August 10, 2010: Having a great summer, and had the pleasure of completing our first couple of websites built on open source Wordpress platform, which will allow clients to update their own sites, but not tie them into a monthly fee for a “proprietary” interface. So wonderful how things like this are really evolving content on the internet! It has also created the need for Wordpress training – and we are working to build partnerships to really make this work smoothly…thanks to Calin Daniel for their recent support!
May 9, 2010: Busy like crazy lately. Three new clients in past two weeks is going to book us up tightly for a little while. Two in oil and gas related services, and one in wholesale distribution. All fantastic people to work with!
January 26, 2010: Happy New Year Folks! Check out our predictions and recommendations for 2010 on the free tips page.
December 1, 2009: The Christmas Tree at START Marketing is up! We’ll have to get a shot of it online…you know people always ask, “Is that your actual office on the website?” The answer: Yes it is! It’s part of our marketing strategy to make you feel right at home when you come to see us…we often get the comments like “Hey, I’m sure I’ve been here before!” What you see IS what you get!
November 3, 2009: Learning lots about social media for a major client who has a product line geared to parents of young children. Have recently launched a Twitter account ( search for JacqMarketer). If you’re in the field of marketing and want to stay in touch, follow me here.
October 19, 2009: Big progress this week at START Marketing Inc… In the same week I completed my tenure with the Inglewood BRZ, I drafted a major marketing plan, and signed a brand new home builder account. Also, we may be adding a strategic new person to our team…more details coming soon! Also, I wrote up some tips for retail businesses that might be helpful to you…check them out on the tips page.
September 8, 2009: Wahoo! We’ve launched our blog – check out the new blog page, and leave your kind and/or constructive remarks!
August 15, 2009: Business has been very brisk at START Marketing Inc. over the last few months. Can you say WHAT recession? Seems lots of forward-thinking companies believe an economic downturn IS the time to START marketing! Also, we’ll soon be upgrading some of the features on this website (but not changing the overall design, which we’ve had excellent feedback on) so stay tuned!
May 1, 2009: START Marketing is launching our new Consulting Apprenticeship Program for entrepreneurial marketers seeking to become marketing consultants. Visit the careers page for details.
March 16, 2009: Through START Marketing, Jacqueline Drew has been contracted to act as Managing Director of the Inglewood BRZ, an organization which helps to promote the merchants of Inglewood… She is currently planning out the area’s first big event of 2009: “Springlewood: Springtime in Inglewood” on Saturday March 21st, the first day of Spring. She and her band will also be performing for this event on the stage at From the Ground Up, located in the Garry Theatre (underneath the START Marketing offices) from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Drop down to say hello and check out all the cool happenings in Inglewood – including fashion and art exhibits, in-store demos, food/wine/beer tastings, and crazy contests/giveaways for the whole family…even your pets! Click here to view the Inglewood Schedule.
February 24, 2009: Jacqueline Drew appeared on QR77 today to discuss the latest branding initiative by the Alberta Government…and during a very entertaining interview, tossed out her own idea for a slogan to interviewer Mike Blanchard…”FEEL THE ENERGY”
February 13, 2009: START Marketing recently met with our top industry associates, and developed trends and marketing recommendations for 2009. CLICK HERE to read.
January 15, 2009: What trends are now happing in marketing, and how will this affect your business? START Marketing¹s expert team is planning a round-table in the next two weeks, and will soon post a comprehensive article on this website covering the discussion.
December 8, 2008: Jacqueline Drew was recently elected to Inglewood BRZ’s board of directors, a group that oversees the promotion of businesses in the Inglewood community of Calgary. Jacqueline actively participated in Inglewood’s “Christmas in Inglewood” celebrations Nov 13, providing music
(with her trio) and in helping to organize the decorating of the Colossal Christmas Tree… which you’ll find at the corner of 12 Street and 9th Avenue SE… right across the street from START Marketing Inc. Do come out and make a guess on the height of the tree – all proceeds from the fundraiser will go to support the Alexandra Centre in Inglewood.
September 25, 2008: Wondering how to set your price, create a volume discount structure, or improve your pricing strategy? CLICK HERE for a helpful new column on pricing.
August 29, 2008: CLICK HERE to listen to the recording from Jacqueline Drew’s interview on QR77 with Mike Blanchard.
August 28, 2008: Jacqueline appears at 5:45pm today on AM 770 CHQR with Mike Blanchard to discuss new developments in the multi-billion dollar retail coffee industry.
August 27, 2008: Whether you own a distribution, manufacturing, service, or retail business, there are some common marketing mistakes you’ll likely have. CLICK HERE to read.
June 29, 2008: New Career Opportunities in marketing are now available with START Marketing’s clients. Please see the Employment page for details.
April 25, 2008: Do you as a consumer get frustrated by sleazy marketing tricks? At least some of us, as marketers, are trying to do things the ethical way. And as a favour to you, we’ve provided an interesting column (which aired on CBC radio recently) to help you be more aware as a buyer.
February 15, 2008: Is an economic slowdown around the corner for Canadian Businesses? If you’ve got concerns, CLICK HERE to view tips for Recession-proofing your business.
January 4, 2008: Happy New Year! We’re gearing up for some exciting projects this year as we head into 2008…. Be sure to check out our free tips for current and upcoming articles.
November 27, 2007: Check here for new information on approximate fees for various services…. which we’ve included to make your budgeting and planning that much easier.
October 11, 2007: START Marking is thrilled to announce that we have now reached number one ranking in Google for key phrases “Marketing consultants in Canada” and “Canada Marketing Consultants” Check it out for yourself when you go “googling”! And, don’t hesitate to call us to find out how we can help your business get similar results.
August 27, 2007: We’re getting some great feedback on the new website! Thanks to those of you who took the time to make such kind remarks. We welcome your comments, and will keep your identity confidential if we use them within this web site.
“In all my years of using the WWW, I’ve seen a lot of websites and blogs, some of which are cool and some of which really suck. This is one of the best sites (maybe even THE best site) I have come across.”
Jim, Ontario
“The best web site I have ever seen, Your understanding of business, and personal ethics has inspired me to stay in the current business that i have been trying to walk away from.”
Dave, Ontario
June 24, 2007: New Web Site launches: We are thrilled to welcome you to our new web site, designed and programmed by web virtuoso Han Siu, who went above and beyond the call of duty providing photography, creative input, and flash programming! You’ll find all kinds of new articles, photos, and updates on everything to do with START Marketing! We have also added a place where you can choose to subscribe to our occasional mailings – if you should wish to be the first to get our fresh take all things marketing related!
April 3, 2007: Watch for an article on agency/client relationships in May’s Alberta Venture. Jacqueline Drew was interviewed and photographed and will provide her thoughts on building close relationships with clients.
February 15, 2007: Why is it twice as hard to create our own marketing piece, i.e. this web site, as it is our clients’? Sorry it’s not ready yet. We had to dump the original concept and go back to the drawing board. The good news is, the new concept will be much more original, and give you a real feel for our company…warm, friendly and personal. Meanwhile, this website will remain fully functioning until the new one is ready.
January 7, 2007: Happy New Year to all our clients, suppliers and friends. The coming year is seeing us extremely busy launching new marketing programs for several clients, hence our delay in completing the revamp of our own web site. Stay tuned and you will soon be treated to an exciting new look for START Marketing!
September 20, 2006: In celebration of our 10 years in business, we have developed a new logo, and will soon be revealing our new web site look…check back soon to have a look!
July 21, 2006: Internet marketing services: Ever wondered how to get your web site ranking at the top of Google? We’ve got it down pat. In fact, that’s probably how you arrived here at our web site. Click here for details!
June 21, 2006: Tremendous thanks to all the clients, suppliers and friends who came out to attend our amazingly fun “Toast and Jam!” 10th Anniversary party. It was an absolutely excellent evening, with Tom Phillips and the band as a true highlight…or was it Jasmine’s outstanding food? We are already considering a repeat performance next year.
May 5, 2006:
10TH ANNIVERSARY “TOAST AND JAM”
“I Like Bread and Butter, I Like Toast and Jam” START Marketing is celebrating our Tenth Anniversary with a colourful Toast and Jam – Toast success! Jam if you’re in the groove! Tom Phillips (with START Marketing’s founder, Jacqueline Drew) will START the vibe with their live acoustic performance, carrying through to an evening jam session. Following, guests in the groove can boogie down to the family-friendly Ironwood Stage and Grill (a non-smoking venue) to see Tom Phillips and the Men of Constant Sorrow perform.
Date: Friday, June 16th, 2006
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: START Marketing, at 1229A – 9 Avenue SE (optional afterparty at the Ironwood, 1429 9 Ave SE, 9:30 pm until Late)
Dress: Completely Casual
Food: Spectacular hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and a sampling of fine tequila!
Cost: Free of charge
March 3, 2006: START Marketing has enhanced our site with new information and rates on our sales training program. Please click here for information.
January 25, 2006: START Marketing is pleased to announce that we are now accepting VISA, MasterCard and debit cards. We also will continue to accept cash or business cheques.
January 24, 2006: START Marketing is pleased to announce that 2006 marks our 10th anniversary year! Watch for details on a celebration to be held in June….it’s going to be a honky-tonkin’ party….with great live music (who wants to see Jacqueline play her accordion with Tom Phillips and the Men of Constant Sorrow?!).
November 24, 2005: Want to start a career in marketing? We have now included an article on how to get into the field or marketing and advertising, and it is included in our Employment section. We hope this helps all you aspiring marketers out there – and good luck!
October 18, 2005: Now that the labour dispute has been settled at CBC, we have resumed our regular columns. The columns air every other Tuesday on CBC Radio One (AM1010 in Calgary, and at the same time in other time zones in Canada, starting October 18, 2005, at approximately 5:50 am. Upcoming columns until the year-end will air: November 1, 15, 29, and December 13, and 27. To listen click here and click onto columns by Jacqueline Drew.
September 25, 2005: We have launched a “What’s New” section on our web site. As things are growing and changing, this will keep our clients and suppliers up to speed with changes in our business.
September 23, 2005: START Marketing is launching a morning advertising sponsorship campaign on CHQR AM 770. With the assistance of long time friend (and fellow former CASA President) Bill Bergh, we have high hopes for our new radio campaign.
August 15 2005: START Marketing is pleased to announce opening of our new offices…located in the historic Inglewood district just east of downtown, at 1229A – 9 Avenue SE, in the upper level of the Garry Theatre building. The space is a beautiful heritage building, hardwood floors, exposed brick, skylights! Just the right atmosphere for creativity and great ideas.
August 20 2005: Text versions of our CBC marketing columns (aired nationally every other Tuesday morning on CBC Radio) are now available on under our “Free Tips” section.
July 3 2005: START Marketing has recently partnered with a local supplier to provide search engine marketing services. This will ensure all of our clients have access to superior listings on search engines such as Google, MSN, etc.
