If you’re a founder, chances are you didn’t start your business because you wanted to manage marketing.

You started it because you were good at something. You saw a gap. You cared about the work. Somewhere along the way, marketing became one more thing on an already full plate. And not just marketing. Decisions. Direction. Priorities. What matters now versus what can wait.

I’ve been having the same conversation over and over lately.

Things feel slower. Not just for one business. Not just in one industry.

Retail. Restaurants. Designers. Builders. Wellness. Real estate. Everyone is asking some version of, “Is it just us?”

It’s not.

I’ve been called a bully more than once. Not for being loud or mean, but for saying no. A reflection on experience, restraint, and why knowing what not to do might be the most underrated skill in building a lasting brand.

For a long time, we’ve been taught that visibility equals press.

Get published. Get featured. Get mentioned in the right places.

And listen, press still matters. Advertising still matters. Digital marketing still matters. We use it all, and we’ve seen it work really well for many partners. But for many local businesses, especially service-based ones that don’t serve people halfway across the country, being published isn’t always the thing that moves the needle.

Small businesses face unique challenges in seasonal markets—where economic activity fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. The cyclical nature of tourism, weather-dependent events, and varying customer demands require strategic approaches to sustain and grow operations. One effective strategy is prioritizing community collaboration over competition.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s easy for small businesses to feel pressure to adapt to trends, mimic competitors, or react to market shifts in ways that stray from their original identity.

In the competitive world of business, one thing is clear: standing out is crucial. Whether you're a small business or a large corporation, having a compelling value proposition is key to attracting and retaining customers.

Email marketing remains one of the most powerful tools for businesses to connect with their audience, drive engagement, and boost sales. However, success in email marketing hinges on building a strong, engaged subscriber list and creating campaigns that resonate with your audience.

In a crowded marketplace, where consumers are bombarded with countless messages daily, standing out can be a challenge. One of the most effective ways to differentiate your brand is through storytelling. Crafting a compelling brand narrative not only captures attention but also fosters emotional connections with your audience.

Over the years, we have seen firsthand the impact that events and experiential activations create for brands. When done correctly, these events can be a powerful tool for building brand awareness, generating leads, and driving sales.