Category: News

Joseph Grano News

For Immediate Release: The Greater Sarasota Coaches Alliance hosts “Learn, Grow and Create Sustainable Change with Crisis Communications” with Joseph Grano

SARASOTA, FL (February 1, 2018) – The Greater Sarasota Coaches Alliance is hosting “Learn, Grow and Create Sustainable Change with Crisis Communications” a presentation by Joseph S. Grano, Jr., president and founder of Next-Mark, LLC. Grano will discuss crisis communications planning in the context of business and professional coaching. The event is Monday, February 19, 2018, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at The Bijou Café, 1287 1st St, Sarasota. Guests can register to attend at https://greatersarasotacoaches.com/programs

Crises are inevitable. Every organization at some point will be confronted with a crisis communications challenge, whether internal or external. Ultimately, it’s our ability to manage and navigate through this challenge that will define us as leaders. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or business professional, you will benefit from this presentation.

With more than 25 years of comprehensive marketing, business development and public relations experience, Grano has held key executive management positions in healthcare, technology and financial services. He also served as director of marketing at two large public health systems and vice president of marketing at two health information companies. He is the president and founder of Next-Mark, LLC, a marketing solutions company that provides marketing, creative strategy and communications solutions to businesses throughout the U.S. and internationally.

About Next-Mark

Next-Mark was founded in 2005 to help client organizations reach their full potential

through marketing success. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about their client brands by integrating experience, analytics and innovation to develop strategic marketing solutions and meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, hospitality and entertainment, technology, retail, real estate, environmental, marine products and tourism, among others. With clients from Alaska to the Netherlands, its roster includes industry leaders such as LexisNexis, Elsevier, Nuance Communications, Cinebistro, Cobb Luxury Theatres, Yarnall Moving and Storage, Coldwell Banker, California Pizza Kitchen, CitySide Apartments, Bainbridge Financial, Paragon Solutions, Medecision, among many others. For more information, visit their website at www.next-mark.com.

About the Greater Sarasota Coaches Alliance

The GSCA is a community of professionals dedicated to the use of coaching approaches in their work. If you are looking for a coach or want to know more about how coaching can help you create a more satisfying personal or career life, our monthly luncheon series will introduce you to coaching topics and concepts. Everyone is welcome to explore what coaching can mean for you. For more information, visit their website at: www.greatersarasotacoaches.com

 

 

Joseph Grano Homepage Post, News

Reflecting on the Past 13 years

Welcome to 2018!

A new year is always a time of reflection and an opportunity for rededication. Thirteen years ago a leap of faith became a business as Next-Mark, a different type of marketing communications company, emerged. Drawing heavily on our extensive experience and deep understanding of the business world, we created a truly solutions-based organization founded on best practices that aligned with our clients’ needs.

Here are a few thoughts on our business experiences from the year past and some foresight for the year ahead.

True Wisdom is Knowing What You Don’t Know

Socrates said it; we adhere to it. That’s why we stick to our core competencies – strategic marketing and planning, creative strategy and execution, digital marketing, public relations and social media. We play to those strengths as we act as a true collaborative partner with our clients. 

Commitment Requires Flexibility

We shape and develop client relationships for the long haul. We stick with our partners through thick and thin, understanding the dynamics of their business cycles and maximizing their resources. Equally significant is the role we play in sustaining their long-term vision, helping them stay on course and navigate through the occasional obstacle.

We Collaborate with our Clients for Their Enduring Success

We are extremely fortunate to serve diverse clientele. Whether they’re a $5 billion global enterprise or a small business in our neighborhood, our clients have one thing in common; the desire to develop deep roots in their industry and an appreciation of our role. This enables us to leverage what we have learned guiding brands and establishing marketing best practices on national, regional and local levels.

Winning in Business is a Team Sport

For us, this means careful collaboration with clients and heavy reliance on our own strong base of talented and experienced staff. We work hard to recruit and retain highly skilled individuals who bring unique talent and tenacity to the table.

Just Do it

Smaller businesses need to recognize that they don’t have to be a global leader, like Nike, to be a “brand.” What they require is simply something that differentiates their product, service or organization from the competition and the means to drive that message to the right audiences in the right way. That’s where we come in. We help our clients be good stewards of their intellectual property and purveyors of their brand, while assuring alignment with their value proposition and profit model.

It’s All About the Story

Our overriding goal for each client is to spark meaningful conversations about their brands, and with each bit of content or visual asset we develop, their stories become our own. Our success and our clients’ are thus inextricably linked – and more powerful for the partnership.

We invite you to scroll through our new Online LookBook to see a snapshot of our work as well as our extensive scope of services.
Contact us to begin that powerful conversation that will reinvigorate your brand and connect you with your audience. 
Joseph Grano Blog, Homepage Post, News

Your Story Becomes Ours

Since 2005, Next-Mark has been shaping strategic marketing communications solutions to illuminate our clients’ missions, transform brands and create dynamic success. And with every asset we develop; from websites to white papers, our clients’ stories become our own.

As a full-service marketing communications and public relations agency, we’re proud to work with a wide array of organizations. Our expertise and experience helps our clients seamlessly navigate challenging markets and stand out among the crowd. We thrive in this diverse environment, knowing that each project we tackle shapes our journey and sets up our clients for powerful results. We invite you to scroll through our new Online LookBook to see a snapshot of our work and our extensive scope of services.

Joseph Grano Homepage Post, News

Next-Mark Expands Staff, Promotes Current Team Members

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SARASOTA, Fl. (April 7, 2017) — Sarasota-based communications agency Next-Mark has announced recent staff additions and promotions.

Laura Castro, the company’s new manager of client experience, comes to Next-Mark from University of Florida (UF) Health in Gainesville, where she served as communications coordinator. Castro, who has a BS in Public Relations from UF, oversees and guides client campaigns for Next-Mark.

Ryan Hoevenaar joins the Next-Mark team as its manager of creative and digital content, following a successful career as a freelance graphic designer Hoevenaar, who has a BS in Graphic Design/Multi-Media from Bradley University in Peoria, IL, is also an artist whose works have been displayed throughout the country.

“Ryan and Laura have incredible work ethics, talent and great instincts when it comes to client relations and creative graphic design,” said Joseph Grano, president of Next-Mark. “I am confident they will make valuable additions to our team as we continue to expand services and add to our client roster.”

Staff members recently promoted at Next Mark are Austen Legler, now senior manager of client experience, and Alissa Moore, manager of brand and design.

About Next-Mark

Next-Mark was founded in 2005 to help client organizations reach their full potential through marketing success. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about their client brands integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, hospitality and entertainment, technology, retail, real estate, environmental, marine products and tourism, among others. With clients from Alaska to The Netherlands, its roster includes industry leaders such as LexisNexis, Elsevier, Nuance Communications, Cinebistro, Cobb Luxury Theatres, Yarnall Moving and Storage, Coldwell Banker, California Pizza Kitchen, CitySide Apartments, Bainbridge Financial, Paragon Solutions, Medecision, among many others. For more information, visit their website at www.next-mark.com.

Joseph Grano Homepage Post, News

Joseph Grano, President and Founder of Sarasota-based, Next-Mark selected by Forbes Agency Council

Mr. Grano will be a regular featured columnist on Forbes.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SARASOTA, Fl. (February 22, 2017) — Joseph Grano, President and Founder of Sarasota-based full-service marketing, creative strategy and communications company, Next-Mark, LLC, has been selected by the Forbes Agency Council, an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies.
Mr. Grano joins other Forbes Agency Council members, who are hand-selected to become part of a curated network of successful peers providing the opportunity to publish industry-related articles and short tips on marketing communications topics to be published on Forbes.com. His first article is now at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2017/02/22/10-insights-to-consider-as-you-plan-your-marketing-communications-roadmap/

Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, says, “We are honored to welcome Joseph Grano into the community. Our mission with Forbes Councils is to curate successful professionals from every industry, creating a vetted, social capital-driven network that helps every member make an even greater impact on the business world.”

“I am thrilled to be among the select few invited to publish on Forbes.com providing information relevant to marketing communications professionals and organizations seeking marketing communications guidance and advice,” said Joseph Grano. “We are thrilled to have Forbes as a strategic partner,” Grano added.

About Next-Mark
Next-Mark was founded in 2005 to help client organizations reach their full potential through marketing success. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about their client brands integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, hospitality and entertainment, technology, retail, real estate, environmental, marine products and tourism, among others. With clients from Alaska to The Netherlands, its roster includes industry leaders such as LexisNexis, Elsevier, Nuance Communications, Cinebistro, Cobb Luxury Theatres, Yarnall Moving and Storage, Coldwell Banker, California Pizza Kitchen, CitySide Apartments, Bainbridge Financial, Paragon Solutions among many others. For more information, visit their website at www.next-mark.com.

About Forbes Councils
Forbes partnered with the founders of Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) to launch Forbes Councils, invitation-only communities for world-class business professionals in a variety of industries. Members, who are hand-selected by each Council’s community team, receive personalized introductions to each other based on their specific needs and gain access to a wide range of business benefits and services, including best-in-class concierge teams, personalized connections, peer-to-peer learning, a business services marketplace, and the opportunity to share thought leadership content on Forbes.com. For more information about Forbes Agency Council, visit forbescouncils.com.

Joseph Grano News

Latest news: What does our playlist say about us?

Next Mark Blog 5-17-16What does our playlist say about us? 
It has been said that music sparks creativity in the human mind as we envision in our heads the story of the sounds we hear. But have you ever considered that your taste in music also tells a story about you? Studies have shown (not surprisingly) that your taste in music is a reflection of your personality, offering a glimpse into your tastes, values, aspirations and goals. And, as anyone who has been, or has had a teenager knows – it also can be a means of expression for things impossible to express.
A music playlist can give insight into what may inspire someone, what potentially motivates them and may even paint a picture of their personal or professional brand. Here at Next-Mark, as audiophiles we place high value on the power and influence of music and its ability to tell our story. So this month, we thought it would be fun to create a playlist of songs that best sum up who we are as an agency and what we stand for.
1. “Forever Young” by Jay Z
By the title of the song, you might be able to infer why it made our playlist. Things are continuously shifting, whether it’s changing consumer tastes, or the way they wish to be reached. Whatever the change may be, it’s quintessential that we help our clients to remain “Forever Young” in their content and marketing practices, to evolve and adapt in order to stay relevant. The fundamentals of marketing will always remain the same but with the marketplace changing at the speed of technology, here at Next-Mark we have no choice but to stay ahead of the trends and accurately anticipate the next big things, or else we risk becoming “old news” to our clients.
“Stronger” explores themes of empowerment and recovery with the chorus inspired by a Friedrich Nietzsche quote: “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” Resilience is something we practice everyday at Next-Mark. When things get tough or deadlines compressed, we just dig deeper because we know people are counting on us. And, by always doing our best, we can accept those occasional stumbles that happen to everyone, using them as lessons learned to become even stronger and even better prepared for the next challenge.
It’s no secret that marketing has shifted exponentially in the last decade or so due to the meteoric rise in the use of mobile devices and smart phones. Here at Next-Mark we realize the importance of reaching that audience and “Goin’ Mobile” with our clients content. The most effective marketers are making their messaged loom large on the small screen.
The lyrics of “Under One Sky” are obviously up for interpretation. However, as we (choose to) understand it, we unite with our clients “Under One Sky” to reach the same objectives so their success becomes our success. From building brand awareness to engaging a specific target audience to launching a new product and far more, we collaborate with our clients on the highest level in order to ensure we accomplish the desired result.
At Next-Mark, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity; in our line of work, we can’t be afraid to try something innovative and imaginative. We strive to build trust with our clients’ customers, as well as enhance their brands visibility. Thus it’s important to create exciting, relevant and insightful content that will spark a conversations.
Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have to slam on some ear buds and get busy.

 

Joseph Grano Homepage Post, News

February 2016 Newsletter: Branding in the Age of Social Media

It does not take a marketing sage to understand the degree to which social media has transformed the way companies approach their branding practices. The hysteria over social media and its potential life altering effect on branding methods has led companies to hire creative agencies and an abundance of technologists to help implant their brands throughout the digital universe. However, few brands have been able to generate meaningful consumer interest online. Why? It has become evident that social media has put brands on a level playing field, and as a result has made brands less significant and stimulated a much greater need to distinguish oneself from the rest of the pack.

 

Think about it, in social media platforms like YouTube or Instagram, corporate brands rarely appear (in fact, only three have cracked the YouTube top 500). Instead, you find entertainers you have never heard of. The fact is big companies excel at organizing and executing complex marketing programs, but fail at cultural innovation, which is what audiences on social media thrive on. Consumers have little interest in branded content to show up on their newsfeeds, they view it as brand spam. So what can companies due to evolve and approach branding in the age of social media.

 

  1. Think beyond common cultural orthodoxies

Consumers want to be presented with ideas that go beyond the traditional ways of thinking. They want something inspiring, different and interesting. This will require organizations to challenge cultural orthodoxies and promote innovative ideologies that break with category conventions.

 

  1. Locate opportunities to push forth new ideologies

As time passes, disruptions in society cause an orthodoxy to lose footing. Consumers then begin searching for alternatives, which opens up an opportunity for innovative brands to push forward a new ideology in their categories that are meaningful to customers.

 

  1. Target the “Crowdculture”

Social media has brought together communities and people that were once geographically isolated, greatly increasing the degree of collaboration. The Harvard Business Review recently coined the term “crowdculture” to define the way social media has altered how culture works and is influenced. Digital influencers now serve as effective and creative pioneers of culture, which has changed the rules of branding. Understanding crowdculture is to understand what branding methods are inspired by social media.

 

  1. Consider taking on an important cause

One way for a brand to sustain its cultural relevance is by playing off a particularly intriguing or contentious issue that dominate the media and turning it into something innovative and thought provoking. Take Chipotle for example, with its efforts to champion food without GMOs. Despite the fact that this claim challenged their credibility, once the company successfully convinces the crowdculture that it’s doubling down on its commitment to get preindustrial food right, the crowd will advocate for its brand once again.

 

  1. Stay True to Your Brand Promise

With all the chaos and desire to appease and appeal to as many customer segments as possible, sometimes it is easy to lose sight of your core brand promise. However, nothing can turn off consumers like a company going through an identity crisis. So go out there innovate, challenge the status quo, push forth into uncharted territories, but remember what makes your brand unique and stay true to your brand promise!

 

At Next-Mark we pride ourselves in having the skills and know how to create that groundbreaking, avant-garde conversation about your brand. We love helping our clients reach new heights through social media and innovative branding techniques.
Joseph Grano Homepage Post, News

Next-Mark Adds Two Key Leadership Positions

For Immediate Release

SARASOTA, Fla. (July 16, 2015) – Next-Mark, a full-service marketing agency based in Sarasota, FL has announced the appointment of two new fundamental members of its team. Recent hires Jesse Brockmeyer has been appointed Director of Creative Strategy and Jamie Grim, Manager of Client Experience. Both Jesse and Jamie will play key roles in conceptualizing and developing creative strategy and content for Next-Mark’s client portfolio.

Originally from the Midwest where he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana, Jesse comes to Next-Mark with an unparalleled background in creative design and project management skills. “A strong conceptual thinker, Jesse possesses a self-starter attitude that will be a great addition to our team as we continue to work with our existing clients, and take on new ones,” said Joseph Grano, president of Next-Mark.

Before joining Next-Mark, Jamie served as a marketing communications specialist at HonorHealth, a multi-hospital health system in Scottsdale, Arizona. Prior to that she was employed by Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland in their marketing department. “With extensive knowledge in the healthcare marketing sector, Jamie will play a significant role in managing and cultivating our healthcare client relationships as she has already proved herself an integral part of our team,” said Grano.

About Next-Mark
Next-Mark was founded in 2005 to help client organizations reach their full potential through marketing success. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about their client brands integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, technology, retail, real estate, environmental, marine products and tourism, among others. With clients from Alaska to The Netherlands, its roster includes industry leaders such as LexisNexis, Elsevier, Nuance Communications, Westfield Corporation, California Pizza Kitchen, CitySide Apartments of Sarasota, Ad-Vance Talent Solutions, Ascom Wireless among many others. For more information, visit their website at www.next-mark.com.

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Jesse
Jesse Brockmeyer, Director, Creative Strategy
Jamie
Jamie Grim, Manager of Client Experience

 

Joseph Grano Blog, News

Next-Mark Announces Re-brand and Launch of New Website

For Immediate Release
SARASOTA, Fla. (June 23, 2015) – Next-Mark, a full-service marketing, creative strategy and communications agency announces their re-branded identity, including a new tagline, logo and website.

Next-Mark’s new tagline is, “Content to Conversation.” “We believe our new tagline personifies our brand promise and demonstrates the need for client companies to evolve beyond simple creation of content to having a meaningful and comprehensive conversation about their brands” said Joseph Grano, Next-Mark founder and President. Grano added, “After 10 years, we knew it was time to update our visual identity. Given our deep experience in developing client brand identities, we knew our new logo had to showcase our talent, but also build on our company’s history.”

Next-Mark’s new website can be found at www.Next-Mark.com. “This site was designed to be concise visually appealing and, most importantly, tell our story. It also serves as a dynamic showcase for our client work,” said Joseph Grano.

About Next-Mark
Next-Mark was founded in 2005 to help client organizations reach their full potential through marketing communications and creative success. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates powerful conversations about their clients’ brands, integrating experience, analytics and innovation to develop strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, technology, retail, hospitality, real estate, environmental, marine products and tourism, among others. With clients from Alaska to The Netherlands, its roster includes industry leaders such as LexisNexis, Elsevier, Nuance Communications, Westfield Corporation, Yarnall Moving and Storage Solutions, CitySide SRQ, California Pizza Kitchen, Ad-Vance Talent Solutions, DOCs of Sarasota, Florida Cataract and Ascom Wireless among many others. Currently occupying space on Osprey Avenue, the firm will be moving to the downtown Sarasota core at Five Points to take over suite 100 at 40 South Pineapple effective July 1, 2015.

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