3 Things For February 3rd, 2023
Connection, Clarity, and a Healthy Ego!
Why is Marketing So Hard?
I admit it, it’s hard to do marketing for oneself. For me, I’ll say it’s just like the shoemakers kids that don’t have any shoes. But, I accept that – that is a lousy excuse! Which is why hopefully, you’ve been witnessing our team showing up a lot more online to share our passion with the world. If you don’t already follow us, I invite you to do so on social media (IG, FB, LI) and YouTube.
Sometimes marketing is hard to do for our own business because we’re so darn close to what we do. We know it too well. We’re deep in the weeds of our day to day tasks and the brain space needed to look at it from a different perspective is not something we willingly take time to do. But we should. I’ll venture to even say, we must! We didn’t go into business to make sales, but making sales keeps us in business. And, it keeps us helping the people who need our help.
Another reason it’s hard to market for oneself is because unless you have a “healthy” ego, it’s hard to brag. You want to be humble. And, most business owners that I have met got into the business to serve, which is all about the other and not about oneself. But if the world doesn’t know how awesome you are, how does one know if they want to work with you. So, quote “bragging” is just part of the gig. After all, what is a business without the amazing people behind it and that includes the founder! Yes you! Show us who you are. It’s not ego, it’s authenticity.
And finally, I’ll say: we must do it and we must continue to do it in order to build momentum. Starting and stopping is tiresome and it won’t get you the results you’re looking for.
I write this for you, but just as much I write it for myself. I said I would, so I must. If I had kids, and if I was a shoemaker, they better have some kick-ass shoes!
Be Clear With Your Web Designer
When starting a new web design project, it’s important to communicate clearly with your web designer.
Here are three key things to keep in mind when working with a designer to
create your website:
Your goals for the website: Before beginning any design work, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you want your website to accomplish. Are you looking to increase sales, generate leads, or simply provide information about your business? Knowing your goals will help your designer create a website that is tailored to your specific needs.
Your target audience: Your designer will also need to know who your target audience is so they can create a website that appeals to them. This includes information such as age, gender, location, and interests. The more information you can provide about your target audience, the better your designer will be able to create a website that resonates with them.
Your design preferences: Finally, it’s important to provide your designer with an idea of your design preferences. This can include the overall look and feel of the website, the types of colors and fonts you prefer, and any specific elements you would like to see incorporated into the design. Providing this information upfront will help your designer create a website that meets your design requirements.
By keeping these three things in mind when communicating with your web designer, you can ensure that the final product meets your needs and appeals to your target audience. With clear communication and a shared understanding of your goals, you can create a website that helps your business succeed online.
Not sure where to begin, Strategy 3 can guide you through the process and help you identify your goals, target audience, and dial in a design that resonates with potential clients.
Metaphoric Marketing Bonfire
Have you noticed after being isolated due to the pandemic, you find yourself struggling to connect and network? Are you content to just keep to yourself, outside of your daily business function? This is a real thing and it will likely take a bit more time – and intentionality to break the spell.
I want to challenge you to consider the way you’re going about networking. I’m not suggesting you stop productive efforts, but advocating that you add another layer. I suggest a metaphoric bonfire! What in the world does that mean? Here’s the thing… for many, a bonfire represents connecting. It’s where storytelling happens, deep moments of reflection, creative imagination, and “breaking bread.”
As we hustle and do all the things… are we creating situations that allow us the freedom to connect with other dreamers (aka: biz leaders/owners)? Are we intentional about bringing others together in a relaxing space that encourages sharing, exploring, dreaming, and collaborating? Is having (authentic) fun even on the agenda, or is it about passing out business cards, sometimes awkward icebreakers, and quickly identifying who we think is a valuable association?
I’m suggesting we attempt to have fun together. That we come together with the goal of listening to the vision and challenges of one another. As science has proven, when we relax, when we laugh, when we’re vulnerable… some of our most creative and effective thinking occurs. The best part, we have a real opportunity to think creatively on behalf of one another. As we sit around the “bonfire,” I believe we’ll find ourselves helping each other see what we just couldn’t see on our own. Hey, if I’m wrong… at least you’ll have fun and possibly create genuine connection with another passionate mover & shaker.
