Buzz
Team HALO has worked in communities, spoken to conferences and coached business owners and organizations across America. Andy says that “we don’t like to lose,” and it’s true: we play to win. We’re YOUR team to take your small businesses, downtown organizations and causes of all sorts to the winner’s circle. We play with small budgets and smart strategy – for BIG returns.
Here is just a small sampling of what some of our recent customers and session attendees had to say about our work. If you’d like to hear more, please just ask us. We’ll also be happy to put you in touch with clients directly. They are our best sales tool, to be sure!
Marianna (far left) and Andy (far right) with the girls at Cafe 212 in Tupelo, Miss.
“As for my domination plan, I am hoping to knock your socks off with the number of merchants that have Fan Pages. Did I mention we already have 2200 fans on our downtown fan page? You were (and continue to be) my inspiration!” - Kristi Trevarrow, Executive Director, Rochester Downtown Development Authority in Rochester, MI.
“Amazing folks who ‘get it’… they understand the technology… It’s much more than a simple fan page on Facebook, or a series of tweets on Twitter… I am absolutely amazed at the quality of the work Marianna Hayes and Andy Chapman are doing for our company… amazed…” Jeff Good, Mangia Bene, Inc. Restaurant Management Group, Jackson, Miss.
“The Michigan Downtown Conference and the Michigan Main Street program had Team HALO in for our Annual conference. Wow! What an impact! Their energetic and entertaining sessions on using new technologies lit a fire under the seats of everyone there. By the end of the following week every Michigan Main Street community was on Facebook and half had blogs letting the world know about their downtowns. Our program and staff are now using these technologies to promote our successes and enhance our communication too. We wouldn’t have thought about had it not been for Team HALO.” Joseph B. Borgstrom, Director of Specialized Technical Assistance, Revitalization Strategy (STARS) Division, Michigan State Housing Development Authority
“Our Main Street Program (Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street) brought in Marianna Hayes and Andy Chapman of HALO Business Advisors to conduct two seminars and provide in-store consultations to our downtown business owners. Marianna and Andy discussed many things during their time here, including using free marketing tools like Facebook. About the time Marianna and Andy came to town, members of the Main Street Promotions committee were really struggling with what marketing/advertising they should do for the holidays. They wanted to do something collectively, and had a draft plan in place. Marianna and Andy came in and turned that upside down! P.S. Our Downtown LS page has over 1300 fans. Not too shabby!” Sarah Shore, Assistant Director, Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street, Inc., Lee’s Summit, Missouri
“I heard her speak at the National Main Streets Conference in Philadelphia, and thought she was the best speaker I heard throughout the conference. Encouraging businesses to extend their products to the sidewalk, signage and fonts and Curlz MT and facades – see I was paying attention? I have shared these ideas continually with my merchants and many have caught on. I have talked of my hope to get you nearby someday so that they can hear from you directly!” Francine Taylor, Executive Director, Cambridge Main Street, Cambridge, Ohio
Marianna with Main Street Director Vera Sanalone and local toy store owner in Fairmont, WV.
“I love their ideas for promoting my business on social networking sites like Facebook – very helpful and creative! Presentation style was relaxed but professional. I felt motivated when I left their seminars!!” Mandy Becker, Swagger Gifts with Attitude, Cary, NC
“David, Kimberly and I want to thank you for the on site consulting [for our three businesses] and all the marketing strategies and suggestions for our businesses. We have been inspired and motivated and will be taking action by setting new goals and time lines. Your expertise and the recommendations are greatly appreciated. I would highly recommend you to others businesses needing help. I felt like you were very, very informative. You know your ’stuff’, and you were encouraging.” Shirley McGee, McGee’s Gift Shop and Pomegranate, Shelbyville, TN
“She clearly knew her stuff and what she wanted to do with the presentation.”Cathy Pescinski, Harvard Main Street, Harvard, Illinois
“Marianna and Andy made me feel more confident, more informed, ready to go to work!” Dea Irby, Baron York Café, Clarkesville, Georgia
“Marianna is Energetic, excited, enthusiastic, passionate. I left feeling pumped up, ready to evaluate my business. This was a well presented, enthusiastic presentation to help you learn about revolutionizing your business.” Paige Porter, Simply Yours, Lexington, Kentucky
“Marianna speaks from the heart with confidence to genuinely help help customers to gain a knowledge – and has loads of enthusiastic motivation! I was thoroughly pleased – loved her enthusiasm. Marianna is a GENUINE PERSON!” Brenda S. Ashworth, West Side Main Street, Charleston, West Virginia
