Ashley Smith: From Big City Hustle to Southern Charm Marketing

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Picture the scene: the sun setting over Charleston's cobblestone streets, where history meets a thriving creative pulse. It's exactly this allure that captured the heart of Ashley Smith, founder of GSD Advisory, who joins us on the Charleston Marketing Podcast to discuss her voyage from big city life to the charm of the South. Weaving tales of her past in the bustle of LA and NYC into the fabric of Charleston's vibrant scene, Ashley offers up a treasure trove of insights that bridge the worlds of music industry madness and cutting-edge marketing strategy.

Crisis management, a term that often conjures images of frenzied PR teams and last-minute saves, gets the spotlight treatment as we exchange war stories worthy of a Motley Crue afterparty. With a nod to the finesse of figures like Dave Portnoy, we lay bare the blueprint for navigating the treacherous waters of public opinion, crafting a masterclass for both rookies and seasoned professionals. Through a lens of humor and hard-won wisdom, we dissect the art of turning negative reviews into positive momentum, while also sharing our own anecdotes about the unique challenges that Charleston businesses face when the court of public opinion comes knocking.

But why stop at crisis management when the realm of relationship building and business growth beckons? Relationships are the lifeblood of any venture, and we're pulling back the curtain on how to establish boundaries that spell success. We cover the importance of clear contracts and the strategic role of professionals like accountants and attorneys in navigating choppy waters. Punctuated with laughs and a peek into our forthcoming side project exploring Charleston's nightlife through Jake's escapades, we wrap up with a look at how generational shifts in social media are rewriting the rules of engagement. Whether you're a marketing guru or just a fan of savvy business talk infused with southern charm, this episode promises insights and anecdotes that you won't want to miss.

Support the show

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton,

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Art Director: Taylor Ion

CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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