy of bringing your idea to life is incredibly fulfilling and dealing with the bumps in the road is just part of the adventure.
Reuniting the country
As we move to a more remote/virtual world trust becomes an even more important currency and building trust will determine your success so lack of trust will be a huge obstacle I think after the pandemic ends.
Conscious entrepreneurship
To be successful today you must be resilient because you get knocked around often so you have to be able to keep getting back up and trying again with enthusiasm and energy.
Advice on staying focused as CEO
I am naturally curious and get energized talking to people so when I meet interesting people it is just natural for me to ask a lot of questions and when I hear about things that they are dealing with where I can be helpful I want to roll up my sleeves and jump in.
If I knew then what I know now
No matter what line of work you are in especially with Covid I think making creativity a priority serves you well and makes life more fun and interesting.
Strategic marketing success
Paige advises emerging leaders to disconnect from technology periodically and focus on cultivating human; face to face relationships while social distancing to grow your business.
Grace under pressure
Paige says that successful businesses understand their product or service is about more than the transaction, they are in the relationship business.
PR influencers
David Meerman Scott is a top PR influencer who has written 10 bestselling books, including “The New Rules of Marketing and PR.
Remote communication
In my experience you don’t have to agree, but you need to consider other opinions and feedback is another person’s opinion. If they are willing to consider it, they may find it extremely helpful and use it for positive change — or they can choose to ignore it.
Q&A with CEO
Online meetings, webinars, social media, etc. are a smart and productive way companies like ours can continue to have conversations that educate and inform, build relationships and move forward during this crisis period. Once we lay this groundwork it all will be in place to continue moving forward as the economy reopens and some businesses come back quicker than others.
Learning to say no
How does one reinvent themselves? What hurdles have to be overcome to take life in a new direction? How do you overcome those challenges? How do you ignore the naysayers? How do you push through the paralyzing fear?
CEO Interview
Pivoting to online meetings, webinars, etc. is a smart and productive way companies can continue to have conversations that educate and inform, build relationships and move forward during this crisis period.
CEO profile
I think “there is no such thing as bad PR” is bad advice because there are a lot of ways you can dilute or damage your brand equity. Stay on message and on strategy for best results.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
In the frame of International Women´s Day, I celebrate 2 years of Women Who Inspire. Today I remember the interview of Paige Arnof-Fenn, founder & CEO of Mavens & Moguls, a global branding and marketing firm that has as clients, some of the world’s most well-known brands like Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times Company, Colgate, etc, she is also a columnist of the media outlets Entrepreneur and Forbes.
E-mail signatures
My signature below is simple, clean, professional and also personal...
CX metrics
NPS is a valuable tool for measuring not just CX, but also customer loyalty, because it transcends single experiences. It is often referred to as a brand or relationship metric. We check it on an annual basis.
Positive mindset tips
The key is to make the know-it-alls see the power in becoming learn-it-alls. Keep the synapses firing!
Hustle defined
For me hustle is both an action and an attitude of never giving up. When you hustle you care about the outcome and will not take no for an answer.
Customer lifetime value
CLV shows the value of repeat business which helps you fine tune your marketing strategy and determine how much you should invest in your CAC.
Social media statistics
You do not exist today if you cannot be found online. Especially now with social distancing and remote work requirements, social media has become a lifeline for many. Even with a vaccine, I predict this trend will continue
Pivoting for success
Pick a few things you enjoy doing and do them really well like Content Marketing/Thought Leadership which are greatways to build your brand, increase your visibility more broadly, raise your profile and attract more clients/customers
Marketing productivity metrics
The driving force to increased productivity is improved awareness so finding ways to appeal to your target and pique their curiosity to increase their affinity guides our strategy.
CEO success hack
For me and my clients I have been successful repurposing content by: Turning a series of articles, blog postings or newsletters into a book or ebook. Turning each chapter of a book/e-book into a series of articles, blog postings or newsletters.
CEO interview
I am measuring productivity by what we get done, it is based on accomplishments not activity. People need more downtime now we are all under a lot of stress with so many moving parts.
Branding mistakes
Find reference customers quickly, use them to get testimonials/referrals. There’s plenty of time later to dress things up!
Digital and SEO tips
The world is moving to mobile first or mobile only, fewer people accessing web on big screens so everyone is tailoring their site, message and content accordingly. More people watch videos than TV now so adding video to your site and using the right keywords for video descriptions and headlines will insure you do better in searches too.
E-mail marketing trends
Every interaction a customer has with your store should be consistent and complementary.
SEO tools
The most important SEO tool today is Google Analytics, where businesses can track their performance across channels and understand which sources bring the most traffic to the website.
E-commerce growth hacks
Omnichannel is only growing in importance by creating a seamless experience for customers regardless of channel or device. Consumers now engage with a company in a brick and mortar store, online or mobile app, by catalog, or via social media.
Remote selling
Paige Arnof-Fenn, founder and CEO of Mavens & Moguls, says the No. 1 change she—like many others—has had to make during the pandemic is a shift to remote selling.
Building a successful MVP
When real customers are willing to pay real money for your product or service, you have a real business. Start with the fundamentals: Who are you and why should anyone care? If you're not passionate about what you're doing, then why should anyone else be?
Guest blogging
Generating these backlinks over time helps boost your search engine rankings. Over the years, search engines have changed their algorithms, but in my experience, guest posting still works.
Breaking bad habits
There are times when you need cheerleaders, butt kickers, or people who can be counted on for tough love. Accountability is so important and having friends and family to keep you grounded and humble is critical too, it is easy to lose perspective.
Social media costs
You'll need someone to maintain all of your social media platforms, create content, monitor reviews and comments, and make sure everything is running smoothly. Chances are, you don't have the time or bandwidth to do all of that and run your business so you can hire a freelancer or agency to help since they know how the world of social media works, and then sit back, relax and watch your follower count grow.
Best marketing books
I prefer books by practitioners because they are more relevant and have current examples from pop culture vs. theories based on research.
Inspiring quotes
Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” ― Buddha
Omnichannel and customer service
People use multiple devices during a single transaction process. Make sure that you are able to listen and respond to these interactions.
50th birthday gifts
The best gifts are personal and include making time to spend together to celebrate the milestone.
Caregiver advice
Give yourself permission to say no. Whether it means sleeping in (no to an alarm clock), meditating, taking a walk, or just turning off my phone and computer (no, I will respond later on my own schedule), simple acts of letting myself relax and enjoy the moment are the very best gifts I can give myself.
Gift giving ideas
My sister loves to knit so I often get her kits to make items or a gift certificate to pick out her own yarn and pattern.
Covid’s affect on PR
I regularly share quality content based on my experience personally and professionally. To qualify it must be timely and relevant.
Online marketing tips
There are lots of options for online marketing. Using SEO and SEM together is ideal as main search engines are constantly changing their algorithms for rankings so stop thinking of SEO and SEM as rival forces.
60th birthday ideas
By this age, you value your time and relationships more than anything else. Old photos and mementos from shared adventures mean much more than expensive items or gifts. The more personal, the better.
Marriage tips
I always say the secret to a happy marriage is separate bathrooms! We have always had separate bathrooms from day 1 when we moved in together. I am a slob and he is a neatnik.
Career change advice
It is important to have a story to explain your transition and show confidence in your decision not to be defensive about it.
Archives Section XVIX
Creating successful startups
I am a mentor to the next generation of leaders and have helped build a very successful anti-bullying program that >100,000 middle school aged kids have gone through. As a marketing consultant I am able to write articles, contribute to books and speak at events to share my experience and lessons learned.
Lessons from the pandemic
I am very concerned about the spread of this virus and the short and long term impact it will have on the economy. The biggest change for me, my team and my clients from the virus so far is the shutdown of all networking events, travel and conferences.
Remote communication tips
Out of sight can be out of mind, you do not want just the loudest voices heard so it can be a challenge to make sure everyone has a chance to contribute. You have to be more proactive and deliberate now to make sure all voices are heard.
The highs and lows of entrepreurship
Looking back I am guessing the ones who are made can see signs of being entrepreneurial in their previous lives so maybe there is a little part of it you are born with but the rest can be cultivated when you get inspired by the right idea.
CEO interview on commitment
Effective leadership communication is not just the message, but the method in which you communicate to employees that matters.
Healing our polarized country
Compassionate leaders attract the best talent and I predict the most trusted leaders and brands will have a big competitive advantage in the new normal that evolves in a post-Corona world.
Multitasking tips from CEO
CRM tools are only as effective as the relationships you have built. As we move to a more remote/virtual world trust becomes an even more important currency to getting things done.
What Covid taught us
We have learned so much about ourselves, our work, our communities, our government and each other during the pandemic over the past year.
PR myths
There are no short cuts, getting great PR won’t make your company famous overnight, it takes time to build stories/establish credibility/ emotionally connect with audiences. The messaging must be authentic/relevant don’t be tone deaf or you risk diluting your brand.
Advice to younger self from AARP
Don’t be scared to fail, just learn from every bump in the road so you make better mistakes next time — that is where you learn the most!
PR insights
Bill Gates was once quoted as saying “If I was down to my last dollar, I’d spend it on public relations” so he sees the power of perfection too.
Getting the most out of PR
Can I repurpose this content in a blog post, newsletter, status update, tweet?
Top skills directors need
There has never been a more important time to provide accurate, empathetic communication with transparency, truthfulness and timeliness.
Retail trends
Consumers now engage with a company in a brick-and-mortar store, online or mobile app, by catalog, or via social media. Every piece of the consumer’s experience should be consistent and complementary.
Creative ways to pay for PR
When my clients’ budget tightens I have had to get creative over the years. One high end retail client outfitted me with several custom tailored suits that fit me perfectly and are still some of my favorites, a fancy restaurant hosted a holiday appreciation dinner for 10 of my best clients and another paid me in stock options.
Top business risks
"I recommend you know what digital dirt exists on you,” says Arnof-Fenn. To avoid being blindsided, she suggests performing a Google search and social media audit to see what comes up.
Building your personal brand
In my experience, Social Media and Thought leadership are the most cost effective ways to build your personal brand and grow your business.
Career change advice
It is important to have a story to explain your transition and show confidence in your decision not to be defensive about it.
SEM tips
I think using SEO and SEM together is ideal. So, stop thinking of SEO and SEM as rival forces.
Getting started in tech
I took computer science classes at Stanford in the 80s and joined a tech startup in the 90s, just as the Internet started to take off. Now I work with many tech clients and spend my days on the computer, and I would be lost, unproductive and bored without it. Tech runs our lives today.
Social media strategy
More people watch videos than TV now so adding video to your site and using the right keywords for video descriptions and headlines will ensure you do better in searches too.
B2B e-mail marketing strategies
Another tip is that the worst time to make a cold call to prospects in any region is 8-10am when everyone is rushing to work and preparing for the day but the worst time to call is the best time to email.
Customer retention metrics
In my experience Customer Churn is the most direct way to measure customer retention. It is important to understand the rate at which customers stop doing business with you.
Blogging and SEO
Whether yours is polished or more informal, chatty or academic, humorous or snarky, it is a way for your personality to come through.
SEO strategy
Team building ideas
To ensure your shyer employees feel equally engaged, you need emotional intelligence. You need to be observant to figure out if someone is shy and might feel uncomfortable in group environments.
Typical day post-Covid
It all starts with a great night¹s sleep though! Nothing beats a great night's sleep to be an effective CEO, it works for me. Even if I do not always have the balance I am able to integrate my work and my life in a good way.
Increasing morale
This all comes down to communication. “I try to set the tone upfront with one rule—when in doubt, overcommunicate.” In a remote workforce, this means regular emails and video and conference calls.
Clubhouse the disruptor
Paul and Rohan have disrupted social media by creating a casual and inclusive space for interactive discussions by putting you in the same room with interesting and inspiring people.
Engaging lead generation tips
Keep it short and simple to grab audience attention even quicker. Attention spans are shorter than ever, so anything you can do to hook your audience in is a competitive advantage to break through the distractions, noise, and clutter online.”
Tips for working remotely
If the lines of communication are open and everyone makes an effort to listen and be heard then collaboration will happen naturally and the information will flow.
Customer service ROI
Successful businesses understand their product or service is about more than the transaction, they are in the relationship business.
Business books
Everybody Writes: Your go to guide to creating ridiculously good content by Ann Handley.
Influencer marketing
Getting multiple perspectives and insights permanently enriches the discussion and generates more activity online.
Best books on blogging
Handley argues that in an online world everyone is a writer, so you need to learn how to create content that attracts and retains people’s attention.
Preparing for business opportunities
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.
Disruptors to consider
So much has changed with the pandemic too, the old brand-building model has migrated to a digital ecosystem, from bricks and mortar to e-commerce today.
90th birthday gift ideas
In our family at least, the best gift was being together with the people you love and having a sentimental reminder of the time you shared.
Business Q&A
Brand naming advice
Entrepreneur tips
Voice user interface allows users to interact with websites through voice commands so it adds usability and functionality to your site making it more accessible to all users, including those with limitations and disabilities.
Combatting imposter syndrome
Success isn't a destination, it is a journey and if you've "made it," that means your journey is complete. The goal is to keep learning and growing.
Web design trends
he world is moving to mobile-first or mobile-only with fewer people accessing the web on big screens, so business owners will need to tailor their site, message and content accordingly.
Marketing reporting trends
Reporting is the best way for marketers to better understand what is and isn’t working so they can optimise their efforts.
Building an online brand
My first client came from a talk I gave to a professional networking group. Someone from the audience came up to me after and made an introduction which resulted in my first project a few weeks later.
Entrepreneur tips for business management
It is not just about complying with the ADA, responsible web design and corporate social responsibility goals, but it is also good for the bottom line by reaching a broader audience...
Adjusting your business during pandemic
Gifts for him
It was an outdoorsy, rugged, active adventure with hiking, mountain biking, camping. Much like summer camp but with alcohol, they had a ball!
Tips for insurance agents
Virtual assistants
Even though I know people who swear by them I do not have a Virtual Assistant because I have structured and streamlined my business so that it can run smoothly and be managed efficiently without one.
Marketing in the new normal
Communication skills
Before starting my company I ran marketing at 3 successful startups. In my experience the 5 things you need for a successful startup are: a great idea, a clear vision, strong work ethic/high energy, web site and resources (people/money) to help bring the concept to reality.
PR lessons from sports
Fairness — athletes have to play by the rules and in PR honesty is the best policy, never hide or blur the truth.
Leading by example
Doing your homework, paying your dues, building a strong team and having a good work ethic are all great ways to stack the deck in your favor for success. Having good luck and good karma helps too.
Brands leading in PR
Procter & Gamble’s Lead with Love consumer PR campaign is the gold standard. It includes a call to action to make 2021 the year we all come together to do more and do better — for communities, equality and our planet.
Power of PR
PR is the most underrated/cost efficient way to get your story out there. Thought leadership is a great way to stand out/build influence/increase your visibility/raise your profile/attract more attention from media/potential customers.
Reducing customer churn
To increase retention/reduce churn my tip is to disconnect from technology and focus on cultivating human, face to face relationships when not social distancing.
PR lessons from Freud
In PR it is best to set big goals that keep everyone focused and work toward achieving them to stay on track.
Hiring a digital marketing agency
My advice is that 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.
Measuring reputation online
To measure your online reputation I recommend you set up a Google Alert for both your company’s name and your own name to notify you any time one of your press releases post, when your name is mentioned on another website, or whenever you are indexed by Google.
Self care tips
It works with customers, too; I have clients who play golf, so sometimes we would meet at a driving range instead of the office to discuss things, especially when you are trying to think outside the box.
Tips to prevent burnout
Misconceptions about PR
Getting your first client
I started a global branding and digital marketing firm 19 years ago and my first client came from a talk I gave to a professional networking group.
Lead generation tips
I prefer a more back to the basics approach by disconnecting from technology periodically and focusing on cultivating human, face to face relationships,
Omnichannel tips
Paige Arnof-Fenn is a marketing entrepreneur who writes and speaks about the power of customizing your omnichannel messaging to reflect the customer journey.
SEM tactics
The key is to build brand awareness and trust in your brand or business, which begins by getting your business name to appear in prospect's searches.
Marketing post pandemic
We need to communicate in a way that will give our audiences better focus, helping them to create a bridge from today to the future.
Growing your business
Technology helps advance the conversation but it will never replace the human interaction that builds trust over time.
E-mail engagement tips
Live video will only grow in importance – live streaming is available on every major social media platform, and it is only getting bigger to hook in users with short attention spans.
Building a strong team
In my experience, the most effective teams attract people with growth mindsets and l have tried to create that culture in my company too.
Repurposing content
Consumers need to be exposed to things many times before they notice it. In fact, the "
rule of seven" in marketing states that a consumer has to interact with a brand seven times before they make a purchase.
Avoiding burnout
Find creative ways to multitask that incorporates work and exercise. Can you take a walk (in-person or with headphones) so you can catch up while you are getting some exercise too?
Being CEO
The energy, vision and culture starts at the top of any organization so I see my role as setting the tone, attracting the right team and motivating them to achieve greatness together.
Social media challenges
Strike the right balance of educating, entertaining, promoting yourself and others with your outreach. If you become too salesy or self-promoting people get turned off and tune you out.
Client reporting mistakes
No one likes hearing bad news, especially if they’re completely blindsided by it in a meeting. If you’re about to present to a client in a reporting meeting that includes some less-than-ideal news, it’s best to give them a heads up.
Leadership styles
I think people do their best work in a give and take/collegial environment.
Value of feedback
Single page websites
With a single page site if it does not load quickly or they do not see something that grabs their attention the opportunity will be lost. It must include enough of your value proposition to start the conversation.
Marketing KPIs
Whether your business is B2B or B2C every business is P2P, and connecting on a personal level is what matters most.
Digital agency fees
Customer retention metrics
Some attrition in your customer base is natural when companies are acquired or go out of business, hire an internal resource, no longer need your product or service, etc.
Social media platforms
LinkedIn tips to stay energized
Find creative ways to multitask that incorporates work and exercise. Can you take a walk (in-person or with headphones) so you can catch up while you are getting some exercise too?
Thriving as a female founder
It takes effort and a commitment to excellence for people to continually learn/grow especially now in a virtual/remote environment.
Entrepreneur profile
We know how to solve your problems and get results. It is rarely too early to bring in marketing expertise, but it is often too late.
Sources of PR inspiration
For inspiration I look to the masters like David Meerman Scott, Seth Godin, and Guy Kawasaki, they are all great storytellers who have blogs, books and websites full of ideas to make me think and pique my curiosity.
B2B content syndication
If I have a unique perspective to share or any advice I think may help others I get it out there via social media or whatever distribution vehicle makes the most sense.
Media attention
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.
PR experts to follow
You cannot go wrong with following David Meerman Scott. He has >123k followers, is a NYT and iWSJ best selling author of 12 books on PR and marketing, thought leader and practitioner so his wisdom and advice are grounded in real world experience not theories.
Thrive Global profile on women founders
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.
Choosing the right agency partner
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PR trends
Getting client referrals
Having a good online reputation is incredibly important to building a strong professional service business
The entrepreneurial roller coaster
Would you rather hire “Strategic Marketing Solutions” or Mavens & Moguls? We are the “not your father’s Oldsmobile” of marketing firms. If nothing else our name is a great conversation starter and getting into a conversation is all it takes to open a door.
PR questions answered
Every time a new article hits/you speak at an event/are quoted in the media there is value in that exposure/instant credibility/third party validation which carries a lot more weight than a paid ad.
Social media books
Handley provides practical tips, easy grammar & usage rules that are valuable whether you are working with a big brand or startup these are best practices that will make your writing better.
Marketing challenges for SMBs
Passionate entrepreneurs
The impact you can have through your work as an entrepreneur (serving on boards, writing, speaking, etc) are endless and the opportunities to make a difference are everywhere.
Voice of the customer techniques
Market research is more important now than ever! Whatever we thought we knew or understood before Covid about our customers and market must now be checked because the world has changed so much since last March.
Career influenncers
As a small business owner mentors can also be invaluable sources of inspiration, advice, encouragement and can help you avoid rookie mistakes (with hiring, fundraising, etc.) when you are starting out.
Mentoring tips
They can make key introductions, elevate your platform and help you with connections. Mentoring can be a wonderful experience on both sides of the equation.
Video marketing
Team collaboration tips
People connect with brands they know, like, and trust, and employees may switch jobs. But if they have a great experience and relationship with your brand, you can keep them by staying in communication. Show them they are respected, loved, and needed. It is a smart investment to get this right.
Cold e-mail tips
The worst time to make a cold call to prospects in any region is 8-10 a.m. when everyone is rushing to work and preparing for the day but the worst time to call is the best time to e-mail.
Sales call myths
Quality calls to the right target with the right message/offer results in more leads. Don’t annoy/stalk by leaving voice mails or hanging up in case they have called ID you will only be labeled a spammer/telemarketer.
Online presence
Content marketing funnel
Using content with incentives to help the buyer finalize their purchase decision like bonuses and giveaways is very effective in converting.
Learning from customer complaints
It's important to listen for and find the nuggets of information to improve, so do not discount the negative comments. I believe most negative feedback has some value because it comes from people who care about you, whether you know them well or not.
Sources of pride
Product qualified leads
A PQL is not only someone who has used marketing successfully, they also match the characteristics of our target audience/ideal client profile, have experienced the value of marketing, and have expressed the need/buying intent.
Monitoring performance
Best headphones
The original Bose QC (Quiet Comfort) were discontinued but they are still available under a different name. The sound quality is incredible and they feel great too, very comfortable to wear. Not cheap but worth every penny. I bought a back up in fact.
Branding to stand out
My leadership style is collaborative and inclusive. I tend to ask lots of questions and get input from all parts of the organization because I have found some of the best ideas come from unexpected people.
Power of feedback
When to outsource
Outsourcing does not solve all of your growth problems but it sure frees up a lot of time and energy that can be better spent on things I enjoy doing and can get paid well for.
The truth about PR myths
The myth that you don’t need to pay for PR / publicity can be free is true if you want to do it on your own for lack of a budget.
Pivoting in the pandemic
Pivoting to online meetings, webinars, etc. is a smart and productive way companies can continue to have conversations that educate and inform, build relationships, and move forward during this crisis period.
Life lessons from CEO
Keep learning — Finishing school is not the end of your education, you will be a student for the rest of your life so never stop learning new things.
Customer success strategies
Omnichannel creates a seamless experience for customers regardless of channel or device. Consumers now engage with a company in a brick and mortar store, online or mobile app,
Growth tips for B2B
I have learned to help small businesses to be flexible and open-minded so we can keep working together during the crisis and create more flexible capacity going forward over the next year as the economy reopens.
B2B sales
Content marketing and thought leadership are great ways to build your brand, increase your visibility and more broadly, raise your profile and attract more clients.
Key data reports
Project status reports are critical for communicating updates on what you’ve accomplished and what’s still pending.
Networking in the new normal
For the foreseeable future entrepreneurs will continue to build networks through online marketing and social media especially LinkedIn so that they can be found. It adds credibility and transparency when you know the people you are meeting or working with know people in common..
Weekend habits for success
You can fill a calendar to stay busy, but what matters most is having an impact on people’s lives, and that has nothing to do with volume of activity...
Being disruptive
Basically you have to open your mind and be exposed to a fresh perspective so you get the synapses firing and connect the dots in new and exciting ways. Disruption requires getting out of your comfort zone and considering new possibilities.
Finding employees
Online and offline events are great to network and meet prospective employees
Entrepreneur Profile
I don't think of entrepreneurs as risky, they just see opportunity where others don't and want to make that vision a reality.
Demand generation trends
One of the best strategies to keep and grow your online audience today is through interactive marketing such as polls, surveys, quizzes, contests, or interactive videos.
What entrepreneurs love most
I love that I created a platform to do work I enjoy that is meaningful to me and helps my clients succeed.
SMB trends
Online marketing is becoming more dependent on data. To tell compelling stories to your target market, important data has to be collected and scrutinized.
Startup marketing trends
Brands may be better served by working with micro-influencers who offer smaller follower counts but post around niche interests, leading to more meaningful one-on-one connections with audience members.
Digital marketing tips
In a mobile first/mobile only world, you have less time to grab people/attention spans are shorter so rich content drives engagement/traction/growth.
Web design tips to increase conversions
Web pages that contain long high-quality content get more visibility and shares so becoming that trusted source and influencer with timely and helpful answers to questions get rewarded quickly
Thought Leadership
Many people call themselves Influencers but a I think of a Thought Leader as a true expert in their niche, informed opinion leaders and trusted sources based on their knowledge and reputation not the number of people who follow them online.
Leveraging PR
Find creative ways to leverage your thought leadership so that your audience finds you easily.
From idea to launch
Do not try to recreate the wheel in your category, build a network that can share best practices for best results. There is not one path to success.
PR trends
We are all more aware/sensitized about life/society/the environment now and research shows the majority of people consider social purpose when buying.
Enhancing brand visibility
Successful businesses post-pandemic must be adaptable/agile, strong communicators, and have a growth mindset.
Leadership in the new normal
Companies must embrace statistics and analytics, and they must use data more intelligently
Thought leadership advice
Today thought leadership is really about being an Influencer with more confidence in trusted content, friends, and influencers than advertising
Vision statements
The vision is about your goals for the future and how you will get there, whereas the mission is about where you are now and why you exist.
Founder’s story
I knew I had made it as an entrepreneur when Harvard wrote 2 case studies on my business a few years after I started it, we were very early to pioneer sharing resources on the marketing front (before my company it was really only done with HR, legal and accounting/finance).
Improving work-life balance
A change in venue is always nice and you feel so much better when you are moving and not trapped behind your desk
PR faux pas to avoid
Don’t let controversial company leaders defend bad behavior/business practices/weigh in on current events on social media.
Founder profile
One key challenge has been about the importance of focus. There is so much noise out there with social media, 24/7 news, climate change, etc. that for my clients and me staying focused with all the distractions we are bombarded with on a daily basis can be tough
Guest blogging
Because you have history/common interests and backgrounds they are predisposed to trust/like you.
Rising through resilience
I decided right then I would not let anyone even a person with credentials define my potential in life.
Productive morning routines
My routine has changed since the pandemic began. I am sleeping much more, (10+ vs 5 hours per night) so I am starting my day much later than before.
PR tips from the pros
Connect with journalists before pitching. Follow them on social networks or comment on a previous story, for best results try to understand what stories resonate with them.
OKR best practices
OKRs are useless unless you regularly check on them. That’s why I recommend monitoring/providing updates on the actual achievement of the OKR at least quarterly is best.
Why focus on PR?
PR is the most cost-efficient way to build your brand/increase visibility/raise your profile/attract more clients/customers.
Team meeting tips
It turns out that 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!
PR secrets
Business mantras
Finding mentors
Holiday tips for entrepreneurs
Give yourself permission to say no. Whether it means sleeping in (no to an alarm clock), meditating, taking a walk, delegating more work, or just turning off your phone and computer (no I will respond later on my own schedule)...
Social media tips for nonprofits
You can’t be all things to all people. Part of a successful social media strategy for nonprofits is to think about where your audience is spending time.
Profitable business models
Post the Great Recession, the majority of our work is now project-based (it used to skew to more retainer work before) so the scope creep potential is a lot less now to be honest which makes managing expectations a lot easier.
Disruptive and innovative CEOs
Under his leadership Airbnb’s authentic generosity takes CSR to a whole new level. They are leading the way for innovation in the new normal, brilliant!
B2B buyers journey
Client reporting tips
Transparency in regular reporting is the foundation for building trusted relationships with clients in the digital economy.
Finding your passion
Silver linings in the pandemic
SEO trends
It is no longer only about churning out fresh material, refreshing existing content from prior years you not only maximize your previous investment, but the traffic drives the rankings too. Repurpose and reuse for best results; old can be new again.
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Product placement trends
Influencer marketing is on the rise and the future of product placement is to utilize a mix of influencer type.
SMB predictions
I predict that SMBs will keep their customers more engaged and connected via multiple channels in 2022.
LinkedIn thought leaders
Today thought leadership is really about being an Influencer with more confidence in trusted content, friends, and influencers than advertising.
Best business advice
Best business advice https://bisvue.com/articles/read/best-business-advice-your-have-ever-received-part-3_362.html
More PR trends
Events will no longer be about the volume of attendees, people have become pickier about how they choose to spend their time, so a more targeted approach will be essential to catching key influencers.
Marketing trends
As more people shifted online during the pandemic, live streams were increasingly used to host public events and meetings on platforms like Twitch
Marketing predictions
What’s more, Google is now considering the mobile-first design as a ranking factor for SEO performance.
Publishing advice
I'd say, keep it friendly and welcoming. People can go to the web for information from many different sources. Make your site an inviting place they want to visit.
Holiday marketing tips
It is about touching people in meaningful ways which may mean being less busy not more.
Navigating product features
I started my career in Brand Management at Procter & Gamble and at P&G everything starts with Market Research. They drill into you the importance of customer data to make decisions.
Success advice from thought leaders
Influencers today have to acknowledge that now things are different so we need to communicate in a way that will give our audiences better focus, helping them to create a bridge from today to the future
Market research trends
Whatever we thought we knew or understood before COVID about our customers/market must now be checked because the world has changed so much since last March.
Books about powerful women
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a national treasure, every woman in this country owes her a huge thank you, her smarts, persistence and tenacity are inspiring she never stopped fighting for truth and justice for all.
Cross channel marketing
Consumers now engage with a company in a brick and mortar store, online or mobile app, by catalog, or via social media
SEO optimization
Websites must be optimized for voice search adding usability/functionality to your site making it accessible to all users including those with limitations/disabilities.
Marketing tactics
It does not take much time to repackage articles or update your keywords…the possibilities are endless and pay off quickly with increased traffic and engagement
Data analyics strategy
The key is to not collect and measure everything but to focus on the 3 top drivers only and leverage the technology to gain important insights.
Marketing interview questions
Given most people will be working remotely and hybrid now and more over time, the skills I look for and questions I ask have shifted recently.
Business books
The name of the game to grow today is how to get your fans engaged online and here is the manual to do it.
New Year’s resolutions
Every piece of the consumer’s experience should be consistent/complementary. Omnichannel creates a seamless experience for customers regardless of channel/device.
Building a new business
Pivoting in the new normal
I want to build stronger relationships and communities in the new normal so will put a bigger emphasis on Customer Journey Mapping with my clients.
Content strategy
Thought leadership
Customers/clients are savvy today they are happy to buy what they want and need but they do not like to be sold things. Curated content and ideas from a trusted source beat paid content every time.
Year end sales incentives
Flowers
There are three flowers that always brighten my day and make me happy: sunflowers, birds of paradise, and hydrangea.
Social media platforms
With LinkedIn, you don’t have to wait for a networking event to make meaningful business connections.
Business proposal tips
When a client sees a business proposal, they want to know that the deal has a high likelihood of closing before agreeing to move forward with the proposal.
Branding lessons
Until you know your business is launched, I would say put your budget into things that help fill your pipeline with customers.
A career in branding
I have no idea where my business will go post-pandemic, but I am confident I have built a great foundation with interesting clients and colleagues who value communication and want to use marketing best practices to make a difference in the world.
Branding post pandemic
For me, I started with small publications and then moved up the food chain to reach bigger audiences. Blogging is a big responsibility, you have to have a constant stream of fresh content to keep it active and interesting
Content strategy secrets
The key to becoming influential is when you can answer why they do what they do and connect with people on an emotional level. I have been successful for many years using this strategy.
Marketing during the pandemic
My mom taught me early on to not stop just because someone says no. That is such an important part of being an
entrepreneur and has benefitted me and. my business very well.
Leadership story
So much of success in marketing is about effective communications online and offline. My advice for success is to be a student for life, walk the streets and notice your surroundings.
Entrepreneurs and timing
We are measuring productivity going forward by what we get done; it is based on accomplishments, not activity.
Success post pandemic
Data and analytics are becoming increasingly important in marketing. Important data must be acquired and evaluated to create captivating tales for your target market.
CEOs getting results
I have always been a good communicator and the key skills needed to be effective and productive today as we create a new normal are around adaptability and staying agile.
Public speaking tips
I don’t really believe in the concept of failure for me it is about being resilient and finding creative ways to adapt and move forward despite obstacles. Covid has definitely made me and my business more resilient.
Organizational culture
It is important to me to stay true to my core beliefs. Loyalty is one of my core values—loyalty to self and to others whom I respect.
Entrepreneur myths, traits and assumptions
People do not remember facts and figures but if you tell them a story that touches them emotionally you get their attention and they want to hear more.
Writing tips
Having a growth mindset is essential to building skills, and writing is a skill so practice is key to never stop learning/experimenting, staying focused on the future and seeing opportunities ahead by creating a culture of learning/growth.
Inspiring leaders
I am the name, face, and voice of the brand. Communication is key to all of our community and employee engagement and ultimately our success.
Social impact
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.
Misconceptions about PR
PR isn’t expensive it’s the most cost efficient way to get your story out, an investment rather than expense.
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Tracking online reviews & reputation
Persistence and determination are what separates the people who do and they could all tell you about people they met along the way who had/did/knew more but gave up.
Social media platforms
LinkedIn adds credibility and transparency when you know the people you are meeting, talking to or working with, especially when you know that you have contacts in common.
Social listening
The social media is now becoming a highly emotive space with regards to consumer behaviors, complaints, purchasing trends, reviews, etc.
Customer feedback
I have learned in my career that if customers summon the courage to give you feedback, it’s because they care and/or are deeply invested in you.
Future of e-commerce
There will always be new shiny objects in marketing to distract you, social media and technology are 24/7 but SEO is here to stay whether it is via Google, voice, or whatever comes next.
Storytelling success
Remaining agile today is at the heart of survival and ultimately success.
Pivoting in the pandemic
My advice is to 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.
SMB ideas
Setting up any type of consulting or coaching business is possible because all you need is a website, logo, name, e-mail, business cards, online stationery for proposals and invoices, cell phone and a good idea to get going.
Good vs. bad PR
“All publicity is NOT good publicity. You can dilute/damage your brand equity quickly so stay on message/on strategy for best results.
Business proposal tips
We try to make our proposals personal to stand out from the larger agency boilerplate info drop logo here approach.
Resilience
After years of decline, they each died about eight months apart (seven people in six years), and I became an executrix, which is like having another job at times.
Marketing predictions
Attention spans are shrinking -- In a mobile first/mobile only world, you have less time to grab people/attention spans are shorter so rich content drives engagement/traction/growth.
Crowdsourcing advice
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.
Repairing your brand image and reputation
When strategizing damage control, remember to engage with your social media followers, publicize an official statement addressing the issue and demonstrate a mature response.
Influencer tips
The risk is that they get caught saying or doing something inconsistent with your core values and your brand’s reputation gets tarnished.
Protecting your brand
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.
Creativity vs innovation
It’s your narrative
Life of a CMO
A career in marketing and communications is about relevancy so every day I try to pay attention to pop culture, trends, etc. You have to keep your antenna up! You have to be driven, focused, intensely curious and always be looking for the next way to make something better, be a good listener to clients, colleagues, feedback, the market to show respect for great ideas, and be a great communicator.
Hiring talent in the hybrid world
In a virtual/hybrid environment, you want people who are independent, self-motivated, and adaptable/flexible.
Influencer Pros & Cons
Marketing predictions
Social commerce explodes -- During the pandemic shopping became more virtual with social media platforms as an increasingly popular shopping outlet.
Challenges during the pandemic
There is so much noise out there with social media, 24/7 news, climate change, etc. that for my clients and me staying focused with all the distractions we are bombarded with on a daily basis can be tough. So my top tip is to learn to give yourself permission to say no.
Morning routines for success
If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person’s point of view and see things from that person’s perspective as well as from your own.
Increasing visibility and awareness
There are so many worthy causes around the global pandemic, medical research, aid for disasters, food insecurity, homelessness, etc. I would probably pick 10 groups I thought were doing great work and donate a million to each.
Scaling a business
Create a culture where innovation can thrive. As a colleague once said, there is no elevator for growth — you have to take the stairs.
PR simplified
PR is a way for adults to make more friends and help people solve their problems. It’s a great way to learn about new people and things that can improve your life.
Leadership profile
I have no idea where my business will go post pandemic, but I am confident I have built a great foundation with interesting clients and colleagues who value communication and want to use marketing best practises to make a difference in the world.
PR and social impact
The focus of PR since the pandemic has highlighted the urgency of translating values into results-driven communications.
Small business solutions
People need to be educated, informed and/or entertained, so I love to figure out how best to tell a story in a way that makes people pay attention and breaks through the noise.
Founder story
Technology helps advance the conversation but it will never replace the human interaction that builds trust over time.
CEO journey
Your story will evolve as you find your market, you need to look professional and have a web site to be taken seriously but embossed paper with watermarks and heavy card stock is not going to accelerate your sales cycle.
Reputation management
Reputations are built on actions and those who deliver or exceed on their promises build strong legacies, but when they disappoint, their reputations get tarnished.
Corporate storytelling success
Our vision is that all companies, regardless of size or budget, should have access to the best marketing talent on an outsourced basis.
Life lessons
The importance of being grateful, giving back and helping others who are less fortunate.
Demand generation
Activities like hosting podcasts/webinars, 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
Low cost business ideas
Setting up any type of consulting or coaching business on the cheap (under $1,000) is possible because all you need is a website, logo, name, email, business cards, online stationery for proposals and invoices, cell phone, and a good idea to get going.
Martech trends
The biggest trend is the Metaverse and the investment in virtual and augmented reality technology, it is here to stay and only getting bigger.
Disruptors
Virtual Reality is and will continue to be a major disruptor in marketing. In a mobile-first/mobile-only world, you have less time to grab people/attention spans are shorter so rich content drives engagement/traction/ growth.
SMB social preferences
CEO skills
There is so much noise out there with the pandemic, global unrest, social media, 24/7 news, climate change, etc. that for my clients and me staying focused with all the distractions we are bombarded with daily can be tough.
SMB Covid challenges
Like most small business owners and entrepreneurs there are never enough hours in the day to fit everything in so when something has to give it is usually time I have allocated for myself to think, exercise, read or just relax.
Essential management skills
I do not think there is one silver bullet to keep your skills sharp and fresh, I recommend using a combination of reading and learning online and off, attending conferences and talks, networking, newsletters from influencers, TED talks, podcasts, finding mentors and listening to all feedback good and bad.
Avoiding burnout
I think that respecting my time on the calendar/taking myself as seriously as I take my most important clients is the least I can do because if I am not at my peak performance I am not going to be useful to anyone else either.
Business books
My latest favorite business book is NYT bestselling author Donald Miller’s Hero on a Mission.
SMB automation tips
The more human/personalized it is, the more it can be effectively adapted to the industry/location/interests.
Does marketing pay off?
Books that change lives
I was raised to be responsible, honest, hard working, and confident all great qualities for an entrepreneur. Both my grandfathers were successful entrepreneurs so I think it is in my DNA.
Demand generation strategies
It’s all about figuring out which breadcrumbs drive the horse–your customer–to water–your product–and then make him drink.
E-commerce tips
When using e-commerce as a business, it’s essential to make sure that you’re taking the necessary precautions to protect your customers’ information.
Social proof tips
Getting multiple perspectives and insights always enriches the discussion and generates more activity online.
Resolution tips
I think as we age, it is important not to become a creature of habit and to keep your antenna up to be exposed to new and fresh ideas, products, ways of thinking, people, and experiences.
Importance of self-care
Having a growth mindset/being able to adapt to change is critical so staying nimble today is core to survival/success.
Increasing visibility
There are so many worthy causes around the global pandemic, medical research, aid for disasters, food insecurity, homelessness, etc. I would probably pick 10 groups I thought were doing great work and donate a million to each.
Scaling your business
To scale effectively I recommend creating a process for success and make it a strategic priority.
CEO journey
In retrospect you may look back at what you thought was a failure and realize it was a blessing in disguise.
Finding your why
To leave the world better than I found it and be remembered by the people whose lives I touched as a force for good in their lives.
Maximizing press coverage
Find creative ways to leverage your thought leadership so that your audience finds you easily.
The entrepreneurial journey
Your online brand needs a robust marketing strategy that could yield profitable results.
Networking tips
For the foreseeable future we will continue to build our networks starting with LinkedIn to add credibility and transparency when you know the people you are meeting or working with know people in common.
Pivoting to success
I want to bring world class marketing talent and expertise to organizations that want to make a difference in the world.
Startup advice
We branded and launched a conference as part of the Sundance Film Festival to “invest in media that matters,”...
Starting a business from scratch
Technology helps advance the conversation but it will never replace the human interaction that builds trust over time.
Startup PR
We now engage with a company in a brick and mortar store, online or mobile app, by text, chat, e-mail, or via social media.
Digital marketing trends
Content, products or designs that are co-created by the brand and influencers from the very beginning will thrive in 2022.
Driving customer attention
If we learned anything during COVID, it’s that SEO is only growing in importance. Social media is nice to have, but SEO is essential.
Recession proof your business
At each meeting I asked a bunch of open-ended questions to get the conversation started and before I knew it my pages were filled with what the new reality was like for them today.
Video marketing tips
The key is to connect with your audience on an emotional level. Sometimes the cheapest ideas have the most impact.
Boosting social media
In my experience, influencers and key people need to be on LinkedIn so that they can be found.
Omnichannel marketing
The difference between omnichannel and multichannel comes down to integration and customer experience.
PR tips to stand out
Connect your story to a viral event and piggyback on its coverage to get attention.
Marketing trends post pandemic
The world is becoming more visual when it comes to consuming content, which has made visual-driven platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok gain popularity
Power of PR
PR is basically an endorsement/third party validation by a trusted source and perception is reality in marketing...
Guerrilla marketing
...I had to be very scrappy and resourceful to find people to sign up and got good at guerrilla marketing,
Influencing consumer behavior
Being invisible online is a terrible strategy so making sure your site is keyword rich/mobile friendly/loads quickly/produces meaningful content today is the price of entry.
SMB myths
I became more comfortable with white space in my day and stopped over scheduling myself.
Customer satisfaction
Every piece of the consumer’s experience should be consistent and complementary. People use multiple devices during a single transaction process.
B2C content marketing
The key with influencer content is to find appropriate influencers which requires a lot of research online and offline.
SEM hacks
When paid listings are shown beside organic, the click-through rate of paid ads increases.
Brand recognition
Let your brand be known for speaking the truth, and you become the trusted advocate and go-to source.
B2B demand generation
The key is to pick platforms that are authentic to you. For professional service businesses like mine, leveraging LinkedIn matters the most.
Networking tips
I am a fan of public speaking to raise my profile, build my pipeline, and increase my credibility.
Innovative companies
Airbnb has continually innovated by capitalizing on the profound shift in consumer behavior from traveling on Airbnb to making Airbnb a lifestyle choice.
Optimizing for SEO
Google is now considering the mobile-first design as a ranking factor for websites to improve performance.
Personal branding tips
Having a brand is what helps you stand out from all the noise and competition. The single most important ingredient to creating a great brand is authenticity.
Disruption defined
To me, disruption is about a radical departure to shake things up and upset the status quo. When successful it is about transforming something into a new and improved state.
Making friends
Sometimes, all it takes is starting a simple conversation in order to get to know someone and begin a friendship.
Leveraging social media
LinkedIn has become more than an online resume or Rolodex, it is the foundation for building trusted relationships in the digital economy.
Data analytics strategy
The key is to not collect and measure everything but to focus on the 3 top drivers only and leverage the technology to gain important insights.
Thinking differently
To think differently you have to talk with new people, ask more questions, shake up your routine...
Hiring consultants
My advice especially for SMBs is to hire consultants for anything that is not a core competency so that you can focus all your resources on what you do best.
Branding books
The name of the game today s how to get your fans engaged online and here is the manual to do it.
Impact of the gig economy
Gig workers have the freedom to choose how they earn when they work, and how much time they spend on their own interests.
Health & wellness tips
Do hard tasks first to get them out of the way, delegate what you can, and only touch each email once for best results. Don’t let others distract you or hijack your schedule.
E-mail marketing tips
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication since mobile phones have remained the most common devices to access e-mails.
Inflation tips
Focus on main selling points/value/experience that's better for your customers.
Innovative entrepreneurs
MacKenzie Scott the author and book lover who inspired and helped Jeff Bezos start Amazon has taken charitable giving to a whole new level.
Content strategy
The key to becoming influential is when you can answer why they do what they do and connect with people on an emotional level.
Guerrilla marketing
I joined Zipcar as the first head of marketing we were raising money and had no budget so I had to be very scrappy and resourceful to find people to sign up and got good at guerrilla marketing.
When to level up your business
Ask your target audience for feedback. Let the data guide you. Test, listen, and learn for the best results.
Employee motivation
To stay sane and be successful "me time" is not a luxury or pampering, it is maintenance!
The importance of PR
PR is about attracting attention, and it is the most cost-effective thing a brand can do to build its awareness/visibility/credibility.
Being disruptive
Basically, you have to open your mind and be exposed to a fresh perspective so you get the synapses firing and connect the dots in new and exciting ways.
Getting an MBA
I know having an MBA helped my resume stand out to get interviews and gave me credibility as an entrepreneur.
Early startup challenges
“A” team people like to be surrounded by other stars. It is true that you should hire slowly and fire quickly.
Small business ideas
You can raise your profile through public speaking, writing articles, building your following on social media or contributing to existing blogs and newsletters.
Outsourcing tips
Outsourcing is usually done to address a skills gap within a business.
Local advertising
Incorrect contact information could hurt your local business. Getting high ratings and testimonial builds trust and engagement.
Marketing tips in a bad economy
Content marketing is the new PR; a great low/no cost way to build your brand, increase your visibility more broadly, raise your profile and attract more clients/customers.
Dealing with difficult clients
Paige Arnof-Fenn fired a client during her first year in business at Mavens & Moguls. She said the client never paid on time and was rude to her team, who did great work.
Cold e-mail outreach
Sending an email during their transit period places your email on top, among the first they see as they open their inbox.
Strengthening morale
I try to set the tone upfront with one rule—when in doubt, overcommunicate.” In a remote workforce, this means regular emails and video and conference calls.
Business proposals
We try to make our proposals personal to stand out from the larger agency boilerplate info drop logo here approach.
Customer experience metrics
NPS is a valuable tool for measuring not just CX, but also customer loyalty, because it transcends single experiences.
Customer acquisition
...ask a few smart open ended questions then sit back and take notice.
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SMB marketing strategies
Trying to say/do too much, when too many cooks are in the kitchen or design by committee the result can be confusing. To avoid this mistake conduct market research early with customers on messaging and user interface for best results.
Self care is healthcare
All work and no play/down time is a recipe for burnout. Staying healthy is critical for happiness and success so self-care is not nice to have it is essential.
Keeping new year’s resolutions
For me committing my resolutions to writing is critical and has helped me hit personal and professional milestones and knock things off my to do list over the years.
The value of PR
When that exposure gets prospects to reach out/decide quicker/hire you/buy your products it more than pays for itself.
Leadership books
As the subhead states, he shows why some teams pull together and others don’t.
Affiliate marketing
People notice and appreciate authentic content that educates, informs and entertains which builds the foundation for a trusted relationship over time.
Goals for new year
With so much of our lives now hybrid/virtual, it can be really hard to build connections.
SMB holiday gift guide
Her clothes are incredibly comfy and make great gifts especially after a long day. It is a gift that shows you care, like a warm hug or cup of tea with no pretense or strings attached.
Reputation management
I can recommend to manage your online reputation today since you have to assume everyone checks you out online before meeting/talking:
Lessons from failure
Life lessons are going to happen, and I’ve learned that it’s better to accept and learn from them than to ignore them or try to wish them away.
New year’s resolutions
I am choosing very different events than before, so my goal is to live more intentionally both at work and at home in 2023.
B2B marketing trends
To make SEO even more relevant in 2023, it must be optimised for multiple mediums. Searching by text, voice and image must all be addressed.
PR predictions
PR is becoming more dependent on data. To tell compelling stories to your target market, important data has to be collected and scrutinized.
Business books for students
They teach one of the most popular courses at the business school there and take an academic approach to make a compelling argument on how and why incorporating humor in your business and as a leader can be very powerful.
Books for students
Humor helps achieve business objectives, build more effective and innovative organizations, cultivate stronger bonds, and capture more lasting memories.
Business books for entrepreneurs
We’ve all been through a lot the past few years; it’s nice to balance the intensity of the pandemic with a light and fun read.
E-mail marketing report
Marketing strategies
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.
Career advice
I was raised to be independent, resilient, tenacious, and confident all great qualities for an entrepreneur. Both my grandfathers were successful entrepreneurs so I think it is in my DNA.
Marketing trends
Having people you trust for judgment and advice who have your best interests in mind is priceless. Entrepreneurship can be consuming if you aren’t careful.
Growth in hard times
I love the challenge of cracking the code to see what works. More challenges create more opportunities!
Startup launch advice
We have had delayed projects when the pandemic first started and things slowed, but activity has really picked up again over the past year which is exciting.
CEO effectiveness
No matter what line of work you are in especially post Covid I think making creativity a priority serves you well and makes life more fun and interesting.
Improving media soundbites
When you share what you know -- your passion, your war stories, the good, bad and ugly -- the content will flow and pour out of you.
Trends
Social listening is becoming more important to derive sentiments. Social media is highly emotive so there is more context on the source of ideas, complaints, purchase behavior, and macro/micro trends.
How to pitch
Pitches are about convincing in every situation that the more secure your pitch elements are, the better your live performance will be.
Mastering PR
Every time a new article hits, you speak at an event, or are quoted in the media there is value in that exposure with instant credibility through third party validation which carries a lot more weight than a paid ad.
Companies to watch
When I was a student I looked at leaders like Meg Whitman & Ursula Burns as my role models. I started my career on Wall Street in the 80s.
Finding clients
You get one chance to make a great first impression so make sure every section of your LinkedIn profile is complete, with no blank spaces or gaps.
Thanking customers
I actually spent less money on the customized gifts but found they made a much bigger impact and left a stronger impression.
Increasing media exposure
To get the most out of your thought leadership, the key is to repurpose content by turning a series of articles, blog postings, or newsletters into a book or e-book.
Auditing your brand
Be active on social media so you can share your talks and content and your followers can help spread the word
Successful pitching
Ask a question that identifies a pain point + introduce what you do + state your unique value proposition.
E-commerce trends
There will always be new shiny objects in marketing to distract you, social media and technology are 24/7 but SEO is here to stay whether it is via Google, voice, or whatever comes next.
SEM hacks
Research shows that if there are two brands that have apparently the same products, people will be more likely to choose the one they are familiar with.
Customer experience metrics
For my business the most important CX metric is how much repeat business and referrals I get from my clients.
Tracking leads
The most important digital tool today is Google Analytics. Businesses can track their performance across channels and understand which sources bring the most traffic to the website.
Entrepreneur communities
We are social in nature so online and offline groups are great for referrals and community.
Lead generation tips
People love to be asked their opinions, and they’ll share feedback and tell you their problems. It’s worked wonders for me.
Brand tracking questions
If you can help customers fix their biggest problems then you will always be a partner, not just a vendor.
Creating business opportunities
A change in venue is always nice, and you feel so much better when you are moving and not trapped behind your desk.
Martech trends
With the increase in AI and automation businesses are looking for ways to automate simple and repetitive processes so that teams have more time to focus on complex tasks.
Omnichannel trends
...It’s important to personalize content to acknowledge an abandoned cart or recent purchase—both in-store and online.
Customer service tips
The goal is not to wear them down or impress them with your smarts. The goal is to connect, communicate clearly, solve the problem, and move on.
Guerrilla marketing
Nothing beats an in-person connection and mobile showrooms vehicles are a great way to get in touch with your audience no matter where they are.
Career advice
I know having an MBA helped my resume stand out to get interviews and gave me credibility as an entrepreneur.
Making friends
...People who smile and say hello first often make friends much more easily than everyone else.
E-commerce during the pandemic
By repeating what makes you unique, special, and different you will drill home those points and own specific real estate in your customers’ brains.
Marketing ROI
PR is the single most cost-efficient tool you can use to increase your profile and build your visibility in my experience.
Exercise tips
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.
Resolutions
I think as we age, it is important not to become a creature of habit and to keep your antenna up to be exposed to new and fresh ideas...
Best sales books
In my experience, you can learn a lot from books which offer practical advice whether you are someone just starting a career in sales as well as anyone managing and leading a sales team.
Finding motivation
The best answer to this question is one that is authentic to you and reveals more about your values and character.
Customer loyalty
Brand awareness is not enough anymore. You have to stand for something...
Settling disagreements
It comes down to priorities, respect, and choosing the type of people you want to spend time with and be close to in life.
Pivoting your business
…For more than two years, everyone has largely stayed put and met virtually through Zoom or other platforms instead
Grief and loss
Even if we stay home, we always try to toast our parents over great wine and just tell stories and remember the many great times we shared with them.
Cold e-mail tips
Sending an email during their transit period places your email on top, among the first they see as they open their inbox.
Creative briefs
It is easy to get distracted by the tools and technologies but the key is to truly understand the people and culture that drives their purchase decisions.
Holiday marketing strategies
Consumers now engage with a company in a brick and mortar store, online or mobile app, by catalog, or via social media.
Omnichannel vs multichannel marketing
By repeating what makes you unique, special, and different you will drill home those points and own specific real estate in your customers’ brains.
Startup lessons
Until you know your business is launched I would say to put your budget into things that help fill your pipeline with customers.
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CEO lessons learned
Providing the team with autonomy and the opportunity to collaborate on tactics generates creative solutions so hire well and get out of the way.
Navigating uncertainty
Successful businesses today are also adaptable/agile, are strong communicators and have a growth mindset.
Staying focused
The key is to find ways to stay fresh and excited without being able to get away from your job.
Industry leader interview
Mavens & Moguls is a virtual marketing department for organizations that want access to great talent on an as needed outsourced basis.
Leaders perspective
My favorite quote is “people do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Founder’s story
Like most entrepreneurs, I am working harder and longer than ever and I have never been happier.
Marketing strategies
I think you always have to have your antenna up in marketing, watching new tools and technologies, gauging new entrants in the market and seeing where there is traction.
CEO advice
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.
Expert interview
If we learned anything pre and post Covid it is that your online presence is only growing in importance so online marketing is key and doesn’t have to break your budget.
Fostering creativity
I think as we age, it is important not to become a creature of habit and to keep your antenna up to be exposed to new and fresh ideas, products, ways of thinking, people, and experiences.
Virtual consulting
The key to growing your online business is to make yourself accessible and easy to find. Include your contact information on all your social media profiles and content marketing materials, as well as your email signature.
Book publishing
Publishing a book to showcase your expertise opens doors, sets you apart from your competition and makes you a go to source for media.
Positive mindset
My mantra since childhood has always been "I think I can!" from my favorite book, The Little Engine That Could.
Content strategy tips
According to research, consumers need to be exposed to things many times before taking note, so repurposing content is a great way to achieve this goal
Startup hubs
Boston is a great place to start a business, We are an academic, health care, and technology center of excellence, so the local economy is strong.
Finding clients
With LinkedIn, you don't have to wait for a networking event to make meaningful business connections.
PR for creators
Turn articles into infographics and video your talks to share over social media.
Simplifying SMB operations
I used a one-stop shop to make it easy for me to focus on running and growing my business. I have dozens of contractors in various states, and their service is seamless.
Creative PR tips
By connecting your story to a viral event and piggybacking on its coverage, you can get attention and stand out.
Delegation tips
As you delegate and coach team members through work, avoid spending too much time explaining how things should be done.
Business networks
Events are great for networking when not social distancing. You can meet prospective clients/customers, employers, employees, thought leaders, etc.
Movies that motivate
It is hard to beat the original Rocky movie from 1976 for motivation. It transcends boxing and inspires you to keep working hard and pushing through the daily struggles of life, career, love, and relationships.
Choosing your title
People tend to respect the position even before they know the person.
Real estate branding
Be honest.Let your brand be known for speaking the truth, and you become the trusted advocate and go-to source.
CEO interview
To stay relevant and keep growing I try to prioritize professional development to keep skills fresh and stay on top of new trends and technologies.
Branding & entrepreneurship
A brand is a promise in the hearts & minds of your customer of a consistent experience.
Inspiring CEOs
Not getting what you want can lead you to magical outcomes, and you learn a lot more from failure than success in life.
Startup lessons
The bar to attend in person events is higher now post pandemic so we have to be more prepared to get as much value as possible by being together.
Building a great network
For many professional service businesses like mine, LinkedIn matters most.
Sales insights
To be successful selling, you need to understand both your company and your prospect’s company.
Building a business
Successful businesses post-pandemic must be adaptable/agile, strong communicatorsand have a growth mindset.
Lead generation tips
Go on a Listening Tour, politicians do it all the time and it is great for business too.
Entrepreneur reading list
The name of the game to grow today is how to get your fans engaged online and here is the manual to do it.
Thought leadership strategies
When your articles/talks become available online send them out via social media to friends/followers/contacts.
SMB growth tips
The world is more visual when it comes to consuming content now, which makes visual-driven platforms like YouTube/Instagram/TikTok gain popularity.
Business books
We each control our own narrative so if you can change your story, you can change your life and your company too.
Networking for entrepreneurs
LinkedIn has become more than an online resume or rolodex, it is the foundation for building trusted relationships in the digital economy
Social media trends
Expect to see internal experts, micro-influencers, niche experts, and customers in the influencer marketing mix.
Hiring tips
Many technical skills can be learned with training. Cultural fit and attitude matter more now.
Enabling business growth
How we deliver on our vision has changed, but I think we are more relevant today than when we started 2+ decades ago; great stories never go out of style.
Industry leaders
I have always loved fixing things and helping out where I can. I love the challenge of cracking the code to see what works.
Building media relationships
Successful businesses understand their product or service is about more than the transaction, they are in the relationship business.
Marketing trends
During the pandemic, shopping became more virtual, with social media platforms emerging as an increasingly popular shopping outlet...
Marketing in the age of AI
Growth hacking expert insights
The founder of Mavens & Moguls is a true PR and marketing maven with over two decades of experience.
Mobile optimization
Stay ahead of the curve and optimize your marketing strategies across multiple mediums!
Personal branding for leaders
Personal branding is very important because if you do not brand yourself then others will brand you instead.
Growth hacking strategies
Content Marketing is the new PR and a great way to build your brand, increase your visibility, raise your profile and attract more clients/customers.
Best business books
My latest favorite business book is by WSJ bestselling author Kindra Hall, "Choose Your Story, Change Your Life."
B2B jobs report
Effective networking strategies
Resilience is so important, having the mental toughness and the ability to bounce back from adversity or the inevitable setbacks. Covid has definitely made me/my business more resilient.
Lessons from bosses
The best bosses motivate through their words and actions so the team puts the organization’s needs ahead of their own.
Impactful communications
Compassion: It’s hard to deliver tough news in times of uncertainty, but it’s even harder to be on the receiving end.
Positive routines
In my experience happy employees become champions and advocates for the business and the brand.
Leadership lessons from childhood
Being extroverted, decisive, high energy and articulate made me a natural choice as a leader from a young age.
Changing marketing landscape
Every great business is built on a great story so start telling yours to potential customers and see if they buy what you’re selling.
Work life integration
I love the feeling of a job well done, working hard towards a goal that is achieved or exceeded through hard work and collaboration.
Marketing plan tips
That’s the type of hyper-personalized marketing that I aspire to in 2024. The reason Netflix’s and Amazon’s personalization works is because it solves the problem of information overload.
Data insights
If you believe Content Marketing is the new PR content success isn’t just about getting people to your site; it’s also about keeping them there.
Social listening
Social media is highly emotive so there is more context on the source of ideas, complaints, purchase behavior, and macro/micro trends.
Finding clients
Monitor your online data to shut down trolls and misinformation, there are several online tools to alert you of potential problems (some are free others are for a fee).
Women business owners
Under Paige’s stewardship, Mavens & Moguls has become a beacon for companies looking to integrate inclusivity into their core business practices.
SMB concerns
SSMBs want stability and given the UNCERTAINTY in the economy and stock market, the threat of recession, climate change, political unrest here and abroad...
Improving visibility
Content marketing far outweighs paid ads, the benefit of creating content is that the value of being a thought leader is much higher/more credible than a paid ad because it is perceived as more objective/credible.
Lead nurturing
I’ve found that building relationships is what drives my business, and technology supports those relationships once they’re solidified.
Best business books
We each control our own narrative so if you can change your story, you can change your life and your company too.
Content marketing essentials
Tailored content with messages and specific calls to action and product recommendations can be served to hyper-specific personality types based on specific context, giving marketing the power to affect behavior.
B2B outreach strategies
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...
Creative content strategies
People are finding new ways to simplify their lives more than ever. Eliminating all the unnecessary elements helps drive traffic.
Fractional hiring
In the ever-changing business landscape, it’s becoming increasingly clear that hiring a fractional marketer can be a game-changer.
Reaching prospects
Another tip is that the worst time to make a cold call to prospects in any region is 8-10 am when everyone is rushing to work and preparing for the day, but the worst time to call is the best time to e-mail.
Making friends
In these days of technology overload and isolation when it can be very lonely at the top it is great have friends to enjoy the journey.. It is good for your health mentally and physically
Sales strategies
Budget trends
Discover insights from experts like Paige Arnof-Fenn on the evolving landscape of marketing spend.
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Product placement trends
Influencer marketing is on the rise and the future of product placement is to utilize a mix of influencer type.
SMB resolutions
Make ChatGPT/AI a communication asset by asking it to create content about subjects to save time and jump-start the process of developing marketing material.
Media monitoring tips
Most of my work comes by referral and word of mouth. I think having a good online reputation is incredibly important to building a strong professional service business like mine.
Startup PR tips
PR today is so much more accessible, hiring an agency can help but is not required to get coverage.
Identifying and Leveraging Industry Influencers
Finding appropriate influencers requires a lot of research online/offline. Find someone with a track record of success/stellar reputation/large social media following who can authentically live your brand values and is not overexposed.
Tech infused PR
I think AI and ChatGPT are already having major impact/making waves for startup outreach.
Growth hacks
To balance quality and quantity and get more bang from your budget, opportunities to repurpose/refresh/reuse content are everywhere.
Image management for Harry & Meghan
Especially now with King Charles being diagnosed with cancer, I think there is more opportunity for Harry and Meghan to reconnect with people in the UK and shine.
Customer feedback tips
Make 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.
Career advice from CEOs
Most people take many detours on their career path before finding their true calling.
Media monitoring and social listening
If you don't brand your product/service then the market will position you instead.
Social listening tips
Many prospects today are socially sharing so much information about their needs/wants/pain points on their public profiles...
Landlines
I’m not a heart surgeon — no one’s going to die if I don’t return the call for an hour or a day
Content creation trends
The most important free tool is Google Analytics to monitor performance across channels/understand which sources including specific keywords bring the most traffic to the website.
Sports and leadership
The skills and attributes I rely on are persistence, determination, and the ability to focus, which are all really important for both athletes and leaders to succeed.
Thanks Mom
My mom taught me early on to not stop just because someone says no. That is such an important part of being an entrepreneur and has benefitted me and. my business very well.
Thought leadership
In the digital marketing world things are moving faster than ever with data analytics, AI, ChatGPT, machine learning, hyper-personalization and harnessing all forms of data being used across all channels and customer journey stages.
The entrepreneurial journey
If we learned anything during Covid it is that your online presence is only growing in importance. You do not exist today if you cannot be found online.
Resilience
Resilience is about mental toughness and the ability to bounce back from adversity or setbacks.
Business networks
I have been so fortunate to have great professional and alumni networks throughout my career. I got my MBA >30 years ago and I would tell anyone considering it to go to the best program they can get into.
Women in leadership
I would love to inspire a movement of kindness/generosity and find ways to incorporate the lessons of gratitude
Empowering entrepreneurship
Disconnecting from technology periodically and focus on cultivating human, face to face relationships.
Dynamic leadership
Redefining entrepreneurship
I love helping bring great stories to life and working with and for people I respect.
Essential skills for entrepreneurs
The key skills needed to be effective today are about being adaptable/agile, having strong communication skills and a growth mindset.
From athlete to entrepreneur
Many business leaders were student-athletes before running a company like me. I think what makes us great employees is the fact we are high-energy, disciplined, team players, have a strong work ethic, and are good at time management.
Marketing in the age of AI and ChatGPT
Robots took away factory jobs years ago and now this. Many people have asked me lately about whether I am worried that AI is going to replace marketers too.
Leading with purpose
PR and social listening
First, media monitoring ensures you know every conversation that’s occurring about your brand. It helps you control the narrative, especially as you grow the business.
Service business guide
Without a brand, you're a commodity that competes on price. Contact
Mavens & Moguls and pick your platform; authenticity matters most.
Social impact strategies
Purpose gives buyers the reason why they should buy you versus the competition.
Digital marketing
The power of an MBA
Pursuing an MBA shows ambition and allows you to explore more opportunities through internships and school projects.
Featured leader
Take breaks with exercise — I do something active every day to stay healthy and break up my day.
SMB issues
To improve productivity in my experience, when you focus and do less you can get more done.
Content consumption
With the rise of a generation that would much rather watch/look at something vs sit/read, there’s going to be a growing trend of more visual content including pictures/videos (long and short form)/memes/diagrams/infographics.
Attracting new 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.