The Forum
Blog
Our latest thinking on marketing, strategy, and small business growth.
July 15, 2026
Time To Talk: Connecting With a Marketing Industry Professional
We all need help. But sometimes, the hardest part of getting it is actually asking for it. Especially for small business owners who are proud of what they’ve…
June 26, 2026
LLMs and Brand Sentiment For Small Businesses: Strategic Use
It’s no secret that as we find ourselves in 2026, over the past few years AI has transformed many of the industries that drive the global economy.…
June 19, 2026
The Best Social Media Marketing For Small Businesses
In an era where building trust online can be challenging but necessary, the best social media marketing can turn that difficulty into an opportunity. Not…
May 13, 2026
Old Is Better Than New: Redefining Your Lead Generation Strategy
Lead generation and lead generation strategy is crucial for every business - every businessperson knows that. Without new customers, businesses would fail to…
April 1, 2026
The Maine SEO Objective Isn't What You Think It Is
If they've heard the term before, most business owners think of Google when someone mentions 'SEO.' This is definitely fair, given the fact that being noticed…
March 26, 2026
Awareness and Conversion - Know The Funnel & Your Marketing
In today's landscape of digital marketing, there are so many avenues, types of software, and strategies. I believe that navigating all of this effectively…
March 18, 2026
What Is Newsjacking? Market Smarter, Not Harder
If you follow my blog posts, my videos, or you just know me - you're familiar with the fact that I've always been a massive advocate for businesses staying up…
March 5, 2026
Circling Back: An Overlooked, Yet Simple Strategy For Everyone
For me, circling back in areas that aren't related to marketing is what truly taught me the importance of following up. I'm sure everyone can relate to that.…
February 25, 2026
Olympics Marketing Strategy - It's Deeper Than Paid Advertising
Olympics Marketing Strategy isn't cheap. It doesn't take someone with a career in business determine that. Obviously, it costs a premium to be on one of the…
February 12, 2026
Integrated Digital Channels: Why Website Strategy is Essential
If you've read any of my other blog posts, you'll know that I advocate for businesses to use at least 2 or 3 integrated digital channels to maximize their…
February 4, 2026
The Problems With Data Analytics: Relevant Comparison Is Key
Problems with data analytics? What do you mean? Over the past month in my role with CCA Global Partners as a Marketing Coordinator, I've been increasingly…
January 17, 2026
Targeting with Purpose: Choosing the Right Demographic
In Robert B. Cialdini's article "Harnessing The Science of Persuasion" Published in The Harvard Business Review, a 1982 experiment is described in which people…
January 12, 2026
Your Content Marketing Plan: In 2026, Businesses Need Strategy
With 2026 underway, it's more important than ever for your business to have an idea of what you want to accomplish throughout the year. What I recommend to set…
January 10, 2026
The New England Winter Market : The Perfect Time To Plan
Promoting your business in the New England Winter Market is incredibly tough. Smaller markets require a more targeted, hands on approach. Let's face it - most…
December 31, 2025
Workday Breaks : My Go-To Recharge Methods For The Work Day
Between managing YBMK and serving as a Marketing Coordinator for CCA Global Partners, I know first hand how important it is during the day to take workday…
December 30, 2025
B2C Marketing Strategy for 2026: A Fresh Start for Smarter Growth
As 2025 comes to a close, every B2C (business to consumer) organization has a unique opportunity to reflect, determine and plan for their 2026 efforts. New…
December 22, 2025
Budget-Friendly, 2025 Holiday Marketing Strategy In New England
The 2025 holiday season presents a major opportunity for New England businesses, especially with the surge of shoppers frequenting local events and going out…
December 13, 2025
Discipline Runs Deep : Why Fitness and Business Go Together
Last weekend, I ran a half marathon in Long Beach, California. (I also had the privilege of shooting some content for my client Wheels N Waves - those videos…
November 25, 2025
Songs That Tell A Story : Similarities Between Music And Marketing
Last night at TD Garden, I had the opportunity to see Stevie Nicks perform live. It was a jam packed show, and the energy was amazing. I was ecstatic; I've…
November 20, 2025
Getting To Know Your Audience : The Most Important Marketing Tip
Putting yourself out there is one of the most difficult things to do, especially with people you don't know. Let's face it, we live in a world where everyone…
November 18, 2025
Outsourced Marketing Services - A Problem YBMK Can Solve
Especially for small business owners who already barely have time to begin with, adding the need for marketing to an already full plate can be near impossible…
November 13, 2025
Reels N Waves : Big Lessons From The WNW Instagram
This past week, I posted 2 reels on the Instagram of one of my clients, Wheels N Waves Surf Shop. One of them did fairly to poorly (650-ish views), while the…
November 13, 2025
On The 'Gram : It's Not a Passive Form of Entertainment
In 2025, people treat social media as a quick dopamine hit more than ever. It's the new passive form of entertainment. Instead of turning on the TV to watch…
November 10, 2025
Client Spotlight : Garage Rally and YBMK Team Up
YBMK is happy to provide a client spotlight for another one of our clients : Garage Rally, LLC. Garage Rally provides home customization for garages, making…
November 10, 2025
Raves and Music Festivals : They're Marketing Goldmines
This past Friday, I attended a music festival put on by the Portsmouth Rave Project in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It was so much fun, and if you're in the area…
November 3, 2025
Authors and Innovators : THE Networking Event of 2025
This past Thursday, October 30, YBMK attended and recorded footage for Authors and Innovators, a free business networking event held in Newton, Massachusetts…
October 29, 2025
Reviews and Views : YBMK Creates Content For Dante's Pizza
Last week, YBMK headed into Dante's Pizza Company off of Route 1 in York to do some content creation. Dante's is one of the best pizza places in Southern…
October 28, 2025
Happy Halloween! Some Holiday Strategy For Your Business
Halloween-and holidays in general-are a prime time for every business to take advantage of. Employing some holiday strategy and putting resources into it will…
October 23, 2025
Vlog Ideas For Small Business Social Media Accounts
Especially for independent shops and organizations located in seasonal areas, posting before and during peak tourist times is key to generate interest,…
October 21, 2025
AI Practices In Marketing For Small Businesses
With the availability of platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini that have far reaching capabilities, using AI for mundane tasks grows increasingly tempting -…
October 7, 2025
YBMK's Community Based Group Collaboration
Do you ever wish that your town had a groups that small businesses and local professionals to network together? Do you ever just want to meet other people…
September 17, 2025
Client Relationship Spotlight : Authors & Innovators (Upcoming)
YBMK is excited to announce their partnership with Authors & Innovators. This annual book event will take place Thursday, October 30 on the University of…
September 16, 2025
Client Relationship Spotlight : Wheels N Waves
One of my favorite parts of working in the marketing field is that I get to work with extremely cool businesses and good people. At the beginning of the…