Tinderbox Marketing

New year, new gig.

After 13 years of small business ownership, I made the decision to take a full-time job (more on that in a minute).

I (Josh King) love my clients, and I love the work I do for my clients. What I stopped loving was the work of getting clients. That work typically involves doing workshops and presentations. It involves networking and attending all kinds of events. This often means evenings away from my family, long hours, and long weeks. The work of getting clients use to give me energy. It no longer does, and it hasn’t for a while.

Over the summer, I picked up a project-based client. When the project ended, that client asked about the next steps and if I would be interested in continuing to work together. I said, “Sure, what are you thinking?” They were very frank and said, “We would love to figure out how to hire you.”

After conversations and exploration, after prayer, and after talking with my wife, I made the decision to join the CPPS. The new gig started with the new year.

I’m immensely grateful for my Tinderbox Marketing years. I’m grateful for the clients, the vendors, the partners, and the people I’ve met who supported me, helped me, and showed up for me. I’m thankful for all the conversations, all the marketing reviews, and all the people I’ve had the opportunity to engage with.

And I’m especially thankful for Jake Newton, Korey Staley, and Stacie Brown, M.Ed., for trusting me and believing in me enough to invite me to be part of the team.

Tinderbox isn’t fully going away, but for now, it will be... dormant.

"What's most personal is most universal."

Just one of the many takeaways from the recent Business Brew with guest Morgan Marie.

The conversation around story and its importance in business was engaging, thoughtful, and revelatory.

Thank you to Morgan, Fellow Coworking, SLAB visuals, and all the guests for making this a memorable start to the season!

A client just asked me for advice on company swag and branded gear.

I immediately suggested hats...

Of course, that won't be the only swag they order. But here's the thing about hats: they have proven results.

Years ago, I started getting hats with a Tinderbox Marketing patch on them. I honestly can't order enough of them. People want them, and people wear them. My folks even wear one to every concert they go to.

Let's be clear, though, branded swag should be a part of your overall marketing strategy.

Getting company gear right requires asking good questions. The first question is always, "Is this something my client/customer/audience actually wants?" A good follow-up question is, "Is this something my team will actually wear?" (You might even find that hats aren't the best fit for your brand.)

If you nail company swag, you won't be able to keep enough of it in stock because people will want it.

Last week, I was back in the Palouse after a six-year hiatus.

I always enjoy going there and leading workshops.

This one was no different.

"Social Media for Artisans" was a hands-on workshop designed to help artists, artisans, and craftspeople use social media to promote their small businesses.

I had the opportunity to present this workshop in collaboration with the Port of Whitman County at the incredible Artisans at the Dahmen Barn.

Grateful to have spent time with such a creative group in a space that truly celebrates craftsmanship.

Almost 10 years ago, I led a workshop in Uniontown, WA.

Next month, I'll be back doing another similar workshop.

10 years ago, the workshop was called "The Art of Marketing Art" 🤣

This time, I'll be talking about "Social Media for Artisans."

"Social Media for Artisans" will be a hands-on workshop designed to help artists, artisans, and craftspeople use social media to promote their small businesses.

I'm presenting this workshop in collaboration with the Port of Whitman County at the amazing Dahmen Barn.

You can learn more and RSVP here: www.eventbrite.com/e/social-media-for-artisans-tickets-1310569411389

P.S. Let's not talk about how young I was (and that I didn't have a beard!).

Don't do it!

Don't downsize all your marketing.

Believe me, this is counterintuitive.

Yes, the markets are down.
Yes, things are scary.
Yes, there is a lot of uncertainty.

What is certain is that if you cancel your marketing efforts through layoffs, canceled contracts, or leaving positions unfilled, you'll lose ground that you will never get back.

Don't believe me?

Just ask Post Cereals.

Marketing strategy vs marketing plan.

That was the conversation we had at Spokane Public Library's The Hive back in September.

By its very definition, a strategy is meeting an enemy in combat. It means beating the enemy—or, in the case of business, beating the competition.

This doesn't have to be the old-school business approach of being ruthless, unethical, or deceptive. But, your marketing needs to consider the competition and how you plan to differentiate yourself.

A marketing plan is the method for achieving the goals laid out by the strategy. You might end up with several plans with their own timelines, budgets, and deliverables.

In the end, a strategy is about differentiation and competition. A plan is merely how you carry out your strategy.

Wishing Business Brew was in the afternoon and not the early morning?

Wish granted!

On Thursday, June 1st, Business Brew heads to Black Label Brewing Company from 4pm to 6pm.

Please make sure to RSVP to let us know you're coming (it helps us plan better).

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-brew-happy-hour-at-black-label-brewing-co-tickets-634268031757

You might be wondering why we don't post here on Facebook all that often. Well, the truth is, despite all the issues with Facebook these days, it's just not where our audience hangs out. We can better connect with our fans on LinkedIn and Twitter. So, if you want to know what's going with Tinderbox Marketing, connect with us there!

Tinderbox Marketing LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tinderboxmarketing/

Tinderbox Marketing Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TweetTinderbox

Josh on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabking/

Josh on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TinderboxJosh

This month's Business Brew features FREE coffee from Brew Peddler! Oh, and did we mention Sinéad is the guest? Register now, spots are limited.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-brew-sales-greatness-being-a-relational-seller-tickets-406482559277