Grow! By ERG
February 24, 2020Grow! by ERG has brought together a team of marketing mavens from across the U.S. with 20+ years of experience. This team is fueled by providing small businesses with the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications
New digital marketing agency in Columbia
February 24, 2020Grow! By ERG is now open and providing clients with digital marketing services. Grow! by ERG has brought together a team of marketing mavens from across the U.S. with 20+…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: headlines, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Local FASTSIGNS recognized among top-performing centers nationwide
February 19, 2020FASTSIGNS® of Columbia-Harbison Blvd., a local sign and visual graphics provider, was recognized as a top-performing center at the 2020 FASTSIGNS International Convention held in Phoenix, Arizona. Owned by Gerry…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: manufacturing, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Your book can change your life
February 19, 2020By Jerry Bellune Could writing and publishing your book take your success in life to a higher level? It has in mine. 15 years ago, I was struggling to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Your advantage is always in jeopardy
February 12, 2020By Jerry Bellune You don’t have to be a football fan to appreciate 3 lessons from the Super Bowl. You may recall the year the Atlanta Falcons ran all…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Shawn Skillman joins communications team at Flock and Rally
February 12, 2020Flock and Rally, the women-owned integrated communications and marketing firm based in Columbia, South Carolina, celebrates the addition of accomplished public relations professional Shawn Skillman to its team as a…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: employment, marketing-and-communications, media, on-the-move
Cutting-Edge Direct Primary Care and On-Site Clinics Can Save You Money
February 11, 2020By Brian Morris President, Fulcrum Risk Solutions Whether you are an employer trying to manage healthcare costs, or an employee trying to stay healthy, it’s important to stay…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Don’t ruin your reputation online
February 5, 2020By Katie Ritchie and Jerry Bellune Business owners know the importance of a strong online presence, says our ace Tech Talk columnist Katie Ritchie. Even if you don’t sell…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, technology
Columbia Metropolitan Airport launches new creative & brand refresh
February 4, 2020Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) announced the launch of a new refreshed campaign to include a new logo and a new website. The new look will continue to focus on and…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move, transportation
Swanson featured in Facility Management Magazine cover story
February 3, 2020Cheryl Swanson, vice president and general manager of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center (CMCC), is featured in the cover story of the January/February issue of the International Association of Venue…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Give customers memorable experiences
January 29, 2020by Jerry Bellune Here’s a competitive strategy: Create memorable experiences your customers can share with friends and have everyone talking about you and your products. The Wall Street Journal…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Beware new package delivery scam
January 29, 2020By Katie Ritchie Are you expecting a package? If you get a text on your phone asking to set delivery preferences, you’ve been targeted by a new scam. Here’s…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, technology
Going the extra mile for clients: A guide
January 28, 2020By Jean Cecil Frick NP Strategy For those of us in the professional services industry, clients are our bread and butter. We are constantly looking for ways to…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Two former journalists join NP Strategy
January 24, 2020Kara Gormley Meador and Casey Watson Expand NPS+ Client Services NP Strategy adds more than two decades of journalism experience to the strategic communication firm’s bench with the addition…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Historic Columbia announces Renee Chow as new director of marketing and communications
January 22, 2020Renee Chow has joined Historic Columbia as director of marketing and communications. Chow will lead Historic Columbia’s communications and marketing initiatives and serve as a spokesperson for the organization. “We are excited to have a…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
The results of being an extra miler
January 22, 2020By Jerry Bellune You don’t have to be a sports fan to appreciate this story and the important business lesson you will discover in it. Joe Burrow transferred from…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Your 2020 whats, hows and whys
January 15, 2020By Jerry Bellune We met with our Congressman earlier this month to talk about his 2020 agenda. He is a busy man whose district covers a lot of territory…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Carmichael promoted to Director of Marketing at Experience Columbia SC
January 13, 2020Experience Columbia SC announces the promotion of Kelsey Carmichael to Director of Marketing. Carmichael had been the Marketing Specialist at ECSC for four-and-a-half years. Carmichael was born and raised in…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: employment, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
The Importance of Brand Reputation in a Crisis
January 13, 2020By Erin Sanders Senior Communications Advisor with NP Strategy When a crisis hits your organization – and it will – it’s important to have a solid crisis management plan…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Do you have a future on YouTube?
January 8, 2020By Jerry Bellune What can you learn from an 8-year-old entrepreneur? How to sell lemonade? It’s far simpler than that. What has made Ryan Kaji highly successful is that…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
3 Steps to Improve your Public Engagement In 2020
January 6, 2020By Jesica Johnson Mackey NP Strategy 2020 is here, and if you haven’t already, now is the time to identify some New Year’s resolutions for your company or organization.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Develop your own millionaire habits
January 2, 2020By Jerry Bellune Thomas C. Corley spent 5 years studying wealthy people. He found that they practice many of the same daily habits, such as reading, exercising, sleeping at…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Giving becomes enlightened self-interest
December 26, 2019By Jerry Bellune Last week, 15 local authors and 5 of us from our publishing company gathered at the library to autograph books. These books make unique gifts because…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
How to beat the Grinch in 2020
December 26, 2019By Jerry Bellune How do you get the Grinch to go away? Think about where you want to go, what you want to do and write it down, advises…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Governor McMaster appoints Richard Cohn, Sr. as Chair of SCETV
December 19, 2019Governor Henry McMaster has announced that Richard Cohn, Chairman of Cohn Corporation, will serve as the Chair of South Carolina Educational Television Commission (SCETV). As Chair of SCETV Commission, Rick…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, headlines, marketing-and-communications, media, non-profit, on-the-move
SCPRSA announces 2020 Board of Directors
December 16, 2019Professionals from across SC to lead state’s largest organization for PR practitioners The members of the South Carolina chapter of the Public Relations Society of America recently appointed the organization’s…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
5 Tips to Plan your 2020 Social Media Strategy
December 16, 2019By Sarah Robinson NP Strategy This year has flown by, and as the New Year approaches, so do the deadlines for 2020 planning. If you’re getting started with…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Want to be the low price leader?
December 11, 2019By Jerry Bellune No, you don’t. Leave that to Walmart. Our friend Ruth King tells the story about Chuck the auto mechanic and Charles the Master Jaguar Craftsman. Chuck’s…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
How to earn your prospects’ trust
December 4, 2019By Katie Ritchie Occasionally you may have to cold call. It’s no fun, but there are ways to get in the door. Here are 2 suggested by so-called experts…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
How to create effective marketing? It’s simple use your magic!
December 2, 2019By Ken Gasque Magic is the most powerful tool you have. Use it! And the most powerful tool for creating magic is a pencil. It is a magic wand…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Business Communications in an Era of Fake News
December 2, 2019By Alfred Leach NP Strategy No one knows what to believe anymore. Misinformation, disinformation and propaganda are being shared from an ever-increasing breadth of “fake news” sources (from social media…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Have you planned your exit strategy?
December 2, 2019By Jerry Bellune This time of year many of us have much to be thankful for. And those of us who have been at it many years are starting…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, business-services, marketing-and-communications
4 magic words to deal with fear
November 25, 2019By Jerry Bellune Physicist Albert Einstein said that to solve problems we’ve never dealt with before we must develop a new way of thinking about the problems and our…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Flock and Rally earns three IABC/SC Palmetto Awards of Excellence
November 25, 2019Creative agency honored for brand communication and advertising Flock and Rally, the women-owned integrated communications and marketing firm based in Columbia, S.C., was honored with three 2019 Palmetto Awards of…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, media, on-the-move
Flock and Rally earns three IABC/SC Palmetto Awards of Excellence
November 22, 2019Creative agency honored for brand communication and advertising Flock and Rally, the women-owned integrated communications and marketing firm based in Columbia, S.C., was honored with three 2019 Palmetto Awards of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Sarah Robinson joins NP Strategy and expands the growing strategic communications firm
November 19, 2019Sarah Robinson Joins NPS+ as a Communications Specialist NP Strategy (NPS+) welcomes, Sarah Robinson, to their growing strategic communications team across the Carolinas. Robinson joins as a Communications Specialist and will…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Making Your Event Stand Out Through Sponsorships
November 18, 2019By Emily Eckert NP Strategy Think back to an event that stuck out in your mind. The one you attended where your mouth dropped open when you walked in,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
S.C. Office of the State Treasurer recognized for communications excellence
November 13, 2019The S.C. Office of the State Treasurer was recently recognized for communications excellence at the International Association of Business Communicators S.C. Chapter 2019 Palmetto Awards ceremony. “I am proud of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
The 20% rule of costs and returns
November 13, 2019By Jerry Bellune A friend called the other day to pick our brains. He wants to start a small weekly newspaper in his community and wanted to know what…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Your 3 best connecting strategies
November 6, 2019By Jerry Bellune MaryEllen Tribby believes “connecting” is a better word than “networking.” Her 3 best connecting strategies are: 1. Cultivate relationships. Project an image of warmth, approachability, understanding,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Bipartisanship: in Business and in Politics
November 4, 2019By Sam Johnson NP Strategy Senator John McCain notably stated that “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the capacity to act despite our fears.” He understood that…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, non-profit
Never forget the Scouts’ motto
October 30, 2019By Jerry Bellune Were you a Scout as a kid? If so, you will remember that famous motto – “Be prepared.” It’s not just for when you were young.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Five things your graphic designer wants to tell you
October 28, 2019By Stephanie Heikkila Holman NP Strategy Working with a designer to bring your business or organization’s vision to life should be an exciting and creatively fulfilling experience. Based…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Can your business pass this financial test?
October 23, 2019By Jerry Bellune Our friend Ruth King says financial statements are our scorecard. We need them on time to properly price our offers, make good decisions to earn a…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
South Carolina ETV announces changes to staff structure
October 21, 2019Assistant general manager and director of Digital Strategies positions created South Carolina ETV (SCETV) announced a slight restructuring and the creation of two new positions – assistant general manager and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, marketing-and-communications, media, non-profit, on-the-move
MPA Strategies’ Leah Johnson awarded national education certification
October 16, 2019The American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) has appointed Leah Johnson as a Certified Education Administrator (CEA). The ASHA CEA is charged with overseeing the ASHA Approved CE Provider’s continuing education program…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Avoid your biggest business nightmare
October 16, 2019By Jerry Bellune Running out of cash can give you hyper-stress and sleepless nights. This happens when you don’t have enough revenue in slow times, haven’t saved enough to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Padgett Communications
October 14, 2019Padgett Mozingo, APR of Columbia, SC has nearly 30 years of public relations and communications experience. Before launching Padgett Communications, she was most recently director of communications for Family Connection…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications
Improve decisions & your bottom line
October 9, 2019By Jerry Bellune Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie’s top advisers are women – an exception in a male-dominated sport. Lurie says he didn’t set out to hire women but…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
How to Pitch a Reporter and Be Heard
October 7, 2019By Angela Rogers NP Strategy Today’s reporters – both print and broadcast – are always on the move. Pivoting from one story to another, preparing a “package” for the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move






