Tools, Tips, Tricks, and More!
In “The Game Changers Issue,” we dive into some of the many local business leaders and figures who thrive by harnessing the expertise of local service providers and networking groups, discovering savvy cost-saving techniques, and more knowledge to grow.
In the following pages, we’re first going to meet these exemplary business leaders. Then, they’re going to give us recommendations on everything from software to books, and so much more. Get ready to learn!
Meet the Commentators
Jade Scherr, CEO of HexaHive
What is HexaHive?
HexaHive is a strategic marketing agency focused on helping businesses grow and succeed through marketing. Founded in 2019, we are Bismarck-Mandan’s go-to, long-term partner for businesses tired of generic marketing approaches. Recognized as a Top 10 Employer in Bismarck-Mandan for three consecutive years and honored by the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC as the 2023 Women-Owned Business of the Year, we partner with a diverse range of clients, from billion-dollar corporations to local, family-owned businesses.
Our specialty isn’t in certain industries but in our way of thinking. We identify and execute the most effective marketing strategies, turning marketing from an expense into a key driver of growth. We focus on the efforts that yield results, even if they’re outside traditional marketing and advertising tactics. We go beyond standard marketing services by understanding each client’s unique needs and developing tailored strategies for long-term success. Combining innovative thinking with practical execution, we’ve built a reputation.
Our specialty isn’t in certain industries but in our way of thinking. We identify and execute the most effective marketing strategies, turning marketing from an expense into a key driver of growth. We focus on the efforts that yield results, even if they’re outside traditional marketing and advertising tactics. We go beyond standard marketing services by understanding each client’s unique needs and developing tailored strategies for long-term success. Combining innovative thinking with practical execution, we’ve built a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses looking to enhance visibility, build strong customer relationships, and achieve sustainable growth. Our impact extends through our clients’ successes, as we help them grow and prosper.
Additionally, we contribute to the Bismarck-Mandan community through volunteering and involvement with local colleges, encouraging and shaping the next generation of marketing and design professionals.
Are you currently working on anything interesting, or do you have any exciting news to share?
There are so many things I could talk about! First, we’ve leaned into working with the businesses that bring us the most joy. We’re able to add a ton of value for them and really focus on doing high-quality work that brings long-term success. This has contributed to the growth of our team in the last year. In fact, we’re now a team of nine!
Even with this growth, we focus on saying “yes” only to organizations where we feel we can bring the most value.
Here are a few projects I’m excited about:
Partnering with a local community bank to develop and help sustain a long-term marketing strategy. It’s exciting to witness that ‘aha’ moment when organizations see how their goals and our marketing strategy can work together.
Diving deeper into statewide political efforts with New Economic Frontier, the organization striving to legalize cannabis in North Dakota. We’re spearheading a variety of activities, from branding, polling, and opinion research to campaigns and grassroots efforts. While it’s a nuanced subject, it’s rewarding to help lay out the facts so voters can make an informed decision on election day.
Helping North Dakota’s leading safety organization boost an essential program that ensures that bars and restaurants serve alcohol safely. Think you can guess who it is?
Phillip Voeller, Owner of Hi5 Media Solutions
What is Hi5 Media Solutions?
Hi5 Media Solutions helps businesses market themselves through video production with narrative storytelling that sells and closes leads 24/7. I taught music for 13 years in Beulah, ND where I still live, and worked at a surface coal mine for 15 summers. Little did I know that those two jobs would collide and lead me to a career in video production. I’ve had projects achieve over $100,000 in return on investment, and people have mentioned that they moved from the coast to Hazen, ND, because of a video I produced.
Jason Richter, Owner of 701 Studios, LLC
What is 701 Studios?
701 Studios plays a vital role in the local community by helping businesses succeed online. We offer friendly, local website creation services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. By providing personalized attention and support, we ensure that each business we work with has a strong, SEO-optimized online presence that drives growth and success. Our commitment to the local community extends beyond just business; we value the relationships we build with our clients and strive to be a trusted partner in their journey.
Are you currently working on anything interesting, or do you have any exciting news to share?
Yes, we have some exciting news to share! Over the past year, 701 Studios has experienced significant growth, and we anticipate even more expansion in the near future. We are currently working on something cool, so stay tuned for more updates as we continue to evolve and innovate in the web development and online marketing space.
Byron Lannoye, Semi-Retired, Seasoned Entrepreneur
Past Positions & Titles
Mechanic, Business Owner, Farmer, General Manager, Salesman, Company Representative & Market Development for USA, and Business Entrepreneur.
All the businesses I have been involved in have brought economic value to the Bismarck-Mandan area, the state of North Dakota, and multiple other states across the country. The financial value comes from increased job opportunities, local purchases, sales, building local infrastructure, and bringing outside investors into the Bismarck-Mandan region. I have worked with companies worldwide during my business career and truly enjoyed the experience.
Can you give me a timeline of your endeavors?
Most of my life’s work has been with startup companies, apart from our farm in the Devils Lake area, which was started by my grandpa Lannoye in the early 1900s. Eventually, I needed to move from the farm at the age of 46 due to overland flooding that covered most of our farm. We had been fighting the flooding for approximately 16 years, and towards the end of those 16 years, two close friends of mine passed away. The flooding and the loss of my friends took a toll on me mentally, and we decided it was best for me to leave the farm battleground in 2006. Prior to leaving the farm in 2006, a group of farmers, including myself, started the Pulse USA seed company in Bismarck, ND, in 2001.
In the spring of 2006, the general manager at Pulse USA resigned to pursue other business ventures, and this gave me an opportunity to apply for the GM position with my partners. They hired me as the new GM, and I stayed with Pulse USA from 2006 through 2017. Then I went on to work for a Canadian company as their only representative in the USA. Startup companies will take 120% of your personal involvement to get them off the ground, so be prepared to work!
Can you give me a timeline of your endeavors?
Everyone scratches their heads when they find out I am in the tattoo business. I am in recovery myself, and I started the first tattoo company to help artists in the recovery community who had trouble getting work at local tattoo shops. We started the first company in the middle of 2019, and I exited that company at the end of 2020. Designer Tattoo Inked opened at the beginning of 2021 and is still running strong with an excellent reputation.
Designer Tattoo Inked initially offered mental health awareness tattoo specials, leading to a self-help group called Holding Hope in Bismarck. It is free to attend, and we hold three meetings weekly at 7:30 p.m. We have had thousands of attendees since its inception in 2020. The meetings work well for people in alcohol and addiction recovery, those struggling with mental health and behavioral issues, and people trying to keep their emotions in check.
Holding Hope has provided a way for me to give back to a community that has treated me fairly and a community that I call home.
Do you have any exciting news to share?
In 2022, I began the transition process of turning Designer Tattoo Inked over to a young woman from Mandan, Molly Gress. In 2023, she took the reins and took over 100% while keeping me on as a staff member and mentor. The change of leadership roles has been an enjoyable experience for both of us, and once again, the money earned at the shop stays local and multiplies many times over. Molly is doing an amazing job of running the company, and she treats each client exceptionally, which results in many return customers. There is no better advertising than a happy customer!
Game-Changing Business Apps & Software
Did You Know?
Byron has an extensive resume with many past positions and titles that include:
- Lannoye Farms/Seed—Owner/CEO
- Lannoye Grain Cleaning—Owner/Operator
- Pulse USA—Partner Owner/General Manager
- Heads Up—Company Representative & Market Development for USA
- Resurrection Tattoo—Owner/Business Startup
- Designer Tattoo Inked—Owner/Manager/Sales and Marketing/Secretarial Duties
- Holding Hope Nonprofit 501(c)(3)—Founder
Byron Lannoye Recommends
Excel
These social platforms not only allow us to remain in constant contact with our customers, but they also are our main marketing and advertising tools.
Square
We use this equipment and software to manage and retain customer sales, interactions, and appointments, giving us a complete view of each customer.
Social Media
These social platforms not only allow us to remain in constant contact with our customers, but they are also our main marketing and advertising tools.
iPad Pro
This piece of equipment and software has revolutionized the tattoo industry. Tattoo artists can do most of their smaller artwork digitally with an iPad Pro instead of sketching with paper and pencil. However, we still have large tattoos that require good old-fashioned artwork drawn by hand on the clients.
Phillip Voeller Recommends
Driversnote
Driversnote has been extremely helpful for keeping track of my business mileage!
Whereby
For video calls, I love Whereby. It’s always the same meeting link, you can customize the colors to your brand, and overall I feel like it just looks better than Zoom.
Sun Seeker
I love Sun Seeker to help determine where the sun will be when I am scouting filming locations.
Descript
Although I now do most of my captions right in my video editing software, Descript can be a great option to add captions to your video content.
Jade Scherr Recommends
Google Voice
The days of having a separate phone for work and personal are over. This app allows you to have a different phone number for work, receive those calls on your personal phone, and set hours to receive calls, giving some work-life separation.
Loom
This video messaging app allows you to record your screen, voice, and face simultaneously. It’s a game-changer when you need to present things that don’t warrant a meeting but that would be hard to explain through email.
ChatGPT x Claude
Work smarter, not harder. Both of these generative AI tools are great for brainstorming, grammar checks, checking the tone of your writing, and so much more. They’re great tools that can help streamline the creative process, but I’m an adamant believer that you shouldn’t just use what AI gives you.
Zapier
Zapier automates and integrates the various applications that we use so that they work together seamlessly, saving us time and headaches. With Zapier, we were able to set up a simple integration that allows updates in Trello to be reflected in its respective Slack channel. If you can dream an automation, there’s a good chance Zapier can do it—and do it easily.
Jason Richter Recommends
Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is essential for our design team. It allows us to create stunning visuals, edit photos, and develop graphics that enhance the visual appeal of our clients’ websites and marketing materials.
SEO Optimization Tools
We use several popular SEO optimization tools, that we’ve trained with our data over the years, that help us analyze and improve our clients’ search engine rankings. These tools provide critical insights into keyword performance, marketing strategies, and on-page SEO elements.
WordPress
WordPress is our go-to platform for building and managing websites. Its flexibility, extensive plugin library, and a user-friendly interface allow us to create customized, SEO-optimized websites that meet our clients’ specific needs.
Google Analytics
Google Analytics provides us with invaluable insights into website traffic and user behavior. This data helps us make informed decisions to improve website performance, optimize marketing strategies, and enhance the overall user experience.
Have you found any interesting, new ways to use software that you were already using?
Phillip
Video editing software has been evolving so fast that it can be hard to keep up with the latest and greatest tool that’s been added to the platform. However, text-based editing is pretty great! It will give you a text readout of an interview, you clip out the words you’d like, and the software automatically makes the video selection for you.
Jason
Many of the software solutions we’ve been using for years have now integrated artificial intelligence features. This advancement allows us to build more robust and SEO-optimized websites. AI-powered tools help us conduct advanced keyword analysis, and personalize user experiences based on real-time data. These enhancements enable us to deliver even greater value to our clients by improving website performance and search engine rankings more efficiently than ever before.
Jade
There are endless opportunities to use both ChatGPT and Zapier. It seems like every week we’re finding new ways to leverage them, allowing us to automate everyday tasks and spend more time on our most valuable, creative, and strategic efforts.
Local Service Providers That I Have Shown Support
Jade
- Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC): While they’re not a traditional service provider, GNDC is a behind-the-scenes superhero. They’re advocating for public policy that sets businesses in our state up for success. Many laws and policies are constantly being developed and refined; I rest easy at night knowing that GNDC is working with lawmakers and key stakeholders as an advocate for small businesses like HexaHive.
- Steven Richard with Lux Wealth Advisors: It’s important to have a clear vision of financial success for your business. Steven helps us do all that and more. We’re lucky to have his insight and expertise in managing our healthcare plan and IRA, and helping with financial planning.
- Nurtured Home Cleaning: If you’re a business owner, look at what you can outsource in your personal life. For me, it was cleaning. Nurtured Home Cleaning makes it so much easier for me to focus on other things in my life because I don’t have to worry about cleaning my house. Even better? They’re huge about supporting local businesses and are the most thoughtful humans, surprising us with donuts for our birthdays or with local goods as a sweet surprise.
Jason
- Haga Kommer: Provides expertise in all areas of tax and accounting services.
- Gate City Bank: Great to work with and offers impressive online banking features.
Networking Croups That Have Helped Your Business
Phillip
My local chamber has been great, and Master Networks and IABC Great Plains have been great places to meet people! Furthermore, I’d love to attend more 1 Million Cups events in Bismarck.
Jason
We’ve really enjoyed following and engaging with 1 Million Cups in Bismarck. 1 Million Cups brings together local entrepreneurs who share their stories and experiences. This community has been invaluable to us, as it allows us to learn from the successes and challenges of others, gain new insights, and foster meaningful connections within the local business ecosystem. Being part of such a vibrant group has helped us grow both professionally and personally, enhancing our ability to serve our clients better.
Jade
Networking has been an essential aspect of our growth. The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC’s membership mixers have been a game-changer for us in reaching and connecting with our ideal customers. We’ve identified and secured several opportunities and partnerships directly as a result of these events. If you’re considering joining the local chamber, do it—the investment is a no-brainer if you get actively involved.
We’re also involved with industry-specific associations like IABC Great Plains, which helps us grow our connections while staying on top of ever-changing marketing trends. I also have gotten a lot of value out of my local rotary group—the group’s volunteer, leadership, and community mindset inspires me.
Game-Changing Book Recommendations
Jason
“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill
We enjoy the book “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. Despite being written in 1937, its messages and principles are timeless. The book emphasizes perseverance and the importance of not giving up, especially when you might be just inches away from success. These lessons have been crucial in guiding our business philosophy at 701 Studios, encouraging us to remain resilient and persistent in the face of challenges. This mindset has helped us navigate difficult times and continually strive for excellence in our work.
Jade
“The Pumpkin Plan” by Mike Michalowicz
“The Pumpkin Plan” by Mike Michalowicz is a book that brought pivotal change to HexaHive. The premise behind it is to grow your business like a pumpkin farmer. At first, I thought it sounded ridiculous, but our reputation and profitability both skyrocketed after implementing techniques from this book. Also, I’m hooked on audiobooks! Here are some more recommendations.
For entrepreneurs and business leaders:
“Buy Back Your Time” by Dan Martell
“The Win Without Pitching Manifesto” by Blair Enns
“10x is Easier than 2x” by Dan Sullivan
“Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz
For everyone:
“Be Your Future Self Now” by Dr. Benjamin Hardy
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear
“Who Not How” by Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy
“Crucial Conversations” by Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, Kerry Patterson
“Crucial Accountability” by Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, Kerry Patterson
Phillip
“Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki
“Rich Dad, Poor Dad” was the first ‘Aha’ book. I read it just prior to starting my business.
Cost-Saving Measures That Are Often Overlooked
Jade
One unique cost-saving measure we implemented recently is adding two international, remote employees to our team as support staff. Through a company called Somewhere, we found two stellar employees who allow us to keep our pricing competitive and streamline our operations so we can add more value to our clients.
[Somewhere] reports that this tactic can lower costs by up to 86% per role. As a strong supporter of our local community, I initially hesitated at the idea of hiring outside our market. However, two things changed my mind:
- North Dakota has a limited labor pool. It seems like everyone is struggling to hire. We needed to fill these critical roles, and fast.
- While this approach brings significant cost savings to HexaHive, the income these team members are receiving is significantly higher than what they would be paid doing the same thing in their local market.
Jason
One of the cost-saving measures we’ve implemented is maintaining a simple, functional office space. While it might not be flashy, it provides a comfortable location for us to meet with clients. Additionally, in today’s digital age, many clients prefer virtual meetings and Zoom calls, reducing the need for an elaborate office setup.
By building and managing our own hosting infrastructure, we can keep costs low and offer top-notch hosting services. This approach also enhances security, allowing us to provide these benefits at an affordable rate.
Byron
One cost-saving measure that I have used in the last six to seven years is hiring contracted help. You agree on the price for their contracted service, and you only need to keep track of what you pay the person or company—no benefits, no time off, etc. For example, they might be a local consulting company, and you only pay for the time they work on your projects.
By using this strategy, you won’t need to hire a full-time employee when there isn’t enough work to justify another staff member. I have used this tactic and have also filled in for companies as needed. It is an uncomplicated way to work with companies that are not based in the USA.
Time-Saving Tips For Time Management
Phillip
Honestly, having as much routine and structure at the beginning part of my day as possible is crucial. If my first half hour is productive, I’m set for the day. However, if I have a slow start to the day, I’ll be dragging the rest of the day.
Jade
Having a clear vision of where you’re going ensures you’re putting energy into the things that matter. Take advantage of tools like Slack and Trello to streamline your work, and keep looking for ways to improve. It’s far too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of business—if you can step back and look at the big picture, you’ll save time and energy in the long run.
Jason
We rely on a good old-fashioned calendar to manage our time effectively. When we schedule tasks on the calendar, we make it a priority to complete them by the designated dates. One of the most common complaints we hear from new clients is that their previous providers were not efficient on time and often failed to complete work promptly. By adhering to our calendar and maintaining a disciplined approach to deadlines, we ensure that we deliver our projects on time and meet our client’s expectations consistently. This commitment to punctuality and efficiency has become a cornerstone of our business operations.
By ensuring that we meet all our time commitments and deadlines, we avoid the need to push projects back, preventing them from overlapping with the start times of others. This strategy prevents a cumulative effect that could hinder progress. Staying on top of our schedule helps us keep our calendar orderly and accurate!
Byron
If your budget allows, hiring an assistant on staff can double your work output.
Game-Changing Marketing Tactics
Phillip
My best marketing is being out and about in my community! Attending a variety of networking events can make a significant impact on your business’ growth.
Jade
We’ve approached marketing in a non-traditional way, which might seem ironic for a marketing company. It’s what we do for clients too though—focusing on the efforts that yield results, even if they’re outside of traditional marketing or advertising.
- Networking & Building Relationships: Simply put, referrals and relationships are always going to go further than a traditional ad.
- Striving For Awards: This has been a pivotal way of building name recognition and credibility in the community.
- Publication Features: This keeps us top-of-mind as an expert opinion on marketing and as a credible leader in our community—two things we know our ideal clients value.
- Posting on my Personal LinkedIn: Too often when people hear LinkedIn is crucial for your business, they think of creating a company page and posting on that. In truth, people connect with people. Sharing behind the scenes of my day-today has built essential relationships, credibility, and trust that standard company posts just don’t do. It’s been a key factor in our growth.
Byron
- Consistent social media presence on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Meta Business Suite, along with a website, comprises our entire marketing campaign for the tattoo shop.
- If you have your own consulting company and contract your services to different businesses, it is essential to sell yourself in person whenever possible. Bring proof and research to the meeting so you can physically demonstrate why they should collaborate with you and what you can do to enhance their business. Texts, emails, and phone calls are effective once you have earned their trust.
- If you are in sales or tasked with representing a company or product, you need to personally meet your clients and cultivate a good working relationship. I have had customers call me at noon, and I drove 800 miles the same afternoon to be at their office or field by 8 a.m. the next morning. This is how you can gain a loyal customer who knows they can count on you when they really need you.
Strategies You’ve Used To Promote
Byron
- Offer to conduct seminars onsite at company locations to teach staff members about your products and provide them with concise, accurate product information.
- When necessary, supply your customers with every mode of direct communication to reach you. Sometimes, a job isn’t just 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. when your customer needs you.
- Some customers prefer personal service, while others do not want to see you unless they really need you. Determine what kind of customer you are working with to keep both types of customers happy.
Customer Engagement and Loyalty
Phillip
- I always follow up at least every 3, 6, and 12 months after a project; usually several times even after that.
- I go above and beyond for my clients! Extra deliverables are a common way that I show them that I care about their success!
Jade
This list is simple, but it really stems from us knowing who we are and who we want to work with.
- Working with people we align with and that bring us joy.
- Long-term partnerships, rather than one-and-done campaigns or projects.
- Being genuine, transparent, and authentic.
- Not rushing the sales process. We want people to feel comfortable and confident making a commitment with us.
Tips For Employee Motivation
Jade
We give our team members context and insight on what’s ahead. It’s hard to be motivated when you don’t know where you’re going. This means helping employees understand their role, what role they could grow into, the impact their work has, and the impact and future of our team as a whole.
We’ve been recognized as a Top 10 workplace three years in a row, and I really think it’s in part because we offer benefits our team cares about outside of the traditional benefits. But even more than that: We actively strive to ensure that each team member feels valued and heard. What’s more motivating than that?
Jason
Servant leadership and honesty are key. Employees appreciate seeing everyone work hard, and leading by example is the best way to motivate. It’s also important for employees to know that their leaders support them. Leaders should always clear obstacles to help employees succeed. However, trust is crucial, and it starts with honesty—not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard. Building trust means being honest and respectful at all times. That’s how real growth happens.
Byron
I have never asked an employee to do something I would not do myself. Sending employees to seminars that teach them new things and expand their horizons is always a winning plan in my book.