Now is the time to build.

Now is the time to build.

We're already so busy... This is a surprisingly common sentiment and statement made by business leaders when sales are strong and the project backlog is full to overflowing. With all of that work already in the pipe, why on earth should the company put focus and resources into additional marketing and sales efforts? (more…)
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Hiring an effective marketing leader: Why a two-pronged approach makes all the difference

Hiring an effective marketing leader: Why a two-pronged approach makes all the difference

My job allows me the unique opportunity to speak with five to ten small business leaders per week. When you get the chance to connect with this many leaders you start to gain valuable insight into what concerns are top of mind for folks who are running successful businesses. As I ask questions about their business, we always get to the topic of marketing (probably because that’s what I’m there to discuss). Most of the time, the conversation about marketing goes something like this: “We don’t currently have anyone leading marketing. In the past we’ve tried some things, but I’ve…
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ACTION19: Conference Recap – The Resilient Business

ACTION19: Conference Recap – The Resilient Business

The dust hasn’t even settled on ACTION19 and we’re already looking forward to ACTION20! Authentic's first-year conference was a sell-out event, bringing together more than 150 local leaders for a half-day of content focused on building a resilient business. Topics included recruiting, retention, revenue-growth, and recession-planning. (more…)
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Planning for the Next Recession: Jennifer Zick Featured on The Business Gist Podcast

Planning for the Next Recession: Jennifer Zick Featured on The Business Gist Podcast

“Times won’t always be this rich, so how can we plan ahead for recession?”   This question sparks the conversation between Jennifer Zick and Megan Effertz, host of The Business Gist podcast, as they discuss ways that business leaders can plan ahead for the next recession. Because it’s not a matter of whether it will hit, but when.   “When times are good, sales and marketing budgets flourish. When times are tough, marketing is generally the first team to get hit [with cuts]. …But sales without marketing is not a formula that works in today’s modern buyer’s journey. Cutting off…
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When is a Fractional CMO Right for Your Business?

When is a Fractional CMO Right for Your Business?

When starting a business, most founders need to focus their attention on developing their core product or service and acquiring new customers. While sales is absolutely a top priority at this stage, marketing is often on the back burner, and that's normal. (more…)
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Make a “NOT-TO-DO” List for Marketing in the New Year

Make a “NOT-TO-DO” List for Marketing in the New Year

Isn’t the New Year great? It’s time to bust out those resolutions and ring in the start of a new calendar by making a change that brings something positive to your life. Many of us will sit down and write out a list of “To-Do’s for the New Year.” (more…)
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Marketing Metrics that Matter (and how to avoid Random Acts of Marketing)

Marketing Metrics that Matter (and how to avoid Random Acts of Marketing)

I have the best job in the world. I get the privilege of talking with leaders of small and mid-size businesses about their growth plans and strategies. Each time I meet with someone, I learn something new. But I also notice a lot of recurring themes. One of those themes is metrics. Every time a conversation turns to marketing, it almost invariably, without fail, gets to the challenge of measuring marketing success.   (more…)
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