Local entrepreneurs in Gilbert recently participated in a workshop aimed at helping them build effective marketing strategies. The event, titled “Marketing Foundations: Basics to Build Your Strategy with Confidence,” was held at The CATALYST and hosted by Holly Pritulsky of American Family Insurance.
The session brought together a diverse group of business owners, from solo entrepreneurs to those running established small businesses. Participants engaged in group activities and discussions designed to break down marketing concepts into practical steps.
According to Holly Pritulsky, “I was excited to lead the group through some facilitation, then they dove into group activities and lively discussions, transforming complex marketing concepts into practical, actionable steps.”
The workshop began with an exercise on customer personas. Attendees used worksheets to identify their ideal customers, focusing on details such as daily habits, goals, challenges, and buying behaviors. This approach encouraged participants to think beyond general demographics and create detailed profiles for targeted messaging.
Next, the session addressed how to select appropriate marketing channels. A checklist provided options ranging from digital platforms like Google Ads and social media to local outreach methods such as event sponsorships and direct mail. This allowed attendees to evaluate which channels would be most effective for reaching their specific audiences.
The final segment focused on developing an actionable marketing plan. Using the example of “Sweet Roots Bakery,” participants learned how to set measurable objectives, define unique selling propositions, list specific tactics across various platforms, allocate budgets effectively, and establish ways to track progress using analytics and sales data.
By the end of the 90-minute workshop, each participant had foundational tools—including worksheets and templates—to begin building their own marketing plans. The event aimed to provide clarity and confidence for local business owners seeking purposeful growth strategies.
