Inside Circle: Strategic Marketing & Annual Report
Overview:
Inside Circle creates spaces where healing and transformation happen—from within prison walls to communities across the globe. Their work builds emotional literacy, accountability, and authentic connection for those impacted by cycles of trauma and incarceration.
In 2023, Inside Circle partnered with BXM Agency to strengthen its overall communications foundation. What began as an initiative to refresh email marketing evolved into a comprehensive storytelling strategy, culminating in the launch of the organization’s first digital annual report.
Approach:
Through BXM’s Narrative Sprint process, we clarified Inside Circle’s voice, refined its core message, and designed a multi-channel communications plan that reflected both impact and humanity. We managed creative direction and editorial development for email and social campaigns, then extended that narrative into the Igniting Community Annual Report—designed to connect donors, alumni, and partners through shared purpose.
Impact:
The integrated campaign reintroduced Inside Circle’s work with clarity and warmth, achieving a 40% increase in email open rates and renewed engagement among donors and partners. The Annual Report became the visual and emotional centerpiece of the brand’s 2023 communications, aligning the team and community around a single, powerful story.
Overview:
The Inside Circle Podcast shares raw, authentic conversations about healing, accountability, and personal growth—bringing the spirit of the circle to listeners worldwide. Each episode features powerful storytelling from voices who’ve lived transformation firsthand.
In 2024, Inside Circle sought to increase consistency, visibility, and listener engagement. They wanted the podcast to serve not only as content, but as a key pillar of the organization’s mission to spark inner work and community healing.
Approach:
BXM Agency developed and led a comprehensive podcast marketing strategy—aligning episode releases with social and email storytelling, building engagement pathways across LinkedIn and Instagram, and introducing video clip content to expand reach. We created branded templates for episode highlights, launched monthly recaps for the newsletter, and provided data-informed recommendations to shape future content.
Impact:
The refreshed strategy increased episode engagement and audience retention while positioning the podcast as a cornerstone of Inside Circle’s digital storytelling. By connecting content, design, and distribution, BXM helped Inside Circle translate deep conversations into sustained visibility and community connection.
Visit the IC Instagram
Memphis Challenge: Event Production & Alumni Engagement
Overview:
Memphis Challenge develops high-performing students of color into future Memphis leaders. For its 35th anniversary, the organization sought to re-energize its alumni community, elevate visibility, and celebrate the legacy of more than three decades of impact.
BXM Agency partnered with Memphis Challenge to lead the design and execution of the 35th Anniversary Weekend of Impact, a multi-day celebration that activated alumni, current students, donors, and civic partners. The weekend also served as a springboard to rebuild alumni engagement and strengthen the organization’s narrative leading into its next chapter.
Approach:
Through an integrated engagement and event strategy, BXM Agency:
• Designed the full Weekend of Impact structure, including the Distinguished Alumni Awards, Back to School Daze, and holiday service project.
• Led end-to-end production for the anniversary gala, including run of show, stage programming, talent coordination, and on-site logistics.
• Built a refreshed alumni engagement pipeline, including segmented outreach, invitation messaging, and social media content.
• Managed multi-channel communications across email, social, and SMS to activate alumni from 35 graduating classes.
• Developed donor engagement touchpoints that aligned the weekend’s narrative with the organization’s leadership development mission and fundraising goals.
This cross-functional approach brought together students, alumni, corporate partners, and community leaders under one unified experience.
Impact:
The 35th Anniversary Weekend of Impact became the most successful engagement moment in recent Memphis Challenge history.
• Reached over 2,000 contacts through coordinated alumni and donor outreach
• Activated alumni across 35 cohorts, including multi-city participation
• Raised $160,000 across the anniversary events
• Strengthened relationships with board members, partners, and corporate sponsors
• Set the foundation for a renewed alumni engagement strategy for 2025 and beyond
The weekend offered a shared moment of pride for the entire Memphis Challenge community and positioned the organization for greater visibility and momentum as it moves toward its 37th year.
Explore the Weekend of Impact: memphischallenge.org/mc35