The Arkansas 100

 

Work With Clients Who Share Your Vision

It's important to work with clients who share your ideals.

As a business owner, you should create a mission statement that you can firmly stand behind. Once you’ve articulated what you and your team believe in, align your company with clients who share the same vision.

Just like marriage and friendship, a shared set of values is a significant driver in successful relationships. It allows for easier communication and a better understanding of goals. When you understand and identify with how your client thinks, driving those business results will become easier.

By seeking clients with similar vision, you’re showing your commitment to those ideals, contributing to client retention and growth.

– Natalie Ghidotti, Ghidotti Communications

 

Hare Wynn Settles Exxon Pegasus Lawsuit

Sixty-four families will receive settlement for the 2013 oil spill. (Photo courtesy of Hare Wynn on Facebook)

Hare Wynn Newell & Newton recently announced that it has settled a lawsuit on behalf of dozens of Mayflower homeowners affected by a 2013 oil spill.

The March 2013 rupture of the Exxon Pegasus pipeline caused about 150,000 gallons of oil to flow through Mayflower neighborhoods. Hare Wynn, which has offices in Little Rock and Fayetteville, reached a favorable settlement for the 64 Mayflower families represented, settling the case before trial. Hare Wynn attorneys Shawn Daniels and Don McKenna filed suit against Exxon in 2013.

The spill displaced scores of Mayflower residents and disrupted the lives of hundreds of others.

– Aaron Sadler, Ghidotti Communications

 

LumoXchange Makes International Money Transfer Easy

Maf Sonko, founder of LumoXchange and participant in Little Rock’s 2016 FinTech accelerator program, settled in Little Rock this year to scale his business. He will launch services this summer with international payments to the Philippines, Senegal, and Gambia. (Photo courtesy of LumoXchange)

LumoXchange Founder and CEO Maf Sonko had limited options to send funds to Gambia. It cost $27 to send $250 and took four days.

“Not being able to easily compare fees and exchange rates frustrated me, so I decided to do something about it,” Sonko said.

LumoXchange, incorporated in 2015, is a currency exchange marketplace that helps users find favorable exchange rates and make international payments on one platform.

“We chose Little Rock because of the excitement and support for technology startups,” Sonko said. “We want to be part of the journey making Little Rock a regional hub for entrepreneurs.”

– Jess Pingrey, Ghidotti Communications

 

8th Street Market Opens With BITE NW Arkansas

BITE NW Arkansas serves as Northwest Arkansas’ premier food festival. (Photo courtesy of BITE NW Arkansas on Facebook)

BITE NW Arkansas, a food festival bringing in the finest cuisine and chefs from around the region, begins this evening — marking the opening of Bentonville’s 8th Street Market.

“We can’t think of a better first event for 8th Street Market than BITE NW Arkansas,” said Bea Apple, of the 8th Street campus experience design team. “This event celebrates and brings together the best food, cooking and people from around the region. It’s a fantastic representation of what 8th Street Market aims to bring to the community and will give folks a taste of what’s to come in the near future.”

– Kathryn Heller, Ghidotti Communications

 

What Does the Business E-Waste Pick up Program Do?

It’s no secret: Electronics are one of fastest products to be worn out and replaced, especially in businesses and schools. Rather than let old equipment pile up in closets or be thrown out entirely, let Regional Recycling do the work. Anything with a cord can be recycled through the program.

By partnering with eSCO, we ensure that sensitive information and data is taken care of properly. Then, either refurbish the equipment or break it down into parts to make new electronics.

To schedule a pick up from Regional Recycling, click here. Learn more about residential drop off centers here.

– Carol Bevis, Regional Recycling

 

Nancy Martin: Lawyer and Designer

Lawyer Nancy Martin discusses her fashion career.

For many, it’s hard to imagine changing career paths. Much less careers vastly different from one another. That wasn’t the case for Bentonville-based lawyer turned fashion designer Nancy Martin.

“All my clothes going to court were uncomfortable,” Martin said. “I just thought ‘I can do better than this.’”

Nearly five years ago, N.A. Martin began with the launch of her first pencil skirt, made in New York City. Martin creates pieces for women of all ages that are comfortable, functional, and also stylish.

While her fashion business continues to grow, Martin also actively maintains her own law practice.

– Kathryn Heller, Ghidotti Communications

 

Working With Influencers

Paying a trusted and respected social media influencer to post about your brand can boost your brand's credibility.

I’m a huge proponent of working with social media influencers. I believe that is where brands can get the most bang for their buck, especially with millennials.

Things to consider when working with influencers: how many followers do they have? Are their followers in your target audience? How often do they share sponsored posts? Do they have a high engagement rate?

Reaching out to someone with 100K+ Instagram followers can seem intimidating, but everyone I’ve reached out to has been kind, receptive and helpful. If it fits with your brand, consider partnering with an influencer on your next paid campaign.

– Haley Barton, The Atlanta 100

Atlanta

 

What Kind of Leader Do You Want to Be?

Being a good leader takes practice and dedication.

Are you a leader, or poised to be one? As such, you can create fear and confusion or inspire and motivate. To achieve the latter, lead by example, creating a vision and setting a clear path for achieving it. The most effective leaders are excellent communicators, not afraid to do the work required to achieve success. Other key qualities of leadership include:

• Courage

• Integrity

• Humility

• Focus

• Cooperation

And you will earn the respect of those you lead with authenticity, aligning what you say with truth and reality. Leadership is not always innate, but can be cultivated with practice and dedication.

– Lisa Cutter, The Colorado 100

 

Three Reasons to Invest in Company Culture

Strong company culture benefits you, your employees and your clients.

Focusing on the company culture of your business has benefits both in and out of the office, if done correctly.

– Hiring: More than ever, people, especially millennials, are looking at company culture as a major influencer when applying for jobs.

– Show clients who you truly are: This is your opportunity to shine to potential clients. Through social media and branding, display your company culture as a representation of your values.

– Employee engagement: A strong company culture gets employees of various levels interacting with each other more. This leads to increased creativity, retention and all around happiness for the entire team.

– Natalie Ghidotti, Ghidotti Communications

 

Arkansas Innovation Hub Announces Executive Director

Joel Gordon will serve as the executive director of The Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. (Photo courtesy of AR Innovation Hub)

Joel Gordon has been named new executive director of The Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub succeeding Warwick Sabin.

“The Hub’s resources, staff and members have become the center for innovative energy in the state of Arkansas,” Gordon said. “I will give every effort to support and grow this community of creative minds.”

Gordon is a leader in the maker movement. He has been to the White House twice as a panelist in discussion on makers’ impact on workforce and economic development.

“I cannot think of anyone better suited to lead the organization as it continues to evolve and grow,” Sabin said.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

 

Think Big Little Rock Aims to Keep Millennials in Central Arkansas

A committee is dedicated to expanding economic development in Central Arkansas. (Photo courtesy of thinkbiglittlerock.com)

Think Big Little Rock is an initiative of Create Little Rock, a young professionals group powered by the Little Rock Regional Chamber. Its mission: attract, retain and develop young professionals in Central Arkansas.

Economic development is one of six tasks forces designed to grow sustainability.

“We can’t attract and retain millennials without a good economic foundation that’s attractive,” said Kody Robinson, TBLR economic development committee member. “Our initiatives include a social networking hub for young professionals where we can learn what’s happening in the city. We want to build up entrepreneurship and make others aware that they can get involved.”

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

 

Coding Arkansas’ Future Awarded Grant

ASMSA’s Coding Arkansas' Future was awarded a grant from Google for its education efforts. (Photo courtesy of asmsa.org)

Last summer, The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts (ASMSA) launched the Coding Arkansas’ Future initiative to expand computer science education and provide professional education opportunities, including mentorship for teachers. This spring, ASMSA was awarded a grant from Google’s CS4HS program offering an online course teachers can enroll in as learners for no cost.

“We are excited to work alongside Governor Hutchinson and the Arkansas Department of Education to share our two decades of experience in computer science education to build capacity in Arkansas teachers and spark innovation within students across the state,” said Corey Alderdice, ASMSA director.

– Jess Pingrey, Ghidotti Communications

 

New Gym to Open in SOMA

SparkFit's mission is to create a movement community that is inclusive, empowering and fun. (Photo courtesy of SparkFit)

A new fitness facility is coming to SOMA in Little Rock! SparkFit, opening this summer, will offer group classes along with experienced personal trainers to help members reach their wellness goals.

SparkFit embraces community engagement and plans to host several SOMA community events, including youth-based donation programs on Wednesday evenings to create a positive venue for teenagers to have fun while learning healthy lifestyle habits.

“We believe through mindful movement, we not only transform our physical bodies, we also transform our minds,” said founders Glenn and Kecia McCracken. “And when individuals are healthier and happier, the whole community benefits.”

– Jess Pingrey, Ghidotti Communications

 

SEO and PR: One in the Same

Combining PR and SEO is essential in today's connected and digital world.

PR and SEO go hand-in-hand – or they should. Optimized, quality content? Links? Keywords? Branding? All are essential to both PR and SEO.

Instead of only focusing on website numbers or only focusing on storytelling, make everything easier and better by always thinking of PR with SEO in mind and vice versa. When you’re creating content, be sure to create it with shareability in mind. Include links and keywords to further boost your SEO.

Integrating SEO into all things public relations will drive website traffic and Google rankings all while helping to accomplish your public relations goals as well.

– Haley Barton, The Atlanta 100

 

Best Marketing Practices for Small Business

Small business doesn’t have to mean less business. Check out the best ways to promote your brand.

Small business marketing presents unique challenges. Budgets and resources are typically smaller but don’t have to be barriers for effective marketing. Here are some tactics to promote your name while growing your customer base:

Social Media: Vital in today’s digital world – it’s the best tool for communicating directly with customers, presenting your brand and reaching large audiences with boosted content.

Community Involvement: Engagement in local activities provide platforms for promoting your business, networking with fellow entrepreneurs and building customer connections.

Added Value: What can you give customers your competitors aren’t? Loyalty programs, personalization options, educational content? Go above and beyond.

– Natalie Ghidotti, Ghidotti Communications

 

An Inside Look at the Little Rock Port Authority

Videographer Jeff Dailey captures the daily life of the Port.

The Little Rock Port Authority is one of Arkansas’ largest manufacturing bases, with over 40 businesses on site. Did you know all of the Skippy Peanut Butter in the country is produced and jarred here? Or that international companies, such as Welspun, house large operations in Little Rock?

The Port Authority offers many services to its manufacturers, including terminal, waterway shipping and railroad. Every day, the rail team oversees and manages various pickups and deliveries around the facility. Videographer Jeff Dailey takes us on a tour of what the ins and outs of a day at the Port looks like.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

 

Argenta Downtown Council Plans for Annual Luncheon

The Argenta Downtown Council 10th Annual Luncheon invites guests to hear updates and learn about the future of Argenta. (Photo courtesy of ADC)

The Argenta Downtown Council will host its 10th Annual Luncheon at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub on June 1. The ADC engages residents and visitors by promoting local businesses, supporting the Argenta Arts Foundation and ensuring the Argenta Arts District is a safe, thriving environment. ADC Chairwoman, Holly Fish, will provide an annual update and introduce presenters.

Speakers include North Little Rock Mayor Joe Smith announcing future Argenta developments, Warwick Sabin discussing entrepreneurship and opportunities within the Innovation Hub and Conway Mayor Tab Townsell, regarding the city’s transit and highway system.

For more information, tickets or sponsorship opportunities, click here.

– Jess Pingrey, Ghidotti Communications

 

Walmart and Tech Startup Come Together

A major retailer and a startup have come together to connect entrepreneurs and enterprises. Guests celebrate at a recent open house. (Photo courtesy of RevUnit)

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, and RevUnit, a Bentonville-based tech startup, have come together to create a joint office space called Exchange.

Exchange is a collaborative effort to foster entrepreneurial growth in Northwest Arkansas. This marks the first instance of Walmart partnering with another company to work outside its corporate offices in Bentonville.

The two entities have worked together to eliminate some of the barriers that exist between startups and established businesses. They now want to ensure that other startups have the same kinds of success in managing challenges, with the shared goal of a stronger economy for NWA.

– Kathryn Heller, Ghidotti Communications

 

The Social Generations

Research your brand's audience demographics before investing in social media.

As marketers continue to champion social media as viable brand boosters and engagement platforms, it’s important to know how generations interact with each channel and at what level.

According to The Q1 2017 Sprout Social Index, seven in 10 Gen Xers will likely purchase something from a brand they follow online. Thirty percent of millennials engage with a brand at least once a month, and 60 percent of boomers are looking for promotions on social.

Although Facebook is the most popular with every generation, your public relations and marketing strategy should be steeped in research for maximum engagement and conversions.

– Chuck Norman, The North Carolina 100

 

Battle of the Bots: How ‘Instafrauds’ Are Disrupting Trust

#Instafraud trended last month following an uproar over fake accounts.

The rise of ‘instafrauds’, Instagram users that use bots to boost their followers, is becoming an increased area of concern for the integrity of organically established influencers.

The problem continually arises when brands are attracted to the big shiny follower numbers and neglect to see a user’s relevance and engagement rates, paving the way for instafrauds to make money from a false following, and in return leave the brand connecting poorly to its audience.

Finally though, it seems Instagram is making efforts to battle the bots, closing down ‘Instagress’ recently – but there still remains a lot of unravelling to do.

– Rachel Evans, The Dubai 100

 

Your Best Business Tactic: Your Reputation

President/CEO Janet Robb of BBB Arkansas discusses why your reputation can be your business' best tool.

When marketing a business, tomorrow’s “next big thing” can quickly become yesterday’s old news. To keep a leg up on the competition, businesses need to do more than capitalize on the latest trends and promotional ideas. They need something lasting: A good reputation.

Reputations aren’t built overnight or created in a conference room. They are developed by providing quality products and services and by treating consumers fairly. Good reputations pay off through word-of-mouth, customer loyalty and positive online reviews. Often, not even the most clever advertising gimmick can make up for the way a business treats a customer.

– Janet Robb, BBB of Arkansas

 

Business Advice From Local Entrepreneur Erica Swallow

Erica Swallow is an Arkansas native and a self-made entrepreneur, founder & CEO, author and award-winning journalist. (Photo courtesy of Erica Swallow)

Erica Swallow considers herself a late bloomer to entrepreneurship. After college, she was inspired to tackle “Entrepreneur Kid,” a book series showcasing real kids who started and manage real businesses. Swallow advises aspiring innovators to have a plan, a mentor, confidence and to get to work – the hardest part is getting started.

“Arkansas is an excellent place to grow a business,” Swallow said. “There is a growing support network and a community of startup professionals to assist entrepreneurs.”

Swallow recommends utilizing resources from around the state such as Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, Hayseed Ventures, Start Here Little Rock and more.

– Jess Pingrey, Ghidotti Communications

 

Junior League of Little Rock Houses Local Nonprofits

The Junior League of Little Rock provides workspace and tools for nonprofits. (Photo courtesy of jllr.org)

Little Rock nonprofit organizations have a space dedicated to helping them serve the community as a whole.

According to the Junior League of Little Rock Nonprofit Center’s website, “The Center aims to produce greater community impact by equipping and sustaining nonprofit organizations with the resources and trainings needed to create positive social change.”

Housed on the third floor of the JLLR building downtown, the Nonprofit Center serves as a workspace for a number of nonprofit organizations. The JLLR strives to make the space a resource for nonprofits by providing an office environment that seeks to expand services to the community.

– Alfred Warren, Ghidotti Communications

 

Influencer Marketing: How to Do It Right

Research, commit, invest

It’s quite the buzz word around the world, but does influencer marketing work? If done right, it certainly can, but if done wrong, it’ll see you burning through cash with little to no return.

– Research – don’t only look at social influencers’ follower counts – find out their passions and interests, and check who their followers are!

– Commit – this isn’t a hit-and-run exercise – be in it for the long haul to reap long-term returns.

– Invest – recognize the right influencer’s value by rewarding – payment, privileges and perks!

Done right, influencer marketing can create customers who create customers. Now that’s influence!

– Tara Rogers-Ellis, The Dubai 100

 

What to Consider When Issuing a Public Apology

In light of one PR disaster after another, we’ve outlined the steps for creating appropriate apologies.

Sean Spicer, United and Pepsi. What do they all have in common? Apologies. Here’s what businesses should recognize while preparing to issue a statement:

• Timeliness – When is it appropriate to make the statement? Determine if you need to let the dust settle, focus on solving the problem or get your word out ASAP.

• What happened – Address what happened. Vagueness portrays apathy and a lack of knowledge.

• Those affected – Provide updates on all involved and what’s being done for them.

• Why it happened – Was it company policy? A mistake? Set the record straight yourself.

• Apologize – Take responsibility and make it sincere.

– Natalie Ghidotti, Ghidotti Communications

 

Cromwell Opens NWA Office in Renovated Space

“Your workspace is as important in expressing who you are as the clothes you wear, the car you drive or the type of house you live in," said Dan Fowler. "That workspace should also foster the work you do and your culture. Our entire network of offices does that.” (Photo courtesy of Cromwell)

Cromwell has renovated a historic building in Fayetteville into a new office.

“The office in NWA is a natural extension of our practice philosophy in Little Rock,” said Dan Fowler, director of finance and business development. “Repurposing a historic building in an urban core rather than building suburban office space has so many positive benefits to a community.

“And building community is what Cromwell has always been about — from being part of early growth in our state in the 1800s to building East Village in Little Rock today.”

The space currently holds a few employees with plans to continue growth.

– Kathryn Heller, Ghidotti Communications

 

Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau Gets Involved in Project: Time Off

The average American took 16.2 days off in 2016. (Photo courtesy of projecttimeoff.com)

Did you know Americans left 658 million vacation days unused in 2016? The mission of the U.S. Travel Association’s Project: Time Off is to highlight the importance of downtime. Overall personal well-being, professional success, business performance and economic expansion are results of time off.

The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau is preparing several interactive initiatives to promote the benefits and impact of paid time off. The plans will be announced on Travel Rally Day, the kickoff to National Travel and Tourism Week, at Benny Craig Park on May 8. The event will be open to the public.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

 

Reputation, Reputation, Reputation

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently." -Warren Buffett

United Airlines is under fire for refusing to let young girls board wearing leggings, and forcibly removing a passenger unwilling to be bumped because the flight was overbooked. A company creates its image and solidifies its reputation with every statement it makes — verbal or otherwise. That is why communications strategists should be an integral part of the leadership team.

People are increasingly making decisions based on values, and millennials are more likely to support companies demonstrating social consciousness. It’s critical to think through every angle of policies, procedures and statements with a professional communications strategist. Your reputation is at stake.

– Lisa Cutter, The Colorado 100

 

The Right Media Hit Isn’t Always the Most Comfortable

Take each media hit and evaluate its effectiveness. Although not all of them will be your ideal hit, most still help to build lasting relationships with the media.

My company has been in business for 15 years and with that tenure we’ve garnered some great media hits – People Magazine, the Today show, Sports Illustrated, etc. What I’ve realized is that in some cases clients push back on certain opportunities because they believe the topic or outlet doesn’t highlight their product or service directly.

Although this might be true, we have to think big picture. The reason the client is being chosen is because they are seen as an expert. By doing such interviews, it’s likely the media contact will seek your opinion over others’ for future media opportunities.

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

 

Pepsi: the Masses Are Smarter Than You Think

Supermodels, smiling faces and product placement – sounds like the recipe for a winning campaign, right? Unless you do it like Pepsi.

Pepsi’s major ad flop featuring Kendall Jenner seemingly creating peace among protesters and police by handing an officer a Pepsi was put under fire seconds after its launch. Less than 24 hours later, the ad was pulled with an issued apology.

Where Pepsi went wrong: it made light of current events in order to sell soda. Incorporating political issues has been deemed successful before, but Pepsi suggested its product as a solution, trivializing the problems as a whole.

The millennial audience they tried to resonate with saw through it. It’s an important lesson in sensitivity, motivations and understanding your targets.

– Natalie Ghidotti, Ghidotti Communications