Thankful for the Little Things: A Guide to Holiday Reflection

When you’re running a small business, every dollar has a destination. Rent, supplies, software, subscriptions — it all adds up. And when it comes to marketing, it’s easy to feel like “making an impact” requires a big ad spend or a dedicated team. But here’s the truth: effective marketing doesn’t have to mean expensive marketing. It’s about investing wisely — not just in where your money goes, but in where your time, energy, and creativity flow. Start with What You Have When you’re just starting out, your strongest asset isn’t your budget — it’s your brand story. You have something unique to share, and there are creative, cost-effective ways to get it in front of the right audience. One of my favorite strategies — both personally and professionally — is donating your services, products, or expertise to organizations and causes you believe in. Whether it’s a silent auction basket, a marketing consultation for a local nonprofit, or an exchange with another small business, giving can be one of the smartest marketing moves you’ll ever make. Why Giving Back Works as Marketing Giving back builds brand awareness in a way that feels genuine, not transactional. People are drawn to authenticity, and they remember the businesses that show up for their community. Here’s what happens when you give strategically: Visibility that means something: Your brand isn’t just seen; it’s remembered. A donation or partnership introduces your business to people who already share your values. Stronger relationships: These moments create conversations — not sales pitches. They often lead to referrals, collaborations, or new opportunities you never expected. Skill sharpening: Donating or exchanging services gives you space to experiment, test new tools, and refine your process — all while adding real value for someone else. Community credibility: Trust grows when people see you contributing to the greater good. It builds a foundation for long-term loyalty that no single campaign can replicate. And yes — sometimes that looks like six silent auction baskets in one year. 🧺 Each one filled with creativity, intention, and a little piece of your brand personality. Exchanging Services: The Power of Collaboration Don’t underestimate the value of bartering your expertise. Offering an exchange — say, branding work in return for photography, or social media management in exchange for event space — can help you grow faster while strengthening your local network. It’s not “free work.” It’s a strategic investment in relationships and exposure that can pay off in future referrals, portfolio pieces, and partnerships. Make It Count: Be Intentional If you’re going to invest your time or donate your services, do it with purpose. Choose organizations that align with your mission or audiences that naturally overlap with your target customers. Document your involvement. Take photos, share stories on social media, and thank the organization publicly. These moments tell your audience that your business stands for something — and people want to support brands that care. Marketing with Meaning When purpose and strategy meet, your marketing dollars — and hours — stretch further than you ever imagined. You build not just visibility, but community. Not just sales, but sustainability. As the saying goes, “Do good, and good will follow.” And in small business marketing, that couldn’t be more true. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about getting your name out there — it’s about building a name worth remembering. 📚 Supporting Source: Small Business Trends: Why Giving Back Is Good for Business #SmallBusinessMarketing #GivingBack #Community #BrandBuilding #Entrepreneurship #MarketingStrategy #LocalBusiness #SilentAuctions #MarketingIntellect

If you’ve been in business long enough, you know one thing is true: consumers are not predictable. Just when we think we’ve cracked the code, the internet tosses us a curveball (looking at you, TikTok Shop). The way people search, engage, and buy is shifting in big ways — and if you’re still running your marketing playbook from 2018, you might be missing the mark. Let’s talk about three big shifts happening right now: zero-click searches, the rise of community-driven content, and the growth of voice and visual search. 1. Zero-Click Searches: Google Wants You to Stay a While You’ve probably noticed that when you Google something, you often get your answer without ever clicking through to a website. That’s not just convenient — it’s changing how people discover brands. A study from SparkToro found that over half of all Google searches end without a click ( source ). What does this mean for you? It means your content needs to be quick, snackable, and designed to be seen in featured snippets, “People Also Ask” boxes, or map packs. Think of it like leaving out free samples at Costco: sometimes it’s not about the whole meal, it’s about getting that first bite. 2. Community Content Matters: People > Ads The algorithms are getting noisier, but people still trust… well, other people. Enter community-driven content. Whether it’s a local Facebook group, a Slack channel, or your customers posting about your brand, authentic community voices are carrying more weight than polished ad campaigns. Last weekend, we saw this in action at the Hai Hai Pro Choice Potluck here in Minneapolis ( event details ). This wasn’t just an event — it was a community gathering around shared values, food, and connection. And here’s the marketing lesson: when you focus on building real, human-centered experiences, people don’t just remember your brand — they rally around it. 3. Voice & Visual Search: “Hey Siri, Show Me the Future” Typing is overrated (apparently). By 2025, over half of U.S. households are expected to own a smart speaker ( source ). Add to that the rise of visual search (hello, Google Lens and Pinterest), and suddenly keywords aren’t just words — they’re images, audio, and context. This means your marketing strategy needs to account for how people ask for things, not just what they type. Think conversational keywords (“best coffee near me right now”) and image-optimized content. Basically, if your product photos aren’t pulling their weight, it’s time for a glow-up. The Bigger Picture: Invest in Your Team Marketing is evolving — faster than most of us can keep up. And the businesses that will thrive are the ones who treat marketing like an ongoing education, not a one-time checklist. Invest in your team. Train new hires with the future in mind. Encourage curiosity and learning, because today’s “trendy” feature (like AI-powered captions or shoppable livestreams) often becomes tomorrow’s baseline expectation. At Marketing Intellect, we believe in this deeply — in fact, it’s why we show up for events like Hai Hai’s Pro Choice Potluck, why we stay plugged into cultural shifts, and why we keep investing in the people behind the strategies. Because at the end of the day, marketing isn’t just about chasing clicks — it’s about building meaningful, resilient connections. Final Thought: The consumer journey may be changing, but here’s the good news: if you stay curious, stay human, and stay community-minded, you’re already ahead of the game. Now — who’s ready for some post-blog snacks? (Because everything is better with snacks.) #ZeroClickSearch #ConsumerJourney #VoiceSearch #VisualSearch #DigitalMarketingTrends #MarketingStrategy #CommunityMarketing #PeopleOverAds #CommunityDriven #ProChoicePotluck #MinneapolisEvents #InvestInYourTeam #MarketingEducation #FutureOfMarketing #MarketingTraining #SmallBusinessGrowth 

Explore how small wins, like networking and trying new snacks, build real success—one moment at a time. Featuring insights from Forbes and more.

Marketing that resonates starts with learning everywhere—mentors, travel, convos, classes. Real life is your best strategy tool. #StayCurious

Anyone else scroll through social media lately and think, “Wait… what did I just spend 30 minutes looking at? I used to enjoy social media. It was a place to discover cool ideas, have a laugh, or learn something new. But lately? I leave my screen time feeling duped—like I just fell into a content trap set by an algorithmic black hole with AI-generated content and copy that isn't authentic. The Rise of AI-Generated Everything The truth is, a growing chunk of what we see on social media isn't human-created anymore. It’s AI. Smart, efficient, emotionally meh AI. It’s trained to mimic our language, our humor, even our hot takes—so well, in fact, that sometimes we don’t even notice. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not anti-AI. I use AI myself (Hi, ChatGPT 👋) to brainstorm, organize, and optimize. But as a human marketing strategist trying to create real connection, I wonder: If everything starts to look and sound the same, how do we stand out? How do we build trust when our audiences are growing skeptical of whether we even wrote the content ourselves? Stat: In 2024, a significant 69.1% of marketers reported incorporating AI into their marketing operations, reflecting a growing confidence in AI's capabilities to enhance marketing strategies. ​ Influencer Marketing Hub+1GPTZero+1 From Social to Simulation Social media used to reflect life. Now it’s starting to feel more like a simulation of what some server farm in Silicon Valley thinks our life should be. That’s a problem—especially for those of us who build brands, tell stories, and (ahem) sell things. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It’s a necessity. We’re entering an era where human connection is the differentiator. Your brand’s voice can’t be another blend of vanilla AI-speak. People are craving something real—and they’re getting really good at spotting what isn’t. So What Do We Do About It? Here’s what I’m leaning into as a marketer who still believes in the power of real content: Show your face. Literally. Video still wins, especially when it's unpolished and real. Don’t be afraid to be a little awkward. It’s human. Write with personality. You can use AI to help outline or edit, but let your actual voice come through. Add a pun. Toss in an unpopular opinion. Let people know there’s a you behind the screen. Value over virality. It’s tempting to chase trends, but offering real insight or help will go further in building lasting relationships. Pull back the curtain. Take your audience behind the scenes. Let them see the process, the fails, the why behind your what. Trust comes from transparency. Yes, AI is everywhere right now—and yes, it’s kind of making things weird. But for marketers, it’s an opportunity to double down on what AI can’t do: be you. #ArtificialIntelligence #SocialMediaMarketing #Authenticity #DigitalMarketing #AIContent #MarketingStrategies #StayHuman #ContentCreation #MarketingIntellect #AIinMarketing

Marketing Doesn’t Work… Until It Does "Marketing doesn’t work." "How do you guarantee success?" "What if your ideas don’t work?" Fair questions. No one wants to throw money at something that might work. But here’s the reality: marketing shapes your decisions every single day, whether you realize it or not. Case in Point: Post Malone Oreos Did I buy them solely because Post Malone endorsed them? Yep. Do I normally buy Oreos? Nope. I’m not saying we don’t make our own choices, but to think marketing has zero influence on you is nearly impossible. It’s everywhere—on your social feeds, in your inbox, on billboards, during your favorite podcast. And when it’s done right, it sticks. Marketing Budgets: Big, Small, and Everything in Between Not every business has a Post Malone-sized marketing budget, and that’s okay. Effective marketing is about strategy, not just spending power. But let’s break down some marketing budget tiers and the impact they can have: 💰 Big Budget: $10M+ (Think Global Brands) Celebrity endorsements (Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Michael Jordan) Super Bowl ads ($7M+ for a 30-second spot) Nationwide campaigns with TV, digital, influencer, and retail integration Brand awareness that saturates the market (think Nike, Apple, Coca-Cola) 💡 Impact: Maximum exposure, instant recognition, and the ability to own a conversation. 📢 Mid-Size Budget: $500K - $5M (Think Regional/National Brands) Digital advertising (Google, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) Influencer partnerships at various levels (macro/micro) Public relations and content marketing Local sponsorships and event activations 💡 Impact: Brand awareness and engagement at a meaningful level, with a strong ROI when executed well. 🚀 Small Budget: $10K - $100K (Think Small Businesses & Startups) Targeted social media ads Email marketing campaigns SEO and content strategy Grassroots efforts (community sponsorships, networking, referral programs) 💡 Impact: When done right, smaller budgets can be just as effective—hyper-targeted marketing often converts better than broad campaigns with massive spend. What If Marketing “Doesn’t Work”? Even the biggest brands fail sometimes. Remember Pepsi’s controversial campaign with a certain celebrity? Or Peloton’s awkward holiday ad? Marketing mistakes happen. But here’s the thing— we still remember them. And that’s the power of marketing. It keeps brands in conversations. It influences perception. And ultimately, it impacts what we buy. Marketing Intellect: Helping Businesses at Any Level Marketing isn’t optional—it’s essential to growth. If you’re not telling people how awesome your business is, someone else is getting their attention. At Marketing Intellect , I specialize in creative, results-driven strategies for businesses of all sizes. Whether you have a big budget or a shoestring one, I’ll help you make the most of it. 📢 Don't go at it alone. Let’s build a strategy that works for YOU. P.S. Stay tuned for my Post Malone Oreo taste test. #MarketingMatters #Branding #MarketingStrategy #MarketingLeadership #PostMaloneOreos #MarketingInfluence

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As the owner of Marketing Intellect, I'm here to share a few proven tips to help small businesses grow sustainably. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale, these strategies can make a world of difference. 1. Stay Organized Like a Pro Running a small business often feels like juggling a thousand priorities at once. Tools like ClickUp or even a good old-fashioned planner can help you stay on top of your tasks. Try batching similar activities together—such as dedicating a morning to finances and an afternoon to social media planning. Staying organized isn't just about schedules; it also includes keeping your ideas, goals, and analytics in order. A little structure can reduce stress and free up your creativity. 2. Leverage Your Circle Your network is one of your most valuable assets as a small business owner. Former colleagues, local community members, and even past clients can become customers or partners. Engage authentically by checking in with them—not just for business updates but to maintain those genuine connections. Pro Tip : Hosting events or webinars is a fantastic way to bring your network together and create mutual value (2025 goal)! 3. Prioritize Networking Networking might seem time-consuming, but it pays off significantly in the long run. Make it a habit to attend at least one event a month—whether it's an industry conference, a local business mixer, or even an online forum. You never know when the next big opportunity will arise from a handshake or a virtual introduction. Bonus : Networking isn't just about showing up; it's about follow-up. Send personalized thank-you emails or connect on LinkedIn to keep the conversation going. It feels like January has been the longest month ever, but we’ve made it through! I’m thrilled to share that the cruise was an absolute success. The room may have been tiny, but the sun rays spilling through our window each morning made every moment worth it. 🌞 Let’s channel that energy into achieving our business goals this year—sunny days ahead! #SmallBusinessTips #NetworkingGoals #StayOrganized #LeverageYourNetwork #EntrepreneurLife #SunshineAndSuccess #MarketingIntellect

As a small business owner, the pressure to always be available can make taking a break feel impossible, but stepping away is essential for maintaining focus, creativity, and organization. Preparing for my first-ever family cruise has been a whirlwind of balancing.