Jacqueline Jones is a well-loved Forge member and today we’re reposting this valuable post from her personal blog! Jacqui started her company One Degree MMM which focuses on marketing and branding for small businesses and organizations. We loved this timely post as we change our mindset entering into spring!
Finally, Spring has officially arrived. Never mind the, still, bi-polar weather. It’s here, so says the calendar. Newness in any form is something we as human beings thrive off. We love to start fresh, launch new, and get rid of the old at the beginning of… well, anything. Spring is one of those times of newness, renewal, and restarting.
Many equate spring with gardening. Spring is the time to sow seeds, turn over soil, and create room for new blossoms and growth. Your branding shouldn’t be any different. So, let’s prepare your brand for growth and new heights in 3 steps!
Pick Your Flowers
Take a moment and decide how you want your new garden to look. Landscaping is an art. Marketing and landscaping are very similar during a time of transition. The goal is to take what exists and alter it in a way that makes it more attractive. To prepare our brand for greater things, we must start with a renewed vision. Now is the time to do some benchmarking and decide how you want your refreshed brand to evolve. Don’t just start implementing new things with no forethought. Let’s take a moment to create a full picture before we attempt to start painting. If you’re a One Degree FIRE Starter, you know how important goal setting is to me. I practically mention it in every email I send.
Prepare The Soil
You know how the new grand and fantastic brand will look. GREAT! What groundwork needs to be done for this transition to be successful? Just like in gardening, you may have to take some time to research what you’re putting in the ground. Many skip this step in their business in general. This process is commonly referred to as “investment.” Invest in yourself and your brand. Take that class, hire that service provider, or buy that packaging. Set yourself up for success from the beginning of this new season. Don’t just go plopping stuff in the ground with your fingers crossed and your eyes squinched expecting a miracle. Do the research. Do the work. Do what it takes to see a clear and positive change in your brand. Invest the time, money, and resources you have into your brand and yourself.
Commit To Watering Your Garden
One of my favorite phrases in life is “start out how you plan to hold out.” As you prepare for these new things within your brand’s marketing efforts, commit to seeing them through. You have to be realistic with yourself. No one requires anything of you for your brand, but you. Whatever you choose, be sure you can stay motivated (or employ whatever tactics necessary) throughout the entire season. Your dreams, visions, and plans may get the seed in the ground, but your daily commitment to them are what make them grow into your beautiful garden.
It’s time to get going. March is nearly over. The 2nd quarter of the year is just around the corner. Ready, set, GROW!
