Hi 

There's a saying that goes: when you're in the jar, you can't read the label.

I've been thinking about this a lot this week.

The brilliant Becca wrote about her experience of a Power Hour with me on her blog, and I genuinely had to put my phone down for a minute when I read it.

Before our call, Becca been going round in circles. Wondering if she needed a rebrand. Convinced something wasn't working, but not quite sure what. 

Then we had an hour together, but we didn't talk about multi-channel strategies or Instagram posting frequencies. 

We talked about why she started her business. About her love of books, Wales, sea creatures, and what she actually wanted her publishing house to stand for.

What Becca couldn't see from inside the jar was that she didn't need a total overhaul of anything. She needed to reconnect with the heart of what was already there.

Does this ever happen to you?

So many of us are working so hard, for so long, that we lose the ability to see our own businesses clearly. We're too close to it, too in it. 

We circle (spiral?!) the same worries, poke at the same problems, and somehow miss the obvious thing that someone outside can spot in about ten minutes.

This is not a failing, by the way. It's just what happens when you care deeply about something and you're doing it mostly alone.

An outside perspective isn't a luxury. For small business owners, it might be the most useful thing you ever invest in.

And I'm not saying a power hour with me is the only thing that can help. Sometimes just saying things out loud - to another human, to a tree, to a lamppost - can give you perspective that mulling it over alone in your own head simply can't.

Go and read Becca's blog.  She's a wonderful writer and it's a genuinely lovely read (yes, she calls me a "marketing genius", what can I say?!).

P.S. I only have one day this month available for power hours, so if you want me to read your label for you, get booked in here!

Photos of the week

1. With my Manchester 10k medal and the sign my supporters held up for the runners last Sunday.
2. Did an overnight trip to Liverpool with my youngest (Stockport primaries have 2 weeks off at Whit and get a shorter summer break). What a fab city!
3. Moody skies and meadows.
4. How cute is a 10yo in full cricket gear?!

Picky Bits

 🤳 Tips to reduce your screen time

👀 LinkedIn has launched new analytics that show whether your posts are reaching new people or just your existing followers. This makes it easier to see what content is helping you get in front of the right people and grow your audience.

😍 Applications are open for the Nation's Favourite Small Businesses (formerly SmallBiz100). Goodness Marketing made this list a couple of years ago and I've had some lovely opportunities off the back of it. Highly recommend entering!

🥳 Get weird on socials. In an age where AI is everywhere, one of the best things you can do to stand out is be your weird little self. I tested this theory by posting on Insta like it was 2016, in all the ways the algorithm hates (11pm, not about work, no video or audio, non aesthetic)... And voila, my best performing post for months. 

So basically, that's what I'll be doing now on Insta. Want to join me? Shall we take pics of our lunches this week?

Thanks for reading. I appreciate you and hope you have a great week. 

Karen

PS. Work with me!

1:1 marketing support (coaching + strategy) - available from July

Power hours - next availability on 30 June