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I am PASSIONATE about history as a source of information and inspiration.
But I am also PURPOSEFUL about history because, used strategically, it can PROFIT you, your business, or organization in ways you can't even imagine.
That's what we do at History Smiths: We find those connections for you -- connections that benefit you AND the communities you serve.
Check us out, be inspired, and be in touch!
-Bonnie Hurd Smith, CEO
   
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What clients
are saying...
""When I knew my company was going to celebrate its 100th anniversary, I wanted to do something lasting and meaningful. I contacted Bonnie at History Smiths because I knew she had the ability and reputation to do the historical research on my family-owned business, and the marketing skills to create a brochure, display, and media materials. My existing customers were delighted, and I attracted new clients because of the attention we received."
-Paul K. Soucy, Soucy Insurance Agency, Inc.,
Salem, MA "Bonnie brings knowledge, people skills, a cooperating persona and deep technical competence to her projects ... the 375th was a much better celebration for melding Bonnie's ideas into the year long program."
-Nat Pulsifer, Chair, Ipswich, MA 375th Anniversary Celebration "When my colleague Jim Whidden and I decided to develop an educational seminar to teach people the right way to restore an old house, we knew we would need marketing help from someone who was plugged into the history community. We wanted to reach historical societies, public libraries, and the kinds of audiences they attract. Bonnie had a fine reputation in the local historical community, and knew how to promote, which is an unusual combination. She also helped us with some of the local historical content. Within a year, we held a dozen or so seminars throughout our target region, attracted over 200 people, media attention, and new customers. We were thrilled."
-Mathew Cummings, Cummings Architects, LLC, Ipswich, MA "I was chief representative of the Massachusetts National Guard in the effort to debut Armory Park in Salem Massachusetts in 2001. Ms. Bonnie Smith was my counterpart on behalf of the Peabody Essex Museum. Due largely to her extensive expertise, energy and tact, the project concluded with complete success. The dedication, parade and black tie social event shed much positive publicity on the City of Salem, the Peabody Essex Museum, and the Massachusetts National Guard."
-Brig. General Albert A. Mangone, Massachusetts National Guard "When The Salem Partnership needed a first class interim executive director, a search led us to Bonnie Hurd Smith who was hired to fill that need. Bonnie brought considerable skills in management, organization and follow through to the Partnership and her interim status lead to a one-and-a -half -year stint as director. With her skills, we were able to begin $400M of state funded economic projects to Salem."
-Biff Michaud, president, Salem Partnership and CEO, Salem Witch Museum, Salem, MA
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How do you "do" your business history? I give you easy steps to follow -- and ideas about what to do next!
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If your business or organization is about to celebrate an anniversary, please don't just throw a party! We'll show you how
to really leverage this important event.
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Can a history trail benefit your business economically?
Absolutely! And it will also benefit your historical nonprofits, community, and everyone involved. Here's a "done for you" process to follow.
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Greetings!
Wow. Talk about a missed opportunity! I just got off the phone with a colleague and friend who was instrumental in starting an oral history project here on Boston's North Shore complete with book, exhibit, and special events. One of the companies that sponsored the project - I won't name names! - happens to be where roughly half of the elderly people interviewed had worked decades ago. This is a wealthy company, and they gave a very small amount. But here's the thing. They also didn't take advantage of the PR opportunities the project presented! We must think of these kinds of situations as more than about writing a check. Both sides need to win. This company could have held an open house for the interviewees and their families, promoted it on their website, Facebooked or placed ads about their proud support, written a story for their newsletter - it's a long list of PR and marketing opportunities that would have gotten them all kinds of media coverage, happy customers and staff, and new clients. The article below goes into lots more detail. I hope you enjoy it! Where are the opportunities for you to partner with a history project in ways that benefit your business, the project, and your community? I know they are there! Be well, and be in touch! 
Bonnie
P.S. If you're near Salem, MA, I hope you can come to my talk on March 21, 2012 for Gordon College's Old Town Hall Lectures Series! |
Should You Use History in Your PR Campaign?
 by Bonnie Hurd Smith
Only if you want credibility and stature with your clients and in the communities you serve! History "says" class, dependability, and good corporate citizenship. Your business's reputation is terribly important, and how you present your public face (which is really what PR/public relations is all about) can only benefit from a good dose of history. What are some specific ways to incorporate history into your PR campaign? * Naturally, if you are celebrating a business anniversary any time soon, you have a perfect excuse to learn your company's history and promote it - including how your business connects to local history. In my EBook "Go Beyond the Party: 11 Simple Ways to Build Business Momentum," I go into excruciating detail about how you can properly mark a significant business anniversary so I won't belabor the point here. But please don't just throw a party or settle for an article in your local newspaper. There's a lot more you can do, and telling the story of your history will set you apart from others in your field. * Support a popular historical organization, project, or event in your community -- not just by writing a check but by being a true partner. Publicize your involvement through all of your usual media outlets, promote the project at your place of business, and arrange for photographs of your staff helping out. You will come across as a local hero and as someone who cares about local history and is willing to actually do something -- not just talk.
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Do you have a question about how history can benefit your business, organization, or you personally? I would love to hear it, and I would love to answer it!
I might even feature your business or organization here, because others could benefit from the information!
If you're a nonprofit, you are also a business. Ask away! And if you're a historical nonprofit, do you have questions about how what we do can provide you with new revenue streams?
Please be in touch with your question!
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History Smiths believes in the three P's of History -- Passion, Purpose, and Profit. If you think about and use history
with PURPOSE and PASSION, you, your business, or organization will PROFIT in ways you can't even imagine!
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