We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Steven Mccracon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Steven below.
Steven , appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later
If I could go back in time, I would have launched my business during the COVID-19 pandemic. That period saw a surge in small businesses and entrepreneurs striving to make ends meet as traditional employment opportunities dwindled. Pop-up shops and expos were exceptionally profitable and productive then.
Although I officially registered my business as an LLC in September 2023, my journey in events and marketing dates back to 2008-2009. I coined the name Creative Marketing and Management Group in July 2021. Had I taken the leap and committed to my business in 2021, I believe I would be at a significantly different level today. Despite starting officially in 2023, I’ve already organized two major expos within this year and secured various marketing and management deals, including managing Flava Lounge, a lounge and restaurant in the Bronx. The experience has been immensely rewarding, and I am excited about what the future holds.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
The name of my company is Creative Marketing & Management Group, also known as Creative MM Group. We are a full-service agency that excels across various industries, offering expertise in event marketing, event production, management consulting, brand development, content creation, sponsorship activation, and social media management. Our team is dedicated to bringing innovative ideas to life and delivering exceptional results.
We proudly curate three major events: The Culture Expo, Expression, and The Great Food Fest. These events showcase our capabilities and highlight the diverse range of services we provide. What I am most proud of is the incredible sponsors and clients we’ve had the privilege to work with. For instance, Sprite sponsors the drinks at our events, while City World Ford generously raffles away different vehicles, adding an exciting element to our gatherings.
At Creative MM Group, we want potential clients to know that our brand stands for creativity, reliability, and excellence. We are passionate about crafting unique experiences and delivering tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each client. Our commitment to quality and innovation sets us apart in the industry, and we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals and exceed their expectations.
How did you build your audience on social media?
When I founded Creative Marketing & Management Group (Creative MM Group) in September 2023, our goal was clear: to revolutionize event marketing, production, and brand development. However, building a strong social media presence was a challenge we had to overcome.
We started by understanding our audience through thorough market research, which helped us tailor our content to their interests. Establishing a unique and consistent brand voice was crucial, and we focused on being friendly, professional, and value-driven.
Investing in high-quality content was a priority. We created engaging visuals, videos, and blog posts that showcased behind-the-scenes looks at our events, client testimonials, and industry insights. Consistency was key, so we maintained a regular posting schedule using social media management tools.
Engaging with our community was a game-changer. By responding to comments, participating in discussions, and acknowledging feedback, we built strong relationships. Collaborating with influencers and partnering with other brands expanded our reach and added credibility.
We also leveraged paid advertising to accelerate our growth, running targeted ad campaigns on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. This strategy helped us reach a larger audience and drive traffic to our profiles.
Within a year, our efforts paid off. Our follower count skyrocketed, engagement rates improved, and we started receiving inquiries from potential clients through social media. Our events—The Culture Expo, Expression, and The Great Food Fest—gained significant traction, attracting larger crowds and securing more sponsorships.
Here’s my advice for building a strong social media presence:
1. Know Your Audience: Understand who they are and tailor your content to their needs.
2. Create High-Quality Content: Invest in visually appealing and valuable posts.
3. Be Consistent: Maintain a regular posting schedule to build trust.
4. Engage Actively: Respond to comments and participate in discussions.
5. Collaborate and Network: Partner with influencers and brands to expand your reach.
6. Use Analytics: Monitor performance and adjust your strategy accordingly.
7. Invest in Paid Advertising: Run targeted ad campaigns to reach a larger audience.
8. Stay Authentic: Be genuine in your interactions and true to your brand’s values.
By following these steps, we successfully built a strong social media presence and established Creative MM Group as a trusted name in the industry. Our journey shows the power of strategic planning, quality content, and authentic engagement.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
When I founded Creative Marketing & Management Group, I believed I had to handle everything myself to ensure success. Initially, this hands-on approach seemed effective, but as the business grew, the workload became overwhelming. I was exhausted and the quality of my work began to suffer.
The turning point came during the planning of our first major event, The Culture Expo. Realizing I couldn’t sustain this pace, I took a mentor’s advice and began delegating tasks. Trusting my team was challenging at first, but it proved transformative. The quality of our work improved, and I discovered fresh ideas and perspectives from my team.
Delegating allowed me to focus on strategic planning and building relationships while empowering my team to shine. This pivotal lesson taught me the value of trust, collaboration, and the power of a dedicated team.
Unlearning the need to do everything myself was challenging but immensely rewarding, leading to the growth and success of both me and Creative MM Group.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://CreativeMMGroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemmgroup?igsh=dWVuNzZiMWdncXlz&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativemmgroup
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenmccracon?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: https://linktr.ee/creativemmgroup