Built on Strategy

In what ways can digital content inform and engage an audience?

On this episode of Built on Strategy we are joined by Todd Weyandt, Marketing and Creative Director with Applied Software. We talk about the current state of software providers serving the AEC industry, building a team that needs to fulfill a multidisciplinary role, and the power and value of current digital marketing trends. Many events over the past year have shifted into virtual events, which in turns makes the activities, lectures, and content much more accessible to a wider audience who are interested in products and services. Within marketing, there is a very real psychological phenomenon regarding people’s fear of missing out, and in such a rapidly evolving industry as software and technology, it is crucial to have efficient messaging and outreach with engaging content.

How early can we teach children financial literacy?

On this episode of Built on Strategy we are joined by Shaelyn Otikor-Miller, Head of Global Workforce Strategy and Senior Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation, as well as the founder of Beyond Boundaries Without Measures. We discuss the process of starting a nonprofit in her spare time that seeks to educate and familiarize urban children regarding technology and financial literacy. Even now, many adults in America are uneducated on subjects like credit card utilization rates, home buying, car leases, etc. Shaelyn is dedicated to using her own experience, as an executive specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, to give back to her community and train underprivileged youth in career realization and so much more. With an abundance of choices for young people to make when they enter the workforce, mentors can have a life changing impact on countless individuals.

On this episode of Built on Strategy, we are joined by Kayce Pearson, Chief Development and Marketing Officer at the Annandale Village, a nonprofit that helps adults with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries. We discuss the journey of falling in love with a mission, developing a marketing strategy focused on philanthropy, and the emotional challenges of serving and representing people in need. At the center of Annadale Village’s values is the idea of turning disability into possibility and capability, made possible by the power of stewardship. Donor engagement and messaging concerning the impact of charity have evolved significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Kayce is an expert at engaging stewards and donors during these unprecedented times.

How can financial strategy empower communities on a local level?

On this episode of Built On Strategy, we are joined by Trella Walker, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at the Nonprofit Finance Fund, which provides capital and strategic guidance to unlock the potential of mission driven organizations. We discuss the nuances and innovations that define a new era of nonprofit marketing, and the skills and strategies necessary to successfully navigate the financial aspects of this sector. Support for community centered organizations that elevate communities on a local level have never been more important, especially for organizations led by and serving people of color. From affordable housing, education, charter schools, the arts, and much more, Trella is an expert at financial advising in a wide range of sectors. Nonprofits have been one of the last markets to transition into digital, and during a time in history where young people are engaged and eager to volunteer/donate, it is essential for organizations to harness progressive marketing strategies to help impact as many lives as possible.

What does the future of nonprofits look like for potential donors?

On this episode of Built On Strategy, we are joined by James Gillen, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at United Way Suncoast. Charities have evolved greatly from the era of infomercials, and donors are more invested and interested in seeing the impact of their contributions. These and other types of donor engagement are the foundation for creating and sustaining the next generation of nonprofit marketplaces. Join us as we discuss the value and benefits of engaging potential donors via social media and digital marketing, the delicate balance of allocating funds versus applying to the mission, and a shift in priorities and strategies revolving around new priorities for nonprofits in a post-COVID-19 world.

What market forces influence the way products are packaged?

On this special episode of the Built On Strategy Podcast focused on manufacturing, we are joined by Tony Carignano, Technical Marketing Director of ACTEGA North America. We discuss the process of manufacturing coatings, inks, adhesives, and sealing compounds that are essential to nearly every product on shelves around the world. Innovations in technology, food containers, and even wearable fabrics create a constantly evolving environment for companies like ACTEGA that create sustainable and durable skins for every product imaginable. Preparing consumer products for distribution, sale, and use is no small task, but leaders in the industry are also accountable for leaving as little impact on our planet as possible. Join us to find out how the manufacturing industry is constantly innovating new ways to ensure the smallest chemical footprint.

What kind of innovations are creating sustainable urban and rural environments?

On this episode of Built On Strategy, we are joined by Jillian McFarland, Founder and Executive Director of Hub & Spoke as well as the Director of Marketing and Communications at the University of Texas in Arlington. We discuss the process of transitioning from for-profit to nonprofit, the increasing demand for natural habitats in urban areas, and ancient techniques utilized in the fight for sustainable environments. We take a deep dive into bringing environmental solutions to fruition, discuss innovations like seed bombs, and weigh the importance of being conscious of local habitats.

What kinds of innovations are driving quality of service in the manufacturing of metal?

On this special episode of Built on Strategy focused on manufacturing, I am joined by Mason Burchette, Director of Marketing & Development at Best Buy Metals. We discuss the incredibly diverse market of the steel industry, where quality fluctuates wildly depending on the values and standards of the manufacturer. Every factor in production of metals has processes with potential variances in its ability to protect it from the elements, from the quality of the raw steel to the coating that protects it. The distribution of these kinds of goods and services can be nuanced, and Burchette insists that investment into the smartest methods of shipping and installation is the only way to stay on top of the wave in this massive manufacturing industry.

What kind of mindset changes can help shift the direction of a business culture?

On this special episode of Built on Strategy focused on manufacturing, I am joined by Annmarie Stafford, Director of Strategic Marketing at TASI Packing Integrity. Sales-driven markets are very different from marketing focused markets, especially in regards to search engine optimization and website performance. We discuss the value of having online platforms that engage consumers, the decision to require campaign briefs that outline revenue goals and demographics, and trying new approaches to reach an audience before competitors can. The systems and software are available to create brand awareness, but it is up to content development teams to seize the time and attention of potential customers. In order to be successful, it’s necessary to utilize all of the tools designed for digital marketing to receive feedback from clients and stay informed on product innovation trends.

How can businesses adapt to the post-COVID-19, new normal?

On this special episode of Built on Strategy focused on manufacturing, I am joined by Brian Esposito, CSO and VP of partnerships at Nodle.io, who provide devices and technology that provide data on social distancing. We discuss the importance of getting people back to their normal lives and the practical application of privacy-focused contact tracing devices in order to track the health and well-being of workforces and students. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many industries forever, and these technological innovations can enable employers to ensure the safety of their employees, including the ability to retroactively alert anyone who has been in contact with someone who has been infected. Collaboration and person-to-person work environments are crucial to almost every business; and new devices to enable accountability and precaution are a giant step in the right direction in our new world.