Tag Archive for: business practices

Woman holding calendar in front of meeting

Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Check In on Your Marketing Plan

/in

Intro:
 We get it– summer is busy. Between vacations, events, and a little sunshine, it’s tempting to put your marketing plan on autopilot. But with the year already halfway over, summer is actually a golden opportunity to pause, reflect, and reset your strategy. A mid-year marketing check-in can help you finish strong, stay aligned with business goals, and avoid the last-minute scramble come Q4.

1. Revisit Your Goals

What did you say you wanted to accomplish back in January? Now’s the time to pull out those original goals and ask the big questions:

  • Are we on track?
  • Are our KPIs still realistic?
  • Do our current tactics support our updated business priorities?

It’s perfectly normal for goals to shift mid-year—as long as your plan shifts with them.

2. Look at the Data

Your analytics aren’t just numbers—they’re a map showing you what’s working and what’s not. Dive into performance across your key channels (social, email, website, paid ads) and see what the data reveals.
 Ask yourself:

  • What campaigns or content overperformed or underperformed?
  • Are there platforms that are worth doubling down on—or letting go?
  • Have any audience trends changed?

3. Take Advantage of the Summer Slowdown (or Standout Season)

Depending on your industry, summer can either mean a drop in attention or a chance to stand out while competitors go quiet. Either way, it’s a great time to experiment:

  • Test new creative
  • Try new content formats
  • Refresh your brand voice or visuals

Sometimes the best ideas come when there’s room to try something new.

4. Plan Ahead for Q3 and Q4

Fall and holiday campaigns sneak up quickly. Use the summer window to:

  • Brainstorm and build content in advance
  • Create a promotions calendar
  • Start laying the groundwork for larger end-of-year initiatives

A little planning now can prevent a lot of stress later—and ensures you’re operating strategically instead of reactively.

5. Realign as a Team

Whether you’re part of a large team or managing everything yourself, a summer check-in is a chance to refocus.
 Set aside time for a quick meeting or audit. Revisit your workflows. Discuss what’s working and what feels stuck. Often, fresh momentum starts with honest conversation.

Conclusion:
 Marketing plans aren’t meant to be static. They should evolve with your business goals, performance data, and audience behavior. Summer offers the perfect moment to step back, reassess, and move forward with clarity. A short check-in now can lead to a stronger finish later.

4 Marketing Trends You Can’t Ignore This Summer

/in

Summer’s rolling in hot, and so are the opportunities to heat up your marketing game. With sunny vibes, longer days, and audiences spending more time on their phones (whether poolside or airport-bound), now is the perfect time to catch some engagement. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you. Here are five summer marketing trends you definitely want on your radar:

  1. Lights, Camera, Scroll: Video-First Social Strategy

Short-form video is still ruling the digital world, and summer is prime time to make your brand shine. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at your biz, a snappy how-to, or a splashy seasonal campaign, video is where the magic happens on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

Make it work: Keep things authentic and relaxed. Think natural light, candid shots, and simple storytelling that captures a moment.

Check out a TMP example: In this short video, we showcased a ‘Culture Display’ we were putting together for our partner National Fire & Safety. It’s short, sweet, and paired with an easy, trending track.

  1. Hyperlocal & Geo-Targeted Ads That Hit Home

From neighborhood block parties to road trip pit stops, people are out and about. That means your ads should be too. Hyperlocal and geo-targeted ads help you meet people right where they are—literally.

Make it work: Use radius targeting to promote time-sensitive offers or event tie-ins. Think local language, landmarks, or weather-specific hooks.

Quick example: A mobile ad for a local smoothie shop appears while someone’s scrolling at the beach, saying, “Hot out? We’re just 5 minutes away with $2 off mango coolers.”

Check out a Welch’s Soda example: We promoted a reel we did for Welch’s Soda being available at select Circle K stores to targeted zip codes that have the soda in stock at those locations. This allowed us to drive awareness in those specific areas.

  1. Social Commerce & In-App Shopping

People aren’t just scrolling for inspo—they’re shopping while they scroll. With Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest making in-app shopping seamless, it’s time to make sure your products are where your audience is.

Make it work: Tag products in your posts, use carousel formats to showcase summer collections, and test shoppable video features to reduce friction. Do a “Summer Essentials” post showing someone packing for a weekend trip, with every item linked for instant purchase.

Missing Thorn example: We’re currently building out a Shopify store that will be integrated with Meta to offer an in-app shopping catalog on both Facebook and Instagram. Once the catalog is live, we plan to promote it by linking directly through Instagram and Facebook posts.

  1. Sustainability & Purpose That Shines Through

Today’s consumers want to know: What does your brand stand for? Summer brings out a heightened awareness of environmental impact—from eco-friendly packaging to supporting local initiatives.

Make it work: Spotlight your sustainability wins or community initiatives. Add a simple badge or tagline like “Locally Sourced” or “Plastic-Free Summer.”

Quick example: A series of Instagram stories highlighting how your brand is reducing waste at a summer event—complete with user-submitted photos of reusable cups.

Check out a Primo Water example: Our Partner Primo Water lets its followers know they care about the environment with this sustainability post showcasing their 5 gallon packaging (saving from single use bottle purchase).

Summer isn’t just a season—it’s a state of mind. Lean into these four trends to keep your brand fresh, fun, and front-of-mind all season long.

Ready to elevate your summer marketing strategy? Connect with The Marketing Posse to discover how we can help your campaign stand out this season.

Women Owned Businesses | Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

/in , , , , ,

October is National Women’s Small Business Month and according to WBENC1 there are 12.3 million women owned businesses in the US. Last year, 1,821 women owned businesses were launched every day with women of color launching 64% of those new businesses. So, in thinking about what to write in celebration of this month, I wanted this post to be helpful and encouraging for anyone who reads it whether you are a woman who owns a business, work for a woman owned business or support women owned businesses.

Women owned businesses face many of the same challenges other businesses face like access to capital or unfavorable business environments, but they also face challenges that are more unique to women like gender equality in male dominated industries. In fact, there is a great summary of the “8 Major Challenges Women Face in Business” in an article posted by Forbes in this very month last year. In general, as I searched for information, I found it much easier to find the problems than the solutions. So, to celebrate women owned businesses this month, I’d like to share positive experiences and encouragement. Here is a crack at turning the 2018 Forbes Top 8 Challenges into a 2019 Opportunities List!

        1. Instead of “Limited Funding”, how about “Funding Is Out There” – Funding can be tricky because we worry about risk and it depends on how capital intensive your business is. First, if you are a startup don’t worry about the end game, just worry about getting started. Make progress. Show some wins. It will build confidence for you and for others. Don’t be afraid to be a little uncomfortable (see #3 below). Second, don’t just take risks, take smart risks you feel good about. Some awesome women owned businesses started in a woman’s home or mother’s garage like Bourbon and Bowties or GoldieBlox. If you are looking for investors there are great incubators, angel investors, and institutions that can help. Look for organizations that have strong women leaders like Tampa Bay Wave, Embarc Collective and Pilot Bank. There are amazing women leaders in these companies and, as a general rule, women want to support other women.
        2. Instead of “Balancing Responsibilities”, how about “Embracing Imbalance” – Work and Life Balance is like Bigfoot in that it is talked about a lot but can’t really be found, though some say they have seen a glimpse. Striving for balance is just frustrating. It’s not really about balance. It’s about the give and take…and feeling comfortable with the tradeoffs we make. A good way to embrace the imbalance is to be a master scheduler. Prioritize the most important things in your personal and business life and do the best you can. Oh, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or support when you need it. And if some stuff doesn’t get done, it might just be okay. Approach juggling work and family the way you would a business problem. Have a schedule and know what and to whom you can delegate. Use your leadership skills at home AND at work.
        3. Instead of “Fear of Failure”, how about “Plan for Failure” – There may be a dozen reasons why we fear failure whether it is financial or emotional. Fear can be paralyzing. The best way to eliminate Fear of Failure is to plan for it. If you play out the scenarios and have a plan for all the “what-if’s”, then they don’t seem nearly as scary. In the world of insights, we do a lot of “test and learn” projects. Turn your failures into test and learn scenarios. When it doesn’t work, adjust and try again. Take smart risks. Be uncomfortable, but plan for the “what-if’s”.
        4. Instead of “Inadequate Support System”, how about “Personal Board of Directors” – Whether you are an entrepreneur, small business owner or corporate executive, everyone needs a support system. Women are great at this. We are collaborative and great at supporting each other and our families. You may already have a board, but even if you do, a personal board is all the rage. It doesn’t have to be formal or all at once. Take your time and recruit the people that you need as you need them. Look for people across functions like finance, operations, marketing, legal, technology, etc., depending on your business. Be clear about what advice you might need and make it easy for them to help you. Then find special ways to thank them for their support.
        5. Instead of “Gender Inequality”, how about “Act Like You Belong” – If you look at the definition of gender equality, it is basically that equality is achieved when both men and women have access to the same resources and opportunities. So, is anyone telling us as women that we don’t have the same access and opportunities as men? Probably not directly, however, as women we put some of this on ourselves. I heard a story that some of you may be familiar with and that stuck with me. A man and a woman are both up for a promotion and when reviewing the job description, the man looks at the list of 10 things and says something like “I have 8 out of 10 which is great” and the women in the same situation hesitate to go for it saying “but I am missing 2 out of 10 things”. Be confident that you have 8 out of 10 things; sit at the head of the table; insist on driving; make decisions; lead by example. You got this.
        6. Instead of “Limited Knowledge”, how about “Surround Yourself with Knowledgeable People” – There are two ways to tackle a challenge like this. One is to educate yourself, and often that comes with experience. The second is to surround yourself with people who do have that experience. The second option is usually the better path. You will, by default, be educated along the way, but leaning on others who have been there can help get you there faster. You can also include these people in your “personal board of directors” from #4 above. And guess what? You WILL make some mistakes, so just own them, learn from them and move forward. The people with all that “knowledge” have already made their mistakes, so try to leverage them but don’t be afraid to make your own but plan for risk accordingly.
        7. Instead of “Unfavorable Business Environment” how about “Rich Network and Growth System” – The Forbes article defines “Unfavorable Business Environment” as “less-established business networks, and social and traditional constraints”, which can be even more challenging in countries outside of the US. Turning this into a “positive to-do list” starts with developing a Rich Business Network. Where to start? If you are already in business, be sure to stay connected to people in your network. Build it into your calendar to ensure you make time for it. Touch base with current and past clients, vendors and/or customers. Build your network by asking great people in your network to introduce you to other great people in their network. Have coffee, be helpful, and be open to new and unexpected relationships. If you don’t have a network at all, now is as good a time as any to get going. Start with family and friends who have great business contacts and are willing to make introductions. And join the Chamber for the city you want to do business in, they are a great way to get connected to the business community. The second part of the definition is about social and traditional constraint which is more challenging in some countries versus others. In the US, this may be more driven by male dominated industries, so I would refer to #5 above and “Act Like You Belong”!
        8. Instead of “Timidity” how about “Bold and Courageous” – Marguerita Cheng, author of the Forbes article, said it well: “Humility is not shyness or timidity. Women need to stand by their success and let people around them recognize it.” Celebrate the good and the bad. Think to yourself, what is the worst that can happen if I make this bold move or if I have the courage to ask for support from someone important? Find a few women who may be in similar business situations and create opportunities to share with and support each other. Join women’s networks and get certified as a women owned business (check out WBENC certification here). We are your comrades and will welcome you with open arms.

       

      I hope this perspective helps other Women Small Business Owners and even if all 8 points don’t apply to you, you might find a few nuggets that are useful. So, leverage your strengths as a woman, communicate and collaborate often, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. At The Marketing Posse, we worked with the SBDC to help guide us through the certification process and have been certified as a woman owned business since 2016. We are proud members of both WBENC and the Florida Office of Supplier Diversity.

      DANIELLE VONA
      DANIELLE.VONA@THEMARKETINGPOSSE.COM

      Sources:

      1 WBENC Blog, Behind the Numbers, The State of Women Owned Business in 2018, posted Oct. 2018

       

       

It’s 2020 Planning Time

/in , , , , ,

We are only 3 ½ months away from the start of 2020.  If your planning cycle follows the calendar year, that means that you have 97 days until you will start implementing your plan.  Whether or not that seems like plenty of time or that creates a state of panic for you depends entirely on your business.  A good rule of thumb is to plan 12 months out.  That means you are planning your fall and holiday plans for 2020 right now.

If you start your conversation early, you might experience some people on the team asking why that is necessary.  That might seem surprising to some but there is definitely a point of view that getting too far out is not a good thing.  Three of the most common reasons for pushback on starting the planning process that I’ve experienced are (1) the business environment could change, (2) we should wait for new leadership to share their agenda, and (3) we need to stay nimble to react to our competition.  Sure, those are all valid scenarios but exactly the reason why it is important to have a plan.  One of the most critical components to the planning process is assessing the business environment and the competition.  What better time to get alignment around the factors impacting the business and where the competition stands?  And, if new leadership comes in, do you want to be prepared with talking points about the plan or wait around to see what they tell you to do?

To stay out ahead of things, below are a few factors to consider about timing to get started.  These are areas where I have seen teams get tripped up because they have not built in enough time.

 

Alignment

Is this the first time your organization has been through the planning process or is there a plan in place that everyone is aligned to?  If it is the latter, then maybe you can move more quickly through the process.  If it is the former, ensure that there is ample time for discussion.  How many layers are in your organization?  Is your company one where leadership is in the room for the discussions or where polished solutions are presented to leadership for reaction?  Each step in the process may require multiple discussions to gain alignment.  You may have to go back to the drawing board altogether in fact.  Where possible, I recommend involving the highest levels of leadership in the planning process. Set a timeline with clear milestone deliverables and approvals.  A lot of unnecessary work will occur later if decisions are not fully aligned across all levels of the organization. Try something like:

    1. Do discovery/landscape assessment to align on the SITUATION
    2. Set clear OBJECTIVES with leadership
    3. Agree on a TIMELINE and key MILESTONES

 

Ideation Time

Don’t sell your plans short by not dedicating the appropriate amount of ideation time.  This is the part where teams can come together to brainstorm.  This is usually one of the parts of the process that is the most fun and where you can really get some good cross-collaboration to happen.  When teams across the organization are involved, not only do better ideas come forward but you bring awareness and hopefully support to the process as well.  I have found that factoring in multiple rounds of ideation works well.  Perhaps you ideate with different people on different areas of the plan.  Or maybe you work in a larger group to get ideas out but then work with a smaller team to refine.  Try it a few different ways and see what works best.  For example:

    1. Identify GROWTH Platforms (aligned with your objectives)
    2. Host a BRAINSTORM to develop ideas (go for quantity)
    3. Develop a PLAN for the top ideas (barriers, opportunities, resource requirements, etc.)
    4. Consider CONTINGENCY plans so you have options if you need to make adjustments

 

Validation Time

Think about how best to get customer feedback on your plan and ideas. What level of rigor is needed in your organization for testing? Do tests require a formal read-out and how long does it take to compile the testing data?  If the test is not successful, consider whether or not you will need to retest.  How comfortable will the organization be locking in on a plan when there are untested concepts?  Sometimes getting some preliminary feedback done for a quick gauge on a concept or an idea could be helpful.  Even something simple like Survey Monkey or Google Survey could be helpful.  An important input into the planning process is the results of past testing.  Being familiar with what has worked or not worked in the past can be helpful in developing future strategies.

    1. Set benchmarks for success
    2. Select test parameters (audience, questions, method of execution)
    3. Analyze and report out results
    4. Make adjustments to plan based on learning

 

Bring It All Together

Is now the time to get started on your plan?  A great place to start is building out a timeline of key dates and backing into a process that will work.  This approach will also rally your team around the process and gain the support and focus that successful planning requires.  Develop a calendar of activity based on the needs of your business and the ideas you have generated. Monitor success and prepare your contingency options so you can adjust based on performance. If you are looking for some thoughts on getting started on your plan, check out our prior blog post on the 5-Legged Journey to Marketing Magic.

Danielle Vona
danielle.vona@themarketingposse.com

3 Tips to Get Your Marketing Plan to Stick

/in , , , , , , , , ,

Just the other day, I read a stat that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February.  80%!!  What a staggering statistic when you think about all the good intentions and efforts that go into starting the year off right. A marketing plan can be like a New Year’s resolution. It will fall to the wayside if you aren’t investing the time to make it a working plan. It is so easy to lose sight of the important things and get caught up in the “needs of the moment”.  The task of building the plan is a tremendous undertaking and one that requires active steps and a concerted effort to bring to life.  Now is the time to be intentional and make it stick.  Besides, there is too much good work and thinking in that plan to let it go to waste.

Here are my top 3 tips for getting your marketing plan off and running.  I like to call it plan the work – work the plan (P.S., I didn’t invent that, I just love it).  This is the time of year to get to work on working the plan.

TIP #1 – LET TECHNOLOGY BE YOUR SECRET WEAPON

How are you tracking the work?  Have you created a detailed account of deliverables, key dates and project owners?  Consider what technology solutions are available to you or that you can go acquire to help you track plan milestones. These tools are your friends.  You can assign tasks and notify task owners.  Here at the Posse, we use Asana to manage our projects and set tasks.  We can set alerts in the system so that task owners know when a due date is approaching.  We also can have “conversations” about the work in the program so that anyone who is involved with the project can stay up to date.  The beauty of a system like Asana or Basecamp or any other project management tool is that it forces you to think through the execution of an initiative. It takes some discipline, but once you have identified the tasks and entered them in the system, the execution is much easier and more efficient.  Most importantly, when you look at your tasks for the day, you know they are tied to a bigger plan and you are focused on achieving your objectives instead of just “today’s fire drills”. By the way, the fire drills will still be there, but now you can balance and prioritize what needs to get done with what should get done.

TIP#2 – SCHEDULE AND HOST “CHECK-IN” MEETINGS

No technology solution can completely replace face-to-face conversations.  That is why even if you have a sophisticated project management tool in place, it is still important to check in with the team and revisit the plan periodically to ensure that it is on track and top of mind.  I’ve been in organizations where these meetings can be tedious, long, and people dread participating in them.  There are numerous articles and books, to tap into to have a more productive meeting, but I recommend something different.  If the objective is to hold yourself and the team accountable and make the plan a priority, then keep it short and simple and don’t be afraid to make it fun. Make it a pizza meeting and focus on results and challenges only. Celebrate successes with the team. Bring leadership along and if you are leadership, check-in with your teams or find ways to show your team that you are prioritizing the work plan too.

TIP #3 – PLACE SOME SMALL BETS AND BE FLEXIBLE

Now that you have the marketing plan broken down into manageable tasks (that was in tip #1), place some small bets, but stay flexible along the way. The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of a plan is “a method for achieving an end.”  Sometimes you may get into the work and find out that there is another method that should be considered or maybe the end goal is still correct, but the way you are going about it isn’t working. Rather than making a commitment to the plan, commit to the end goal.  Flex your methods and place some small bets to see what you can test and learn.  Let’s imagine you have a holiday program that starts in Q4.  You aren’t going to begin implementing the plan until much later in the year, but there may be things that you could do now to test the plan.  Are there some “plan b” options that you should be considering?  It is better to find out early that plan adjustments are needed rather than trying to rewrite your program strategy in November.  Be ready to adjust based on the business needs and performance. Something will go wrong or at least, not as planned. So, be flexible and don’t be married to the plan, just to the goal.

Let’s wrap this up, shall we? It’s February and the year is officially in full swing. It can be hard to stay on task when the day-to-day stuff can sometimes take over. So, make time to work the plan you have developed. First, leverage technology to get organized and be efficient. Second, hold yourself and your team accountable (but make it fun!). And lastly, place bets, but be flexible if you run into challenges or are not getting the results you need. You got this!

Cheers!

Danielle Vona
danielle.vona@themarketingposse.com

And P.S. – if you don’t have a plan at all, give us a call…it’s not too late., we are happy to help you get off to a great start for a successful 2019. At The Marketing Posse, we love a good plan. But, we love a good plan that is well executed even more.

The Art of Networking (Part 2)

/in , , , , ,

In The Art of Networking – Part 1, we talked about how important networking is and gave you a few tips and best practices. Now in Part 2, we want to talk about how to network. Imagine you are at an event, you are by yourself, not that comfortable chatting people up; what to do…help, please??!!  Some people are really good at this. It’s second nature to them while others have to work a little harder. Whether it is in your DNA or not, these four steps can exponentially help you to be more effective at networking.

1. FIRST STEP IS TO SET GOALS FOR YOURSELF – Why am I networking and how do I measure success?

You might be networking because you love people and want to build a reputation for yourself as a connector. Or you might be networking because you are trying to generate leads for your business. Or you might be networking because you are trying to gain support for a cause you are passionate about. Take a few minutes before the event or networking opportunity to really think about this and set some goals for yourself. Don’t pick too many things or try to do too much. Keep it focused and manageable. You may want to simply meet 3 people you can add to your newsletter distribution. Here is an even better example. Let’s assume I am going to a women’s leadership conference. I might set myself a goal to meet 5 people that are business owners or decision makers in their company. This is nice and specific, but it’s also attainable and doesn’t stress me out. For an event like this, I might even be able to get a list of attendees in advance and target specific people I want to meet.

2. BE A CONVERSATION STARTER– How do I find the right people and what do I say?

The key to getting the conversation going is to engage and ask questions. You may be one of those people who can’t wait to get to the event and start meeting people, but lots of people are not really comfortable with it. You can take away some of that anxiety by having a plan. Let’s imagine I am at that same conference, and I just walked into the General Session. I don’t know anyone. I feel a little disoriented, but I have arrived a little early so I have plenty of time to get acclimated and get the lay of the land.  First, I am going to claim a seat. There is no assigned seating, so I am going to select a table towards the middle closer to the front, but not “in front”. People that are “less comfortable” are likely to sit in the back or people that may want to leave or be in and out sit in the back. Picking a seat closer to the front is likely to have people that are more engaged in the event.  Second, I am going to introduce myself to the people at the table right away…it always seems a little awkward if you wait, but if you do it right away, it breaks the ice and sets the tone.

Now you are sitting next to someone…what do you say and how do you engage in conversation? Don’t be a conversation stopper. Have you met people like this? They give one word answers “yes, no, sometimes”…full stop. Your goal is to invite conversation, so the key is to ask questions and be curious. Keep it about them and get them to do the talking. You can start with something simple, but keep it interesting. Don’t ask them what they do…boring. Get to know them as people first. Ask questions that might be relevant and give you an opportunity to connect. Write out a few things in advance that might be good, relevant conversation starters. For example, I might mention that I’m taking my daughter to college for the first time.  Ask questions about them that helps you find some common ground to relate to (i.e. do you have kids? Favorite things to do on the weekend? etc.). Once you get them talking you can get back around to business. To keep them engaged in the business conversation, a few favorite phrases that work well for me have been things like: that’s interesting, how exactly does that work? Or how did you get started in your role/industry? Or I am not that familiar, what are some of the biggest issues you face?  Get them to tell you more about what they do or their processes with genuine curiosity.

Don’t ask questions in a way that makes people feel like they are taking a quiz. Ask questions that invite conversation and shows your interest. Instead of “Who is your target market?” you might say, “Is there a target market that works best for you?” Most importantly, keep the conversation focused on them and what you can do for them not for your business…just for them. Think about anyone you can connect them with or resources you can suggest. They will remember you more for being helpful than for trying to sell them something. And if they are not part of your goal, that’s okay. They may know someone who is. Make them a connection and add them to your network…then move on. If you feel like you have spent a lot of time and they are not part of your goal, it may be time for a cup of Joe. You can step away and meet someone new.

3. JUST BE REAL – Is all this planning too contrived and salesy?

Having a plan will help build your confidence and help you measure the effectiveness of your time and efforts. Your time is an investment and you want to spend it wisely. So, NO, it’s only salesy if you approach it that way. At the end of the day, we are all just people and networking is about connecting and building relationships. Your conversation starters should be real things about your life, your likes and your passions. All of the planning tactics (goal setting and prepared conversation starters) are just ways to smoothly transition into a networking setting. Being prepared will allow you to relax and engage in real conversation. Think about this – the person you are talking with is probably there for the same reason you are – to make a connection.  When you are yourself, you are making it easier for everyone to have a great conversation.  Be real, genuine and authentic.  When you are talking with them, be focused on what they are saying and be a good listener.  Spend 20% of your time talking and 80% of your time listening…the golden 80/20 rule.

4. DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW UP – How do I stay connected to the people I meet?

Connecting back with people you have met is the most critical step in the process. It’s a habit you want to create that will be worth it – I promise. It can be overwhelming to feel like you have added more “work” for yourself, so keep it simple. This isn’t like the old dating adage “Give it a few days so you don’t look too anxious.” Follow up right away, the next day if possible. It makes people feel important and that connecting with them was meaningful to you.

As you meet people, you will find interesting ways to reconnect or follow up. You can simply send an email that says “It was great to meet you and I look forward to staying connected”. Then be sure to connect with them on LinkedIn and other social channels where relevant.  It reinforces that you want to stay connected. You can also find more personal ways to connect like “I will send you a few restaurants I love in that town”…then make sure you follow up. I like to put it in my phone right as I am talking to the person, so I don’t forget. It also shows my commitment and reminds me to follow up. Other people might make notes on the back of business cards or right after the event. Whatever your process is, make sure to follow up. Real connections aren’t made in just one conversation. They are made by building relationships over time.

At The Marketing Posse, we know about the power of connections and hope that these tips will help you engage in meaningful and productive conversations at your next event.  Let us know how it goes at your next networking opportunity or let us know if we can help expand your network!

Cheers!

Danielle Vona

danielle@themarketingposse.com

You’re in “Safe Hands”

/in ,

After an amazing career with multiple Fortune 500 companies and brands, it was time to start something new! The idea for The Marketing Posse was developed from the needs I had in my previous CMO roles. You know that feeling you get when you have someone great on your team. The sense that the work is in “safe hands” and the knowledge that, whatever the projects, they will be done well. That is our mission at The Marketing Posse, to be that great team member that makes you look good, while you rest assured that your projects are in safe hands.

The Posse is a collection of talented individuals with diverse business and marketing skills. The Posse operates as a marketing services organization rather than your everyday consult. We act as an extension of your marketing department to help with strategic business planning, brand positioning, marketing solutions, talent development, and any other short or long-term marketing resource you may need.  The Marketing Posse provides:

  • Access to senior level talent when you need it (yes, you can rent a CMO);
  • Flexibility to staff each project with the level of talent it requires;
  • Customized scopes to develop and execute plans your budget can afford;
  • Marketing resources or extensions of your team to manage agencies, lead processes, and help direct overall communication;
  • Facilitation of strategic brand or business planning and development;
  • Development and inspiration for innovation that drives growth; and
  • Marketing and leadership training and mentoring.

We can help support your team with consistent leadership and guidance without the big expense of full-time positions. What are the things you can’t get to because the day-to-day business takes up all your time?  That is where we can help.

Our first year has been amazing thanks to some great organizations like Clear Channel Outdoor, Mighty Leaf Tea, Time Inc. and Benihana.  We are excited about the new year and look forward to helping you rest assured that your work is in safe hands.

To learn more, contact:

Danielle Vona
danielle@themarketingposse.com

Big dreams need bold action. If you’re ready to elevate your brand and partner with a team that’s all in, we want to hear from you. Let’s connect and see what we can create together.

Connect

We’re always creating, connecting, and making things happen. Let’s stay connected. Join us and unlock the possebilities.

Swing By

685 Main St, Ste C
Safety Harbor, FL 34695 USA

crew@themarketingposse.com
+1 (727) 755-6780

Be Social

Read us at:

Big dreams need bold action. If you’re ready to elevate your brand and partner with a team that’s all in, we want to hear from you. Let’s connect and see what we can create together.

Connect

We’re always creating, connecting, and making things happen. Let’s stay connected. Join us and unlock the possebilities.

Swing By

685 Main St, Ste C
Safety Harbor, FL 34695 USA

crew@themarketingposse.com
+1 (727) 755-6780

Be Social

You can always find us playing on:

Read us at: