Marketing by Design, Not by Default: Three Steps to Becoming an ‘Essentialist Marketer’

Do you tend to say “yes” to nearly every marketing opportunity, project, and request -  taking on too much, while underestimating the amount of time something is going to take?  Does it leave you (or others) putting in more hours, scrambling to meet deadlines, hoping to feel caught up but never actually knowing if doing … Continue reading Marketing by Design, Not by Default: Three Steps to Becoming an ‘Essentialist Marketer’

Reimagining Your Business [Part III]: Innovation & the Power of the Crowd

For most companies, innovation and R&D are at the forefront of long-term growth strategy -- all in the quest to stay relevant, beat out competition, and thrive. But even for the most aggressively innovative companies, things are changing. Not only the sharp adjustment to more rapid development cycles, but recognizing that your best and brightest may not include, well, you.  Many companies today now incorporate open innovation models, or crowdsourcing, to solve customers' problems.

Why Marketing Partnerships Fail — and Four Steps to Prevent It

You need some help with your marketing.  You have some budget.  Sounds like the perfect situation to engage with an agency, freelancer or consultant, right?  We all know it's not as simple as it sounds.  Without taking some critical steps, you might find yourself disappointed with the result (or lack thereof) wondering, where did I … Continue reading Why Marketing Partnerships Fail — and Four Steps to Prevent It

Nothing Grows in the Comfort Zone: A Tale of Rapids and Rapid Changes in B2B Marketing

Living in the Pacific Northwest means you never have to go too far for an adventure. So, when we had an opportunity for a kid-free weekend getaway we looked no further than the breathtaking Columbia Gorge. I was looking forward to wineries, breweries, culinary adventures, and maybe even a little calm kayaking.  But then, right … Continue reading Nothing Grows in the Comfort Zone: A Tale of Rapids and Rapid Changes in B2B Marketing

The Ugly Truth About Customer-Centric Companies

If I had a nickel for every B2B tech/solution company that emphasized their customer-centric values, I would be in my private jet on the way to Bora Bora right now. There are two main reasons we all love this popular business philosophy – (1) Leaders KNOW they should be customer-centric. It is the right thing … Continue reading The Ugly Truth About Customer-Centric Companies

What’s in a Name?

Deciding to pursue a freelance business gave me visions of freedom, passion, and unlimited creativity; so imagine my dismay when all of the articles I was reading promptly pointed out that a business name and logo were premature and irrelevant for a freelancer getting started.   “Don’t waste your time on that stuff until you have … Continue reading What’s in a Name?