A word from Connie Cermak

Hello! Thanks for spending some time getting to know me a bit. I’m considered a social media trailblazer with a passion for storytelling and creative marketing. As one of the early adopters of  Twitter (X), LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Facebook, I’ve had the exciting opportunity to beta test new software—offers I jumped on enthusiastically. As a creative thinker with a passion for statistics, I thrive on getting results for my clients and I totally geek out over reviewing our monthly stats.  But my real strength lies in coming up with a myriad of ideas unique to my clients until we find the one that sticks.  The process enables me to really get to know who I’m working with, peeling back the layers to reveal the emotional appeal that resonates with their audience.

Intuition & Creativity

My journey started with a love for writing and art, and over time, I’ve found ways to weave those passions into marketing strategies that connect with audiences on a deeper level. For me, it’s all about blending intuition with creativity to carve out spaces where my clients brands can truly shine.

An Occasional Extrovert

I enjoy people and while I’m comfortable on stage with the mic, truth be told—I’m an introvert and prefer exploring the vast Montana wilderness on foot, (ask me about my notorious grizzly encounter when we meet in person). When I’m not on the trail, in my kayak,  paddle boarding, or driving my 4Runner to unknown locations, I’m home sketching, reading or quilting (a new hobby I picked up during Covid).  I love dining with close friends enjoying good conversation, and meeting a friend at my favorite watering hole: Spotted Bear Spirits. Most importantly, my relationship with God keeps me grounded in gratitude and seeking wisdom from a greater power.

Education & Experience

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Arizona State University’s grueling program dubbed “Architorture.”  It was a five year program at the time and only sixteen lucky individuals out of nearly a hundred were selected to proceed to the final two years. This is where I discovered that I thrive under pressure! The more on my plate, the better I perform.  I also hold a Bachelor of Arts in Arts & Humanities from Colorado State University. My passion for design and storytelling naturally led me into the world of marketing.

Quintessential Pivot

When the 2009 housing crash brought commercial architecture to a standstill, I pivoted from design to marketing and business development—a field I’d already embraced while working at interior design firms in Chicago.  I used Facebook, which didn’t have business profiles at the time, to help small businesses take their talents to the public to survive the collapse. From there, I began consulting. Since then, I’ve spent over a decade honing my marketing skills, learning from industry icons like Seth Godin and Marie Forleo, and mastering the art of connecting brands with people through discovering their stories—and optimizing everything!

For me, marketing is about more than just reaching audiences—it’s about creating experiences that truly resonate, leaving a lasting impression. My passion for building authentic connections, paired with my love for the outdoors, fuels my creativity and inspires the fresh, innovative ideas I bring to every project.

A West Coast Girl

My roots are in Chicago, the greatest city in the USA, which I hope will be revived to it’s pre-Covid glory days. I’ve also lived in Phoenix, Arizona, Fort Collins, Colorado, Roseburg, Oregon, Ballard, Washington, and San Jose, California. I moved to Whitefish, Montana in 2010 to help my cousin after having a stroke and I never left! Montana is my forever home, though I LOVE to travel and especially enjoy clients asking me to come to THEM.

What’s Up With the Bees?

My passion for flowers started as a little girl when my Mom gave me a row to plant any vegetable I wanted in her massive garden. Instead, I insisted on planting a row of flowers, so she gave me mum’s. Their vibrant yellow and gold petals keep the bugs away and I enjoyed caring for my special row.  My love of flowers blossomed into gardening and landscaping where digging in soil plants keeps me smiling.

Naturally, bees are a big part of any flower garden and I enjoy them immensely. Bees play a vital role in most ecosystems. They’re crucial for pollinating flowers so that we have crops of fruit and vegetables every year. Also, bees produce honey, a delicious sweet food enjoyed by all of us—humans, birds…bears. 

The parallel relationship between the pollination process of bees and the idea-generating process of marketing jumped out at me resulting in Social Nectar. Just like bees, ideas are crucial for creating unique branding opportunities so businesses yield a sweet return on their investment. 

My biography is one of passion and innovation. As an early adopter of social tech platforms, I’ve always been at the forefront of digital trends. My career is a tapestry woven with threads of writing, art, and a deep appreciation for nature. My work is characterized by my ability to blend creativity with strategy, crafting marketing content that is both impactful and authentic and my brain naturally maps out steps to take action. My life is a testament to the power of embracing change and fostering meaningful connections. I’m bored to tears with superficial and won’t touch anything that’s untrue.

With the recent and unexpected passing of my beloved golden retriever, Dolby Edward, I’m processing grief I’ve never felt. Driven by faith, I believe that every loss happens for a reason and I’m grateful for the ten years we had together. He was my camping buddy, protector, and companion who made me laugh every day. The loss has enabled me to slow down, enjoying moments reflecting on the importance of close relationships, journaling through the grief,  embracing the power of prayer, and returning to my love of sketching. For those of you who’ve experienced the loss of a beloved pet, please feel free to send me a message. I would love to hear your story.