Confidante Chronicles
Here’s Why It’s Not Working
Start the New Year with a sustainable strategy, not a pile of tactics. Many small business owners rely on trial-and-error marketing methods, only to end up overwhelmed and stuck. The problem? No strategy. Learn how to bake growth and client retention into your business plan from the start for long-term success. Stop spinning your wheels—build something intentional.
From Tiny Beginnings to Big Impact: The Story of Purple Monkey Playroom (And How Ads Supercharged Its Success)
Discover how a small children's indoor playroom achieved big success using a comprehensive strategy powered by Google and Meta advertising. Learn why strategic ads can elevate any well-rounded growth plan.
Why Your Small Business Needs a Comprehensive Growth Strategy to Thrive
Many small businesses struggle to meet their goals, not due to lack of effort but because they lack a cohesive marketing, growth, and customer retention strategy. Learn why aligning your efforts with a clear plan is essential for sustainable success.
Does Your Hairdresser Cut Their Own Hair?
Why are so many small business owners trying to do everything themselves? Presumably, to save money. But here’s the truth: there’s no real savings in not knowing what you don’t know. Investing in expertise—whether it’s strategy, marketing, or operations—pays off by saving you time, preventing costly mistakes, and setting your business up for sustainable success. Learn why planning beats correcting and how to build a business that works for you.
Unpopular Opinion: Your Business Needs an Instagram, Like Yesterday
Unpopular Opinion: Your Business Needs Instagram
Not to go viral. Not to become an influencer. And definitely not to bog yourself down in endless posting. Your business needs Instagram because it’s the virtual Rolodex of an entire generation. Millennials and older Gen Z—and even some younger Gen X—use it to keep tabs on businesses they’re curious about.
While Instagram isn’t a replacement for a solid website or other social platforms that are working for you, it is a critical piece of a well-rounded marketing strategy in 2024 (and beyond). Trust me, as someone who begrudgingly gave up my Facebook obsession for Instagram, I get the hesitation. But the reality is, if your business isn’t on Instagram, it’s invisible to a huge audience.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be hard. With tools like Buffer or simple LinkedIn-to-Instagram linking, you can create a presence without losing your mind. It’s not about perfection—it’s about being findable.
Want help fitting Instagram into your growth strategy? Let’s chat—I can’t wait to strategize on your behalf!
People Are Mad At Me
Building a sustainable business takes time, strategy, and effort. As I scale my third business, I’m deep in build-mode, working hard to create systems that will allow me the flexibility and freedom I envisioned. For entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed or stuck, remember: the freedom comes after the hustle. With a clear plan and cohesive strategy, your business growth is within reach. Let’s work together to build the foundation for your success.
Building Community: Creating Authentic and Supportive Connections for Sustainable Growth
Building authentic community connections is a cornerstone of sustainable growth for small businesses. Rather than exploiting email lists or pushing sales, the goal is to cultivate a network of engaged individuals who genuinely support your work and recommend you when opportunities arise. By creating a supportive ecosystem—free from transactional pressure—small business owners can establish lasting, meaningful relationships. Learn how to grow your own local network authentically, from using local Facebook groups to hosting collaborative events, all with a focus on genuine connection.
The Biggest Mistake Small Business Owners Make with High-Investment Leads
Navigating Client Rejection as a Small Business Owner
Running a small business means riding an emotional rollercoaster, especially when you're managing sales, customer service, and marketing all on your own. A common mistake among small business owners is to treat a "no" from a potential client as the end of the road. However, seeing a rejection as a temporary setback rather than a final decision can lead to future opportunities. In this article, you'll discover why keeping the door open, even after a "no," can turn initial rejections into long-term business success. Learn how to foster positive interactions that keep your leads in your orbit and why a little grace during rejection can make all the difference in growing your client base organically.
Why Expertise Matters: How the Right Guidance Can Transform Your Results
Struggling to see results in your business despite all the hard work? Sometimes, the key to success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing things the right way. Just as a skilled trainer can help you reach fitness goals faster, a strategic expert can help you streamline your business efforts and achieve better outcomes. Learn why investing in the right guidance can make all the difference.
Riding the Social Media Rollercoaster: Why a Website Is Your True Home
Social media is a whirlwind. One minute, I’m reading that LinkedIn is canceling its gold Top Voice badge, and the next, I’m celebrating my newly minted badge—knowing full well it’s about to disappear! This whole saga was a good reminder that social media is rented space, and no matter how much we invest in it, the rules can change in an instant. In this post, I dive into why a well-rounded marketing strategy—starting with a great website—remains the best way to build a lasting brand.
Why a Broad Network Beats Social Insularity
Building a strong network is more than just collecting business cards—it’s about embracing new connections and being open to the incredible opportunities they can bring. Over the years, I’ve met some of my closest friends and business partners simply by striking up conversations and collaborating with like-minded people. Whether you’re starting a business or looking to grow personally and professionally, remember: your network is your net worth, and every new connection is a chance to expand your horizons and unlock new possibilities.
Customer-Aligned, Not Customer-Compromised: Protecting Your Business by Knowing When to Say No
Being customer-focused doesn’t mean catering to everyone who walks through your door. It’s about knowing who your true customers are—the ones who value your product or service and contribute meaningfully to your business. Sometimes, this means having the courage to let go of those who don't fit, even if it means taking a hit on your ratings or revenue. Prioritizing the right customers helps you build a sustainable business, invest in those who matter, and protect the integrity of your brand and team.
I Just Signed My Lease. Now What?
Are you opening a brick-and-mortar storefront? Taking this exciting step requires more than just great products—it’s about attracting the right customers to your physical space. In this guide, I share proven strategies to create a pre-launch buzz, optimize your local online presence, and plan a grand opening that keeps customers coming back. Learn how to market your new store, build local relationships, and engage with your community for long-term success.
The Perfect Time to Start a Business
You have a great idea, a unique product, or a long-term dream. Your friends or family insist if you sold it they’d buy it. Or you’ve seen it work in other places and you’re eager to monetize the concept close to home. (Also possibly you hate your boss and never want to attend another mandatory office happy hour or smell your co-worker’s lunch again. Just guessing).
How do you decide it’s the perfect time to become a business owner? And more importantly, how do you know you won’t fail?
How to Find Clients After Your Small Business Launch Falls Short: 5 Proven Strategies
Congratulations on launching your small business! 🎉 If your anticipated clients and sales haven’t materialized yet, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many new business owners face this challenge. It’s not that you’ve failed; it’s likely that your marketing strategy needs a boost. Beyond social media posts and relying on friends and family, you need a targeted approach to attract the right customers. Here are five proven methods, from building strategic sales funnels to networking and seeking feedback, to help you find your clients and grow your business. Let’s get you back on track!
I Gave Birth Last Night—And It's Not What You Think
After weeks of soul-searching, I’ve redefined MBA Confidante’s true positioning. I've moved away from pointing exclusively to marketing consulting, which under-emphasizes my full skill-set, to highlighting a more holistic strategic focus that helps entrepreneurs build intentional, profitable, and beloved businesses through customer-centric branding and optimized marketing.