SCRA announces new Marketing & Communications Director
May 5, 2020
The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) has announced that Adrian Grimes was named Director of Marketing & Communications on April 6. “We’re extremely pleased to have Adrian join our team.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: hi-tech-information-tech, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
What can you control in trying times?
May 4, 2020
By Jerry Bellune Our friend Jill Konrath admits it’s tempting to slip into “poor me” thinking. But we have a single option right now. We need to focus on…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
S.C. public relations pros recognized for excellence
May 1, 2020
Communication professionals from across the state were recognized Thursday for outstanding work in public relations programs, campaigns, tactics and career accomplishments. The South Carolina chapter of the Public Relations Society…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Put Empathy Into Action
April 28, 2020
Leighton Lord Board Chair, Nexsen Pruet Founder and Managing Director, NP Strategy, LLC Empathy is a key element of emotional intelligence – the connection between self and others. We’re…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
What to do if you’re forced to close
April 22, 2020
By Jerry Bellune Manufacturers are switching from their prime products to making health care products such as masks and gowns. Some have even designed ventilators and are selling to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Hard times challenge us to innovate
April 16, 2020
By Jerry Bellune A friend of ours was looking for a birthday gift for her teenage daughter. Amazon was backed up in deliveries. She found what she was looking…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, technology
What’s ‘the Buzz’ with SC Business?
April 14, 2020
By Burnie Maybank Nexsen Pruet Today’s dominating business buzzwords are a little different than what we might have thought they’d be a few months ago. “Uncertain times;” “a new…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, media
How to survive in trying times
April 8, 2020
By Jerry Bellune Sure, covid-19 is a challenge. Most of us have been through this before. Our friend Scott Channell reminds us that when the economy contracts, we get…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Local news and covid-19
April 6, 2020
By Jerry Bellune An urgent note to our readers and visitors: In trying times, truth matters more than ever. The more accurate local news gets out to our community,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Watching Working Parents – and Learning A Lot
March 30, 2020
By Sarah Robinson NP Strategy This ‘new normal’ is unlike anything any of us have ever experienced – forcing us to adjust and evolve our day-to-day routines. As our…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move
23 Ways to Promote Your Business During Covid-19
March 26, 2020
Use the time to update your website. Check in with your employees; make a personal call to each employee asking how they are doing and if there are any resources…
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South Carolina ETV utilizes TVU Grid service to streamline emergency communications for S.C. broadcasters
March 25, 2020
New Service will help expedite the dissemination of vital information to South Carolinians South Carolina ETV (SCETV) today announced that, in addition to its existing live stream, the network will…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move, telecommunications
Never let a crisis go to waste
March 25, 2020
By Jerry Bellune President Obama’s chief of staff Rahm Emanuel famously said in 2008, “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste. I mean, it’s an opportunity…
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You know what the good news is?
March 23, 2020
By Taylor Kearns NP Strategy When I was a kid, my mom would ask us that question immediately following what – at the time – seemed like a soul-crushing…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Don’t eat your seed corn
March 18, 2020
By Jerry Bellune Country folks know about seed corn. That’s the part of the crop you save to plant the following year. Without it, you won’t have anything to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Mind’s i Creative
March 18, 2020
Social Media. Radio. Television. Billboards. In a world of non-stop messaging how do people find out who you are? What your business does? You may have only seconds to make…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications
South Carolina ETV reimagines mission-driven partnership with S.C. Department of Education in response to COVID-19
March 17, 2020
Network to modify programming three days each week beginning March 24 South Carolina ETV (SCETV) today announced a plan in partnership with the S.C. Department of Education (SCDE) to broadcast…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, government, health-care, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move, technology, the-arts
Effectively Communicating in Uncertain Times
March 17, 2020
By Heather Matthews NP Strategy Silence fuels fear in a crisis, especially when the crisis is changing by the day and is something few people have experienced before. Over…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, headlines, health-care, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Steel Hands Brewing announces official partnership with Soda City FC
March 11, 2020Steel Hands Brewing is an official partner of the Soda City FC, Columbia’s Semi-Professional Soccer Team. Steel Hands Brewing announces official multi-year partnership with the Soda City FC semi-professional soccer…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: economic-development, hospitality, marketing-and-communications, media, on-the-move, sports
Flock and Rally celebrates two ADDY Awards for S.C. State Fair ad campaign
March 11, 2020
Flock and Rally, a women-owned integrated communications and marketing firm based in Columbia, South Carolina, has earned two 2020 ADDY Awards for its advertising and creative work for the 2019…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: business-services, hospitality, life, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Reward your winners, ditch your losers
March 11, 2020
By Jerry Bellune Which unprofitable products, services and procedures do you and your people put up with? Who are your least productive people and what do they do to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Your advertising can change your results
March 4, 2020
By Jerry Bellune 40 years ago, ace copywriter Denny Hatch heard Dorothy Kerr of US News & World Report say, “If you want to be successful in direct mail,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
AllSouth Federal Credit Union to host Soldiers and Vets Charity Golf Tournament to benefit The Big Red Barn Retreat
March 3, 2020
AllSouth Federal Credit Union will host its 24th Annual Soldiers and Vets Charity Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 14, 2020, at Golden Hills Golf & Country Club in Lexington, South…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move, philanthropy
Avoid Being the Cobbler with Bad Shoes
March 3, 2020
By Amanda Loveday NP Strategy For many of us, our day-to-day activities are dictated by the services we provide to our customers – so much so, that we too…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move
How to cut your customer acquisition cost
February 26, 2020
By Jerry Bellune Why don’t your customers refer? Here are 7 reasons from our friend Ruth King: 1. You have no active, non-pressure program so they don’t think about…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Grow! By ERG
February 24, 2020
Grow! 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, 2020
Grow! 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, 2020
FASTSIGNS® 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, 2020
By 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, 2020
By 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, 2020
Flock 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, 2020
By 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, 2020
By 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, 2020
Columbia 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, 2020
Cheryl 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…
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Give customers memorable experiences
January 29, 2020
by 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, 2020
By 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…
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Going the extra mile for clients: A guide
January 28, 2020
By 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, 2020
Kara 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, 2020
Renee 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…
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The results of being an extra miler
January 22, 2020
By 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…
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Your 2020 whats, hows and whys
January 15, 2020
By 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…
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Carmichael promoted to Director of Marketing at Experience Columbia SC
January 13, 2020
Experience 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, 2020
By 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, 2020
By 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…
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3 Steps to Improve your Public Engagement In 2020
January 6, 2020
By 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, 2020
By 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…
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Giving becomes enlightened self-interest
December 26, 2019
By 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…
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How to beat the Grinch in 2020
December 26, 2019
By 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…
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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
