Recently added to the Front Porch team, New Rocker Allison shares Porch insights on good marketing, life lessons, and an inside view on The Porch.

What is the biggest misconception about marketing today?

Marketing is solely focused on gaining new customers. This is a common misconception because it omits the importance of retaining current customers and misconstrues customers as only a number instead of a respected client. Although getting new customers is important, it is just as important to make sure that current customers are being equally prompted by the benefits of the product/service.

What advice would you give to someone struggling with creating a brand identity?

Believe in your brand and find a way to guide your customers to see the brand through your eyes. Whether it’s a product or a service, show customers how your idea can change their life for the better.

One of the biggest lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

Your uniqueness is not your weakness. Be proud of what you can bring to the table and always be willing to learn from your mistakes and others.

What does good marketing look like?

Good marketing requires creativity, persistence, and patience. Therefore, by taking the time to set a solid foundation and identify your core values as a company and as a team, you will reap the rewards of gaining loyal customers and positively impacting the world with your product/service.

If you could be anywhere in the world right now where would it be?

I would be in Greece, traveling from coast to coast, with ABBA naturally playing in the background.

If you could describe yourself in three words what would they be?

Gregarious, Amiable, and Confident.

What is your favorite thing about FPM?

Working alongside a team of encouraging women who are always ready to take on a challenge.

In what ways does the team at FPM have aligned values?

We all believe in delivering the highest quality of our services and in the fruitfulness of investing in relationships with our clients and our teammates.

Your goals for FPM?

1. Pass on productive nuggets of wisdom to viewers who read my blogs.

2. Help a client’s goals become a reality.

3. Expand my professional network.

How would you describe the culture at FPM?

FPM is truly like a family. For example, no matter where I am working from or what I’m working on, I know I can always count on this team to have my back and help me achieve my goals.

How does FPM differentiate itself from other marketing companies?

The FPM team is committed to be a helping hand to all who ask. Most importantly, no matter the product or service being sold, FPM will make sure that you are well equipped with the knowledge and assistance you need. Above all, we are here to make your goals a tangible reality.

Fun fact?

I have been to the middle of the world!

Thank you for tuning in as this New Rocker shares her Porch insights!

Communicating with your target audience is always important. Using the right tone to do so is paramount, particularly in the current climate.

There are several examples we can use from the last few months. Similarly, some have already popped in your head.

Here are three tips to avoid the wrong tone in communications:

• Stay connected. Social media and email communications play a crucial role in our interactions with clients, consumers and co-workers. Engage with each of them consistently across platforms.

• Build relationships. Don’t focus only on sales. Work to build relationships by sharing content meaningful to your audience, not simply advertising your products and services.

• Strike the right chord. It is important to acknowledge, in a genuine manner, the challenges facing the world. Changing your email greeting or signature is one simple solution. However, don’t simply throw an email together full of overused phrases such as “in these uncertain times” or “our new normal.” Use rhetoric and language relevant to your audience, but do not pander.

Clients have asked us if they should communicate about certain issues. We are always happy to provide our feedback. If you have worked with us before, you know we have opinions. We are not afraid to share them either.

But, above all, we want what is best for our clients personally and professionally and what is best for their businesses or organizations.

If you are going to participate in a conversation about sensitive issues, here are three additional tips:

• Choose wisely. If you are going to engage regarding sensitive subjects, make sure you add value to the conversation.

• Explain your position clearly and succinctly.

• Commit to specific actions. Share those commitments with your audience and be accountable to them.

How you communicate is as important as what you communicate. The tone is equally as important. Do not be tone-deaf.

In conclusion, no matter the topic, always be genuine. As a result, say what you mean and mean what you say.

Next up in the Rocker Spotlight series is Front Porch Spring Intern Sarah Kiburz! A recent grad from the University of Arkansas, Sarah gives us the scoop on her internship and all things marketing.

What is the biggest misconception about marketing today?

That it is pushy and unwanted. People think marketing is all about selling something, which is partly true, but it is more so about meeting people’s needs.

One of the biggest lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

Be confident and assertive! It is okay to highlight your accomplishments in order to get noticed. Hard work goes a long way, but you can’t expect people to note every good thing you do. Speak up and be your own advocate!

What does good marketing look like?

Good marketing meets the customer where they are. It connects on a deeper level, is expertly timed, and highlights the purpose behind the business.

If you could be anywhere in the world right now where would it be?

Either on a beach in Maui or watching a Broadway musical in NYC.

If you could describe yourself in three words what would they be?

Loving, thoughtful, driven.

What is your favorite thing about FPM?

As Front Porch’s Spring Intern, I am able to work diligently on projects with minimal supervision. It is a great feeling when your boss trusts you and your work!

In what ways does the team at FPM have aligned values?

The team at FPM has aligned values in that they truly believe in the clients they work with. They establish deep relationships and are therefore able to create meaningful, high-quality work that resonates with customers.

Your goals for FPM?

I hope Julie and the team can continue to grow the business by adding clients and potentially expanding the team to take on a whole host of new clients. They are some of the busiest people I know, and they love a challenge!

How would you describe the culture at FPM?

I would describe the culture as incredibly inclusive. The team is a tight-knit group that likes to have fun, but everyone gets down to business whenever necessary. It is a fast-paced work environment where there is always something that needs to be done.

How does FPM differentiate itself from other marketing companies?

FPM has an incredibly experienced team that acts as a powerhouse when it comes to meeting clients needs. They differentiate themselves with a casual and humorous approach to marketing but are no strangers to hard work.

Fun fact?

I am musically inclined! I danced(mostly ballet) for 12 years and played the violin for 6 years, which I have been wanting to pick back up.

Continuing on in our Rocker Spotlight series is Front Porch Lil’ Rock Maria Gregorio, who will share her insights on her own career and her experience on the Porch.

What is the biggest misconception about marketing today?

People want quality marketing for very little money. Cheap and great quality don’t really go together.

What advice would you give to someone struggling with creating a brand identity? 

Sit down, talk with customers, friends and colleagues. Have lots of post-its and pens around. Branding can be a tedious process but worth it in the end when you know who you are as a company and what you stand for.

One of the biggest lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

Keep learning and growing. If it looks like you can’t grow or learn in your position, its time to look elsewhere.

What does good marketing look like?

Responsive, meets the customer where they are, makes you smile.

If you could be anywhere in the world right now where would it be?

My parents’ house in the Philippines.

If you could go to dinner with one person living or dead who would it be?

My grandpa (deceased).

If you could describe yourself in three words what would they be?

As the Front Porch Lil’ Rock nickname hints, I am short, funny, and quirky.

What is your favorite thing about FPM?

No commute! Seriously though, that we get to do interesting, creative work for great clients.

Tell me about a major milestone in your life?

When my husband visited me in college, Memorial Day Weekend 2001. We have been together ever since.

In what ways does the team at FPM have aligned values?

I think we’re all straight shooters who want to do great work and do right by people.

Your goals for FPM?

Grow the business and continue helping small businesses achieve their dreams.

How would you describe the culture at FPM?

We are a fun group who work very hard and genuinely like being around each other. That’s not something you see every day in other workplaces.

How does FPM differentiate itself from other marketing companies?

I think that judging from our quirky titles and the name of our company, people can tell that we like to do things a little differently. It does sound a little “folk-sy” but we just want to do great work for companies we believe in.   

Fun fact?

I have never lived in one place for more than four years. (military brat/railroader wife) And I used to do acting competitions in high school. I liked playing the villain 

Next up in the Rocker Spotlight series is Front Porch Rock Star Vanessa Hickman, where she shares her experience on the porch and things she has learned throughout her career.

Biggest Misconception about Marketing

The biggest misconception about marketing today is that there is one solution to advance brands in their marketing goals.

Advice You Would Give To Someone Struggling With Brand Identity

Seek  third-party experts to facilitate the process!

Lessons Learned

As a marketing maven and Front Porch Rock Star, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is “your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do”- Steve Jobs.

What is Good Marketing?

Above all, good marketing is intentional, consistent and precise.

Dinner With 1 Person Living Or Dead

If I could go to dinner with one person living or dead I would choose Jesus.

Describe Yourself in 3 Words

I describe myself as loyal, inclusive and loving.

Favorite Thing About FPM

My favorite thing about FPM is delivering results for a variety of clients. Above all, I would describe the culture at FPM as collaborative, caring and dedicated. Furthermore, FPM differentiates itself with its sound strategy, excellent execution and tenured team members.

Fun Fact

My fun fact is I graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts when I was 20 years old.

The Rocker Spotlight Series interviews each rocker on the porch. To begin, Chief Rocker Julie Porter shares marketing insights. Let’s dive in and learn more about this incredible business leader.

Favorite Thing About Front Porch

My favorite thing about FPM is being my own boss and doing what I love for clients I love while taking care of my loves.

Misconceptions and Lessons Learned

The biggest misconception about marketing today is that it is cheap and fast. Furthermore, there are three key points: good, fast and cheap. Your marketing can be any two of these but never all three.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is don’t be the biggest barrier to your own success- get out of your way and get stuff done. However, if you can’t get something done, delegate it to the smart people around you.

What is Good Marketing?

Good marketing is elevating the customer experience, building personalized connections, adapting to technology evolution, attracting customers using inbound and outbound marketing, and more.

Culture On the Porch

Our culture is one of straight talk, true partnership and aligned values. Therefore, the team at FPM all regards their families as their highest priority, and we are servant leaders who believe in service to ourselves, team, families, clients, and the communities in which we live and work.

Julie’s Characteristics

I would describes myself as quirky, competitive, and anxious. If I could be anywhere in the world it would be in my living room playing a game with my family since Andrew leaves for college this fall.

Fun Fact about Julie

I got to work with Renee Russo inside the NYSE to celebrate a client’s IPO. I’ve also worked with the Flying Elvi, the skydiving team from the movie “Honeymoon in Vegas,” all over the country to celebrate a promotion for an international sunglass manufacturer.

Thank you for reading! We hope you enjoyed Julie Porter sharing her marketing insights!

Did you know that anxiety is normal? It actually can be a good thing because it means you are paying attention. Whether we internalize or externalize it, everyone deals with it differently. Most people actually experience it from an early age. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, almost 18% of American adults have an anxiety disorder. That is practically 40 million people! The key to managing your anxiety is first acknowledging it. We have provided a guide to help during these stressful times.

Identify Your Triggers

Anxiety triggers will be different for everyone. Caffeine, alcohol, driving/traveling, genetics, and a stressful work environment are common triggers. Once identified, you should try to limit your exposure. Being hyperaware can help you avoid certain situations. If you can’t limit exposure, you may try consulting a therapist to help with changing negative thought patterns using CBT, or even just talking to a professional regularly.

Put Things Into Perspective

Often times our minds spiral and blow things out of proportion. If you find yourself going down the rabbit hole, measure the situation. Imagine a scale with one side being the more reasonable outcome, and the other the out-of-control option your brain has formulated. Chances are, whatever you are worrying about is much closer on the spectrum to the reasonable outcome. This should help you steer yourself back onto the path of positive thinking.

Drink Lots of Water

Hopefully you do this already, but dehydration can spur panic attacks. Be sure to hydrate to avoid those pitfalls and manage your anxiety effectively.

Exercise Daily

Anxiety oftentimes spikes while we are inactive. Getting even 30 minutes of exercise a day will help relieve tension and release endorphins.

Establish A Sleep Schedule

Sleep studies have shown the average adults needs 7-9 hours a night. It is also best to be asleep anytime between 8 and 12. When we are rested we are our best selves! Setting a routine can help manage your stress better. A sleep schedule is one more thing you can control, which can lessen anxiety.

Key Takeaway

We are lucky to live in a time where anxiety is normalized now more than ever. Above all, you need to do what is best for you, whether that be simple DIY tricks, counseling, or medication. We want to help in any way we can, and hope we have provided a helpful guide for managing your anxiety!

Over the last four weeks, strategic business leaders and owners have come to us to go back to their branding and marketing foundations. They are focused first on their team’s safety and well-being. Most talk of the “return to normal” and taking it “day by day.”

They use this time to re-evaluate and plan. The COVID-19 crisis is causing business leaders to be strong and agile. One of our favorite client quotes over the last several weeks is, “With drive, passion and desperation, we will RISE!”

David McCormick, the C.E.O. of the hedge fund Bridgewater, was a Treasury Under Secretary during the 2008 crisis. At that time, he said, “America must step up to retain its economic might.” This rings true today.

Step up we must.

Another business leader told us recently, they feel like everything is, “Ready. Aim. Fire.”

This does not have to be.

Focus on your foundation first.

3 Strategic Branding & Marketing Fundamentals

• Define or re-evaluate brand architecture. Think of this as the foundation of your brand. It has four pillars: brand vision, brand personality, positioning and affiliation. Our branding process is collaborative. It builds conviction. The process is built upon perceptions and goals held internally by key stakeholders. Using all points of view, we ensure brands are both differentiating and emotionally relevant.
• Build or revisit your marketing plan. Every business should have one. Marketing drives new business development. Without those sales, you do not have the resources required for your business’s long-term stability and success. Therefore, as important as these plans are, most business owners and leaders do not devote enough time and resources to them. We tell our clients use a rifle vs. shotgun approach. Your services and/or products are not for everyone. The plan focuses on key targets who are most likely buyers. Think fewer, deeper. As a result, more meaningful strategic initiatives on a consistent basis develop connections and broaden awareness.
• Re-evaluate or enhance your website. Is your website true to your brand? Its personality? Is the navigation user friendly? For instance, lucrative website loads fast and is mobile friendly. In other words, make your site work hard for your brand. Don’t get the veto vote because it doesn’t.

Successful business owners and leaders take the time to develop their brand architecture. Then, they develop marketing strategies and plan to build a company with a purpose. Above all, remember, “With drive, passion and desperation we will RISE!”

Fayetteville, AR, can sometimes feel like a bubble. The craziness of the COVID-19 pandemic still doesn’t seem real here!

I wanted to give you an insider’s look from Fayetteville in relation to the other states.

The Stats

There are 4,012 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus and 91 deaths as of May 10th. A shelter-in-place was never issued in Fayetteville.

Restaurants were allowed to reopen dining rooms starting Monday, May 11. Non-urgent dental services also opened Monday. Pools, water parks and beaches are set to open May 22, with restrictions.

Bars are still closed under Phase 1, which I think is a smart decision. Arkansas has 3 casinos, all of which will be open on May 18. Some stores in Fayetteville opened back up Monday, including thrift stores which I was able to visit.

Phase 1 of Fayetteville Perspective

Phase 1 of this new implementation allows restaurants to be at one third capacity, with seating six feet apart. Employees must wear a mask and gloves, and patrons should wear a mask. If patrons are not wearing masks the restaurant has the right to turn them away. Phase 1 also includes daily health screenings of employees, and groups cannot be larger than ten.

My Perspective from Fayetteville

I am located in an apartment complex near Dickson Street, the central hub for restaurants and bars for students at the U of A. While Dickson street has been mostly shut down, some restaurants offer curbside pickup.

From my perspective in Fayetteville, roughly 50% of people I have observed in the grocery store are wearing masks. It is possible to keep 6 feet apart but difficult, especially if the store is crowded.

Fast food restaurants are all open, and some dining rooms are available with limited seating. The Northwest Arkansas Mall remained open, but most of the stores inside were closed. I have stayed in Fayetteville thus far during the pandemic because I feel it is safer than Dallas, however I will be moving home soon.

What I’ve Learned Through My Perspective From Fayetteville

1. Be respectful. Wear a mask if you feel that is right for you. You are shielding both yourself and others from potential exposure.
2. Supporting local and small businesses is very important during this difficult time. Whether it be patronizing favorite local coffee shops with curbside pickup or stopping in to a new store, I have made efforts to express my appreciation.
3. Just because Fayetteville feels safe, does not necessarily mean it is. Since a shelter-in-place was never issued, people are still going about their days as if everything is normal here. In my perspective from Fayetteville, it is just as important that we preserve our health here as it is anywhere else.

In times of uncertainty, it can be easy to focus on the negatives. Economic downturn, job loss, and our loved ones getting sick are certainly reasons to be feeling distraught. While these feelings are normal, an important shift in our thinking is crucial to survive this fork-in-the-road and come back stronger than ever. There are positives of the pandemic that should be accounted for, and I am here to highlight these for you!

Positive #1: Experiencing and appreciating the little things

Now that we are all on house arrest, it gives us the opportunity to get outside more. Maybe you are getting to know your neighbors and even family members better. Yay for lawn happy hours! This positive of the pandemic has instilled in us a better sense of localism. It also helps us realize how interconnected we are and (hopefully) allows us to recover a sense of society.

Positive #2: We are more in touch with our networks!

A perfect example of this is my family’s weekly Zoom call. Before COVID, I wouldn’t hear from or see my family in Dallas for months at a time. This crisis has opened a new channel of communication for my family and allowed us to check up on each other frequently. We all have technology to thank for this!

Positive #3: Surprising effects on climate change

Another positive effect COVID-10 has had is fewer carbon emissions, potentially saving around 300 MILLION tons of carbon emissions per year. Not to mention all the other awesome benefits such as work/life balance and decreased traffic congestion! Air quality has improved in areas of lockdown, and carbon emissions are down in China. From February 3^rd to March 1^st they experienced a 25% decrease in emissions.

Positive #4: Our responses to future pandemics should improve

Our current situation has exposed shortcomings all around, including test kit accessibility and a faster global response. Taking what we have learned from this pandemic, there is all the more reason to be more prepared in the future.

Positive #5: It has encouraged altruism

Celebrities and athletes have made considerable donations to those taking a hit by the pandemic, and that is just naming a few. Some major health insurers have also promised to cover care and testing related to COVID-19. Our client Faith Family Academy has approached the the situation with immediacy, and teachers have made generous food donations for their students, as well as other restaurants such as Cane’s!

Overall, we don’t want to dismiss your normal and expected feelings of despair during difficult times. However, we also need to shed light on the positive opportunity the pandemic has presented us. Let’s turn a new leaf and embrace these positives today!