This week I asked myself the question, “what does showing up as an unwrapped present look like?”
For these bi-monthly brain dumps, I’ll be splitting my thoughts into two parts: the brand marketing bit and the self-reflection bit.
So… here goes.
The brand marketing bit
When I think of an unwrapped present, words like authentic, truth, real and honest come to mind.
Splitting brand marketing into two parts; brand is the why behind what you do. It’s the purpose and intent behind what you’re doing, creating, and building. And the marketing part is the how. How will you communicate this message? Where and when will you communicate?
When we ask ourselves the question, “what does showing up as an unwrapped present look like?”, think about the reason why you started your business. Was it because you wanted to connect with people and help them? Was it because there wasn’t a service or product that met your expectations and you wanted to create something better? Was it because you wanted to share your gift or creation with people to make them feel something? This is the truth. It’s the honesty behind who and what you are.
And when we know this, we can decide how we want to deliver the message. Does social media make sense, and if so, how can you tell that story through each different platform and its capabilities? For example, TikTok is great for snappy, dynamic, and bite-size videos. Instagram has stories and grid posts. Or maybe it’s an event or a stall, a place where you can connect with people IRL and tell them your story and authentically connect with your community.
Play with it and see what lands. Remember, if you want people to become brand advocates, community members, or customers, it starts with honest, real, and authentic communication.
The self-reflection bit
When I apply the idea of an unwrapped present to myself, I think of what’s under the surface. I think about the masks that we wear in our day-to-day life or the characters we play.
This can look like people pleasing, acting how you “should” act, doing what you “should” do. But in this expression of life, who are you? What do you care about and what do you value? Why do you make the decisions you make and why do you live and work the way you do?
Throughout our lives, we grow up conditioned. And as we grow and learn, there’s a conscious decision to be made: to show up as the person we should be or have learned to be, or discover who we authentically are.
Sometimes we can hide behind the wrapping and bows. This makes sense and is necessary for certain situations, but there comes a time when that doesn’t work. We get frustrated, speak poorly to ourselves, hold grudges, and use things to escape feelings that arise that may not feel great.
My invitation here is to not embody your reactions, but approach them with curiosity and openness. See these and the feelings that come up as a clue. Our bodies don’t have language, but they speak to us through our emotions and physical responses. I believe these are doors to who we are, and ultimately, our own unwrapped presents.
Something to ponder…and I wonder if this lands for you?
Thanks for being here,
Tish xx