Startup Marketing Clinic (SMC+)

About Startup Marketing Clinic (SMC+)

Startup Marketing Clinic (SMC+) is a free, expert-led marketing clinic dedicated to providing startup founders with strategic marketing support that is often inaccessible or unaffordable. Operating through monthly sessions in Brussels, SMC+ assists startups in refining their messaging, strengthening their value propositions, and making clearer, more confident go-to-market decisions. The primary goal is to help founders reduce guesswork, avoid wasted expenditure, and build stronger confidence in their marketing from the outset. (be.linkedin.com)

The core values of SMC+ include:

• Founder First: Every decision begins with the question, “Will this help the founder?” This space is dedicated to learning, planning, and growth.

• Integrity Always: Providing honest, transparent advice with no hidden agendas. Trust is paramount and is protected fiercely.

• Zero Pitch Zone: SMC+ is not a marketplace for services. Experts are present to give, not sell, sharing advice freely without expectation or agenda.

• Grow Together: Belief in the thriving of the ecosystem through collaboration, sharing ideas, sparking collaborations, and uplifting each other. (startupmarketingclinic.com)

The monthly SMC+ events are structured to provide startups with easy access to expert advice on their marketing challenges. These sessions offer a relaxed, informal environment where founders can share ideas with experts, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, gain clarity on next steps, and walk away with valuable insights without a sales pitch. (info.hub.brussels)

A typical SMC+ event includes:

• Meet and Greet: An initial networking session with drinks, allowing participants to meet each other.

• Keynote: Expert speakers share their experiences and insights on key topics relevant to startups.

• Open Tables: Three Open Tables manned by experts, offering one-on-one chats or group discussions on specific marketing challenges. (startupmarketingclinic.com)

The Open Tables are designed to delve into the details of marketing challenges, covering areas such as:

• Branding: Visual identity, brand tone of voice, brand story, naming, graphic design, and brand guidelines.

• Digital: Website feedback, SEO basics, paid media, email marketing, social media strategy, and analytics.

• Marketing & Communications: Messaging and positioning, go-to-market planning, campaign ideas, content strategy, press & PR, and community building. (startupmarketingclinic.com)

SMC+ collaborates with partners such as Silversquare, a workspace created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, to provide venues and support for these events. (startupmarketingclinic.com)

By fostering a collaborative environment and adhering to its core values, SMC+ aims to empower startup founders to navigate their marketing challenges effectively and confidently.