Keeping the Creativity in Marketing

Tips for staying creatively fueled and grounded

Here in Minnesota, winter tends to drag on. With a shifting economy in this wintry mix, it’s hard to predict the future.

Winston Churchill famously said that “A pessimist sees problems in opportunities, whereas an optimist sees opportunities in problems.” When times are stressful, going positive with your marketing is a chance to be heard as a grounded voice.

Is it Funny?

How can you go positive? Depending on the culture of your firm, practice, or association, you may be comfortable using humor. As long as it is not offensive or negative, humor can bring positivity while showing that your organization is confident and fun to be around.

Self-deprecating examples of the human experience can show how your leaders are real, grounded, and resilient during challenges. An example of this are those Marcus Theater ads featuring CEO Greg Marcus. He has leaned into the marketing department’s idea of turning him into a Tik Tok star, and now he is! It’s effective but also fun for the team.

People root for leaders who feel authentic. This is especially true on social media channels, and doubly so if you are rebranding and your firm’s digital marketing and brand awareness needs to shine. Personable, visible leaders are attractive for recruitment, too!

Is it Generous?

If your firm’s generous nature is a core belief, it can be leveraged to reinforce your firm’s culture and creative marketing while giving everyone a positive boost.

For example, volunteering at food banks, pet shelters, or homeless centers helps your team focus on compassion, positivity, and emotional intelligence. Turn your activities into an awareness or fundraising challenge, and your actions can also do real good. Keep in mind, however, that if you ask friends and clients to support those efforts, they may want you to return the favor later. Then again, if your activity inspires client and team interactions, isn’t that a marketing win?

If you have a niche or industry strategy, consider finding a way to make that industry more real to your team. For example, if a firm does considerable business in the medical industry, set up a client panel for a local high school and invite your young professionals to attend, too. The point is, make your work fun while making it strategic.

If it turns into a photo opportunity for social, that’s a bonus.

Check Your Fatigue Factor

If a creativity slump is affecting you and your hardworking staff, remember that people need to feel cared for. Everyone knows that food is the universal way to deliver a needed break to the long hours. How about a partner who serves as Door Dash for a day?

Some firms arrange babysitting services to employees with childcare support needs so they can get out for a date night or just enjoy the quiet at home.

Bring flowers or send a card to team members…just because.

Other firms have grander experiences. Like bowling nights or a local awards event to mimic the Oscars but awarded to break-out employees who are going above and beyond. It could be something as silly as awarding a giant prop (a pencil, a stuffed animal, a toy, or an ancient, replated bowling trophy).

A gift card for a couple hundred dollars, voted on by your peers, could also revive morale.

Recognition and celebrations should never be overlooked. From morning fun runs to attending sporting events or concerts, discover your team’s slump-busters.

Need help finding your creativity again? Reach out to our team and we can see how we can further help to get that creativity flowing.