Life in Milwaukee

Brew City Marketing Gives Back to Veterans & the Starfish Foundation

Now that we’re almost halfway through the first quarter of 2021, it’s time to give back to the community. For those familiar with our company, Brew City Marketing donates time and funds to charities every quarter. We are constantly thinking of ways to make the lives of others better any way we can. This month, for Valentine’s Day, Brew City Marketing is donating to the Starfish Foundation! You may be asking though: What exactly is the Starfish Foundation? Put simply, they provide funds to veterans who can’t afford to take part in the Taking It Lightly and Renewal Programs for emotional healing and trauma recovery. Their mission is to “assist emotional trauma survivors to release their grief, rage, and shame; and allow joy, productivity, and prosperity back into their and their families’ lives.” In the section below, we’ll explain how the Starfish Foundation set out to achieve its goals.

The Starfish Foundation Helps At-Risk Veterans

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, around 11-20% of veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom are diagnosed with PTSD in any given year. This is a staggering number. PTSD is a serious condition that can negatively impact the person’s (and their family’s) life. Common symptoms include intrusive memories, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in emotional reaction. To ensure these veterans receive the care they deserve, the Starfish Foundation helps raise money so veterans can seek additional therapy. They’ve partnered with the Healing Warrior Hearts foundation—a charity that specializes in healing wounded warriors.    

In addition to partnering with similar charities, the Starfish Foundation offers therapeutic retreats, sponsorships, scholarships, and grants for veterans. Through their partnerships, veterans are able to attend and participate in various forms of emotional healing; all donations help fund these initiatives (and many of them are run by volunteers!). These efforts are incredibly important. Unfortunately, suicidality among veterans is common and on the rise. By supporting charitable causes that seek to help veterans combat their trauma, you’ll be doing your part to help increase awareness and raise the funds necessary to support these veterans who are in such desperate need. 

How You Can Help Wounded Warriors

If you’d like to lend a helping hand to veterans in need, you should definitely consider reaching out to the Starfish Foundation. Every day, our troops provide a service that we often take for granted, and their sacrifice is immeasurable. As the saying goes, all gave some; some gave all. Giving back in any way possible is a beautiful gesture, which is why we at Brew City Marketing take charitable giving so seriously. There are numerous ways to help, and every little bit helps. We hope that you’ll consider donating in the way that makes the most sense for you and your family. Click here to learn how to give back to our veterans today! Or, to learn more, you can always contact our friendly staff to ask about our ongoing charitable efforts.

 

By |2021-02-03T15:44:06+00:00February 3, 2021|
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Tips & Takeaways for Week 5 of COVID-19 Quarantine

As we continue to push forward and help our clients with this unprecedented circumstance, we wanted to share some key points we took away from our clients that are doing well during quarantine. Take this list with you and maybe it will help inspire you to approach Monday with a fresh and confident plan of attack!

 

  1. Provide full disclosure to your client base whether you’re still open or closing.

 

  1. Remember local businesses are the leaders of our communities. Show your support by providing positive, honest information that gives our communities hope for a fearless and productive existence.

 

  1. Tackle major website updates or other larger digital projects. Get out ahead of your competition while you have time to be more thoughtful.

 

  1. Get really good at providing online and phone customer service. Keep them informed by making sure your messaging clearly communicates what your store hours and policies will be moving forward.

 

  1. Work on your website, SEO, and social media as many normally find it hard to make time for these things. This is the perfect opportunity to turn a difficult situation into a productive one.

 

  1. When things slow down most successful companies do not stop marketing, they push it. When everyone else is cutting back, it’s the perfect opportunity to move forward.

 

  1. Working with clients during this time is more about lending them an ear so they can vent their newfound worries and frustrations. Not only does this help give them peace of mind, but it gives you a chance to re-examine their situation and identify new pain points, which can then be addressed with a specific strategy. COVID-19 may be a great opportunity to start building those bridges and taking those client relationships to the next level.

 

  1. Boost your brand presence and optimize your website. Yes, leads may be low right now – but hopefully, customers will remember who you are and what you do when this is over and a sense of normality is returning.

 

  1. Update your website, create those standard operating procedures (SOPs), improve your sales process, look for contractors.

 

  1. If this is a big blow to you, figure out ways to prevent this big blow from ever happening again by diversifying and embracing new technology.

 

It’s great to see how businesses are taking this challenge during quarantine and turning it into an opportunity to grow. As always, please let us know if we can assist in any way. 

 

Stay safe and strong, Milwaukee!

By |2020-04-13T10:09:52+00:00April 13, 2020|
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April Newsletter

Dear Friends & Clients,

We hope this is finding you well and that you are all staying in good health. Our team is here for you and brainstorming non-stop about the most effective ways we can be of service to our clients and local businesses from a distance.

Last week we had some really amazing and heartwarming success stories come from clients whom we helped promote innovative products and send messages to their customers and new audiences. Maybe you have an idea of how to offer your services remotely and would like our help spreading the word. Please reach out to us to let us know how we can be of assistance. Also, if you have news about how you or others are helping the community let us know so we can share/reshare it on our social media channels to help spread the good word.

In case you aren’t aware, Google My Business is a great outlet for keeping your customers updated now and going forward. They currently have a special feature specifically for your COVID-19 updates. Check out this link for instructions on making a post. If you need assistance, you know where to find us.

Within our efforts to help small businesses continue to survive and thrive throughout quarantine, we have also been making our own content containing tidbits of advice. Check out our blog to read our most recent articles and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram & Twitter for any other valuable nuggets we have to share.

This is a time when we can all pull together and ask “how can I” make a meaningful contribution to help others during trying times. We are committed to helping you and our community in whatever way we are able.

Stay strong Milwaukee, we’re in this together

By |2020-04-06T08:30:19+00:00April 6, 2020|
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5 Ways Small Businesses Can Thrive During Uncertain Times

“The truth is adversity makes you stronger if you learn from it, stay positive and resilient, and use it as fuel for your growth.”

We find inspiration in this quote during the coronavirus global crisis. So we thought we’d look at what can be learned about making critical marketing decisions during uncertain times. Marketing is crucial to the success of a small business. What impact will the coronavirus crisis have on your marketing?

DON’T STOP MARKETING

Cutting your marketing budget is kind of like being the first to blink in a staring contest. Making short term decisions to cut budgets can have a serious long-term impact. It reduces the visibility of your brand and leads to a downward spiral of topline revenue when your company needs it the most.

Keep your marketing message in front of your target customers. Use innovative ways to stay in touch with your most valuable customers by using economical promotional tools such as e-mail marketing and social media campaigns.

Email marketing is a proven, economical marketing tool for small businesses. It provides an all-important touchpoint with customers and prospects during good and challenging times. Platforms like Constant Contact charge a low monthly subscription based on the size of their customers’ contact list. What I like most is their outstanding customer support.

Social media is a two-way communication tool. And during a crisis like the coronavirus, who couldn’t benefit from real connections?

FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS

Many companies I’ve worked within the past had difficulty focusing. Just about everything seemed like a good idea. Of course, it’s impossible to implement everything. But during good times, they lacked a sense of urgency.

It’s a fact in running a business that limited resources dictate having a clear focus. That’s especially crucial during uncertain circumstances when resources are stretched thin. Tough times tend to force companies to focus on the projects or initiatives with the best upside. Indecision dries up when survival appears to be on the line. Prioritize your top initiatives and implement them.

BE AGILE

How agile is your internal marketing review process? How many rounds of edits does it take before releasing important messages? Organizations with too many layers delay vital messages that need to be delivered rapidly as external circumstances evolve quickly. Prevent suffering from decision paralysis. It may be necessary to simplify your processes or simplify your external message. 

LEVERAGE SOCIAL DISTANCING

Working remotely has its advantages. And with so many online collaboration platforms, companies have solid options for keeping a far-flung work force together. Organizations that have already adapted virtual office practices thrive during uncertain times. When others are scrambling to set up their teams for working remotely, the companies already set up are light years ahead. When the crisis is over, maybe it’s time to think about how and where your teams conduct their work.

There are challenges associated with working remotely. That makes it vital for company leadership to encourage employees to stay in touch via electronic methods. Overcommunication is generally better than under communicating.

Adjust expectations. For example, it can be difficult to brainstorm over the phone. If brainstorming is challenging for you to do while socially distanced, then consider holding off on it. Or experiment with video conferencing.

STAY POSITIVE

Amid the gloomy atmosphere surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, it’s easy to feel anxious. However, there is a multitude of positive stories out there that underscore how important it is for us to look at this situation as a shared experience.

Here’s a sampling of what I’ve observed:

  • Sign Effectz, Inc. – this Milwaukee-based custom sign manufacturer made toilet paper available to the employees that needed it.
  • Dollar General – the first hour that they’re open each day is reserved for elderly customers, a demographic group, especially at risk.
  • Stone Creek Coffee – after it announced the temporary closure of its cafes, the coffee roaster assembled a team of employees to pack up and donate unused food and beverage products and deliver it to the MKE Rescue Mission and the Lakeview Food Pantry. This is a great community service as well as a creative way to keep their employees engaged and on the job for as long as possible.
  • Harris Battery Company, Inc. – gave a shout-out on Linked In to medical workers for all of their hard work and courage in fighting the virus outbreak.
  • Rally for Racine County – this is a Facebook Group I belong to. Members have done a wonderful job posting useful strategies and resources to help local businesses cope with the outbreak.
By |2020-03-20T14:33:31+00:00March 20, 2020|
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Best & Brightest Milwaukee Winners Gala

As promised, here are some photos of our beautiful team at the Best & Brightest Milwaukee Winners Gala! The morning started with mingling and breakfast with our fellow Milwaukee winners. We then listened to useful team-building advice from great key-note speakers: Steve Lowisz, CEO of Qualigence International, and Eric Coryell, Founder of Core Connections. Moderator Nicole Martin also interviewed a group of panelists: Carrie Adams from Enterprise Holdings, Tracey Barret from NVISIA, and Kevin Ralofsky from Verve, a Credit Union.

Main Highlights

Being a part of the Best & Brightest Milwaukee Companies to work for is more than an honor. It is also an opportunity to learn how others have found success in creating great work environments. The key-note speakers gave valuable advice on what makes up a great team. In addition, the panelists shared insights on how their own teams function so well. More specifically, topics that were covered include:

  • Asking yourself the true purpose and goals of your company, and whether or not your team is on the same page.
  • Asking yourself ‘why’ you have that purpose.
  • How your team is your most important asset.
  • What to do/consider when your employees ask for a higher salary.
  • The main traits that make up a successful team.
  • How to address weak points in a team, why it’s imperative to build trust, and the actions people take that can majorly affect things.

More Takeaways

In addition to the valuable insights shared by these influential speakers, it was also great to hear more about the other winners at the gala. Companies that received special notice shared their tactics for keeping their teams working hard and loving their jobs. Not only that, it also gave our team members an outlet to provide us with feedback. All in all, being included in the Best & Brightest Milwaukee companies to work for is an encouraging and enlightening experience and Brew City Marketing is so grateful to have been included. Here is a link to the Best & Brightest site where you can learn more about the event and the companies that won this year!

 

 

 

By |2020-03-12T10:59:03+00:00March 12, 2020|
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Employee Appreciation Day

Oh, heck yeah! Today is Employee Appreciation Day! How PERFECT that the Brew City team gets to go to the Best & Brightest Gala on this day to celebrate the fact that we won that award this year. Companies win the Best & Brightest if their staff gives positive feedback about their work environment. Winning this award was such a good feeling because we really appreciate our team and want them to enjoy working for us.

It doesn’t matter if you’re in digital marketing or another line of business, employee appreciation applies to everyone. It’s important that your team doesn’t dread coming to work, and leaves feeling good about things at the end of the day. As a business owner or manager, you play a key role in achieving this. Showing your appreciation is easy! Here are some things we have done recently to show our staff we care.

A Few Great Ways to Appreciate Your Team

Take Them to Inspiring Events. Finding local events that inspire your team is a great way to spend a little more time with them and get that bonding energy going. Even better, it provides learning opportunities that you all can build upon. For example, we recently went to an Amazon event centering around small businesses, as well as a Local First Milwaukee event for women who lead in business. Each of us expressed the valuable takeaways we got from those. Spending this time together allows you to keep forming that ‘same page’ mentality, which inevitably forms a stronger team.

Do Fun Things for the Holidays. Last year for our holiday party our team went to the escape room at City 13 and had so much fun while also building our team skills! We gave our team some different options to choose from, and that’s what won the vote. Showing your staff some love during the holidays is essential because it communicates that they are people you wish to include during times of celebration.

Invest in Their Well Being. We recently purchased stand up desks for our team to use in the office. Because digital marketers spend most of their time on their computers, posture issues are a common thing. Having the option to raise up your desk, straighten out your legs, and lengthen your back is so beneficial. It’s also a good boost for the team to know that their company wants to take care of them.

Take Their Feedback. The best way to know how to show your staff appreciation is to ask for their input. They’re not always going to feel comfortable speaking up and asking for what they want, they’ll be much more inclined to when you welcome it. Doing so creates a safe space, and also ensures that you’re not just wasting your energy on efforts that don’t really land. Most importantly, it shows them that their opinion matters to you, which speaks volumes when it comes to appreciation.

Stay Tuned

Since the Best & Brightest allowed our team to give feedback, we are taking a closer look at how we can go that extra mile. It’s never a bad idea to take a step back and come up with some new and more creative ideas. Stay tuned for some pics from the Best & Brightest Gala coming soon!

By |2020-03-06T12:20:27+00:00March 6, 2020|
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