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We’ve Talked about the ‘How,’ and Now The ‘Why’ for Developing Videos

by haley@jhcom.net | September 28, 2022 | Advertising, Marketing | 0 Comments

At Main St. Media, we’ve always been advocates for developing videos to communicate your message. And there's a good reason. Whether it’s telling your company’s origin story, extolling your mission and values, or detailing your products and...

Why rebrand?

by haley@jhcom.net | June 9, 2022 | Advertising | 0 Comments

From Facebook to Meta, Dunkin Donuts to Dunkin, and JH Communications to Main St. Media, there are many reasons why companies rebrand. It could be to signal a new direction, or to better reflect the refined image they represent today.

Understanding the autocrat’s playbook

by John Houle | April 28, 2022 | Advertising | 0 Comments

I distinctly remember my professor in my first political science class explaining that we needed to learn about dictators, so we would be prepared to prevent history from repeating itself. Wow, was she right. But I never thought...

What Zelenskyy teaches us about leadership

by John Houle | March 31, 2022 | Advertising | 0 Comments

“How can a president not be an actor?” Ronald Reagan quipped when questioned how an actor could be president. History often repeats itself, and we have another great communicator as president. Like Reagan, Volodymyr Oleksandrovych...

What Lincoln teaches us about marketing

by John Houle | February 14, 2022 | Advertising | 0 Comments

The difference between history’s boldest accomplishments, and its most staggering failures is often, simply, the diligent will to persevere. A Lincoln plaque with “Perseverance” superimposed over his picture and inspirational words is...

What Today’s Bards Tell Us About Marketing

by John Houle | February 1, 2022 | Advertising | 0 Comments

I’ve often felt that the great poets of today are the lyricists who sing the songs we love. So what do today’s great bards tell us about marketing and life? While they may not be Shakespeare, as George Thorogood said, “Come on and take a...

Your Turn to be the Star

by John Houle | January 11, 2022 | Advertising | 0 Comments

For those of you who have survived this pandemic, recessions, and numerous setbacks, you already have proven you can accomplish so much. People need to hear your story, and the same thing applies to what I tell new doctors when I interview...

Shakespearean Marketing, Part II

by John Houle | November 4, 2021 | Advertising | 0 Comments

More on what the great bard teaches us about marketing There are so many great works by Shakespeare that it’s hard to choose. While a previous column looked at Hamlet, MacBeth, Romeo & Juliet, and Henry V, today we’ll look at four new...

Shakespearean Marketing

by John Houle | October 13, 2021 | Advertising | 0 Comments

What the great bard teaches us about marketing, and life. I remember being taught that Western literature is based on the classics - the Greek tragedies, the Bible, and Shakespeare. Today, we will tackle William Shakespeare, who was...

What Mom and Dad taught me about marketing

by John Houle | September 1, 2021 | Advertising | 0 Comments

A few personal lessons applied to marketing. I was not formally trained in marketing. I was a political science major and initially studied Plato and Brzezinski, not Hopkins and Ogilvy. After my tenure as a political consultant, I pivoted to...

Refresh or redesign your website?

by haley@jhcom.net | September 25, 2024 | Marketing | 0 Comments

Refresh or redesign your website? It all boils down to your specific needs By John Houle For many organizations, your website is your most outward facing brand presence. Ask yourself, does it...

An Interview with John Houle

by haley@jhcom.net | April 12, 2024 | Marketing | 0 Comments

Dive into the world of writing with John Houle, President of Main St. Media and published author, as he shares insights into his creative process. From crafting captivating press releases to weaving...

Embracing the Start-Up Mentality

by haley@jhcom.net | March 21, 2024 | Marketing | 0 Comments

One of the unexpected byproducts of writing a novel is that I was forced to embrace the start-up mind-set. Having started a business over 20 years ago, I certainly remember the hard charging, never...

What Actually Works

by haley@jhcom.net | January 3, 2024 | Marketing | 0 Comments

Revelations from a marketing guy. “Half my advertising spend is wasted; the trouble is, I don’t know which half.” - U.S. retail magnate John Wanamaker I’m writing this for those who have...

How your day job can fuel your passion project

by haley@jhcom.net | June 21, 2023 | Marketing | 0 Comments

You’ve probably heard from me by now that I wrote a novel. The King-Makers of Providence has exceeded my expectations in sales and even more important to me, overall support from clients, friends...

Get to Know the Characters of The King-Makers of Providence

by haley@jhcom.net | March 31, 2023 | Marketing | 0 Comments

"If you choose not to get involved in politics, you leave major decisions to people like my characters." - John Houle Henry Mercucio - Thirty year old lawyer and campaign consultant who ran...

What I Learned From Writing a Book

by haley@jhcom.net | March 15, 2023 | Marketing | 0 Comments

In this series of posts, I will share with you certain aspects from my experience writing and publishing a novel that I feel you can apply to marketing your own products and services. For each post,...

We’ve Talked about the ‘How,’ and Now The ‘Why’ for Developing Videos

by haley@jhcom.net | September 28, 2022 | Advertising, Marketing | 0 Comments

Fall for Marketing

by haley@jhcom.net | July 20, 2022 | Marketing | 0 Comments

I hope you’re enjoying the summer, because you deserve it. For those who own or are responsible for an organization, I hope you are getting the break you deserve. Now that your batteries are recharged, I need you to focus on marketing for the fall. Children returning to school and local and national elections help to quickly return our focus to business.

Don’t get overstocked when marketing your services

by haley@jhcom.net | June 21, 2022 | Marketing | 0 Comments

I have to admit I am guilty of overstocking. That’s why I want to help you overcome it. I know it’s not easy. When you have quality photos and video clips at your fingertips, of course you select that beautifully lit photo and demographically correct image to help sell your product or service.

Local Consultant Releases Political Thriller Based in Providence

by haley@jhcom.net | February 22, 2023 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

Providence, RI – As a consultant in the Democratic primary to replace Buddy Cianci as Providence mayor, John Houle had a front-row seat to how politics works – and now he is...

Employees of Narragansett Bay Insurance Company Step Up to Support RI Community Food Bank

by John Houle | December 10, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

JOHNSTON, R.I. (December 8, 2021) — The employees of Narragansett Bay Insurance Company (NBIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc., joined...

A Wish Come True Will Hold 18th Annual Polar Plunge in Person

by John Houle | December 10, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

Warwick, RI – December 9, 2021 – This year, an estimated 5,000 people will return to Easton’s Beach in Newport to plunge into icy cold water to benefit children with a...

RIMBA Marks 35 Years of Advocacy for Its Members—and Local Consumers

by John Houle | December 9, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

Warwick, RI (December 8, 2021) – The Rhode Island Mortgage Bankers Association (RIMBA) recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, marking more than three decades of advocacy...

CODAC Behavioral Healthcare Appoints Susan Figueiredo as Chief Operating Officer

by John Houle | December 6, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

Cranston, RI (November 30, 2021) - CODAC Behavioral Healthcare announces the appointment of Susan Figueiredo, LMHC, LADC, as Chief Operating Officer effective Monday,...

YMCA Program Director Receives PBS Award

by John Houle | December 6, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

PAWTUCKET, RI (December 2, 2021) – The YMCA of Pawtucket’s CJ Meehan has been selected out of a national pool of candidates to be one of just 11 Early Learning Champions by...

RIMBA Announces Scholarship Winners

by John Houle | October 25, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

WARWICK, RI (October 20, 2021) – The Rhode Island Mortgage Bankers Association is pleased to announce the winners of its annual Future of Rhode Island Scholarship Award. The...

YMCA Hires Mark Casson as new Chief Operating Officer

by John Houle | October 25, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

PAWTUCKET – The YMCA of Pawtucket has selected Mark Casson to be its new Chief Operating Officer. Casson previously served as the COO for the Greater Valley YMCA in...

Bruce Messier named fourth president of Butler & Messier Insurance, continuing his family’s legacy

by John Houle | October 25, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

PAWTUCKET, RI - Bruce Messier has become the fourth president of Butler & Messier Insurance, succeeding his father, Roger Messier. Butler & Messier has proudly served...

Ned Blais Recognized for 20 Years of Dedicated Leadership and Professional Development

by John Houle | October 25, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

Lincoln, RI – August 30, 2021 – Edward “Ned” Blais, President of Blais Insurance, was recently recognized for professional leadership and advanced knowledge by the Society of...

Local Author’s Much Anticipated Follow-Up Novel to The King-Makers of Providence Out for the Holiday Season

by haley@jhcom.net | December 7, 2023 | Press Releases | 0 Comments

Providence, RI – Regional public relations consultant and author, John Houle, officially releases his second novel, The Siberian Candidate, on December 5th. This fictional story is the...

Providence Mutual updates its rating process to better reflect company’s focus and long-term financial strength

by haley@jhcom.net | July 5, 2023 | Press Releases | 0 Comments

Providence Mutual has made the decision to withdraw from the AM Best rating process and has advised the regulators in its state of domicile of its decision and rationale.

Local Consultant Releases Political Thriller Based in Providence

by haley@jhcom.net | February 22, 2023 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

Providence, RI – As a consultant in the Democratic primary to replace Buddy Cianci as Providence mayor, John Houle had a front-row seat to how politics works – and now he is sharing his insider’s...

Employees of Narragansett Bay Insurance Company Step Up to Support RI Community Food Bank

by John Houle | December 10, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

JOHNSTON, R.I. (December 8, 2021) — The employees of Narragansett Bay Insurance Company (NBIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc., joined together to support the RI...

A Wish Come True Will Hold 18th Annual Polar Plunge in Person

by John Houle | December 10, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

Warwick, RI – December 9, 2021 – This year, an estimated 5,000 people will return to Easton’s Beach in Newport to plunge into icy cold water to benefit children with a life-threatening illness. A...

RIMBA Marks 35 Years of Advocacy for Its Members—and Local Consumers

by John Houle | December 9, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

CODAC Behavioral Healthcare Appoints Susan Figueiredo as Chief Operating Officer

by John Houle | December 6, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

Cranston, RI (November 30, 2021) - CODAC Behavioral Healthcare announces the appointment of Susan Figueiredo, LMHC, LADC, as Chief Operating Officer effective Monday, November 4, 2021. In her new...

YMCA Program Director Receives PBS Award

by John Houle | December 6, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

PAWTUCKET, RI (December 2, 2021) – The YMCA of Pawtucket’s CJ Meehan has been selected out of a national pool of candidates to be one of just 11 Early Learning Champions by PBS. According to...

RIMBA Announces Scholarship Winners

by John Houle | October 25, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

WARWICK, RI (October 20, 2021) – The Rhode Island Mortgage Bankers Association is pleased to announce the winners of its annual Future of Rhode Island Scholarship Award. The winners are: Brooklyn...

YMCA Hires Mark Casson as new Chief Operating Officer

by John Houle | October 25, 2021 | Press Releases, Public Relations | 0 Comments

PAWTUCKET – The YMCA of Pawtucket has selected Mark Casson to be its new Chief Operating Officer. Casson previously served as the COO for the Greater Valley YMCA in Allentown, Pennsylvania, from...

The Indisputable Top Ten Every Website Should Have

by John Houle | April 14, 2020 | Advertising, Marketing, Web Design | 0 Comments

With all this new found time on our hands, and even more time online, there has never been a better time than now to update your website. Unless you’re in the e-commerce space and you’re updating your website on a daily basis, most B2B and B2C businesses could use a freshening up of their online presence. You don’t...

New Year’s resolution to reinvigorate your marketing

by John Houle | January 15, 2013 | Advertising, Marketing, Web Design | 0 Comments

Time to develop a workable marketing-communications strategy Now that you've already been bombarded with all the New Year's clichés, it’s time to see the New Year for what it is – a fresh start for your marketing. If you continue to do the same thing year after year, without tracking what works and what doesn’t, you...

To Tweet, or Not to Tweet

by John Houle | October 27, 2011 | Advertising, Marketing, Web Design | 0 Comments

That Really Is the Question, Today By now you have probably read in a trade publication or heard in a seminar about why you should be more engaged in social media. I’m going to assume that you already see the merits – making connections with your customers, strengthening your existing relationships, disseminating...

So, you want to compete on the web

by John Houle | October 21, 2011 | Advertising, Marketing, Web Design | 0 Comments

What Has Your Website Done For You Lately? By John Houle A decade ago, you heard that you needed a website, so you went in the same direction where many other businesses turned. You basically took your brochure, and had someone who you believed was a web developer place it on the Internet. Today, you may have heard...

The Top 10 to consider when developing ads and marketing your business

by John Houle | August 15, 2011 | Advertising, Web Design | 0 Comments

10. Don’t use knocked out text – While the graphic designers will cry afoul, the marketer and writer in me knows how difficult it is to read white text on a dark background in brochures and especially in newspaper ads. For thousands of years the written word has appeared as a dark color on a white piece of paper. All...

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