How a Pandemic Brought Us Closer to Our Clients
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How a Pandemic Brought Us Closer to Our Clients

  • April 21, 2020
In the world of marketing and communications, in-person meetings ending with firm handshakes are vital. Due to the spread of COVID-19, those days are cancelled until further notice. As more and more companies pivoted to work-from-home models that include virtual meeting options, the initial belief was this would be devastating for marketing and communications professionals. However, what we’ve found at Vistra is that despite communications challenges, we’re building even stronger bonds with our clients. Here are three ways to form…...
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Socialization is workplace glue.
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Gratitude, Even in a Pandemic

  • April 17, 2020
How thankful are we for technology right now? Very thankful. Technology lets Vistra get our work done remotely. We’re in communication more now than when we were together under one roof! This situation is challenging us to hone our communication skills. Video conferencing lets us maintain a human connection. And since the daily distractions that come with an office environment aren’t present, we have an opportunity to leverage productivity. Nonetheless, we know socialization is workplace glue. It bonds people. It…...
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3 Valuable Insights Your Nonprofit Organization Likely Needs Now
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​3 Valuable Insights Your Nonprofit Needs Now

  • April 14, 2020
We are all feeling the increased impact of COVID-19, but the challenges are unique for nonprofits. Vistra is committed to providing our clients with resources and best practices to help them navigate this difficult time. Here are 3 valuable insights for your nonprofit: 1. Reaffirm Your Mission. Continually remind people of the impact of your organization. Take this opportunity to highlight your work, especially if you have a specific role to play in our current situation. 2. Focus on Donor…...
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Leading Through the Fog
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Running a Small Business through the Uncertainty of COVID-19

  • April 7, 2020
  • By: Brian Butler
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    Brian Butler
    President & CEO
    Brian Butler

    Brian Butler is President and CEO of Vistra.

    A retired and decorated career military officer, Brian has provided public relations, strategic communications, marketing, and management consulting services to senior leaders and their organizations for more than three decades. Prior to founding Vistra, Brian provided strategic communications counsel to senior leaders at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in Tampa, Fla. He also served in a director-level policy position on the Homeland Security Council (HSC) in the White House.

    As an experienced leader and communications professional, Brian worked in the Washington, D.C. office of Fleishman-Hillard International Communications, a niche market Washington, D.C.-based strategic communications firm. While in uniform, he served as Spokesperson and Chief of Communications for an Army Secretary and on the personal staff and communications team for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

    Brian founded Vistra in 2007 and has grown the company to nearly 100 team members with a growing client portfolio which includes clients in healthcare, information technology, transportation and airports, sports and entertainment, local state and federal government and nonprofit industries.

    Brian holds an M.S. in National Security Strategy from the National War College, an M.S. in Administration from Central Michigan University and a B.S. in Marketing from Hampton University. He also holds certifications from colleges and universities across the United States.

A recent Goldman Sachs Poll of 1,500 small businesses revealed that 51% of those business owners believed their businesses would be able to continue to operate for only 0-3 months. After reading this and the other results of that poll, I developed a presentation and held a virtual Microsoft Teams meeting for our headquarters personnel.  I shared this information and discussed what we are doing to not only survive during this crisis but to focus on thriving – all while helping others…...
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Vistra's Three valuable insights your business likely needs right now.
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​3 Valuable Insights Your Business Needs Now

  • April 3, 2020
While everyone in the community feels the increased impact of COVID-19, many small businesses and nonprofits are seeking ways to stay ahead of the curve in these difficult times. These three simple tips can make a big impact. 1. Keep communicating with your clients and prospects. Now is not the time to be reining in your efforts. Based on a case study from the Harvard Business Review, companies that kept their marketing consistent through downturns saw the greatest returns in…...
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