The media and public relations landscape has transformed dramatically over the past few decades. What started as a gradual shift with the rise of the internet has accelerated into a full-scale evolution driven by digital platforms, social media, and the emergence of AI. Traditional newsrooms have contracted, and print newspapers—once the backbone of local and…

As a longtime creative and technical writer with over 25 years in advertising, marketing, branding, and filmmaking, I still get a little heartburn when someone hands me a business card that reads “VP of Sales & Marketing.” It’s not that I don’t respect both disciplines—quite the opposite. But sales and marketing are not the same…

Lately, we’ve been seeing a surge of AI tools promising to handle social media with a ‘set it and forget it’ approach. The promise? Just upload the brand voice, feed in a style guide, answer a few dozen questions, and let the system run on autopilot. Set it and forget it. Then, to “bring it…

Not all businesses are built to scale—and that’s okay, but it comes with trade-offs. Lifestyle businesses are often designed to support the founder’s personal life and passions—like consulting, boutique shops, or coaching. Even careers like day trading can be considered lifestyle businesses. Many small businesses, especially family-owned ones, may have stayed roughly the same size…

In the late ’90s, I was standing in front of a whiteboard at one of my first ad agencies, sketching out a launch campaign for a scrappy tech startup — rough printouts taped up, ideas flying, pacing the floor with designers, developers, and writers trying to shape a message that meant something. No AI. No…

At HCP Associates, we’ve built our reputation by delivering tailored solutions that drive tourism growth, enhance organizational efficiency, and create compelling positioning and programming. Over the years, we’ve partnered with some of Florida’s most prominent tourism organizations to ensure they stand out in a competitive market. Here’s a glimpse into the transformative work we’ve done…

To better understand their constituents, counties, cities, and special districts such as Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs), Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and Special Services Districts (SSDs) are recognizing the growing importance of precise, localized data to steer their development and policy decisions. Why Census Data Alone Is Not Enough The census, while indispensable for providing a…

In the dynamic landscape of the business world, small businesses often find themselves navigating turbulent waters. With limited resources and a constant need to adapt, strategic planning emerges as a beacon of stability and direction. This content will delve into the significance of strategic planning for small businesses, highlighting its role in fostering growth, ensuring…

Social Media has become the primary avenue for communication both personally and professionally. What once was accomplished through friendly smiles and handshakes is now achieved through the intricate mechanisms of the internet. This transition highlights how human interaction remains at the core of social media use. So why is it that many businesses and organizations…

After nearly four decades in the branding business, we have had our share of client success stories when it comes to our proprietary branding model. However, we never seem to hear enough about the importance of positioning. Let’s jump right in and discuss the differences and the importance of marriage between both tactics for any…