An Acorn, A Tree & Marketing Budgets
It’s funny how some of the smallest moments can have such a profound impact on your life. How with the slightest tweak of perspective, a whole new field of opportunity opens up.
One of my favorite college professors was the psych teacher I had while pursuing a photojournalism degree at Brooks Institute of Photography. A year in, I had come to realize that while I loved photography as a hobby, I didn’t find working in the field particularly rewarding. I had taken a position at a local resort for flexible shifts around my school schedule, and by happy coincidence discovered hospitality was in my DNA.
I remember staying late after class to talk to this teacher about my thoughts on leaving the program, and he did the most remarkable thing. He took an acorn out of his pocket - why it was there or where he acquired it I have no idea - and he held it out to me.
He asked, “What do you see?”
Confused, I responded. “An acorn.”
He smiled and said; “I see a tree.”
Sounds a bit unreal? This actually happened, and it changed my life. Let’s face it, life is a series of perspectives. And I’ve come to see more trees than acorns ever since that moment. You might wonder why I am sharing this story, and what it has to do with marketing budgets and your small business. Well, it’s all about perspective.
Any of these sound familiar?
I don’t need a brand style guide for my business.
I can’t afford a website right now, we are just getting started.
I don’t know how to use social media.
I can’t do email marketing.
I don’t have anything new to share about my business.
I can’t afford a designer to create professional signs and printables.
I don’t have time to follow up on every little review and comment about my business.
And one I hear the most: A chamber membership is a lot of money for my small budget. Is it worth it?
If what you have budgeted to market your business more resembles an acorn, you may think professional marketing isn’t accessible. Well, if you are after billboards and big game commercials, you are probably right.
But over the next few posts I’ll share ways to maximize even the smallest budgets - so you can put your best foot forward and help your business succeed. Will it take some extra time and effort? Absolutely. Will you need to be open to trying new things? Yes again.
But lucky for you we live in an incredible community full of gifted people who can help!
I choose to work specifically with small businesses because let’s face it - their marketing budgets often times look more like an acorn than a tree. But within that challenge exists opportunity, and I am here to help you see marketing a bit differently.
