Sutherland Weston Marketing Communications, Maine's Premier Marketing and Public Relations Company, presents The Briefcase! Listen in on our quick conversations -- born from everyday observations -- that deliver practical marketing ideas that you can carry with you! Consider these "brief" "case" studies!
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Sutherland Weston Podcasts
Stories, systems, and solutions from the folks who’ve seen it all. For nearly 50 years, Mid-Coast Energy Systems has been helping Mainers stay comfortable in their homes through hard winters, big renovations, and everyday repairs. This podcast goes behind the walls and under the floors to share the real stories from the job: what challenged us, what we learned, and what kept the work moving. Each episode features voices from the field—techs, longtime team members, and trusted partners. You’l ...
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He’s Ric Tyler, and He’s Dan Cashman, and who’s that with them? Every episode brings on another Maine business leader, here to share their tales of risk, reward, and all the times they said, "someday, we'll look back on this and laugh." Sit tight and hear how they navigated the business landscape to get from “there-uh” to “here-uh”, all the way onto THE RIC AND DAN SHOW!
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“In The Money” a half hour show weekly. All about investing, market analysis, opportunities for the layman in all of us. Very entertaining with weekly guests. Hosted by John Williams and Mike Goden.
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Expiration Dates (or, Dan Cashman has great Briefs)
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3:55
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3:55They say that comedy comes in threes, but when does a joke lose its charm? Should you strike when the iron is hot, or are you bound to get burned? On this episode of The Briefcase by Sutherland Weston, Dan Cashman and Ric Tyler talk about the shelf-life of parody and the fickle nature of “funny”. What You'll Learn: How an overdone or slow-to-take s…
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Design choice is paramount to the success of your signs, and with such little time for someone to read them, what do you say? On this episode of Sutherland Weston's The Briefcase, Ric Tyler touches on the quick, the witty, and the itty-bitty when it comes to road signs. What You'll Learn: The consumer has about 2 seconds to see your sign, so you ha…
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Keeping Maine Homes Warm in Winter (Answering the Call, 24/7)
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10:40
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10:40What does it take to keep homes warm across Maine during the long winter? In this episode, Eric, Bill, and HVAC technician Joseph share how they handle emergency heating repair calls, cover hundreds of miles, and improve systems to keep families safe. You’ll hear how the team manages the winter rush, the systems they’ve improved over the years, and…
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The Bottom Line 9-11-25 with special guest Dr. Lynne Coy-Ogan President first female CEO of Husson University
31:23
31:23
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31:23The Bottom Line with special guest Dr. Lynne Coy-Ogan Pesident and first female CEO of Husson University.By John Williams
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"There’s a woman here and she wants to speak to the manager. She says her name is Karen.” Business owners will inevitably encounter a “Karen.” But before you escape out the backdoor, listen to this edition of Sutherland Weston’s The Briefcase. Ric Tyler takes us “out to the ball game” for a real life lesson in how kindness can outshine a Karen What…
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Last week on The Briefcase, CEO of Sutherland Weston Elizabeth Sutherland talked about the controversial Cracker Barrel logo redesign, how it failed, and where it went wrong. This week, we continue to hear about ways for your business to identify and avoid these same mistakes. What You'll Learn: Rebrands are about reminding your customers why they …
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Modern HVAC in the Field: How Tools, Installs & Heat Pump Tech Have Evolved
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10:17
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10:17What’s changed in the field? And what still works? A lot. In this episode, Eric, Bill, and HVAC technician Joseph talk about how the work has evolved—and what today’s techs need to keep up and stay ahead. From brazing to ZoomLock, analog gauges to digital, and the rise of heat pumps, the tools, systems, and know-how on site look a lot different tha…
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Cracker Barrel created controversy when removing the man and the barrel from its logo — a simplification that simply failed according to customers and stockholders. On this episode of The Briefcase, Sutherland Weston CEO Elizabeth Sutherland talks about how legacy brands are not built by the boardroom: they’re built by the buyers. What You'll Learn…
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The Bottom Line 8-14-25 with special guest US Representative Chellie Pingree
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32:02From the Williams Broadcasting Studios' join John and Patrick with special guest US Represenative Chellie Pringree for this weeks "Bottom Line".By John Williams
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A picture is worth a thousand words, but a good song never dies. In this episode of Sutherland Weston's The Briefcase, Ric Tyler walks us through some of the most famous sound signatures in the history of brands, their origins, and their impacts, and how some have changed along the way. What you'll learn: The history of three brand-defining sound s…
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Passing the Torch: Training, Mentorship, and the Future of the Trades
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10:32
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10:32What does it take to lead the next generation in the trades? In this episode, Eric, Bill, and HVAC technician Joseph talk about leadership on the job, mentorship in the field, and what it really means to train the next wave of skilled workers. With an average employee age under 30, Mid-Coast is seeing a big shift—new energy, fresh talent, and the r…
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In the marketing world, a good name is everything. So what happens when you want, or need, to modify it? In this episode of Sutherland Weston’s The Briefcase (The Brief? The Case?), Ric Tyler walks us through examples of businesses on a first-name basis, both those who made the leap and those who stumbled on the way there. What you’ll learn: How so…
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Seasons don’t fear the dashboard, nor do the charts, the graphs, or the cells… In this episode of The Briefcase, Jordon Meyer, founder and CEO of Granular, talks about the free tool ready to help business owners navigate the marketing landscape and see how far they've come! What you’ll learn: How crucial it is to your business to track your marketi…
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What’s the average age of a Mid-Coast Energy Systems employee? You might be surprised. In this episode, Eric, Bill, and HVAC technician Joseph talk about the generational shift happening across the trades and what it takes to train, mentor, and retain the next generation of skilled workers.
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The Bottom Line 7-31-25 with special guest Heather Sanborn Maine Public Advocate
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40:27The Bottom Line with special guest Heather Sanborn Maine Public Advocate.By John Williams
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"Every obstacle is an advantage": Dr. David Cloutier and Veazie Vet Clinic
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43:37On this episode of The Ric and Dan Show, Dr. David Cloutier of the Veazie Vet Clinic walks us through keeping the drive alive, turning every obstacle into an advantage, and asking, "What does the world need right now?" Dr. Cloutier tells tales of black bears on the operating table, deciding his career path and his bizarre start, pursuing the dream,…
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Some people look at Myers-Briggs results to see if two people will work well together. More spiritual-minded people might find results in comparing star signs or birthstones. Nicole Mahoney, CEO of Travel Alliance Partnership, walks us through a more rooted model of navigating "Coopetition". What you'll learn: If you're too busy and have 'no time f…
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In a world where everyone is sweating the small stuff, it can be hard for a business to find its identity, let alone share it with the market. In this episode of The Briefcase, Kirsten Cutshall, CEO of Steel Advertising, calls in all the way from Texas to talk about building your business's core character. What you’ll learn: Instead of advertising …
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Lessons We’ve Learned Replacing Our Own Systems
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8:17After nearly five decades in the business, you start to see your own work come full circle. In this episode, Eric & Bill Morgner reflect on what it’s like returning to job sites where they installed systems 20, 30, even 40 years ago, and now they’re the ones replacing them. From early radiant slab experiments in the 1990s to chasing down oversized …
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"A Place To Be": Brett Soucy and Frank's Bake Shop
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38:47On this episode of The Ric and Dan Show, our hosts sit down with Brett Soucy of Frank's Bake Shop and talk about the 80th anniversary, preparing for succession, and free pizza ASMR with special guest star David Bender. Brett leads the conversation towards a business's reputation and responsibility, his history of working at the bakery under his gra…
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Summer Marketing Strategies: Let's Make Memories!
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3:47
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3:47Once the calendars hit June, everybody wants to make a summer full of memories: your business might be in the position to provide them. In this episode of The Briefcase, Kirsten Cutshall, CEO of Steel Advertising, calls in from Texas to share the trade secrets of the Summer Marketing Strategies. What you’ll learn: During the summer, people want to …
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The Man Who Started It All | What Would Bob Hardina Say?
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8:51
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8:51Bob Hardina wasn’t just the founder —he was a mentor, a visionary, and a force of personality. In this episode, Bill shares what it was like working with Bob: his strengths, his blind spots, and the principles that still guide the company today. From his early days as a professor to building a business that’s lasted over 50 years, Bob’s legacy is f…
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The Bottom Line 7-9-25 with Steven Michaud President Maine Hospital Association
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35:26In the Williams Broadcasting Studio join John and special guest Steven Michaud President of the Maine Hospital Association on the weeks Bottom Line!By John Williams
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Sometimes, the best way to make a statement is with silence. For the entire month of May, LL Bean has been pausing all social media to support mental health. In this episode of The Briefcase, Makaila Hickey, Sutherland Weston's Digital Content Strategist, walks us through the reasoning behind and the impacts in the wake of the brand's seasonal sile…
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Fixing Failed Heating Systems (and How We Solve Them)
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5:56This one’s got it all—tech gone wrong, a carpeted disaster, and a surprise plot twist 15 years later. Bill Morgner breaks down what went wrong, how the team responded, and why owning the outcome—even when it wasn’t entirely their fault—was the right call. From homeowner tension to lessons in system design, this one covers the kind of real-world tro…
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"If it's not alright, it's not the end": Chris Keegan and Coffee Hound Coffee Company
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46:10
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46:10On the first episode of The Ric and Dan Show, our hosts sit down with Chris Keegan of Coffee Hound Coffee Co. and talk about community, chance encounters, and most importantly, coffee. Chris shares his story of one fateful Thursday morning, a lucky find on the streets of Bar Harbor, the most disgusting and most delicious coffee he'd seen in the mil…
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In this episode of The Briefcase, Paul Chadwick, Video Production Specialist at Sutherland Weston, unpacks the often-underappreciated yet pivotal role that audio plays in video content. Framed by his professional insights and casual banter, Paul highlights how audio can elevate a video’s impact or derail its effectiveness. As video habits shift tow…
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What They Don’t Show on Reality Home Makeover Shows
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3:40When Mid-Coast Energy Systems landed a spot on a national home makeover show, the crew stepped into the spotlight—only to find that reality TV isn’t exactly real. Bill and Eric unpack the logistics, compromises, and lasting takeaways from a fast-paced job with high visibility and low margin for error. Along the way, they discuss what customers real…
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The Bottom Line 6-26-25 with Patrick Woodcock John Williams recapping the most recent State of Maine Legislative session
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31:30From the Williams Broadcasting Studio join John Williams and Patrick Woodcock for this weeks "Bottom Line"By John Williams
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Stand Out With Perspective: How Video Angles Can Set You Apart
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2:59
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2:59In this episode of The Briefcase, Paul Chadwick, Video Production Specialist at Sutherland Weston, follows up on a previous episode titled “Unforgettable” about the importance of standing out in business. Paul takes this idea further by discussing how video, specifically how you shoot video, can make your business not just seen, but remembered. Whe…
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How Tradespeople Become Leaders: From the Field to the Front Office
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3:25
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3:25How Tradespeople Become Leaders: From the Field to the Front Office In this episode, Bill Morgner reflects on what it took to go from working in the field to Owning Mid-Coast Energy Systems. He and Eric Morgner talk through the tough moments—economic downturns, leadership transitions, and decisions that don’t always come easy. You’ll hear how a car…
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Lessons From “We Solve Murders”-- Separating Fact from Fiction
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3:44
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3:44In this episode, Elizabeth Sutherland, President and CEO of Sutherland Weston, explores the blurred lines between fiction and real-world media access, sparked by a plot twist in Richard Osman’s We Solve Murders, part of the Thursday Murder Club series. Using the fictional scene as a springboard, Elizabeth and Ric Tyler offer a behind-the-scenes loo…
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The Bottom Line 6-9-25 with Dan Cashman Public Relations Director for Sutherland Weston
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38:10
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38:10Join John Williams and Patrick Woodcock with special guest Dan Cushman Public Relations Director for Sutherland Weston on this weeks "Bottom Line".By John Williams
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Can You Read Me Now? Closed-Captioning Matters
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2:04In this episode of The Briefcase from Sutherland Weston Marketing Communications, audiovisual specialist Paul Chadwick shares how turning on closed captioning for his television viewing sparked a deeper appreciation for the practical power of subtitles in marketing and communication. He explains that closed captioning isn’t just for accessibility; …
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Corey Morris-- How to START a Successful Digital Marketing Plan
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5:13Corey Morris, CEO of Voltage and author of The Digital Marketing Success Plan, joins The Briefcase to share the power of START, a five-step framework designed to help marketers and businesses cut through the noise and create actionable, enduring plans. Morris provides a compelling argument for structured agility in digital marketing, from avoiding …
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The Bottom Line 5-21-25 with Trey Stewart the Senate Minority Leader in the Maine State Legislature.
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40:35
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40:35From the Williams Broadcasting Studio join John Williams and Patrick Woodcock with special guest Trey Stewart.By John Williams
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Knowing When to Let Go — Lessons from 15 Years of Local TV
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5:54In this episode of The Briefcase, Dan Cashman reflects on the decision to end The Nite Show, the nation’s last locally produced late-night talk show, after a 15-year run. He explores the emotional and strategic complexities of knowing when to let go, whether in media, business, or personal projects. From pandemic pivots to long goodbye planning, Da…
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In this imaginative episode of The Briefcase, Ric Tyler and Social Media/Digital Specialist Mark Parent unpacks a creative technique called Brainstorming 101. The heart of Brainstorming 101 lies in bypassing traditional product benefits and instead asking questions that generate real stories about the product’s context. As Mark explains, it’s not a…
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The Bottom Line 5-14-25 with Maine State House Representative Tiffany Roberts
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34:47
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34:47Join John Williams and Patrick Woodcock with special guest Tiffany Roberts from the Williams Broadcasting Studio for "The Bottom Line".
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Power of Personification: Understand Your Brand and Your Buyer
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3:13In this episode of The Briefcase, Ric Tyler and Social Media/Digital Specialist Mark Parent recount a memorable branding exercise that reveals how employees and customers can perceive the same brand differently. The activity asks participants to personify their company using analogies like “What kind of car would your brand drive?” or “Which superh…
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In this short but sharp episode of The Briefcase, Ric Tyler and Social Media/Digital Specialist and veteran ad writer, Mark Parent, unpack the most frustrating clichés in commercial copywriting. From “friendly, knowledgeable people” to the dreaded “for all your [blank] needs,” they explore why these lines fall flat and how they waste valuable ad sp…
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Dan Cashman, Public Relations Director at Sutherland Weston, shares his firsthand experience navigating the tough media landscape where hard news dominates airtime. He recounts how two check presentation events earned coverage despite the odds, thanks to their local relevance, visual assets, and concise structure. Dan encourages marketers and commu…
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Is your brand truly unforgettable? Or could it just as easily belong to your competition? In this episode of The Briefcase, Elizabeth Sutherland, President & CEO of Sutherland Weston Marketing Communications, shares why a distinct brand voice and look are essential for standing out. Many businesses rely on generic messaging: “We put the customer fi…
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The Bottom Line 4-9-25 with Rebecca Hatfield of Hancock Lumber
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34:54Join John Williams and special guest Rebecca Hatfieldwith Hancock Lumber. Maine Magazine "Maine of the Year. "Mainebiz magazine "Women to Watch", and MaineHiusing's Stephen B. Mooers Award!!By John Williams
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In this episode, Elizabeth Sutherland breaks down one of the most common reasons marketing fails: lack of follow-up. You'll learn: Why most sales happen after the first few touchpoints How simple follow-up tactics can make a big difference Why consistency matters more than flash Key takeaway: Marketing without follow-up is like fishing without reel…
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The Bottom Line 4-7-25 with Wade Merritt President of the Maine International Trade Center
37:21
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37:21From the Williams Broadcasting Studio join John Williams and Patrick Woodcock with special guest Wade Merritt President of the Maine International Trade Center.By John Williams
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Staying Level-Headed During Economic Turbulence
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9:41Elizabeth Sutherland, Dan Cashman, and Shelley Sund of Sutherland Weston Marketing Communications tackle the economic uncertainty many business owners face today. Drawing on lessons from past experiences, they offer grounded, strategic advice on recalibrating marketing efforts without retreating—focusing on customer retention, message relevance, an…
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The Difference Between Marketing, Advertising, and PR
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3:16Marketing, advertising, and public relations are often mistaken for one another. Just like a classic Scooby-Doo mystery, we’re pulling back the mask to reveal what’s really behind them. And we would’ve gotten away with it too… if Ric hadn’t hopped into the Mystery Machine to solve the case, to uncover the truth behind each. Is marketing setting the…
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In this episode of The Briefcase, Dan Cashman explores why timing, location, and media strategy are crucial in a successful news announcement. Using a recent political campaign launch in Hancock, Maine, as a real-world example, Dan explains how strategic choices can shape how a story is covered and consumed. Whether you're announcing a new business…
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Need a New Web Design Agency? Listen to This First
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4:08In this episode of The Briefcase, Makaila Hickey shares practical, no-stress advice for businesses navigating a common digital challenge: when their website provider disappears, retires, or stops responding. Rather than panic, Makaila explains why this can actually be an opportunity. What You’ll Learn: Why taking inventory of your digital assets (l…
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