On Showing Up

We had the pleasure of attending a wonderful event at Common Ground last week. And while it was absolutely exciting to meet all the incredible people from around the world, who also attended the conference, what stuck with me most were the words of a local Hawaiian.

He talked about the history of Hawaii, and the understandable anger that can sometimes come with it. But he also said that the older generations reign in the rage of the younger ones, knowing that what leads to much better results, is education. But you don’t just show up and expect to be taught native wisdom. You show up and you are of service. You show up consistently and with your whole heart. And then, when and if you are lucky, an elder will teach you and tell you their stories. And that is the best gift you can imagine.

I think the same applies to brands and marketing, actually.

I don’t believe in yelling at your customers to buy this or look at that. I believe in showing up consistently and being of service. Whether your business is in the actual service industry or sells hard Selzer or shoes.
If you are present and attentive, meaning, you consistently show up adding value to your audiences’ lives, with simple gestures, education, or content that actually matters, while listening to their needs and ideas, you are doing it. And only then, will you eventually be rewarded with their stories, their engagement, and their purchases.
Only when you put your needs - sales - to the side, will you actually be able to grow. It’s a form of generosity. And it comes back around multifold.

But that only works if you are able to trust, that what you are offering is actually worth doing. And here is why brand matters so much. Your Why, your values. This is your north star, your compass that guides every decision and action you make within your company. Internally and externally. It’s so scary because trust means you aren’t grasping for more likes and growth, you don’t push one sale after the next, hoping that someone will bite. Instead, you are steady and sure. Not passive. Never pushy. You are passionate about what you do and who you do it for, and that’s all that matters. And you will see quickly how attractive that is.

One quote from another teacher at the conference I wrote down is: “It’s not about what you acquire but who you inspire.”

With that, we leave you and hope you have a peaceful and slow (I know, I know, but one can never give up hope) Holiday season.

Much love, Lisa & Tim