• Thanksgiving, Corporate Giving, and the Power of a Shared Table

    Every year around Thanksgiving, organizations of every size start gearing up for “giving season.” The giant checks reappear. The ribbon-cutting scissors come out of storage. Someone brings in a camera to capture the team holding up donated boxes of canned goods. Nothing wrong with any of that. It’s just rarely the whole story. Thanksgiving is…

  • The Myth of the Viral Campaign

    If your marketing plan includes the word viral, it’s not a plan—it’s a prayer. We all love the idea of the big breakout. The post everyone shares. The campaign that suddenly takes on a life of its own. But “going viral” isn’t a strategy. It’s what happens when timing, luck, and algorithms briefly decide to…

  • Why Boycotting Advertisers Over a Show Is Pointless (and a Little Silly)

    TL;DR Every time a host says something controversial, we hear the same battle cry: “Boycott the advertisers!” The theory is that if you punish the brands who bought commercial time, the show will fold, the host will cave, or the network will backpedal. Here’s the problem: that’s not how advertising actually works. Most advertisers don’t…

  • When Even Coffee Feels Like a Hard Choice

    Some mornings I wake up already tired of making decisions. Before I’ve even had my first sip of coffee, I’m stuck in little debates: check email or ignore it? Start the big project or just warm up with something small? Eat breakfast now or… later? On days when anxiety is running high, even simple choices…

  • When to Listen, When to Lead: The High-Stakes Art of Brand Backtracking

    Listen. Think. Don’t React If you asked most marketers whether brands should “listen to their customers,” the answer would be a resounding yes. Of course they should. That’s just good business. But in 2025, listening isn’t the hard part.The hard part is knowing what to do after you’ve heard the response. What if your big…

  • Growth, Tech, and Entertainment Drive Nashville’s New Brand

    For most of its history, Nashville’s brand was simple: Music City. The Grand Ole Opry. The Ryman. Broadway’s neon boot signs and pedal taverns. A city steeped in country‑music nostalgia—where the past wasn’t just remembered, it was marketed. Politically, culturally, and economically, Nashville was comfortable being the anchor of a conservative heartland. It sold the good ol’ days,…

  • Structure your Non-Profit Giving

    A Practical Guide to Corporate Philanthropy I call September and October hunting season for fundraising teams and non-profits. The holidays are around the corner, and these committees assume we, as business owners, have our budgets neatly buttoned up for next year. (HA!) Still, the calls, texts, and “just popping by” visits start rolling in—usually with…

  • Make It a Hot One: How to Run Summer Promotions That Actually Work

    **read down for a free downloadable checklist! Summer is marketing’s playground. People are outside, scrolling more, spending freely, and generally in a better mood. Which makes it the perfect season to roll out fun, high-energy campaigns that connect and convert. Whether you’re running a full summer campaign or just dipping your toes in seasonal ideas,…

  • 7 Marketing Moves Every Small Business Should Make Right Now

    (Especially if You’re Tired of Winging It) In a world full of noise, small businesses don’t just need marketing — they need smart marketing. Whether you’re launching something new or realizing your “strategy” has been mostly vibes and guesswork, now’s the time to regroup. Here’s how to build a foundation that works without throwing spaghetti…

  • Is December the right time to build next year’s marketing plan? Yes!

    It’s Not Too Late: How to Build a Marketing Plan (Even in December) Picture this: You’re at your desk — okay, safe bet — calendar flipped to December — yep — staring at a blank Word doc titled “Annual Marketing Plan.” Chills. And now you’re Googling “last-minute marketing planning,” which is exactly how you ended…

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