How to super-charge your motivation
August 21, 2019
By Jerry Bellune An executive recruiter friend keeps on his desk a photo of a fire truck-red Lamborghini he wants. This is no toy. The car costs $200,000. The photo…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Shannon Leigh (Turbeville) Keenan joins South Carolina Wildlife Federation as Director of Development and Events
August 21, 2019
The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) recently hired Shannon Leigh (Turbeville) Keenan as the organization’s new Director of Development and Events. In her new role, Keenan will maintain donor relationships,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: employment, environmental, marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move
NP Strategy expands to Raleigh; hires Al Leach as a Senior Advisor
August 19, 2019
NP Strategy, a strategic communications subsidiary of the Nexsen Pruet Law firm , announced the hiring of Alfred (“Al”) Leach to Senior Advisor at NP Strategy. In this capacity, Leach…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Flock and Rally’s VP of Marketing, Merritt McNeely, receives “Women of Influence” honor
August 19, 2019
McNeely honored with elite leaders selected by Columbia Regional Business Report Merritt McNeely, vice president of marketing at Flock and Rally, a women-owned integrated communications and marketing firm based in…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Don’t underestimate the power of a sticker
August 19, 2019
By Ken Gasque “The human race built most nobly when limitations were greatest.” – Frank Lloyd Wright. I think this applies equally to marketing and advertising. Any fool can…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
How to get free business publicity
August 15, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Savvy business owners seek relations with local newspaper, magazine and broadcast reporters, editors and news directors. When they have something about their business the community should…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
South Carolina native, Justin Evans, named PC Matic Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing
August 14, 2019
PC Matic, the world’s only 100% American-made anti-virus software, announced that it has appointed Justin Evans, who formerly served as the company’s Vice President of Government Sales, as the company’s…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: hi-tech-information-tech, it-services, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move, technology
Six Benefits of Stakeholder Engagement
August 12, 2019
By Jean Cecil Frick Business is about relationships, both good and bad. Successful organizations must be constantly aware of who will help move the organization forward, and those who…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Can you stand and deliver real value?
August 7, 2019
By Jerry Bellune What value do your products and services deliver to your customers? You know you will have to show that to your prospects. Your ‘value proposition’ is…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Guarantee your advertising will work
July 31, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Highly successful retailer R.H. Macy said he suspected half of his advertising didn’t work. He just didn’t know which half. Macy was smarter than that. You…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Call for Entries – 2019 Palmetto Awards
July 31, 2019
The South Carolina chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators is ready to celebrate South Carolina’s best and brightest communicators! If you are a communicator who has created, directed…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move
Breaking the Bad News: How to best deliver tough information
July 29, 2019
By Sara McCarthy We receive bad news almost every day. It comes to us indirectly through the news and social media, or directly in emails, letters, phone calls, and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
AAF of the Midlands announces Vital Connections of the Midlands as 2019-2020 public service client
July 25, 2019
The American Advertising Federation (AAF) of The Midlands has announced local nonprofit Vital Connections of the Midlands as the club’s public service client for 2019-2020. AAF selects one nonprofit organization…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
MGA Marketing
July 25, 2019
From social media to newsletters, community outreach and event planning, your priorities are ours. We offer a unique level of service that is not always found at larger agencies.
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What are your business’s values?
July 25, 2019
by Jerry Bellune Paul Davis believed that for your business to succeed you must always practice your basic values. What are yours? Here are 3 of our values: •…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Did your mama ever tell you not to judge a book by its cover?
July 22, 2019
By Ken Gasque Why did she tell you that? Did she feel that looks were superficial and shallow? Did she feel that looks could be deceiving? Did she feel…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Rank your business on the SWAG Meter
July 17, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Last week we talked about you and your business’s SWAG. That’s: S = Self Confidence. Customers trust you because you believe in yourself. W = Wonderment.…
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Have you and your business got SWAG?
July 10, 2019
By Jerry Bellune If you are an entrepreneur or business owner striving to grow your business, you need SWAG. This attracts and keeps customers, says our friend MaryEllen Tribby.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
It’s a Match: Pairing Your Passions and Career Goals
July 8, 2019
By Amanda Loveday The perfect job can be described as the combination of your passion with your potential. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with interesting and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Maverick entrepreneurs’ independent lives
July 7, 2019
By Jerry Bellune When anyone asks what’s so special about maverick entrepreneurs, we laugh. It’s like asking why your faith is important to you or why it is that…
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Stevens & Wilkinson welcomes interns from Clemson University and the University of South Carolina
July 3, 2019At Stevens & Wilkinson, an architecture, engineering, and interior design firm, our team approaches every design as a chance to learn and better their craft. As a firm, we aim…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: architecture, education, engineering, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Jean Cecil Frick joins the ranks of Riley Fellows
June 28, 2019
Jean Cecil Frick, a senior strategic advisor with NP Strategy, successfully completed the Spring 2019 Midlands Class of the Riley Institute at Furman’s Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI), becoming a Riley Fellow.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move
Your local advertising drives higher sales
June 27, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Local advertising is a small business’s best bet to attract customers, say advertising experts Brian and Michelle Mattingly. A simple, targeted approach to advertising will almost…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
8 questions, millions of answers
June 19, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Ken Blanchard, co-author of “The One-Minute Manager,” “Raving Fans” and other books, has a challenge for us. As business owners and community leaders, we need to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Four Common Mistakes When Engaging The Media
June 17, 2019
By Heather Matthews NP Strategy In all my years as a journalist, it never failed: 5:50 p.m. and my work phone would ring. Did the caller not know we…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Can Absolut vodka teach us anything?
June 12, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Have your products and services become commodities? Are you forced to compete on price, discounts and other concessions? Take a lesson from a former dish washer…
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NP Strategy welcomes new project coordinator, Columbia native to team
June 12, 2019
NP Strategy recently welcomed Myles Taste as the newest addition to the rapidly growing strategy consulting and communications firm. A South Carolina native, Taste is familiar with the quickly expanding…
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SC Restaurant and Lodging Association welcomes new communications manager
June 11, 2019
The South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) recently welcomed Lenza Jolley as their new Communications Manager. Jolley will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic communications campaigns to increase…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move
Columbia Metropolitan Airport names advertising agency of record
June 11, 2019
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) announced that Sparkloft Media has been named the airport’s advertising agency of record. Sparkloft Media, in partnership with Columbia-based Period Three, will assist the CAE team…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move, transportation
How to win the war with your rivals
June 5, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Remember what Sun Tzu taught us in his “Art of War” – know your strengths and weaknesses and your competitors’, too. Our competitors are in print,…
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Are you neglecting your best branding tool?
June 3, 2019
By Marcia Purday, APR NP Strategy Companies throughout the nation invest millions (or billions!) in their brands – from research and communication strategies, to analytics and more. But ultimately,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Make it fun to do business with you
May 29, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Dian and Gerald Harmon worked hard to make their concrete business successful and sold it for a bundle long before they were ready to retire. They…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Social Media and the Need for Brand Standards
May 23, 2019
By J. Bradley Studemeyer NP Strategy Small businesses often find themselves in a difficult position with social media marketing: on one hand, many feel like their current revenue streams…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
How to get prospects to open your emails
May 15, 2019
by Jerry Bellune Want to write subject lines that work? Subject lines that prospects will open? You are competing with the 121 other emails most of us receive each…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Riggs Partners announces 2019 pro bono marketing marathon for nonprofits
May 15, 2019
Riggs Partners will hold its 22nd annual CreateAthon event to benefit Midlands- and Upstate-area nonprofits on October 17-18, 2019. CreateAthon is a 24-hour creative marathon during which professionals provide marketing…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move
The Toughest Crisis May Be the One You Don’t Know You’re In
May 8, 2019
By Erin Sanders Senior Communications Advisor with NP Strategy The shooting at the UNC Charlotte (UNCC) college campus on April 30th resulted in the death of two students and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
How to double your productivity
May 8, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Our friend Andrea Nierenberg shared with us these ways she makes her 24 hours each day more productive: Awaken 10 minutes early and you’ll be surprised…
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CyberSC to present Annual Awards for Cyber Excellence at 3rd Annual Cybersecurity Summit in Greenville on May 16th
May 6, 2019CyberSC announced the recipients of the 2019 CyberSC Awards for Cyber Excellence. Award recipients in three categories – Industry, Government, and Academia – will be recognized at the SC Chamber…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, business-services, economic-development, education, employment-agencies, government, hi-tech-information-tech, insurance, it-services, manufacturing, marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, technology, telecommunications
Why is your customer buying from you? It may not be why you think.
May 1, 2019
By Ken Gasque This is the first question I ask CEOs, Presidents and owners when they want to talk about branding or rebranding. The truth is it is a…
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Max Metcalf elected Chairman of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance
April 24, 2019
The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) has elected Max Metcalf, Manager of Government and Community Relations at BMW Manufacturing Company, LLC, as the next Chairman of the organization’s Board of Directors. The…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Engaging Your Employees with Your Social Media
April 24, 2019
By Angela Rogers In the last 20 years, a horde of social media platforms have emerged. Odds are you’re an active user of at least one platform; between Facebook,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
How to drive more profit to your bottom line
April 24, 2019
By Jerry Bellune Are you happy with your business’s bottom line? We never are. I mean NEVER! If you are happy with yours, take another look. Over time your…
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Your ‘Goldilocks Offers’ will close more sales
April 17, 2019
By Jerry Bellune If you’ve shopped at your local grocer lately, you may have noticed “Yogurt-copia.” There are so many choices – apple, banana cream pie, orange, peach, strawberry,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Flock and Rally earns SCPRSA Best in Show Silver Wing Award, for total of eight honors
April 16, 2019
Flock and Rally Earns SCPRSA Best in Show Silver Wing Award, for Total of Eight Honors Flock and Rally, the full-service, women-owned integrated communications agency based in Columbia, South Carolina,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
K. Hope Creative recognized with Silver Wing Award for its children’s book Hello, Big World
April 15, 2019
Boutique creative agency, K. Hope Creative, was recognized at the South Carolina Public Relations Society of America’s Mercury Awards Dinner in Charleston Thursday, April 11, with a 2018 Silver Wing…
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MidlandsBiz
April 7, 2019
MidlandsBiz.com is part of a family of statewide, local online business magazines in South Carolina. The websites were founded to provide local business people real-time information about their community and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: business-services, marketing-and-communications, media
Networking 101: How to build strong connections
April 4, 2019
By Jean Cecil Frick When I was a child, my parents would constantly remind me of the importance of making a good first impression. Little did I know that…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Truematter welcomes new Project Manager Jordan Veverica to the team
March 26, 2019Truematter welcomed Jordan Veverica as a new project manager for the Columbia, South Carolina team. Jordan’s extensive experience as an interactive project manager has given him a talent for building…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Small Business Alliance hosts Caffeinated Conversations: Making the Most of Your Advertising Dollars – March 27
March 22, 2019Join United Way’s Small Business Alliance on Wednesday, March 27 at 7:45 a.m. for Caffeinated Conversations with a panel of local experts in the marketing and advertising industry. The panel…
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RSVP Today: Making sure the right people are in the room for your event
March 22, 2019
By Emily Eckert NP Strategy My first article in October covered tips and tricks to help execute your event without a hitch. Nailing down those logistics can be a…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
