Who I Am and What My Business Does

Why is there an assumption that someone who writes a blog exploring social media marketing be employed? People frequently send me messages through internet channels and ask how I have so much time. I wish my free time was spent working with clients on projects. I wish I was much busier.

It is a struggle to be self-employed. Some people have it easy. Maybe you can help me. It is rare that I devote articles on my blog about me and my humanity, so please bear with the first person.

My company, Ari Herzog & Associates, provides editorial and social media marketing services to the nonprofit and public sectors.

We help our clients understand the challenges posed by the internet, the importance of precise writing, and how and why to raise online awareness.

Why AH&A Exists

Thumb through the client portfolios of advertising, marketing, and public relations firms and you will find their target customer is a private enterprise. Visit the Boston-area websites of 451 Marketing or Schneider Associates to get a taste. There are some nonprofit and public organizations mixed in but they are the exceptions and not the norm.

From generalists to specialists, Inbound Zombie has a specific mission to help nonprofit organizations with online fundraising, social media training, and Facebook and WordPress implementation. I know its leader, John Haydon, fairly well and respect his work.

The Centre of Excellence for Public Sector Marketing, which my colleague Mike Kujawski helped found, is another firm with a specific mission catering to public organizations. It is one of the few firms in North America that perform this function and I wish there were more like them.

Because IZ doesn’t work with government agencies and CEPSM doesn’t work with nonprofits, and that 451 and Schneider focus on neither, this is why my business exists. While my background and expertise is framed around the public sector, the limitation of resources and funds is comparable to the nonprofit sector; and it is sensical to offer services to both.

Who I Am

When you hire AH&A, you hire me.

My background involves over 10 years of experience in information technology, community journalism, and government administration. With respect to the latter, I hold a Master in Public Administration from Suffolk University and have management experience in both state and local government. I am an elected member on the Newburyport City Council.

Among my hats, I teach college courses on best practices of social media marketing, and serve as president-elect of the Boston chapter of Social Media Club, secretary of the Massachusetts chapter of the American Society for Public Administration, and adviser to the New Prosperity Initiative.

I also write blog articles that explore new and emerging media.

Many people talk the talk of social media but how many walk the public walk? Maintaining contacts throughout local, state, and federal government; acquainted with government technology vendors; and possessing hands-on context of how public bureaucracy operates, I am your man.

And My Associates?

My associates are a team of specialists in areas ranging from graphic design to legal advice who are brought on board when your project demands it.

If you’re a freelancer looking to expand your own client portfolio or an agency seeking outsourced assistance, perhaps we can combine forces.

How You Can Help

If you or someone you know is associated with a nonprofit or public organization and seek assistance writing and distributing a press release, liaising with media representatives and bloggers, or developing a social media marketing campaign, please send a note.

Thanks.