Testimonials

Marketing communications development, strategy, and consulting

“Semiosis Communications helped us develop our logo, our marketing collateral, and our website – all critical elements to the establishment of our brand and our outreach capabilities at this early point in our existence. Semiosis also offers us ongoing marketing support through regular updates to our website, which allows us to focus on the key task at hand — serving our clients and building a strong program — while keeping our stakeholders informed about our progress and impact. Without Semiosis we would not have been able to present as professional and meaningful a face to our clients, partners, donors, and the community at large as we have in such a short period of time. Semiosis is an affordable alternative to an in-house staff member, and Peter’s expertise and contacts in the marketing industry are invaluable. We are grateful to Semiosis for the array of services it offers, and to Peter in particular for his commitment and hard work on our behalf.“ –Sarah Chenven, Manager, Innovative Change$ “It has been a joy to work with Peter [Korchnak] and Semiosis Communications. As a relatively new non-profit with very few staff and marketing resources, having Semiosis [Communications] step in and support us has truly been a life saver on more than one occasion. We do not have a huge budget - our return on investment in the services of Semiosis [Communications] has been excellent. Services are high quality, turn around time is impressive, the price is fair and the outcome is significantly more marketing than we would ever be able to do on our own. We have worked with Peter on a variety of projects: web design, brochure design, newsletter publications, and portable display materials. In every case Peter has surpassed our expectations. We continue to work with Peter because of his consistent excellence, flexibility and charming personality.” –Linda Nilsen-Solares, Executive Director, Project Access NOW “You are just a lifesaver, Peter – I am so grateful for your presence in our effort.” –Linda Nilsen-Solares, Executive Director, Project Access NOW “Peter, thank you so much for all of your help! I feel very good about what we have been able to produce in such a short amount of time working with you. I received MANY positive comments on the e-newsletter. We look like we are a professional organization.” –Linda Nilsen-Solares, Executive Director, Project Access NOW “Peter, thank you for your thoughtfulness, focus, and action orientation. I believe your help will make a difference – and that’s all I can ask!” –Amy Pearl, Executive Director, Springboard Innovation “Peter is hardworking and caring. He is motivated and follows through.” –Andie Petkus, Andie Petkus Photography “[Peter] is extremely professional, dependable and creative.” –Lorraine Clarno, President, Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce

Bite-sized consulting

“As the president of a small environmental consulting firm, I wear so many hats, some days I feel like my head is spinning. It’s easy to lose sight of the importance of timely marketing efforts when I’m busy, so when things slow down, I’m practically starting from scratch again. Peter’s special talent lies in asking the questions I’ve forgotten to ask myself every week. ‘Who are my core prospects?’ ‘How are current market conditions changing whom I need to approach?’ ‘How are my competitors branding themselves, and how can I stand out?’ In one 90-minute session, Peter cut through the clutter in my mind and on my desk to gently remove the blinders that creep up on me when I’m focusing on all the other aspects of my business. I walked away with a new perspective and a concise plan of action for the coming months, and it’s already paying dividends. Thanks Peter!” –Mike O’Connor, Assessment Associates “Thank you for meeting with me. I was feeling pretty conflicted on how my website would best serve my business. You’ve helped nudge me out of the web 1.0 paradigm. I needed someone to systematically dispel the myths and misconceptions for how my website can serve, improve, and distinguish my business. You asked some good questions that helped me identify some assumptions I was making as I planned my site. I will be looking to more 2.0 models for how I establish and manage my web presence. Thank you for doing your independent review of how my competitors are using their sites. That was helpful to see who came up and how they are presenting themselves. Even though this is a leap forward into unknown territory for me, I feel a lot less anxious about it. Once it’s up and running, I plan on having a follow-up consultation to do some troubleshooting and brainstorming on how to maximize the site’s effectiveness. Thanks again, Peter. Be well. –David Todd, Meadows Group Realtors “Meeting with Peter was an invaluable experience. He was easy-going yet direct, focused, and professional. He provided constructive criticism in a gentle and caring way, which I genuinely appreciated. I learned many marketing tips and tools from Peter in only one session. I strongly recommend his bite-sized marketing coaching program to other alternative medicine practitioners.” –Natasha Kassam, ND, AskDrKassam.com

Presentations and trainings

“I found Peter’s seminars at a moment when I was ready to start upon a social venture, but unclear where to place my first step. His grounded, dynamic approach to outreach and communications – all framed around strengthening connections and relationships – offered me a perfect jump-start. I walked away from each seminar feeling motivated and confident about putting my feet forward.” –Aimee Samara Krouskop, Global Insight Exchange “Because of just reading about your [social media] class, I was inspired to do all this research where I have learned so much. I credit that to you.” –Karen Ball Beyond green: How to make your marketing more sustainable, Women Entrepreneurs of Oregon, 6/18/2009

“I did enjoy listening to you talk about sustainable marketing. It was an interesting topic for me and how sustainable marketing relates to Vaya Creative and decisions that we make.”–Cheryl Zander, Vaya Creative
“I enjoyed hearing you speak about your company’s purpose of “Rethink and Replenish”. Your systemic approach to engineering a holistic program for your clients is where we need to go in helping clients reach their audiences as well as their own potential.“ –Julia Tucker
” I really enjoyed your talk today. It got me thinking about how I could incorporate the idea of sustainability into writing business plans.” –Vickie Olson, LaPLANette
“I didn’t get a chance to talk to you after the presentation, so I’ll say here how much I enjoyed your talk – I am also a marketing & communications person, so it’s always great to hear other marketers speak. Learning something new every day – now that’s a wonderful thing!“ –Deb Irwin

Sustainable marketing 101 series, Mercy Corps Northwest, June 2009

“I wanted to thank you for your time and let you know that the seminar was of great use regarding my thoughts on marketing for my coffee venture. The seminar served to consolidate my marketing plan and added focus to my efforts.” –Seth Whiteley, Rococo Coffee
“Your seminar was stimulating. Discussions, were thought provoking, atmosphere non threatening. I’m looking forward to the next session. Learning a great deal.” –Betty Jo Austin

Blogging for non-techies, CubeSpace, 1/20/2009 and 2/17/2009

“Peter Korchnak presents blogging and blogs in plain English; he shows how the creation and development of the blog is a journey, and he illuminates with friendly examples what the blog world is all about. His presentation is entertaining as well as informative, step by step as well as global.” –Joanna Rose, author and writing educator

“I took a “Blogging for non-techies” class with Peter and was able to begin my journey in the right step! I’m computer user (not really tech-savvy) and although there are books out there about blogging, Peter was able to devise a way to not only learn specifics about blogs, but also explain basics such as what a blog is used for (effectively), how to prote one’s blog and most importantly, how to begin the journey to make one’s own blog. Peter gives some “tools” & “tricks” to become effective in a short period of time. The class is perfect for beginners or somewhat mid-level computer users such as myself!” –Scott Edwards, SPHR

“Peter, thank you for diffusing my anxiety around blogging! You patiently answered my barrage of questions with understanding and humor. I especially appreciate that you couched the lesson in WordPress. I’m glad that you addressed the perception that blogs are a direct means of driving business. I like the idea that one must contribute to the online community without an assured ROI. I can’t wait to start my blogging journey. I’ll let you know when it’s ready.” –Mike Russell, Pivotal Writing

Social media marketing for non-techies: Social networks, CubeSpace, November 18, 2008

“Thank you for a great training. I’m truly excited to improve my social networking sites with a clearer picture of their function and possibilities.”
“Simple and straight to the point.”

Crafting a sustainable marketing plan, Mercy Corps Northwest, November 10, 2008

“I enjoyed the seminar!”
“I learned a lot at [this] marketing workshop.”
“I got a lot out of your workshop.”
A very nice overview. Focus on relationships and community was compelling. Great slide backgrounds! Differentiation topic was particularly important for me.”
“I benefited from brainstorming time.”
“[The presentation] triggered some valuable ideas.”

Sustainable Marketing Blog

“I have just discovered your blog and have been enjoying it quite a bit! I have worked in the environmental non-profit field for the last 10 years, and am about to make some major career changes. Your blog has sparked a lot of great ideas for me – personally and professionally. Thanks for the book reviews. I am always looking for a good new read.” –Jenna R.