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When we talk marketing, we’re usually talking about strategies and tactics to meet our business goals. How can we increase sales? How can we reach new customers? Etc… etc…

But, have you ever stopped to think about how your marketing makes you FEEL? And I’m not talking about feelings of frustration or overwhelm when you’re learning to implement a new marketing strategy. I’m talking about the message, what you’re communicating and how you’re doing it. How you feel when you hit send on that email.

As a small business owner, you’re not a professional marketer. You’re learning the ropes as you go. And you might not love it at all. You might even hate it. Does it feel strange? Awkward? Wrong? If you’re feeling ungrounded and just plain not good about what you’re doing in your marketing, it’s most likely one of two things going on.

Mimic others are your own risk

There are tons of marketing experts out there. A plethora of advice and “you gotta do this to succeed” recommendations. Do “x” and you will get “y” guaranteed. Individuals and businesses that are very successful in the way they communicate and sell.

Blindly following advice though might not be the best way to go. You can get really out of whack by mimicking others. It might not feel good. Your gut will be telling you something’s off.  The problem is that you are imitating the style not because you like it or because it fits with you, but because you think it will equal success.

For example, one of my online role models is crazy successful and I really respect her. But her sales style is too pushy for me. I just plain don’t like it. Now if I tried to imitate it hoping to enjoy success similar to hers, it would positively flop. I would feel yucky, and I have no doubt that no one would buy from me. (I share another example in the video above, so be sure to check it out).

So your marketing must come down to two things:

LISTEN TO YOUR HEART. FOLLOW YOUR VALUES.

If you do this, your marketing will feel yummy. When you don’t, there will be hesitation. A distinct lack of joy and enthusiasm. Alarm bells. The fabulous Danielle Laporte just recently tried to run a promotion that was completely not grounded in her heart and it just didn’t work. She even had the balls to fess up and share her experience.

Sure you might not appeal to everyone when you’re true to yourself, but hey, that’s totally perfect. You can’t please ‘em all. By communicating with your heart, you will reach people that jive with you. And that’s the main goal after all.

(If you’re into this whole heart centered promotion thing, I highly recommend you check out Mark Silver of Heart of Business. He offers really refreshing, spiritually charged perspectives on running a business.)

Is it your head or your heart?

But what if you are staying true to yourself, and you still don’t feel great marketing yourself or your small business? Well, in this case it’s probably your mind stepping in and filling your head with negative thoughts or useless ideas of what you should be doing. “This will never work.” “People will never go for this.” “I’m not a marketer, so I really shouldn’t even be trying.”

Don’t use your heart as a cop out

For example, you might think, “well I don’t feel good about promoting myself or telling others how good I am. So I’m not going to. Ha!”

I’ve got news for you. That’s not your heart speaking. It’s your head. It’s your little negative voice. Your lizard brain. It’s saying, I’m not good enough. I’m not worthy. I suck. Everyone else is better than me. People won’t like me if I say this or that. I will come across as _____ (fill in your negative adjective of choice).

And so you don’t feel confident. And you want to play down your business and hide. You don’t want anyone to call you out on the fact that you’re not the best.

I have 3 words for you. YOU ARE AWESOME.

Say it with me this time. I AM AWESOME. This might feel awkward to you, but let me tell you that that IS coming from the heart. We are all awesome. Every single one of us, in our own special way. It’s your head telling you lies.

There’s no way around marketing

You have to come to grips with marketing and promotion if you want to run a successful small business. And you HAVE TO communicate why you’re awesome. The trick is to finding a way to do it that feels good to you.

If there is any hesitation, any sticky bits, give yourself some space and time to let what you’re planning to do just be. Meditate on it. Take a walk. Pick your fav way to clear your head. If you give your heart the chance, it will guide you true each and every time.

Have you ever marketed in a way that didn’t make you feel good? Do you follow your heart in your business? Share your joys and share your woes. We’re all here to support you!

Comments, likes and tweets are always appreciated! Did I mention that I LOVE your feedback?

Image source: xedos4 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tagged as: engagement, marketing communications, small business, small business marketing