Celebrating and Reflecting on 6 Years in Business

I have officially passed the 6 years in business milestone! My kids love our annual Appeal Marketing celebration that involves cake. Here are a few pictures from our celebration: Client retention has been outstanding! I continue to work with my first client, the Greater Menomonee Falls Foundation and am proud to be part of their […]
Check out my work: Writing and Events

Here’s a quick update on two recent projects. Writing a Founder’s Story October is National Women’s Small Business month, and I had the privilege to interview a Milwaukee businesswoman who has sold over 10,000 dresses in 60+ years at her store. Her success has spanned the generations. She’s dressed brides, who come in later as […]
5 Year Look-back: How I Right-sized My Work

YES!! I made it to five years in business! Many businesses fail in the first five years. I am still around, celebrating with a cupcake with my family, as it has become a tradition. It was a good decision to start Appeal Marketing when my kids were five and seven years old. Now at ages […]
A Marketing Coordinator is like the Best Duct Tape

“Cathy, you are the duct tape for us.” That’s what a client told me at their big recognition event. It was so sweet to hear. I’m glad to help their all-volunteer board with ongoing marketing support for several years now. I am like duct tape, like the best duct tape. As the marketing coordinator for […]
How are YOU doing? Mid-year check-in

How are YOU doing?! It’s time for a mid-year check-in! I’m looking back on my personal goals and I am enjoying spending time with others. I am connecting with colleagues, clients, family and friends in real life, on the phone, and on video calls. You can’t beat the convenience and productivity of video calls, so […]
Hooray for 4 Years in Business

Hooray for 4 years in business! A lot has changed in the past year, and I am feeling more optimistic and happy overall in 2021. Here’s a look back at my last business anniversary celebration When I think back to four years ago, when I submitted paperwork for my LLC, I remember feeling nervous and […]
2021 Goals

Since we made it through 2020 (hooray), I hope we are already going after our 2021 goals. If goals sound a little too daunting, that’s okay, settle for movement in a positive direction to improve upon 2020. I think smaller targets, or whatever feels more palatable is perfectly acceptable. Prioritize progress over perfection, right? In […]
Being the Light: Holiday Wishes

I love the imagery and concept of “being the light.” It’s so appropriate for this holiday season and time of Covid-19. Side note: I am proud to be part of the team that developed the copy and candle imagery for the Greater Menomonee Falls Foundation’s appeal campaign. And it’s not just about giving money; it’s […]
How to Build a Better Marketing Budget

How can I build a better marketing budget? How much should I spend on my marketing? These are common questions that I hear in marketing planning conversations. There’s not an easy answer to this question. I often say, “Well, it depends.” Let me explain – in general, there are three common ways to approach marketing […]
Your 2021 Marketing Roadmap: How to Get Started

It can be intimidating to start creating your 2021 marketing roadmap. There are A LOT of options available and many tactics to consider: website, email marketing, blogs, videos, social media, video, photos, SEO, PPC, content marketing, direct mail, trade shows, events, advertising, directory listings, printed material, brochures…the list is seemingly endless. Where to start? I […]