CHOOSE PONO

In Hawaiian culture, Mana is spiritual energy of power and strength. You earn mana when you choose pono (righteous actions), alternatively, you can lose mana when you make poor choices.

Marketing Mana chooses pono in our time together by focusing on your clients, after all, it's not about you. Taking a C.U.E. through Curiosity, Understanding, and Empathy, we create strategies for your business and marketing, and highlight your different solution to your Dream Clients' challenges in your messaging.

We treat our clients like ‘ohana (family) and share knowledge and expertise to maximize efficiencies in your business. Powerful connections take time to build. Marketing Mana helps your business break through the noisy marketplace by embracing the laws of Category Design.

OUR PURPOSE-DRIVEN MISSION

MORE DREAM CLIENTS, FEEL FULFILLED

Empowered, ambitious, and hungry for more. Surrounded by Dream Clients, Small Business Owners understand how strategic growth will satiate their company's potential for revenue, profit, employee engagement, and overall business growth.

Category Design principles drive your business and marketing strategies, specifically designed for companies with 20 or fewer employees and 6-7 figures in annual revenue. Immersive-style sessions provide the foundation , Alexis guides you through a hybrid approach of advisor, coach, and consultant structured frameworks bringing honesty, energy, humor, and curiosity to solve your business and marketing challenges, empowering you.

Only 5-10% of business owners are willing to think Different. Small Business Owners who are hungry, all in, ready to do the hard work and willing to be vulnerable, can become the Category King/Queen and own 76% of your category because you embrace being Different.

Ultimately, you own your time and choices, without asking permission, and feel fulfilled in your business and in life.

OUR VISION

LESS NOISE, MORE QUALITY TIME

A less noisy marketplace because small businesses reach your Dream Clients with relevant messages that highlight different solutions to your Clients’ problems using Category Design principles. The marketplace may seem louder as the extra noise no longer muffles the messages. Your clients’ pain is reduced as they become educated about your different solution. Small business owners are empowered with intentional marketing based on value-driven differentiation. You truly love your business as you are surrounded by Dream Clients and feel fulfilled in your work, and in life. As a Small Business Owner, you enjoy the flexibility of being an entrepreneur and enjoy quality time with your family because you truly own your time and choices, without asking permission.

Alexis Skigen Rago founded Marketing Mana LLC in 2018 to focus on the strategic marketing work she loved, keep Dream Clients top of mind, bring expertise to small businesses, and be available for her two boys. Life was uncertain, and Alexis knew it was important to own her time and choices, without asking permission.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Alexis believes in mana, or the power earned from choosing righteously. In marketing terms, you earn mana when you listen to your customers and understand their experience so you can serve them.

Alexis lives in Naperville, a suburb of Chicago, and is an active member in her community. Giving back and being involved provides many opportunities to choose pono. Alexis is a proud member of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, where she has served on the DEI committee as Marketing Chair, and she is part of Teamwork. Alexis is also part of CHPWNG, a professional women's networking group. Alexis has met amazing people through various networking organizations, including EPWNG, WBOC, and WESOS. Alexis served on the NCTV17 Board of Directors in 2021 and 2022. Alexis has also volunteered at her sons' schools, sports teams, Scouts (BSA and Cub), and is involved with her synagogue. Growing up in Hawaii, Alexis understands the challenges of being in a religious minority. In her spare time, she has been known to raise awareness of Jewish holidays to promote understanding and inclusivity (asking event organizers to keep Jewish holidays in mind when selecting dates).

Founder, Owner

With 25+ years of marketing expertise in various industries, including retail, CPG, travel & leisure, financial, grocery, and internet providers, Alexis has worked with top brands on marketing projects of all sizes from multi-million email subscriber campaigns to localized yard signs and door-to-door sales team materials. Her experience includes targeting Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers via digital and traditional advertising and marketing methods.

The first five years at Marketing Mana allowed Alexis to continue the path of diversified industries (33 industries to date), adding to her vast experience: mental health, legal, real estate, nonprofit, education, business intelligence, insurance, coaching, public service, design and construction, events, and more. We plan to continue to help small business owners in any industry, as long as they are willing to do the work.

Originally from Hawai’i, Alexis brings energy into every meeting, cares about her clients’ success, and solves marketing challenges and problems of all sizes. Alexis guides her clients through tough questions, using proven frameworks, as they build the foundation to address strategic marketing challenges and limiting beliefs. Alexis is known to kick an okole or two using SMART goals, structure, and accountability so that small business owners achieve the growth they know is possible.

Alexis decided 2023 was the year to be 'emerged' and created her first online course: Unforgettable Introductions: Attract your Dream Clients and Network Fearlessly. She also migrated her website to a new host, updated the content and design, created email newsletters, and posted value-add videos to social media on a regular basis. There's more to come so be sure to follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter (scroll to the second form).

As for 2024, Alexis will 'Embrace Authenticity' by working with small business owners who want financial and personal freedom that comes when you run your business with the right mindset, dedicate time to work on your business, and set your company's intention. When you leverage your brand and marketing strategies, you'll see increased employee engagement, word of mouth marketing, and next level growth.

4/23/25 (VIRTUAL): NETWORKING WITH PURPOSE: STOP WASTING TIME & MAKE THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS

This SCORE webinar will teach you how to use AI as a decision-support tool to find the best networking opportunities, prepare for meaningful conversations, and follow up effectively, without losing your authenticity.

9/19/24 (IN-PERSON): INBOUND24 MEETUP: NETWORKING FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

INBOUND is a great place to meet people who have done cool things. Whether you are the only leader (or person) at your company, or it's you and a small leadership team, this meetup is a chance for small business owners to build community, meet new people, and share how HubSpot helps you save time, and run your business. Learn a few networking tips before we launch into a game of human BINGO, with prompts to help you create connections. Bring your energy, ideas, perspectives, and questions as you meet owners from various industries.

9/6/24 (VIRTUAL): PRE-INBOUND NETWORKING FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

A HubSpot Connect Founder Focused community event. Why wait for the INBOUND24 conference to meet other small business owners? If you are attending INBOUND24, join us for networking and a discussion that will address how to maximize the value of networking, what it takes to build meaningful connections, and tips to overcome loneliness as a small business owner/founder.

8/22/24 (VIRTUAL): NETWORKING - IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU

Hosted by the Career Networking Center in Naperville, Alexis shared networking skills to job seekers, sharing 3 key pillars for any networking situation: Mindset, Intention, and a clear Ask.

4/19/24 (VIRTUAL): TOSS BURNOUT TO THE CURB AND LEARN TO RECONNECT WITH YOUR BUSINESS

Alexis addressed a common issue for small business owners, burnout, and how to find balance and fulfillment as a small business owner.

4/18/24 (IN-PERSON): THE PEOPLE TREE, LIVE STORYTELLING, "ROAD TRIP" THEME

Storytelling is an art that I began to practice in 2023. The People Tree is a local organization that features 6 storytellers each month to share stories based on our memories and interpretations.

2/22/24 (VIRTUAL): FOR THE LOVE OF MARKETING, HOW TO CONFIDENTLY SHARE YOUR BRAND MESSAGE AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY

Alexis was a guest presenter for SCORE Women's Mastermind. This interactive discussion included the importance of:

Clarity in your small business' defined brand, messages, and Dream Clients allows you to stay focused and increase marketing ROI.
Direction based on a Purpose-Driven Mission, Vision, and SMART Goals to set the course.
Consistency through action that is aligned, on-brand, and connects with your Dream Clients to lead to results.
Celebrate your hard work. This is not easy, and it takes persistence. In time, it will pay off.

1/29/24 (VIRTUAL): TAKE THE 'WORK' OUT OF NETWORKING

Alexis was a guest presenter for SCORE and discussed the key elements in your 30-second introduction, how to take control during and beyond the event, and the power of giving back.

1/24/24: GUEST ON 'OFF THE FENCE' PODCAST, HOSTED BY KAREN COVY

Alexis shared the importance of making decisions, taking action, and creating a new vision while she navigated balancing the demands of her new business with raising two boys and going through a divorce at the same time. She also addresses the importance of intention and purpose to guide you and your business. Click here to listen to the full episode.

11/15/23 (VIRTUAL): LEVERAGE YOUR BRAND TO UNLOCK THE POWER OF CONTENT MARKETING

Co-hosted webinar with Dave Synder, CEO/Founder of CopyPress. Small business owners gained actionable insights and the knowledge you need to thrive by leveraging your brand, Core Values, and content creators effectively in today’s noisy marketplace. Click here to watch the replay.

11/7/23 (IN-PERSON): TAKE THE 'WORK' OUT OF NETWORKING

Alexis presented to the Small Business Owners Committee of the NACC the key elements in your 30-second introduction, how to take control during and beyond the event, and the power of giving back.

11/7/23 (VIRTUAL): LEVERAGE YOUR SMALL BUSINESS CULTURE AS A KEY BUSINESS DRIVER MASTERCLASS

Co-hosted with Grace Tkach, an HR expert, we explored how your business would thrive if you focused on being more intentional about your culture. We will explore culture and intention, apply the theory to your business, and share practical actions to implement today.

10/17/23: NETWORKING STRATEGIES INTERVIEW, LIVE ON LINKEDIN

Alexis was a guest on Alison Ver Halen's live marketing spotlight where we discussed networking strategies for small business owners. Click here for the replay.

8/22/23: NACC TEAMWORK, LIMITING BELIEFS BECOME LIMITLESS BELIEFS

Alexis brings an interactive, thought-provoking session to her Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce leads group.

7/24/23-7/28/23: RISE & SHINE WITH INTENTION CHALLENGE

This 5-day challenge explored the various components of intention and how to take action, including: direction, purpose, changing limiting beliefs to limitless beliefs, communication as a means to focus, and using intention to make decisions and take action to move your business forward.

7/18/23: EPWNG LUNCH & LEARN, GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP: MAKE NETWORKING WORK FOR YOU

Are you getting the most out of your EPWNG experience? We discussed the importance of building relationships, active listening, connecting effectively, and helping others. This interactive hour will help you learn how to make networking work for you (both in and out of EPWNG), including: The key elements to include in your one-minute introduction, beyond the monthly meeting, and the power in giving back to others.

4/20/23: THE PEOPLE TREE, LIVE STORYTELLING, "MONEY" THEME

Storytelling is an art that I wanted to practice in 2023. The People Tree is a local organization that features 6 storytellers each month to share stories based on our memories and interpretations. It is similar to the Moth Radio Hour where I will tell my story to a live audience at a local restaurant. You can see how I did on my YouTube channel.

2/14/23: UNFORGETTABLE INTRODUCTIONS: 6 STEPS TO ATTRACT YOUR DREAM CLIENTS AND NETWORK FEARLESSLY

A framework for small business owners to improve the 30-second introduction while networking.

1/24/23: ATTRACT YOUR DREAM CLIENTS MASTERCLASS

Small Business owners want to be surrounded by Dream Clients, and this Masterclass shares a framework of who that is and how to focus your marketing to attract your Dream Clients.

11/10/22: 2022 REFLECTION & 2023 PLANNING

As 2022 winds down, it's time to reflect, celebrate, learn, and assess what you accomplished, and where you want to take your business in 2023.

7/14/22: CREATE POWERFUL CONNECTIONS WITH YOUR 30-SECOND INTRODUCTION

Naperville Business Network hosted Alexis as a networking expert during this live workshop where attendees learned the framework, what to include and what not to include, and practiced their delivery with partners. A few were lucky enough to receive feedback from the group and Alexis.

5/23/22: HOW TO LOVE YOUR BUSINESS AND RECONNECT IN YOUR DAILY GRIND

Burnout happens to even the most motivated entrepreneur. Alexis spoke at the Business Fundamentals Bootcamp hosted by Supporting Strategies.

2/7/22: HOW TO LOVE YOUR BUSINESS AND RECONNECT IN YOUR DAILY GRIND

Burnout happens to even the most motivated entrepreneur. Alexis spoke at the Oak Brook Business Network.

5/25/21: THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKING ON YOUR BUSINESS

It's easy to get stuck in the day-to-day, and next thing you know, you're about 10 years into your business and you don't have clarity in your strategy, brand, vision, or direction. It's important to take time to work on your business so you can save time when you need to implement or execute your marketing campaigns and tactics.

9/16/20: NAPERVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, DIGITAL MARKETING BOOTCAMP:

SMART START: CREATE A #DIGITALSTRATEGY FOR YOUR BRAND

Brand, Messaging, and Call to Action: What’s behind a brand? How do you share your brand’s promise and differentiation across your marketing strategy?

7/16/20 SCORE WEBINAR: IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU. JOIN YOUR CUSTOMER ON THEIR JOURNEY

We explored the importance of understanding your customer, where they are, and how to meet them where they are in their journey.

4/16/20 NACC WEBINAR:

Key Learnings from a Pandemic: Reassessing your Marketing Strategy and Creating Opportunities

2019 MASTERMIND WORKSHOP:

Customers

4/12/19 WESOS SOUTH NAPERVILLE CHAPTER:

You may be talking, but are your customers listening?

3/6/19 AND 3/20/19: NAPERLAUNCH MARKETING SERIES WORKSHOP

Email Marketing: The tried and true workhorse

2/28/19 WESOS FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESS WOMEN’S CONFERENCE:

You may be talking, but are your customers listening? Creating value-add content through customer understanding.

2/7/19 AND 2/21/19 NAPERLAUNCH MARKETING SERIES WORKSHOP

Content Marketing: Customer-centric focus drives results

MANA MATTERS