We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stefanie LaHart a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Stefanie, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Keeping creativity alive is essential in the field of digital marketing, especially when working with ethical, sustainable, and compassionate brands. I have several strategies I’ve honed over my 20 years of experience. I engage in cross industry inspiration meaning I draw inspiration from various sectors, not just marketing. Fields like art, design, psychology, and sociology often provide new perspectives that can be applied to digital marketing strategies.
I have a client centric approach. Every client has unique needs and values. To keep creativity alive, I focus on understanding each client’s mission, values, and target audience. This helps me tailor creative strategies that resonate with their specific brand identity.
I don’t confine myself to conventional thinking, and this mindset has resulted in some of our most creative and successful campaigns.
I make breaks part of my schedule. Stepping away from the daily routine, whether through travel, nature walks, or exploring new cultures, can be incredibly inspiring. These breaks provide fresh perspectives and inspiration for creative thinking.
The key to keeping creativity alive in my digital marketing agency is a commitment to continuous learning, staying true to our clients’ values, and fostering a culture of innovation and open-mindedness. This approach not only ensures our work remains creative and effective but also aligns with the ethical, sustainable, and compassionate brands we’re proud to represent.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I believe in the power of marketing to drive positive change and make a meaningful impact on our world. This year, we’ve taken a significant step by clarifying our core mission to more explicitly state our commitment to these values. We help ethical, sustainable, and compassionate brands connect with their target audiences in authentic and compelling ways, ultimately driving positive outcomes for the planet, society, and their business.
What’s most exciting and special about our work is the opportunity to align our creativity and expertise with our core mission. We have the privilege of collaborating with brands that share our commitment to creating a better future for both humans and animals, and we see this as an essential step towards the survival of our planet and the well-being of future generations.
In terms of what’s new and exciting, we’ve recently launched several initiatives:
Business Education: We launched the Social Media Pro Academy, a new training course for entrepreneurs, content creators and small business owners to empower them to build internal marketing teams that help build and sustain their business.
Innovation Lab: We’re in the process of establishing an innovation lab within our agency. This space will be dedicated to brainstorming and testing creative ideas that align with our mission and values. It will serve as a hub for exploring new marketing technologies, strategies, and partnerships.
Sustainability Commitment: In line with our commitment to sustainability, we’ve initiated a comprehensive sustainability assessment of our own agency operations. This will help us reduce our carbon footprint and environmental impact, reflecting our dedication to the causes we champion.
Events and Webinars: We’re planning a series of events and webinars to educate and inspire both our clients and the wider marketing community about the power of ethical and sustainable marketing. These events will feature expert speakers and success stories from our clients.
I see our work as an opportunity to contribute to a better future, and we’re excited about the new initiatives we’re launching to strengthen this commitment and expand our impact.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey in digital marketing, especially in the context of working with ethical, sustainable, and compassionate brands, I’ve found three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge to be particularly impactful. They are alignment, diversity and resilience.
Align Your Values: Be clear about your values and the causes you’re passionate about. This clarity will guide your choices and help you attract clients who share your values.
Build a Diverse Network: Connect with professionals from various backgrounds and industries. Diverse perspectives can provide fresh ideas and unique insights.
Resilience: Be prepared for challenges and setbacks. The path of ethical marketing can sometimes be challenging, but persistence and resilience are key to long-term success.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
“The Big Leap” by Gay Hendricks is undoubtedly a valuable book that has contributed to my professional development. Hendricks introduced the concept of the “Upper Limit Problem,” which refers to self-imposed limits that hold us back from experiencing happiness and success. Recognizing and addressing these limits is crucial for personal and professional growth. And he further encourages readers to discover and operate within their “Zone of Genius.” This is the space where your innate talents, passions, and purpose converge. Finding and embracing your Zone of Genius can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life. Both of these concepts have been monumental to my business and personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://boomtownmarketing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boomtownmarketing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boomtownmarketing
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanielahart/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoomTownBiz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/boomtownmarketing
Image Credits
Image Credit: Stefanie LaHart