Tools of the Trade.. I enjoy gardening. In an effort to clear out a little tool shed, actually it’s a garden shed that tends to be a catchall. Anyway, I always tend to think of the forks, pots, spades, seed packets and potting soil as the Tools of the Trade. When actually without the Skills to go with those Tools…a good garden may never get made. The definition of the phrase- Tools of the Trade is a combination of instruments and skills you need to succeed.
Never discount the value of a good plan. Before you ever plant a seed, much less plot a garden…you have to have a good cleanup and clear out. Then.. figure out what went right and what definitely didn’t. Prune the dead wood. Cut out diseased plants. Don’t dare put that into your compost pile! Let’s just say, Experience is the Best Teacher. Are you getting the picture? A plan, organizing, good soil, select seeds. With all of that? ‘Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.’ Will Rogers was right.
There are skills I have and others I don’t. There’s no shame in asking for help. In a garden, a home or a business…don’t just sit there, ask for help. Be willing to learn something new. No one has all the answers. If you’ve been told ‘Knowledge is Power.’ That’s only true if you put what you know if you put Action with it. You could be sitting on an Acre of Diamonds, have the Right Tools and still get run over if you just sit there.
In the last week, I have spoken to 3 entrepreneurs through our ‘Let’s See if We’re a Good Fit’ Sessions. All 3 have unbelievable talents and better yet- they want to succeed. They’ll add to their Tools of the Trade. I salute them for it!
I definitely owe a huge thanks to those who’ve added to my knowledge and made it easier to act, who have the experience to back up their own success and inspired me not to just sit there. They continue to be a resource for me to work smarter to achieve better results. They’ve coached me (yes, even coaches need coaches!) And, they’ve added to my Tools of the Trade.
I am sharing some of my tools of the trade in marketing products or services with you, through our free One on One Session- I’ll send you a questionnaire, do a bit of color mapping of your personality, you’ll tell me your story and where you are on your path and where you hope to go. Then if you choose to add on a Coaching Session- we can talk about that! I’m just an email away. brenda@camelliascottage.com As we start a new season- great success on whatever you’re cultivating. If you need help, ask for it. Invest in yourself. Tell your story wherever you are on your path, I’d love to hear it. Get organized, gather up those Tools, get help with the heavylifting, before you know it- Things will be up and Growing! All the best.
Love y’all, Brenda
Growth. Everyone wants it, mentally, in knowledge, spiritually, financially, growing a garden and also in personal growth. Yes, growth is greatly desired though to get real growth- you must have a basic curiosity about life and what others are doing to achieve these wonderful things. In terms of business growth, especially now that business demands a virtual presence. So, whether it’s growing a blog or social media accounts, you must understand this:. Real growth isn’t all about your site. It’s about building a community. Finding out what folks need, where they’re willing to spend their time or money- that definitely means knowing what you are able to offer others. So! What I see is lots of folks trying almost desperately to build an email list, growing social media accounts to massive numbers- so that they can be considered ‘influencers’. Still. You must know this- Growing just for the sake of numbers should never be the main goal.
Last year, using the same principles I’ve used to grow this blog, I tried using them on other forms of social media and the effort produced an increase of almost 1000 followers on just one platform. Before I began, I sat down and made a list of how much time and how much I was willing to do on a regular basis. Not only did I see growth, I found some amazing folks in the process. So, here’s what I try to do, I call this my Rule of Four for Growth:
Unusual, that’s what snow is in my part of the world. Tornadoes aren’t. We take pictures of the aftermath of tornadoes, we take pictures of snow when we get it. Most of the ones I have were from 2017. And, I’ll admit- I just love to look at images of snow. Why? Because snow is unusual.
Unusual is something I was called as a child. I had a great aunt who would exclaim to my mother, ‘Isn’t she unusual?’ Referring to me. Every. Single. Time. She saw me. I didn’t like it then.
‘Something to keep our Words afloat’… there’s nothing like a story and more to do just that! See that blue in the opening image? That color is very close to The Brand Color- so easily recognizable that it’s become known as- Tiffany Blue! The jeweler so famous that just a tiny Tiffany Blue box tied with white satin ribbon- portends an engagement ring! I worked for the fragrance division of @tiffanyandco – I often had to wear a suit of that same color with a Tiffany scarf and the rules were strict. Only white ribbon was to be used to adorn their packages with the exception of red ribbon during the holidays! Well, I once had a customer who bought the fragrance, I duly wrapped it per protocol- then he asked me if I would mind wrapping that package with a plain brown wrapper and twine because he wanted it to be a surprise!
Think twine, muslin, brown paper bags and tags (stamped with a logo?) that’s a good starting point. I also love crisp cello wrap for almost anything. And honestly old fashioned wax paper uplevels even the simplest fare. That chocolate pecan pie? I wrapped it in parchment tied with natural twine. Somehow the pie seemed more homemade and more delightful!
Create nostalgia. In fact, creativity and nostalgia aren’t new tools. Yet now, when having an online presence is a necessity- these tools have become even more important! Remember that creativity has been called the newest and best business hack with nostalgia running a close second!
I can’t believe that January is more than halfway through, before we know it February will be here. And guess which of the Winter months is the best for selling goods and services? February starts of with Groundhog Day when we’re hoping for an earlier start to Spring…so, anything pertaining to gardening (early bloomers anyone?) or even weather related is a natural and fun sales day. Warm, hot mugs of anything – tea, coffee, hot chocolate and.. maybe some fresh baked cookies? This is the month for you!
February’s also Heart Health Month- tailor made for coaches, mentors – anything that improves health- physical and emotional well being- this is a welcome time for you! (Remember, internationally, Blue Monday is January 18 when moods are said to be low) Its a wonderful time to lift spirits, from now throughout February. Super Bowl Sunday is a fun time to promote Fitness, Food and Fun. 🏈
Camellia's Cottage 