WHERE DO I START? The list goes on, and on, and, on, and on! Let's break it down and simplify this madness a little. WHAT DO YOU DO? At first blush, this seems innocent enough, but, are you able to articulate clearly your "why"? It sounds so simple, right? However, all too often we are talking in circles when we try to describe what we do and why we do it because the ideas are swirling and we are excited to release the product/service to the world. Let's see if my story helps. Opportunity struck! My new hubby saw the stress in my eyes on the daily. I loved my job, but struggled with the never-ending list of non marketing and design tasks that plagued my creative spirit. Pair that with missing out on enjoying my last couple of years before my nest was empty and the stress of choosing a position that wasn't honoring my purpose and I was miserable! So, I gave my notice and started dreaming of the business that was growing in my mind and my heart. I had been studying tourism marketing while I was in this position and it felt natural to continue on that path. Right out of the gate, contract were happening and I was HAPPY! Then, COVID. No one was traveling and funds that usually supported marketing efforts for communities were being redirected to helping local businesses stay open. Because of my love for economic development in communities, I was in full support of the funding practices. I decided to aid in the continued growth and pivot my business to helping struggling establishments to flourish and burgeoning businesses to succeed. Since April of 2020 this is where I have found the most joy of my career in coaching and creating for businesses of all shapes, sized, and stages of development. UNDERSTANDING YOUR PASSION Recognizing your passion makes it easy to know your ""why," it is explaining it that makes conversation surrounding your business difficult. Even as a marketing professional, I feel like I am constantly refining my story. However, the other day, my 17-year-old daughter was telling me that she was asked what I do. Her reply was simply: "My mom is a marketing coach and a graphic designer." AH HA! So simple, yet on the nose. I felt like I had to give a long-winded explanation that is basically my resume. Nope... simple is SO much better! SHOUT YOUR STORY Once we can clearly articulate what we do along with our why, telling others about our business feels so easy. Here are a few ideas about how to establish what you do and why: If you had to explain to a 10-year-old what you do, what would you say? EX "I help people tell the story of their business so that their customers know that they exist and how to find them. I love telling stories and creating art that helps to tell the story." Now, polish it for adults that understand the basics of your profession. EX "I coach business owners in how to tell their story through simple marketing. techniques. There are so many factors to consider and I understand how the rabbit hole that research and decision-making can take us down can paralyze people from creating a great plan for promoting their brand." While that explains a lot, it is A LOT! So, let's simplify again: "I make marketing smarter, not harder" Cue the fanfare, I've done it! ️🎉️🎈 THAT'S COOL, NOW WHAT? Now it is time to shout it from the roof tops! But, where? How? We'll dive into that next! But here is a hint: Establish a business name Create a logo that represents your business well. (*HINT: Make sure it is appealing to you, but more importantly, your audience!) Establish brand colors and fonts to create brand consistency Build your brand voiceBuild your graphic support system Well, and, of course, BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL with me and I will help you build something GREAT! Until next time, happy marketing!