Category: Uncategorized

Ok, it may be more true this year than most, but I think it’s a universal truth that it just feels good to update your look. Whether it’s a new haircut, new outfit, or a new name, brand and logo, you just want to get out there and show it off!

Branding and messaging plans seem to be at the top of a lot of businesses’ list lately, and if you’re among the many who are ready for a fresh start, let me offer a couple of quick tips:

1) For existing companies, it’s important that your new brand builds on the foundation you’ve already established. That hard won experience is what will help your new brand great.

2) A brand should be authentic, and easily connect to what you do.

3) A brand should translate easily to visual and written messaging. Audiences shouldn’t have to connect too many dots between your brand and the solutions your business offers.

Looking for more tips, or ready to show off your own new brand? We’re here to help . . .

“So, how are you different?”

Ever heard that one from a prospective client? And then you kinda go “ummm . . . . “

We all know the buzzwords – “quality” “customer service” “value”. And let’s face it, we all know those attributes, while important, are really just the base standards you have to meet to stay in business.

So, how are you different?

Every company has an identity, a brand, a core – just like every business owner, every employee, every individual has an identity, a brand, a core. And at that core are the things make you, or your company, a true one of a kind.

Let’s get to the core of this situation with a handful of to-don’ts:

1. Don’t be afraid to be authentic. You may think your engineers, craftspeople, admins won’t be good on camera. You are wrong! They are at the core of what you do, and they embody the brand better than anyone else. Let them shine!

2. Don’t overcomplicate. There are lots of fun and imaginative ways to create a video message. And those are great social media posts, ad campaigns, or greeting cards. But to showcase your true identity and your unique value, keep it simple and honest.

3. Don’t be nervous. A culture or core competencies video may feel like a pop quiz. But I have a secret – there are no wrong answers. This should be a fun, inclusive, and engaging process (after all, those are the ones that yield the best results).

When at your core you have an amazing team and service like our long time clients Western Specialty Contractors you want to show it off – and we’re always ready to help!

Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked with businesses around the country about the great need to re-open the economy, reinvigorate sales initiatives, and rethink how we work so that we can keep each other safe, healthy, and COVID-free.

On our part, we’re keeping our distance, cleaning our gear, and putting on the gloves and masks when it’s time to film face to face. We’re also offering contact-free alternatives – animations, motion graphics projects, and remote production. Every aspect of these videos is done via video conference, email, or other digital platforms, and the result? It can be even more striking than a filmed project if the right approach is taken.

Please check out one of our latest “hands-free” projects – ok, some hands were involved but they only touched keyboards! This project for Belden is a great example of how we can help you introduce your fantastic team to new prospects in a safe, CDC compliant, and very effective way.

Want to explore opportunities for your team? Contact us

Just like you, we’re a small business that is watching the news every day and trying to figure out exactly what the new SBA programs mean for us and our customers.  And just like you, we see changes flying at us faster than we can read them.

That’s why when our client Terry Lammers of Innovative Business Advisors called us yesterday afternoon and said “I need to make a new video!” we cleared our morning for him.

In full disclosure, Terry and IBA are Solstice clients.  And, also in full disclosure, Terry and his team have provided an immeasurable amount of help to us as we try to understand this new world we’re all living in.

In today’s video, Terry addresses the rapid changes and common points of confusion.  For more up to date resources, visit the IBA website.

We hope you find this information helpful.

If there’s any other questions you’d like us to help answer in this time of uncertainty, or have a topic that you can share, please let us know.

Stay safe!

It’s a changing landscape, with new information, resources, and, let’s face it, consequences, to learn every single day.

This is NOT the time to go completely dark – and leave your customers, your employees, and your community in the dark as well. You have valuable information that you can, and should share. This is my call to action:

Pick 3 areas of expertise that you have.

Create content (written, video, visual, whatever) that trains on those areas of expertise

Share that content with your customers, your employees, your community – and with me! Reply here or send it to me at [email protected]

Not sure what type of content to create, or how to go about it? Let’s talk.

Last Wednesday, March 18, two new laws were passed that impact small business owners affected by the Coronavirus crisis.

This morning, we invited Terry Lammers of Innovative Business Advisors in to help you clarify and contextual the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the new SBA Economic Injury Loans. There’s some good news here for business owners. Please check these out:

:

For teams that are accustomed to meeting and working face to face, this can present a real challenge and greatly reduced productivity. At Solstice, we’ve managed a work from home model for over 20 years, and have put together this short video offering some best practices and procedures. Please feel free to share with any members of your team who struggle with this new situation:

Working from home presents one set of challenges. Managing a work from home team? That’s a whole new issue. Regularly scheduled check in meetings and online project management tools will save you hours of time each day. You likely already have these tools in place, but if you have any questions about how to best utilize them, give us a call.

Maybe you have special procedures or processes that require additional oversight, training, or experience? With the highest information retention rate of any existing medium, video is an ideal tool for delivering that training. If you’d like any advice on DIY video training solutions, or help creating simple and effective training modules, please reach out.

Note: We will update our policies as needed and new information becomes available.

We at Solstice are taking the advice and precautions seriously.

• Our office, studio, and equipment are regularly and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

• We work in small teams, minimizing social contact.

• Each of our team members has the equipment and the ability to work from home, and we have team members in place to ensure continuity of service should any of us become ill.

• With our central location in St. Louis, MO, we will be traveling to our out of town projects via car to reduce the risks of air or rail travel.

• We regularly check up-to-date information and recommendations per the CDC, the White House, and the Missouri State and St. Louis City and County governments.