marketing-blog

What to Expect From a Marketing Communications Consultant

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 01:27:55 +0100

Hiring a marketing communications consultant benefits your company in several ways. First, you get an outside view of your organization. This often results in fresh and innovative ideas that may not have had time to take root internally. Second, you get an additional team member without the commitment of hiring, training, and managing a new employee.

Of course, as in any professional relationship, you want someone you can trust. Following are some things to consider as you choose the best person for your marketing communications consulting needs:

Experience

A good track record in marketing communications is essential when looking at consultants, though industry experience may or may not be critical. For instance, one of my long-term clients manufactures semi conductor components that are very niche and technical. I’ve had great success helping this client establish their brand presence within the market, without understanding the details of each product.

Passion

I know this word is often overused, but a marketing communications consultant should love what they do, and more importantly, enjoy helping others. I don’t do this work to earn millions. I do it because I get great joy watching what happens when the right message reaches the right people through the right communication channels. That goes for both my paid work, and for the pro bono work I do for the causes I believe in.

Honesty

Don’t hire a yes man (or woman) to simply carry out your wishes. A good marketing communications consultant will challenge you in all the right ways. Your consultant shouldn’t over promise, either. I tell clients that marketing communications is about continuous strategy, testing, and refining. I’m also upfront about what I can and can’t deliver.

A Collaborative Spirit

Communication is not a one-way street, and you should be wary of a marketing communications consultant that doesn’t ask for input. Though most of my clients are not geographically nearby, we regularly brainstorm online and via conference calls. Being part of a team is essential to producing excellent work.

Free mobile marketing webinar

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 01:28:13 +0100

Still trying to wrap your arms around mobile marketing? Take advantage of this free webinar from Mobile Marketer:

"With more than 1 million applications downloaded tens of billions of times, marketers are finding that apps have become a victim of their own success: despite the number of downloads, consumer engagement with the apps is not where it should be. What brands, marketers, retailers and publishers should do to encourage deeper engagement and transactions with apps is the focus of this free, hour-long webinar on July 26 at 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET. Key tactical and strategic tips will be offered by executives from Gilt Groupe, USA Today and sponsor Fiksu."

Learn more about the free webinar and register at http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/advertising/13224.html

Marketing & PR Group Meeting

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:01:30 +0100

The next Carson Area & Marketing PR Network meeting is Wednesday, May 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Business Resource Innovation Center (BRIC) located at 108 E. Proctor Street in Carson City for CAMPN’s next meeting. This month's topic is Pinterest's main user demographic, how they are using this newest and fastest-growing Social Media outlet, and how businesses can benefit from using it. Visit www.campn.org for more info.

Reno Marketing Workshop

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:01:57 +0100

Visit http://thisisreno.com/2012/03/29021/ for information on an upcoming Marketing/PR workshop in Reno.

What’s Your Communications Campaign ROI

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:39:31 +0100

Lunch & Learn

Plan to attend the first 2012 CAMPN Lunch & Learn teleseminar on our radar. It addresses how to measure the success of your communication efforts:

Topic: “What’s Your Communications Campaign ROI” presented by Angela Sinickas
When: Tuesday, May 22nd, from Noon to 1 p.m. PST
Where: The BRIC in Carson City, 108 E. Proctor

Cost: Free (As a PRSA member, Christel is signing up for the event and has permission from PRSA National to invite member and non-members guests, up to a limit of 4 teleseminars/webinars per year. This is compliments of PRSA.)

Mobile Marketing at North Lake Tahoe

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 01:30:42 +0100

Take a look at what my team at smith + jones is doing at North Lake Tahoe for mobile marketing. Visitors can visit the mobile site, sign on for text messages, and adding more location-based tools.

Reno Lake Tahoe Marketing News

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 22:55:37 +0100

If you're a PR or marketing professional who wants to up your networking, consider joining the Carson Area Marketing & PR Network. The Northern Nevada Development Agency is looking for members to join its Marketing & Media Advisory Committee, focused on helping our region grow. The NNDA has also partnered with the Nevada Appeal to produce a regional business directory.

For full-service marketing and advertising support, smith + jones offers an experienced team that is both strategic and creative.

To get involved in local professional networks, or to get help with your marketing initiatives, feel free to contact me!

Marketing and Public Relations Updates

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 01:09:10 +0100

Check out http://www.campn.org/campn-blog.php for recent marketing and public relations updates and information, including:

Tools for PR
Link to free Cision demo on Google+

Plus, news about Reno/Tahoe/Carson City marketing & PR news at http://www.campn.org/september-2011-meeting.php

Marketing and PR meeting Sept. 7

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:45:25 +0100

The Carson Area Marketing & PR Network meets 5:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Business Resource Innovation Center (BRIC), 108 E. Proctor St. The meeting is open to public relations, marketing, and marketing communications professionals. New and prospective members are welcome. There is no cost to attend, but RSVP is required.

Veteran TV news anchor, reporter, producer, and media and political consultant Brent Boynton will speak on how the changing media landscape affects public relations and marketing professionals. Are news releases effective anymore or is social media the way to create good press? Brent will address the changing face of local news media and how to make the best impression in today's evolving media marketplace.

CAMPN is an association of professional marketers, marketing communicators, and public relations executives who gather monthly to network and share marketing and public relations resources, ideas and tips.

For more information, visit www.campn.org.

Nevada Marketing and Advertising Agency

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 16:46:32 +0100

I'm excited to be working with the talented team at Smith & Jones Marketing & Advertising! If you're looking for a full-service marketing and advertising agency (and a reason to visit beautiful Lake Tahoe) be sure to check out www.sjmarketing.com.