New consumer behaviors could impact economy re-opening
June 1, 2020
As South Carolina continues to re-open, businesses and consumers are trying to get their lives back to normal as quickly as possible. An April 2020 poll by integrated marketing communications agency Chernoff…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
The crucial moments this crisis calls for you
May 28, 2020
By Jerry Bellune The 2 most important days of your life, Mark Twain said, are the day you were born and the day you find out why. You were…
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Four Tips for Webinar Success: How to master your next online meeting or interview
May 26, 2020
By Casey Watson NP Strategy Undoubtedly, COVID-19 has taught us a major lesson in adaptability. Part of my adjustment was dusting off my computer’s webcam and becoming Zoom-savvy…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
More trends that may help or hurt you
May 22, 2020
By Jerry Bellune Last week we talked about 3 trends that can help or hurt you. Here are 3 more: • A friend observed that the political bickering in…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Riggs Partners announces 2020 pro bono marketing marathon for nonprofits
May 20, 2020
Riggs Partners will hold its 23rd annual CreateAthon event to benefit Midlands- and Upstate-area nonprofits on October 22-23, 2020. CreateAthon is a 24-hour creative marathon during which professionals provide marketing…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move
Trends to help – or hurt – your business
May 15, 2020
By Jerry Bellune Alert business owners and entrepreneurs need to be aware of new consumer trends that may help – or hurt – their business. • A local ad…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Flock and Rally earns SCPRSA “Best in Show” Silver Wing Award
May 12, 2020
Flock and Rally, a full-service, women-owned strategy, marketing and communications agency based in Columbia, South Carolina, was honored with 11 awards — including the 2019 Best in Show Silver Wing…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Video as an ongoing investment
May 12, 2020
By Taylor Kearns NP Strategy The Hollywood film industry runs on a system of expectations, standards and edicts that are probably pretty dissimilar from the work you or your…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
In a crisis, focus on survival, not fear
May 7, 2020
By Jerry Bellune Our friend MaryEllen Tribby’s daughter Delanie is training to play pro tennis. She has won dozens of junior tournaments and observers say she’s the next Chris…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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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