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3 Easy SMART Goal Hacks to Make Goals Actually Stick
I’ve set hundreds of SMART goals in my life. I’ve even set a bunch of DUMB goals, dozens of backward goals, a handful of FAST goals, and even a few BHAGs. Heck, I’ve even written dozens of articles (and an ebook!) all about goal setting. So, I guess you can say I’ve done a lot of research into what makes a goal one that is actually achievable. But don’t worry, this isn’t yet another how-to guide for setting goals. This is a realistic look at why some goals stick, and others don’t… even if they follow all the “right” rules. Really Quick Review: What’s a SMART Goal? I know. I…
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When to Trust Data in Marketing… and When to Trust Your Gut
As marketers, we love our data! Data-driven marketing has become one of a marketer’s most powerful tools to make decisions grounded in logic, supported by trends, and optimized for growth. But here’s the thing: not every great marketing decision comes from an algorithm, dashboard, or spreadsheet. Sometimes, instinct just wins. So, when our world revolves around using data in marketing decisions, what happens when the numbers don’t tell the whole story? Well, some marketers lean into the numbers and ignore that nagging feeling that they’re missing something. Better marketers figure out when and how to trust the numbers and when to go with experience. Let’s explore how to strike the…
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What Knitting Has Taught Me About Business and Marketing
I’ve been knitting for many years. It started all the way back before my daughter was born, when I was determined to make her a blanket before she arrived. That was also probably my first lesson in good intentions not always leading to results (or maybe in biting off more than you can chew!). Despite buying all the supplies, picking out the perfect pattern, and envisioning how beautiful the finished product would be, I never actually made that blanket. But I did learn something: starting is easy, but following through is the real challenge. Almost two decades and hundreds of successful knitting projects later, I’ve found my place in the…
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Duo’s “Death” + Gamification + Storytelling = Marketing Genius
By now, you’ve probably heard the heart-wrenching story of the “death” of Duolingo’s owl, Duo. And I’m putting “death” in quotes because, let’s be real… did he really die? Will he be revived? Probably. But that’s beside the point. If you need a recap, check out this article. What’s (slightly) more interesting than the fate of our adorable language coach is the marketing genius behind this moment. Let’s dive into what Duo has to do with marketing, gamification, and storytelling. How Gamification Made Duo’s “Death” So Effective Duolingo didn’t just build an app; it built an experience. And at the heart of that experience is gamification, the use of game-like…
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11 Common Small Business Marketing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Running a small business is no small feat, and with limited resources, marketing can often feel like a daunting task. While many small business owners are eager to take control of their marketing efforts, it’s important to recognize the potential pitfalls along the way. Avoiding these common small business marketing mistakes can help business owners save time, money, and, most importantly, set themselves up for sustainable growth. Here are some of the most frequent marketing missteps I’ve seen in my years of working with small businesses—and how you can avoid falling into the same traps. 1. Lack of a Clear Marketing Strategy One of the biggest small business marketing mistakes…
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Harnessing Data-Driven Marketing for Strategic Campaign Success
In today’s marketing world, if you’re not using data to guide your decisions, you’re already falling behind your competition. Gone are the days of launching campaigns and hoping for the best. Now, data-driven marketing is the secret sauce that takes your strategies from “fingers crossed” to fully optimized. But here’s the thing — it’s not just about having data; it’s about knowing how to use it. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by endless metrics and numbers, so today, we’re going to dive into how to master data-driven marketing without losing your mind. What Does “Data-Driven” Really Mean? When we talk about data-driven marketing, it’s essentially making smarter, informed decisions based…
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Digital Networking Strategies for Building Genuine, Authentic Connections
When I first started out in my career, networking meant attending conferences, shaking hands, and exchanging business cards. And while that still happens today, the landscape of networking has evolved dramatically. Now, we have LinkedIn, virtual meetups, webinars, and social media platforms to foster professional connections. And while it might seem easier to network digitally, making meaningful connections online requires a deliberate and strategic approach. So, how do you create meaningful relationships in the digital world? These digital networking strategies can help you build authentic connections that matter. Be Genuine and Intentional One of the most valuable pieces of advice I’ve ever received about networking was this: “Quality over quantity.”…
