Jill Pawlik Strategic Marketing

Let's see how the top #marketingtrends for #smallbusinesses fared this year and what their outlook appears to be for 2025 with stories of triumphs from an Ohio bakery) to a miss when it comes to targeting an audience for a yoga studio.

Turning “Oops” into “Olympic Gold” for Your Brand Ah, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris—a dazzling display of athletic prowess, world records, and yes, a sprinkling of delightful blunders that kept us all entertained. While the athletes dazzled us with their skills, it's the occasional mishap that gives us a chuckle. And guess what? These moments of Olympic oops can be a brilliant opportunity for your brand to shine with humor and heart. Take for example Simone Dupont, the French pole vaulter who had a pole-ly embarrassing moment (and you thought I was going to mention the Frenchman) when she misjudged her landing and ended up tangled in the bar. Instead of spiraling into a world of awkwardness, Simone’s recovery was so graceful, it was almost choreographed! This is where your brand can leap in with a witty campaign. Imagine a social media post where your product helps “untangle” life’s little snafus, just as Simone managed to untangle herself. It’s a playful nod to overcoming hiccups. Then there’s the case of Max Johnson, the American swimmer who, during a preliminary heat, inadvertently swapped his goggles for someone else's—and still swam like a champ. The mix-up turned into a viral sensation, proving that even the smallest mistakes can lead to the biggest laughs. Your brand can dive into this by showcasing how your product or service helps “clear up” confusion. Whether it's a clever ad or a hashtag campaign like hashtag #GogglesGaffe, you’re turning an oops into a big win. And let’s not forget Lily Chen, the British gymnast whose stunning floor routine ended with an unexpected slip that led to an impromptu yet impressive moonwalk. Her accidental dance move stole the show and showed the world that sometimes the best moments are the ones you don’t plan. Use this to your advantage by crafting a campaign around embracing the unexpected and turning those “oops” moments into opportunities to shine. When it comes to marketing, a little humor goes a long way. By tapping into these funny and endearing Olympic mishaps, your brand can connect with audiences on a personal level. Remember, every stumble is just a stepping stone to greatness—so why not celebrate those missteps with a touch of charm and wit? In the end, while the athletes might be striving to avoid embarrassing moments, your brand can revel in them—turning every slip, slide, and slip-up into a golden marketing opportunity. Let’s face it, when life hands you an oops, make sure your brand turns it into a gold medal moment!

Please share this with your non-profit friends. My client, Nora, is giving away her consultation and garden landscape design services, plus plantings, installation (with the NP's help) and a care guide. Let's give back!

My latest blog talks about the ups and downs, twists and turns and often nauseating results of the SEO rollercoaster and gives tips for how to ride in style!

??It's National Small Business Week. I have 4 quick tips on how to leverage it. #nationalsmallbusinessweek #smallbusiness #shoplocal

Who needs a marketing partner who thinks like a business owner and acts like a strategist whose only goal is your success?

I’m looking for volunteers to take a survey for one of my clients. No strings attached. Please share with your networks!

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the number of communications you receive on the daily? Text, DMs, emails, Slack, Zoom, BaseCamp, a CRM, apps. I've been talking to folks recently about this and how difficult it is to stay on task and be productive. On top of that, the sheer number of networking and trade groups that we belong to and prioritizing where to spend our time. So, I did a little research and found some tips to avoid overload that I'm going to employ. I'd love to hear yours, too. ?? Set Boundaries: Designate specific times during the day for checking emails, messages, and participating in online groups. Outside of these times, disconnect and focus on other tasks or personal time. ?? Prioritize Platforms: Identify the ones that are most beneficial for your goals and focus your energy on them. Whether it's LinkedIn for professional networking, Slack for team collaboration, or niche forums for industry-specific discussions, prioritize quality over quantity. ? Curate Your Network: Quality over quantity. Weed out inactive or irrelevant contacts and focus on nurturing relationships with those who add value to your professional journey. ?? Automate Routine Tasks: Take advantage of automation tools to streamline repetitive tasks such as scheduling meetings, sending follow-up emails, or sharing updates on social media. ?? Practice Digital Detox: Regularly disconnect from digital devices to recharge and avoid burnout. Schedule periods of offline time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether it's spending time outdoors, reading a book, or engaging in hobbies. ?? Set Clear Goals: Define specific goals for your digital communication and networking efforts. Whether it's expanding your professional network, generating leads for your business, or staying updated on industry trends, clarity on your objectives helps prioritize your actions, filter out distractions and say "no" to whatever doesn't align. ???????? Seek Balance: Strive for a healthy balance between digital and offline interactions. Invest time in building meaningful relationships both online and in person, as face-to-face connections can often be more impactful and fulfilling.