Branding is Not a Dirty Word

Thank you so much to everyone who attended the #BrandingisNotaDirtyWord workshop last Friday!

Here’s the biggest takeaway that I didn’t mention in the video. I call it “The Most Important Thing”: If you’re a small business owner, especially one who is hesitant to put yourself or your business out there, remember that what you have IS special. You wouldn’t have made it this far if you didn’t believe in yourself or that what you have to offer the world is something that will genuinely make other peoples’ lives better. You are NOT a Silicon Valley tech bro or a Wall Street hedge fund manager scamming people out of their money. You are the heart and soul of your neighbourhood and your community. A lot of us were taught that putting ourselves out there is selfish. It’s not. There are so many people who are absolutely CRAVING the product or the service that you offer. Don’t be selfish. Don’t keep it to yourself.

That said! It ain’t easy. Putting yourself out there is a hard road. But take it slow. Take it one step at a time. And if you’re struggling to figure out what that next step is? Phone a friend. Do some Googling. Watch a YouTube video. Look up resources in your area. And if you’re still not sure?? Hey! Call someone like me! I’m not even saying it has to be me! There are plenty of other pros out there who LOVE supporting small business owners. But don’t hide that beautiful thing you got going on! Share it with us!

I also want to say that I’m immensely grateful to the folks who supported me as I made it happen. Jay at @ceedns for his support and advice. Treehouse Village Ecohousing for the venue. The small business community on the South Shore for helping to get the word out and for showing up! And @chefchantz at Sunflower Catering in Bridgewater for some delicious and allergy-friendly sandwiches, wraps and salad.

#smallbusiness #novascotia #southshorens #branding