10 Questions. 10 Minutes. What’s helping, or hurting, your brand? →
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NEWSLETTERS
In 1998, a direct ultimatum from a freelance client forced a choice: stay in a stable corporate job or bet on self-employment. A lunch with a cousin who’d built his own law practice from nothing delivered the advice that’s held true ever since, that owning a business means running just ahead of a sinkhole that never stops expanding.
As businesses grow, their brands often lag behind. Positioning becomes less clear, messaging grows inconsistent, and marketing stops reflecting who the business has become. When your brand no longer aligns with reality, the hidden costs quietly affect marketing, decision-making, and future growth.
Most prospects ask the same root question: how do I grow? Here’s a plain look at the seven ways we help founders and leaders build the brand clarity that growth is actually built on.
Mission, vision, values, and positioning statements are the most widely recognized strategic tools used to define a company’s business, strategic objectives, and overall approach to reach those objectives. Another less frequently recognized strategic statement that many companies neglect to employ is the Purpose statement.
Think about marketing as planting trees. The trees of brand marketing you plant today will guarantee business growth tomorrow. What you are communicating today is to help potential customers make the buy decision in the future when they need what you are offering.
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A referral may introduce you, but AI is increasingly making the first impression. As more prospects turn to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and other AI tools to evaluate people and businesses, your reputation depends on more than search rankings, it depends on the body of work you’ve published over time.
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Before we get into today’s piece, a quick note. Before we get into today’s piece, a quick note. I’m intentionally pressing pause on Solo(ish) on LinkedIn for now. This isn’t a goodbye, and it’s not a change in who I’m writing for. It’s a consolidation of how I share...
Even the most underwhelming networking events can lead to meaningful business opportunities. Consistent outreach, follow-up, and simply showing up—especially when it’s inconvenient or awkward—are essential parts of building a sustainable solo business.
Not every business deal is about immediate profit—some opportunities create long-term value that leads to greater success. Taking on strategically valuable projects, even at a lower rate, can refine services, build strong relationships, and open new doors. Knowing when to pursue an opportunity and when to say no helps balance profitability with sustainable business growth.
Stop letting overthinking, analysis paralysis, FOBO, hold your business back. You can make faster, more confident choices that drive progress…if you let yourself.
Referral marketing isn’t just a strategy—it’s the backbone of sustainable growth. Referrals harness the most powerful form of advertising: personal recommendations. Turning satisfied customers into enthusiastic advocates can build trust, attract new clients, and create lasting loyalty without stretching your budget.
Referral marketing is a powerful strategy for small businesses, using personal recommendations to build trust, attract new customers, and foster loyalty—all while keeping costs low. It reflects the quality of your business and the trust it inspires, turning happy customers into enthusiastic advocates
Here’s a little tale about why you’re always networking, even when you’re just grabbing a plate of free food.
The fear factor in marketing takes center stage. But is using scare tactics really the best strategy for building a brand? While fear can grab attention in the short term, it often leads to distrust and alienation among consumers. Brands that prioritize genuine connections and positive messaging are more likely to foster loyalty and long-lasting relationships.
Downtime for solopreneurs and small business owners is essential for boosting productivity, creativity, and work-life balance. Learn why taking breaks, whether through vacations or sabbaticals, is key to preventing burnout and ensuring long-term business success.
Marketing and branding have important roles in attracting customers and encouraging their loyalty. While marketing uses data to understand customer desires and drive actions, branding leverages creativity to forge deeper emotional connections. A strong brand also provides the foundation for effective marketing strategies and tactics.