Is Beauty Controversial? (And Why This Matters to Your SMALL BUSINESS Brand & Bottom Line).
/Hey There Amazing Entrepreneur!
Some people think this is controversial...
I happen to think it's a branding tip that will bring income to your business.
Let's see what you think...
Does beauty matter to you?
You know, like enjoying the beauty around you.
Like looking at the precious chubby cheeks of your child.
Marveling at the perfection of a flower in full bloom.
Appreciating that perfectly styled platter of food.
That gorgeous ball gown.
A stunning sunset.
You get the idea...
It matters to me.
It matters so, so much.
And yet, when it comes to business or media or products,
some people beg for more REALNESS, as if beautiful things are fake.
As if trying to recreate beauty is not authentic or could harm us in some way.
They’ve made beauty controversial.
What do you think, is beauty controversial to you?
I don’t think there’s anything fake about beauty in and of itself.
It’s all around us, in nature, in our friends’ hugs (during times of happiness or sorrow),
in our children, in the colors of our produce, in the gorgeous patterns on a wild animal.
I believe that God has provided both visual beauty and moments of heartfelt beauty all around us.
And of course artists (and creatives, designers, writers) try to recreate that beauty…
in art, fashion, makeup, photography, words & more.
Why? Because it makes us smile.
It ignites inspiration in our soul.
It brings joy and relief in a world of stress.
IT GRABS ATTENTION.
Let’s be clear, I’m not immune to the problems social media feeds or the comparison effect can have.
It’s true… sometimes lies trick us into believing we're not good enough or beautiful enough,
or bring out our jealousy or greed…
but it doesn't mean beauty is the culprit.
In fact, we might just need it more.
Life can be hard, friends.
I know it. You know it.
I’ve faced business failures, health issues, a miscarriage, marriage ups and downs, financial pressure, health issues, anxiety and stress, feeling like I’m not good enough to do such or such, and you know, just plain bad hair days!
You too, right? At least one of those?
But airing out all of our dirty laundry, dwelling on our hardships… this isn’t the only way to be authentic on social media.
Beauty is authentic too.
>> Art has made an impact across all of time.
>> Eye-catching visuals bring us to awe.
>> Beauty is a powerful tool.
It leads us to HOPE and to DREAM (which we all really need in order to face the struggles above, am I right?).
Ok, this is where we tie this into your BUSINESS impact...
If beauty draws YOU in, then guess what friend?
You sure as heck can bet that it matters to your business and your brand.
To your followers, your tribe, your potential clients,
your connections, your future online biz-besties.
Might I go so far as to say that beauty (or lack thereof)
in your branding and imagery might even be standing in the way of your bank account.
It’s connected to the very soul of those who are looking in and perceiving who you are!
In that one instant, they “meet” you online, and they make a split-second decision about whether YOU are someone they want to know, like, and trust.
On whether YOU and your expertise are someone they want to invest their money in. Invest their time in following.
Are you ready to ignite your tribe, draw followers to your journey, bring value to your expertise, and watch your brand (& bank-account) shape and grow?
Then take a step back and EVALUATE that first portal to your business.
It might be your WEBSITE or your BLOG or your SOCIAL MEDIA pages. All of these draw our potential clients in.
Is it a beautiful experience for them?
Is it streamlined? Easy on the eyes?
Is it welcoming? Peaceful? Inspiring? Exciting? Or whatever emotion you know your ideal clients want to feel?
Your business, your expertise is SO much more than your brand.
I know that, you know that.
But when someone finds you online for the first time -- they only know one thing:
how the look and story (message) of your business make them FEEL.
Are you ready to make that a more beautiful experience?
LET’S END WITH A CHALLENGE: As you reflect on the longterm image you want to give off, find one small way to bring some beauty to your brand this week...
>> An inspiring photo on social media
>> A tip of wisdom in your e-news
>> A welcoming new banner on your website
>> A heartfelt story for your audience
>> A photo of YOU (because you are beautiful, dear friend)
You might be surprised by the response… and if you curate a beautiful feed, complete with the right messaging, that’s in-line with your brand longterm? I know you’ll start to see more of the right kind of clients being drawn your way.
With Style & Joy Friend!
Shannon
PS -- If your brand visuals are a priority to you, or you know you they need to be, we'd love to help you DELIGHT YOUR AUDIENCE with the amazing beauty of some FREE STOCK PHOTOS. Grab them here! (Or if it feels like it might be time, connect with us about a custom brand photo shoot).
AND…
if you want to learn MORE about creating a BEAUTIFUL BUT AUTHENTIC BRAND STRATEGY that powerfully draws your audience in (as well as some other amazing business-building tips) join our pop-up Facebook group as we get ready to do a 3-DAY-VIDEO-TRAINING-BLITZ in late April 2019! You’ll also have the chance to WIN a $50 gift card to Amazon (to help your business grow or treat yourself to something fun!) Join the Facebook group HERE (specific to fellow female entrepreneurs!!) to stay posted on the video trainings + Giveaway details. See you on the inside!
