Measuring Marketing Success: Where to Begin

Measuring Marketing Success: Where to Begin

I have a confession. I like to think that I’m a pretty hip guy but if I’m really honest, I’m pretty nerdy at my core. I like to read biographies of 19th century business leaders. The majority of my wardrobe is free corporate swag. I subscribe to This Old House magazine and am fascinated by genealogy research. These are not the activities of the “Cool Kids Club.” (more…)
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What is a marketing plan? Discover your roadmap to results.

What is a marketing plan? Discover your roadmap to results.

“All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination.” - Earl Nightingale As a business leader, you understand the importance of courage. It took courage to take a dream and turn it into reality. You had to believe even when no one else did and push through the moments that would have made others give up. This courage has gotten you to where you are today. (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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Building a Financially Resilient Business

Building a Financially Resilient Business

Building a successful business that weathers the ups-and-downs of economic cycles takes tremendous resilience. Leveraging boom times to prepare for leaner times is critical. Knowing when to save, and when to invest, can be the difference between success and failure. (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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