How we relate.
Communicating with a purpose hinges on listening, adapting, and achieving. But the secret to our success? We aim to build genuine, long-term relationships with each and every client we serve. We get to truly know them, their businesses, and their customers—and we work together every step of the way.
Lake Mille Lacs—a renowned walleye fishing destination—started experiencing an economic downturn when changes in walleye fishing regulations reduced the number of visiting anglers. We were tasked to develop new positioning and showcase new tourism opportunities to complement the already strong fishing base—but first we needed to get to know Lake Mille Lacs.
Our team was baptized in Lake Mille Lacs’ recreation, community, and culture during a series of meetings with community members, business owners, elected officials, Mille Lacs Area Tourism, Mille Lacs Corporate Commission, Explore Minnesota, and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. We tuned-in to everything the region has to offer that had often been overlooked—trophy bass fishing, rich Native American culture and history, and exciting outdoor recreation such as kiteboarding, ATVing, snowmobiling, and two state parks.
As a result, we launched the #DoTheLake campaign using digital, video, social media, photography, radio, billboards, targeted email marketing, year-around blogs, state-of-the-art drone video footage, and search-engine optimized web copy. Now, Lake Mille Lacs is a nationally recognized, top destination for smallmouth bass fishing and kiteboarding, and a Minnesota ATV hotspot.
“Over the years, Strateligent has successfully transformed the narrative so that people see Lake Mille Lacs for more than just walleye fishing. Our long-standing relationship makes it easy for us to work together, strategize, and continue to position the area as a top destination for outdoor recreation.” –Tina Chapman, Mille Lacs Area Tourism Council, executive director.
We’ve come a long way, but our work isn’t done. In the beginning, our communications toolbox included radio and industry publication advertising. We’ve since evolved to digital and smart technology, allowing us to target the exact right customers, in the exact right locations, at the exact right times. (Much like fishing if you think about it.) And year-over-year, we enjoy the challenge of unthinking, rethinking, and making anew our promise to the Lake Mille Lacs region to best position the vision, mission, and values, for success.
Through our work with the Mille Lacs Area Tourism Council, and now the Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway, we’re continuing to learn about Lake Mille Lacs and promote it as a tourism destination for everyone—anglers, adrenaline seekers, history buffs, families and more.
Listening. Adapting to change. Achieving results. Relating to our clients. That’s how we accomplish our vision of improving the future for our clients, our communities, and ourselves.
