Stories from the Community

The Number 1 Strategy for Long-Term Entrepreneur Success:  Be Cause-Driven!
MaryAnne Harmer MaryAnne Harmer

The Number 1 Strategy for Long-Term Entrepreneur Success: Be Cause-Driven!

There is no magic formula for a startup. But in today’s world, it is not just about focusing on the bottom line – generating revenue and managing expenses. Customers in 2018 make choices not solely on the cost and quality of a product or service, but whether the company itself is doing good.

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The Power of Simplicity and the Art of Communication
Tom Hering Tom Hering

The Power of Simplicity and the Art of Communication

It's been said that life really is simple. But it's we humans who make it complicated.

Think for a minute about that 2,500 year-old thought from Confucius.

It's really the truth isn't it?

The human condition is such that we are always wanting more.

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Don’t Fake It!  People "Sniff Out" Greenwashing
MaryAnne Harmer MaryAnne Harmer

Don’t Fake It! People "Sniff Out" Greenwashing

APPLAUSE please…to all those businesses large and small sincerely committed to the triple bottom line of “People, Planet, Profit.” These include social enterprises, B Corps, Benefit Companies and other cause-driven organizations that believe “doing good is good for business.” 

These are the authentic ones.  Those with honest and sincere efforts…

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Why Should a Brewery Become a Benefit Company?
MaryAnne Harmer MaryAnne Harmer

Why Should a Brewery Become a Benefit Company?

From Voodoo Donuts to Forest Park to food carts, Oregon is proud of its many unique attractions. At the top of the list for many people is the fact that this is a world-class beer state with many Oregonians proud of this thriving and energetic industry. It is a part of…

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How Your Benefit Corporation Takes a Stand
Tom Hering Tom Hering

How Your Benefit Corporation Takes a Stand

You know your business stands for something special in the world as a benefit corporation.

But do your key stakeholders? Your partners, customers and clients?

Do they understand your plan to make a difference...to help create an equitable world?

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Is Your Concept of Strategic Planning Dated?
MaryAnne Harmer MaryAnne Harmer

Is Your Concept of Strategic Planning Dated?

Truth be told, I have been a classic strategic planner for over 20 years. 

I’ve held senior level executive positions in numerous corporate settings with responsibility for facilitating and writing “Strategic Plans"in collaboration with leadership teams and Boards.   I’ve helped numerous small businesses and nonprofits with their strategic planning processes. And people have been happy with my work.

I guess I’m good at it.

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How a Homeless Army Vet Taught Me the Ultimate Content Lesson on Easter
Tom Hering Tom Hering

How a Homeless Army Vet Taught Me the Ultimate Content Lesson on Easter

Coming up with a great story idea or content for a blog post ain't easy.

So when I'm desperate for inspiration, which is more times than not, I go to my usual sources. Doing Google searches on a particular topic, reading quotes from the content sages and visiting my favorite IPA emporium all have helped me become a bit more inspired.

But this past Easter, I was reminded of how such angst about content is so unnecessary thanks to a US Army Ranger veteran I met underneath the west end of the Hawthorne Bridge in Portland, OR.

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Lights On: How Compelling Is Your Website's Home Page?
MaryAnne Harmer MaryAnne Harmer

Lights On: How Compelling Is Your Website's Home Page?

Let's be honest. People go to your website to get a “feel” for who you are. Yes, they want to know what services you provide, but more than that, they want to understand your personality, your brand and what you stand for. A well-branded home page positions you and gives you an edge in increasingly competitive markets. This is done with...

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Dangers of the Status Quo: How a Business Becomes Extinct
Tom Hering Tom Hering

Dangers of the Status Quo: How a Business Becomes Extinct

If you worked in ad agencies during your career (as I have), you quickly learn about being different.

Building a brand, developing a strategy, creating an ad is ALWAYS about differentiating.

Doing things as usual is almost never a good idea.

So why is it we see so many businesses and organizations not clearly setting themselves apart in the "how" or "why" they do what they do?

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