
No Surprises: Get It In Writing
When Barrel O’Monkeyz is working on a project, we don’t like surprises, nor do our clients, so we “get it in writing.” That way, we can all be on the same page about what the work will entail, how long it will take, who’s doing what, how much will it cost, and more.

The Right People for the Job: Employee Engagement Revisited
Post-Labor Day weekend seemed like a good time to reflect on work, employee engagement, and how hiring the right people for the job who are happy and passionate about their work affects your brand. The Barrel O’Monkeyz team consists of engaged individuals dedicated to serving the Monkeyz mission and all our clients. Simply put, we’re…

Who Stands Out as a Stand-In?
As you go out into the world to represent your brand, who can you rely on to hold down the fort at home? Who’s your pinch-hitter? This is an important topic for leaders who attend or participate in tradeshows like the PPAI Expo premium show in Las Vegas or the SAAC Expo in San Diego—events that take them out of…

Carving a Niche That Represents You
These days the marketplace is becoming saturated with new brands, and so many are approaching this problem by casting the widest nets and diluting their brand identity to hopefully appeal to new markets. It’s important to remember what makes your brand unique. I explored this topic a few years ago and I think you’ll find…

Give Them Reasons to Believe in Your Brand
The tools may change over the years, but the fundamentals of brand building do not. Your brand story depends on giving your customers reasons to believe you can deliver. Nowadays it’s easier than ever to get your message out there. Let’s take a look at a blog from a few years back for some proven…

Taking Care of Business Means Taking Care of Self
To me, summer seems to be a more appropriate time to start thinking more about self-care. We tend to be more active. People are taking vacations. Farm stands and grocery stores are loaded with fresh veggies and fruit. If ever there’s a time to be more health conscious, summer would seem to be it. Of…

Mobile Tech Gifts and Gear to Celebrate Dads and Grads
There are certain rites of spring’s transition to summer: Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and high school and college graduations come to mind. While each brings its own unique traditions, gift-giving is a common thread. Mother’s Day may have passed, but Father’s Day and graduation celebrations are still to come. This year, give your dad or…

ChatGPT and Other AI Tools: What are the Implications for Intellectual Property?
It’s hard to read the news these days and NOT hear about how artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting our lives. From images and content your read online, to law enforcement and health care, chances are AI has impacted your life already and you don’t even know it. Where is this all going? To find out,…

In Times of Crisis, Customer Service is What Sets You Apart
These days, most hospitality and service-related businesses are struggling to stay afloat. With everyone essentially in the same boat, what can you do to set yourself apart? What’s the secret to success? There’s really no secret at all. Much of your success still depends on the basic business concept of providing EXCELLENT customer service. What…

Your Brand & COVID-19: Should You Stay the Course or Pivot?
There’s a new buzz word making the rounds in business circles. If you’ve had your ear and eyes to the news grapevine the last few months, I’m sure you’ll recognize it. Close on the heels of the now cliché phrase, “We’re here for you,” is the term “pivot” as it relates to companies making significant…

Restart Essential: Your Public Relations Strategy
At the heart of any successful company’s growth strategy, you will find a well-thought out and executed Public Relations campaign, and PR is especially critical now as companies reopen and reconnect with consumers. The content of your public relations leads to dialogue with customers and customers-to-be, and dialogue leads to full-blown conversations that create buzz about…

Restart Essential: Your Digital Marketing Strategy
Even when we’re not dealing with a worldwide pandemic, subsequent economic slow down, and an “uneven” re-opening of businesses and the economy nationwide, digital marketing is not as simple as posting some content to your blog or website and sharing on social media. You need a strategy and the tools to deliver, now more than…