Integrated Marketing & Communication is…

Welcome to ImageMarCom.com! This blog site is a culmination of my years of integrated marketing communication services. Much of what you will read and learn here has been gleaned from my education, training, research, and professional experience.

As defined by the American Association of Advertising Agencies, integrated marketing communications, “recognizes the value of a comprehensive plan that evaluates the strategic roles of a variety of communication disciplines and combines them to provide clarity, consistency and maximum communication impact.”

Integrated Marketing Communication is an approach to achieving the objectives of a marketing campaign, through a well-coordinated use of different promotional methods that are intended to reinforce each other.

I believe that the following content of these blog posts can help you strategize, create and implement better integrated marketing communications practices for the ultimate purpose of selling more stuff (goods and services) and making more money.

IMC Blog

Disciplines of IMC

Advertising

Public
Relations

Direct
Marketing

Internet or
E-commerce

Sales

Promotion

Event
Engagement

My Professional Profile

I am a practitioner and professor of all things media and communication principles. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Harding University and a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University in Chicago.

I started my career in the news and advertising distribution business when I took a job at age 11, as a Paper Boy! Since then, I’ve worked in radio, television, newspapers (this time as an owner), photography, social media, direct marketing production and sales. I’ve also founded and operated two different advertising/marketing agencies.

In 1985 I founded Shaner-Barger Advertising in Little Rock, (a general creative and classic production agency that also included media placement). In 2002 I created Image Marketing & Communications, an integrated marketing communications consulting firm that specialized in print production for digital and direct marketing.

Through all of my past experience, understanding the value of storytelling has been at the forefront of my professional expertise. Even more so, storytelling is vital to marketing a message for advertising, public relations and direct sales purposes. Storytelling is simply the foundation of good marketing communications.

In 2008 I was recruited to be an assistant professor of mass communication at Harding University. For the next 12 years I taught classes and advised advertising and public relations majors before retiring in 2020. Now I’ve moved into my consulting years; writing, blogging and advising on the best practices that a lifetime of media management has taught me so I can share that with you.

“By far and away, my greatest accomplishment and satisfaction has been teaching, mentoring, and training young professionals in old school, and new media ways of integrated marketing communication.”

Steve Shaner, M.S.-IMC

I am Known for Being

A Professional
Storyteller

A Professor

A Communications
Consultant

A Professional Speaker
& Presentation Trainer

I love to write and produce

Creative
Briefs

Branding
Guidelines

PowerPoint
Presentations

Decades of Experience,
A Lifetime of Stories

With decades of experience in public speaking and consulting, I help individuals refine their craft and bring their ideas to life. My approach focuses on clarity, connection, and impact—helping you speak with purpose and leave your audience inspired.

Here are some of the ways I can support your growth as a speaker:

  • Professional coaching for public speaking

  • Marketing collateral and handouts

  • Public speaking techniques

  • After speech evaluations

Reach out today, and let’s take your speaking skills to the next level.

Contact Me Today

“Testimonials

Tania Salgado

Tania Salgado

Marketing
Team Lead

★★★★★
Professor Shaner played an important role in helping me build a strong foundation for my career in the IMC industry. His guidance helped me secure my first job and approach new challenges with confidence. I am grateful for the knowledge and perspective I gained from his mentorship and consultations, which have made a significant contribution to my professional development.
Mason Burcham

Mason Burcham

Digital Content
Strategist Matmon

★★★★★
Steve Shaner wasn’t just my advertising professor; he is a mentor who has truly shaped my understanding of Integrated Marketing Communications. His unique ability to make everything click, combined with his passion and inspiration, has left a lasting impact on many, myself included.
Matt Tate

Matt Tate

Executive Vice President
Capital Rivers Connect

★★★★★
When I first met Professor Shaner, I was aimlessly moving through my college journey. At the time, the landscape of higher education was shifting from teaching traditional print journalism to focusing on online media skills, and our university, was in a time of transition. Steve instantly and always treated me with respect, encouraged my creativity in his classroom, and offered invaluable career guidance when I needed it most—especially during a time when I was still figuring myself out.

Latest Posts

October 15, 2024
Sales
April 15, 2024
Non-Profit
April 8, 2024
Story Telling
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