Fletcher Marketing Communications is celebrating its 16th birthday, so my colleagues suggested I write a blog post reflecting on the ups and downs of my sixteen-year (and counting) entrepreneurial journey. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and know we’re capable of more. Pursuing “more” has ebbed and flowed along the way through starting the business, a recession, a pandemic and a changing industry. Today, I find myself in a place of deeper gratitude than ever before. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing and public relations, staying ahead demands more than just a passive consumption of expert advice. With the barrage of conflicting guidance—ranging from the "worst days to post on social media" to the extreme notion of never calling a journalist—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Our latest Entrepreneur Leadership Article navigates the sea of often contradictory marketing advice by emphasizing the importance of tailoring strategies to fit unique business contexts.

Drawing on real-world examples, the article illustrates why one-size-fits-all advice frequently falls short. For instance, while industry surveys might suggest ideal posting times or communication methods, these recommendations may not align with every business's specific needs. A restaurant's social media strategy, for example, could benefit from weekend engagement, contradicting general advice suggesting weekdays are best.

The core message is clear: while industry trends and expert insights are valuable, they must be assessed against your own data and experiences. Read more to learn how to trust analytics, leverage expertise and customize strategies based on a specific business or client. 

It’s hard to believe it’s been 16 years since I started Fletcher as a single mom with no clue how to run a business. I knew I loved public relations and I loved agency life so I went for it. The autonomy to be a mom meant more than any big corporate job I could imagine. So, I launched as a one-woman shop with a focus on marketing to women and helping brands understand how women think, process information and make purchasing decisions. A decade and a half later, women still control 80% of U.S. household budgets and she still reigns supreme as the CFO of the family and her individuality.

Delve into the intricate world of B2B communication mastery, where every word wields the power to shape perceptions and drive business triumphs. Uncover the challenges faced by internal teams and the quest for external partners capable of articulating complex concepts with finesse. From overcoming the curse of knowledge to pinpointing the ideal writing ally, this journey promises practical insights to navigate the dynamic landscape of modern B2B communication. Our latest Entrepreneur Leadership Network article explores the art of crafting clear, impactful messages and empowering B2B leaders with the tools they need for triumph in today's competitive marketplace.

In our latest Entrepreneur Leadership Network article, explore the crucial role of earned media in organizational success, highlighting its ability to enhance credibility, reputation and messaging reach. Through debunking common misconceptions and illustrating its impact across the marketing sales funnel, the article urges C-suite members to embrace earned media as a key driver of sustainable growth and brand influence.

As a marketer, creating new content consistently can be a daunting, time-consuming task. The pressure to produce fresh and unique content for social media, blog posts, thought leadership and other marketing channels often causes those things to end up being put on the back burner. However, one way to ease the pressure is to repurpose content to make the most of what you're producing.

Google yourself. No, really. Go on, do it. Chances are, someone will Google you in your life — whether it be a potential date, friend, customer or employer. What information is available about you online? This can help you identify any inaccuracies or outdated information that may be giving off a negative or unrepresentative first impression. If you find that the information available is not "on brand" for you, there are steps you can take to improve your online presence to build your personal brand.

In today's world, data is everything. A data analyst for Centogene once said, "Data is information, and information is power." When it comes to media relations, acquiring and disseminating data is a potent and influential tool. Data has been used to delineate fact from fiction, it changes consumer behavior and transforms public opinion and sentiment. Data is black and white, transparent and trusted across industries and job functions. Thus, it's an asset and integral part of a successful media relations strategy.

Listen up, agency owners, managers, and agency decision-makers . . .