It was, in a word, painful.

A behind-the-scenes look at my own unfiltered shenanigans from the marketing trenches. A real-life, no BS view of what it's really like to market a small business and ideas to make it all feel a whole lot easier!

The other night after dinner, my daughter Rhett was sitting on the kitchen counter drawing, and her brother Rev was working through his spelling list.

As he checked off words, he’d add a little star next to each one. Which, of course, meant that Rhett had to learn how to draw a star, too.

So we set out to teach her. And let me tell you...it was painful.

She’s four. Not exactly Picasso yet, but she was really struggling. We tried everything: tracing, drawing a giant “A” with a big crossbar, connecting the “hands to the feet.” Every analogy, every trick. Nothing worked.

At one point she threw down her pencil, ran into the living room, and just screamed, “I CAN’T DRAW A STAR!” Then burst into tears (which, honestly, is exactly something I would’ve done if I couldn’t get something right). She comes by it naturally.

Later that night, once the emotions settled, we talked about it. About how no one is born knowing how to do most things. You have to learn. Being a kid is hard because you’re learning constantly.

And that conversation hit me because it’s not just kids.

I felt that same way when I became a mom. Overwhelmed, trying to learn everything all at once. Same when I started a business.

And honestly? I think most business owners feel that same way, and perhaps especially about marketing. Somewhere along the way, there became this weird expectation that if you own a business, you should automatically know how to market it.

How to build a website.
How to write a call to action.
How to post on social media.
How to “do SEO.”

Like you were born with that knowledge. And if you’re not great at it… somehow you’re behind.

I’ve had a few clients recently admit they were embarrassed that they didn’t know what they were doing. Like they were supposed to just magically get it.

But here’s the truth: you’re not supposed to be an expert in everything.

You’re supposed to be great at what you do. That’s why people hire you.

I couldn’t roast coffee beans to save my life. I wouldn’t have a clue how to manage inventory at a clothing store, or photograph a wedding, or build a house, or landscape my yard so it actually looks good.

If I tried, I’d be guessing. And that’s what a lot of people are doing with their marketing. Guessing.

So here’s your friendly reminder (and a little camaraderie pep talk)...

It’s okay if you’re still figuring it out. It’s okay if it feels messy. Marketing (like SO many other things) is a skill, not an instinct.

You’re not behind - you’re learning. Your practicing.

So be nice to yourself, yeah?!

Also cool if you have a full blown melt down from time-to-time. You're in good company 🤪