The Unseen Value of Slow Growth: Lessons from Grandma’s Garden

You know how some things just take time? No matter how much you want to rush, some things just have their own pace. I learned that from my grandma’s gardening. Turns out I’m actually not a gardening prodigy like I thought I was.

My grandma, on the other hand, is basically a plant whisperer. She could take the most sickly-looking plant and transform it into a masterpiece. Meanwhile, I’ve tried my hand at gardening and my plants usually end up looking like they’ve been through a natural disaster. I water them, I give them sunlight, I even try to be nice to them, whisper sweet nothings, but somehow, they just don’t thrive. Or even survive.?

But here’s the thing: it’s not just my grandma’s magical green thumb that amazes me, it’s the way she cares for her plants like they’re her children. She doesn’t just throw some water on them and hope for the best (like I do). She knows what each plant needs, the perfect amount of sunlight, just the right soil, and even the occasional pep talk. She probably sings them lullabies at night. And you know what? With that kind of care, even the saddest, droopiest plant manages to perk up and flourish.

So, yeah, I might not be quitting my day job to become a gardener, but I’ve picked up a thing or two from watching her. Mostly, that a little bit of care and attention goes a long way, whether you’re trying to grow a garden or, you know, just keep a houseplant alive.

This lesson in patience and care to detail is very prominent in Maria Miranda ’s episode of the Be a Marketer podcast. Maria, the founder of Miranda Creative, Inc. , shared how she built her business slowly, intentionally, and with a deep understanding of her clients needs. She didn’t rush to grow her team or expand her services overnight. Instead, she focused on cultivating strong relationships and honing her craft, much like tending to a delicate garden.

The Power of Patience

Maria’s approach to business mirrors my grandma’s approach to gardening. Today, everyone’s chasing quick wins and instant results, Maria reminds us that slow and steady often wins the race. She grew her agency one client at a time, focusing on providing great service rather than making a quick profit. It’s no surprise that, 35 years later, her agency is thriving, with a team that’s just as committed to quality as she is.

This really hit home for me because, like many of us, I’ve felt the pressure to grow quickly. But Maria’s story made me realize that there’s value in taking the time to do things right. Whether it’s nurturing a business, building a marketing strategy, or even cultivating personal relationships, sometimes the best results come from slow, intentional growth.

Why This Matters in Marketing

In marketing, there’s always the temptation to go for a quick win. But what I’ve learned is that positive, long-term results often come from a more measured approach. It’s about planting the seeds today that will bear fruit tomorrow (see what I did there), even if it means waiting a little longer to see those results.

Being patient gives us time to build genuine connections with our audience, to understand their needs, and to create marketing strategies that resonate on a personal level. It’s not about rushing to the finish line; it’s about forming a brand that people trust and want to engage with for the long haul.

?? Action Item for the week: Identify one area of your marketing where you can slow down and focus on quality over speed. It might be in content creation, audience engagement, or even in how you measure success. Take the time to give more attention to this area, and watch how it grows over time.?

Tune into Maria's full episode below! ??

- Kelsi Carter

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