5 “Must-know” Definitions for Successful Communications

Research – The scientific process of collecting data relevant to bottom-line growth.  Research will yield desired results through a complete understanding of brand awareness, consumer loyalty, target audiences, message penetration and vehicles for successful dissemination of information.

Marketing – Both the art and science of producing specific changes in the purchasing behavior of individual and business consumers.

Public Relations – Relationship management intended to extend the brand of any organization through the use of credible organizations such as news outlets, trade organizations and other publications.

Communications Platform – The point from which all brand delivery and organizational messaging originates. A true communications platform is an entire blueprint for successful information delivery resulting in revenue growth.

Hardsale Communications – A public relations and marketing agency known for delivering a Return On Investment (ROI) to each of its clients through Cool, Creative, Collaborative solutions to their communications needs.

Choose Hardsale Communications to define your successful communications.

Measure Your Success

A cup, a pinch, a delectable treat for all to enjoy? We all know the importance of data driven decision-making, but sometimes measurable data comes in the form of number of “likes” on Facebook. It was a picture of one of our employee’s homemade Banana Suzanna recipe that would get the most likes of any post on the Hardsale Communication’s Facebook page—more than interesting articles, tips, videos and fascinating ideas.

No more business as usual these days. Each business must find its creative niche to keep its current and potential customers interested. Additionally, showing your clients that your company has an atmosphere that provides cool, creative and collaborative solutions as Hardsale Communications does, enables people to take notice and see themselves as future clients in a warm, inviting workplace.

With the holiday season upon us, take a few moments to assess your environment and make sure it is one that people will enjoy seeing and commenting on. If you are a current or future customer of Hardsale Communications, we invite you to stop by for a slice of wisdom, a cup of joy and a loaf of your best future in positive public relations, communications, and marketing with the Hardsale Team.

So, if you want to get noticed and known not just for what you do but for the atmosphere you create in your workspace, try some homemade “touches of love and care” for your clients. As the Pillsbury Company aptly taught us, “Nothing says loving like something from the oven and Pillsbury does it best.” You can fill in the blank with your business or organization and show that you set things apart to do your best. From our team to yours, here is our famous, easy to make “Banana Suzanne” to use as your measure of success.

Banana Suzanna

1 C. margarine

2 C. sugar

4 eggs

4 C. flour

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. vanilla

6 large ripe bananas

2 C. chocolate chips

Cream margarine and sugar. Add eggs, bananas, flour, vanilla, and baking soda. Mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees in 3 loaf pans sprayed with Pam. Enjoy.

You Need a Safety Net…Unless you are a Wallenda

Nikolas “Nik” Wallenda, an American acrobat, aerialist and seventh generation member of the famed Flying Wallendas announced that he will cross the Grand Canyon on a tightrope. What makes this especially frightening is the fact that he will perform this feat without a safety harness, according to a posting from the Associated Press on October 16, 2012.

Many of us in the business of public relations appreciate the publicity aspect of this stunt but question the wisdom of this dangerous adventure without the proper thought of the consequences. We encourage our clients to take risks in order to “fall forward” however, when encouraged to jump, there is an element of knowing where you are in the cycle of success that must  be considered.

In assessing potential risk, several scenarios come to mind. The scenarios could include a successful crossing (which everyone hopes for), falling and sustaining injuries or the ultimate sacrifice, death. The advice given by Hardsale Communications to all of its clients is to arm themselves with an arsenal of tools and safety nets to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

According to the Flying Wallenda’s website, as far back as 1780 is when the family began their circus troupe act of acrobats, jugglers, clowns,  of preparations and training have established the Wallendas as seasoned veterans and experts in their field. However, one must ask if this act is worth the potential harm it could cause.

When HC counsels clients, the same questions are reviewed and include: Have you considered the consequences of a particular action? Have you examined the potential assets and liabilities of the situation? What are the best and worst case scenarios?

Hardsale will walk the tightrope with your business or organization but we promise to be your safety net.

 

What’s Your Story?

One of the most powerful ways to get your message across is through a compelling story. It is a way to captivate and capture the hearts and minds of your current and future clients and a way to ensure you and your company gets noticed.  Recently the Hardsale Communications team nominated CEO John Hartsell for a 35 Under 35 feature being launched through the Arizona Republic newspaper.

The nomination form listed questions that included:

• What is something few people know about you that you think is interesting?
• Who are your business role models and why?
• What motivates you?
• What skills and attributes do you think are necessary to be a successful entrepreneur?
• What advice do you have for the next generations of entrepreneurs?

Questions such as these insist that people closely examine values, beliefs and life story, to showcase the ones that are truly inspirational. John’s story is one of fortitude, perseverance and chutzpah, lessons for all to benefit from. In his own words of why he should be included in the 35 Under 35 Project, “My history is one that I believe resonates with a large group of young people in Arizona. Growing up in a broken home, being forced to grow-up at a very young age and climbing from the depths of poverty marks the beginning of too many of our young adults today. I should be a part of the 35 under 35 project to show Arizona’s teens and twenty-something’s that success is available to anyone who applies their own brand of talent to the world around them.”

John has shared some invaluable life lessons that are replicable models of success.  We have a formula that can easily help you uncover and discover your unique and innovative story and assist you in promoting it to all the right sources.  Contact Hardsale Communications today so we can share our best stories with you and help you find…What’s Your Story?

Hardsale Helps Local School With Supplies

GLENDALE, AZ — Aug 27, 2012 / (http://www.myprgenie.com) — Recently, a local marketing and advertising agency in Glendale, Arizona donated hundreds of dollars in classroom supplies to Esparanza Elementary School of the Deer Valley Unified School District. Hardsale Communications, a company committed to supporting local area schools, presented pens, paper and composition books to support the school’s new music program …

To see complete press release click here

Doing Good to Do Well

 

What is your corporate policy on community involvement? Don’t have one? Now is the time to develop one and show your employees, clients and community what is valued in your company—engagement at all levels, especially with those in need.

Case in point:  Hardsale Communications has many clients that serve Arizona’s children and it was brought to our attention that budget cuts over the past few years have created a need for basic school supplies. Without pause, Hardsale ordered and delivered the supplies that were requested by the school. Our team enjoyed the feeling of seeing firsthand how the supplies will be used and knowing the students will benefit and be more successful in their studies.

Your company or organization needn’t feel it must donate millions; a small act of kindness can have enormous impact.

As an added benefit, the school district is took pictures to feature our team’s donation in an upcoming newsletter. Their publication, along with other public notices such as a press release, will help Hardsale gain notoriety while also notifying the community that their donations have a place in our public schools.

Volunteerism and donations not only help the intended recipient, they set the tone for the character of your organization.

Through organized acts of kindness, employees and clients can witness your organization living a mission of support for the community it serves. There is no better way to manage your reputation than to be out in the community you live or work in and giving back or paying it forward.  

Need examples of how and who to give to? Decide who you would like to benefit from your gifts whether it is with time, money, in-kind support, pro bono work or resources.  All will be appreciated if you seek out what would have the most impact. Hardsale Communications has its pulse on the community and can help you showcase your business by “doing good to do well”.  Contact us today and we can help you live to give.

Strategic Social Media

Social media has become a routine necessity for many businesses – from small, local businesses to fortune 500 companies. With that, comes the responsibility of keeping your audience engaged with relevant information, up to date news and cutting edge products and promotions. In August, Hardsale Communications will launch a monthly promotion to have our followers interact with Hardsale through our robust social media environment.

Our new strategic social media plan identifies monthly promotions to connect with disparate audiences – clients, perspective clients, colleagues, businesses, friends, family and other HC stakeholders. Promotions are our way to recognize our fans while increasing HC’s reach and influence when leveraging social media. These promotions are not the only way that HC will continue to engage new and old followers as our team will continue to provide relevant, up-to-date information.

The first promotion will be starting August 15^th and go through August 31^st. The first Facebook follower to have 5 friends “Like” HC will receive a $100 iTunes gift card. Here are the rules:

• Friends must send e-mail to Meagan Bruns (mbruns@hardsalecommunications.com) on or before August 31^st with full name and address of the individual that referred them to HC.
• Sept. 3-7 HC will verify all information and the winner will be announced on FB and notified via e-mail on September 10.
• The winner will be mailed, or can pick up, the iTunes gift card.

We encourage all to participate. Monthly promotions and rewards will differ – from gift cards to an hour of an HC service.

If you want to learn more about engaging your audiences through more sophisticated methods, let Hardsale Communications help you create your strategic social media plan. 

 

 

Where are Your Clients?

Have you ever stopped to wonder where your clients come from? It could be as simple as on the golf course, through referrals, former colleagues, friends, advertising, social media and through websites. However, what is most critical is that you don’t merely hope for new clients you demonstrate daily that you are “going out for business”. Make no mistake, reaching for new clients is similar to a job interview, you must tell everyone you meet what you do, how much you want to do business with them and how your company can benefit them to show immediate results. 

Relationships are the heart of any organization and at Hardsale Communications, we often see people seeking us out to help their businesses grow to the next level. In a recent meeting, potential clients spoke of reputation, successful past experiences and the knowledge base of the staff, as they signed on with Hardsale. Much like training for a marathon, at HC, we continually increase our knowledge through professional development and by utilizing the latest research based, creative techniques to pass on to our clients. 

On each staff signature at Hardsale Communications, you will find icons for our blog, YouTube Channel, Facebook and Twitter as well as our contact information and a link to our Hardsale Communications website.  We encourage our current and prospective clients to get to know us so they can see we model our beliefs about how vital communication is and how we can show you how these tools can increase your client base.   

So, where are your clients? Closer than you think. At Hardsale Communications, we can provide tools and strategies in research, communication, marketing and public relations tailored to your specific needs.  Not only will this help you in you quest for new business; it will help your potential clients find you. Contact us and we will get you connected! 

Client and HC Compatibility

Now, sitting on a return flight from Boston, where I recently attended a conference with a Hardsale client, I have found time to reflect on our successes and any necessary next steps to capitalize on the event.  Prior to reflection however, it is important to understand all of the pre-work that led to successes and opportunities.

First, Hardsale has a motivated, well-connected client that is able to interface with other conference attendees seamlessly. Over the past several years they have laid the necessary groundwork for ultimate credibility through association to the product. This enables their technical team, sales representatives and other brand advocates to leverage that credibility while navigating open sales channels.

Second, our client gave us autonomy in our work leading up to the conference. Through relationships built over the past 6 months and using the product’s credibility, Hardsale developed a strategic approach to the presentation it would create for the client. The presentation, which displayed the use of multi-media tools such as video, animation and graphic design, addressed pre-identified concerns designed to inoculate the possibility of redundant questions. Additionally, the presentation separated our client from other presenters with a clear distinction—while most of the other presentations were related to conceptual or prospective implementation, our client’s product is commercialized and market-ready.

Lastly, the client entrusted Hardsale with a role in developing relationships with national account representatives. The likes of McDonald’s and Panda Express were targets of interest. During our time spent at the conference, Hardsale was able to support the growth of these relationships within immediate proximity while also studying the proper approach to targeting this new market segment for its client.

So, as I reflect on the successes of our trip, I can honestly say that through our work, the client will experience immediate growth and a more developed understanding of this new market segment for strategic, long-term implementation. Among the next steps will be continued engagement of the Hardsale team in the sales process and growth in the client’s marketing strategy.

This type of mutually beneficial relationship marks the experience each of our clients describes when the appropriate time is taken and, conditions are set, as we approach the work. If your organization is seeking a confident, creative and committed team to support your marketing, public relations or direct sales needs, give Hardsale a call so we can discuss the details.

The Hardsale Way

Recently, in a conversation with my business partner who also happens to be my wife, I was reminded that we are in this business because I chose it and decided to open the doors to Hardsale Communications. She reminded me that we have a staff, an office and a monthly payroll because of my desire to grow a new business. She reminded me that my complaints and frustrations are the result of great teamwork on the part of the Hardsale team.

As owners of a small business, my wife and I are required to be the leaders, managers and the practitioners all at the same time. This reality can sometimes cause difficult moments and conversations. I will freely admit: Ego is an issue due to its necessity in sales and marketing but can prove to be poisonous in nature as it relates to leadership. The challenge of segmenting complicated emotional reactions to disparate situations can become convoluted and thought consuming. 

Over the past week, I have found a new, more productive vision of our goals for success. Through research and some meditation (my way…on the golf course), I have found ways to mitigate the difficulties of leading a small business successfully. Though, like you, I am constantly seeking the perfect leadership model, this recent reminder helped me to center my frustrations and execute swift corrections so that our business and our clients were protected from diminished results.

If you are the leader of your organization and find yourself in need of a change, consider calling Hardsale Communications for support. We can help you navigate the tough times through coaching and exercises.