This week, I thought I’d go back to the root of marketing communications. You see, in my opinion, there’s nothing more important to how a company presents its unique value proposition than the language and message it uses. If you’ve done that well, it won’t matter (much) if you use skywriting, sandwich boards or even go door-to-door. more
Admittedly, I’ve offered some strong opinions here recently about the government’s new take on the mortgage and real estate industry. I stand behind those and remain cynical that anything leaking out of our nation’s capital under the guise of a “solution” is really that. more
As I sit here today and sign off on checks directed to my federal, state and local governments, I have to admit I’m not humming “God Bless America” under my breath. In fact, like many, I’m muttering something I hope my four-year old son doesn’t hear. But it’s not because I don’t believe I should have to pay taxes. more
This week, I’m going to overstep my bounds a little bit. That’s ok, I feel very strongly about this. Plus, I don’t work for the CFPB (in theory, they work for me, right?). more
Let’s be honest. There aren’t a lot of consultants or agencies serving the mortgage and title industry when it comes to public relations or marketing commmunications. There are many reasons for this. After all, this is a very “hands-on” industry. Many simply choose to go it alone–even without an “in-house” marketing department. Many of the smaller businesses place great value on everything but their own time. I’ve seen small agency owners eschew a $300 plane ticket to make a 12 hour drive at an odd time, solely in the name of cost savings. And I’m not necessarily condemning this. But it helps explain why many of the more established PR agencies out there aren’t hanging out at mortgage and settlement services conferences. more
This one’s directed a bit more to my friends and colleagues in the settlement services industry, although I’m sure it can apply in many places. And not my clients, of course (since my clients are, by the nature of the relationship, continuing on with their marketing communications efforts!) I suppose it will be a bit self-serving. After all, I’m a marketing/PR guy. more
Wow. What a difference a week makes.