The Adventures of Sparty the Elf and Friends

And then there was light. That was my first memory as a young Spartan. I remember brightness and being taken out of my comfortable box. My muscles were stiff from what I later learned was a long journey from somewhere called Amazon. I heard laughter and discussion from my adoptive family. They didn’t know what to call me. There was a bright flash as I was just starting to stretch my legs and arms; I remember being placed on a shelf. I heard someone say, “We should call him Sparty.” I caught a glimpse in the mirror and saw I had a red hat with furry white trim and a black headband printed with the word ‘NATRAPS’.

Talks of training filled the air often. I was placed in a bag with comfy towels, but it was dark and smelled funny. The bag opened and once again I was thrust into a bright room. The smell was stronger. It was a mix of sweat and fear. And the sounds were different. Grunts, heavy breathing, and the occasional loud thunk. They called this place a gym and I later found out it was crawling with what they called “gym rats”. I hope they are friendly. 

My family let me watch and soon I was allowed to work out with them. I stretched my legs and had a great view of what I learned was called a team. They called themselves Ohio Parkinson’s Warriors. There was much discussion about a trip, and I was so excited to learn I would be allowed to go. They talked about obstacles, running, and something called “mud”. Apparently, there would be lots of this stuff called mud.

We were in a car again and for once I was not in that stinky gym bag. I took my place on the dashboard and watched the world flying by. It was cold and wet and again all they talked about was how much mud there would be on the course. We went to a hotel, and I got to stretch out on a bed and explore the room. But just as I started to get comfy, the lights went out and the door shut. They went to dinner and left me alone – NOT cool… I’ll get them back for that. 

In the morning they packed their bags and again, discussions of rain, cold, and mud ensued while they debated what they would wear for the “Spartan race”. Wait, hey! That’s my name, only backward. We’re going to a Spartan?! There was breakfast in the lobby but not everyone was hungry. I could tell they were preoccupied with nerves and excitement–time for me to get them back for the dinner ditch. 

Bags were loaded in the car, and they were about to leave for the 20-minute trek to the race site. Then I heard the guy say, “Where’s Sparty?” Oh, NOW you want to know where I’m at? Ha! When they loaded the bags, I jumped off my perch on one of the suitcases and into a jacket pocket. They looked for me, but I was nowhere to be seen. One by one their voices started to panic. “Where is he? Did he fall out in the lobby?” I heard the guy ask the lady at the hotel desk if someone found a ‘doll.’ Hey, I’m ‘NATRAPS’, not a doll! The trunk was opened, and all the bags were dumped out. They looked and looked. “We can’t race without Sparty!” I let them panic a bit more then I stuck my head out of a pocket. Now they wouldn’t let me out of their sight. I was back in my rightful spot on the dashboard, and they took more photos. The guy placed his phone on the dash and for the first time, I saw my photo. I couldn’t believe it. Maybe my headband read SPARTAN, not NATRAPS!? We were on our way. 

As soon as we all got out of the car there was that word again. Mud. “Well, I guess this is the first obstacle,” someone said. There were lots of people around. It was cold and gloomy, but the energy was electric. The team picked up their race packets, and we took a few more pictures. HEY! They are all wearing matching headbands with my name on them. This is getting weird.

Then again, relegated to darkness. They stuck me in a less smelly, albeit cold box with clean clothes. I knew they were clean as they didn’t have that gym stink. Thank goodness! Eventually, they came and got me, and their clothes. Where had they been? And yuck! What was all over them? They all really stunk now. I also saw that each one of them had this shiny disk hanging from a ribbon around their neck. My name again! Now I know my last name, Sprint.

They all changed from their stinky, wet clothes that were covered in what I now know was mud… that stuff was all over them. They were tired but relieved and proud. Then back to the car for the long drive home. They were already discussing the next race and where we would all go; maybe next time I’ll get to go on the course and see this mud for myself!

71967358890__03B73FA8-9B1C-4F3B-B3E0-E22AE46358FE
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Spartan team
Zoe Felber atlas carry
Elana barbed wire
Zoe Blank atlas carry
Kirsten atlas carry
Rob dunk wall
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Spartan pics
Rob & daughters
Rob & Zoe
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Elana & Sparty
Spartan Sprint team
71967358890__03B73FA8-9B1C-4F3B-B3E0-E22AE46358FE IMG_8491 Spartan team Zoe Felber atlas carry Elana barbed wire Zoe Blank atlas carry Kirsten atlas carry Rob dunk wall IMG_8514 Spartan pics Rob & daughters Rob & Zoe IMG_8489 IMG_8463 IMG_8450 Elana & Sparty Spartan Sprint team

Last Christmas, Sparty, the Spartan Elf on a Shelf, found his way into the Felber family. The Adventures of Sparty the Elf and Friends depicts Sparty’s recent adventure at a terrain race with obstacles in Michigan, called a Spartan Sprint 5k

The race is 3.1 miles of fun including 20 challenging obstacles on an off-road trail course featuring water and mud. We climbed walls and ropes, crawled under barbed wire, traversed monkey bars, threw spears, and worked as a team to conquer our fears.

Rob Felber and Zoe Blank from Felber PR, alongside Rob’s daughters Elana Felber and Zoe Felber Bluffestone, were joined by fellow Parkinson’s warrior Kirstin. This was the team’s second Spartan race and Zoe Blank’s first.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from the Felber PR and Marketing team!

The Evolution of Lead Generation: From Postcards to Real-Time Conversions

The Evolution of Lead Generation: From Postcards to Real-Time Conversions

Thirty years ago, all you needed to request company information was a pen and a free business reply card (BRC). Back then, these small white postcards (BRC) with prepaid postage permits seemed to fall out of every magazine. To request information, you’d darken a bubble or circle a number on the card, often corresponding to an advertisement in the same magazine. Then, you’d drop the postage-paid card in the mail and patiently wait for a response, which could take weeks.

Today, sales teams operate under the magic five-minute rule: respond to a prospect’s interest within five minutes, and your chances of success skyrocket. While it might sound simple, everyone is striving to boost their reach, increase closing ratios, and enhance their reputation. 

But fear not, because in our fast-paced business world, there are solutions and tools at your disposal. Here are five steps to digitally improve lead conversion.

Step One: Leverage the Right System

Embrace a modern Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool like HubSpot. These CRMs automatically capture leads from chats, emails, form submissions, and digital ads. No more manual data entry; everything is seamlessly integrated.

Step Two: Content is King 

Harness the expertise of your best subject matter experts to create engaging content that your prospects crave. Whether it’s a technical paper, an e-book, or a useful calculation tool, provide them with valuable insights into their problems. Content is your secret weapon in the digital age.

Step Three: Design and Trust

Incorporate design elements and excellent writing to generate a sense of urgency. This fosters trust, convincing prospects that clicking on your offer will provide answers to their questions. Make it visually appealing and information-rich.

Step Four: Cultivate a Culture of Immediacy

This step is pivotal. Establish a culture of immediacy within your team. Equip your team with the tools, platforms, apps, and guidance needed to make that crucial connection within the first five minutes. Modern CRMs can send text messages, emails, and create real-time tasks for your associates – there’s simply no excuse not to connect with a converted lead promptly.

Step Five: Track and Evaluate

Creating an efficient system is fantastic, but it’s all for naught if no one follows through. Make the call, track team activity, and evaluate the results. Steps 1-4 set the stage, but if no one makes the call and tracks the results, nothing will happen. Remember, in today’s fast-paced world, prospects can easily lose interest if you don’t act swiftly.

Yes, the pace of business has evolved since our company launched three decades ago. But, we love it. The tools, creativity, and real-time prospect engagement are not only exciting but also highly effective. And thankfully, reporting data to management no longer involves counting a year’s worth of tattered white postcards.

Want to learn more? You guessed it…click here!

TEDx Robert Felber – 1 year reflection

Bucket list, check.

Actually, doing a TEDx Talk wasn’t even on the list. However, a year ago I was invited by a dynamic group of seniors at Orange High School, my alma mater, to tell my story. 

My talk, “The Path Less Traveled – Impact Your Future and Those Around You”, was deeply personal and, if I’m honest, the hardest speech I’ve ever delivered.

It was an honor to participate in TEDxOrangeHS, which was aimed at inspiring ideas in the world and in the local Orange City School District and Pepper Pike communities. Thank you to those students and everyone who put this event together.

I’m beyond excited to share my TEDx Talk with you below.

What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self? – Client & Colleague Feature

what advice would you give your younger self? word cloud

To celebrate Felber PR & Marketing’s 30th anniversary, I asked some of our long-standing clients and colleagues to share a piece of advice they might share with their younger selves if they had the chance. Here’s what they said:

 

Create a strong balance between work and home, You have the rest of your life to work so make sure you take time for yourself, your health, friends, and family, I was once told I should do “well” (income and work) before I did “good.” I disagreed and while income growth may have been slower, my life and family experiences were immeasurably enriched by volunteering, coaching my kids, and being involved in countless boards and community initiatives.

 – Rob Felber, Owner & President, Felber PR & Marketing

 

“If it was easy, anyone could do it!”

By that I mean that when faced with what seems like seems like a very difficult task or situation, we will be judged on how we approach and handle it. These are the times that require character and determination, and those traits can distinguish us from the competition. We may not always be the lowest-cost or fastest solution, but ultimately we will attract and maintain client relationships by demonstrating our willingness to tackle and solve the biggest and most important business challenges. We strive to be “indispensable!”

 – Bruce Newburger, President, Dynamics Online, Inc.

 

A couple of things I’ve tried to live by:

  • Work hard
  • Have a positive attitude
  • Take nothing for granted
  • Treat everyone with respect
  • Everyone has to “pay their dues”; no one is entitled to anything
  • Collect as many “tools” as possible to put in your “toolbox”, they will come in handy down the road
  • Relationships matter – develop and nurture as many as you can; sometimes they will help you and sometimes you will help them

And for my kids (28,26,23):

  • Nothing good happens after midnight
  • Life is about choices; you won’t always make the right ones – just don’t make dumb ones
  • When deciding on what degree or career to pursue, it is often more important to find out what you don’t want to do, as it is what you do

– Bob Centa, President, PMI Industries, Inc.

 

  • Don’t be afraid of hard work.  Hard work and passion for what you are doing will pay off
  • Struggles in life make us tougher.  The younger you are when you encounter these struggles the more accustomed to dealing with issues you will become.  These skills are valuable later in life and are more difficult to learn later in life. 
  • Instant gratification is not always something you will see.  Patience and consistency when working toward your goal are important.  In today’s day and age, we are used to the instant gratification of simple things like taking a picture and immediately being able to look at it.  

– William Barlock, Owner, IT Support Specialists

 

“Embrace curiosity and pose inquiries, as they create more long-term value than you’d imagine.” 

– Yogesh Ramadoss, Business Development, Cres Cor Health & Safety

 

Some advice from “Old Scott” to “Young Scott”

  1. When interacting with people, be empathetic to their situation, as it will serve you well regardless of the circumstance.
  2. Define your core values, and when making life decisions, be sure to rely on them.
  3. Remember that there is always a back-story to what you observe in your life, so don’t rush to judgement.
  4. Be an active listener and respond thoughtfully when the opportunity presents itself.
  5. Put your family first, be integrous in your actions, and tenacious in pursuing your goals.

Scott Moss, Founder & CEO, M Sales Growth Advisors

 

Be kind to yourself in all things. Allow yourself to make mistakes, learning from them of course with the goal of evolving into the best version of yourself. Explore! Keep trying new things. Complacency is the enemy of success, so always keep pushig yourself outside of your comfort zone. You will be surprised by all that you CAN do!  Your happiness is the key to living up to your fullest potential, so take care of yourself, physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally to be and stay happy, healed and whole. Finally, as you grow up and evolve into marriage, motherhood and your career, know that being sucessful at all 3 requires balance. Speak up about your needs, wants and desires and never settle for less than you deserve! You can have it all! 

Keren Johnson, Digital Marketing Manager, Dynamics Online, Inc.

 

I would tell myself to slow down and enjoy the ride. I have always been a very driven person who was diligently working towards completing a goal and moving on to the next. This has served me well as I’ve had many accomplishments both personally and professionally. But when you are always looking ahead, you are not fully appreciating the present. The present is really all we have. It’s important to have goals and plan for the future, but its just as important to be present and appreciate the moment that you are living. 

– Brian Lennon, CEO, General Die Casting, Inc., & Dart Casting, Inc.

 

The two pieces of advice I would give my younger self are, “set yourself up for productivity” and “protect your time.”

The first bit of advice means to have the materials and tools needed at the ready. Otherwise, it stops or delays progress on a task or goal. 

The second bit of advice means that it is easy to squander time, whether with colleagues, friends or other distractions. There are always more pressing things to do or reasons to verve from a task or project. Since time is a commodity, choose how you will use it. 

My kids have heard me preach these tips since they were young. 

– Kavita Sherman, Owner, Sherman Communications, LLC.

 

Money is the most important thing in the world, except for everything else.

– Lance Dumigan, Business Development Manager, Fabrisonic, LLC.

 

List your priorities in life such as:

#1 Faith through growing my personal relationship with Jesus.

#2 Self through strengthening my mind, body and having a productive work career.

#3 Others through engagement and service with my immediate family before others.

Remember: “Always try to be in the present moment of life”

List no more than 2-3 action items for each priority above and laminate some copies.  Post in a few places like on your mirror, fridge, bedstand and in your car.  Review every 3-6 months.

– Rio Degennaro, Director of Strategic Business Development, Cres Cor Health & Safety

 

I would tell my younger self that everyone makes mistakes.

It’s important to note your mistake so it doesn’t happen again but there isn’t any benefit dwelling on the mistake.

How you respond and correct the mistake is more important.

The below quote (not sure by who) kind of sums up what I am trying to say.

“You aren’t judged on the mistakes you make. You are judged on how you respond to them.”

– Rich Sinkovic, Sales Engineer, PMI Industries, Inc.

 

I wouldn’t advise my younger self because my mantra is, “Change nothing. It all happens as it’s supposed to and you end up exactly where you need to be.”

– Kellie West, Regional Sales Manager, Grand River Rubber & Plastics Co.

 

We’ve learned a lot over the last 30 years. In part, thanks to these people.

Thank you to our clients and colleagues for sharing their insights for this blog – and for doing business with us for the last 30 years!

Explaining Supply Issues to My Dog – PR Tips for Communicating Difficult Topics to Customers

Rolo, 11-year old pitbull mix, standing in sunflower field.

Our 11-year-old pitbull mix rescue has us well–trained. When we sit down for dinner, usually long after she ate her dinner, she walks over to the kitchen cabinet and proceeds to get our attention with short, repetitive barks. This, coupled with a head nod in the direction of the cabinet, is her way of asking for her treat. The treat, a hard biscuit inserted into her rubber toy, gives us about 3-4 minutes of peace to enjoy our dinner.

She takes her treats very seriously. So when the supply chain world, and more importantly the pet food supply chain, was impacted, she didn’t care. She just kept barking while we tried to find a substitute. She did not care much for our explanation – she just wanted what she wanted.

Who’s barking the loudest?

Do you have customers barking for their orders? Do they want to hear why you cannot get them their products (aka treats)? Supply chain seemed to be the universal delay excuse for everything from staffing and cash flow issues to raw materials and geopolitical unrest. The only solace is that it seemed to impact everyone. Like with COVID-19, “we were all in this together.”

Yes, we understand but where’s MY order?

In this together or not, customers still wanted answers and bad news was better than no news. HOW the news is delivered makes all the difference. Some companies chose to say nothing. Leaving customers frustrated and ultimately looking for alternative suppliers.

Many companies brought production back domestically, and while that sounds like a great tactic, it takes time and, you guessed it, money. The only thing more frustrating than the lack of supply was mid-stream adjustments to the price. Now the barking begins! (When they finally were back in production, my dog’s treats shot up from the normal $10/bag price to $30 online.)

Empathy makes a difference

Remember Zig Ziglar, the famous sales trainer? It is more about your customer knowing you care.

Zig Ziglar quote: People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

 

Communication, even recurring bad news, is better than silence. Also, sharing your plan and keeping your customers (and perhaps new prospects) in the loop will pay dividends in loyalty and help deepen your relationships.

The message needs to come from the top. Everyone on the team, from sales and customer service to accounting and production, needs to know the message and their role in message development and delivery. Use email, your blog, and media platforms such as editors at trade publications to tell your side of the story.

Fortunately for me and many other barking consumers, her treats are back in stock. She does not read my blog regularly but is still keen on her dinner-time treat.

Want some more tips to communicate effectively with your customers? Felber PR & Marketing has 30 years of experience in all things public relations for manufacturers. When it comes to crisis communication, having a plan ahead of time is key. Grab 15 minutes on my calendar and let’s discuss how we can help you be proactive.

Why You Can’t Afford to Miss Out on Migrating to Google Analytics 4

By now, you’ve probably heard about the new Google Analytics 4, aka GA4. If you’ve logged into your Google Analytics account recently, you probably saw the doomsday-like countdown clock warning that your account will stop processing data starting July 1, 2023. That means there are less than 10 days until GA4 launches across all Google Analytics accounts.

But what is Google Analytics 4 and why should we care?

While completing the GA4 migration for our own website and our client’s sites, we’ve come across a ton of questions and confusion around what exactly GA4 is and why we should care. To provide answers, we teamed up with Keren Johnson, Digital Marketing Manager at Dynamics Online, Inc.  Special thanks to Keren for authoring this guest blog and shedding some light on the latest Google update. If you haven’t already, check out part 1 of this GA4 blog series: Understanding the Ins and Outs of the NEW Google Analytics 4

 

Being a business owner or manager, you understand the importance of collecting accurate information when it comes to making data-driven decisions. Google Analytics (GA) has been an effective tool for tracking website traffic since its inception. However, after sixteen years, Google has rolled out the new update – Google Analytics 4 (GA4) – which is a significant leap from the current version. While you have until July 1, 2023, to migrate to GA4, it is vital to understand the consequences of not making the shift.

Stagnant Data Collection

After July 1, 2023, GA will no longer support the existing version of Google Analytics. This means that the current version of GA will no longer process data. You’ll have access to historical data, but new data will only populate into Google Analytics 4 properties. The previously processed data collected through the current version of GA will continue to be available but only for a limited time. Additionally, if you use platforms like HubSpot, Salesforce or Marketo for analytics and website traffic reporting, you must migrate to GA4 or you will lose the analytic data imported from Google Analytics. 

If you do not migrate to Google Analytics 4, you will miss out on the new features that come with GA4: cross-device tracking, event measurement, and machine learning. Imagine collecting half-baked, irrelevant data, and making a crucial business decision based on it. That will be your reality come July 1 if you fail to migrate to GA4.

Wasted Resources

Failing to migrate to GA4 will result in a missed opportunity to utilize the latest analytical tools. Additionally, you may invest resources, like time and money, in developing reports and dashboards, or creating complex analytics architecture that will become obsolete. The cost of developing a new system from scratch can lead to a waste of time, resources, and money.

Obsolete Insights

Google has been adjusting its Search Algorithm since day one. The move from GA to GA4 is Google’s way of staying ahead of the curve and providing businesses with a more robust analytical tool. By not migrating to GA4, you will be unable to leverage new insights gained from the latest tools. Failing to adapt may lead to sub-optimal decision-making, leading to lost opportunities for your business.

Improved Business Growth

Ultimately, the new features of GA4 will provide you with better insights and help you make informed data-driven decisions. The ability to track cross-device conversion and store offline conversion data is invaluable information that you will miss out on by not upgrading. Don’t be left behind; upgrading to GA4 will enable your business to make informed decisions that can drive business growth.

In conclusion, the consequences of not migrating to GA4 go beyond losing access to data – it is a strategic move that can help you stay ahead of your competition. Failing to upgrade can result in stagnated insights, missed opportunities, and wasted resources. With that said, it’s crucial to begin the migration process today. Take advantage of the advanced features offered by GA4 to scale your business. Don’t wait until the last minute to get started on this critical business move. Schedule a 15-minute consultation today and let’s discuss migrating your website to GA4 before July 1, 2023.

Navigating change can be difficult, and we understand you may have questions about how GA4 migration could impact your business specifically. We are happy to help. If you have questions about GA4 or you’d like to learn more please click here, or contact RobFelber@felberpr.com, (330) 963-3664.

 

About the Author

Keren JohnsonKeren Johnson is a Digital Marketing professional who brings her clients strategic and thoughtful solutions to enhance their online presence. After graduating from Cleveland State University, Keren began her career doing Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy for Tremco Roofing. Since leaving Tremco, Keren has sharpened her skills working for organizations such as the United Church of Christ, Fairfax Place Nursing Facility, Cleveland Municipal Housing Court, and Hathaway Brown School. In addition to her expertise in social media strategy and management, Keren specializes in Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Advertising, Blogging, and Content Marketing.

In addition to her skill set as a marketer, Keren also owns a successful art business (1384 Designs), where she designs and sells custom laser cut and engraved art.  In Keren’s spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and playing board games. Keren is a proud Shaker Heights native and currently resides in Euclid, Ohio, with her fiancé, Matthew, and two children, Alyssa and Phoenyx.

Keren@DynamicsUS.com  |  216-292-4410 Ext. 4

Understanding the Ins and Outs of the NEW Google Analytics 4

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or perhaps procrastinating, you have probably heard about the new Google Analytics 4, aka GA4. If you’ve logged into your Google Analytics account recently, you probably saw the doomsday-like countdown clock warning that your account will stop processing data starting July 1, 2023. This is the date that GA4 launches across all Google Analytics accounts.

While completing the GA4 migration for our own website and our client’s sites, we’ve come across a ton of questions and confusion around what exactly GA4 is and why we should care. To provide answers, we teamed up with Keren Johnson, Digital Marketing Manager at Dynamics Online, Inc.  Special thanks to Keren for authoring this guest blog and shedding some light on the latest Google update.

 

In today’s age of digital marketing, understanding and analyzing data is key to success. Google Analytics has been the go-to tool for business owners, managers, and marketers for analyzing website data and online user behavior for over a decade. Recently, Google introduced the newest version of its analytics software: Google Analytics 4. In this article, we’ll break down the specifics of GA4, discuss how it differs from previous versions, and explain how it can help improve your businesses.

The evolution of Google Analytics

Before we dive into what’s new in Google Analytics 4, it’s worth understanding the evolution of this powerful tool. Google Analytics was first introduced in 2005, and since then has undergone various updates and enhancements. The second version, Universal Analytics, was introduced in 2012 and has been the primary version used by businesses of all sizes. However, with advancements in technology and data privacy concerns, GA4 was built with these concerns in mind.

Key differences between Google Analytics 4 and Universal Analytics

One of the biggest differences between the two versions is the way that they track user behavior. GA4 uses an events-based model, which keeps track of user interactions with your website or app. This allows businesses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of user actions, including clicking on buttons, filling out forms, and scrolling through pages. Another key difference is the way that improvements have been made to machine learning and predictive analytics technology. GA4 uses Google’s advanced machine learning algorithms that can provide more detailed insights into customer behavior and preferences.

Understanding the benefits of GA4

Google Analytics 4 comes with a host of benefits for businesses and marketers alike. As we mentioned earlier, events-based tracking allows companies to track user behavior more accurately. Also, machine learning models give marketers the ability to find unexpected insights from their data, leading to personalized experiences for customers and increased conversion rates. Machine learning technology also presents a new way of predicting consumer behavior and identifying potential customers. Additionally, a new integration process has made it easier than ever for businesses to integrate GA4 into their existing advertising stacks.

Getting started with Google Analytics 4

To get started with GA4, businesses need to create a new property in their account. Once the property is created, you can install tracking on your website or app and start collecting data. One of the key features of GA4 is that it automatically tracks user interactions with buttons, forms, and media, eliminating the need to set up individual event tracking. Setting up custom data streams can also help provide a detailed understanding of your consumers’ behaviors.

The Future of GA4

One of the most exciting aspects of GA4 is how it sets the foundation for future advancements. Google has not released a comprehensive list of features they plan to add in the future, but there are already hints of what’s to come. One can anticipate more extensive integration with Google Ads and the advanced use of artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data analytics. Expect to have AI as a valuable tool to derive actionable insights from large data sets.

In conclusion, Google Analytics 4 is a game-changing update to an already powerful analytics tool. With machine learning and predictive analytics, companies have access to insights that were previously impossible to achieve. With simplified tracking and customization, GA4 has made it easier than ever for businesses of all sizes to track their website and app performance. As data continues to play a critical role in the success of businesses, GA4 is the perfect tool to help you stay ahead. Schedule a 15-minute consultation and let’s discuss migrating your website to GA4.

If you have questions about GA4 or you’d like to learn more please click here, or contact RobFelber@felberpr.com, (330) 963-3664.

UP NEXT in part II of this blog:  Why You Can’t Afford to Miss Out on Migrating to Google Analytics 4

 

About the Author

Keren Johnson

Keren Johnson is a Digital Marketing professional who brings her clients strategic and thoughtful solutions to enhance their online presence. After graduating from Cleveland State University, Keren began her career doing Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy for Tremco Roofing. Since leaving Tremco, Keren has sharpened her skills working for organizations such as the United Church of Christ, Fairfax Place Nursing Facility, Cleveland Municipal Housing Court, and Hathaway Brown School. In addition to her expertise in social media strategy and management, Keren specializes in Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Advertising, Blogging, and Content Marketing.

In addition to her skill set as a marketer, Keren also owns a successful art business (1384 Designs), where she designs and sells custom laser cut and engraved art.  In Keren’s spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and playing board games. Keren is a proud Shaker Heights native and currently resides in Euclid, Ohio, with her fiancé, Matthew, and two children, Alyssa and Phoenyx.

Keren@DynamicsUS.com  |  216-292-4410 Ext. 4

Our Transition to Working Exclusively with Manufacturers

30th Anniversary - Felber PR & Marketing

As most business owners quickly discover, you cannot be everything to everyone. Trying to serve multiple markets and customers often gives the impression of a scattered, unfocused brand. That was us until the late-90s. We would take any client (the joke was as long as their check cleared). We worked with non-profits, service companies, distributors, publishing companies, and even the author of a children’s book. To say we (and our tactics) were all over the place is an understatement. 

How we cemented our relationships with manufacturers

Fortunately, we were referred to a few manufacturers and quickly discovered a natural fit. We understood them, how they went to market, and how to help them acquire leads and increase revenue. Something just clicked with us and manufacturers; especially B-to-B manufacturers.

 We quickly learned how the trade and industrial media differed from the daily and weekly general business publications. Just like manufacturing planning that spans quarters and years, so does a trade publication planning its coverage of the industry. There were many publications for each industrial sector and they were hungry for content. And, manufacturers have a lot to talk about. From new products and processes to achievements, trade shows, and new facilities. We had our transition from dimensional promotions to public relations, and now we found our home with manufacturers – we never looked back! We put all our efforts into manufacturing and our branding “We Get Manufacturing.” 

Marketing and sales in ’90s

Manufacturers’ marketing pre-1993 was generations in the making (dare I say old and stale). It was smile and dial. We hit the road with a pocket full of quarters and lists of companies to cold call. The only tracking or measurement was in a (salesperson’s) paper calendar and the deals that eventually filtered down to closed sales. Other legacy tactics included trade shows and sports entertainment (golf, golf, and more golf). Trade shows have indeed remained a viable tactic and entertaining clients is still a strong relationship builder. However, lead generation cannot start on the 10th tee. You need the sales funnel full way before the first round of golf. 

Need help building relationships or to fill your sales funnel? Schedule a 15-minute consultation and let’s talk about how we can help. RobFelber@FelberPR.com, (330) 963-3664.

Manufacturers, like their production lines, needed to adapt

Manufacturers needed to compete and sell differently. Buyers and salespeople alike were younger. The internet, Google search, and smartphones created a more insular culture (when was the last time a Millennial answered the phone?) Oh, how we love leaving voicemails. Trade show lead generation had to evolve beyond the candy bowl and business card drawing. As manufacturers and the products they made became more technical, so too did the focus on the ideal prospect. 

Acceptance of digital tactics and the internet (and what we’ve learned in 30 years)

What do we love most about the digital world and analytics? Public Relations and its value can now be measured.

The old days of clipping services and receiving reports months later gave way to real-time lead generation and website traffic. Sales teams, especially those using HubSpot, now have the power of CRM and contact management in their pocket. Calling a lead in the magic 5-minute window closes deals.

Not convinced HubSpot is helping you follow up on leads & close deals? Our HubSpot audit ensures your portal is optimized for marketing and sales success.

Manufacturers invested in their websites as well. Ditching the brochure-ware layout that their sister’s kid made for them in his basement on an Apple IIe. Websites, search engine optimization, and Inbound Marketing continue to evolve, just as supply chain, AI, and geopolitics constantly challenge and shape the manufacturing arena. 

For us, and our clients alike, we know that we can never stop learning. Study, evolve, test (and fail sometimes) are what will make us all stronger. One key point has never changed: Nothing happens until someone sells something!

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What You Learned in Kindergarten Can Help You Attract Workers

Remember show and tell? We all wanted to have the coolest idea to wow our kindergarten classmates. Attracting workers for your manufacturing operation is much like that precious time in class. 

 

You have limited time and attention to get your message across. Your mission then was to quickly show them what precious bauble you brought from home and hope they thought it was as cool as you did. 

 

The same goes for attracting workers, however, you are not just speaking to a small classroom audience. Now, your audience is vast. While the geography of your target for workers might be limited by those that want to work close to where they live, you have to not only show & tell how great it is to work for your company, but you have to battle thousands of distractions competing for their attention. 

Speaking of distractions… here’s a photo of Rob Felber (center), Felber PR & Marketing President & Owner, dressed in a tuxedo at a family wedding when he was in kindergarten!

There are multiple strategies you can employ to “show & tell” potential employees. There is no one silver bullet tactic, you might need to use a combination of tactics.

 

Consider a mix of traditional and digital methods to advertise for new employees. Traditionally, radio is a strong and inexpensive way to reach a captive audience; the audience that aligns with similar interests to your current workforce. Consider sports or music genres. Poll your staff to see if there are stations that are listened to more. Radio, while you have the ability to focus on a particular audience, is a broadcast method that reaches thousands. But, not everyone listening is a prospect. Much like billboards or bus advertising, this method is used far and wide to reach as many people as possible (and hopefully some of them are looking to change jobs).

 

Digital advertising on the other hand can be both highly targeted and measurable. Digital, such as Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn allow you to drill down to target specific geographies, job titles, experience, and interests. You can adjust your budget or pause your campaign in seconds, unlike the commitment to billboards or newspaper ads which are all-in commitments.

 

Digital gives you more control over the creative message, and it’s easier to test-market multiple methods, reviewing the data to see where the best engagement is found. Using video on digital platforms allows for more show & less tell. Employee testimonials, plant tours, messages from supervisors and management, the sky is the limit on the creativity you can deploy with targeted, measurable online campaigns. You can even drive traffic directly to applications and interview schedules, giving the prospective employee control over the process. 

 

Use what you learned at show & tell in kindergarten to prepare the best, most diverse message possible to attract prospective employees. The impression you make now, during recruitment, will carry through to the company culture and retention for years to come.

 

To learn more about marketing to prospective employees visit www.felberpr.com or contact RobFelber@felberpr.com

Accelerated Revenue Growth for Manufacturers: How to Attract, Convert and Close Ideal Customers

Accelerated Revenue Growth for Manufacturers: How to Attract, Convert and Close Ideal Customers

Save the date! On June 7th, 7:30 AM – 9 AM, you don’t want to miss Accelerated Revenue Growth for Manufacturers!

Reaching and influencing decision-makers is no easy task, especially for business-to-business manufacturers, and only making cold calls no longer works. 

It’s time for sales leaders to think differently and strategically when it comes to top-of-the-funnel lead acquisition, nurturing, and ultimately winning new business.

WHO: Manufacturers

WHAT: Accelerated Revenue Growth for Manufacturers: How to Attract, Convert and Close Ideal Customers

WHEN: June 7, 2023, 7:30 AM – 9 AM

WHERE: 6161 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 350 Independence, Ohio 44131

Join us for breakfast, networking, and presentations from PR, marketing and sales experts who work with real-world manufacturers that have developed measurable, repeatable marketing and sales strategies that impact net new and incremental revenue while also creating a culture of accountability to KPIs. 

Learn alongside other manufacturers and discover the best ways to accelerate revenue growth by attracting, converting and closing ideal customers at Alliance Industrial Solutions, 6161 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 350 Independence, Ohio 44131

Presented in collaboration with Alliance Industrial Solution and M Sales Growth Advisors.

Reserve your spot here