A company’s brand rests in the heart and mind of the consumer. It is reinforced with every touchpoint–from direct branding and marketing efforts to how the phone is answered. How effective are your brand’s touchpoints at communicating your core values, mission and vision? Because the consumer is the true owner of the brand, understanding it from their perspective plays a powerful role in shaping an effective branding and marketing strategy. As business owners and managers, we

First published in the May 21st Issue of Cascade Business News With the rise of photography driven social platforms, accessibility of entry level equipment and technical advances in phone cameras, this once semi-exclusive art form has become a regular part of our everyday life. Builders, architects and designers now appeal to an audience who’s aesthetic tastes have been galvanized by a steady feed of arresting images online. Good is arguably not good enough. Potential homebuy

You are ready to hire a creative partner–an advertising or marketing agency, branding firm or photographer. It's a significant investment and your company's reputation depends on a solid partnership. Here are 8 tips on how to enter into an agreement with confidence, know what questions to ask and provide your creative team effective direction that will help yield the best results. 1. View and understand the portfolio. There are a few questions to ask that will help form an ac