July 2024

behind the SCENES


This month, I'm gifting my column to introduce Kristine McAfee, MARQUEE’s new Director of Digital Marketing. With more than two decades of experience in strategic innovation and creative marketing across healthcare, pharmaceutical, and agency sectors, Kristine is well-equipped to drive our brand to new heights and catalyze growth and transformation in our clients' digital landscapes. Plus, her passion for community engagement, embracing challenges, and advocating for mental health and diversity makes her a great fit for our team!

Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer, President

The Impact of Showing Up Differently


In today's saturated market, how we present ourselves can make all the difference. Throughout my career, I've learned that this can’t just be a catchphrase. Success hinges on authentically differentiating ourselves in ways that resonate deeply with our colleagues, clients, and even friends and family, to achieve maximum, meaningful impact.


This applies to our brands and businesses, too. Consumers crave genuine connections over superficial engagements. Whether through transparent communication or sharing behind-the-scenes stories, showing up authentically builds trust and loyalty.


Sure, data-driven marketing is essential. But at its essence, marketing is about fostering a community with a blend of creativity and authenticity. Our creative storytelling makes content memorable and shareable. Combining analytical insights with creative flair captures hearts and minds.



Engaging with others allows us to forge deeper, meaningful connections with our audience. Advocating for change and improving your community creates deeper personal connections, makes our work more meaningful, and, as a bonus, enhances our brand’s reputation with our audience.


This differentiation could mean rebranding, refreshing the website, writing a blog that breaks the norm, or launching innovative campaigns for your business. Sharing your real origin stories on social media platforms


By embracing these principles, we differentiate ourselves and build a trusted and admired brand, ensuring long-term success and impact in the ever-evolving digital landscape.



— Kristine McAfee,

Director of Digital Marketing

STANDING OUT

When you are authentic, amazing things can happen:


  • Turn prospects into repeat clients.
  • Open doors to incredible opportunities.
  • Attract a brand-new audience.
  • Win awards and gain significant recognition.
  • Garner media features and interview opportunities.
  • Receive calls from conference organizers and event planners.
  • Turn entrepreneurial and career dreams into reality.


Are you with me?

shining the SPOTLIGHT


MARQUEE Wins Entrepreneur Competition

Aundrea recently earned us a $5,000 Ohio Minority Business Enterprise Bootcamp Grant. MARQUEE was selected for the award after a pitch competition among an exclusive cohort of 30 business leaders participating in the six month training program. Presented by the Montrose Fellows Fund and the Ohio Department of Development's Minority Business Development Division, it recognizes MARQUEE's innovative approach to business growth and commitment to expanding its services across Ohio. Learn more

Join us as we travel the globe this summer

Pack your bags! Join the MARQUEE staff as they treat you to some armchair travel by taking you with them around the world in our latest video series. Every week, we'll bring you new adventures, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Don't miss out—find the full series on our YouTube channel here.

the creative SCOOP


Finding the best new tools

Equipment shopping expands our creative horizons and offers new possibilities

It's always exciting to purchase a new computer when It's always exciting to purchase a new computer when needed, but it can also be overwhelming and daunting. Finding the best bang for your buck can be challenging with so many options, varying specifications, sizes, processors, and other details. In the ever-evolving world of graphic design, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Technology advances rapidly, and new equipment can drastically improve our work's efficiency, quality, and creativity. Our recent acquisitions include top-of-the-line graphic design hardware and software that will enable us to push the boundaries of what we can achieve.


After extensive research and careful comparison, I finally found the perfect computer. It was no small feat, but the result is an ideal tool for travel, speed, usability, and efficiency. It has all the storage and hard drive space needed for big, hefty design files. Now, I'm equipped with a powerful machine that meets all my needs and exceeds my expectations, making my work and travel experience much more enjoyable.


My new MacBook Pro is perfect, but I am still contemplating investing in an iPad for illustration. I've been inspired by my teenager, who recently dusted off her own devices and started illustrating again. Watching her master her craft with a pen tool makes me wonder how much more I could achieve with it.


There's something special about the connection between pen and paper for sparking creativity and generating ideas. I remember sitting for hours just drawing when I was her age. Why not take that experience digital? Seamlessly integrating sketches into my projects, annotating documents, and having a portable, powerful device for creativity is very appealing. The iPad's array of creative apps and the responsiveness of the Apple Pencil could open up new possibilities for my work.


As we embrace these new tools and technologies, we are excited about their possibilities for our future projects. High-performance hardware and advanced software tools streamline our processes, reduce rendering times, and minimize technical bottlenecks, allowing us to take on more projects and deliver them faster without compromising quality. The graphic design landscape is constantly evolving, and we are committed to growing with it.


Our investment in cutting-edge equipment and software demonstrates our commitment to staying at the forefront of the graphic design industry, enhancing our reputation, and attracting clients who value innovative, high-quality design solutions. Our new equipment and software provide a strong foundation for experimentation and innovation, allowing us to explore new styles, techniques, and creative approaches.


Learn more about Enhancing Graphic Design Workflow With Modern Technology Tools

READ ARTICLE

— Agata Khoury, Art Director

in the KNOW


Public Relations for a small business can be tricky, but with the right approach, small businesses can leverage their unique strengths and charm to create a lasting impact. Understanding and implementing effective strategies is crucial. Here are 10 proven tactics specifically tailored for small businesses, offering actionable steps to boost brand visibility, build community relationships, and grow your business.

Read more in our latest blog!

the industry TRENDS


Short form video for marketing

Short Short-Form Video Content: Capturing Attention In The Digital Age



The rise of short-form video content cannot be ignored. Ever-changing and ever-revolutionizing brand-to-audience connection, platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels have changed the game over the past few years – and it’s only the beginning.


FORBES

Aligning with Social Causes and Campaigns


Consumers increasingly seek to support brands that align with their values and beliefs. Success and buyer rates have sometimes even been dependent on a brand's stance on a relevant social justice issue or debate. Purpose-driven marketing can build trust and loyalty within a socially conscious audience.

Key Medium



The Rise in Influencer Marketing


An influencer relationship is a collaborative effort between a micro or macro influencer and a brand or company. Forming an authentic and mutually beneficial relationship with an influencer can be incredibly successful for your small business. With authenticity and aligned missions, anything is possible!

AdSkate



MARQUEE shows you all the coming attractions in marketing.

LET'S SHARE THE STAGE 

MARQUEE

241 W. Federal St., Youngstown, OH 44503 • 330.234.9396

info@marqueecreatives.com

www.marqueecreatives.com

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