Hello Reader, This week I stopped at my local art supply store (aka the second best place ever, just behind a local bookstore) and picked up some fun stuff, including a new watercolor paintbrush. (I've been taking a course on watercolor, it's fun!) I sprung for the fancier grade brush, which was about $12 USD instead of $8 USD. I got it home and, naturally, I had to test it out. It turns out this little brush solved almost all my frustrations. It wasn't me, it was the tool I was using. I don't know about you, but I tend to default to assuming I'm the problem in the equation when things go wrong. And, most certainly, sometimes I am. Maybe I didn't have all the info I needed, I didn't execute something correctly, or my timing was off. However, just like that silly little brush, sometimes the tool is the problem. In business, that incorrect tool could be using the wrong strategy for you, or an app that you've outgrown, or even hiring the wrong person to help you with something. High achievers in particular (and I know I've got a lot of you reading this email) tend to believe that they can strong-arm the tools into working, and that if they don't, that's their fault. Me, I'm searching for a CRM that's built with consultants in mind. Because the tool I'm using just wasn't built for my business as it exists today. It was awesome until it wasn't. I'm also looking at different financial management tools for the same reason. I tried to force them to work, thinking, "Sarah, you're smart, you can make this work." Which I could—but is that the wisest and best use of my brainpower? I don't think so. My invitation to you is to consider that if something isn't working, is it REALLY you? Or are you using the wrong tool for the job? Talk soon, Sarah P.S. WAITLIST ALERT! Ready to revitalize your business blog? In the fall I'm launching a two part hands on workshop to help you do just that. Join the wait list here. |
The status quo of modern marketing isn't designed for you and me.The hard truth is that most marketing strategies are designed for massive corporations, while small businesses, consultants, coaches, and other experts are left feeling that the advice they’re given just doesn’t fit—and they’re right. We have two choices: we can struggle to force our businesses into an ill-fitting mold, or we can reinvent a system that works for us and allows us to thrive. I don’t know about you, I prefer door number two. 💌 Reach our team at hello@smco.studio. 🌟 Ready to work together? https://sarahmoon.net/get-started
Hello Reader, Over the years, a lot of business owners have "confessed" to me that when they first started their website, they wrote a few blog posts in their excitement about having a a real, legit home online. And then... life lifed and they never kept it up. And... never saw the benefits. This is such a common story and it's one that can feel a bit daunting. If this is you, you may be wondering: Will I look silly if I start blogging again after two, three, five years or more? What do I...
Hello Reader, Sometimes I have to remind myself to take my own advice. This week, I was feeling a bit uninspired with what to write about for my newsletter. August is typically a lower open rate for me, and I know folks are just busy right now—plus I'm just plain worn out after a busy summer! Then I thought to myself, "Sarah, what would you tell a client who had this kind of block?" My answer: "Ask yourself how you can help someone today. Write about that." Which I've probably said more than...
Hi Reader, The pervasive belief that more content is better is enough to make me kick walls (except I would stub my toe and that is the absolute worst). Post more, share more, do more, more, more, more... No one can keep up and goal posts keep getting moved. But this couldn't be further from the truth. Quality, not quantity, is the key to successful marketing. Why is less more? Relevance: High-quality content marketing that directly addresses your audience's needs and pain points is far more...