The Solution to the Problem

by BlogEdmiston Group

Did you ever have someone always come to you with a problem? This could be a friend, a business associate, or a fellow employee. They present a problem or in a conversation say “the problem is” … but what is the missing piece? It is a suggested solution.

I recently spoke with a nurse that was set to meet with her supervisor to discuss issues that related to patient care. Prior to her meeting, our conversation started with – the problem is when they bring the trays up, the coffee spills on the sugar and it’s gross. It bothers me to give this to the patient. Not only are we providing patient care but because meals are cold, we are having to heat them one at a time. This is affecting our capability to provide quality care and impacting the patient’s ability to heal because of unsatisfactory nourishment. She had a laundry list of issues and as I listened, I asked, “What’s the solution?”

The nurse thought about my question and proceeded to offer ways that could improve a patient’s experience and provide solutions to her concerns. Before her meeting with the supervisor, she put a wet condiment packet from a food tray where coffee had spilled in a baggie took it with her to the meeting. The supervisor was unaware of many of her concerns, but what helped her cause was the fact that she provided an example of why it bothered her to serve a patient a try with a condiment that “looked gross” as well as offered solutions. The outcome…. some of her suggestions have been implemented.

An engineering colleague spoke of an entirely different situation where a junior engineer is choosing to not step up to the plate with solutions to work situations. After a number of years of working for him, the junior engineer still comes to him wanting answers to problems he is qualified to solve. The junior engineer has been asked to get his PE, but he says he doesn’t want that responsibility. The lack of drive and the ability to want to problem solve will eventually hurt his career. The senior engineer indicated the junior engineer has the right answer, but doesn’t want to offer the solution. He would rather allow someone else make that decision for him. Many senior engineers will be retiring soon and he told the young engineer that in the not-too-distant future, he would HAVE to make decisions because they wouldn’t be there to ask.

Problems and solutions in two different industries… but very different outcomes.

What steps should you take to become a problem solver?

  • Identify and define the problem. Break apart the situation and identify a root cause of the problem. Document how the process currently flows and identify how the problem is impacting your ability to effectively perform your job.
  • Look at various software tools, operational shifts, and changes in policy that would impact the situation.
  • Offer multiple alternatives that could be modified to determine a best outcome.
  • Evaluate alternatives. Include affected parties to garner feedback and buy in for the solution.
  • Sell your solution to leadership or if you are the business owner affected staff.
  • Implement and reevaluate proposed solutions allowing for feedback and/or modification.

At the end of the day are you going to be a problem solver or a person who doesn’t want to take the responsibility to improve customer service, operations and ultimately help a business be better? I challenge you to evaluate your conversations to see if you can shift your mindset to offer solutions to today’s problems.

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

There’s an App for That!

by BlogEdmiston Group

Apps can serve a variety of purposes – entertainment, productivity and even find your phone when you lose it! It seems like you can get lost in the app store trying to find the best fit for your needs. From accounting software to video conferencing and marketing apps, there are tons of options available in your app store to help you with productivity, efficiency, and communication.

As business owners, we are always thinking about ways to streamline, process and track activities in everyday business. With tablets and cell phones, business is on the go now more than ever. The digital age has offered up a myriad of tools to enhance creativity and productivity. Technology continues to evolve at the speed of light and new apps are being developed every day. The flexibility and reliability of moving from desktop to your mobile devices allow business owners to manage tasks on the go.

Mobile apps are powerful and can help your business run more smoothly. They can help improve daily operations, organize ideas, manage travel expenses, automate tasks, to name a few. If you can think of ways to run your business more easily, there’s probably an app to help you do so.

In a recent blog on Productivity, Constant Contact shared the 17 Productivity apps that can make an impact in both business and your personal lives.

How many do you use?

Once you’ve established an app that you feel works, evaluate the product with staff and share with them the vision you have and how it will improve their jobs. Get feedback for their buy-in and/or allow them to offer up alternative apps they may know that you haven’t discovered.

Habits are hard to break, but many apps have trial periods or basic users in order for you to determine if the fit is right for you and your business. The key is once you land on an app, that you incorporate its usage into your everyday business for it to be effective and you to reap the benefit of efficiency. Create procedures and processes as necessary to implement the app and evaluate its effectiveness.

Don’t settle for “we’ve always done it this way” when there can be a better way through the use of technology. I challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and find an app that will streamline your business, improve productivity, and increase profits.

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

Add Some Fun to Your Marketing Efforts

by BlogEdmiston Group

It’s safe to say that during the course of 2020, businesses had to adapt and learn how to do things differently. While some were able to step outside the box and pivot, other businesses closed their doors. One thing that was consistent across the board is the fact that business as usual took on a whole new meaning.

Through my relationship with Bridgeway Capital, I work with several new business owners who are reaching for the stars in their quest for business ownership. One of the lessons learned is that growing your business requires PATIENCE!

Building your tribe can be done through a variety of methods. Social media is a great way to develop a following and share news, events and sales, but it requires consistency and planning. One of the keys to success is to find out where your customers hang out and become active in that space. Written content, videos, podcasting, print ads, google ads, billboards and more leaves one to wonder where to spend their advertising dollars.

When business owners take the time to identify holidays, sale timeframes, class offerings and customer appreciation events and open houses, to develop a marketing plan for the year, it helps guide not only the messaging, but also ad focuses. For example, many publications are running back to school focuses for August. If your business sells to that market, you will already be planning your ads and social media content. September is Healthy Aging month targeting seniors and by the first of August you will be planning out that strategy.

Some ideas for inspiration for B2C businesses.

  • Host a grand opening party or a customer appreciation event.
  • Become part of a community scavenger hunt.
  • Create a customer loyalty program.
  • Offer a Back-to-School sale.
  • Partner with a nonprofit organization to support a cause.

Although these types of activities require planning, by partnering with others you can share in advertising costs and increase exposure through cross promotion of each other’s customer lists.

For B-to-B businesses, hosting educational events, networking and partnering with complimenting businesses to expand your brand and create awareness are good marketing strategies. People want to do business with those they know, like and trust. For some of the clients we work with sharing “get to know our staff posts” have resulted in high social media engagement.

If you haven’t already done so, I challenge you to list the remaining months of 2021 on paper and identify each month your marketing focus, activities and outreach that you will execute to grow your business.

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

Masterclass – How to Be a Great Podcast Guest to Grow Your Business (or Brand)

by BlogCommunicationsEdmiston Group

My good friend Mj Callaway, CSP, CVP, Author, Professional Speaker, Trainer and 2-time cancer survivor will present an online Masterclass program on what it takes to be a Podcast Guest on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.

Content marketing strategies are expanding a multi-media approach is being used to grow brand awareness and engage audiences. Have you considered a podcast for your business? According to Wista, more people are listening to podcasts than ever before. From 2019 to 2020, the percentage of Americans who listened to podcasts monthly went up 5%, from 32% to 37%. In that same timeframe, the percentage of Americans familiar with podcasting as a content medium also rose by 5%, from 70% to 75%. After hitting record listenership in 2020, it’s likely that even more listeners will hop on the podcast train in 2021.

Like any aspect of marketing, learning how to make a podcast is something you have to invest time and effort in, to get good at. You need to design your podcast artwork and create the intro and outro. But through podcasting you can accelerate your business growth and fast-track your marketing efforts as a podcast guest.

You won’t want to miss this event. As a valued resource partner Mj has graciously offered my guests an additional bonus recording of the class. Use this link to register and receive the recording for the class.

Register Now For This Online Interactive Masterclass

Here are some highlights:

Are you ready to expand your audience, increase your client base, and grow your business? As a GREAT PODCAST GUEST, you CAN increase your reach while multiplying your marketing efforts.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your online presence, gain brand awareness and so much more.

Say yes, if you want to:

  • Build brand awareness.
  • Boost credibility.
  • Gain media exposure.
  • Increase your client base.
  • Reach new audiences.
  • Multiply marketing efforts.
  • Share your message.

In this online MASTERCLASS, you will:

  • Discover the three must-haves that make hosts invite you to be a gu
  • Know the five top mistakes you need to avoid.
  • Find out the key elements you need to be a great guest who rocks his/her interview.
    Get insider secrets. Shh!
  • Create a repeatable podcast marketing plan.
  • Plus, you’ll get the templates you need!

So, if you want to gain more exposure, build your business (or brand), increase your credibility, and expand your audience/client base, you can do it and more.

  • During this jam-packed Masterclass, you’ll discover how to create “sound bite phrases” that resonate with hosts and audiences. Sound bite phrases that have people repeating them. This Masterclass is all content, no filler.
  • You’ll find out the three core must-haves to be a great interviewee.
  • You’ll learn how to weave in your business so that people care without being sales-y.
  • And so much more that will make you look and sound more professional!

You won’t want to miss this event. Space is limited. Register Now For This Online Interactive Masterclass and receive your free bonus recording.

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

positive-social-media-messaging

The Value of Positive Social Media Messaging

by BlogEdmiston Group

positive-social-media-messagingDoes your social media reflect positive and uplifting messaging? How many times do you get on social media and see positive messaging? Social media has become such an integral part of people’s daily lives. The effects of the pandemic have driven people to social media channels to search of news, see that their friends are up to, and connect with others. The platforms have provided a vehicle for people to say what they want without repercussions and we’ve seen backlash from that as well.

How are you positioning your company’s message? Are you trying to sell something with every post or are you incorporating the 80/20 rule? By engaging, entertaining, or presenting thought provoking messages, it helps to establish you as a credible business.

According to Oberlo, an increasing number of consumers view authenticity as an important factor in determining which brands they like and support. Statistics show that 90 percent of consumers today prioritize authenticity in brands, up from 86 percent in 2017 (Stackla, 2019).

However, there appears to be a gap between the type of content consumers enjoy and what brands publish. Though more than 90 percent of marketers believe that they are creating authentic content that consumers can relate to, 51 percent of all consumers think that fewer than half of all brands are creating truly authentic content.

We recently began working with Swift Audiology. Since I am a customer and wear hearing aids myself, I speak from personal experience. As part of our social media marketing strategy, we are positioning the practice around positivity in the use of hearing aids or hearing protection products.

By incorporating what is gained by using a hearing aid product vs the stigma of wearing a hearing aid – we can show how customers can benefit and experience things that over time they don’t know they’ve been missing. Too many people, including myself, have to reach a tipping point to take the step toward a better quality of life. For me, it was my niece speaking to me from behind and I didn’t answer her because I didn’t hear her. She asked her mom if I was mad at her that I didn’t respond.

So often we drive family away because we don’t want to take steps to hear. Once you experience the ability to improve your hearing, to me, it’s just like putting on a pair of glasses you need to drive your car. The independence and improved quality of life leads to better family interaction and connection.

Here are two examples of positive messaging on their social media page:

HEARING PROTECTION

The Pens are heading to the playoffs and it’s going to be a full house with lots of noise! Michelle is taking glitz and glamor to a new level while protecting her hearing! Did you know that Swift Audiology can provide custom earplugs? Let’s bring home a WIN! Go Pittsburgh Penguins and Swift Audiology! #swiftaudiology #hearingprotection

HEARING DEVICES

There is nothing like mornings on the river! The water is moving, birds are chirping, and wind chimes are playing. This Swift Audiology patient is HEARING it all with the Medical Class Hearing Devices he received at Swift Audiology. Don’t miss out on some of the best things in life! #swiftaudiology #hearingaidsinpittsburgh #HearingAwareness #hearingloss

Positive customer reviews validate third-party validation. How often do you see, “Do you know a good…”? It’s important to thank people for their reviews and address concerns. Remember the better the customer service experience, the more likely people may sing praises.

How is your social media strategy shaping up? Let’s chat… email or call 724-612-0755 to learn more.

 

 

Website-Development-Strategy-for-small-business

Website Development Strategy for Small Business

by BlogEdmiston Group

Website-Development-Strategy-for-small-businessStrategy is a key component in the development of a new website. Often business owners will determine they need an updated site or don’t have a website at all. Perhaps new products or product lines have been developed and without the marketing strategy, the website lacks the ability to demonstrate your message and have an effective call to action.

When the Edmiston Group works with a client on a new website, we first determine what the GOAL of the website will be. We ask questions such as “What are your product lines or service offerings? Will you bundle services for a higher price point? How will you utilize social media and third-party testimonials? Why do you do what you do? How does that solve a problem for YOUR customers? Answers to these and many other questions during our initial strategy session will help us design and develop the sitemap and framework for the new website. We ask thought provoking questions that help a business owner determine their unique selling proposition.

Our team recently worked with ATK Design Studios to help them create a new look and tell their story utilizing video and other forms of imagery. Small unique ATK branded design elements were incorporated into the various photos and images and the imagery was locked to help in the prevention of others from copying their photos.

We reviewed website content and assisted in wordsmithing their messaging to provide a better client experience. Linking to their social media sites, particularly YouTube which is owned by Google will also help in their search results.

TESTIMONIAL

“We place emphasis on designing each commercial kitchen with its’ own unique identity. The Edmiston Group grasped that immediately. They saw our passion for communicating each project’s story. We wanted something distinct that reflected our brand. Edmiston Group did a fantastic job of bringing our vision to life. Sincerely a great team to work with.” Terri Kidwell, President – ATK Design Studios.

If your website is in need of a makeover or perhaps you’ve recently changed your product offerings and the website doesn’t reflect the new services, email us or call 724-612-0755 to learn more.

communication-crisis-planning

Communication Crisis Planning

by BlogEdmiston Group

During 2020, businesses were thrust into pandemic mode in communicating with staff, clients, vendors, and their customers. The fluid changes in operations were dictated by the government’s mandates of the current pandemic situation.

According to HubSpot, when a business goes into crisis, it generally falls into one of five categories:
  • Financial – Financial loss such as announcing a bankruptcy or store closures.
  • Personnel – Changes to staff that may affect operations or reputation such as employee furloughs or layoffs.
  • Organizational – An apology for misconduct or wrongdoing as a result of organizational practices.
  • Technological – Technological failure that results in outages causing reduced functionality or functionality loss.
  • Natural – Natural crisis that necessitates an announcement or change of procedure. For example, defining safety precautions in the midst of a health crisis.

By preparing to address how each of these areas will affect your business operations, business owners will be able to quickly to execute a crisis communication plan. Lack of planning for a given situation will leave a business owner trying to figure out in those first critical moments who to notify, what information is needed, how the business will rebound and what long-term effects the crisis has.

For example, because of the pandemic, Christopher & Banks decided to close their brick-and-mortar stores and shift to online operations. Many big box chains reacted similarly. They notified customers via email and other sources of store closings.

Personnel crisis communication occurs when a person affiliated with the company makes statements or takes actions that don’t align with the company’s brand. An organizational crisis occurs when operational procedures aren’t followed. Ellen DeGeneres faced crisis from both personnel and operational fronts in 2020 amidst revelations of a toxic workplace culture and sexual harassment issues regarding senior executives.

How many times does technology and ransomware attacks hit the news? Most recently Microsoft faced backlash for its lack of transparency in a recent hack into their exchange networks exposing millions of businesses to hackers.

We have seen countless news reports over the past year on COVID-related policy changes.

What does this have to do with your business? You may think you’re a small business and these major things won’t happen to you, but in some form or another, they can and often do. As a business owner, preparing for these types of situations will give you the framework to structure your efforts and prepare your contingency plans accordingly. Building a plan that includes communicating with stakeholders, informing employees, and creating adaptive solutions once the crisis has happened will enable you to react quickly.

Being prepared today will enable you to react to adapt and remain open for business tomorrow.

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

strategy-planning-sessions

Q2 Spring Planning

by BlogEdmiston Group
strategy-planning-sessions

The first quarter of 2021 is over, and many businesses are recovering from 2020 one of the most challenging years in business. Some business owners were devastated and were not able to shift thoughts and processes to stay open or adjust to a new way of doing business. They closed their doors for good.

Not all is lost. These businesses and many more have gone outside the box to create opportunities to grow by creating new ways of thinking and delivering business. As businesses start to return to some sense of normal, some of these business strategies will continue. These new services will increase revenue and market share.

Event planners, keynote speakers, and conference centers no longer had events that drew in crowds. Some keynote speakers became certified virtual speakers and conference planners figured out how to how to prepare for virtual and hybrid events. Conference centers adjusted their space planning and technology to host hybrid events featuring in-person and virtual opportunities.

Restaurants pivoted and began offering curbside pickup, bundled meals for special occasions and more. A local winery increased its wholesale business by expanding its reach into multiple Giant Eagle and Walmart locations. This action allowed them to stay afloat during mandated restaurant closure.

A furniture company created an office in a box as many people shifted to home offices. They developed products that shipped easily keeping in mind what someone would need for a home office setup.

Regular networking groups offered zoom and hybrid meeting options to keep members engaged and referrals flowing. As a result of more remote office work, people are picking up the phone more to make a connection.

National Small Business Week is May 2-8, 2021. Are you planning to highlight the event through customer loyalty programs, special sales, employee recognition, aligning with other small businesses and more?

Perhaps you’re stuck in a rut and need a strategy session to get you going strong again. As you move into the 2nd quarter of 2021, how is your business positioned to continue to recover, adapt and be innovated to grow in 2021?

Need some inspiration? Our strategy sessions are designed to guide you to new ways of thinking and business growth. Email us to schedule your session today.

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.