Designing Tomorrow, Today

During a recent interview, a potential employer asked me what I loved about marketing. For me, marketing has always been a dynamic and evolving field that constantly challenges me to stay ahead of trends and think creatively. Immersed in this world, I’ve come to appreciate its strategic importance to companies, as well as the sheer diversity and excitement it offers every day. Here’s a glimpse into what I love about marketing and why it’s such an integral part of any business. The Heartbeat of Companies At its core, marketing is the heartbeat of a company. It’s the bridge between the product or service and the consumer, making it essential for driving growth and maintaining a competitive edge. Without effective marketing, even the best products can go unnoticed. This pivotal role makes marketing incredibly rewarding; knowing that my efforts directly contribute to a company’s success provides a deep sense of satisfaction. Endless Variety and Creativity One of the most thrilling ...

  I had my first one-way interview, and I feel confident about how it went. While interviewing has always been a challenge for me, I was able to manage my nerves and stay focused. Interestingly, I excel at communicating with my teammates, the leadership team, and even clients on projects. It's just interviews that present a unique challenge. As we all know, during the pandemic, the interview process has evolved beyond the traditional face-to-face format. With advancements in technology and changing workplace dynamics, virtual interviews and one-way interviews have become popular alternatives. Having recently experienced all three types of interviews, I’ve found each method has its unique advantages and drawbacks. In this blog, I'll share some insights to help you navigate these different interview formats and how to prepare for them.  In-Person Interviews Advantages: In-person interviews offer several key advantages. They allow for a more personal connection, making it...

This morning, I saw a post on LinkedIn that really made me reflect on my own job search struggles. The poster was clearly frustrated with the constant rejections they were facing, and it was taking a toll on their spirit. In today’s fast-paced job market, searching for a fulfilling career can feel like an exhilarating adventure one moment and a daunting task the next. For those of us who blend skills in both marketing and graphic design, the journey to find a position that values our unique talents can be particularly tricky. As someone with extensive experience in both fields, I’ve encountered my fair share of obstacles. Here are some of the common struggles we face while hunting for that perfect job. Balancing Two Skill Sets Marketing and graphic design are like two sides of the same coin. Marketing demands strategic thinking, data analysis, and a deep understanding of consumer behavior. Graphic design, on the other hand, requires creativity, visual communication skills, and expertis...

Never make a mistake again with  Microsoft’s Editor. Available on both the desktop and web version. This AI-powered service helps bring out the best writer in you. With one click on the Editor button, Editor will populate any issues it sees in your documents or emails and provide y ou with suggestive changes that you can either make or ignore. The Editor panel will also provide you with stats on readability, distinctive words, how long it will take to read or speak. Editor will also give your document suggestions to enhance your writing. Microsoft’s Editor is currently available as an  extension for Edge and Chrome . When added as a browser extension in Edge or Chrome, Editor will help you write and correct Gmail messages, social posts, and anything you compose on the web. How cool is that? The extension works on most websites but not all. For instance, it does not work in Google Docs. Also, if you are using Gmail, you will need to disable spelling and grammar in the Gmail s...

Have you had problems dealing with Headers & Footers in Microsoft Word? I know I did! A Partner emailed me and asked: “ Lauren, can you remove the 3 rd  page? Every time I try, the footer disappears. ” “ Not a problem ,” I replied,  “see attached…”  Yes, it took me a good 20 seconds to remove the 3rd page and fix the footer. His response, and I quote  “Thanks, now you’re making me look incompetent!”  I thought it was quite funny, I knew something he didn’t, but then again, while he was punching numbers and selling ERP, I was learning how to maneuver through the ins and outs of Headers and Footers in Microsoft Word. I’m going to share something with you. There are 2 tools that make or break your Headers and Footers; can you guess what they are?  I’ll tell you, they are the type of  Page Break  you use and the button,  Link to Previous . Yep, that’s all, those two things can make or break your entire document. Step by step direct...

One Door Closed, Another One Will OPEN Two months ago I was let go from a marketing/graphic design position I've held for over eight years. I loved that company, the owners were fantastic, the people were great, very talented. I was planning on retiring here. So I thought.  My intuition is very strong, I knew this was coming, I felt it through every bone in my body. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that when one door closes, the universe will open another door soon after.  A Little About Me Hello there! I'm Lauren, and I've been working in the Marketing and Graphic Design field for over 20 years. I have experience in the software industry, manufacturing, transportation, law, retail, and business services. My skillset is well versed. I'm the "Jill of all trades," wore many hats at every position I was employed. Everyone loved me, because not only did I do my job, but I also helped guide others through theirs. I'll get more in...