The relationship between manufacturers and distributors is like milk and honey… cookies and cream… tequila and lime (hold the worm). These entities work in harmony and even complement each other. But the relationship between the two is evolving as more and more manufacturers choose to go directly to the consumer—effectively bypassing distributors. And the elephants in the room such as … Read More
Smart Branding for General Contractors and Subcontractors
One thing is certain, the economic future of the Triangle is… hot, hot, hot. Yes, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas are on fire, and this can only mean good things for both general contractors and subcontractors in the area. But don’t just take our word for it… A slew of recent polls rank the Triangle with some very … Read More
B2B Branding: Your Customers Are Researching Their Options…
The B2B market is as competitive as it’s ever been… and the landscape is changing rapidly. As more companies downsize and try to save on costs, the costs of goods and services is one of the first line items to be reconsidered. Increased competition is challenging traditional long-term relationships with suppliers. Yes, even today, your B2B competitor is trying to … Read More
Smart Branding In The Real Estate Market
There is one truism in creating and building a real estate brand: One size does not fit all. There is no magic checklist or software program that will produce a perfect real estate brand… because smart branding is both science and art. The science is making sure your company can be found (physically, yes, but also your website and social … Read More
Building A Long-Term Brand Identity
Branding and building a long-term brand identity are not mutually exclusive from marketing goals. But they are birds of the same feather. For example, McDonald’s spends millions of dollars on marketing campaigns for the reintroduction of the McRib sandwich every year. But we universally recognize those golden arches as the company’s logo. Branding and brand identity can be accomplished using … Read More
Leveraging Digital Communities When Branding Healthcare Businesses
Digital communities (DCs) are becoming more and more popular as a way for all businesses to reach consumers and build brand advocates. But first, DCs are different from a basic online platform or entity such as Facebook or Twitter (although many DCs can be found within Facebook). DCs are contained online communities where people with common causes, goals, issues or … Read More
The Importance of Being Authentic to Branding a B2B Service Business
Keeping It Real In today’s instant message, Twitter and Instagram societies, people are quick to respond that they “kept it real.” That vernacular means a person stayed true to their core beliefs… especially when facing adversity. We reserve a special place in our hearts for people who keep it real… who place value on being authentic. In fact, pop culture, … Read More
Impactful Branding and Marketing Tools for Medical + Pharma
To understand the changing landscape of marketing and branding for medical device and pharmaceutical companies, one only has to look at late night television. There, the battle between Viagra and Cialis is played out—hour after hour—as commercials remind viewers of the perils of ignoring one’s romantic life. (Sure, there’s the litany of potential side effects… but they’re speed-read at the … Read More
Corporate ID Materials Are Essential for Branding Professional Services Businesses
If you’re in the business of selling professional services, you are in good company. You invested a lot of time and energy and money into getting your education and training and certifications… Then you brainstormed and strategized and executed… And now you’ve established your brand. But how much thought have you given to your corporate ID materials? Start With A … Read More
2018: A Marketing Year In Review
The past year has been a wild ride. The weather… the fires… the politics… the stock market. And through it all, marketing creatives have stayed the course. Here are some of the most memorable campaigns and trends from 2018: A Marketing Year in Review. Try A Hot Toddy, Dear Alexa Lost Her Voice This hilarious Super Bowl LII commercial conjures … Read More