Retreating to the Desert
A few months ago, I was invited by a friend and business partner to attend a multi-day retreat for female professionals near Scottsdale, Arizona. Initially, my head went to, “I’m too busy to step away for a few days.” My plate was full of life, family, and work commitments, as it always is. But then again, it always is. If I wait for a perfect time to take time, it won’t happen. And this opportunity to work on myself and my business, and to spend time with other talented, professional women, doesn’t often present itself. So, I said yes. I wanted and needed to make this investment.
Before the retreat, the handful of attendees worked with our facilitator to set our goals, beliefs, and an agenda. This allowed for both collective and personalized experiences. Our incredible luxury rental (picture a The Bachelor/Bachelorette-style home) served as a peaceful physical foundation for a few days. Our private chefs ensured we were nurtured with a balance of nutrition and flavor. And the sessions covered everything from Archetypes and Purpose, to Breathwork and Chakra Balancing. I’ll keep most of my outcomes for myself and continued reflection, but one major takeaway for me was the desire and need to invest in myself needed to rise to and stay at the top of my list, personally and professionally.
So, what does that mean professionally? Consultants and small agencies often leave their own marketing efforts last. After all, most work is gained by referral and expansion of existing relationships and clients. I again realized if I wait until the perfect time to further invest in myself professionally, I won’t. So, with the desert retreat serving as my catalyst, here are a handful of reasons I decided to invest in myself, and Bluebirds Marketing.
1. You Are Your Best Case Study
As a marketing consultant, your success in marketing yourself is the most authentic proof of your capabilities. Prospective clients will likely wonder, "If they can’t effectively market themselves, how will they market my business?" By showcasing a well-thought-out strategy, solid brand presence, and consistent engagement, you provide tangible evidence that you can deliver results.
2. Stay Relevant and Competitive
Marketing is a constantly evolving field. New trends, tools, and platforms emerge regularly, and staying on top of them is crucial for maintaining credibility. Your own marketing initiatives provide a testing ground to experiment with new strategies. Whether it's SEO, branding, content marketing, or social media, staying active in marketing keeps you relevant in the eyes of existing and potential clients and helps you understand what’s working in real-time.
3. Build Trust and Credibility
Trust is the foundation of any client relationship, and investing in your own marketing efforts helps build that trust before you even engage with a potential client. High-quality content, a polished website, active social media accounts, and strong online reviews all contribute to your credibility. These elements allow potential clients to research you and feel confident in your expertise even before you start your first conversation.
4. Giving the Referrals a Reference
Every Bluebirds Marketing client has been referred business. But sometimes there are a few layers from the actual connection. While my freelancers, business partners, current and former clients, and professional network provide the introduction and voucher, people often need to see for themselves who and what we are. The warm intro and referral go a long way, but relevant content and marketing go further.
5. Practice What You Preach
Perhaps the most important reason to invest in your own marketing is to practice what you preach. You advise your clients to spend time and resources on marketing, and it’s crucial to walk the talk. By being consistent with your own marketing efforts, you reinforce your credibility and authenticity.
Conclusion
Marketing consultants often focus so much on helping their clients that they neglect their own marketing. However, your marketing is not only a reflection of your expertise but also a vital component of your business growth. By investing in your own brand, you position yourself as a trusted, credible, and forward-thinking consultant—ready to attract new clients and grow your consulting practice.
Remember, you are your best asset—make sure the world knows it. And…life is short, take the trip.
