Marketing Blog | Joellyn Ferguson

The Marketing Blog

I started this blog back in 2010 - yes, that's over a decade ago! I keep it available to readers because there's plenty of timeless content here. You may find a few outdated posts, feel free to breeze on by when you do. I hope you find value in the ones that are relevant. Looking for a specific topic? Just filter using the buttons below.

Why is Change So Hard?

Aflac Turns PR Lemons into Lemonade

The Moment We Dread… Most anyone in marketing knows the sickening feeling of a marketing screw-up. Whether it’s a typo on a billboard or an inappropriate tweet by an employee, the realization that “this

Marketing Mysteries: Why Losers Get Ahead

Have you ever been frustrated by the fact that your competitor or colleague seems to get ahead no matter how much he or she screws up? It happens all the time. In fact, just

How to Find the Right Consultant

Hiring a consultant is a risk. It can pay off in spades, or cost you money and time if the results and advice aren’t what you need. So how can you tell if a

Ask an Expert: When to Hire a Consultant

So you have a few business challenges in front of you, and you’re not sure what to do. You’re not alone. That’s why legions of professionals hire consultants. Rather than a sign of weakness

Who’s Your Competition?

Do You Know Who Your Competitors Are? Are You Sure? Are you confident that you know who you’re up against, or do you just THINK you know? There’s a common affliction among executives, especially

Don’t Alienate Your Customers: 7 Mistakes to Avoid

So you spent a lot of time and money building your new website or blog. And you’ve been waiting for the business to roll in. It’s not. What could possibly be wrong? Here are

The Indirect Route: Do You Know How to Tack?

I grew up sailing, and still consider myself a sailor at heart. I learned the basics at an early age while my family spent weekends and summers cruising around Florida on our Tartan 27

6 Ways to Find Your Pot of Gold

Most business owners dream of financial independence and security. Today more than ever, this can be an elusive dream. But while it can be challenging to achieve your revenue goals, there are things you

Do Customers Want Green Eggs and Ham?

Customers can be funny creatures. Often you think you know what they want, because they told you they want it. And you know what they don’t want, because they told you that, too. But

Marketing Mulligan: Do You Need a Do Over?

It’s interesting to me how seemingly random elements can converge, and this is the case for me and the “Marketing Mulligan.” I’ve had a few conversations lately with people from opposite sides of the