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Staying Relevant in Turbulent Times

Share the goods.

A laptop sitting on a wood desk with two plants and a phone placed next to it.

In the past week, we have launched several robust digital ad campaigns for our clients to communicate their ability to assist during COVID-19. In the midst of a crisis, companies innovating, finding opportunity and staying visible will be in the best position when we start to come out of this. As small businesses, we are continually pivoting and having to demonstrate value, especially in times like these. Our clients and businesses everywhere are utilizing the digital space to ensure they stay relevant and visible. As your virtual marketing team, here are our suggestions for staying relevant in these ever-changing, turbulent times.

Generate that Content

With the way things are right now, we’re all stuck in our homes for pretty much every waking moment. That means people are constantly looking for new and fresh content to keep them entertained. That’s where you come in. If you aren’t putting out content, you don’t exist. Even if you can’t open due to government mandates, you can stay top of mind for your customers by giving them valuable, shareable content on a regular basis. What does that look like? Write a blog. Publish a social media post. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to show that you’re still around and you’ll be there for your customers when they can come back.

Take Advantage of Digital

Like we said above, everyone is on their phones right now, or their laptops, or their desktops. That means they aren’t just looking for content; they’re also browsing for shoes, talking to friends on social and more. Take advantage of that time by running digital ads or boosting posts that resonate with your target audience. If they see a little reminder in the corner of their Facebook feed that no, you aren’t open, but yes, you are selling gift certificates, that’ll get their attention and keep you in their thoughts. Better yet, if you’re one of the businesses that have been deemed “essential,” use digital ads to recruit the extra help you need in order to combat the heightened demands from COVID-19. You need people, and they need you. When we can’t leave our homes, connecting online just makes sense.

Build Your Skill Set

Now that your calendar is empty, save for video meetings and virtual happy hours, take advantage of the extra time and learn something. Take a deep dive into social media, SEO, video editing or web development. Ask yourself, “What will benefit my business?” Having a better understanding of marketing tools will give you a greater appreciation for the marketing agency you hired.

We know we sound like a broken record, but there is good that will come out of this. It’s up to you to find it and take advantage of it. What are you able to offer to the community or potential clients during this time? If you need help developing a strategy or digital campaign, reach out to us.
We’re here to help.

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Recent Musings

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FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973. 
Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store. 

Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch. 

@crestongr @crestoncorridor @crestongrandrapids @citygrandrapids @grandrapidspubliclibrary
Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet?
If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves.

This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore.

Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk.

Listen now at the link in bio.
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up.

We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly.

We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. 

When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared.
Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan 
Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later).

Register at the link in bio.
You asked, we delivered.

Introducing the Women's Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership.

Whether you've got a team of 10 or it's just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it.

Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business.

You'll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who've been exactly where you are.

Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.
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