We brainstorm ideas all the time, often without even realizing it. We all face some sort of difficulty or challenge on a regular basis which causes us to brainstorm solutions. Brainstorming ideas is something innate in all of us when we deal with personal tribulations, but brainstorming also occurs in a professional setting. In fact, brainstorming ideas is necessary when it comes to teams and companies.

Local advertising agencies can use AI to improve efficiency and client outcomes. This article covers how agencies can automate routine tasks like email marketing, enhance content creation with AI writing tools, and optimize ad performance using platforms like Google Performance Max. It also explores predictive analytics and personalization strategies that help agencies deliver more targeted, data-driven campaigns. Real-world examples and case studies demonstrate how even small agencies can start using AI today to gain a competitive edge and deliver smarter, more effective marketing solutions.

Zig Ziglar was a renowned American author, salesman, and motivational speaker who transformed the field of sales with his emphasis on integrity, service, and personal development. His philosophy centered on the belief that helping others achieve their goals is the key to personal success. Ziglar's teachings continue to inspire sales professionals worldwide, emphasizing the importance of a positive attitude and ethical practices. As he famously said, "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."

Weekly Newsletter February 16, 2026

Holiday sales in 2025 are projected to rise 4% to more than $975 billion, a healthy but below-average pace as consumers balance rising wages with debt and economic uncertainty.

Bain Company advises retailers to “go big” with bold, event-driven promotions—especially around Black Friday and Cyber Monday—as cautious shoppers still flock to high-impact sales moments.
In-store spending is expected to gain 2.75% while e-commerce growth slows to 7%, making an integrated digital-plus-brick strategy essential.

Retailers that highlight value, deliver warm in-person experiences, and use timely, personalized ads are most likely to outperform.
For local media reps and ad agencies, the forecast is a call to action to pitch concentrated campaigns, bundle traditional with digital, and help clients turn calculated consumers into confident buyers.

Kick off the week strong with these must-run co-op campaigns your customers will be excited to promote!
• Larson Spring Sale! — Refresh entryways with stylish, secure storm doors designed for durability, ventilation, and everyday comfort—now available with seasonal savings customers will love.
• May is Maytag Month! — Deliver powerful performance and dependable appliances built to handle real life, backed by special offers that make upgrading easier than ever.
• Broil King Free Cover Offer! — Elevate outdoor cooking with premium grills engineered for performance, paired with a free cover to keep the experience going all season long.
• Polaris Get Ready to Ride Sales Event! — Get adventure-ready with high-performance off-road vehicles built for power, control, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
• Mercury Marine Catch the Right Deal Promotion! — Help customers hit the water with confidence using reliable, high-quality marine engines and exclusive savings for the season ahead.
• Hustler Spring Sales Event! — Tackle lawn care with ease using durable, high-performance mowers designed for comfort, efficiency, and professional-grade results.
• Karastan Style Meets Savings Event! — Transform any space with beautifully crafted carpets and rugs that combine timeless design, premium quality, and limited-time savings.

In the world of sales, the ability to effectively communicate, negotiate, and understand products is imperative. While traditional training methods often involve presentations and role-playing, integrating games and activities into sales training can be a game-changer. These interactive approaches not only enhance engagement but also foster skill development in a more immersive and enjoyable manner.

Mark Zuckerberg’s journey from a Harvard dorm room to leading Meta showcases his visionary leadership, product-first mindset, and resilience under pressure. He built Facebook by prioritizing user experience, embracing bold risks like acquiring Instagram and pivoting to the metaverse. His management style emphasizes mission-driven culture, strategic delegation, and long-term thinking. Case studies such as the Cambridge Analytica response and Meta’s global expansion highlight his ability to lead through crisis and scale effectively. Local media sales reps can learn from his approach by innovating, embracing technology, building trust, and thinking beyond short-term wins.

Looking for a fun and effective way to boost your sales team’s communication skills? Try the Elevator Pitch Challenge! This engaging game will help your team members refine their ability to deliver concise and compelling pitches, a critical skill for any successful salesperson.

As much media coverage and hype e-commerce receives, its 2013 revenue total of $262.3 billion was still only 5.8 percent of total US retail sales, which was $4.533 trillion. Although e-commerce sales will increase 87 percent from 2013 to 2018, it will account for just less than 9 percent of all US retail sales, forecasted to reach $5.552 trillion.

If your team dreads meetings, it might not be the idea of meetings they hate—it might be the way they’re being run. Many leaders haven’t evolved past the outdated meeting practices of the 1990s. Endless talking, rigid agendas, and one-way communication no longer work. Today’s teams need meetings that are dynamic, inclusive, and productive. If you’re running meetings like it’s still 1995, it’s time to rethink how you bring your people together.

Gen Z isn’t abandoning online shopping—but they’re showing a clear preference for in-store experiences when discovery, confidence, and social energy matter. Research points to Gen Z using stores as places to browse, validate choices, and turn shopping into an “event,” while still relying on digital tools to research and plan. The winners are retailers who remove friction (fast checkout, preferred payment options, inventory confidence) and make stores worth the trip with curated experiences and moments that feel shareable. For local marketers and media sellers, the opportunity is to shift campaigns toward driving measurable store visits through events, drops, and community-based messaging that turns foot traffic into habit and loyalty.

Are your cold calls falling flat because you’re making simple mistakes? The salesperson called me, but I couldn’t talk at that moment. I was busy focused on something and was unwilling to stop, although I usually take cold calls. If you make cold calls, you should take them because you may learn from different approaches.

Used strategically, body language can emphasize your argument and make it resonate with your audience. Want to really drive a point home with your prospect? Consider walking a few steps toward them. Nodding, smiling, and maintaining eye contact will create a positive and receptive atmosphere. And making small, restrained gestures can project an air of authority and confidence.

A new report from Borrell Associates reveals that recently established local businesses are breathing new life into traditional media mdash;including radio, TV, print, billboards, and direct mail mdash;with a notable increase in ad spending. Radio leads the way with an average advertiser spend of $48,060, topping even television. The growth in small business formation post-pandemic has created an influx of new advertisers who often favor traditional media channels for their perceived effectiveness and hands-on support. This shift signals a vital opportunity for local media sales reps to reconnect with Main Street and capture growing budgets from newer, often underserved advertisers.