EAST ORANGE, N.J. - eTradeWire -- If your brand is invisible, your business might as well be too. That was the powerful message behind Session 2: Marketing Mastery in the Urban Landscape, a high-impact training within the City of East Orange's Professional Development Workshop Series. Led by executive coach and facilitator Anna D. Banks, of Thrive Leadership Institute, Inc,  this session delivered practical tools, mindset shifts, and AI-powered marketing strategies that helped business owners finally connect the dots between their product and their presence.

Held at the East Orange Public Library, the session guided entrepreneurs through building a clear brand message, avoiding the to five marketing mistakes, and tapping into free AI tools like ChatGPT and Canva to quickly create engaging social media content. Participants left equipped with personalized one-liner brand statements that communicate their value clearly and confidently.

"This workshop sparked real momentum in the business owners," said Anna D. Banks. "Marketing isn't about shouting louder—it's about showing up with clarity, confidence, and consistency. That's exactly what we unlocked tonight."

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Mark Cheatam, Manager of Economic Development for the City of East Orange, emphasized the importance of the session's focus.

"Where we're going with the Professional Development Workshop Series is about building an army of well-prepared businesses. Tonight's session helped owners understand: You can have the best product, but if you don't have a solid marketing vehicle to share your message and engage customers, you don't really have a business—you're just making great apple pie in private."

One of the most energizing takeaways was the 5 social media posts that participants created —to help market their businesses on social media, attend local events, connect via email, and collect testimonials. Each step helps move businesses from invisible to impactful.

The energy in the room was electric, with participants exchanging insights, brainstorming marketing ideas, and encouraging one another to implement what they learned immediately. "I finally understand how to make my brand speak for me," shared one business owner. "This session was eye-opening."

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East Orange's Professional Development Workshop Series continues to grow as a catalyst for real business change, offering free, high-value education to local entrepreneurs determined to scale.  To learn more, or join the waitlist for the next cohort, email Economic.Development@eastorange-nj.gov.

📅 Next Up: Week 3 – Financial Fitness for Business Owners
🗓 April 30, 2025
🎤 Facilitator: Chevone Cheatham, MBA, EA

About Thrive Leadership Institute, Inc.
Thrive Leadership Institute, Inc., founded by Executive Coach Anna D. Banks, empowers entrepreneurs and small businesses through coaching, leadership training, and strategy consulting. Thrive helps clients grow with purpose and lead with impact. Learn more at AnnaDBanks.com (http://www.AnnaDBanks.com) or ThriveLeadershipInstitute.com (http://www.ThriveLeadershipInstitute.com).