Why is it so hard to promote my OWN business?!
- jessbarnes2010
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
I had the pleasure of joining a diverse group of entrepreneurs at the Porirua Biz Hub, a new center for new businesses to listen to experts deliver talks on things such as social media and landing the perfect elevator pitch. What was the most interesting was the conversations in between with fellow business owners.
A common struggle is how to promote themselves - even a former marketer who now has a photography business found it difficult to make the time or that it was just uncomfortable. I had fun introducing people I’ve just met to others by singing the praises of their new business (only if I genuinely meant it of course!). The smiles on peoples faces to hear their own business reflected back to them just showed how much they love what they do.
So, this newsletter is more of a pep talk on building confidence and ease into your marketing. As we come into spring and shake off the darkness of winter- let’s make ourselves grow and bloom as beautiful as the freesias I just picked from my garden.
Don’t get me wrong, marketing yourself comfortably will take a while. I remember so clearly as a child being told to be modest and acknowledge others' contributions before my own. While that might be fine sometimes, babe, you have something to make the world a better place. You created a product or service because you felt like it was missing in this world. And that is so remarkable. So, if you’re not ready to shout it from the roof tops, first start by giving yourself a business confidence boost and some fast marketing actions to get some momentum.
Here are 8 takeaways today:
3 strategies to remind you of how damn awesome you are as a business owner, and;
5 actions you can take to increase your marketing impact but don’t take heaps of time.
Business confidence boosters:
Find your people! Business networks are full of people in the same boat as you and can offer encouragement, share problem solving, and point you in the direction of resources
Acknowledge your wins - big or small. Posted on socials today? Updated your website? Sent that lead an email? Acknowledge it. Possibly even noting down what you’ve done over the course of the week and looking back can give you a sense of progress. Building a business is slow and obvious wins might take time - be your own motivator!
Find the easiest next step. Are you stuck on some strategic direction? Not sure what you should be posting? Find the easiest first step. Maybe it's finding an image that inspires you for a Meta ad and that’s all you do for now. Taking some action, however small, will, more than likely, compel further action and insight
Bonus: REST! Over extending your budget or your mental or physical health is not a long term solution.
Super speedy marketing actions for when you don’t wanna do marketing:
Health check on your website: all your links are working? Contact form is easy to access and sending you the right info? Have a quick go through your site to make sure everything is working as it should.
Google my business: Create or update your google profile to make it easier to find you.
Repurpose your content: Your audience is very unlikely to remember the content you posted a month ago. If it performed well (or you just like it), re-post!
Encourage user generated content: to be fair this does take a little bit of time but once it’s going you’ll have lots of activity that you don’t have to drive (but please do monitor!). Check out Sprout Social for some ideas.
Utilise social media platforms such as Hoot Suite or Buffer to plan your content for the week and have it scheduled so you don’t have to.
And, if the budget allows, hire me! I’ll be alongside you to draw out that fabulous ideas you already have and shape them into marketing materials from socials, to blogs and newsletters. It’s hard because we’re not really wired to promote ourselves - but go easy on yourself. You’re doing great. And when you’re ready, let’s work together to make this all a bit easier and see your business soar.
Much love business babes, theys, queens and kings,
J x
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