Today's blog is a lot different from the usual topics on business insights and practices that I typically share. Instead, I am going to be a bit vulnerable and share with you why I have not blogged for quite some time. With that being said, let's get into this week's blog topic on knowing when you need to take a break from your business and focus on self investment.

We've all heard the age-old ideology on never allowing your personal life affect your business, but let's be honest - that is almost impossible. In March, I went through a life changing event and the thought of blogging, posting to social media, creating beautiful brands and offering business advice seemed completely out of the question. While I wanted to persevere and throw myself into the day-to-day operations of my business, something always pulled me away.

What I soon realized was that the sensation of being pulled away from my business was a calling to focus inwardly and allow myself to self invest. I accepted that I could not wholeheartedly benefit my clients or create great work for my business during those moments. Taking a barre class, saying "no" to things that I did not truly want to do, finally listening to that podcast I've been dying to hear, and just enjoying my personal time are just a few ways that I self invested. This new found investment granted me the time and space I greatly needed to focus internally and re-establish a passion for my business. Sure, I was criticized for my lack of social media and blog posts - but I knew that I could not contribute creatively with my clients and taking a break from business was best.

“The magic is in the mess”

— Brene Brown

Taking this break from my business was not easy, and quite frankly it was scary. However, I knew that it was something that I had to do. I know I am now a much better business owner and consultant for it today! Setting such strict boundaries was the best practice I could have done. I can honestly say that after this brief hiatus from my business, I have become more inspired, motivated and driven than when I first launched Magnolia Media.

If you are not feeling inspired or had a life changing event happen and need a break, know that it is okay to step back. You will not help anyone, if you don't help yourself first. Self investment is not for every person and requires it a lot of strength to step away from day-to-day tasks of your business. If you are interested in taking a break from you business and would like to know more on my self investment journey, please contact me!

This week's blog title may be a mouth full, but trust me when I say that this topic is an important one! There is a common assumption among business owners that customers cannot understand the complexity of a product or service, therefore they "dumb down" the context of their content. While their will always be a learning curve for customers to understand your company's unique jargon, oversimplifying the content on your website, social media posts, blog, and anything else you publish to the masses is a poor reflection on your business and you.

Before we go any further, I do want to make note that there is a big difference in oversimplifying content to your customers and being detailed in your communication. Yes, this mean that there is a disconnect between the everyday person and the misunderstood customer, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Instead of divulging statistics and pushing articles that could be deemed as condescending, smarten your content! This will lead to an appreciation from the qualified, current and prospective customers you want to reach!

The millennial generation has grown up with more choices (oppose to ultimatums) than previous generations. This generation is educating themselves on products and services they desire or need before spending their hard-earned paycheck. Your goal should be to target your explanations to the right audience and begin treating your customers as business partners!

Now that you've gotten a hang on this concept of avoiding oversimplified content, you have no accustomed yourself to one of the best, modern marketing tactics: content marketing.

“Content marketing is a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly-defined audience — and, ultimately, to drive profitable customer action.”

— Content Marketing Institue

For more information on content marketing practices or to have a review of your current marketing campaign, please use the contact form below chat with us today!