Motor Mouth Multimedia

Don’t suffer in silence! Let Motor Mouth Multimedia tell your company’s story. Complete this short survey today to inquire about developing a communications and marketing campaign→ bit.ly/CommsInquiryForm

Congratulations to Motor Mouth Multimedia’s Founder Heather Hopson! Today Heather received recognition from Gwen's Girls in celebration of Women’s History Month.

Thank you Gwen’s Girls for the honor and for uplifting and advocating for Black girls nationwide.

Wondering why we capture clear, eye-catching images? We collab with the best!

Bringing more than 20+ years of photography experience to shoots, Monica Godfrey captures everything from perfect portraits and product shots to editorial images and corporate events. To give back to the community, Monica serves on the Bike PGH Board of Directors and founded the national non-profit Black Girls Do Bike Inc., which secured sponsorships from Ford, Trek Bikes and Weight Watchers. Monica obtained a B.S. in Business Administration and Management from Robert Morris University.

Meet our entire team today→ motormouthmultimedia.com/our-team

It’s , a time to reflect on marketing and entrepreneurship. This week’s topic–rest. Most marketers and entrepreneurs have adopted a sacrifice sleep motto. I’ve been guilty of burning the midnight oil too many times to count–writing reports, editing videos and brainstorming ideas, fueled by very strong coffee. In fact, I prided myself on the ability to churn out high quality work on a low amount of sleep.

According to the Schwab Foundation, that’s not good, especially when your work is connected to making the world a better place! There is increasing evidence that effective change can only be achieved if the well-being of the change-maker is secure. Hence, there is an interdependency between well-being and well-doing.

Thankfully, I no longer normalize exhaustion. I’ve learned to achieve greater emotional wellness, in part by fostering collaborative relationships. I don’t have to do it all! I can concentrate on my part and trust our contractors to work within their areas of expertise. Together, we are excellent and impactful. This allows me to embrace a wellness model, reject the superhero model and empower one another along this journey.

It also allowed me to take time off and recharge at Miraval, a wellness resort made popular by Oprah and Ellen. For the second year in a row, I spent the week meditating, hiking, reading, swimming and napping. When I was awake, I received spa treatments–well, that doesn’t really count, since it put me to sleep! The resort enforces a no device policy, so I went on a digital detox, except when in my room or taking these pictures. When you arrive, they ask you to pick a word. Inspired by mantra meditation, you fill in the sentence, I am ________. I selected I am present. I’m happy to report I can now say I am rested!

We don’t let the batteries drain on our cell phones, so we shouldn’t let our energy be depleted! I invite you to rest and recenter. We can reimagine what the region should look like–what stories it should tell, what collaborations it should form, and what culture it can create. We can dream up anything!

Motor Mouth Multimedia embodies a team spirit with both customers and contractors. That’s why collaboration tops our core values list!

You don't need a big budget to make a big impression on your audience. This workshop will arm you with affordable and effective ways to market your business. You'll learn how to cut through the noise of competitors and amplify messages, both online and in person. Walk away from this class with a toolkit to craft key messages, conduct media outreach, create professional graphic design products and dominate social media.

Check out our class roster today→ motormouthmultimedia.com/our-classes

Did you know…
Motor Mouth Multimedia designed and launched a survey and virtual listening session series for the Black Women's Policy Agenda. In less than 24 hours, 120 Black women (nearly half of the goal!) took the survey, and BWPA's founder announced the work during a live segment on KDKA-TV, CBS Pittsburgh.
Check out more of our portfolio→ motormouthmultimedia.com/our-work

It’s , a day when I share personal stories about how I started and scaled a business. Today’s topic–Lifelong Learner.

Years ago, my nephew exhibited interest in karate. He would flip, kick and chop through the house. When we asked him if he would be interested in taking formal lessons, he looked up, surprised, and asked, Why would I take karate when I already know karate? As an entrepreneur, sometimes we think we know it all, especially when we’re armed with degrees and certifications. But there’s always so much more to learn. Marketing, for instance, is always changing. Everytime I look up from a campaign, there is a new social media platform. To keep up with the latest trends, I read articles.

As an entrepreneur, we must go back to school. I attend Audible University. My goal is to listen to at least one book per month. Last year, I focused on personal and professional development. My top titles included Rocket Fuel and How to be a Great Boss, both by Gino Wickman, The Power of Now by Echhart Tolle and The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss.

Rocket Fuel confirmed that Motor Mouth Multimedia was on the right track. We had a visionary and integrator in place, although we didn’t use those terms. Using the free downloads, we implemented many of the EOS strategies and now reach higher heights. We set and achieve quarterly rocks–think big goals that take time to complete without task ownership. Personally, the Power of Now helped me focus on the present instead of rushing to the finish line. Audible allows me to listen to books while exercising. When the weather is nice, I press play and walk at the park for hours. It’s a self-care practice, putting me in the right mental space to go to work.

What books helped you become a better boss?

Motor Mouth Multimedia’s contractor pool is deep! We’re based in Pittsburgh, but connect with creatives and consultants across the U.S. Our Graphic Design Director Kyle Barnes oversees our teams in Detroit and Houston.

Kyle, an ADDY award-winner, brings more than 15 years to the job and has designed for major brands, like Nike and Jack Daniels.
Meet our entire team today→ motormouthmultimedia.com/our-team

We may be motor mouths, but we hear what our clients and community have to say!
Learn more about our approach→ motormouthmultimedia.com/our-approach

It’s , a day when I offer advice about marketing or entrepreneurship. Today’s topic–Organized Chaos!

I once read an article that posed the question, Is organization the enemy of creativity? Years ago, I would have answered yes! Most creatives I knew were free spirits, not structured individuals. We were independent, authentic, flexible and innovative. Sometimes a bit chaotic. But without organization, were we as impactful as we would have liked?

For a while, I made excuses. I run late and forget things at times, but no one is perfect. I was self-aware, but I wasn’t accountable for my actions, which didn’t lead to success, well not the level of success my creative mind envisioned. I learned in college that excuses are tools of incompetence used to build bridges to nowhere. I was going somewhere, and to get further faster, I had to get organized.

To remember due dates and meetings, I put everything on my calendar with reminders and even alarms. Since I thrive under deadlines, I plug in fake dates. That guarantees on-time submissions. If you wait until the last minute and an emergency strikes, you will miss a deadline or create unnecessary anxiety. To stay on top of tasks, I downloaded a to-do list app. I also write in a physical planner, made especially for creatives. I can track my mood, doodle, journal and set priorities. There is also a box for daily gratitudes. Additionally, I make sure my workspace is tidy–in-person, with file folders and supply trays, and online with Google Drive and DropBox’s digital storage options.

I know I won’t change my personality completely. You shouldn’t want to! Therefore I team up with admins, like Fawn and Diana, to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Our Operations Director Sonya also created systems for Basecamp, our project management platform. Embracing not only creativity but also organization gets more things done. That means more satisfaction, more work and more money.

Motor Mouth Multimedia Vision
Learn more about our approach→ motormouthmultimedia.com/our-approach

From concept to creation, Motor Mouth Multimedia delivers high-quality, comprehensive services. Complete this short survey today to inquire about developing a communications and marketing campaign→ bit.ly/CommsInquiryForm

Happy Birthday to Motor Mouth Multimedia's Founder Heather Hopson! As a child, Heather's parents nicknamed her M&M, not for the chocolate candy but for her gift to gab. She continued to be known as Motor Mouth when she worked as a television reporter across the US and overseas. She's now telling a different kind of story in her hometown of Pittsburgh, where she manages a collective of creatives and consultants of color. She also runs a second business and multimedia platform Single Mom Defined. She was so excited to celebrate her day with her childhood friends and sister (well, it was the 21st) by supporting a fellow Black-owned business Wigenton Candle Co.

Looking for a firm that tells diverse stories and provides unique perspectives? Motor Mouth Multimedia ensures all stakeholders are included in communications. Through a multicultural marketing lens, we help clients see all audiences, elevate diverse voices and promote positive images of Black people. Get results today→ motormouthmultimedia.com/contact-us

Is your brand using QR codes to connect with your audience? While QR Codes are not new, they are making a comeback. Recently, Motor Mouth Multimedia incorporated this marketing trend in campaigns with PJTC Holdings. Find out how you too can reach your target audiences and create digital experiences→ motormouthmultimedia.com/leverage-the-qr-code-comeback

Motor Mouth Multimedia builds, or in PJTC Holdings’ case, extends our client’s communications and marketing departments. How can we support your team? motormouthmultimedia.com/contact-us

It’s , a day when I share insights about our communications and marketing company and how you too can start and scale a business. Today’s topic–networking. Pre-pandemic, I joined a business cohort at E-Forever, which gives small business owners the skills, support and confidence they need to succeed. That’s where I met Shawna Solomon, who recently joined Motor Mouth as a social media consultant. She’s also a top business coach, who has helped her clients triple revenues and become six-figure earners, in part by leveraging platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

A couple of months ago, she started to gather Black women entrepreneurs in Pittsburgh. We meet monthly to share knowledge, support each other’s endeavors and give flowers (we literally gave roses to one another at the first event, celebrating our accomplishments and impact.) It’s at its finest! We’re able to make new friends, learn about new opportunities and exchange new ideas. The experience is authentic, not simply transactional. People give without the need for reciprocation. I witnessed women pour into a new business owner who struggled with self-doubt. Instantly everyone spoke life into her situation–praying over her and lifting her spirits. Shawna has a waitlist for this exclusive event, so be sure to sign up. We’re getting together again in a few days at a new Black-owned luxury event space.

Last week, I touched on collaboration not competition, so this is a perfect follow up post. We must choose to surround ourselves with those who know there is room for everyone to succeed. Those in this room don’t think I'm better than her but rather we are all amazing. I once read a quote that said, don’t compare your life to others. We don’t compare the sun to the moon. They shine when it’s their time.

Motor Mouth Multimedia Mission
Learn more about our approach→ motormouthmultimedia.com/our-approach

Through a vast collective of creatives and consultants of color, Motor Mouth Multimedia assembles winning teams! We collab with the best, like our Multimedia Production Consultant Corey Lankford. Bringing 20+ years of experience in theater, writing, photography and film, Corey uses media to connect to diverse audiences. He serves as the CEO of Cwlcreatives LLC, offering film, photography and music services. Most recently, he landed a hosting gig at Cornerstone Network.

Meet our entire team today→ motormouthmultimedia.com/our-team

We love what we do because of you! We just couldn’t let Valentine’s Day pass without letting our customers, contractors and supporters know how much we truly appreciate them. We look forward to working with you throughout the year and hope you show some love to our new website→ motormouthmultimedia.com

Happy ! Each week, starting today, I plan to share information about Motor Mouth Multimedia, a Black, women-led communications and marketing firm I founded back in 2014. My hope is to help you start or scale your business, generate wealth and find freedom in entrepreneurship. I hesitated in starting this series, figuring folks could Google this information. But at Motor Mouth, we know firsthand the power of storytelling. Please ask questions and request topics!

Today’s topic–Collaboration not competition.
An African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” At Motor Mouth Multimedia, we believe we can go much further if we work together. This allows us to run a small business that offers a big agency experience. Together, we can fuel innovation, spark new ideas and increase economic opportunities. We each have a personal responsibility to share knowledge, provide support, and solve problems as we collectively advance our business goals.

If you want to build a six- or seven figure business, you must adopt a collaborative spirit. Partnering with others means you can take off your superhero cape and get rid of a booked and busy mindset. You will focus on your area of expertise, which is much more efficient and effective. As a visionary, I teamed up with an integrator–our operations director as well as a business development director. This led to revenues increasing by more than 25% in the midst of a global pandemic. According to JP Morgan and Chase, many small businesses reported a sharp drop in cash balances and revenues during that period.

When I first started Motor Mouth, I registered as a sole proprietorship, which is the legal structure of roughly 96% of Black-owned businesses. I later switched to an LLC and worked with an HR consultant to create company values and job descriptions.

According to my Facebook friend Andre Perry at the Brookings Institute (be sure to read his latest report!), the average revenue for Black sole proprietorships is $22,223, while the average revenue for non-Black sole proprietorships is $50,050. So while Black businesses do not lack in the quality of goods and services offered, they lack in investments and are less likely to participate in multifaceted infrastructure projects like those proposed in President Biden’s infrastructure plan. Access to wealth could help keep your doors open if another emergency strikes.

By collaborating with others, sole proprietorships can become employer businesses that increase revenues, create jobs and perhaps, over time, close the racial pay gap. What business structure did you decide upon and why? How are you collaborating with others? Tag your collabs!

We connect clients to causes! Motor Mouth Multimedia donates a portion of its profits to the communities it serves. In 2017, Motor Mouth Multimedia founded Free Store Penn Hills, a consignment store minus price tags for neighbors in need. The store was later donated to Linton Middle School. Where do you donate your time and talent?

When you work with Motor Mouth Multimedia, you are part of the family! When Founder Heather Hopson assembled a management team, her sister Farah Middleton rose to the top of the list to hire! Farah serves as our communications, sales, and marketing director and successfully creates a seamless system for clients to move from concept to campaign completion. Support a small, family-owned business today! motormouthmultimedia.com/our-team

Summer is heating up, which means more and more of your customers are logging off the computer and checking out in-person activities. Have an upcoming event? Let Motor Mouth Multimedia capture memorable moments with video and photography. We recently sent a production crew to the Women and Girls Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.
motormouthmultimedia.com/contact-us