Springtime symbolizes renewal, growth, and the blossoming of new possibilities. For small business owners, it’s the perfect season to revive your marketing efforts and dust off any remnants of winter’s stagnation. We’ve dug up some actionable strategies to rejuvenate your campaigns, freshen up your social media presence, and ensure your marketing communications bloom with potential. Shake Off the Stale and Set Fresh Campaign Goals With the winter chill behind us, it’s time to look at your marketing campaigns with a […]
Marketing is a magical, dynamic, fast-paced field filled with opportunities for creativity and innovation. At JJR Marketing, our passion for marketing runs deep—it’s the heartbeat of our operation and the foundation upon which we build success for small to medium-sized business owners like you. Even though it’s an art that constantly evolves, marketing is sometimes only thought of as a business tool. Yet, it can surprise us with its ability to tap into human emotions, desires, and cultural experiences. The […]
We are excited to present you with a resource to kickstart your 2024 marketing efforts! This guide is designed to provide simple, straightforward, and easy-to-follow ideas that cover all aspects of marketing your business, from social media interactions to impactful PR stunts. You can easily take this and expand it into a full-blown campaign that includes company-specific topics that will drive engagement with your audience. Until you are ready to do that, we have detailed the categories to help you […]
We know that business owners juggle numerous responsibilities, and allocating time effectively can be a challenge. As 2024 begins, it’s the perfect time to reassess your work strategies and consider how marketing tools can enhance productivity. Marketing is not a field you can afford to sideline, as it often dictates the visibility and success of your business. We are here to help you find the right approach to manage your marketing strategies more effectively, offer tips on productivity, and supply […]
Showing gratitude to others is essential for building strong and lasting relationships, and when businesses show appreciation to their customers, it can lead to a range of positive actions and outcomes. Creating a strong customer-centric approach and building genuine relationships results in loyal, engaged customers who actively contribute to a business’s success. Here are some suggestions on how you and your business can go above and beyond to express appreciation to your customers, not only during the holidays but throughout […]
This special time every year is marked by countless events including, author book launches, global festivals, grand openings, literary festivals, awards ceremonies, and so much more! It was also Hispanic Heritage Month, and being a Latina-owned marketing agency and publisher we pride ourselves in elevating many of these Latino/a stories during this time. Overall, many lives were touched, stories were told, businesses were elevated, authors were celebrated, and impact was made! Here’s a recap of all the adventures we took […]
The holidays are just around the corner (even if it’s only October 👀), but don’t get into relaxation and party mode yet! Put down the eggnog you’re thinking of, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to kick off the holidays in a memorable and meaningful way. Putting together a plan early—think set it and forget it (like a crockpot for marketing)—will let you make the most of this holiday marketing season. The added benefit? Giving you and your team […]
Hear from JJR Marketing’s, Kylie Knur, as she shares insights to the new book from Author and CEO, Jacqueline S. Ruiz, “The Golden Five Framework for marketing success in the 21st century”. Stick around to the end for a unique opportunity to get your own copy free! What’s inside: In her new book, Jackie S. Ruiz takes the reader on an informative adventure to understand how you can harness The Golden Five Framework for marketing success in the 21st century. […]
“My target audience is everyone.” “I want to market far and wide—to everyone that will listen.” “I have a general market.” Over the last 17 years at JJR Marketing, we have heard these phrases from clients and prospects alike. Even though they might sound aspirational and inclusive, trying to appeal to everyone with your services or products is one of the worst things you can do for your go-to market strategy. These approaches are like spraying and praying or throwing […]
Live events are an amazing way to connect more deeply with an audience. The power of providing an experience cannot be replaced with any technology, but on the scale of marketing efforts, events are one of the toughest things to do. Event attendance is not guaranteed, and it can depend on a variety of factors that you cannot always control, such as distance and weather, and some that you can creatively control, like the messaging, appeal, and marketing promotions. This […]
Summer is in full swing, and the heat brings about an exhilarating lineup of festivals and family get-togethers. It is a time to enjoy the beautiful weather, take vacations, and refresh. With all the added activities and distractions, it can be easy to forget about the pulse of your business. Marketing should continue to be an integral part of your business throughout the year. This season represents an opportunity to check in on your marketing activities and perhaps, based on […]
The alignment of your brand is important, from your website and social media to advertising and print materials. This doesn’t mean every message, post, blog, and ad must be identical, although they often are on social media. Instead, they can harmonize and talk around the same topic or theme, complimenting each other while ensuring that key information is always included. When evaluating your various platforms for this, ask: Are you sharing the same key information and similar messaging throughout? Do […]
As marketers, we have always believed events are great opportunities to accelerate exposure, build brand awareness, and make new connections, but how do you take regular events and turn them into a memorable experience? How do you ensure that every part of your event is taken care of, and there is a lasting impact? In 2020, we curated an experience that changed the game for us. Surrounded by authors from our sister publishing house, and challenged by low morale resulting […]
How we developed a free assessment to test where you stand in your marketing One thing we know for sure is that not all marketing is created equal. In the last 20 years of being involved in marketing strategy, branding, campaigns, activations, events, and experiences, we have witnessed many frustrations by business owners when it comes to managing their marketing and expectations. This is when we began our investigative journey as marketers ourselves. We asked questions like: why does this […]
Every business professional has probably wondered at some point how to achieve more with less–more results, more return on investment, more reach, more scalability, more promotions, more clients, and more success. We all have 24 hours in a day, but some people achieve what seems impossible in a shorter amount of time than most. Have you ever wondered how some people can juggle a never-ending list of tasks while others constantly struggle with their time? We have been on this […]
Will 2023 be the year you finally figure out your personal branding? Next to spending time with my loved ones, the two things I love to do most are helping people with their personal branding and flying an aircraft. At first, these two activities may seem completely different. However, I see them as cosmically linked! In 2020 I introduced an original approach to personal branding based on my experiences as a sport pilot. I called it my Personal Branding Flight […]
If you sell a product or a service, there are very few things you can do that will make you more successful than understanding your target audience. If you understand your target audience it will allow you to.. Position what you have to offer in a more appealing way Develop products/services that are more likely to sell Find more opportunities and inroads to position your products/services Gain ambassadors, fans, and followers who can relate to what you are selling and […]
Isolation from working from home to returning to work and all of the familial and personal difficulties that most individuals face is at an all-time high. Allowing people to suffer in silence can harm their well-being and job performance. Employees want to feel safe in the workplace, and companies must understand that their employees may require additional support. There are several strategies to improve employees’ mental health. It is divided into two categories: Employee Services and Employee Activities. Employee Services These are […]
The evening of Monday, August 22, was a magical night. Jackie Camacho Ruiz, CEO of JJR Marketing and Fig Factor Media, stood on the stage of Judson University in Elgin, Illinois, hosting the World Leaders Form Inspirational Series event with two incredibly inspiring gentlemen. On her right was her friend, Rick Najera, an award-winning screenwriter, actor, director, producer, sketch comedian, author, playwright, coach and national speaker with an expansive portfolio of credits in all forms of entertainment. To her left […]
What to consider when putting together a design piece Everywhere we look, design surrounds us, from the posts we see on our social media accounts to the advertisements and billboards we see when we’re driving down the street. Behind all of those designs is hours of planning and execution to make it happen. We’ve curated a list of the important items to look for in a good design! What are some elements to pay attention to? Check it out! A […]
Summer is the perfect time to launch some summer marketing ideas that take advantage of the season. With people feeling relaxed and receptive to new places and activities, it may be the perfect time to reach people in an unexpected way with your messages about your product or service. We’ve put together a list of great summer marketing ideas that can heat up your engagement with current customers as well as your outreach to new ones. 1) Partner or Participate […]
A logo is like your calling card to the world. It identifies your company in a unique way and differentiates you from the competition. Done right, a logo will create a strong first impression and make you downright memorable. In other words, having a company without a logo is like wearing an invisible cloak. Nobody will be able to see you or even know you’re there! For most companies deciding to get a logo is easy. It’s creating the logo […]
Connecting with people is an important part of being in business. Pre-COVID, we did so much more in person, didn’t we? Meeting for coffee or lunch was a regular thing. We could communicate and assess someone’s facial expressions and do it unencumbered by glitchy technology, fuzzy camera images, or the need to stay stuck on our chairs in front of the computer screen. We could go to someone’s office, tour their facilities, and meet other members of the staff. Those […]
If you have a business and a brand, you need branding elements to communicate that brand. Branding elements answer an age-old question for your company: Who am I? It sounds easy enough for a company to know who they are and what they sell. Out in the world, however, consumers are easily confused as hundreds of businesses just like yours vie for their attention every day with catchy phrases and beautiful images. A strong brand is necessary to make you […]
If you work with marketing or public relations professionals you have probably heard the term “media list” mentioned and wondered, what is a media list? A media list is the prime tool of a public relations specialist. It’s a collection of contacts for trade, local, and broadcast media who are receptive to news tips, story pitches, and press releases. Once an organization or an individual has news to share, the media list is their guidepost for where to send it. […]
It’s January and by this time, most businesses either have a marketing strategy, or even a marketing calendar in place for 2022. Or if not, their marketing calendar is in some stage of completion, whether that’s conception or scheduling. The difference between a marketing strategy and marketing calendar Creating a marketing strategy and creating a schedule, or marketing calendar, for it are two different things. Your marketing strategy is your idea and overall approach to your marketing for the year. […]
We are smack dab in the middle of the season of giving, and a time when companies who give back gladly offer their assistance to their favorite charities and nonprofits. At JJR Marketing, generosity is in our DNA, so we support and encourage our clients to make giving back a part of their overall marketing strategy. We firmly believe that companies who give back receive more than they sacrifice in terms of corporate goodwill employee appreciation, and community respect. According […]
There are two very important tools in any marketer’s toolbox that must be understood to be used effectively—the difference between advertising and public relations. While both are effective and have a place in any marketing strategy, there are some unique advantages to each one, depending on your objective. At JJR Marketing, we provide advertising and public relations services. We create and manage ad campaigns for clients, but we are known for putting “your brand in the media,” and have received […]
The cooler temperatures of autumn herald sweater weather and seasonal fall flavors in the coffee shops and grocery stores, but it should also encourage a review of your company’s autumn marketing strategy. It’s not too late in the year to try something new –something that will breathe new life into your marketing communications efforts. Then you can end the year with a strong profit margin and a clear direction as you head into 2022. We’ve developed a new way to […]
Do you have a personal brand? If so, congratulations! You have an invaluable marketing tool at your disposal! The next step is to make sure you are getting your money’s worth out of it. In other words, USE IT! Personal brands are about more than differentiating yourself from other thought leaders. Your personal brand is meant to help you position yourself as a thought leader, speaker, author, build brand equity, secure media opportunities and so much more. Your personal brand […]
Project management is the heart, the core, of any business, including here at JJR Marketing. Regardless of what business you are in, it should be at the core of yours, too, even if you call it by a different name. How can I be so sure of this? Because I’ve experienced business both ways—within the chaos of an unmanaged project and when it’s run well, using project management methodologies. Chaos leads to stress, miscommunication, and, sadly, missed deadlines or opportunities […]
At JJR Marketing, we love marketing for nonprofit organizations! We appreciate how the values of nonprofit organizations drive decisions, and it is that appreciation that helps us effectively help them reach their audience with innovative programs. Through the years, we have helped numerous nonprofit organizations expand their audience and donor base, and our experience has created a service niche for us within our agency. One of the first nonprofits we helped was the Sheliah Doyle Foundation (for children who have […]
Many people have heard of media kits or press kits but they are unsure how to actually make one. A media kit is an important tool for companies, authors and public relations companies to offer local newspapers, broadcast channels, bloggers, freelance writers, trade media, and reporters in order to tell their story. Reporters, columnists and other content creators regularly use media kits to learn about a news subject from the inside out. The media kit is designed to make a […]
If you are new to the marketing world, you may not truly realize just how much goes on behind the scenes to successfully marketing a client. Today we want to change that. We believe that by being more informed about the marketing process, you can help your brand reach new levels of success. To help with this, we’re sharing JJR Marketing’s tips for creating successful campaigns and content based on our specialist’s best practices. 1 – Project Management Always have […]
Have you ever noticed when your phone gets to its final battery life things don’t seem to work as well as normal? You find yourself trying to dim the screen, mute notifications and more to save that remaining battery life? The same thing happens with our “internal” batteries! According to SelectHealth.org it is important that we not only recharge our cellphones to be sure they are working at their top performance, but that we do the same with our minds […]
The weather might be snowy and cold, but that means more time inside to work in and ON our companies! JJR Marketing Inc. is here to help work ON your company, rather than in your company. Below are specific areas that we focus on to help businesses grow, from the inside out. Social Media When is it a good idea to start social media accounts? You have a solid customer base You sell products/services that are ever evolving You want […]
At JJR Marketing, we put our clients first! We help thought leaders in the B2B space increase their brand awareness. We are proud to be recognized as both a minority and women-owned business on Clutch! COMPANY has been ranked among the highest-ranking minority-owned companies and women-owned companies. Located in the heart of Washington, DC, Clutch is a B2B ratings and reviews platform. Their team independently interviews the former customers of B2B companies listed on their site. This data is then […]
This summer, JJR marketing, was thrilled to create an eight-week marketing course for students and professionals interested in marketing and public relations. We had interns that range from current college students, recent college graduates, and professionals who are well into their careers. The interns were able to assist us with real-life client projects, as well as follow an eight week outline of projects to be sure they got an idea of all aspects in the industry. Our eight-week course covers […]
For thought leaders in the B2B space seeking greater brand awareness, JJR is the fastest-growing public relations agency in Chicago’s west suburbs that delivers proven results and value. Every engagement is a mission to place a partner’s brand in the center of their most influential media creating buzz, leads, referrals, sales, growth, and, at the end of the day, loyal brand advocates. We are thrilled to announce that Clutch has named JJR Marketing Inc. a top B2B company in Illinois […]
Welcome back to our Email series, The 5 types of Marketing – short marketing tips and tricks to keep you on top of your marketing game! 5. Cause Marketing The last, but not least, coming in at number 5 – Cause marketing provides a key partnership with a nonprofit organization that yields opportunity to both the company and the nonprofit. Many companies come to us looking for these alliances and we love to make them and help with positive publicity […]
Welcome back to our Email series, The 5 types of Marketing – short marketing tips and tricks to keep you on top of your marketing game! 4. Innovative Marketing Coming in at number 4, we have innovative marketing! Innovation provides a disruptive marketing approach. It drives an unexpected, new perspective to existing marketing. Results may vary from immediate reaction to smoldering interest over a longer period of time. Clients have approached us for something innovative, and here are some ways […]
By Jacqueline S. Ruiz Today I’d like to introduce you to a special member of the team and the keeper of our graphic design inspiration, not to mention the love of my life. He’s the amazing designer that has helped grow JJR into one of the fastest-growing full-service marketing and public relations firms in the Chicagoland area….our Creative Director, Juan Pablo Ruiz (a.k.a., JP) The year JP joined the firm, we grew 56%, and mesmerized our clients at the […]
Welcome back to our Email series, The 5 types of Marketing – short marketing tips and tricks to keep you on top of your marketing game! 3. Time-Bound Marketing Welcome back to the Marketing Minute! We talked about Foundational Marketing, Executional marketing, and we are on to type 3! Time-bound marketing is, as it sounds, something that must be initiated and consumed within a particular window of time to be effective. Companies usually seek marketing help of this kind when […]
It’s a scary time for marketing thanks to COVID-19. So many companies are facing a drop in the need for their services, an inability to service their customers or even struggling to keep their employees on the payroll. Other companies are getting creative and using the time to connect with customers in new and unusual ways. Here at JJR, we’ve been helping our clients do this through an innovative way of communicating that minimizes expense while maximizing the visual impact […]
With the world locked down, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all in one way or another. For business owners, the result has been frightening, confusing, and at times, devastating, not just here in the United States, but all around the globe. When the pandemic hit, I began receiving phone calls from friends and colleagues who know me as a marketing expert. They were asking for advice on their businesses and what they could do to stay afloat and secure […]
Welcome back to our Email series, The 5 types of Marketing – short marketing tips and tricks to keep you on top of your marketing game! 2. Executional Marketing Executional marketing, is designed to provide regular communication with the captive and prospective audiences so that they ultimately begin to anticipate it. Any effort that keeps the client connected to their audience can be considered executional marketing. This is a very effective type of marketing because it continues to build an […]
Welcome to our new Email series, The 5 Types of Marketing – short marketing tips and tricks to keep you on top of your marketing game during uncertain times. All marketing is not created equal, nor is it meant to be. So, in our relentless commitment to elevating companies and their marketing savvy, we’ve developed a brand-new way of understanding the many different types of marketing that can help businesses gain a greater awareness of their efforts and more confident […]
By Kylie Knur With Valentines’ Day around the corner, at JJR we have been reflecting on some of the ways to show your clients “Love” in the business world. Here are a few ways to show your clients love! 1. Send a welcome gift. Starting a partnership off with a welcome gift always adds a little icing to the cake. Your new clients know you’re thinking about them, and you’re excited to work together. Sending a box of chocolates […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz Hosting an international event can be intimidating, even for those who are pros at putting together events in their home country. So that you can skip the intimidation routine and step out in confidence, I have seven expert tips and a few stories that will help you to plan your own international event. As the contributing authors in my book series, “Today’s Inspired Latina,” will tell you–and there are 152 of them—I work hard to create […]
JJR Marketing and Fig Factor Media broke boundaries last month with a trip to Goteborg, Sweden! Kylie and Grizel took flight to Sweden for the largest Nordic book fair. The Bokmassan book fair was visited by over 80,000 guests in it’s 4 days. They represented JJR Marketing and Fig Factor Media clients who had their books displayed at the fair. The ladies took some time to reflect on their journeys, and we wanted to share with you… Making the Leap […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz Winning an award can change your life in a multitude of ways. Most notably, you will be able to add one, hyphenated, very powerful word to the description of your product or service. The word? Award-winning! Winning an award elevates your products and services to a higher level, which naturally means that your customer’s expectations of you will also increase. If you’re like most people, your expectations of yourself will increase as well. After all, once […]
Speaking of “living in the moment”, Facebook live is a great way to get your followers to live in the moment – with you! How to use Facebook Live: Go to the News Feed, and tap the “Live” option represented by the camcorder icon. Give Facebook access to your camera and microphone Choose your privacy settings (Who do you want to see this?) Write a compelling description (Who are you, what will be covered, why should they tune in?) Tag […]
Keywords are everywhere! Just as a key opens a lock to something special, keywords offer an entrée to something new and exciting, in both business, and in life. When businesses hear the word “keyword” they often think of search engine optimization (SEO), which drives how many people find your website during an average internet search. SEO relies on embedded keywords in website content and coding. When an internet user searches for a particular keyword, they are more likely to bring […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz Sig·nif·i·cance (/siɡˈnifikəns/) The quality of being worthy of attention; importance. The meaning to be found in words or events. No matter who you are, where you live, or what you do, you are given one life to live on this Earth. What will you do with that life? Some of us live intentionally, with a plan and a bucket list of things to do. Others never give tomorrow a second thought, or possibly live in fear […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz Whether you’re choosing a side in an argument, leading a company, or taking off in your own private airplane, sometimes “doing it all” is all about perspective. I’ve had the question often in media interviews: How do you do all that you do? On the surface, my list is pretty daunting: wife and mother of two, CEO of JJR Marketing and Fig Factor Media, Founder of the Fig Factor Foundation, author of 13 books, international speaker […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz The previous blog talked about how to craft the foundation of your mission, finding the “why,” solidifying your vision, and being consistent in your messaging and commitment. It described my efforts in establishing the Fig Factor Foundation and how I built an evangelistic group of supporters for Today’s Inspired Latina. Now we continue with the rest of the story of how to build a community. After you have a solid foundation in place, what do you […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz When you have a passion and a mission to take a message to the world, you can’t do it alone. You must build a community! Building a community happens intentionally or even on accident. A well-placed, catchy hashtag, meme, or funny video can launch a movement and build a community of like-minded thinkers across cyberspace. An event, like a rally or protest, unites people in a mission to produce change or maintain the status quo. But […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz JJR is entering its 13th year in business and I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without building vendor relationships that truly work. A s an agency owner, I work with a vast number of vendors daily, including creatives videographers, photographers and animators as well as fulfillment vendors such as printers and mailers. The majority have been with me for many years and this has not happened by accident. I choose […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz As you may know, I’m a licensed sports plane pilot. My insides are doing happy loop-dee-loops as I wait excitedly on the runway to take off. As I start to taxi slowly, then pick up speed at an exhilarating rate, the wind begins to lift me slowly and I rise higher and higher. My destiny is in my hands as I suddenly burst into the beautifully vacant field of blue I have come to know and […]
Many businesses wonder how they can land media opportunities, feeling as though they are not worthy of “feel-good” stories that can be shared with others. There is always an opportunity to share valuable content that activates the audience- through clever, strategic PR Stunts…but what, exactly, are PR Stunts? PR Stunts are either events or initiatives that connect two or more organizations (typically a local business to a nonprofit) with a clear intention to benefit both. The receiving organization (i.e. nonprofit) […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz Inspirations motivate and encourage your passions. They’re much more than just ideas and they evoke feelings you may not know you had. An inspiration is life’s way of giving you an outlet to cultivate your passion. The only way to thank life is following through with that inspiration. It took me some time, but I’ve detailed the anatomy of an inspiration, the journey that takes it from inspiration to realization. While this exact journey isn’t always […]
Ashley HomeStore “Hope to Dream” Event The JJR Team partnered with Ashley HomeStore (AHS) for an amazing event that took place in July. Ashley HomeStores “Hope to Dream” program is designed to allow the company to donate beds to underprivileged children in their communities. Together AHS and JJR brought over 100 kids from the Joliet area to the Joliet Slammers stadium where the children and their families enjoyed a day filled with fun and baseball. They were then surprised with […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz I was in Belgium and it was my first time in Europe. Here I was, making my way up the escalator to a room full of women waiting to hear my keynote address. It was amazing to think I was halfway across the world to address a group of high-powered professional women from not just a different country, but a different continent. Suddenly, I was filled with doubt. What if what I had to say wasn’t […]
We are proud to be working with such amazing young talent. We’re thankful for their new and fresh ideas that help JJR clients thrive in ther marketing efforts. Get to know them here… Vanessa Kuri: Waubonsee Community College Marketing, Business Administration 1. Choose a movie title for the story of your life. What A Girl Wants with Amanda Bynes! 2.What is the strangest talent you have? I can name every team in the National Hockey League and […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz When it comes to excitement, corporate event planning has it all! It’s amazing to conceive the big vision of an event, then make sure all the details are in place for the big moment when things begin to unfold. I have planned so many events, from small retreats and workshops of a dozen or so, to large events like the Today’s Inspired Latina book launch, attended by nearly 500 people. While the size, time and place […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz Here’s a truth that may come as news to you — every 2 days the amount of content we create is equivalent to that of which was produced between the beginning of time and 2013. Yes. That much content. Whether you’re creating the content on your own personal blog or creating it on behalf of larger corporations, the truth is that we get stuck in mental cycles that we need to break if what we want […]
We are happy to announce that in a report released last week by B2B research firm Clutch, JJR Marketing was announced as a top public relations company in Chicago in 2018. Clutch also named JJR Marketing a top Marketing Agency in 2017, and we’re incredibly excited to receive the recognition again 1 year later. Listed at #2 on their leaders matrix of the best PR agencies in Chicago, JJR Marketing is incredibly proud that we’ve maintained a top spot in […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz I was recently asked to participate as a contributor to the book Design Strengths: Applying Design Thinking to Individual and Team Strengths by John K Coyle, an Olympic silver medalist, and innovation professor at Stanford and Kellogg Graduate Schools who is known for his thought leadership. As I was becoming familiar with the book, one of the chapters really resonated with me as I analyze my own journey in marketing over the last 15 years. You […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz It was August 2006 when I decided to start my first business in communications as a young Latina that had only been in the United States for 8 years. A lot of people thought I was crazy to start a communications company in a different language that my native one. A big learning curve was ahead of me for sure, not only in the language, bur primarily in the process of running a business. No one […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz After 11 years as head of JJR Marketing, a Chicagoland marketing firm serving start-ups to Fortune 500s, I still delight in helping companies find the “right recipe” for their marketing. Like a chef experienced with different ingredients, I’ve found that not all marketing is the same, or designed for the same results. For some businesses, preparation of their marketing is the challenge while for others, it’s how to serve it up, or even, how to invite […]
1. How to Win Friends & Influence People By Dale Carnegie You can go after the job you want—and get it! You can take the job you have—and improve it! You can take any situation—and make it work for you! Dale Carnegie’s rock-solid, time-tested advice has carried countless people up the ladder of success in their business and personal lives. One of the most groundbreaking and timeless bestsellers of all time, How to Win Friends & Influence People will teach […]
By Gabriela Rodil, Guest Bloger The good news is that everything is up for negotiation. The bad news is that everything is up for negotiation. Welcome to a world where some people “negotiate” even facts. So how do you deal with it? Your best friend in any negotiation is knowledge. Knowledge of data, requirements, conditions, factors, etc. It doesn’t matter if the negotiation is with a supplier, employee, partner or spouse. Here is what you need to know: Your […]
By Michele Kelly, Senior Content Specialist Hold on . . . I’ve . . . got to catch . . . breath. Sprinted . . . last mile . . . Lana Del Rey and Beyoncé . . . yeah, they with me . . . and all those ideas. The ideas are the reason I tie the pink laces on my black Nike shoes, luxuriate in music nirvana and run as far as possible without looking like I’m […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz Every morning, I wake up hoping that I will help at least one person that day; that I may be of value to others. I head to work and spend most of my time interacting with people—family, new and current clients, team members, strategic partners and members of the media. Everybody is trying to get something done, and everyone believes that what they are doing is important. But how do we bring the very best of […]
By Jackie Camacho-Ruiz The only way to develop a successful legacy is to create a culture that can continue. Legacy is not about building a business like a machine and then being able to walk away and leave it chugging along. It is in the language and atmosphere that you build with your employees that allows your business to continue to grow and innovate in a changing world. There’s no doubt that innovation has lots of air to breathe […]
By: Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz A touch point in your business interaction is defined as any point of contact between you and your customer/contact. In other words, anything that has your company logo on it is essentially a touch point. It could be an email, newsletter, billboard, phone call, brochure, etc. In business, every single one of your touch points should be cohesive, consistent and strategic, constantly elevating your business reputation. For a personal brand, every touch point becomes even more […]
From running my business, to addressing a national audience, to writing my next book, to helping my kids with homework, to piloting a flight cross country, I wake up every day with a goal to “make it happen” for my clients, friends, loved ones…and myself! I don’t know about you, but I get a tingly feeling of self-satisfaction when I check something off a list or achieve the day’s goal by 10 a.m. My business card states that I am […]
By Karen Dix, Senior Content Specialist If you asked a cowboy in the old west to show you his brand, he’d point to the seared flesh of one of his cows. “That’s my brand,” he’d say. “That cow is mine.” Nowadays, the word “brand” is used quite broadly and can mean many different things to today’s consumer and/or business owner. But it still has something in common with those metal irons—it marks what is someone else’s. What’s a Strong […]
Early in 2017, JJR was featured among leading research announcing top advertising agencies across the US, UK, and Canada on Clutch. The research at the time listed around 200 companies which offered a breadth of traditional and digital marketing services. Since then, Clutch’s coverage has more-than doubled, and the firm has been delving into location-specific competition. We’re proud the JJR remains at the top of the list, named number four among Chicago’s leading advertising agencies. Clutch is a DC-based research […]
By Ashley Mayer, Lead Mission Manager Leadership can be defined in various ways depending on whom you talk to. To me, leadership is something that I had to grow into and learn to embrace. Once I began to see the impact I could have on others through example, I began to embrace leadership. When I was in college, I was part of the track and cross-country teams, and an outstanding coach led both teams. He taught me what it […]
By Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz If you are always wondering “why is that…?” or “what if…?”, you may be in possession of a great amount of Intellectual curiosity! Intellectual curiosity is the desire to pursue, enjoy, and engage in learning opportunities and is beginning to replace the IQ as the measure of a person’s general potential. In school, students are many times pigeonholed as “gifted” or “remedial” based on standardized test scores without any regard to their intellectual curiosity. Yet research […]
By Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz It was a beautiful night in my hometown in Mexico. I was playing with my friends in the town plaza. Little did I know that my joyful play was about to be erupted by one of the most difficult times I have experienced. “Your house is on fire Jackie, your house is on fire”- people yelled in the center of town. At first, I thought it was a joke. Then, it started to sink it. My […]
By Shirley Mott, Content Specialist Welcome to a new year! Flipping the calendar to 2017 is a blessing to some of you; you’re ecstatic to leave 2016 behind and dig into a fresh beginning. Others, who perhaps didn’t think about goals or what they should improve on, approach the New Year with trepidation. JJR Marketing is greeting this new year with lots of excitement. A new theme, one that implies reaching new heights and growing, will guide the JJR […]
Of all the work that I have done at JJR, I can honestly say that I enjoyed my shadow day with Jackie the most because of the insight that it gave me into real-world marketing and the professional experience that I gained from just a few hours. The client meeting at The LaCava Center was extremely insightful in that it allowed me to meet face to face with a client for the first time ever and see the way that […]
By Ashley Mayer, Lead Mission Manager Effective planning is a key ingredient for success. The dreams and goals that each of us has cannot be achieved if not for proper planning. That book you have been wanting to write, the vacation you are anticipating to take, the business plan you have been dreaming of implementing, these all take careful and strategic planning to make a reality. With the New Year just around the corner, now is the perfect time […]
By: Elizabeth Sobiski Just what is collaboration? Merriam-Webster defines collaboration as “to work jointly with others or together, especially in an intellectual endeavor.” For businesses, this is an essential brick in the path to success. A team that works well together produces amazing results and often exceeds expectations. Here are four tips for improving collaboration efforts: Clearly define goals. Team members need to understand what role they are playing and how that role is critical to the overall success […]
By: Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz We are risk-takers. Risk-taking is nothing new at JJR. A good example of this is a challenge we faced last year. Transformational Growth Partners (TGP), a high-performance coaching firm, originally came to JJR Marketing to launch its business with a new website and media relations. The owners then asked JJR to help them with a special project—a Kickstarter campaign for a book they were co-authoring with noted Top Fuel Kalitta Motorsports Crew Chief, James “Jim O.” […]
By: Claudia Martinez, Marketing Coordinator Looking back to December 2015, I would never have imagined where “20 Seconds of INSANE courage” would take me. December 2015 through May 2016 was perhaps one of the most difficult times of my life. In December of 2015, I graduated with a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Everything seemed perfect then. I had already received experience at internships with Telemundo Chicago, The Resurrection Project, Akira Chicago and even […]
Recently, I proudly hosted the 10th anniversary party for my first entrepreneurial venture, JJR Marketing, and reflected upon how I built a successful business. It’s amazing to think how my humble, solopreneur venture has become a growing, well-respected firm with a thriving, dynamic team of 14 creatives and professionals that help me service a wide range of businesses and clients. I have learned so much along the journey, and I’ve always believed that if you’ve learned something, it’s important to […]
By Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz. Owner & Make-It-Happen Director More and more businesses are hearing about how important it is to diversify their content. Just what does this mean, though? Diversifying content is expanding your efforts past your current platform. For instance, if you have amazing blogs, publish them on different channels. This will help build more loyal followers and grow your brand. It is also a cost effective way to connect with current customers and attract new ones. Here, we’ve […]
By Juan Pablo Ruiz, Creative Director & Melissa Noto, Graphic Artist. Ghostwriting/Editing by Shirley Mott. Did you ever wonder why we see so many articles talking about employee dissatisfaction or un-motivated managers? Perhaps they’ve yet to learn the advantages of fostering creativity in the workplace. The 9-to-5 cubicle grind inherent in the traditional workplace doesn’t leave room for, or encourage, creativity. Being creative at work generally means taking risks, which might make you hesitate. Fear of the unknown is […]
By Shirley Mott, Content Specialist at JJR Marketing It’s time to climb the mountain. But, never, ever reach the top. Why would I ever say that? After all, isn’t it everyone’s goal to ascend to the pinnacle: of success, of popularity, of business growth? Perhaps it’s the journey that is more important, complete with missteps and tumbles. Andy Rooney once said “Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re […]
By Herb Escher, Dale Carnegie Training Employees who are passionate about what they do and who they work for are natural brand advocates. Give them a chance and they’ll tell everyone the great things that are happening with the company, both in person and through social media. These people are the employees any organization would love to have. Here are five ways to create this enthusiasm within your business. Culture. Senior leaders need to be aligned with everyone else […]
By Brenda Pascoe, Mission Manager at JJR Marketing What’s a six letter word that’s scarier than ghosts? –Change. Transitioning from college into my big girl job was a scary thought but I knew I was ready to take a leap of faith. I was one of the lucky ones because, after my last final, I started working with JJR the following day! Things happened so fast fear itself did not get a chance to catch me. What I did […]
By Michele Kelly, Senior Content Editor Or at least tell me that you love the things I love. Because if you do, I just might buy what you’re selling. Wait, what??!!? If I whispered those words of endearment to one of my clients, I might be escorted out of the building by a nice man in a blue uniform. Yet, that’s the sentiment behind cause marketing, the epitome of corporate marriages. The union of for-profits with nonprofits defies criticism. […]
It’s strange to think another year has come and gone. And it’s even stranger to think the year 2000 is just as far away as the year 2030. At the turn of the New Year, we often focus on what’s to come. And while that sort of optimism and hopefulness is welcomed, we must also remember what 2015 has brought to us and what we have brought to 2015. We need to assess what worked and what didn’t, what made […]
When I first started as a young entrepreneur, I had a meeting with one of my mentors and a client. Charged and wide-eyed, I was excited. I was so excited I said the word “amazing” several times throughout the meeting. It not only described the plans we had but the emotions I felt. After the meeting, though, I was told to tone it down with the word “amazing.” I was told it was too much. To me, it felt as […]
Boost Campaigns by Partnering with an Agency At JJR, we understand that sometimes all you need is a little help to achieve amazing results. Your project is your passion and seeing it come to life is your mission. In order to attract investor attention and generate buzz and energy, you need a great plan and a great pitch mixed with the help of a company with a proven Kickstarter track record. Kickstarter’s mission is to help bring creative projects to […]
Have you ever stopped to think about what Thanksgiving truly meant? That the stress of making the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, having the juiciest turkey, the most beautiful centerpieces, and having the most outstanding pumpkin pie really does not matter? Thanksgiving is a holiday of gratitude, giving thanks and appreciating what we have in our lives. Although the meal is definitely something to be excited about, we need to remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving, because if that turkey burns, the […]
According to the dictionary, innovation means change, alteration, revolution, transformation, metamorphosis. You see, innovation isn’t purely thinking creatively. Innovation is thinking and then delivering. With innovation, you either invent something entirely new or augment something that already exists to make it better. However, there is a difference between the two. Creating something new asks, “What hasn’t been invented yet?” It constructs things that do not yet exist. Changing something that already exists begs the question, “How can this be better?” […]
Landing a media mention can be worth its weight in gold for most businesses. Many businesses, though, wonder how to make this happen, while others worry that their stories aren’t good enough to share with the public. However, there is always an opportunity for businesses to share valuable content that activates audiences – and one of the best ways to do this is through clever, strategic PR stunts. But what exactly is a PR stunt? A PR stunt is an […]
Before you start reading this entry, ask yourself the following questions: Have you ever wondered… …what it takes to make things happen in your life? …what is one of the most powerful tools to make your dreams a reality? …why some people achieve incredible success while others don’t, despite their hard work? …why it is so hard to bring the physical manifestation of your desires to life? For many years, I have used journaling as a way to manifest my […]
Since Robert K. Greenleaf in “The Servant as Leader” coined “servant leadership”, an essay first published in 1970, it is generally accepted that being a servant first is the foundation of servant leadership. But what does this mean and can it possibly move your organization from good to great? At JJR Marketing, we like to keep our definition simple: Servant leadership is the act of serving others with pure intentions. Look out for other people and don’t expect anything in […]
A relationship with a non-profit organization will create successful benefits for both parties involved if the non-profit partner is chosen carefully. There are six different steps to finding the right non-profit for an incredible relationship. Those six steps are as follows: Define, Research, Reach out, Activate, Execute, and Measure. DEFINE: The first step is to define the relationship and what that entails. Define the type of influence the non-profit has on the community, the type of non-profit that would make […]
What do you need for a team that works well together and keeps your organization running like a well-tuned machine? In the quest to answer this question, we turned to the amazing team we have here at JJR Marketing. While each team member had their own insights, there was one recurring theme in all of the answers. Everyone mentioned trust as being one of the main ingredients to success. “I know my co-workers have my back and they know I […]
A lagniappe is a small gift given to a customer by a merchant, something given out of good will as a way of saying thank you or expressing gratitude and generosity. This is a Creole word that dates back to 1844 New Orleans. The custom of giving a “little extra” is still widely practiced in Louisiana – and at JJR! Giving a lagniappe, or added value, is something that JJR does routinely, for all our clients. It goes above and […]
So there you are, ready to create a completely amazing marketing strategy. Only you find yourself sitting at the desk with a blank sheet of paper or empty computer document in front of you. Sure, you have plenty of ideas for this strategy – but where do you start? Fear not, there is a solution to your dilemma. To begin with, know the underlying principles of a marketing campaign. These principles are: Target audience(s) Key message(s) Delivery vehicle(s) These points […]