Paige Arnof-Fenn, The founder of Mavens & Moguls, is a popular columnist whose articles are syndicated around the world
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CEO interview
I believe personal branding is very important because if you do not brand yourself then others will brand you instead
Creating luck
I have all the war wounds and scars from years of stumbling, falling, getting up, and trying again until I make it work.
Content SEO Mistakes
Search engines are constantly evolving, updating their algorithms and keywords, so SEO needs to be an ongoing commitment for content to stay on top.
Top Marketing Trends and Technologies
With the rise of a generation that would much rather watch/look at something vs. sit and read, there is going to be a growing trend of more visual content
Leadership lessons
The goal is to connect, communicate clearly, solve the problem and move on.
Link building mistakes
Not all content is created equal, link-worthy content is valuable, informative, unique and engaging...
The power of aunts
As a kid, to know you have an adult who adores you and is proud of you makes a huge impression and builds confidence and maturity.
Summer reading
Remarkable Thinking" by Guy Kawasaki, he has worked with some of the world’s most remarkable thinkers including Steve Jobs
Impoving conversion rates
Your home page is the most important to hook in prospective customers. You must include enough of your value proposition to start the conversation.
2022 – 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.