Masonry Blog

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    The Third Place
    1024 574 Michael Kraabel

    In the quiet hum of a bustling coffee shop, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the low murmur of conversations, lies the essence of what sociologists call “The Third Place.” A concept popularized by urban sociologist Ray…

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    Creative Collaboration With Generative AI – Part One
    1024 574 Michael Kraabel

    Even though I’ve spent most of my professional career developing some pretty advanced digital marketing campaigns, I admit that I am somewhat of a Luddite.  This goes back quite a while, I’m afraid to admit.  I remember when USB 1.0…

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    Artificial Intelligence (AI) vs. Human Intelligence (HI) in Creative
    1024 574 Michael Kraabel

    My initial stance was to be highly skeptical of using artificial intelligence (AI) in branding and marketing. The very idea of AI weaving its way into a space so profoundly reliant on human insight, emotion, and connection seemed, for lack…

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    The Future of Fractional Creative Leadership
    1024 574 Michael Kraabel

    Over the past couple of years, I have witnessed the rise of a trend: the emergence of fractional marketing executives as the norm rather than the exception. These seasoned professionals offer their expertise to companies on a part-time or project…

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    Inspiring Brand Mission Statements
    1024 683 Michael Kraabel

    Brand missions articulate the purpose and intentions of a company, often focusing on what they aim to achieve for their customers, society, or the world at large. A strong brand mission goes beyond the pursuit of profit to encapsulate the…

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    The Silent Online Majority
    1024 684 Michael Kraabel

    A significant portion of the online community, which I started to refer to as the “silent online majority,” primarily consumes content without actively engaging in creation or extensive interaction. As I have started to research this group, I started to…

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    The Unplug Project
    1024 683 Michael Kraabel

    I’ve spent most of my professional career entangled in the endless loop of emails, social media notifications, and digital clutter. Like many others, my life is dominated by screens, leaving me drained and creatively stifled. In the early days of…

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    Marketing Conversion Rate Optimization Tips for 2024
    1024 683 Michael Kraabel

    Driving traffic to your website is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in transforming these visitors into engaged customers. This is where Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) becomes crucial. CRO is the strategic process of enhancing your website to boost the percentage…

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    Treat Your Customers Like Friends
    1024 683 Michael Kraabel

    Embracing the ethos of treating customers as friends isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s a strategic choice that can lead to long-term positive outcomes. – from trust and loyalty to long-term growth and a robust brand image. “The most successful…

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    On Team Building
    1024 683 Michael Kraabel

    I wasn’t always a good manager. In the early stages of my career, my style often lacked the finesse and insight I now possess. Having hired (and unfortunately fired) quite a number of employees over the years, I’ve learned a…

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