Mangold Creative http://mangoldcreative.com Reach your full brand potential with the help of Mangold Creative. Offering marketing research and strategy, brand building and creative execution, we help business create actionable and sustainable marketing impact! Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:29:50 +0000 http://snappages.com en Hello My Name Is: Ava Herrider http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2012/03/30/hello-my-name-is-ava-herrider http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2012/03/30/hello-my-name-is-ava-herrider Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:29:50 +0000 Ava Herrider http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2012/03/30/hello-my-name-is-ava-herrider












]]> Do you Believe in Love at First Sight? http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2012/02/14/do-you-believe-in-love-at-first-sight http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2012/02/14/do-you-believe-in-love-at-first-sight Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:32:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2012/02/14/do-you-believe-in-love-at-first-sight
But what about LOVE?

Today is Valentine’s Day, my favorite of the “non-holidays.” In our household, we don’t exchange gifts, chocolate or cards, but I do enjoy a day dedicated to celebrating [...]]]>
But what about LOVE?

Today is Valentine’s Day, my favorite of the “non-holidays.” In our household, we don’t exchange gifts, chocolate or cards, but I do enjoy a day dedicated to celebrating LOVE. It energizes us, is there for us when we are down, and is, in my opinion, the 8th Wonder of the World.

LOVE for a spouse, child, family member, friend or event pet is understood. But what about LOVE for your brand? When did you last look at your logo and feel emotion? Do your marketing materials make you “feel” anything? They should!

Recently we unveiled a rebrand for a client. As we shared her new “look” for her small business, she began to cry - tears of joy I hope! :) She connected to what was, only minutes earlier, ink on paper. It reflected her vision, her hopes for her company and most importantly her brand personality. It was LOVE at first sight!

That, my friend, is branding!

Your brand SHOULD evoke emotion. You should LOVE your website and print collateral. You should feel pride when you see your logo on a truck, polo shirt or pen.

Why?

Because, that emotion keeps you loyal, trusting and connected to your business. You sell harder, you work longer and you serve your clients better - because you believe in and LOVE your business.

If you don’t LOVE your brand, call us. Because, after all, what is life without LOVE?



]]> Time to stop daydreaming! http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2012/01/11/time-to-stop-daydreaming http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2012/01/11/time-to-stop-daydreaming Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:10:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2012/01/11/time-to-stop-daydreaming www.nextstepbuilders.com [...]]]> www.nextstepbuilders.com



]]> Asking Tough Questions... http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2012/01/03/asking-tough-questions http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2012/01/03/asking-tough-questions Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:09:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2012/01/03/asking-tough-questions
  • What is your unique selling proposition - what’s different about your organization/product/service
  • Who are the key players on your team? What are their [...]]]>
    • What is your unique selling proposition - what’s different about your organization/product/service
    • Who are the key players on your team? What are their roles/strengths?
    • What are your key goals/business objectives? What’s holding you back?
    • What are your biggest revenues/sales opportunities? Most profitable? Least profitable?
    • What is your biggest frustration with growing this area?
    • Who have you been targeting? Is there a new segment that you’ve not considered?
    • Who do you consider your main competition? How do you stack up?
    • Can you define your brand?
    • How do consumers perceive your brand?
    • How would you describe your current marketing/advertising/PR efforts? Where are they weak? Where are they strong?
    • Do you have a marketing plan? What process do you use to develop it? How often is it revisited?
    • What marketing resources do you already have? How would you rate those resources?
    • What marketing talent/capabilities do you have in house? External relationships?
    • What is your marketing budget?


    Need help formulating or executing on your 2012 plans? Let us know!

    ]]>     Email Marketing: Everyone does it, but very few do it right! http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/10/20/email-marketing-everyone-does-it-but-very-few-do-it-right http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/10/20/email-marketing-everyone-does-it-but-very-few-do-it-right Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:29:00 +0000 L.J. Hyland http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/10/20/email-marketing-everyone-does-it-but-very-few-do-it-right
    Tip #1 Know Your Target Market.
    Your target market should be as specific as possible so that you are only attracting people with a high level of interest in your product. A great way to define your target market is by age, race, sex, geography and income.

    Tip #2 Only Target Your Target Market.
    Try to refine your email list to as a specific of a group as you can. It’s better to send out 20 email and get 5 good responses than to send out 200 for the same outcome. I know that sounds like common sense, but it’s one of the most common rules that companies break. Some companies feel if they send their message to everyone then everyone will come running to get their product. The actual fact of the matter is, majority of the people who buy your product are going to be within your target market. Using the umbrella affect to cover everyone is going to upset the people who don’t have any interest in your product. It is also going to cost you a lot more money to acquire such a large list.

    Tip #3 Consider Timing.
    Running a business to business email blast at 3:30 on a Friday afternoon might not be the wisest idea. The majority of people are already looking forward to their weekend. The email is likely to get deleted or put to the side until Monday. The best way to figure out a good time to send out your email blast, is to try and think like the market your sending it to. If you were them, when would you be most likely be available to receive a message?

    Hopefully these three basic tips on sending an email blast will help you increase the open, and response rate to your emails.

    ]]>         A few tricks up our sleeve... http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/08/23/a-few-tricks-up-our-sleeve http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/08/23/a-few-tricks-up-our-sleeve Tue, 23 Aug 2011 22:18:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/08/23/a-few-tricks-up-our-sleeve
    Both are fantastic clients, with service-oriented cultures and a great deal of experience!
    Both are fantastic clients, with service-oriented cultures and a great deal of experience!

    www.TrishJohnsonInteriors.com



    www.BluTinuity.com



    ]]>     What's Your Battle Cry? http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/06/29/whats-your-battle-cry http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/06/29/whats-your-battle-cry Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:44:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/06/29/whats-your-battle-cry Oak Hill Business Partners and a client crafting a new vision statement. After a few hours of great conversation, brainstorming and wordsmithing, we boiled it down to just three words.

    What are they? You’ll have to check back for [...]]]>     Oak Hill Business Partners and a client crafting a new vision statement. After a few hours of great conversation, brainstorming and wordsmithing, we boiled it down to just three words.

    What are they? You’ll have to check back for that one after we relaunch the brand. For now, you’ll have to be content with a little banter from me.

    But, that session got me thinking. Every great organization should have a battle cry - a short, concise statement that concretes your vision and pushes you forward each day. It can be an internal mantra or proclaimed to the world to position your brand. Some examples...


    “Always low prices, ALWAYS.” Walmart

    “The happiest place on Earth.” Disney World

    Or, the informal corporate mantra of Google.... “Don’t be Evil!”

    Even Henry Ford in 1929 described the mass-production he
    envisioned by saying “Build a car that my workers can afford.”


    Ready to come up with that memorable phrase that will carry you into the future? Where do you start? Here are a few rules to follow when crafting your battle cry....

    K.I.S.S. (the good 'ol Keep It Simple Stupid rule)
    We’ve all seen the mission statements that drone on about value, service, and commitment to something-or-another. A battle cry should be short, concise, repeatable. If you can’t memorize it in 10 seconds and say it in under 4, its too long.

    Show Restraint
    We all have multiple goals we want to achieve, but when crafting your battle cry, try to limit it to a single, global focus. You may have “sub-cry’s” that fall under the main objective...but always aim to create a clear overall statement for success.

    Paint a Picture
    When crafting a battle cry, use forward-thinking, visual language that paints a picture for what you want to accomplish. Choose your words wisely and use language that fits your personality and common vernacular. If it is a word or phrase you wouldn’t use in everyday language, think twice before declaring it your cry.

    Make it Contagious
    “An Army of One” might be the slogan for our nation’s forces, but in business and in life we rarely accomplish things on our own. Make your vision for the future known and shared throughout your organization...and reflect that contagious attitude in your battle cry.

    Invoke Emotion and Confidence
    Like that perfect drive, straight down the fairway, fitting perfectly into your favorite dress or hitting “Send” to submit a well-crafted proposal to a client, a battle cry should make you FEEL. Feel what? That depends on your vision, but you’ll know when you have the right phrase because it will hit you square in the heart, mind and gut.

    Need help crafting that cry? We'd love to talk more!

    ]]>         It’s About Time...Confessing My Dirty Little Secret! http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/04/28/it%e2%80%99s-about-time-confessing-my-dirty-little-secret http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/04/28/it%e2%80%99s-about-time-confessing-my-dirty-little-secret Thu, 28 Apr 2011 10:08:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/04/28/it%e2%80%99s-about-time-confessing-my-dirty-little-secret
    Well, here it is. My dirty secret.

    I haven’t posted on my blog since February [...]]]>
    Well, here it is. My dirty secret.

    I haven’t posted on my blog since February 22nd.

    I know! Shameful! And, it gets worse - my last post was all about analytics behind your site and how valuable a regularly updated blog is!

    Truth is, we’ve been incredibly blessed as a business the past few months. Some big updates and announcements in store, as well as unveiling some great new client brands! And, with a 1 year anniversary around the corner - there’s much to celebrate!

    But this confession begs the question, what’s being put on the back burner in your business?

    What are the goals you have for the next year and how are you going to achieve them?

    I met a wonderful business owner earlier this week who shared a 1 page document with me, painting a picture of what his business will look like in 1 year - department by department. The goals are aggressive, but very achievable. And by starting with a snapshot of where they WANT to be in a year, they can then go back from that point and put an action plan into place to GET them there.

    It reminded me of a wonderful talk I heard a few years back at the Missouri Hospital Association conference. A well-respected conductor and orchestral college professor, Benjamin Zander, shared his approach to teaching. At the beginning of the school year, he asks his students to write a letter around this premise: “This is how I earned an A.” He asks his pupils to stretch their minds, visualize their final grade in his class, and map out how they achieved a top grade. What an excellent exercise!

    At the end of the day, if you don’t achieve that A, it’s only because you’ve failed by your own standards.

    So I ask myself, and you, where do you want your business to be 12 months from now? How will you “get your A?” Will you have you made improvements in your brand image, your message, and your targeted marketing efforts?

    We’re getting to work mapping out goals for Mangold Creative in the next 12 months, and would love to help you put some framework around where your brand will be in 365 days. For more information or a cup of coffee to discuss your aggressive but achievable goals, give us a call. We’d love to help you reach your full brand potential.





    ]]>         Website Analytics...Find Strategy Behind The Numbers http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/02/22/website-analytics-find-strategy-behind-the-numbers http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/02/22/website-analytics-find-strategy-behind-the-numbers Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:38:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/02/22/website-analytics-find-strategy-behind-the-numbers
    I’d argue that a good website is the centerpiece of any strong marketing strategy. But how do you take your website past design and move content to the next level, driving traffic to your site [...]]]>
    I’d argue that a good website is the centerpiece of any strong marketing strategy. But how do you take your website past design and move content to the next level, driving traffic to your site and your business?

    By analyzing the hard numbers and data behind your site, you can better understand the mindset of your customers. If you haven’t integrated an analytics or tracking mechanism like Google Analytics into your web strategy, its time to start. Analytics programs not only help you to monitor overall site traffic, they help you drill down to find out critical information like:

    Search Terms - What people were looking for in an organic Google (or other) search that brought them to your site

    On-site Traffic Patterns - What pages are more frequently visited, how long do people spend on different pages of the site, etc.

    Geographic Reach - The reach of your website traffic, drilled down by country, region, state and city

    Referring Sites - Most traffic driven to your page from another website

    Traffic as a Motivator - What activities on your site drive up traffic and what makes it taper off

    Why is information like this important? I believe that by analyzing the numbers, you can actually craft web content, blog topics and engage in activities on referring sites that can increase your website visits and the “sticky-ness” of your marketing message. For example, let’s break down the four pieces of information above and translate them to a stronger marketing strategy.

    Search Terms
    Looking at the search terms that drive web traffic can help you in crafting your marketing messages. I get a fair amount of traffic from the search term “Top Qualities of a Logo.” The search links back to a blog post I wrote last fall on logo design.

    Watch these search terms to find out what your visitors are interested in learning more about. Then, create and post content of this nature to populate your website with great searchable content. You’ll create instant value and improve your SEO in the process.

    On-site Traffic Patterns
    By watching the traffic patterns on your website, you’ll be better able to understand the decision process of your audience. Are they more interested in the services you offer, or the biographies of the team behind your business? Watch visits per page along with time spent on the page to get a more thorough answer for this. A high page visit number coupled with low time spent on the page likely points to a content issue. Polish up the content or page design to increase the “sticky-ness” of your message. And, if you’ve got strong stats for a page, make sure you’re showcasing your best message there!

    Geographic Reach
    Watching the geographic patterns behind your website can be very interesting. Sure, you’re likely to get some traffic from outside of your target market, but if you are in the small business category you might be able to use that to your advantage. For example, if you’ve got professional connections out of state, watch for traffic from those areas. Could be that a previous client or colleague is quietly taking interest in your business. Because you can often tell the city that traffic is coming from, you can often tie that to your contact. I’ve used that opportunity to reach out to those people who might be “scoping out” my business offerings.

    Referring Sites
    Where are your visits coming from? Do you have a fair amount of traffic from social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter? Continuos engagement on these sites puts your brand in front of large audiences every day. Use that opportunity to link back to meaning and relevant content on your site that would provide value to other social media users. Are you getting referring traffic from a client, vendor or other third-party website? If you are fortunate enough to develop collaborative relationships with other businesses who link to your site, be sure to recognize and thank them for the referral traffic they garner.

    Traffic as a Motivator
    Finally, I’d argue that the analytics behind a website can be an effective source of motivation. Days that I blog and post links on social media sites see a dramatic spike in overall traffic. Creating new, meaningful and relevant content through a blog, calendar, community, or educational forum gives people reason to revisit your site. Letting that content get stale, out of date and doldrum decreases the “sticky-ness” of your message and your overall traffic. Watching the analytics behind your site can be a great motivator to continue to craft great website content to encourage “revisits.” And, the percent of “new visits” to your site can help you to gauge how many new impressions you are making through traditional sales calls or networking.

    Don’t have analytics available to you? Talk to your web vendor to get them setup today. It’s an easy, inexpensive process that can be of great value to your company.

    If you are ready to take your website and internet strategy to the next level, we’d love to help. Contact Mangold Creative today to see how you can reach your full brand potential.

    ]]>         Personal Branding in the Workplace http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/02/09/personal-branding-in-the-workplace http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/02/09/personal-branding-in-the-workplace Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:56:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/02/09/personal-branding-in-the-workplace
    Personal Branding in the Workplace Article

    ]]>         Superbowl Commercials and Wisconsin’s Brand Champions http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/02/07/superbowl-commercials-and-wisconsin%e2%80%99s-brand-champions http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/02/07/superbowl-commercials-and-wisconsin%e2%80%99s-brand-champions Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:53:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/02/07/superbowl-commercials-and-wisconsin%e2%80%99s-brand-champions
    Here’s some interesting ad-related info I came across: [...]]]>
    Here’s some interesting ad-related info I came across:

    This year’s 30-second television spot cost a whopping $3 million dollars! Compare that to the price of a spot in 1967 - only $40,000! Even when adjusted for inflation, the 1967 media time tops out at just over $260K. Take a look at the costs year by year.

    It is estimated that about half of viewers are there only for the commercials - not the case in Wisconsin this year!

    Social media and traditional broadcast are becoming more entangled - with commercial “sneak peeks” on Facebook, social media contests and even custom hashtags to drive Twitter feeds - you can see the advertisers attempt to move a traditional media to a Marketing 2.0 philosophy!

    Social media also brings us a great new way to “rank” tv spot popularity. Already the “most shared” Super Bowl spot of all time before it aired during the game, the Volkswagen “The Force” is going to be hard to top!

    The second “most shared” ad only aired on television one time in history. As my favorite television spot of all time, Budweiser’s tribute to 9/11, the reach of this spot has far surpassed the one-time media investment made in 2002.

    But most interesting to me is the amazing Green Bay Packer brand! As a marketer, it’s my goal to move organizations from low levels of customer awareness and loyalty to a position of trusted and valued friend.

    Throughout their years as an organization, the Green Bay Packers have achieved brand greatness throughout the state. With green and gold in every aisle, 13 lanes of 3 people deep at the grocery store and Packer merchandise around every corner, I’d argue that retailers and grocers in Wisconsin don’t have to wait till November for “Black Friday” to make a boom! This year, they’ve got “Green and Gold Sunday” to kick start the economy!

    It’s brand loyalty at its strongest. Even our blue and orange neighbors to the south must admit, they love to hate us! Congrats to the Pack and all the fans on a great victory!

    ]]>         WCTC Women Entrepreneursʼ Speaker Series - Feb. 9 http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/01/14/wctc-women-entrepreneurs%ca%bc-speaker-series-feb-9 http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/01/14/wctc-women-entrepreneurs%ca%bc-speaker-series-feb-9 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:38:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/01/14/wctc-women-entrepreneurs%ca%bc-speaker-series-feb-9
    Relationship Branding –It’s a Chick Thing!

    Gone are the days of the “ad-man” broadcasting a message out to the masses. Marketing in today’s environment [...]]]>
    Relationship Branding –It’s a Chick Thing!

    Gone are the days of the “ad-man” broadcasting a message out to the masses. Marketing in today’s environment is a unique blend of subtle brand building and personal attention for which women excel. Heather Mangold of Mangold Creative will help you explore new techniques for growing your business, advancing your career and building your personal brand through strengthening relationships; and she will also share tips to foster and maintain relationships in your personal and professional life.

    Wednesday, February 9, 2011

    Waukesha County Technical College
    Richard T. Anderson Education Center
    800 Main Street, Pewaukee

    Agenda
    11:30 a.m. Registration Check-in, Networking, Luncheon Buffet
    12:00 p.m. Welcome- Beth Miokovich, WCTC Small Business Center
    12:10 p.m. Spotlight on Success- Kelli Belt, Maynard and Belt, CPA
    12:15 p.m. Relationship Branding- Heather Mangold, Mangold Creative
    1:15 p.m. Tips on Strengthening your Brand- Event Sponsors
    1:30 p.m. Networking
    2:00 p.m. Adjourn

    Cost
    $15 ($20 after February 2, 2011)
    Registration deadline: Friday, February 4, 2011.

    Register Online
    Visit https://www.regonline.com/wctcwess

    For more information, feel free to contact us.

    Speaker Bio: Heather N. Mangold, MBA

    As a marketing strategist and business leader, Heather Mangold thoroughly and continuously researches brand development, communication, and creative marketing execution. With more than 12 years of experience, she has served many industries – service, health care, non-profit, retail, industrial and consumer products.

    Committed to relationship development, Heather has worked in both the “hunter” role in new business development – creating new opportunities and new business relationships – as well as in the “farmer” role, fostering and deepening those valuable connections. Through this dual role, she’s been an integral part of business development teams for small and start-up businesses as well as a strategic marketer for organizations topping $300 million.

    In work and in life, Heather’s mission is to help organizations reach their fullest potential. This mission lead her to start her own marketing firm, Mangold Creative, which focuses on brand development and strategic marketing for small and midsized organizations.

    As a public speaker, Heather enjoys the intimacy of presenting to small forums as well as the dynamics of a large, diverse audience. Her past presentations range from leadership and business development to the development and implementation of strategic marketing plans.

    ]]>         3 Must-Do’s for Building Brand Relationships http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/01/11/3-must-do%e2%80%99s-for-building-brand-relationships http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/01/11/3-must-do%e2%80%99s-for-building-brand-relationships Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:07:30 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2011/01/11/3-must-do%e2%80%99s-for-building-brand-relationships Over the course of the past few weeks, I’ve encountered the good, the bad and the ugly of brand relationships. I won’t bore you with the details, as everyone’s got stories of their own when it comes to being served...or underserved as it may be.

    But, at the heart of the issue, service has a HUGE impact on your [...]]]>     Over the course of the past few weeks, I’ve encountered the good, the bad and the ugly of brand relationships. I won’t bore you with the details, as everyone’s got stories of their own when it comes to being served...or underserved as it may be.

    But, at the heart of the issue, service has a HUGE impact on your brand.

    Practice Unrelenting Customer Service
    Sounds simple, right? Well, it’s simple to say, “To loose weight, all I have to do is eat right and exercise.” It’s another thing to put it into practice.

    I don’t recall where I picked it up, but I love the term “Unrelenting Customer Service.” Forget “great” customer service or “excellent” customer service. Unrelenting literally means not softening or yielding in determination or not letting up or weakening in vigor or pace. Be relentless in how you care for your clients and they’ll see a difference.

    Under-promise, Over-deliver
    I count myself fortunate to have learned this lesson early in my career. As a small business, workflow management is as important as effectively managing cash flow. A “jump - how high” mentality is great, but if you can’t make it over the hurdle you’ll disappoint. Remember, business is a marathon, not a sprint. Effective workflow management, staffing and scheduling will help you to over-deliver on your commitments rather than disappoint with missed deadlines and poor results.

    Next time you are faced with client request, gauge how urgent the issue is in your customer’s mind. If it isn’t of the utmost importance, ask their permission to appropriately schedule it into your workload by saying something like “Is it ok if I have this back to you by Tuesday, or do you need it sooner?” Chances are, they’ll be fine with this arrangement. And, hopefully you’ll have the project back in their hands by Monday - creating opportunity to over-deliver on your work.

    Create Fierce Loyalty
    I’m not talking punch cards or loyalty programs here. I’m talking about giving real value to your customers, value that keeps them returning time after time. My favorite way to do this is by practicing generosity.

    Being generous is contagious. If you are willing to give without hesitation, the favor is almost always returned and an instant bond is formed. Take the age old example of a “round of drinks on the house.” A simple gesture, really, that not only results in a larger tip, but almost always a repeat visit. The same is true across all businesses, if you give of your time, knowledge or services, you add value and create an instant and long lasting bond.

    Unrelenting customer service, over-delivering and creating fierce loyalty are all great ways to strengthen relationships with your customers. And, they work for employee relations too! Practice them daily and your brand will be well-served.

    ]]>     Marketing 2.0 - New Relationships for a New World http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/12/23/marketing-2-0-new-relationships-for-a-new-world http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/12/23/marketing-2-0-new-relationships-for-a-new-world Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:23:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/12/23/marketing-2-0-new-relationships-for-a-new-world
    Blame who you want, but understand that marketing has changed, for good.

    Gone are the days of Ad-man broadcasting. It simply [...]]]>
    Blame who you want, but understand that marketing has changed, for good.

    Gone are the days of Ad-man broadcasting. It simply isn’t enough to plaster your message around the globe anymore. In our Marketing 2.0 world, consumers want one thing - a relationship. They want to be understood and they want advertisers to provide value.

    This topic of conversation has come up so much in my talks with clients, vendor partners and colleagues lately, leading me to share one of my favorite media clips:



    Marketing has changed. Has your approach?

    If you need help getting into the heads of your customers, providing value and creating a Marketing 2.0 dialogue, give us a call. We’d love to help you create a new strategy and go to market with a strong, customer focused message!

    ]]>         "Dream Big and Live Life Well" - By Byron Pulsifer http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/12/15/dream-big-and-live-life-well-by-byron-pulsifer http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/12/15/dream-big-and-live-life-well-by-byron-pulsifer Wed, 15 Dec 2010 16:39:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/12/15/dream-big-and-live-life-well-by-byron-pulsifer
    My challenge to you as you build your 2011 business plan and marketing strategy or set your personal goals: DREAM BIG!


    Dream Big And Live Life Well
    By [...]]]>
    My challenge to you as you build your 2011 business plan and marketing strategy or set your personal goals: DREAM BIG!


    Dream Big And Live Life Well
    By Byron Pulsifer © 2007

    "Now is the time to be bolder, to dare to achieve, to begin something worth doing.

    Begin now to do something that has long been a dream, something that makes you approach each new day as a journey to accomplish what you want and desire.

    Your days are numbered, you won't live forever so now is the time to grab hold of that dream and shake it for all it's worth. Time is a fleeting commodity that can never be retrieved again so do it now, not tomorrow or the next day - now.

    Don't just dream.
    Dig for it.
    Put your desires into motion not just thought.
    Act.
    Be bold and courageous.

    Will it be easy? Not likely. Will it be worth the work, the risk, the frustration? Absolutely.

    Persist, persevere. Life gives you the opportunity now so don't let one more moment escape your capacity to have, be, or get what you want.

    There is one thing that you need to get right before you even make one move to get what you want and that is to trust yourself. Yes, trust yourself to be able to learn what you need to learn, to take risks to accomplish what others may think is foolhardy or impossible. Trust your own resolve to meet each and every challenge along the way.

    Remember that YOU are the instrument of change, the mechanism that with all your capacity will see new things unfold as you put thought into action. Anything is possible."

    ]]>         What’s on your Marketing Wish List this Holiday Season? http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/12/09/what%e2%80%99s-on-your-marketing-wish-list-this-holiday-season http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/12/09/what%e2%80%99s-on-your-marketing-wish-list-this-holiday-season Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:27:32 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/12/09/what%e2%80%99s-on-your-marketing-wish-list-this-holiday-season As our minds turn to gift giving, parties and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, keep in mind that 2011 is just around the corner. December is a great time to reflect back on your marketing and advertising efforts for the year and evaluate what worked, what didn’t and what to put on your wish list for the upcoming New Year! [...]]]> As our minds turn to gift giving, parties and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, keep in mind that 2011 is just around the corner. December is a great time to reflect back on your marketing and advertising efforts for the year and evaluate what worked, what didn’t and what to put on your wish list for the upcoming New Year! Here’s a few tips for evaluating your 2010 efforts and for setting your 2011 marketing strategy.

    Make a list, check it twice - Write down a list of all of your marketing efforts in 2010. Sometimes it’s hard to remember back to create this, so I recommend digging through your archived emails and sorting by subject line. This sometimes helps jog the memory. Also, run a report from your accounting software to evaluate expenditures. What worked? What didn’t? What was a worth investment from both a time and financial standpoint? Working from that list, create your “stop doing list” and your “continue doing list” for 2011.

    Look at the numbers - If you set sales goals for 2010, did you achieve them? If you reached your revenue goals, congratulations. If you didn’t, can you pinpoint the areas in which you fell short? Either way, now is a great time to evaluate which product lines or service components were profitable, experienced growth or faced unfortunate decline in 2010. Evaluating and understanding your 2010 sales will help you to make more accurate projections for next year.

    Dream big - Allow yourself to dream big for a moment and make a marketing wish-list for 2011. For a moment, set aside budget and resource realities and jot down all the marketing and advertising opportunities that you feel would benefit your business in the New Year. I recommend using a white board or legal pad divided into four columns. Start with column 1 where you create the wish list of tactics you would love to use. Then, in column 2, write down the needed resources to achieve success in that area. In the 3rd column, scale back those resources requirements to what you believe you could feasibly achieve in 2011. Use the 4th column to define a scaled back version of the original tactic, given the achievable resources in column 3. Using the items in column #3 and #4, build your related business objectives and marketing plan for 2011. You may find that some of your big dreams can be achieved on smaller scale.

    Weigh your relationships - Harder to quantify than the first two items, but possibly more valuable are the relationships you’ve enhanced in your professional and personal life this year. Starting with January of 2010, look through your calendar and recall the new connections you’ve made this year. Have you made the most of those connections and are you adding value to their lives? If not, set a resolution for the New Year to make the most of your professional relationships and develop opportunities for the future.

    Sometimes it’s easier to evaluate your marketing success in conjunction with another person. If you don’t have a strategy sounding-board in your organization, let us know. We’d love to talk with you about your 2010 efforts and how to achieve more with your 2011 marketing strategy.

    ]]>     From Black Friday to Cyber Monday...Tis’ the Retail Season! http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/11/29/from-black-friday-to-cyber-monday-tis%e2%80%99-the-retail-season http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/11/29/from-black-friday-to-cyber-monday-tis%e2%80%99-the-retail-season Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:47:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/11/29/from-black-friday-to-cyber-monday-tis%e2%80%99-the-retail-season
    News of a strong Black Friday is great for retailers. While marketing and [...]]]>
    News of a strong Black Friday is great for retailers. While marketing and advertising budgets are a given for the Big Box retailer, smaller, local retailers and service providers can also take advantage of the uptick in the economy and drive purchases this holiday season. Here’s some quick tips to hit your December sales goals:

    Offer Gift Card Sales and Specials - offering a small $10 or $15 “bonus” gift card with the purchase of $100 in gifts is a great way to thank your customers for their purchase

    Don't Forget Stocking Stuffers - keep small, inexpensive, but original stocking stuffers near your checkout area to bump up those holiday purchase totals

    Promote Service Offerings - With all the retail frenzy, service providers often forget to promote themselves during this month; don't forget that your services make great gifts too!

    Find an Annuity Stream - Have a product or service that is multi-faceted and drives future purchases? Offer a lower cost “entry” product and capture a customer for life.

    Provide Excellent Service - A pleasurable home-town shopping experience is always better than being herded through a big retail store; capitalize on your size by offering great service, sweet treats or coffee for shoppers and gift wrapping and package delivery

    Wishing you and your business a Merry Retail Season,
    Mangold Creative

    ]]>         Social Media in Healthcare, the New AMA Policy. http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/11/12/social-media-in-healthcare-the-new-ama-policy http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/11/12/social-media-in-healthcare-the-new-ama-policy Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:10:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/11/12/social-media-in-healthcare-the-new-ama-policy
    Recently the American Medical Association released their policy for MD use of social media and other internet platforms. Check it out on the AMA's Website.

    Looking to grow your medical practice and connect with new patients? Our experience in healthcare spans the hospital, nursing facility, independent practice, homecare, medical equipment, diagnostic and dental markets. Contact Mangold Creative today for more information on how your practice can reach its fullest potential.

    ]]>         Unveiling the Longe Family Dental Logo... http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/11/05/unveiling-the-longe-family-dental-logo http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/11/05/unveiling-the-longe-family-dental-logo Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:55:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/11/05/unveiling-the-longe-family-dental-logo


    And, if you are looking for a dentist in the Oconomowoc area, be sure to check out www.LongeDental.com for more information!

    ]]>         Blowin’ in the Wind - The Importance of a Strong Marketing Strategy http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/10/27/blowin%e2%80%99-in-the-wind-the-importance-of-a-strong-marketing-strategy http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/10/27/blowin%e2%80%99-in-the-wind-the-importance-of-a-strong-marketing-strategy Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:06:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/10/27/blowin%e2%80%99-in-the-wind-the-importance-of-a-strong-marketing-strategy
    So many organizations don’t have a strategic marketing plan or a roadmap set to guide their resources and efforts. If that’s you, chances are you’ve been blown about by the winds of marketing opportunities that whip around every corner. Presented with unlimited opportunities to market your products or services, its easy to blow from one project to the next - making light of your marketing dollars.

    Devising a strong marketing strategy is like having a firm anchor to the ground in a windstorm. It keeps you grounded, tied to your mission and vision and prevents damage and loss of direction.

    Tired of watching your marketing dollars blow by? Enlist the help of Mangold Creative to help you build a strong strategy so your business survives the storm!

    ]]>         Top Tips for Blogs that Build Your Brand... http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/10/18/top-tips-for-blogs-that-build-your-brand http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/10/18/top-tips-for-blogs-that-build-your-brand Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:58:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/10/18/top-tips-for-blogs-that-build-your-brand
    Make it Personal
    While some of my blog posts are written in the third person editorial style, it is usually more valuable to use those personal pronouns “I” and “my.” Using a more personal voice will help you connect to your readers and will let your personality shine through in your blogging. But, while your voice is personal, make sure your content is a positive reflection of your brand and not a simple regurgitation of your personal life.

    Write When You Want To
    Don’t just write when you should. In fact, if you are writing because it’s on your to-do list and not in your heart, your content will show it. I suggest writing when you are in the mood to write, sometimes 2, 3 or more posts at a time. Put them in a stockpile and then share the content little by little. It will help you achieve regular posts, but keep blogging off the “chore list.” That being said...keep your content as timely as possible!

    Don’t Think Too Much - But Do Think!
    The internet is much more informal than other forum, so keep your blog content relatively high-level. Boil the content down to what is relevant, without overloading your readers. But, do follow the rules of professional etiquette and protect your brand reputation by using proper grammar and spelling.

    Keep an Inspiration File
    My favorite part of blogging is developing new ideas for content. Not a day passes by that I don’t read something or see a new topic that strikes my interest. Sometimes it’s while I am driving in the car. Sometimes it’s at an event while I’m listening to a great speaker. Sometimes it’s even mid-meeting. Keep a file - physical or electronic - with inspiration ideas for future content and reference that file often!

    Learn from the “Re-tweet”, Give Credit Where It’s Due
    Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a huge Twitter fan. But one thing I do love is the “Retweet.” What a great way to share content across your network. Remember that when you blog, it is about producing content that is relevant to your audience. If your blog centers around high-school sports and you enjoyed the local reporter’s recent post, go ahead and share that with your audience as well. Add your two cents worth to tie the thoughts back to your own and ALWAYS provide credit to your source.

    Integrate Multimedia Content
    A picture is worth a thousand words. Enough said?

    Avoid the Tangent
    Keep it on target. Your blog content should always reflect the interests of your readers - or in an organization’s blog - your target market. If your blog centers on cooking, a post about the fare at the new local restaurant is appropriate. Your thoughts on buying a new car are not. Increase readership by keeping it relevant!

    Quality over Quantity
    Is there a rule as to how often you should post to your blog? No, but I would definitely follow the quality of quantity rule of thumb. There’s no better way to turn off your subscribers, social media friends, followers or potential customers by over posting. It’s annoying and time is valuable. Make sure you respect it!

    Use Lists
    Have you noticed that I like lists? We use lists every day in our lives - shopping lists, to-do lists, etc., helping us classify our thoughts. They are a great way to make your content scannable and break up body copy into a more digestible format. By using lists, you help the reader quickly scan the high-level points and dive into the content in more detail if desired.

    Promote Your Posts
    When you add content, make sure to drive readers to that new valuable resource. Promote your recent posts on other social media such as Linked In, Facebook and Twitter to increase traffic to your site.




    Happy blogging!

    For more information about enhancing your website content, starting a blog or better connecting with your target audience, contact us at Mangold Creative today!


    ]]>         Jim Lindenberg's, Owner of the Milwaukee Wave, 28 Essentials for work and life... http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/10/08/jim-lindenbergs-owner-of-the-milwaukee-wave-28-essentials-for-work-and-life http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/10/08/jim-lindenbergs-owner-of-the-milwaukee-wave-28-essentials-for-work-and-life Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:09:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/10/08/jim-lindenbergs-owner-of-the-milwaukee-wave-28-essentials-for-work-and-life
    1. Be optimistic and upbeat
    2. Listen
    3. Be best and be first
    4. Care for others
    5. Help others, they will [...]]]>
    1. Be optimistic and upbeat
    2. Listen
    3. Be best and be first
    4. Care for others
    5. Help others, they will help you
    6. Volunteer in the community
    7. Network
    8. Don’t ever give up
    9. Just ask
    10. Take ownership
    11. Continually improve performance and customer success
    12. Be a good communicator
    13. Be confident in yourself, your product and your company
    14. Respond to your customers promptly
    15. Be sales and customer service oriented
    16. Focus on details
    17. Do not be afraid or defensive of change
    18. Have a sense of urgency
    19. Do what you say you are going to do
    20. If you are not failing, you are not trying
    21. Believe and stress teamwork
    22. Don’t burn bridges
    23. Be part of the solution, not the problem
    24. Learn how to learn and keep learning
    25. Respect others
    26. Work hard
    27. You can’t be helped if you don’t help yourself
    28. Have fun!

    Hope you enjoy them, apply them and grow through them!

    ]]>         Driving Foot Traffic to Your Retail Store... http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/10/06/driving-foot-traffic-to-your-retail-store http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/10/06/driving-foot-traffic-to-your-retail-store Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:02:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/10/06/driving-foot-traffic-to-your-retail-store
    Location, Location, Location! And Signage!
    You’ve heard it said before. Location is everything. Well, almost everything. Combine a great location with visible and eye-catching signage. Signs and lettering should be sized with the viewer in mind - typically letters an inch to an inch and a half high to every 10 feet of viewing distance. Temporary signage announcing specials and sales helps break up the “same-old-landscape” that consumers are accustom to seeing on your street.

    And don’t forget to incorporate signage that is viewable by both traffic on foot and by car to maximize exposure!

    Free Demonstrations and Workshops
    No matter your retail offerings, you can position yourself and your store as experts in your industry by offering no-cost demonstrations and workshops for your customers. Take a cue from the big box stores out there like Home Depot who, through its homeowners workshops, empowers individuals the chance to tackle even large projects. Do you own a unique gift, floral or specialty food store? Have your team of pros demonstrate how to arrange a perfect holiday gift basket. Own a sporting goods store? Offer first aid workshops to those weekend warriors. Your expert advice will drive retail sales as consumers become more empowered.

    Use Online Relationships to Drive Traffic
    While you might be a traditional bricks-and-mortar store, don’t dismiss the importance of developing relationships with your customers online. Use social media, email and your website to announce special pricing, hours and new products. And since consumers often start their purchase decision process online, be sure your website offers a thorough education on your product. The more specific your retail niche, the more expert advice you can offer. When it comes time to buy, people will remember this!

    Offer Unique Extended Holiday Hours
    For retail-aholics, there is something etherial about Black Friday. Offer unique opportunities to shop like a special one-night sale starting at Midnight on Thanksgiving Day to give those shop-aholics a reason to start celebrating early! Make sure to promote those special hours and sales through traditional advertising efforts to get the word out!

    Looking to drive additional traffic to your retail store or showroom this season? Give us a call to find out how a blend of traditional marketing and unique tactics like these can help!

    ]]>         Toast to New Beginnings... http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/10/04/toast-to-new-beginnings http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/10/04/toast-to-new-beginnings Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:08:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/10/04/toast-to-new-beginnings
    Hope you enjoy these photos of our launch party - an evening of toasting to new beginnings! [...]]]>
    Hope you enjoy these photos of our launch party - an evening of toasting to new beginnings!



    ]]>         A Few Thoughts On Personal Branding... http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/09/27/a-few-thoughts-on-personal-branding http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/09/27/a-few-thoughts-on-personal-branding Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:22:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/09/27/a-few-thoughts-on-personal-branding
    Your Brand Promise...
    One of my favorite phrases is this - “Under Promise, Over Deliver.” As an individual or an organization, we all strive to set and keep our brand promise. Our intent may be good, but if we cannot keep our word, our personal and professional brands will suffer. Strive to over deliver in all you do.

    What You Can Contribute...
    In a group setting, find out what you can best contribute to the group, practice and polish those talents and share them. A contributor gives of themselves for the better of the group/the outcome/the project. A good contributor knows what they have to offer, and where they can stand back, watch and learn from other contributors - even those who are “below them on the totem pole.” Developing this talent builds a team-oriented brand and positions you as both an expert and a life-long learner!

    Consider All Your Customers...
    In our daily work, we are well aware of the external customers we serve. To better develop your personal brand, I’d challenge you to spend this week focusing on serving your internal customers - your coworkers. Missed deadlines, botched priorities and failure to develop relationships with internal customers can damage your brand. Strengthen your relationships with these folks, they’ll support you and become your biggest advocates. A strong internal team shines through in external branding efforts as well!

    What are you doing to develop your personal brand? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

    ]]>         If It's Not Working For You, It May Be Working Against You! http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/09/20/if-its-not-working-for-you-it-may-be-working-against-you http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/09/20/if-its-not-working-for-you-it-may-be-working-against-you Mon, 20 Sep 2010 09:08:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/09/20/if-its-not-working-for-you-it-may-be-working-against-you How many times have you taken on a project - branding, operational or otherwise - that is a constant uphill battle? It is frustrating, time consuming and disparaging. But unlike elementary school, it’s not just the effort that counts. If the end result is a poor representation of your brand, it’s working against you!

    This [...]]]>     How many times have you taken on a project - branding, operational or otherwise - that is a constant uphill battle? It is frustrating, time consuming and disparaging. But unlike elementary school, it’s not just the effort that counts. If the end result is a poor representation of your brand, it’s working against you!

    This has been a big subject of consideration at Mangold Creative throughout the process of building our new website. Our old website served a purpose, but did it reach its full brand potential? No. It was a classic case of the shoemaker’s children having no shoes. With a little added time and the right resources, we’ve taken things to the next level and you can too by following a few easy steps.

    Assess Priorities
    What are some of the biggest gaps in your current efforts? A generic look and feel to your branding materials? A weak or unorganized sales team? The first step in making a positive change is finding determining what’s not working for you. Sometimes it takes an outside perspective to identify these problems - Mangold Creative, a great mentor or even a good, honest friend can bring a fresh mind and objectivity to the assessment process. To better direct your time and financial resources, assess your priorities and adhere to a plan to address them.

    Create a “Stop Doing List”
    More often than not, we spin our wheels on things that are working against us. Do you have five rounds of revisions on that most recent brochure and it is still not quite right? Or maybe you are a compulsive about copywriting, constantly tweaking and retweaking. While it is important to commit time to these efforts, make sure you are devoting the right amount of time to each project. If you are spinning your wheels, it’s ok to set something aside for a few days - when you come back, you’ll approach it with a clear mind and new energy. Also, by creating a “stop-doing” list, you’ll minimize distraction and wheel spinning and start focusing on those things that give us the greatest return on our efforts.


    Find the Right Tools and Resources
    I can’t say enough about this section. Just like our home repair/remodeler contractor would say, “its all about having the right tools for the job.” Resources come in many forms: people, technology, time, and money. Don’t start a job if you can’t commit the right resources to it - you’ll be back to wheel spinning in no time. And cutting corners can result in poor design, bad branding efforts and misdirected or wasted resources.

    A bad website or business card is just that - a bad reflection on your brand. Remember, if isn’t working for you, its can actually work against you.

    Take Action
    Don’t be thwarted by inaction. Chipping away at a project little by little still gets the job done and is a great way to create sustainability over time. Plus, setting incremental goals helps you to celebrate early wins and avoid “next best thing” thinking. If you aren’t sure where to start, partner with someone who can help.

    We hope you like our new site. We’d love to help you discover what’s NOT working for you business and help you get it back on track. Contact us today to find out how you can reach your full brand potential.

    ]]>         Targeting Top-quality Patients http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/08/19/targeting-top-quality-patients http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/08/19/targeting-top-quality-patients Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:34:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/08/19/targeting-top-quality-patients In today’s ever-changing healthcare arena, its difficult to be a medical provider. What’s more, finding top-quality, educated, insured and motivated patients can be an enormous challenge. Gone are the days of a passive marketing presence for the independent provider - wait too long and competitors will gobble up your market share! [...]]]> In today’s ever-changing healthcare arena, its difficult to be a medical provider. What’s more, finding top-quality, educated, insured and motivated patients can be an enormous challenge. Gone are the days of a passive marketing presence for the independent provider - wait too long and competitors will gobble up your market share! Act strategically and you might just be able to attract new patients and secure your future as an independent provider.

    But how do you attract top patients? We’re talking about the kind of person who is well-educated, motivated about their care and the care of their family and insured. Here are three of our favorite ways to bring these new patients into your practice.

    Online Profiles and “Find a Doctor” Websites
    Everyone knows the extent at which patients are using the internet to find doctors and other healthcare providers. But do you know the magnitude with which these top patients use sites like findadoc.com and HealthGrades.com are used?

    HealthGrades indicates that over 9 million unique visitors use the site to search for physicians each month. And they track and post some impressive qualities for their users - they are college-educated (84%), commercially insured (84%), and motivated (82% of visitors are planning a doctor’s visit in the next 30 days.) Sound like the type of patient you want to see?

    But how do these sites work? Third-party data is used to populate generic physician, dentist and nursing home profiles. Consumers view these profiles and, in turn, select the provider who best fits their needs. But, the generic data says little about you as a provider. And, the better your profile, the more likely you are to connect with a patient. Many sites allow providers to log-in and customize their profiles for free, even upload photos and video, to better tell consumers about your practice philosophies. Invest some time in improving your online brand and you’ll connect with these top patients!

    Extreme-targeted Direct Mail
    Still using a geographic and income bracket to target your direct mail? That’s a good start, but did you know you can purchase mail lists based on disease propensity? Thanks to today’s technologies, direct mail companies are specializing even further in the area of targeted marketing. Specializing in lipidology? Purchase mail lists for hypertension. Orthopaedic surgeon? Target arthritics!

    Take super-targeted mail one step further and use variable printing to really make a statement. Variable printing allows you to take your mail list and create a visual “mail merge” of sorts, printing different graphics to match your demographic, addressing the consumer by name in the artwork itself or even place entirely new copy for a given “criteria.” Targeting motivated people at their time of need and customizing your message helps you get noticed and get results!

    Patient Education
    To a medical provider, a self-motivated patient with a desire to learn and manage their condition is a dream come true. But how do you attract these types of people. Information. Give it to them, at their fingertips. This group of people can’t learn enough about their condition, an upcoming surgery or the recovery process. With so many sources for patient education today, make sure you become the resource. Don’t let patients slip away to WebMD.com, hospital websites or worse yet, the education they’ll get from an online forum.

    Produce your own arsenal of patient education materials and distribute it wherever possible. Distribute printed materials to referring providers, in your office and at community events. Translate these materials to the web whenever possible. If at all possible, consider audio or video segments for both online use and for paid media like TV and radio. Become the knowledge source for these info-hungry patients, brand the materials with your practice image and feel good that you’ve done your service to provide a great education source to the community in the meantime.

    For more information about targeting top patients, growing your practice or better establishing your brand in the community, contact us today!

    ]]>         Top 10 Qualities of A Great Logo... http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/08/10/top-10-qualities-of-a-great-logo http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/08/10/top-10-qualities-of-a-great-logo Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:41:00 +0000 Heather N. Mangold, MBA http://mangoldcreative.com/blog/2010/08/10/top-10-qualities-of-a-great-logo Thinking it’s time for an updated logo for your organization? Not certain if the investment is worth the cost? Your logo says a lot about who you are as a company, your commitment to your customers and your overall brand. A strong logo creates an identity that consumers related to, recognize and hopefully become loyal to. What are [...]]]>
    Thinking it’s time for an updated logo for your organization? Not certain if the investment is worth the cost? Your logo says a lot about who you are as a company, your commitment to your customers and your overall brand. A strong logo creates an identity that consumers related to, recognize and hopefully become loyal to. What are our top-10 qualities of a great brand icon? Keep reading and find out how you measure up?

    10. Simple - A great icon should be simple. Forget all the tricks like drop shadows, gradient fills and borders. Simplicity is key. Strive to use as few shapes, colors and gimmicks possible when you choose your next logo. A simple icon will also be timeless - saving you the hassle and expense of a complete overhaul down the road.

    9. Versatile - Logos need to look good on a variety of mediums - scaled down to fit on an ink pen or grown to fit the side of a truck. Try out different sizes and make sure your logo or icon will work across all applications - print, web, promotional products, apparel and more!

    8. Strong - A great logo should be able to be reduced to only one color and still maintain a great presence. Many times you’ll need a black and white-only version of your icon. A strong icon doesn’t need color to stand out.

    7. Memorable - If there is one thing to strive for, it’s retention. Consumers are bombarded daily with thousands of advertising messages. If your logo is memorable, its more easily recognized - improving your brand presence and recognition.

    6. Relatable - Have a variety of product lines or services? A great logo should have components that relate to your scope of offerings. Logo components can be used in product line icons - showing the relationship between the parent company and the derivative service.

    5. Unique - Many smaller companies make the mistake of using templates, stock images or clip-art as logos. Invest in custom artwork to ensure your logo tells the story of your brand and is unique as your business is.

    4. Appealing - A great logo should appeal to your target market. It should say something about the industry you work in, reflect your service offerings or tie to your organization’s vision. Appeal to your target customer by using imagery that they can relate to.

    3. Reflective - Logos should always point back to your organization’s brand. A more conservative icon reflects a conservative organization. Or, try an artsy or whimsical icon if your business exudes creativity. The icon should reflect who you are as an organization.

    2. Competitive - Take a look at the logos of your biggest competitors. Do you have icon envy? If your competition hasn’t invested in a great brand identity, now’s the time for you to get the jump start on them. If they’ve got a great image, don’t stand idly by - catch up and compete! Market share awaits!

    1. Iconic - What does your logo mean to you? It should be your passion - a great icon for your organization. It should stand for something, serving as the “American Flag” of your organization. Seeing your logo should evoke emotion from those who are closest to the brand - owners, employees and your most loyal customers!

    How does your logo measure up? Is it time for some tweaking or maybe a new image? Mangold Creative can help you reach your full brand potential - contact us today for a complete brand audit.

    ]]>