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Time. A great Motivator and a Stressor…

time warp
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Hello!

As the holidays are approaching faster than the blink of an eye- here are some things I say and hear all the time- ‘I don’t have Time.’ or ‘Where has the time gone?’ The ever-present holiday lament- ‘I can’t believe Christmas is almost here.’ Of course, I Hope that means you’re selling a lot or that your business has taken off. Still. Time is a precious commodity and how in the world will we ‘get it all done?’ Before you can Tick – it’s already become Tock, right?

In early spring of last year, I wrote an Instagram post about Clocks. Clocks as props, Clocks as inspiration. Clocks as a design principle and writing prompts. Clocks are some of my favorite images- especially vintage clocks. Yet, the subject was also about Time as a great Motivator and a Stressor too. Here’s what I wrote about that

‘Time. A great Motivator and a Stressor. Time. Save it. Waste it. Use it. Yet, remember down time isn’t a waste of time- it helps develop Strategic Stamina… Pause. Think. Strike a balance as you can. That’s where your Best Self and State of Mind thrives.’

Since I know your Time is limited,

here’s a few tips I’ve learned and continue to learn and relearn…

Here are a few I’ve learned recently- from a Huge Influencer whose summit I attended several weeks ago.

  • Write one piece of Long Form content- such as a blog post or newsletter each week. Post that.
  • Then, using the long form content, 4 times per week post somewhere, using portions of your long form content. It doesn’t have to be Instagram or Facebook. The postings can be done anywhere.
  • That gives you 2 days off, as I said- ‘to develop Strategic Stamina.
round brown wall clock
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And here are a few more thoughts on Time. We are consuming too much information and imagery. Overwhelm sets in. Filter out of an overwhelmed mind what is ‘urgent’ and what is

And here are a few more thoughts on Time. Thoreau said: ‘It’s not enough to be busy, so are the Ants. The question is- What are we busy about?’ Some days we feel productive, others not so much. Here’s why I think: We are consuming too much information and imagery. Overwhelm sets in.

Filter out of an overwhelmed mind what is ‘urgent’ and what is ‘important’. Sellers tend to create a ‘Sense of Urgency’ – yet the most effective ones create a ‘Sense of the Important’. Which brings me to the obvious-

Are you doing too much of the hard sell? Is it working for you? Shoppers are overwhelmed- just as you need to aware of overwhelm for yourself- recognize that overwhelming your potential customers may actually be putting them in a state of overwhelm and worse? Indecision! Far more effective are Gift Guides. Post those once a week. Highlight individual items and Post Less!

How do we do that?

  • First, I believe that history will be curious about what folks were doing. So, post what you love, what you’re doing at work or having fun.
  • There’s an 80/20 rule at play- 80% is supposed to be about your customer, 20% is to be about You. It drives that all important- Know. Like. Trust. Factor. (An exception is when you’re first getting started and growing your account- you may need to add in more about yourself! Participate in challenges. Join free workshops.)
  • I tend to follow folks who are just being themselves. They’re not perfect any more than I am. It’s great to have all the beauty you can muster, yet there’s a case to be made for being authentic. The Big Guys will affirm this! And really, who wants to be ‘sold’ all the time? Not me. Let me get to know you! (a Big PS to the students in my course, soon the Content Bucket Training will be posted! It addresses this dilemma.)
  • Don’t just post and forget it. I allow 15 minutes after I post to ‘like and comment’ on other sites, it’s not called Social Media for nothing! Then I may check back in later in the day. On off days, I do the same. I love to see what you’re up to!
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And remember this, Life rarely works out Exactly like we plan, it usually turns out like it’s Supposed to- despite setbacks- just give it Time.

Pause. Think. Strike a Balance as best you can. That’s what developing Strategic Stamina is all about!

Love y’all, Brenda

When I created my course- one of my objectives was to help busy business folks Save Time. One student even told me that she had been looking at YouTubes, Articles and more trying to piece together a plan. With this course, it was all in one place which would help her save So Much Time.

If this course is something you think you can use, remember January is the month to grow and learn. It is currently at launch price and being updated with new trainings now, so the price will increase slightly after the first of the year.

Also in the works is a Masterclass that will have lots of Pro Tips. Just send an email to: brenda@brenda-wyatt.com to get on the waiting list for that!

Okay- here’s the link to ‘Be Unforgettable’ online marketing course:

https://camellia-s-cottage-blog.mykajabi.com/about-course:

Posted on by Camellia's Cottage · 4 Comments

Walk the Path of Gratitude…

Hello,

I hope you’re doing wonderfully well as we transition from Fall to Winter Holiday Season! No matter where I am- woodland, backroads, seaside or urban, it’s an important exercise for me to Walk the Path of Gratitude. Gratitude is the great attitude adjustment for me.​
. I’m thankful for a holiday dedicated to gratitude, a time to express it among family and friends. Which I thoroughly enjoyed. As Thanksgiving comes to a golden close, let me take this opportunity to express my gratitude for you here in my happy place!
I’m grateful for your kind and encouraging words. I love sharing with you. Your comments lift my spirits when they need it, you make me laugh and laugh with me. Perhaps most important- what you say and do make me Think. Think in new and different ways, think more deeply and thoughtfully.
I’m thankful for the cheerleaders (never discount these folks because they make our day and also count toward engagement which is the best!) I’m grateful for your support. Those who’ve coached me or allowed me to support them in some way.

I truly enjoy having a supporting role. It is in that supporting role that I write my newsletter, post on social media and have created my course. Those who are currently in my course are a huge inspiration to me! I’m so grateful you’ve taken a chance on me and what I’m sharing with you! You All inspire me!

Before this gets too long and drawn out- I’m grateful that you show up in inspiring ways. You all have different talents and gifts. Here’s what I think about that.
.If you have something exquisitely unique- don’t hide it away collecting dust. Share it with others who need you.

You never know who you may inspire to go a bit farther, to keep on trying, to start showing up with their own beautiful remarkable gifts.

Love y’all, Brenda

If you need help sharing your exquisitely unique gifts or talents- I’d love to help! My online course is available at launch price until January 2023. *If you know someone who may enjoy this blog or may want to ‘Grow and Learn’ Feel Free to pass this along! January is considered the Best Month to Learn and Grow!

*For those who are currently taking the course or have finished, there are several new segments added! The course is being updated right now!

I’m Brenda Wyatt- Creator of ‘Be Unforgettable’ online marketing course- if you or someone you may know think this could help you- Click here for ‘Be Unforgettable’ Beginner’s Guide to Visual Marketing:

https://camellia-s-cottage-blog.mykajabi.com/about-course: Walk the Path of Gratitude…

all the best! Follow me on Instagram @brendawyatt_ for more tips on marketing!

Posted on by Camellia's Cottage · 8 Comments

Could We Talk about Product Shots?

No matter what you sell, you need Images to use in your Marketing. Just as we ‘eat with our eyes’ first, we also are drawn in and ‘buy with our eyes’ as well. To be unforgettable, the Props you use taking your own photography or the Images you find, it’s generally best to use Natural light and surroundings, a bit of Nostalgia, which you’ll learn to arrange in a New and Different way.

Your Images actually begin to tell the Story before you even write a word. For instance, I think Eggs are so photogenic. For the Coach, an image of Eggs starts the story with- Hope, Possibilities or Potential. For the gardener, a twining Vine might signal Growth, Reaching for Light or Support.

So! Let’s talk about Product Shots!

Product shots are different for websites, e-commerce, Etsy shops and more! Are Product Shots boring? They don’t have to be, just remember: The whole purpose of product shots is to show off your products! The photos draw folks in and the body of the description can be short. A few things never change:

  • Product Shots should always align with your Brand. Check out brands you love and are similar to yours for reference.
  • Product Shots should have simple backgrounds- white, gray and black are typical, depending on the colors of your products.
  • Always use Simple Props that convey the use, season or to add color, even nostalgia.
  • The lighting you use for Product shots is generally brighter. *there is lots of information out there about how to do this.
  • Try to use a simple but interesting arrangement for your Product Shots.
  • What you add matters. Is the photograph Relevant? Does it Show off the to its Best Advantage?
  • inspiration.

Pro Tips: Product Shots are and should be different. That doesn’t have to be boring or just the product on a piece of foam core board. The background needs to be simple enough not to overwhelm the product. It’s Okay to do different Angles. Don’t just use flatlay photography for product shots. And remember this: It’s Not Okay for your product to look wrinkled or messy, or just flat without a bit of sprucing up. If the product needs a bit of sprucing up? Think about adding Color- a few flowers or natural materials usually work. Just make sure whatever you do gives clues, is on brand and is relevant to the product. Keep your website and shopping sites easy to navigate, lots of white space, easy to read description and Pricing. Product shots really do sell your products! It’s a big part of Visual Marketing! And don’t forget: Product Shots might not always ‘work’ on your social media sites, so take multiple types of photos, some for social media and some more for product shots! All the best!

*PS If you are already going through my course- an expanded version of Product Shots has been added to the course!

Love y’all, Brenda

‘Creator – ‘Be Unforgettable’ online marketing course https://camellia-s-cottage-blog.mykajabi.com/about-course-copy-1-ed7ee1ac-4438-4133-968b-ffee43106f2b

Posted on by Camellia's Cottage

What is Visual Marketing? The Art of Visual Story and more..

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Hello!

If you’re new here, so thankful to have you with us! As you may have noticed the seasons are definitely changing! And what that means is that we are entering Fall and Winter Holiday Season! New Colors, New Designs. New Images. New Content to Write. New Marketing efforts! Did I hear a groan? Yes, I know. And I also know this- Visual Marketing is the best way to do it all!

The question recently was asked- What is Visual Marketing? Well, the short answer is that Visual Marketing is the Art of Visual Storytelling. Your Brand Colors. Your Products and Images. Your Designs. The way you Market what you offer. Your Written Content all add up to a Visual Story that has an energy that only you can offer! It takes all 5 of those components! Is this new? Not really, it’s just that if you focus on just one aspect, you may not be getting the word out there in a way that makes folks want to make a decision or purchase your products. Remember the statistics- 600% recall what they See! 20% recall of what they Read! 300% will make a Purchasing Decision with Visual plus Compelling Content! (there’s the sweet spot!) And that blend is known as Visual Marketing! Visual Storytelling is the best way to sell your Products and Services! Let me give you an example:

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Let me tell you a story: .Marc and Robert lived in Paris and had been friends from childhood. Both had a brilliant creative parent. . Marc’s father was a famous glassmaker who crafted jewelry, vases, chandeliers and even glass hood ornaments- for very expensive cars.. .Robert’s mother was a famous fashion designer- beautiful soft and feminine clothing. .Marc’s father was Rene Lalique, yes of the famous Lalique Glass. .Robert’s mother was a famous fashion designer- beautiful soft and feminine clothing. .Marc’s father was Rene Lalique, yes of the famous Lalique Glass. Robert’s mother was Nina Ricci. .Nina Ricci and her son Robert decided that a signature fragrance would be added to the fashion design business. Robert would be in charge. The scent would go on to be one of the top 5 fragrances in the 20th century. World War 2 had ended. Folks were getting married in record numbers. This fragrance would be worn by countless brides and beautiful ladies. The blend of roses, iris, gardenias and carnations won their hearts. Grooms were ready for peace and hope. .Robert hired his friends Rene and Marc to design the fragrance bottle- they designed the top with 2 doves and a rising sun as a sign of peace. The box which housed the parfum was a soft yellow trimmed with pure white. . The name of the fragrance is L’ Air du Temps (love fills the air) and was worn as a sign of Hope. It was released in 1948. .This fragrance was still highly prized and worn by those same war brides and their daughters… so what sold the fragrance? . The colors? The bottle design? The way it was displayed? The Name? the creative Blend? the Story? . I sold it. It was all of the above. That’s what visual marketing is! .It’s that amazing blend of color, design, beautiful images and thoughtful displays and oh my yes- the Unforgettable Story!

That’s the Power of Visual Marketing- it’s the art of Visual Storytelling with Color Values, Good Design, Wonderful Images, Compelling Written Content and Basic Marketing Principles.

As you plan your posts- remember to tell those Stories! Use Color to speak their language. Use great images, be aware of the lighting you use. Make sure you aren’t using too many templates and collages, they often confuse the eye with too many images to focus on. If you use a lot of colorful images, be sure to add space- my favorite way to do this is to add White Space as a Quote with simple Fonts! Also, it’s worth noting now that the best holiday prices are before Black Friday- so plan those discounts now!.

I hope your upcoming Seasonal and Holiday Marketing efforts are now in the planning stage and you’ve got some great ideas to showcase your products and services! And while you’re at it- go ahead and plan those Holiday Gift Guides! I can’t wait to see the images you share, the colors you choose and those amazing stories I’m sure to read! All the Best.

Love y’all, Brenda

Creator of ‘Be Unforgettable’ Online Marketing Course

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Balcony or Basement?

white and brown concrete building
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The Balcony or the Basement? Balcony people or Basement folks? I’ve been with both.

Balcony people lift us up, cheer us on- inspire us and talk us through difficult times- this has always been true.

Basement folks drag us down.

Did you know, an experiment was done years ago- stand a big strong person up on a chair with a small person who is less strong on the floor below- the strong person has difficulty pulling the lightweight person up; the strong person finds the weaker has an easier task to pull him down! Try it, you’ll see it’s true. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Our lives are peopled with pioneers, pilgrims, pessimists, coaches, procrastinators, prisoners and cheerleaders. Each brings perspectives into our lives. They either lift us up or drag us down.

When we feel trapped by our circumstances, our vision is clouded and we ramble around in the ‘might have been’s’ , ‘should’ve done’s‘, holding on to ‘normal’.

two men standing on black railings in blue concrete building
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In the basement, we can’t let go of things because somewhere in our lives we have faced lack, ‘not enough’, ‘might need it later’, ‘you never know’.

I’ve been there before and it’s not a good place to be. I’ve also been with folks who are overly optimistic, without a full grasp of realit,y though they are better at lifting our spirits.

During these critical times- a strong mental outlook has never been more important.

  • Given the facts, most folks are able to make adjustments and adapt quickly.
  • Given the right frame of mind, we are better equipped to make good decisions.

I fully believe that everyone has latent talents, wonderful ideas, amazing skills, uplifting words that deserve to be shared with the world. So, which is it? Balcony or Basement? Actually, it might be better expressed as Keepers of the Springs…

Love y’all, Brenda

Creator of Online Course- ‘Be Unforgettable Beginner’s Guide to Visual Marketing’