In this episode of 'Behind the Brand,' regular co-host Taylor and Mo introduce Macki Detters, their new summer intern from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Macki takes the lead and interviews Taylor and Mo about their careers in the marketing and agency world. They discuss various topics including their favorite walkout songs, most-used emojis, and what they wanted to be as kids. The team shares insights on handling criticism, taking career risks, and the misconceptions of marketing. The episode also delves into their rewarding experiences working at Moxie and strategies for overcoming creative blocks. This engaging conversation highlights the importance of being comfortable with being uncomfortable to succeed in the industry.

Takeaways:

1. Internships Are Key to Career Growth Taylor and Mo stress how internships provide invaluable real-world experience and open doors to future opportunities—like Macki’s current role at Moxie.

2. Risk-Taking Can Lead to Rewarding Career Moves Both hosts reflect on pivotal career moments that involved stepping outside their comfort zones, including the bold decision to join Moxie.

3. Creative Blocks Are Real—And Manageable Agency life comes with its own set of challenges, especially in maintaining creative momentum. Taylor and Mo discuss how they work through those blocks while balancing client needs.

4. Embrace Discomfort to Grow One recurring theme? Growth doesn’t happen without a little discomfort. From job transitions to tricky client meetings, learning to stay steady through uncertainty is key.

5. Strong Teams Make All the Difference The episode ends on a high note, celebrating the Moxie team’s culture and how quickly Macki has become a valuable part of it.

00:00 Introduction and Team Introductions

00:23 Meet the Intern: Macki Takes the Lead

01:22 Fun Questions: Walkout Songs and Emojis

04:51 Career Reflections and Advice

10:26 Marketing Misconceptions and Realities

13:46 Lessons Learned the Hard Way

17:41 Handling Mistakes and Accountability

19:23 Career Risks That Paid Off

23:04 The Rewards of Working at Moxie

25:28 Challenges in the Job

30:08 Dealing with Creative Blocks

32:47 Internship Reflections and Team Dynamics

34:51 Conclusion and Farewell

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Website: www.moxiecreative.com

In this episode of Behind the Brand, host Taylor, Kelly and Isabella discuss the crucial elements of creating an exceptional client experience at Moxie. From the importance of first impressions to maintaining responsive and personalized interactions, they explore how genuine relationships and a tailored approach to each client lead to trust and referrals. The team emphasizes the significance of transparency, adaptability, and a supportive internal team dynamic in enhancing client satisfaction. They also share personal anecdotes and strategies on how to address mistakes and continuously improve the client journey. The discussion provides actionable insights for anyone looking to elevate their client service approach.

Takeaways

• First impressions are crucial in establishing client relationships.
• Authenticity and helpfulness are key to a positive client experience.
• Being responsive to client needs enhances their sense of importance.
• Understanding individual client preferences is essential for tailored service.
• Confidence in our abilities reassures clients and builds trust.
• Mistakes should be addressed promptly and with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Team support is vital in providing consistent client service.
• Building personal relationships with clients can lead to long-term partnerships.
• Celebrating client successes reinforces the value of our work.
• A great client experience is what keeps clients coming back.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Client Experience

02:59 The Importance of First Impressions

06:06 Building Authentic Relationships

09:04 Understanding Client Needs

12:07 Confidence in Client Interactions

14:55 Handling Mistakes and Miscommunications

18:11 The Value of Team Support

20:55 Celebrating Client Successes

24:05 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com

In this episode of Behind the Brand, hosts Taylor and Kelly sit down with Amy Sip of ASIP Consulting to discuss her journey in the human resources field and the concept of fractional HR. Amy shares her experiences transitioning from employee to entrepreneur, the importance of networking, and how businesses can benefit from fractional HR services. The conversation also touches on trends in HR, the significance of a strong online presence, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

• Amy Sip has over 20 years of experience in human resources and business management.
• The concept of fractional HR addresses the needs of businesses that require part-time HR expertise.
• Networking and referral partners are crucial for business growth and success.
• Many small businesses are unaware of the legal compliance requirements they must follow.
• A strong online presence is essential for portraying a professional image.
• Executive placement is a new service offered by ASIP Consulting, complementing existing HR services.
• Educating clients about their benefits is a key part of Amy's role.
• Entrepreneurs should utilize available resources and seek help when needed.
• Remembering your 'why' can help navigate the ups and downs of business.
• Outsourcing tasks outside of your expertise can lead to greater efficiency and success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to ASIP Consulting and Amy Sip

02:55 Amy's Career Journey and the Birth of Fractional HR

05:59 The Importance of Networking and Referral Partners

08:58 Understanding Fractional HR and Its Benefits

12:07 Trends in HR and Legal Compliance

15:02 The Role of Online Presence in Business Growth

18:03 Expanding Services: Executive Placement

20:54 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com

In this episode of Behind the Brand, the hosts at Moxie Creative dive deep into why creativity isn’t just a nice-to-have in marketing—it’s a must. In a market saturated with safe, forgettable brands, playing it “fine” just doesn’t cut it. From identifying what sets a business apart to translating that uniqueness into a brand identity that truly resonates, the team explores how creative strategy drives impact. Tune in as they unpack the power of bold ideas, collaboration, and customer insight to elevate branding that sticks.

Takeaways:

• Creative marketing is essential for brand success.
• Settling for "fine" leads to forgettable branding.
• A great brand should feel unique and personal.
• Strategy and creative must work hand-in-hand.
• Know your audience—it’s key to effective branding.
• Good design should communicate and connect.
• Investing in creativity pays off in the long term.
• Customer feedback can reveal what makes your brand stand out.
• Collaboration strengthens the creative process.
• Growth happens when you embrace boldness in branding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Behind the Brand

01:12 The Importance of Creative Marketing

06:03 Breaking Free from 'Fine' Branding

13:57 Understanding Great Branding

15:27 The Role of Creative in Marketing Strategy

21:19 Tangible Steps to Elevate Your Brand

27:40 The Rewards of Creative Work

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/

Behance: https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Diana Puterbaugh and Carla Crane from Hops Direct share their journey of transforming a fifth-generation hop farm into a successful e-commerce business. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of adapting to the craft beer boom, the importance of storytelling and marketing, and the innovations in the hop industry. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of working in a family business and offers valuable advice for others in similar situations.

Takeaways

• Hops Direct launched in 1999, ahead of the e-commerce trend.
• The craft beer boom significantly impacted their business growth.
• Storytelling and marketing are crucial for connecting with customers.
• Innovations like hop gummies and hop water are emerging trends.
• The partnership with Moxie has been instrumental in their marketing strategy.
• Patience and flexibility are essential in a family-run business.
• They have 19 different hop varieties
• The industry is facing challenges with oversupply and competition from distilling.
• Social media plays a vital role in engaging with brewers and homebrewers.
• Independence in farming is important for success.

Chapters

00:00 The Digital Transformation of Hops Direct

05:59 Craft Beer Boom and Its Impact

11:54 Innovations in the Hop Industry

18:08 Navigating Challenges in a Family Business

24:00 Advice for Legacy Businesses

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com

In this episode of Behind the Brand, the hosts discuss the often misunderstood concept of networking. They explore how networking can be a powerful tool for building relationships and growing a business when approached authentically. The conversation covers various aspects of networking, including community involvement, referral-based models, and the importance of patience and consistency in cultivating connections. The hosts also share personal experiences and insights on how to effectively network both in-person and online, emphasizing the long-term benefits of relationship-building over immediate transactions.

Takeaways

• Networking can change the trajectory of your business.
• Building relationships is key to successful networking.
• Networking is a long-term investment, not a quick fix.
• Community involvement enhances networking opportunities.
• Referral-based networking groups can provide valuable connections.
• Online platforms like LinkedIn are essential for networking.
• Patience is crucial in the networking process.
• Networking should feel authentic, not transactional.
• Engaging in industry-specific groups can boost confidence.
• Effort in networking leads to greater rewards.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Networking

02:53 Building Relationships Through Networking

05:50 The Long Game of Networking

08:53 Networking in the Community

11:59 Referral-Based Networking Models

15:00 Expanding Your Network Online

18:04 Industry-Specific Networking

20:58 Overcoming Networking Challenges

23:39 Final Thoughts on Networking

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Eric Heipel shares his transformative journey from being a franchisee to founding his own painting business, Heartland Painting. He discusses the challenges he faced during the transition, the importance of establishing a strong brand identity, and the strategies he employed to build a successful team culture. Eric emphasizes the significance of mentorship and planning in entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights for aspiring business owners.

Takeaways

• Eric transitioned from a franchisee to a founder after feeling limited by the franchise model.
• He emphasized the importance of brand identity in building customer trust.
• Choosing a new business name was a challenging but rewarding process.
• Maintaining communication with clients during the transition was crucial.
• Eric's experience highlights the need for a solid business plan.
• Hiring the right team members is essential for business growth.
• Creating a positive company culture attracts top talent.
• Mentorship played a key role in Eric's entrepreneurial journey.
• Rebranding can be a time-consuming but necessary investment.
• Eric's story illustrates that change can lead to new opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 From Franchisee to Founder: Eric Heiple's Journey

12:45 Navigating the Transition: Challenges and Strategies

20:00 Building a Brand: The Importance of Identity

23:31 Hiring and Team Culture: Attracting A-Players

Stay connected with us!

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com

In this episode of Behind the Brand, the hosts discuss the critical moments when small business owners should consider hiring additional team members. They explore the journey of small business growth, the signs indicating it's time to expand, and the importance of hiring for culture fit. The conversation also touches on managing growth, the dynamics of team relationships, and the balance between outsourcing and hiring full-time employees. The hosts emphasize the significance of having the right team in place to foster creativity and maintain a positive work environment.

Takeaways

• Recognizing when you're overwhelmed is key to hiring.
• Hiring should be based on the need for specific skills.
• Outsourcing can be a viable alternative to hiring.
• Team dynamics are crucial for a creative business.
• Hiring for culture fit is more important than skills.
• Managing growth requires careful consideration of team capacity.
• Sometimes, you need to evaluate your systems, not just add people.
• The right team can significantly impact business success.
• Hiring should be a slow and thoughtful process.
• Creativity thrives in a supportive and well-staffed environment.

Chapters

00:00 Recognizing the Need to Hire

03:01 The Journey of Small Business Growth

06:05 Signs It's Time to Expand Your Team

09:10 Hiring for Culture and Fit

11:50 Managing Growth and Team Dynamics

15:05 Outsourcing vs. Hiring Full-Time

17:58 The Importance of the Right Team

21:01 Final Thoughts on Hiring and Growth

Stay connected with us!

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative

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Website: www.moxiecreative.com