Networking is perhaps an undervalued, but critically important aspect of marketing. In the world of marketing, staying ahead of trends, understanding emerging technologies, and leveraging innovative strategies are immensely important. However, amidst the whirlwind of digital campaigns, content creation, and market analysis, one fundamental aspect remains critically vital: networking. This week, as some of our team is attending the Marketing 2.0 Conference, let’s delve into the significance of networking within our industry, particularly through conferences and conventions.
Networking is a Gateway to Opportunities
Networking serves as a gateway to a multitude of opportunities; including partnerships, client leads, mentorship, and the exchange of ideas. More often than not, who you know can be as important as what you know. Creating meaningful connections can catapult your career and business to new heights.
The Value of Face-to-Face Interactions
While social media and digital platforms offer convenient ways to connect, they cannot always replicate the value of face-to-face interactions. Conferences and conventions provide a unique environment for marketers to engage in real-time conversations, offering a depth of communication that virtual encounters cannot match. The exchange of ideas, the use of body language and the immediate feedback of in-person discussions enrich the networking experience and can foster stronger, more meaningful connections.
Networking Means Learning from the Best
Attending conferences and conventions exposes you to impressive leaders and innovators in the marketing world. Keynote speeches, classes, and panel discussions provide exceptional insights and knowledge, highlighting cutting-edge trends that have yet to become mainstream. These learning opportunities not only inspire but also equip you with fresh ideas and approaches that can be applied to your own business.
A Platform for Visibility
Participating in these events offers an invaluable platform to raise your personal or brand’s visibility within the industry. Presenting a paper, leading a workshop, or simply engaging in discussions can position you as a thought leader. In turn this can open doors to media coverage, speaking opportunities, and collaborations. The exposure gained can significantly enhance your reputation and credibility among peers and potential clients.
The Ripple Effect of Sharing
One of the most underrated aspects of networking at conferences is the ripple effect it creates. Sharing your own experiences, challenges, and success stories not only contributes to the collective knowledge but also helps in creating meaningful connections. This mutual exchange fosters a sense of community and support within the industry.
Looking Ahead
As our team prepares to immerse ourselves in the upcoming Marketing 2.0 Conference, the focus extends beyond just attending. It’s about actively participating, engaging with new faces, and absorbing every bit of knowledge and insight available. The importance of networking in marketing cannot be overstated, and conferences and conventions represent a place for nurturing connections that could shape the future of your business.
Ah, reflecting on 2023. It always amazes me this team finds commonality in their reflections each year despite not seeing each other’s until this blog is published. This year is no exception.
2022 was all about rocking steady in the calm of a year which allowed us to catch our breath a bit following several years of big events, big changes and big milestones both individually and in the world.
Boy, are we grateful for that quiet(ish) 2022. 2023 was a year full of learning to embrace change, accept challenges, give ourselves (and others) grace, honor the lessons we learn in difficulty and to find light in the darkness. Reflecting on 2023 brought some tears, some smiles and big hugs all around.
Julie Porter – Chief Rocker
Reminiscing on a year of learning, leadership and service, I am reminded of the old saying, “you don’t know what you don’t know.”
On the Porch, we operated with the same great gang of seasoned professionals and added six interns throughout the year. Interns always make us better.
My daughter and I continue to find joy in volunteering together at Dallas Animal Services (DAS). I was honored to continue my Volunteer Chair gig for the 30th Annual JWA Christmas Bazaar, board work with Faith Family Education Foundation, and host committee duties for the Grant Halliburton Foundation. There is no better challenge to accept than being able to serve others.
Proud of my boy who finished his undergrad degree in December and started his master’s program this month. He had quite a year and met it head on.
Reflecting on 2023 and looking forward for this year, I will continue to lean into difficulty. I’ll take calculated risks, focus on my own well-being and understand that growth can’t happen without resistance. All the while, celebrating working with this rockin’ team and our amazing clients.
Lillian Cloud – Intern
In 2023, I’ve experienced significant change. I completed my undergraduate education, relocated to a different city, started graduate school, and began a new job. This year has instilled in me the importance of embracing change and finding solace in the unknown. I’ve learned not to compare my post-graduation journey with that of others.
My internship has reinforced the need to trust myself and my decisions. The team I have the privilege to work with has been exceptionally supportive, and I relish the opportunity to learn from each of them. I often wonder, “Why should I be trusted with this responsibility?” or “how could my work be good enough?” This experience has shown me I’ve earned these chances to believe in myself, and has taught me to take pride in my work.
Christine Finnegan – Media Rocker
This past year, I aspired to live a more purposeful life by discovering my passions and values and using them to create a fulfilling and meaningful existence. I did this by implementing the following:
Continual Learning: Embracing a Lifetime of Growth. …
After reflecting on 2023, and as we are at the dawn of a new year I will continue to live in the moment, marvel at the world around me, and nurture the relationships that define who I am.
Alison Moreno – Rock Collector
2023 was filled with its ups and downs. My husband unexpectedly lost his job in August, and even though I was still working, I wasn’t working enough to provide much for our family. That pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me realize there is much more I can do while still being the best wife and mother I can be.
There were many rough days, but we were able to recognize the good things we had and to stay positive until he ultimately found an amazing job. The downs in 2023 sparked my ambition and brought to life many hopes and plans. Moving into 2024 I’m excited to set my goals in motion and to see what the new year has in store for me professionally, and for my family.
Natalie Rosga – Rock Enthusiast
2023 has been a year of change. My littles are officially kindergarteners. While it is exciting to watch them grow and learn, my momma heart is a little sad as they start to gain more independence. It has also meant more “me” time during the week for work or the personal things that bring me joy. <Insert happy dance.>
It’s also been a year of becoming more faithful including finding a new church home that has welcomed my family with open arms. In 2024, I am excited to continue making the conscious effort to be joyful and find the positive in each and every situation.
Lea Ann Allen – Swiss Army Rock
2023 snuck in softly and then caused a loud ruckus! My youngest kid is finishing high school and furiously applying for colleges while playing in umpteen golf tournaments that I spent much of the year driving him to. I’m grateful he passed the test and now has his license! The brutal summer that cooked my tomato plants is making me rethink gardening. A couple rounds of COVID at my house brought everything to a grinding halt. And the birth of our first grandbaby made me feel very mortal. I felt I could never catch my breath so if I am being honest, reflecting on 2023, I am grateful that it is over. Whew! But, through it all, my sweet supportive friends and teammates at Front Porch helped me persevere.
Vicky Gouge – Design Rockczar
This year was a series of highs and lows. I turned 50 in August, had a 4th grader with a recent ADHD diagnosis (not surprised) and dyslexia (very surprised) and was finding a new norm post-divorce. I thought everything was moving in the usual ups and downs of life; until it wasn’t. I suffered a heart attack in early October. Suddenly I wasn’t invincible. Coming to terms with having a heart attack at age 50 has been heartbreaking, enlightening, eye-opening, depressing … all the above and much more. I’m still coming to terms with it. But the people I choose to surround myself with keep me focused, engaged and happy.
I appreciate the engagement, the knowledge I gain and continue to pursue, and the support of this team. Julie has been a quiet, supportive and thoughtful ear and a steadfast leader of our team. There’s a reason we accept people to come into our lives at certain times, and I’m thankful for my “givers gain” Front Porch family. I, Charlie and family are doing well thanks to the continued love and outreach of our friends and family. Here’s to a fabulous 2024 and much success to all. With many, we can succeed.
Reflecting on 2023 to build a better 2024
From all of us on the Porch, may 2024 be filled with health, happiness, love and learning for you and yours. Cherish working with people who make you better. Celebrate wins along the way. Find the light, be there for others and rock challenges with grit and grace. Happy New Year!
You bet they are pitching media during the holiday season. The holidays often means a respite for journalists from covering a continual news cycle. But as the season nears, story ideas are not as plentiful and, as such, this becomes a prime time to position your client in the news. You can still have effective media relations and engage with journalists to get the best results for your client during the holidays.
Yes You Can Pitch the Media at Holiday Time
Do not be daunted by the copious amount of “out of the office” responses — journalists are still tasked with reporting and producing the news. So make your pitches! Here are some media outreach tips during the holidays:
Pitch evergreen story ideas and content — As the pace of news slows, mid-December to early January is the ideal time to pitch feature stories and thought leadership profiles. Reporters want to file their articles prior to taking time off. A journalist is more likely to use your story during this period if it does not rely on current events.
Do Not Pitch Holiday Stories in December — Editorial calendars are already rife with holiday content; it’s unlikely that a seasonal pitch, in December, will generate coverage. Media outlets plan holiday stories well in advance — if you’re pitching media in December do not wrap (pun intended) your client’s message in a holiday package.
Make Predictions and Be Inspirational — Predictions for the coming year can earn media mentions for your clients as experts in their professions. The holidays are also the perfect time to pitch positive stories. The media always gravitates towards a feel-good narrative during this time of year. Consider examples of outstanding customer service, volunteer activities of employees, or the benefits of company donations.
Broadcast Media — Broadcast media are always reliant on guests. Many television entities conduct interviews remotely. So pitch your client to national producers in this situation which is a great opportunity. At this time, producers are not inundated with story ideas! Sparsely populated email inboxes are your friend, and a strong pitch could set your client up for success.
Do not go completely dark with your pitching efforts during the holidays. This time of the year offers a unique opportunity to secure great placements.
After Q1, clients historically shift focus based on marketing, advertising and communications results so far in the year. The Front Porch team than also ebbs and flows to make sure our efforts are successfully driving topline revenue for our clients.
One of the tactics working for our clients right now? Programmatic advertising. As we start Q2 and continue into 2023, this advertising approach is driving results.
What is Programmatic Advertising?
It is a bit different than digital advertising. Programmatic advertising utilizes automation and algorithms to achieve success. Too far in the weeds: but it is about the process of ads purchased and sold. But it is different than traditional media-buying techniques. Programmatic advertising meets the potential customer when and where they are. This approach optimizes the efforts of the advertising, hyper targeting the most interested, most matched customers with the brand.
What is the Difference Between Display Advertising and Programmatic Advertising?
Clients often ask us what the difference is between display advertising and programmatic advertising, since in many cases they can look the same. The answer is that programmatic levels up:
Display advertising refers to how ads are bought
Programmatic advertising goes beyond simply placing a digital display ad on a website, and is more about how ads appear and in what format — serving the right ad to the right person in the right place at the right time
How to Get Started with Programmatic
Before you dive in, your team or your marketing partner needs to do the due diligence to understand your target market. With more in-depth information, programmatic advertising can work harder for your client and find the customers that are looking for your client’s brand.
Then, as you implement your plan, these are the things to look for and monitor in order to continuously improve and optimize your advertising, maximize your budget and reach the best customers for you:
Cost per Click (CPC)
Click-through Rate (CTR)
Cost per Completed View (CPCV)
Want to Know More About Programmatic?
How can we help? The marketing and advertising landscape is evolving at the speed of light. And the Front Porch team is keeping up and leading the way to better outcomes for our clients. There are many benefits to choosing programmatic advertising such as efficiency and low-cost awareness. So please ask, as we love sharing our client successes, expertise and fodder. Sometimes the fodder isn’t relevant, but it sure creates great conversations and we’d love to have one with you.
Need to apply some spring cleaning to your marketing and PR? As the Marketing/PR saying goes, Sweet April Ideas Bring May Results! The positive power of spring cleaning can be applied to a company’s PR and marketing strategy. And now’s the time to do it!
Five Ways to Spring Clean Your PR:
Outer Order Contributes to Inner Calm
Take a hard look at documents and correspondence that have not moved from your desktop and/or email box for months. If the strategies and ideas no longer apply to your clients’ overall objectives, then hit the delete button. A clean slate will give you a renewed focus and attitude towards your clients’ success.
Happiness is a Spring Cleaned Marketing and PR Plan
Spring is the perfect time for marketing — messaging should be thematic of revitalization. Revisit the marketing and PR plan that was developed at the beginning of the year and assess your progress. Ask yourself the question: where are we now and what fresh practices can we use to achieve results? This simple check-in is a great first step to shining new light on your communications program and spring cleaning your messaging.
Put a New Spring in Your Marketing/PR Step
Now that your marketing and PR plans have been spring cleaned, and your inbox is updated and clutter free, there’s room to add new items to your wheelhouse. First, embrace the changes and explore different strategies, such as updating target media, or identifying new thought leadership speaking opportunities. These tune-ups could be just the thing you need to take your clients’ business to the next level!
There is a Season Turn, Turn, Turn!
As the classic Byrd’s song says, there is a season turn, turn, turn, a time to build up, a time to break down. To begin with, Spring is a time for renewal, use this period to build enthusiasm for your clients’ offerings/services. So Spring cleaning your PR can mean teasing new trends that are applicable for the warmer weather. Introduce spring-inspired products that are available for a limited time. Bring back seasonal bestsellers.
This Collateral Won’t Spring Clean Itself!
Spring is abloom with life — after months of winter, people are ready to immerse themselves in the warmer weather. Use this to your advantage and imbue your website with colorful palettes, as you spring clean that website. Inspire optimism by using florals to spell out words. Capitalize on content that talks about being active and enjoying the great weather.
Get Started on Spring Cleaning Routines for Your PR
When you take the time to spring clean your PR practice this quarter, you’ll reinvigorate your clients’ messaging. And sooner than later, the work you’ve put in to refocus your messaging will pay off.
Copywriter tools can help make writing easier, more fun and more dynamic. When you’re writing professionally for your job, it can sometimes be overwhelming. Websites, social media, brochures, press releases, oh my! But with the plethora of online tools available, you can always make sure that you’ve got someone (the interwebz) looking over your shoulder to help you make it better. Just like your high school English teacher.
Here Are 5 Copywriter Tools You Can Use in Your Daily Work
Thesaurus.com
Make your writing a little more exciting thrilling with some more pizzazz-y words using Thesaurus.com. Type in a simple word and get a fresh supply of better words to spice up your writing. Use this tool to help you with naming assignments, headlines, and more.
ChatGPT
There are many uses for a language modeler (none of which involve high school essays, kids), which is what ChatGPT is. It’s AI trained to write. It doesn’t think, though, so answers can come back sounding very plausible but be completely fabricated because it’s only a language modeler. Try it for small, specific social media posts in which you give it all the details, searching for specific jobs online using specific job titles, or giving you something to start with when you’re writing a blog post by giving it topics.
Emojipedia
Do you write a lot of subject lines? 🤔 Adding an emoji to a subject line as texture is current best practice. To easily look up and copy/paste any emoji visit Emojipedia. You can type in a prompt and it will give you all the relevant emojis that fit.
Grammarly
Clean up your writing. Make it proper and concise using the platform Grammarly. It even has a new AI-powered desktop app you can install and use on practically everything. Make your high school English teacher proud.
Content Row
Are headlines the hardest for you? Try on-line tool Content Row. Type in your topic, and Content Row will generate headlines for you. And, they’re all scored for effectiveness so you know they’ll generate clicks.
As you can see, it’s easier than ever to make your writing better! Try a few of these copywriter tools and let us know what you like.
Seasoned Business Leaders: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
As a seasoned business leader, the old adage, “You don’t know what you don’t know,” has been replaying as a reminder in my mind over and over again for the last year. Sometimes when you’ve been doing a certain thing for a long time, you might become insulated from innovation by doing things the way you first learned them. You might even forget the best practices you learned at the beginning in favor of doing what works at the moment in your business. At this point, reminders for seasoned business leaders can be helpful to continue to grow.
So this week I’m sharing here some reminders for business leaders who may need a refresher on the must-dos and must-haves when things are rockin’. And even before they’re rockin’. These apply whether you are a start-up or veteran. I was reminded this week of what I don’t know when I launched a new business of sorts, and finally brought it to life.
Seasoned Business Leader Turned Start-Up (again)
As most of those who know me know, my son is in college in Central Florida. After his freshman year and countless visits to Florida, more for my sake than his, I had an idea. Buy a place in Florida. I’m there all the time to see my son, and when I’m not there I could rent it out to others who would enjoy the beach as much as my family does.
So, I did countless hours of research. Ran numbers backwards and forwards. Consulted my business advisor. Then, did more research. Then, I contacted several owners of rental properties and local small business owners in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Next, I refinanced the house. In addition, I had to take out another significant loan to get this idea off the ground.
As I last blogged, this is not my first rodeo. But, I am here to tell you old dogs do forget the new tricks. As a seasoned business owner, I was reminded in the course of this new project, just how much these business basics matter.
Business Leader Basics to Remember
1. Finances
Make sure you have extra in the budget for unexpected expenses during start-up. Money isn’t made in the first and sometimes second year of business. Remember that. Another thing going through my head these last few months is that real estate is a long term investment, as most businesses are. Seasoned business leaders know to endure the short term pains for the long-term gain.
2. Time
Remember that time is your inventory. Don’t go down rabbit holes. Overthinking and questioning yourself aren’t necessary. Stay focused on what matters. Make decisions and then move on. Most of all, be efficient in all you do.
3. Support Network
Partner with the experts. I don’t know construction. Or anything about the short-term rental space. Nor do know much about HOAs, (but I do now) so I found and made friends with the BEST in these categories. I am so grateful for them and their expertise. Also, my family and friends were there when I needed to vent, cry, scream or say queue #5.
4. Front Porch Marketing Team
If you have two businesses, make sure each of the business teams are in support of the other. The Front Porch team kept the Porch rockin’ while I was bobbing and weaving in and out so I could get Calming Corner (our new beach space) up and running. Seasoned business leaders build teams they can count on in crunch times.
5. Saying Uncle
Yes, you can have too much on your plate. So ask for grace. Be nice to yourself. Realize you do have physical and mental limitations.
6. Good Enough
Our first renters were to arrive at 4 p.m. on the 1st of April. There was cleaning to be done. Some pictures were not hung, etc. But the place was beautiful. It was time to finish the cleaning and save the rest for the next time she was vacant. Good enough is sometimes perfection.
“The Calming Corner” is Up and Running
I am proud to say that as we are building this rental business, we are also supporting other local businesses. The new couch is manufactured in Florida by a Florida-based company. The patio furniture is manufactured in Volusia County and the business is owned and operated by a local husband and wife duo. And our boutique vacation rental company, Florida Vacay Rentals, is owned by a local female rock star who is also my “Florida Anchor.” And I am honored to call her my friend.
So here is my shameless plug for Calming Corner, our new Front Porch view! Please note, NEW photography coming soon, because there are all new floors, paint and furniture. And there is a fabulous remodeled master bath. Shorehom by the Sea, Unit 54, also has a new bedroom pocket door, a new pantry, a new washer dryer closet and more.
Oh, and, as of April 6, it has a brand new air-conditioner, that was not in the budget … sigh.
Spring Has Officially Sprung — So Let’s Organize Your Workspace?
This year, I’ve added “organizing your workspace” to my spring-cleaning to-do list! If you’re anything like me, you associate spring with spring cleaning. It’s time to dust off the cobwebs of those ceiling fan blades you rarely touch, clean out the closets and tackle the flowerbeds. I love strolling the aisles at my local greenhouse to pick out the flowers I’m inevitably going to see wither away in the triple-degree Texas heat. And, it’s time to get my workspace into tip-top shape.
Clean Your Workspace, Clear Your Mind.
Whether you’re working remotely or in an office, it’s the perfect time to sort through the piles of papers that have accumulated on your desk, clean out those old emails and establish that new online folder organization system you have been daydreaming about.
Now, I realize that not everyone receives the same amount of joy that I do from filling a large trash bag full of unnecessary papers or an inbox with only a handful of emails. Some of you may argue that there isn’t enough time in the day. While others might cite there is evidence that a messy desk is a sign of genius. Say hello to my husband’s top excuse. Ha!
Organizing Your Workspace Has Multiple Benefits
No matter what camp you fall into, it’s hard to argue that there aren’t benefits of a well-organized space.
Increased Productivity. How many times a day do you find yourself searching for a piece of paper, email or document? We’ve all been there, but when you have a clean and organized space, you’ll inevitably spend less time searching and more time doing.
Reduced Stress Levels. Meeting in five minutes. Can’t locate the document you’ve been tirelessly working on. Enough said!
Boost Creativity. When you’re organized, you’re typically not working under the gun of a million deadlines. When you’re calm and in control, your creativity will flourish.
You might now be asking the question: How Do I Tackle My Unorganized Workspace?
Start small. First you need to remember,your mess wasn’t made in a day. It might take a little time to organize your workspace into the space you want. Pick the time of day you’re most productive and set a timer for 15 minutes. Grab the stack of papers and go.
Tools and Resources. Hit the office supply store or your supply cabinet at the office. Grab the file folders and organizers and start labeling and sorting. You should now be able to see the top of your desk.
Online Organization. Your inbox really only needs to house emails that require your response. Everything else should have a home. Create folders in your inbox by client or project and file them accordingly. The same goes for documents. Take it a step further and establish a naming convention for your documents to make things even easier.
How to Maintain Your Organized Workspace
Once you’re done organizing your workspace, it’s just as important to maintain it. You don’t want to turn around a month later and be back at square one. Set aside 15 minutes at the end of each workday to tidy up your space. Throw away the papers and go through your emails and documents.
Soon, you’ll find a tidy workspace is second nature and the habits you created will be easy to maintain. Happy spring cleaning!
There are countless benefits to automating your social media efforts. But who is best served by these services and what are best practices when it comes to using them?
Automating your social media processes reduces the time your team spends on repetitive tasks, decreases response times to customers, optimizes your posting schedule, and boosts engagement. It’s important to note, however, that social media automation is not the same thing as a social media strategy. In fact, automating your social media channels without a robust strategy in place can actually hurt you in the long run.
Be sure your content sounds “human,” even if it’s automated.
First, you’ll also need to be prepared to edit, cancel, or change planned posts. If events or trends warrant a response from your brand, be flexible. Next, make sure your posts are platform specific. In addition to different image display ratios and word count allowances, your audience’s expectations will also vary from platform to platform. Finally, you’ll need to customize your content or work with an automation tool that does it for you.
If you have a strategy in place and you’re aware of the potential pitfalls of automation, it’s time to decide what features will best serve you. Do you manage multiple accounts or produce a lot of content? It might be worth investing in a scheduling and publishing platform that will identify the best times for you to post make the publishing process more efficient.
Automating your basic customer service features
If you often interact with your customers and clients over social media, consider automating your basic customer service features. You can provide automated responses to questions. Automate “What are your hours?” Then, standardize your “welcome” message when you gain new followers.
There are an ever-increasing number of automation services and platforms out there. How can you find the right one for your business? Start with three basic questions:
What social platforms do you use most often?
Which automation features are you most interested in?
What is your budget for automation?
Your answers to these questions will help structure your search for the right automation platform. So start by looking at the large platforms, like Hootsuite and Buffer, and then seek out smaller service providers as necessary based on your needs. Got questions? Give us a shout!
In honor of Valentine’s Day today, we wanted to share some of the things that we absolutely LOVE about marketing. We cover many aspects of marketing in our day-to-day business with clients. We use tried-and-true marketing strategies and tactics that are the bedrock of a solid marketing plan. And there are also trends that we love, so we take advantage of those for our clients as well.
These Marketing Things Are Both Tried-and-True and Also On-Trend
Incorporating these marketing things (strategies, tactics, platforms, approaches) in your business of marketing for a client, is a win-win. First, your clients see results. Then, you look smart. And finally, you’re both successful at growing the business.
Email Marketing
Clients are reaping results from email marketing campaigns. So having the right content and creative are critical. Companies can build a relationship with their customers when email marketing is executed with the reader in mind. Be informative and helpful vs. direct selling, and see an impact on business.
Strategic Paid Traditional and Digital Media Campaigns
Linking these two strategies (traditional and digital) is more effective. First and foremost, invest to meet the target where they are. Approach them in the right mediums. Earn more quality customers by thoughtfully targeting your messaging to impact sales more effectively.
Marketing Leaders Asking the Right Questions
We love this marketing thing: smart leaders. Our clients are smart marketing leaders who are thoughtful in their approach. To start with, we see them asking the right questions. But then we’re asking them the right questions too. This collaboration pays off for both businesses. They want a plan over time, not a one-off initiative. Thus, they are in it to win it for the long haul, and so are we.
Re-evaluate the sales funnel
The sales team might be engaged in selling one-on-one. But it might not be utilizing technology, processes and other tools to continue to engage and grow the engagement. Successful customer engagement and retention includes tactics at every point in the sales funnel. And utilizing powerful tools to scale and automate in conjunction with smart, thoughtful strategies make sense.
Think deeper in 2023. Really focus your attention on your customers. Ultimately, create a marketing ecosystem that keeps them informed. Give them insider information. And make their lives easier. This approach is a sure way to see your business grow this coming year. And we would love that for you!
