Branducation Chronicles: Crafting Connection Through Content.
Meet Manning Mercer Owner of MCM Creative.
I had the privilege of working with Manning Mercer this past year as she launched the brand for her business, MCM Creative. MCM is a social media management company that has a unique approach. She blends creative direction with intentional strategy while always keeping the heartbeat of her small business clients front and center. She understands the importance of the businesses you work with inside and out.
What makes Manning’s journey especially compelling is that she didn’t set out to be a social media strategist. In fact, she kind of stumbled into it. Before starting her business, she worked as an assistant to a musical artist in Nashville. But what began as a side hustle quickly revealed itself as a career path.
Entrepreneurship runs deep in her family. Manning grew up surrounded by women who ran their own businesses. Becoming a business owner herself felt like the right move. “I was always running a social media account for someone, it came naturally to me.” The ever-changing nature of social media didn’t intimidate her; it fueled her. Each algorithm shift felt like a challenge worth meeting. Manning proved time and again that she was more than capable.
Working with small businesses wasn’t the original plan, it ended up being the perfect fit. Manning is all about helping business owners connect intentionally with their audiences. It’s not just about content: it’s about connection, voice, and vision.
When I asked what she loves most about owning her own business she didn't hesitate. She likes the freedom to choose who she works with. She values the ability to align her work with clients she believes in and knows she can help.
When it came time to build her brand, Manning started where many creatives do, Pinterest. Creating a mood board helped her gather her ideas. Even as a creative, she spent weeks trying to piece her brand together on her own. After showing her ideas to several friends (and getting wildly different opinions) she asked herself one question. Can this be done better? That’s when she reached out to me at Typebird Creative, and we built a brand that truly reflects her vision.
Like many of us, Manning thrives on staying organized. Her must-haves in business? A good paper planner and the Notes app, both are essential for keeping thoughts, tasks and ideas in one place.
When I asked what she might do differently from the time she started the business until now. Manning said she’d spend more time researching pricing her offerings. I know this is something so many of us learn the hard way and Manning agreed. It is important to find out how to fairly price your services for your clients and also yourself.
And if she could give advice to her past self? “Make time for admin days.” Staying on top of the business side of things is key, even for creatives.
So, what does success look like for Manning? She answered, “I’m an Enneagram 3, so words of affirmation are the key to my heart. When someone compliments me, it means a lot.” She also mentioned that checking off to-do lists brings her a sense of achievement. We can all relate to that feeling.
Looking ahead, Manning sees nothing but growth. “I want to grow this business bigger,” Manning said. W
