Why you shouldn’t hire random college kids to manage your social media
Most business owners understand the power of social media, but not all of them understand the knowledge, strategy, and effort it takes to make it work for their company. I often hear, “I’ll just hire an college kid to do …
Speak your customers’ language
Jargon has become a staple in our business conversations. We use it for all sorts of reasons – to make us sound smarter, to relate to others in our tribe, to supposedly explain things in a more succinct or creative …
Why do successful companies keep investing in ongoing marketing?
Seasoned Fortune 500 companies have a deep understanding and appreciation for marketing. Coca-Cola may already one of the most recognized brands in the world, but they nevertheless spend billions of dollars every year on their marketing efforts. (And you can …
Officers eat last: Simon Sinek’s revelations on purpose and leadership
Simon Sinek is one of my favorite leaders and speakers in business. I discovered Sinek in early 2010 when I saw his TED Talk on how great leaders inspire action. The core of this presentation was a simple but compelling …
It’s a waste to start anywhere but the beginning
Whenever someone discovers there’s a problem with their business or has a marketing project to tackle, they want it done NOW. They get anxious, excited, and can’t wait to see the solution or finished product. That’s totally normal, and it’s …
Marketing and sales: you got your chocolate in my peanut butter
Having been in sales for my entire professional career, I’ve witnessed one side of the ongoing jihad between marketing and sales. Now that I’m the newest member of the Forty team, I can finally come clean and admit that I …
Your website is not a silver bullet
One of the most common opening lines we hear from business owners is, “I need a website.” In reality, 99% of them need something different than (or additional to) a website, whether it’s strengthening their brand, help communicating with their …
What is a marketing plan? (Plus 9 steps to creating your own)
In our last “What is…?” post, we demystified content marketing and explained it in layman’s terms. Now, we’ll do the same for another industry buzzword: the marketing plan. A marketing plan is a document that outlines your current market position, …
You are not your target audience
One of our most common tendencies as people is believing that our own thoughts and opinions are true or the best option. It’s human nature, and a lot of times your gut will lead you in the right direction. However, …
Do you have Wonka Vision? Making products stand the test of time
Have you ever thought about the staying power of your brand? Is it worth the effort? At one time, it was supremely important for the Quaker Oats company, as they sought to create a powerful, interesting, and lasting effect for …