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Changes in Marketing for Small Business

In the 9 years I’ve been involved in graphic design and marketing, so much has changed. So, so much. A definite shift in strategy has become apparent, simple ads are no longer enough for consumers to want to buy your product. The power of mobile, internet, and social media marketing has turned to the forefront of advertising.

What do I think about this? I think it’s great! The days of paying hundreds of $$ for 1/8 page ads and a spot in the yellow pages are long gone. Okay maybe not long gone, but there are more affordable and efficient ways to market your business in addition to those “old-school” methods.

Let’s focus on the typical start-up business that I’ve been seeing lately. A company that is in its early stages of establishment is looking to plant their feet deep in their industry, have a little bit of money to invest, but doesn’t have lots of start-up capital. They ask what is the best form of marketing for their business. My first answer is always social media.

But before you go online and search for every possible social media outlet there is so you can plaster your business’s logo all over your profile page, do your research. Ask yourself a few questions:

  1. What do you want to achieve with your social media campaign?
  2. Do you want to be solely professional or personal too?
  3. How many media outlets can you manage to make sure there is always interesting content?

Something to realize is not every social media outlet is right for every business. If you create a blog, are you going to regularly post in it? Do you have a passion to write, to spread your voice, to really sit down and share what you know on a regular basis? If not, then maybe a blog isn’t for your business model.

The point of social media is already sited in its name: social. The goal is to captivate an audience/community and talk – create conversations. Being genuine, honest about your business model, and personal is at the heart of what successful social media is all about. In my opinion, it’s the only way you’ll see success. Talk about topics relevant to your business, engage your followers/friends in the conversation, welcome critique, and most importantly, HAVE FUN WITH IT!

Alright peeps, you ready? Let’s jump into the online world and start socializing!

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The Cookie Cutter Christmas

Cookie cutter by Wilton

Christmas! Some say that it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Though I agree (it’s my favorite holiday for many reasons), for some, it’s not so wonderful as it may seem. Extra expenses due to the holiday season, expectation of gifts to give to loved ones, personal analytical judgement and reflection on if you achieved your resolutions and goals this past year….I’m not gonna lie peeps, it’s tough out there. (Ok, this is getting depressing. I promise, I have a point!)

I know there’s a lot of added pressure at the end of the year. I’ve been doing this to myself for many, many years. I tirelessly try to work as much as I can to “make the rest of the year count.” But one thing I’m beginning to see is that all the pressure that I feel….that negative anxiety, that hole in my stomach, that need for extreme change because of the “I’m not good enough” stigma…is all self-inflicted and unnecessary. And it’s turning me into a Scrooge…bah-humbug status.

I’ve told a lot of my friends that if there’s anything I’ve learned this year, it’s that patience is truly a virtue. I used to be the type of person that needed answers now. I was the type of person that needed to fix things right away, get things right away, achieve my goals right away. And when it didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped, I came down really hard on myself. But then I realized that the high expectations I had for myself and the guilt that I felt for not achieving my long list of goals was so bad for me. It’s what led me to my Scrooge-ish ways and I knew I had to change. So my steps to healthier decisions and a positive attitude became the following:

  1. Talk to someone! Actually, let me rephrase that. Talk to people. People you trust. It never hurts to get multiple points of view to help you make a decision. Tell them how you’re feeling and what has happened to make you feel this way.
  2. Let it marinade. One of the worst things I am trying to fix about myself is impromptu decisions. If you take the time to let things sit, all while trying work it out rationally, then your decision in the end will probably be something you won’t regret. Trying to come up with decisions on the fly are never good because of different reasons – your emotions are high, your adrenaline is running, you’re not thinking clearly, etc.
  3. Pray. God gives me strength, and he gives me the faith I need to continue on in this world. When I feel hopeless, He is the best to turn to. And the best part is you have nothing to hide with Him. I’m truly blessed because every time I’m afraid, sad, even happy (but scared of when things might take a turn for the worse) He always gives me reassurance, hope, and a sense of peace. No matter what.

 The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,so why should I tremble?

In due time, the answer we’re looking for will come. At this time of year, we see the carolers singing, the family TV shows full of cheer, the dinners with family and friends, and the gifts under the tree. We sometimes think this is how we’re supposed to act during the holiday season. But just remember, this isn’t what Christmas is all about. It’s a time to remember to live a Godly life. To give as much as you can, be thankful for being alive even through troubled times, and to celebrate life. Living and breathing is a gift in itself.
So don’t worry about that cookie cutter Christmas. Enjoy the rest of the year being where you are now and start thinking about your goals for next year!

Please like & share:
Posted on

The Cookie Cutter Christmas

Cookie cutter by Wilton

Christmas! Some say that it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Though I agree (it’s my favorite holiday for many reasons), for some, it’s not so wonderful as it may seem. Extra expenses due to the holiday season, expectation of gifts to give to loved ones, personal analytical judgement and reflection on if you achieved your resolutions and goals this past year….I’m not gonna lie peeps, it’s tough out there. (Ok, this is getting depressing. I promise, I have a point!)

I know there’s a lot of added pressure at the end of the year. I’ve been doing this to myself for many, many years. I tirelessly try to work as much as I can to “make the rest of the year count.” But one thing I’m beginning to see is that all the pressure that I feel….that negative anxiety, that hole in my stomach, that need for extreme change because of the “I’m not good enough” stigma…is all self-inflicted and unnecessary. And it’s turning me into a Scrooge…bah-humbug status.

I’ve told a lot of my friends that if there’s anything I’ve learned this year, it’s that patience is truly a virtue. I used to be the type of person that needed answers now. I was the type of person that needed to fix things right away, get things right away, achieve my goals right away. And when it didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped, I came down really hard on myself. But then I realized that the high expectations I had for myself and the guilt that I felt for not achieving my long list of goals was so bad for me. It’s what led me to my Scrooge-ish ways and I knew I had to change. So my steps to healthier decisions and a positive attitude became the following:

  1. Talk to someone! Actually, let me rephrase that. Talk to people. People you trust. It never hurts to get multiple points of view to help you make a decision. Tell them how you’re feeling and what has happened to make you feel this way.
  2. Let it marinade. One of the worst things I am trying to fix about myself is impromptu decisions. If you take the time to let things sit, all while trying work it out rationally, then your decision in the end will probably be something you won’t regret. Trying to come up with decisions on the fly are never good because of different reasons – your emotions are high, your adrenaline is running, you’re not thinking clearly, etc.
  3. Pray. God gives me strength, and he gives me the faith I need to continue on in this world. When I feel hopeless, He is the best to turn to. And the best part is you have nothing to hide with Him. I’m truly blessed because every time I’m afraid, sad, even happy (but scared of when things might take a turn for the worse) He always gives me reassurance, hope, and a sense of peace. No matter what.

 The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,so why should I tremble?

In due time, the answer we’re looking for will come. At this time of year, we see the carolers singing, the family TV shows full of cheer, the dinners with family and friends, and the gifts under the tree. We sometimes think this is how we’re supposed to act during the holiday season. But just remember, this isn’t what Christmas is all about. It’s a time to remember to live a Godly life. To give as much as you can, be thankful for being alive even through troubled times, and to celebrate life. Living and breathing is a gift in itself.
So don’t worry about that cookie cutter Christmas. Enjoy the rest of the year being where you are now and start thinking about your goals for next year!

Please like & share: