For many business owners we’ve spoken to over the last 10 years, the word carries negative connotations. They envision it being something that requires an always-on, extroverted personality, face-to-camera on social media, and aggressively pushing people into sales using tactics like fear and scarcity.
We are not our businesses (a topic for another blog), so how do we disconnect who we are from how we talk about them?
In short, it all begins with your why. What is the reason you started your business? What is the deeper need you’re serving with your products or services?
When we stop viewing marketing as “getting” (getting sales, getting clients, getting income) and instead view it as “providing” (providing solutions, providing value, providing support), we’re freed to share the magnitude of our work without it being tied to our sense of self.
Marketing, when done well, is simply understanding the value of what we do, having recurring, tangible examples of its impact, and joyfully sharing that with the people who can benefit from it most.
Marketing is not about forcing people to buy, it’s simply the vessel that delivers a solution to them.
Chances are, you know that your work has the potential to do good. You’re simply stumped on how to articulate it. Here are some prompts for you to consider this week:
For more of our reflections on all things branding, marketing, and entrepreneurship, stay in touch with us on Instagram @marburyco or subscribe to our newsletter. We’re excited to start pouring more into both spaces this year!
