MARKETING is not what you think it is.
I discovered marketing only 97 days ago.
How do I even know that?
Because the moment I understood what marketing truly is, I knew we’d be together forever—and I never wanted to forget that date.
I want to celebrate that moment like an anniversary.
Read on if you think marketing is attention-grabbing garbage whose sole purpose is to:
- sell things nobody needs,
- profit off confusion (dealerships… YUCK!), or
- promise one thing and deliver another.
That’s what I thought, too.
But now I see that real marketing is simply helping people understand what’s already true—that what they do matters, and that there are people waiting to find them.
Marketing isn’t manipulation.
It’s connection through the translation of intention.
It’s not just seeing potential in someone, something, or someplace—it’s acting on it.
When we learn what makes a business meaningful and share it with others, digitally or in person, that is marketing.
What Opened My Eyes
Believe it or not, it was a small mountain town of about 3,700 people—Idyllwild, California—and one remarkable local business that changed how I see everything.
This paint-your-own-pottery studio was founded in 1996. It’s changed ownership only once. It had no online presence, no paid ads, and yet it’s thrived for nearly three decades.
All organic growth. All word-of-mouth.
Mind blown.
They’ve grown their reputation simply by being remarkable—by keeping their promises.
That’s good marketing.
What Works
Make promises worth keeping.
Marketing isn’t about selling; it’s about showcasing. Every time someone shares their experience—good or bad—that’s marketing.
For this Idyllwild business, their “good marketing” is being exactly what they say they are: a reliable, welcoming pottery studio where creativity flows.
Every business makes promises about the problem they solve.
Whether or not you keep those promises determines your reputation.
And that’s what marketing really builds.
How to Build a Reputation
Focus on what you can control.
You’ve probably heard the Serenity Prayer:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Business—like life—is chaotic and unpredictable. But you don’t have to do it alone.
When you lead with intention, consistency, and community, you become someone people can trust.
Sadhguru once said:
“The fundamental business of life is to make it wonderful for oneself and all life around. Do not forget that one thing: that you must be well.”
That’s what marketing really is for me: a practice of care—for your work, your people, and your world.
Do the Work
What works?
Work.
Building an intentionally designed, brand-aligned website will boost visibility for your small business.
Creating content for that website will build traffic and credibility.
Sharing that content consistently, where your audience already spends time, will build trust and relationships.
Marketing is alive.
It’s just … a lot of work.
Starting and running a business is already an act of courage. You create, serve, and give every day—and sometimes it’s overwhelming to think about marketing on top of that.
You might not know where to start.
You might not have time.
That’s where I come in.
How I Help Small Businesses Thrive
I help small-business owners, artists, and entrepreneurs build trust online through authentic storytelling.
Whether you need a simple website, help managing social media, or an automated email campaign, I’ll make sure your marketing feels like you—and connects you to the community that needs you most.
Because every small business is a heartbeat in its community. And when we help those heartbeats grow stronger, we make the whole world a little more alive.
Maybe I Can Help
If you’re overwhelmed by marketing—or just curious how to make your business more visible online—let’s talk.
👉 Book a free 30-minute strategy call here.
We’ll uncover your story, clarify your message, and outline a marketing plan that builds trust and feels aligned with your values.
People are remarkable.
You are remarkable.
What you’ve built is worth sharing.
Let’s make sure the world sees it.
