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Employee Spotlight Q&A With Dayna Kramer
Employee Spotlight
Employee Spotlight Q&A With Dayna Kramer
By rc

Getting to work with so many smart, talented people. I have had the opportunity to learn so much from so many people over the years, and I would like to think they have gotten some valuable insights from me, too. 

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Employee Spotlight Q&A With Dayna Kramer

Getting to work with so many smart, talented people. I have had the opportunity to learn so much from so many people over the years, and I would like to think they have gotten some valuable insights from me, too. …

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Repositioning a Trusted Brand for the Next 50 Years
Repositioning a Trusted Brand for the Next 50 Years
By Bill Skowronski

Krusinski Construction Company is a leader in providing comprehensive construction services by creating long-lasting partnerships with our clients throughout the entire design and construction process. They deliver solutions to complex building projects in the Chicago metropolitan area with a national reach in various industries.

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Repositioning a Trusted Brand for the Next 50 Years

Krusinski Construction Company is a leader in providing comprehensive construction services by creating long-lasting partnerships with our clients throughout the entire design and construction process. They deliver solutions to complex building projects in the Chicago metropolitan area with a national reach in various industries. …

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100-Year-Old University Gets Complete Brand Makeover
Client Spotlight
100-Year-Old University Gets Complete Brand Makeover
By Amy Anderson

Oak Point University offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs for today's nursing and radiography students. With an average student age of 29, Oak Point helps its students achieve their fullest potential by redefining what healthcare education looks like in the 21st Century with more relevant degree specializations, flexible learning models and advanced technology and tools.

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100-Year-Old University Gets Complete Brand Makeover

Oak Point University offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs for today's nursing and radiography students. With an average student age of 29, Oak Point helps its students achieve their fullest potential by redefining what healthcare education looks like in the 21st Century with more relevant degree specializations, flexible learning models and advanced technology and tools. …

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Employee Spotlight Q&A With Heather Carbray
Employee Spotlight
Employee Spotlight Q&A With Heather Carbray
By rc

Getting to work with so many smart, talented people. I have had the opportunity to learn so much from so many people over the years, and I would like to think they have gotten some valuable insights from me, too. 

Read More

Employee Spotlight Q&A With Heather Carbray

Getting to work with so many smart, talented people. I have had the opportunity to learn so much from so many people over the years, and I would like to think they have gotten some valuable insights from me, too. …

Read this article

Employee Spotlight Q&A With Amy Anderson
Employee Spotlight
Employee Spotlight Q&A With Amy Anderson
By rc

Getting to work with so many smart, talented people. I have had the opportunity to learn so much from so many people over the years, and I would like to think they have gotten some valuable insights from me, too. 

Read More

Employee Spotlight Q&A With Amy Anderson

Getting to work with so many smart, talented people. I have had the opportunity to learn so much from so many people over the years, and I would like to think they have gotten some valuable insights from me, too. …

Read this article

Employee Spotlight Q&A With Kathy Steele
Employee Spotlight
Employee Spotlight Q&A With Kathy Steele
By rc

Don’t make me choose just one thing! I love what we do. If I had to pick one thing, it would be working with clients on their growth strategy. Running a business is complex, and there is value in bringing in outside expertise and market experience. We do it too! It is very gratifying to see a company transform, work through challenges, and grow revenue. Ultimately, this affects their culture, customer and employee experiences, and the impact they can make in their community. It’s how our work aligns with our purpose.

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Employee Spotlight Q&A With Kathy Steele

Don’t make me choose just one thing! I love what we do. If I had to pick one thing, it would be working with clients on their growth strategy. Running a business is complex, and there is value in bringing in outside expertise and market experience. We do it too! It is very gratifying to see a company transform, work through challenges, and grow revenue. Ultimately, this affects their culture, customer and employee experiences, and the impact they can make in their community. It’s how our work aligns with our purpose.…

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The Critical Role of Customer Research in Shaping Business Success
Client Spotlight
The Critical Role of Customer Research in Shaping Business Success
By Bill Skowronski

In today's competitive business environment, understanding your customer is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. At Red Caffeine, we believe that the foundation of any successful marketing strategy, brand development, or product innovation is rooted in deep customer research. This research should encompass both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive view of your customer's needs, preferences, and behaviors.

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The Critical Role of Customer Research in Shaping Business Success

In today's competitive business environment, understanding your customer is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. At Red Caffeine, we believe that the foundation of any successful marketing strategy, brand development, or product innovation is rooted in deep customer research. This research should encompass both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive view of your customer's needs, preferences, and behaviors.…

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Navigating the New Era of Analytics: Understanding Opportunities in Google's GA4
Client Spotlight
Navigating the New Era of Analytics: Understanding Opportunities in Google's GA4
By Bill Skowronski

As digital analytics remains critical to every company’s ability to make data-driven decisions, Google's GA4 has emerged as a game-changer for developing deeper insights into user behavior and improved decision-making. In this exclusive Q&A, we sat down with SEO Specialist, Victor Lopez, to explore the capabilities and potential of GA4.

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Leveraging Video Technology for Effective Product Training
Client Spotlight
Leveraging Video Technology for Effective Product Training
By Bill Skowronski

Becker Aviation is a national stocking distributor for products in the aviation ground fueling industry. Beyond quickly making parts available for customers, Becker Aviation also provides on-site product training for those parts and support in the field. That training typically includes disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of up to 16 parts, which can take several hours. They do it so well, though, that the company developed a strong reputation–and a growing demand–for supporting customers in a way few could after their purchase.

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Leveraging Video Technology for Effective Product Training

Becker Aviation is a national stocking distributor for products in the aviation ground fueling industry. Beyond quickly making parts available for customers, Becker Aviation also provides on-site product training for those parts and support in the field. That training typically includes disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of up to 16 parts, which can take several hours. They do it so well, though, that the company developed a strong reputation–and a growing demand–for supporting customers in a way few could after their purchase. …

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18 Questions to Help Decide if a Growth Consultancy is Right for You
18 Questions to Help Decide if a Growth Consultancy is Right for You
By Bill Skowronski

Like hiring any agency, hiring a growth consultancy is a big decision. To make an informed choice, here are 18 questions a business leader should ask when considering hiring a growth consultancy—beginning with what a growth consultancy is:

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Chicago Law Firm Rebuilds Employer Brand and Website
Chicago Law Firm Rebuilds Employer Brand and Website
By Bill Skowronski

When Chicago-based law firm Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska came to Red Caffeine for a one-day workshop, its leadership team wanted to convey how different the firm is–for clients and employees. They needed to do so to attract the top talent the firm needed to grow nationwide.

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Chicago Law Firm Rebuilds Employer Brand and Website

When Chicago-based law firm Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska came to Red Caffeine for a one-day workshop, its leadership team wanted to convey how different the firm is–for clients and employees. They needed to do so to attract the top talent the firm needed to grow nationwide. …

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Winning the Talent Game: Best Practices for Attracting, Engaging, and Retaining Top Talent
Winning the Talent Game: Best Practices for Attracting, Engaging, and Retaining Top Talent
By Bill Skowronski

In today's fiercely competitive job market, attracting, engaging, and retaining top talent is essential. Through the Great Resignation and the Great Regret, the war for talent has never been more intense, leaving organizations searching for innovative strategies to stand out and secure the talent they need to grow.

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Funding Your Employer Brand Plan—A Numbers Game You Need to Win
Employer Branding
Funding Your Employer Brand Plan—A Numbers Game You Need to Win
By Kathy Steele

With unemployment continuing to trend under 4%, and companies' focus on employee recruitment and retention as we all fight in the war for talent, savvy leaders are starting to invest in employer brand strategies as part of their growth plan and competitive advantage.

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Lexco Cable Website Redesign Drives Increases in RFQs and Revenue
Client Spotlight
Lexco Cable Website Redesign Drives Increases in RFQs and Revenue
By Bill Skowronski

A website is only as effective as its ability to attract and engage the right audience. Too many companies focus on the desire for something new rather than its value to users and a plan to draw them in once it goes live.

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What is an Employer Brand? Is yours Strong or Weak?
What is an Employer Brand? Is yours Strong or Weak?
By RC

Companies in every industry are struggling to find and hire the people they need in order to accomplish their growth goals. For many of them, the focus has turned inward as they begin to evaluate the importance of their employer brand.

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How Your Employer Brand Influences Recruitment and Employee Retention
RC Spotlight
How Your Employer Brand Influences Recruitment and Employee Retention
By RC

The era of marketing solely to customers is over. In today's competitive job market, marketing your company to potential and existing employees is equally crucial. This is where your ‘employer brand' comes into play. Simply put, your employer brand is your brand. It's your company's reputation as a place to work.

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Strategic Planning Helps Beary Landscaping Establish Distinct Employer Brand
Client Spotlight
Strategic Planning Helps Beary Landscaping Establish Distinct Employer Brand
By Kathy Steele

In today's competitive job market, attracting top talent can be challenging for businesses like Beary Landscaping, an Illinois-based company that offers commercial landscape maintenance, seasonal color, snow and ice removal, residential and commercial construction. Although the company was growing quickly, Beary needed help attracting and retaining the talent necessary to support that success.

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Strategic Planning Helps Beary Landscaping Establish Distinct Employer Brand

In today's competitive job market, attracting top talent can be challenging for businesses like Beary Landscaping, an Illinois-based company that offers commercial landscape maintenance, seasonal color, snow and ice removal, residential and commercial construction. Although the company was growing quickly, Beary needed help attracting and retaining the talent necessary to support that success. …

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Employees: Your Company's Most Powerful Social Advocates
Employees: Your Company's Most Powerful Social Advocates
By rc

Are your employees your biggest advocates? They should be! Learn how we encourage our team to engage with our company on social media and how their engagement affects brand awareness and employer branding.

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Anchor Harvey Forges New Area of Opportunity
Client Spotlight
Anchor Harvey Forges New Area of Opportunity
By Bill Skowronski

Anchor Harvey is a data-driven aluminum forging company with a century-long legacy in precision manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain management in the USA. They’ve modernized the age-old aluminum forging process by introducing sophisticated technology to monitor and control every step of the process, ensuring part consistency from 1 to +1,000,000. Machine shops are found within a number of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and defense.

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Anchor Harvey Forges New Area of Opportunity

Anchor Harvey is a data-driven aluminum forging company with a century-long legacy in precision manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain management in the USA. They’ve modernized the age-old aluminum forging process by introducing sophisticated technology to monitor and control every step of the process, ensuring part consistency from 1 to +1,000,000. Machine shops are found within a number of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and defense. …

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A Simple Way To Make Your Analytics Actionable
Growth Mindset
A Simple Way To Make Your Analytics Actionable
By Aaron Stern

Business leaders want data reports and dashboards at their fingertips, so they can make informed decisions that drive positive outcomes.

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Boost Revenue Attribution Tracking with a Strategic Content Plan
Client Spotlight
Boost Revenue Attribution Tracking with a Strategic Content Plan
By Bill Skowronski

Marketing often happens at a frenetic pace, which isn’t good for anyone. At Red Caffeine, we pride ourselves on giving structure to the frenzy. In particular, when companies struggle to reduce their focus from what content can be created to the content that should be created, we provide an intelligent content plan and a proven process for mapping out the road ahead.

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Boost Revenue Attribution Tracking with a Strategic Content Plan

Marketing often happens at a frenetic pace, which isn’t good for anyone. At Red Caffeine, we pride ourselves on giving structure to the frenzy. In particular, when companies struggle to reduce their focus from what content can be created to the content that should be created, we provide an intelligent content plan and a proven process for mapping out the road ahead. …

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What is lost talent costing you?
Employer Branding
What is lost talent costing you?
By Heather Carbray

With the unemployment rate being at a record low, finding and retaining top talent is critical. A number of things are affected by a vacant position, and many business owners may be surprised at the cost. The war for talent is in full force, so how can companies prepare themselves for battle?

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What is lost talent costing you?

With the unemployment rate being at a record low, finding and retaining top talent is critical. A number of things are affected by a vacant position, and many business owners may be surprised at the cost. The war for talent is in full force, so how can companies prepare themselves for battle?…

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100-Year-Old Companies Still Need Brand Awareness
Client Spotlight
100-Year-Old Companies Still Need Brand Awareness
By Bill Skowronski

A century can seem like a lifetime. But, the window of opportunity for companies to celebrate their centennial anniversary (if they’re fortunate enough to survive that long) is very narrow, by comparison.

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Five Tips to Create a Winning Employer Brand
Employer Branding
Five Tips to Create a Winning Employer Brand
By Kathy Steele

Today’s competitive talent market requires businesses to up their game to become and stay an employer of choice.

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A Simplified 5-Step Marketing Strategy Framework
A Simplified 5-Step Marketing Strategy Framework
By Bill Skowronski

Marketing strategy can be complex. If you’re overwhelmed or underresourced, a simpler marketing framework may be all you need, at least for now.

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3 (and a half) Reasons Content Marketing Succeeds or Fails
3 (and a half) Reasons Content Marketing Succeeds or Fails
By Bill Skowronski

A LOT people (and AI bots like ChatGPT) are creating content daily. The question is no longer, “Can you create content?” It’s “Should you create content?”

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What is a Growth Consultancy?
What is a Growth Consultancy?
By Bill Skowronski

A growth consultancy is a group of professionals with individual expertise in research, strategic planning, organizational leadership, management, sales, integrated marketing, branding, design, technology consulting, web and application development, and systems integration.

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What is a Growth Consultancy?

A growth consultancy is a group of professionals with individual expertise in research, strategic planning, organizational leadership, management, sales, integrated marketing, branding, design, technology consulting, web and application development, and systems integration.…

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Integrated Marketing Strategy Helps Elk Grove Village Maintain Low Business Vacancy Rates
Client Spotlight
Integrated Marketing Strategy Helps Elk Grove Village Maintain Low Business Vacancy Rates
By Christiana Henry

Elk Grove Village is consistently recognized for its ability to adapt and improve. Real Estate Journals Magazine named Elk Grove the 2022 Municipality of the Year for its unprecedented growth and continued demand as a leading business destination in the Midwest. Business Facilities Magazine also crowned Elk Grove the nation’s #1 Business Park.

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6 Buckets for Endless Content Creation
6 Buckets for Endless Content Creation
By Bill Skowronski

I have no idea what to talk about anymore. Most marketers can relate to that feeling. Whether you write blog content, host a podcast, run webinars, send an e-newsletter, produce videos, or create ads, you’ve probably been tapped out of ideas.

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6 Buckets for Endless Content Creation

I have no idea what to talk about anymore. Most marketers can relate to that feeling. Whether you write blog content, host a podcast, run webinars, send an e-newsletter, produce videos, or create ads, you’ve probably been tapped out of ideas. …

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What’s Really Stalling Your Sales Growth?
What’s Really Stalling Your Sales Growth?
By Bill Skowronski

What’s your problem?  No, seriously. What needs to change in your business? The way you frame your answer matters more than you think.

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Thinking Differently About Sales and Marketing Technology
Thinking Differently About Sales and Marketing Technology
By Bill Skowronski

Mid-market companies voice many of the same concerns related to sales and marketing technology.

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Top 3 Priorities Business Leaders Need to Get Right in Their Growth Plan
RC Spotlight
Top 3 Priorities Business Leaders Need to Get Right in Their Growth Plan
By Kathy Steele

If we learned one thing from the pandemic, it was the word pivot. Companies had to switch strategies, delivery models, and how they worked almost overnight. Can this more iterative approach to growth planning serve us in times of economic volatility? 

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The Six Emails You Need in B2B Sales & Marketing
RC Spotlight
The Six Emails You Need in B2B Sales & Marketing
By Bill Skowronski

Sales and marketing emails can boost brand awareness, nurture leads, and generate sales. But, they can also deepen your relationship with new customers and re-engage lapsed customers.

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How Red Caffeine Builds a 6-Email Sequence Your B2B Prospects Will Want to Read
RC Spotlight
How Red Caffeine Builds a 6-Email Sequence Your B2B Prospects Will Want to Read
By Bill Skowronski

If you delete or ignore most of the emails you see and you see right through anyone asking for “just 10 minutes to chat,” you can probably tell when someone is trying to sell you.

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A Look Back At Our Best Work
RC Spotlight
A Look Back At Our Best Work
By rc

At Red Caffeine, we’re reflecting on the work we’ve done and the impact it’s had on our clients (as well as our own agency) over the past year. We asked a handful of our coworkers which work made them most proud in 2022.

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A Look Back At Our Best Work

At Red Caffeine, we’re reflecting on the work we’ve done and the impact it’s had on our clients (as well as our own agency) over the past year. We asked a handful of our coworkers which work made them most proud in 2022.…

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Successful Growth Takes the Entire Business–and Some Help From Others
RC Spotlight
Successful Growth Takes the Entire Business–and Some Help From Others
By Kathy Steele

Red Caffeine CEO, Kathy Steele, recently joined President and CEO of NABR, Jennifer Kluge, for a conversation about value propositions and employee engagement in the CEO Thought Leadership LinkedIn Live video series.

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Red Caffeine Celebrates 9th Anniversary With Superhero Themed Awards Ceremony
RC Spotlight
Red Caffeine Celebrates 9th Anniversary With Superhero Themed Awards Ceremony
By Kathy Steele

Recognition is a critical part of our Red Caffeine employee experience. We do it as frequently as possible when the moments present themselves. Still, there is nothing that replaces the opportunity to celebrate our team in a big way.

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Your Employer Brand Matters - Is Yours Strong or Weak?
Employer Branding
Your Employer Brand Matters - Is Yours Strong or Weak?
By rc

Companies in every industry are struggling to find and hire the people they need in order to accomplish their growth goals. For many of them, the focus has turned inward as they begin to evaluate the importance of their employer brand. Those who identify opportunities to strengthen their employer brand are the ones who can ultimately leverage it to attract and retain top talent, saving time and money while propelling them ahead of their competitors.

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Your Employer Brand Matters - Is Yours Strong or Weak?

Companies in every industry are struggling to find and hire the people they need in order to accomplish their growth goals. For many of them, the focus has turned inward as they begin to evaluate the importance of their employer brand. Those who identify opportunities to strengthen their employer brand are the ones who can ultimately leverage it to attract and retain top talent, saving time and money while propelling them ahead of their competitors. …

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Is Your Company's Anniversary Worth Marketing?
Client Spotlight
Is Your Company's Anniversary Worth Marketing?
By Bill Skowronski

Each new product launch, geographic expansion, merger, acquisition, rebrand, and milestone anniversary offers an opportunity to capitalize on a temporary window of time.

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Women Leaders in Manufacturing Gather for Networking & Support
RC Spotlight
Women Leaders in Manufacturing Gather for Networking & Support
By rc

Our Red Caffeine team recently joined a diverse group of inspired leaders in Atlanta, GA for the Women in Manufacturing SUMMIT 2022. Neuroscience expert, Kathryn Bardi, delivered a brilliant opening keynote lecture on exclusion, inclusion, and the social impact on women in the team dynamic.

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Women Leaders in Manufacturing Gather for Networking & Support

Our Red Caffeine team recently joined a diverse group of inspired leaders in Atlanta, GA for the Women in Manufacturing SUMMIT 2022. Neuroscience expert, Kathryn Bardi, delivered a brilliant opening keynote lecture on exclusion, inclusion, and the social impact on women in the team dynamic. …

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Build Your Network At the WiM SUMMIT
Client Spotlight
Build Your Network At the WiM SUMMIT
By rc

Red Caffeine is a proud exhibiting sponsor for the 2022 WiM SUMMIT in Atlanta, GA and virtually online October 10-12.

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New US Minerals Service Protects What Matters Most
Client Spotlight
New US Minerals Service Protects What Matters Most
By rc

U.S. Minerals produces high quality slag products for the roofing and abrasives industry that allow customers to prepare a surface for its first application of paint, restore a decades-old, weathered surface to its former glory, or blast nearly any surface to the target profile and finish.

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New US Minerals Service Protects What Matters Most

U.S. Minerals produces high quality slag products for the roofing and abrasives industry that allow customers to prepare a surface for its first application of paint, restore a decades-old, weathered surface to its former glory, or blast nearly any surface to the target profile and finish. …

Read this article

Business Fortunes RED at WiM SUMMIT 2022
RC Spotlight
Business Fortunes RED at WiM SUMMIT 2022
By rc

Come one, come all to witness the Greatest Growth on Earth! Red Caffeine is proud to be an exhibiting sponsor at the Women in Manufacturing SUMMIT 2022 October 10-12 in Atlanta, GA. Many manufacturing mavens will mingle and meet Red Caffeine business fortune teller, The Great and Powerful Maxtellallski,. The curious crowds will sign up to see the Sultana of Strategy, Janet Viane, as she shares the secret sauce for Building Your Network in the Simplest Way Possible.  Finally, the droves of decision-makers will be drawn to the Duchess of Deals, Dayna Walters at Booth #TBD. To learn more about the WiM SUMMIT, visit https://www.womeninmanufacturing.org/events/summit-2022. 

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Business Fortunes RED at WiM SUMMIT 2022

Come one, come all to witness the Greatest Growth on Earth! Red Caffeine is proud to be an exhibiting sponsor at the Women in Manufacturing SUMMIT 2022 October 10-12 in Atlanta, GA. Many manufacturing mavens will mingle and meet Red Caffeine business fortune teller, The Great and Powerful Maxtellallski,. The curious crowds will sign up to see the Sultana of Strategy, Janet Viane, as she shares the secret sauce for Building Your Network in the Simplest Way Possible.  Finally, the droves of decision-makers will be drawn to the Duchess of Deals, Dayna Walters at Booth #TBD. To learn more about the WiM SUMMIT, visit https://www.womeninmanufacturing.org/events/summit-2022.  …

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The 3 (and a half) Reasons Social Media Content Succeeds
RC Spotlight
The 3 (and a half) Reasons Social Media Content Succeeds
By rc

Red Caffeine Senior Content Marketing Manager, Bill Skowronski, will present 3 (and a half) Reasons Social Media Content Succeeds at the National Tooling & Machining Association Emerging Leaders Conference in Indianapolis, IN on August 30th. 

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Beyond Client Satisfaction: The New Standards in Sales and Marketing
RC Spotlight
Beyond Client Satisfaction: The New Standards in Sales and Marketing
By Kathy Steele

Red Caffeine CEO, Kathy Steele, will join Nancy Rizzuto and Barbara Best at the August 24th CAP STRAT Women’s Forum Event to discuss how companies can move Beyond Client Satisfaction: The New Standards in Sales and Marketing.

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Krusinski Construction Company Expands Into New Markets
RC Spotlight
Krusinski Construction Company Expands Into New Markets
By Christiana Henry

For nearly 50 years, Krusinski Construction Company has built trust and confidence nationwide. The family-owned and operated company is known for tackling complex projects in a variety of industries, while maintaining strong personal relationships with customers, vendors, employees, and the community.   

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Krusinski Construction Company Expands Into New Markets

For nearly 50 years, Krusinski Construction Company has built trust and confidence nationwide. The family-owned and operated company is known for tackling complex projects in a variety of industries, while maintaining strong personal relationships with customers, vendors, employees, and the community.   …

Read this article

Building Wings Reaches New Heights
Client Spotlight
Building Wings Reaches New Heights
By Kris Meadows

Building Wings is a new company forged by Don Johnston, a veteran in assistive technology and special education curriculum. In January 2022, Johnston’s former company was acquired, and the curriculum division separated to form Building Wings. At the same time, the annual buying cycle for educational resources was taking off in school districts nationwide.

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Building Wings Reaches New Heights

Building Wings is a new company forged by Don Johnston, a veteran in assistive technology and special education curriculum. In January 2022, Johnston’s former company was acquired, and the curriculum division separated to form Building Wings. At the same time, the annual buying cycle for educational resources was taking off in school districts nationwide.…

Read this article

Attracting, Retaining, and Engaging Top Talent
RC Spotlight
Attracting, Retaining, and Engaging Top Talent
By rc

On July 13th, Red Caffeine Vice President of Strategy, Janet Viane, will give a presentation in The Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Virtual Learning Series for employers facing human capital challenges. Janet will show how each stage of the recruiting, hiring, and ongoing engagement process depends on each other.   

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Attracting, Retaining, and Engaging Top Talent

On July 13th, Red Caffeine Vice President of Strategy, Janet Viane, will give a presentation in The Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Virtual Learning Series for employers facing human capital challenges. Janet will show how each stage of the recruiting, hiring, and ongoing engagement process depends on each other.   …

Read this article

Oak Point University 'Calling All Badass Nurses' Contest
Client Spotlight
Oak Point University 'Calling All Badass Nurses' Contest
By Amy Anderson

We recently helped Oak Point University create the Calling All Badass Nurses contest to celebrate the men and women who are at their best when others are at their worst. The multichannel campaign included billboards, transit ads, radio spots, social media, email, and a dedicated landing page to accept nominations.

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Oak Point University 'Calling All Badass Nurses' Contest

We recently helped Oak Point University create the Calling All Badass Nurses contest to celebrate the men and women who are at their best when others are at their worst. The multichannel campaign included billboards, transit ads, radio spots, social media, email, and a dedicated landing page to accept nominations. …

Read this article

Forging Company Shocks Electric Vehicles Market
Client Spotlight
Forging Company Shocks Electric Vehicles Market
By rc

Anchor Harvey is a data-driven, full-service forging company with a century-long legacy in precision manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain management.

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WiM - Join us at WiM! Sponsorship Announcement
RC Spotlight
WiM - Join us at WiM! Sponsorship Announcement
By Kathy Steele

We are thrilled to announce our sponsorship in the Women in Manufacturing 11th Annual Summit. This year's theme, Manufacturing HERoes is close to our hearts as we have the pleasure of working closely with incredible female leaders and men across the industry sector.

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WiM - Join us at WiM! Sponsorship Announcement

We are thrilled to announce our sponsorship in the Women in Manufacturing 11th Annual Summit. This year's theme, Manufacturing HERoes is close to our hearts as we have the pleasure of working closely with incredible female leaders and men across the industry sector. …

Read this article

Customer Experience Goes Digital for this Client
Client Spotlight
Customer Experience Goes Digital for this Client
By Kathy Steele

Bales Metal Surface Solutions, a leading provider of metal coatings and finishes, worked with us to launch the next generation of its website. It features new digital tools designed to help improve their customer's and prospect's buying experience.

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Customer Experience Goes Digital for this Client

Bales Metal Surface Solutions, a leading provider of metal coatings and finishes, worked with us to launch the next generation of its website. It features new digital tools designed to help improve their customer's and prospect's buying experience.…

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Sales Effectiveness: How Does Your Company Rate?
Sales Enablement
Sales Effectiveness: How Does Your Company Rate?
By Kathy Steele

Optimizing sales should be an ever-present, number one priority for all organizations. How do you test and validate your sales process? You need to understand the complexity and potential holes in your revenue generation system.

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Going Above and “Beyond Business Friendly” to Bring New Businesses to Elk Grove Village
Client Spotlight
Going Above and “Beyond Business Friendly” to Bring New Businesses to Elk Grove Village
By Christiana Henry

Beyond Business Friendly is more than just a catchy tagline. It embodies the Elk Grove Village government's mission and vision as they strive to be known as the most business-friendly community in America. Elk Grove Village is home to the largest industrial park in the United States with over 3,800 businesses and more than 400 manufacturers.

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Can You Set Your Pricing Based on the Value You Bring to Customers?
Growth Mindset
Can You Set Your Pricing Based on the Value You Bring to Customers?
By Kathy Steele

What are your products and services worth to customers? How do you compare to their next best option? Can you prove it? If you're unable to answer these questions, you are not alone. Surprisingly, very few businesses can articulate and substantiate their value.

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Updating Your Digital Front Door
Client Spotlight
Updating Your Digital Front Door
By rc

It’s often said that your company’s website presence is the “digital front door” to your company, and that front door can leave quite the impression. Did you know that 88% of online consumers will not return to a website following a bad experience?

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Updating Your Digital Front Door

It’s often said that your company’s website presence is the “digital front door” to your company, and that front door can leave quite the impression. Did you know that 88% of online consumers will not return to a website following a bad experience?…

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Customer Experience Starts with Employee Experience
Growth Mindset
Customer Experience Starts with Employee Experience
By Kathy Steele

Our guest, Diane S Hopkins, author of Unleashing The Chief Moments Officers, shared the methodology she uses to help organizations transform their customer experiences in our May webinar. In her Exceptional Experience Strategy Map, an organization needs to move their culture from thinking about customer experience as an "initiative" to an internal "instinct" that anticipates customer's needs and has the skillsets to exceed the expected consistently.

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Customer Experience Starts with Employee Experience

Our guest, Diane S Hopkins, author of Unleashing The Chief Moments Officers, shared the methodology she uses to help organizations transform their customer experiences in our May webinar. In her Exceptional Experience Strategy Map, an organization needs to move their culture from thinking about customer experience as an "initiative" to an internal "instinct" that anticipates customer's needs and has the skillsets to exceed the expected consistently.…

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The Growth Method - Building A Growth Mindset In Your Organization
Growth Mindset
The Growth Method - Building A Growth Mindset In Your Organization
By Kathy Steele

In our webinar with Women and Manufacturing (WiM), we explored the concept of how an employee can advance their career as part of organizational growth initiatives or innovation investment. Our three panelists shared their career journeys and how they took on projects both inside and outside of their companies to develop new skill sets or build expertise. The Center for Creative Leadership's research studies on executive growth and development confirmed that experience is the best teacher. In these studies, they found that various leadership challenges contribute to a managers' becoming experienced. But learning was not automatic. It was possible to have the knowledge but miss the meaning.

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The Growth Method - Building A Growth Mindset In Your Organization

In our webinar with Women and Manufacturing (WiM), we explored the concept of how an employee can advance their career as part of organizational growth initiatives or innovation investment. Our three panelists shared their career journeys and how they took on projects both inside and outside of their companies to develop new skill sets or build expertise. The Center for Creative Leadership's research studies on executive growth and development confirmed that experience is the best teacher. In these studies, they found that various leadership challenges contribute to a managers' becoming experienced. But learning was not automatic. It was possible to have the knowledge but miss the meaning. …

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Small Business Owners Rise Through Difficult Times With Alternative Learning
Brand Awareness
Small Business Owners Rise Through Difficult Times With Alternative Learning
By Christiana Henry

Next Level Northwest has helped a number of small- to mid-size businesses in northwest Chicagoland create jobs, expand facilities and grow revenue through entrepreneurial education.

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Turning Uncertainty Into Off-The-Charts Customer Satisfaction
Client Spotlight
Turning Uncertainty Into Off-The-Charts Customer Satisfaction
By Kathy Steele

A net promoter score measures customer experience and helps predict business growth. It can be a challenging obstacle to overcome. The consultancy who created it, Bain & Company, sets the bar even higher for B2B companies—anything less than 60 percent is considered a red flag. That's why it was pretty big news for Bales, a metal surface solution company, to learn that their NPS has gone up four points from 2019 to 77 percent and maintained the high level throughout the pandemic. The average NPS score in manufacturing is a meager 53 percent—but why does all of that matter at all? Because companies with a high NPS score tend to grow four to eight percentage points above their market's annual growth.

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Turning Uncertainty Into Off-The-Charts Customer Satisfaction

A net promoter score measures customer experience and helps predict business growth. It can be a challenging obstacle to overcome. The consultancy who created it, Bain & Company, sets the bar even higher for B2B companies—anything less than 60 percent is considered a red flag. That's why it was pretty big news for Bales, a metal surface solution company, to learn that their NPS has gone up four points from 2019 to 77 percent and maintained the high level throughout the pandemic. The average NPS score in manufacturing is a meager 53 percent—but why does all of that matter at all? Because companies with a high NPS score tend to grow four to eight percentage points above their market's annual growth.…

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In the Mighty-Mid Market, the Future Looks Bright
Growth Mindset
In the Mighty-Mid Market, the Future Looks Bright
By Kathy Steele

There are nearly 200,000 middle-market businesses representing one-third of the U.S. economy. While definitions of this group vary, the National Center for the Middle Market categorizes it as businesses with top-line revenue between 10 Million and 1 Billion. These companies are private and public, family-owned, geographically diverse, employ approximately 48 million people and span across all industries.

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In the Mighty-Mid Market, the Future Looks Bright

There are nearly 200,000 middle-market businesses representing one-third of the U.S. economy. While definitions of this group vary, the National Center for the Middle Market categorizes it as businesses with top-line revenue between 10 Million and 1 Billion. These companies are private and public, family-owned, geographically diverse, employ approximately 48 million people and span across all industries.…

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100-Year-Old Forging Company Grows over 20% in 2020
Client Spotlight
100-Year-Old Forging Company Grows over 20% in 2020
By Kathy Steele

Anchor Harvey has been featured in the industry news and podcasts quite a bit in recent months and with good reason. This 100-year-old aluminum forging company has faced down what could have been a disastrous year due to the pandemic.

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2021 - A Look Forward From Our CEO
Growth Mindset
2021 - A Look Forward From Our CEO
By Kathy Steele

It's hard not to get excited about something new - a fresh start, a birth, a new year. 2020 is over, so how can we take the lessons we learned and use them to our advantage this year?Our first

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2021 - A Look Forward From Our CEO

It's hard not to get excited about something new - a fresh start, a birth, a new year. 2020 is over, so how can we take the lessons we learned and use them to our advantage this year?Our first…

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Beyond the Tagline: Living a Brand Promise and Making an Impact
Brand Awareness
Beyond the Tagline: Living a Brand Promise and Making an Impact
By Kathy Steele

The unique and powerful story of Elk Grove Village and its commitment to being Beyond Business Friendly is well-known on a local, regional, and even global level.

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Capitalizing On Positive News - Promoting Capabilities During COVID-19
Client Spotlight
Capitalizing On Positive News - Promoting Capabilities During COVID-19
By rc

During the COVID-19 pandemic, having test kits available became a critical need so that mass testing could become a reality. With more tests, our country could begin to lift shelter-in-place directives so that businesses could resume and life return to a new “normal.”

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“The Customer Is King”, Especially in a Pandemic.
“The Customer Is King”, Especially in a Pandemic.
By Amy Anderson

We all remember the adage that it costs five times more to acquire a new customer than retain a current customer. The coronavirus pandemic has put an even greater emphasis on client retention given spending is at an all-time low. Customers are the lifeblood of your company. The following are three ways to support client retention and keep revenue flowing.

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“The Customer Is King”, Especially in a Pandemic.

We all remember the adage that it costs five times more to acquire a new customer than retain a current customer. The coronavirus pandemic has put an even greater emphasis on client retention given spending is at an all-time low. Customers are the lifeblood of your company. The following are three ways to support client retention and keep revenue flowing.…

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Will Your Business Hit A Growth Ceiling?
Will Your Business Hit A Growth Ceiling?
By Janet Viane

Growth is the biggest challenge in any business, regardless of industry, with or without a global pandemic. In a world where external forces are impacting business success like never before, conventional wisdom and experience can no longer guide growth strategies.

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Will Your Business Hit A Growth Ceiling?

Growth is the biggest challenge in any business, regardless of industry, with or without a global pandemic. In a world where external forces are impacting business success like never before, conventional wisdom and experience can no longer guide growth strategies.…

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Municipality Takes Proactive Approach to Supporting Businesses During Pandemic
Client Spotlight
Municipality Takes Proactive Approach to Supporting Businesses During Pandemic
By rc

Red Caffeine worked with the Elk Grove Village economic development team and a steering committee of business leaders to launch a new website that helps local businesses respond to and recover during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

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Fighting COVID-19: Manufacturer supports increased number of tests
Fighting COVID-19: Manufacturer supports increased number of tests
By rc

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have had to adapt and change more rapidly than ever before. Adjusting to staff working remotely, dealing with social distancing protocols, and keeping employees safe and healthy against an invisible threat has kept many businesses spinning to adjust to this new normal.

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Fighting COVID-19: Manufacturer supports increased number of tests

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have had to adapt and change more rapidly than ever before. Adjusting to staff working remotely, dealing with social distancing protocols, and keeping employees safe and healthy against an invisible threat has kept many businesses spinning to adjust to this new normal.…

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GiGi's Playhouse
Brand Awareness
GiGi's Playhouse
By Janet Viane

GiGi’s Playhouse, headquartered in Hoffman Estates, IL, is the only Down Syndrome Achievement Center dedicated to offering free educational, therapeutic and career-based programming for individuals with Down syndrome.

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GiGi's Playhouse

GiGi’s Playhouse, headquartered in Hoffman Estates, IL, is the only Down Syndrome Achievement Center dedicated to offering free educational, therapeutic and career-based programming for individuals with Down syndrome.…

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Business as "Un" usual - Thoughts for Business Leaders
Brand Awareness
Business as "Un" usual - Thoughts for Business Leaders
By Kathy Steele

As business leaders, we face many challenges. Still, the recent international health crisis is unprecedented even for those who have weathered other setbacks like recessions, business divorces, or losing significant customers. At first, it seemed like it would be business as usual, but it's not. Over the past few weeks, our company has gone from flex work to entirely remote.

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Business as "Un" usual - Thoughts for Business Leaders

As business leaders, we face many challenges. Still, the recent international health crisis is unprecedented even for those who have weathered other setbacks like recessions, business divorces, or losing significant customers. At first, it seemed like it would be business as usual, but it's not. Over the past few weeks, our company has gone from flex work to entirely remote.…

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A unique "GRAD" school for entrepreneurs
Culture Club
A unique "GRAD" school for entrepreneurs
By Kathy Steele

Where do the business runners of today find ongoing learning options that help them scale their business? Traditional degree programs provide an incredible advantage for aspiring founders, but what about the many people who found a company post-college or need support once past the initial start-up phase?

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A unique "GRAD" school for entrepreneurs

Where do the business runners of today find ongoing learning options that help them scale their business? Traditional degree programs provide an incredible advantage for aspiring founders, but what about the many people who found a company post-college or need support once past the initial start-up phase?…

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Working with the best
Working with the best
By Parker Lee

The Red Caffeine team has the pleasure of working with Bales Metal Surface Solutions and Specialty Manufacturing, Inc. on a daily basis.

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Working with the best

The Red Caffeine team has the pleasure of working with Bales Metal Surface Solutions and Specialty Manufacturing, Inc. on a daily basis.…

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Time Is Money
Employer Branding
Time Is Money
By Heather Carbray

Teaching employees to think and act like owners is a concept pioneered by Jack Stack in his turn-around of SRC Holdings in the 80s that inspired both a book and an open-book business methodology that is now known as The Great Game of Business (GGOB).

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Time Is Money

Teaching employees to think and act like owners is a concept pioneered by Jack Stack in his turn-around of SRC Holdings in the 80s that inspired both a book and an open-book business methodology that is now known as The Great Game of Business (GGOB).…

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We've raised the bar!
We've raised the bar!
By Kathy Steele

We continue to raise the bar high for ourselves to ensure that we never stop growing. Each and every day we enhance our processes, add to our service offerings, grow our talent pool, and drink even more caffeine.

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We've raised the bar!

We continue to raise the bar high for ourselves to ensure that we never stop growing. Each and every day we enhance our processes, add to our service offerings, grow our talent pool, and drink even more caffeine.…

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A competitive edge in municipal marketing: Planning for strategic growth
Brand Awareness
A competitive edge in municipal marketing: Planning for strategic growth
By rc

Complex municipalities often have well-defined goals. What sets some in the public sector apart is the ability to think and operate in terms of business objectives -- to understand the "why" behind their actions and communicate that to internal and external stakeholders.

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Is your business failing to scale? You need a GROW-TO-MARKET™ plan
Growth Mindset
Is your business failing to scale? You need a GROW-TO-MARKET™ plan
By Kathy Steele

No matter the size or industry, most companies need customers, employees, and processes to achieve growth goals. Learn how a Grow-to-Market plan could help your team scale strategically.

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Why social media is essential for your B2B sales and marketing strategy
Why social media is essential for your B2B sales and marketing strategy
By rc

No matter the industry, social media can play an integral role in your sales and marketing strategy.

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Employer Branding for Manufacturers: How to Get Started
Employer Branding
Employer Branding for Manufacturers: How to Get Started
By rc

Building a powerful employer brand doesn’t have to be a scary thing. The key is to define your employer brand from the inside out.

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Aligning Sales and Marketing Part 3: The Musical Number
Sales Enablement
Aligning Sales and Marketing Part 3: The Musical Number
By rc

The final part in our Aligning Sales and Marketing series. What's the last step?

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Aligning Sales and Marketing Part 2: The Part Where You Help Me Help You
Sales Enablement
Aligning Sales and Marketing Part 2: The Part Where You Help Me Help You
By rc

When aligning sales and marketing, regular conversation is the critical (but attainable) first step. The second step is where you help me help you.

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We made the list!
We made the list!
By Kathy Steele

Our efforts of fueling meaningful impact for our clients and ourselves have led us to 112% growth, and we have no plans of stopping.

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We made the list!

Our efforts of fueling meaningful impact for our clients and ourselves have led us to 112% growth, and we have no plans of stopping.…

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Aligning Sales and Marketing Part 1: The Easy Part
Sales Enablement
Aligning Sales and Marketing Part 1: The Easy Part
By rc

Aligning the sales and marketing teams is a common pain point in any industry. Gain insight into the tools, processes, and best practices that'll help align your teams.

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BRAND AWARENESS STARTS WITH YOUR TEAM
Brand Awareness
BRAND AWARENESS STARTS WITH YOUR TEAM
By rc

If you rebrand your company the right way, it’s not just reflected in the visuals. Launch your new brand internally to your team first to ensure that your employees are energized, entangled in the brand and enthusiastic about what was happening with the company.

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BRAND AWARENESS STARTS WITH YOUR TEAM

If you rebrand your company the right way, it’s not just reflected in the visuals. Launch your new brand internally to your team first to ensure that your employees are energized, entangled in the brand and enthusiastic about what was happening with the company.…

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3 Reasons You Should Define Your Exceptional Client Experience
Sales Enablement
3 Reasons You Should Define Your Exceptional Client Experience
By Amy Anderson

An Exceptional Client Experience (ECE) leads to client retention, growth, and advocacy. Clearly layout and define your ECE to speak to the areas your clients can feel most value from your relationship.

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5 Tips To Promote Your Business Through Digital Marketing
5 Tips To Promote Your Business Through Digital Marketing
By rc

Ready to realize a meaningful ROI from your online presence? Here are 5 tips to help you focus on building and maintaining a successful and efficient digital marketing strategy.

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RC - The Best and Brightest®
RC Spotlight
RC - The Best and Brightest®
By Kathy Steele

This marks the third consecutive year that we have been awarded for our innovative and thoughtful culture. At Red Caffeine, we live and breathe our core values, which further align with the qualifications to be considered a winner.

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RC - The Best and Brightest®

This marks the third consecutive year that we have been awarded for our innovative and thoughtful culture. At Red Caffeine, we live and breathe our core values, which further align with the qualifications to be considered a winner.…

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Use video marketing to win the attention of your customers and clients
Brand Awareness
Use video marketing to win the attention of your customers and clients
By rc

With so much content saturating the internet, it's hard to find a way to stand out and reach your audience. To keep up, use video marketing to win the attention of your customers and clients.

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Does your sales team have the tools they need to close the deal?
Sales Enablement
Does your sales team have the tools they need to close the deal?
By rc

Follow these five steps to find out if your sales team has the right tools they need to close the deal.

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Aligning Sales and Marketing: Introduction to a Three-Part Series
Sales Enablement
Aligning Sales and Marketing: Introduction to a Three-Part Series
By rc

In a perfect world, the hard work your marketing team is producing should relate back to your sales and annual revenue. But, we all know this is no walk in the park. Learn how to align your sales and marketing teams in this 3-part series.

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Work shouldn't suck. RC wins best places to work 2017
RC Spotlight
Work shouldn't suck. RC wins best places to work 2017
By Kathy Steele

Best Places to Work in Illinois is a research organization that conducts in-depth employee surveys to determine how people really feel about their workplaces.

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What Every Business Should Know
Growth Mindset
What Every Business Should Know
By rc

Do you really know why your prospects and customers buy? Many companies assume that they have their finger on their customers' pulse because they have been in an industry for five, ten, or even fifty years. But this usually is not the case.

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What Every Business Should Know

Do you really know why your prospects and customers buy? Many companies assume that they have their finger on their customers' pulse because they have been in an industry for five, ten, or even fifty years. But this usually is not the case.…

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Red Caffeine True Hollywood Brand Story
Red Caffeine True Hollywood Brand Story
By Kathy Steele

Starting up or starting over is an exciting but nerve-racking time. In November 2013, we launched Red Caffeine, our new business, which I jokingly refer to as a ten-year-old start up. Among the top priorities for the start up of any business is launching your new or renewed brand into the marketplace. In our case, we were starting over and there were both positive and negative emotions tied to moving away from our old brand. We were certainly concerned about how much brand equity would be lost with the change, but ultimately, we were real

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Red Caffeine True Hollywood Brand Story

Starting up or starting over is an exciting but nerve-racking time. In November 2013, we launched Red Caffeine, our new business, which I jokingly refer to as a ten-year-old start up. Among the top priorities for the start up of any business is launching your new or renewed brand into the marketplace. In our case, we were starting over and there were both positive and negative emotions tied to moving away from our old brand. We were certainly concerned about how much brand equity would be lost with the change, but ultimately, we were real…

Read this article

Your Growth Goals Are Unrealistic Unless You Create A Company Growth Engine
Growth Mindset
Your Growth Goals Are Unrealistic Unless You Create A Company Growth Engine
By Kathy Steele

What’s the one thing you could do to ensure your company is sustainable? The answer is to create a growth engine for your business, of course. Many organizations neglect to invest in creating a predictable and measurable strategy to accelerate and manage growth. Six key areas can help companies sustain a growth engine.

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What's In Your 'Stack?' It's Not Just MarTech Driving Business Today
Digital Transformation
What's In Your 'Stack?' It's Not Just MarTech Driving Business Today
By Kathy Steele

The good news is with the increased ease of integrating platforms, Accounting, human resources and ERP software could be connected to your marketing software. At the very least, marketers and business leaders should be aware of the technology systems outside of MarTech and consider what data and processes could aid their business growth strategy.

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What's In Your 'Stack?' It's Not Just MarTech Driving Business Today

The good news is with the increased ease of integrating platforms, Accounting, human resources and ERP software could be connected to your marketing software. At the very least, marketers and business leaders should be aware of the technology systems outside of MarTech and consider what data and processes could aid their business growth strategy.…

Read this article

Wake Up! How to Create a More Engaged Workplace Culture
Employer Branding
Wake Up! How to Create a More Engaged Workplace Culture
By Kathy Steele

Investing in your company culture will pay off with a lower turnover rate and a more productive staff in the long run. Wake up! Create a more engaged workplace.

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