Josh Sommers

A public relations program is the least expensive and potentially most powerful form of promotion available. One well-placed feature article in a newspaper or magazine, or a favorable segment on a television show, can put you in front of thousands, potentially millions, of potential customers with the credibility of independent journalism. One way to earn … Continue reading “News releases can boost company profile”

Do you have a cookie-cutter marketing plan, something that looks as if it’s taken right off a shelf? I doubt it. No two marketing plans are exactly alike — especially in the age of the Internet. Websites and search engines provide a variety of potent marketing tools that companies can use to more specifically target … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Make sure your plan fits”

Firm also named advertising and public relations agency of record for economic development group New Windsor, N.Y. (Oct. 7, 2010) – Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC) today welcomed Focus Media President and CEO Josh Sommers to its Board of Directors. Focus Media, which business newspaper HV Biz recently called the Mid-Hudson Valley’s largest advertising … Continue reading “FOCUS MEDIA CEO JOSH SOMMERS JOINS HVEDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS”

A solid marketing strategy requires leveraging multiple touch points. Having a one-trick marketing tool box likely won’t get the job done. Consumers are bombarded with thousands of messages a day. To be successful, companies must hit the unengaged public over the head with tactics that build top-of-mind awareness. Start with those you know One of … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Shyness won’t help you”

Boutique destination combines old-world sophistication with modern-day amenities Sept. 23, 2010 – Slate Hill, N.Y. – The Stack Family, owners and operators of Catlin Gardens, held a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Sept. 23 to celebrate the opening of the $7 million, Victorian-style, 40-room Catlin Gardens Inn. Elected officials and business leaders attended the ceremony. “We’re … Continue reading “THE STACK FAMILY DEBUTS CATLIN GARDENS INN”

Demonstrating yourself to be an expert in your field — a “thought leader” — is a powerful public relations tool to attract new business and create a presence in your industry. If you’re a principal or manager of a company, chances are good that you’ve become an expert with unique insights or outspoken views about … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Become a ‘thought leader’”

Direct marketing is great, but advertising creates awareness. I write about direct marketing frequently. It’s defined as marketing via outlets other than what we think of as traditional advertising (newspapers, TV, magazines and radio). Tactics like direct mail, e-mail blasts, telemarketing, and ad words on the Web get you on the doorstep of exactly who … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Branding creates buzz”

It’s a common marketing misstep to be blinded by your personal views and experiences when planning your marketing campaigns. Business owners and managers often assume that the masses share their habits, and this can lead to poor marketing decisions. When first meeting with new clients or speaking with people at business events, it’s common to … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Use solid data, not your prejudices”

One of the hot new terms to hit the marketing world in the past few years is the “time-starved consumer,” because it captures perfectly the state of many of our lives. Consumers today are overstressed, overwhelmed and overworked, and it seems that everyone — from soccer moms to CEOs — is struggling to balance economic … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Food for thought if you’re starved for time”

Business Newspaper HV BIZ gives company the honor for third consecutive year Goshen, N.Y. – July 24, 2010 – Focus Media, Inc., has been named the Hudson Valley’s largest advertising agency for the third year in a row by business publication HV Biz. “Focus Media has grown strongly during the past few years and 2010 … Continue reading “FOCUS MEDIA NAMED HUDSON VALLEY’S TOP ADVERTISING FIRM”

Becoming an active, visible part of the community is an important part of any company’s marketing program. Board memberships, sponsorships and volunteering all allow businesses and their employees to give something back to the community in ways that benefit a company’s visibility. When considering corporate responsibility and volunteerism, it is important to never lose sight … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Volunteer work builds good will, visibility”

Goshen, N.Y. – Aug. 13, 2010 – Focus Media, Inc. has been named advertising agency of record for Grey’s Woodworks in Grahamsville, N.Y. Focus Media, a leading Hudson Valley-based public relations and advertising firm, manages creative and placement of print, Web and broadcast advertisements for Grey’s Woodworks, raising its profile among retailers and consumers throughout … Continue reading “GREY’S WOODWORKS, INC. NAMES FOCUS MEDIA AS AGENCY OF RECORD”

From a marketing perspective, it has been fascinating to watch how the Hudson Valley has evolved over the past 15 years. For starters, according to organizations such as the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp., the Hudson Valley region officially includes the seven counties of Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster and Sullivan. But as recently … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Hudson Valley gets foothold”

Becoming a successful entrepreneur isn’t easy. In fact, about half of all new businesses fail. If you’re ignoring the odds and going for it, here are some marketing program tips to leverage for small-business success. Start by getting your brand established. An easy-to-remember name that makes it clear what you sell is important. It’s tough … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Stack your deck for success”

Companies solely focused on selling to other businesses, and not to general consumer audiences, often put all of their promotional resources into sales. They are frequently quick to write off advertising and publicity. That’s usually a mistake. A good marketing program should include investments in both a sales force and advertising. In the business-to-business model, … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Business sales benefit from ads, too”

Focus Media to manage public relations for Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union’s financial planning division Goshen, N.Y. – July 29, 2010 – HVFCU Financial Services has named Focus Media Inc., a leading Hudson Valley-based public relations and advertising firm, its public relations agency of record. Focus Media will provide public relations services designed to elevate … Continue reading “HVFCU FINANCIAL SERVICES NAMES FOCUS MEDIA AGENCY OF RECORD”

Making the investment in advertising, building and maintain a Web site and developing collateral, like brochures, are worthy investments. Professional design of these marketing elements is important. But great marketing pieces all start with the right message. We’re inundated by thousands of messages per day. Your ads have to stand out to get noticed. So, … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Make messages relevant”

Joining a business group such as a chamber of commerce or membership-based economic development organization can be a great move for your business. Simply joining these groups can provide many benefits, such as special rates on insurance coverage and referrals. But if you want to leverage these memberships to grow your business, it’s important to … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Chamber membership smart investment”