What I did in 2023

This was year three of independent consulting for me, and it was a big one. I finished cancer treatment, got published in Oprah, helped launch the Adams Theater’s pop-up season and the Massachusetts Founders Network, and worked with so many wonderful, brilliant, creative people, small businesses, and nonprofits. I also developed an SEO obsession. (More on that here.)

In January, I continued working with MASS MoCA’s Assets for Artists program, keeping their digital marketing and social media running. I also made my work with the Adams Theater more significant, becoming its director of communications and helping plan for our summer pop-up season. I also wrapped up some really fun small business consulting work through the CDC of South Berkshire. 

In February, I wrapped up my branding and website work with writer Yasmine Ameli, and in March, I did some writing–locally for the B Magazine, the Eagle’s new glossy publication, and a piece about cancer for Oprah Daily. I also finished radiation in March! 

In April, I worked with Santa Cruz County, Calif., Poet Laureate Farnaz Fatemi on a website redesign. I also started working with Pam Sandler Architect on social media and PR. I also gave two virtual talks: on Instagram basics for A4A and on the basics of SEO for my friends in Alderwood Studio’s Pattern Writers Collective. 

In May, the Adams Theater launched its season, and we saw thousands of people come to our shows. I got to interview and profile all our artists, which is one of the best perks of this work–being able to talk to so many different kinds of creative, brilliant people. 

In June, my work with Lever to launch the Massachusetts Founders Network, a new community hub where startup founders can find and share resources, advice, and perspective, came to fruition. Leading up to the launch, I helped shape our SEO strategy, curated around 30 articles for our MFN Journal, assembled a team of writers, and wrote all of our branding and web copy.

Also in June, I started on consulting work with Images Cinema, working with their business development consultant Julia Dixon and providing data-informed marketing strategies. 

In July I did another A4A talk, the Basics of Digital Marketing, and worked with 1Berkshire’s small business technical assistance program to teach and consult with five local businesses. I also finished my prescribed year of herceptin–completing my “active treatment” phase of the cancer journey. It was a big moment. 

In August, I finished my consulting work with Dr. Lisa Donovan, one of the nation’s leading arts education researchers. We worked to tell her story in a new branding language and find ways her website could communicate that story more effectively. 

In September, I started adjuncting at MCLA, teaching arts marketing. I had some flexibility around how to present this material to my class, so I designed a semester-long partnership with the Adams Theater, where students offered insights and analysis, went to a show, and designed an audience survey. It was incredibly fun! 

In October, MFN had its official launch event. We welcomed leaders from entrepreneur support organizations across the state, plus State Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. I secured statewide media coverage for the launch, and I got to interview all the ESO leaders for features in the MFN Journal. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I wrote about why I opted to pursue flat closure surgery for Oprah Daily. I also organized a collaborative show at the Phelps Cancer Center to mark BC awareness month and finished my series of quilts about cancer treatments in time for them to be displayed. 

I also gave two marketing talks in the fall–in October for Assets for Artists, and in November, for grad students at the Rhode Island School of Design as part of its “Art of Business” webinar series. 

In December, I wrapped up my MCLA class–and launched a new technical assistance cohort with 1Berkshire! 

I also built out a new offering for 2024: SEO audits. I’ve been doing SEO audits with current clients for years, but in 2023 I was able to engage more deeply in learning all about SEO and its intricacies. I’m excited to share what I’ve found out (and tried) with new folks, and to have a new obsessive interest. (Find out more about SEO audits here.)