MARQUEE making time for continued learning 📚✏️📓🚌

^{August 2024}

A Journey of Learning and Leadership

Balancing business, family, and education with SBA T.H.R.I.V.E.

Juggling a growing business with a demanding educational program is no easy feat, but the rewards are immense. This reality hit me hard when I was selected for the SBA T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined Program. The opportunity to participate in this seven-month executive MBA-style program was both thrilling and daunting.

Only 25 CEOs from the greater Northeast Ohio region were selected for this prestigious program, and I am proud to represent the Mahoning Valley as one of them. Gathering monthly for full-day in-person sessions and connecting virtually with 800 participants nationwide has been an exhilarating mix of intensive learning and valuable networking opportunities. Since our firm hasn't reached the program's traditional revenue threshold, this challenge to learn alongside more seasoned entrepreneurs has ignited a drive to grow.

Balancing the program’s demands with my business responsibilities has been a rigorous test of time management. Ten hours of weekly coursework, coupled with monthly in-person sessions and virtual office hours, have forced me to prioritize and optimize my schedule. Additionally, preparing my baby daughter for her last year at home before she leaves for college adds another layer of responsibility. Despite the challenges, this investment in my personal and professional growth is invaluable.

The program has been a catalyst for focusing on how we do business. Each module, covering topics from leadership vs management to strategic planning and financing, offers practical insights directly applicable to my firm. I've already implemented new strategies and techniques, and the results are promising. Collaborating with a diverse group of entrepreneurs has been invigorating, and the cross-pollination of ideas is invaluable.

For fellow entrepreneurs, I cannot overstate the value of making the time to do this. Programs like this one provide a structured path to acquiring new skills and building a valuable network. The rewards—enhanced decision-making, increased confidence, and a stronger business—are well worth the investment.

Together, we can build stronger businesses and contribute to the vitality of our region.

— Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer, President

WHY MAKE TIME FOR CONTINUED LEARNING

Stay Ahead

of the Curve:

The business landscape is constantly evolving. Continued education helps

you stay current with trends and best practices.

—

Enhance

Decision-Making: With new knowledge comes improved decision-making capabilities, enabling you to navigate challenges more effectively.

—

Boost Confidence: As you acquire new skills and insights, your confidence as a business leader will grow, positively impacting your team and operations.

Exciting Stuff!

MARQUEE's Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer was selected to represent Youngstown as part of the SBA T.H.R.I.V.E. 2024 Emerging Leaders program! This prestigious program will turbocharge MARQUEE's growth and showcase Youngstown’s talent. Stay tuned as Aundréa brings back fresh insights and strategies to elevate our agency!

Join us as we travel the globe this summer

Pack your bags! Join the MARQUEE staff as they treat you to some armchair travel by taking you with them around the world in our latest video series. Every week, we'll bring you new adventures, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Don't miss out—find the full series on our YouTube channel here.

— Agata Khoury, Art Director

What to Choose and How to Choose

In today's digital age, having a robust social media presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Navigating the world of social media marketing can be challenging for small and mid-size businesses in the greater Youngstown, Ohio, area, especially when budget constraints are a concern.

At MARQUEE, we understand these challenges and are committed to providing affordable social media marketing services that deliver real results. This blog will explore what to expect from these services and how to choose the right provider for your business.

Y— Kristine McAfee, Director of Digital Marketing

Unlocking Local Growth with Google Business Profile

In today’s digital world, a robust online presence is essential, and GBP is a key tool for managing your identity across Google. Surprisingly, 56% of local businesses haven’t claimed their GBP listing yet, revealing a significant opportunity for those who utilize it.

⁠

Crafting an Effective Social Media Content Strategy

There isn’t one cookie-cutter social media strategy that will guarantee success. Your strategy will surely differ depending on your industry, audience and performance over time. There are, however, specific ways to build a long-term plan that grows your brand and business.

Rethinking data strategies in new reality

Google's reversal of third-party cookies has changed the digital marketing landscape. Marketers must adapt by prioritizing first-party data, embracing emerging technologies, and focusing on privacy-first personalization. The future demands innovation and flexibility.

MARQUEE shows you all the coming attractions in marketing.

LET'S SHARE THE STAGE

MARQUEE

241 W. Federal St., Youngstown, OH 44503 • 330.234.9396

info@marqueecreatives.com

www.marqueecreatives.com