|
|
Heartland Marketing Group
712-273-5745
| |
|
REFLECTING ON 40 YEARS AND A FABULOUS CELEBRATION
By Barb
| |
|
Being in the marketing communications business means we tell our customers’ stories. For me, those customers and the people I work with are the best part of my job. I enjoy meeting people and determining how we can help them, recognizing each is different, and conquering the challenge of figuring out what’s best for each client’s situation. That hasn’t changed for 40 years!
No two of our clients are the same but what is the same is our desire to do our best for them. That means no cookie cutter communications plans. Being a small company has really been a benefit because we adapt to each client’s needs and work to achieve their communications goals. Adapting also means staying aware of how the overall ag marketing communications landscape is changing. Over 40 years, you can imagine how our tools and techniques have evolved!
For HMG, adapting has also meant growing new skills and offering new services as needed. When we began, newsletters were our primary deliverable. Today, we continue to do newsletters, however, they are a small portion of our overall portfolio. HMG plans, manages, and markets events. We produce podcasts. We provide media relations/PR services. We moderate webinars. We design documents and logos, print and digital ads, packaging, signage, wearables, promotional items, direct mail, social media posts, eblasts and emails, business cards, posters, billboards, a water tower, and soon, wall graphics. Whew!
To accomplish all of this, I have been so fortunate to have very good people work with me at HMG. In hindsight, it’s easy to see we had the right people at the right time for the stage our business and the communications industry we're in. I’m very aware of how fortunate we are in that regard, being a small business in a small town in a rural area. While I value every member of our team, I am glad to say our team right now is outstanding.
| |
|
One of those people is Ann who came to work for me 35 years ago. We have learned to work together so well and appreciate how our perspectives and outlook differ, putting our complementary skills to work for our clients. I’m a classic extrovert who builds relationships easily while Ann is an introvert with excellent observation skills. Together, we mesh to provide outstanding professional and customer service to our clients.
Along the way these last 40 years, I have been blessed to meet so many people. Every one of them has helped me grow personally and professionally. Neil Dierks, retired CEO of the National Pork Producers Council, challenged me to think differently about a lot of things as a business owner, communicator, and volunteer. Dr. Beth Lautner shared her vision as a woman in the ag industry early on when she said she wouldn’t be deterred by a closed door and would open it as needed. This imagery and encouragement propelled me forward many times.
As I reflect on this journey, I must acknowledge Steve’s support. I cannot recall a time when he said no when I presented a new plan, idea, or mission. His support, along with that of our now grown kids, allowed me to pursue multiple passions including HMG. You can ask Andy, Dan, and Kourtney about times when they traveled with me, when I slid into their events at the last minute, or when we changed family plans because of my obligations. I appreciate them more than they know!
And travel definitely was a reality for me. From client calls to industry-wide events like World Pork Expo, I relished the opportunity to meet people where they were, discover our clients’ unique values firsthand, and learn, learn, learn.
| |
|
World Pork Expo is one of my favorite events with the chance to see customers, allies, and others who have impacted my life. I have only missed attending one World Pork Expo in its 35 years of existence. World Dairy Expo has become equally as anticipated on my calendar. These Expos, and meetings where you engage a broad cross-section of folks, allow you to see an entire industry and evaluate how our customers fit in. This results in a better approach, understanding, and knowledge for setting the best course for communications goals. The National Association of Farm Broadcasters annual meeting and Trade Talk has risen to the top of my must-do list for the same reasons.
I can honestly look back without regret at the path HMG followed. If you know me, you know the challenge it is to stay up with technology. Post-COVID, we now navigate more than a handful of virtual platforms for meeting, events, and sharing. Even the advent of email changed the way we interact with co-workers and clients. I offer this advice: real, in-person conversations are important. Pick up the phone every once in a while and jump in the car to meet face-to-face. You won’t regret it!
The past 40 years have gone really fast. I’m proud we have helped a lot of companies do authentic, real communications. We’ve helped little companies up their game, making them appear larger, stronger, and more able. At the same time, we’ve helped large companies be relatable. And we do all this from Early, Iowa, and now beyond, doing what we do, working hard at it every day.
Thank you to everyone who came to our 40th celebration earlier this month. We appreciate all of you! Among our guests was Randy Broesder, our very first customer 40 years ago. We were honored to host current clients, treasured friends, and dear family. We are also grateful for all the other well wishes we have received. HMG is truly 40 and fabulous!
And now, a break. Steve and I, along with our friends, will be taking a two week vacation, heading to the rodeo in Calgary in a couple of weeks. We will be driving, enjoying the journey and the destination. You are all in capable hands while I am gone.
Cheers!
| |
We want to thank Barb's good friend, Joy Philippi, for being HMG's official photographer for the event! | |
Together we celebrate a very important birthday next week as Independence Day arrives. HMG will be closed July 3 and 4 in observance of the holiday. We wish you a safe, fun, and star-spangled celebration! | | | | |
