Five Things To Do When The Internet Goes Dark

Mary Elizabeth DavisBlog, Inspiration

Countless major websites went dark momentarily this week because of disruptions at two key global internet infrastructure services. Everything is back up and running again, but systems arenโ€™t perfect and websites crash. What to do when things go dark? First, call your hosting company or agency. Next? Here are some ideas. When the internet goes dark, make a list. Make a list of 10 ways you want to improve your business in the next six months. Some will be small things. Some will be big dreams. When the internet returns, research. Find at least one article, person, company or service …

Designing for Inclusivity

Mary Elizabeth DavisBlog, Insights

When you read โ€œinclusive design,โ€ your mind may go immediately to accessibility and compliance. But, itโ€™s so much more than that.   Inclusive design is putting people first. Itโ€™s designing for the needs of people with permanent, temporary, situational or ever-changing challenges. While you canโ€™t make a short person taller (or, a tall person shorter for that matter), you can adapt the environment so that any challenges are less pronounced. This is where inclusive design comes in. Itโ€™s about being intentional before you even take the first step. Itโ€™s an ongoing process and requires doing the work to understand your …

David Fox Celebrates 30 Years at MP&F

Mary Elizabeth DavisBlog, Inspiration

Some call him the Fox, but we call him our fearless leader. Today we celebrate his 30th anniversary at MP&F by sitting downโ€”in his corner officeโ€”with the man himself and reflecting on the last few decades. Is it true that you left a well-paying gig with a corner office at a reputable agency for an optimistic (yet not profitable) startup with a card table and folding chair for a desk?  DF: Thatโ€™s true. I had a great job, but McNeely, Pigott and I had talked about going into business together for a long time, so I went with my gut, and so glad I …

MPFCreates-branding

What is a brand?

Mary Elizabeth DavisBlog, Insights

Regardless of whether youโ€™re a small business operating out of your basement or a multimillion-dollar franchise, your brand is the core of your business. Itโ€™s how your business is perceived by consumers โ€“ meaning, itโ€™s what they think of when they think of you. Iโ€™ll explain.  Letโ€™s play a game. Iโ€™ll give you a clue, and you tell me what first comes to mind: โ€œJust Do Itโ€ Innovation that excites Always low prices. Always. โ€œYOU get a car, and YOU get a car, and YOU get a car!โ€ It comes in a little robinโ€™s egg blue box with a white …