My Blog & I Are Just Rolling with It.

When I started this blog, my goal was to write about marketing hot topics, all in an effort to complement my trail towards Marketing Guruhood. However, as I wrestle with post ideas, it seems I’m more drawn to stories about coming of age professionally instead of the latest marketing trends.

I enjoy marketing as a profession, and I yearn to learn more about it. That’s why I went back to school for a graduate degree. That’s why I subscribe to newsletters and buy the latest Seth Godin books. But on this blogging journey, I’m discovering it’s not exactly what drives me to write.

It seems I’m intrigued by the trials and tribulations of young professionals. I’m fascinated by my friends’ discussions on career hardships and if they’ll ever get that corner office. I’m captivated by my colleagues’ accomplishments and how they plan to continue accumulating them. I’m engaged in my girlfriends’ struggles with starting families and contemplating leaving the corporate world for mommyhood.

I want to explore these topics, learn from them, and share them. Because regardless of our career fields, young professionals seem to have the same frustrations, ambitions, successes and failures.

So is it ok for me to change my initial direction? Do I need to start a new blog with a new title to reflect this? Or can I just roll with it?

I’m rolling with it. This blog is a work in progress, and I’m learning what works and what doesn’t. But that’s pretty much everything in life, right?

Building Brands on Small Budgets

We all know Coca Cola, Nike, and McDonald’s. We know their products, we know their slogans. These big dogs of business have logos that speak for themselves. Ahh…branding at its best.

So it takes a nine figure marketing budget to build a recognizable brand, right? Wrong. But for small business marketers, it can be overwhelming to build a brand without that massive chunk of change. I know, because I work for a small business, and I was initially overwhelmed in the prospect of doing just that.

However, I’m learning that building a brand is essentially building credibility. Building my brand with a small budget doesn’t enable me to place my company’s logo on every billboard throughout town. I can’t hire an agency to write a catchy jingle my neighbors whistle while they wash their cars. But I can build a brand that is known for solid work that speaks for itself. I can position my company as my neighbor’s go-to when they’re in need of our services.

To build that turn-to brand, companies need visibility in the local community. Employees need to be seen as experts in the field. Clients need to be happy and recommend services. Essentially, as John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing puts it, a brand can be built by “becoming knowable, likable, and trustable.”

And guess what? We small business marketers can do that…small budgets and all.

A Professional Wardrobe On My Budget?

“Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”

I’m sure all young professionals have heard this advice. And I know it’s great advice. Problem is we young professionals have salaries that can’t afford the CEO's wardrobe. Target, not Talbots, is more our bank account’s speed. So what’s a Future Guru to do?

Here are some tips to getting the boss' look on a FG budget...

1. Goodwill has professional clothes! Gasp!
I have friends that balk at my shopping for work clothes at Goodwill. However, Goodwill has a surprising amount of professional wear on their racks. Sure, the worn-out cotton blouses and stretched sweaters may not work in the office, but blazers and suit pants tend to hold their structure long past their original owner’s use. I’ve found pants, skirts, and jackets from The Limited, Anne Taylor, Victoria’s Secret, and Banana Republic all at my local Goodwill. And feeling like I’ve gone on a shopping spree and only spending $20?!? It doesn’t get much better than that.

2. Second-hand Shops aren’t just for your grandma anymore.
Or is it just my grandma that loves those places? Most consignment shops are very particular about the clothes they bring into their stores, ensuring a better selection for us FGs. Though not as inexpensive as Goodwill, many bargains are to be had here. I’ve scored two pairs of my favorite work pants for $16 each. Had I bought those at the retail store? $130.

3. Dual purpose is the name of the game.
You really want to buy a cute outfit for Friday night, but you know it’s best to invest in more professional garb. I’ve been there. So go for the best of both worlds! Buy that cute top that goes with jeans on Friday night and a blazer and slacks on Monday morning. Buying dual purpose clothes that work in and out of the office stretches your clothing budget.

4. Essentials are essential and worth a pretty penny.
There are times when a Target suit just won’t do. A nice navy suit for an interview, grey slacks that fit you to a T, great red pumps that add some personality to your basic blacks (and are all-day wearable)…these are essentials worth an investment. That suit may cost you $150, but it will last for years and offer multiple outfit varieties.

5. Befriend a tailor.
Yes, tailors add to your clothing budget. But if you found a great BCBG dress at Goodwill that’s just a tad too big, a tailor can save that shopping miracle. A pair of second-hand $10 pants plus a $10 hem is still a bargain. And what’s better than clothes that fit you perfectly?

I hope these tips help you present a professional image at your office. Dressing the part gives you even more confidence to act the part. It’s essential for Future Guru Status!