Month: December 2020

Categories
Blog

Seven Proven PR Strategies to Add to Your Marketing Plan

Running a small business is no easy task. You wear multiple hats and work with limited resources. And while you know advertising is essential to your growth, you may not have the budget to make the impact you desire. That’s why having a solid Public Relations (PR) plan makes sense for small business owners like you.

Many people think PR is only for national and international companies with substantial marketing budgets – that’s not the case. PR is about earning trust, all while gaining free publicity as a result of your efforts. In many cases, PR helps small businesses grow in unanticipated ways and can be more effective than paid advertising.

Consider these seven proven PR strategies for your business:

  1. Tell your story to the press. Why did you start your company? How long have you been serving customers? Keep your local media informed about what you’re doing and why — it’s a great way to get the word out for free. And take the time to develop a good rapport with local reporters so they’ll be more likely to report your successes and other milestones when applicable.
  2. Work closely with local non-profits and charities. Find a cause you believe in and align your business with it. People in your community (especially the younger generation) are more likely to align themselves with you if you share a common belief system.
  3. Look for opportunities to serve others in your community. We live in a time where many people are in need — whether due to natural disasters, COVID-related issues, or other reasons. And because people need help, you should be a part of the solution (and encourage your employees to do the same). Visit sites like JustServe.org or VolunteerMatch.org to find local service opportunities to get started.
  4. Give incentives for referrals. Your existing customers are your best source for growth. Develop a customer appreciation program where you pay them in some way to refer people to your company. People are more likely to use your products and services as a result of word-of-mouth advertising.
  5. Sponsor a local group or event. Whether it’s a youth baseball team or a contribution to a holiday event, sponsorship creates goodwill in your community. But be authentic with your support — don’t just do it because it’s a good PR move (that may backfire). Be committed, creative and believe in what you sponsor.
  6. Network, network, network. Take advantage of the local business organizations in your community – Chamber of Commerce, business leagues, etc. Participate regularly in their events, or even sponsor one or two of them.
  7. Reach out to influencers in your industry. Public relations isn’t just about media coverage; ultimately, it’s about building relationships. Reach out to bloggers, YouTubers, media outlets, and reporters covering your industry, niche, or market about your company. Stay in touch with these influencers, so you’re top-of-mind when they’re looking for stories to share.

Hopefully, the list above has generated some ideas you can incorporate into your marketing plan. It’s always a good idea to find ways to grow without paying for advertising. Remember, a little PR goes a long way to building your brand.

 

Categories
Blog Business Managing Your Business

Take Care of Yourself —Your Business is Counting on You

As a small business owner, you have a lot on your plate. Most days, you don’t know what’s coming or going. And self-care is not usually something you take the time to do. But, taking care of yourself helps reduce stress and improve the balance in your life. That way, you can face the day’s stressors better and stay healthy while running your business.

Try these simple self-care options to get started:

Get more sleep. Staying up late working may help you get things done today, but it can negatively affect your productivity tomorrow. Step away from work at a time where you can get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. And stop using anything electronic at least 30 minutes before you go to bed. If you’re waking up multiple times during the night, talk to your doctor for help — or maybe it’s time for a new mattress.

Watch what you eat. We’ve all done it: get busy in the day, forget to eat and then pick up some fatty food when we can. That’s not a great way to perform at your best. Instead, plan your meals and pack healthy options if you work outside of your home. Eat smaller meals throughout the day, including more fruits and vegetables.

Find time to work out daily. When you exercise regularly, you’ll increase your energy, improve your focus, reduce your stress and boost your creativity. Commit to working out either in the morning or evening — whatever works best for your schedule. And in addition to your workout, take breaks throughout the day to get up and move.

Focus on your environment. Your workspace has an enormous impact on your productivity and wellness. Create a space that’s free of distractions and clutter. Find ways to bring in beauty or other things you enjoy or bring you peace. Don’t ignore how important it is to have a working environment that’s comfortable and safe.

Indulge in a massage or other therapeutic activity. Make time monthly to enjoy a good massage, pedicure, manicure, or another way to relieve stress. You may even consider trading services with a local therapist to keep your costs down and enjoy indulging in this activity without guilt.

Engage in activities you enjoy. One of the best ways to manage stress is to participate in activities you enjoy. Maybe you love watching your kids play sports, or you love to fish early in the morning. Whatever it is, commit to taking time to unplug and engage in things other than your work.

Commit to managing your time. Some days you may feel like you don’t get anything done. But that should not be the norm. Your goal should be to plan your day and stick to that plan the best you can. Set aside time to answer email or take phone calls. Block out time to complete a project or finish a task from the day before. Contrary to popular opinion, multitasking is not an effective way to manage your day. So find a time management system that works for you, and you’ll find you’ll get more done doing one thing at a time.

Just remember, at the end of the day, work will always be there. It’s never easy to slow down and care for yourself. But following these simple self-care strategies now will help you succeed in the long-run.

Categories
General News

Employee Insights – Stephanie Rigsby

Stephanie Rigsby recently joined the Pinnacle Bank team as the AVP – Retail Sales Manager, bringing over 17 years of banking experience.

Stephanie was raised in Forest Park, GA, and graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She started in banking as a teller and worked her way through various positions, learning as much as possible throughout the years. Stephanie truly believes this experience helps her provide the best service possible to customers in today’s competitive environment.

In her current Pinnacle Bank position, Stephanie is a master teacher to employees and customers. She enjoys learning and sharing what she knows with others, which is vital in selling products and services at Pinnacle. But Stephanie’s true passion comes when she can help a customer find solutions to problems and then leave the bank feeling appreciated.

When she’s not working at the bank, Stephanie is actively involved in two local non-profit organizations: Team Up Mentoring (serving children suffering from trauma) and Keep Walton Beautiful (focused on recycling and environmental education). She also enjoys doing anything creative, such as paper crafting, leatherworking, crocheting, jewelry making and drawing.

We’re excited to have Stephanie on the Pinnacle team and look forward to great things happening in the future.

 

Categories
General News

Employee Insights – Brandy West

Brandy West was recently promoted to East Market Retail Sales Manager/AVP at Pinnacle Bank, bringing over 13 years of experience to her new position.

Brandy started her banking career at Pinnacle Bank as a Personal Banker at our main office. She’s served in many roles while at Pinnacle, including Administrative Assistant to the Chief Credit Officer and was a Branch Manager before her promotion. Brandy has an Associate’s Degree from Athens Technical College and is a graduate of the Georgia Bankers Association Banking School.

As a long-term Pinnacle employee, Brandy knows what it takes to make customers happy. She understands the bank’s mission and vision and puts that to work every day in her interactions with customers and team members. Brandy’s a well-rounded resource for other team members and enjoys helping them expand upon their talents.

Brandy was born and raised in Georgia. She loves to cook, bake and spend time with her family. She’s also a member of the Elbert County Gideons Auxillary.

We’re glad Brandy is a part of the Pinnacle family and look forward to great things happening in the future.

Categories
General News

Employee Insights – Anita Kiss

Anita Kiss recently joined Pinnacle Bank as a Mortgage Loan Officer, bringing nearly ten years of banking experience.

Anita was born and raised in a small town in Hungary, where she completed three years of Technical College with a degree in Fashion Design. After spending some time in the fashion industry, she started her banking career in 2005 as a teller. She obtained her mortgage license through the Capstone Institution of Mortgage Finance in Atlanta and has worked her way through the ranks to take on her new position as a mortgage banker at Pinnacle Bank.

In her current position, Anita finds it rewarding to help customers reach their dream of homeownership. She enjoys working with people, learning about them and finding just the right match for their mortgage needs. It’s very satisfying for her to finance or refinance a property that makes sense for her customers.

When she’s not working at the bank, Anita enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, camping and gardening. She’s also an avid traveler and enjoys learning all about the places she visits.

We’re excited to have Anita on the Pinnacle team and look forward to great things happening in the future.